Thursday, October 31, 2019

Charity and charitable purposes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Charity and charitable purposes - Essay Example In Incorporated Council of Law reporting for the State of Queensland v Federal Commissioner of Taxation , the judge had the following observation with what amounts to a charity: â€Å"The benefit should be charitable in the Elizabeth sense†. Understanding from the context of the judge, we arrive at the conclusion that any activity which amounts to the benefit of the public, or a section of the public amounts to a charitable purpose. A trust which carries out the duties of helping the needy and the poor sections of the society amounts to charity.This definition of charity encompasses all the above definitions mentioned: "The relief of aided, impotent and poor people, the maintenance of sick and maimed soldiers and mariners, schools of learning, free schools and scholars in universities, the repair of bridges, ports, havens, causeways, churches, sea-banks and highways, the education and preferment of orphans, the relief, stock or maintenance for houses of correction, the marriag e of poor maids, the support, aid and help of young tradesmen, handicraftsmen and persons decayed, the relief or redemption of prisoners or captives,   the aid or ease of any poor inhabitants concerning payment of fifteens, setting out of soldiers and other taxes†Understanding the Ambit of Charitable TrustA charitable trust is a trust which provides charity services to a particular section of the society, and such services should be for charitable purposes only. Relief from poverty:The main question that was sought to ask was how poverty.... This definition of charity encompasses all the above definitions mentioned: "The relief of aided, impotent and poor people, the maintenance of sick and maimed soldiers and mariners, schools of learning, free schools and scholars in universities, the repair of bridges, ports, havens, causeways, churches, sea-banks and highways, the education and preferment of orphans, the relief, stock or maintenance for houses of correction, the marriage of poor maids, the support, aid and help of young tradesmen, handicraftsmen and persons decayed, the relief or redemption of prisoners or captives, the aid or ease of any poor inhabitants concerning payment of fifteens, setting out of soldiers and other taxes†4 Understanding the Ambit of Charitable Trust A charitable trust is a trust which provides charity services to a particular section of the society, and such services should be for charitable purposes only.5 Relief from poverty: The main question that was sought to ask was how poverty could be defined, and within the definition, which kind of people needed to be brought in to given relief to. Poverty is a very relative concept and thus includes people who are not able to provide a lifestyle for themselves that include the basic necessities like shelter, food and clothing. As found in a number of cases, only showing kindness or generosity to someone is not enough to come under a charitable trust or purpose because a factor of poverty must be defined so that it also serves the purpose of having benefit to the public in a way that it is useful to a certain community and helps to fight the problems that those people face with regard to poverty. In the case of Oppenhiem, we understand that

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Music Downloads From The Internet

Music Downloads From The Internet A big question in the music industry has arisen. It is the one about music downloads, whether free or paid for or illegally downloaded (piracy). People were and are still keen to know whether these downloads have an effect on the price of CDs and the sales of CDs. Many studies have been done in this regard as will be shown below. Some of the studies concluded that the downloads did not affect the Music CD industry negatively, but rather helped it to achieve higher sales. Others report that the industry has suffered. This paper will look at the different studies undertaken. It is a general trend and decision of music-lovers worldwide, to download music instead of buying CDs. Downloads are seen to be more convenient. Music CDs appeared in 1982 and became the medium for commercial music. The Internet and technology gives music lovers the ability to download music. It is this new technology and convenience that threatened and threatens the music CD sales. Consumers now have the luxury to handpick the songs and music that they prefer and like. The supply and demand of CD sales are influenced by the downloads. When a CD comes out, there are between 11 and 15 or more songs on the album. However, not all the songs are liked by music lovers. This is one of the main reasons for music downloading (Harrell 2007). Price, Demand and Elasticity Price elasticity is the reference to price change in connection to demand. Demand can also change in relationship to price. Price elasticity also refers to the amount of money a single consumer wants to pay for something. Consumers with lower incomes have lower price elasticity for they have less disposable income. This means that higher income consumers have higher price elasticity because they can pay more. Depending on the product and the value of it, even low income or low spenders with low price elasticity, will want to pay more. In the case of the music CD sales, both low and high income spenders, like to download music which is cheaper than a CD and they also have the luxury of choosing what they want (Ellis-Christensen 2011). Downloaded music and CDs are substitutes for each other. The downloaded music is on the rise. Downloaded music prices went down as a result if access to the internet on a worldwide scale as more music sites became available. Because of the fall in the pr ice of the substitute (downloaded music) decreases the demand for Music CDs. Thus the price drop in downloaded music is resultant of the decrease in demand for CDs ( Lee Gosain 2002; Leung 2009; Liebowitz 2005). Studies done in Music downloads and the effects on CD sales: The first such study was done in the US. It was undertaken by researchers of Harvard University and the University of the North Carolina. They kept track of music downloads over 17 weeks in 2002. These were then compared to the markets sales of CDs against the ones downloaded. The conclusion reached was that the multiple and numerous downloads had limited effect on record sales A study of file-sharings effects on music sales says online music trading appears to have had little part in the recent slide in CD sales. Furthermore, the authors of the report related that they think that those who downloaded music would not have bought the CD. The big culprits of downloads were identified as Kazaa and Morpheus who offered a link for people to use in downloads. Music producers and CD companies reported lower sales and blamed the loss on downloads where some music offers are for free. Besides the downloads lower incomes and the recession were also blamed. Then there is also the possible impact of other forms of entertainment such as DVD movies, video games for TVs and computers. The study has aroused interest to the effect that some people felt that the music industry should make music available on a peer-to-peer basis on networks to distribute the music. The feeling is that the download companies such as Kazaa and others should negotiate and cooperate instead of fighting and opposing each other. This study was done by professors Oberholzer (Harvard) and Strumpf (Univ. North Carolina). They used logs amounting to 1.75million downloads over a period of 17 weeks.This research showed that some people only did a logon twice and downloaded about 17 songs, while others logged on much more and downloaded more. In one case, one person downloaded 5,000 . The next step was to choose songs and then made a comparison of the albums with that of the downloads of the same songs. The researchers concluded that it would take about 5,000 downloads to upset and displace the sale of one CD. Even if millions of downloads were done worldwide, it would only affect the sales minimally. They even felt that the downloads could even push sales up a little. People who read and studied the report were critical of its findings. They feel that other studies showed both positive and negative effects. The Recording Industry Association of America was dismissed the results as inconsistent with earlier findings. This body referred to a study by the University of Texas who concluded that the downloads did affect the music industry (Borland 2004). The above report attracted many online comments. One highlighted the fact that CDs were too expensive compared to the records sold in the late 60s and 70s and teenagers then could buy one easily by just doing household chores such as lawn mowing or babysitting. In the present time, the costs of CDs are high and will require many lawn mowing and sessions of baby-sittings. Thus, teens are not to blame if they rather download music. These teens are afraid to buy a CD incase the rest of the music on it is not too good. Another person complained that modern technology makes the production costs of CDs, and questions the high cost in the shops. Therefore, people rather download (Oberholzer Strumpf 2004). Fisher (2007) reported that the music industry suffered a decline in sales of CDs. The drop is reported as high as 20%. Answers were sought for the drop in sales. According to the Wall Street Journal, the closure of more than 800 stores in 2006, is one of the reasons for the decline. Legal downloads are growing, but the money paid via the internet is not closing the gap in revenue. One argument is that legal downloads (paid downloads) decrease the money of CD sales. In the first quarter (2007) 81.5 million CDs were sold. It was 20% down on the previous sales figures (2006). In contrast, Apple iTunes sales grew 54%, accounting for 175 million songs sold and paid for. It is clear to see that the volume of downloaded songs were more than the actual CDs sold. It is estimated that the songs are mostly singles instead of whole albums. Figures quoted are: $2 billion from online music sales; of this $800 million were single-track sales.The argument still stands that people buy downloaded tra cks instead of buying the album unless it is a hit album. In the past consumers were prepared to pay for an album even if they did not like all the songs on it. Now they have the opportunity to just buy what they liked. This translates to CD sales going down and digital downloads are on the increase. Fisher argues that, Generally speaking, it takes 10 songs to reach the cost of an album (if generalized to $10), so even someone buying a handful of songs off an album leaves a revenue gap compared to a whole album sale. He also cites the competition of other forms of entertainment such as DVD or CD movies. Moya (2007) reported about a study done in Canada. This was a research study done by university professors. It was to make a comparison between CDs bough and the music downloaded. This study was conducted by Birgitte Andersen and Marion Frenz of the Department of Management at the University of London in England. It concludes that illegal file-sharing does not cause a decrease in music sales as the music industry has insisted. They argue that the opposite is true. According to them , downloads cause an INCREASE in music purchasing. These researchers argue that whereas earlier studies show a decline in CD sales due to P2P file-sharing, they find that P2P file-sharing actually increase rather than decrease music purchasing in Canada. The research delivered the following key findings: That for every 12 P2P downloaded songs, music purchases increased by 0.44CDs. This means that downloading about 1 CD increases the buying of half a CD approximately. There was no relationship between P2P file-sharing and digital purchase via for example iTunes. About half of P2P tracks were downloaded because people wanted listen to songs first, before buying. They did not want to buy an album , but rather what they wanted. Illegal downloads had an effect, but minimally; a 1% increase in such downloads, is linked to a 4% increase in CD sales. Owners of MP3 players were less keen to buy CD albums. The study further found that other forms of entertainment that was cited in other research as a reason for the decline in sales of CDs, actually did not stand up to their results. Andersen and Frenz (2008) argue that an interest in music translates to music purchases on CDs. Theoverall conclusion of this study is that there is a strong link between file-sharing and CD purchasing. For Canadians, it means that P2P file-sharing increase the sales of CDs. This comes about through the opportunity of people to listen to music and then decide to buy it (Andersen Frenz 2007). A study conducted in Japan (Tanaka 2004) also tested the notion that downloaded music hurt the sales of CDs. Tanaka (2004) researched the topic and looked at music downloads in Japan. In Japan the downloads are being done over anonymous file servers, so people who download are less concerned with copyright laws. He looked at many variables of sales and downloads. His final conclusion was that there is no evidence to suggest and show that downloaded music affected a drop in sales of CD sales. Another study conducted by Liebowitz (2005) returned some results. One main conclusion was that more research was needed to test the thesis that file-sharing and downloading hurts the music and CD industry. It is clear that academics do not agree with research findings to this effect. Liebowitz contends that his research shows that sales have been affected, however, it is not a cut and dried decision. He recommends that more economists should be engaged in the study of the effect of downloads and file-sharing of music on the music CD industry. His argument is that economists will draw more on sales figures and profits and losses and present a clearer picture of the thesis of the effects of music downloads on CD sales. Leung (2009) conducted research to test two beliefs of music piracy. The first one is whether music piracy hurts CD sales and the second about the idea that copyright laws might stop music pairacy. His research reveals that the music industry is hurt by music piracy, however, he disagrees with the results of Oberholzer and Strumpf (2007). Furthermore, he links music piracy to sales of Apple iPods and argues the case that more piracy will prevail and that in turn will enhance the sales of iPods. This stands to reason ,as iPods are favored to listen to music and the music for the iPod is downloaded, either legally (paid) or pirated. CONCLUSION: An ongoing debate prevails about whether music downloads affects price and demand as well as the sales of music CDs. From the various researches that had been conducted, different researchers delivered different results. Oberholzer and Strumpf (2002) contend that the CD sales did not suffer much. According to them, sales could increase slightly as people are exposed to more songs and go and buy the album. Tanaka (2004) asserted that the downloads of music in Japan did not affect the sales of CD s there. Andersen and Frenz (2007) found that sales increase in Canada as a result of downloading. They argue that music lovers could be exposed to certain music songs and then decide to go and buy the album.Leung (2009) argues that the music industry suffers due to pirated music downloads as a result of the popularity of the iPod listening device.

