DNA Profiling and Ethics Free Essays

string(119) " the use of genetic fingerprinting to determine whether two individuals have a biological parent–child relationship\." DNA Profiling and Ethics Reflection Journal Vanshika Khemka 14th October 2012 â€Å"33 autorad off† On 10th September 1984, geneticist Alec Jeffrey’s wrote these three words in his red desk diary. This marked the completion of an experiment, which studied how inherited illnesses pass through families. The experiment failed entirely. We will write a custom essay sample on DNA Profiling and Ethics or any similar topic only for you Order Now (McKie, 2009) However, this led to the most profound discovery: the world’s first DNA fingerprint. Now, the smallest swab of blood or sweat can determine the identity of an individual. We will discuss this process of DNA profiling in this journal. After going into the in-depth analysis of DNA profiling, we will discuss its uses and the ethical and legal issues that swarm the subject. |What is DNA Profiling? | Formally, DNA profiling is the analysis of short, highly specific, tandem-repeated- or hypervariable- genomic sequences, minisatellites known as variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs), to detect the degree of relatedness to another sequence of oligonucleotides. Segan, 1992) It is a technique employed by  forensic scientists  to assist in the identification of individuals by their respective  DNA  profiles, which are encrypted sets of numbers that reflect a person’s DNA makeup and can also be used as the person’s identifier. |The Process | Deoxyribonucleic Acid (â€Å"DNA†) is a six-foot long molecule found in the nucleus of every cell in the body. With the exception of identical twins, each individual’s DNA is unique. Thus the first step in the profiling process is to obtain a sample of the individual’s DNA, which is usually done using a buccal swab (i. e. from the cheek). We could also use a sample of blood, semen or hair. This sample is then analyzed using different techniques; discussed below. |Techniques of DNA Profiling | |Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) | It is a technique that exploits variations in homologous DNA sequences. It refers to a difference between samples of homologous DNA molecules that come from differing locations of restriction enzyme sites, and to a related laboratory technique by which these segments can be illustrated. In this process, the DNA is first chemically extracted from the sample. It is then fragmented using restriction enzymes. These enzymes act like scissors and cut the DNA where a specific sequence occurs. By gel electrophoresis, the DNA fragments are placed in a gel through which an electric current is passed. Owing to the negative charge of the DNA, the fragments migrate toward the positively charged pole of the gel. The DNA is then denatured and Southern blotting transfers the DNA fragments to a nylon membrane. A buffer solution is pulled through the gel and membrane and absorbed in paper towels. Hybridization, brought about by radioactive probe, shows only those fragments of interest from the polymorphic area of the DNA. Autoradiography is carried out next where the blot is placed in contact with a piece of x-ray film, where the radioactivity probe exposes the film and bands appear on the film where the probe has bound to the DNA. The results are then interpreted and in the case of a criminal investigation or civil case, it is matched against the suspect’s DNA profile, thus completing the process. (Hoeffel, 1990) This method is however very long-winded, cumbersome and the combination of all the above-mentioned steps could take about a month to complete. A large sample is required which makes it tougher. Hence other methods are adopted in recent times. |Polymerase Chain Reaction | With the invention of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, DNA profiling took huge strides forward in both discriminating power and the ability to recover information from very small (or degraded) starting samples. PCR greatly amplifies the amounts of a specific region of DNA. This process increases the number of copies of the allele, making enough DNA to allow the test to be performed on what may have originally been a DNA sample of insufficient molecular weight. Due to this technique the test can be conducted using a single hair strand. (Hoeffel, 1990) This process consists of a series of 20-40 repeated temperature changes, called cycles, with each cycle commonly consisting of 2-3 discrete temperature steps. The cycling is often preceded by a single temperature step (called  hold) at a high temperature (90 °C), and followed by one hold at the end for final product extension or brief storage. The temperatures used and the length of time they are applied in each cycle depend on a variety of parameters. These include the enzyme used for DNA synthesis, the concentration of divalent ions and dNTPs in the reaction, and the melting temperature (Tm) of the primers. The rest of the process is similar to the RFLP method. The major breakthrough is the fact that now the smallest trace of evidence can be used for DNA profiling as