Racial Profiling And African Americans - 1897 Words

The recent rioting in Ferguson, Missouri has really put things in a different perspective regarding the treatment of African Americans. The protesting has called attention to the ghastly reality that African Americans still face an ongoing struggle and receive inferior treatment. Violent events occurring years after the 1960 s Civil Rights Movement—from the beating of Rodney King to the homicide of Trayvon Martin and the countless crimes in between—all reveal evidence of how African Americans are victims of injustices. While substantial progress has occurred in obtaining equality for African Americans during the last five decades, African Americans still battle discrimination on a daily basis in which they fall victim to degrading†¦show more content†¦These heavily populated minority neighborhoods are usually served by poor public education and safety systems. Housing discrimination contributes to more costly housing for people of color, furthering the economic divide between whites and African Americans. Due to an increasing open promotion of inequality, the plight of African Americans ultimately undermines the premise that all Americans are entitled to equal under the law and further disadvantages people of color. Dehumanizing representations of African peoples and the history of the black-ape metaphor are nothing new to America. Thanks to basic evolutionary theories, the African-American community has become subject to dehumanizing and discouraging associations, such as the black-ape association. According to speculations from Franz Boas and Charles Darwin, There might be an evolutionary spectrum among primates containing monkeys and apes at the least evolved end continuing through savage and/or deformed anthropoids, and culminating with Whites at the other end as most evolved (Lott 152). From speculations such as these, scientists theorized that people from Africa existed somewhere between the deformed and the simian. Ultimately, theo ries of evolution exhibited an unrealistic observation that people of African descent are less civilized compared to whites. Theories of evolution humiliate the African race and contribute to

