How does Shakespeare create an atmosphere of tension in Act 1 Scene 5 Essay Example For Students

How does Shakespeare create an atmosphere of tension in Act 1 Scene 5? Essay This scene explores many themes and emotions and encourages the audience to feel tension. This is also a significant scene in the play. There are several reasons for this being so, one of which is the first encounter of Romeo and Juliet and their realisation of their love towards each other. We also come to realise that Tybalt has hatred towards each and every one of the Montagues. Whilst reading or watching this play the audience must take into consideration what has happened previous to this scene and also how it will take impact on the rest of the play. An important moment that has taken place before this scene is that Romeo ha comes to realise that his love Rosaline has told him that she does not love him. This fact also sets emotion to the play as the audience will feel sorry for Romeo since he has lost his love. Previous to this scene the audience learn that Juliet has been made to marry Paris. By this stage before the scene Shakespeare has also introduced a feud between two families, the Capulets and the Montagues. Before the scene commences the audience already have a sense of foreboding. This is due to all the background information that has already been presented. This all relates to how Shakespeare creates an atmosphere of tension. Act 1 scene 5 begins peacefully and with excitement through a group of servants cleaning up after a meal the guest had. The excitement of the running and the bickering between the servants allows Shakespeare to emphasise the importance of the scene also adding the atmosphere of tension. This scene also starts with a jolly theme which is portrayed through Capulet the head of the Capulet house who is also the host of the masked ball. Capulet is in a welcoming mood and is also being nostalgic about his past and how you and I are past our dancing days. Capulet also adds some humour to the start of the scene by commenting on the ladies for not dancing and not having a good time, humorously encouraging them into dancing by teasing them. Capulet then jokes around and explains that Ah, Ha, my mistresses, which of you all indicating that all his guests have corns on their feet. This small act within the scene creates a humorous atmosphere with clownish behaviour through the character of Capulet. There is also a small rushed piece of excitement when Capulet asks his servants to make space and fore some more light. This creates an image of the scene being bright and full of colour ad further on within this scene becomes dark and miserable. The Capulet ball is masked ball; this has great significance to the scene. The reason is that the guests that have arrived have a hidden identity and therefore can only be by what the person could be wearing. The person behind the mask is likely to be found by what the person could be wearing or by what the individuals voice is. Taking into consideration what the history it would be normal if Tybalt said This by voice should be a Montague. Fetch me my rapier, after hearing the voice of Romeo speaking a few short lines which is a soliloquy. This short line adds an atmosphere of tension and makes the audience feel foreboding. The Capulet ball has an important role to play in the relationship between Romeo and Juliet. As their first sighting of each of other may have bean without there masked on meaning that their love begun at first sight. The masked ball also has the role of allowing their love arise as they may have done this in secretes behind the defence of their masks. This again adds tension to the scene, as the audience anticipate that a bad moment might come and might lead to death. .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9 , .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9 .postImageUrl , .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9 , .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9:hover , .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9:visited , .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9:active { border:0!important; } .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9:active , .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9 .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uaea87397a060fb5852b0f8ade7635cb9:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Conan Doyle’S Stories EssayThe scene begins with some humour and some nervousness through the servants discussing their work and the Capulet head encouraging his company to have a good time and dance. Further on there is a dramatic change in the atmospheres as it goes from nervousness and humour to a romantic and more serious moment with in the scene. The serious moment is portrayed through Romeo describing Juliet with the use of a soliloquy. Romeo describes Juliet as a rich jewel in an Ethiops ear. Romeo language shows that he is completely captivated by the beauty of Juliet. At this point within this scene the images that should be captured with your head should i llustrate bright colours and a peaceful snowy doves, which stand out from a group of black trooping crows, as they symbolise darkness. Whilst Romeo describes Juliet to be a too rich to be used, Tybalt rudely interrupts Romeos soliloquy. This has a major significance to the atmosphere to the scene. The interruption symbolises that their relationship will face many obstacles and the person that will always come between their loves will be Tybalt. This interruption also has an importance in the atmosphere of this scene; the atmosphere changes