Featured Post

Lincoln vs. Davis Essay

Davis versus Lincoln The administration styles of Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln extraordinarily affected the result of the Civil War. ...

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Lincoln vs. Davis Essay

Davis versus Lincoln The administration styles of Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln extraordinarily affected the result of the Civil War. Lincoln’s essential objective was to safeguard the association, and so as to do this, he settled on specific choices that were un-protected. These choices at last reinforced his job as the president as the war advanced. He even expressed in his location that if essential, he would take the necessary steps to win. Jefferson, conversely, showed a free decision over the individuals of the confederacy.He was straightforward and observed the law without defying guidelines. He permitted the war to be constrained by the military heads who were members in the fight, and he gave his commanders trust and authority. The aftereffect of Daviis’s administration style was an official branch more vulnerable than Lincoln’s. It is easily proven wrong that on account of Lincoln’s foolish, un-legitimate choices, the Union had the option t o win the war against the South. As per report A, Lincoln had a â€Å"blatant dismissal for the Constitution. All through the war, Abraham Lincoln expanded the Army, went through cash without endorsement and made un-legitimized captures. During his administration he likewise held contradicting political adversaries in prison without preliminary so he might acquire votes. â€Å"As he conveyed the Gettysburg Address, his soldiers monitored the surveys at a state political race in Delaware, guaranteeing a Republican Victory† (Document A). It is fascinating to think how Lincoln is ordinarily depicted as â€Å"Honest Abe† and â€Å"The Great Emancipator† since he was none of these things.Jefferson Davis was the legit, honest president that the vast majority trust Lincoln to be. He was an extremely shrewd, incredible open speaker known for uprightness. In contrast to Lincoln, Davis turned out to be marginally less well known in light of the fact that he wouldn't evac uate un-fruitful officials. His help of state sway depended on profound conviction. (Record A) Davis was an exceptionally insufficient micromanager. While the fights seethed on, Davis confided in his Generals to lead the war and settle on the choices. Davis then again had a quiet, loosened up authority style and invited the contribution of others.He was known to change systems and even permitted the officers to change methodologies that he had firmly contradicted. Davis had the option to excuse his rivals and tune in to their interests. He would think about the assessments of others and would amend his activities as per data from officers, his bureau, or the individuals. One of the variables adding to the result of the war because of administration styles was that Lincoln micromanaged his commanders and went about as the power, while Davis permitted the officers opportunity with choices and fight strategies.Lincoln would go to any lengths to seek after his objectives of protecting t he Union and â€Å"ordered a huge number of capture, kept political adversaries in jail without bringing charges against them, denied these hapless men right to preliminary by their friends, and overlooked requests from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to discharge them†. (Report A) Lincoln was objective arranged and concentrated on his arrangement and was not open to enter from specialists or the individuals. Lincoln’s demonstration of quieting his adversaries prompted dread in the general population and eventually to Lincoln getting his way.Because of Lincoln’s solid commitment to win the war, his system was considerably more impressive than Davis’s. Davis ran on an experimentation style of battling, while Lincoln would not acknowledge disappointment. In light of his industriousness and record of winning fights, Lincoln had a vital bit of leeway over the Confederacy. Maybe if Davis had an assumed greater liability and forcefulness toward the Union , the result would have been unique. Be that as it may, as a result of the totally unique authority styles, the Union accomplished triumph over the Confederate armed force.

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Class size and student learning Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Class size and understudy learning - Research Paper Example No different, those that support of the contracting of class sizes battle for the advantages that it could have on the achievement of understudies inside these littler classes. The best advantage of contracting the size of classes is that understudies would have the option to get increasingly one-on-one correspondence with the instructor. The educator will have the chance to comprehend the scholastic qualities and shortcomings of every understudy (Chen, 2008), which can assist them with finding and utilize different techniques to enable them to instruct. After the subject has been educated, if a bunch of understudies are as yet incapable to get a handle on the theme, the educator will have the option to discover more opportunity to address the requirements of every individual understudy. This could end up being particularly valuable to in danger understudies. With less understudies, the educator would likewise be given additional time in which to show their subject, regardless of whe ther to the entire class or exclusively, until everyone can appropriately grasp what is being instructed. The instructor will have the option to discover progressively accessible time to execute different showing strategies and instruments, for example, labs or other specific guidance, to help the understudies in understanding the topic. With a little class size comes a general absence of disciplinary issues (Vanderlee, 2009). There would be less understudies to introduce interruptions to individual understudies and to the educator. In that capacity, an educator would have the option to invest a greater amount of their energy instructing than keeping an eye on the disturbance of troublemaking understudies. In like manner, understudies will think that its simpler to concentrate more on their work than on the interruptions brought about by their friends. When there is less interruption in the study hall, there will be additional time committed to learning and to ensuring that everybod y is at a similar degree of understanding as the remainder of the class. This applies to the educator, however to the understudies too, who will have the option to coordinate their consideration onto the essential purpose behind being in the study hall, which is to learn. Without interruptions, the educator will either have the option to overcome exercises faster, while as yet having the option to hinder their pace of instructing when it is requested of by at least one of the understudies. At long last, understudies are bound to take an interest in class exercises and conversations if the size of the class is littler. This is for the most part because of the way that understudies regularly feel progressively great when there are less individuals around. With less understudies in a solitary study hall, there will be an expanded feeling of closeness between the understudies and the educator (Blatchford, 2003), which can prove to be useful as understudies depend on one another for help , particularly when the instructor is supporting another understudy. There is likewise less weight for the understudies to intrigue their individual schoolmates, giving them each chance to truly take part in what is happening inside the study hall. At the point when an understudy effectively takes an interest, they are given the most obvious opportunity with regards to completely getting a handle on what they are being instructed. They are likewise ready to get the correct input when they are progressively vocal in class conversations, which can be utilized to additionally decide whether all the more considering or practice exercises are required. The best worry about diminishing class size is the broad expense of doing as such, and the way that most schools don't promptly have the assets to get it going.

Sunday, August 16, 2020

Lewinsky scandal

Lewinsky scandal Lewinsky scandal l?win ´ske [key], sensation that enveloped the presidency of Bill Clinton in 1998â€"99, leading to his impeachment by the U.S. House of Representatives and acquittal by the Senate. Paula Corbin Jones, a former Arkansas state worker who claimed that Bill Clinton had accosted her sexually in 1991 when he was governor of Arkansas, had brought a sexual harassment lawsuit against the president. Seeking to show a pattern of behavior on Clinton's part, Jones's lawyers questioned several women believed to have had a liaison with him. On Jan. 17, 1998, Clinton himself was questioned, becoming the first sitting president to testify as a civil defendant. In his testimony, Clinton denied having had an affair with Monica S. Lewinsky, an unpaid intern and later a paid staffer at the White House, in 1995â€"96. Lewinsky had earlier, in a deposition in the same case, also denied having such a relationship. Kenneth Starr , the independent counsel in the Whitewater case, had previously received tape recordings made by Linda R. Tripp (a former coworker of Lewinsky's) of telephone conversations in which Lewinsky described her involvement with the president. Asserting that there was a pattern of deception, Starr obtained from Attorney General Janet Reno permission to investigate the matter. The president publicly denied having had a relationship with Lewinsky and charges of covering it up. His adviser Vernon Jordan denied having counseled Lewinsky to lie in the Jones case, or having arranged a job for her outside Washington, to help cover up the affair. Hillary Clinton claimed that a vast right-wing conspiracy was trying to destroy her husband, while Republicans and conservatives portrayed him as immoral and a liar. In March, Jordan and others testified before Starr's grand jury, and lawyers for Paula Jones released papers revealing, among other things, that Clinton, in his January deposition, had admitted to a sexual relationship in the 1980s with Arkansas entertainer Gennifer Flowers, a charge he had long denied. In April, however, Arkansas federal judge Susan Webber Wright dismissed the Jones suit, ruling that Jones's story, if true, showed that she had been exposed to boorish behavior but not sexual harrassment; Jones appealed. In July, Starr granted Lewinsky immunity from perjury charges, and Clinton agreed to testify before the grand jury. He did so on Aug. 17, then went on television to admit the affair with Lewinsky and ask for forgiveness. In September, Starr sent a 445-page report to the House of Representatives, recommending four possible grounds for impeachment : perjury, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and abuse of authority (in claiming executive privilege and other actions). The report, detailed not only in its reporting of claimed misdeeds but also its description of sexual acts, was condemned by many as prurient. The House Judiciary Committee considered the report in October and Novembe r. In mid-November it sent Clinton 81 formal inquiries; his answers, seen as legalistic and combative, were thought to hurt his case. On Dec. 12, in party-line votes, the committee approved four impeachment counts, rejecting a resolution of censure drafted by Democrats as an alternative. House Republicans had unexpectedly lost seats in the Nov. elections, and it was widely held that the impeachment proceeding was one reason, since polls showed the public did not favor impeachment. It was also said that there was no chance the Senate would convict on any charge. The White House hoped that these facts and its own campaign against impeachment would prevent it, but on Dec. 19 Clinton became the second president (after Andrew Johnson ) to be impeached, on two charges: perjuryâ€"in his Aug., 1998, testimonyâ€"and obstruction of justice. The vote, again, was largely along party lines. In Jan., 1999, the trial began in the Senate. On Jan. 12, Clinton settled the Paula Jones suit, dispo sing of any threat her case might hold for him. On Feb. 12, after a trial in which testimony relating to the charges was limited, the Senate rejected both counts of impeachment. The perjury charge lost, 55â€"45, with 10 Republicans joining all 45 Democrats in voting against it; the obstruction charge drew a 50â€"50 vote. Subsequently, on Apr. 12, Judge Wright, who had dismissed the Jones case, found the president in contempt for lying in his Jan., 1998, testimony, when he denied the Lewinsky affair. In July, Judge Wright ordered the president to pay nearly $90,000 to Ms. Jones's lawyers. During that same month a Maryland grand jury indicted Linda Tripp for illegally taping phone calls (Tripp had been granted immunity from federal prosecution but not from state charges), but the charges were later dropped when crucial evidence was ruled inadmissable. On Jan. 19, 2001, the day before he left office, President Clinton agreed to admit to giving false testimony in the Jones case and to a ccept a five-year suspension of his law license and a $25,000 fine in return for an agreement by the independent counsel, Robert W. Ray (Starr's successor), to end the investigation and not prosecute him. See M. Isikoff, Uncovering Clinton (1999); A. Morton, Monica's Story (1999); R. A. Posner, An Affair of State (1999); J. Toobin, A Vast Conspiracy (2000); P. Baker, The Breach: Inside the Impeachment and Trial of William Jefferson Clinton (2000); K. Gormley, The Death of American Virtue (2010). The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. See more Encyclopedia articles on: U.S. History

