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Portfolio Management Practices in HDFC Bank Essay
HDFC Bank Ltd is a significant Indian monetary administrations organization situated in Mumbai. The Bank is an openly held financial organiz...
Friday, December 27, 2019
ITIN para pagar impuestos y desgravar sin Seguro Social
En Estados Unidos, elà ITIN es un nà ºmero de identificacià ³n fiscal. Es utilizado por extranjeros que no son elegibles para obtener un Nà ºmero del Seguro Socialà (SSN, por sus siglas en inglà ©s). ITIN significa Nà ºmero de Identificacià ³n de Contribuyente Individual, por su nombre en inglà ©s, y se utiliza con dos fines distintos. En primer lugar, para pagar impuestos por los ingresos obtenidos en Estados Unidos. Las leyes federales establecen la obligacià ³n de pagar impuestos paraà toda persona que recibe ingresos en el paà s sin que importe su estatus migratorio.à à En segundo lugar, el ITIN sirve para identificar a cà ³nyuges e hijos dependientes que no tienen SSN para que las personas que pagan impuestos puedan desgravar por esos familiares. En este artà culo se informa sobre los puntos bà ¡sicos del ITIN, quià ©nes pueden solicitar ese nà ºmero, cà ³mo se hace, cà ³mo se renueva y para quà © puede ser utilizado y para quà © no. à ¿Quià ©nes pueden solicitarel ITIN? Pueden solicitar el ITIN personas en distintas situaciones. Por ejemplo, los extranjeros que residen habitualmente fuera de Estados Unidos pero que està ¡n obligados presentar sus planillas de impuestos federales. Por ejemplo, inversionistas o empresarios de otros paà ses que tienen dinero invertido o un negocio en EE.UU. Otro grupo que puede solicitar el ITIN es el de extranjeros no residentes en Estados Unidos que pueden solicitar un beneficio fiscal al amparo de un tratado internacional. Asimismo, otro grupo que debe solicitar el ITIN es el los estudiantes internacionales que viven en Estados Unidos por un tiempo suficiente para ser considerados como residentes a efectos fiscales. Es muy importante entender que esto no los convierte en residentes a efectos de inmigracià ³n, es decir, no por eso pueden obtener una tarjeta de residencia permanente. Sin embargo, si el IRS considera a un extranjero como residente a efectos de pagar impuestos, pues debe hacerlo. Otro grupo de personas para los que es conveniente tener un ITIN es el conformado por cà ³nyuges eà hijos dependientes de ciudadanos americanos o residentes permanentes legales que no pueden sacar la tarjeta del seguro social. Un ejemplo de esta situacià ³n es el caso de esposos u otros dependientes que viven habitualmente fuera de Estados Unidos. Es conveniente que esas personas tengan un ITIN cada uno porque de esta manera los ciudadanos y los residentes permanentesà pueden desgravar por ellos como dependientes cuando presentan la planilla la planilla de los impuestos. Asimismo, pueden solicitar el ITIN el cà ³nyuge y los hijos dependientes de las personas con una visa temporal. Un caso muy tà pico es el de la visa H-1B para profesionales y modelos que permite a cierto grupo de extranjeros trabajar en EEUU y estar acompaà ±ados en el paà s por su familia inmediata, pero estos no pueden trabajar ni obtener un SSN.à El camino para obtener posibles beneficios fiscales desgravando por dependientes a la hora de declarar ingresos es identificando con un ITIN a dichos dependientes. El ITIN es muy frecuentemente solicitado por los migrantes indocumentados. La razà ³n es que por ley està ¡n obligados a pagar impuestos por sus ingresos en Estados Unidos, aunque no tienen permiso para trabajar legalmente.à Algunos migrantes sienten miedo porque temen que el ITIN puede ser utilizado por las autoridades migratorias para localizarlos pero esto no es asà . Segà ºn la Seccià ³n 6103 del Cà ³digo del IRS, las autoridades fiscales no està ¡n autorizadas a proveer informacià ³n sobre quià ©n paga impuestos a ninguna otra agencia del gobierno.à Hay dos excepciones a esa regla. En primer lugar, cuando el Departamento de Tesoro investiga un posible fraude fiscal y, en segundo lugar, cuando existe una orden judicial para que el IRS revele esos datos porque se està ¡ realizando una investigacià ³n. Finalmente, tambià ©n pueden solicitar el ITIN personas en estatus migratorio legal pero que no pueden solicitar, por el momento, un SSN como, por ejemplo, algunas và ctimas de violencia domà ©stica. Informacià ³n bà ¡sica del ITIN El ITIN se creo en 1996 y es un nà ºmero compuesto por nueve dà gitos. Siempre comienza por el nà ºmero 9 y en el cuarto lugar aparece el nà ºmero 7 o el 8. En la actualidad, el ITIN tiene una validez de cinco aà ±os. Segà ºn datos del IRS, cada aà ±o fiscal mà ¡s de cuatro millones de personas utilizan el ITIN para presentar su planilla de impuestos, conocida en EE.UU. como tax returns pagando casi 14 mil millones de dà ³lares. Segà ºn datos del centro de estudios Taxation and Economic Policy, ubicado en Washington D.C. aproximadamente el 50 por ciento de los indocumentados en EE.UU. paga tax returns utilizando un ITIN. à ¿Cà ³mo se solicita el ITIN por primera vez? El ITIN se puede solicitarà por correo enviando la solicitud utilizando la planilla W7. Ademà ¡s, debe incluirse la planilla de impuestos yà documentos originales o certificados por la autoridad que los emite yà que prueben su identidad y su condicià ³n de extranjero.à Si se envà an documentos originales, estos serà ¡n devueltos en 60 dà as desde que se recibià ³ la solicitud. La direccià ³n a la que enviar la solicitudà desde EE.UU. o desde otro paà s e: Internal Revenue ServiceAustin Service CenterITIN OperationP.O. Box 149342Austin, TX 78714-9342 Pero una forma mà ¡s fà ¡cil y conveniente de solicitar el ITIN cerrando una cita conà un agente autorizadoà algunos de los cuales està ¡n ubicados fuera de los Estados Unidos (Acceptance Agent) o visitando unà Centro de Asistencia al Contribuyenteà (TACs, por sus siglas en inglà ©s), donde una persona especializada podrà ¡ ayudarà en este proceso yà verificar la autenticidad de los documentos.à Si necesita ayuda especà fica para su caso para solicitar el ITIN, ademà ¡s de poder acudir a los TACsà se puede marcar al 1-800-829-1040. Documentos admisibles para acompaà ±ar la solicitud del ITIN Para solicitar el ITIN debe probarse la identidad del solicitante y su carà ¡cter de extranjero. Se admiten 13 documentos entre los que se encuentran: pasaporte, cà ©dula de identificacià ³n, licencia de manejar de EEUU o del paà s de origen, partida oficial de nacimiento para menores de 18 aà ±os, ID card de un estado estadounidense, visa, tarjeta militar americana o extranjera o la tarjeta de votante extranjero. Para que cualquiera de estos documentos sea admisible es necesarioà presentar el original o copia certificada por la entidad que los emite. Otra opcià ³n es verificarlos en un TACs o con un Acceptance Agent. Ademà ¡s, no pueden estar expiradosà y que en ellos debe aparecerà claramente el nombre del solicitante,à una foto del mismo y deben servir como prueba de su carà ¡cter de extranjero. Cuà ¡nto tiempo se demoraen procesarse el ITIN En general, se recibirà ¡ el nà ºmero de identificacià ³n fiscal dentro de las seis semanas siguientes a haber formulado la peticià ³n, siempre y cuando la aplicacià ³n està © completa y no falte ningà ºn documento. Si no se recibe contestacià ³n en ese plazo de tiempo se puede llamar gratuitamente al telà ©fono seà ±alado anteriormente para averiguar sobre el estado del trà ¡mite. Expiracià ³n del ITIN y su renovacià ³n En la actualidad, todos los ITIN son và ¡lidos solamente por cinco aà ±os. Se renuevan de la misma forma que se solicitan por primera vez. La à ºnica diferencia es que al renovar no hay que presentar un tax return. Ademà ¡s, cabe destacar que si el ITIN pierde validez automà ¡ticamente si no se utiliza por tres aà ±os consecutivos.à Si se presenta un tax returns con el ITIN caducado, la declaracià ³n de impuestos se va a tramitar pero no se tendrà ¡n en cuenta exenciones o crà ©ditos solicitados ni tampoco se devolverà ¡ dinero al contribuyente al que le corresponderà a mientras no se presente un ITIN và ¡lido.à à ¿Para quà © puede utilizarse el ITIN y para quà © no? A pesar de ser un nà ºmeroà emitido oficialmente por una agencia del Departamento del Tesoro de los Estados Unidos, el ITIN no puede utilizarse como identificacià ³n ni, en ningà ºn caso, como un sustituto del nà ºmero social.à à Nunca jamà ¡s el ITIN prueba de que se està ¡ autorizado para trabajar. No es uno de los documentos admitidos en la planilla I-9à que se completan al comenzar a trabajar en una empresa. Ademà ¡s, si la compaà ±Ã a utiliza el sistema e-verify, serà a evidente que no se tiene permiso para trabajar. El pago de impuestos con un ITIN no da derecho a solicitar el crà ©dito fiscal que se conoce como Earned Income Tax Credità (EITC, por sus siglas en inglà ©s), y que es el mà ¡s solicitado por las familias trabajadores de bajos ingresos. Tampoco se puede obtener beneficios del sistema del seguro social ni de Medicare, a pesar de haber contribuido con los impuestos a esos fondos. El ITIN se utiliza para pagar impuestos, porque es una obligacià ³n que establece la ley. Tambià ©n se usa porque brinda algunos beneficios. Por ejemplo, las personas que pagan impuestos con un ITIN pueden solicitar un Child Tax Credit por sus hijos dependientes, con un mà ¡ximo de $2.000 por menor. Sin embargo en la actualidad se requiere que dichos dependientes tengan un nà ºmero del seguro social propio. Ademà ¡s, cuando un migrante cambia de estatus migratorio, el pago de impuestos con ITIN podrà a servir para probar aà ±os de residencia en el paà s. Asimismo, podrà a dar derecho a contabilizar los pagos ya hechos a Medicare y al sistema del seguro social una vez que ya tiene un nà ºmero social.à Este punto, debido a su carà ¡cter delicado, es aconsejable consultarlo con un abogado. Tambià ©n da derecho el ITIN a poder abrir una cuenta de banco que genera interà ©s. Finalmente, algunos estados listan el ITIN como uno de los documentos que puede presentarse para probar identidad a la hora de solicitar una licencia de manejar o un I.D. de identificacià ³n. Puntos Bà ¡sicos: El ITIN y su utilizacià ³n El ITIN es un nà ºmero de identificacià ³n fiscal que emite el IRS, una agencia del Departamento del Tesoro de Estados Unidos.Pueden solicitarlo las personas que no tienen derecho a un Nà ºmero del Seguro Social pero tienen que pagar impuestos en EE.UU. o pueden ser personas dependientes de otras por las que se desgrava, y es que el fin del ITIN es pagar impuestos y para desgravar, aunque algunas desgravaciones no aplican con el ITIN.No es una identificacià ³n, no da permiso para trabajar legalmente en EE.UU ni tampoco sirve para probar o ganar estatus migratorio alguno.En la actualidad, el ITIN es và ¡lido por cinco aà ±os, despuà ©s debe renovarse. Ademà ¡s, caduca si no se utiliza por tres aà ±os consecutivos. Este es un artà culo informativo. No es asesorà a legal.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest - 1245 Words