Friday, October 25, 2019

The Skystone and The Singing Sword :: Historical Novels Jack Whyte Essays

The Skystone and The Singing Sword Marion Zimmer Bradley, a book critic, says The Skystone is "one of the most interesting historical novels that I've ever read, and I've read plenty"(Front cover). In writing, success is generally a direct result of an author being able to keep a reader interested. Jack Whyte is an interesting and successful author throughout The Skystone and The Singing Sword because of his development of characters and his ability to write strategically. Character development is an important element in a story because if readers feel strongly about the characters, they are interested in reading further, and are more apt to enjoy the novel. Jack Whyte effectively develops the characters Caius Britannicus and Claudius Seneca through their words and actions in The Skystone and The Singing Sword, creating a strong impression of these characters in the mind of the reader. Another crucial element to Jack Whyte's success is his strategical writing. His ability to seize the attention of a reader imm ediately, and to maintain that level of intrigue throughout the novel until his climactic ending is reached, demonstrates a well planned writing strategy, and is a significant contribution to his success. In The Skystone and The Singing Sword, Jack Whyte's character development and strategical writing create and maintain the interest of the reader, exhibiting a basis for his success. In Jack Whyte's novels, he develops his characters effectively, sparking the interest of the reader. In The Skystone and The Singing Sword, one of the characters that Whyte develops well is Caius Britannicus. Throughout these two novels, Britannicus' development is seen through the eyes of Publius Varrus, the main character, and Britannicus' eventual lifelong friend. From the very beginning of their friendship, Publius recognizes the qualities of Caius as a person, and as a leader, and describes them in The Skystone when saying, from the outset of our relationship Britannicus invariably treated me with military correctness, slightly warmed by courtesy and consideration. I found him to be just, temperate, and dispassionate in his dealings with the men under his command. But he could be awesome in his wrath when provoked by incompetence or malfeasance. A rigid disciplinarian, he was implacable once he had decided that punishment was in order. And never, at any time, did he show any ca pacity for suffering fools gladly(37). Although Caius does not initially strike the reader as a particularly amiable character, Jack Whyte continues to develop Britannicus and his friendship with Publius, revealing a more compassionate character.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Periodic Table Research Task