Sunday, May 24, 2020

A Strategic Report on Travis Perkins - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 9 Words: 2739 Downloads: 4 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Marketing Essay Level High school Did you like this example? 1. Introduction 2. Strategic Analysis 2.1 Broad environment 2.1.1 Political 2.1.2 Economic 2.1.3 Social 2.1.4 Technological 2.1.5 Environmental 2.1.6 Legal 2.2 Industry 2.2.1 Threat of new entrants 2.2.2 Threat of substitutes 2.2.3 Bargaining power of buyers 2.2.4 Bargaining power of suppliers 2.2.5 Competitive Rivalry 2.3 Company strategy 3. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "A Strategic Report on Travis Perkins" essay for you Create order Financial Statement Analysis 3.1 Income Statement Analysis 3.2 Balance Sheet Analysis 3.3 Cash Flow Statement Analysis 3.4 Other Ratios Analysis 4. Stock Market Analysis 4.1 Share price performance analysis 4.2 Stock market indicators analysis 4.2.1 Discussion of EPS and P/E 4.2.2 Discussion of dividend policy and D/Y 5. Summary and Conclusion 5.1 Summary by SWOT analysis 5.2 Recommendations for investors 6. Bibliography 7. Appendices 7.1 Strategy of Travis perkins 1. Introduction Travis Perkins is a leading Public Limited Company in the buildersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ merchant and home improvement markets across the UK and Ireland (Annual Report, 2013). The Group became one of the FTSE 100 companies for the first time in June 2013(Annual Report, 2013). The originator of Travis Perkins, which can be traced back to 1797, is the Benjamin Ingram company trading as joiners and carpenters(Travis Perkins, 2014). During the last 200 years, Travis Perkins became a Public Limited Company though mergers and acquisitions in 1988 (Travis Perkins, 2014). The headquarter is in Northampton, the United Kingdom employing 21,937 people as of December 31, 2013 (Travis Perkins, 2014). Now The Group is the UKà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s largest product supplier in the building and construction market operating 17 businesses with 14 brands and over 1,900 branches (Annual Report, 2013). Travis Perkins offers a wide range of products and services such as general building materials, kitchen s and joinery products, building and decorative materials and plumbing and heating products (Travis Perkins, 2014). Over the last few years, Travis Perkins has acquired several companies to extend its business and seize the opportunity to enhance its growth as a result of the rising economic recovery(Annual Report, 2013). The strategy objectives of the Group has recently centralized on the consolidation of the shareholder value. Therefore, Travis Perkins realigned the divisional structure into four segments General Merchanting, Specialist Merchanting, Consumer and Plumbing and Heating (Annual Report, 2013). At the meantime, Travis Perkins has a big movement in the Board of Directors as the Chief Financial Officer, non-executive board directors and the Chief Executive are all newly appointed(Annual Report, 2013). This report will evaluate the performance of Travis Perkins from strategic directions, financial statement performance and stock market performance three aspects. 2. Strategic Analysis The strategic direction of a company should be based on the environment it operates. Therefore, the strategic analysis is divided into three parts from macro environment, particular industry and the strategies of the company. 2.1 Broad environment This part will analyze the macro-environmental forces that may impact Travis Perkins using PESTEL analysis. It is extremely necessary for companies to identify the external and broad environment in which they are operating to make changes to their long term strategies to adjust with the external environment changes. 2.1.1 Political The Government-funded Construction Pipeline, released in November 2012, has encouraged the industry where Travis Perkins operates (Key Note, 2013). However, it will lead to the reduction of government expenditure on construction (Key Note, 2013). Moreover, the government austerity measures restrict the public expenditures on construction for the few following years (Key Note, 2013). As a result, the decrease of construction output will have adverse effects on the buildersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ merchant and home improvement markets. Travis perkins need to be aware of it as a threat to the business. Due to the depressed activity across the construction industry, the UK government took action to re-boost the housing stock and increase the transactions in the housing market by generating several initiatives such as the Help-to-buy scheme in 2013 (Key Note, 2013). The funding pledged by the government has helped tenants to credit borrowing aiming at increasing the demand for new housing and secondary housing transactions (Annual report, 2013). As the supplier to the construction industry, Travis Perkins definitely gained sales through the supply of the building materials to the construction industry or the increasing demand of the consumer products (Key Note, 2013). 2.1.2 Economic During the last several years, the recession in UK has been largely affected by the global financial crisis in 2008. The adverse economic climate definitely affected the buildersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ merchant and home improvement markets and construction industry. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"Although growth has been recorded following the UKà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s exit from recession, growth in the UK economy remained depressed in 2012 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ largely due to continued financial turbulence across Europe à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬  pushing construction output back into negative growthà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ (Key Note, 2013).The declining in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in UK demonstrates a drop of confidence towards corporate sectors(Key Note, 2013). Thus the market of buildersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ merchant and home improvement will be affected adversely due to the decreasing capital invested in construction industry (Key Note, 2013). The high inflation rate and unemployment rate both push the pressures on businesses and make it far more costly to purchase housing (Key Note, 2013). However, Travis Perkins has been through a slight recovery from the UK economy in 2013 (Annual report, 2013). The rising energy costs has increased the costs in buildersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ merchant and home improvement markets in recently years(Key Note, 2013). The cost control should be considered by the Travis Perkins. 2.1.3 Social The changing in customersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ buying behaviour has been more and more diversified (Annual report, 2013). The transparency of price is highly demanded by end-users (Annual report, 2013). The fixed price is more valued and the demand of better service and price (Annual report, 2013). Travis Perkins faces several challenges to change its pricing models to gain customers loyalty. Chart 1 Changes in buying behaviour(Annual report, 2013) Household disposable income has increased but still not enough to stimulate consumers to invest on new building products (Key Note, 2013). Therefore, Travis Perkins needs a long time to recover from the financial crisis since the market will respond a time lag as a trend (Key Note, 2013). With a steady growth in UK resident population, it shows promising outlook of the construction industry and its suppliers in which the market Travis Perkins operates is a growing perspective in the long term view (Key Note, 2013). 2.1.4 Technological The need for online penetration is higher and higher in the future according to the industry forecasts of the DIY and building products markets (Annual report, 2013). Chart 2 UK building products online market (Annual report, 2013) Chart 3 UK DIY and gardening online penetration (Annual report, 2013) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"In recent years, there has been an upsurge in the use of prefabricated structures and modular building techniquesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ (Key Note, 2013). These techniques can make a big change to the demand for new and proper materials and components (Key Note, 2013).Travis Perkins can consider the cooperation with the top and bottom line businesses in the buildersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ merchant and home improvement markets. 2.1.5 Environmental The sustainability practices have made it a compulsory issue to minimize the damage to the environment (Key Note, 2013). The 2008 Climate Change Act also established a requirement to the reduction of greenhouse gas (Key Note, 2013). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"In the construction industry, numerous initiatives à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬  such as Zero Carbon Homes and the Governmentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s flagship environmental initiative the Green Deal à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬  have been implemented in order to encourage uptake of energy-efficient improvements in existing buildings and to reduce emissions from new buildsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ (Key Note, 2013). Thus Travis Perkins should be concerned to all these issues which will increase the demand for repair ,maintenance and improvement work and certain types of emerging materials (Key Note, 2013). 2.1.6 Legal The Building Regulations of construction technical standards need to be concerned and Travis Perkins can seize the opportunities to research energy efficient and sustainable building materials to make an advantage among competitors (Key Note, 2013). The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) has come into force in March 2013. The regulations prohibit the operators to produce timber from illegally harvested timber (Key Note, 2013). Although the regulations may deteriorate some of the timber and joinery business. In reality, the UK market has reached the requirements of the regulation which à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"will serve to create a more competitive European market, reducing any advantage companies may gain from the use of illegal timber through proportionate and dissuasive penaltiesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ (Key Note, 2013). 2.2 Industry The buildersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ merchant and home improvement markets experienced significantly fluctuations over the last few years due to the UK economic recession and uncertainty in construction industry (Key Note, 2013). UK suppliers of building materials also have extended their businesses across numerous overseas markets, especially in Europe (Key Note, 2013). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"The total UK construction and home improvement materials market is worth approximately  ¿Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¡64bnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ (Annual Report, 2013). The addressable trade market of Travis Perkins is  ¿Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¡33bn as the largest in the UK (Annual Report, 2013). Chart 4 Building materials market (Annual Report, 2013). The construction industry and repair ,maintenance and improvement sector in UK has a significant demand for a wide range of building materials, components and products (Key Note, 2013).Buildersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ merchant and home improvement markets mainly rely on the construction industry and do-it-yourself (DIY) market as well (Key Note, 2013). In order to evaluate the forces which determine the industry competitiveness, the following will be analyzed by Porterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Five Forces Model. 2.2.1 Threat of new entrants The threat of new entrants into the industry is low. Since there is insubstantial probability of emergence of new competition for Travis Perkins. Significant amount of capital investment and expertise are required to manage as a UK nationwide builder merchant in the mature market (Annual Report, 2013). The multi-channel capabilities of supply and distribution and economies of scale are also the potentials to enter into the market (Annual Report, 2013). 2.2.2 Threat of substitutes The threat of substitute products and services is low as the demand for building materials and components offered by Travis Perkins is not easily substituted by other merchants since it enables customers to access a wide range of building material product categories (Annual Report, 2013). Moreover, a variety of own brand products are available as the supplement of the branded goods (Annual Report, 2013). 2.2.3 Bargaining power of buyers The bargaining power of Travis Perkins buyers is strong, as the competition is fierce and there is a wide choice of suppliers of building materials offered by global merchants, as well as, small local producers (Annual Report, 2013). The small private buyers like end users have no pressure on Travis Perkins (Annual Report, 2013). Large retailers, construction merchants and public sector buying groups have bargaining power because they may choose manufacturers directly (Annual Report, 2013). 2.2.4 Bargaining power of suppliers Suppliers of Travis Perkins possess a substantial bargaining power as the manufacturers may distribute the products directly with the end users (Annual Report, 2013). The switching costs are really high and the integration forward by the manufacture may provide a higher prices of the products. The Group relies on overseas factories more and more to expand its business to reduce the reliance on certain suppliers (Annual Report, 2013). The Group has invested capitals to its own brand product by generating direct sourcing capability advantages (Annual Report, 2013). 2.2.5 Competitive Rivalry A great many small scale companies make up the UK buildersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ merchants market offering a variety of products and services to the nationwide markets (Annual Report, 2013). The competition from timber merchants, plumber merchants, electrical wholesalers and similar businesses is definitely a threat for the Travis Perkins. However, Travis Perkins is the market leader in the buildersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ merchant market in the UK currently (Annual Report, 2013). The turnover of the Groupà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s largest national competitor generates less than half of the turnover in the Groupà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s addressable markets (Annual Report, 2013). The wide range of products and branches across the UK has made it an advantage that few competitors can catch up. 2.3 Company strategy Travis Perkins has reviewed its strategy to make it a better option to achieve its Mission (Appendix 7.1) in December 2013 due to the improving economy and the changes of the Board (Annual Report, 2013). The new strategy (Appendix 7.2) aimed to increase the capital investment to enhance the existing market revenues and earnings and increase the quality of the services to satisfy customers and improve the shareholders returns (Annual Report, 2013). The realigned divisional structure (Appendix 7.3) and the expansion (Appendix 7.3) of each division also played a significant role in delivering the objectives of the strategy. The portfolio management of the capital investment has made a competitive advantage for Travis Perkins to provide almost all the types of building products and services to the construction market. The management of the capital invested make it a better use to create of the shareholder value. In recent years, the acquisitions made all aim to expand in new and complementary business areas which demonstrates Travis Perkinsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s intention to invest capital in promising market (Annual Report, 2013). Scale advantage has make an efficient supply chain to gain customer loyalty. The Group also benefit from economies of scale in lower costs and shared IT systems. All these issues bring a cost efficiency and better relationship with colleagues and customers which will make the Group more attractive to do business with. The customer innovation improve the customer satisfaction and make it a better buying action. However, compared with other competitors, Travis Perkins narrows its activities in UK and Ireland to limit the expansion and opportunities in emerging markets. For example, Wolseley PLC operates in six geographic areas to make business as a local standardized core process to gain market share.However, in the UK market, Wolseley is not the largest operator, Wolseley has much more sales and returns in other markets. In additi on, Wolseley makes their businesses at a higher return by bottom-up detailed resource allocation to grow faster than the competition. It is more efficient for trade distributor. 3. Financial Statement Analysis 3.1 Income Statement Analysis 3.2 Balance Sheet Analysis 3.3 Cash Flow Statement Analysis 3.4 Other Ratios Analysis 4. Stock Market Analysis 4.1 Share price performance analysis Source: Google finance ¼Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢2014 Source: Google finance ¼Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢2014 Source: Google finance ¼Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢2014 Source: Google finance ¼Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢2014 Source: Google finance ¼Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢2014 4.2 Stock market indicators analysis 4.2.1 Discussion of EPS and P/E 4.2.2 Discussion of dividend policy and D/Y 5. Summary and Conclusion 5.1 Summary by SWOT analysis 5.1.1 Strengths Travis Perkins has a wide range portfolio of businesses to enable it capture broad customer base from end users and large construction merchants and increase its growth from all markets. The Group also operates a strong business model with long term relationships with its suppliers and customers. The expansion will not influence the cost of the company since the business model gives the flexibility and cost efficiency. Even the economic downturn has effected all the business, the financial performance of Travis Perkins is still in steady growth. The strong financial results will provide Travis Perkins a financial flexibility in capital expansion. 5.1.2 Weaknesses As mentioned above, the operations are concentrated mainly in UK which limits the opportunities to invest and makes it a higher business risk than other competitors. Travis Perkins will rely more on the demand and condition of the market in UK not like other competitors with more flexibility in the market. 5.1.3 Opportunities Fortunately, the economy and construction in UK lead to the fluctuations and uncertainties over last few years but the outlook is positive where Travis Perkins can seize the opportunities to expand revenues and create shareholders value. Recently, the online penetration in retail has experienced a high growth. In the building materials market, the level of penetration is expected to increase which is a great opportunity. 5.1.4 Threats Travis Perkins faces many local or other national operators in turn the competitive pressure may lead to reduction in price definitely resulting the profits and expansion. Further more, the change of customer buying behavior ,integration of manufacturers and customer transition from distributor to manufacturer will largely affect Travis Perkinsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ business performance. 5.2 Recommendations for investors Through the entire analysis, Travis Perkins has a improving outlook in 2014 due to the market condition. The company will benefit from the construction and DIY emerging market which will recover for the next few years according to the forecasts. However, there still exists uncertainties in housing and construction. It is just the beginning of the recovery and there is a time lag from buildersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ merchant and home improvement markets. I strongly recommend to wait till 2014 year end for investors who want to buy Travis Perkins shares now. It will show a clear trend of the increasing of the shares for some time. 6. Bibliography Google Finance. 2014.Travis Perkins plc. [Online]. [Accessed 22 April 2014].Available from : https://www.google.com/finance?q=LON%3ATPKei=jS11U9DNFYj6wAPkrIGYDQ Travis Perkins. 2014.History. [Online]. [Accessed 22 April 2014].Available from : https://www.travisperkinsplc.co.uk/about-us/history Travis Perkins. 2014.Strategy. [Online]. [Accessed 22 April 2014].Available from : https://ir.travisperkinsplc.co.uk/strategy.aspx 7. Appendices 7.1 The Mission of Travis perkins à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"Continue to deliver better returns by putting in place and growing the best businesses, with outstanding people providing comprehensive building material solutions to everyone, creating, maintaining, repairing and improving the built environmentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ helping to build Britain.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ (Annual report, 2013). 7.2 The Strategy of Travis perkins (Capital Markets Day, 2013) 7.3 Divisional structure of Travis perkins (Annual report, 2013) (Capital Markets Day, 2013)

