Academic life Essays

Academic life Essays Academic life Essay Academic life Essay It is not rare to find faculties having certain stereotypes against persons with disabilities. According to Vasek (2005), faculties that do not have the correct strategies and staff who have experience with disabled persons tend to label students with disabilities. This is in comparison with faculties whose staff is well versed with the needs of the disabled. The more experienced staff more so the professors not only have greater positive attitudes but they are also more sensitive to the needs of the disabled persons. Students with disabilities in such institutions tend to have greater success in their overall social and academic life. On another dimension, some faculties have ended up not fully supporting students with disabilities due to inadequate information provided by the student. Since the student is held responsible of disclosing their disability as best as possible, the effects of inadequate disclosure due to the student’s negative attitudes towards faculty end up influencing the faculty. It always becomes hard for a faculty to determine the right facilities to accommodate a disabled student when adequate information is not provided. In fact determining the needs of the disabled individual may prove challenging to the faculty if the faculty does not have enough experience to deal with the presented disability (Caverly, 2008). The nature of disability surfaces since some forms of disabilities may have a generally well known way of dealing with it than others. It is for instance noted that while it is a common experience among professors to have taught a person who is in wheelchair, they may not be as equipped in dealing with persons with hidden disabilities (Ysseldyke et al, 2004). The provisions in Section 504 and ADA have greatly shaped the attitudes of faculty towards students with disabilities. With Section 504 prohibiting discrimination of persons with disabilities from accessing postsecondary education and several requirements, faculties have been forced to readjust so as to accommodate the disabled. Such adjustments have not only involved provision of supportive facilities but have also included change in attitudes. Persons with disabilities have largely been accepted by faculties as the law has demanded so. With realization that students with disabilities need special attention for them to experience equal benefits with non-disabled students, faculties have had to provide for auxiliary services that are necessary. According to Saunders (2007), faculties have had to provide appropriate accommodation services for the disabled students as per the requirements of the law. It has also been noted that despite the much acceptability of the inclusion of the disabled in the institutions of higher education, the private sector in general does not seem to view this move very positively. Training faculty members on the ways to effectively handle students with disabilities in order to benefit the student to the maximum has been a move created by Section 504 and ADA. The willingness to accommodate students with disabilities has been shown to vary greatly in faculties depending on several variables. According to Rao (2004), while faculties (professors in specific) have shown great acceptance of some forms of accommodations for students with disabilities, the willingness to provide such assistance differs depending on the types of facilities required. For instance, there seems to be a greater acceptability to offer learning aids such as taped lectures extended time for assignments as compared to allowing the student with disability to do special assignments in addition to the normal ones. Poor understanding and implementation of the requirements of Section 504 and ADA has created relatively negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities which have ended up in legal battles (DePoy Gitlin, 2005). Faculties may for instance have difficulties with dealing with sensitive disability issues that the student may present. While it is the obligation of the faculty to provide necessary support to the disabled student, the faculty is still supposed to work within its capacity. Balancing the need to have the student’s needs catered for and catering for overall learning needs for other students becomes tough for faculties and they may tend to develop negativity on accommodating the disabled. Accommodating the needs of persons with disabilities requires extra efforts and resources. A professor for instance may be required to set extra time to prepare taped notes and other auxiliary aids for the disabled persons. The faculty in itself may require extra resources and infrastructure to ensure smooth learning for the disabled students. Whereas this may be received negatively by some facilities, some faculties appreciate accommodating the disabled. Even in cases where the resources have been provided, it is the sentiments of some faculties that students with disabilities sometimes end up not being served effectively (Buskist Davis, 2006). This implies that some faculties do not fully embrace and appreciate the need to have the disabled persons treated equally in the institutions of higher education.