from being romantic to a heated scene. This anger that is portrayed through Tybalts language, using insulting terms like slave and villain. This interruption will allow the audience to feel tension of murder and the conflict between the two families and what fate will this have for the two young lovers. This tension rises due to the presence of Capulet. This is accomplished by the description of Romeo that is given by Capulet a well governed youth, thus raising the image of Romeo in the audiences eyes. The presence of Capulet also lowers the image of Tybalt in the view of the audience; this is accomplished by Capulet by deliberately humiliating by explaining to Tybalt that his position is goodman boy. Tybalt humiliation is continued by the existence of Capulet. This humiliation that Tybalt is having to face is due to disturbance that Tybalt was trying to create among the guest due to the anger upon Romeo. Capulet expresses his anger upon Tybalt by using the term go to. Capulet also explains to Tybalt that if does create mutiny among his guest he will makethe man, meaning he will be a big boy then. After Tybalts rendezvous with Capulet the atmosphere is filled with rage. However it is soon filled with romance and religion. The first conversation between Romeo and Juliet is spoken through a sonnet. This language of love creates their innocent relationship. There are fourteen lines of holy and religious terminology. The picture that this sonnet creates shows an untainted connection between the two young lovers. This is achieved using pure sacred expressions like a shrine. the character of Romeo describes Juliet hand to be this shrine that he profanes, upon, using his lips to travel to the hands of Juliet as a pilgrim would, as he gives her his rough touch with a tender kiss. She responds, as the good pilgrim shall not do wrong much, the reason being that pilgrims, have the palms that are for the saints to touch, known as the holy palmers suitable greeting know as the kiss. The request was a kiss. And a kiss was given expressing their love is divine. Tybalts hatred and anger blends into this scene, Tybalts exit comes before this sonnet and his word are of the opposite nature. Patience perforce, he explains. But his flesh trembles in different. These feelings that fill Tybalt are of rage and frustration. Combining all these feeling that are shown through these characters blend as they are all mixed thus allowing the audience to feel the tension. The tension has that has bean created in this short space has occurred as the pure love that has just been created will be either disrupted or discovered. .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f , .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f .postImageUrl , .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f , .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f:hover , .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f:visited , .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f:active { border:0!important; } .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f:active , .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u9ca65589e9540247d49b59a89576566f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Junk - evaluation EssayAfter the love and affection comes dismayed and distraught feelings thorough the characters of Romeo and Juliet, due to the realisations of their individual identity. The friction between the two families is well known amongst their offspring. The realisation of each others identity is what brings the depressed atmosphere. Romeo comes to the truth first by asking Juliets nurse what is her mother. She replies her mother lady of the house. To Romeo comes the painful question is she Capulet. Not knowing she is the enemy, yet he still realise that if worst comes to happen he know his life is foes debt. The nurse who is the bearer of the bad news is sent by young Juliet to find the identity of her new mysterious love, but he leaves before she can confront this man. The nurse knowing the identity opens up to her mistress, explaining that he is The only son of your great enemy. Juliet becomes horror-struck that her only love sprung from her only hate, she now knows her tender ears have learnt this monstrous news, yet her love is too strong. To early seen I love a loathed enemy. Shakespeare has created this scene with many exciting moments that display a range of emotions. The scene begins with humour, laughter and this happy party atmosphere. Capulet is the main source to these joyful few moments by commenting on the women that shall not dance. The colourful atmosphere that has already bean created is then transformed into romance through Romeos initial sighting of the first real love of his life. This then leads to a sighting that brings darkness through the egotistic cousin Tybalt. Tybalt has introduced anger to the scene. He carries extreme rage toward the other family. Capulet intervenes and gives Tybalt his marching orders and settles the scene down where the romance shall spur again through a sonnet. Sadness is then evident as the realisation of identities creates heartbroken and dismayed feelings for both the young lovers. Through all these up and downs the audience can feel involved and feel the tension. This plays shocks the modern society as in this day and age we have yet to encounter two families that crave the others blood to this extreme. The situation of a young girl does not affect the audience that much as this age gap that they face is a normal occurrence but the age that they are facing is unusual as at they age that they are in they should enjoy themselves.