opposed to the large samples needed in the RFLP method. |Short Tandem Repeat Analysis | Also known as Microsatellites, short tandem repeats is used as an extension of the PCR Method. This method uses highly polymorphic regions that have short repeated sequences of DNA (the most common is 4 bases repeated, but there are other lengths in use, including 3 and 5 bases). (Hoeffel, 1990) Because unrelated people almost certainly have different numbers of repeat units, STRs can be used to discriminate between unrelated individuals. These STR  loci  (locations on a chromosome) are targeted with sequence-specific primers and amplified using  PCR. The DNA fragments that result are then separated and detected using  electrophoresis. |Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism | This is another technique that is much faster than RFLP and uses PCR. It not only has higher reproducibility, resolution, and sensitivity at the whole genome level compared to other techniques, but it also has the capability to amplify between 50 and 100 fragments at one time. In addition, no prior sequence information is needed for amplification (Meudt Clarke 2007). As a result, AFLP has become extremely beneficial in the study of bacteria, fungi, and plants, where much is still unknown about the genomic makeup of various organisms. |Applications of DNA Profiling | DNA profiling is extensively used for paternity testing and forensic analysis for criminal investigations. Parental testing is the use of genetic fingerprinting to determine whether two individuals have a biological parent–child relationship. You read "DNA Profiling and Ethics" in category "Essay examples" Comparing the DNA sequence of an individual to that of another individual can show whether one of them was derived from the other. Specific sequences are usually looked at to see whether they were copied verbatim from one of the individual’s genome to the other. (Berry, 1991) As for forensic analysis, laboratories compare the molecular weights of fragments of DNA from the suspect sample and crime sample and decide whether the two fragments could have come from the same individual. There are major benefits from this technology: the potential to make speedy and robust suspected offender identi? ations through automated profile comparisons in centralized criminal justice databases; the ability to con? dently eliminate innocent suspects from investigations; the increased likelihood of generating reliable and persuasive evidence for use in court; a reduction in the cost of many investigations; the likely deterrent effect of DNA databasing on potential criminal offenders; and a poss ible increase in public con? dence in policing and in the wider judicial process. (Berry, 1991) We will explore the ramifications of this extensive use in the next section. Is it ethical? | Now that we know the widespread use of DNA profiling, we see the power that it has and the influence it can have when it comes to people’s lives and the verdict issued in criminal cases. But is this power justified on an ethical front? Is it ethical to give so much power into the hands of the people responsible for carrying out these tests? Indeed, the development and application of DNA pro? ling has been widely described as the â€Å"greatest breakthrough in forensic science since ? ngerprinting. † However, the spread of forensic DNA pro? ing and databasing has also prompted a wide range of concerns about problems that may arise from the storage of tissue samples (especially those taken from individuals without consent) and the proliferating uses of genetic information by the polic e. (Williams Johnson, 2006) One could say that DNA profiling violates basic ethical values. Based on the values of liberty, our rights are technically reduced by police powers, which have the right to take and retain fingerprints and DNA profiles and samples without consent. The Forensic Use of Bioinformation: Ethical Issues, 2007) â€Å"So act that you use humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means†; these words of wisdom imparted by Kant, also suggest that DNA profiling and the freedom to use that as evidence without explicit permission of the individual concerned would be using them as a means to an end and not an end in themselves. Therefore it can be argued that using DNA profiling takes away autonomy. The Forensic Use of Bioinformation: Ethical Issues, 2007) Spatial privacy is â€Å"a state of non-access to the individual’s physical or psychological self†. This is invaded by the nonconsensual taking of biological samples and fingerprints, and, to a lesser extent, by unwanted surveillance of the individual. And as can be inferred by the very nature of DNA profiling, informational privacy and anonymity is infringed upon by using samples obtained from databases and tests. (The Forensic Use of Bioinformation: Ethical Issues, 2007) Additional issues arise if identifiable samples or profiles on a forensic database are used for research outside the narrow context of identification and police investigations. Using DNA profiling for paternity testing and for determining one’s lineage can be very harmful as it violates