An exceptionally tall, Native American, Chief Bromden, trapped in the Oregon psychiatric ward, suffers from the psychological condition of paranoid schizophrenia. This fictional character in Ken Keseyââ¬â¢s One Flew Over The Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest struggles with extreme mental illness, but he also falls victim to the choking grasp of society, which worsens Bromdenââ¬â¢s condition. Paranoid schizophrenia is a rare mental illness that leads to heavy delusions and hallucinations among other, less serious, symptoms. Through the love and compassion that Bromdenââ¬â¢s inmate, Randle Patrick McMurphy, gives Chief Bromden, he is able to briefly overcome paranoid schizophrenia and escape the dehumanizing psychiatric ward that he is held prisoner in. The background ofâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦As a part of the Army, Chief fought in World War II. It is very possible that Post-traumatic Stress Disorder could have been a contributing factor to his schizophrenia. However, it is unclear what exactly caused the onset of Bromdenââ¬â¢s mental illness. There is no doubt that a combination of dominating forces including the government, his mother, and the Army caused Chiefââ¬â¢s schizophrenia. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m the one been here the longest, since the Second World War... Longerââ¬â¢n any of the other patientsâ⬠(18). Chief began to experience schizophrenia and was admitted to the Oregon psychiatric ward right after the war so it appears that the war was a contributing factor in his breakdown. The symptoms that Chief Bromden experiences are clearly representative of paranoid schizophrenia. The two most significant symptoms that Chief experiences are hallucinations and delusions. Bromden is absolutely convinced that the hospital, and the rest of the combine, is run by machinery. This is because he studied electronics in college, ââ¬Å"I walk over to the technical section..books I recognize..I remember inside the books are full of schematic drawings and equa tions and theoriesâ⬠(182). The knowledge that Bromdenââ¬â¢s brain has about electronics allows him to create outlandish delusions and hallucinations. ââ¬Å"I see her sit in this web of wires like a watchful robot, tend her network with mechanical insect skill, know everyShow MoreRelatedOne Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest875 Words à |à 3 Pages In ââ¬Å"One Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nestâ⬠by Ken Kesey, Nurse Ratched symbolizes the oppression of society through archetypal emasculation. The male patients at the ward are controlled, alienated and forced into submission by the superior female characters. Throughout the novel, there is a constant fear of female superiority; Randle McMurphy, the sexually empowered male protagonist, states how they are essentially being castrated. Castration, in the novel, symbolizes the removal of freedom, sexualRead MoreEssay On One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest1487 Words à |à 6 PagesWard Power is defined as the controlling entity that cannot be escaped from those who are less superior. In Ken Keseyââ¬â¢s novel, One Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest, there is an evident theme shown throughout particular instances of how power can turn into something catastrophic. From this novel, many characters undergo highs and lows of this concept. One Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest tells a story through the perspective of Chief Bromden. The setting takes place in a mental institution located in Oregon, whereRead More One Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest Essay864 Words à |à 4 PagesOne Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest Written by Ken Kesey, One Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest was published in 1967 by Penguin Books. This story was written based on the authorââ¬â¢s experience while working in a mental institution. He held long conversations with the inmates in order to gain a better understanding of them. It was during this period that he wrote the first draft of One Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest. Most of the characters in the novel are based upon actual patients he met while working atRead MoreOne Flew over the Cuckoos Nest2390 Words à |à 10 Pages3 May 2011 One Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest In the novel, ââ¬Å"One Flew over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest,â⬠by Ken Kesey, the book has a lot of meaning, symbolism, and imagery. This book has been criticized by many around the country and has even been considered to be banned in high schools nationwide. One Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest is seen as obscene, racist, immoral, and sexist to some eyes. It does have some bizarre language, and some obscene scenes, but every great literature attempts to give anRead MoreOne Flew over the Cuckoos Nest by Ken Kesey1137 Words à |à 4 Pages In 2010 one in five Americans experienced some sort of mental illness, and only about 60 percent of people with mental illness get treatment each year1. In the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, by Ken Kesey, the wrong people seem to be getting the treatment. The novel is the story of a gambling addictive man, Randle Patrick McMurphy, who is a committed mental patient, serving out his time as an ââ¬Å"Acuteâ⬠instead of a Prisoner . Ultimately, the story tells of how insanity can be broughtRead MoreTheme Of Women In One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest1766 Words à |à 8 Pages One Flew over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest In the 1960s the views of women were not as they are today. For centuries women have been objectified and not treated as equals, only being viewed as property or looked at for their physical features. Ken Kesey the author of One Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest, with the character McMurphy, learned towards the superiority of the male sexuality over female authority (123 Helpme). The women in the novel One Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest are portrayed as weak, sex objects,Read MoreOne Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest by Ken Kesey. Essay668 Words à |à 3 PagesOne Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest is a controversial novel that has left parents and school authorities debating about its influence on students since its publication in 1962. The novel describes the inner workings of a mental institution, how the patients are emasculated and mistreated by the terrifying Nurse Ratched, who will go to any length to control them. But in comes McMurphy, a criminal who chose to go to an asylum rather than serve physical labor; he disrupts the order of the hospital withRead MoreOne Flew over the Cuckoos Nest Research Paper1764 Words à |à 8 PagesDrugs and Insanity Against Society The author of the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, Ken Keasey, received his inspiration for the book while volunteering at a veterans hospital. This is where he was first introduced to LSD. The moment he tried it, he became addicted, and began experimenting on himself with the drugs, observing the effects. The novel deals with the tyrannical rule of head Nurse Ratched in a mental hospital somewhere in Oregon. She runs all business and daily life in the asylumRead MoreOne Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest by Ken Kesey1916 Words à |à 8 PagesOne Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest and Ken Kesey Final One Flew Over the Cuckooââ¬â¢s Nest, written by Ken Kesey, was a very successful novel which was impactful on the world in the past, and still is today. Ken Kesey, a big believer in individuality and the freedom to be oneself, brought new meaning to the world of psychiatry that changed treatments forever. This book didnââ¬â¢t just affect American society, it had a global impact. All around the world there are people that are admitted into mental institutionsRead MoreOne Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest by Ken Kesey580 Words à |à 2 PagesOne Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest is an enthralling book which depicts the lives of the insane and their struggles regarding the authority of a healthcare facility ward. The healthcare facility ward develops into a restaurant of disobedience while the wise-guy hero, attempts to reform the establishment while dignifying individuals within. The story is written in the first person perspective by Chief Bromden a big client that is sharing his psychologi cal facility experience. He is a man who has actually
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Using Healthcare Data For Decision Making
Question: Discuss about the Using Healthcare Data For Decision Making. Answer: Introduction The information in the healthcare profession is consistently monitored in terms of data quality, coding and documentation so as to provide an assurance of compliance and reimbursement of the healthcare standards. As the cost to healthcare rise it causes an increase to consumer needs, and also emergence of the new consumer needs. It is vital for the industrial healthcare profession to ensure there is an evaluation of trends and development of healthcare systems. The systems are supposed to be efficient and effective as well as affordable both for the healthcare providers and the consumers. Good decision making should be based on the accuracy of quality information. The healthcare professionals are diligently making sure that the information it is critical for the future of the healthcare providers. The healthcare providers generate and collect data for making good decisions. There is an increase of data collection which requires an automatic way for it to be extracted, when it is needed (Hesse, et al. 2011). When using data for decision making it is very possible to find a clear and precise decision which is useful for healthcare departments. Using data for decision making is very useful in controlling consumers limitations such as error and subjectivity due to fatigue, and also provision of clear indications for decision making process. The essence of using data in the healthcare sector is an indication for models, relations and patterns which provide support for the process of decision making such as treatment planning and diagnoses. These models are predictive, and integrated into the hospitals information systems as models for decision making, which is a way of reducing subjectivity. Therefore, this paper will discuss the method of using the healthcare data for decision making, the results or the findings of the method, discussion and recommendation behind the method and conclusion. Background The research analysis is based on data researched and presented by Australian UTS Online Public Hospital located in New South Wales. The aim of report is to use healthcare data in addressing issues related to diabetes Mellitus and come up with proper decision (Assal, 2013). This disease is known as diabetes which involves a group of metabolic diseases that have a high blood sugar level. Using healthcare data for decision making is important when giving a report on how diabetes has spread in Australia (Hibbard, Slovic and Jewett, 2009). Currently in Australia, there is no national healthcare data for measuring and monitoring the trends of diabetes mellitus. The data and information produced is based on the report of Australian public Hospital. This hospital addresses issues related to diabetes mellitus. Between 1989-90 the percentage of those reported suffering from diabetes mellitus doubled from 1.5% to 4.2%, however, the rate remained constant in the year 2007-2008. Therefore, in this paper the analysis will be based on the UTS hospital data which will help the Australia to totally eradicate diabetes mellitus (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2009). The online UTS report released early 2016 indicated that the diets of the Australians are going downward, as junk food was reported the main cause of diabetes mellitus (Gracey and King, 2009). This raised the countrys score up 10 points; this would help the country moderate against growing lifestyle diseases such as heart diseases and regulate increased rate of obesity (Kopelman, 2013) Current Prevalence and incidence of diabetic mellitus in Australia Current admission and the length of stay Table 1: Showing admissions and length of stay Demographic With Diabetes Without diabetes No. of those participated 23, 779 239, 703 Admissions Total no. of admissions 16,692 107,343 Daily 10,231 75,197 One day 6,460 32,145 No. of those admitted All 7,807=32.8 57,970 =24.2 First 1 event 1,034 =4.3 7,752 =3.2 Principle cause 710 =3.0 - Diabetes as ACSC2 1,744 =7.3 - The above table 1 shows the rate of admission diabetic mellitus in Australia was 9.0% of23,779. The rates for admission of the participants, 454.48 and 631.3 every 1000 and total mean of the length of stay was 7.1 and 8.2 for those without and with respectively. Both the patient the risk was related to household income, gender, BMI, age, smoking and physical activities. In current trend Diabetes is an epidemic disease, it is the biggest challenge faced by Australian health institutes (Zimmet, Alberti and Shaw, 2015). This disease is one of the chronic diseases in Australia such as cancer and heart diseases that are growing very fast. All the types of diabetes are increasing in frequency, for example type 1 diabetes accounts for about 10% increase, type 2 accounts for 85% and gestation diabetes is also increasing in pregnant women (Moses, et al. 2011) ii) Approaches used in decreasing the length of stay Patients with crucial problems or those who do not respond well in terms of glucose control to the initial treatment regime should get referred to special diabetic staff. In order to reduce the length of stay in hospital of diabetic patients, there has to be specific protocols drawn for those patients admitted due to acute diabetes. The diabetic patients undergo basic assessment which is done by the nurses (De Berardis, et al. 2012). The assessment is important, because those patients who have stable diabetes normally are not seen unless their situations start to deteriorate. This allows the nurses to take care of the weak patients and not stable dietetically. This reduces their time of stay in the hospitals. However, where there is consistency among the specialists it clearly suggests that the post itself will bare good effects. The objective of the post is to ensure that diabetic patients have good control during their stay in the hospital (Aro, 2013). As a result of this effect, there is education such as dietary advice, for the diabetic patients according to every patient needs, with appropriate equipments (Holmes, et al. 2014). Data analysis plan of the UTS Below is the data analysis for the Australian healthcare for decision making. The tables clearly illustrates individuals characteristics relevant to diabetes mellitus Table 2: UTS data analysis of the profile surgical patients profile Diabetes No diabetes participants 23,779 % 239,703 % Gender Male 13,393 56.3 108,589 45.3 Female 10,386 43.7 131,114 54.7 Age group 45-59 6,698 28.2 115,733 48.3 60-74 11,143 46.9 86,102 35.9 75 5,935 25.0 37,850 15.8 Table 2 above summarizes that those who had diabetes were male who are aged between 65 to 74 years. The men were born in a foreign country, not completed the 10th year of schooling, they live a commune which is disadvantaged and have domestic income of $20,000 when compared to those without. Those without were likely to be less obese, heart disease, depression. iii) Diagnosis of secondary and primary Table 3: Showing secondary and primary diagnoses profile With Diabetes without diabetes No. of participants 23, 779 % 239, 703 % Gender of participants Male participants 13, 393 56.3 108, 589 45.3 Female participants 10, 386 43.7 131, 114 54.7 Age of participants 45 to 59 6, 698 28.2 115, 733 48.3 60 to 74 11, 143 46.9 86, 102 35.9 75 5,935 25.0 37, 850 15.8 The above table 3 shows the rate of admission diabetic mellitus in Australia was 9.0% of 23,779. The admission rates for the participants were 454.48 and 631.3 per 1000 and total mean of the length of stay was 7.1 and 8.2 for those without and with respectively. Both the patient the risk was related to the household income, age, BMI, smoking, gender, physical activities and health. Findings The UTS found that the risk for hospitalization was as a result of smoking, gender, age, health, physical activity, wellbeing (Aro, et al. 2013). The risk was attenuated those who are older and had diabetes and they were likely to hypertension, obese, hyperlipidaemia, this enhanced those participants with diabetes mellitus were likely men, current smokers or those had depression. Dormant diabetes mellitus in adults slowly may develop like type 1 diabetes. According to the research done by healthcare providers who used healthcare data for decision making, diagnosis of diabetes mellitus mostly occurs after a period of 30 years. The beta cells are destroyed by immunity of the body. During diagnoses, those persons with autoimmune diabetes produce their own insulin, but most of them require insulin pumps to keep the blood sugar at the normal level. Discussion The UTS online hospital in Australia used healthcare data for decision making. The hospital observed that married diabetic patients had lower rate of metabolic syndrome and BMI as compared to widows or single patients. Moreover, those who stayed together with their spouses were 58% likely not to develop diabetic syndrome and 50% less to become overweight (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2009) The finding existed even after there was an adjustment for diabetic duration, sex and age. The person who is in a state of singlehood risked being overweight, as result of metabolism especially in male patients (Yoshinobu, 2010, 2011). The finding provided a suggestion that there should be a social health care employed to help those single diabetic patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. This could help them understand how manage their own bodies well. According to the researchers, it was noted that there was lack of information relating to relationships between the spouses and the patients, and this was counted as possible confounder. Similarly, there were cultural differences according to this Australian study which could negatively affect the Australian population with this kind of diabetes. Using healthcare data for decision making is very important especially for those patients suffering from diabetic mellitus. According to the finding of Australian UTS online hospital, Diabetes mellitus is as a result of destruction of insulin producing cells called beta cells(Gracey and King, 2009).. Therefore, the unmarried women or widows according to the finding have a high rate of insulin cells destruction as compared to married men. The women who are prone to diabetic mellitus are severally likely to undergo surgery. Therefore, using healthcare data for decision making prevents more patients to under acute diabetes attack. When it comes to diabetic mellitus, the immune system is the one that protects the body from being infected by destroying viruses, bacteria and other harmful substances. But when it comes to the autoimmune diseases, cells of the body are attacked by the immune system. In type 1 diabetes mellitus, beta cell destruction takes place for quite some years, but its symptoms takes a short time to develop (Yoshinobu, 2010, 2011). According to the research done by the Australia UTS Online Hospital, type 1 diabetes mostly occurs in young adults and children, though it appears at any age. Time ago, type 1 diabetes was known as juvenile diabetes mellitus. Conclusion Using healthcare data for decision making contributes a lot to the rise of clear information or report concerning diabetes mellitus. It is important for the detection of the diabetes mellitus, improved survival of those people who have diabetes and the increase in public awareness about diabetes disease. Healthcare data for decision making is very important as discussed below (Heisler, et al. 2010) which include: The data tends to address medical issues. This is from different aspects of healthcare systems or departments such as pharmacy or radiology. The data is expected from all the healthcare organizations (Thorne, 2014).The data is aggregated into single information or a central system like warehouse for enterprise data. This makes it easier to access the data and makes it actionable. There is complexity in the data since as observed by the healthcare providers. The research done says that healthcare data for decision making has been in existence for quite some time and therefore scrubbed and standardized. But such type of data is referred to as incomplete data. Data from EMRs gives a more complete picture of the patients diabetes story (Tunis, Stryer and Clancy, 2008). Quality data analysis is one of the objectives of the healthcare institutions, though variability of data makes it a challenge to the healthcare sector.Finally, reporting and regulatory requirements are always increasing and evolving. Therefore, Healthcare departments need information which is quality so as to make a precise decision (Eichler et al. 2009). This will ensure transparency in providing information to the public such as pricing information. Therefore, healthcare data is an important factor and is it has advantages to the healthcare sector. The data is helpful especially in the making of decisions that are of great importance both for the consumers and nurse staff. The healthcare sector should always rely on the healthcare data while making decisions. References Aro, S., Kangas, T., Reunanen, A., Salinto, M and Koivisto, V., 2013. Hospital use among diabetic patients and the general population. Diabetes Care, 17(11), pp.1320-1329. Assal, J.P. and Groop, L., 2013. Definition, diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus and its complications. World Health Organization, pp.1-65. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2009. Diabetes Prevalence in Australia: An Assessment of National Data Sources. De Berardis, G., DEttorre, A., Graziano, G., Lucisano, G., Pellegrini, F., Cammarota, S., Citarella, A., Germinario, C.A., Lepore, V., Menditto, E. and Nicolosi, A., 2012. The burden of hospitalization related to diabetes mellitus: a population-based study. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 22(7), pp.605-612. Eichler, H.G., Kong, S.X., Gerth, W.C., Mavros, P. and Jnsson, B., 2009. Use of Costà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã Effectiveness Analysis in Healthà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã Care Resource Allocation Decisionà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã Making: How Are Costà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã Effectiveness Thresholds Expected to Emerge?. Value in health, 7(5), pp.518-528. Gracey, M. and King, M., 2009. Indigenous health part 1: determinants and disease patterns. The Lancet, 374 (9683), pp.65-75. Heisler, M., Bouknight, R.R., Hayward, R.A., Smith, D.M. and Kerr, E.A., 2010. The relative importance of physician communication, participatory decision making, and patient understanding in diabetes selfà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã management. Journal of general internal medicine, 17(4), pp.243-252. Hesse, B.W., Nelson, D.E., Kreps, G.L., Croyle, R.T., Arora, N.K., Rimer, B.K. and Viswanath, K., 2011. Trust and sources of health information: the impact of the Internet and its implications for health care providers: findings from the first Health Information National Trends Survey. Archives of internal medicine, 165(22), pp.2618-2624. Hibbard, J.H., Slovic, P. and Jewett, J.J., 2009. Informing consumer decisions in health care: implications from decisionà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã making research. Milbank Quarterly, 75(3), pp.395-414. Holmes-Rovner, M., Kroll, J., Schmitt, N., Rovner, D.R., Breer, M.L., Rothert, M.L., Padonu, G. and Talarczyk, G., 2014. Patient satisfaction with health care decisions the satisfaction with decision scale. Medical Decision Making, 16(1), pp.58-64. Jansen, J.P., Fleurence, R., Devine, B., Itzler, R., Barrett, A., Hawkins, N., Lee, K., Boersma, C., Annemans, L. and Cappelleri, J.C., 2011. Interpreting indirect treatment comparisons and network meta-analysis for health-care decision making: report of the ISPOR Task Force on Indirect Treatment Comparisons Good Research Practices: part 1. Value in Health, 14(4), pp.417-428. Kopelman, P.G., 2013. Obesity as a medical problem. Nature, 404(6778), pp.635-643. Moses, R.G., Morris, G.J., Petocz, P., San Gil, F. and Garg, D., 2011. The impact of potential new diagnostic criteria on the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Australia. Medical Journal of Australia, 194(7), p.338. Thorne, S., 2014. Data analysis in qualitative research. Evidence based nursing, 3(3), pp.68-70. Tunis, S.R., Stryer, D.B. and Clancy, C.M., 2008. Practical clinical trials: increasing the value of clinical research for decision making in clinical and health policy. Jama, 290(12), pp.1624-1632. Tuomilehto, J., Lindstrm, J., Eriksson, J.G., Valle, T.T., Hmlinen, H., Ilanne-Parikka, P., Keinnen-Kiukaanniemi, S., Laakso, M., Louheranta, A., Rastas, M. and Salminen, V., 2009. Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus by changes in lifestyle among subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. New England Journal of Medicine, 344(18), pp.1343-1350. Yoshinobu K, 2011.American Diabetes Association. Diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes care, 33(Supplement 1), pp.S62-S69. Yoshinobu K., 2010.American Diabetes Association,. Diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes care, 29(1), p.S43. Zimmet, P., Alberti, K.G.M.M. and Shaw, J., 2015. Global and societal implications of the diabetes epidemic. Nature, 414(6865), pp.782-787.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Working with Data Just Got Easier Converting Tabular Data into RDF Within GraphDB