Industrial Policy Free Essays

INDUSTRIAL POLICY SINCE 1956 When India achieved Independence in 1947, the national consensus was in favour of rapid industrialization of the economy which was seen not only as the key to economic development but also to economic sovereignty. In the subsequent years, India’s Industrial Policy evolved through successive Industrial Policy Resolutions and Industrial Policy Statements. Specific priorities for industrial development were also laid down in the successive Five Year Plans. We will write a custom essay sample on Industrial Policy or any similar topic only for you Order Now Building on the so-called â€Å"Bombay Plan†1 in the pre-Independence era, the first Industrial Policy Resolution announced in 1948 laid down broad contours of the strategy of industrial development. At that time the Constitution of India had not taken final shape nor was the Planning Commission constituted. Moreover, the necessary legal framework was also not put in place. Not surprisingly therefore, the Resolution was somewhat broad in its scope and direction. Yet, an important distinction was made among industries to be kept under the exclusive ownership of Government, i. e. the public sector, those reserved for private sector and the joint sector. Subsequently, the Indian Constitution was adopted in January 1950, the Planning Commission was constituted in March 1950 and the Industrial (Department and Regulation) Act (IDR Act) was enacted in 1951 with the objective of empowering the Government to take necessary steps to regulate the pattern of industrial development through licensing. This paved the way for the Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956, which was the first comprehensive statement on the strategy for industrial development in India. Industrial Policy Resolution – 1956 The Industrial Policy Resolution – 1956 was shaped by the Mahalanobis Model of growth, which suggested that emphasis on heavy industries would lead the economy towards a long term higher growth path. The Resolution widened the scope of the public sector. The objective was to accelerate 1 Bombay Plan prepared by leading Indian industrialists in 1944-45 had recommended government support for industrialization, including a direct role in the production of capital goods. economic growth and boost the process of industrialization as a means to achieving a socialistic pattern of society. Given the scarce capital and inadequate entrepreneurial base, the Resolution accorded a predominant role to the State to assume direct responsibility for industrial development. All industries of basic and strategic importance and those in the nature of public utility services besides those requiring large scale investment were reserved for the public secto r. The Industrial Policy Resolution – 1956 classified industries into three categories. The first category comprised 17 industries (included in Schedule A of the Resolution) exclusively under the domain of the Government. These included inter alia, railways, air transport, arms and ammunition, iron and steel and atomic energy. The second category comprised 12 industries (included in Schedule B of the Resolution), which were envisaged to be progressively State owned but private sector was expected to supplement the efforts of the State. The third category contained all the remaining industries and it was expected that private sector would initiate development of these industries but they would remain open for the State as well. It was envisaged that the State would facilitate and encourage development of these industries in the private sector, in accordance with the programmes formulated under the Five Year Plans, by appropriate fiscal measures and ensuring adequate infrastructure. Despite the demarcation of industries into separate categories, the Resolution was flexible enough to allow the required adjustments and modifications in the national interest. Another objective spelt out in the Industrial Policy Resolution – 1956 was the removal of regional disparities through development of regions with low industrial base. Accordingly, adequate infrastructure for industrial development of such regions was duly emphasized. Given the potential to provide large-scale employment, the Resolution reiterated the Government’s determination to provide all sorts of assistance to small and cottage industries for wider dispersal of the industrial base and more equitable distribution of income. The Resolution, in fact, reflected the prevalent value system of India in the early 1950s, which was centered around self sufficiency in industrial 3 production. The Industrial Policy Resolution – 1956 was a landmark policy statement and it formed the basis of subsequent policy announcements. Industrial Policy Measures in the 1960s and 1970s Monopolies Inquiry Commission (MIC) was set up in 1964 to review various aspects pertaining to concentration of economic power and operations of industrial licensing under the IDR Act, 1951. While emphasizing that the planned economy contributed to the growth of industry, the Report by MIC concluded that the industrial licensing system enabled big business houses to obtain disproportionately large share of licenses which had led to pre-emption and foreclosure of capacity. Subsequently, the Industrial Licensing Policy Inquiry Committee (Dutt Committee), constituted in 1967, recommended that larger industrial houses should be given licenses only for setting up industry in core and heavy investment sectors, thereby necessitating reorientation of industrial licensing policy. In 1969, the monopolies and restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act was introduced to enable the Government to effectively control concentration of economic power. The Dutt Committee had defined large business houses as those with assets of more than Rs. 350 million. The MRTP Act, 1969 defined large business houses as those with assets of Rs. 200 million and above. Large industries were designated as MRTP companies and were eligible to participate in industries that were not reserved for the Government or the Small scale sector. The new Industrial Licensing Policy of 1970 classified industries into four categories. First category, termed as ‘Core Sector’, consisted of basic, critical and strategic industries. Second category termed as ‘Heavy Investment Sector’, comprised projects involving investment of more than Rs. 50 million. The third category, the ‘Middle Sector’ consisted of projects with investment in the range of Rs. 10 million to Rs. 50 million. The fourth category was ‘Delicensed Sector’, in which investment was less than Rs. 0 million and was exempted from licensing requirements. The industrial licensing policy of 1970 4 confined the role of large business houses and foreign companies to the core, heavy and export oriented sectors. The Industrial Policy Statement – 1973 With a view to prevent excessive concentration of industrial activity in the large industrial houses, this Statement gave preference to small and medium entrepreneurs over the large houses and foreign companies in setting up of new capacity particularly in the production of mass consumption goods. New undertakings of up to Rs. 10 million by way of fixed assets were exempted from licensing requirements for substantial expansion of assets. This exemption was not allowed to MRTP companies, foreign companies and existing licensed or registered undertakings having fixed assets of Rs. 50 million and above. The Industrial Policy Statement -1977 This Statement emphasized decentralization of industrial sector with increased role for small scale, tiny and cottage industries. It also provided for close interaction between industrial and agricultural sectors. Highest priority was accorded to power generation and transmission. It expanded the list of items reserved for exclusive production in the small scale sector from 180 to more than 500. For the first time, within the small scale sector, a tiny unit was defined as a unit with investment in machinery and equipment up to Rs. 0. 1 million and situated in towns or villages with a population of less than 50,000 (as per 1971 census). Basic goods, capital goods, high technology industries important for development of small scale and agriculture sectors were clearly delineated for large scale sector. It was also stated that foreign companies that diluted their foreign equity up to 40 per cent under Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) 1973 were to be treated at par with the Indian companies. The Policy Statement of 1977 also issued a list of industries where no foreign collaboration of financial or technical nature was allowed as indigenous technology was already available. Fully owned foreign companies were allowed only in highly export oriented sectors or sophisticated technology areas. For all approved foreign investments, companies were completely free to repatriate capital and remit profits, dividends, royalties, etc. Further, in order to ensure balanced regional development, it was decided not to issue fresh licenses for setting up new industrial units within certain limits of large metropolitan cities (more than 1 million population) and urban areas (more than 0. 5 million population). Industrial Policy Statement -1980 The industrial Policy Statement of 1980 placed accen t on promotion of competition in the domestic market, technological upgradatrion and modernization of industries. Some of the socio-economic objectives spelt out in the Statement were i) optimum utilisation of installed capacity, ii) higher productivity, iii) higher employment levels, iv) removal of regional disparities, v) strengthening of agricultural base, vi) promotion of export oriented industries and vi) consumer protection against high prices and poor quality. Policy measures were announced to revive the efficiency of public sector undertakings (PSUs) by developing the management cadres in functional fields viz. operations, finance, marketing and information system. An automatic expansion of capacity up to five per cent per annum was allowed, particularly in the core sector and in industries with long-term export potential. Special incentives were granted to industrial units which were engaged in industrial processes and technologies aiming at optimum utilization of energy and the exploitation of alternative sources of energy. In order to boost the development of small scale industries, t he investment limit was raised to Rs. 2 million in small scale units and Rs. . 5 million in ancillary units. In the case of tiny units, investment limit was raised to Rs. 0. 2 million. Industrial Policy Measures during the 1980s Policy measures initiated in the first three decades since Independence facilitated the establishment of basic industries and building up of a broadbased infrastructure in the country. The Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-1900), recognized the need for consolidation of these strengths and initiating policy measures to prepare the Indian industry to respond effectively to emerging challenges. A number of measures were initiated towards technological and managerial modernization to improve productivity, quality and to reduce cost of production. The public sector was freed from a number of constraints and was provided with greater autonomy. There was some progress in the process of deregulation during the 1980s. In 1988, all industries, excepting 26 industries spec ified in the negative list, were exempted from licensing. The exemption was, however, subject to investment and locational limitations. The automotive industry, cement, cotton spinning, food processing and polyester filament yarn industries witnessed modernization and expanded scales of production during the 1980s. With a view to promote industrialization of backward areas in the country, the Government of India announced in June, 1988 the Growth Centre Scheme under which 71 Growth Centers were proposed to be set up throughout the country. Growth centers were to be endowed with basic infrastructure facilities such as power, water, telecommunications and banking to enable them to attract industries. Industrial Policy Statement- 1991 The Industrial Policy Statement of 1991 stated that â€Å"the Government will continue to pursue a sound policy framework encompassing encouragement of entrepreneurship, development of indigenous technology through investment in research and development, bringing in new technology, dismantling of the regulatory system, development of the capital markets and increased competitiveness for the benefit of common man†. It further added that â€Å"the spread of industrialization to backward areas of the country will be actively promoted through appropriate incentives, institutions and infrastructure investments†. The objective of the Industrial Policy Statement – 1991 was to maintain sustained growth in productivity, enhance gainful employment and achieve optimal utilization of human resources, to attain international competitiveness, and to transform India into a major partner and player in the global arena. Quite clearly, the focus of the policy was to unshackle the Indian industry from bureaucratic controls. This called for a number of far-reaching reforms : †¢ A substantial modification of Industry Licencing Policy was deemed necessary with a view to ease restraints on capacity creation, respond to emerging domestic and global opportunities by improving productivity. Accordingly, the Policy Statement included abolition of industrial licensing for most industries, barring a han dful of industries for reasons of security and trategic concerns, social and environmental issues. Compulsory licencing was required only in respect of 18 industries. These included, inter alia, coal and lignite, distillation and brewing of alcoholic drinks, cigars and cigarettes, drugs and pharmaceuticals, white goods, hazardous chemicals. The small scale sector continued to be reserved. Norms for setting up industries (except for industries subject to compulsory licensing) in cities with more than one million population were further liberalised. Recognising the complementarily of domestic and foreign investment, foreign direct investment was accorded a significant role in policy announcements of 1991. Foreign direct investment (FDI) up to 51 per cent foreign equity in high priority industries requiring large investments and advanced technology was permitted. Foreign equity up to 51 per cent was also allowed in trading companies primarily engaged in export activities. These importa nt initiatives were expected to provide a boost to investment besides enabling access to high technology and marketing expertise of foreign companies. With a view to inject technological dynamism in the Indian industry, the Government provided automatic approval for technological agreements related to high priority industries and eased procedures for hiring of foreign technical expertise. †¢ Major initiatives towards restructuring of public sector units (PSUs) were initiated, in view of their low productivity, over staffing, lack of technological upgradation and low rate of return. In order to raise resources and ensure wider public participation PSUs, it was decided to offer its shareholding stake to mutual funds, financial institutions, general public and workers. Similarly, in order to revive and rehabilitate chronically sick PSUs, it was decided to refer them to the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR). The Policy also provided for greater managerial aut onomy to the Boards of PSUs. †¢ The Industrial Policy Statement of 1991 recognized that the Government’s intervention in investment decisions of large companies through MRTP Act had proved to be deleterious for industrial growth. Accordingly, pre-entry scrutiny of investment decisions of MRTP companies was abolished. The thrust of policy was more on controlling unfair and restrictive trade practices. The provisions restricting mergers, amalgamations and takeovers were also repealed. Industrial Policy Measures Since 1991 Since 1991, industrial policy measures and procedural simplifications have been reviewed on an ongoing basis. Presently, there are only six industries which require compulsory licensing. Similarly, there are only three industries reserved for the public sector. Some of important policy measures initiated since 1991 are set out below: †¢ Since 1991, promotion of foreign direct investment has been an integral part of India’s economic policy. The Government has ensured a liberal and transparent foreign investment regime where most activities are opened to foreign investment on automatic route without any limit on the extent of foreign ownership. FDI up to 100 per cent has also been allowed under automatic route for most manufacturing activities in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). More recently, in 2004, the FDI limits were raised in the private banking sector (up to 74 per cent), oil exploration (up to 100 per cent), petroleum product marketing (up to 100 per cent), petroleum product pipelines (up to 100 per cent), natural gas and LNG pipelines (up to 100 per cent) and printing of scientific and technical magazines, periodicals and journals (up to 100 per cent). In 9 February 2005, the FDI ceiling in telecom sector in certain services was increased from 49 per cent to 74 per cent. Reservation of items of manufacture exclusively in the small scale sector has been an important tenet of industrial policy. Realizing the increased import competition with the removal of quantitative restrictions since April 2001, the Government has adopted a policy of dereservation and has pruned the list of items reserved for SSI sector gradually from 821 items as at end March 1999 to 506 items as on April 6, 2005. Further, the Union Budget 2005-06 has proposed to dereserve 108 it ems which were identified by Ministry of Small Scale Industries. The investment limit in plant and machinery of small scale units has been raised by the Government from time to time. To enable some of the small scale units to achieve required economies of scale, a differential investment limit has been adopted for them since October 2001. Presently, there are 41 reserved items which are allowed investment limit up to Rs. 50 million instead of present limit of Rs. 10 million applicable for other small scale units. †¢ Equity participation up to 24 per cent of the total shareholding in small scale units by other industrial undertakings has been llowed. The objective therein has been to enable the small sector to access the capital market and encourage modernization, technological upgradation, ancillarisation, sub-contracting, etc. †¢ Under the framework provided by the Competition Act 2002, the Competition Commission of India was set up in 2003 so as to prevent practices having adverse impact on competition in markets. †¢ In an effort to mitigate regional imbalances, the Government announced a new North-East Industrial Policy in December 1997 for promoting industrialization in the North-Eastern region. This policy is applicable for the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. The Policy has provided various concessions to industrial units in the North Eastern Region, e. g. , 10 development of industrial infrastructure, subsidies under various schemes, excise and income-tax exemption for a period of 10 years, etc. North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. has been designated as the nodal disbursing agency under the Scheme. †¢ The focus of disinvestment process of PSUs has shifted from sale of minority stakes to strategic sales. Up to December 2004, PSUs have been divested to an extent of Rs. 478 billion. †¢ Apart from general policy measures, some industry specific measures have also been initiated. For instance, Electricity Act 2003 has been enacted which envisaged to delicense power generation and permit captive power plants. It is also intended to facilitate private sector participation in transmission sector and provide open access to grid sector. Various policy measures have facilitated increased private sector participation in key infrastructure sectors such as, telecommunication, roads and ports. Foreign equity participation up to 100 per cent has been allowed in construction and maintenance of roads and bridges. MRTP provisions have been relaxed to encourage private sector financing by large firms in the highway sector. Evidently, in the process of evolution of industrial policy in India, the Government’s intervention has been extensive. Unlike many East Asian countries which used the State intervention to build strong private sector industries, India opted for the State control over key industries in the initial phase of development. In order to promote these industries the Government not only levied high tariffs and imposed import restrictions, but also subsidized the nationalized firms, directed investment funds to them, and controlled both land use and many prices. In India, there has been a consensus for long on the role of government in providing infrastructure and maintaining stable macroeconomic policies. However, the path to be pursued toward industrial development has evolved over time. The form of government intervention in the development strategy needs to be chosen from the two alternatives: ‘Outward-looking development 1 policies’ encourage not only free trade but also the free movement of capital, workers and enterprises. By contrast, ‘inward-looking development policies’ stress the need for one’s own style of development. India initially adopted the latter strategy. The advocates of import substitution in India believed that we should substitute imports with domestic production of both consumer goods and s ophisticated manufactured items while ensuring imposition of high tariffs and quotas on imports. In the long run, these advocates cite the benefits of greater domestic industrial diversification and the ultimate ability to export previously protected manufactured goods, as economies of scale, low labour costs, and the positive externalities of learning by doing cause domestic prices to become more competitive than world prices. However, pursuit of such a policy forced the Indian industry to have low and inferior technology. It did not expose the industry to the rigours of competition and therefore it resulted in low efficiency. The inferior technology and inefficient production practices coupled with focus on traditional sectors choked further expansion of the India industry and thereby limited its ability to expand employment opportunities. Considering these inadequacies, the reforms currently underway aim at infusing the state of the art technology, increasing domestic and external competition and diversification of the industrial base so that it can expand and create additional employment opportunities. In retrospect, the Industrial Policy Resolutions of 1948 and 1956 reflected the desire of the Indian State to achieve self sufficiency in industrial production. Huge investments by the State in heavy industries were designed to put the Indian industry on a higher long-term growth trajectory. With limited availability of foreign exchange, the effort of the Government was to encourage domestic production. This basic strategy guided industrialization until the mid-1980s. Till the onset of reform process in 1991, industrial licensing played a crucial role in channeling investments, controlling entry and expansion of capacity in the Indian industrial sector. As such industrialization occurred in a protected environment, which led to various distortions. Tariffs and quantitative controls largely kept foreign competition out of the domestic 12 market, and most Indian manufacturers looked on exports only as a residual possibility. Little attention was paid to ensure product quality, undertaking R for technological development and achieving economies of scale. The industrial policy announced in 1991, however, substantially dispensed with industrial licensing and facilitated foreign investment and technology transfers, and threw open the areas hitherto reserved for the public sector. The policy focus in the recent years has been on deregulating the Indian industry, enabling industrial restructuring, allowing the industry freedom and flexibility in responding to market forces and providing a business environment that facilitates and fosters overall industrial growth. The future growth of the Indian industry as widely believed, is crucially dependent upon improving the overall productivity of the manufacturing sector, rationalisation of the duty structure, technological upgradation, the search for export markets through promotional efforts and trade agreements and creating an enabling legal environment. Bibliography 1. Ahluwalia, I. J. Productivity and Growth in Indian Manufacturing, Oxford University Press, Delhi , 1991. 2. Government of India Annual Report 2003-04, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. New Delhi. 3. Government of India Handbook of Industrial Policy and Statistics (Various Issues), Office of Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. New Delhi. 4. Government of India Economic Survey 2004-05, Ministry of Finance. New Delhi How to cite Industrial Policy, Essay examples