Human sexuality free essay sample

Sexuality freedom is the new civil rights we are fighting for this decade. The practice of BDSM has become a hot topic in our society lately since the book Fifty Shades of Grey went public in 2011. BDSM is an acronym for bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, and sadism /masochism. The term BDSM is defined as a variety of erotic practices involving power play. Now because this term does not cover everyone in the kink community, known as an umbrella term, people are now starting to use the term WIIWD, which stands for â€Å"What it is we do†. I will be using symbolic interaction theory to describe why BDSM is not deviant in our society today. Our society is always flowing and changing with the environment around us. We have fraught for rights of Jew, blacks, women, animals, Hispanics and many more but this decade we are on to a new type of rights. We will write a custom essay sample on Human sexuality or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The right to be free sexually is such a different fight because it is now a private issue that we feel the need to control and label deviant. BDSM can be misunderstood if someone is naive to what actually happens behind the scenes of BDSM community. So for a simple run down of the basics. The main thing needed in a BDSM relationship is trust, without it the role play will not work. Everything is consensual and hard and soft limits are set up before any thing remotely dangerous. Now of course just like in the vanilla community there are deviants that do not abide by the rules set in place for our protection. Yes people have gotton hurt during the more dangerous scenes but this is from not following the roles and not trusting your partner. But this does not mean that Kinksters are all the same. Misinformed people like Melissa Farley, a known anti-kink /porn clinical psychologist who believes that no woman actually willingly participants in kink or porn. She says â€Å" In this economy, this is something women would rather not do, but they feel they have to, she said. This is a form of economic coercion. But people would rather not think of it that way. People think of it as a matter of rights, rather than ask the question, Should people have a right not to do this? Even though alternative sex has only recently been in the limelight, this does not mean that it has not been practiced quietly. There is evidence of alternative sex dating back to the medieval times but estimated to date back much further. In the eighteenth century there were reports of a french philosopher named ,Marquis de Sade who was imprisoned for thirty-two years for his violent erotic writings. That is where the term sadism came from. (Weiss,2013). Thirty-two years in prison because of the way he liked to spend his private time and what he wrote down. But thanks to our modern day of freedom to write what we want, society now has books that come out like Fifty Shades of Grey. Since the 18th century we have gone back and forth about how we express our sexuality. Twenty-five years ago there was a study in Canada in which they tried to tie alternative sex to people in need of psychiatric help by using 12 participants in a person perception task. Their studies found that there was a correlation(Tilby, P. J. , Kahn ). But just earlier this year The huffpost covered a story on a study of over a thousand participants about the mental health of the BDSM community. Their results were that people that engaged in alternative sex were actually healthier and more comfortable with themselves than vanilla people. There are countless more studies just like this over the last few decades, the results always reflect the attitudes towards expressing sexuality in society at the time of the study. Today, people are not frequently jailed or housed in mental hospitals For their private views. Unless their actual practices break local laws by violating anothers informed consent or causing harm to the point of death, sexual practices are mostly left to the realm of live-and-let-live. The US is still a recently religiously, and therefore sexually puritanical society, But the fact that our generations motto is â€Å"I can do whatever I want†, plus the large community of BDSM lets me believe that the world of vanilla people are actually the deviant ones in our society today. Almost all human behavior has symbolic value to it, including sexual behavior. Biologically , we are driven to reproduce, but this does not dictate who, when, where, what and how by which we choose to do so;(Arany, 2013) social interaction is the driving force behind this. These characteristics are then determined by what we have learned through our culture. BDSM community might stem from mutual sexual fantasies but really its our first non-exclusionary group. When outside the bedroom most of these kinksers would blend in with the rest of society. emphasizes that although reality is constructed by our social interactions, our perceived reality, including those of a sexual nature are not the same for everyone. It is critical that a situation is defined by the establishment of relevant identities