Working with Data Just Got Easier: Converting Tabular Data into RDF Within GraphDB Teodora Petkova Exciting as the things GraphDB allows you to do (explore heterogenous datasets, build relationships between facts, uncover meaning inside unstructured data, infer new knowledge, to mention just a few), they all start with, to put it mildly, the not so inspiring task of cleaning your data and further transforming it into RDF.In practice, before the leaps of data-driven insights and actions come the heaps of inconsistent, unfiltered and heterogenous data that need to be cleaned up. For the data worker having to deal with these messy data is not unlike the fifth labor of Hercules where the hero gets the dirty job of cleaning the Augean Stables. Saving Time and Effort with GraphDBââ¬â¢s OntoRefine With plenty of tools for cleaning and conversion of data, the question of leveraging legacy data is not so much how to get these data transformed into interoperable and easy to query and integrate data pieces (read RDF the so-called backbone of the Semantic Web) but rather about how to do this with maximum productivity and minimum wasted effort.And this is where OntoRefine comes into play.OntoRefine is a new addition to GraphDB that allows you to do many ETL (extract, transform and load) tasks over tabular data through an intuitive user interface. Based on the open source tool for working with messy data à OpenRefine (formerly called Google Refine), and embedded in GraphDB, OntoRefine makes the process of filtering and editing inconsistent data easy and frictionless.To get back to the Augean Stables parallel, think of OntoRefine as the witty little tool of the brave data hero tasked with the dirty job of data cleanup and transformation.Before OntoRefine, to turn tabular into inte rlinked graph data, data had to be loaded in a tool, cleaned manually, further exported and then imported into another tool as to be transformed into RDF. Finally, after yet another import and export, the RDF dataset had to be loaded into GraphDB. With OntoRefine these processes can happen within GraphDB.Thus cleaning up and transforming a non-RDF dataset is a fast and easy process, leaving more time for the things that really matter: running queries to discover interesting relationships within data, integrating data in short, enjoying the full power of working with data as a graph.Key to what OntoRefine does is the heavy lifting of removing inconsistencies, filtering data simultaneously, converting them into RDF and then importing the dataset into the repository. OntoRefine can be used for converting tabular data into RDF and importing it into a GraphDB repository, using simple SPARQL queries and a virtual endpoint. The supported formats include various line-based files, TSV, CSV, *SV, XLS, XLSX, JSON, XML, RDF as XML, and Google sheet.From the vantage point of understanding the power of working with data as a graph, OntoRefine is a tiny yet important step toward thinking outside the table.Quick Facts About OntoRefineBased on OpenRefine.Embedded in GraphDBââ¬â¢s.Transforms data using SPIN functions.Allows cleaning up and transforming data without leaving the GraphDB Workbench.Supports the following formats: line-based files, TSV, CSV, *SV, XLS, XLSX, JSON, XML, RDF as XML, Google sheet.Get, Load, Clean, Import and Enjoy!To clean up and transform non-RDF data into RDF using OntoRefine, you need to pick a dataset, load it and process it, and then upload it to GraphDB. In the video below you can go through the details of the data cleanup and transformation process. The dataset selected and transformed is from data.amsterdam.nl and contains records of restaurants and cafes in and around Amsterdam, and was available as a CSV file.Watch the entire video to lear n:How to create an empty repository and connect to it;How to import a dataset, preview data and specify various parameters;How to create a project and start cleaning data;How to edit simultaneously cells containing a particular entry;How to apply filters by selecting a subset of possible values and how to edit all entries in a column;How to use a SPARQL Construct query to shape our data in a specified way.To dive even deeper into the technical details behind OntoRefine,à check: OntoRefine overview and features.More Business Value with Clean and RDF-ized DataFast and frictionless experience when cleaning up and RDF-izing within GraphDB means a smoother data processing workflow and above all saving time and effort for focusing on data modeling and analysis. With OntoRefine embedded in the latest version of GraphDB GraphDB 8, cleaning and transforming tabular data are brought together in one place to let those working with data tap into the full potential of handling data as a gra ph.See for yourself how easy and smooth the processes of data cleanup and transformation into RDF with OntoRefine are.
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
3 Misunderstood Punctuation Marks Youre Probably Not Using Correctly
Depending on whether theyââ¬â¢re used correctly, punctuation marks can often make or break a content piece. Not only do they help make your writing clear, they also help with content flow so your readers actually keep reading. There are many punctuation marks that are often misunderstood and misused. Here are a few of the more frequently misused punctuation marks and information on how to use them correctly. Colon Colons are mostly used for clarification purposes. They are almost always used after a complete sentence to denote that a list, definition, description or explanation is incoming. Because the portion before the colon should be a complete sentence, the part after the colon does not necessarily have to be a complete sentence as well. Below are some examples. List Colon ââ¬Å"Yesterday, I had my favorite lunch: potato chips, Reuben sandwich, orange soda and an orange. Descriptive Colon ââ¬Å"Tom is dating Julie, the loveliest woman in school: her laugh is infectious and sheââ¬â¢s been volunteering at the homeless shelter.â⬠Colon for Definition ââ¬Å"I was reading Julius Caesar this weekend and had to look up the meaning of ââ¬Å"ides of March: The 15th of March. Explanation Colon ââ¬Å"I had a great day: I won the lottery and married the man of my dreams.â⬠Semicolon Almost no point of punctuation, in the experience of this editor, gets erroneously used more than the semicolon. It is correctly used in mainly two ways: joining clauses that are closely related and helping out in lists that are too complicated to just use commas. When used with clauses, the clauses need to be independent so that they are able to stand on their own. ââ¬Å"I used to live in France; I moved to Belgium when I was 3.â⬠ââ¬Å"She likes coffee; I prefer soda.â⬠Semicolons in Lists ââ¬Å"This weekend I drove through Paris, Tennessee; London, Ohio; and Rome, Kentucky. Hyphens Hyphens are used to turn two descriptive words into a single word. They can also be used for typesetting purposes, but most word processing programs do that kind of thing automatically now. Hyphens for Joining Words ââ¬Å"The man-eating shark was finally caught a few miles up the coast.â⬠ââ¬Å"The four-year-old boy loved to eat apples and cookies.â⬠Tools in Your Toolkit English has lots of punctuation marks, so it can be difficult to figure out what goes where and when. Luckily, the biggest offenders are actually pretty easy to remember how to use. My writing teacher once described punctuation as the tools in our writerââ¬â¢s toolkit. Knowing your tools and when to use them will help you construct better, more clear and more understandable articles. The semicolon, colon and hyphen are some of the most common punctuation marks that, if used correctly, can set your writing apart. So, brush up on this punctuation while we wait for the more obscure marks (like the interrobang or irony mark) to come into common usage.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
How might the Telecommunication Industry in Australia affect the Rollout of National Broadband Network in Australia in 2011
How might the Telecommunication Industry in Australia affect the Rollout of National Broadband Network in Australia in 2011 Introduction The telecommunication industry in Australia is experiencing a massive and rapid economic boom with various reports showing a great value of performance orientation by its respondents in the industry. The industry is mainly made up of businesses that provide telecommunication services to the public either by cable, wire or radio.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on How might the Telecommunication Industry in Australia affect the Rollout of National Broadband Network in Australia in 2011? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The major activities of the telecommunication industry in Australia include internet services, operation of radio relay stations, telephone services, operation of television relay stations, teleprinter and telex services, network communication services, cable and communication channel services, and satellite communication services. The industry is fundamentally event driven with diminutive exe cution of planning in areas other than finance or marketing. The lack of planning is evident in contemporary Future Orientation with the conveyed desire for future orientation, but the introduction of intensive competition has recently promoted more product planning and the general business planning in the market. However, elements such as size, novelty, and politics of the present-day industry environment has contributed in depicting planning less effective than otherwise expected. The interference by such factors in the telecommunication industry has protected the free-to-air TV networks, and at the same time contributed to Australiaââ¬â¢s holdup in rolling out high-speed internet access through the National Broadband Network initiative. The ever changing market and technology has brought in a real forecast in the capitalization and elevation of Future Orientation, and this brings in the likelihood of Australia following the paradigm of America and other European countries in d eveloping strategic mechanisms of capturing the marketââ¬â¢s vast potential.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The growth and immense potential in this industry saw the planned roll out of the National Broadband Network (NBN) project, which is meant to take advantage of the existing economic and social opportunities in the digital sector. While delivering an affordable, high-speed broadband to every corner of the Australian society, the project is projected to drive the countryââ¬â¢s economy for decades to come by migrating from copper to the fibre optic network When the Australian government went ahead with the privatization of Telstra, which is the countryââ¬â¢s largest telecommunications company, there were major concerns on the contradictory role of the government as regulator and owner of the telecommunication giant. Major concerns also remain in Telstr aââ¬â¢s potential capability of abusing its monopoly power to impediment regulatory outcomes through belligerent use of its litigation. Delaying in making a satisfactory public bid for access to its network and inflating the prices of its wholesale services such as fixed and mobile network are some of Telstraââ¬â¢s alleged abuses. In order to level the competitive telecommunication field, the Australian government instructed Telstra to separate its retail and wholesale arms for the NBN project. Telstra vehemently opposed this idea and the draft legislation that would separate its structures within its telecommunication network. Regulatory and judicial proceedings still mar Telstra with numerous disputes with its competitors over access to its network rights. Despite this, various stakeholders have since entered the scene with ardent interest. The NBN initiative is projected to create a network that will handle an assortment of data that is increasingly complicated, therefore a malgamating the media and the information technology industries with telecommunications.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on How might the Telecommunication Industry in Australia affect the Rollout of National Broadband Network in Australia in 2011? