Monday, September 30, 2019

Porter Airlines Swot Analysis Essay

TCAA (Billy Bishop City Airport) – The location of this airport, combined with the TCAA/Porter strategic partnership offered significant advantages to Porter. Owning airport infrastructure allowed Porter to better handle operational coast and better control the customer experience. Fleet – Only using a single aircraft (Bombardier Q400 with 35%) resulted in cost savings in maintenance, training, employee pay rate and airport fees. Amenities – In flight and airport value-added services fortify Porter’s brand help attract target market. Weakness Brand Awareness in America – Porter’s international strength lies in Canadian customers flying to the U.S. It is much more costly to attract American passengers heading to Canada. Developing awareness in the U.S. could be very costly. No U.S. customs pre-clearance – passengers must pass through customs upon arrival. This can cause delays and inconvenience to customers. Opportunities Customer Loyalty – The highly flexible fare structure Porter offers to customers is very appealing to business travelers who need to travel on short notice and often rearrange their travel plans. Porter also offers the VIPorter customer reward program. Free travel is very appealing to frequent travelers. Corporate Focus – Combine with large companies whose employees travel frequently. Offer these companies a reduced price and high frequency of flights based on certain popular business routes. Threats Competition – Air Canada has sufficient market share to attempt to undercut Porter and push it out of the market by using very low prices and frequent –flyer programs much like they did against City Express in the early 1990’s. Generating Capital – Growth requires enormous capital in the Airline industry. As a private company, Porter’s financial performance is unknown. This could make it very difficult to raise capital without releasing important performance information. Air Canada Law Suit – A federal court is to rule on whether or not Jazz was pushed off of the Island Unfairly. If Jazz is permitted to return to the island they could compete directly with Porter and will likely undercut Porter as they did with City Express.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Cheif Joseph’s Speech

Speech by Chief Joseph Summary: Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Indian tribe is trying to persuade the American people that they should try to change their ways. He does not feel as though they are being treated equally. The American government is pushing them to live in the places they demand. Chief Joseph gives a speech persuading the Americans that it is possible for the two conflicting groups of people to live in peace and get along. He just wants his people to be treated fairly without causing harm and preventing future harm. Causes: There are many different reasons that caused the Americans to continue to govern the Indians in an unfair way. First, they were showing a misuse of authority. They believed they could overpower the Indians and tell them what to do without even considering making peace with them. Also, the Americans had a great deal of ethnocentrism. They believed that their way of ruling was correct without exceptions. Since the Indians were different in their culture and the way they lived, Americans considered them to be â€Å"wrong†. So they put forth the effort to change the Indians so they were â€Å"right†, which was the way Americans wanted them to live. Personal thoughts: I believe that Chief Joseph used many rhetorical appeals and other devices in his speech which helped make it more convincing. His use of logic and emotion makes his point of view very appealing. The use of repetition really helped get his point across and the use of ethos, pathos, and logos made his side a lot more believable because it makes you think and eventually realize that his speech makes sense and it leads you to agree with what he is saying.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

What is the greatest obstacle preventing the US from having a more Research Paper

What is the greatest obstacle preventing the US from having a more effective and cost-effective healthcare system - Research Paper Example Different healthcare organizations have been affected by hospital staff turnover. Majority of the medical workers have been overworked and hence deciding to leave the profession. Currently, the decreasing number of nurses and medical personnel is a major problem with no new trainees joining the profession. Because of this, we have very many medical injustices and errors occurring each year. The success of a nation is determined by the health of its citizens. This facilitates economic development because the population is healthy and productive. The older population in America is stressed with the need for health insurance, something very expensive and almost unaffordable (Wieners 48). Because of this, it is necessary to have an insurance collectivism whereby the people are safeguarded from incurring exorbitant expenses for health care services. The issue of health care has widely been debated in the country. Just like the Medicaid Program, I believe something much more is needed to r educe the expenses incurred by the older generation when searching for medical support and care.Today the US is one the countries where a lot of money is spent per individual on issues related to healthcare. This is something that has been stressing the elderly citizens as well as the young ones. That being the case, the government has always been spending enormous amounts of money on other issues instead of tackling the health crisis faced in the country. Experts believe that the issue of health care is seen in the country as a hindrance to other agendas, but this should not be the case (Thompson 1). A lot of money is spent on secondary issues such as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Also, while security is something important, it should not be highly considered compared to the health of the common citizen. From the studies that have been conducted in five key States in 2001, it has been indicated that medical debts always contribute to about 46.2 per cent of the bankruptcies reco rded. Another study conducted in the year 2007 showed an increase to 62.1 per cent. The medical expenses in the country have also remained hence making it hard for the people to access better health support (TEDxBigApple). These facts therefore support the need to have free insurance for all legalized citizens of the country. This is the only way the rights of the people can be addressed and have a healthy nation. The logical explanation of any given country is always determined by the health of all its citizens. Possible Answers Today the U.S. is one of the wealthiest countries in the world yet is cannot make sure all the citizens of have proper medical care. Health care in the country is very expensive both from the public and private providers. In 2009, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that over fifty million people in the country had not insurance cover (Anderson 3). This indicates that majority of the people decide to live without any form of health cover rather than paying exo rbitant amounts for the cover. Looking at it keenly, the citizens pay very heavy taxes for this health benefit to be provided (Squires 1). However, this is something yet to be realized. It would be wise tax the people and provide them with free medical cover and health insurance. Currently we have many citizens who do not have access or qualify for the insurance provided by the government; others cannot afford or purchase insurance, and other individuals are not insured by private employers. Such people have remained without any medical cover. Taxes paid by the people should always be used to address issues like people’s health and not concentrating much on foreign issues (Fox 1). Budget reports from

Friday, September 27, 2019

The Effect of Technology on Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Effect of Technology on Business - Essay Example Distant people can communicate easier through e-mails, text messages as lots of people carry internet enabled phones around (Aswathappa, 2006, p.296). Through technological communication distant people get in touch in a competent manner. However, it is arguable that this form of communication has led to individuals losing their human touch. Global and national commerce has been made more feasible through technology (Aswathappa, 2006, p.751-61). People can transact all over the world at ease as opposed to when there was no technology. A good example is how emails can reach other individuals in seconds as opposed to when letters were sent and took long to be delivered. Technology has, consequently, made the world a small village; thus, convenient for business persons. The information age has also seen businesses embrace technological innovations such fax machines, telephone amongst others (Aswathappa, 2006, p.652). Businesses, therefore, become more flexible and efficient and most businesses that embrace the same survive and prosper. This form of technology also increases the pace in which business is conducted, complex business are also possible as novel means of manipulating, cataloging and processing information is possible (Aswathappa, 2006, p.553). Conclusively, it is evident that technology has a huge effect on the commerce world. The business world today is clearly not the one that existed when technology was lacking. The internet, computers and other technological innovations have made business world easier and more

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Confidentiality of Health Information Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Confidentiality of Health Information - Essay Example When should the computerized medical database be online to the computer terminal The medical database should be online to computers when authorized computer programs for the data are used. Anyone outside the facility should not have online access to database of medical records. When the computer service bureau destroys or erases records, should the erasure be verified by the bureau to the physician There should be no mixing of a physician's computerized patient records with those of other computer service bureau clients. In addition, procedures should be developed to protect against inadvertent mixing of individual reports or segments thereof. Should individuals and organizations with access to the databases be identified to the patient Dissemination of confidential data is limited to only individuals or organizations with a real use for the data. Only necessary data should be released. Patient identity should be removed where appropriate. The release of confidential information from the database should be only for the specific purpose for which it is to be used and limited to a specified time frame.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

FDI attraction in Chile Affected by the Country's Socio-Economical Essay

FDI attraction in Chile Affected by the Country's Socio-Economical Inequality - Essay Example In 2006, the nominal GDP per capita of Chile was recorded as the highest in Latin America. The country however is undergoing a lot of economic inequality (Trading Economics, 2013b). The socio economic inequality is the gap between the rich and the poor. The income difference of a group of individuals, society or the residents of a country is called the socio economic inequality. The economic inequality varies by the economic structures of the countries (Mankiw, 2009). According to several economists the inequality of the distribution of wealth is very essential. This improves competition and increases the efficiency of the individuals. The wealthier individuals tend to save more and spend more which helps the economy in growing. Inequality amongst the individual also increase the social and health related problems of the individuals. The economic growth of a society is also affected (Froyen, 2009) The social inequality has a direct impact on the social cohesion of the individuals, th e population’s productivity and crime rate of the society, cultural and civic participation and economic welfare as a whole (Wessels, 2000). The analysts such as Martinez (2011) are of the view that high growth rate is no excuse for the economic inequality. According to a recent report about three million Chileans are very poor. About 500,000 of the people of the Chilean population are those who are extremely poor. The economic model of Chile and the progressive growth which the economy has shown with time is sufficiently appraisable but still the growing inequality in Chile has caught attention of various economic analysts. Chile is categorised amongst a few countries which have a worst income distribution system. The percentage of the poor population is very high in the economy (OCED, 2002a). According to OECD (2002b), Chile is a nation of population of more than 17 million people. It comes under the category of developed countries and has the worst income distribution syst em amongst those countries. Several economists are of the view that the economic system of Chile would not improve by the economic growth. To improve the economy’s income distribution the government would have to take decisions to redistribute the wealth of the individuals by placing higher taxes. Another economist was of the view that Chile must focus on economic growth and nothing else. The increase in the level of the per capita income of the individuals will surely increase the well being of the individuals. The person who is a resident of Chile and lives on less than $64,134 pesos (US$135) per month is considered to be poor. But a person who lives on less than $32,067 pesos (US$67) monthly is considered to be destitute, according to the official data (Martinez, 2011). A few of the economists are of the view that creating opportunities is a part of the economic growth. Those who are utilising that opportunity are competent. For the incompetency of the rest of the individu als it is unfair to impose taxes and burden those individuals who prove themselves and are the contributing factors fro the economy. ETHICAL FAMILY INCOME TO IMPROVE SOCIETY Felipe Kast, minister of planning for Chile called the ranking by the OECD (2002b) report â€Å"shameful for its levels of inequality.† He added that Chile has plans set in line to take the people out from extreme poverty. The government plans a program of IEF – Ethical Family Income which will use a series of bonds and cash incentives for the children

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Financial Management And Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Financial Management And Analysis - Assignment Example Interests in entrepreneurship and study within the field of entrepreneurship have risen, even though the aim and direction of the research has diverted. In recent research, there is great focus on the entrepreneurial operation on firm level within organizations, than on entrepreneurship by people. Great economists insist that the renewal of the economic system is sensitive as it is important for a competent and a competitive economic growth and development. It is effective for old ideas being substituted by new ones and that old products and services are replaced with those that are modern and more effective. In various organizations development and entrepreneurship of new commodities and have become major dimensions in the strategies (Bygrave and Zacharakis, 2011). It not, only important for the new internet entrepreneur to support the process of new product development but also utilize the old or long time ideas. This can only be a success by a well-structured financial management system that blends new and old ideologies and create a balance that brings out the best returns to the internet business for selling academic materials. According to various research activities within the analysis of financial management and entrepreneurship should be done through effectives methods of management. The objective of this study is to show the current operation of financial management in firms with various entrepreneurial point of reference. There is also a purpose to compare how the financial management systems are designed and used in firms with different levels of entrepreneurial experience. The focus is found on various selected sectors of the financial management analysis system with the basis of incentives programs. With these concepts, the new entrepreneur in the internet business for marketing educational stuffs in the website and use appropriate financial management principle. The results show that there exist some

Monday, September 23, 2019

Business Insurance Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Business Insurance Law - Case Study Example It is palpable that pressure is piled on Allied Insurance to cover for John’s damages. Either way, there is an extremely little probability or chance of John missing the payment when the case reaches the Jury. This implies that Allied has to be prepared to eventually pay. The only concern now is to determine how to pay less than is being demanded. It is recommended that Allied seeks to have the case dismissed without it heading to the Jury. The risk of taking the case to court is high considering the expenses. For example, the chance of Allied paying nothing to John is 0.20 against 0.30 which exposes them to pay the whole amount. The time and cost is to be lost in the process yet John had accepted an offer of $750,000. It is, therefore, witty to persuade John into accepting a figure closer to that amount or if he cannot then the $750,000 be awarded to him.Decision StrategyIn order to negotiate for a counteroffer of $400,000, Allied can arrange for a session with John himself o r with the lawyers representing him so that the case can be solved. In order to convince John into accepting the counteroffer Allied as well needs to be represented by a shrewd negotiator who can navigate through the case and reach an amicable solution. This strategy will ensure that Allied persuades John much more since both parties would not want to lose the case. Through the sessions, Allied should be able to explain the possible outcomes of the court case so as to convincing John into giving in to the offer.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Achieving Personal Goals While Contributing to the Good of Humanity Essay

Achieving Personal Goals While Contributing to the Good of Humanity - Essay Example The first acquaintance with your university was as a result of inquiries that I made to my mentors about the best institution to prepare myself for my chosen career. They highly recommended this institution as a value-based organization that is committed to the development of highly qualified professionals who will not only deliver on their mandates effectively but will also contribute towards the achievement of national goals. As a nature enthusiast, I love the park-like setting of this university and would love an opportunity to call such a beautiful setting my home during my most formative years. Also, the sporting environment around the university is attractive to me because I like running. In addition, the city of Geneva is a melting pot of cultures that will provide an opportunity to appreciate the culture of other countries. I also have an interest in international affairs which staying in Geneva will enable me to explore. For example, the location of the United Nations and th e financial centre that is the city will give me an opportunity to interact with both organizations and individuals that shape global affairs. The institution has a qualified and dedicated staff that facilitates the learning process by making sure that they have all the resources that they need to learn (Webster University 1). In addition, the institution has created a culture of collaboration among both the student and teaching community. Furthermore, the institution is committed to global academic standards. This is important for me since I want to intern at an international organization.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Pricing Decision Essay Example for Free