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Social Contract Theory Thomas Hobbes - 2009 Words

Social contract theory, nearly as old as philosophy itself, is the view that person s moral and/or political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement among them to form the society in which they live. The Social Contract is largely associated with modern moral and political theory, and is given its first full exposition and defense by Thomas Hobbes in his piece, Leviathan. After Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau are the best known proponents of this influential theory, though each have their own unique take on governance, State of Nature, and human existence itself; Hobbes and Rousseau’s arguments are the most compelling out of the trio. Hobbes political philosophy is best understood in two parts: his†¦show more content†¦By this reasoning, Hobbes concludes that people are too distracted and misled by our own needs to see what is best for our state, therefore we must serve as subjects, rather than constituents. That being said, government, or as he calls it, the Sovereign, is to be distanced from the people for they are too irresponsible and illogical to partake in their own governing, therefore the government is designed to control, not represent. And despite living through the English Revolution, Hobbes also rejects the early democratic view, taken up by the Parliamentarians of his time. The English political revolutionaries of the time believed that power ought to be shared between Parliament and the King, much to the repugnance of Hobbes. By rejecting this ideology, Hobbes maintains his image of a radical conservative for his time. The plight of the common man is, however, not hopeless. Because men are reasonable, they can see their way out of such a state by recognizing the lex naturalis, or Laws of Nature, which provide them the means to escape the State of Nature and enter a civil society. The first, and arguably most important, Law of Nature commands that every man must be willing to pursue peace when others are willing to doShow MoreRelatedThomas Hobbes And The Social Contract Theory1088 Words   |  5 PagesConstitution has been kept the same. The Leviathan, Two Treatises, and the Declaration of Independence serve as underpinnings of the Constitution to keep and protect our freedoms. Thomas Hobbes wrote the Leviathan in the early 1640 s. Hobbes Leviathan played a part of social contract theory. The social contract theory is a voluntary agreement among individuals that which organized society is brought it into being and invested with the right to secure a mutual protection and welfare to regulate theRead MoreEssay on Thomas Hobbes and the Social Theory Contract597 Words   |  3 PagesPhilosopher, Thomas Hobbes and the Social Theory Contract for a clear understanding of the issues. The Social Contract Theory is the basis for the Declaration of Independence and the guiding theories for the Unite States Government as well as many other governments, such as the European Union, England and France, to name a few. The theory is about why people choose to give us some of their rights and powers in order to form a government. That government has a series of purposes. Thomas Hobbes theorizedRead MoreEssay on Thomas Hobbes Social Contract Theory982 Words   |  4 PagesIn Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes lays out the hypothetical principal of the state of nature, where human it-self is artificial. It is human nature that people will not be able to love permanently, everyone against everyone power between the strongest. In this nation-state you must be the strongest in order to survive (survival of the fittest). In order to survive there are laws we must follow, to insure of our security because of fear. We were able to suppress our fear, by creating order, to have moreRead MoreThomas Hobbes Social Contract Theory Essay895 Words   |  4 PagesThomas Hobbes creates a clear idea of the social contract theory in which the social contract is a collective agreement where everyone in the state of nature comes together and sacrifices all their liberty in return to security. â€Å"In return, the State promises to exercise its absolute power to maintain a state of peace (by punishing deviants, etc.)† So are the power and the ability of the state making people obey to the laws or is there a wider context to this? I am going to look at the differentRead MorePolitical And Social Contract Theory By Thomas Hobbes951 Words   |  4 PagesSocial contract theory refers to the view that peoples’ political and moral obligations are contingent on an agreement or contact among them to constitute a wholesome society where they can live in harmony. It is often associated with contemporary political and moral theory and was given the first comprehensive exposition by Thomas Hobbes. Hobbes was fearful of man’s violent and lawless nature, perhaps due to his experience during the Puritan revolution. He was of the conviction that self-preservationRead MoreThe Social Contract Theories Of Thomas Hobbes And John Locke1210 Words   |  5 PagesMahogany Mills Professor: Dr. Arnold Political Philosophy 4 February 2015 Compare and contrast the social contract theories of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke In the beginning of time, there was no government to regulate man. This caused a burden on society and these hardships had to be conquered, which is when a social contract was developed. The social contract theory is a model that addresses the questions of the origin of society and the legitimacy of the authority of the state over an individualRead MoreThomas Hobbes And John Locke s Theory Of Social Contract Theory1449 Words   |  6 PagesIn this essay, I argue contemporary social contract theory extends itself beyond politics and into philosophy, religion, and literature. I begin by defining social contract theory and explaining the different perspectives of English philosophers, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. From there, I will introduce Dostoyevsky’s work, Grand Inquisitor, and conduct an analysis of the relationships between the Grand Inquisitor and his subjects as well as Jesus and his followers. Using textual evidence and uncontroversialRead MoreThomas Hobbes and John L ockes Varying Presentations of the Social Contract Theory1499 Words   |  6 PagesBoth Thomas Hobbes and John Locke are well-known political philosophers and social contract theorists. Social Contract Theory is, â€Å"the hypothesis that one’s moral obligations are dependent upon an implicit agreement between individuals to form a society.† (IEP, Friend). Both Hobbes and Locke are primarily known for their works concerning political philosophy, namely Hobbes’ Leviathan and Locke’s Two Treatise of Government. Both works contain a different view of a State of Nature and lay out socialRead More Force, Morality and Rights in Thomas Hobbes and John Lockes Social Contract Theories1632 Words   |  7 Pagesand Rights in Thomas Hobbes and John Lockes Social Contract Theories Throughout history, the effects of the unequal distribution of power and justice within societies have become apparent through the failure of governments, resulting in the creation of theories regarding ways to balance the amount of power given and the way in which justice is enforced. Due to this need for change, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke created two separate theories in which the concept of a social contract is used to determineRead MoreThe Social Contract Theory Essay1249 Words   |  5 Pages1a. The Social Contract Theory According to the Social Contract Theory, it suggests that all individuals must depend on an agreement/ or contract among each person to form a society, in which they live in. The concept emphasizes authority over individuals, in other words, the social contract favors authority (e.g. the Sovereign) over the individuals, because men have to forfeit their personal right and freedom to the government, in exchange for protection and security, which I will further elaborate

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Importance of Moral Science Free Essays