Limitation of Capital Asset Pricing Model

Question: Discuss about the Limitation of Capital Asset Pricing Model. Answer: Introduction Capital budgeting is a process which helps a business in determining the amount that should be invested in a project and the desired return for that particular project. This enables the managers use capital majorly long term funds that will help the organization to generate more cash flows for certainly some future years. It is one the most challenging task for managers because it outlays the investment decision, and organizations major funds are locked into this decision. It enables a company to focus on its long term goals. There are various methods under capital budgeting like modified internal rate of return (MIRR), average accounting return (ARR), accounting rate of return, profitability index (PI), payback period, net present value (NPV), and internal rate of return (IRR). These all methods are considered as relevant in capital budgeting because actual results were not matching with expected results. In capital budgeting methods which are used for risk analysis are break even analysis, hillers model, simulation analysis, sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis, decision tree analysis. Following some of the methods are discussed. Sensitivity analysis: According to Saltelli, 2004, the study in which how much the amount of uncertainty in the output of a model(numerical or otherwise) can be allocated to different sources of uncertainty in the model input, that is why it is known as the what if analysis(Lumby Jones,2007). Sensitivity analysis estimates about degree to which various estimates about a project can change before the decision advised by NPV is overturned. There are two major advantage of this. The first advantage is that an investor is able to get clear that which decision advice is more sensitive. Hence he is able to take more time to make accurate decisions as possible. The second advantage is that it gives more information to the investor that whether to rely upon the decision made by NPV analysis or not. There are two major disadvantages in sensitivity analysis. The first disadvantage is it takes only one estimate at a time that is it does not consider the simultaneous change in two or more estimates. The second disadvantage is that it gives no indication that how the investor would make the use and evaluate the decisions of sensitivity data. In addition, if cost of management like fixed cost, variable costs, and investment costs rises above the expectation. Sensitivity analysis treats each variable as separate when, different variables are likely to be related to each other. Hence it can be said that a sensitivity analysis is a method which enables the investor to know, the different values of exogenous variable can affect the value of endogenous variables.( Ratto, Campolongo, Gatelli, Tarantola; 2008) Sensitivity analysis in relation with capital budgeting: Capital budgeting is a process which helps a business in determining the amount should be invested in a project and the desired return for that particular project. In sensitivity analysis we change one input variable at a time and examine the effect on the output variables. The sensitivity analysis guides the business for making investment decision effectively and in estimating about the project implication if the assumption turns out to be unreliable. According to Colin Drury, NPV depends upon various variables like initial outlay, investment costs and their components, selling units, selling price, sales volume, discount rates, and interest rates. As NPV requires various assumptions so to determine how sensitive they are and to know about their extent sensitivity analysis is required. He also states that through sensitivity analysis managers are likely to evaluate how sensitive and responsive NPV is to changes for the variables which are used to calculate it. (Zhamoida, Matsiuk, 2011). Scenario Analysis: Scenario Analysis is systematic method which enables a manager to evaluate that how financial analysis results would change under known circumstances. It is estimating an expected value of a portfolio after a given period of time. Expected value of the portfolio is affected due to various reasons like changes in the interest rate, time value of money. When an investor considers different NPVs of several portfolios, it is called as scenario analysis. This can be very difficult sometimes because of uncertainty that is, may be the future outcome is entirely unexpected. Both scenario and sensitive analysis can be useful when evaluating the best portfolio. Sensitive analysis gives an idea about uncertainty involved in a portfolio. In this the investor came to know that how the outcome is based in certain variable. Whereas in scenario analysis the investor makes a decision that which outcome is most likely to happen? This approach examines a number of scenarios which are alike, and involve s confluence of factors. Scenario analysis can play an important role in complex situation. In case of weak scenario that is weak economic condition hence the investor would expect the unit sales would be lower, that would result in low cost. Whereas in case of strong market condition it is expected as sales to rise and cost as inflated. This explains that how the assumptions under NPV can vary under the alternative scenario (Moles, Parrino Kidwekk, .2011). Scenario analysis in relation with capital budgeting: Scenario analysis provides a means to evaluate the variability in the capital budgeting decision like NPV. Under this, analysts estimates the expected cash flows that are called as base case scenario. From base case scenario, two condition can be derived that are best market condition and worst market condition, under each market condition NPV is calculated, this would give an idea to investor that in which projects NPV will lie ( Lee Lee,2006 ). Capital asset pricing model (CAPM): CAPM calculates equitys expected return related to a particular firm. In finance one of the most important things to be understood is the risk and return analysis. It is said that the more you risk take the more the return would be. Risk and return both goes in a positive direction. But this is only useful for risk takers. Because risk takers dare to take more risk in exchange of getting more returns, whereas risk avoiders are those who usually want regular return with a minimum rate of risk. Hence CAPM is the model used by finance professionals to calculate the required return with given rate of risk. CAPM model lays some assumptions which are discussed as below: Investors are wealth maximizes- this means investor will select an investment on the basis of standard deviation and expected return. Unlimited borrowing limit- means unlimited funds can be borrowed by investor or can be lend at a zero risk rate or risk free rate. Same expectations- all the investors have same expectations regarding the project. Fully divisible- all the financial assets are fully divisible. There is no transaction cost No taxes are there. Market prices cannot be influenced by investor. All the quantities of financial assets are given and certain. All the information is available to the investors- this is not usually done because some information is intentionally hided by the directors. The CAPM model consists of two elements: The capital market line (CML) and the security market line (SML). Capital market line (CML): In 1950s Harry Markowitz wrote his doctoral dissertation in which he discussed about CML. He said CML is kind of graph which is originated from the CAPM model. CML is a line drawn as tangent from the risk free asset point to the feasible region of risky assets. In a particular portfolio the CML is used to determine its required rate of return. This analysis depends upon the amount of risk involved and rate of return of a particular portfolio. The CML depicts the return and risk relationship for efficient portfolio and shows the exact risk measurement involved in the portfolio (Vijendra.S, 2016). When risk free assets are combined with market portfolio, it is more capable of producing a high return. The concept of CML is given by combining the risk free assets and market portfolio.cml is usually preferred by experts because in the portfolio addition of risk free assets is considered. In 1952s Harry Markowitz said that the optimal portfolio does not only mean securities with higher returns or lower risk, rather it is the aim of an investor that optimal portfolio should balance securities in such a way that matches the greatest potential returns with an acceptable degree of risk for a given level of return. The point where optimal portfolio lies is known as efficient frontier. The CML does not specify individual securities risk return relationship (as that can be calculated by security market line that is SML). Only those portfolios that do not pose any divertible risk can be calculated by CML. However when the risk/reward relationship is to be calculated on individual securities, SML should be used. CML uses no risk investments. Here only efficient portfolios are included. SML consists of two types of risk: unsystematic risk and systematic risk. Unsystematic risk is that risk which can be diversified by diversification in the portfolio, whereas systematic risk is that which cannot be diversified from diversification, for example legal and political factors. Equation of the CML: E(Rp) = xE(Ry)+(1-x)Rf Where: (1-x) = the portfolio percentage which is invested in the risk free asset x= the portfolio percentage which is invested in risky assets Rf= the risk free interest rate E(Ry)= the expected return of the risky asset portfolio The capital market line and market portfolio All the investors lie upon the CML as shown in figure. In this risky portfolio are denoted by M, risk free assets are denoted by E (Rp). Risk avoiders lie on the left of M such as C, whereas risk takers lie on the right of point M such as L (Barlow.J.F. 2006). Similarities between capital asset pricing model and capital market line: The equilibrium relationship between expected return on securities and their co variances with the market portfolio is called as Security market line which can also be referred as CAPM. CML and CAPM both are positively co related by which it can be said that it is the perception of an investor that more the risk would be taken the higher would be the return. CAPM and CML both are used to determine to select portfolio, hence they are a good tool to use for investment analysis and portfolio management (Reilly Brown, 2011). Differences between CAPM and CML: CML not only represents the efficient frontier but also tells about the equilibrium relationship between E(r) and for all efficient portfolios. CML describes the equilibrium relationship between those who dont posses any unsystematic risk. CAPM can hold all the securities and portfolio whether efficient or inefficient. Whereas CML can hold only one efficient portfolio. In CML, risk is measured by the portfolios standard deviation whereas, in CAPM the risk is measured by a beta coefficient (measurement of systematic risk) (Krichene, 2013). CAPM is not realistic because it assumes that investors will choose the portfolio in the basis of risk and return only, here transaction cost, information cost, brokerage, and taxes are ignored. Whereas in CML model investor chooses the portfolio on the basis of market risky portfolio and riskless securities. CAPM model involves a tradeoff between risk and return which means, the higher the risk, higher would be the returns whereas in CML the investors estimates the return in the exchange of bearing of risk in a portfolio. CAPM is used to determine the firms cost of equity, hurdle rates, cost and returns, risk premium. It is a line for any portfolio which include inefficient also, whereas in CML it has only efficient portfolio. Conclusion: Corporate decision making is a crucial decision in any organization to be taken by corporate managers. All the decisions to be made by the organization are to be based upon the decision formed in corporate decision making. For effective running of an organization it is very necessary to continuously review the decisions taken and suggestible steps must be taken. For taking accurate corporate decision making it is very necessary to involve other level managers also. Before taking the decision taken by managers the question to be answered is what would be the decision, criteria for the decision, what information would be required and at whom there would be burden of proof, what role is to be played by whom, and what would be the timeline for both the decision and execution. References: Jay Wagner,Study.com,2016, Capital asset pricing model, accessed date 22 december,2016, viewed at https://study.com/academy/lesson/capital-asset-pricing-model-capm-definition-formula-advantages-example.html Frino, A,. Hill, A Chen, Z,.2013, Introduction to corporate finance, 5th edition, Pearson Australia Finance maps of world, 2015, accessed on 22 december,2016,Viewed at https://finance.mapsofworld.com/capital-market/line.html Kuruschner.M,.2008, Limitation of the capital asset pricing model, Germany Vijendra.S, 2016, comparative study of stock movement between Tech Mahindra and Infosys, journal of advances in business management, volume [2], issue [1], page [23-27], accessed on 22 December, 2016, viewed at https://jadbm.com/latest-articles.php?at_id=82 Ratto, S, M,. Campolongo, A, F,. Gatelli, C, D,.Tarantola.M.S.S; 2008; Global Sensitivity Analysis; John Wiley sons, Ltd; England Zhamoida, O, A, .Matsiuk, M, S,. (2011). Sensitivity Analysis in Capital Budgeting. Economic Herald of the Donbas [online], No (4)(26), accessed at 23 december,2016,available at https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=trct=jq=esrc=ssource=webcd=17cad=rjauact=8ved=0ahUKEwjo7In0iofRAhXJQY8KHfdBA0AQFghvMBAurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcyberleninka.ru%2Farticle%2Fn%2Fispolzovanie-analiza-chuvstvitelnosti-pri-raschete-rentabelnosti-kapitalovlozheniy.pdfusg=AFQjCNHCD6PWgAddRPqSBYYmwfjTYRn9MQbvm=bv.142059868,d.c2I Maps of world, 2015, Risk analysis in capital budgeting, accessed on 22 December, 2016, viewed at https://finance.mapsofworld.com/corporate-finance/risk-analysis/ Barlow.J.F.,2006, Excel models for business and operations management, 2nd edition, John Wiley sons ltd, England Krichene,N,.2013, Islamic capital markets theory and practice,wiley finance, Singapore Reilly.F.K Brown.K.C,.2011,Investment analysis portfolio management,10th edition, South western Cengage learning, India Lumby,S Jones,C,.2007, Corporate finance theory practice, 7th edition, Thomson, London Ross, S, A,. Westerfield, R, W,. Jaffe, J,.2007, Corporate Finance, the McGraw-hill, India Lee.C.F Lee, A, C,.2006,Encyclopedia of finance, Springer science, new York Peterson, P,P Fabozzi,F,J,. 2002, Capital budgeting: theory and practice, John Wiley sons, Canada Ross,S,A,. Westerfield, R,W,. Jaffe,J,. Kakani,R,K,.2008, Corporate Finance, 8th edition, Tata McGraw hill education private limited, New Delhi, India Damodaran, A,.2011, Applied corporate finance,3rd edition, John Wiley sons, USA Moles, P.Parrino, R Kidwekk, D,.2011, Corporate finance, European edition, John Wiley sons, United Kingdom