Pricing Decision Essay Companies in their endeavor to succeed in the highly competitive and dynamic market are now considering a clear focus on their marketing strategies. This is in order that they may remain relevant in the fast changing business environment, market conditions and consumer preferences. It is important that a company considers the effects of the changes in the business environment including price variations initiated by its competitors This is best done by first analyzing the prices offered by the competitors visa vie the company’s cost structure and the competitor’s chances to change in response to the company’s new price offers (Kotler 2003. p 66). Pricing Strategies The company needs to figure out the best strategy to implement in order to achieve the optimum prices for its products. To initiate cost-cutting with a view to improve on the profitability of the company the company must have an understanding of the type of cost that it needs to manage. This will be to a large extent influenced by its style of management, sources of professional advice, the broader vision of the company’s goals, communication strategy, and company’s capitalization in relation to debt-equity ratio and the cost of borrowing (Sherman 2007. p 3-4). The company also needs to understand the several types of costs that it incurs. The various types of costs are research and development costs, the overheads and administrative costs, human capital costs including health care costs, salaries and employee benefits, infrastructure and system costs, advertising and promotional costs, fixed and variable costs, and debt-servicing costs. The bottom line is to thoroughly examine each of these cost categories and weigh their importance to the company’s business operations, consider more efficient available alternatives, and the possible implications of the cost reduction strategy (Sherman 2007. p5 9). A company such as Wal-Mart that has for years been ahead of its competitors by offering the lowest prices for its goods. Wal-Mart is able to manage favorable price cuts by implementing price cut strategies such as endeavoring to reduce its costs by pursuing a tax reduction strategy. This has been through its investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in order to exploit tax loopholes and avoid some of the taxes levied in particular states (Moore 2007. p. 2). Having accomplished the above cost reduction strategy, the company may the come up with appropriate pricing for its products. This is done by first understanding pricing methods. There are six pricing methods that would lead to an informed decision in fixing prices. These are markup pricing method, the target return pricing method, perceived value method of pricing, value based pricing, the going-rate method of pricing and the sealed-bid method of pricing (Kotler 2003. p 66). Implications of Price Cuts and Conclusion The price of the product or service is a major factor that influences customer’s purchase decision is the marketing mix. A combination of the cost reduction strategy and an appropriate pricing strategy is more likely to benefit the company and enable it attain a competitive advantage over its competitors. By adopting market responsive cost cutting strategies in the communication industry, companies in turn helped create a better way of life whereby customers are now able to communicate more often and at lower prices Salazar 2007. p. 1). This translates to increased profits to the service providers as they are able to sell more units than before. References Kotler, P. (2003). Marketing Management. 11th Ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Moore, M. (2007). Taxing Strategies: Always Cutting Prices, Wal-Mart Attempts to Rollback Taxes. Retrieved March 8, 2009 from http://walmartwatch. com/img/blog/NIMSP_tax_strategies. pdf Salazar, L. C. Cost Cutting Strategies at the Bottom of the Pyramid. Retrieved March 8, 2009 from http://www. lirneasia. net/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/2-lcs-shoestrings-sing-28feb07. pps Sherman, A. J. (2007). Strategies for Cutting Costs and Improving Profitability. Retrieved March 8, 2009 from http://www. sbecouncil. org/uploads/PPT%20Cost%20Cutting%20for%20Growth%20and%20Profitability. ppt

Friday, September 20, 2019

Features of Goodpastures Syndrome

Features of Goodpastures Syndrome Introduction Goodpastures syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease is characterized by anti-GBM (anti-glomerular basement membrane) antibodies attacking glomerular and alveolar basement membranes of the kidneys and lungs respectively. It was first reported by Dr. Ernest William Goodpasture in 1919 and first used by Stanton and Tange in 1957 in their case studies involving nine patients with the pulmonary-renal syndrome. [1, 2] Clinical Features   Ã‚   The onset of this disease ranges from the ages of 20-30 and 60-70 especially in young men in their late twenties or in men and women over sixty years of age study. [3] The diagnostic techniques involved in detection of Goodpastures syndrome include i) urine analysis that detects kidney damage by presence of high number of red blood cells or protein in the urine sample ii) blood tests showing the presence of anti-GBM antibodies iii) x-rays that can show anomalies in lung anatomy or iv) biopsies that involve imaging of a kidney tissue sample to demonstrate glomeruli characterised by crescent-shaped structures and lines of antibodies attached to the GBM. [4] While Goodpastures syndrome constitutes the representation of clinical features like rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) and pulmonary hemorrhage from any cause, Goodpasture disease also includes the presence of anti-GBM antibodies in addition to the other characteristics. The term anti-GBM disease constitutes a patient with the typical autoantibodies, irrespective of clinical symptoms and characteristic features. [1,5] The clinical manifestations associated with Goodpastures syndrome include acute renal failure resulting from rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis along with pulmonary hemorrhage that might prove fatal. The symptoms in relation to it consist of bleeding of lungs, kidney failure, hematuria, proteinuria, general malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. [1,6,7,8,9] The exact etiology of this syndrome is not known however there seem to be genetic and environmental risk factors. The factors being i) exposure to organic solvents or hydrocarbons ii) smoking and drugs iii) infection iv) exposure to metal particulate matter v) lymphocyte-depletion therapy. [1,5,10] The characteristic pathology in individuals experiencing the Goodpastures Syndrome can be detected by immunofluorescence staining technique of the IgG on the GBM that shows smooth diffuse linear patterns. [11] Hemodialysis, plasma exchange, cyclophosphamide drugs and immunosuppressive agents like methylprednisolone pulse therapy or oral administration of prednisolone are possible treatments for Goodpastures syndrome. [12,13,14] Basic Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms The localization of immunoglobulin IgG deposits at sites of inflammation within the pulmonary and renal basement membranes shows Goodpastures syndrome (a form of the anti-GBM disease) to be an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease. The pathogenic role of these antibodies has been confirmed by  transplantation of circulating or kidney-eluted anti-GBM antibodies to Rhesus monkey or human kidney allografts that result in the development of the disease.  A type II hypersensitivity reaction occurs when antibodies are targeted against extracellular matrix (ECM) specific antigens. [15]   The hypersensitivity response affects all organs in the body of which collagen is a constituent but the alveolar and glomerular basement membranes are more prone to the effect. This discrepancy is a result of increased accessibility of epitopes (antigen molecules facilitating attachment to a matching antibody) linked to overexpression of ÃŽÂ ±3 collagen chains in the respective basement membranes allowing access and formation of antibodies. [16] While ÃŽÂ ±3NC1 antibodies are the most common in patients with Goodpastures syndrome, ÃŽÂ ±5NC1 antibodies are less prevalent. Sometimes antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody [ANCA] can also be present. [5,17] The disorder develops antibodies that target ÃŽÂ ±3 chain of basement membrane collagen (type IV collagen) present in alveoli in lungs and in the glomeruli that form the filtering units of the kidneys within the nephrons. These structures contain the basement membrane with collagen as its essential component that differentiates the epithelia from the underlying tissue. The conformational epitopes of the Goodpasture antigen are localized within 2 regions in the carboxyl terminal, noncollagenous (NC1) domain of a type IV collagen chain, ÃŽÂ ±3(IV)NC1. [1, 5, 18]. Upon interaction of the anti-GBM antibodies with the conformational epitope of the GBM glycoproteins, the complement pathway of the immune system gets activated. This results in infiltration by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and monocytes. The severely damaged GBM induces reflux of fibrinogen into the Bowman space, fibrinogen polymerizes to fibrin through the proliferation of procoagulant factors from activated mono cytes, leading to a crescent formation.[19] Goodpastures syndrome is linked with specific HLA types. Both positive (HLA-DR15) and negative (HLA-DR7) associations are defined and being used to develop an understanding of antigen presentation, tolerance and autoimmunity. [20,21,22] Recent Developments Recent developments like the plasmapheresis technique, steroidal drugs, and immunosuppressive therapy have drastically ameliorated the course of the medical condition in comparison to yesteryears, in which Goodpasture syndrome was deemed fatal. [23] Zhao et al., demonstrate the significant role of ÃŽÂ ±5NC1-specific antibodies in pathogenesis of Goodpastures disease and also re-confirm ÃŽÂ ±345 collagen IV molecule as the original GP autoantigen. [17] The invention of a drug, now patented, with its active element containing boron  that constitutes inhibitors of arginase activity has claimed remedial effects in the pathological state of Goodpastures Syndrome. [24] A recently developed, patented prophylaxis for glomerulonephritis resulting from Goodpastures syndrome comprises of administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an IL-6 antibody that binds with or regulates the expression or activity of a mammalian IL-6 polypeptide. [25] Conclusions Goodpastures Syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by anti-GBM antibodies attacking glomerular and alveolar basement membranes. The innate immune response comprises of (i) cell death; (ii) polymorphonuclear cell releasing neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, antigens and monocytes to infiltrate the glomerulus. The adaptive immune response triggers the classical pathway of complement activated by antigen-antibody complex formation, and type II hypersensitivity reaction. Here antigens are targeted against cell- specific and tissue specific antigens (chiefly the connective tissue). Unanswered Questions Currently, there is a lot of research focusing on deciphering the causative agents of the harmful antibodies that lead to the development of Goodpastures syndrome. Evidence from this research can lead to novel drug discovery, eventually leading to a potential definitive cure for Goodpastures syndrome. [17] The exact the genetic determinants that constitute the etiology of Goodpastures syndrome are yet to be found. Bibliography Salama AD, Pusey CD. Goodpasture syndrome and other antiglomerular basement membrane diseases. In: Gilbert SJ, Weiner DE, eds. National Kidney Foundations Primer on Kidney Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014: chap 21. Benoit, F. L., D. B. Rulon, G. B. Theil, P. D. Doolan, and R. H. Watten. Goodpastures syndrome: a clinicopathologic entity. The American journal of medicine 37, no. 3 (1964): 424-444. Hudson B, Tryggvason K, Sundaramoorthy M, Neilson E. Alport syndrome, goodpasture syndrome, and type IV Collagen. New Engl J Med 2003; 348:2543-56. Fervenza, Fernando C. Goodpasture Syndrome | NIDDK National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/glomerular-diseases/goodpasture-syndrome (accessed March 1, 2017). Phelps RG, Turner AN. Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease and Goodpasture disease. In: Johnson RJ, Feehally J, Floege J, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015: chap 24. Lahmer T, Heemann U. Anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody disease: a rare autoimmune disorder affecting the kidney and the lung. Autoimmun Rev 2012;12:169-73. Pedchenko V, Bondar O, Fogo AB, Vanacore R, Voziyan P, Kitching AR, et al. Molecular architecture of the Goodpasture autoantigen in anti-GBM nephritis. N Engl J Med2010;363:343-54. Salant David J. Goodpastures disease new secrets revealed. N Engl J Med 2010; 363:388-91. Dammacco F, Battaglia S, Gesualdo L, Racanelli V. Goodpastures disease: a report of ten cases and a review of the literature. Autoimmun Rev 2013;12:1101-8. Jones, Joanne L., Sara AJ Thompson, Priscilla Loh, Jessica L. Davies, Orla C. Tuohy, Allison J. Curry, Laura Azzopardi et al. Human autoimmunity after lymphocyte depletion is caused by homeostatic T-cell proliferation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 110, no. 50 (2013): 20200-20205. MD, Edward. Renal Pathology http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/RENAHTML/RENAL093.html (accessed March 1, 2017). Greco, Antonio, Maria Ida Rizzo, Armando De Virgilio, Andrea Gallo, Massimo Fusconi, Giulio Pagliuca, Salvatore Martellucci, Rosaria Turchetta, Lucia Longo, and Marco De Vincentiis. Goodpastures syndrome: a clinical update. Autoimmunity reviews 14, no. 3 (2015): 246-253. Bolton, W. Kline. Goodpastures syndrome. Kidney international 50, no. 5 (1996): 1753-1766. Johnson, John P., Walter Whitman, William A. Briggs, and Curtis B. Wilson. Plasmapheresis and immunosuppressive agents in anti-basement25] membrane antibody-induced Goodpastures syndrome. The American journal of medicine 64, no. 2 (1978): 354-359. Rutgers A, Meyers KEC, Canziani G, Kalluri R, Lin J, Madaio MP. High affinity of anti-GBM antibodies from Goodpasture and transplanted Alport patients to 3 (IV) NC1 collagen. Kidney Int. 2000;58:115-122. Kelly, Patrick T., and Edward F. Haponik. Goodpasture syndrome: molecular and clinical advances. Medicine 73, no. 4 (1994): 171-185. Zhao J, Cui Z, Yang R, et al. Anti-glomerular basement membrane autoantibodies against different target antigens are associated with disease severity. Kidney Int 2009; 76:1108. Borza, Dorin-Bogdan, Eric G. Neilson, and Billy G. Hudson. Pathogenesis of Goodpasture syndrome: a molecular perspective. In Seminars in nephrology, vol. 23, no. 6, pp. 522-531. WB Saunders, 2003. Morita, Takashi, Yasunosuke Suzuki, and Jacob Churg. Structure and development of the glomerular crescent. The American journal of pathology 72, no. 3 (1973): 349. Phelps, Richard G., and Andrew J. Rees. The HLA complex in Goodpastures disease: a model for analyzing susceptibility to autoimmunity. Kidney international 56, no. 5 (1999): 1638-1653. Phelps, Richard G., Victoria Jones, A. Neil Turner, and Andrew J. Rees. Properties of HLA class II molecules divergently associated with Goodpastures disease. International immunology 12, no. 8 (2000): 1135-1143. Turner AN, Rees AJ. Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease (Chapter 3.11). In: Cameron SDAM, Grunfeld JP, Kerr DNS, Ritz E, eds Oxford Textbook of Nephrology, 2nd edn. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1997 Shah MK, Hugghins SY. Characteristics and outcomes of patients with Goodpastures syndrome. South Med J 2002;95:1411-8. Van Zandt, Michael, Adam Golebiowski, Min Koo Ji, Darren Whitehouse, Todd Ryder, and Raymond Paul Beckett. Inhibitors of arginase and their therapeutic applications. U.S. Patent 9,266,908, issued February 23, 2016. Marshall, Diane, and Stevan Shaw. Method for the treatment of glomerulonephritis by administering an IL-6 antibody. U.S. Patent 9,321,837, issued April 26, 2016.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

On the Edge, with Sight Essay -- Art Paintings Artist Essays

On the Edge, with Sight I have kept for twenty years a tattered and stained copy of a Matt Groenig cartoon entitled â€Å"How to be an Artist in Torment.†The cartoon asks if you were sickly, peculiar, alienated, or picked on as a child and, if so, did that make you feel superior? Another cell catalogs the requisite psychological impediments of the creative personality—rage, confusion, and self- doubt—and describes the proper look to emulate: an â€Å"overall postpunk neobeatnik semidisheveled drab yet hip look.†The cartoon portrays the artist’s studio companions as lice and rats. Finally, it asks if you are thin and exhausted from staying up nights fretting over an idea, or in a related vein, â€Å"Can drugs really be considered art supplies?† What Groenig laughingly and lovingly describes is the romantic stereotype known in France as les peintres maudits, or â€Å"accursed painters.† It’s a syndrome, however, that extends easily to writers, musicians, and performers. Art historian Douglas Hall describes the four key attributes of the doomed creative genius: alienation, poverty, weakness, and brilliance—the latter being essential if one is not to pass into historical obscurity. The twentieth century is littered with such talented and troubled souls: Jim Morrison, Jackson Pollack, Dylan Thomas, Warhol, Judy Garland, and Van Gogh. Yet the uncontested high priest of the syndrome is Amedeo Modigliani. Modigliani was an expatriate Italian painter living in the bohemian quarters of Paris during the decades before and during World War I. Art historian Doris Krystof provides a tantalizing picture of Modigliani’s life in Paris: His few friends and many acquaintances called him â€Å"Modi,† which appears at first to be merely a shortening of his surname, ... ...tion at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Marsha Tackett December 7, 2002 References â€Å"Amedeo Modigliani† Olga’s Gallery [On-line]. 1 Nov 2002. Available: http://www.abcgallery.com/M/modigliani/modiglianibio.html â€Å"Amedeo Modigliani† WebMuseum, Paris [On-line]. 5 Nov 2002. Available: http://www.oir.ucf.edu/wm/paint/auth/modigliani Hall, D. (1990). Modigliani. New York:Watson-Guptill Krystof, D. (2000). Amedeo Modigliani: The Poetry of Seeing, Koln, Germany: Taschen. Kruszynski, A. (1998). â€Å"Amedeo Modigliani: Portrait of Paul Guillaume.† In L. Lumpkin (ed.), The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art: Impressionist and Modern Masters(pp. 91-98). Las Vegas: Mirage Resorts, Incorporated. Lucie-Smith, E. (n.d.). â€Å"Lives of the Great 20th-Centry Artists† (excerpt). The Artchive [On-line] 1 Nov 2002. Available: http://www.artchive.com/artchive/M/modigliani.html