the privacy of the people concerned. It could cause potential moral and mental harm to the parents and the children concerned as entire families can be uprooted as a result of this. Past criminal cases which used paternity testing also prove that relatives and families can be affected mentally as well as physically. People in witness protection programs as well as people on the police databases can be negatively affected if a previously unknown family link is reestablished without their knowledge and consent. (Haimes, 2006) The list of legal and ethical concerns is endless. The question the arises that which side wins? Benefits of DNA profiling, or the issues concerning DNA profiling? |Which side is stronger? | Having seen the costs and benefits of DNA profiling and its usage, the benefits are debatable on moral and ethical grounds. However, in my personal opinion, it does not have to be black and white; good or bad. There can be a grey area, a middle ground, where DNA profiling is neither entirely correct nor entirely wrong. There have been cases where DNA evidence has saved many innocent lives and incriminated people who had been causing immense harm to others. Thus, we should pass legislations, which aim at curbing violations and encouraging true and just practices. In the cases where the DNA of individuals is being used as evidence or if parental testing is being done, their should be informed consent by the individuals. They should be aware of the sensitive nature of the information and should be expressly asked for consent to have the data published or used as evidence. The National DNA Database set up in the UK is an example of the dangers and benefits DNA profiling can hold. Personally, a national DNA database in all countries would be a very risky venture as a lot of personal information would be at stake and inter country rivalries could result. We have established the power of DNA profiling and the power that people who have access to this information have. So I would like to end with a quote. One’s interpretation of this quote can determine where they stand on the matter. â€Å"It is time for you to gather some idea of what power means. The first thing you must realize is that power is collective. The individual has power in so far as he ceases to be an individual†¦ The second thing for you to realize is that power is power over human beings. Over the body- but, above all, over the mind. Power over matter- external reality, as you would call it- is not important. Already our control over matter is absolute. † – George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four Bibliography | Berry, D. A. (1991). Inferences Using DNA Profiling in Forensic Identification and Paternity Cases. Statistical Science , 6 (2), pp. 175-205. Haimes, E. (2006, June 1). Social and Ethical Issues in the Use of Familial Searching in Forensic Investigations: Insight from Family and Kinship Studies. Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics , 263-276. Hoeffel, J. C. (1990, January). The Dar Side of DNA Profiling: Unreliable Scientific Evidence Meets the Criminal Defendant. Stanford Law Review , 42 (2), pp. 465-538. McKie, R. (2009, May 24). Eureka moment that led to the discovery of DNA fingerprinting. Retrieved October 10, 2012, from The Guardian: http://www. guardian. co. uk/science/2009/may/24/dna-fingerprinting-alec-jeffreys Segan, C. J. (1992, February 15). DNA Profiling. The Dictionary of Modern Medicine . The Forensic Use of Bioinformation: Ethical Issues. (2007, September). NuField Council on Bioethics . Williams, R. , Johnson, P. (2006, June 1). Inclusiveness, Effectiveness and Intrusiveness: Issues in the Developing Uses of DNA Pro? ling in Support of Criminal Investigations. Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics , 234-247. Wikipedia How to cite DNA Profiling and Ethics, Essay examples

Generic Strategy of Ansoff Matrix and Porter †Free Sample

Question: Describe about Generic Strategy of Ansoff Matrix and Porter? Answer: Introduction The report will discuss in detail about Ansoff Matrix and Porters generic strategy. The report will try to highlight that how Ansoff Matrix is applied on various organisation and what is significance of each matrix for different organisations. Further the report will focus on Porters generic strategies and how these strategies can be beneficial for different type of organisations. Discussion of Ansoff Matrix Penetration: - there is a situation where the company tries to sell the product to the present loyal customers and for that they engage in some strategies like penetration strategy (Jarratt Stiles, 2010). It can be done in various ways like by changing the pricing and also by adding minute factors like new and improved features which will add value to the products or by changing the packaging like sachets of shampoo or by highlighting various other uses of product (Jarratt Stiles, 2010). Here a perfect example can be taken of Cadbury India where the company is pushing the message to buy more chocolates instead of sweets specifically on festivals (Hussain et al, 2013). Product development: - company like McDonalds introduce different