Light Infantry Of Ancient Greece Essays - Infantry, Peltast, Hoplite

Light Infantry Of Ancient Greece For a long time peace was understood in negative fashion, simply as the absence of war. -Yvon Garlan Kendrick Pritchett in the introduction to the book The Greek State at War points out that in order to write history of Greek Warfare one would require a knowledge of many aspects of Greek life. The would-be investigator would have to be familiar with terrain in the case of any given battle, have an acquaintance with the archaeological artifacts of various types, close familiarity with the written sources, and most important, an understanding of the general economic picture. He would also need some insight into ancient religion and acquaintance with military and naval procedures and strategy. There is a definite truth about the statement. Even such narrow subject as development of light infantry in ancient Greece requires inquiries in multiple areas of overall Greek history. The knowledge of what ancient Greeks considered light infantry, an insight on development of ancient Greek infantry in general, agricultural warfare, key historical event that assisted in changing Greek outlook on war: these areas are absolutely essential in researching the subject of light infantry in Ancient Greece. Researching the primary sources for the subject of light infantry an investigator would find a puzzling fact; there are little or no references to the subject of inquiry. Ancient historians Thucydides, Xenophon, Herodotus, do not refer to light infantry troops, instead they use term peltast. It appears that the term peltast signifies a light armored warrior for the ancient historians. The term itself comes from pelta or pelte - a small shield that inhabitants of Thrace used as their battle armor. We find descriptions of Thracian peoples in Herodotus The Histories. The Thracians in the army wore fox-skin caps on their heads, and tunics on their bodies; over these they wore embroidered mantles; they had shoes of fawnskin on their feet and legs; they also had javelins and little shields and daggers. Climate in Thrace, both political and weather wise contributed to development of specific armor (or lack of it) and way of fighting. Ancient Greek historian Xenophon had served under Odrysian prince Seuthes in Thrace and recorded one of the campaigns in his treaties Anabasis. From the description, Thrace appears to be very cold and snowy which is not uncommon for northern parts of Greece. It also explains why Thracian peltasts had no heavy armor, relied on maneuverability and preferred skirmishing techniques to battle in formation. Also, there is no account of Thrace developing a city-state or any other kind of political organization other than tribes. Which explains predominance of primitive way of fighting over organized formation. Arthur Ferrill argues that although there definitely was a contact between ancient Greeks and Thracians, it had little or no affect on Greek warfare in general. This point is arguable, since there is evidence (mostly pottery, unfortunately) that Thracian shield and helmet designs were used by Greeks from 460 BC and on. Also the appearance of ekdromoi - runner outs in Greek phalanx, was probably a result of contact with Thracians. Ekdromoi were young, physically fit warriors that were instructed to run out and prevent Thracian peltasts from harassing Greek formation. Consequently, ekdromoi had to give up some of their heavy armor to gain in maneuverability. Considering evidence in hand, Ferrills argument appears to be more plausible since history shows that it would take much more than skirmishes with Thracians to change Greek outlook on war and fighting. Agricultural warfare, Greek Hoplites. Placing light infantry on the battlefield by the ancient Greeks signified the change in general Greek way of fighting. Roughly, general way of fighting is associated with hoplite phalanx warfare. Understanding hoplite warfare is essential in uncovering the origins of light infantry aside from it setting the pace of Greek life for almost five hundred years. Sometime between 700 BC and 650 BC formation of heavy infantry or hoplites began to take place. The changes took place primarily due to social and political developments within Greece itself, appearance of polis, Greek city-state and extensive agriculture, which created communities of equal property owners. It is plausible to assume that Greek farmers out of concern that somebody would traverse their land began to arm themselves, farmer solidarity