of those involved in the interaction. It is this construction that involves negotiation and roletaking as well as role-making behaviors. This is where Goffman’s research style and staging details come into play, showing how the presentations of self are manifested deep in our everyday lives. One could view the discreet sexual practices of homosexuality as one of these staging details by which individuals avoid injuring their â€Å"identity†- the way they perceive themselves as being viewed by others. As a result of differences in how individuals are exposed to sexual culture, multiple connotations are associated with sexual terms, which vary by gender, social class, and other social characteristics. These connotations often come into play in how an individual presents themselves. Symbolic Interactionism, broadly, is the way individuals influence social meanings through their interactions with others. In analyzing a plethora of ideologies presented by popular scholars, we can ascertain that the perspective symbolic interactionism brings to the table, is one that allows us to understand ourselves much more intensely than we otherwise might. Furthermore, this insight also allows us to derive an accurate impression of how our behavior both influences and is influenced by those around us. According to Sandstrom, Martin, and Fine, â€Å"interactionism helps you remember that your choices and actions are not strictly dictated by cultural expectations or the reactions of others (p. 14). † I could go on to discuss how much I agree with this, however, it would not teach you a thing. Instead, I would prefer to discuss social interaction’s influence upon sexuality. You may be saying to yourself, â€Å"But that was not the question, it asked how it is relevant to you. † As a homosapien, the characteristics that make me human, do not relive me from the fact that as such, I still have primitive motives. Therefore, I insist that sexuality is very important to all of us thus worth further investigation. All human behavior has a certain symbolic value to it, sexual behavior being not different. Human sexual behavior has several components of which activities have many different meanings. Each of these meanings has a profound impact upon the way we feel about ourselves, and how others feel about us. Biologically, we are driven to reproduce, however it does not dictate who, what, when, where, and how by which we choose to do so; social interaction is the driving force behind that. These characteristics are thus determined by what we have learned from our culture. In respect to sex research, Blumer’s symbolic interactionist ideologies have become dominant. His approach emphasizes that although reality is constructed by our social interactions, our perceived reality, including those of a sexual nature are not the same for everyone. It is critical that a situation is defined by the establishment of relevant identities of those involved in the interaction. It is this construction that involves negotiation and roletaking as well as role-making behaviors. This is where Goffman’s research style and staging details come into play, showing how the presentations of self are manifested deep in our everyday lives. One could view the discreet sexual practices of homosexuality as one of these staging details by which individuals avoid injuring their â€Å"identity†- the way they perceive themselves as being viewed by others. As a result of differences in how individuals are exposed to sexual culture, multiple connotations are associated with sexual terms, which vary by gender, social class, and other social characteristics. These connotations often come into play in how an individual presents themselves. In conclusion, symbolic interactionism has made an incredible influence on human behavior, even the often underscored realm of human sexuality, as I have discussed. It has enhanced research in human sexuality by way of its adequacy in terms of predictability and parsimony in addition to the fact that it is generally devoid of moral judgments. Although our behavior is guided by social influence, the text reinforces the fact that â€Å"our choices and actions are not strictly dictated by cultural expectations or the reactions of others (p. 14). †We are all affected by sexuality and by the way others present themselves, the way we present ourselves and how the reactions of both feed upon the other. We are dependent upon these things. The symbolic interactionist viewpoint has further enhanced my understanding and how I perceive those around me, as well as how I perceive myself. That is how it is relevant to me. Human Sexuality free essay sample Human sexuality SOC 21 Masturbation is a very important meaner of learning about our bodies. Masturbation helps our bodies in many ways such as improve sexual health, reduces unwanted pregnancy, and helps prevent sexually transmitted diseases but most importantly it helps us learn about our bodies. Masturbation is usually seen as a bad thing when really it is way of helping our bodies. Although Masturbation is seen as an absurd and inappropriate subject to talk about and should be kept private people shouldnt