variety of cuisine from time to time in order to retain its existing customers and many of the items are pushing the concept of health and fitness for health conscious people (Jarratt Stiles, 2010). For example, McDonald had introduced salads which are not something for which it is known for. However, there was a lot of pressure from the system and also the consumer behaviour changing towards health and fitness, the company had to take the decision in order to develop their product (Jarratt Stiles, 2010). Market development: -market development happens when an existing product is being introduces in the different market (Hussain et al, 2013). This strategy is one of most used strategies in order to extract the all the advantages of that successful products. A perfect example which can be taken here is entering into different geographical area available on national and international level (Hussain et al, 2013). Like Apple has introduced many iPods of different type which is present into the same category. IPod Touch was tried to be made of iPhone and the only difference is that it couldnt make any calls. Diversification: - Diversification is something when a totally new product is introduced by the company in a completely new market and this is termed as diversification (Hussain et al, 2013). Here, iPhone is one of best example which has proved to be most successful diversification present in the market and as per the launch the company tried to target a very large customer group and it is very different from its traditional small market following (Hussain et al, 2013). Infect the CEO of the company Steve Job made sure through his hard work and dedication in creating a contract with the help of many music labels and various artists (Hussain et al, 2013). Generic strategy of Porter According to Porter, the complete framework of strategy has two important components; one is internal and second is external analysis (Porter, 2012). While external analysis builds on economic perspective of the industry structure and how a firm make the most of the competencies of the company. When Porter says that organisation should not get stuck in the middle when it comes to strategy. By this statement he means that a company should compete in all possible ways and the best way to compete is set a strategy and get along with it. The set strategy should be simple and should not be very complex (Porter, 2012). It mainly focuses on hoe an organisation should compete. Porters focus on whole structure of the industry is basically a powerful method which covers analysing the competitive advantage and also building competencies which help the organisation in taking effective decisions and the power of effective decision making only increases in this situation. Though there are many com panies which emphasize on just one type of analysis and also very essential however it is not sufficient to set the company on the right path (Porter, 2012). The actual strategies of the company have to focus on the company most challenging factor and the issues it is facing in various aspects of the organisation. Some of these strategic decisions are more based on the events that are happening in the present and on the other hand there are some which are subject of periodic strategic reviews (Porter, 2012). Now, as far as generic strategies are concerned there are three approached which come under these strategies since they can be applied on products or services and it also can be available for all size of companies (Porter, 2012). Porter named these strategies as cost leader ship which can also be known as no frill strategy, differentiation where the company will have to create an unique or desirable products and services and focus where companies offers a specialised service in a specific niche market (Porter, 2012). Focus strategy can subdivide into further two parts as cost focus and differentiation focus. The main motive of Porters generic strategies is to gain competitive advantage which means the company will focus on developing an edge that helps the company in getting the maximum sales of their product or service and also help in take it away from the competitors. This can be done through two strategies (Porter Lee, 2013). First one is increasing the profits by reducing the costs and also charging prices which are on the basis of average in the industry. Second method is increasing the market share through charging lower prices and increasing the sales. Another strategy defined by Porter is the differentiation strategy which means that the company make its own product or services different from the competitors and also make it more attractive for the customers (Porter Lee, 2013). How company do it completely depend on the nature of the market in which the company is working and it will also involve features, functionality, durability and support. Apart from this, the company also depend on brand image of the customer value (Porter Lee, 2013). Organisation also needs to focus on a strong research which involves development and innovation, the capacity to deliver high quality product or services and effective sales and marketing so that