Periodic Table Research Task By Kevin Shaji Part A. You are to research the task below and submit as a written piece of work i) John Dalton proposed his atomic theory in 1808. Outline his theory. (4 marks) ii) Explain which part of Dalton’s atomic theory was later found to be incorrect. (3 marks) iii) Dalton developed a way to measure the relative atomic mass of the different elements. Using examples research and describe the meaning of the term ‘relative atomic mass’. (3 marks) i) 1) Elements are made up of tiny particles called atoms. 2) Atoms cannot be destroyed or created but can be rearranged during chemical changes. ) Atoms of a particular element are identical in mass, size, shape and other properties. 4) Atoms of different elements are different in their mass, size, shape and other properties. 5) Atoms cannot be divided into smaller particles. 6) Atoms of different elements combine in small whole-number ratios to form compounds. ii) 1) One part of Daltonâ €™s atomic theory that was later discovered to be incorrect was the part where atoms could not be divided into smaller pieces. New research has proved that atoms can be sub-divided into sub-atomic particles like protons, neutrons and electrons. ) Due to the discovery of isotopes it has been discovered that atoms of the same element are not exactly identical. They have different masses due to the number of neutrons. 3) Also it has been discovered that different elements have the same mass. These elements are called isobars. 4) It has been recently discovered that atoms can actually be destroyed by fission processes in atomic reactors or by atomic bombs. 5) Another defect in Dalton’s atomic theory is that not all compounds have small whole-number ratios. They can actually have large whole-number ratios as well. ii) The relative atomic mass is defined as: â€Å"the average mass of the isotopes in a naturally occurring sample of the element, taking into account the proportio n of each isotope present. † The symbol for relative atomic mass is Ar. For example naturally occurring chlorine has two isotopes Cl-35 and Cl-37. Cl-35 has a relative abundance (which is the percentage of that isotope on Earth in relation to the total abundance of the atom on Earth) of 75% while Cl-37 has a relative abundance of 25%. To calculate the Ar you must put the above into a formula. Ar= (75/100? 35) + (25/100? 37) =35. Another example of calculating relative atomic mass is: For an element E with the naturally occurring isotopes aE, bE, cE, and with the respective abundances of A%, B%, C% etc, the relative atomic mass (Ar) = (A/100 x a) + (B/100 x b) + (C/100 x c) Part B Leucippus Leucippus was an early pre-Socratic ancient Greek philosopher who lived sometime during the 5th century BCE. Not much of Leucippus early life is known due to the fact that not many of his dates were recorded. What we do know is that he was an Ionian Greek that studied at an Ionian school of naturalistic philosophy.At around 440 BCE Leucippus founded a school at Abdera, which his famous pupil Democritus attended. Around this time he proposed the theory of atomism. According to this atomism, the universe is composed of two elements: the atoms and the void in which they exist and move. This theory was later explained in much greater detail by his pupil Democritus. Leucippus contributed indirectly towards the development of the periodic table since he proposed the first idea of atoms. Thanks to his ideas the foundation for the periodic table was possible. Without his ideas the way we view the world may be completely different.Democritus Democritus was an influential pre-Socratic ancient Greek philosopher who lived from circa 460 BCE to circa 370 BCE. He inherited his father’s vast fortunes and used it to travel the world and visit many countries on his quest of knowledge. During these trips he met many scholars who taught many lessons. When he finally came back to h is native land he became interested in natural philosophy. At the around 440 BCE he became associated with a school in Abdera, which was founded by Leucippus, his mentor. His teacher was the first one to propose atoms, but Democritus later adopted this into his own atomic theory.His theory stated that everything contains tiny particles called atoms and that they were indivisible. He hypothesised that these atoms cannot be destroyed, that they were invisible that they were always and moving. He also stated and that they differ in size, shape, mass, position, and arrangement. Democritus contributed indirectly to the development of the periodic table. His contribution helped people to understand what an atom was and helped other scientist’s further look into science of the atom, which in turn led to the creation of the atomic table. AristotleAristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher who lived from 384 BCE to 322 BCE. He was the student of the ancient Greek philosopher Plata and the teacher to one of the greatest military commanders in the world Alexander the Great. He taught many subjects including physics, metaphysics, poetry, theatre, music, logic, rhetoric, linguistics, politics, government, ethics, biology, and zoology. He is considered to be one the most important figures in Western philosophy due to his writings encompassing morality, aesthetics, logic, science, politics, and metaphysics.One of his most well-known theories is that all mater is made from five elements. These elements are fire, water, air, earth and the fifth element aether. He believed all matter was made from a combination of the four elements except the stars and planets which are made of the fifth element aether. Even though Aristotle’s theory was wrong he contributed indirectly to the periodic table. The periodic table consists of elements and he hypothesised that elements exist. John Dalton John Dalton was an English chemist, meteorologist and physicist. He was born on th e 6th of September 1766 and died on the 27th of July 1844.He began to study at a local village school and at the age of 12 began to teach there. At the age of 15, he began to teach at a Quaker school in Kendal. After teaching here for 10 years he moved to Manchester as a teacher. While there he joined the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society, which provided him laboratory facilities. The first paper he presented was about colour blindness which he suffered from. Dalton arrived to atomism by his fascination of meteorology. Dalton stated that the forces of repulsion thought to cause pressure acted only between atoms of the same type.From here on he proceeded to calculate the atomic weight of atoms from percentage compositions of compounds. After this he developed his own atomic theory, which completely revolutionised the way we see the world today. Dalton contributed indirectly to the development of the periodic table. Dalton’s information on atomic weights was a huge factor in the creation the periodic table. He also proposed a chemical symbols for some elements. Without Dalton’s ground-breaking work the periodic table would not be possible. Johann DoberienerJohann Wolfgang Doberiener was a German chemist who was born on the 13th of December 1780 and died on the 24th of March 1849. Doberiener had little opportunity for formal schooling, and so he was apprenticed to a pharmacist. He began to read widely, and attended scientific lectures whenever he received the chance. In time he became a professor at the University of Jena in 1810. During the period of 1815-29, Johann Doberiener arranged elements in order of their atomic weight. He sorted these elements into groups of three, which became known as the law of triads.He arranged them according to the atomic weight of the middle element to the average atomic weight of the remaining two. Doberiener contributed indirectly toward the development of the periodic table. Though his method was disca rded due to the fact it didn’t apply to all the elements, Doberiener gave rise to new ways to classify the elements which greatly helped in the creation of the periodic table. John Newlands John Alexander Reina Newlands was an English chemist who worked on the development of the periodic table. He was born in London on the 26th of November of 1837 and died on the 29th of July 1898.He did not study at a normal school but was rather home schooled by his father. He went on to study at the Royal College of Chemistry. In 1863, he set up a practice as an analytical chemist and in 1868 he became the chief chemist at James Duncan’s London sugar refinery. He later left this profession and in 1864 published his concept of the periodicity of the chemical elements. He arranged all 62 elements (known at the time) into a table based upon the ascending order of the atomic weights. He observed that every 8th element in his table displayed similar properties.He named this discovery the Law of Octaves and stated that an element exhibits behavior that is similar to the eighth element preceding/succeeding it. John Newlands contributed indirectly to the development of the periodic table. Even though Newland’s table was not accepted, his work helped to lead Mendeleev (the father of the periodic table) on the right track thus greatly contributing to creation of the periodic table. Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev was a Russian chemist and inventor. He was born in Siberia in 1834 and died in 1907.He is considered the father of the periodic table because he created the first version of the periodic table of element and used it to predict elements yet to be discovered. In 1849 his family relocated to St. Petersburg and Mendeleev entered the Main Pedagogical Institute in 1850. He studied science there and graduated in 1856. In 1863 Mendeleev was appointed to a professorship in the University he studied in. In 1864 Dmitri Mendeleev produced his g reatest achievement: the periodic table of elements. He arranged the 66 elements known at the time by their atomic weight.By doing this he managed to organise them into groups possessing similar properties. If a gap existed in his table, he anticipated that a brand new element would one day be discovered and he predicted its properties. Some of the elements he predicted were later found and provided great evidence towards the accuracy of his table. Dmitri Mendeleev contributed directly towards the development of the periodic table since he developed it. Mendeleev’s original periodic table of elements is the model of the modern day periodic table of elements and thanks to his discovery we have a greater understanding of the universe. Henry MoseleyHenry Gwyn Jeffreys Moseley was an English physicist who was born in England on the 23rd of November 1887 and died on the 10th of August 1915 at Gallipoli. As a young boy Moseley studied at Summer Fields School where he was awarded a King’s scholarship to attend Eton College. In 1906, Moseley entered Trinity College of the University of Oxford, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. In 1910, Moseley began to study under Sir Ernest Rutherford. In 1913, he moved back to Oxford, where he was given laboratory facilities. While at Oxford, Moseley measured the x-ray spectral lines of nearly all the elements known at the time.The results of his study showed a clear and simple progression of the elements that was based on the number of protons in the atom’s nucleus, rather than the order based on atomic weights that was then the basis of the periodic table. Moseley contributed indirectly to the development of the periodic table. He discovered the atomic number of elements which revolutionised the way the elements were sorted. Now thanks to him the modern periodic table is sorted by atomic number. Timeline of The Periodic Table 440 BCE Democritus and Leucippus put forward the idea of the atom, an ind ivisible particle that all matter is made of. 30 BCE Aristotle proposes his theory about the four elements which are earth, air, fire & water. He also proposes a fifth element aether, which the stars and planets were made of. 360 BCE Plato coins term the term ‘elements’. 1605 CE Sir Francis Bacon published â€Å"The Proficience and Advancement of Learning† which contained a description of what would later be known as the scientific method which is the acquirement of new knowledge or the correction of existing knowledge. 1661 CE Robert Boyle published â€Å"The Sceptical Chymist† which was a written work on the distinction between chemistry and alchemy.It also contained some of the first ideas of atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions. 1754 CE Joseph Black isolated carbon dioxide, which he called â€Å"fixed air†. 1778 CE Antoine Lavoisier wrote the first detailed list of elements. The list contained 33 elements & differentiated between metals and non-metals. 1766 CE Henry Cavendish discovered hydrogen was a colourless, odourless gas that burns and can form an explosive mixture with air. 1773–1774 CE Carl Wilhelm Scheele and Joseph Priestly independently isolated oxygen. 1803 CE John Dalton proposed â€Å"Dalton’s Law† which described the bond between the components in a mixture of gases. 828 CE Jons Jacob Berzelius created a table of atomic weights and introduced letters to represent elements. 1828 CE Johann Doberiener developed groups of 3 elements with similar properties, which he called triads. 1864 CE John Newlands organised the known elements in order of atomic weights and observed resemblances between some elements. 1864 CE Julius Lothar Meyer develops an early version of the periodic table, with 28 elements classified by valence. 1864 CE Dmitri Mendeleev produced a table based upon atomic weights but organised ‘periodically’ with elements of congruent properties under each other.His P eriodic Table included the 66 elements known at the time, classified by their atomic weights. 1894 CE William Ramsay discovered the Noble Gases. 1898 CE Marie and Pierre Curie isolated radium and polonium from pitchblende. 1900 CE Sir Ernest Rutherford discovered the cause of radioactivity was decaying atoms. 1913 CE Henry Moseley discovered the atomic number of each of the elements which changed the way the periodic table was organised. 1940 CE Edwin McMillan and Philip H. Abelson discover neptunium, the lightest and first synthesized transuranium element, found in the products of uranium fission. 1940 CEGlenn Seaborg arranged the transuranic elements (the elements after uranium in the periodic table) below the periodic table making it easier to read. Reference List tutorvista. com. Dalton's Atomic Theory. [ONLINE] Available at: http://chemistry. tutorvista. com/inorganic-chemistry/dalton-s-atomic-theory. html. [Accessed 23 March 13]. citycolligiate. com. Dalton's Atomic Theory. [O NLINE] Available at: http://www. citycollegiate. com/atomic_structureIXc. htm. [Accessed 23 March 13]. ausetute. com. Relative Atomic Mass. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www. ausetute. com. au/atomicmass. html. [Accessed 23 March 13]. vogadro. com. Relative Atomic Mass, Ar. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www. avogadro. co. uk/definitions/ar. htm. [Accessed 23 March 13]. en. wikipedia. org. Relative atomic mass. [ONLINE] Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Relative_atomic_mass. [Accessed 23 March 13]. en. wikipedia. org. Democritus. [ONLINE] Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Democritus. [Accessed 23 March 13]. en. wikipedia. org. Aristotle. [ONLINE] Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Aristotle. [Accessed 23 March 13]. en. wikipedia. org. John Dalton. [ONLINE] Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/John_Dalton. Accessed 23 March 13]. en. wikipedia. org.. Johann Wolfgang Dobereiner. [ONLINE] Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Johann_Wolfgang _D%C3%B6bereiner. [Accessed 23 March 13]. en. wikipedia. org. John Alexander Reina Newlands. [ONLINE] Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/John_Alexander_Reina_Newlands. [Accessed 23 March 13]. chemistry. co. nz. Dmitri Mendeleev. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www. chemistry. co. nz/mendeleev. htm. [Accessed 23 March 13]. blurit. com (n. d. ) Who Was Dmitri Mendeleev? [ONLINE] Available at: http://www. blurtit. com/q181876. html. [Accessed 23 March 13]. www. corrosion-doctors. rg (n. d. ) Dmitri Mendeleev. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www. corrosion-doctors. org/Biographies/MendeleevBio. htm. [Accessed 23 March 13]. en. wikipedia. org (n. d. ) Dmitri Mendeleev. [ONLINE] Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Dmitri_Mendeleev. [Accessed 23 March 13]. en. wikipedia. org (n. d. ) Henry Moseley. [ONLINE] Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Henry_Moseley [Accessed 23 March 13]. History-timelines. org. uk (n. d. ) Periodic Table Timeline. [ONLINE] Available at: htt p://www. history-timelines. org. uk/events-timelines/19-periodic-table-timeline. htm [Accessed 23 March 13].

