Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Assignment Example In cyanobacteria, strains with a clock period length that matched the environmental photoperiod outgrow strains with no clock or with an out of phase period length in competitive culture conditions (Woefle et al., 2004). This does gesture to the probability of the clock being an important evolutionary step that allowed survival of early organisms. Circadian rhythms can influence sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, body temperature and other important intrinsic functions. Organization and function Function: The main principle of circadian clocks is oscillatory gene activation. The initial gene activation is regulated by the last one in the sequence, making up an auto-regulatory feedback loop that lasts about 24 hours. That is, feedback loops of transcription and translation, whereby the protein product of a clock gene will indirectly shut off its own expression. Such feedback loops are controlled and probably lengthened by post-translational modifications of most proteins involved (Ha rms et al., 2004) Organization: They have three major components: 1) A central oscillating mechanism with a period of about 24 hours. 2) Several output pathways associated with distinct phases of the oscillator. These control the activities of the organism. 3) Several input pathways to this central oscillator to allow programming of the circadian clock. Metazoans possess circadian clocks in most cells of the body. Each of these clocks is autonomous (Welsh et al., 1995). This means that each of the cells has to be entrained autonomously as well. But, since the oscillations of the clocks are roughly 24 hours in length, there has to be a form of synchronization. In the case of direct light entrained organisms, such as the drosophila, this entrainment occurs in cells independently (Plautz et al.,1997) (Whitmore et al., 2000). In drosophila, the Drosophila ring gland and Malpighian tubules show some sort of rhythms. This autonomous cell entrainment may also be seen in higher organisms wh ere the parasympathetic system is responsible for entrainment (Ishida et al., 2005). It is itself entrained by the central master clock. In higher organisms, the process is more complex and requires what is known as hierarchical entrainment. This is discussed below. In higher organisms such as man, the entrainment of the clock is hierarchical. This is similar to most other vertebrates. In mammals, the suprachiasmic nucleus acts as the main/master clock. It is a paired neuronal structure located at the base of the hypothalamus. It is just above the optic chiasm/bifurcation (Klein et al.1991). It facilitates entrainment and synchrony of all other tissues by direct and indirect methods. These include use of hormones, temperature regulation, feeding regulation and metabolism. The suprachiasmic nucleus undergoes entrainment by relation with the optic apparatus via optic tract. This is the retionohypothalamic tract (Ben-Schlomo and Kyriacou, 2002). The SCN consists of a mixed population o f neuronal and glial cells, but which types of cells might be capable of acting as circadian oscillators is presently unknown . Since they are autonomous in function, several theories have been proposed as to their synchronization. One is the synchrony of circadian rhythm due to production of melatonin by the pineal gland. It

Related Texts Growing Up Essay Example for Free

Related Texts Growing Up Essay

Atwoods Attention to Words in The Handmaids Tale Essay -- Margaret A

Atwood's Attention to Words in The Handmaid's Tale The Handmaids Tale illustrates that dictatorship can be established by creating a state of fear once language controls are instituted. As a tradition to dystopian novels, Atwood has drawn much attention to the meaning of words and the significance of names, as well as the prohibition for women to read or write, in order to portray Gilead as a successful totalitarian state. Atwood is trying to make the point that in a dystopian world, language can be the power. The meaning of names is a central focus of the novel, because names define people. Their worth and functions are summarized by the names. To some extent, the names also discourage originality. This occurs especially to the Handmaids, whose names all begin with the prefix â€Å"Of†, plus their commanders names, forming names such as Offred, Ofglen, and Ofwarren. This act taken by the Gileadian state totally objectifies the Handmaids. They no longer have a status in the society, and instead they become possessive items of the commanders. In the case of Offred, she does not mention her real name throughout the entire novel. In fact, Offred is probably numbed by the reality that she doesn’t even want to mention her real name, as she once said, â€Å"I must forget about my secret name and all ways back. My name is Offred now, and here is where I live.† (p.185) As a result, she is often perceived as an imaginary figure. In a way, she has already lost her original identity, that we are unable to trace her in the future. Here, Atwood is trying to draw the attention that stripping people’s names may as well result in stripping their individuality. Furthermore, she has created a system of titles to oppress wome... ... has tried to warn the readers that there would be a genuine consequence if language is exploited. What Atwood is trying to promote to the readers is that words aren’t just words. Language is incredibly powerful for getting people to not look at the reality of things, or for making things to be more emotional than they need to be. Renaming can certainly be used to create a state of fear through distinctive classification. More importantly, it can significantly dehumanize people and take away their identities. Other than that, religious influences also allow the government to control the society psychologically. After all, language is an extremely important device in The Handmaids Tale. A good understanding of how language functions in the novel allows us to become aware of how a totalitarian regime can maintain its power through the control of language.