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

To Save or Not To Save - That Is the Question Essay -- Animal Research

When you look at a bald eagle, you see how powerful and majestic this bird is, which is how many people feel about the United States; that’s why the bald eagle is our national emblem on our Great Seal. It would be a dishonor to our Nation to have such a worldwide-recognized symbol of The United States extinct, but in fact that’s exactly what almost happened. To help the bald eagle regain it’s numbers, on December 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon signed The Endangered Species Act. â€Å"The law established procedures for conserving plants and animals in danger of extinction and those that are threatened, or likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future (Cooper, â€Å"Endangered Species Act† 855). Since its establishment, the Endangered Species Act has been a topic of debate on whether the way the act is set up now has been worth the securing of land, including land that is privately owned, the time to research and the money that has been spen t. Once species are listed as either threatened or endangered of becoming extinct the first move is to figure out what can be done to help them. What kind of habitat does it need to thrive? Is it isolated to only a few regions of the country or widely located? Could it be introduced into new regions, whether rural or urban, and still have a chance of survival? The lands that are being protected range from mountains to national parks to any neighborhood across the country, so that the smallest plant to the largest wild animal has an environment where they can continue to thrive. Some species have been reintroduced and their populations have recovered enough to bring them out of the endangered status and off of the Endangered Species Act listing. Wolfs and grizzly bears are two out of the... ...have their valid points. The two sides need to work together discuss which animals are vital to the balance of the eco-system and which plants could help create medicine that fight illnesses like cancer. The laws also need to reflect not only the time and money involved in saving the world’s species of plants and animals but also protecting the livelihood of the populations of people who are involved in such areas. The balance between the two is possible as long as both sides work with each other not against each other. Works Cited Arrandale, Tom. "Disappearing Species." CQ Researcher 17.42 (2007): 985-1008. CQ Researcher. Web. 24 Mar. 2012. Cooper, Mary H. "Endangered Species Act." CQ Researcher 9.37 (1999): 849-64. CQ Researcher. Web. 24 Mar. 2012. ---. "Endangered Species Act." CQ Researcher 15.21 (2005): 493-516. CQ Researcher. Web. 24 Mar. 2012.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Prehistoric Medicine Essay

They used herbalism; the practise of using herbs to heal people. In each tribe there were shamans who would ‘exorcise ill people’ demons’ and apothecary. They had medicine men who were shamans and witch-doctors. They would provide supernatural treatments like charms, spells and amulets to ward off evil spirits. If someone was ill the medicine man would initiate a ceremony over the patient where they would use magic formulas prayers and drumming. People thought that the medicine men could contact the spirits or Gods so people looked up to them. They used healing clays to heal their internal and external wounds and just after surgery. Prehistoric people also used trepanning mainly in Peru. This was when they would drill a hole in a person’s skull to relieve pressure. It was mainly done as an emergency operation after a head wound to remove shattered bits of bone. They believed it would treat epileptic seizures, migraines and mental disorders. They would keep the bit of skull around their neck as they thought it would ward off evil spirits. Nowadays people use a modernised trephine instrument in a corneal transplant surgery. Early medicine for Greeks and Romans: Hippocrates: Born 470 BCE ‘Father of Modern Medicine’ He had a theory of the 4 humours. He thought that the human body contained 4 important liquids called humours. They thought if the humours became unbalanced then people would become ill. The 4 humours were black bile, yellow bile blood and phlegm. His theory was wrong but it was a breakthrough in medicine because it made people think that illness was caused by something natural inside your body instead of the Greek Gods. Quote from a book in the Hippocratic Collection of books: ‘Man’s body†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦has blood, phlegm, yellow bile and melancholy (black) bile. These make up his parts and through them he feels illness or enjoys health. When all these elements are truly balanced and mingled, he feels the most perfect health. Illness occurs when one of these humours is in excess or is lessened in amount or is entirely thrown out of the body.’ Hippocrates invented the Hippocratic Oath which was taken by all physicians; this is still in use today. Herophilus: He was the 1st anatomist. He introduced the experimental method to science. He discovered that the brain controls how the body works, not the heart by dissecting human bodies. He also identified parts of the stomach. He did a lot of work on nerves. Claudius Galen: He was the Roman Emperor’s doctor. Galen’s work was based on the Hippocratic Collection. He was one of the Great surgeons of the ancient world. He added his own theory to the 4 humours theory. He developed a theory called the ‘treatment of opposites’. So if an illness was caused by heat he would cool them down and vice versa. Galen also emphasized the importance of clinical observation and would take detailed notes on his examination of his patients. He was one of the 1st physicians who used experiments in his medical investigation. Through that he proved that urine was formed in the kidney as opposed to the bladder. His most important discovery was that the arteries carried blood but he never discovered circulation.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Macbeth vs. Henry V Essay

Shakespeare’s play Macbeth shows the roots of all evil, our own human nature. The play is centered on the coexistence of good and evil. Macbeth, unlike any other Shakespeare play has the protagonist convert to evil. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is shown as a hero in the Scottish army, that is ironic because Macbeth defeats a traitor and he himself becomes one later. Macbeth knows his place in the world. He is fully capable of distinguishing between right and wrong. Macbeth purposely disregards his own moral judgment to rise to power which is again ironic and goes against his own beliefs. Macbeth stands as a symbol for Satan’s sin of ambition. Like Satan, Macbeth’s thirst for power and ambition drives him to commit evil.Contrary to the theory of supernatural forces he is responsible for his own actions. The Three Witches and Lady Macbeth were only influencing factors in Macbeth’s demise. Macbeth was pressured to do a horrible deed which was driven by evil. The beginning of the evil was rooted in his wife and the witch’s but quickly spread into his mind and heart. The Three played a part in predicting the evilness of Macbeth which is known as the prophecy and Macbeth receives it from them. After receiving this prophecy, Macbeth starts to transform into an evil man who will not let anything stand in his way. For instance, when Macbeth is questioning whether or not he should murder Duncan, Lady Macbeth fools Macbeth into thinking about how any real man would commit the murder. She quotes â€Å"What beast was’t/ then, / that made you break this enterprise to me? / When you durst do it, then you were a man; / and to be more than what you were, you would/ be so much more the man† (Act 1 scene vii lines 53-58).she sees the opportunity to kill Duncan and make Macbeth king. She knows Macbeth’s ambitions, but says he lacks the ruthlessness, and although Macbeth will take an opportunity, he wants to earn his honours honestly. He also knows the murder would be wrong and he would end up paying for it. Macbeth makes a firm statement saying that â€Å"We will proceed no further in this business†(I.vii.32). But after speaking with Lady Macbeth he counter d ecides and proclaims, â€Å"I am settled, and bend up/Each corporal agent to this terrible feat†. Macbeth now proclaims himself king, fore-filling his ambition. Macbeth’s guilt is recognized after the killing of the king; when he is unable to answer himself. Macbeth’s final words in this scene tell us he has committed himself to the path of evil. â€Å"I am in blood, stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, returning was as  tedious as go o’er.† He acknowledges his torturous pain and knows there is no way of stopping it. He has ruined his life forever. Macbeth now doesn’t have a place among the others. He became enraged as he knew that that was true but later accepted it by going to meet with his own evil kind, the witches. Macbeth becomes ruthless and kills at will without feeling guilt. He is now a tyrant, ruling with fear until the bitter end. The thought that one can use language, rather than the conventional brute strength exemplified by Hercules and Beowulf, to achieve a beneficial outcome can be supported by Henry’s character in William Shakespeare’s Henry V. King Henry V assumes his role as king after the death of his father, Henry IV. Prior to ascending the throne, Harry, as his friends call him, was known for his debauchery. Harry was an immature prince, but as the King of England, he suddenly becomes mature and wise. Henry’s bishops convince him of his right and duty to acquire the throne of France. Soon, Britain is preparing for war and fully supporting their king in his pursuit of the French crown. Henry’s powerful words prove his ability to rouse his troops and frighten the enemy. Unlike more traditional heroes, Henry’s heroism is not shown in battle, but rather before the battle. Because Henry is able to put fear into the enemy with his threatening messages, the opposing army may not fight as well as one might expect. As seen at Harfleur, the governor surrenders to save the lives of the citizens.The speech that Henry makes demonstrates Henry’s clever tactics with his enemies. The king does this so that the governor will surrender and Henry can conquer Harfleur without a bloody battle. Although his speech sounds menacing, a quality not found in the characteristics of a hero, it is only a tactic Henry uses to achieve the outcome he wants. Henry’s reluctance to make good on his promise of this massacre is proven when he states, â€Å"use mercy to them all† (III.3. 54). Henry is not the monster he appears to be; instead, he is a leader using any method he can to gain land while keeping his troops out of harm’s way. At the final Battle of Agincourt, Henry’s ragged army expresses concern about their odds against the French; the British are outnumbered five to one. Henry’s Cousin Westmoreland. Henry, being the talented rhetorician that he is, soothes the army’s fears by delivering the inspirational speech: â€Å"[†¦] If we are marked to die, we are now To do our country loss; and if to live,  The fewer men, the greater share of honor. [†¦]But if it be a sin to covet honor, I am the most offending soul alive.† (IV.3. 21-30). Henry explains that there is a certain amount of honor to go around once the British defeat the French. It is fortunate of those soldiers that are at the battle that they do not have to share that honor with men who are fearful and therefore unworthy of honor. Henry says that honor is most important to him and that it should also be important to his army. The soldiers, feeling a renewed sense of purpose, will go into battle and claim that honor – not just for their king, but for England as well Henry explains what the British do Will stand a-tiptoe when this day is named this day, and comes safe home, on this day will be with them for the rest of their lives: He that outlives And rouse him at the name of Crispian [†¦ ]The he will strip his sleeve and show his scars, [And say, ‘These wounds I had on Crispian’s Day.’]†¦. (IV.3. 42-52). What feats he did that day.† Henry somewhat shows his softer side by expressing concern for his troops. Henry tells them he knows some will die, but those who survive will be well respected for the rest of their lives. With the reward of greatness being dangled in front of him, a speech like this can sway even the most fearful soldier into becoming the fiercest fighter. It can be argued that Henry is not a hero at all because he is fighting a meaningless war and that lives are being lost for no reason. While that might be true in one’s opinion, Henry’s opinion is quite different. Henry believes this war is for the greater good. If the British win the war, they gain land and Henry attains the crown of France he believes he deserves. Henry and the British people believe this war is justified; they cannot be faulted for doing what they believe in. Henry satisfies the qualities in the definition of a hero in using his masterful rhetoric. Henry has fought an impossible war against the French. In the final battle, the British were greatly outnumbered, but managed to escape with minimal casualties. The French, however, were not as fortunate and lost a total of ten thousand. This embarrassing defeat of the French proves just how effective Henry’s speech was in improving the morale of his doubtful army. Henry’s coldness and ruthlessness are masks that hide a man who would do anything to protect his countrymen. He uses scare tactics in his rhetoric to belittle the enemy while at the same time inspiring his men.  Remember, the definition of a hero states that bravery and firmness in any course of action qualifies one for the classification as a hero. Henry’s bravery and firmness are represented in his words, rather than his sword, therefore proving him to be a rhetorical hero. Of the two heroes Henry the V and Macbeth the more intelligent and ruthless is Henry because Macbeth was always cautious about making his decisions and needed the help[ of his wife who played the leading role in taking decisions be it to murder someone or to plot plans to get the throne. She was the more stronger person therefore she took the decisions as to what to do. Henry on the other hand did everything on his own and never liked the interference of anyone in his plotting.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