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Advanced Word Formation Charts for ESL Learners - A

Advanced Word Formation Charts for ESL Learners - A Word formation is one of the keys to success for advanced level ESL learners. Advanced level English exams such as the TOEFL, First Certificate CAE and Proficiency use word formation as one of the key testing elements. These word formation charts provide the concept noun, personal noun, adjective and verb forms of key vocabulary listed in alphabetical order. Word Forms Concept noun Personal noun Adjective Verb absenteeismThe rate of absenteeism is rising in middle and high schools. absenteeWell send the absentees notes from the meeting. absent-mindedThe absent-minded professor wandered into the wrong classroom. to be absentUnfortunately, Ill be absent from class on Friday. accountingCan you take care of the accounting on this project? accountantIll need to ask my accountant for advice on this business deal. accountableDo you think we should hold everyone accountable for their mistakes? accountI think we should open a new bank account. accusationThe lawyer rebuffed the accusation and stated his case. accuser / accusedThe accuser should always try to understand the motivations of the accused. accusingHes an accusing figure in the company and needs to go! accuseDo you really want to accuse him of bribery? achievementThe victory was an amazing achievement. achieverAchievers tend to be outgoing people who dont mind making mistakes. achievedHis achieved status at the company was due to his work ethic. achieveShes achieved many things in very long career. addictionDrug addiction is a huge problem for many people around the world. addictThe addict struggled with drug abuse for many years. addictive/addictedYoull find that many addictive drugs are opiates. to become addictedA number of students have become addicted to so called study drugs administrationThe administration has made many mistakes over the past eight years. administratorThe head administrator will take your questions. administrativeAll administrative tasks are taken care of by human resources. administrateWe should use a third party to administrate our accounts. admirationShe showed a lot of admiration for her help. admirerHave you ever had a secret admirer? admired / admiringThe admiring young man stood and gazed. admireI enjoy going to the museum to admire fine art. advertisementThe advertisement was very entertaining. advertiserWe need to find an advertiser to help pay for expenses. advertisedThe advertised medicine didnt work as expected. advertiseHave you ever advertised your products online? adviceI think you should take his advice. adviserIm going to see my adviser next week on campus. advisoryThe advisory committee decided to postpone the decision. adviseWhat would you advise me to do? aggravationIve certainly had my fair share of aggravation. aggressorThe aggressor was caught and thrown into jail. aggravatingShe has an aggravating backache. aggravateI aggravated my brother with my remarks about his wife. agitationI felt a lot of agitation when I heard the news. agitatorThe agitator was taken to jail by the police. agitatedThe agitated citizen screamed at the reporter. agitateBe careful to not agitate the situation with your remarks. analysisThe analysis of the situation is very interesting. analystThe analyst was very expensive, but necessary for our case. analyticalHe cast an analytical eye on the situation. analyseDo you think you could analyse the evidence? antagonismShe felt his antagonism was misplaced. antagonistThe antagonist made a convincing case against the hero. antagonisticHer antagonistic attitude got her into trouble at work. antagonizeYoull be sorry if you antagonize them. arbitrationThe arbitration went on for three weeks. arbitratorThe arbitrator in the case made a decision. arbitraryI think he made an arbitrary decision that be ignored. arbitrateThe judge will arbitrate the case. assassinationThe assassination stunned the nation. assassinThe assassin was caught within three days. assassinatedThe country wept over the assassinated president. assassinateMost people could not assassinate anyone. authorizationI gave him complete authorization on the project. authorityHes an authority in his field. authoritarian / authoritativeHer authoritarian approach scared the students. authorizeCan you authorize this request?

Monday, October 21, 2019

How people make economic decisions

How people make economic decisions Basically, there are four principles to individual decision making. The first principle is that of scarcity. Economic decisions are characterized by tradeoffs. Individuals face tradeoffs when they have to decide to have one thing in place of another because resources are scarce.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on How people make economic decisions specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The second principle is that of opportunity cost. Opportunity cost simply means the cost of what must be given up in order to get what you want (Frank, Bernanke Kaufman, 2007). Making economic decisions involves evaluating and comparing the cost and benefits of alternatives for the chosen course of action. The third principle is rationality. Rationality means that, every economic decision made must be evaluated on the basis of its marginal benefits over its associated marginal costs (Hubbard O’Brien, 2010). This principle recognizes th at, even very small (marginal) adjustments to a decision can bring about very great changes eventually. It is assumed that rational people will always go for that alternative that yields the highest marginal benefits. Fourth and final, is incentives. This principle means that, economic decisions must have incentives to make them convincing. A perfect example is probably the study time of at least an hour a day I have put forth to be doing my own private studies on this particular subject. In making this decision, I considered two things; time and the relevance of a better grade to my future career. In this case, the one hour a day is the marginal cost and better grade is the marginal benefit. I would have however opted for a different decision, should the grade I scored on this subject never mattered a great deal to my final grade and future career. Principles of economics basically work two ways; on one hand are producers and on the other hand the consumers. As relates producers, e conomics tries to answer these three questions; what to produce, how to produce it and how much, and for whom.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As relates consumers, economics tries to answer these three questions; what to consume, how much of it, and from whom. Producers must compare the marginal benefits against the marginal costs to decide what to produce. Consumers on the other hand must evaluate the value they get against what they chose to give it up for be it money or other resources. It is therefore the interaction on one hand the producers and on the other hand consumers that determines how the economy works to achieve equilibrium. It basically is the application of economic principles on one hand by consumers and on the other producers that the forces of demand and supply are founded and hence a market economy. The main attributes of a market economy is th at buyers and sellers are the main participants in the market and that there is no outside interference by the government. In a centrally planned economy, a central agency such as the government is involved in planning and making major economic decisions. A mixed economy is where there is a mix of buyers and sellers allowed to make some decisions as well as the government (Mankiw, 2008). The type of economic system in place to larger extent affects the economic interactions. In purely market system, the forces of supply and demand fully define economic interactions. The planned economy on the other hand, supply and demand forces play a very minimal role in market interactions as it is the government or central agency that determines the questions of what, how, and by whom. In a mixed economy, supply and demand forces play a significant role but the central agency comes in to correct the imperfections brought about for instance by information asymmetry. References Frank, R. H., Berna nke, B. and Kaufman, R. T. (2007. )Principles of economics, 3rd ed., New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin Hubbard, R. O’Brien, A. (2010). Economics (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Hall. Mankiw, N. G. (2008). Principles of economics, 5th ed., New York: Cengage LearningAdvertising We will write a custom essay sample on How people make economic decisions specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More

Sunday, October 20, 2019

The use of literary devises in A MidSummer Nights Dream essays

The use of literary devises in A MidSummer Nights Dream essays Throughout William Shakespeares play, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Shakespeares characters in a sleepy state are anointed by Oberon and Puck with love-juice. This juice causes them to fall instantaneously in and out of love with each other. Although their actions are governed by the love-juice the lovers ironically believe their actions are lead by their reason. Shakespeare uses literary devises such as, satire, irony and animal imagery, to expose love as an irrational state of being. First of all, in the play Shakespeare uses satire to illustrate that the state of love makes people act irrationally. In one scene Helena begs Demetrius to treat her like a dog telling him, Use me but as your spaniel: spurn me, strike me/Neglect me, loose me; only give me leave/(Unworthy as I am) to follow you (2.1.212-214). Helena represents the people who belittle themselves for the people they love. In another scene Demetrius, anointed with love-juice tells Helena, Oh Helen goddess, nymph, perfect divine!/To what, my love, shall I compare thine eye?(3.2.140-141). This is significant because Demetrius had previously told Helena that, for that I am sick when I do look upon thee(2.1.219). Demetrius, and how he falls instantaneously in love with the woman he had denounced, shows how people who in their anxious quest for love has them grasping into thin air to find love. In addition to satire, Shakespeare uses irony to illustrate that the state of love makes people act irrationally. In the beginning of the play when Demetrius was disgusted with Helena, she pursued him still. In one scene when she finally has the love of Demetrius she is upset. We as readers expected Helena to be happy, but instead she irrationally states, You both are rivals and love Hermia/And now both rivals to mock Helena(3.2.158-159). Helena desperately seeks love, but when love seeks her she knew not what to do,...