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Media The media and communications industries has undergone through changes in its general corporate organization with mounting competition between media segments on the maximum gain and use of content being produced (Stuart Cunningham, Graeme Turner 4). This means taking advantage of the capability to present and modify the same content on numerous platforms of delivery and distribution. By restricting concentration of ownership in broadcasting sectors, the ownership and control of media is regulated across the media. Foxtel which has a substantial majority in the pay-TV market is half-owned by Telstra and the roll-out of the NBN project is seen to have rules and regulations that limit the number of providers, while shielding the incumbents against entry by neglecting diversity In Australia, all free-to-air television Programmes have a strict domestic content requirements through the Australian Broadcasting Services Amendment Act that require 10 percent of programme budgeting on new Australian drama programs (Ron Kirk 27). Although traditional media has occasionally been warned on the radical changes they face with the development in the digital media arena, they have basically been absent from the debate surrounding the NBN project. However, the National Broadband Network will generate new changes and options that will see media players taking leadership roles in search of trans-sector opportunities the NBN has to offer. They can possibly copy their archaic models onto the NBN brand via the wholesale services of a telco since they have a strong brand with millions of users. Although it is not defined, foreign nati onals seeking proposals that relates to portfolio shareholdings into the media industry are subjected to a ââ¬Ënational interest testââ¬â¢ since foreign investment in the mass media is limited (Chang and Thorson 16). Media stakeholders should therefore gear up to with mechanisms that will help them profit from their audiences with the convergence of media and internet-based technologies through high-speed broadband even as they continue to enjoy protection from outside competition. (Butcher 127).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Despite this projection, most media companies are still looking and grounded on their core competencies rather than stirring towards media innovation. Advantages of Public owned Telecommunications towards NBN Rollout. The NBN initiative will produce and promote a prevalent network that is competent in handling both broadband and narrowband requirements with equal adept in managing interactive and broadcasting services. One feature of this project is that it involves and embraces the elaboration of neo-liberal views and ideas of economic regulation. In this view, public ownership of telecommunication infrastructure and services is seen as a central point for national pride and sovereignty with a common feeling of owning a piece of a vital national infrastructure (Fairbrother 52). Public views and ideas would initially be ââ¬Ëmeasured at heartââ¬â¢ for the NBN project and this would douse any thought of manipulation by ââ¬Ëoutsideââ¬â¢ parties, and also bring public calm w ith general accountability to the project. Public ownership would not cultivate into the current climate of crisis brought about by the free market that would dictate the wages and conditions of each and every Australian. Public ownership of the NBN roll-out would basically promote a unified and coherent platform for the whole initiative. Disadvantages of Public owned Telecommunications towards NBN Roll-out. Since there is never a conclusive concept from the general public, such ownership would only promulgate indecisions and slothfulness into the implementation and completion of the NBN initiative. According to the 2010 report by the Business Council of Australia, ââ¬Ëââ¬â¢ the public ownership of the NBN initiative would elevate investor uncertainty with various companies rescheduling or withholding investments, and would only impede new technologies from getting into the market with the countryââ¬â¢s general output falling behind ( 4) ââ¬Ëââ¬â¢. Such a scenario wou ld only create ambiguity over NBNââ¬â¢s future operations. Advantages of Private owned Telecommunication Infrastructures towards NBN Rollout. International communication through telecommunications is rapidly becoming the backbone of trade, productivity, and the general business activities which are the linchpins of a growing, healthy economy (Mody, Bauer and Straubhaar 53). Privatization in the telecommunication industry is seen as a catalyst to development with a significant input. In this view, the streamlining of the telecommunications industry in Australia has made it impossible to find public-owned telecommunication carriers due to the concept of deregulation and privatization. This model is highly important because it will redefine the NBN initiative into from the typical public good, to a more global-oriented project that is competitive both domestically and internationally with a customer-driven service. The Telecommunications industry is quite complex in technology and o perations, and the only way that consumers can be better served is if more providers are included in the field. Consumers will be offered more competing products, prices, and services in order to meet the ever more diverse demands. Such private owned companies are also capable of responding quite better to consumer demands than the public-owned corporations that may not act imperatively (Cunningham 151). Sometimes such projects do halt due to lack of funds that can be brought about by underestimation or even the changing tides in commodity prices, and the telecommunication companies which are private-owned can quickly accumulate for these funds. This means that the NBN initiative will flourish under long-term macroeconomic relief, and also can carry on and meet deadlines rather than wait for the tedious process associated with the public owned companies. Generally through private ownership, the NBN project will see a proficient financing and management with the inclusion of professi onals who bring real sustainable efficiencies to the whole project. Privatization is therefore the more efficient solution to the sorry nature of most state-owned of telecommunication infrastructures with its limit on resources and the changing technological know-how. Disadvantages of Private owned Telecommunication Infrastructures towards NBN Roll-out. Private ownership of telecommunication systems in Australia will only bring distrust to the fore since itââ¬â¢s a product of an intrinsic capitalistic motive, and will also spread the adage that any control of information leads to the control of both political and economic procedures and the NBN project has not fallen short of such perception. Since telecommunications is an important industry that connects every sector of the Australian society, it might be used by a single entity or group of companies to create an oligarchy of economical information which can snatch power from the government. Such a scenario would reduce the gove rnment to a mere puppet, while these private entities continue to violate their power in the NBN initiative and act in their own interest neglecting Australianââ¬â¢s welfare (Chhokar, Brodbeck and House 320-331). This will greatly hinder the roll-out of the NBN project since Australia is a society which has a fair history of distrust in private ownership of infrastructure. Private ownership of the NBN roll-out would not put public interest into consideration and the individual private companies would only be interested in generating shareholderââ¬â¢s profits at customerââ¬â¢s expense. Privatization would also encourage manipulation and cover-ups of various inconsistencies associated with the NBN initiative since such organizational setups detest public scrutiny. Privatization will allow foreign competitors enter the telecommunication market indiscriminately and would endeavor to servicing only wealthy businesses and individuals who can afford their expensive services. In th is event, the NBN initiative would therefore leave its core policy of universal service unsettled. Itââ¬â¢s hypothetical for privatization to take place without liberalization since such profit-driven enterprises do operate as a monopoly in its selfish achievements that can prove untenable for the government to contain(Leahy and Michael Oââ¬â¢Brien 2-5). Analysis Australia is tremendously relying on the NBN initiative to face out its obsolete copper telecommunications network. The pendulum of opinions surrounding the NBN roll-out is due to its importance for the countryââ¬â¢s economy, future development, and international competitiveness. The apparent stratification in the Australian telecommunication industry is quite higher than desirable and is derivative of the existing socio-political level of attitudes. The rapid restructuring in the industry is significantly affecting collectivism and power expanses, especially with the differing view between those who do not have th e slightest clue of the impending changes and those that are knowledgeable of what is to come with the changes. Although there are calls for either private or public investment in the telecommunications industry, itââ¬â¢s unfortunate that the processes have represented a vicious circle of events that is detrimental to both the economic and political systems. Conclusion The emerging picture from the NBN initiative and the general Australian telecommunications industry is the consistent socio-political values that underpin the economical importance of this project to the country at large. If telecommunication laws are well designed implemented, it would reduce the general fear and uncertainty that accompany the dreary investment in the telecommunication sector. At the same time, Telstra and its competitors should learn in ways they can corporate and be diplomatic about their differences rather than the self-sacrificing we are now witnessing. Even as the telecommunications industry undergoes through the intense process of change that seems endless, there is no doubt of the massive and infinite benefits that the NBN initiative will bring for generations to come. Butcher, John. Australia under Construction: Nation-building Past, Present andà Future. Canberra: ANU E Press, 2008. Print. Chang and Andrew, Thorson. A Legal Guide to Doing Business in Asia-Pacific.à Chicago: American Bar Association, 2011. Print. Chhokar, Brodbeck and Robert House. Culture and leadership, across the world:à The GLOBE Book of In-Depth Studies of 25 Societies. New York: Routledge, 2007. Print. Cunningham and Graeme Turner. The Media and Communications in Australia.à Crows Nest, NSW: Allen Unwin, 2010. Print. Cunningham, Stuart. The Media and Communications in Australia (Large Printà 16pt). Crows Nest:ReadHowYouWant.com, 2010. Print. Fairbrother, Peter. Privatisation, Globalisation, and Labour: studies fromà Australia. Leichhardt, NSW: Federation Press, 2002. Print. Kirk, R on. National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers (25th Ed.).à Pennsylvania: DIANE Publishing, 2011. Print. Leahy and Michael Oââ¬â¢Brien. Telecommunications Law and Technology in theà Developing World. Volume 22, Issue 1. Boston College International andà Comparative Law Review. 1999. Web. Mody, Bauer and Joseph Straubhaar. Telecommunications Politics: ownershipà and control of the information highway in developing countries. Newà York: Routledge, 1995. Print. N.p. Business Council of Australia. March: Submission on Draft Legislation forà the National Broadband Company. 2010. Web.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Describing the Warfront Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Describing the Warfront - Essay Example Describing the Warfront The passage comes from the work of Walter Benjamin, One-Way Street, and Other Writings. It considers the narratives of a soldier in the war front. The narrator shows awareness of the concerns shared by the troops while on the fighting front. This includes the concern on death and fatal enemy assaults. It pointed out that narrator lives in fear over his life due to the depth of the risks. The narrator shows the ease upon which loss of life is achieved in his station. This stimulates concern in his entire session. At some point, he finds himself dreaming about the losses he might suffer upon his death. This is captured by use of a reflection of his childhood friend, whom he has not shared information for a long time. Understanding the depth from where the author gets his inspiration allow for the meeting of the interests aspired by his work. Such an interest is achieved through reflection of tone, wording and language used in the work. The caption allows for the reflection of the lives of the victims through their own words and flow of thoughts. A tone of anguish, fear and pain remain well relished in the entire caption. The author is portrays the entire concerns that remain attributed to the respective reflection through the aid of these virtues. This narrative holds the themes embraced by Walter Benjamin in his work. The narration is on a sad theme that involves reflection on fear and death in a single piece. The whole novel, One-Way Street, and Other Writings, has similar themes of sadness.