John Deere and Complex Parts

Strengths of the AEP: (Q1. , p. 109) – Evaluation is carried out by Deere personnel from different departments such as supply management, operations, quality engineering etc†¦ This makes the evealuation more transparent and comprehensive since the opinions of diverse personnel from different departments are taken into account – Suppliers were evaluated in five key areas, thus making the evaluation all inclusive – The use of the wavelength rating is an innovative approach to measure the supplier's focus on quality, cost etc†¦ The cost, wavelength and technical ratings are consensus composite ratings, which measures a variety of underlying aspects, rather than provide a brief overview. – Suppliers were classified into 4, making it easy to identify where each supplier stood with regard to others – The annual revision of performance level cutoffs is another strength of the AEP. Periodic revisions make sure that the ratings reflect current chan ges. The supplier performance summary provided each quarter provides suppliers with all pertinent data related to their classification – Training and recognition are only provided to suppliers with high ratings, thereby acting as an incentive to suppliers with low ratings to catch up. Weaknesses of the AEP: – The weakest category tends to skew the overall evaluation, which would work against suppliers providing consistent service with minor glitches. These glitches tend to be amplified in the rating – Training is not provided to conditional suppliers, which is counter productive. A training program for such suppliers is likely to improve performance – The delivery and quality ratings are not composite ratings. Breaking down these ratings into individual components would provide more clarity. For example, the delivery rating makes no mention of the percentage of late, early or over deliveries. Other Criteria to be included: (Chapter 3, page 66) Total cost of Ownership including cost of special handling, cost of defects, rework etc†¦ should be included in the AEP – The financial strength of the supplier should be included, possibly in the form of a credit rating – Responsiveness and flexibilty measured by responsiveness to customers, accuracy of record keeping, changes in delivery schedules, responsiveness to changing situations etc†¦ should be included Performance over the last year: (q. 2, p 109) Complex parts has not performed adequately over the last year. I say this because of the following reasons: – Certain requested price quotes had not reached Deere on time. – Suggestions for cost reduction and elimination of recurrent problems were not forthcoming – Increasing number of deliveries had to be expedited, which cost Deere – Complex parts delivery rating in the last quarter had hit a dismal 155,000- the level of a conditional supplier – Complex parts had not implemented the Deere quality plan at its new facility – Parts supplied for new product programs had not met Deere's cost targets, thus reducing profit Though Complex parts became ISO certified, internalized the Deere Quality plan elements, provided profitable suggestions through its R&D department and had been proactive in its business approach, the above shortcomings overwhelm the positive aspects. Hence, Complex parts has not performed adequately over the past year. Classification: In the absence of adequate data, it is difficult to assign a classification to Complex parts. Over the last quarter, Complex parts' delivery rating was 155,000. The quality, wavelength, technical and cost management ratings have not been provided. Complex parts' delivery rating of 155,000 would make it a ‘conditional' supplier. Therefore a conditional supplier classification is most apt, based on the latest available quarterly data Alternative courses of action (q. 3, p. 109) – The first course of action would be to intimate Complex parts of its shortcomings. Having done this, the next step would be to downgrade its classification. Complex parts should then be provided an ultimatum, failing which it would cease to exist as a supplier. The ultimatum would be to meet certain set standards over the next quarter. This course of action would be taken because of the longstanding relationship with Complex parts, which was proactive – The second and obvious course of action would be to terminate Complex parts as a supplier. Since there are 2 other suppliers who are capable of delivering the needed product, this move would make sense. However this would mean severing a relationship of ten years. – The third alternative would be to reduce the quantity sourced from Complex parts, sourcing the balance on a trial basis from either of the two capable suppliers. This move would provide an objective assessment of the new supplier as well as Complex parts. In addition Complex parts would be provided with an ultimatum, failing which it would cease to exist as a supplier. Recommendation: – Intimate Complex parts of the shortcomings. Provide a set of standards to be adhered to within the next quarter. Make it explicitly clear that any shortfalls in set standards would lead to Complex parts being terminated as a supplier. Short term implications for Deere: (Q4, p. 109) Possibilty of costs increasing due to expedited deliveries – Possibility of increased costs in new product development programs due to Complex parts' failure to meet estimated costs – Cost escalation because of a delay in receiving quotes – Possibility of a further fall in quality of Complex parts because of its not implementing the Deere quality plan at its new facility – Possibility of a frayed relationship as a result of the ultimatum – N eed to keep a continuous watch on Complex parts to make sure standards are met. – A Continuous watch would mean extra costs for Deere Long term implications: ( Chapter 4, p. 95) – Provides an opportunity for Complex parts to get back to its previous high standards – Cost reductions because of continuing with a trusted partner – Early supplier involvement would continue, thereby profiting both. – Value engineering provided by Complex parts through its R team would reduce cost and improve quality – The proactive approach of Complex parts would reduce new product development time – Change management would be easily implemented – Alliance development would be initiated

Always Logistics Case Study Essay

Always Logistics is looking to perform a forensic accounting audit on their financial statements, in particular to accounting periods ended in the last five years. Mr. Jim Gallbally, has claimed authority to oversee the fraud concern over the Company’s profit-sharing incentive for its administrative-level employees via a whistleblower account, and this would require a study on their sales revenues data and their internal control systems. The intention of the assurance engagement is to supplement the fraud concern being raised by Mr.Gallbally to the senior management of the Company. Moreover, he intends to apply a ‘full force of the law’ to those staff who have ‘purposefully inflated revenue inflow for personal financial gain’, should the claims were to be founded. I am expecting your full interest with this engagement, and you may extend your intention to this engagement via the contact details that I will provide. I have attached the details of my initial discussion with the client and our conditions of acceptance prior to the undertaking of such engagement. Attachments: Details of the Interview conducted with Mr. Jim Gallbally, May 2010; Conditions of Acceptance for the Assurance Engagement, May 2010 Attachment 1: Details of the Interview conducted with Mr. Jim Gallbally, May 2010 †¢ A substantial annual performance bonus is paid to each divisional manager based on individual outputs as well as total company performance. †¢ There is a profit share scheme for all non award (administrative) level employees of Always. †¢ The Chairperson of Always is Margot Hellicar. †¢ A stock broking firm, Warm, Symes and Co is actively canvassing senior employees of Always to invest in the company by taking out loans which may be subject to margin calls. Some board members have been known to speak favourably of such loans. A healthy demand for Always stock has seen their share price outperform the market index for the past four years. †¢ Always is divided into divisions based on each state or territory. Depots are located in all states and the Northern Territory with Canberra depot part of the NSW operation. These depots have about 5-8 staff in each location being a senior manager, two financial or clerical staff with the rest being award level depot receipt and delivery staff. †¢ Head Office in Brisbane has 10 administrative staff and is where the CEO and CFO are located, along with the computer system and all the company financial records. †¢ The company has had some tight cash flow issues over the past few years but always manages to survive though the support of their bankers or through finding new delivery contracts, particularly in the Northern Territory and North West Queensland. Conditions of Acceptance 1. The report would consist of the assessment of the Company’s internal control systems, and the soundness of the financial statements and supplementary disclosures issued in the last five years, and will not be of opinion of the auditors. Should there be an opinion that will arise in the course of the report and analyses, a supplementary report will be issued in compliance of the auditing standards; 2. The report would consist of material factors to the actual bonuses amounts and managerial judgement with regard to the issuance of annual bonuses to its administrative-level employees; 3. The auditors will remain their professional independence with regard to the conduct of the audit, as in accordance to section 3. 5 of Professional Independence code of the Forensic Accounting Standards (APES 215); 4. The report will be in compliance with the International Auditing Standards and Forensic Accounting Standards (APES 215), and determine the accounting principles compliance in relation to the Australian Accounting Standards Board; 5. The auditors will maintain their professional competence and take due care in the performance of their work in accordance with Section 130 Professional Competence and due Care of the Code (3. 11) of the Forensic Accounting Standards (APES 215); 6. The confidential information acquired or have deliberated during the course of the audit shall only be used in the professional performance of the audit done and therefore proper permission must be acquired in accordance to Section 140 of the Forensic Accounting Standards (APES 215). ENGAGEMENT LETTER To the Chairman of the Board Margot Hellicar (or the appropriate senior management or board of directors) of Always Logistics: As requested by several of your shareholders, notably Mr. Jim Gallbally, we will conduct an audit of Always Logistics’s financial records, in particular, your cash flows, sales revenue records and notes to the financial statements for the last five years then accounting year ended December 31. We would like to express our acceptance and have understood the terms of this engagement by the issuance of this letter. Our audit will be conducted with the intention of providing an objective perspective on the financial statements and the financial performance of your Company for the last five years from accounting period ended December 31, 2009, and the recent concerns pertaining to your profit-sharing incentive lauded by significant numbers of your shareholders. We will accept the engagement offered and conduct the requested audit in accordance to the following accounting and auditing standards: the International Auditing Standards, the Accounting Professional and Ethics Standards (APES), and the International Standards of Assurance Engagements. The following will be used as to outline the engagement to be undertaken, and that the audit is in conforme with auditing criteria that may or may not be contested in a legal proceeding. The following is also to properly address the allegations of your administrative divisions misconstruing financial numbers that may be material to possible misstatements on your sales revenues and your overall financial status for the last five years. The audit will include examining evidence to be acquired supporting the amounts and disclosures to the sales revenues, and also the data being used of your administrative divisions on a test basis, and assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. With regard to the possible limitations and the nature of the test that will be conducted in the duration of the engagement, there will be auditing risks that there will be misstatements that may be material enough will not be detected. This is due to the inherent limitations that has and is present of the accounting and internal control systems your company has adopted for your business operations. As such, we would like to express our intention to use audit reports from previous auditors, work of persons of interest, or your internal auditors, if there were any conducted prior to this engagement, for comparison purposes and to alleviate us in confounding such allegations lauded against the financial status of your Company. However, we would like to stress that because of the necessity that may arise to use previous audit reports or documents of a similar standing, the overall assessment will now be our responsibility, and will be subject to any repercussions, legal or otherwise, towards the result of the assessment. In addition to our auditing report for the purpose of this engagement, we expect to provide you with a separate letter or document on any material weaknesses in the accounting and internal control systems that your company has adopted that we have come to be of concern of in the duration and the completion of our audit. However, we would like to restate that as this is not the purposeful intention of the audit, this supplementary document may or may not be of use that may demonstrate the effectiveness of your current accounting and internal control systems, and that it would be your decision on whether to act upon our observations for the purpose of amending or ratifying your current accounting and internal control systems, with regard to the conclusion of the engagement. In compliance with the Forensic Accounting Standards, the working papers prepared in conjunction with our audit are the sole property of the auditing firm and constitute confidential information that is privy to the firm and to your Company. They will be retained by our auditing firm in accordance with our firm policies and procedures. However, we will grant release of the working papers via a request from a regulator or a person of authority in the context of the rule of law. The regulator may produce photocopies or replications of the report and may ultimately decide to distribute the copies or replications to other parties of interest, including government agencies. The responsibility for the preparation and adequate disclosure of the financial statements to be procured as requested is that of the management of Always Logistics, either by its financial or accounting department, the board of directors, or any outfit or department that represents the Company. This includes any maintenance of adequate accounting records and internal controls, the selection and justification of the accounting policies to be applied, the application of accounting policies, the safeguarding of assets of the company, and other supplementary or aggregate data that would further assist us in our audit. In line with this, we duly request a written confirmation from you, the board of directors or the senior management, regarding representations concerning the audit to be conducted in the matter of transparency and the rule of law. Should you intend to publish our comprehensive and conclusive audit report on your financial statements and administrative operations with regard to the allegations of sales revenues padding activities, we require you to produce a printers’ proof or masters’ copy for review or approval prior to the final print and distribution of the said report. We are looking forward to the company’s full cooperation from your staff and/or personnel who will be involved for the procedural completion of this engagement, and that we fully entrust the responsibility from your good company that all requested and mandatory documents, including its supplementary or aggregate papers, and systems access will be made available to us with regard to the conduct of the engagement. Our auditing fees, which will be classified as working progress or works in progress in your accounting journals and general ledger, will be based on the time that will be spent by our accountants assigned for the procedural completion of the engagement plus outright yet necessary expenses. We will use the Company’s staff at any possible time or event to assist us in the conduct of the schedules to be followed as per process regarding the audit and the analyses of the accounts and business units in question. We believe that this would alleviate us with the time requirements, the timely or rather immediate conclusion of the engagement, and the savings that will be generated and beneficial for you with regard to the audit fees. This document will be effective for the time being of the engagement unless the agreed party will be making changes, cancel the engagement, or if the said engagement will be interrupted by a rule of law. Kindly affix your signature and forward the attached copy of this document to signify your understanding and agreement of the engagement.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Henri Matisse: “The Window”, France 1916 Essay

Matisse is considered one of the most influential painters of the 20th century, and one of the leading Modernists. Known for his use of vibrant colors and simple forms, Matisse helped to usher in a new approach to art. He believed that the artist must be guided by instinct and intuition. Although he began his craft later in life than most artists, Matisse continued to create and innovate well into his eighties. The Window, 1916, is a very pretty piece of work. Henri Matisse uses jagged, thick, curved, heavy, graceful, vertical, diagonal, and straight lines to portray this painting. With the perfect use of these lines, Henri Matisse created many shapes to piece this amazing painting together: circles, squares, curved, soft-edged, and hard-edged shapes. As a result of his lines and shapes, he gives the painting a smooth, soft, and dull texture which is a very nice combination in this painting. The painting contains a bit of asymmetry, which is when each side of the painting is a little different but looks relatively the same. At first sight of the painting your eye will focus on the focal point, which is a reddish orange table in the middle of the picture. In the painting, apart from the table, you can see a room with a blue and black chair, a rug, and a window. Through the window you can see the green of a garden and a black tree trunk, there is also a basket of forget-me-nots on the table. This gives the painting a very shallow space feeling, which is when you cannot see very far past the main object. On this painting the table with flowers, the chair, and the rug which they are sitting on have the most detail and, in my opinion, it looks very lonely. The artist uses a mix of dark blue shading and beams of light coming through the window to express emotion. The name of this piece of art â€Å"The Window† does not, but at the same time does, in my opinion, represent its true meaning for two reasons. First, when I think of a window I think of happiness and breezes, but the painting looks lonely. Second, the reason which makes me believe the name actually does represent the meaning of the painting, the painting looks inviting at first because of the bright light from the window that makes soothing colors on the ground. With these two opposite feelings, the meaning of the name  compared to the painting is very confusing. I was drawn to this painting because of the bright light coming through the window, which gave it a unique look from all of the other paintings around it. This painting will stand out in a crowd, because of its interesting look of a mix of dark and light colors. Even though the painting is, at first sight, bright and cheery, when you look at it for a while and interpret the meaning it has a lonely look but is still very satisfying to view. Matisse’s desire to reproduce the world accurately in a harmonious two-dimensional painting is shown perfectly in his painting The Window. The window is truly a one of a kind piece of art work that will be admired for many years. Matisse had made this painting very open to interpretation. The Window is an excellent example of emotionalism and I like this piece of art work and would recommend it to many people.