A drug discovery Essays

A drug discovery Essays A drug discovery Essay A drug discovery Essay Drug find is defined by University of California, San Francisco s ( UCSF ) School of Pharmacy as progressive research to detect biological active molecules in carnal theoretical accounts and therefore hold a possible for curative utilizations in worlds. Drug development is besides defined by UCSF s School of Pharmacy as probes following a drug find that develops the possible molecules into legitimate drugs. Meanwhile, natural merchandises are define as organic substances produced by populating beings and could be classified as primary metabolites, cellular constructions and secondary metabolites. The primary metabolites and cellular constructions are produced for self-survival of these beings while their secondary metabolites are specific to it s species and demo biological effects on other beings. Therefore, secondary metabolites from natural merchandises frequently receive most involvement from research workers for drug find and development surveies ( Hanson, 2003 ) . The Evolution of Drug Discovery from Natural Products Undeniably natural merchandises do play a important function in drug discover and development. In fact, it is particularly of import in intervention of malignant neoplastic disease and infective diseases. This is apparent for 60 % and 70 % of the drugs used in these diseases are from natural resources. These Numberss were taken from the Numberss of new drugs approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) as noted in the Annual Reports of Medicinal Chemistry from 1983 to 1994 ( Cragg et al. 2003 ) . The usage of natural merchandises as lead compounds in drug find foremost came upon the pharmaceutical industry during the 18th and 19th centuries with the peculiar involvement in workss known historically to hold medicative belongingss. Some of the of import medicative merchandises that was discovered in this period of clip include Lanoxin from digitalis ( 1785 ) , morphine from poppies ( 1806 ) , aspirin from salicylic acid in willow bark ( 1897 ) and penicillin from cast ( 1928 ) ( Rishton, 2008 ) . Interest in natural merchandises as lead compounds in drug find continue to lift until it reached a extremum in the period of clip from 1970-1980. However, it was followed by a diminution in research advancement on natural merchandises from 1990-1999. This was apparent with the statistical findings of natural-product patents approved throughout 1984 to 2003 which showed the addition in patent grants throughout the 1980s but the flattening or even little autumn from 1990-1999. The activity of patent grants merely picked up from 2000-2003 ( Carter A ; Koehn, 2005 ) . The period of stagnant or even little diminution of activity in natural merchandises research was resulted from an ignorance of natural merchandises probes by many pharmaceutical companies ( Rishton, 2008 ) . This phenomenon arise due to the debut of high-throughput showing ( HTS ) , combinative chemical science and progresss in the field of genomics which allowed the find of fresh drugs of involvement by testing of huge man-made chemical libraries with selected coveted marks ( Cragg et al. 2003 ; Grabley A ; Thiericke, 1999 ) . Initially, these new methods were taught to give more new drug finds and therefore, giving pharmaceutical companies higher grosss. Alternatively of the expected addition, there had been a diminution in the figure of New Chemical Entities ( NCEs ) with the Numberss hitting an all clip low in 20 old ages of 37 in 2001 and the Numberss continue to worsen ( Rishton, 2008 ) . This explained the increasing involvement of drug find from natural merchandises in rece nt old ages ( Carter A ; Koehn, 2005 ) . The Advantages and Restrictions Natural merchandises have an unreplaceable function in drug find due to the ability of beings to bring forth broad diverseness of chemical compounds with a narrow spectrum of structural differences. Therefore, supplying an even wider library of chemical constructions compared with combinative library ( Grabley A ; Thiericke, 1999 ) . This was apparent with over one-hundred sixty-thousand natural merchandises identified and future anticipation of 10,000 per twelvemonth growing. Furthermore, these compounds have definite utile belongingss as nature was taught to bring forth merely good compounds due to centuries of development ( Demain A ; Zhang, 2005 ) . These stray natural merchandises could be used instantly or undergone minor chemical alterations or even used as templets for man-made compound production so that they could be utilised as medicative drugs ( Barnes et al. 2004 ) . On the other manus, the lifting involvement in natural merchandises possibly due to an increasing consc iousness of the demand of renewable beginning for medical specialties ( Cordell, 2002 ) . However there were besides restrictions in the field of drug find from natural merchandises. One of these restrictions emerged due to the demand of much attempt in the procedure of drug find such as extraction, isolation, testing and construction elucidation. Therefore, clip and costs of drug find was increased ( Grabley A ; Thiericke, 1999 ) . This explained the ground why companies were loath to put their attempt on natural merchandises since they could trust on high throughput showing of man-made theoretical accounts for new biological active substances. The rapid race between pharmaceutical companies to happen better NCEs has pushed companies on faster methods as to accomplish greater gross ( Carter A ; Koehn, 2005 ) . Furthermore, farther research advancement was besides stunted due to limited valid information, seasonal or environmental fluctuations and limited entree of natural resources. With that said, the hereafter of drug finds from natural merchandises may look somberne ss but it will most likely reap tremendous wagess for the medicative universe in the long draw ( Jesse et al. 2009 ) . Taxol: A Successful narrative In the hunt of new fresh biological active compounds, bioassay-guided fractional process of works infusions had yield much successful finds. Among these finds was taxol which showed promising therapeutical consequence in the intervention of ovarian and chest malignant neoplastic diseases ( Otier et al. 1993 ) . The research squad headed by Dr. Monroe E. Wall and Dr. Mansukh C. Wani of Research Triangle Institute made the first find of taxol. The squad found that taxol in extractions of the Pacific Yew tree ( Taxus brevifolia ) in 1971 and these infusions showed good activity toward human unwritten cuticular carcinoma cells. With farther probes, the research squad brought taxol from a fresh compound to presymptomatic developments, clinical tests and even to the pharmaceutical market of today ( Kroll A ; Oberlies, 2004 ) . Dr. Susan Band Horwitz from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that taxol substituted GTP in publicity of polymeric tubulin formation. X-ray crystallographic showed that taxol interacts with the H7 spiral construction of ?-tubulin, which was indicated in GTP binding and hydrolysis, despite the dissimililarity of both GTP and taxol ( Kroll A ; Oberlies, 2004 ; Horwitz SB, 2004 ) . Dr. Horwitz proved the antimitotic consequence of taxol by experimental refabrication of tubulin into microtubules. Control experimental processs involve GTP at 370C which output microtubules within 3-4 proceedingss but with taxol, there was an immediate output of microtubules, without any lag period ( Horwitz SB, 2004 ) . The birth of taxol and the apprehension of it s mechanism had provided research workers with much cognition to get the better of malignant neoplastic disease cells. Therefore, this find could take scientists to new drugs with similar or new mechanism of action or even new ways in detecting natural lead compounds. For case, epothilones A and B were extracted from mycobacteria Sorangium cellulosum had shown their ability to help the micortubule assembly without developing opposition through cellular exportation by the MDR effulx pump ( Kroll A ; Oberlies, 2004 ) . Although Taxol could eliminate malignant neoplastic disease cells really good, opposition development throughout the old ages have presented with complications to the medicative universe. Resistance could develop through several tracts such as upregulation of multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein, decreased sensitiveness in cell decease stimulation and changes in microtubule kineticss through mutants and isotype choices ( Horwitz et al. 2003 ) . Consequently, it is imperative for scientists to detect better and newer drugs particularly from natural resources for future drug development as many diseases are germinating to develop opposition to show intervention such as infections and malignant neop lastic disease. The two specimens that was focused in this research for a better apprehension of natural merchandises as lead compounds in drug find were Calluna vulgaris and Myrica gale. The past and nowadays of Calluna Vulgaris Calluna vulgaris, normally known as ling, is under the Ericaceae household with a genus of Calluna. Scots locals besides name heather as Canis familiaris ling, he-heather and hedder with it s Celtic name as fraoch ( Darwin, 2000 ) . Heather is a extremely branched and leafy bush with mean tallness of 0.6m all twelvemonth. It merely flowers from July to October with subsequent seed maturing from October to November ( Clapham et al. 1987 ; Gibbons A ; Press, 1993 ) . Their little, scale-like foliages frequently curled back at the sides while their flowers grow on narrow spikes and present with different colorss such as white and violet ( Clapham et al. 1987 ; Darwin, 2000 ; Gibbons A ; Press, 1993 ) . Heather is largely found throughout the British Isles particularly in the Scots moorland in the E with less widespread in the South and West. Heather could besides be found in most of western Europe, parts of Mediterranean, West of Asia and North Africa. It has besides been brought into North America and Chile ( Clapham et al. 1987 ; Gibbons A ; Press, 1993 ) . It could last in the nutritionally hapless dirt of heaths, Moors, bogs and grasslands. It could besides cultivate in acidic dirts of the unfastened forests since it really prefers acidic dirt. It is even feasible in a scope of wet exposure, from the wet peat bogs to exposed dry countries ( Dines et al. 2002 ) . Wind and insects are the agencies of pollenation of ling flowers as the seeds are little and light for scattering. The drawn-out sprouting period of up to 6 months allows abundant proliferation and broad distribution ( Clapham et al. 1987 ; Gibbons A ; Press, 1993 ) . Despite the copiousness of ling in Scotland, most of the ling moorland of today is semisynthetic due to debasement of the land by huge deforestation. These heathlands are maintained by sheep graze and combustion ( Darwin, 2000 ) . Scots pride ling as one of their most utile workss since it was traditionally used to do walls, thatch, beds, fuel, floor mats, tiles, baskets, brooms and chimney expanses. It was besides found to be comestible in the signifier of tea and ale ( Darwin, 2000 ) . Furthermore, ling was long known for its traditional medicative belongingss. For illustration, the works extract was used as urinary germicide and water pills in Anatolia while the Danish uses the tea of ling for common cold and rheumatoid arthritis. The tea was besides taught to quiet the nervousnesss and bring on sweat. Launert s ( 1981 ) paper besides indicated that a homeopathic redress produced from it s subdivisions is used in intervention of arthritis and insomnia. Several other recorded medicative belongingss include the usage as an expectorator, antiseptic, cholagogue, diaphrotic, anti-inflammatory and in intervention of urarthritis ( Jager et al. 2009 ; Kupeli et Al. 2007 ) . Therefore, the Scots consider ling every bit of import as their emblem, thistle ( Darwin, 2000 ) . Many research had pursued the route to turn out the ethnobotanical belongingss of ling. This include Kupeli and his squad whose chase involved the stimulation of anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive consequence in male Swiss albino mice with five fractions of the Turkish Calluna vulgaris derivative. Among these fractions ethyl ethanoate ( EtOAc ) fractions were chiefly used due to its high bioactivity and through bioactivity-guided fractional process and isolation, the construction was elucidated as kaempferol-3-O-?-d-galactoside ( Figure 1 ) . The anti-nociceptive activity was tested through the ability of the compound to cut down p-Benzoquine-induced abdominal spasms which lead to wrestling motions in the mice. The attendant information was presented in mean figure of writhes with acetylsalicylic acid as the mention drug. In the control, mean figure of writhings was 48.2 while the usage of acetylsalicylic acid ( 200 mg/kg ) resulted in less writhing of 22. Meanwhile, the usage of EtOAc fractions ( 410mg ) , the mean figure of wrestling besides lessening to 29, which was a important decrease in centripetal hurting as p-value is less than 0.01. Hence, the anti-nociceptive consequence of Calluna vulgaris was good justified ( Kupeli et al. 2007 ) . In the same research the anti-inflammatory consequence was determined by the ability of the compound to cut down Carrageenan-induced hydrops in the specimen s hind paw. The anti-inflammatory consequence was measured by difference in thickness of the padder every 90 proceedingss for 6 hours. Average values were compared between the works fractions, control and mention drug, Indocin. The consequences proved that some of the infusions had successfully produce repressive consequence with the highest mark of 28.2 % and a p-value of less than 0.01 while Indocin showed repressive consequence of 41.6 % within 6 hours. Consequently, this besides established the anti-inflammatory consequence of ling ( Kupeli et al. 2007 ) . In another survey done by Jager and her co-workers ( 2009 ) , the monoamine oxidase ( MAO ) inhibitory consequence of the Calluna vulgaris derived from Denmark was investigated. The probe led to the extraction of quercetin from Calluna vulgaris which showed MAO repressive c onsequence in the fractions with a half maximum concentration ( IC50 ) of 18AÂ ±2 AÂ µM while clorgyline, the mention drug, showed an IC50 value of 0.2AÂ ±0.02 AÂ µM. Therefore, certifying the ability of Calluna vulgaris to quiet nervousnesss ( Jager et al. 2009 ) . Other surveies besides found the extraction of phenolic compounds that showed possible in biological activity such as 3,5,7,8,4-pentahydroxyflavone-4-O-?-d-glucoside, callunin, isorhamnetin-3-O-?-d-galactoside and chlorogenic acid from Turkish Calluna vulgaris derived functions ( Ersoz et al. 1997 ) . The past and nowadays of Myrica Gale: Myrica gale, known by and large as sweet gale, is under the household Myricaceae and the genus of Myrica ( Clapham et al. 1987 ) . This odoriferous bush is found to be widely dispersed at higher heights of the northern hemisphere particularly the British Isles. Myrica gale prefers high wet degrees, acidic dirt and shaded countries for cultivation ; hence, it appears to dwell wet heathlands, bogs and moorlands. It is besides located at the H2O borders of watercourses and lakes. It is a dioecian works which means its single flowers are either male or female and there could merely be one sex in one works. Therefore the demand for air current as a agency of pollenation which leads to production of seeds that germinate afterwards. The sex of these workss are interchangeable throughout the old ages while it could turn up to 2m in tallness. Their green foliages are shaped in an oblong but broadest above the center and tapering toward the base with pitchy secretory organs on both sides. On t he other manus, the fruits are two-winged stone fruits incorporating waxy rosins ( Dufour et al. 2005 ; Asakawa et Al. 1997 ) . Many traditional utilizations of Myrica gale was cultivated from its aromatic belongingss. Plagues particularly midges dislike its aroma and this led to utilize of sweet gale as pest repellant in bedclothes, stored linen and around the house. Concurrently, the poached aments produce a waxy rosin which could be made into fragrant tapers. Furthermore, the works can besides be used for flavorer of ale or obtaining dyes ( Darwin, 2000 ) . Medicinally, extracts of the foliage and fruits are taught to be good in abdominal and cardiac diseases. However, these infusions are besides recognized to hold stillborn consequence ( Dufour et al. 2005 ; Asakawa et Al. 1997 ) . The usage of M. gale in traditional medical specialty was so good recognized that it fueled further research for fresh biological active compound in the works. This includes the attempts of Carlton and his co-workers ( 1991 ) to turn out the fungicide belongingss of M. gale. They found that murphy dextrose agar incorporated with M. gale infusions showed small to none fungous growing. This corresponded with the inert ability of the works to contend of pathogens in its natural home ground. Carlton and his co-workers ( 1991 ) besides isolated the compound that exhibit this fungicidal activity as kaempferol-3- ( 2,3-diacetoxy-4-p-coumaroyl ) rhamnoside. It was extracted from mature foliages of Socttish M. gale by a concentration of 1.25-2.50mg/g ( Carlton et al. 1991 ) . Another survey headed by Dufour and his co-workers ( 2005 ) encountered the anticancerous activity of M. gale indispensable oil extracted from the foliages of the works. The research used Canadian derived function of M. gale which was undergone hydrodistillation for indispensable oil extraction. The indispensable oil obtained through 30 proceedingss and 60 proceedingss extraction were both used to measure the workss cytotoxicity toward malignant neoplastic disease cells. It was discovered that the 60-min fraction had a higher cytotoxic activity against the malignant neoplastic disease cell line compared to the 30-min fraction with an IC50 of 88AÂ ±1AÂ µg/ml compared to a IC50 of 184AÂ ±4AÂ µg/ml. Further analysis of both fractions uncovered the 30-min fraction contained 65.60 % monoterpenes and 29.43 % sesquiterpenes while 60-min fraction contained 53.10 % sesquiterpenes. Furthermore, a separate probe of each monoterpene extracted from M. gale showed inaction toward cancerous cell line ( i.e. IC50 gt ; 200 AÂ µM ) . This affirmed that sesquiterpenes of M. gale were biologically active against malignant neoplastic disease cells ( Dufour et al. 2005 ) . Burke and his co-workers ( 1997 ) determi ned that one of these sesquiterpenes to be farnesol while Legault and his co-workers ( 2003 ) found a-humulene in these sesquiterpenes every bit good. Although much work has been done on both of these workss in hunt of fresh drug compounds, there is still much information to be obtained from them as each works serves as a bank of compounds. Therefore, in this research the focal point was in fractionisation, isolation and construction elucidation of the compounds derived from these workss. The information obtained will be utile for future mention and research.