Necessity Of Optical Amplifiers Computer Science Essay

Hybrid Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers ( HFAs ) are a engineering for future heavy wavelength-division-multiplexing ( DWDM ) multiterabit systems. HFAs are designed in order to maximise the transmittal length and to minimise the damages of fibre nonlinearities, and to heighten the bandwidth of Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers ( EDFAs ) . This undertaking simulates and evaluates the public presentation of intercrossed Raman and Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers in optical transmittal systems utilizing Optisystem package. Since the public presentation of the amplifier is influenced by the parametric quantity of Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio ( OSNR ) , Bit Error Rate ( BER ) , and Noise Figure, the job brush in this undertaking is to happen the best design parametric quantity for maximal approachable transmittal distance utilizing the intercrossed amplifiers. Optisystem package is used as the simulation tools for the whole undertaking. Optisystem package is based on realistic mold of fiber ocular communications systems and serves a broad scope of applications, therefore it is an ideal simulation tools for this undertaking.AimsThe aims of the undertaking are: to plan intercrossed Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers utilizing Optisystem package. to supply a design parametric quantity for maximal approachable transmittal distance in optical transmittal system utilizing the intercrossed Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers. to measure the public presentation of the Hybrid Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers based on the amplifier ‘s addition, Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio ( OSNR ) , Bit Error Rate ( BER ) , Noise Figure, and etc. to analyse the fake informations obtained from Optisystem package.Problem StatementOptical amplifiers have become a necessary constituent in long-haul fibre ocular systems due to the demand for longer transmittal lengths. The effects of scattering and fading can be minimized in long-haul optical systems due to the innovation of Semiconductor optical amplifiers ( SOAs ) , Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers ( EDFAs ) , and Raman optical amplifiers. One of the defects of EDFAs is their non flat-gain features across a given optical spectrum. In peculiar, the addition degree is well less at the terminal of the L-band between about 1600 nanometer and 1620 nanometer. Fortunately, the addition degree of such amplifiers can be rendered well level across the L-band window by the usage of addition flattening filters which are optically coupled between the spirals of Er doped fibre. However, the usage of such filters consequences in a higher noise figure in the channels holding wavelengths in the 1600-1620 nanometer scope. The well higher noise figure in the 1600-1620 nanometer scope lowers the useable bandwidth available from such EDFA amplifiers. Raman amplifiers similarly have non-flat addition features. A typical Raman addition degree curve has minimal additions at about 1570 nanometer, 1595 nanometer, and 1620 nanometer, and upper limits at 1585 nanometer and 1610 nanometer. A addition flattening filter can be applied to cut down this fluctuation but will merely be optimized at a individual operating addition value. Additionally, there is the desire to minimise the figure of addition blandishing filters in the system and the loss they incur. Clearly, there is a demand to cut down the maximal Noise Figure in EDFA addition, every bit good as to further flatten the addition curve in Raman-type amplifiers in order to cut down signal losingss throughout the web. The innovation is a intercrossed optical signal amplifier that reduces the maximal Noise Figure of an EDFA while flattening the addition of a Raman amplifier without compromising optical maser pump efficiency. Therefore, this undertaking simulates and evaluates the public presentation of intercrossed Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers ( HFAs ) in optical transmittal systems to supply a design parametric quantity for maximal approachable transmittal distance utilizing the intercrossed amplifiers.ScopeThis undertaking will concentrate chiefly on the simulation of intercrossed Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers ( HFAs ) utilizing Optisystem package. The public presentation of the amplifier will be evaluated depend on amplifier ‘s addition, Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio ( OSNR ) , Bit Error Rate ( BER ) , and Noise Figure obtained from the simulation of a individual manner fibre transmittal nexus. The fiction or development of intercrossed Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers ( HFAs ) will non be covered in this undertaking.Undertaking OutcomesIt is expected that at the terminal of the undertaking, a design parametric quantity for maximal approachable transmittal distance ut ilizing the intercrossed amplifiers can be obtained.MethodologyThis undertaking starts with the searching of beginning and information respect loanblend Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers ( HFAs ) . The beginning and information are acquired from diary, mention books, e-Books, magazine and cyberspace. The circuit conventional diagram of intercrossed Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers ( HFAs ) is determined from the diary and simulate utilizing Optisystem package. All the parametric quantity likes amplifier ‘s addition, Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio ( OSNR ) , Bit Error Rate ( BER ) , and Noise Figure that determines the public presentation of the HFAs is analyzed. The simulation procedure is repeated until the design parametric quantity for maximal approachable transmittal distance utilizing the intercrossed amplifiers can be obtained.Thesis StructureChapter 1: The first chapter provides a general inspiration for the undertaking. It includes the overview of undertaki ng ; the aims of undertaking, job statement, range of the undertaking and undertaking results. Chapter 2: Undertaking ‘s background is illustrated in this chapter. By and large, this chapter summaries the literature reappraisal that have been studied. The construct and theory of the circuit conventional diagram of intercrossed Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers ( HFAs ) that is used for simulation will be explained in this chapter. Chapter 3: The 3rd chapter is discussed about the methodological analysis of the undertaking. The method, stuffs and processs used to carry on the undertaking in accomplishing the aims of the undertaking is explained in inside informations. Chapter 4: The chapter four will show all the simulation consequence from the Optisystem package. All the graphs and tabular arraies obtained from the simulation will be discussed in inside informations. Chapter 5: The last chapter will reason all the findings and consequences obtained throughout the undertaking. The consequences will be evaluated based on the findings and the aims of the undertaking. Recommendations for future surveies besides will be included in this chapter.Chapter 2LITERATURE REVIEW2.1 Optical AmplifiersOptical amplifiers have become a necessary constituent in long-haul fibre ocular systems due to the demand for longer transmittal lengths. The effects of scattering and fading can be minimized in long-haul optical systems due to the innovation of Semiconductor optical amplifiers ( SOAs ) , Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers ( EDFAs ) , and Raman optical amplifiers. Optical Amplifier has three applications: Supporter In-line Pre-Amplifier The transmittal side of the nexus is operated by a supporter amplifier, having a high input power, medium optical addition, and high end product power. The supporters are designed to magnify aggregative optical input power to make extension. The center of an optical nexus is operated by an inline amplifier. It acts as a medium to moo input power, high end product power, high optical addition, and a low Noise Figure. It is designed for optical elaboration on the chief optical nexus between two web nodes. The having terminal of an optical nexus is operated by a pre-amplifier. It functions as a medium to moo input power, medium end product power, and medium addition. Pre-amplifiers are besides designed for optical elaboration to counterbalance for the losingss in a demultiplexer located near the optical receiving system.2.1.1 Semiconductor Optical AmplifiersSemiconductor optical amplifiers ( SOAs ) really are laser rectifying tubes, with fibre attached to both terminals and do non hold terminal mirrors. The optical signal can comes from either side of the fibre, amplified by the semiconducting material optical amplifiers ( SOAs ) , and the signal comes out from the 2nd fibre. They are typically made in little bundle, and work for 1310 nanometer and 1550nm systems. Besides, the decreased size of the SOAs makes it an advantage over regenerators of EDFAs by conveying bidirectional. However, the disadvantage of SOAs includes polarisation dependance, high-coupling loss, and a higher noise f igure. Figure 1 demonstrates the rudimentss of a semiconducting material optical amplifier. [ 1 ] Semiconductor Optical Amplifier Figure 2.1: Semiconductor Optical Amplifier [ 1 ]2.1.2 Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier ( EDFA )Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier ( EDFA ) is an optical amplifier that uses an optical fibre as a addition medium to magnify an optical signal. Rare-earth component Er ions Er3+ dope the nucleus of the optical fibre. There are three possible results for the signal photon, if a optical maser signal with a wavelength between 1520 and 1570 nanometer, and a 974 pump optical maser are fed into an erbium-doped fibre at the same time, as shown in Figure 2.2. Figure 2.2: Simplified energy degree of Er3+ ions in Erbium-doped fiber [ 2 ] stimulated soaking up: signal photon excites an erbium ion from the province E1 to a higher degree E2 and go annihilated in the procedure stimulated emanation: signal photon stimulates an Er ion at province E2 to disintegrate to E1, bring forthing another indistinguishable photon. Thus the signal is amplified. signal photon can propagate unaffected through the fibre. In the mean while, self-generated emanation ever occurs between degree E2 and degree E1. The population inversion os achieved between the energy degree E2 and E1 of erbium-doped fibre when pump optical maser power is high plenty. Thus, the input laser signal passing through the fibre is so amplified. The erbium-doped fibre and pump optical maser can be used to build an optical amplifier, viz. erbium-doped fibre amplifier ( EDFA ) .Pump optical maser could besides magnify the self-generated emanation. Therefore, ASE is ever present in EDFA, and it ‘s the chief beginning of noise in these amplifiers. [ 2 ] Advantages of EDFA are as follows: It provides high power transportation efficiency from pump to signal power. Large addition. It is polarization-insensitive. High end product power. No matching loss to the transmittal fibre. A individual EDFA can supply addition for multiple wavelengths at the same time. The disadvantages of EDFA are Derive holding wavelength dependence. The difference addition will be obtained when usage with wavelength division multiplexing. Particular fibre design. Presence of amplified self-generated emanation ( ASE ) . [ 3 ]2.1.3 Raman Optical AmplifierThe Raman optical amplifier consists of a length of addition fibre combine with a pump assembly. The pump assembly contains a brace of pump optical maser rectifying tubes. The end product of a brace of orthogonally polarized pump-diode optical masers offers backward-propagating pump power in the transmittal fibre. Due to the higher-energy ( shorter wavelength ) pump photons scatter off the quiver manners of the optical fibre ‘s lattice matrix and coherently add to lower-energy ( longer wavelength ) signal photons, forward-propagating signals achieve addition in the fibre. There are two types of Raman amplifier: distributed and distinct Raman amplifier. A distributed Raman amplifier is one in which the transmittal fibre is utilized as the addition medium by multiplexing a pump wavelength with signal wavelength, while a distinct Raman amplifier use a dedicated, shorter length of extremely nonlinear fibre to supply elaboration. The advantages of Raman amplifier are: Ultrawide bandwidth elaboration. Low noise. No particular fibre is required. Suppressed nonlinearities public presentation in transmittal systems. [ 4 ] The disadvantages of Raman Amplifier are: Relatively high pump power required. Double Rayleigh sprinkling noise and nonlinear effects when the addition of RA is increased.2.1.4 Hybrid Raman and Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier ( HFAs )Hybrid Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers ( HFAs ) is a combination of Raman optical amplifier and Erbium Doped fiber amplifier. So, in order to understand HFAs, the feature of Raman optical amplifier and Erbium Doped fiber amplifier is study individually. The characteristic that is being study include operation, advantage and disadvantage of the amplifiers as discuss in the paragraph above. The constellation of intercrossed Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers is assuring for high capacity WDM transmittal. The amplifiers yield high-gain, low noise, and high end product power that via media for long distance transmittal. [ 5 ] Figure 2.3: Experimental constellations for the three types of individual pump, intercrossed Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier ( HFAs ) [ 6 ] Figure 2.3 shows assorted constellations of single-pump dispersion-compensating Hybrid Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier ( HFAs ) . Type I: Hybrid Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier ( HFAs ) recycling residuary Raman pump in a cascaded EDF subdivision located after a scattering compensatingfiber ( DCF ) . Type I showed a addition of 20.8 dubnium at 1556 nanometer. The minimal Noise Figure of Type I was about 7.5 dubniums. Type II: The difference between TypeII with Type Iis that the HFAs recycling residuary Raman pump in a cascaded EDF subdivision located prior to a DCF. The addition of Type II was 21 dubnium at 1556 nanometer. The minimal Noise Figure ofType II wasapproximately5 dubnium. Type Three: Raman assisted EDFA. The peak addition wavelength of TypeIIIwas found to be at 1532 nanometer and the addition was 19 dubnium. The minimal Noise Figure of Type III was about 8 dubnium. [ 8 ] Type II has the larger addition and smaller Noise Figure as comparison to Type I and Type III.Thus, the Type II circuit will be used for simulation in Optisystem package.2.2 Performance of optical amplifierIn the designation of the public presentation of an optical amplifier, some features have been defined. For illustration: addition, noise, optical signal/noise ratio ratio ( OSNR ) , bit error rate, and eye-pattern.2.2.1 AdditionGain is an of import parametric quantity in amplifiers that measures the elaboration per unit length of fibre. Additions are runing conditions and stuff used dependance. Difference wavelength has difference addition for all stuffs. For a low input powers, the end product power is relative to the addition times the length of fibre: Poutput = Pinput A- Gain A- Length. [ 7 ] The addition may saturate at high input powers. So, the end product power may merely increase in little fraction as input power addition. Basically the optical amplifier has run out of the power it needs to bring forth more end product.2.2.2 NoiseBy and large, optical amplifiers will add spontaneously emitted or scattered photons to the signal during the elaboration procedure, and this will do the signal/noise ratio ratio ( SNR ) degrade accordingly. A parameter Noise Figure ( NF ) , which is defined as the SNR ratio between input and end product quantify the SNR degradation.NF= SNRin / SNRout The self-generated emanation can be reduced by an optical filter during pattern. Therefore, the SNR by and large will be dependent on the bandwidth of the optical filters and the spectral power distribution of the self-generated emanation from the amplifier. The self-generated emanation, which is emitted from the amplifier input terminal, may come in the signal beginning ( a semiconducting material optical maser ) , where it can ensue in public presentation perturbations. Therefore, so as to avoid extra noise in the system, it is ever needed to include isolation between amplifier and light beginning.2.2.3 Signal-to-Noise RatioSignal-to-noise ratio can entree the public presentation of optical amplifiers, where it defines by the ratio of end product signal to the background noise. The higher the signal-to-noise ratio indicates the quality of the signal is higher. This means that the public presentation of the amplifier is good.2.2.4 Bit Error RateThe digital input and end product sign als are compared utilizing spot error rates ( or ratio ) measurings to measure what fraction of the spots are received falsely. Bit error rates offer a quantitative measuring of signal quality. The typical acceptable spot error rate is 10-9. [ 8 ]2.2.5 Eye-PatternThe other ways to measure rapidly the noise public presentation of an optically amplified system are through the usage of â€Å" oculus forms † displayed on the CRO. By the superposition of a random sequence of many 1s and 0 spot, such oculus forms are generated. This give a more qualitative position of the noise impressed on the digital transmittal form. [ 9 ] An illustration of oculus form is shown in Figure 2.4. The end product amplitude is the extremum to top out electromotive force output.Jitter is the divergence of the pulsations signal from their ideal places in clip, measured in picoseconds. Figure 2.4: Example of oculus form at receiving system [ 8 ]2.3 Optical fibreThere are two types of fibre, which is individual manner fibre ( SMF ) and multimode fibre ( MMF ) .Light travel in a consecutive line and typically has a nucleus size of 8 or 10 micrometers doing by a individual manner fibre that has a really little nucleus. It has unlimited bandwidth that can travel unrepeated for over 80 kilometers, depending on the type of conveying equipment. Single manner fibre has immense information capacity, more than multimode fibre. Multimode fibre supports multiple waies of visible radiation and has a much larger nucleus comparison to individual manner fibre. The nucleus size of multimode fibre is typically 50 or 62.5 micrometers. The light travels down a much larger way in multimode fibre, leting the visible radiation to travel down several waies or manners. Since individual manner fibre is used for long distance transmittal, it will be discuss in more inside informations in the undermentioned paragraph.2.3.1 Single Mode Fiber ( SMF )Light is non reflected or refracted within single-mode fibre, but travels merely along the axis of the nucleus as shown in Figure 2.5. Figure 2.5: Light Transmitted through Single-Mode Fiber [ 8 ] Modal scattering does non be in single-mode fibre since merely one manner is propagated. However, single-mode fibre is capable to other causes of pulse distributing such as chromatic scattering. [ 10 ]2.3.2 Chromatic DispersionChromatic scattering is the phenomenon wherein different spectral constituents of the familial lasersignal travel at different speeds in the fibre, geting at different times at the receiving system. It occurs because optical maser beginnings emit a scope of wavelengths: a primary individual wavelength and a narrow scope of secondary wavelengths on either side of this primary wavelength, as shown in Figure 2.6. The different wavelengths travel at somewhat different velocities through the fibre, and hence arrived at the receiving system at different times. This causes distributing, or scattering, of the standard pulsation. As the length of fibre additions, the difference in arrival times besides increases and the pulsations become wider. The end product pulses fi nally become identical from their neighbours and spot mistakes occur. Figure 2.6: Output Wavelengths of Laser Source [ 9 ] The bandwidth of a fibre decreases as chromatic scattering additions. Fewer spots can be transmitted in a given clip period because each spot will be wider and hence occupy a longer bit period. Chromatic scattering is the chief performance-limiting factor for single-mode fibre.2.3.3 Dispersion-compensating fibre ( DCF )By utilizing a really sophisticated fibre profile, it is possible to minimise scattering over the full wavelength scope from 1300 to 1550 nanometer, at the disbursal of really high loss ( around 2 dB/km ) ; this is known as scattering compensatingfiber. This fibre is designed with negative scattering features, so that when used in series with conventional fibre it will â€Å" undisperse † the signal. Dispersion-compensating fibre has a much narrower nucleus than standard single-mode fibre, which makes it susceptible to nonlinear effects. [ 11 ]2.3.4 Multimode Fiber vs. Single-mode FiberTable 2.0 shows a comparing of multimode fibre and single-mode fibre. Because of the many differences between them, these two types of fibre are by and large non interchangeable. Parameter Multimode Fiber ( MMF ) Single-Mode Fiber ( SMF ) Jacket Color Orange ( 62.5A µm ) or Grey ( 50A µm ) Yellow Light Propagation Multiple waies Single way Core Diameter 62.5 A µm or 50A µm ( older ) 9 A µm Link Length Short: & lt ; 1 kilometer Long: 10 kilometer to 100 kilometers Typical Wavelength of Transmitter 850 nanometer ( VSCEL ) 1310 nanometer ( FP ) or 1550 nanometer ( DFB ) Performance-Limiting Factor Modal scattering ( Chromatic scattering is undistinguished ) Chromatic scattering ( Modal scattering does non be ) Attenuation Approximate 3dB/km at 850 nanometers Approximate 0.4 dB/km at 1310 nanometer, 0.2 dB/km at 1550 nanometer Bandwidth Low High Sodium 0.28 0.13 Cost Cheaper More Expensive Table 2.1Multimode Fiber vs. Single-mode Fiber Single manner fibre will be used for this undertaking as the transmittal medium since it is used for long distance transmittal, typically 10 kilometers to 100 kilometers.Chapter 3MethodologyThis chapter is mentioned about the attack and method used to measure the public presentation of Hybrid Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers.Content of this chapter include the method usage to roll up the informations, informations analysis and factor considered when taking the attack and method. Figure 3.1: Undertaking Flow Chart This undertaking starts with the rubric that is provided by the supervisor. The rubric of the undertaking is public presentation rating of Hybrid Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers ( HFAs ) . By understanding the undertaking range and demands, a thorough reappraisal on specific subjects were done. Figure 3.1 below shows the undertaking block diagram that usage to measure the performanceof Hybrid Raman and Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers. The input to the HFAs is signal power and pump power. The public presentation of HFA is evaluated based on end product power, optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio ( OSNR ) , and Bit Error Rate that can be obtained from the simulation consequence of Optical Spectrum Analyzer. The simulation procedure is repeateduntil the maximal end product power, maximal optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio is obtained and the Bit Error Rate is smaller than 10-9. The different value of input and end product value from simulation consequence will be tabular in tabular array and compared to supply a design parametric quantity for maximal approachable transmittal distance utilizing the intercrossed amplifiers. INPUT OUTPUT Figure 3.1: Undertaking block diagram There are different types of optical simulation package available in the market. For illustration: ModeSYS, OptSim, OptiSPICE, and Optisystem. OptiSystem is an advanced optical communicating system simulation bundle for the design, proving and optimisation of virtually any type of optical nexus in the physical bed of a wide spectrum of optical networks.The OptiSystem Component Library includes 100s of constituents that enable users to come in parametric quantities that can be measured from existent devices. Therefore, Optisystem package will be usage to imitate and measure the public presentation of the Hybrid Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers. However, the execution of HFAs into Optisystem package will merely be start at PSM 2.Chapter 4PRELIMINARY RESULT4.1 DiscussionFrom through reading and research, the circuit that will be utilizing for the simulation is as in Figure 2.3, Type II of single-pump dispersion-compensating Hybrid Raman and Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier ( HFAs ) . From Figure 2.3, the intercrossed amplifier recycling residuary Raman pump with a cascaded EDF subdivision located prior to a scattering compensatingfiber ( DCF ) . The Raman pump beginning consists of two optical maser rectifying tubes runing at 1455 nanometer and 1465 nanometer, severally. By uniting the two pump wavelengths with a inactive pump combiner, a entire power of up to 500mW was available. Since individual manner fibre is used for long distance transmittal, and the chromatic scattering is the chief performance-limiting factor for single-mode fibre. Therefore, a 12.6 kilometer DCF with 0.55 dB/km fading at a wavelength 1550 nanometer was used to counterbalance the fading. The 12.6 kilometers DCF with a group speed scattering of -98 ps/nm/km at 1550 nanometer can supply sufficient scattering for counterbalancing a 70 kilometer long individual manner fibre based transmittal span. By simulation, it is expected to acquire a addition of 21 dubnium and Noise Figure of 5 dubnium. 4.2 DecisionAt the terminal of the undertaking, it is expected to supply a design parametric quantity for maximal approachable transmittal distance utilizing the Hybrid Raman and Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers. Some of the restraints that limit the maximal transmittal distance are pump power, signal power, type and length of fibre used. The public presentation of the HFAs will be evaluated based on the amplifier ‘s addition, Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio ( OSNR ) , Bit Error Rate ( BER ) and Noise Figure obtained from the simulation consequence. A addition of 21 dubnium, Noise Figure of 5 dubnium, and bit error rate less than 10-9 should be obtained in simulation consequence.

