Sunday, January 19, 2020

Economic system in Egypt :: essays research papers

THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM IN EGYPT PRIVATE SECTOR: Ready for action As Egypt is known for it’s mixed economic system ,Compared with other emerging markets, Egypt's private sector is tiny. The public sector still accounts for almost 70 per cent of GDP despite the fact that hundreds of public enterprises have been wholly or partly privatised during the past four years. Judging, however, by the rapid growth of some of the country's largest family-owned businesses, this is unlikely to hold true five years from now. Raouf Ghabbour, chairman of Ghabbour Group, a family business and the country's largest assembler and distributor of motor vehicles, says there are hundreds of medium-sized companies which are growing fast enough to qualify for joint-stock status within three or four years. Ghabbour Group is one of only a dozen or so unlisted private sector companies with a turnover of more than EÂ £1bn. This is considered a minimum threshold for a company to launch a successful public listing. "Our turnover has been growing at about 25 per cent a year this decade," says Mr Ghabbour. "There are countless small and medium-sized companies with this kind of growth rate." Much like Orascom, Egypt's largest family-owned group, which has interests ranging from tourism to telecoms separated into several publicly listed companies, Ghabbour has been converted to the benefits of going public. The car assembler, which also has a growing consumer loan subsidiary, hopes to offer 10 to 15 per cent of its equity in an initial public offering later this year. Others, including IGI, a diversified family-owned group with interests in manufacturing, dairy farming and petroleum, are thinking along similar lines. "There are probably about 10 or 12 family companies with similar plans," says Khaled Sheta, chief executive of International Group for Investment. "All of them will be quoted in a year or two from now." Mr Sheta provides justification for such a move. "Opening your books to the public acts as a good business discipline on managers and enables you to value your assets more accurately," he says. It is also, of course, a handy way of raising capital without having to cede majority control of the company. Indeed, for the few that have achieved genuine nation-wide market share in their industries, there is little choice but to go public or offer stakes to strategic investors if they want to continue expanding. Being so small in number, companies such as Ghabbour and Mansour, which has the Coca-Cola and McDonald's franchise in Egypt, are inevitably bumping up against credit limits to their banks.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Reflective Essay on Learning and Motivation Essay

This reflection essay relates to the learning and teaching theories discussed in the course work. The study begins with an overview that presents a narrative of my evolution as a learner. The subsequent sections present a description of motivational attributes of an effective teaching strategy implemented in classroom setting. The study also offers a summary of the strategies that can be adopted in order to make a successful learning experience in college. I attended an educational system where schooling was based on traditional teaching systems. Teaching approaches were similar to the approach of a â€Å"banking model.† The school’s procedure depicted the teachers’ roles as depositing correct information to the learners to a point that it was needed. I began preparing for an end or term exam in my first year in the school by revising material offered to us severally. I did not have any notion why I had to learn the material (Zhang, 2009). Therefore, my life in t he school and my learning experiences were done through â€Å"rote learning.† The school system made emphasis on performance objectives over learning goals. During my third week in the school, I encountered an experience that changed my approach and motivation to learning. The experience came about after and encountered with my third year English 101 tutor, Mr. Rickie. He was very smart he had a good grounding on issues of English and career advice. His past engagements in learning and curriculum development allowed me to be consistent and relevant to learning motivation. The year was marked by class members taking the class as passive and engaged in class games instead of concentrating during class sessions (Zhang, 2009). The fourteenth week of the class people started seeing the sense of paying attention during class sessions, and we started enjoying French. The students’ attitude to the class took a different turn due to the measures he took to change the learning atmosphere. First, Mr. Rickie made the class lively through â€Å"activity setting† on Wednesday classes. The students were separated into manageable groups of five each. Students from each group were dressed to fit the roles assigned to their respective groups. The class als o created these situations as role-plays. In subsequent week, Mr. Rickie asked us about our goals as well as professions we dreamt to pursue after our education. For instance, my group took the assignment of having meetings with professionals. The day the group took to play a role, I opted to play a  lawyer. My group had prepared to meet within a restaurant and conversations were to be in English. Teachers who use such an approach consider teachers and students as co-constructors of knowledge through meaningful ways. The approach to learning considers the environment as well as role of peers in through interactions of questioning, interpreting, and listening to others’ ideas. Teachers using the learning strategy take into consideration students’ different understanding levels and diverse learning styles in eliciting ideas (Benson, 2008). The process through which students embraces opportunities of generating various ideas and clarifying their own enables reflection on provisions of fellow students. The past academic year presented me with an opportunity to address a graduate level course in Radford University. I observed a critical difference among the students through implementing diverse teaching styles. The goal of making thing classroom more interactive and motivated is a topic of discussion where groups review materials covered. In conclusion, my illustration of effective teaching strategies includes contributions and roles of teachers facilitating and co-constructing knowledge (Benson, 2008). The ultimate learning motivation includes active inclusion of students in course activities. Classrooms that embrace effective teaching strategies uphold the principles of diverse learning styles and the realization that students encounter differences in their levels of understanding.