In today’s rat race values are eroding fast. There is a total decadence in social and moral values. Children go to schools daily thinking how to scale heights they will reach. We will write a custom essay sample on Importance of Moral Science or any similar topic only for you Order Now How rich education can make them. In today’s cut throat competition even the parents instruct their wards that they should top in the class. The parents want their money back for the investments in schools. The criteria for promotion in schools are marks in sciences and social sciences, but not moral science. But childhood is a very impressionable age. The mind is like soft wax, so whatever one is taught at a tender age it leaves a deep impression. Therefore Moral science must be made a compulsory in school curriculum. Isn’t it? It is also a science of human soul; it’s a mirror of one’s inward mind, one’s ethics. Moral science inculcates values in mankind and value education is very vital from childhood. Coming to Values It means estimating any person any object any animal. How many of us do so? In affluent families if children lose their belongings like a small pencil box or a lunch box they are quickly replaced by their parents. The parents think their little darlings will feel inconvenient without those things. My advice to those parents are let your little feel uncomfortable without their lunch or pencil box , then only they will learn And I promise you, next time they would be careful not to misplace them or even prize them no matter what those cost. Moral science helps every child to learn values. If diamonds were found in plentiful like pebbles on sea shore would we have cared to pick them? School is our ALMA MATER, which means My Mother. Just as a mother instructs her toddlers hoe to value family, schools should preach the pupils HONESTI IS THE BEST POLICY, CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME. Through moral science classes, Children spend so much of their precious time in schools. So schools shoulder the responsibility of imparting moral values to them. Temptations lure us just like the FORBIDDEN FRUIT had seduced Adam. As a result Garden of Eden was confiscated from Adam by God. Our life is also a paradise on Earth. Moral science can channelize us through spiritual crisis â€Å" His goodness shall follow mw always to the end of my days† Moral science protects us from the corrosive influences, else every one of us would someday turn into Dr Faustus. To make the children self-reliant, confident and responsible citizens we have to give them value-based education, which only moral science can do. After all â€Å"Today’s child is tomorrow’s citizen†. Moral science is not a religion-based subject. Rather it eliminates fanaticism, superstition and violence. It preaches LOVE ALL SERVE ALL. This value is lacking in today’s generation. It helps a child to pay heed to his conscience. Not to be led away by worldly show. Theoretical knowledge is not enough. Teachers should make their life exemplary to their students. The lives of great patriots or spiritual leaders must be brought to the forefront Only Moral science can stem the tide of rapid value erosion and motivate the students towards a healthier life. A child is then trained emotionally, mentally, and physically how to be a responsible citizen or a good son or a daughter. They can resist wrong peer pressure intolerance and through right conduct lead forward their nation Who knows among these pupils are tomorrow’s leaders or even a spiritual Guru. With the help of schools , the pressure on the parents is also reduced. Thus to all the schools of the modern days it’s my hearty advice that before preparing a new syllabus for the new term please make Moral science as part of the curriculum. Let the light of spirituality shine through the eyes of the little ones. How to cite Importance of Moral Science, Essay examples

Monday, May 4, 2020

Different And Interpretations Of Language -Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Different And Interpretations Of Language? Answer: Introducation Englishes is a term that is used in describing different local varieties of English that people speak across the globe. Different Englishes are often referred to as world or global English and is commonly used as lingua franca among people who do not necessarily speak similar first English. According to Kachrus model, Englishes are used in three different ways which include inner, outer and expanding Englishes (Kachru, 1986). The countries that are categorized and use inner circle English are those which English is their first language such as the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The countries in the outer ring are those that use English as their official language for purposes of education such as Kenya and South Africa. The countries that are categorized in the expanding circle use English as a lingua franca such as China (Bolton, 2002). The states with most people speaking in English are not from the first two categories but the expanding circle category such as Slovenia. This is because these countries have a policy for compulsory English lessons right from childhood. The people who speak different Englishes do not have the same capacity of reasoning and therefore the likelihood of having a fruitful conversation is always a challenge (Bruthiaux, 2003). This problem can also be experienced among speakers from the same circle as a result of verbal and non-verbal elements of communication. Verbal aspects in English is dependent on hearing, vision, word choice and jargon while non-verbal factors include eye contact, facial expression, gestures and distance from where an individual is speaking (Byram, 1997). Another aspect of different Englishes is the accent used in communication. An accent plays a significant role in determining if a speaker form inner, outer or expanding language can be understood. Accent has the potential to result to miscommunication even amongst speakers of similar English. Accents are not universal and people from a given country can have more than one. In Australia, the English spoken has four unique accents while there are numerous different accents in America (Bolton, Graddol Meierkord, 2011). More so, the British English has a huge variety of accents such as cockney which is spoken in London, Scouse is spoken among those in Liverpool, Geordie in Newcastle and scots in Scottish. For those whose first language is not English, their mother tongue accent influences the way they speak world Englishes (Canagarajah, 2013). The most common difference among these non-native speakers of English is reproducing certain sounds as they should. There are also different dialects in different Englishes which play a role in influencing mutual intelligence among different speakers across the world. Dialects are of different nature just as accents have a wide range. Different dialects are often found in the same locality such as modern cities across the world (Boyle, 2012). The size of a country does not determine the numbers of dialects as there are big countries such as Australia which has a small number of dialects as compared to America and Britain. Common dialects in Englishes include the use of distinct terms such as Outback and fair dinkum. Also, they use words that are derived from the aboriginal language such as Kangaroo and Billabong. Other dialects include the use of words such as Bazza, Shazza, and Septic tank (Eades, 2004). Another aspect in different Englishes includes the miscommunication where people it occurs quite frequently among those learning English as their second language. The miscommunication influences not only the learners but also native speakers. The miscommunication occurs as a result of mixing verbal, non-verbal and Para-verbal components of communication (Byram, Gribkova Starkey, 2002). However, these elements can be significant in overcoming miscommunication. The issues of standard, non-standard and substandard arise in different Englishes where speakers who have had a long tradition of both written and literature speak of a codified standard (Jenkins, Baker Dewey, 2018). Further, this can be used in explaining other varieties of Englishes. English speaking language that falls under inner, outer and expanding have a term that is standard in a particular country. Such terms are often used by people in different circumstances and although they might not necessarily be aware of the correct meaning, they have the ability to recognize certain words on communication. There is also the case of vernacular that found in English and determines the language that is spoken naturally amongst individual of a specific geographical area (Chin-Chuan Cheng, 1992). The Polylectal grammars suggest that speakers of various dialects can understand each other. This is because the nature of their communication does not differ which essentially implies that for one to understand different dialects, they must have a general understanding of the language. The underlying forms that equate to a general understanding of a language imply that they are not necessarily present among speakers of different Englishes (Crystal, 2015). Categorically, it is eluded that speakers can understand more than one dialect but use a different one when speaking. An individual with different dialects can communicate as a result of receptive competence that is found in native speakers. Various places across the world are faced with the challenge of a geographical dialect continuum. This gives rise to linguistic differences as there is more than one dialect in a specific locality (Byram Feng, 2004). However, all the dialects that are spoken in a particular setting determine the chain of mutual intelligibility. In such a scenario, the speakers of different dialect can understand each other as a result of living adjacent to them within a locality. This implies that dialect of different circles may not have the aspect of mutual intelligibility. The social dialect continua develop as a result of geographical setting such as in Jamaica. In Jamaica, the social dialect continua resulted because the top social class spoke English while the bottom social level spoke Jamaican Creole. These two languages are not mutually intelligible although the Jamaican Creole is similar to English. The Jamaican Creole has recognized an inferior language as a result of the social status of the African slaves. The social situation in Jamaica led to authentic creole becoming closer to spoken English and the gap between English and Creole was reduced by the social dialect continuum. However, there is no cle ar boundary between these two languages and the Jamaicans are said to speak in English although there are different varieties of English spoken in Jamaica (Canagarajah Silberstein, 2012). Different Englishes are connected with culture, language and identity and continues to draw mixed reactions among researchers (Agar, 2006). A persons identity can be determined through investigating their interaction and contribution in a particular language or culture. These aspects can be examined by globalization and diplomatic relationship. This process gives one a complete understanding of how language, culture and identity work hand in hand with people as well as communities. The interaction social linguistic is the basis used in studying the use of language and identity. According to John Gumperz, verbal signs that are processed in a series of symbolic communication serve as a basis for which interpretation can be deduced and influences the way a message is understood (Gumperz, 1982). These aspects of communication often comprise of forms of spoken language that included syntactic, lexical and paralinguistic. It also involves the patters that people take turns during communication and the nature of the language being spoken. This aspect of communication contains signals that can be interpreted and become significant in adjusting the context of views during a conversation. The relationship between language and identity is strengthened by the fact that when an individual is peaking is because they are in contract with another cooperative agent (Morita, 2004). The signals can be identified by examining the cues that individuals use to relate to the context of a particular conversation. The challenges that are bound to occur and result in miscommunication is as a result of lack of a common cue that gives meaning to the two people in a conversation. Participants in a conversation are often interested in the success of their communication where the success of the communication is directly related to sharing information that creates meaning when conversing (Ellis Shintani, 2014). As a result, the miscommunication that arises in any conversation is pegged on the difference of information among the participants. However, Kandiah argues that there is something other than shared information that might have influence miscommunication. Kandiah bases his arguments from an interview for purposes of explaining the challenges in cross-cultural communication (Phillipson, 1992). In the interview conversation between an immigrant from India and the English interviewer, the use of prosodic cues provides the basis for Kandiahs argument. In his arguments, he suggests that the lack of information between the two participants disregards vital elements such as the length taken to communicate as well as the experience of the interviewee. Kandiah suggests that there are other explanations which provide the basis for misunderstanding such as where one of the participants knowingly use different cues and disregards those by other parties to create lack of shared information that th en creates a boundary between the two participants (Byram Grundy, 2003). Language and social identity can be traced from the history of people as a result of different social groups such as gender, religion and race. This analogy can be borrowed from the fact that human beings are born as male or female but the social status groups them in poor or rich (Mirhosseini, 2008). Language and culture is a contentious issue as a result of the challenge brought about when participants are communicating (Kachru, 1982). According to Wardhaugh, language is a framework that provides rules and manner in which people say and produce different sounds as opposed to distinct words or sounds in a sentence. On the other hand, Thanasoulas defines language basis for practices and believes which determines the nature of our lives (Byram Grundy, 2003). Further, to understand how language and culture are intertwined, one has to consider the interpretation of culture which refers to the way of life of people that forms the basis of shared responsibilities. Culture is said to be an interactive design that is centered on different needs such as basic needs, instrumental needs as well as symbolic needs of individuals and the community (Pennycook, 2004). This assumption states that culture has to be kept in a balance of all the three needs. Since culture is the basis of how member s within a given locality relate. It is significant that members belonging to a particular community understand the power of their own words during an interaction. More so, Thanasoulous is of the view that language is a key to the cultural past and present since it influences the thoughts, beliefs and brings understanding to members of a given society. There is a close relationship between language and culture and it is easier to understand and interpret one without information about the other (Thanasoulas, 2001). However, according to Wardhaugh, there are three different bases of defining the relationship between language and culture. The first perspective suggests that the characteristics of a particular language play a significant role in which speakers perceive the world. Another perspective implies that the culture of a particular community is reflected through their language as a result of valuing and doing things in a specific manner. The third perspective suggests that there is no relationship between language and culture (Wardhaugh, 2002). The first perspective forms the basis for many researchers studying the relationship between language and culture. The claim that suggests there is no relationship between culture and language suggests that is possible to examine language or culture without necessarily factoring them together. In this scenario, it is evident that language is used to convey and facilitate understanding of different concepts which imply that the participants in a conversation assume more than one role. In the second perspective, it is insinuated that language facilitates culture which provides a basis for certain values in a community. The Whorfian hypothesis is borrowed from the first claim that suggests a relationship between culture and language that determines the way people view the world. Further, linguistic determinism arises and comprises of strong determinism which suggests that language determines thought while weak determinism suggests that thoughts are predicted by our language. Here, strong determinism along with the idea difference in language gives rise to what is referred to as linguistic relativity. Various researchers are of the view that language predisposes people into the way they view the world (Elyas Picard, 2010). The understanding of the relationship between language and culture forms the basis of learning another language. Researchers argue that it is not the language that forms the basis of communication but the language in the context of a culture that provides meaning. The very groups to which we belong along with values and attitudes are important in the development of our social identities. Therefore it implies that our social identities are not just gaps that we fill out a collection of our histories that have been redefined over some period (Gee, 2014). The social identity is often related to a particular set of linguistic rules that determine certain activities, beliefs an attitude. The relationship between social and cultural roles influences the opportunities that a person is likely to have in a situation where two individuals come from different geographical area and families are involved with different activities. This implies that the identity of a middle-class group of ladies i n America is different from that of a similar group in Africa. Therefore, the historical background, social setting, beliefs, skills and attitudes play a significant role in determining our overall social identity. This knowledge suggests that we approach our day to day activities by associating the knowledge of our background and those of our surroundings to bring an understanding of the situations we encounter (Phillipson, Rannut Skutnabb-Kangas, 2010). This analogy implies that participants in a conversation perceive each other from based on the way they have been brought up within their social settings. Concerning this analogy, it is safe to conclude that develop an expectation about what others are capable of doing and not capable as a result of earlier interaction with them in a specific society and surroundings. The linguistic tools are available for us to communicate and interpret communication are held with the shared knowledge and perception we have about others. The relationship between culture and social perspective that determines our identity and language is based on various aspects. These aspects are important and alter the conventional understanding of language as well as motivate individuals through the day to day experiences (Nunan, 2013). By being associated with sociocultural aspects, many individuals take a specific social identity which forms the basis of examining the context of communication and bring meaning to certain practices. Sociocultural identities are not constant among different groups but arise in a specific locality that shares a common history. Therefore, when people are conversing, the use of language is not isolated to an individual motive but rather it takes the position of a neutral social arena where all the position are said to be constantly changing and relative to every participant. The social role becomes the basis for communication and understanding where individuals can manipulate various linguistic with c ertain motives. This implies that language is indeed part and parcel of our culture and does not exist outside the circles of culture. As a result, there is no language or user of a particular language that can be considered not to be associated with a particular culture (Canagarajah, 2006). References Agar, M. (2006). Culture: Can you take it anywhere? International Journal of Qualitative Methods. Vol.5, No.2, pp.1-12. Bolton, K. (2002), Chinese Englishes: from Canton Jargon to Global English. World Englishes, 21:181199. Bolton, K., Graddol, D. Meierkord, C. (2011). Towards Developmental World Englishes, World Englishes, Vol.30, N0.4, pp.459-480. Boyle, R. (2012), Language Contact in the United Arab Emirates. World Englishes, 31:312330. Bruthiaux, P. (2003). Squaring the Circles: Issues in Modeling English Worldwide. International Journal of Applied Linguistics. Vol.13, 2, pp159-177. Byram, M. Feng, A. (2004). Culture and Language Learning: Teaching, Research and Scholarship. Language Teaching, Vol. 37, No. 3, pp.149-168. DOI: 10.1017/S0261444804002289, Published online: 05 April 2005 Byram, M. (1997). Teaching and Assessing Intercultural Communicative Competence. Clevedon [u.a.: Multilingual Matters. Byram, M., Grundy, P. (2003). Context and Culture in Language Teaching and Learning. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters. Byram, M., Gribkova, B. Starkey, H. (2002). Developing the Intercultural Dimension in Language Teaching. www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Guide_dimintercult_En.pdf Canagarajah, A. S. (2013). Translingual Practice: Global Englishes and Cosmopolitan relations. Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Canagarajah, S. Silberstein, S. (2012). Diaspora Identities and Language, Journal of Language, Identity Education, Vol.11, No.2, pp.81-84, Canagarajah, S. (2006). Interview. R.Rubdy M. Saraceni (Eds). English in the World: Global Rules, Global Roles. London: Continuum. 200-212. Chin-Chuan Cheng, (1992). Chinese Varieties of English. In B.Kachru. (Ed.). The other tongue: English across cultures. Chicago: University of Illinois Press. Crystal, D. (2015). The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language. New York: Cambridge University Press. Eades, D. (2004). Understanding Aboriginal English in the Legal System: A critical sociolinguistics approach. Applied Linguistics, 25/4, pp.491-512. Ellis, R. Shintani, N. (2014). Exploring language pedagogy through Second Language Acquisition Research. Oxford: Routledge. Elyas, T. Picard, M. (2010). Saudi Arabian Educational History: Impacts on English language teaching. Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues, Vol.3, No 2, 136-145. DOI: 10.1108/17537981011047961 Gee, J. P. (2014). An Introduction to Discourse Analysis: Theory and Method. London ; New York : Routledge, 2014 Gumperz, John J. (1982). Discourse Strategies. Interactional Sociolinguistics 1.Cambridge: Cambridge UP. Jenkins, J., Baker, W., Dewey, M. (2018). The Routledge handbook of English as a lingua franca. Abingdon, Oxon; New York, NY: Routledge, an imprint of the Taylor Francis Group. Kachru, B. B. (1982). The Other Tongue: English Across Cultures. Urbana: University of Illinois Press. Kachru, Braj B. (1986). The Alchemy of English: The Spread, Functions and Models of Oxford: Pergamon, Mirhosseini, S. (2008). English and a World of Diversities: Confrontation, Appropriatyiopn, Awareness. Applied Linguistics. 29/2: 312-317, DOI: 10.1093/applin/amn013 Morita, N. (2004). Negotiating Participation and Identity in Second Language Academic Communities. TESOL Quarterly, Vol.38, No.4, pp.573-603. Nunan, D. (2013). What is this thing called language? China: Palgrave MacMillan. Pennycook, A. (2004). Performativity and Language Studies. Critical Inquiry in Language Studies, Vol.1, No.1, pp.1-19, DOI: 10.1207/s15427595cils0101_1 Pennycook, A. (2008). English as a Language always in Translation. European Journal of English Studies, Vol.12, No.1, pp.33-47. DOI:10.1080/13825570801900521 Pennycook, A. (2017). The Cultural Politics of English as an International language. Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon; New York, NY: Routledge Phillipson, R. (1992). ELT: The native speakers burden? ELT Journal Volume 46/1 pp.12-18. Phillipson, R. (1998). Globalizing English: Are linguistic Human Rights an Alternative to linguistic imperialism? Language Sciences, Vol.20, No.1, pp.101-112. Phillipson, R., Rannut, M., Skutnabb-Kangas, T. (2010). Linguistic Human Rights: Overcoming Linguistic Discrimination. Berlin; Boston: De Gruyter Mouton. Thanasoulas, D. (2001). Radical Pedagogy: The importance of teaching culture in the foreign language classroom. Retrieved October 3, 2005 from the International Consortium for the Advancement of Academic Publication Web site: https://radicalpedagogy.icaap.org/content/ issue3_3/7-thanasoulas.html Wardhaugh, R. (2002). An Introduction to Sociolinguistics (Fourth Ed.). Oxford: Blackwell Publishers.