feel ashamed for doing it. We believe that people might feel ashamed of it r to do it is because they are scared that they wont be considered a virgin any more or that people will see them differently like as dirty. When kids hit a certain age around the time they hit puberty they should be informed about how masturbating a natural thing is. They also should be informed the appropriate times to do it and where. We will write a custom essay sample on Human Sexuality or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page For example, remind your child that touching her vulva (or his penis) is a private behavior. remind her she needs to be in private (ideally the bedroom or bathroom with the door closed). When genital touching occurs in public, repetitive, gentle, and discreet reminders about he inappropriateness of the behavior when others are around or in public places is usually all that is needed. (Convenient 109) By teaching kids at an earlier age that it is k to masturbate it can break the judgments and shame that people have towards masturbating. This can help future generations to be less Judgmental and better understands the subject. Human sexuality SOC 021 In our society there have been perceptions and myths regarding masturbation. In the past, many religious cultures viewed it as a sin and even a topic to not discuss, let alone do. Today that outdated ideology has shifted, and is seen as normal and an important mean of learning about our bodies. An author from advocates for youth (2007) notes, Many people cannot imagine that everyone?babies, children, teens, adults, and the elderly?are sexual beings. Some believe that sexual activity is reserved for early and middle adulthood. Teens often feel that adults are too old for sexual intercourse. Sexuality, though, is much more than sexual intercourse and humans are sexual beings throughout life. The topic of masturbation is way to self-explore the body according to Melanie Davis, New Jersey Center for Sexual Wellness. That is a healthy way we understand our bodies and what pleasure we desire during sexual intimacy. We should not have a weird attitude about self-exploration. There have also been common myths regarding this topic including masturbation leads to menta l illness, does not cause infertility ? men and boys will not run out of sperm, and it does not make you gay just to reference a few according to planned parenthood. These myths have existed throughout history and today are not looked at as a common belief in our society In our modern world we view masturbation now as healthy and that we shouldnt feel Reid masturbating or even discussing the health benefits of masturbating. Most doctors agree it is normal and healthy. Melanie Davis writes We can have this discussion with also for example youth who are struggling to understand their bodies during changes in puberty, and often because of the negative stigma that was attached Human Sexuality SOC. 021 to it. As adults we may feel with the idea of talking to our kids about it, however in the end it can actually help the child feel more confident as an adult during his stages of puberty which are very vulnerable times for youth. By putting your own embarrassment aside, you will continue the process of helping your child become a sexually confident and happy adult. There are times where we should talk to children where it is appropriate to masturbate. Parents should be careful when talking to them about it and to not make them feel like they are engaging in harmful behavior. Masturbation is very common. Studies show that about 7 out of 10 adult men and more than 5 out of 10 adult women masturbate. Its also common for children and teens to masturbate. (www. Plenipotentiary. Org) So we can see that it is common and more people take part in it than expected Masturbation is not viewed as any mental disorder. However If it is interfering with your day to day life then it may be considered an issue. Excessive Masturbation may indicate a more serious psychological or personal problem. (The Great Masturbation Scare, cal 710-1910) Although most people do not suffer from excessive masturbation it is possible, and this may be due to a variety of reasons that either can or cannot be determined. Both children and adults may be showing these signs if they are to be evaluated and determined if they should seek professional help or not. Most people will continue to masturbate throughout their lives because throughout peoples lives we are sexually beings. Masturbation i s a way of sexual expression so it is likely we will continue to masturbate in our lifetime. Human sexuality SOC. 021 Throughout the entire book masturbation is looked at as a great way to relieve sexual tension, help in unwanted pregnancies and a great way to learn about an individuals likes and dislikes during a pleasurable experience. The strengths in these arguments are practically the pros of masturbation. People have tasks and goals in life. Getting the bills paid, mowing the lawn, writing an essay for the best sociology class ever, and a whole lot of endless responsibilities. When the pressures of life become too hard to handle and