the industry understand the advantages offered by the differentiated company (Porter Lee, 2013). Then there is focus strategy which focus on companies that use this strategy mainly concentrate on specific niche market and also tries to understand the dynamics of the market and the specific needs of the customers within it (Porter Lee, 2013). The company also focus on developing a uniquely low cost and well specified product or services. The main motive of these companies to build a strong brand loyal customers and the company is able to do so since these companies serve customers in a unique manner. This is why this specific market segment is less attractive for the competitors (Rangan et al, 2012). As a part of broad market strategies, it is very important to decide before hand whether the company will focus on cost leadership or on differentiation strategy. So in this strategy the company will either depend on cost focused strategy or on differentiation strategy (Rangan et al, 2012). On the broader basis, the main key is to ensure that the company is adding something extra which as a result serves only that specific market niche. The fact that something extra which can be done through number of ways like reducing costs or by increasing differentiation, it is important to focus on the kind of customers company is serving and the kind of expectation of the customers (Rangan et al, 2012). Porter always maintained in his work of generic strategy that the one thing in which companies need to focus is not to get stuck in the middle when it comes to strategy which means it is very important to choose the right and a perfect generic strategy since the decision to choose a specific type of strategy will help in underpinning every other strategic decision for the company and make it more worthwhile in order to spend right time on right things (Rangan et al, 2012). However, this is a very crucial decision for the company and they need to focus on choosing an appropriate strategy and also avoiding hit and trial method which may result in losing a lot of money and time. Since the generic strategy covers different type of people and all the strategies proposed by the customer covers different market area, it is not advisable to focus on all three types of strategies at the same time (Rangan et al, 2012). Therefore when the company is in the process of choosing three generic stra tegies, it is significant to take into account the competencies of the organisation and its strength into account (Rangan et al, 2012). There are number of steps which can be followed here in this case. The first one is that for each generic strategy the company will have to focus on SWOT analysis where the company can understand its strengths and weaknesses, the opportunities and threats that the company can face if in case they adopted a specific strategy (Rangan et al, 2012). This will help in giving a clear idea to the company and they can easily make the right decision. Second step is to conduct five forces analysis in order to understand the nature and the pattern of the industry in which the company is working (Porter Kramer, 2011). Another step is to make a comparison between the SWOT analyses of the viable strategic options with the result of the five forces analysis of the company and for each option, the company can ask themselves how the specific strategy can be used (P orter Kramer, 2011). There are number of strategies which can be used here like by reducing or managing the power of suppliers or reducing or manage the power of the customers or buyers (Porter Kramer, 2011). Further the company can also come out on the top of rivalry among the competitors and also reduce or eliminate the threat of any kind of substitution and the company can also work on reducing or eliminating the threat of new entry. The company can select the generic strategy that gives the company a strongest way to capture the market in the best possible way (Porter Kramer, 2011). Conclusion The report has discussed in detail about Ansoff Matrix and Porters generic strategy in detail and highlighted the advantages of all the points covered in both the concepts. The report has tried to understand that the basic difference between the companies and how these different companies will have to adopt different strategies in order to sustain in the market for the longest period of time. Reference Jarratt, D., Stiles, D. 2010. How are methodologies and tools framing managers' strategizing practice in competitive strategy development?.British Journal of Management,21(1), 28-43. Hussain, S., Khattak, J., Rizwan, A., Latif, M. A. 2013. ANSOFF Matrix, Environment, and Growth-An Interactive Triangle.Management and Administrative Sciences Review,2(2), 196-206. Porter, D. R. 2012.Managing growth in America's communities. Island Press. Porter, M. E., Lee, T. H. 2013. The Strategy That Wilt Fix Health Care.Harvard Business Review,91(10), 50-+. Rangan, S., Adner, R., Strategy, E. S. 2012. Profits and the Internet: Seven misconceptions.MIT Sloan Management Review. v42 i4,44. Porter, M. E., Kramer, M. R. 2011. Creating shared value.Harvard business review,89(1/2), 62-77.