The Jaguar

The Jaguar 1. It implies that the apes admire their fleas and are to lazy tp do anything about them, where as you would think that they would want rid of the fleas because they would surely be bothered by them. 2. The simile gives me a dramatic picture of the parrots as by saying ‘shriek as if they were on fire' gives me the image of the being very load and frantic. 3. The figure of speech in line three is a simile and suggests to me that the parrots were flaunting themselves ‘like cheap tarts', woman who want to attract attention. 4. ‘Tiger and lion lie still as the sun'.This simile gives me a picture of the tigers and lions laying still and not moving very often. 5. The figure of speech used here is a metaphor and gives me an image of an ancient creature that used to live millions of years ago. 6. The word is ‘shriek' because it makes me think of the birds making loud noises. ‘Fatigued with indolence' gives me the impression that the tigers and lions a re very lazy and do not have the effort to do anything. ‘Stink of sleepers from the breathing straw' gives a very strong impression that the animals are very un-hygienic and are not clean. . Most of the animals are very lazy and motionless. 8. The poet uses commas more often to make the reader read quicker and therefor fastening the pace of the poem. The commas are also used to create tension and excitement. 9. The writer says that the jaguar is ‘hurrying and also the he ‘spins' from the cage bars, showing me that the jaguar is very fast paced and frantic. 10. The language technique used is alliteration which is having words beginning with the same letter following one another. 11.I choose the 2nd and 3rd lines from the last verse, these lines suggest to me that the jaguar feels like he is still in the wild and still in control. The poet mentions the ‘wilderness of freedom' to remind us of the wilderness from where the jaguar came. 12. Ted Hughes gives me the impression that he likes the jaguar because the jaguar still acts as if it is in the wild. 13. My feeling on the jaguar is that it still has not given up as the writer tells me that ‘over the cage floor the horizons come' giving me the impression that the jaguar is imagining still being in the wild and free