Friday, January 3, 2020

Factoring Accounts Receivables into Business Finance - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1424 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Finance Essay Type Analytical essay Did you like this example? In short term financing, factoring forms an important part. Factoring is a financial transaction whereby a business sells most of its accounts receivable to a third party who is called a factor at a discount in exchange for immediate money with which to finance continued business. In pledging accounts receivables, the firm retains title to the receivables whereas in factoring of account receivables are transferred titles by selling them. Factoring differs from a bank loan in 2 main ways. First, the major emphasis is on the value of the receivables which is essentially a financial asset, not the firms true credit worthiness. Secondly, factoring is in fact, not a loan it is the selling or the purchase of a financial asset or simply the accounts receivable of the firm. Factoring is also different from forfeiting as forfeiting is a transaction based operation while factoring is a firm-based operation. This means that in factoring, a firm sells all of its receivables while in forfeiting, the firm sells one of its transactions. Thus, forfeiting is not the same as factoring accounts receivables can be. Unlike loans, in the method of factoring, there are 3 parties involved: The Company who is selling the invoices and its receivables; the debtors in the system and the factor who is getting all those account receivables. Sometimes, factoring is used in place of invoice discounting, which involves borrowing where the receivers is to be used as collateral. In factoring, receivables are directly sold. Thus, factoring is different from invoice discounting. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Factoring Accounts Receivables into Business Finance" essay for you Create order Factoring is a method used by a firm to obtain Cash when the available Cash Balance held by the firm is insufficient to meet current obligations and accommodate its other cash needs, such as new orders or contracts. The factoring technique is mainly used during short term financing so that the firms immediate cash needs to allow the firm to maintain a smaller ongoing cash balance. Firms may often find it necessary to both maintain a Cash Balance on hand, and to use such methods as Factoring, in order to enable them to cover their Short Term cash needs in those periods in which these needs exceed the Cash Flow. The factoring involves a process as described: When initially contacted by a prospective invoice seller, the factor i.e., subsidiary of a bank holding company first establishes whether or not a basic condition exists which involves the satisfactory answer to the question: does the potential debtor(s) have a history of paying their bills on time Factoring of accounts receivable process satisfy needs as said: Factor is often a subsidiary of a bank holding company. Factor maintains a credit department and performs credit checks on accounts. Allows firm to eliminate their credit department and the associated costs. Contracts are usually for 1 year, but are renewable. Cost of factoring Factoring can serve as a vehicle for outsourcing credit and collection responsibilities. Factoring of accounts receivable results in various costs as shown: Factor receives a commission on the face value of the receivables which is typically lt;1% but can run to as much as 3%. Cash payment is usually made on the actual or average due date of the receivables. The third type of cost is that if the factor advances money to the firm, then the firm must pay interest on the advance. Total cost of factoring is composed of a factoring fee plus an interest charge on any cash advance. Thus, this method is used to incur cost on a firm. Although expensive, it provides the firm with substantial flexibility. For a small firm, the savings may be quite substantial. If the factored recievables total $10,000 and factoring cost is 2% then the factor credits the firms account with 2% less i.e., $9,800. If the firm wishes to draw before receivables become due, then an interest of 1.5% per month is to be paid. In 1 month if the firm wishes to have 1 cash advances then, the firm is entitled to the interest cost of $9,800 X 0.015 = $147.00 Therefore the actual cash advance will be $9,800 $147 = $9,653 Factoring exports and flexibility These days, it is used for aircraft parts, surgical tools and common