School Privatization Essay Example For Students

School Privatization Essay Our society, as a whole, has been heading toward a decentralized system ofconducting its affairs. Large corporations have been getting larger , meanwhilegovernments have been giving up increasing amounts of their control. Thisdecentralization has affected even former mainstays of government control, suchas phone and power companies. As decentralization becomes more of a reality,there has been a great deal of debate over what controls the government shouldmaintain or relinquish. The public school system has long been a source offrustration. Many feel the schools would be run more efficiently and with betterresults if privately run companies were to take over. They feel that with theexisting large, encumbering bureaucracy, the government is simply unable toprovide the proper base that is necessary to support a successful school system.The proponents of privatized school systems have long maintained thatgovernments are not as knowledgeable about individual school environments asthose who and they have to manage many schools, whereas the owners of a specificprivate subsidized school would be well informed about the schoolscircumstances and can concentrate on that school alone. They say that thegovernments role should become that of regulator, not schoolmaster, and thatsince the private schools do not face the political constraints that themunicipal governments face,they would be more able to adapt to change. Since theoperation of public schools is more bureaucratic and centralized than privatesubsidized schools, it is expected to inhibit rather than promote educationalinnovation. Private schools, being less bureaucratic and more decentralized, areexpected to be more efficient organizations and to have a better perspectivethan their public school counterparts. They are also expected to provide agreater incentive and opportunity to come up with more innovative programs thanpublic schools in order to stay competitive. Bureaucracy is expected to hinderinitiative and efficiency, whereas the private sector in general is expected tobe more dynamic and responsive because of their need to stay competitive. It ishoped that this competitiveness will foster innovation. On the other side of thedebate is the group that favors continued government control over the schoolsystem. They argue that privatizing the schools would lead to a decreased focuson the needs of the children with an increased emphasis placed on the bottomline. They maintain that the companies taking over for the government wouldfocus their attention more on cutting corners to make larger profits rather thanon the education of children. With continued government control over the schoolsystem, there will remain a stability that is necessary to insure a full andequal educational opportunity for all. Having the education system privatizedwould create inequalities in the method that education would be provided. Thosewho oppose privatization agree that not only would municipal control maintainstability, but would also ensure fair and equal teatment for all. The same wouldnot hold true if the schools were placed in private hands. Schools that do notmake a profit along with teachers that are no longer needed would simply let goin order to save money or maintain profits. I can see that there are severalbenefits on both sides. The economic benefits are obviously in favor of adecentralized school structure. There be no bureaucracy to wade through to makethe simplest decisions, in the system would allow teachers to make importantground level decisions as they see fit. This increased efficiency includes manybenefits, but with what cost? What about the special needs children, or theunder privileged, will the private companies take care of them? What happenswhen these companies dont make enough money on a school, will they close itdown? The children whose schools have been closed will have to travel furtherand further just to get to school, if they even go. .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0 , .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0 .postImageUrl , .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0 , .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0:hover , .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0:visited , .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0:active { border:0!important; } .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0:active , .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0 .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u7edc2487020782406cc8604fcea288d0:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The novel Victor Essay Maybe there should just bemega-schools were ten schools are combined into one, all to save the managingcompany money. With government control, there may not be efficiency but there issome stability. That is the important thing. Companies can open and close theirdoors in a day, but schools are more important than companies. Education is thekey to our futures, can we afford to gamble with what is a stake? The governmentmust become more efficient at doing its job in managing our schools, andbusiness has proven itself to be efficient. Maybe there is a way to combine thetwo and receive the best of both worlds.