How to Melt Gallium Metal in Your Hand

How to Melt Gallium Metal in Your Hand Gallium is an unusual metal. It does not occur as a pure element in nature, but can be purchased in pure form to be used for some truly amazing science demonstrations. One of the most popular gallium demonstrations is melting gallium in the palm of your hand. Heres how to do the demonstration safely and the explanation for how it works. Melted Gallium Materials pure gallium  plastic gloves (optional) You can buy a chunk of pure gallium for around $20 online. Its safe to use your bare hand for this experiment, but gallium has two properties that may make you wish to wear a pair of disposable gloves. First, gallium metal wets both glass and skin. What this means is the melted metal will leave finely divided gallium particles on your skin, giving it a grayish cast. Its not super-easy to wash off, so you might want to avoid the issue. The other consideration is that gallium attacks other metals. So, if you usually wear a ring, you may want to wear gloves just to make certain no gallium or leftover metal is available to discolor your jewelry. How To Melt Gallium What could be easier? Simply place the piece of gallium in the palm of your hand and let the warmth of your body heat do the work! The melting point of gallium is  29.76 C  (85.57 F), so it will readily melt in your hand or in a very warm room. Expect this to take around 3-5 minutes for a coin-sized piece of metal. When you are done examining the gallium, tilt your hand to allow the metal to flow into a non-metal container. If the container is also warm, the slow cooling will allow you to watch gallium form metal crystals. You can supercool gallium, which is holding it as a liquid above its freezing point. Do this by pouring the liquid gallium into a warm container and keeping it free of vibrations. When you are ready to crystallize the metal, you can jar the container, touch the sample, or seed crystallization by adding a small piece of solid gallium. The metal exhibits an orthorhombic crystal structure. Points To Keep in Mind Gallium may temporarily discolor your skin. This is because it wets skin. Keep in mind this means youll lose a tiny bit of your sample every time you do the demonstration.Some people have reported mild dermatitis (redness, itching, inflammation) from long-term gallium exposure to skin. Basically, this means you should wash your hands after the conclusion of the demonstration.Gallium is not toxic. It is used in pharmaceuticals, so you could probably swallow it and be okay, but its not recommended, plus it would be an expensive snack.Gallium attacks other metals, so do not let it come into contact with jewelry or store it in metal containers.Gallium expands as it cools, so it usually kept in a plastic bag or flexible container rather than glass to avoid any possibility of expansion shattering the container. Also, gallium wets glass, so storing in plastic helps minimize sample loss. Other Elements That Would Melt in Your Hand Gallium is not the only metal that melts into a liquid near room temperature or body temperature. Francium, cesium, and rubidium also would melt in the palm of your hand. However, you seriously dont want to attempt this demonstration with any of them! Francium and cesium are radioactive. Cesium and rubidium react vigorously with water, which basically means they could set your hand on fire. Stick with gallium. Learn More About Gallium If you have gallium to melt in your hand, you may also wish to try the melting spoon trick. In this science magic trick, you either melt a gallium spoon with what appears to be the power of your mind or else you make it seem to disappear in a glass of hot water. Gallium is an interesting metalloid, so you may wish to learn more about the element.

Divorce ( by lack of communication skills) Essay

Divorce ( by lack of communication skills) - Essay Example So many times, people think of listening as simply hearing the words. This is not the case though as the process involves hearing the words, thinking about them and analyzing what the message is being conveyed beyond the words. Reacting quickly and furiously to words is just a sign of hearing but not listening, often resulting to a fight which eventually puts a hedge between couples if not breaking the bridge between them. On the other hand, speaking is construed as saying words to communicate what is in one’s mind. Howbeit, this is usually abused with one party wanting to be considered most of the time. This causes problems which could result to getting tired of a spouse’s much talk, leading to bickering that could worsen to fights and eventually separation. Concurrently, silence would be the resort of the partner who does not like to fight verbally which is a form of communication problem with the person involved being unable to express what is in his heart. Behind communication as a cause for divorce, there are still so many issues that need to be considered which this paper can not contain due to some restrictions. In any case, it is the purpose of this paper to show that communication problem is one of the reasons for divorce which was discussed earlier. In this regard, it might be good for couples to have counseling on this to reduce the risks of divorce which can cause lack of con fidence, and more communication

Victoria's International expansion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Victoria's International expansion - Essay Example Victoria’s secret was established in San Francisco during 1970s by Roy Raymond. The aim of the firm was to provide women brands and be the highest producer in US. They were to produce different types of women brands and which were new in the market. For any company to sustain its customer in the market it has to set goal and be able to compete with its rivals and to forecast on how the company will be doing in the upcoming years (Goldman, 1999). For example, being the largest American retailer of lingerie, Victoria’s secrets competes with other companies to be the world distributors of women shop including brands such as bras, panties, sleepwear, clothing and shoes among others. Victoria’s secrets like any other company receives stiff competition from a company know as Gap which normally provides the same products at a lower price. This paper aims at undertaking an Internal Analysis of Victoria's Secret foreign expansion like in China, designing products for spec ific markets, manufacturing and advertisement. Additionally, the paper will discuss manufacture of the products and advertisements of the products Victoria’s secrets, a firm operating under monopolistic economic model, are faced with stiff competition from foreign expansions. ... In addition, China has the second largest economy after US. As A result, households enjoy high income thus enhancing their purchasing power leading to increased sales for Victoria’s secrets. Product design for specific markets Victoria’s secrets aim at designing its brands in such a way that the needs of its specific markets are met. For example, in China market where lingerie are on high demand, Victoria’s secretes will involve Chinese marketers and designers so as to come with a brand that is acceptable in China market. The company increases its sales by producing attractive design that makes the female customers to have a feeling of red carpet treatment. Manufacturing and advertisement Victoria’s secrets manufactures high quality brands to be used in foreign expansion like in China and makes sure that advertisement is done effectively to make sure that the brands are acceptable in the market. Similarly, since by keeping its prices competitive than its r ival, Victoria’s secrets targets upper class and middle class customers, the lower class customers are in most cases forced to go to Gap which offers the same products at a throw away prices. Key competitors that have emerged in the foreign immerged includes Maxx, Marshall’s and Homegoods. TJ Maxx and Marshall’s are huge competitors since they provide lingerie at discount prices for the middle and lower class (Monget, 2011). This has made the market to be more competitive and each company has to look the way forward to outdo their rivals. The strategy which Victoria’s company adopts is the introduction of new styles in the market and ideas that kept their products easily identifiable by the customers. Additionally, the company designs are attractive in the eyes of the customers. In