Sunday, March 29, 2020

The Social Psychology of Health

Introduction From the olden days of human evolution, people have faced different challenges in the society. Nations encounter various challenges that directly or indirectly affect the economic standards of a country. These challenges vary from one individual to another and from one country to another. Vandiver (62) argues that some challenges faced by societies are natural while others are human created.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Social Psychology of Health specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These challenges may include outbreak of chronic diseases, poverty, increase in crimes and disabilities among others. These challenges strongly affect human life and their social relations in a given society. An individual with a chronic disease that is incurable has to learn on how to leave with it. Similarly, those with disabilities have to find a way to cope with the disability if the situation is beyond human cont rol. According to Molloy (75), natural environment puts some people in some life threatening situations and people, societies and countries have to adapt to the situation in order to continue living. Different scholars have come up with several theories and perspectives that can help the society overcome and learn on how to cope with different life challenges. Some of these perspectives and theories include the Coping-succumbing framework, Insider-outsider distinction, and Adjustment to misfortune perspectives. This paper seeks explore the utility and applicability of coping-succumbing framework to misfortune perspective in comparison to the other two mentioned perspectives, in explaining adaptation process following a chronic disease and disability and delivery of services within a rehabilitation center. Comparison of adjustment to misfortune perspective with other two perspectives According to Marinelli (83), misfortunes always happen in life. Some come and leave while others come to stay. According to this scholar, these misfortunes can be life threatening if not positively taken. In the case of disabilities and chronic diseases, man is deprived the ability to easily work to earn a leaving. Most of the victims end up depending on the society for survival. However, some families and societies are unfriendly to people with disabilities and other chronic diseases. Some societies treat such people in isolation while in others such people are perceived outcasts.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Such unfriendly environments cause psychological torture to these unfortunate people in the society. Comparing the three perspectives mentioned above, the coping-Succumbing framework best suits in addressing a society succumbed by such misfortunes. The Insider-outsider distinction perspective in social applications brings out the normal, healthy, educated, and wealthy to be in a better placed than the uneducated, sick, disabled, and other less fortunate members of the society. Instead of placing some people in better positions than others, the coping-succumbing framework perspective explains that since misfortunes are part of life, people affected in the community should learn the best ways of adjusting to them when they occur so that they do not affect the social relationships and interactions with the social-physical environment. The adjustment to misfortune may also be used in addressing victims of misfortunes. It explains that n once faced by misfortunes one needs accept and adjust to them. However, the theory places the victim in a very an awkward state of asking the why questions. The room of asking ‘the why’ questions causes torture to the victim. The theory gives the victim a chance to ask questions that none can respond to appropriately. The victim of for example, disability may feel unwanted and a burden to the society. Alt hough the theory applies the idea of religion, which is very important to the victim in accepting the unfortunate state, the fact that it gives the victim a personal chance to such for the cause and meaning of the misfortune makes it not effective. In comparison to the two other perspectives, coping-succumbing framework perspective remains more applicable. This is because of its ability to explore the coping mechanisms in adapting to misfortunes in life. This theory creates clear environment for the victim to accept and appreciate the misfortune as part of life, thereby responding through developing ways to adapt and cope with the misfortune. Utility of the perspective in explaining and predicting the process of chronic illness and disability adaptation From the discussion above it is clear that the perspective of coping-succumbing framework can be well applied in explaining and predicting the process of chronic illness and disability adaptation. The theory entails examining of the misfortune and defining the relevant psychosocial mechanisms for coping and adapting to the situation. In this theory, the psychosocial management starts from the onset of the disease or disability.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Social Psychology of Health specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It explains what affects many victims of chronic illness and disability is stress on the realization of their state. This perspective first gives the stress coping mechanisms to the victim. The theory offers the coping properties that include adoption of behaviors that are purposeful and flexible, realization of the present life and future as well and introduction of the victims to the reality of the situation. These coping properties accompanied by several ways to encourage them accept and appreciate themselves. Their role in the society is highly valued and appreciated. This theory also involves the removal of all barri ers to that may limit the interaction of the victims with both the physical and social environment. By so doing, the social and physical interaction of the victim with the environment is not affected in any way. This theory clearly outlines the dangers of succumbing to chronic diseases. Succumbing is strongly discouraged because it makes an individual have the inability mentality a situation that can worsen the victim’s situation leading death or other complex situations. According to Vandiver (47), infection with chronic disease or having a disability does not mean lack of ability to achieve. The scholar points out clearly that though disabled or sick man must leave. Such victims still have the capacity and potential to achieve as much as any other person can. This theory helps individuals in the society to prepare and predict the occurrence of chronic diseases and disability in the society. How this perspective can be applied to service delivery within rehabilitation facili ties In rehabilitation facilities, it is always important to apply the most appropriate theory that that can help the disabled and those with chronic illness. In rehabilitation centers, one factor that management must know how to deal with is self-pity. The victims would develop the ‘why me’ feeling. Such a complaining heart will make one develop a negative attitude towards almost everything that is within their surroundings. According to Molloy (94), Coping-succumbing framework is the most appropriate strategy that can be used to handle these victims. An individual suffering from a chronic disease should be made to appreciate the fact that the condition does not change his or her social standing.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For instance, an individual who is disabled should be made to appreciate his or her condition. This theory holds that once one cannot cope with his or her condition, then he or she shall succumb. This theory employs the notion that one should be positive about his or her condition. According to Nuovo (121), people who are suffering from chronic diseases may develop denial mechanisms towards their condition. In such cases, such people would start withdrawing to themselves. Withdrawal of such people may act against their developmental process within the rehabilitation centers. According to Miller (72), within the rehabilitation centers, the main aim is always to find a correctional mechanism that will make the patient improve and feel comfortable. Some of the diseases cannot be curable. When a patient suffers from such condition, he needs to accept the condition. This is what this theory holds. According to Marinelli (83), most rehabilitation centers have experienced cases where a pat ient or a person suffering from a disability commits suicide. This is a clear case of inability of an individual to accept his or her new condition. This is very common when such a person develops the condition when he or she has advanced in age. Such people develop the feeling that they have become useless. They feel that they can no longer make positive contributions that they were making before, and therefore, believe that they are not fit to live. They would cut their lives short either to avoid being a burden to their families, or to escape the experience that people with such disabilities live with. When this happens, such a person shall be considered to have succumbed to his or her condition Rehabilitation facilities should eliminate such cases. These centers should be source of hope to the disabled and those suffering from chronic diseases. They should be made to feel that they have a bright future ahead of them. They should realize that their contribution to the society rem ains very important, and that they will always be an asset to their families other than liabilities. This is what the coping strategy proposes in this framework. First, the person must come to appreciate his or her condition. If the condition can be changed for the better, he or she should be made to realize that the ability to get better depends on their effort they make to come out of the condition. If the condition cannot be changed, then they have to appreciate the fact that that is their condition and life must continue. The most important factor in that case will be to determine how to cope with the condition. Coping with the condition will depend with the willingness of the individual to cope with this condition, and the effort that people around him or her put to elevate the condition of the patient. People who are disabled hate being sympathized with by others. According to Lubkin (17), when one sympathizes with a lame person, the person will develop the feeling that he or she cannot make it through in life. The person will feel that his or her life is ruined. This will make them feel self-pity. This does not help in elevating the condition. As Kasperson (117) observes, the rehabilitation facilities should be places where the disabled and people suffering from chronic diseases can draw their challenge. These people should be made to feel that they have a potential that cannot be tied down by their condition. This way, the will have a vision beyond their disability. They will feel that life does continue even with the disease or the disability. They will strive to meet the challenge posed, and this is one of the best ways of managing chronic diseases and disability. The rehabilitation facility should revive hope in these people. In order to achieve this, there should be people with such disabilities or chronic diseases that must have succeeded in some areas that should be invited to give motivational speech. According to Hinshaw (78), coping with chron ic disease and disabilities requires a medicine of the heart. It requires the individual to tune the mind to success. He or she should get convinced that the condition is not in any way, interfering with their capacity to achieve their desires in life. This will be the role of the motivational speaker. They will identify with them, and believe that they can lead successful lives with their disability. Conclusion Chronic diseases and disability are challenges that a person can face at any stage in life. However, it is always a big challenge to accept the condition, especially when one acquires it when he is older. Such an individual would consider life meaningless, and if not taken care of in a proper manner, then he or she can succumb to the condition. The society, and especially the rehabilitation centers, should be able to help these individuals cope with their condition. They should be made to feel that there is a lot to achieve in life despite their new condition. Works Cited Hi nshaw, Stephen. The Mark of Shame: Stigma of Mental Illness and an Agenda for Change. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006. Print. Kasperson, Jeanne. The Social Contours of Risk: 1. London: Earthscan, 2005. Print. Lubkin, Ilene. Chronic Illness: Impact and Interventions. Burlington: Jones Bartlett Learning, 2013. Print. Marinelli, Robert. The Psychological and Social Impact of Disability. New York: Springer Pub. Co, 1999. Print. Miller, Thomas. Handling Construction Defect Claims: Western States. Gaithersburg: Aspen Law Business, 1999. Print. Molloy, Susan. Handling It: You and Your Long-Term Disease. Melbourne: Hill of Content, 1995. Print. Nuovo, Jim. Chronic Disease Management. New York: Springer, 2007. Print. Vandiver, Vikki. Integrating Health Promotion and Mental Health: An Introduction to Policies, Principles, and Practices. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. Print. This essay on The Social Psychology of Health was written and submitted by user D0m1n0 to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Medieval Gift Ideas