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Public administration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Public administration - Essay Example According to Chambers (2003), in a democratic system, the majority impose their will on the minority who in essence has no protection against the more often unlimited power of the majority. All the eligible citizens have by right, equal participation in proposing, developing or creating laws by which their society is run, either directly or through elected representatives. In a democratic system of government, the Majority wields absolute and unlimited power and their decisions cannot be appealed under the established legal system that gives effect to this form of government. More often than not, this opens the door to unlimited tyranny perpetuated by the majority. As Persson & Tabellini (2006) notes, democratic systems usually take two forms; direct democracy and representative democracy. In the former, citizens participate in all decision-making personally without relying on their representative. The voting population hence has the power to alter constitutional laws, bring forth initiatives or suggestions on law governing them and also institute binding orders against their elected officials such as recalling them even before their terms end for non-performance. They can also take the form of representative democracy whereby people vote in representatives or officials who then come up with initiatives on their behalf Democracies are more often concerned with group wants or needs in terms of public good. Attitude towards law in a democratic institution is that the will of the majority shall prevail, whether it is governed by emotions without regard to consequences or based upon deliberation. Law making in a democratic form of governance is a rapid process requiring the approval of the majority as determined by voter referendums or polls. More often these referendums give legislators the opportunity to blame faulty laws on the people. On the other hand a

Friday, October 18, 2019

Research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 5

Research paper - Essay Example The Willa Cather Literary work is based on telling the truths of a certain period and place. This is the reason why she became an inventor in American fiction. For example, her work vibrates not only with oral language of usual people but also with visual pictures that assist the readers to view the place truly (Robinson, 1983). However, some of her detractors praised her for writing about the common people in a common language. Most themes of her writing in the stories are usually associated with the adventure of moving to another place. In addition, her strong sense of place pervades works is incorporated into the themes of her work. Cather is a modernist writer because of using a unique theme in her writing. She was devoted to her writing and took risks of whatever she did. However, many people did not appreciate the truth in her writing but Cather continued to show the reality of life through her writing. The way she risked in her writing greatly influenced her literature in the world. The rising volume of critical focus to Cather in its own confirms her conspicuous place in American literary history. The growing interest in Cather literary work has revised interest in other artists who were known to Cather or who were significant to her. However, this might seem illogical because Cather privacy has become legendary due to the way she presented herself to the public. Cather usually presented herself through creating her own image shaped by childhood. This gives the reader a sense of personal association with her thus protecting her privacy by sidetracking attention from other parts of her life. Willa Cather was born on 7 December, 1873 in Creek Valley. Her young life left an impression which is memorable and created a foundation for her character stories. Her illustrious work is based on writing essays, short stories, poems and making contribution to journals and

How have African-Americans worked to end segregation, discrimination, Essay

How have African-Americans worked to end segregation, discrimination, and isolation to attain equality and civil rights - Essay Example Now this is about the same time that African Americans also first started making their appearance in the military. To maintain unity and to help stop aggression black were beginning to be recruited. Still at this time the racial tension between the blacks and whites was very critical. The battle to end slavery was supposed to have ended, but in reality had just begun. In 1863 Abraham Lincoln passed the Emancipation Proclamation to allow blacks to join the military. However the American society still largely discouraged any social relations with people of different color. So, although the process of integration had already started there was still a huge battle to be bought for everyone involved (Massey, Douglas S., p.110). During the Civil War, the South literally depended on black labor to help them maintain their present economy. Without the black at this time, the south would not have had enough people to produce the grain in which the completely relied upon. The Confederated autho rities also used their slaves to construct forts, and some states such as Virginia even required slave owners to lease their slaves out for labor. The south was also very hard and cruel to their slaves. The Confederate leaders treated the blacks as if they were animals and forced them to do as much hard work as they could. The south still basically believed that blacks were meant to be slaves and should remain under complete control of their masters. Now the North, at the same time was now employing about 200,000 of approximately one half million blacks that escaped slavery into the Union territory. As the first steps in the desegregation of the nation the North was letting the former slave come into their land and was employing them as teamster, carpenters, cooks, nurses, and scouts. Many of the escaped blacks even worked for the Union army as informants to explain many of the Confederated armies’ plans and information (Godsil, Rachel D., p 1110). The blacks eventually becam e a very important part of the military service in the Union military forces. Even though most of the leaders were still white, the African American people had finally started making real progress with the integration into the white society. This first major step into society was basically seen as a trial by blood. It was simply known that whenever someone was willing to give his life in the line of battle for the same cause as his military force, it was considered the ultimate sacrifice and was now completely accepted in on the battle lines. However, even though the blacks were now helping with the labor and even the fighting by their own free will now, there was still much hatred and conflict between certain groups of people who still wanted racial segregation in their land. Even though it was considered illegal to act in violence just because of the race of a person, there were still many groups even in the North country who just could not completely accept the colored people amo ng them, and this also lead to much bloodshed in their own territory. There were 38 African American people lynched by the Klu Klux Klan in 1917, and 58 more lynching the following year. After the civil war 70 black veterans were also killed in cold blood because of all of the hatred still within the general society as a whole (Payne, Richard J.,p. 91). The Klu Klux Klan was a racial hatred group that was responsible for many murders of the blacks at that time, and even still

Iinternational Business Porters Diamond Analysis of the Mexican Essay

Iinternational Business Porters Diamond Analysis of the Mexican Business Environment - Essay Example BRIC countries are those that dominated global economic talks in 2001 and years after; at that time, these countries had demonstrated great potential in exploiting economic opportunities. These countries have moved on to become great and major players in the global economy, with great growth in their GDP. BRIC countries comprise of Brazil, Russia, India, and China; currently, these countries have now been classified as the powerhouses of the world economy. They have reformed their macroeconomic policies, something that has given them a cutting edge in creating economic competitive advantages globally. Later, a new perspective and outlook on activities by other countries brought up the MINT countries, as those showing huge advances in their economic growth. Currently, different countries are involved in various practices that can enhance their competitive advantage. Many countries are reforming the macroeconomic policies in the process of attracting local and international investments to spur the growth and development of economic activities in these countries. MINT countries are those that have shown tremendous developments in the economic activities, thus leading to expansion of their economic activities. These countries include Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey; according to Jim O’Neill, an economist, these countries have an upsurge of economic activities that have placed them perfectly in the league fast-growing economies. An important characteristic of these countries is the fact that they have young and aggressive populations that have the ability to take on various economic activities.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

1. Discuss why human rights emerged as an important issue in Essay

1. Discuss why human rights emerged as an important issue in international relations Explain the impact of major cases in international politics - Essay Example Essentially, this tome defined human dignity, as against honor, which according to Berger, Berger and Kellner, always relates to the intrinsic humanity divested of all socially imposed roles or norms and that it pertains to the self as such, to the individual regardless of his position in society (Berger, Berger and Kellner 1974, 89-90). To demonstrate how the Declaration impacted international relations, there is the fact that it is often cited in UN resolutions of the General Assembly as well as the other agencies of the world body. More importantly, the Declaration has also been often used as the foundation of the constitution, laws and judicial decisions of numerous states, making the declaration some form of a standard measuring the progress of states and peoples toward realizing the full respect for human freedom. Further on, there is also the power of technology and the integrating nature of communication and globalization that made it impossible for atrocities committed against individuals to be hidden from international scrutiny. An excellent example was when in 1983, peasants from Uchuraccay, Peru killed visiting journalists mistaking them as members of Sendero Lumino (SL), the most notorious terrorist group in Latin America. Because of this, Peru came to the attention of world and human rights became part of the Peruvians’ ordinary language (Cleary 91). Non-governmental organizations have also been formed, with hundreds of thousands of volunteers, experts and civil servants pledging to pursue and protect international human rights. The negative dimension to the human rights discourse in the context of international relations is demonstrated in the US-Latin American relations. A specific reference to the American policy towards human rights was contained in the inaugural address of US President Carter wherein he declared: â€Å"Because we are free, we can never be

Employment Law (Testing & Privacy Rights) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Employment Law (Testing & Privacy Rights) - Essay Example They could be covered by state laws affecting who may or may not be tested. Related rulings include approving testing for railroad operators, police officers and medical professionals who care for patients. Generally, where "a position has a direct affect on safety, random testing has been allowed" (National Workrights Institute). Attempts to spread drug testing to non-safety positions like janitors and clerical workers have been unsuccessful. The U.S. Supreme Court, in Washington v. Davis, 426 U.S. 229 (1976), ruled that the District of Columbia's Test 21 (Question 2) was not discriminatory, even though it screened out many more black police force applicants than whites and had not been proved relevant to on-the-job performance. The test itself could not be blamed for the low black population on the police force. There had been no direct evidence that the D.C. police force was actively excluding black recruits, and the test was widely used for other government jobs. The Supreme Court stated in the ruling that a statute is not discriminatory "if in practice it benefits or burdens one race more than another" when it is designed to serve race-neutral goals such as a verbally competent work force, unless there is compelling evidence to the contrary. The high court feared that such a standard could be used to invalidate a wide range of laws that affect different groups disproportionately. The Louisiana Court of Appeals ruled in Lam

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Iinternational Business Porters Diamond Analysis of the Mexican Essay