Falcons In The Uae Essays - Falconry, Birds Of Prey, Falcon, Shahin

Falcons In The Uae Essays - Falconry, Birds Of Prey, Falcon, Shahin Falcons In The Uae Falconry is the upkeep of falcons. It is a very valued tradition in the UAE. Falconry is a sport that came to UAE many years ago. Poor people and rich people enjoyed it. It was a big part of their life in the desert. People think that it came by the muslim Arabs who went to Byzantine and Persia. The falcon is known as the Saqer. It is very loved by the people because of its beauty and lovely eyes. H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan loves falcons. Falconry is his favourite sport. He says falconry is a port that teaches endurance, strength, and patience. The two main species used for hunting in the UAE are the Saqr falcons (Falco Cherruq) which are brought from other Middle Eastern countries and the Peregrine (Falco Peregrinus) The Saqr is the most popular because it is good for desert hawking. The female Saqr (Al Hurr), which is larger and more powerful is the one which is used more than the male (Garmoush). The female Peregrine (Shahin or Bahri Shahin) is also thought to be better than the male (Shahin Tiba) for hunting purposes. Training falcons requires both courage and patience and it is made possible by the trainer. Ronald Codrai in his book The Seven Sheikhdoms describes the training of falcons as follows: The key to success in falconry is the relationship of falcon and falconer who must exercise patience, skill, and devotion. The ability of a falcon to obey his master is what makes the Arabs like the sport a lot. In the training process, the falcon sits on a round wooden thing like a mushroom which moves. This is called Al Wakr. Or on the trainers hand which is protected from the sharp nails of a falcon by a big cuff which covers his hand, this is called the Mangalah. This is usually made from material which is filled with straw or cloth. This is where the falcon sits. The falcon is held by a two braids of cotton, these are called Al Sabbuq, and they are attached to a leash to make the bird a free to move. Al Burgu is another piece that is used in this sport. It is put on the falcons head too cover his eyes. This is because they have very good eyes and they could see very sharply. They also need to be slowly adjusted to any new environment. Their eyes are covered as a part of the training process. Then they are taken off slowly through showing them slowly the environment around them. Al Mukhlat is the bag in which the trainer hides wrapped up houbara wings or pigeons. These things which are in the bag are used to attract the falcon back to get them. This way of attracting the falcon back is called the tilwah. The wakir is the sitting place of the falcon. It is a long and decorated wooden Stand. On top of it there is a flat padded place for the falcons sharp claws to rest on. When the falcon flies away from the wakir, the end of the long stand, which is down is pushed into the sand where it stays upright. Controlling the falcon is very necessary, especially after making every catch. Light and also strong chains are put on its ankles. These things are called the subuq and are 30 centimeters long. They are very strong and flexible. They are made from nylon. The two ends of these chains are tied together into a short chain. This short chain is then attached to a small ball. These things make the falcon move easier and controls his flying. The whole piece is called the mursel. The falcon shouts yalla and after a second, the falcon with all its power opens his wings and moves them very fast and powerful. Then moves quickly into the sky. As soon as it sees the animal which he is supposed to catch, he quickly chases it. This chase goes on for some time until the gets tired and slows down and at that moment, the falcon flies down quickly and pulls it to the ground. The main animals which the falcon is supposed to catch are

Native American Slavery 1800 essays

Native American Slavery 1800 essays The constitution of the United States reads; We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In the 1830s, there existed a deep division among the nations white population reguarding Native Americans. In their dealings with Native Americans, the first white settlers adopted policies that were shaped by their own European worldview and experience. When the United States became a nation, the new government built on this European foundation, but over time adapted its Native American policy to changing perspectives and needs- mainly the desire for more land and wealth. Eventually the Native Americans were regarded as an anachronism irreclaimable savage by those west of the Appalachians and redeemable savages by eastern philanthropists and humanitarians. To the whites settlers in the trans-Appalachian frontier that ran from the mid-west to the southern states, Indians were considered a threat that had to be exterminated. Believers in Native American reform were largely from the industrial and commercial centers in the Northeast where few Indians lived. With the arrival of twenty "Negroes" aboard a Dutch man-of-war in Virginia in 1619, the face of American slavery began to change from the "tawny" Indian to the "blackamoor" African; a period of transition lasting from between 1650 to 1750. Though the issue is complex, the unsuitability of the Native American for the labor-intensive agricultural practices, their susceptibility to European diseases, the proximity of avenues of escape for Native Americans, and the lucrative nature of the African slave trade led to a transition to an African-based institution of slavery. In spite of a later tendency in the Southern United States to differentiate the African slave from the Indian, African slavery wa...

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Quantum Number Definition (Chemistry and Physics) A  quantum number is a value that is used when describing the energy levels available to atoms and molecules. An electron in an atom or ion has four quantum numbers to describe its state and yield solutions to the Schrà ¶dinger wave equation for the hydrogen atom. There are four quantum numbers: n - principal quantum number - describes the energy levelâ„“ - azimuthal or angular momentum quantum number - describes the subshellmâ„“Â  or m - magnetic quantum number - describes the orbital of the subshellms or s - spin quantum number - describes the spin Quantum Number Values According to the Pauli exclusion principle, no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of quantum numbers. Each quantum number is represented by either a half-integer or integer value. The principal quantum number is an integer that is the number of the electrons shell. The value is 1 or higher (never 0 or negative).The angular momentum quantum number is an integer that is the value of the electrons orbital (e.g., s0, p1).  Ã¢â€žâ€œ is greater than or equal to zero and less than or equal to n-1.The magnetic quantum number is the orientation of the orbital with integer values ranging from -â„“ to  Ã¢â€žâ€œ. So, for the p orbital, where  Ã¢â€žâ€œ1, m could have values of -1, 0, 1.The spin quantum number is a half-integer value that is either -1/2 (called spin down) or 1/2 (called spin up). Quantum Number Example For the outer valence electrons of a carbon atom, the electrons are found in the 2p orbital. The four quantum numbers used to describe the electrons are n2,  Ã¢â€žâ€œ1, m1, 0, or -1, and s1/2 (the electrons have parallel spins). Not Just for Electrons While quantum numbers are commonly used to describe electrons, they may be used to describe the nucleons (protons and neutrons) of an atom or elementary particles.

SWOT analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

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Analysis of USA PATRIOT ACT - Research Paper Example At the same time, it enables the federal authorities to identify and intercept communications made with malicious intentions (Henderson, 2001). The fourth amendment does not cloak information such as an individual’s bank and telephone records to and from an individual’s account. Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Street Act of 1968 limits some of the authorities given by the patriotism act, while at the same time living a very narrow margin for electronic surveillance (Kraft & Furlong, 2013). The act certainly intended for a close, and symbiotic relation amongst foreign intelligence investigations, criminal investigators, much greater emphasis was in international terrorism cases. Due to this, it amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Initially to apply for FISA, an order to do some surveillance under FISA required one to certify that the reason for the surveillance is to obtain foreign intelligence information. This lead to the defendants frequently questioning whether the FISA order was applied to them to avoid the predicate crime threshold. This led to the notion that there might be other reasons for the application of the FISA order. Criminal prosecution was in the spotlight, and it was required to end the surveillance or secure an order under Title III (Henderson, 2001). Even though, both foreign intelligence and criminal investigations are carried out in the US. A criminal investigation is after information about illegal activities whereas foreign intelligence is not restricted to hostile, criminal or governmental activities since what is important is it being foreign (Henderson, 2001). Though a complete ban on FISA Act is not present, the Supreme Court cleared the air by saying presidential authority to attain national security was not enough to excuse warrantless tapping of a suspect with no identifiable foreign connections

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Bush's War (PBS) Analasys - Essay Example Cheney advocated the use of controversial interrogation techniques to obtain information that would link Saddam Hussein to the 9/11 attacks. In the documentary, Cheney and Rumsfeld supported a pentagon (military) led alternative that led to the decision to invade Iraq. Cheney was also involved in securing controversial secret legal opinions from the Justice Department that would grant President Bush unrestricted broad authority to wage 'war' without the consent of the U.S congress. Cheney also supported the use of 'enhanced combat and interrogation techniques' against captured combatants. President Bush's fixation on invading Iraq was borne out of his distrust of Saddam Hussein. Bush stated in the documentary that Saddam was "an evil man who gassed his own people" In reference to Saddam Hussein, Bush declared after the 9/11 attacks, that his administration would hunt down the Islamic fundamentalists and "those who harbour them." Bush believed that Saddam Hussein was providing support for Al-Qaeda. The intelligence information that was used as a predicate to the invasion was manipulated in order to justify the war. This invasion 'policy' was hatched and promoted chiefly by Cheney and Rumsfeld although there was a lack of substantial evidence that linked Saddam to Al-Qaeda. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director, George Tenet did not initially support the Iraq invasion on account of the lack of credible intelligence evidence available. Instead of relying and heeding to CIA intelligence reports, Cheney and Rumsfeld formed a parallel and secretive intelligence unit in the Pentagon to analyse evidence that would hitherto link Saddam Hussein to Al Qaeda (Chapter 12). Cheney also pressured CIA analysts who were preparing a National Intelligence Estimate, to include language that would support the invasion policy. The CIA analysts have since reported that Cheney and his staff wanted the report to indicate that Saddam had or was seeking to acquire Weapons of Mass Destruction ( WMD). This attempts led the administration to use "highly dubious" and un-corroborated evidence that stated that Saddam Hussein had attempted to purchase 'yellow cake' Uranium (a key component for producing a nuclear weapon) from Niger (Chapter 12). Why was the press unable to bring this story to light earlier Although some sections of the press were critical of the plans, President Bush had a 90% popularity rate. The national press were therefore weary and feared a public backlash if they did not seem to be supporting the President in war time. How would you assess Rumsfeld's role in this issue Donald Rumsfeld was the one of the Architects of the invasion of Iraq. Rumsfeld first succeeded in taking the lead role in the 'war on terror' from the CIA in Afghanistan and subsequently in the Iraq invasion plans. He wanted to be the solely in charge, "100% responsible" and determined to go to war with Saddam at all cost. He continued to claim that Saddam Hussein had WMD (Chapter 13). Rumsfeld also withheld critical information form the White House and undermined both the State Department and the CIA all in a bid to ensure that the invasion took