photo equipment. Factoring foreign receivables has advantage over asking buyer about trade of credit. The main advantage is to ship goods without risk of not getting paid. Increase sales in foreign markets by offering competitive open account terms of sale. But, transaction fee cannot be passed to the buyer and getting paid can sometimes take too much time. Factoring companies do not finance small shipments. Working is demonstrated as: US exporters sells account receivables to factor company. The factor assumes credit risk and takes responsibility for customer credit checks and billing. If the buyer discovers that the credit of firm is not good then he has the right to deal back. Financing technique has its limitations. Though factors make their money by assessing credit risks, they often donot want to factor exports of the firm. The typical factoring arrangement is assumed to be continous. As new receivables are incurred, they are sold to the factor and the firms account is then credited. The principal sources of factoring are banks, subsidiary and bank holding factors including certain old line factories. Factors relieve the term of credit checking, the cost of processing variables, the collection and bad debt variables. Composition of Short term finance Short term finance contains a number of parts, most of which are Cost of financing method Any meaningful analysis of several alternative sources of funds of financial analysis is a comparison of their costs and the problem of timing. The major problem with cost determination is that cost differentials among the various short term financing alternatives are not necessarily constant over time. Indeed, they fluctuate in keeping with changing market conditions. Fund availability The availability of funds is also important. If a firm cannot borrow through commercial paper or through a bank loan because of its low credit standing, it must turn to alternative sources. The lower the credit standing of the firm fewer are the sources of short term financing available to it. Timing Timing bears heavily on the question of the most appropriate mix of short term financing. With short term loans, the firm can pay off the debt it has surplus funds and thereby reduce its overall interest costs. With factoring of accounts recievables, advances can be taken only when needed, and interest costs incurred only as necessary. Flexibility Flexibility with respect to short term financing pertains to the firms ability to pay off a loan as well as to its ability to renew or even increase it. Flexibility also relates to how easily the firm can increase its borrowing on short notice. With a line of credit or revolving credit at a bank, it is an easy matter to increase borrowings, assuming the maximum limit has not been reached. With other forms of short term financing, the firm is less flexible. Degree to which assets are encumbered It mainly involves some legal claims. With secured loans, lenders obtain a lien on the various assets of the firm. This secured position puts constraints on the firms future financing possibilities. When receivables are actually sold under a factoring arrangement, the principle remains the same. In this case, the firm is selling one of its most liquid assets, thus reducing its creditworthiness, in the minds of many creditors. The best mix of short-term financing depends on these 5 factors as stated. A proper balance with these factors needs to be checked. All of these factors influence the firm in deciding on the appropriate mix of short term financing. Because cost is perhaps the key factor, differences in other factors should be compared with differences in cost. Conclusions In the end, it can be seen that firms often go for Short Term Finance to meet temporary requirements of money. Some merits of short term financing can be: Low interest cost: Relatively more economical to raise short-term finance as interest rates are lesser. Flexibility: Loans can be paid back if not required. No interference in management: The management retains their freedom in decision making which is not altered by the lender. Long term: Short term financing loans can be renewed regularly and used for long term financing too. But despite the above said merits, Short term finance suffers from demerit of temporary use due to its huge amount of uncertainty and risk in case of crisis and several legal formalities. Therefore most of the organizations may tend to keep away from short term financing loans.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