Quarks essays

Quarks essays Quarks, as of right now, are the smallest known particles of matter. These particles never or it is believed that they never exist by themselves. These particles combine together to form protons and neutrons in an atom. Without quarks, there would be no atoms and we would cease to exist. There are six known flavors of quarks. They are up, down, top, bottom, strange, and charm. Each of these six quarks has their own specific mass and electrical charge. The most common of these quarks are up and down. They are the lightest and they make up all the matter around us. The next two lightest of the quarks, strange and charm, are found in cosmic rays that originate in space. The two heaviest of the quarks, top and bottom, have not yet been found in nature. Scientist are only able to produce them in the lab. It is believed that the heavier quarks decay to the lighter quarks and that is why we dont see the heaviest in nature. Each quark has an opposite particle known as an antiquark. These antiquarks combine to form antimatter. This antimatter does not exist in nature on Earth and it is believed that it is very rare in the universe. We know that it does exist for physicists have produced antimatter in laboratories. Antiquarks have some of the same properties but some of the properties are opposite of that of their counterparts. Each quark has been divided into one of three categories called generations. The first generation is the lightest two quarks, second is the next heaviest two, and the third are the heaviest of the quarks. Quarks are different from other elementary particles for they each have a specific electrical charge that is a fraction of the standard charge of charge (e) of one proton. Most other particles have multiples of that charge. Of all the quarks the heaviest of them is the top quark. It is over 30,000 times larger than the up quark. This large mass made it very difficult for sc...

Mobile Phones Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Mobile Phones - Essay Example However, it was only in the late 80’s that the first commercial or hand held mobile phone was introduced to the world by Motorola, at a very high price range, targeting only the elite class. The handsets were massive, inconvenient to use but still they reflected status and style symbol. The first generation cellular system was the Nordic Mobile Telephone System (NTMS) launched in 1981 in Finland, featuring fully automatic options and international roaming as a huge incentive. It was in 1990 that the first digital cellular phone was launched in a smaller size, though used mainly for making and receiving calls while on the move. Today it’s a different scenario with cell phones. The kind of handsets with the kinds of features made available, it has made gigantic leaps in terms of technology improvement. One can do almost anything with it, take pictures, make videos, chat with friends, and send messages and many other features. Over 798 million people today access internet or mobile internet services using a mobile phone. Mobile phones today have become an inseparable part of our society. It can be considered one of the best inventions man has made so far. It is the perfect communication tool with distance issues getting resolved with just one click of a button. It has proved most valuable in any emergency situations. We never know when we or our loved ones may be in an emergency situation; this is the best mode to communicate (Castells, 2007). It is also very functional for business people and trading companies as they can be in touch with their clients all the time. Today businesses are promoted through calls on mobiles and using the Short Messaging Services (SMS). Latest updates, news, online transactions are all easily accessible through mobile phones. Any kind of business can be done over the phone, be it share business or real estate or the local florist, everything is available on the click of a button. Mobile phones are of

Zara Plus Sized A Case Study for a New Product Line Assignment

Zara Plus Sized A Case Study for a New Product Line - Assignment Example Accordingly, Zara does not currently have any offerings in plus sizes or for the fuller figured woman. Therefore, this is a lucrative market in which Zara’s competitors are capitalizing and Zara apparel is not. If Zara intends to maintain its competitive edge in this evolving market, it will be forced to integrate a full figured line of clothes into its product offerings. Normally, the apparel industry is already one that is almost wholly driven by consumer tastes; however, now that consumer needs play such a key role, the evolution of the industry takes place even more rapidly than prior market demands dictated. Objective The overall objective is to create a prosperous new line of plus sized/full figured women’s clothing to augment the existing profitability of the Zara apparel firm. This objective will be accomplished by designing and producing a new line of full figured/plus sized women’s clothing, internally marketing that new product line, working to streaml ine and maximize the profitability of the new product line, monitoring its growth and success, and expanding the product line to different markets based on the profitability both online and in the initial US market introduction. As such, Zara’s primary objective is to achieve market share in an existing market with existing products. According to analysis of Ansoff’s matrix referenced below in Figure 1.0, this strategy is the safest of Ansoff’s 4 strategies. Figure 1.0 However, it is a well known fact that even with this safest of strategies, it is not without its limitations. Most prominent among these drawbacks is the fact that competitors will necessarily react to Zara’s entry into the market. As Zara will be attempting to cut down on the number of customers and market share which these firms previously held, expect the competition to be fierce. By carefully measuring Zara’s objectives within the metrics of SMART (specific, measurable, attainabl e, and time bound), Zara apparel will ensure that the metrics and milestones of the product launch are well defined, possible, and timely. SPECIFIC/Measurable With the plus sized clothing market approaching US 20 billion dollar a year industry in the United States alone (Stark, 2012), it will be Zara’s intent to capture 0.00875% of the US market - equating to total sales figures of around US 165 million dollars per annum. Figure 2.0 below shows overall sales objectives for the first year of the new product line as compared with the overall size of the plus sized clothing economy in the United States. Figure 2.0 Attainable/Time Bound It is the understanding of this analysis that such a figure is attainable given Zara’s current market share and net profits as of fiscal year 2011 totaling over US 2.14 billion dollars (Irish Times, 2011). Even without accessing total internet sales into the overall tally, each of Zara’s 49 stores in the United States will be respons ible for generating around US 3.34 million dollars in sales of plus sized clothing in order to reach the sales number set forth by this analysis. For purposes of this analysis, the sales goals, both online and in