Employee Negative Habits and Attitudes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

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Final Exam Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Final Exam Questions - Essay Example This paper examines Daniel Cohen`s argument vs. Alison Jaggar`s argument regarding globalization. Cohen deals with a very important and timely subject or topic for that matter – globalization – though he does so inefficiently. The title of his book leads one to think that Cohen will actually defend globalization from its enemies or pinpoint those enemies and pronounce their arguments. Nonetheless, the book offers, at best, a somehow weak defense of the topic – global capitalism. Cohen does not openly identify enemies of globalization and their agenda. Cohen puts the present wave of globalization in an historical perspective. He tries to explain why poor countries have failed to be like developed nations and what possibly the world can do to make globalization be more beneficial. Cohen claims that globalization, thanks to the enormous speed of the 21st century communications, presents to the people a world with material prosperity which everyone wants. That is, a vivid world full of promises that are not yet fulfilled. For the poorest developing countries, globalization remains just an elusive image. Economist Daniel Cohen opposes the idea that globalization is something that is imposed and meant to exploit poor nations. Instead, he offers an innovative concept to make globalization benefit the poor. According to Cohen (2006), to understanding the modern globalization requires us to reject the idea that poor nations are exploited and stunted by globalization. Undoubtedly, rich nations protectionist practices and prejudiced trade terms negatively impact poor nations, but these nations stay poor just because they have nothing or very little that the richer countries desire or need. Cohen equates the condition of the poor nations to that of â€Å"persons lost inside French welfare system.† Cohen asserts that

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Final Exam Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

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Economics of Warfare - Essay Example The inconsistency in the evaluation occurs because of the endogenous regressor that measures the magnitude of the association. In an ordinary circumstance, both the direction of causation and the magnitude provides invaluable information to the policy analysts. Therefore, the use of instrumental variable provides estimates that assist in obtaining consistent parameters. The article by Miguel et al. (2004) that assessed Economic shocks and civil conflict provides a simple and most effective way of using instrumental variables. For that reason, the article was the most important paper to critique and use when explaining why and how to use the instrumental variable. Estimation of economic impacts from civil conflict is not a simple process because of the endogeneity and the likelihood of biases. Miguel et al (2004) used rainfall variations to simulate the instrumental variables to assess economic growth for 41 countries in Africa after the onsets of wars and civil conflict because most of the countries rely on rain-fed agriculture for economic growth. Miguel et al. (2004) noted that instrumental variables provided credible association between conflicts like civil wars, and financial condition takes a causal relationship rather than merely a correlation (p. 726). The study reported that instrumental variables use two separate equations to define one function. Each of the equation defines and specifies a particular relationship. For instance, one of the equations will explain the existing relationship between the outcome and the independent variable. The second equation will determine the association that exist between the outcome and the instrum ental variable. For instance, if Y refers to the result, V refers to the critical independent variable that measures the policy outcome, N refers to instrumental variable, x refers to the vector of controlled variable, Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 signifies the parameters yet to be