Friday, September 13, 2019

The impact of consumption and Investment on the GDP in Qatar (1990- Statistics Project

The impact of consumption and Investment on the GDP in Qatar (1990- 2012) - Statistics Project Example The reason for selecting this period of data was the incomplete data for all three variables that could have extended the analysis for the longer period. Moreover, it is important to provide definition of three variables included in the analysis. Net FDI = â€Å"The net inflows of investment to acquire a lasting management interest (10 percent or more of voting stock) in an enterprise operating in an economy other than that of the investor.† (â€Å"Indicator Queries†). The table indicated the country’s GDP increased significantly from 1994 to 2011 as the lowest value was recorded in 1994 and the maximum value was achieved in 2011. A sharp decline in the country’s GDP was recorded in 2009. Similar trends were observed in other two variables. The country’s exports increased significantly in the year 2011. The third variable ‘net inflows’ also showed a steady growth in the selected period. However, in 2011 a major decline was recorded. The results indicated that the value of adjusted R2 was 0.9871, which implies that the regression model implemented explained 98.71% of the total variations observed in 18 data entries. The regression equation obtained from the analysis indicated that the coefficient of constant, ÃŽ ²0 was 664545798.4126. A high value of constant coefficient suggested that there are other factors that affect the country’s GDP. Referring back to the equation of GDP provided, it could be noted that there are other variables included in the calculation of GDP. The coefficient of slopes obtained from the regression analysis were ÃŽ ²1 = 1.4160 (exports) and ÃŽ ²2 = 3.7452 (FDI net inflow). These values indicated that there is a positive relationship between GDP and exports and GDP and FDI net inflows. The findings reassert that to calculate a country’s GDP the values of investment and exports are added. The results imply that for every $1 increase or decrease in exports the country’s GDP would increase or decrease by $1.4160 respectively.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Marketing Research Report Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Marketing Research Report - Coursework Example That is a serious issue and that is the reason behind loss of skilled and experienced employees as those employees quit their jobs. Here in this research I discussed about this problem thoroughly and some solutions I have given at the end. 1. Introduction and problem definition: As a manager of an IT farm I found that there are several corporate problems a organisation faces like drop in market share, profit fall, employee turnover reduction, quality assurance issues, problem form client ends, government policies and several rules and regulations etc. But here I am going to discuss the problems regarding my various employees who just came back from onsite jobs or foreign locations. The details of the problem is discussed below- In modern days it is common to give strategically important tasks to top level executives and send them to foreign countries for a certain time interval. It is widely known as expatriation. To reduce cultural shock it is very important to make those employees aware and train for the culture of new countries and locations. It definitely cost a large amount of money for the organisations to train its employees for a new country. At the moment work in abroad complete that employee comes back to its older location or may be in home country then that employee have some problem regarding this cultural trauma this is known as repatriation. (Nikolaeva, 2010, p.5) Objective of our research is how handle the repatriation practices throughout the organisations efficiently. To gain international market knowledge expatriation is the effective tool. It is also helpful for the organisation when that employee after coming back to home country apply their international knowledge in the organisation. But it is proven that repatriation process is worse than expatriation process, because when an employee having problem regarding his/her own countries culture then that employee is in real problem. That is why in corporate culture repatriation is dangerous th an expatriation. (Arman, 2009, p.1) 2. Research method and limitations To accomplish a valuable research an authentic and generous data collection method need to be followed. Relevant data are collected from market research, after processing those data, they can be used in various research purpose. Hidden knowledge behind the research is understood by the research results and it makes aware the researcher about the problem thoroughly (Kolb, 2008, p. 12). By the market research, researcher get the data form very wide range of population like clients, employees, management people, logistics agents etc (McDaniel & Gates, 1995, p. 5). From several researches methodology researcher can choose couple of them or only one of them. But researcher always needs to keep one thing in mind that his goal of research should not ever get distracted from the previously decided path. Research methodology is the most important factor of the framework as whole analysis is depending on this. Source is th e next important part of the research. Researcher chooses what research approach is also another important factor. After that selection researcher needs to calculate how much primary and secondary research is need to be done and how much importance they need to give each method. After that its only remaining thing is

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Discuss a Popular or Literary Representation of China Essay

Discuss a Popular or Literary Representation of China - Essay Example Even though some challenges such as climate change is still affecting the country as a result of continued utilization of coal as a source of fuel. The article indicates that china is currently considered a major economic force among the developing states. It has continued to boost trade with various African countries and it is seen to compete with other economic giants such as the United States of America. The security in the country is improved and it has increased the number of united nation peacekeepers. China is currently considered a leading donor targeting many countries in Africa. The Chinese government has pledged almost ten billion United States dollars to Africa over the past 3 years. China has struggled to develop good relations through cooperation with other countries. Despite the impact and the rise of china in the economic world, the country has continued to face some setbacks which target leadership, climate change and poverty. Hundreds of millions of people in china are still considered poor. The Chinese government has failed to develop a stable system of energy supply to be utilized by the people. The energy supply in the country has continued to rely more on import and therefore it has been a challenge to maintain diversified and stable energy sources. Environmental pollution has continued to impact negatively on the countries developments. Poor control of air pollution in major cities such as shanghai has resulted to decline in economic development and investment. The government has continued to launch a number of projects that are sources of envi ronmental pollution. Air pollution has health effect on the people and the government has to protect its own people from such effects (Fox, 2008). The Chinese state has continued to face collapse of ideology and moral lapses from the leadership that is in place. The state

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Employment Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Employment Law - Essay Example This paper seeks to discuss the employment law. Based on a case, the paper will explore relevant legal principles in employment law with the aim of advising a party over possible claims. Facts of the case Kareen has been employed at Coombes & Partners architect firm for six years, a period in which she has served as a receptionist and has been offering exemplary services. Her mother is currently ill, having suffered from a stroke, and has for this reason moved to stay with her, forcing Kareen to double up as a care giver at home and an employee. As a result, Kareen wrote to her manager to request for a variation in working conditions that include change in reporting time and departure time. Besides request for fewer daily working hours, she also requested her working days to be reduced from five days a week to four. Her request was however rejected by her manager on grounds that her line of duty is normally busy during morning hours and that a late reporting time could not therefore be granted. The manager further noted that the organization’s policy does not allow receptionists to work on part time schedules. A male trainee, Audio, at the firm has also been making verbal suggestive advances towards Kareen. The trainee has also reportedly patted Kareen on her bottom, an act that offended her. Though she reported the issue to her manager, no action was taken. The trainee, then in a separate incident, tried to kiss her by force. In reaction, Kareen hit him forcing him to fall on a desk. Adio reported Kareen’s reaction and the manager summoned her for a hearing. In the hearing, that Kareen describes as intimidating, Adio accused her of hitting him without a reason and denied any sexual advancement towards her. The manager then gave her a dismissal letter to which she did not appeal due to her anger. Issue One of the issues to be determined in the case is existence of an employee’s right to a flexible working condition and the circumstances und er which the employer can violate such a right. Another issue to be determined is existence of sexual harassment and the nature of liability that is induced by acts of sexual violence. Termination of an employment contract is also an issue for determination. Rules and application Kareen, as an employee, is legally entitled to flexible working conditions as provided for by the law and based on the facts that she has worked for the organization for a period of six years. Based on the provisions of the Employment Rights Act1, Kareen has a right to apply, to her employer, for an option to work under conditions that are more flexible. Such conditions may include shorter working hours or rescheduled timetable with respect to reporting times as well as the times at which she may leave work. Chandler explains that such a right would be extended to Kareen if she were a parent or a guardian who is responsible for the care of a child who is younger than six years or a minor who has been identi fied with a disability. Based on a written application, Coombes & Partners is therefore legally obliged to grant such request unless there are serious negative consequences that the enterprise may suffer for granting the flexible condition. Such reasons, however, must be communicated.2 Lewis and Thornbory however categorically specify that all employees are entitled to the right to flexible working condition if reason for application is for care of a relative. According to the authors, an

Monday, September 9, 2019

Violence In Televison Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Violence In Televison - Essay Example Moreover, children in society tend to emulate whatever they see on television as a means of living their life for example, with superhero movies there have been so many cases of children trying to imitate superhero powers and jumping off buildings in an attempt to fly. Violence refers to extreme aggression being executed by physical or mental force and occurs when a person gets very angry and is not able to control his anger and is depicted a great deal on television. Due to the same, it does have an impact on society and contributes to violence in society in many ways. (F, Seymour, and Robert D. Singer) 1: Therefore, the following questions is posed; does violence shown on television in the form of television shows, movies and even advertisement have an impact on the minds of both adults and children and subsequently contribute to violence in society? Television programs today have an array of subjects ranging from criminal activities to investigative shows where crimes being commit ted in neighbourhoods, among families and even on a global scale are depicted and appeal to viewers the most. (Henrey J Kaiser Foundation) From the point of view of the channel or the directors of the show, such shows are mostly in the form of thrillers and suspense which tend to arouse a great deal of interest in the minds of the audience and are thus good for increasing the ratings. However, these shows depict a great deal of violence, which is harmful for audience of all ages to watch. Moreover, the shows may also have explicit violent content which may scar the minds of people. The shows easily portray scheming, violent physical activity, criminal activities such as theft and murder and thrive on these subjects where the criminals are normal people living ‘normal’ lives by the day and committing such activities by night. This obviously has a very negative impact on the audience. These shows that display such explicit violent content tend to get ingrained in the mind s of the viewers as they begin to use the language as used in the show, however offensive it might be and tend to act in the same manner as the actors on the show in similar situations. (Anderson, Kerby) For example, if on the show a man becomes violent and aggressive in a petty issue like parking his car or talking to the traffic police, people watching the show tend to use the same angst while dealing with a similar daily situation because they feel that using aggression will get them what they want which may be equal to what treatment the actor got on the television show. (Huesmann, L.R, and J. Podolski) Moreover, if children tend to view these television series and shows the effect is even worse on them because they are at a stage in their lives where their minds are still growing and developing and they are gullible towards all kinds of situations. Many parents and older people do not think twice before letting their children sit with them and view television serials that might not be suitable for them. Violence being shown on television thus gets imprinted on their minds and this violence tends to come out in society when they deal with similar situations. 2: Are children affected worse by violence shown on television as compared to adults? Children, more than adults, are not able

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Advanced Bioinformatics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Advanced Bioinformatics - Essay Example Bioinformatics is mainly directed on facilitation of ideas and obtained data. Biological research turns into an interesting and not a really hard task, when computer deals with information processing. These days bioinformatics is focused on answering the following questions: a question about new genes, protein functioning, finding the difference between healthy cell genes and cancer cells genes etc. As far as we can see, these global biological issues are solved from a quite different perspective. Bioinformatics reconsiders previous approaches and methods used in biology, and make them more advanced and modern, while there is a combination with computer science and information techniques. There are some exact benefits of bioinformatics in the face of the coming age. For example, various diseases are treated in an innovative way, protein function is considered in details nowadays, innovative drugs and medicine are on the way to discovery, microarrays are applied for diagnosis, genetically modified foods occupy its niche in the modern market and so on. All these benefits and innovative visions and approaches are mediated by means of bioinformatics. It is relevant to look beyond the initial objective of bioinformatics, which was focused on biological data analysis only. Nowadays this scientific field includes many other studies, such as genomics, gene expression studies, structural biology, etc. (Luscombe, p. 356) Biological processes should be processed by means of computation and this can be explained in the following way: the experiments focused on design of biological data or application of innovative technology in the field of data mining are mediated and facilitated by computational methods and approaches for sure (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2004) . Drug discovery is the issue of crucial importance nowadays. The leading pharmaceutical companies are operating on

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Micro case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Micro - Case Study Example Monopolies are given the rights to be the only firms in operation as a result of various barriers to entry into the industry. The major barriers are permits or licenses, ownership of key resources, copyrights and patents, high start up cost and being offered subsidies. Monopolies may also come across barriers in going out of the market, whereby they are restricted from exit from the market if they are responsible for producing an important product. (Musgrave et al, 41). If a government concludes that products manufactured or provided by such firms are indispensable for the benefit of citizens then such monopoly could be halted from exiting because it improves the living standards of people. Monopolies are also characterized by being in charge of technological knowhow used in production or information, which is not available to potential competitors. In addition to this, monopolistic enterprises might have some information or technology, which is not known to others. The technology or information may or may not be solely owned and it could even be a secret formula, which could be a unique way of producing the distinctive product, which will leave other firms in no position to produce the same The key source of a monopoly are the hurdles to entry, which originate from sources such as ownership of key resources and patents, whereby the government may give individual firms the exclusive rights to produce some products. Therefore, production costs will make the only producer more proficient compared to a large group of producers, which will be forced to go out of the market (Musgrave et al, 21). The government can regulate a monopoly so as to prevent heightened prices in a market, and this is achieved by setting the average price of products. The main drawback is that at times the regulated prices are below average the total costs incurred, which means that prices are lower than the producer’s average total costs, and in such cases, a firm

Friday, September 6, 2019

Bigger, Faster, Stronger Essay Example for Free

Bigger, Faster, Stronger Essay Chris Bell who came from an overweight family narrated this film. Chris did not want to be like his father when he was younger; instead he wanted to be like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Chris’ older brother would beat up kids who made fun of him so he was nicknamed Mad Dog. His younger brother hated school and had a learning disability. His younger brother was nicknamed Smelly. Chris and his brothers would wrestle in their basement. Mad Dog had become football captain at his school, while Smelly and Chris began participating in body building competitions. Chris was the strongest kid in his high school and held the New York record. Chris had started to get accused of using steroids. By his senior year he was one of the strongest kids in the country. He moved to California and trained at the gym that Arnold Schwarzenegger trained at. All he accomplished with moving was landing a job at Gold’s Gym selling memberships. It was said that some move to California and live out of their cars to lift at Gold’s Gym. Chris was always against steroids, so when he found out that all his heroes had used them he was very bothered. Chris’ older brother, Mad Dog, stated using steroids while playing football at University of Cincinnati. Shortly after he quit college to pursue another dream of his which was professional wrestling. Mad Dog was the guy who got paid to make other wrestlers look good by getting beat up. Mad Dog was told he would get a contract, but never did. Mad Dog started doing drugs in addition to steroids. He said he would rather be dead than average and later attempted to commit suicide. Smelly also followed Mad Dog and took steroids. He also pursued his wrestling dream, but unlike Mad Dog he had a wife to consider. After having a son, Smelly realized that wrestling was not the life he wanted. Smelly and his wife settled down in the suburbs and opened a gym. But even after quitting wrestling the steroid usage did not stop. Chris could not understand why he was so against steroid usage, but his brothers were not. It is said that many of the baseball players were using steroids and baseball players because of this went from being scrawny to looking like wrestlers. In 2005 Congress spent 151 days in session and 8 of those they spent debating the use of steroids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention anabolic steroids kills 3 people a year and is #142 in top killers. Steroids are synthetic versions of hormones that your body produces naturally. Some side effects of steroids are acne, hair growth, and reduced sperm count. Some side effects in women are deepened voice, menstrual problem, and enlarged clitoris. Some of these side effects are not reversible. Testosterone tells the body to increase muscle size and strength and helps you recover from workouts faster. For kids some experts think steroids can stunt their growth, but it is not proven. No one has ever done studies on long-term effects of steroids. Congress wanted to pass a law that would control steroids like cocaine and heroin. In 1990 Congress passed the Anabolic Steroid Control Act. This video has not changed my opinion on steroids. My thought on steroids before watching this video was that it should only be used for medical reasons. I consider those who use steroids to gain an advantage over others in professional sports as cheaters. This video, however, did introduce me to many other types of people who use steroids such as pilots, porn stars, and musicians.