Differences of Truth in Mathematics, Ethics and Art

Differences of Truth in Mathematics, Ethics and Art The rational minds profound and abstract speculations since time immemorial has been the nature of truth, a deeply rooted philosophical conundrum[1], whose thought itself has revolutionized the realistic value possessed by the areas of knowledge. Truth itself preoccupies a substantial role in our daily conversations, but its multi-dimensional nature has perplexed even the most profound thinkers like Plato and Aristotle as well as recent philosophers who have failed in uncovering this mystery lying at the heart of human culture. Although the word truth is tagged with the purpose of a utilitarian role, we humans mould it into a form recognized by the conceptual framework of our human mind, otherwise known as a schema. Hence the question of the value of truth involved in any statement is believed to be a consequence of the social constructivism based on beliefs and our rearing. Over the past years, truth has been dealt with individually in terms of its approach towards an array of knowl edge areas. The extent is an underpinning of the diverse perspectives that truth holds in a variety of areas of knowledge. Thus, it indicates not only a difference in the form of truth but also a similarity involved in deciphering the existence of truth. My essay ventures to explain the extent to which truth has been given varied significance in three distinct areas of knowledge; mathematics, arts and ethics in terms of the characteristics which define them. Since the abstract nature of truth has posed to be a universal dilemma, various theories have been formulated to gauge the truth value of any statement. Mathematics is often considered the language of certainty[2]and well-known for its infallibility and abstract thought. What makes mathematicians and philosophers believe that mathematics is closest to the absolute truth is its logical structure of methodology and judgments, and its influence on solvability to achieve an absolutely correct or incorrect answer. The mathematical truth is bound by certain rules and barriers which encompass this area of knowledge, hence a more constrained approach built on pure logic, and deductive-reasoning influences the truth involved in a mathematical stand-point. In mathematics a statement must be true or false is a clichà ©d saying and reflects the overall understanding which defines the outcome. Most mathematicians agree the fact that the set theory forms the firm foundation upon which the complex structure of math has been erected. But what intrigues these mathematicians is that can such an abstract area have any real life applications? A glimpse into the history of mathematics would surely assert the above question. For example, a number of theories in the past were thought to be a mere theoretical phenomenon but today behold a firm position in the real world. The Non-Euclidian Geometry was first considered as an idealistic branch of mathematics, but today has carved its way into the theories of relativity. In the present global situation, the population of the world has crossed the six billion mark and threatens to exponentially make its way up through the population charts. For example in China, in order to curb the population rush in the country, the government has pressed upon having one baby per family. From the mathematical view-point, the objective truth lies in the fact that in order to restore the habitat around us it is vital to take such a step in the interest o f the future generations. From the ethical stance, their version of truth is completely antipodal because the basis of a truth-value in this statement is a reflection of ones emotional self rather than a projection of a logical mind. In ethics, hence, an argument is a rhetoric affair where people need to be persuaded what I believe rather than proving the trueness involved in my proposition. I feel that my observation into this example is a projection of the extent to which one event holds a different stance from the spectacle of the truth value supporting the claim. What defines a stark line of difference between math and ethics as deciphered from the above example is the conflicting nature of moral opinions and that there are no observable facts to base the truth value on in an ethical viewpoint. The difference in moral opinions amongst people may be lead by the cognitive apparatus of the individual. Since ethics is considered to be a matter of personal concern, influenced by prev ious knowledge and experiences of the individual, the moral differences would explain that in ethics, there is no underlying truth to be discovered. But what defines morality in ethics is the position of ethical relativism, the belief that ethical view-points are relative to one culture or another. One of the most indignant moral issues at hand is abortion. Every individual agrees the medical procedures which culminate into an abortion. But there seems to be an equally repulsive response when it comes to agreeing the morality of abortion. In short, the matter of abortion has its agreement on medical science but doesnt touch upon the area of medical ethics. So, at all points of time, the entire scenario is a relative representation of a statement and it is an appearance but not the reality. I have always observed myself making hollow as well as emotionally driven promises and always have the statement Promises ought to be kept at the back of my mind. This seems to be a moral principl e, but it cannot be categorized as a factual claim. But on close observation, the truth factor within the statement shows close relations between such a statement and a mathematical proposition. If the phenomenon of promise is known and the true essence of its obligation is understood, there exists a relation between ideas. Though relativism and subjectivism are parallel in certain terms, art as an area of knowledge has been considered as a representation of reality. Friedrich Nietzsche aphorism We have art in order not to die of the truth, self-consciously asserts the fact that this world has art in order to live the truth. Though the ways of knowing have paved the path for the route to attaining truth in these three areas of knowledge, where reasoning, emotion and perception have dominated the approach to the ultimate reality in math, ethics and arts respectively, the truth value in each of its statements has a certain similarity. The form of assumptions which are utilized in proving a certain statement to be true is a recurring observation in all three areas of knowledge. The kind of truth that art is striving to convey to us may be completely different from the ay an individual may perceive it. Hence how do we judge a piece of art if it holds completely different opinions in the minds of 2 people? When viewing a work of art, it may evoke an emotion, and the recognition of this emotion may be an indication of the truth. However, there is a common view-point amongst people that photography has revolutionized the way truth is perceived since it portrays a much more accurate picture of the entire scenari o. Since the photo is a mere observation and appearances are truly deceptive. It is established that the truth involved in a painting is not prejudiced but a projection of the individuals personal interpretation, hence speaks about the viewer. Truth in terms of art is a reflection of beauty and is completely devoid of any form of logic. Truth has been shaped in numerous ways pertaining to the satisfaction of the individual contesting the truth in his mind. There is one single truth in relation to a statement and through the exploration into three distinct areas of knowledge, I have understood that the method of approaching the subject is what defines the truth involved in it. Plato himself argued to a great extent that there is a definite answer for anything to be considered good or bad, if one exercises his deductive reasoning skills as opposed to what the Sophists believed that such statements are a matter of subjective truth and is totally based on human interpretation and his desire.