Corporate governance Essay Example for Free

Corporate governance Essay Corporate governance is concerned with the structures and systems of control by which managers are held accountable to those who have a legitimate stake in an organization. It has become an increasingly important issue for organizations for three main reasons. The separation of ownership and management control of organizations (which is now the norm except with very small businesses) means that most organizations operate within a hierarchy, or chain, of governance. This chain represents those groups that influence an organization through their involvement in either ownership or management of an organization. Increased accountability to wider stakeholder interests has also come to be increasingly advocated; in particular the argument that corporations need to be more visibly accountable and/or responsive, not only to ‘owners’ and ‘managers’ in the governance chain but to wider social interest Corporate scandals since the late 1990s have increased public debate about how different parties in the governance chain should interact and influence each other. Most notable here is the relationship between shareholders and the boards of businesses, but an equivalent issue in the public sector is the relationship between government or public funding bodies and public sector organizations. As the key purpose of Corporate governance drive the benefit of shareholder of the company all members of corporate governance model responsible and accountable for driving this primary objective. 1.1 Five Golden Rules of Corporate Governance And best corporate governance practice is not simply about a battle between distant, disloyal institutional shareholders and greedy directors but about the ethos of the organization and fulfilling its clearly agreed goals. 5 golden rules of Corporate Governance of successful organization are: 1. Ethics: a clearly ethical basis to the business 2. Align Business Goals: appropriate goals, arrived at through the creation of a suitable stakeholder decision making model 3. Strategic management: an effective strategy process which incorporates stakeholder value 4. Organization: an organization suitably structured to effect good corporate governance 5. Reporting: reporting systems structured to provide transparency and accountability 2 Objectives of study Objective of this case study is to understand and critically examine flaws, failure of Corporate Governance on Satyam Computer’s strategic decisions. Also analyze what are the areas those can be influenced by proper Corporate Governance. This case also helps understanding Governments roles to tackle firms or intervene in firm’s functionality in the interest of internal and external stakeholders. Not only were there failures at the regulatory level, but also at the executive level. With no express code for corporate governance in India, the company failed to follow the industry standard best practices and as a result, collapsed. This study would be useful in identifying the different kind of failures in a family owned business like Satyam and to policy makers in designing and implementing corporate governance frameworks for professionally managed as well as family managed businesses like Satyam. This case also reveals how wrong decisions can damage entire organization and dent the image of company. This case also focuses certain legal issues related to roles and responsibilities of Chairman and other top management including critical role of independent directors of organization. This Case Study focuses laws and gaps in the Indian context. 3 Historical Evolution of the company Satyam was incorporated on June 24, 1987 as a private limited company providing software development and consulting services based out of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Ramalinga Raju and his brother Rama Raju were the promoters of the company. Before starting Satyam these duo were involved in other businesses like construction and textiles. This company was started with 20 employees 1991, this company went in for IPO where it was oversubscribed by 17 times. Same year it could bag clients like John Deere co which is fortune 500 company. This is the first time it adopted offshoring model. 1993, Satyam formed joint ventures with clients like D B and also with GE. In 1996 Satyam started its on shore offices in US and Japan. And its first development center in New Jersey, 1998. By 1999 it had operations in 30 countries and was assessed SEI CMM Level 5, one of the very few companies to get this accreditation by then. In 2000, Satyam grew by 10000 employees and got listed in NASDAQ ( National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) in 2001. 2004 Satyam was providing services in 45 countries with employee base of 15000. At that time Company was operating in various verticals with 18 development centers. Company crossed 1Billion revenues by 2006. Satyam’s revenues grew to 2 billion by 2008 with a net income of 417mn. Gained 186 of fortune 500 customers. Sailing in the industry with 46000 employees by March 2008 with operations across 66 countries. By September 2008 it recorded revenue of 28.19Bn. 3.1 Corporate Governance Practice at Satyam To explain the level of commitment and ethics to society it was mentioned by both inside and outside members of Satyam that on the day of Ramalinga Raju father’s cremation he attended shareholders meeting. Company’s ethics and level commitment were stressed in many annual reports. Corporate Governance was driven by its core values Associate Delight Investor Delight Customer Delight Pursuit of Excellence Company stated that† it believes that corporate governance practices provide an important framework to help the board of directors to fulfill its responsibilities† Main duties of the board were to set strategic direction to the company and leading the organization in the right direction there by ensuring long term interest of investor and other stakeholders of the company. Source: Satyam Computer Services, Report on Corporate Governance 2006-07 For independent functioning, the board comprised of both executive and non-executive members. Board also comprised several committees like Investor Grievances committee Compensation Committee Audit Committee The board was governed by code of conduct, which specified that all employees, directors needed to carry out their duties legally, honestly and ethically. It also specified all clauses that avoid any code of conflict etc.., Company’s Whistle Blower policy was also in place. According to experts though sound policies were in place none of the directors were objecting Raju’ s decisions even though they are against the interest of investor. It continued till the time when Raju was planning to acquire Maytas where the biz of Target Company was not aligning to Satyam and also those companies are promoted by Ramalinga Raju’s family members. 3.2 Role and Powers of Independent Directors (clause 49 of SEBI) SEBI had constituted a Committee on Corporate Governance under the chairmanship of N R Narayana Murthy to improve standards of corporate governance in India. SEBI introduced some major amendments based on the report on this committee on 26th August, 2003, in clause 49 of its listing agreement. Applicability of Clause 49 All companies which were required to comply with the requirement of the erstwhile clause 49 i.e. all listed entities having a paid up share capital of Rs 3 crores and above or net worth of Rs 25 crores or more at any time in the history of the entity, are required to comply with the requirement of this clause. This clause does not apply to other listed entities, which are not companies, but body corporates, incorporated under other statutes. Clause 49 will apply to these institutions as long as it does not violate their respective statutes, guidelines or directives. Clause 49 of the SEBI’s listing agreement relates to Independent Directors. Clause 49 Corporate Governance The company agrees to comply with the following provisions: I. Board of Directors (A) Composition of Board (i) The Board of directors of the company shall have an optimum combination of executive22 and non-executive23 directors with not less than fifty percent of the board of directors comprising of non-execu tive directors. (ii) Where the Chairman of the Board is a non-executive director, at least one-third of the Board should comprise of independent directors and in case he is an executive director, at least half of the Board should comprise of independent directors. (iii) For the purpose of the sub-clause (ii), the expression ‘independent director’ shall mean a non-executive director of the company who: a. Apart from receiving director‘s remuneration, does not have any material pecuniary relationships or transactions with the company, its promoters, its directors, its senior management or its holding company, its subsidiaries and associates which may affect independence of the director; b. Is not related to promoters or persons occupying management positions at the board level or at one level below the boardx` c. Has not been an executive of the company in the immediately preceding three financial years; d. Is not a partner or an executive or was not partner or an executive during the preceding three years, of any of the following: 1. The statutory audit firm or the internal audit firm that is associated with the company, and 2. The legal firm(s) and consulting firm(s) that have a material association with the company. e. Is not a material supplier, service provider or customer or a lessor or lessee of the company, which may affect independence of the director; and f. Is not a substantial shareholder of the company i.e. owning two percent or more of the block of voting shares. OTHER DEFINITIONS The Department of Company Affairs (DCA) had appointed a Committee headed by Mr. Naresh Chandra along with the distinct professionals from various fields. Apart from this, the Kumaramangalam Report also has suggestions about Independent Directors. Some definitions on Independent Directors. THE CADBURY REPORT (1992) Apart from their directors‘ fees and shareholdings, they should be independent of management and free from any business or other relationship which could materially interfere with the exercise of their independent judgmentâ€â€". THE KUMARAMANGALAM REPORT (1998) ―Independent directors are those directors who apart from receiving director‘s remuneration do not have any other material pecuniary relationship or transactions with the company, its promoters, its management or its subsidiaries, which in the judgment of the board may affect their independence of judgment THE NARESH CHANDRA REPORT (2003) Apart from receiving director‘s remuneration, does not have any other material pecuniary relationships or transactions with the company, its promoters and senior management.â€â€" It is significant to mention hear that the Naresh Chandra Committee report has opined that the recommendations made by the Kumaramangalam Committee in relation to independent directors are not precise and cannot fulfill the requirement of the independency as compared to the International best-in-class definitions and other pragmatic factors.25 An independent director is characterized by the following principle features: COMPANIES ACT, 1956 INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS Under the Companies Act,1956 the powers and duties of directors has evolved under interpretation of various Sections such as 291, 297, 299, 397, 398, 408, 629A, to name a few which have recognised and upheld directors‘ fiduciary duties to shareholders, to act with due care, skill and good faith. Sections 297 and 299, for example, are intended to eliminate possibility of conflict of interest. Unfortunately, the Act does not envisage a proper remedial regime, providing for rescission of underlying transactions, compensation for corporate and stakeholder losses, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains etc. Theoretically, some of these reliefs can be agitated for before the Company Law Board – but courts are hesitant to pass such drastic orders, in cases of such large, reputed companies ROLE OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR TOWARDS SHAREHOLDERS Corporate Governance principles all over and listing requirements assign tasks that have a potential for conflict of interest to independent directors, examples of these are integrity of financial and non-financial reporting, review of related party transactions, nomination of board members and key executives remuneration. The shareholders, especially the minority shareholders, look to independent directors providing transparency in respect of the disclosures in the working of the company as well as providing balance towards resolving conflict areas. In evaluating the board‘s or management decisions in respect of employees, creditors and other suppliers of major service providers, independent directors have a significant role in protecting the stakeholders interests. One of the mandatory requirements of audit committee is to look into the reasons for default in payments to deposit holders, debentures, non-payment of declared dividend and creditors. Further they are required to review the functioning of the ―Whistle Blower mechanismâ€â€" and related party transactions. These, essentially, safeguard the interests of the stakeholders 4 Major strategic decisions and its consequence December 16th 2008, Chairman Ramalinga Raju in a surprise move announced intent to acquire Maytas Properties and Maytas construction companies for a whopping 1.6Bn. While it is evident that these two companies are promoted by Ramalinga Raju’ s family in the industry circles it was not clear why should a IT services company focus on infra and property business. As the decisions was opposed by investors and clear indication of market fluctuation made Ramalinga Raju to revert his decision in 12 hours. Share prices plunges by 55% on concerns about Satyam’s corporate governance. In a surprise move, the World Bank announced on December 23, 2008 that Satyam has been barred from business with World Bank for eight years for providing Bank staff with â€Å"improper benefits† and charged with data theft and bribing the staff. Share prices fell another 14% to the lowest in over 4 years. The lone independent director since 1991, US academician Mangalam Srinivasan, announced resignation followed by the resignation of three more independent directors on December 28 i.e. Vinod K Dham (famously known as father of the Pentium and an ex Intel employee), M Rammohan Rao (Dean of the renowned Indian School of Business) and Krishna Palepu (professor at Harvard Business School)6. At last, on January 7, 2009, B. Ramalinga Raju announced confession of over Rs. 7800 crore financial fraud and he resigned as chairman of Satyam. A week after Satyam founder B Ramalinga Raju’ s scandalous confession, Satyam’s auditors Price Waterhouse finally admitted that its audit report was wrong as it was based on wrong financial statements provided by the Satyam’s management’s On January 22, 2009, Satyam’s CFO Srinivas Vadlamani confessed to having inflated the number of employees by 10,000 Satyam share price have seen sharp decline within hours of the outburst of the incident and further deteriorated after Ramalinga Raju’s confession Source: http://akpinsight-ijcbs.webs.com 5 Implementation of strategic decision On 30th Sep 2008, Satyam reported that it had cash reserves of 1.2Bn and on December 16th company expressed intent of acquiring Maytas Properties and Maytas Constructions for 1.6Bn. While Maytas infra a public listed company operating for two decades Maytas properties s only 6 months old which declared a revenue of 7.37Bn and net profit of 370 mn. On December 16th 2008 Satyam board approved acquisition of Maytas. The cash reserve to be used by Satyam to buy 51% of equity stake in Maytas infra for 1.3Bn USD and for Maytas properties 300 mn USD. Satyam planning to acquire 31% of the holding of the Raju family in Maytas Infra and another 20% through open offer to shareholders. The promoters held 36.64% equity stake in Maytas infra . Satyam planning to pay 475 Rs per Share which was 1.25% less than closing value December 16th and open offer made at 525 rs from the existing Maytas infra shareholders. After approval from board Ramalinga Raju announced this as a strategic move to de-risk core business by bootstrapping a new business vertical. He also called out that this would de-risk the recessional impacts on the current vertical of core business. Announcement however trigger negative reaction from industry, investors and stock markets. Satyam’s stock got severe beating on December 16;.The ADR fell from 12.55 to 5.70 after this announcement . On Bombay Stock Exchange the stock fell from 226 to 158 rs. It went down further to 134 on December 24th 2008. The decision attracted lot of criticism that promoters who has only 8.74% equity stake in the company were being allowed by the board to transfer a considerable amount of money from Satyam to Maytas where Ramalinga Raju’ s family own more stake. Analysts called that this is act of siphon to move cash from Satyam into a place where Raju’ s family has more stake. Experts also called that if board is convinced with the deal then it is their responsibility to inform major investment institutions which is a good sign of proper corporate governance. Valuation of Maytas was not transparent and this was not even informed to investors in advance. Investors called this process as act of misuse of Satyam funds and it’s a nepotism. Registrar of Companies asked Satyam to submit minutes of board meeting for validity and review held on December 16th 2008. However Satyam could not provide minutes of meeting in the said deadline given by RoC. These reactions compelled Satyam to roll back the decision within 12 hours .These accusations lead to few international issues where the long battle between British Virgin Island Based Upaid system and Raju and Satyam CFO. There are three cases breach of contract, forgery filed by filed by UPaid and one disparagement filed by Satyam. On December 23 2008 World Bank announced that it will bar Satyam to take any of its contracts for next 8 years due to improper invoice and benefit to employees. It was reported that Satyam sold its preferential shares to World Bank CIO. Before Maytas controversy got over DSP-Merlynch announced that it is terminating its advisory agreement with Satyam. In its communication it said considering various strategic options it had terminated its advisory agreement also quoted that it was to their understanding that there are accounting irregularities which prompted them above decision. Analysts said that this move compelled Raju to confess as SEBI asked DSP-Merlynch asking why it had to withdraw the agreement. 6 Merits/Flaws of implementation Following are the Governance Flaws noticed in the case of Satyam computer Services Limited 6.1 Unethical Conduct It is evident that founder of the company wanted to make money any which way by avoiding taxes, cooking books , creating false payrolls and pay offs. Shareholders, employees and clients realized steady diet of (A)Satyam. He was not following the spirit behind its name. Along with his brother Rama Raju who is his also managing director of the company disguised all this from company’s board , senior managers and auditors for several years. Confession revealed the fraudulent and unethical behavior of the duo who bagged many awards and rewards for his best corporate governance including prestigious Golden Peacock award. Both CEO and CFO charged for putting self-interests ahead of company’s interests. 6.2 A case of insider trading Both central and state investigation agencies and also audit firms revealed and established that promoters indulged in the nastiest kind of insider trading of company’s shares to raise money for building large land banks. It was established that money raised by Ramalinga Raju and Rama Raju along with his relatives used to buy lands in 330 binami companies. 6.3 Case of False Books and Bogus Accounts The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), 23 a multi-disciplinary investigating arm of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, set up in 2003 with officials from various law enforcement agencies, was asked to investigate the fudging of accounts as admitted by B. Ramalinga Raju. the consent of the board was unanimously accorded after which Raju proposed the merger of MIL and MPL to the shareholders, which came in for stiff resistant, and issue of corporate governance was raised.† A couple of weeks later, Ramalinga Raju dropped a bombshell by sending a letter of admission to SEBI and the board of directors that he had fudged the accounts of Satyam and that the balance sheet as on September 30, 2008 carried an inflated (non-existent) cash and bank balances of Rs 5040 crore, non-existent interest of Rs 376 crore and understated liability of Rs 1230 crore Source: http://www.applied-corporate-governance.com/best-corporate-governance-practice.html 6.4 Lax Board The Satyam Board was composed of ‘chairman-friendly’ directors who failed to question managements strategy and use of leverage in recasting the company; they were also extremely slow to act when it was already clear that the company was in financial distress. The glue that held the board members together was Ramalinga Raju. Each of the board members were there on his personal invitation and (that) made them ineffective. The Board ignored, or failed to act on, critical information related to financial wrongdoings before the company ultimately collapsed. It was only when Ramalinga Raju in the December, 2008 announced a $1.6 billion bid for two Maytas companies i.e. Maytas Infra and Maytas Properties, and while the share market reacted very strongly against the bid and prices plunged by 55 % on concerns about Satyam’s corporate governance, that some of the independent directors came into action by announcing their withdrawal from the Board 6.5 Unconvinced Role of Independent Directors The Satyam episode has brought out the failure of the present corporate governance structure that hinges on the independent directors, who are supposed to bring objectivity to the oversight function of the board and improve its effectiveness. They serve as watchdogs over management, which involves keeping their eyes and ears open at Board deliberations with critical eye raising queries when decisions scent wrong. Stakeholders place high expectations on them but the Satyam’s case reveals such expectations are misplaced. Six of the nine directors on Satyam’s Board were independent directors including US academician Mangalam Srinivasan (the independent director since 1991), Vinod K. Dham (famously known as father of the Pentium and an ex Intel employee), M Rammohan Rao (Dean of Indian School of Business), US Raju (former director of IIT Delhi), T.R. Prasad (former Cabinet Secretary) and Krishna Palepu (professor at Harvard Business School). They were men of standing reputation. To avoid any controversy, the two founder directors did not participate in the decision making process for the reason that the provisions of the Companies Act and SEBI regulations mandate presence of only disinterested directors in board meeting where the agenda of such a nature is discussed. This naturally causes suspicion on the role performed by the independent directors present in that meeting. What concerns everyone is that those independent directors allowed themselves to be party to the mysterious designs of the promoter directors. It is hard to believe that such eminent and experienced personalities could not discover the well-planned massive fraud and manipulations. 6.6 Questionable Role of Audit Firm/Committee The true role of audit committee in prà ©cis is to ensure transparency in the company, that financial disclosures and financial statements provide a correct, sufficient and creditable picture and that, cases of frauds, irregularities, failure of internal control system within the organization, were minimized, which the committee failed to carry out. The timely action on the information supplied by 18 a whistleblower to the chairman and members of the audit committee (an e-mail dated December 18, 2008 by Jose Abraham), could serve as an SOS to the company, but, they chose to keep silent and did not report the matter to the shareholders or the regulatory authorities. The Board members on audit committee who failed to perform their duties alertly be therefore tried out under the provisions of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (an unimaginable fine extendable to rupees 25 crore by also including imprisonment for a term, which may extent to 10 years). 6.7 Suspicious Role of Rating Agencies Credit rating agencies have been consistently accused of their lax attitude in assessing issuers and giving misleading ratings without thorough analysis, as has been the case of Enron and now in Satyam, they failed to warn market participants about the deteriorating condition of company. On December 2, 2001, Enron Corporation, the USA’s 7th largest corporation declared bankruptcy when it was rated investment grade by all the credit rating agencies even four days before its bankruptcy. None of the watchdogs barked, including the credit rating agencies, which had greater access to Enron’s books. In the case of Satyam, credit rating agencies have been heavily criticized as regards their role and for the accuracy of their ratings. The rating agencies were allowed to look into company’s books for making assessments but they never investigated the financial condition of Satyam. The rating agencies displayed lack of due diligence in their coverage and assessment of Satyam. They based their analysis on fraudulently prepared and audited financial statements and thereby failed to warn investors about Satyam’s deteriorating condition. 6.8 Questionable Role of Banks The ICAI Probe Panel has hit out at banks for not doing due diligence on Satyam Software Services Ltd before giving it loans. While sanctioning short term loans why not the banks posed any question as to why the company which was supposedly cash rich as per the financial statements was taking loans from them. The Panel wondered why the government put Deepak Parikh on its Board despite his HDFC group being a major creditor to the company. The banks that gave loans to Satyam during 2000-08 despite the company claiming huge surpluses were HDFC Bank (Rs 530 Crore, Citibank (223.87 Crore), Citicorp Finance (Rs222.28 Crore), ICICI Bank (Rs 40 Crore), and BNP Paribas (Rs 20 Crore) totaling Rs 122.161 Crore. 6.9 Fake Audit PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)’s audit firm, Price Waterhouse, was in the auditor for Satyam and have been auditing their accounts since 2000-01. The fraudulent role played by the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in the failure of Satyam matches the role played by Arthur Anderson in the collapse of Enron. S Goplakrishnan and S Talluri, partners of PwC according to the SFIO findings, had admitted they did not come across any case or instance of fraud by the company. However, Ramalinga Raju admission of having fudged the accounts for several years put the role of these statutory auditors on the dock. The SFIO report stated that the statutory auditors instead of using an independent testing mechanism used Satyam’s investigative tools and thereby compromised on reporting standards.