It Is Practically Difficult To Have An All Inclusive Meaning

It is practically difficult to have an all inclusive meaning of what morals is, the best way to truly watch it is by and by; how does morals shape our lives and how is it obtained? Morals applies to both us and the general population around us as is both politically imperative and essential to the person. Plato and Aristotle had differentiating conclusions on both what morals is, the means by which it is helpful and who can acquire it. I have concentrated on equity while considering the obtaining of morals as I surmise that the two thinkers treat equity in progressively unique ways and that its connection to morals as a subject permits a less demanding meaning of morals itself and the securing of it. Plato established†¦show more content†¦Aristotle remained to be leader of the Academy after Speusippus kicked the bucket be that as it may, wound up to be a disagreeable decision. In 335 BC he established his possess school, the Lyceum and started to make refinements from Plato s work including the way that scholars ought not be rulers but rather consultants. Our translation of moral understanding relies on upon the way that Aristotle and Plato treat the issue and what their concentration is. Plato s worry in The Republic is to make a perfect state. He exhibited a portion of the most punctual utilitarian thoughts, indicating how people ought to utilize their gifts and capacities for the more prominent great. Aristotle in any case, demonstrated his concentration to be the best bliss for the individual and at last, Eudemonia, which can be achieved through living righteously. Here, moral comprehension can be achieved by rehearsing temperate activities, to make these activities simpler and that s just the beginning wonderful to pick. Plato nonetheless, would see morals basically as gained through information as opposed to rehearse. Plato s hypothesis of the structures sited the Great as the best protest of study, and the main wellspring of learning that could add to a genuine obtaining of morals and the capacity to utilize thoseShow MoreRelatedEffects Of Alcohol On Health Care Essay1797 Words   |  8 Pagesconsumed, the pattern of drinking, and, on rare occasions, the quality of alcohol consumed. In 2012, about 3.3 million deaths, or 5.9 % of all global deaths, were attributable to alcohol consumption (WHO.int, 2016). Alcohol consumption is a public health issue that affects populations globally as stated by the World Health Organization and high levels of consumption have adversely affected health globally. Through the health improvement module, there is reoccurring theme present that provides an overviewRead MoreIntegrating New Employees Into The Organizations Current Culture1756 Words   |  8 Pagesculture. For a lot of different reasons, over the last thirty years, firms have seen that on most occasions, the company’s culture must also go through an adaptation process to attract new talents and avoid turnover of a competitive workforce. In many companies, this modified way of thinking has been the result of diversity initiatives. While diversity is now common practice in most organizations, the term itself is practically never defined, but when a company defines it, diversity is frequently describedRead MoreMy Previous Assumptions Of Word Disability And How Society Affects A Person With A Disability2810 Words   |  12 Pagestowards the responsibility the environment and society plays and contributes to the graduate attribute two as I need to become aware of the responsibility I have on the child’s life. 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Also defining the main theories models and ideologies and how they contribute to my curriculum, and how they can change various teaching methods. Concluding with, proposed solutions to improve the curriculum within the Hospitality department. Curriculum is hardly new in fact it dates way back to ancient Greece and the famousRead MoreThe Impact of Green Marketing Strategies on Business Organisations5322 Words   |  22 PagesSetting New Standards: These activities focus on applying a classic marketing approach to greener products, brands and companies. Greener means greener than the product/service/idea of the substitutes and competitors. These companies have got their act together and have modified their supply chain, sourcing, distribution and so on. The result shows mainly in the commercial outcome. Sustainability targets are constantly updated and therefore companies must do the same. The key is to be truthful aboutRead MoreCase Note on Bruton Tenancy2174 Words   |  9 Pagesgranted exclusive possession for a fixed or periodic term certain in consideration of a premium or periodical payments†[4]. After analyzing the facts of Bruton, court reached the conclusion that the agreement between LQHT and Mr. Bruton did possess all the characteristics of a tenancy. The language used and the label placed upon the agreement was decided by court as irrelevant as the court would investigate and discover the true nature of the agreement, and decide â€Å"if upon its true construction itRead MoreProcess Work3486 Words   |  14 Pagescurriculum principles | |I have made appropriate entries in my commonplace book |√ | |Unit 1 Activity 2: The hidden curriculum | |I have made appropriate entries in my commonplace book Read MoreProcess Work3472 Words   |  14 Pagescurriculum principles | |I have made appropriate entries in my commonplace book |√ | |Unit 1 Activity 2: The hidden curriculum | |I have made appropriate entries in my commonplace book

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Epiphany in Araby of James Joyces Dubliners Essay