Medieval Gift Ideas Guide note: This feature was originally posted in December of 1997, and was updated in December of 2010. If youre looking for that special gift for a medieval history buff or if you like medieval history and you want to share it with your friends perhaps this page can help. Below are a few gift ideas that can bring a little medieval charm to todays holiday season. Gift projects are reasonable in cost, and if you start soon you can have them finished by December 24th. Or, take a lesson from medieval times and give your gifts on Twelfth Night January 6th. The Artistic Touch Do you enjoy crafts-work? Are you good with a needle? Then perhaps youd like to make a gift for that special someone. Candles Candle-making was an ability that many medieval men and women were likely to know. If you know how to make candles or would like to try your hand at this rewarding craft, you may wish to stick to beeswax (instead of paraffin, which wasnt used until the 19th century, or tallow, which is difficult to work with) and make hand-dipped candles in order to keep the project medieval. Beeswax has a lovely fresh odor and does not require the addition of any scents, but it can be expensive. Whether you are new to candle-making or a practiced hand, please be sure to take all safety precautions. Clothing You may wish to create a medieval costume even if you dont belong to a reenactment group, it will look splendid at a masquerade or Renaissance fair. For a really authentic look, embroider the work using period embroidery techniques and period designs, or enhance it with hand-woven braids. If an entire costume isnt up your alley, you can use these techniques on something as simple as a cape or a scarf. Calligraphy If youre practiced in the art of calligraphy, try inscribing a medieval or Renaissance poem (or a verse from an epic) on parchment-style paper (real parchment can be very expensive). Shakespeare is always a hit, particularly his sonnets. Food, Glorious Food Thinking of a special holiday dinner? Try some medieval recipes. And forget that fruitcake go with a few medieval desserts instead. Gingerbread Cake is a period Christmas food, and Shortbreads are not only period but easy to present in a canister or, for a more authentic package, in a basket. If the recipient of your gift likes to cook as well, include the recipe hand calligraphed on parchment paper, rolled into a scroll and tied with a ribbon.   The Medieval Touch Whatever gift you choose to give, you can add a little medieval charm with a hand-calligraphed gift-tag (try parchment-look paper) or by wrapping the gift in fabric instead of paper (which was not really a disposable product in the middle ages). Decorate with fabric ribbons, dried flowers, berries, or pine cones. A personalized, hand-calligraphed bookmark with a holiday message is a great accompaniment to a book. Many of the customs we observe today began in the middle ages. For more about medieval Christmas, please see Medieval Christmas Traditions.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Freedom and Equaity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Freedom and Equaity - Essay Example As this manifesto had influenced many of the communist countries such as Korea, Cuba, China, Vietnam and of course many countries in Europe, both Marx and Engel can be considered as two important people that shaped world history. Marx and Engels ideals and principles declared publicly evolved the Marxism principle which is now an interesting subject and topic under political science. The principles embodied in the manifesto had developed the so called communist form of government. Marx had considered communism in relation to socialism very closely. As an advanced form of socialism, communism is very near to anarchism, viewed freedom and equality as vain, illusionary and incomplete. Generally, the right to freedom is considered as equality. Engels and Marx had issued freedom as bounded with fullness of material considerations. Freedom in morality also considered the absence of alienation and that man is the only bearer of this so called freedom. The manifesto pointed out that freedom is achievable only in the community when a man submits his total will and desires to serve the community and its demands. â€Å"Society as a whole is more and more splitting into two great hostile camps, into two great classes directly facing each other: Burgeoisie and Protletariat† (Marx and Engels). There are two classes of men stated in the manifesto: the bourgeoisie- the so-called owners of the production living off with man’s profit; and the proletariat- the one who labored and lived on their salary. These men live in a community where there is difference in their life style and status. There are men who labored hard to survive in this world while there are men belonging to chosen few who derives their means of living in behalf of the other working class. This capitalist world has been criticized by Marx and Engels. There are human struggles produced in the lower striving class which are demonstrated in strikes, riots, and other revolutionary actions in search for enlightenment. The manifesto criticizes this kind of society. Accordingly, there is the absence of equality and freedom among the two classes of men. Individuals make up the society. Engels and Marx are calling in behalf of the lower class in search for freedom, that is, the Marxist way, to liberate society from the capitalist way of living. As quotes from the Communist Manifesto: â€Å"The executive of the modern state is but a committee for the managing of the common affairs of the whole bourgeoisie†¦..They are unfit to rule because it is incompetent to assure an existence to its slave within his slavery, because it cannot help letting him sink into such a state, that is has to feed him, instead of being fed by him. Society can no longer live under this bourgeoisie, in other words, its existence is no longer compatible with society.† In the same manner, Engels pointed out in his book â€Å"The Condition of the Working Class in England† about his concerns of the citizens laboring themselves physically during the Industrial age. He considered the working class as being exploited and being subjected to societal crimes. In his point of view, there is no freedom and equality in the time of the industrialization period as these working men are being subjected to labor for the food the upper class of men. He even described the

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Learning Team Trends and Conditions Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Learning Team Trends and Conditions Paper - Essay Example These ailments account for almost 66% of the deaths that occur annually in the United States. The population of Washington D.C. during the day, according to statistics, is roughly one million persons. Such a huge population definitely needs to be fed as people go about their businesses. Most of the population in the city survives on unhealthy foods such as snacks, fast food and soft drinks in spite of their desire for healthy diets. The main factors that drive this trend are cost, convenience, and lack of better alternatives. Better stated, many people believe fast foods are cheaper and easily accessible in the urban setting. In many cases, people who go for healthy foods in restaurants find it inconveniencing having to wait for the food to be prepared. It is in consideration of these factors that we see an opportunity in vending well prepared organic foods using vending machines in the populous city. The following sections of the paper will discuss the demand for healthy diets, the government’s stand on health foods, customer demands, and market access for products. The Private Sector Market trends and conditions in the private sector reflect a growing demand by consumers for healthy food choices. Proper nutrition and healthy food choices are currently the top meal planning priorities for Baby Boomers (Forbes, 2013). Over 60% of adults in the United States are medically obese. The personal and business costs exceed $195 billion in the United States. Several of the primary concerns related to healthy food choices involve time and cost. For many consumers, health foods are difficult to purchase while traveling or at work. Many consumers are forced to eat unhealthy processed foods out of necessity rather than by choice. Placing a vending machine containing healthy foods in the workplace, school, hospital, or public transportation environment can help to alleviate that issue. Many consumers also believe that healthy foods are more expensive than unhealthy f oods, but that is incorrect. A recent study by the United States Department of Agriculture demonstrated that eating health foods is less expensive than eating unhealthy foods (Carlson & Frazao, 2012). Market trends for new businesses indicate a growing focus on healthy food choices. One recent example includes the iPhone app-based business called the Eatery, which allows consumers to rate food and analyze personal eating habits to understand better their individual strengths, weaknesses, and areas in the diet ripe for improvement. Within six months of release, consumers from 50 countries had contributed over 7.68 million food ratings, demonstrating a significant trend in consumer demand for healthy foods (Forbes, 2013). The Government Sector There are tax and government advantages for operating a green vending business in the United States. First Lady Michelle Obama has worked tirelessly to fight childhood obesity in recent years. It has been her goal to create access to healthier f ood options in areas where 40% of the residents have low incomes (U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, 2010). The