The Space Between Us andA Thousand Splendid Suns Essay -- Comparative,

In architecture, contrast is used to create a dramatic entrance. The observer moves from a small, dimly lit space to a grand room full of light where they feel the impact of the room because of its contrast with the previous one. Similarly, authors, the architects of a book’s plot, use contrast to emphasize a character’s struggles and triumphs. In both The Space Between Us by Thirty Umrigar and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, the authors use the contrast between two lives to emphasize the power of money, education, and gender within Afghan and Indian society. The centre of economy and the focus of many lives, the power of money is punctuated by the difference in wealth in Bhima and Sera’s lives in The Space Between Us. The importance of money is stressed in A Thousand Splendid Suns with the contrast between Mariam’s father’s prosperity and her mother’s poverty and the difference in Laila and Mariam’s lives before and after war. Centred on the newly abolished caste system, the distinction between Bhima and Sera’s financial situations underlines the difference money makes in their society. While Bhima is forced to live in a slum, Sera enjoys the luxury of her home and the employment of Bhima. Another luxury Bhima can’t afford is to welcome Maya’s baby. Instead she is forced to watch her granddaughter suffer from the emotional effects of an abortion. While Sera eagerly awaits the birth of her own grandchild she is the one who financially facilitates the abortion of Bhima’s great- grandchild. Furthermore, because of the pre-existing social constraints of the caste system, Bhima is not permitted to sit on the same furniture or use the same dishes as Sera. Similarly, Mariam’s life is also restricted by her mother’s pove... ... few prospects. As a result, she felt the loss of something that could empower her to achieve her dreams. The power of education is also accented in The Space Between Us by the divergent lives that Bhima and Maya lead. While Bhima on the one hand is destined to forever serve others, Maya has the potential to overcome her circumstances because of her education. The importance that schooling can make in Maya’s life is repeatedly pointed out by Bhima whose dream for Maya is that she will go from her hut with two copper pots to â€Å"a kitchen with sparkling stainless steel pots and pans† (page 21) This is Bhima’s ultimate vision for Maya, one only attainable by continuing her schooling. Polarized by Bhima’s lack of education, which is what she equates to as the reason for her almost destitute life, the potential that school can afford a person in India is clearly defined.