Civil Rights Movement Essay Example for Free

Civil Rights Movement Essay Gandhi was an Indian civil rights leader. Throughout life he was misunderstood, defied in death and was taken to the point of error. Gandhi took down the British Empire, he improved the governments of the three nations, and he imbued the spirits of a global network of neo-Gandhians, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If anyone could be described as the most adequate civil rights movement leader of the 20th century, it would be Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 and died January 30, 1948. Mohandas Gandhi was the last child of his father and his father’s fourth wife. In his youth years Gandhi was shy, he always spoke in a soft or gentle voice, and wasn’t a neither good nor bad student in school. Although he was an obedient child, one time Gandhi tried eating meat, smoking, and stole a little, which he later regretted. When Gandhi was 13, he married a girl named Kasturba in an arranged marriage. Kasturba and Gandhi had four sons and she supported Gandhis endeavors until her death in 1944. When Gandhi was 23 years old he set-off for South Africa once again, he arrived in British governed Natal in May 1893. Though Gandhi was hoping to earn a little bit of money and gain more knowledge about law, it was in South Africa that Gandhi changed from being a very quiet and shy man to a dedicated leader against discrimination. The beginning of this change happened while he was on a business trip that was taken a little while after he arrived in South Africa. Gandhi was in South Africa for about a week when he was asked to take the long trip from Natal to Transvaal, the province of South Africa for his case. It was supposed to be a several day trip, including transportation by train and by stagecoach. When Gandhi went on the first train of his journey at the Pietermartizburg station, railroad officials told Gandhi that he needed to move to the third-class passenger car. When Gandhi refused to move because he was holding first-class passenger tickets, a policeman came and threw him off the train. That wasn’t the end of the unfair treatment that Gandhi suffered on this trip. Gandhi wen and talked to the other Indians in South Africa. He found out that his experiences with the policemen were not rare mistakes, but instead these types of problems were common. During that first night of his trip, he sat in the cold outside of the railroad station after being thrown off the train, Gandhi debated whether he should go back home to India or fight the discrimination for all people. After thinking it through, Gandhi decided that he could not let the discrimination continue and that he was going to fight so that he could change the discrimination in South Africa forever. Gandhi spent the next twenty years working on improving Indians rights in South Africa. During the first three years, Gandhi learned more about Indian complaints that were made, studied the law, wrote letters to officials, and organized petitions. On May 22, 1894, Gandhi created the Natal Indian Congress (NIC). The NIC started as an organization for rich Indians, Gandhi worked hard and long to expand its membership to all classes and people who were in a high position. Gandhi became known for his activism. His acts were covered by newspapers in England and India. In a few short years, Gandhi had become a leader of the Indian community in South Africa. In 1896, after living three years in South Africa, Gandhi took a trip to India with the intention of bringing his wife and two sons back with him. In India, there was a deadly plague outbreak. Since back then they believed that poor health and hygiene were the cause of the plagues, Gandhi offered to help search for toilets, especially ones on a military base and offer suggestions for better supplies. Others were willing to search the toilets of the wealthy; Gandhi personally searched the toilets of the untouchables as well as the rich. He found that it was the wealthy that had the worst hygiene and health problems. After spending twenty years in South Africa helping fight discrimination, Gandhi finally decided it was time to head back home to India on July 1914. When World War I broke out during his journey, Gandhi decided to stay and help by forming another ambulance corps of Indians to help the British. As World War I reached its finale, it was time for Gandhi to focus on the fight for Indian politics. In 1919, the British gave Gandhi something worth fighting for the Rowlett Act. This Act gave the British in India nearly no restrictions to root out revolutionary elements and to restrain them for sure without trial. In addition to this Act, Gandhi organized a huge protest, which began on March 30, 1919. Even though Gandhi called off the protest, once he heard about the violence, over 300 Indians had died and over 1,100 were injured from British war in the city of Amritsar. The violence that formed from the protest showed Gandhi that the people didn’t fully believe in the power of Satyagraha. On March 1922, Gandhi was jailed for rebellion and was sentenced to six years in prison. After two years, Gandhi was released due to illness and needed surgery to treat his appendicitis. Upon his release, Gandhi found his country mixed up in violent attacks between Muslims and Hindus. As self-punishment for the violence, Gandhi began a 21-day fast, known as the Great Fast of 1924. Still ill from his recent surgery, many people thought he would die on day twelve, but he pulled through. The fast created a temporary peace treaty. Also during this decade, Gandhi began giving support as a way to gain freedom from the British. Unfortunately, not everyone was too happy with this peace plan. There were a few basic Hindu groups who believed that India should never have been divided. They blamed Gandhi for the separation. On January 30, 1948, the 78year old Gandhi spent his last day like all the other days. The majority of the day was spent debating problems with numerous groups and individuals. A few minutes past 5 p.m., when it was time for the prayer meeting, Gandhi started the walk to Birla House. A crowd had surrounded him while he walked; he was helped by two of his grandnieces. In front of him, a young Hindu boy named Nathuram Godse stopped before to greet him by bowing. Gandhi bowed back. Then Godse rushed forward with a gun and shot Gandhi three times with a black, semi-automatic pistol. Although Gandhi had survived five other assassination attempts, this time, Gandhi fell to the ground, dead.

Teaching Philosophy Essay example -- Education Teachers Careers Essays

Teaching Philosophy Ralph W. Tyler, an influential figure in early twentieth century educational reform believed that â€Å"the purpose of life was learning.† He said, â€Å"When one ceases to learn, one ceases to live life to the fullest. The biological basis of man has changed little since the cave days. However, each generation creates new ideas and elaborates on those ideas which have previously existed.† With education, ideals set forth from a society or culture can be preserved and create a powerful generativity of knowledge, linking the past with the present while ensuring future posterity. One must not only understand the knowledge of the past and see the events of the present, but must also seek a common link between themselves and the future. Knowledge will provide the connection, as each idea is a part of another and therefore a part of another time. The ideas of the past with generate the ideas of the future and through this knowledge man will live forever. The culture of American society is based on democratic principles that embrace individuality and personal freedom. To be part of this, one must first understand their place within that society and see themselves as an integral part of it. Therefore, the American educational systems should provide youthful minds with a base of knowledge from which beliefs, opinions, and orientations can be formed. The development of students who value themselves as a not only a part of their society but see themselves as a part of a larger cause will aid in the promotion democracy and preserve the integrity of its ideals. Instruction should be designed in a manner that promotes the fundamentals of education emphasizing an eclectic methodology that embraces the individual... ... thought, elevates interest, and therefore creates a desire to learn will eliminate possible disciplinary problems. With desire discipline becomes unnecessary. A mutual bond of respect and utility will naturally form between teacher and student. The instructor will provide wanted knowledge to an eager and respectful student. As a teacher one can only hope to merit the respect of their students and in consequence further their unquenchable desire for knowledge. Instructors must provide a secure learning environment that fosters the development or reinforcement of positive self-concepts and intellectual development. The acquisition of skills and knowledge transmitted from teacher to student will aid in the formation of individuals capable of making valuable contributions to their present society while furthering the progression of knowledge for the future.

E Commerce Case Study 1

Page 163-165, #’s 1-3 1) Prepare a report in which you analyze the marketing channel conflicts and cannibalization issues that Lonely Planet faces as it is currently operating. Suggest solutions that might reduce the revenue losses or operational frictions that result from these issues. a) Lonely Planet has several forms of marketing channel conflicts and cannibalization. These forms range from print media, to Internet videos, to television shows and even travel services. Cannibalization is evident where many of the books are now being substituted for forums, online articles, and digital photo galleries.Some of these new electronic forms of media are even subscription based. I think that Lonely Planet needs to keep its major business entities separate from one another and try a separate name for each category. These could be broken down into travel services, publications, and strictly online based media social networking website. The publications can retain the ‘Lonely P lanet’ name. The social networking site could have a fresh name and look, but be mentioned that it is brought to you by the same people that bring you Lonely Planet. The same goes for travel services.This will keep peoples purchases separated with the want to buy from different vendors, but with the backing of a trusted company. 2) Prepare a list of new products that Lonely Planet might introduce to take advantage of Internet technologies (including wireless technologies for mobile devices) and address customers’ concerns about the timeliness and currency of information in the printed travel guides. Briefly describe any problems that Lonely Planet will face as it introduces three new products. b) There are many options to take advantage of Internet technologies.One is as simple as developing an application for Android and IOS devices. This will allow people the ability to use their current location and have the app search quickly for them attractions nearby without hav ing to type a single word. The app can also give real time updated articles that will be current to the reader/traveler. This will blow away the concerns about issues with currency and outdated articles. Again, as this product is introduced, I believe it should have its own recognized name, but be backed by Lonely Planet. If people figure out that it is this asy to access articles for free and the comfort and convenience of them being right in the palm of your hand, a subscription may have to be implemented, but lets say the first three are free. A digital bridge to the once printed publications is cannibalization. Being that the printed publications is such a large part of their revenue, this may want to be thought about and tested thoroughly before it is implemented. 3) Many loyal Lonely Planet customers carry their travel guides (which can be several hundred pages thick) with them as they travel around the world.In many cases, these customers do not use large portions of the trav el guides. Also, Internet access can be a problem for many of these customers while they are traveling. Describe a product (or products) that might address this customer concern and also yield additional revenue for Lonely Planet. Your answer here could build on ideas that you developed in your solution to part 2. c) These customers may want to have the convenience of using a physical travel guide at home to plan out their destinations.A benefit to not having to carry a thick, couple hundred-page book would be enormous. This is where a full digital copy or individual chapters could be sold and used on handheld devices such as e-readers, tablets, and smartphones. The customer could also print out the sections they desire to have handy while out and about if an electronic device is not applicable for the location that they are visiting. These digital copies do not require Internet access, except for the initial download. This is perfect for areas without this type of amenity.