Iinternational Business Porters Diamond Analysis of the Mexican Business Environment - Essay Example BRIC countries are those that dominated global economic talks in 2001 and years after; at that time, these countries had demonstrated great potential in exploiting economic opportunities. These countries have moved on to become great and major players in the global economy, with great growth in their GDP. BRIC countries comprise of Brazil, Russia, India, and China; currently, these countries have now been classified as the powerhouses of the world economy. They have reformed their macroeconomic policies, something that has given them a cutting edge in creating economic competitive advantages globally. Later, a new perspective and outlook on activities by other countries brought up the MINT countries, as those showing huge advances in their economic growth. Currently, different countries are involved in various practices that can enhance their competitive advantage. Many countries are reforming the macroeconomic policies in the process of attracting local and international investments to spur the growth and development of economic activities in these countries. MINT countries are those that have shown tremendous developments in the economic activities, thus leading to expansion of their economic activities. These countries include Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey; according to Jim O’Neill, an economist, these countries have an upsurge of economic activities that have placed them perfectly in the league fast-growing economies. An important characteristic of these countries is the fact that they have young and aggressive populations that have the ability to take on various economic activities.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Employment Law (Testing & Privacy Rights) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Employment Law (Testing & Privacy Rights) - Essay Example They could be covered by state laws affecting who may or may not be tested. Related rulings include approving testing for railroad operators, police officers and medical professionals who care for patients. Generally, where "a position has a direct affect on safety, random testing has been allowed" (National Workrights Institute). Attempts to spread drug testing to non-safety positions like janitors and clerical workers have been unsuccessful. The U.S. Supreme Court, in Washington v. Davis, 426 U.S. 229 (1976), ruled that the District of Columbia's Test 21 (Question 2) was not discriminatory, even though it screened out many more black police force applicants than whites and had not been proved relevant to on-the-job performance. The test itself could not be blamed for the low black population on the police force. There had been no direct evidence that the D.C. police force was actively excluding black recruits, and the test was widely used for other government jobs. The Supreme Court stated in the ruling that a statute is not discriminatory "if in practice it benefits or burdens one race more than another" when it is designed to serve race-neutral goals such as a verbally competent work force, unless there is compelling evidence to the contrary. The high court feared that such a standard could be used to invalidate a wide range of laws that affect different groups disproportionately. The Louisiana Court of Appeals ruled in Lam

Comparison of High Involvement Consumer Decision Making with Love Involvement Decision Making Essay Example for Free

Comparison of High Involvement Consumer Decision Making with Love Involvement Decision Making Essay Consumers don’t necessarily go through all the buying stages when they’re considering purchasing product. They have probably think about many products they want or need but never did much more than that. At other times, they probably look at dozens of products, compare them, and then decided not to purchase any. They sometimes can even skip stages 1 through 3 and buy products on impulse. Purchasing a product with no planning or forethought is called impulse buying. Impulse buying brings up a concept called level of involvement—that is, how personally important or interested you are in consuming a product. For example, you might see a roll of tape at a check-out stand and remember you need one. Or you might see a bag of chips and realize you’re hungry. These are items you need, but they are low-involvement products. Low-involvement products aren’t necessarily purchased on impulse, although they can be. Low-involvement products are, however, inexpensive and pose a low risk to the buyer if she makes a mistake by purchasing them. Consumers often engage in routine response behavior when they buy low-involvement products—that is, they make automatic purchase decisions based on limited information or information they have gathered in the past. For example, if you always order a Diet Coke at lunch, you’re engaging in routine response behavior. You may not even think about other drink options at lunch because your routine is to order a Diet Coke, and you simply do it. If you’re served a Diet Coke at lunchtime, and it’s flat, oh well. It’s not the end of the world. By contrast, high-involvement products carry a high risk to buyers if they fail, are complex, or have high price tags. A car, a house, and an insurance policy are examples. These items are not purchased often. Buyers don’t engage in routine response behavior when purchasing high-involvement products. Instead, consumers engage in what’s called extended problem solving, where they spend a lot of time comparing the features of the products, prices, warrantees, and so forth. High-involvement products can cause buyers a great deal of postpurchase dissonance if they are unsure about their purchases. Companies that sell high-involvement products are aware of that postpurchase dissonance can be a problem. Frequently they try to offer consumers a lot of information about their products, including why they are superior to competing brands and how they won’t let the consumer down. Limited problem solving falls somewhere in the middle. Consumers engage in limited problem solving when they already have some information about a good or service but continue to search for a bit more information. Brand names can be very important regardless of the consumer’s level of purchasing involvement. Consider a low- versus high-involvement product—say purchasing a tube of toothpaste versus a new car. You might routinely buy your favorite brand of toothpaste, not thinking much about the purchase (engage in routine response behavior), but not be willing to switch to another brand either. Having a brand you like saves you â€Å"search time† and eliminates the evaluation period because you know what you’re getting. When it comes to the car, you might engage in extensive problem solving but, again, only be willing to consider a certain brands or brands. For example, in the 1970s, American-made cars had such a poor reputation for quality, buyers joked that a car that’s â€Å"not Jap (Japanese made), is crap. † The quality of American cars is very good today, but you get the picture. If it’s a high-involvement product you’re purchasing, a good brand name is probably going to be very important to you. That’s why the makers of high-involvement products can’t become complacent about the value of their brands.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Parents Perception In Choosing Private Primary School