The Twenties :: essays research papers

Area One-Politics and Government-The Harding Scandals and the Bonus Bill veto   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The presidency of Harding was filled with continuous scandal. Many compare the Harding to Grant has both being postwar presidents marked by scandals and corruption. Having appointed several excellent officials, Harding also appointed a number of incompetent and dishonest men to fill important positions, including the Secretary of Interior, Albert B. Fall and Attorney General Harry M. Daugherty.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Secretary of Interior, Albert B. Fall, in 1921, secured the transfer of several naval oil reserves to his jurisdiction. In 1922, Fall secretly leased reserves at Teapot Dome in Wyoming to Harry F. Sinclair of Monmouth Oil and at Elk Hills in California to Edward Doheny of Pan-American Petroleum. A Senate investigation later revealed that Sinclair had given Fall $305,000 in cash and bonds and a herd of cattle, while Doheny had given him a $100,000 unsecured loans. Sinclair and Doheny were acquitted in 1927 of charges of defrauding the government, but in 1929 Fall was convicted, fined, and imprisoned for bribery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another scandal involved Charles R. Forbes, appointed by Harding to head the new Veteran’s Bureau. He seemed energetic and efficient in operating the new hospitals and services for veterans. It was later estimated that he had stolen or squandered about $250 million in Bureau funds.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Scandal also tainted Attorney General Daugherty who, through his intimate friend Jessie Smith, took bribes from bootleggers, income tax evaders, and others in return for protection from prosecution. When the scandal became to come to light, Smith committed suicide in Daugherty’s Washington apartment in May 1923. There was also evidence that Daugherty received money for using his influence in returning the American Metal Company, seized by the government during the war, to its German owners. Area Two-Economics-Prosperity and Innovation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Though overall the economy was strong between 1922 and 1929, certain segments of the economy, especially agriculture, did not share in the nation’s general prosperity. Improved industrial efficiency, which resulted in lower prices for goods, was primarily responsible. Manufacturing output increased about 65%, and productivity, or output per hour increased by about 45%. The numbers of industrial workers actually decreased from 9 million to 8.8 million during the decade. The increased productivity resulted from improved machinery, which in turn came about for several reasons. Industry changed from steam to electric power, allowing the design of more intricate machines and replaced the work of human hands. By 1929, 70% of industrial power came from electricity.

Student Issues

Our group selected and discussed eight different essays addressing a range of subjects. Some of these essays focused on issues related to students, while others focused on issues related to our citizenship in this country and the world. The essays allowed us to consider issues that were familiar to us, as well as issues that were beyond our own personal experiences. Each essay provided us an opportunity to consider our future and how we view the world and the discussion allowed us to explore and gain insight into how we and our group members felt about these important issues. â€Å"Could Your Facebook Profile Throw a Wrench in Your Future? discusses the danger to future employment posed by information posted by students on Facebook (Dince 44-48). While some of the information in the article seems somewhat out of date, but the overall point of the essay remains relevant: You should be careful about what you put on your Facebook page because employers may be looking at it. Some people may be offended by this and it is certainly not very professional for an employer to go to great efforts to find out private information about you, but job applicants should not be surprised if employers choose to look for information about them on the Internet. Employers have difficult decisions to make when hiring employees and they want to use all the resources that are available to find out who the applicants really are. When we apply for jobs, we work hard to put our best foot forward and employers often want to know what we are really like. Information on the Internet is one way to see how an individual interacts with friends and family, personal issues he or she may have, and problems he or she may have. Many of us may feel it is an invasion of our privacy to have employers looking at our personal relationships or how we use our private time. However, we need to accept that information we put on the Internet, whether it is on Facebook, MySpace, a blog, or a website, is never truly private. We also need to be looking forward to our future plans and goals when we put personal information on the Internet. Information that seems appropriate or innocuous to us as students may appear immature or irresponsible when we are looking for professional employment. Once we put information on the Internet, it may never truly ever go away, so we have to consider that when deciding what to put on the Internet. â€Å"Earning and Learning: Are Students Working Too Much? focused on how college students are increasing focusing more time on working. I have seen this phenomenon first hand through my own college experiences (Kramer 61-65). I originally attended college right out of high school more than ten years ago and lived in the dorms and did not work. I knew students that worked, but they generally only worked a few hours a week and most of my fellow students did not work. As I have gotten older, I have observed relatives, acquaintances, and my fellow students after I returned to school feel an increasing expectation and pressure to work while they are going to school. Some of this may simply be out of necessity because of the decreasing availability of student aid. I also think that changes in cultural and societal influences have encouraged students to expect more material objects such as computers, cell phones, home theaters, game systems, and vehicles. When I was in college, the expectation was that we would eat ramen for four years and very few students had a television or computer. We all knew we were â€Å"starving students† who live a more deprived life for years, but that when we graduated we would be able work towards all those material objects. When I talk to students just starting out now, they seem to expect all the comforts and privileges that had living at home with their parents and this leads them to focus more on earning money and less on their schoolwork. While this is certainly not true for every student, I think cultural and societal pressures have affected the priorities of many students. â€Å"The Nontraditional Student in You† article (Compton & Shock 169-173) reminded me of my own experience as a non-traditional student. When I started college, I never expected that I would become a non-traditional student. I expected that I would complete college in four years and continue on to a career with my college degree. Much like many other students I know, my plans were interrupted by other circumstances of life. I took a break from school because of health problems. I then got married and for financial and practical reasons, decided to help support my wife while she finished school. At that point in my life, I felt as if I had moved on from the â€Å"college† stage of life and continued working. After working several years, I became frustrated with my ability to progress in my job and wanted to be able to have more career options. I was not able to pick up and move to a town with a university and the local community college offered extremely limited options for me since I had already completed two years of college. When I investigated other opportunities, I became aware of the increasing number of programs available online, which were option that were not available in the past. I was able to enroll in the online program and Chadron State and will finally be able to complete my degree next spring. I have encountered many nontraditional students with similar experiences. Their life experiences led them to other paths besides a college degree. After frustrations with their career options or earning potential, they decided they needed to complete college. The opportunities provided by the Internet have allowed many of these students, like me, to complete their degree and open up new opportunities. â€Å"Independent Media Alternatives† discussed the importance of independent sources of news (Barsamian 189-194). Most mainstream sources of media such as major news networks and newspapers focus on what will be popular or appealing to the general public or advertisers. While some good reporting undoubtedly takes place, the mainstream media outlets tend to shy away from positions or stories that are controversial or â€Å"rock the boat. † They sometimes focus so much on appearing fair and unbiased that they miss the truth. Since independent media sources are less focused on corporate success and less indebted to the powers that be, they can tackle controversial or groundbreaking issues. They can also help keep mainstream media focused on the important issues and make sure they are being honest. The Internet has provided even more opportunities for independent sources of media. Regular citizens can create blogs or websites to report news information at little to no cost. This allows even more individuals to report on what they observe. This allows media to belong not just to corporations, but to any individual who wants to share his observations and experiences with the world. This allows us to get more honest, unfiltered access to news from more diverse perspective. â€Å"Less Privacy is Good for Us (and You)† advocates for invasions of our privacy when they benefit others (Etzioni 131-135). The underlying issue is that many Americans think the right to privacy is inviolable, but protection of privacy at the expense of the danger of others is more important. There are undeniably situations where the life of another depends revealing someone’s private information would lead most people to agree that it would be appropriate to violate that right to privacy. However, privacy should not be violated anytime there is a potential benefit. While the right to privacy is not specifically listed in the U. S.  Constitution, many of the Amendments protect specific privacy interests and many other state and federal laws protect other aspects of privacy. It’s fundamental to a free society to protect citizens from undue intrusion by the government, and protecting privacy is an essential piece of that. While there are valid reasons to violate privacy when more significant interests are at stake, all interests and rights should be carefully balanced. Privacy should not be violated when the threat to other interests is only speculative, but only when it is truly necessary. Hate Radio† focuses on the hateful or racist statements made by commentators, most of who are on right-wing or conservative radio (William 163-172). While I do not listen to these stations, I have heard reports of some of the most outrageous and offensive comments. I find racist statements deplorable and believe that radio or TV personalities that make them are having a negative impact on society. However, I would never advocate censoring them because as much as I find their comments reprehensible, the same free speech rights that allow me to criticize them protects their right to say whatever they choose, regardless of how harmful it is. I think the appropriate response is not to censor them, but to speak out against them and encourage others to do the same. Pressuring companies to pull their ads from radio or TV shows that contain hate speech and encouraging consumers to boycott the products of companies that advertise on them can be an effective tool to make a statement against them. â€Å"Who and What is American? † discusses the way we define ourselves as American (Lapham 3-15). Lapham argues that define ourselves by labels such as â€Å"Asian-American† or â€Å"African-American† divide us and is contrary to the idea of us all being American. American culture and history is full of diverse people from diverse backgrounds all united by a common identity of being American. I believe that it is important for us each to recognize and celebrate our own background and culture as well as recognize and celebrate our common purpose as Americans. In that sense, labels can be positive and destructive, depending on how we use them. As long as labels are used to celebrate our personal and cultural heritage, they can help us identify with others and express our unique backgrounds, which is all part of the experience of being an American. If we use these kind of labels to reinforce stereotypes or create divisions, they can be destructive. Unlike the author, I don’t believe that the use of labels is inherently negative, but that we should instead use them carefully and be sure that we are using them in a positive, constructive manner. â€Å"The Internet: A Clear And Present Danger? † raises concerns about the harmful information that is available to children on the Internet and advocates for more restrictions and regulations to Internet content (Cleaver 173-178). It is clear that the Internet is full of pornography and predators. Some regulations and enforcement is important to keep children from accessing offensive or damaging information or being the victim of predators. The government has limited power to regulate and control those that post information on the Internet, especially since it is difficult to trace some Internet activity and many posting information are outside of the United States and beyond our government’s jurisdiction. The most important defense against the risk the Internet poses to children is parents. Parents need to control and monitor their children’s access to the Internet to ensure they are using it safely. Parents can observe their children while they are using the Internet, keep their computer in a public place in the home to monitor it, view their children’s past Internet activity, limit access to chat rooms, and block inappropriate sites. They can also teach their children about appropriate Internet use so that when they do use the Internet on their own, they can make safe choices. While some government action is can be helpful, the most effective way to protect children is through their parents. Parents should take the initiative and the responsibility of making sure their children’s use of the Internet is safe and productive.