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Euthanaisa Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Euthanaisa - Essay Example 2 Therefore it is better to view euthanasia or assisted suicide under its different classifications. The first such key classification is active euthanasia. Active euthanasia happens when deliberate action is taken by medical professionals or other persons like care givers to cause a patient to die. Passive euthanasia happens when there is omission of action by medical professionals or other persons like care givers in doing what is necessary to keep a patient alive, leading to the death of the patient. Active or passive euthanasia stems from voluntary or involuntary actions, and hence the terms voluntary or involuntary euthanasia. Voluntary euthanasia happens through a request for death by the patient, while involuntary euthanasia happens even when the patient may want to continue living, but the medical professionals or care givers decide that it is better for the patient to die. This is the case when the patient is in coma or unable to choose between a meaningful life and dignified death. Finally, there is indirect euthanasia, wherein the treatment that is provided has a side effect of speeding up the end of the patient. The subtle difference between active euthanasia and indirect euthanasia is that in active euthanasia the action taken is with the object of bringing about the end of the patient, while in indirect euthanasia the objective in the treatment is to alleviate some discomfort of the patient, like pain, and yet the treatment leads to the death of the patient.3 The issue of euthanasia or what may also be termed assisted suicide has become more forceful in society due to the enhanced life spans that advances in medical science have bestowed on humankind. Death is something that humans prefer to avoid, yet, due to the aging processes and diseases; it is quite possible that for some individualsââ¬â¢ extension of life through medical advancements is no longer a suitable because of issues
Sunday, November 17, 2019
International Marketing Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
International Marketing Strategy - Essay Example Winning back customers is the most intelligent approach to marketing. It is this very important group of customers who will spur the company to great heights. Categorization of customers is important to developing a list of genuine customers. Basically, not all customers should be treated the same because some may not bring any importance to the firm. Having done the proper analysis on the customer list and identifying the best and strong candidates to win back, labor costs associated to this mechanism is then evaluated to define the best line of approach.Ã Some customers may have left the company because of lack of varying selection of books on the shelves. Ensuring product differentiation is very critical, hence stocking up of the store with all kinds of available books will help boost customer confidence to the company. This comes in hand with the right selling concept mechanism. The bookstore will be aggressive by promoting its products to the market. Adequately informing lost customers of the new services in the store will immensely lure them back.The bookstore will keep abreast its societal responsibilities. Promoting knowledge in local schools will give the store an upper hand and recognition. Above all, customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of marketing. I will ensure feedback collection and review customer views on our services. This will go a long way to adjust our services to suit our customers. With customer satisfaction achieved then wooing back the customers will be easy.
Friday, November 15, 2019
Reflection On The Ppph And Mph Course
Reflection On The Ppph And Mph Course My life before the MPH I have been at the University of Liverpool for the past sixteen years, starting as a BSc Microbiology student, then with my PhD on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), and finally working as a research associate on several clinical trials in Malawi, Africa and in Liverpool. I am currently in Primary Care and have just undertaken a feasibility intervention study by NHS Health trainers. Working on this study promoted me to reflect on my own work experience and identify any gaps in my knowledge, which resulted in me applying as a part-time student on the MPH course. Because I only had a contract to the summer of 2010, I was only able to register for some of the course, as a PGCert student. As a result, I have not done the complete MPH, but only the five modules outlined below. First Semester Health Society Quantitative Research Methods I Second Semester An intro to Qualitative Research Health Economics Policy Politics in Public Health I choose these particular modules in relation to the gaps in my knowledge, except in the case of QRM I, which I saw as a refresher course. I would describe myself as a quantitative researcher, who had very little qualitative experience. Although on trials in Malawi and Liverpool, members of the team undertook some qualitative research that I managed on a day-to-day basis. Therefore, I had some understanding of the practicalities in undertaking this type of research but not in the theoretical background, methodology and analysis. Therefore, it was very important for me to do the qualitative parts of the course, as within my current role in Primary Care I will be more hands on with qualitative research. As part of the NHS Health trainer feasibility study, the team looked at the health economics and its implications, in collaboration with colleagues at the University of East Anglia; therefore, it was valuable for me to do this module. In addition, as part of this study I looked at the history and development of the NHS Health trainer policy by the government so I did the PPPH module to help me to put this research into context. So what would I say was my Public Health experience? Well to start with, I think I have worked on research topics of public health importance throughout my time at the University of Liverpool but I may not have formally seen it as the case. I can see this when I reflect on my previous experiences, starting with my PhD, where I studied STDs in Nigeria, as part of my time there we undertook some promotion of condoms within the local rural community. Also in Malawi, one project was on reproductive health issues and again as part of a team, we promoted the safe motherhood programme. Moreover, in the last clinical trial in Malawi, the team was testing an efficacy of a Rotavirus vaccine against diarrhoeal disease, which because of that research has become part of the recommended World Health Organisation vaccine schedule for babies. For that reason, although there has clearly been a public health agenda within my work but I did not see it, it was very important for me to undertake this cou rse. In order to supplement my previous knowledge within the theoretical basis of Public Health and learn some new practical ways to help when I am conducting future research. Public Health Policy Module On of my reason for undertaking, this module was to understand how people create public health policy, the impact of politics has in that, and finally how the implementation of the policy comes into being for ordinary people. As a result, I came into the module with the aims of understanding the workings of the process of policy formation. Overall, I have found the topics in the module very interesting and motivating. As stated earlier, as part of my job I looked at the history and development of the NHS Health trainer policy with their role in helping people to have a healthy life-style. But when I looked at the document trial for this policy I was shocked to see that the role of NHS Health Trainer just seemed to appear in the 2004 white paper Choosing Health: Making healthy choices easier (1), without any supporting research evidence, or even case studies showing how this worked in a UK setting in that white paper. Nevertheless, it was still enshrined into government policy, which has resulted in people, all over the country, employed to be NHS Health trainers. Therefore, I hoped that the PPPH module would give me some insight into how this happened. Consequently, in that context I found the readings and lectures for week two, on Public Health Policy Theoretical background to Policy Formulation and Development in the UK context very enlightening. In the lecture on What is policy, it was interesting that hear that a definition of health policy described as anything the government does, making decisions and implementing actions that allocates a value and how they translate their political vision to deliver outcomes desired changes in the real world. Also outlined were the various different models, which brought home to me the complexity in the development of policy, and the importance that policy should be evidence based. When I related this lecture back to my own experience with NHS Health trainer policy, I could see that how it derived its origin, from the political idea of choice in influencing public behaviour to improve health and wellbeing. This idea was supported by one of the pre-lecture readings, where Mulgan (2010) stated that we know people care about their health and the link of illness with their everyday choices, but they find it hard to adopt healthier behaviours, therefore how does the government help people to make to help people make the right choices for them (2). Therefore, it seems that the NHS Health trainer policy appears to be political intervention, designed to mop up gaps and strengthen other areas driven by the idea of having a healthy choice. In addition, I saw how the government has not adopted the nudge approach to this policy, which soft and non-intrusive and preserves an individual freedom of choice in that you do not remove the unhealthy choice altogether. But, used the stewardship model, which sees government as having an active, positive role, in that it promotes health by providing information and advice, with NHS Health trainer programme to help people overcome unhealthy behaviours (3). I can see the NHS Health Trainers policy ticking all the right boxes, such as community involvement, not top down, and client focused but the evidence base for this policy is weak, with the NHS Health Trainers Initiative website devoted to guidance notes and health trainer only. Up till now, recent publications on the main outcomes of the national and local reports for NHS Health Trainers Initiative of Health trainers have focussed on recruitment and training of Health trainers and analysis of service delivery but not client outcomes (4;5). Crucially, no studies have examined the effectiveness of Health Trainers at promoting heart-healthy lifestyles, with our work being only a feasibility study, which we have not yet published. This seemed to me to be back to front way of doing it. However, in reflection the lectures, in week 3, on Influencing Public Health Policy were interesting as, I am looking at to how my own work on Health trainers could have an impact on the current policy. Th ese lectures brought home again, how complex the world of Policy and Politics is within Public Health. I can draw on the experiences of the speakers, in week 3, in their roles as advocates for policy change from inside and outside the system. It is clear that policy change is not linear but follows a circular pattern; within this circle therefore, as a researcher, I can contribute by increasing the knowledge base for this policy. I found researching for the debate, I was part of the team looking at the argument for the motion on the Marmot Report, gave me a greater insight into the difficulties of addressing the health problems in our society. One of the key points our team made, was that the way our current public health policy looks at tackling the symptoms rather than the root causes of health inequalities. Moreover, from my reading around in preparation for this work, the question arose as to how we do not address the real issues, which at the root of it is the political ideology of Neo-liberalism. Navarro (2007) pointed out that real problem is not absolute