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Development of Space Power in India

Development of Space Power in India SPACE POWER- A FORCE MULTIPLIER â€Å"The vastness of space is a key factor in the war-form of the future† Alvin Heidi Toffler[1] CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION The Space has always been a matter of great interest to human race, which gazed and tried to explore this cosmic world for thousands of years. Even our own epics talk a lot about space and its utilisation. The space warfare is as old as Indian mythology. However, Science flourished during the European Renaissance and fundamental physical laws governing planetary motion were discovered, and the orbits of the planets around the Sun were calculated. The Chinese were the first to develop a rocket in around 1212 AD. In 1883, a Russian schoolmaster, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, first explained the mechanics of how a rocket could fly into space.[2]. In the 17th century, astronomers pointed a new device called the telescope at the heavens and made startling discoveries[3]. On 03 Oct 1942, German scientists launched an A-4 rocket, which travelled a distance of 190 km and reached an altitude of over 80 km. Orbital operations started with Soviet Sputnik-1 satellite in 1957[4]. Since then exploration and exploitation of the space has been a continued effort. This led to the unfolding of mysteries of the space world and thus using it for own advantages. Military use of space started with the launch of an American reconnaissance satellite in 1960.[5] Since then, the utilisation of space has been a matter of debate and controversies as far as direct war fighting military roles and missions are concerned. However, the support operations like Intelligence, communication and reconnaissance, which came first, did not face much of resistance. The benefits possible from the space-based support operations were realised very quickly and these operations were extended further to surveillance, mapping, navigation, ground mapping, environmental monitoring etc. Space systems have brought better intelligence and stronger defences by enabling the collection of new types of data and information; significantly increasing communications capabilities and capacities; revolutionizing precision navigation and timing; enriching science; establishing new markets; providing safer air, land, and sea transportation; and enabling faster disaster relief as well as more effective civil planning[6]. The phenomenal utilization and exploitation of the space medium has finally provided the users the power to gain advantage over the enemy. Traditionally, power has been related to explosive ordinance and target destruction. But in the post-Cold War world, the power most often delivered by airmen has taken the form of humanitarian aid: food, medical supplies, and heavy equipment.[7] Also Knowledge is the purest form of power and is the reason that overhead surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence-gathering efforts are so important in both war and peace. Information delivered from above can be used to strengthen a friendly regime, discredit an enemy regime, or directly attack the morale of an adversarys frontline troops. They can detect missile launches, nuclear tests and they can provide secure real time communications all over the world. The resolution available with satellite reconnaissance is more than adequate for military needs. The accuracy of GPS is known to us all. In le ss hostile circumstances, the information might consist of humanitarian warnings about impending natural disasters or news about disaster-relief efforts[8]. The meteorological satellites provide accurate weather data from any part of the world. Thus in past few years, space-based systems have enabled dramatic improvement in military and intelligence operations thus enhancing its capability, accuracy and fire power. Thus the Space medium emerging as Space Power and the most effective and widely used force multiplier. METHODOLOGY Statement Of Problem To study and analyse the feasibility of Space Power to evolve as a frontline force multiplier for India and to critically examine the road ahead. Justification Of Study Indias achievement in the field of space capability may not seem to be very advanced especially when compared with the accomplishments of the superpowers and elite members of the satellite club. However, one needs to look at the Indian space programme in isolation to fully understand the tremendous progress and achievements that have been made from such a humble beginning. All the countries have developed launch vehicles as an offshoot of their ballistic missile projects, and their satellites were primarily intended for military use. Non- military applications were a spinoff of the military programmes, whereas India has developed space applications and launch vehicles for totally civilian use. The technology was also used within a broader framework to achieve socio-economic development, and military spin-offs have been incidental. Therefore, India has an inherent advantage as far as civilian support role is concerned however it needs special effort and attitude to develop military support application. Utilization of Space medium and Control of space based assets will be an important ingredient of future world power. President APJ Kalam has stated that accomplishments in space have traditionally been a barometer of international status, technological prowess and enhanced military capability. Rapid advancements in Information Technology, Internet and Com munications are increasingly utilising space based assets. These assets play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of conflicts and are engines that drive economic growths. India and China are likely to be the economic powerhouses of the 21st Century. India is also emerging as a key balancer of Asian stability. By its combined military and space technology, India would be required to contain regional conflicts and prevent unscrupulous exploitation of the Indian Ocean region[9]. Therefore development of space power both for military and civilian use, especially as a force multiplier is must to climb up the pyramid of world power. Perceptions determine actions. The militarys perception of the air and space environment influences the type of space forces it will develop in the future[10]. In Indias context which has belligerent neighbours, space based capabilities are the definite force multiplier. In fact, military strategist call space the new ‘High Ground. Which will bring in revolutionary changes in military affairs. Therefore we need to decide the kind of space force which we need to develop to exploit Space medium to the maximum as a force multiplier to maintain edge in the region. Scope This study analyses the exploitation of Space Force as a force multiplier in the Indian Context. Methods Of Data Collection The information and data for this dissertation has been gathered through internet, various books, papers, journals and newspapers. In addition, lectures delivered by dignitaries at DSSC have been utilised to gather information. The bibliography of sources is appended at the end of the dissertation. Organisation Of The Dissertation It is proposed to study the subject in the following manner:- (a) Chapter I Introduction and Methodology. (b) Chapter II Understanding Space power. (c) Chapter III Roles and Application of Space Power. (d) Chapter IV Space Power as Force Multiplier. (e) Chapter V Indian Capability and the Road Ahead. (f) Chapter VI Recommendations and Conclusion. CHAPTER II UNDERSTANDING SPACE POWER The beginning of wisdom is calling things by their right names. —Confucius Space has fascinated many thinkers, philosophers and Air Warriors equally for a long time. Many a researches and money has gone in exploring and exploiting space but still the concepts are not very clear to many of us. It is extremely important for us to have clear understanding of space before we can evaluate the role and utilization of space medium. Definitions Space Space is void of substance, offers no protection from harmful radiation, and allows only the balance between thrust and gravity with which to maneuver.[11] Space begins where satellites can maintain orbit (81 miles) and extends to infinity.[12] Power is control or authority to influence; the ability to produce an act or event.[13] And Space power is a nations ability to exploit and control the space medium to support and achieve national goals.[14] Gravity The driving force behind all orbital dynamics is the force of gravity and is defined by the law of universal Gravitation given by Isaac Newton in 1687. It states â€Å" Every particle in the universe attracts every other particle with a force that is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the particle†.[15] Escape Velocity Satellites maintain orbit around a planet (Earth in our case) at a particular speed at a given height. If the speed is increased, the satellite goes into a higher orbit. Escape velocity is the speed at which the centrifugal force becomes greater than the pull of planetary gravity. The object would then cease to be an Earth-satellite, and start moving away from the earth. At 500 km the escape velocity is 10.8 km/sec.[16] Satellite Inclination Every satellite orbits within a plane that passes through Earths gravitational centre. The angle formed between the orbital plane of the satellite and the plane of the Earths equator. BY convention, it is measured anticlockwise from the equator to the orbital plane at the point where the satellite crosses, passing to north[17]. Orbits with inclination at or closer to 90 degrees are known as ‘polar orbits. ‘Equatorial orbits are those in or very close to the plane of the equator. The rest, between these two limits, are ‘inclined orbits. The combination of the satellites own motion and that of the rotating planet beneath produces a ‘ground track joining the successive points on the planet which fall directly beneath the satellite. The surface area of the planet in line-of-sight or direct communication with any satellite is a function of its altitude and ground track. In the lowest feasible orbits, the area that can be ‘seen by satelli te sensors is no more than that of one of Earths larger cities. Orbital Decay With a perfectly spherical planet of even density, no air resistance, and no minute gravitational pulls from neighbouring bodies (such as Sun, the Moon, and the other planets), a satellite would stay in orbit forever. In the real world these factors upset the balance of forces which sustains the orbit, which causes it to ‘decay, so that the satellite eventually falls to the Earth. For practical purposes, satellites which go below 300 km encounter air resistance serious enough to require intermittent use of on-board boosters to maintain their orbits.[18] Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This orbit ranges from a height of 200 and 5000 km. Polar and highly inclined orbits are favoured for general reconnaissance missions since they give planet-wide coverage. The periods of such range between 90 minutes and a few hours. Sun Synchronous orbit It is the orbit where in the satellite is used for surveillance at optical wave length and whose orbital motion will bring it periodically over the same area of interest at the same sunlight conditions from day to day. These orbital planes are called as Sun Synchronous orbit[19]. These are low earth orbits inclined at about 98 °. Semi-synchronous Orbit. This is circular orbit at 20,700 km with a period of 12 hours. The term is sometimes extended to all orbits between LEO and this orbit. Molniya Orbit. This is a highly elliptical orbit, at an altitude of between 500 40000 km, with a 12 hour period. This orbit is most stable at an inclination of 63 degrees. (At other inclinations gravitational anomalies resulting from irregularities in the shape and density of the planet cause the major axis of such an orbit the line joining the apogee and the perigee points to rotate inconveniently.) This orbit was used by the Soviet Union to provide satellite spending 11 hours out of 12 hours above the northern hemisphere.[20] Geostationary Satellite As the orbital height increases, so orbital period increases. If the orbital height increases to 35875km, the orbital period will be synchronised with the rotation rate of the Earth. Such a satellite would be called a geosynchronous satellite. If these satellite have zero degree of inclination such that these satellites will appear stationary in the sky over a point on the equator to an observer on earth. Such a satellite would be called a geostationary satellite[21]. This is a circular, equatorial orbit at an altitude of 35,700 km. With a period of 24 hours, such satellites appear to remain almost stationary above a fixed point over the equator. In practice, they sometimes describe a very small ‘ of eight ground tracks about such a point. Three or more evenly spaced geostationary satellites can cover most of the planet, except the Polar Regions. These satellites are mainly used for communications or early warning of missiles. Geosynchronous Orbit has li ttle military or other uses because of its large ‘ of eight ground tracks, depending on its inclination. In military discussions the term ‘geostationary, is tending to be replaced by ‘geosynchronous, because the former is the limiting case of the latter. Even a small inclination causes a geostationary satellite to become a ‘strictly speaking geosynchronous one. Military geostationary satellites may sometimes have a use for such a ground track, though seldom for the much wider, true geosynchronous orbit.[22] Super-synchronous Orbit. The orbits above GEO have had little use so far, but offer many options for future military satellites taking refuge from ground based or LEO anti-satellites. Certain points of equilibrium between solar, lunar and terrestrial gravitation are especially interesting.[23] (a) Near-Earth Orbit (NEO) or aerospace extends 50 to 200 kilometers above the Earths surface, incorporating the mesosphere and the lower edge of the ionosphere in an intermediate region where aerodynamics and ballistics interact or succeed each other. In the short term, NEO will remain the primary location for the deployment of manned and unmanned military systems and probable major space industrialization facilities such as a manned space operations center (SOC)[24]. It is through this zone that ballistic missiles must proceed during and after their boost phase and are most vulnerable to antiballistic missile (ABM) systems. However, minimum long-range effects from nuclear explosions are found at altitudes between 50 and 150 kilometers: above 50 kilometers, the mechanical effects of shockwave pressures almost disappear as a consequence of the relatively low air density; below 150 kilometers, the air density is still high enough to reduce the range of corpuscular radiation through di spersion and absorption so that the long-range thermal effect is also not maximum.[25] Therefore, even very powerful nuclear devises in the megaton range must be detonated at relatively close proximity to their intended target at NEO to be effective, although electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effects could seriously disrupt unhardened electronic systems at long-range distances. Nevertheless, targets at NEO, compared to those at higher gravity well zones, are relatively vulnerable to Earth-based intervention because of an inherently short warning time available for the implementation of countermeasures and the minimal amount of energy that the enemy must expend to reach this zone. Conversely, a weapon system such as a fractional orbital bombardment system (FOBS) at NEO could attack targets on Earth with a minimum of warning[26]. (b) (c) The cislunar zone consists of all space between NEO and Lunar Surface Orbit (LSO), including Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO). The cislunar zone provides military systems situated here the defensive option of a longer reaction time to implement countermeasures against Earth- or NEO-based intervention[27]. (d) (e) LSO consists of the zone of space where the Moon orbits the Earth, including Near Lunar Orbit (NLO) or the space immediately surrounding the Moon. (f) (g) The translunar zone is comprised of the space from LSO to approximately one million kilometers from the Earths surface, where the solar gravity well begins to predominate and includes the five Lagrangian points. These final zones will attain increasing military significance as the process of space industrialization evolves. Eventually the Moon and Lagrangian points could be used to dominate the entire Earth-Moon system.[28] Outer Space In the denomination of legal material dealing with the space exploration and nearly the entire space law, the term outer space is commonly used. But this term has not been defined to date with precision despite many attempts undertaken by jurists, International non-governmental and the United Nations bodies[29]. The difference between space and the outer space is generally not recognised. But the former term is wider than the latter and means the whole universe including the earth while outer space means all spaces other than the earth. In fact, outer space begins where the earths atmosphere ends and extends on in all directions infinitely. The upper limit of the air space constitutes the lowest limit of outer space. The outer space in a broader sense also consists of the entire space beyond celestial bodies and their atmosphere. Celestial bodies include all land masses in space and their atmosphere except Earth. Therefore, air space is excluded from outer space. The diff erence between space and outer space is insignificant in so far as the exploration and use of such domain is concerned[30]. (h) The tactical space environment The tactical space environment of the Earth-Moon system can be conceptualized as a series of gravity well zones that are somewhat analogous to terrestrial hills, promontories, and mountains in that much effort and energy must be initially expended to situate forces in such locations. Once attained, however, these positions can be used to dominate the terrain below with relative ease. 1 illustrates in two-dimensional form the gravity well zones of the Earth-Moon system, which are in reality three dimensional spheres[31]. (i) (j) During the next two decades, military space activities and the development of various commercial space enterprises (or space industrialization) will be primarily restricted to this system. Possible military missions in this tactical environment include direct intervention on the Earths surface form space, regulation of the flow of space traffic, protection of military and industrial space facilities, denial of strategic areas of space to others (such as choice satellite orbits at Geosynchronous Earth Orbit and the various Lagrangian points at which objects revolve with the same period as the gravitational Earth-Moon system and thus remain effectively stationary), and various surveillance, reconnaissance, navigation, command, control, and communication functions[32]. CLICHÉ ABOUT SPACE POWER The space power being the latest addition to the force of a Nation, there is still a huge dilemma about its placement, its use whether military or civilian and also its control. Currently, a fully developed space power theory does not exist. USSPACECOM, recognizing the void, has commissioned Dr. Brian R. Sullivan as lead author to develop this theory.[33] Therefore there is requirement to develop a fully fledged theory and doctrine to guide the developed of space power straight from its infancy. Space is the next great arena for exploration and exploitation. We are limited only by imagination to the wonders, challenges and excitement the next century will bring as far as space forces are concerned. Already, civil and commercial sectors have invested billions of dollars in space and the nations military recognizes its role to protect these interests. The debate within the military on how to best exploit this new medium continues. But there is a need to go over few of the basic issues about Space Power to understand it clearly. The militarys current view of the air and space environment seems to simultaneously focus on opposing relationships between the two mediums. Air and space represent two distinct realms and at the same time, they are difficult to separate because of their similarities. These two relationships exist simultaneously and come together to form the following organizational paradigm of the air and space environment: Space and the atmosphere represent two distin ct medium environments physically different from each other; while at the same time, they are physically linked, and theoretically and historically tied.