Parents Perception In Choosing Private Primary School The elimination of school fees from public primary school under the Governments policy in Cambodia in order to reach the EFA Goal by 2015 has increased student enrollments from year to year. However, the quality of education of public schools has reduced while the number of students who transfer from public to private schools has increased more and more. To obtain a better understanding of the factors influencing parents decision in choosing private primary schools for children, researcher has investigated the perception between two groups of parents, high and low educated parents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from 2 high educated parents and 2 from low educated parents. The interviews were conducted with the parents whose children studying à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹in a private primary school in Phnom Penh. Data was analyzed by using an interpretive analysis method. The findings indicated the different factors influencing the parents decision such as quality and standard of education, learning environment, security, safety and services. However, most parents consider about the quality and safety of their children because they dont have enough time to take care their children even their education during the daytime. According to the findings, most parents have a positive perspective on the choice of private schools even some private schools are expensive. They believe that the higher the school fees it set the higher in quality they will be offered. One of the parents; for example, transferred her child from cheaper to higher price in term of school fees and services. The children in wealthier and higher educated family background have a higher possibility of transferring to private schools than children from poorer and lower educated family background. Education plays an important role in socioeconomic development in every country. It can also improve human resources as not all the human abilities which are offered by birth. Education makes people feel confident, aware and active in term of knowledge and skill development (Rehman, Khan, Tariq Tasleem, 2010). It develops human abilities needed for economic and social development. Many years public schools play a very important role in developing the education as well as building human resources. However, in recent years, private schools have grown very fast by providing good quality. No matter the fee in private school is very high, parents are still happy to invest their youngsters in the private sector (Rehman et al., 2010). According to the report of the Education Management Information System (EMIS) of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports 2010-2011, private schools have been growing very fast. Private schools have done its privatization since 1992 under the supervision of MoEYS (MoEYS, 2011). Among 24 provinces and cities, there are only 9 provinces and cities that have sent their report of private schools to the EMIS office (MoEYS, 2011). Until now there are 264 private schools in the whole kingdom, but only 120 schools that provide primary education. Among 120 schools, 71 schools located in Phnom Penh (MoEYS, 2011). Cambodia is one of many developing countries with a recent history of rapid growth within the private education sector. Since Cambodia steps into a free market economy in the early 1990s, education has become a very important key to human resource development. However, while the demand of education begins growing faster and faster, public education is still in poor condition and unresponsive to the growing need and free markets that offer people what they want (Bernal, 2005). Bernal (2005) stated that since competition among public schools has not been introduced, parents are free to choose any schools they want for their children. On the one hand, competition among private schools is very strong, so each school has managed many kinds of strategies in order to attract the parents as well as their children to participate the school. Private school enrollment is not a simple function of parental preferences. The quality of private schools can be a high demand in which parents seek for their childs education (Desai, Dubey, Vanneman Banerji, 2008). Private education is often perceived to be about serving the needs of the high and middle classes, not the poor. Most of parents want to provide the best educational environment for their children. The parents decide to invest their children in form of education depends on number of social, cultural and economic factors (Rehman et al., 2010). Parents usually decide to choose the best quality school for their youngsters when they are dissatisfied with public school. Private schools are mostly more effective than public schools in terms of school environment, qualified teachers, smaller size of classes and parents education. Rehman et al. (2010) found that a great majority of parents seemed dissatisfied with the public school due to various reasons: qualified teachers, good relationship between schools and parents, class sizes and others. Choosing school for children, parents may make themselves feel more confident that children will be taught effectively and treated fairly (Spellings, 2005). Choosing schools carefully is an important way parents can help their children all what he / she can be. School choice is highly related to parents occupational status. The parents with higher occupational status prefer to choose private school rather than public school for their children. The school choice of parents show about their satisfaction with the school they choose (Rehman et al., 2010). Moreover, many parents consider teacher quality the most important factor to guarantee the quality of their children education while the other value school academic reputation and facilities (as cited in Wilkinson, Denniss Machintosh, 2004). According to the research of Wilkinson et al. (2004) stated that some teachers have perceived pressure in the public school system that may lead to the non-quality teaching condition. In contrast, private sector offers incentives, good working environment, and other benefits which encourage teachers to work hard by providing the best quality of education, thats why parents choose private school rather than public school. 1.2 Problem Statement Private education in Cambodia has expanded rapidly in number as well as absorbing more students. Private sector, especially private school, has become one of the potential partners with the government to improve and develop the education sector as well as human resources. The increasing competitions as well as the huge demand of education have led to the rapid expansion of the private sector, which is new in the history of modern education in Cambodia. Because these private education institutions are profit seeking, the majority of them are only to offer courses with high demand and high quality (Desai, Dubey, Vanneman Banerji, 2008). Moreover, the private education in Cambodia raises many questions concerning about future success and quality. On condition that its new existence and concerning among public, the private education keeps increasing students enrollment from year to year. This rising enrolment contributes to the continuous growth of private sector which the priorities of the private institutions are for profit, and depend mostly on students fee. Even the fee of some institutions increases more and more, students parents still choose private school but not the public one. Since the last few decades, public school seems to be less attention from parents in term of service, qualityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦etc. On the other hand, high income of families is also a key factor that affects the school choice. For instance, some parents who have higher income will send their children to a high-fee school (Wilkinson et al, 2004). Similarly, parents with lower income will send their children to less expensive private school or public school. Moreover, according to the study of Rehman et al. (2010) found that lack of education facilities, unsuitable teaching methods, poor discipline, less attention to the overall development of the children, overcrowded classes, lack of teachers interest and unsuitable educational environment are major reasons that the parents avoid the public schools. They also mentioned that the classes in public school are mostly overcrowded and become very hard for teachers to concentrate on the development of every student. These have aroused my curiosity to explore parents perceptions towards private schools in Cambodia. 1.3 Research objectives The purposes of this research are to identify the common factors as well as the reasons parents decide to choose private school for their children education and also to find out the factors which motivate parents to choose a particular school to educate their children. Researcher wants to explore the critical factors influencing parents decision to pursue their children study in the private sector and in choosing a particular private education institution. Another purpose for this research is to identify the different perception between parents who are in the city and suburb area. It also assesses how they view the quality of private schools based on their own experience. 1.4 Research Questions This study is conducted purposively to answer the following two research questions: What are the factors influencing parents decision to choose private primary school for their children? What are the different perceptions between high and low educated parents in choosing the schools for their children? 1.5 Significance of the Study This research is attempted to contribute to the discussion of critical factors that affect parents decision in choosing a private school as well as their perceptions of quality of private sector. It also gives an understanding of parents experiences of satisfaction and dissatisfaction in private and public education which would be aware of students need and the view of customers. So those private sectors may respond by designing suitable courses, programs, and service to meet students needs. The findings of this research will also allow public schools to be better informed as well as aware of new roles of private education sector as seen by parents perceptions. This may allow public education sector to readily reorganize some dissatisfaction factors by providing an education with higher quality. It would also contribute to the future growth, development and significance of private education sector in Cambodia. Definition of key terms This research will include 3 key terms that are particularly used to refer only in this study, but not in general. Private primary school is referred to non-government school which is run by private sector. However, this private primary school, from grade 1 to 6, is under the supervision of the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports. High educated parents mentioned in this research are referred to the ones who have the Bachelor Degree or higher. And they are referred to the ones who work as government officers, NGOs staff and company staff (As higher position). Low educated parents which mentioned in this paper are focused on the parents who have no Bachelor Degree or equivalent certificates. These parents may not work as government officers, NGOs staff or company staff, but they just sell things at the market or have a small business. 1.7 Proposed chapter outline of research paper This research contains five chapters. Chapter one gives detail background of the previous studies related to the topic. It also provides detail information of research problem, research objectives, research questions, then significance of study, and definition of key term. In chapter two, there will be literature review which will discuss on previous studies and how they related to this study. Then in chapter three, there will be methodology covering research design of qualitative, tools/instruments for data collection, sample size and sampling method, data collecting procedures, data analysis, ethical consideration, and strengths and limitation of the method. Findings and discussion will be presented in chapter four giving results of the research and together with some problems or solutions to be discussed. The last chapter is conclusion and recommendation and must be followed by reference list giving detail about the sources which are used in this research. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW Definition of Quality in Education Quality in education should involve learners, content, processes, environments, and outcomes (UNICEF, 2000). Learners are healthy, ready to participate and learn, and supported by their communities and families. Contents include literacy, numeracy, and especially life skills. Environments are referred to healthy, protective, safe, and provide appropriate resources and facilities to students in their learning processes. Outcomes are linked to national goals for education and positive participation in society in terms of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. OECD (2012) has combined the quality with equity which means that if social and personal circumstance such as ethnic origin, family background or gender, are able to access the educational fairness, the quality of education will increase higher and higher. 2.2 Comparison between Public and Private Schools Private schools have greater demand than public schools. Nowadays the idea that private education is always better than public education has become a common idea which is linked to discipline, level of attainment and individual attention (Bernal, 2005). This study was to evaluate parents school choice and this may produce exclusion of society and inequality. Particular populations, economically disadvantaged groups, immigrants and ethnic minorities are considered the same schools (Bernal, 2005). In contrast, research argued that an open market system is not important in order to ensure the social class reproduction. However, parents are free to choose the school for the childrens education. Then family income and number of children attending the same school has increased dramatically. Private schools are free to plan the model of what they prefer. The competition among private schools is very strong in all kinds of commercial and marketing strategies. There are five characteristics o f the market system in Spain: free choice of school, school sells themselves to parents, public financing to both form of provision, diversity, control and management. The tough competition between schools and the outcomes are similar (Bernal, 2005). The upper and middle classes go to private schools, while economically disadvantaged groups, ethnic minorities and immigrants go to the public school. Children who are in private school have higher reading and arithmetic skills than those in public schools (Desai et al., 2008). This paper explores the relationship by examining different economic status in the private and public schools; moreover, it indicates that while children from lower economic status are more likely to be physically punished in the public schools than their peers who choose private schools. The relationship between economic status and physical punishment is negligible in private schools. There are private schools for the poor and they are most likely to have the big effect on enrollment (Baird, 2009). Parents select private schools because they think that the schools will provide better education in term of quality and opportunities in the future for their children than the state schools. Baird (2009) also found that there is no relationship between a particular areas wealth and the enrollment in private schools. Private education should be generalized through out the world, not just in India especially for the poor. The less satisfied citizens are with the government schools; in contrast, the rich choose private schools for their children education. The government schools or state schools should provide better education in term of quality, particularly for the poor (Baird, 2009). Choosing private school is not the decision of parents alone, but it has to be shared by their children in this decision making. However, Bertola, Checchi, Oppedisano (2007) mention that expensive private school is supposed to be better than free public school in terms of quality and safety because parents will send their children to other schools if they dont offer better service. Student quality is likely very different in terms of across academic and vocational secondary school tracks (Bertola et al., 2007). Parents are positively associated with private schooling and may also appreciate the longer hours and flexibility of private schools schedules. Rational choice of theory suggests that parents are utility maximizes who can make their own decisions from clear value of preferences, that they can demand effective actions from local schools and teachers, and that they are able to be relied upon to pursue the best interest of the children (Bosetti, 2004). This presents a different perspective and argues that parents invest a mixture of choice when selecting schools. Bertola et al., (2007) argue that a school ing systems organization may consider that private school enrollment leads to worse subsequent activities in the future education or in the labor market. If students are different not only their families ability to pay but also their own ability to take advantage of their talent, theory predicts that private schools attract students badly when publicly funded schools are better suited to force progress not only their families ability to pay but also their own ability to take advantage of their talent. 2.3 School Fee affects on School choice Coulson (2009) finds that private school families are basically different from public school families because they choose the schools through the school fee. Some parents believe that the higher school fee they set the higher quality of education they will offer. The result of this research also provides clearer understanding about the expectations, ideals and experiences of parents influence school choice. Most of parents want to educate their children with the best quality of education environment. They want to invest their children depend on a number of cultural, economic and social factors (Rehman et al., 2010). In Pakistan, education is offered by both private and public sectors. Studying in public schools is free of charge while parents have to pay in private schools. The price in private school is higher; however, parents still send their children to private school because they hope that their children will receive better education. Since the last three decades, private sector has been considered as an important resource of education in Pakistan. Then the factors that motivate parents decisions about private sector are yet to be explored. Family size, education level of parents, income of parents, school performance and staff qualifications are considered as the major factors that affect parents choice in choosing private school (Desai et al., 2008; Rehman et al., 2010). This study has shown that about 88.5% were the view these schools have a progressive mode of education while 86% parents avoided public schools due to unsuitable educational environment. Even the school fees are high or low, there is no different between private and public schools (CEP, 2007). Holme (2002) suggests that poor families should be provided with the same quality of educational choices that the wealthier have. It is inequity that private schools seem to be established for the rich not the poor. 2.4 School choice influences on Students Achievement Choosing a school has direct effects on children development as well as childrens educational achievement, literacy, numeracy and scientific knowledge (Sylva, 1994). Moreover, formal educational qualifications are the main key for children to enter higher education or training and also employment. The results show that excellent attendance, cognitively oriented pre-school programs was associated with later school competence. Pre-school graduates were more likely than the control group to provide achievement-related answers to the invitation. Findings also suggest that early education changed the family achievement orientation. Most mothers whose children attended pre-school expected more from their children. The children themselves also show more pride in their achievement. Pupil cognitions, motivations and school performance also effect pupils development. Academic self-concept has an independent impact on children academic attainment and parental education (Sylva, 1994; Gibbons et al., 2009). A productive school normally produces high achievement for students for their school fee on investing with schools (Hoxby, 2003). If a school could raise students achievement while spending the same as the others, it would be expected to draw the students away from those schools. Low-productivity producers will be driven out by high-productivity producers. There are many different types of schools: for profit, for non-profit private schools, regular public schools, and charter schools (Hoxby, 2003). Moreover, it is slightly different from others because the others about the choices parents make for their children while this literature is about the influences of the school. Children developments such as pre-school education, primary school on childrens attainment, attitudes and behavior, pupil cognitions, motivations, school performance, social competence and attainment are likely to be concerned by most parents (Sylva, 1994). Gibbons and Silva (2009) argued that parents choose schools for children according to their high performance. Previous research suggested that school quality is not only one dimension about which children and parents concern, other school factors like pupil happiness and enjoyment of their learning environment are also considered. These lead the researchers consider about parents perceptions of school choice based on academic standards and related with the children wellbeing. Some researcher (Gibbons et al., 2009; Sylva, 1994; Coulson, 2009) found that atti tudes and experiences, among pupils and their parents linked to standard test score based measures of academic performance, and whether parents perception of school quality linked to their childrens happiness and enjoyment of school. Gibbons et al. (2009) assumed that parents choose schools for children according to their high performance. They suggest that school quality is not only one dimension about which children and parents concern, other school factors like pupil happiness and enjoyment of their learning environment are also considered. This need to be considered about parents perceptions of school choice based on academic standards and related with the children wellbeing. Bernal (2005) Baird (2009) also agreed that parents select private schools because they think that the schools will provide better education in term of quality and opportunities in the future for their children than the state schools. There is no relationship between a particular areas wealth and the enrol lment in private schools. Private education is assumed to be concerned only with serving the high or middle class, not the poor (Trooley et al., n.d; Baird, 2009). Children who were in the private unaided schools get higher score than government school students. Moreover, children in unrecognized private schools achieve higher marks in mathematics than government students, 83% higher in Hindi and 246% higher in English. Scores in the recognized private schools were higher. Researchers also found that children in unaided private schools were more satisfied than the government schools. Unrecognized private schools are assumed to be educationally inadequate. This assumption is untrue because there are many unrecognized private schools achieved universal basic education, education for all. Children in private unaided schools get higher achievement than government schools. Private unaided schools cost less than government schools; moreover, teaching commitment is higher in private unaided than the government schoo ls. However, these findings mean that nothing could be improved in the private sector for serving the poor (Trooley et al., n.d). According to the United Nation Millennium Development Goal of education for all (EFA), education should be provided equally, even the poor. Then; however, private schools still take part in contributing the knowledge, not only public schools, for all children equally with quality of education. 2.5 Transferring from Public Schools The quality of education in public schools has reduced and the number of students who transfer from public to private schools has increased according to suggestion make by some experts (Nishimura, M. Yamano, T., 2008). As results, researchers have found that the school quality has a positive impact on the choice of private schools. They found not only transfers from public to private schools but also between public schools. Children who are in wealthy households have a higher probability of transferring to private schools than children who are in poorer households. Nishimura et al., (2009) Trooley et al., (n.d) have shown that to maintain the quality of education is an urgent policy agenda for Nation Millennium Development Goal of education for all that have adopted free primary education policies to enhance the education system equally. There is a positive impact on the choice of private schools. So it means that private education play very important role in providing good quality of education, even for the poor. 2.6 Choosing School through where they live Even some public schools are as high in quality as or higher than that of private schools, parents still send their children to private schools (Figlio, 1997). Parents might find a well disciplined for their children, or might satisfy with a higher probability that their children can participate in extracurricular activities substantively. Figlio (1997) finds that parents might wish for their children to perform with a right peer group. Parents choose private schools for their curricula and academic emphasizes, discipline, and safety. Checchi et al. (2004) agrees that private schools allow parents to choose the quality of education and the amount of price that they believe appreciate and satisfy. Beside, this literature also indicates that resource indicators, out come indicators, and subjective assessments are the factors in which we can measure as quality of schools. There are many ways in which parents are involved in childrens education. And one of the most important ways is through choosing the best school for children to attend (Goldring, et al., 2006). Most of parents choose a school according to where they live. Private schools are available more and more for parents because of the increasing availability of leaflets or vouchers that are targeted to low-income families. Some researchers may compare the choice of the parents between public and private schools. Goldring et al. (2006) examine how parents make school choices and the dynamics of the choice progress with an emphasis of public schools. Then he also indicates that parents who participate in school choosing have five different ways: parental involvement, socials networks, educational priorities, demographics, and satisfaction with previous school. Parents who choose the schools also tend to be more involvement in childrens education. School quality can be related to its characterist ics such as: school demographics, school location, school atmosphere, and academic performance (Goldring, et al., 2006). Parents really concern about their childrens safety when it comes to how they travel to or from school (Faulkner et al., 2010 Figlio, 1997). Parents always look after children so they have to find the best ways for them to send them to school safely. However, some parents may allow their children travel to school independently (Faulkner et al., 2010). In contrast, children can be allowed to walk according to the street or the way to school is safe for them. And whether how far is the house from school. But others think that parents dont care how far it is if school provides the best quality of education. 2.7 Choice depending on familys background According to the study by CEP (2007) finds that key family backgrounds were considered as the prior factor that forces students or parents to choose public or private schools. Students who attend private schools receive no better on achievement tests than those who choose public schools in reading, Math, history, and science. Students who had attended any type of private school ended up with no more jobs satisfaction that those who choose traditional public school. However, students achievement depends on school they choose. If students attend private school with higher school fee, test scores will be higher (Alderman, Orazem, Paterno, 2001; Holme, 2002). Transferring from government schools to private schools is increasing because of the quality and higher achievement test scores. The strong demand for private schools is depended on the evidence of greater language achievement and mathematics in private schools than in public schools (Alderman et al., 2001). Parents education signi ficantly; however, reduces no-schooling option. When parents are educated well, they will concern more about their childrens education. Then private school is the first choice for their children even the school fee is high or really high, what they want is quality of education. The ability of high-income parents will allow their children to access to high-quality school by moving to a good school area. Parents concern about student discipline based on students racial and class background, particularly violence at school. Holme (2002) finds that according to the income parents earn, they can send their children to the best private or public school to ensure that children will get the best quality of education. The researcher has also found that high-status schools tend to attract more well-qualified teachers. That can result in providing students a challenging curriculum. Parents are sensitive about the location of schools, and prefer school with positive atmosphere as reflected in school discipline, class size, and school safety. Moreover, parents believe that private schools offer better education, additional resources, better policies and practices, and an environment more deductive to learning (OECD, 2012). Parents are well-informed about school curricul um and others important factors as mention above. Parents education and use of individual tutoring lessons also raise the possibility of private school enrollment. Parental involvement and share of students in private display no correlation with college enrolment. Bertola et al. (2007) suggest that as long as peer effects are relevant, the students from lower quality private school imply a similarly low quality of the education offered by this segment of the market. 2.8 Conceptual Framework There are several reasons that influent parents decision in choosing a private primary school. The study journals, articles, and reports from the above literatures provide different perspectives as well as reasons influencing parents decision in choosing a private school such as school fees, students achievement, safety, and family background. Choosing a school has direct effects on children development as well as childrens educational achievement, literacy, numeracy and scientific knowledge (Sylva, 1994). Children can achieve higher test scores depends on their abilities, together with the schools they choose. However, the best school will provide the best quality of education. Pupils motiv