resources but the degree one has control over ones own life in every society (6). In this article, Navarro gave an example of this quoted below. An unskilled, unemployed, young black person living in the ghetto area of Baltimore has more resources (he or she is likely to have a car, a mobile phone, a TV, and more square feet per household and more kitchen equipment) than a middle-class professional in Ghana, Africa. If the whole world were just a single society, the Baltimore youth would be middle class and the Ghana professional would be poor. And yet, the first has a much shorter life expectancy (45 years) than the second (62 years). How can that be, when the first has more resources than the second? (6) This created a powerful image, which brought home that message to me about how the inequalities affect our society. There has been a focus on the phenomenon of lifestyle drift, whereby governments start with a commitment to dealing with the wider social determinants of health but end up instigating narrow lifestyle interventions on individual behaviours, even where action at a governmental level may offer the greater chance of success, this can be seen in the NHS Health trainer policy. Even though I had to argue for the impossibility in implementing the recommendations of Marmot, I strongly believe that when making changes we need to be part of a collective membership where we take decisions not just in the interest of an individual but also for the everyone as a whole. On the other hand, on a note of pessimism I was shocked as to how successive governments failure to act on the health inequalities reports prior to Marmot, such as the Black Report (1980), Acheson Report (1998) and Wanless Report (2004). Consequently, we need to understand the political determinants of health and act upon them, even if it seems risky and painful to implement the changes needed. Has my perspective changed? As I have only done some modules of the MPH, I will reflect on the impact of these. However as it now seems I will be, continuing next year with the remaining modules, I expect these views to change in the coming year as do the other modules. The question asks what affect this course has had my own understanding of and my future approach to public health. Well, as explained earlier, before undertaking this course I could see how my work has had elements of dealing with public health issues at the coalface, as it were in Africa and latterly in the UK, but I seemed unaware of them at the time. I think that is clearly one of the important changes to how I view public health from now on. Over the course of all the modules, I have seen very much the interconnectivity of all the disciplines in both developing the knowledge base for and creating public health policy itself. As I have trained as a quantitative scientist, very much grounded in the positivist view of society, I found the two qualitative modules very enlightening. One of the results from my study on the NHS Health trainer was how little people engaged with the programme even though we recruited people into the study because of they had risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity. A group of people who at the outset we thought would be an ideal group for the intervention. However, when looking at the pattern of behaviour in the quantitative data at each stage of the study, a higher than normal proportion of this group did not take up our offer and engage with our Health trainers. Fortunately, in parallel to this research the team conducted qualitative interviews with some of the participants. Therefore, we were able to get some information on why we saw this affect, with the view coming out that some people were hoping that the LHTs would find a nutritional magic bullet but when faced with the reality that the programme only involved motivational support they disengaged. Therefore, as a specific example of a change in my practice in the future, I see the need to incorporate a mixed paradigm approach, quantitative and qualitative, to get the whole research picture. Therefore, in undertaking the two qualitative modules I know feel I have a good understanding of the theory and practice to start adopting this as an effective approach to my research.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Germania: Tacitusââ¬â¢ Perceptions of Pax Romana Rome Essay -- Roman Histo
Germania: Tacitusââ¬â¢ Perceptions of Pax Romana Rome While the early 2nd century is usually considered to be the height of the Roman Empire, closer examinations reveal a deteriorating state hiding behind a faà §ade of power and wealth. As modern day historian C. Warren Hollister described, ââ¬Å"life in Romeââ¬â¢s ââ¬Ëgolden ageââ¬â¢ could be pleasant enough if one were male, adult, very wealthy, and naturally immune to various epidemic diseases. But if this was humanityââ¬â¢s happiest time, God help us all!â⬠(14). Living during this time period, Cornelius Tacitus perceived of the rust slowly consuming through Romeââ¬â¢s golden shine. He writes, ââ¬Å"the destinies of the Empire have passed their zenith,â⬠predicting the end of an era 300 years before it occurred (33). He makes this conclusion based on observations of a deterioration of loyalty to the Empire due to weakened patriotism and societal values. His criticisms on the flaws of the Empire are interwoven into the text of his Germania, some b eing obvious while others are more discreet. Written in 98 AD, Germania is a description of barbarian lifestyle and culture that Tacitus compiled from different accounts and sources. What makes it a somewhat unreliable historical source is that Tacitus interjects the text with his own opinions about the Empire. For example, Tacitusââ¬â¢ cynicism with the supposed power and strength of the Empire is revealed through his descriptions of the strength of the Germans. In this time period, the Empire represented the paragon of strength in a society, but Tacitus immediately brings attention to the hardiness and unity of the Germans in their barbaric wasteland. While the Romans enjoyed a temperate Mediterranean climate, the Germans lived in a place where t... ...able and foresees the fall of the Western Empire three centuries years later. He even says that the Empire was still standing because the Germans were too busy fighting each other, and that ââ¬Å"Fortune can guarantee us nothing better than discord among our foesâ⬠(33). Tacitusââ¬â¢ insight on the weaknesses of the Empire during its so-called ââ¬Å"golden ageâ⬠should press modern readers to re-evaluate preconceptions of the Pax Romana. Although Germania may paint a biased picture of the Germans living at the time period, Tactiusââ¬â¢ work is valuable because of the interesting perceptions it conveys. Works Cited Hollister, C. Warren. Medieval Europe: A Short History. 8th ed. Boston: McGraw Hill, 1998. Tacitus. Dialogus, Agricola, Germania. Trans. Maurice Hutton. London: Heineman, 1914. IN Readings in Medieval History. 2nd ed. Ed. Patrick J. Geary. Toronto: Broadview, 1997.
Sunday, November 10, 2019
My Very First Experience in Completing an Assignment
I am currently a student taking ââ¬Å"Language Description Courseâ⬠in Open University Malaysia at Sandakan Branch. The aim of this course is to analyze grammar and describe relevant grammar rules. I started this course from January 2013 and to demonstrate what I have learnt on the HBEL 1203 Language Description Course I have to fulfill an assignment. I have to select an authentic text in the printed media such as newspaper, magazines or journal of a reasonable length and then I will have to identify one word for each type of verb from the authentic source that I have selected.After identifying the correct type of verb, I have to explain clearly the criteria used in identifying them according to the context. The first briefing of this assignment happened in an afternoon class which was my second tutorial session. The class tutor explained to us how to go on with the assignment. AS the tutor started talking about this assignment I felt so nervous that suddenly I got the feeling I will not be able to finish this assignment. In my nervous state I fumbled my book, papers, and stationary all the while stumbling over the assignment questions on my mind which was not making any sense to me.But my classmates were really understanding, as they were old students who were aware that I am new to this subject and so they tried to calm me down, all the while the tutor was still giving her explanation on how to go about completing the assignment. I sat at the back of the classroom trying to understand the task in the assignment and I left the session as soon as the class was over without speaking to anyone. I felt so miserable at that time that I started to think about quitting the course. I was upset with my own self because of my inability to understand the task even after the class tutor explained clearly in front of the class.I started to think that I need some time to be alone that would help me get over my nervousness. I was so mortified that I rang in sick the fo llowing week and it was only when I had calmed down that I decided I need to speak either to my classmates or the class tutor about this. I also realized later that it was perfectly natural to feel nervous, as I am not used to doing such task. I telephoned a fellow classmate and she made me feel much better. I realized that everyone feels scared at first and probably stumbles through their first few assignments.When I calmed down I felt my actions at that time did not help me in resolving the situation. I should not have left immediately after the class session without speaking either to the class tutor or my classmates. I should have stood up to the class tutor and should have spoken to her immediately after the lesson about how I was feeling. Dealing with situations like this immediately is preferable, as Cooper (2001) points out. Instead I spoke to my classmate several days later and did not see the class tutor again until a formal class two weeks later.Daynes and Farris (2003) s ay that, by not dealing with situations immediately and personally and instead taking it to an authority figure, the situation can be made worse. In retrospect, I could have done several things differently. I should have spoken to the class tutor immediately after the session and voiced my opinions. I should also have been bolder and stood up for myself so that I retained control of the task that had to be done. I think the main thing I learned from this task fulfillment is that I had not built up any relationship whatsoever with the teacher in the preceding weeks and that I should have made an effort to do so.I would then have been able to explain easily and more comfortably to her how nervous I was feeling. In future, I will make sure to build up more of a relationship with classmates and my class tutor. I am studying along with several classmates and I will speak to each of them about my feelings about the course. I have already had a good conversation with several of them and we have worked out a way of being a team so that I do not feel so pressurized. I will also need to do this with the class tutor, as I cannot expect her to understand how my difficulties if I keep quiet.I also need to speak to my fellow classmates more often about how they feel, as I think I will be able to learn from them. By being in team of my classmates, I discovered the advantages of working as part of a group discussion. I learned that good teamwork in a group discussion is the key to success in doing any task when time and resources are limited. As everyone had their own point of view, many different ideas could be produced and I found the energy of group participation made me feel more energetic about contributing something.I also discovered that even the simplest things on earth could be turned into something amazing if we put enough creativity and effort into working on them. In terms of learning, I am now able to analyze grammar and describe relevant grammar rules. It also h as given me the opportunity to apply the rules of grammar accurately and effectively in different contexts. I feel I need to gain more confidence and to the best of my knowledge think this is the best way to start.