Araby: An Epiphany The story, Araby in James Joyces Dubliners presents a flat, rather spatial portrait. The visual and symbolic details embedded in the story, are highly concentrated, and the story culminates in an epiphany. An epiphany is a moment when the essence of a character is revealed , when all the forces that bear on his life converge, and the reader can, in that instant, understand him. Araby is centered on an epiphany, and is concerned with a failure or deception, which results in realization and disillusionment. The meaning is revealed in a young boys psychic journey from love to despair and disappointment, and the theme is found in the boys discovery of the discrepancy between the real and the ideal in†¦show more content†¦The boy, in themidst of such decay and spiritual paralysis, experiences the confusedidealism and dreams of first love and his awakening becomes incom-patible with and in ironic contrast to the staid world about him. Every morning before school the boy lies on the floor in thefront parlor peeking out through a crack in the blind of the door,watching and waiting for the girl next door to emerge from her houseand walk to school. He is shy and still boyish. He follows her, walkssilently past, not daring to speak, overcome with a confused sense ofsensual desire and religious adoration. In his mind she is both a saintto be worshipped and a woman to be desired. His eyes are often fullof tears, and one evening he goes to the back room where the priesthad died. Clasping the palms of his hands together, he murmurs, 0love! 0 love! in a prayer not to God, but to the concept of love andperhaps even to the girl, his love. Walking with his aunt to shop onSaturday evenings he imagines that the girls image accompanies him,and that he protects her in places the most hostile to romance. Inthe mixed symbolism of the Christian and the Romantic or Orientalmyths Joyce reveals the epiphany in the story: The se noises con-verged in a single sensation of life for me: I imagined that I bore mychalice safely through a throng of foes. He isShow MoreRelated Epiphanies in Joyces Dubliners and Chaucers Canterbury Tales1179 Words   |  5 PagesJames Joyce’s Dubliners is a compilation of stories that all rely on character epiphanies in order to develop each story. These epiphanies change the tone of each story because each yields a negative change or reaction. In both â€Å"Araby† and â€Å"The Dead†, the characters realize or learn something about the world around them, which makes them second guess either themselves or the reason behind their actions. Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales contains at least one tale that relies on an epiphany to helpRead MoreMiss1743 Words   |  7 PagesDubliners Dubliners is a collection of 15 short stories by James Joyce, first published in 1914. The fifteen stories were meant to be a naturalistic depiction of the Irish middle class life in and around Dublin in the early years of the 20th century. The stories were written at the time when Irish nationalism was at its peak, and a search for a national identity and purpose was raging; at a crossroads of history and culture, Ireland was jolted by various converging ideas and influences. They centreRead MoreJames Joyce’s Dubliners Essay1493 Words   |  6 PagesJames Joyce’s Dubliners is a collection of short stories that aims to portray middle class life in Dublin, Ireland in the early twentieth century. Most of the stories are written with themes such as entrapment, paralysis, and epiphany, which are central to the flow of the collection of stories as a whole. Characters are usually limited financially, socially, and/or by their environment; they realize near the end of each story that they cannot escape their unfortunate situation in Dublin. These storiesRead MoreChange: The Seed of Evolution2514 Words   |  11 Pagesrealized is known as an epiphany--a sudden understanding of the nature to an idea or quandary, usually attained through something simple and, sometimes, unassociated (â€Å"Epiphany†). Authors often use this device not only to convey a realization on the part of their character, but also to allude to an internal message (â€Å"Epiphany†). James Joyce employed this device in many of his works in hopes of revealing to his Irish peers the low esteem of their conduct (Bulson 33). James Joyce was born in IrelandRead More James Joyces Araby - Character, Structure and Style in Araby2402 Words   |  10 Pagesin Araby  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   According to Hazel Edwards, â€Å"A good story writer needs to be a craftsman, for the construction is tighter than that required for most novels. Usually a short story concentrates on a few characters- rarely more than three major ones. The story revolves around a single, dramatic incident which typifies the characters’ reactions. Length varies from 1,000 to about 5,000 words.† With these characteristics in mind, then we are going to examine James Joyce’s short story Araby   inRead MoreEssay on James Joyces Araby - Araby as Epiphany for the Common Man2088 Words   |  9 PagesJames Joyces Dubliners - Araby as Epiphany for the Common Man Joseph Campbell was one of many theorists who have seen basic common denominators in the myths of the worlds great religions, Christianity among them, and have demonstrated how elements of myth have found their way into non-religious stories. Action heroes, in this respect, are not unlike saints. Biblical stories are, quite simply, the mythos of the Catholic religion, with saints being the heroes in such stories. The Star WarsRead MoreIn James Joyce’s the Dubliners, How Do the Characters’ Routines Impede Their Opportunities for Adventure and Excitement?1434 Words   |  6 PagesIn â€Å"Araby†, â€Å"Eveline†, and â€Å"The Dead†, three short stories featured in James Joyce’s The Dubliners, the characters struggle with whether to live their lives with a structured routine or to seek opportunities, change, and adventure. These short stories center around everyday life for citizens of Dublin, Ireland in the early 20th century, when a choice be tween continuing the inherited tradition of routine and structure versus seeking any other form of life or adventure could be the most important decisionRead MoreEssay about The Religious Undertones in James Joyces Araby818 Words   |  4 PagesJames Joyce uses religious references throughout Araby to express his resentment towards the Catholic Church, and Catholicism as a whole. The story revolves around religious symbolism and a boys intnse desire for a girl. Joyces reasons for rejecting the Catholic Church are unknown, but in many scenes his attitude towards religious hypocrisy becomes clearer. The introduction to Araby sets the religious tones, which flow through a neighborhood, dark and full of desire. TheRead MoreEssay on James Joyces Araby - Setting in Araby1597 Words   |  7 PagesSetting in James Joyces Araby  Ã‚   In the opening paragraphs of James Joyces short story, Araby, the setting takes center stage to the narrator. Joyce tends carefully to the exquisite detail of personifying his setting, so that the narrators emotions may be enhanced. To create a genuine sense of mood, and reality, Joyce uses many techniques such as first person narration, style of prose, imagery, and most of all setting. The setting of a short story is vital to the development of characterRead More James Joyce Essay1100 Words   |  5 Pages In selecting James Joyces Ulysses as the best novel of the twentieth century, Time magazine affirmed Joyces lasting legacy in the realm of English literature. James Joyce (1882-1941), the twentieth century Irish novelist, short story writer and poet is a major literary figure of the twentieth-century. Regarded as quot;the most international of writers in English ¡K[with] a global reputation (Attridge, pix), Joyces stature in literature stems from his experimentation with English prose. Influenced