Monday, January 27, 2020

Efficacy of Growth Factors Concentration after PRP

Efficacy of Growth Factors Concentration after PRP Efficacy of growth factors concentration (hGH, IGF-1, FGF-2, PDGF, VEGF) after autologous Platelet-rich plasma injection (PRP) on accelerating healing of proximal hamstring tear for athletes. Ahmed Gaballah 1- Department of Sports Health Sciences, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt. 2- Kinesiology and Health Sciences Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA Abstract Platelet rich plasma (PRP) become popular biologically method used to accelerate healing in sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery field. PRP is concentrate the human platelets to supra-physiologic levels. It is an autologous producing high level of the platelets concentration centrifuged from the peripheral vein. Then it re-injected under the ultrasound gaudiness during surgery or at a site of injury. METHOD: Seventeen physically active males (age 22.0 ±0.6) with acute hamstring strain injuries divided to 8 case group and 9 matched controls (age 21.6 ±2.8) were recruited as research participants. Case group participants were injected with single 3 ml of extracted PRP under ultrasound gaudiness. However, Blood samples were collected by venipuncture at standardized time points: before the injection and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after for case group and 4wks. and 8wks for both groups. RESULTS: there was significantly difference between the growth factors results of the case group a fter 4 weeks compared with the 8 weeks result of the control group. Additionally, the same significant results between the two groups after the 8 weeks. Nevertheless, the physical measurements related with hamstring Strain and Knee flexion range of motion between the two groups were not significant after 4 weeks or 8 weeks. CONCLUTION: a single 3-mL injection of autologous PRP combined with a rehabilitation program was effective in time return to play and reducing the severity of pain after an acute grade 2 hamstring injury. Additionally, increase in circulating concentrations of VEGF, IGF-1, PDGF and FGF-2. Key Words: Platelet rich plasma (PRP), Human Growth Factors, Hamstring Tear. 1. Introduction: Skeletal muscle injuries are up to 55% of all sports injuries and causes excessive long term pain and physical disability, Muscles strains and contusions representing more than 90% of all sports related injuries and are the most muscular injuries frequent. [1] [2]   Proximal hamstring tear injuries are common in athletes and frequently result in prolonged rehabilitation, time missed from play, and a significant risk of re-injury. Reports of acute hamstring strains without avulsion in dancers have suggested recovery times for return-to-play ranging from 30 to 76 weeks [3]. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) become popular biologically method used to accelerate healing in sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery field. PRP is concentrate the human platelets to supra-physiologic levels. It is an autologous producing high level of the platelets concentration centrifuged from the peripheral vein. Then it re-injected under the ultrasound gaudiness during surgery or at a site of injury [4] [5]. As a result of the lack side-effect and the autologous nature of PRP, it has utilized exponentially over the last few years in sports medicine and orthopaedic. Historically, since the 1950s the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used to dermatological conditions and manage maxillofacial as well [6]. Furthermore, Platelet-derived preparations including PRP were first regulated by WADA under the 2010 Prohibited List because of concerns that the elevated concentrations of growth factors in PRP may confer an unfair advantage to treated athletes. However, WADA lifted the ban on PR P in 2011 in recognition of the lack of evidence to support a systemic performance-enhancing effect and to allow further research in the field [7]. Indeed, the blood contains 6% platelets, 1% white blood cells, and 93% red blood cells.   The PRP technique aims to reverse the concentration of the platelet in lieu of red cells to increase the growth factors that more useful in accelerating the healing. [8] However, Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a centrifuged blood product that contains a supraphysiologic amount of platelets. Therefore, the preparation process to product concentrative platelet above the baseline values have started with an autologous extraction of patients` blood, then by plasmapheresis centrifuged to obtain a concentrated suspension of platelets. It then separates the solid and liquid components of the anticoagulated blood after a two-stage of centrifugation process [9]. The initial phase separates the plasma and platelets from the erythrocytes and leucocytes. The second stage concentrates the platelets further into platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma components [10] [11]. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) contains some biologic factors which have been enhanced the proliferation and collagen secretion of tenocytes. These factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), and transforming growth factor ÃŽ ² (TGF ÃŽ ²) [12] [13]. There is an increasing the stimulus response of PDGF and TGF-ÃŽ ² in the early stages of tendon and muscles healing after PRP injection resulting in new vessel formation and collagen synthesis. [14]. In addition to decrease oxidative stress that could lead to cell apoptosis, PRP has been promoted tendon and muscles cell growth [15]. This is evidenced and reinforced by release of inflammatory meiators such as COX-1 and2, PGE-2 [16] [17]. Recently, there are various approaches reported the benefits of treating the soft tissue injuries such as muscles tears and tendinosis by injecting platelet rich plasma (PRP). Despite this popularization and increasing use in soft tissue injuries, its efficacy still not clear and remains controversial. It has been previously established that platelets provide regenerative potential by the process of chemo-taxis [18] [19] [20]. The use of PRP in order to accelerate recovery time after muscle injury has become a relatively common practice in sports medicine. Several studies represent that PRP can improve skeletal muscle healing after acute injury. In particular, local PRP which increased expression of several myogenic factors at mRNA level acting on modlating the inflammatory response and myogenesis in the early stages after acute injury [21] [22]. Rossi L, et al. reported the effects of an autologous PRP injections on time to return to play in randomized controlled study conducted on 75 patients. The study represented time to return to play for recreational and competitive athletes and recurrence rate after acute muscle injuries as well. The main result in the study that PRP injection significant reduction of re-injury rates at 2 years. Additionally, it was decreased the pain severity score and significantly decreased the time of return to sports as well [23]. One more study reported that 14 professional athletes were treated with ultrasound-guidance injections of PRP after acute muscle injuries. The athletes showed a quick return to activity and improved healing in muscle tears [8]. Similar results have represented in Sanchez et al study, which conducted on 20 athletes. These results supported the benefits of PRP and its role in muscle healing. The patients recovered in half of the expected time [24]. Figure 1. Process of platelet activation (PDGF, platelet derived growth factor). Source [25] Platelet Activity in muscles: (Figure 1,) represents the released serotonin contributes to vasoconstriction. The conversion of ATP into ADP releases the energy necessary to establish and maintain the aggregation. The release of the calcium ions inside the platelet makes the myofibril within it contract, thus allowing the aggregation and release of the content of the granules. This is serum calcium, which is necessary for the formation of the fibrin network [26]. The presence of the Ca2+ ions in the plasma makes the coagulation factors activate and group, forming the fibrin network, which is stabilized by factor XIII and transformed in a stable clot. The calcium ions also inhibit the anticoagulant activity of heparin, preserving the clot [27]. The PRP and the growth factors: The functions of these growth factors are presented in Table 1. It should be noted that the mechanism of action of platelet-rich plasma does not differ from the physiological healing process, but allows for obtaining higher concentrations of growth factors. As a result, the process of tissue regeneration is accelerated [28] [29] [30]. Platelet ÃŽ ±-granules are comprised of haemostatic factors, regulators inflammation, and wound healing. Substances stored in dense granules are thrombocyte-activating factors. Platelets also contain lysosomal granules, which secrete acid hydrolases [31] [32]. Platelet activation results in growth factor release. Platelet growth factors include platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor ÃŽ ² (TGF-ÃŽ ²), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) [33] [8]. Table 1. Growth Factors function Growth factor Abbreviation Functions Transforming growth factor TGF-ÃŽ ² A mitogen for fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, osteoblasts Angiogenesis promotion, extracellular matrix production Platelet-derived growth factor PDGF Chemotactic effect on monocytes, neutrophils, fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts A mitogen for fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells Angiogenesis promotion, formation of fibrous tissue, re-epithelialization Vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF Angiogenesis promotion Chronic wound healing promotion Inhibition of bone formation Epidermal growth EGF factor A mitogen for fibroblasts, endothelial cells, keratinocytes Chronic wound healing promotion Insulin-like growth factor IGF-1 Regulation of bone maintenance Modulator of cell apoptosis Stimulation of bone tissue regeneration Platet derived endothelial growth factor PDEGF Promotes wound healing by stimulating the proliferation of keratinocyes and dermal fibroblasts Endothelial Growth Factor EGF Cellular proliferation Differentiation of epithelial cells Figure 2. Platelet degranulation and action of the released cytokines in the process of formation of new bone and muscle tissue (VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF, platelet derived growth factor; BMP, bone morphogenetic protein; TGF-b, transforming growth factor). 2. Methods 2.1. Participants: This study was approved by Damietta University, Egypt, Alexandria University, Egypt and Utah state University, UT, USA. Twenty-three physically active males with acute grade 2 hamstring tear were voluntarily recruited for data collection (age 21.8  ± 2.64y, mass 71.52 ±2.74 Kg, height 175.4 ±2.32). All patients receiving local ultrasound-guided intratendinous PRP injection at our institution between September 2014 and December 2016 were screened for eligibility to participate in the study, and 17 patients were ultimately enrolled. Exclusion criteria included five participants with previous injury or diagnoses in hamstring. 8 physically active males (age 22.0 ±0.6) with acute hamstring strain injuries and 9 matched controls (age 21.6 ±2.8) were recruited as research participants. The case and control groups were performed rehabilitation program included aquatic exercise for 8 weeks. The history of pain data and the daily hours of using the smartphones were collected by surve y. Furthermore, the procedures were explained to the subjects and their written signatures were obtained on the informed consent. 2.2. Platelet rich plasma preparation and injection: In accordance of GPSTM III Systems instruction the blood collected for PRP was prepared by (Biomet Biologics, Inc., Warsaw, Ind) and standard 60 ml GPSTM III kit. Approximately of 7 ml of PRP was prepared in 30 minutes. Furthermore, single 3 ml of extracted PRP were injected under ultrasound gaudiness after adding 8.4% sodium bicarbonate buffered PRP for increasing the pH to normal physiological levels. The sodium was added in a ratio 0.05 ml to 1 ml of PRP. All the participants blood samples were stored in -25 ° Celsius and were analyzed to determine the concentration of the growth factors. The PRP injection of the current study were injected directly into the injured area under aseptic technique. The case group participants only received the single autologous PRP combined with the rehabilitation program. The participants were kept under observation for 96 hours and were performed the rehabilitation program after 5-7 days of PRP injection. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture at standardized time points: before (baseline) and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours to 4wks. and 8wks. after administration of PRP. blood was drawn at precisely the same time each morning and at least 3 hours after eating and exercising per WADA standards Figure 3. PRP set up. 2.3. Growth Factor Quantification: Six growth factors and related molecules that are concentrated in PRP preparations were quantified in PRP and blood by direct immunoassay using the Quantikine enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA kit), as outlined   the Growth factors studied were: human growth hormone (hGH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), basic fibro blast growth factor (bFGF or FGF-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor- BB (PDGF-BB). Because bFGF is present in the blood only at very low concentrations, a high-sensitivity ELISA kit was used to ensure accurate detection [34] [35] [5]. Figure 4. PRP injection under ultrasound guidance. 2.4. Rehabilitation program: A Physical rehabilitation program was performed for six weeks and designed for lower limb. In particular, hamstring muscles. both groups participants (8 case and 9 control) performed the exercises protocol once a day for 55 minutes for each training session and 5 times a week (275 M. / week). The exercise protocol was consisted of aquatic exercise and strength exercises and was divided to tree stages, the first stage was focused on the flexibility and isotonic strength exercise with 5 sets and 12-15 1RM intensity. While, the second stage was designed for strength exercises with 3 sets and 8-10 1RM intensity. While the third stage for endurance and exercise related of activity performance. Aquatic pool, Machine weights and The Thera-Band resistance bands exercises were used during the 6 weeks especially the colors (red, blue, black, silver). The red and blue bands were used in the first stage and the black and silver used in second stage. Furthermore, all the exercises were performed by stretching the band between 75 100 %. knowing that, the weight of stretching in Thera-Band between 75-100% is red 3.3-3.9kg, blue 5.9-7.1kg, black 8.1-9.7, and silver 11.1-13.2kg. 2.5. Statistical Analysis The paired t-test was used to compare the collected data before performing the exercise protocol (Pre-test) and those which were obtained after the 6 and 8-weeks training period (Post-test). The differences between the samples were significant at the t = 1.740 p < 0.05 level. All the analyses were performed by using SPSS 21 software for Windows 7 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA). Additionally, all values within the text and table are observed as standard deviation and mean (mean  ± SD). 3. Results: Table 2, 3 illustrate the large variations in growth factor concentrations between participants in the two groups before and after PRP injection. Regarding growth factor (GF) trajectories for the case group participants are shown in Figure 3, and data are summarized in Table 2, the human growth hormone increased dramatically within the first 24 hours after PRP injection while these results were not significant after the 4 weeks and 8 weeks.   Moreover, IGF-1 increased relative to baseline within 24 hours after PRP and remained elevated at all-time points thereafter, and the change was statistically at 24 until 96 hours as well after 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Likewise, VEGF and PDGF were significantly elevated at 24 hours and at all-time points thereafter and were significant after 4 and 8 weeks.   Furthermore, FGF-2 rose at the point between 24 to 96 hours after PRP injection but not significantly, while it was elevated significantly after 4 week and 8 weeks. It obviously represented in table 3, the spectacular significantly difference between the growth factors results of the case group after 4 weeks compared with the 8 weeks result of the control group. Additionally, Figure 6, reveals the same significant results between the two groups after the 8 weeks. Nevertheless, the physical measurements related with hamstring Strain and Knee flexion range of motion between the two groups were not significant after 4 weeks or 8 weeks. Table 1. Data Summary for the Growth Factors after PRP Injectiona unit   Ã‚  Ã‚   Pre-test 24 h 48 h 72 h 96 h 4 weeks 8 weeks hGH   pg/mLpg/mL pg/mL 1.927  ± 0.67 8.117  ± 2.414 2.276  ± 0.030 2.776  ± 0.180 5.597  ± 1.910 2.321  ± 0.554 2.175  ± 0.651 IGF-1 pg/mL 0.577 ±0.283 1.078  ± 0.914 1.101 ±0.341 1.122  ± 0.239 1.133  ± 0.165 0.817  ± 0.844 0.793  ± 0.141 FGF-2 pg/mL 2.233  ± 1.22 2.105  ± 0.772 2.292  ± 0.736 1.911  ± 0.201 2.314  ± 0.877 3.652  ± 0.567 3.921  ± 0.822 VEGF pg/mL 0.346  ± 0.18 1.313  ± 0.42 1.544  ± 0.463 1.836  ± 0.463 1.554  ± 0.419 0.784  ± 0.098 0.749  ± 0.077 PDGF pg/mL 0.352 ±0.11 0.884  ± 0.949 1.702 ±1.572 1.602  ± 2.021 1.262  ± 1.423 0.856  ± 0.108 0.807  ± 0.133 aPRP, platelet-rich plasma; hGH, human growth hormone; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1; FGF-2, basic fibroblast growth factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor. Table 2. Difference of the Growth Factors concentration between the Case and Control group Case Group (N=8) Control Group (N = 9) Unit Pre-test 4 weeks 8 weeks Pre-test 4 weeks 8 weeks P ≠¤ 0.05 hGH   pg/mLpg/mL pg/mL 1.927  ± 0.67 2.321  ± 0.554 2.175  ± 0.651 1.941  ± 0.201 1.997  ± 0.088 2.063  ± 0.477 1.215 IGF-1 pg/mL 0.577 ±0.283 0.817  ± 0.844 0. 793  ± 0.141 0.582  ± 0.247 0.633  ± 0.145 0.637  ± 0.114 1.760 * FGF-2 pg/mL 2.233  ± 1.22 3.452  ± 0.567 3.921  ± 0.822 2.228  ± 0.721 2.593  ± 0.687 2.627  ± 0.514 2.046 * VEGF pg/mL 0.346  ± 0.184 0.784  ± 0.098 0.749  ± 0.077 0.341  ± 0.163 0.384  ± 0.187 0.396  ± 0.106 2.584 * PDGF pg/mL 0.352 ±0.117 0.856  ± 0.108 0.807  ± 0.133 0.358  ± 0.121 0.421  ± 0.633 0.429  ± 0.008 2.632 * PRP, platelet-rich plasma; hGH, human growth hormone; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1; FGF-2, basic fibroblast growth factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor; N, Number; * Significant difference P ≠¤ 0.05, t =1.740 (N= 17). Table 3. Difference of Hamstring Force and Knee Flexion (ROM) between the Case and Control group Case Group (N=8) Control Group (N = 9) Unit Pre-test 4 weeks 8 weeks Pre-test 4 weeks 8 weeks P ≠¤ 0.05 HF N 26.62  ± 4.67 104.32  ± 5.67 107.06 ±1.64 25.31  ± 3.41 102.71  ± 4.75 105.75  ±3.18 0.743 KF(ROM) Deg. ËÅ ¡ 51.72  ± 5.17 147.92  ± 0.43 148.62  ± 0.78 52.04  ± 2.43 147.02  ± 0.14 147.36  ± 0.88 0.632 aPRP, platelet-rich plasma; HF, Hamstring Force; KF(ROM), Knee Flexion range of motion. N, Number. P ≠¤ 0.05, t =1.740 (N= 17). 4. Discussion: There is little published evidence to support whether a statistically significant increase in growth factors with performance-enhancing potential, including IGF-1, hGH VEGF, PDGF and FGF-2, necessarily leads to clinically relevant ergogenic effects. This is further complicated by evidence from some animal studies that local IGF-1 overexpression enhances local muscle mass and strength without systemic increases in IGF-1. The current study aims to determine the effect of PRP in accelerate the healing of hamstring strain. Moreover, to identify potential molecular markers that could be used to distinguish athletes who have been treated with local PRP injections from those who have not. Figure 5, The concentration of the growth factors after the PRP injection. PRP, platelet-rich plasma; hGH, human growth hormone; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1; FGF-2, basic fibroblast growth factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor. The performance of the growth factors after a single PRP injection was enhanced and increased significantly from 24 until 96 hours.   Indeed, hGH was peaked within the 24-hour window, although the results were not significant after 4 weeks or 8 weeks. Similarly, IGF-1 is significantly increased by 24 until 96 hours after PRP, while its activation was decreased after 4 weeks and 8 weeks but with significantly difference compared with the pretest and the control group 8 weeks test. Furthermore, IGF-1 is generated in the liver in response to hGH, is the primary downstream mediator of hGH, and is the most specific marker of supraphysiological hGH exposure [36] [37]. Figure 6. Difference between the case and control group in the concentration of the Growth Factors after 8 weeks. hGH, human growth hormone; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1; FGF-2, basic fibroblast growth factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor. Despite that both groups performed the same rehabilitation program, our study reported a significant increase in the growth factors for the control group after 4 and 8 weeks (Table 3, figure 6). However, the values of the case group after 4 weeks for the case group were more advanced than the 8 weeks values of the controlled (Figure 7,8). Therefore, the PRP injection enhanced the concentration of the growth. It is notably that the physical measurements of hamstring force and knee flexion range of motion were not significant at either 4 or 8 weeks. Wallace et al demonstrated that an acute bout of exercise increases total circulating IGF-1 by only about 20% [38] [9]. Figure 7, Difference between the case and control group in (NFROM) Knee flexion range of motion after 8 weeks. Figure 8, Difference between the case and control group in (HF) Hamstring Force after 8 weeks.          By comparison, participants in case group who treated with PRP and exercise program. Our study demonstrated a 38% increase in IGF-1 in case group and 9.5% in control group. Relative to baseline, suggesting that PRP treatment activates the hGH-IGF-1 pathway but that a single PRP injection is important to combined with the exercise to maximally stimulate. [39] [9] (Table 3) (Figure 6). We also observed FGF-2 and VEGF also peaked after treatment with PRP.   Fibroblast growth factor contributes to angiogenesis by stimulating the proliferation of endothelial cells to enhance the proliferation of satellite cells, which are the stem cells of mature muscle [40]. Basic fibroblast growth factor may enhance athletic performance by inducing muscle hyper- trophy and increasing oxygen transport. Vascular endothelial growth factor is a powerful stimulator of angiogenesis and could have noteworthy performance-enhancing effects if it entered systemic circulation and exerted its effects in tissues o ther than the site of injury [41]. The potential effects of autologous biological substances to hasten muscle healing were reported in several case reports [34] [42] [43]. Borrione et al [34] noted that athletes with grade 3 muscle strains treated with PRP showed earlier functional improvement and more complete recovery than those treated nonoperatively. Hamid et al   [44] demonstrated that a single PRP injection was effective in accelerating recovery for grade 2. However, the PRP Group achieved full recovery significantly earlier than controls and returned to play after 27 days while control group returned after 43 days. Another approach successfully treated an athlete with a grade 2 semimembranosus muscle injury with a single 3-mL infiltration of platelet-enriched plasma under ultrasound guidance. The athlete was pain free and allowed to train at the preinjury intensity 21 days after treatment [45]. The effect of a preparation rich in growth factors (PRGF) to hasten muscle recovery was reported in a 35-year-old pr ofessional bodybuilder diagnosed with a right adductor longus rupture. The athlete successfully returned to competitive training within 1 week after the third PRGF injection [43]. The effect of PRP in accelerated and associated a hamstring injury was also observed in the current study. The PRP preparation contained a high concentration of several growth factors including TGF-b, FGF-2, and insulin-like growth factor-1, but the amount of platelets and WBCs present was not stated. Additionally, the actual effect of PRP on soft tissue healing is not fully understood,22 our findings supported the possible role of higher growth factors (concentration level) in hastening recovery as postulated by previous researchers [46] [47] [42]. Sanchez et al reported full functional recovery of hamstring and adductor muscle injuries 2 times faster in 20 professional athletes treated with a PRGF [24]. Similar designed study by Rettig et al was investigated the effects of an autologous PRP injection and was retrospective case-control study conducted to determine the effect of the PRP on return time to play after acute hamstring injuries. The study included 10 professional National Football League (NFL) players with acute hamstring injury. The participants were divided equally into PRP and Control groups. Under ultrasound guidance the PRP group patients were injected once with 6 mL of PRP. Both groups were performed the same rehabilitation program. Several differences were identified between the study by Rettig et al and the current study. For instance, the