CH. 16 intro. to music Essay Example

CH. 16 intro. to music Paper Monteverdis The Coronation of Poppea is based on a Greek myth. False The earliest operas took their plots from: Greek mythology. It was through the musical innovations of the __________ that opera was born. Florentine Camerata Lully was the leading composer of opera in France. True Recitative that is just accompanied by continuo instruments is called secco. True Purcells opera Dido and Aeneas was composed for: a production at a girls school. The aria When I am laid in earth is unified by a descending chromatic scale ground bass. True The da capo aria is a set form and would have no improvisation. False The vocal style in opera that imitates the natural inflections of speech is called: recitative The greatest native-born English composer of the Baroque was: Henry Purcell. Didos Lament from Purcells opera Dido and Aeneas is composed: over a ground bass. Strozzis aria Amor dormiglione is in a da capo form. True Who was the librettist of Purcells Dido and Aeneas? Nahum Tate A highly emotional song in an opera is called: an aria. A drama that is sung is called: an opera. Didos Lament, from Purcells Dido and Aeneas, is a da capo aria. False Purcells Dido and Aeneas was first performed at the girls boarding school where he taught. True Why does the opening melodic line ascend in Strozzis Amor dormiglione? It suggests Cupid waking. A type of English entertainment combining music, poetry, and dance was called: masque In opera, the lyric melodies that release emotional tension are called recitatives. False In seventeenth-century England, the masque was a popular type of aristocratic entertainment that combined vocal and instrumental music with poetry and dance. True Who is best viewed as the first master of opera? Monteverdi The orchestral introduction heard at the beginning of an opera is called: an overture. The acceptance of Barbara Strozzi in intellectual and musical circles was typical for women in the Baroque era. False On which epic poem was Purcells opera Dido and Aeneas based? Virgils Aeneid Dido sings her famous lament in Purcells opera Dido and Aeneas just prior to: killing herself. The text of an opera is called: the libretto. Early operas, such as Orfeo, were simple productions for intimate gatherings. False

Balanced Budget Amendment - Pros and Cons in Budgeting

Balanced Budget Amendment - Pros and Cons in Budgeting The balanced budget amendment is a proposal introduced in Congress almost every two years, without success, that would limit the federal governments spending to no more than it generates in revenue from taxes in any fiscal year. While almost every state is prohibit from running deficits, federal lawmakers have never gotten  a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution signed by the president, and the government continues to run deficits in the hundreds of billions and trillions of dollars every year.   One of the milestones in the modern debate over the balanced budget amendment came in 1995, when the House of Representatives led by Speaker Newt Gingrich passed legislation that would have banned the federal government from running deficits as part of the Republican Partys Contract With America. It truly has been, I think, an historic moment for the country. We kept our promise. We worked hard. We produced a real change, Gingrich said at the time. But the victory was short-lived, and the balanced budget amendment championed by Gingrich and fiscal conservatives who had been swept into power was defeated  in the Senate by two votes. The same battle has been waged for decades and the concept is often raised during congressional and presidential campaigns because the notion of keep a balanced budget is popular among voters, particularly conservative Republicans.   What Is the Balanced Budget Amendment? Most years, the federal government spends more money than it takes in through taxes. That’s why there is a budget deficit. The government borrows the additional money it needs. That’s why the national  debt is near $20 trillion. The balanced budget amendment would prohibit the federal government from spending more than it takes in each year unless Congress specifically authorizes the additional spending through a three-fifths or two-thirds vote. It would require the president to submit a balanced budget each year. And it would allow Congress to waive the balanced budget requirement when there is a declaration of war. Amending the Constitution is more complicated than simply passing a law. Passing an amendment to the Constitution requires a two-thirds vote in each House. It is not submitted to the President for his signature. Instead, three-fourths of the state legislatures must approve it to be added to the Constitution. The only other way to amend the Constitution is to convene a Constitutional Convention at the request of two-thirds of the states. The convention method has never been used to amend the Constitution. Arguments for the Balanced Budget Amendment Advocates of a balanced budget amendment say  the federal government spends too much every year. They say that Congress has been unable to control spending without some kind of restraint and that, if spending is not controlled, our economy will suffer and our standard of living will drop. The federal government will continue to borrow until investors no longer will purchase bonds. The federal government will default and our economy will collapse. If Congress is required to balance the budget, it would figure out what programs are wasteful and would spend money more wisely, advocates say. â€Å"It’s simple math: The federal government should not be spending more taxpayer money that it brings in,† said Republican U.S. Sen. Grassley of Iowa, a longtime supporter of a balanced budget amendment.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Almost every state has adopted some form of a balanced budget requirement, and it’s past time that the federal government follows suit.† Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, a cosponsor with Grassley on a balanced budget amendment, added: Hardworking Americans have been forced to bear the burden of Congress’ inability and unwillingness to control federal overspending. As our federal debt continues to rise at an alarming rate, the least we can do is require the federal government to not spend more money than it has at its disposal.† Arguments Against a Balanced Budget Amendment Those opposed to a constitutional amendment say that it is too simplistic. Even with the amendment, balancing the budget will have to be done each year by legislation. This would require Congress to coordinate a large number of pieces of legislation – twelve appropriation bills, tax legislation, and any supplemental appropriations to name just a few of them. To balance the budget right now, Congress would have to eliminate many programs. In addition, when there is an economic downturn, the amount of taxes the federal government takes in usually drops. Spending often must be increased during those times or the economy can get worse. Under the balanced budget amendment, Congress would be unable to increase the needed spending. This is not a problem for states because they don’t control fiscal policy, but Congress needs the ability to stimulate the economy. By requiring a balanced budget every year, no matter the state of the economy, such an amendment would raise serious risks of tipping weak economies into recession and making recessions longer and deeper, causing very large job losses. That’s because the amendment would force policymakers to cut spending, raise taxes, or both just when the economy is weak or already in recession - the exact opposite of what good economic policy would advise, wrote Richard Kogan of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Outlook Amending the Constitution is a rare and daunting task. It takes a great deal of time to adopt an amendment. The House may pass the constitutional amendment, but the outlook is much more uncertain in the Senate. If it passes there, it still needs to be ratified by three-fourths of the states. Because of the legitimate opposition to a balanced budget amendment among some economists and policymakers, Congress is unlikely to undertake the cumbersome process of even considering the amendment barring a significant debt crisis.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep and Frankenstein Essay

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep and Frankenstein - Essay Example In Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, the Androids are mentioned as appreciated members of the society in space colonies, although there is no proof. The novel also shows how the specials, originally humans, are looked down upon as they are deemed to have lost their humanity due to the decay of their genes. Both novels are also founded on the creatures’ search for friendship (Bendixen 29). In Frankenstein, the monster comes up with elaborate plans to increase the possibility that it could make friends with the cottage dwellers. On the other hand, Frankenstein ignores his family and friends as he works on the monster. In Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, Deckard does not portray friendship to the androids when they move into his building. While humans are not concerned with making friends, the artificial humans try hard at this. Another characteristic of this foundation is the fact that humane and human is not the same (Bendixen 29). The capacity for self-sacrifice and empathy i s present in the non-humans than in humans. In Frankenstein, the non-human jumps into a river, with the objective of saving a girl from drowning while his creator does not even speak up during the trial of Justine. In Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, empathy is one of the characteristics that separate the androids from the humans. Frankenstein, his creation and Walton are constantly in the search for knowledge. In Frankenstein, there is not much difference between the non-humans and the humans. In Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, Rosen Associates are the only ones looking for information. The humans who built the androids want more knowledge to make these androids more human. The novel does not have clear indications as to the importance of experience and knowledge to humans, unless we consider their search for methods to humanize androids. While this is important for them, it is not important to the novel. The view by Frankenstein’s monster of the world begins to cha nge during his meeting with Victor in the cave, where Victor calls out

Case Studies of Organizational Learning in Terrorist Groups Essay

Case Studies of Organizational Learning in Terrorist Groups - Essay Example For example, the terrorist group Al-Qaeda based in the Middle East uses Islam to support their jihad or Holy War, which targets non-Muslims. These terrorist factions use brainwashing tactics to recruit members. Religious extremists are easier to recruit because they already possess fanatic ideas pertaining to religion. Presently, sub-groups emerge in different areas of the world with affiliations to a bigger group. The Al-Shabaab based in Somalia is affiliated to the terror group Al-Qaeda. The function of the herald group is to supply money and ammunitions to the smaller groups, which are crucial for engaging in terrorist activities. This emerging trend makes combating terrorism a harder task for intelligence agencies. Plenty of monetary and human resources are deployed to monitor the different groups. In conclusion, intelligence agencies across the globe face difficulties in trying to mitigate terrorism molded from stringent religious ideologies. This is because it is impossible to reason with religious extremists who believe their actions are sanctified by a