Monday, December 9, 2019

Genetic Engineering, History And Future Essay Example For Students

Genetic Engineering, History And Future Essay Science is a creature that continues to evolve at a much higher rate than the beings thatgave it birth. The transformation time from tree-shrew, to ape, to human far exceeds the timefrom analytical engine, to calculator, to computer. But science, in the past, has always remaineddistant. It has allowed for advances in production, transportation, and even entertainment, butnever in history will science be able to so deeply affect our lives as genetic engineering willundoubtedly do. With the birth of this new technology, scientific extremists and anti-technologists have risen in arms to block its budding future. Spreading fear by misinterpretationof facts, they promote their hidden agendas in the halls of the United States congress. Geneticengineering is a safe and powerful tool that will yield unprecedented results, specifically in thefield of medicine. It will usher in a world where gene defects, bacterial disease, and even agingare a thing of the past. By understanding genetic engine ering and its history, discovering itspossibilities, and answering the moral and safety questions it brings forth, the blanket of fearcovering this remarkable technical miracle can be lifted. The first step to understanding genetic engineering, and embracing its possibilities forsociety, is to obtain a rough knowledge base of its history and method. The basis for altering theevolutionary process is dependant on the understanding of how individuals pass oncharacteristics to their offspring. Genetics achieved its first foothold on the secrets of naturesevolutionary process when an Austrian monk named Gregor Mendel developed the first laws ofheredity. Using these laws, scientists studied the characteristics of organisms for most of thenext one hundred years following Mendels discovery. These early studies concluded that eachorganism has two sets of character determinants, or genes (Stableford 16). For instance, inregards to eye color, a child could receive one set of genes from his father that were encoded oneblue, and the other brown. The same child could also receive two brown genes from his mother. The conclusion for this inheritance would be the child has a three in fou r chance of havingbrown eyes, and a one in three chance of having blue eyes (Stableford 16). Genes are transmitted through chromosomes which reside in the nucleus of every livingorganisms cells. Each chromosome is made up of fine strands of deoxyribonucleic acids, orDNA. The information carried on the DNA determines the cells function within the organism. Sex cells are the only cells that contain a complete DNA map of the organism, therefore, thestructure of a DNA molecule or combination of DNA molecules determines the shape, form, andfunction of the organisms offspring (Lewin 1). DNA discovery is attributed to the researchof three scientists, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, and James Dewey Watson in 1951. Theywere all later accredited with the Nobel Price in physiology and medicine in 1962 (Lewin 1). The new science of genetic engineering aims to take a dramatic short cut in the slowprocess of evolution (Stableford 25). In essence, scientists aim to remove one gene from anorganisms DNA, and place it into the DNA of another organism. This would create a new DNAstrand, full of new encoded instructions; a strand that would have taken Mother Nature millionsof years of natural selection to develop. Isolating and removing a desired gene from a DNAstrand involves many different tools. DNA can be broken up by exposing it to ultra-high-frequency sound waves, but this is an extremely inaccurate way of isolating a desirable DNA section (Stableford 26). A more accurate way of DNA splicing is the use of restrictionenzymes, which are produced by various species of bacteria (Clarke 1). The restrictionenzymes cut the DNA strand at a particular location called a nucleotide base, which makes up aDNA molecule. Now that the desired portion of the DNA is cut out, it can be joined to anotherstrand of DNA by using enzymes called ligases. The final important step in the creation of anew DNA strand is giving it the ability to self-replicate. This can be accomplished by usingspecial pieces of DNA, called vectors, that permit the generation of multiple copies of a totalDNA strand and fusing it to the newly created DNA structure. Another newly developedmethod, called polymerase chain reaction, allows for faster replication of DNA strands and doesnot require the use of vectors (Clarke 1). The possibilities of genetic engineering are endless. Once the power to control theinstructions, given to a single cell, are mastered anything can be accomplished. For example,insulin can be created and grown in large quantities by using an inexpensive gene manipulationmethod of growing a certain bacteria. This supply of insulin is also not dependant on the supplyof pancreatic tissue from animals. Recombinant factor VIII, the blood clotting agent missing inpeople suffering from hemophilia, can also be created by genetic engineering. Virtually allpeople who were treated with factor VIII before 1985 acquired HIV, and later AIDS. Beingcompletely pure, the bioengineered version of factor VIII eliminates any possibility