Pakistan’s War on Terror Up to and Beyond 2014

While Pakistan continues to be a frontline state in the global war on terror, it is simultaneously fighting domestic terrorism in a war that will seemingly continue well beyond 2014. In recent months, terror attacks targeting the Shia Hazara minority in Baluchistan indicate a transformation of the terror problem in Pakistan. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi present two different sides of Pakistan’s terrorism problem, however, the two organizations have increasingly converged operationally to the extent that Pakistan cannot eliminate one without simultaneously confronting the other. BACKGROUND: The September 11 terrorist attacks on the U. S. in which thousands of innocent lives were lost led Pakistan to join the U. S. -led global war against international terrorism in which Pakistan has over the years made an invaluable contribution. However, with the passage of time, Washington increasingly came to view Islamabad as part of the problem rather than the solution. Most U. S. and European policy makers believe that Pakistan is providing a safe haven for the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Western media is full of stories about a presence of the Taliban leadership in Pakistan, including of Mullah Omar’s alleged base in Quetta. Since the summer of 2008, U. S. military and intelligence agencies are sharing minimal intelligence with its Pakistani counterparts, instead focusing on drone attacks against suspected terrorist movements and hideouts. Pakistan is a signatory to the UN’s Palermo Convention. At the regional level, Pakistan has signed and ratified SAARC Regional Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism and the SAARC Convention on Narcotic Drugs Substances and the ECO Protocol against drugs. It has extradition treaties with 29 countries and bilateral agreements or MOUs on terrorism with 50 countries. Pakistan has played a major role in eliminating a number of terror networks such as the Al-Qaeda Anthrax network, the Alghuraba network, the UK-based Anglo-Pakistani group and Jundullah. Prominent targets captured include Khalid Sheikh Muhammad, Abu Alfaraj Alibi, Al Shib, Abu Zubaida, Abu Talha, Khalid bin Attash or Walid bin Attish, Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani, Mohammad Naeem Noor Khan, Abu Laith al-Libi, Hasan Bana, Hamza Rabbi, Sharif Al Masri, Abu Mushab Masri, Jaffar Uttayyar Alkashmiri Yassir Al-Jaziri, and Abdul Rehman Al-Masri. Umar Patek was arrested in Abbottabad by Pakistani forces and may have provided important leads to Osama bin Laden’s whereabouts. Since 9/11, Pakistan has also become a victim of terrorism. The direct and indirect cost suffered by Islamabad in the war on terror has been around US$ 35 billion. There has been a constant increase in the number of terror attacks in Pakistan since 9/11 and a number of prominent Pakistanis have lost their lives in such attacks. These include the two-time Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto and the former head of the Pakistan Army’s Special Service Group, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Ameer Faisal Alvi. Most of the jihadists in Pakistan, especially the splinter groups of various organizations, are now operating under the umbrella of TTP, a Deobandi Sunni organization established in December 2007. TTP’s objectives include cleansing Pakistan of foreign, meaning the U. S. and overall Western, presence, implementing Sharia and establishing a Caliphate. Over the years, TTP has been involved in a number of suicide bombings, rocket attacks, remote controlled bombs, abductions, and beheadings. It has widened its area of operations beyond Pakistan’s tribal areas and targeted a number of government installations and organizations in the mainland, including the Federal Investigation Agency’s Lahore office, the Naval War College in Lahore, the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, the Wah ordinance Factory, the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, a police training school, the GHQ Rawalpindi and the Navy’s Mehran base in Karachi. It is also involved in kidnapping for ransom, bank robberies, forced taxes and drug trade. IMPLICATIONS: Since 9/11, the TTP has increasingly converged with the staunchly anti-Shia militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. A number of prominent TTP operations were conducted by known Lashkar-e-Jhangvi operatives. In recent months, the Hazaras in Baluchistan are increasingly becoming a prime target of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. Both TTP and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi consider Shias kafirs (infidels) and hence legitimate targets. Terrorist activities showed no sign of receding in 2012, indicating that after more than a decade of fighting terror, Pakistan is nowhere close to the finishing line in this war and the problem is taking an even uglier shape. According to various sources, Pakistan suffered more than 6000 casualties in different terror attacks in 2012. More than 450 terror attacks were recorded in 2012 in which at least 39 were confirmed suicide attacks. Another important development in 2012 was the increasing operational alliance between the TTP and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, although the two groups have cooperated with each other also in the past, the group led by Amjad Farooqi in 2003-2004 being a case in point. However, in 2012 the two groups largely converged operationally in the sense that they declared a war against Shias. This convergence has resulted in the worst attacks to date against Shias, especially the Hazaras in Baluchistan. In 2012, Shias were targeted in 113 attacks in which 396 people lost their lives, indicating the increasingly sectarian features of Pakistan’s terrorism problem. So far, more than a thousand terror-related deaths have occurred in 2013. Apart from a closer alliance emerging between TTP and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, TTP has also established Ansar Al-Aseerian (Helpers of the prisoners) in partnership with the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. According to media reports, Adnan Rasheed has been appointed the head of this group. The purpose of this group is to free all militants held in custody by Pakistani security forces and in various jails. TTP is also attempting to expand its activities and area of influence to Karachi, Pakistan’s major financial hub. Karachi, which is also considered to be Pakistan’s major Pashtun center, has been a preferred hideout for TTP, while some TTP and other jihadi activists have received medical treatment in Karachi. 2013 also witnessed two developments that will have long lasting effect on Pakistan’s war against terrorism. Firstly, Pakistan’s national Assembly unanimously passed the National Counter Terrorism Authority Bill 2013 on March 8, 2013. The establishment of a National Counter Terrorism Authority (NCTA) will play an important role in the efforts to combat terrorism. According to the mandate given to NCTA, it will â€Å"coordinate counter terrorism and counter extremism efforts in view of the nature and magnitude of the terrorist threat; and to present strategic policy options to the government for consideration/implementation by the stakeholders after scientifically studying the phenomenon of extremism and terrorism in historic and professional perspective. † Secondly, Pakistan’s army is taking a tougher stance and increasing its attention to the terrorism problem, as indicated by the decision of Pakistan’s army chief to treat the problem of terrorism as an operational priority. 013 is also an election year in Pakistan, with national and provincial elections scheduled for May 11, 2013. TTP has already targeted a number of political events in Khyber Paktunkhwa and especially the Awami National Party’s election campaign. The political party or parties that will form the next government will not only inherit a crisis in the energy and financial sectors but will also have to make hard decisions about the country’s war against terror. CONCLUSIONS: Developments in Pakistan suggest that the country’s terror problem will only increase in the lead-up to 2014 and Pakistan will have to fight its war on terror well beyond 2014, if concrete and decisive steps against TTP and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi are not taken. Both organizations want Pakistan to be a Sunni state and are increasingly targeting Shias. The Pakistani people and armed forces have paid a huge price in people and material in this ongoing war. Unless Pakistan addresses the root causes of the problem, it will not only persist but also get worse.

Pope Benedict II

Pope Benedict II Pope Benedict II was known for: His extensive knowledge of  Scripture. Benedict was also known to have a fine singing voice. Occupations: PopeSaint Places of Residence and Influence: Italy Important Dates: Confirmed as Pope:  June 26, 684Died:  , 685 About Pope Benedict II: Benedict was Roman, and at an early age he was sent to the schola cantorum, where he became extremely knowledgeable in Scripture.  As a priest he was humble, generous, and good to the poor. He also became known for his singing. Benedict was elected pope shortly after the death of Leo II in June of 683, but it took more than eleven months for his election to be confirmed by Emperor Constantine Pogonatus. The delay inspired him to get the emperor to sign a decree putting an end to the requirement of an emperors confirmation. In spite of this decree,  future popes would  still undergo  an imperial  confirmation process. As pope, Benedict worked to suppress Monothelitism. He restored many churches of Rome, helped the clergy and supported the care of the poor. Benedict died in May of 685. He was succeeded by John V. More Pope Benedict II Resources: Popes BenedictAll about the popes and antipopes  who have gone by the name of Benedict through the Middle Ages and beyond. Pope Benedict II in Print The links below will take you to a site where you can compare prices at booksellers across the web. More in-depth info about the book may be found by clicking on to the books page at one of the online merchants. by Richard P. McBrien by P. G. Maxwell-Stuart Pope Benedict II on the Web Pope St. Benedict IIConcise biography by Horace K. Mann at the Catholic Encyclopedia.St. Benedict IIAdmiring bio at Christs Faithful People. The PapacyChronological List of PopesWhos Who Directories: Chronological Index Geographical Index Index by Profession, Achievement, or Role in Society The text of this document is copyright  ©2014 Melissa Snell. You may download or print this document for personal or school use, as long as the URL below is included. Permission is not granted to reproduce this document on another website. For publication permission, please visit Abouts Reprint Permissions page. The URL for this document is:http://historymedren.about.com/od/bwho/fl/Pope-Benedict-II.htm