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Fidel Castro Essay -- History Biographies Papers

Fidel Castro In 1959, a rebel, Fidel Castro, overthrew the reign of Fulgencia Batista in Cuba; a small island 90 miles off the Florida coast. There have been many coups and changes of government in the world since then. Few if any have had the effect on Americans and American foreign policy as this one. In 1952, Sergeant Fulgencia Batista staged a successful bloodless coup in Cuba . Batista never really had any cooperation and rarely garnered much support. His reign was marked by continual dissension. After waiting to see if Batista would be seriously opposed, Washington recognized his government. Batista had already broken ties with the Soviet Union and became an ally to the U.S. throughout the cold war. He was continually friendly and helpful to American business interest. But he failed to bring democracy to Cuba or secure the broad popular support that might have legitimized his rape of the 1940 Constitution. As the people of Cuba grew increasingly dissatisfied with his gangster style politics, the tiny rebellions that had sprouted began to grow. Meanwhile the U.S. government was aware of and shared the distaste for a regime increasingly nauseating to most public opinion. It became clear that Batista regime was an odious type of government. It killed its own citizens, it stifled dissent. (1) At this time Fidel Castro appeared as leader of the growing rebellion. Educated in America he was a proponent of the Marxist-Leninist philosophy. He conducted a brilliant guerilla campaign from the hills of Cuba against Batista. On January 1959, he prevailed and overthrew the Batista government. Castro promised to restore democracy in Cuba, a feat Batista had failed to ac... ...ed far longer; measured American responses might have appeared well deserved to an increasing number of Cubans, thus strengthening Cuban opposition to the regime instead of, as was the case, greatly stimulating revolutionary fervor, leaving the Russians no choice but to give massive support to the Revolution and fortifying the belief among anti-Castro Cubans that the United States was rapidly moving to liberate them. The economic pressures available to the United States were not apt to bring Castro to his knees, since the Soviets were capable of meeting Cuban requirements in such matters as oil and sugar. I believe the Cuban government would have been doomed by its own disorganization and incompetence and by the growing disaffection of an increasing number of the Cuban people. Left to its own devices, the Castro regime would have withered on the vine.