of viralinfection. Other uses of genetic engineering include creating disease resistant crops, formulatingmilk from cows already containing pharmaceutical compounds, generating vaccines, andaltering livestock traits (Clarke 1). In the not so distant future, genetic engine ering will becomea principal player in fighting genetic, bacterial, and viral disease, along with controlling aging,and providing replaceable parts for humans. Medicine has seen many new innovations in its history. The discovery of anestheticspermitted the birth of modern surgery, while the production of antibiotics in the 1920sminimized the threat from diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and cholera. The creationof serums which build up the bodies immune system to specific infections, before being laid lowwith them, has also enhanced modern medicine greatly (Stableford 59). All of these discoveries,however, will fall under the broad shadow of genetic engineering when it reaches its apex in themedical community. Life Through My Eyes Essay The evolution of man can be broken up into three basic stages. The first, lasting millionsof years, slowly shaped human nature from Homo erectus to Home sapiens. Natural selectionprovided the means for countless random mutations resulting in the appearance of such humancharacteristics as hands and feet. The second stage, after the full development of the humanbody and mind, saw humans moving from wild foragers to an agriculture based society. Naturalselection received a helping hand as man took advantage of random mutations in nature and bredmore productive species of plants and animals. The most bountiful wheats were collected andre-planted, and the fastest horses were bred with equally faster horses. Even in our recenthistory the strongest black male slaves were mated with the hardest working female slaves. Thethird stage, still developing today, will not require the chance acquisition of super-mutations innature. Man will be able to create such super-s pecies without the strict limitations imposed bynatural selection. By examining the natural slope of this evolution, the third stage is a naturaland inevitable plateau that man will achieve (Stableford 8). This omniscient control of ourworld may seem completely foreign, but the thought of the Egyptians erecting vast pyramidswould have seem strange to Homo erectus as well. Many claim genetic engineering will cause unseen disasters spiraling our world intochaotic darkness. However, few realize that many safety nets regarding bioengineering arealready in effect. The Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC) was formed under theNational Institute of Health to provide guidelines for research on engineered bacteria forindustrial use. The RAC has also set very restrictive guidelines requiring Federal approval ifresearch involves pathogenicity (the rare ability of a microbe to cause disease) (Davis, Roche69). It is well established that most natural bacteria do not cause disease. After many years ofexperimentation, microbiologists have demonstrated that they can engineer bacteria that are justas safe as their natural counterparts (Davis, Rouche 70). In fact the RAC reports that there hasnot been a single case of illness or harm caused by recombinant engineered bacteria, and theynow are used safely in high school experiments (Davis, Rouche 69). Scientists have alsodevised other methods of preventing bacteria from escaping their labs, such as modifying thebacteria so that it will die if it is removed from the laboratory environment. This creates a shieldof complete safety for the outside world. It is also thought that if such bacteria were to escape itwould act like smallpox or anthrax and ravage the land. However, laboratory-created organismsare not as competitive as pathogens. Davis and Roche sum it up in extremely laymens terms,no matter how much Frostban you dump on a field, its not go ing to spread (70). In factFrostbran, developed by Steven Lindow at the University of California, Berkeley, was sprayed ona test field in 1987 and was proven by a RAC committee to be completely harmless (Thompson104). Fear of the unknown has slowed the progress of many scientific discoveries in the past. The thought of man flying or stepping on the moon did not come easy to the average citizens ofthe world. But the fact remains, they were accepted and are now an everyday occurrence in ourlives. Genetic engineering too is in its period of fear and misunderstanding, but like every greatdiscovery in history, it will enjoy its time of realization and come into full use in society. Theworld is on the brink of the most exciting step into human evolution ever, and throughknowledge and exploration, should welcome it and its possibilities with open arms. Works CitedClarke, Bryan C. Genetic Engineering. Microsoft (R) Encarta. Microsoft Corporation, Funk ; Wagnalls Corporation, 1994. Davis, Bernard, and Lissa Roche. Sorcerers Apprentice or Handmaidento Humanity. USA TODAY: The Magazine of the American Scene GUSA 118Nov 1989: 68-70. Lewin, Seymour Z. Nucleic Acids. Microsoft (R) Encarta. MicrosoftCorporation, Funk ; Wagnalls Corporation, 1994. Stableford, Brian. Future Man. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1984. Thompson, Dick. The Most Hated Man in Science. Time 23 Dec 4 1989:102-104Words/ Pages : 3,096 / 24