Home For Christmas Essay

Alexander Williams sighed as he rummaged through the huge stack of articles that covered his desk. He only had one week to make his final decision and he knew without any doubt, his final answer to Maria Carter wouldn’t be easy. She had begged him to stay with the newspaper agency, time and time, again. She had grown rather fond of him over the years and it broke her heart knowing that this would most likely be the last week she had to spend with him. She did know that his heart was in New Hampshire where he had grown up and would always be the one place he could truly call home. Charlotte, North Carolina had been the beautiful city where he had lived and worked for more than two decades and although he had became familiar with his surroundings and had made many friends in the Queen City, he still desperately felt that the remainder of his years should be spent with his close family. The Charlotte Gazette had offered him a prominent and enjoyable writing position where he wrote daily articles, but still, there was this huge need to return to his roots. â€Å"I see you’re still with us, Williams. I don’t see boxes full of photographs and awards, so far. It’s a good sign! † Maria knew that he had probably already made up his mind to go but still every time she passed his office, her curiosity made her peek inside to make sure he hadn’t made packed up his belongings. He had been her top journalist since day one at the Gazette and the thought of not seeing his smiling face and hearing his enthusiastic voice radiating through the building saddened her, greatly! â€Å"I’m seriously torn, Maria. I know I should just make up my mind and give you a definite answer but I can’t. I’m taking this last week to think it over but one thing’s for sure, if I do decide to move to New Hampshire, you‘ll be the first to know. † â€Å"But, you’ll miss out on the huge Christmas party on Friday. † Spending time with Alexander at Christmas had been a festive occasion that she had always looked forward to and now she knew she had no other choice but to get used to the idea of him not being there. â€Å"Seeing you dressed as Mrs. Claus would be exciting! † Alexander smiled as he thought about seeing his boss in the red garb that stretched across her arm. It’s all up to you and I do have several interviews scheduled but I’m still hoping we won’t need to fill your position. I seriously doubt anyone is capable of filling your shoes, anyway. † Maria had known what an expert writer was all about, the first day he walked into her office and asked for the position. He had a remarkable resume and when she took a look at some of his sample articles, she knew he was her man. He was able to create prize-winning stories out of ordinary events and had made The Charlotte Gazette one of the best-selling newspapers in the country! For the next week, Alexander had spent every extra second going over his decision. His mother had begged him to come home and his sister and brother told him they had already found him the perfect house where he could retire, happily and grow old without the hassle of rushing to his office and fretting over every little incident that took place in Charlotte. They knew Alexander had spent far too many years away from home and they yearned for him to return to the place where he grew up. On Friday, the entire building was decorated to perfection. Each red ribbon that draped the office doors were sparkling with glitter and every snowflake that hang from the ceiling reminded him that Christmas was near. The boxes had already been neatly packed in the corner of his office and when Maria saw with her own eyes that there wasn’t even a single photograph, in sight, she realized he had made his final decision. He was going home to his family. He was retiring and giving up something that she knew more than anyone, was the biggest passion in his life. She was going to miss him more than he would ever know. She should have told him about her strong emotions for him but it was too late. There was no sense in even asking him to stay, again. She could see as he looked into her eyes that he had made his choice. â€Å"Need some help with those boxes? † She tried to say it without