Friday, November 8, 2019
30 Words Inspired by 29 People and An Elephant
30 Words Inspired by 29 People and An Elephant 30 Words Inspired by 29 People and An Elephant 30 Words Inspired by 29 People and An Elephant By Maeve Maddox Thousands of English words may be classed as eponyms, words derived from proper names. Many eponyms derive from deliberate choices to call a product, invention, or scientific discovery after the person most closely associated with it, for example: macadam, guillotine, pasteurisation. Sometimes scientific terms are coined to honor a famous person or a friend, for example, watt, ohm, and dahlia. Other eponyms derive from characters in fiction, mythology, or geographical locations, for example rambo, hermaphrodite, marathon. Eponyms I find especially interesting are those that derive not from a deliberate naming process, but from distinctive associations with specific individuals. Here are 30 eponyms that owe their existence to somethingphysical features, manner of dress, writing style, profession, or behaviorassociated with specific people (and one elephant). The People 1. bowdlerize [bÃ
dlÃâ¢-rà «z, boud-] remove sexually offensive words or passages from a written work before publishing it. From Thomas Bowdler (1754-1825) who published an edition of Shakespeare that left out such things as the porter scene in Macbeth. As preposterous as the idea may seem now, it was a boon to women who had previously been deterred from reading the plays by their parents, husbands, or dread of social disapproval. 2. boycott [boikÃ
t] refuse to do business with with someone. From Charles C. Boycott (1832-1897), the Irish land agent for an absentee landlord. Boycott refused to conform to land reforms supported by the Irish Land League. The League acted against Boycott by preventing his access to stores, postal service and other economic necessities. Boycotting is an important tool in campaigns of passive resistance to unjust social conditions. 3. cardigan [krdà -gÃâ¢n] style of sweater that opens at the front. From James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan who is said to have worn a knitted waistcoat to keep warm on campaign. He was one of the commanders in the field on the day of the fatal Charge of the Light Brigade in the Crimean War. 4. casanova [kÃÆ'sÃâ¢-nÃ
vÃâ¢] This is one of those many euphemisms for a man who preys on women. One definition is a man gallantly attentive to women. Others are promiscuous man, or philanderer. From Giacomo Jacopo Girolamo Casanova de Seignalt (1725-98), an Italian adventurer who wrote a memoir in which he bragged about his conquests. 5. chauvinism [shÃ
vÃâ¢-nà zÃâ¢m] fanatical patriotism or an intense belief in the superiority of ones own gender, group, or kind. From Nicholas Chauvin, a soldier in Napoleons Army who was a by-word for stubborn loyalty to Napoleons Empire long after Napoleons defeat. Male chauvinism is the belief that men are congenitally superior to women and therefore have the right to set the standards for acceptable female behavior. The adjective is chauvinistic. 6. C-section (shortening of Caesarian Section) medical procedure in which a child is delivered by being cut from the mothers womb. Tradition traces the word to the belief that Roman Dictator Julius Caesar was so born. However, Roman doctors performed the procedure to save a child when the mother died before completing delivery. Julius Caesars mother, Aurelia Cotta, lived to raise her grand-daughter. The word Caesarian for the medical procedure may have more to do with the family name Caesar than with Aurelias son. Caesar comes from Latin caesus, past participle of caedere, to cut. 7. gerrymandering [jÃâ¢rÃâ-mÃÆ'ndÃâ¢r, gÃâ¢r-] practice of dividing voting districts to give unfair advantage to one party. From Massachusetts governor Elbridge Gerry (1744-1814). The shape of one of the voting districts suggested the body of a salamander, prompting a staffer at the Boston Gazette to coin the word Gerrymander. 8. leotard [lÃâÃâ¢-trd] tights worn for dancing. From Jules Là ©otard (circa 1839-1870), French acrobatic performer who was the inspiration for the 1867 song The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze. 9. luddite [lÃ
dà «t] opponent of technological progress. From Ned Ludd, an English laborer who was supposed to have destroyed weaving machinery around 1779. Later on (1811-1816) a band of weavers calling themselves Luddites destroyed machinery in the Midlands and northern England. 10. lynch [là nch] Originally lynching meant any kind of impromptu justice, chiefly flogging. Now it means to hang someone in a mob frenzy without a trial. From William Lynch, the author of Lynchs Law. The law was an agreement with the Virginia General Assembly in 1782 that allowed Lynch to capture and punish criminals in Pittsylvania County without trial. The county lacked official courts. 11. machiavellian [mÃÆ'kÃâ-Ãâ¢-vÃâ¢lÃâ-Ãâ¢n] characterized by expediency, self-interest, and deceit. From Niccolà ² Machiavelli (1469-1527), Italian political theorist who wrote The Prince (1513). In it Machiavelli argues that the most effective way for men and governments to achieve and maintain power is to act without regard to moral considerations. 12. Mae West [mà wÃâ¢st] a type of inflatable life jacket. Named for buxom U.S. film star Mae West (1892-1980). 13. marcel [mr-sÃâ¢l] a hairstyle characterized by deep regular waves made by a heated curling iron. Named for Francois Marcel, 19th century French hairdresser who invented the process in 1872. Can be used as a verb. 14. martinet [mrtn-Ãâ¢t] a military officer who demands strict obedience to regulations; by extension, anyone who demands absolute adherence to forms and rules. Coined from the name of Col. Jean Martinet, a French drillmaster during the reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715). 15. masochism [mÃÆ'sÃâ¢-kà zÃâ¢m] sexual pleasure in being hurt or abused. Coined in 1883 by German neurologist Richard von Krafft-Ebing (1840-1902), from the name of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (1836-95). Sacher-Masoch was an Austrian novelist who wrote Venus in Furs, a novella about a man who enjoys submissive relationships with cruel women. The adjective is masochistic. 16. McCarthyism [mÃâ¢-krthÃâ-à zÃâ¢m] the practice of accusing people of political disloyalty without evidence; the use of unfair investigation methods to suppress opposition. From U. S. Senator Joe McCarthy (1908-1957). Playwright Arthur Miller allegorized McCarthy and his methods in The Crucible, a drama about the 1692 witch hunt and hangings in Salem, Massachusetts. 17. mirandize [mÃâ¢-rÃÆ'ndà «z] to read the legal rights to a suspect arrested on a criminal charge. From Ernesto A. Miranda (1941-1976), a laborer whose conviction on kidnapping, rape, and armed robbery was overturned because arresting officers had failed to inform him of his legal rights. Heres the rest of the story: Ernesto Miranda was retried after his conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court. In his second trial, his confession was not presented. Nevertheless, he was again convicted of kidnapping and rape based on other evidence. He served eleven years in prison before being paroled in 1972. After his release from prison, he made money by selling Miranda rights cards with his signature on them. In 1976, at the age of 34, he was stabbed to death in a bar fight. The man suspected of killing him invoked his Miranda rights and refused to talk to police. He was released and never charged with Mirandas murder. Mark Eiglarsh 18. Oscar statuette awarded for excellence in film acting, directing, etc., given annually since, 1928 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The name Oscar was first applied to the statuette in 1936. The story is that Margaret Herrick, the Academys librarian, reacted to her first look at the statuette with the remark: He reminds me of my Uncle Oscar. Her uncle was Oscar Pierce, U.S. wheat farmer and fruit grower. 19. pompadour [pÃ
mpÃâ¢-dà ´r, -dÃ
r] hair style in which the front of the hair is swept up and back in a large roll. Named for Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour (1721-1764) mistress of Louis XV. A masculine version of the pompadour brushes the hair up from the forehead. 20. Ponzi scheme [pÃ
nzÃâ] an investment scam by which early investors are paid off from the contributions of later ones. Named for Charles Ponzi, who perpetrated such a scam from 1919 to 1920. The name Ponzi may be eclipsed by that of Madoff to describe such a scheme. Ponzis scheme netted only a few million dollars. Bernard Madoff stole $50 billion from his investors over a period of several decades. 21. quisling [kwà zlà ng] traitor; turncoat; enemy collaborator. From Vidkun Quisling (1887-1945) a Norwegian politician who headed a puppet government for the Nazis during the World War II occupation of Norway. 22. raglan [rÃÆ'glÃâ¢n] having or being a sleeve that extends in one piece to the neckline of the garment, with slanted seams from the armhole to the neck. Named for Fitzroy James Henry Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan who was minus an arm. The special type of sleeve made his jacket fit better. Usually seen in the phrase raglan sleeve. 23. Reaganomics the economic policies of tax cutting and deficit spending. Named for Ronald Reagan, U.S. President from 1981 to 1989. 24. rubenesque [rÃ
«bÃâ¢-nÃâ¢sk] plump or fleshy and voluptuous. From Flemish painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) whose paintings favor that particular female body type. 25. sadism [sà dà zÃâ¢m, sÃÆ'dà z-] love of cruelty. From Count Donatien A.F. de Sade (1740-1815), a.k.a. the Marquis de Sade. He wrote novels that, according to the Wikipedia article, explored such controversial subjects as rape, bestiality and necrophilia. He was a proponent of extreme freedom (or at least licentiousness), unrestrained by morality, religion or law, with the pursuit of personal pleasure being the highest principle. The adjective is sadistic [sÃâ¢-dà stà k]. 26. sideburns [sà «dbà »rnz] strips of hair at the sides of the face. The word began as burnsides and referred to a style of facial hair that consisted of flaring side whiskers joining in the mustache. The chin was clean-shaven. Named for U.S. Army Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside (1824-81) who wore them. The words elements changed places by the process of folk etymology (false etymology). 27. tattersall [tÃÆ'tÃâ¢r-sà ´l, -sÃâ¢l] a pattern of dark lines forming squares on a light background; type of fabric with small and even check pattern. From Richard Tattersall (1724-1795), founder of Tattersalls, a London horse market and gambling rendezvous he founded in 1766. The pattern was a traditional one for horse blankets. 28. Victorian [và k-tà ´rÃâ-Ãâ¢-nà zÃâ¢m, -tÃ
r-] In one sense, the adjective can refer simply to the period of history that corresponds more or less to the reign of Queen Victoria of Britain (1837-1901), a period during which Britain led the world militarily, industrially, and politically. In another sense it signifies prudish behavior and social attitudes typical of the time. The phrase Victorian London evokes the image of a city of extremes. On one hand middleclass morality was so uptight that the word limb was preferred to more graphic words such as leg and arm. Ive read that even piano legs were carefully clothed with ruffled coverings for reasons of modesty. On the other hand abandoned children slept in doorways in slums so depraved that police were afraid to go into them. 29. wellingtons [wÃâ¢là ng-tÃâ¢n] waterproof boots of rubber or sometimes leather reaching to below the knee and worn in wet or muddy conditions. Named for Arthur, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852), who also in his lifetime had a style of coat, hat, and trousers named for him as well as varieties of apple and pine trees. ...and the Elephant 30. jumbo [jÃ
mbÃ
] unusually large. In the 1880s jumbo was an English slang word for clumsy, unwieldy fellow. The famous elephant named Jumbo lived in the London Zoo for 17 years and was a great favorite with the English public. U.S. showman P.T. Barnum bought Jumbo for $10,000 in 1882. Thanks to circus advertising, the name Jumbo became a synonym for huge. In those days before animal protection laws, poor Jumbo did not have a happy life. Born in the French Sudan in 1861, he spent some time being exhibited in Paris before going to the London Zoo in 1865. When Barnum offered to buy him, 100,000 English school children wrote to Queen Victoria begging her to stop the sale. To no avail. Read Jumbos sad story at Wikipedia. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:30 Synonyms for ââ¬Å"Meetingâ⬠What is Dative Case?10 Functions of the Comma
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