[34] There are few of these set of fundamental issues which require to be vetted if we are to understand space power with the kind of clarity with which we now understand air power and if we are to understand their nexus[35]. First of the issue, is regarding direct use of space as a Space power or weaponising of space to use it as a force itself. We must determine whether space power apply great power quickly to any tangible target on the planet? Many people would answer no to this question because of political restraints on weaponising space. Others would argue for an affirmative answer based on technical, if not political, feasibility. In either case, the question concerning the applicability of the essence remains assumed but undemonstrated. Or perhaps there exists a space power version of the essence that differs from all other military operations, including air power[36]. Also there are concerns regarding the future of space power and the kinds of military operations that are likely to migrate to space. Space may become another battle space, or it may become only a home to military operations focussed on non-lethal activities in support of combat elsewhere. So the major concern is whether space will be used as direct source of force or will continued to be used as a force multiplier only. Why does the military need a space force? The answers to this question shape military space force development by providing a sense of long-term direction, describing how such a force would serve national interests, and prescribing a force structure to fulfill that need. They are foundational answers that ultimately form the basis for space power theory and enable the military to articulate and justify reasons for a military space force. As the military more clearly articulates why space forces are needed, the better it is able to identify specific requirements necessary to achieve those forces. Thus, this question and the next are closely tied together[37]. What should the military do in space? The answers to this question bring the focus from broad to specific. They help formulate the functions and missions of a military space force, and provide the framework for establishing detailed force requirements. To summarize, the answers to the question of who establish the advocates for a military space force development. The answers to the questions of why and what together develop and identify long term direction, and offer short-term input to the resource allocation process.[38] The next issue is to do with the control of space power. This will mainly emerge from our innovation, imagination and farsightedness. Air Power being the strongest contender of claiming the control of space, there is need to deeply study the relationship between Space power and Air Power. This relationship can be well understood only by defining and studying the relationship between space and Air. Who should lead and develop military space forces? This question addresses the need to focus on finding the best organization, or mix of organizations, to advocate a military space force. Military space advocates must be able to justify—on military grounds alone—the necessity of military forces in space. These organizations are the stewards that provide both administrative control over the forces that support military space power, and the war-fighting control of these forces during employment of that power. A space force advocate embraces and promotes the ideals for a military space force, and garners the support necessary to establish such a force[39]. Air and Space relationship The defining characteristic of air power is an operational regime ele ­vated above the earths surface. Conceptually, space power would seem to be more of the same at a higher elevation. The term aerospace, coined in the late 1950s, echoes this same theme, as do official pronouncements such as although there are physical differences between the atmosphere and space, there is no absolute boundary between them. The same basic military activities can be performed in each, albeit with different platforms and methods.[40] The move from earth to space transitsis through the air environment, thereby inherently bringing about a linkage as no space launch or recovery can take place without transiting through the air medium. Any differentiation between the two would be superficial and indefinable. In future, the air and space mediums would provide a seamless environment where Trans Atmospheric Vehicles (TAVs) and re-usable hypersonic vehicles could exploit it freely. In addition, with increas ed proliferation of Ballistic Missiles and development of potent nuclear warheads, there is a need to extend the current Air Defence capabilities to space to ensure that the threats emanating from the air and space environment can be effectively tackled.[41] While the physical borders between the land, sea and air are readily evident, the physical border between air and space is not as clear. The atmosphere gradually disappears and space gradually starts. Furthermore, from a physical point of view, earths entire connection to space is through the atmosphere. Every movement into space begins with movement through air. Thus, from a physical point of view, space is linked with air.[42] Conceptually thinking, we cannot easily ignore the vast differences between operations in the atmosphere and in space? Current military thought suggests that space is a medium separate and distinct from the atmosphere with physical characteristics unique enough that a barrier forms between the two. The atmosphere is a realm of substance offering the advantages of protection from radiation, thermal transfer of heat and the ability to produce and control lift and drag. These aspects of the air medium make it considerably different than the realm of space.[43] Space assets are differentiated from air platforms by being non-air breathing. Military force includes all of the civilian elements such as contractor support that are required to sustain air or space operations.[44] It is difficult to analyse these and many more issues dealing with space without a general, overarching theory of space power. The task is made even more difficult by several other factors, such as the limited experience base in military space operations, the tight security classification concerning much of what goes on in space, and the thoroughly sub-divided responsibility for space operations. Thus, we have a conundrum-a jig-saw puzzle that will someday picture how space power fits or doesnt fit with air power. Solving the puzzle represents a major leadership challenge.[45] The answers to these questions will drive the future direction the military takes in space. Fundamentally influencing these answers is the militarys organizationally held perceptions of the air and space environment itself. The militarys view of this environment not only shapes the role the military sees for itself in space, but affects how it develops space forces necessary to support that role.[46] CHAPTER III Air and space power is a critical—and decisive—element in protecting our nation and deterring aggression. It will only remain so if we as professional airmen study, evaluate, and debate our capabilities and the environment of the future. Just as technology and world threat and opportunities change, so must our doctrine. We, each of us, must be the articulate and knowledgeable advocates of air and space power. —General Michael E. Ryan ROLES AND APPLICATIONS OF SPACE POWER Victory smiles upon those who anticipate the changes in the character of war not upon those who wait to adapt themselves after the changes occur. Guilio Douhet Man has a compelling urge to explore, to discover and to try to go where no one has ever been before. As most of the Earth has already been explored and even though it is going to be there for a very long time, men have now turned to space exploration as their next objective.[47] Space has provided us with huge capability because of its reach and ubiquity. The roles and applications of Space range widely from direct military roles of using it as a platform to launch weapons or support role of enhancing the capabilities of human beings in both military and civil field. Thus as we race into the next decade, a new frontier seems to be opening up in space with vast potential for military, science and exploration activities. So far as the armed forces are concerned, the sensor like satellites would provide them with unheard-of capabilities in a large number of fields.[48] Space power is becoming an in ­creasingly important aspect of na ­tional strength, but experts disagree about how best to develop its poten ­tial. Like airpower, space power relies heavily upon advanced technology, but technology is useless unless space professionals apply it properly. Air Force leaders recognize that the service needs to nurture a team of highly dedicated space professionals who are prepared to exploit advanced technologies and operating concepts. Concern about the fu ­ture direction of military activities in space has spurred debate over which technologies to produce and how best to develop space professionals. Moral, theoretical, and doc ­trinal questions also loom large. Underlying all of these considerations are political and diplomatic factors[49]. Supporting Role Today, space power pro ­vides supporting functions such as commu ­nications, reconnaissance, and navigation by global positioning system (GPS) satellites. By the end of 1999, at least 2300 military oriented satellites had already been launched. The functions of military satellites, which constitute about 75% of all satellites orbited, ranged from navigation, communications, meteorological and reconnaissance[50]. New technologies move large amounts of data around the world at the speed of light. Al-though a century ago people would have con ­sidered such feats science fiction, modern space capabilities make these and so many more things, reality. Space power has transformed our society and our military. Today, at the outset of the twenty-first century, we simply cannot live—or fight and win—without it. Operation Desert Storm is considered as the first space war, however the supporting role of space like providing near real time data from communicati on and meteorological satellites, was present during the war in Vietnam also. The Gulf War of 1991, however, was the â€Å"first conflict in history to make comprehensive use of space systems support.† [51] The support provided by the space based operations has enhanced the military capabilities drastically such that these operations have become inseparable part of every military operation. Some of these roles have been described as under: (a) Communication Satellites Communicating with deployed forces has always presented the military commanders with a problem. This is especially true in todays fast moving world when troops may have to be deployed anywhere in the world at a very short notice. The orbit used by communication satellite is the geostationary orbit. Three of Development of Space Power in India Development of Space Power in India SPACE POWER- A FORCE MULTIPLIER â€Å"The vastness of space is a key factor in the war-form of the future† Alvin Heidi Toffler[1] CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION The Space has always been a matter of great interest to human race, which gazed and tried to explore this cosmic world for thousands of years. Even our own epics talk a lot about space and its utilisation. The space warfare is as old as Indian mythology. However, Science flourished during the European Renaissance and fundamental physical laws governing planetary motion were discovered, and the orbits of the planets around the Sun were calculated. The Chinese were the first to develop a rocket in around 1212 AD. In 1883, a Russian schoolmaster, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, first explained the mechanics of how a rocket could fly into space.[2]. In the 17th century, astronomers pointed a new device called the telescope at the heavens and made startling discoveries[3]. On 03 Oct 1942, German scientists launched an A-4 rocket, which travelled a distance of 190 km and reached an altitude of over 80 km. Orbital operations started with Soviet Sputnik-1 satellite in 1957[4]. Since then exploration and exploitation of the space has been a continued effort. This led to the unfolding of mysteries of the space world and thus using it for own advantages. Military use of space started with the launch of an American reconnaissance satellite in 1960.[5] Since then, the utilisation of space has been a matter of debate and controversies as far as direct war fighting military roles and missions are concerned. However, the support operations like Intelligence, communication and reconnaissance, which came first, did not face much of resistance. The benefits possible from the space-based support operations were realised very quickly and these operations were extended further to surveillance, mapping, navigation, ground mapping, environmental monitoring etc. Space systems have brought better intelligence and stronger defences by enabling the collection of new types of data and information; significantly increasing communications capabilities and capacities; revolutionizing precision navigation and timing; enriching science; establishing new markets; providing safer air, land, and sea transportation; and enabling faster disaster relief as well as more effective civil planning[6]. The phenomenal utilization and exploitation of the space medium has finally provided the users the power to gain advantage over the enemy. Traditionally, power has been related to explosive ordinance and target destruction. But in the post-Cold War world, the power most often delivered by airmen has taken the form of humanitarian aid: food, medical supplies, and heavy equipment.[7] Also Knowledge is the purest form of power and is the reason that overhead surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence-gathering efforts are so important in both war and peace. Information delivered from above can be used to strengthen a friendly regime, discredit an enemy regime, or directly attack the morale of an adversarys frontline troops. They can detect missile launches, nuclear tests and they can provide secure real time communications all over the world. The resolution available with satellite reconnaissance is more than adequate for military needs. The accuracy of GPS is known to us all. In le ss hostile circumstances, the information might consist of humanitarian warnings about impending natural disasters or news about disaster-relief efforts[8]. The meteorological satellites provide accurate weather data from any part of the world. Thus in past few years, space-based systems have enabled dramatic improvement in military and intelligence operations thus enhancing its capability, accuracy and fire power. Thus the Space medium emerging as Space Power and the most effective and widely used force multiplier. METHODOLOGY Statement Of Problem To study and analyse the feasibility of Space Power to evolve as a frontline force multiplier for India and to critically examine the road ahead. Justification Of Study Indias achievement in the field of space capability may not seem to be very advanced especially when compared with the accomplishments of the superpowers and elite members of the satellite club. However, one needs to look at the Indian space programme in isolation to fully understand the tremendous progress and achievements that have been made from such a humble beginning. All the countries have developed launch vehicles as an offshoot of their ballistic missile projects, and their satellites were primarily intended for military use. Non- military applications were a spinoff of the military programmes, whereas India has developed space applications and launch vehicles for totally civilian use. The technology was also used within a broader framework to achieve socio-economic development, and military spin-offs have been incidental. Therefore, India has an inherent advantage as far as civilian support role is concerned however it needs special effort and attitude to develop military support application. Utilization of Space medium and Control of space based assets will be an important ingredient of future world power. President APJ Kalam has stated that accomplishments in space have traditionally been a barometer of international status, technological prowess and enhanced military capability. Rapid advancements in Information Technology, Internet and Com munications are increasingly utilising space based assets. These assets play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of conflicts and are engines that drive economic growths. India and China are likely to be the economic powerhouses of the 21st Century. India is also emerging as a key balancer of Asian stability. By its combined military and space technology, India would be required to contain regional conflicts and prevent unscrupulous exploitation of the Indian Ocean region[9]. Therefore development of space power both for military and civilian use, especially as a force multiplier is must to climb up the pyramid of world power. Perceptions determine actions. The militarys perception of the air and space environment influences the type of space forces it will develop in the future[10]. In Indias context which has belligerent neighbours, space based capabilities are the definite force multiplier. In fact, military strategist call space the new ‘High Ground. Which will bring in revolutionary changes in military affairs. Therefore we need to decide the kind of space force which we need to develop to exploit Space medium to the maximum as a force multiplier to maintain edge in the region. Scope This study analyses the exploitation of Space Force as a force multiplier in the Indian Context. Methods Of Data Collection The information and data for this dissertation has been gathered through internet, various books, papers, journals and newspapers. In addition, lectures delivered by dignitaries at DSSC have been utilised to gather information. The bibliography of sources is appended at the end of the dissertation. Organisation Of The Dissertation It is proposed to study the subject in the following manner:- (a) Chapter I Introduction and Methodology. (b) Chapter II Understanding Space power. (c) Chapter III Roles and Application of Space Power. (d) Chapter IV Space Power as Force Multiplier. (e) Chapter V Indian Capability and the Road Ahead. (f) Chapter VI Recommendations and Conclusion. CHAPTER II UNDERSTANDING SPACE POWER The beginning of wisdom is calling things by their right names. —Confucius Space has fascinated many thinkers, philosophers and Air Warriors equally for a long time. Many a researches and money has gone in exploring and exploiting space but still the concepts are not very clear to many of us. It is extremely important for us to have clear understanding of space before we can evaluate the role and utilization of space medium. Definitions Space Space is void of substance, offers no protection from harmful radiation, and allows only the balance between thrust and gravity with which to maneuver.[11] Space begins where satellites can maintain orbit (81 miles) and extends to infinity.[12] Power is control or authority to influence; the ability to produce an act or event.[13] And Space power is a nations ability to exploit and control the space medium to support and achieve national goals.[14] Gravity The driving force behind all orbital dynamics is the force of gravity and is defined by the law of universal Gravitation given by Isaac Newton in 1687. It states â€Å" Every particle in the universe attracts every other particle with a force that is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the particle†.[15] Escape Velocity Satellites maintain orbit around a planet (Earth in our case) at a particular speed at a given height. If the speed is increased, the satellite goes into a higher orbit. Escape velocity is the speed at which the centrifugal force becomes greater than the pull of planetary gravity. The object would then cease to be an Earth-satellite, and start moving away from the earth. At 500 km the escape velocity is 10.8 km/sec.[16] Satellite Inclination Every satellite orbits within a plane that passes through Earths gravitational centre. The angle formed between the orbital plane of the satellite and the plane of the Earths equator. BY convention, it is measured anticlockwise from the equator to the orbital plane at the point where the satellite crosses, passing to north[17]. Orbits with inclination at or closer to 90 degrees are known as ‘polar orbits. ‘Equatorial orbits are those in or very close to the plane of the equator. The rest, between these two limits, are ‘inclined orbits. The combination of the satellites own motion and that of the rotating planet beneath produces a ‘ground track joining the successive points on the planet which fall directly beneath the satellite. The surface area of the planet in line-of-sight or direct communication with any satellite is a function of its altitude and ground track. In the lowest feasible orbits, the area that can be ‘seen by satelli te sensors is no more than that of one of Earths larger cities. Orbital Decay With a perfectly spherical planet of even density, no air resistance, and no minute gravitational pulls from neighbouring bodies (such as Sun, the Moon, and the other planets), a satellite would stay in orbit forever. In the real world these factors upset the balance of forces which sustains the orbit, which causes it to ‘decay, so that the satellite eventually falls to the Earth. For practical purposes, satellites which go below 300 km encounter air resistance serious enough to require intermittent use of on-board boosters to maintain their orbits.