him seeing her eyes tearing up but it was hopeless now and she had already shown him how vulnerable she felt about what he was doing. â€Å"And, a ride to the airport if you can swing it? Taking cabs are so informal, you know? † He had dreaded this part of moving more than anything but he did want to spend his last few hours with the woman who he had grown so close to over the years. The ride to the airport was spent with lots of laughter and as the first snowflakes of winter blew through the city, Alexander not only felt sadness about leaving but he started to feel the joy of the season with each new bluster of white. He hoped he had made the right choice in leaving his writing position at the Gazette but he knew he would always feel a tugging at his heart when he thought about his job there and of course, when he remembered Maria and as they said their last goodbye, the tears in each of their eyes said more than they could ever dare with mere words. The Christmas party was in full swing and the band hand been playing carols for nearly an hour before Santa finally arrived. Mrs. Claus was sitting comfortably in her chair handing out the first gifts as the lead band member asked for silence in the room. â€Å"It isn’t proper for Mrs. Claus to do all the work on such a special occasion! We have a special gentleman do all the grunt work. † He enlightened them through the microphone. As Santa Claus entered the room, the crowd applauded while he moved closer to the huge stack of presents under the tree and to Mrs. Claus who tried to smile through her sadness. I have a special gift for Mrs. Claus! † Santa belted out in laughter, followed by a jolly, â€Å"Ho ho ho! † The beard that covered his face was a wonderful disguise and as she opened the tiny red box and saw the engagement ring that glistened many colors as it reflected the brilliant lights from the tree, Maria was now crying tears of happiness. As she pulled the beard from Santa’s face, Alexander kissed her warmly. â€Å"Home is where I do need to be, Maria Carter and spending one day away from you, reminded me that home truly is where your heart is! I want to spend everyday, home with you! †

India: A Socialist, Secular and Democratic Country Essay

SOCIALIST The word socialist was added to the Preamble by the 42nd amendment act of 1976, during the Emergency. It implies social and economic equality. Social equality in this context means the absence of discrimination on the grounds only of caste, colour, creed, sex, religion, or language. Under social equality, everyone has equal status and opportunities. Economic equality in this context means that the government will endeavor to make the distribution of wealth more equal and provide a decent standard of living for all. This is in effect emphasizing a commitment towards the formation of a welfare state. India has adopted a mixed economy and the government has framed many laws to achieve the aim. SECULAR The word secular was inserted into the Preamble by the 42nd amendment act of 1976, during the Emergency. It implies equality of all religions and religious tolerance. India, therefore does not have an official state religion. Every person has the right to preach, practice and propagate any religion they choose. The government must not favour or discriminate against any religion. It must treat all religions with equal respect. All citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs are equal in the eyes of law. No religious instruction is imparted in government or government-aided schools. Nevertheless, general information about all established world religions is imparted as part of the course in Sociology, without giving any importance to any one religion or the others. The content presents the basic/fundamental information with regards to the fundamental beliefs, social values and main practices and fesitivals of each established world religions. The Supreme Court in S.R Bommai v. Union of India held that secularism was an integral part of the basic structure of the constitution. DEMOCRATIC India is a democracy. The people of India elect their governments at all levels (Union, State and local) by a system of universal adult franchise; popularly known as ‘One man.