Monday, December 2, 2019

Multi Media Tools Design And Development Essays - Windows Games

Multi Media Tools Design And Development Necronomicon Ex Mortis Jay A With Multimedia is present in almost all aspects of life, entertainment, learning and instruction, information, and sales. This paper will focus on only one of these, the field of entertainment and will show how each aspect; text, graphics, animation, audio, photography and video not only relate to one another but also are dependent on each other to bring about a successful game. Entertainment software is designed to submerse a player in a new environment, be it fantasy, simulation or, in this case, action/adventure and can do so only by close teamwork in each of the six aspects of multimedia mentioned above. TEXT Each game is a miniature interactive movie, and therefore must have a background, a starting point, middle and an ending. In this aspect a script must be written. A script needs a writer and with this game the designers were able to bring back the original writer of the movie that this game is based on. Having a sizeable fan base the designers felt in necessary to keep true to the story line and feel of the movie. Included with the script for the game a writer must also take into account a voice over script for the actors, as well as background story. This is quite evident in the opening sequence of the game. It flawlessly pulls you into the story with a short monologue by the voice over actor and a stunning array of images that could only be brought to life through the writing of a good script. To do this you need to write, and then re-write a story line, receive feedback and then finalize a solid script acceptable to the producers, actors and last but not least the players. AUDIO Audio plays a very important role in the gamers world, from cues and musical clues to atmospheric sounds, ambient music as well as a full orchestra for the cut scenes and key movies to give a full cinematic experience to the player and further immerse them into this world. Tommy Tallibico was the person in charge of this great task has accomplished this through actually composing and recording the various sounds, music, and clues and then playing them back on a tape recorder as the game is played to get a feel for how they will affect the players experience. Bruce Campbell the actor that played Ash, the movies lead, was brought in to record voice comments for the game. The voice over script must ?completely capture the voice of Ash? and convey what he is feeling at any given point in the game. According to Scott Krager, the executive producer for THQ, Bruce and Ash are not too different from each other so the transformation was painless. All audio for the game were created and edited using ProTools and Digital ProPerformer, two high-end sound recording and editing programs. GRAPHICS, ANIMATION, PHOTOGRAPHY and VIDEO Graphics, animation, and video are a huge part of the player's experience, and with this game are all closely related to each other. Environment, the woods, buildings and other background miscellany you see as you move about the game, were first sketched out on paper and then digitized for use on the computer using various programs such as Renderman, for rendering and pre-rendering of digital backgrounds. The animation of characters that couldn't be filmed, such as monsters and evil spirits, plus all of the gore were created using programs such as Maya, Photoshop and Mira. This assures that no actors could be hurt in dangerous special effects scenes or stunts. All effects were created using After Effects Shake and Inferno to complete a package that not only draws you into, but makes you want to return to, the game. Graphics are also very important in the aspects of sales, a package must grab your attention from a shelf containing hundreds of other titles and make you want to buy it without actually playing it. Video and photography were used extensively to create true- to-life movement of the characters. These were then digitized and inserted into the game. A process known as green screen or sometimes, blue screen, was used to record a characters movements against a monochromatic background onto video and then, using