[18] Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This orbit ranges from a height of 200 and 5000 km. Polar and highly inclined orbits are favoured for general reconnaissance missions since they give planet-wide coverage. The periods of such range between 90 minutes and a few hours. Sun Synchronous orbit It is the orbit where in the satellite is used for surveillance at optical wave length and whose orbital motion will bring it periodically over the same area of interest at the same sunlight conditions from day to day. These orbital planes are called as Sun Synchronous orbit[19]. These are low earth orbits inclined at about 98 °. Semi-synchronous Orbit. This is circular orbit at 20,700 km with a period of 12 hours. The term is sometimes extended to all orbits between LEO and this orbit. Molniya Orbit. This is a highly elliptical orbit, at an altitude of between 500 40000 km, with a 12 hour period. This orbit is most stable at an inclination of 63 degrees. (At other inclinations gravitational anomalies resulting from irregularities in the shape and density of the planet cause the major axis of such an orbit the line joining the apogee and the perigee points to rotate inconveniently.) This orbit was used by the Soviet Union to provide satellite spending 11 hours out of 12 hours above the northern hemisphere.[20] Geostationary Satellite As the orbital height increases, so orbital period increases. If the orbital height increases to 35875km, the orbital period will be synchronised with the rotation rate of the Earth. Such a satellite would be called a geosynchronous satellite. If these satellite have zero degree of inclination such that these satellites will appear stationary in the sky over a point on the equator to an observer on earth. Such a satellite would be called a geostationary satellite[21]. This is a circular, equatorial orbit at an altitude of 35,700 km. With a period of 24 hours, such satellites appear to remain almost stationary above a fixed point over the equator. In practice, they sometimes describe a very small ‘ of eight ground tracks about such a point. Three or more evenly spaced geostationary satellites can cover most of the planet, except the Polar Regions. These satellites are mainly used for communications or early warning of missiles. Geosynchronous Orbit has li ttle military or other uses because of its large ‘ of eight ground tracks, depending on its inclination. In military discussions the term ‘geostationary, is tending to be replaced by ‘geosynchronous, because the former is the limiting case of the latter. Even a small inclination causes a geostationary satellite to become a ‘strictly speaking geosynchronous one. Military geostationary satellites may sometimes have a use for such a ground track, though seldom for the much wider, true geosynchronous orbit.[22] Super-synchronous Orbit. The orbits above GEO have had little use so far, but offer many options for future military satellites taking refuge from ground based or LEO anti-satellites. Certain points of equilibrium between solar, lunar and terrestrial gravitation are especially interesting.[23] (a) Near-Earth Orbit (NEO) or aerospace extends 50 to 200 kilometers above the Earths surface, incorporating the mesosphere and the lower edge of the ionosphere in an intermediate region where aerodynamics and ballistics interact or succeed each other. In the short term, NEO will remain the primary location for the deployment of manned and unmanned military systems and probable major space industrialization facilities such as a manned space operations center (SOC)[24]. It is through this zone that ballistic missiles must proceed during and after their boost phase and are most vulnerable to antiballistic missile (ABM) systems. However, minimum long-range effects from nuclear explosions are found at altitudes between 50 and 150 kilometers: above 50 kilometers, the mechanical effects of shockwave pressures almost disappear as a consequence of the relatively low air density; below 150 kilometers, the air density is still high enough to reduce the range of corpuscular radiation through di spersion and absorption so that the long-range thermal effect is also not maximum.[25] Therefore, even very powerful nuclear devises in the megaton range must be detonated at relatively close proximity to their intended target at NEO to be effective, although electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effects could seriously disrupt unhardened electronic systems at long-range distances. Nevertheless, targets at NEO, compared to those at higher gravity well zones, are relatively vulnerable to Earth-based intervention because of an inherently short warning time available for the implementation of countermeasures and the minimal amount of energy that the enemy must expend to reach this zone. Conversely, a weapon system such as a fractional orbital bombardment system (FOBS) at NEO could attack targets on Earth with a minimum of warning[26]. (b) (c) The cislunar zone consists of all space between NEO and Lunar Surface Orbit (LSO), including Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO). The cislunar zone provides military systems situated here the defensive option of a longer reaction time to implement countermeasures against Earth- or NEO-based intervention[27]. (d) (e) LSO consists of the zone of space where the Moon orbits the Earth, including Near Lunar Orbit (NLO) or the space immediately surrounding the Moon. (f) (g) The translunar zone is comprised of the space from LSO to approximately one million kilometers from the Earths surface, where the solar gravity well begins to predominate and includes the five Lagrangian points. These final zones will attain increasing military significance as the process of space industrialization evolves. Eventually the Moon and Lagrangian points could be used to dominate the entire Earth-Moon system.[28] Outer Space In the denomination of legal material dealing with the space exploration and nearly the entire space law, the term outer space is commonly used. But this term has not been defined to date with precision despite many attempts undertaken by jurists, International non-governmental and the United Nations bodies[29]. The difference between space and the outer space is generally not recognised. But the former term is wider than the latter and means the whole universe including the earth while outer space means all spaces other than the earth. In fact, outer space begins where the earths atmosphere ends and extends on in all directions infinitely. The upper limit of the air space constitutes the lowest limit of outer space. The outer space in a broader sense also consists of the entire space beyond celestial bodies and their atmosphere. Celestial bodies include all land masses in space and their atmosphere except Earth. Therefore, air space is excluded from outer space. The diff erence between space and outer space is insignificant in so far as the exploration and use of such domain is concerned[30]. (h) The tactical space environment The tactical space environment of the Earth-Moon system can be conceptualized as a series of gravity well zones that are somewhat analogous to terrestrial hills, promontories, and mountains in that much effort and energy must be initially expended to situate forces in such locations. Once attained, however, these positions can be used to dominate the terrain below with relative ease. 1 illustrates in two-dimensional form the gravity well zones of the Earth-Moon system, which are in reality three dimensional spheres[31]. (i) (j) During the next two decades, military space activities and the development of various commercial space enterprises (or space industrialization) will be primarily restricted to this system. Possible military missions in this tactical environment include direct intervention on the Earths surface form space, regulation of the flow of space traffic, protection of military and industrial space facilities, denial of strategic areas of space to others (such as choice satellite orbits at Geosynchronous Earth Orbit and the various Lagrangian points at which objects revolve with the same period as the gravitational Earth-Moon system and thus remain effectively stationary), and various surveillance, reconnaissance, navigation, command, control, and communication functions[32]. CLICHÉ ABOUT SPACE POWER The space power being the latest addition to the force of a Nation, there is still a huge dilemma about its placement, its use whether military or civilian and also its control. Currently, a fully developed space power theory does not exist. USSPACECOM, recognizing the void, has commissioned Dr. Brian R. Sullivan as lead author to develop this theory.[33] Therefore there is requirement to develop a fully fledged theory and doctrine to guide the developed of space power straight from its infancy. Space is the next great arena for exploration and exploitation. We are limited only by imagination to the wonders, challenges and excitement the next century will bring as far as space forces are concerned. Already, civil and commercial sectors have invested billions of dollars in space and the nations military recognizes its role to protect these interests. The debate within the military on how to best exploit this new medium continues. But there is a need to go over few of the basic issues about Space Power to understand it clearly. The militarys current view of the air and space environment seems to simultaneously focus on opposing relationships between the two mediums. Air and space represent two distinct realms and at the same time, they are difficult to separate because of their similarities. These two relationships exist simultaneously and come together to form the following organizational paradigm of the air and space environment: Space and the atmosphere represent two distin ct medium environments physically different from each other; while at the same time, they are physically linked, and theoretically and historically tied.[34] There are few of these set of fundamental issues which require to be vetted if we are to understand space power with the kind of clarity with which we now understand air power and if we are to understand their nexus[35]. First of the issue, is regarding direct use of space as a Space power or weaponising of space to use it as a force itself. We must determine whether space power apply great power quickly to any tangible target on the planet? Many people would answer no to this question because of political restraints on weaponising space. Others would argue for an affirmative answer based on technical, if not political, feasibility. In either case, the question concerning the applicability of the essence remains assumed but undemonstrated. Or perhaps there exists a space power version of the essence that differs from all other military operations, including air power[36]. Also there are concerns regarding the future of space power and the kinds of military operations that are likely to migrate to space. Space may become another battle space, or it may become only a home to military operations focussed on non-lethal activities in support of combat elsewhere. So the major concern is whether space will be used as direct source of force or will continued to be used as a force multiplier only. Why does the military need a space force? The answers to this question shape military space force development by providing a sense of long-term direction, describing how such a force would serve national interests, and prescribing a force structure to fulfill that need. They are foundational answers that ultimately form the basis for space power theory and enable the military to articulate and justify reasons for a military space force. As the military more clearly articulates why space forces are needed, the better it is able to identify specific requirements necessary to achieve those forces. Thus, this question and the next are closely tied together[37]. What should the military do in space? The answers to this question bring the focus from broad to specific. They help formulate the functions and missions of a military space force, and provide the framework for establishing detailed force requirements. To summarize, the answers to the question of who establish the advocates for a military space force development. The answers to the questions of why and what together develop and identify long term direction, and offer short-term input to the resource allocation process.[38] The next issue is to do with the control of space power. This will mainly emerge from our innovation, imagination and farsightedness. Air Power being the strongest contender of claiming the control of space, there is need to deeply study the relationship between Space power and Air Power. This relationship can be well understood only by defining and studying the relationship between space and Air. Who should lead and develop military space forces? This question addresses the need to focus on finding the best organization, or mix of organizations, to advocate a military space force. Military space advocates must be able to justify—on military grounds alone—the necessity of military forces in space. These organizations are the stewards that provide both administrative control over the forces that support military space power, and the war-fighting control of these forces during employment of that power. A space force advocate embraces and promotes the ideals for a military space force, and garners the support necessary to establish such a force[39]. Air and Space relationship The defining characteristic of air power is an operational regime ele ­vated above the earths surface. Conceptually, space power would seem to be more of the same at a higher elevation. The term aerospace, coined in the late 1950s, echoes this same theme, as do official pronouncements such as although there are physical differences between the atmosphere and space, there is no absolute boundary between them. The same basic military activities can be performed in each, albeit with different platforms and methods.[40] The move from earth to space transitsis through the air environment, thereby inherently bringing about a linkage as no space launch or recovery can take place without transiting through the air medium. Any differentiation between the two would be superficial and indefinable. In future, the air and space mediums would provide a seamless environment where Trans Atmospheric Vehicles (TAVs) and re-usable hypersonic vehicles could exploit it freely. In addition, with increas ed proliferation of Ballistic Missiles and development of potent nuclear warheads, there is a need to extend the current Air Defence capabilities to space to ensure that the threats emanating from the air and space environment can be effectively tackled.[41] While the physical borders between the land, sea and air are readily evident, the physical border between air and space is not as clear. The atmosphere gradually disappears and space gradually starts. Furthermore, from a physical point of view, earths entire connection to space is through the atmosphere. Every movement into space begins with movement through air. Thus, from a physical point of view, space is linked with air.[42] Conceptually thinking, we cannot easily ignore the vast differences between operations in the atmosphere and in space? Current military thought suggests that space is a medium separate and distinct from the atmosphere with physical characteristics unique enough that a barrier forms between the two. The atmosphere is a realm of substance offering the advantages of protection from radiation, thermal transfer of heat and the ability to produce and control lift and drag. These aspects of the air medium make it considerably different than the realm of space.[43] Space assets are differentiated from air platforms by being non-air breathing. Military force includes all of the civilian elements such as contractor support that are required to sustain air or space operations.[44] It is difficult to analyse these and many more issues dealing with space without a general, overarching theory of space power. The task is made even more difficult by several other factors, such as the limited experience base in military space operations, the tight security classification concerning much of what goes on in space, and the thoroughly sub-divided responsibility for space operations. Thus, we have a conundrum-a jig-saw puzzle that will someday picture how space power fits or doesnt fit with air power. Solving the puzzle represents a major leadership challenge.[45] The answers to these questions will drive the future direction the military takes in space. Fundamentally influencing these answers is the militarys organizationally held perceptions of the air and space environment itself. The militarys view of this environment not only shapes the role the military sees for itself in space, but affects how it develops space forces necessary to support that role.[46] CHAPTER III Air and space power is a critical—and decisive—element in protecting our nation and deterring aggression. It will only remain so if we as professional airmen study, evaluate, and debate our capabilities and the environment of the future. Just as technology and world threat and opportunities change, so must our doctrine. We, each of us, must be the articulate and knowledgeable advocates of air and space power. —General Michael E. Ryan ROLES AND APPLICATIONS OF SPACE POWER Victory smiles upon those who anticipate the changes in the character of war not upon those who wait to adapt themselves after the changes occur. Guilio Douhet Man has a compelling urge to explore, to discover and to try to go where no one has ever been before. As most of the Earth has already been explored and even though it is going to be there for a very long time, men have now turned to space exploration as their next objective.[47] Space has provided us with huge capability because of its reach and ubiquity. The roles and applications of Space range widely from direct military roles of using it as a platform to launch weapons or support role of enhancing the capabilities of human beings in both military and civil field. Thus as we race into the next decade, a new frontier seems to be opening up in space with vast potential for military, science and exploration activities. So far as the armed forces are concerned, the sensor like satellites would provide them with unheard-of capabilities in a large number of fields.[48] Space power is becoming an in ­creasingly important aspect of na ­tional strength, but experts disagree about how best to develop its poten ­tial. Like airpower, space power relies heavily upon advanced technology, but technology is useless unless space professionals apply it properly. Air Force leaders recognize that the service needs to nurture a team of highly dedicated space professionals who are prepared to exploit advanced technologies and operating concepts. Concern about the fu ­ture direction of military activities in space has spurred debate over which technologies to produce and how best to develop space professionals. Moral, theoretical, and doc ­trinal questions also loom large. Underlying all of these considerations are political and diplomatic factors[49]. Supporting Role Today, space power pro ­vides supporting functions such as commu ­nications, reconnaissance, and navigation by global positioning system (GPS) satellites. By the end of 1999, at least 2300 military oriented satellites had already been launched. The functions of military satellites, which constitute about 75% of all satellites orbited, ranged from navigation, communications, meteorological and reconnaissance[50]. New technologies move large amounts of data around the world at the speed of light. Al-though a century ago people would have con ­sidered such feats science fiction, modern space capabilities make these and so many more things, reality. Space power has transformed our society and our military. Today, at the outset of the twenty-first century, we simply cannot live—or fight and win—without it. Operation Desert Storm is considered as the first space war, however the supporting role of space like providing near real time data from communicati on and meteorological satellites, was present during the war in Vietnam also. The Gulf War of 1991, however, was the â€Å"first conflict in history to make comprehensive use of space systems support.† [51] The support provided by the space based operations has enhanced the military capabilities drastically such that these operations have become inseparable part of every military operation. Some of these roles have been described as under: (a) Communication Satellites Communicating with deployed forces has always presented the military commanders with a problem. This is especially true in todays fast moving world when troops may have to be deployed anywhere in the world at a very short notice. The orbit used by communication satellite is the geostationary orbit. Three of