youre looking for that instant satisfaction, why not masturbate? Masturbation can also help when it is time to be intimate with a partner. For example, according to Dry. Debby Herbicide, from Confidentialitys. Org, masturbation can help men learn to control the timing of their ejaculation, and to last longer if they would like to. From this site, I learned about the start-stop method, which involves the male stopping Just before the point of orgasm, to let the erection slightly decrease, then start up again(Confidentialitys. Org). If a person is a premature ejaculatory they can use this method in order to ensure both parties will achieve satisfaction. Any subject will have strengths and weaknesses; masturbation is one that can nave dire consequences, it you let it But tort the most part, beneficial for a persons self-esteem, learning of ones sexuality and helps in maintaining a stress. A weakness we found from the author is th at the book doesnt dive in to what can o wrong if a person were to become obsessed with masturbation. One can only learn through their mistakes or by seeing what can become of such choices. What is argued against masturbation usually pertains to the quantity of the act itself. The act itself can teach us about what we enjoy sexually, but too much of a good thing can come with horrendous consequences. For example, according to hellgrammite. Com, Dry. Hoses states that, Excessive masturbation can have some harmful effects. Some of these include abrasions on the foreskin from friction. Just because its pleasurable doesnt mean it wont wear down. Another con for masturbation is if a person is spending too much time indulging and ignores the social world, this can cramp a persons lifestyle and activities. Missing important tasks or spending all of your money on pornography on an ongoing basis will lead to an obsession that can result in shame and guilt. Control is the key to anything. Life is all about balance. We must know how to manage our time and curb our urges to lead a healthy life. Masturbation has always been a delicate discussion among society. Many dont like to speak about it because they view it as immoral. This topic could be very insensitive not only when it involves adults but children as well. Teaching kids and teens that masturbation isnt a bad thing can go against the customs that they have followed growing up, but experts now days encourage parents to think differently about this subject. Like the author in the book, Teaching Children about Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality, clearly states that [the norm] in infancy and childhood is all about healthy curiosity about body parts and their functions, and that exploration and touching of genitals [is] common (Convenient 2007). Its obvious that at this GE young kids dont really understand why they are stimulating the genitals, but its a good way of self-exploration and learning about our bodies. This outside source helps strengthen the argument because they believe that many boys and men (girls and women) who touch their own private body parts is okay (Convenient 2007). Masturbation is seen as a private activity in which you do not expose to the public, and for teens this should be a very important teaching. The author is all about teaching children and adolescents the importance of masturbation, but knowing when and where to do it. This action communicates acceptance about the behavior, but also teaches rules about safety and appropriate behavior (Convenient 2007). Masturbation is the most frequent type of sexual activity for most young people until they begin forming stable relationships in late adolescence, therefore being a normal aspect about exploring our bodies. It is clear that the author of this book, Terrier Convenient, is seen more of a support for our argument in which masturbation is seen as an important meaner of learning about our bodies. We as a group agree with the author of, Human Sexuality, Diversity in Contemporary America, in regards with masturbation being healthy and a normal part of development. Through masturbation, children and adolescents learn what is sexually pleasing, now to move their bodies and what their natural rhythm are. ( Warbler, Assayed, Strong, p. 279, 2008) The author states that through masturbation we can learn about our bodies and that there are several reasons such as for sexual tension, either because the partner is not available or does not want to have sex. The author also states how before masturbation was viewed as an illness, masturbation is the primary sexual activity of [human] kind. In the nineteenth century it was a disease; in the twentieth century its a cure. ( Sass, p. 279, 2008) To Summarize, our group agrees with the author that masturbation is a normal and healthy part of growing up and one can masturbate and it will not have any sort of negative impact on ones life if done wisely. We also agree that masturbation is also a vital way to fully understand our bodies needs and it can also help us understand what pleasures we are looking for during sexual intimacy.

Solar Energy Systems Analysis Essay Sample

Solar Energy Systems Analysis Essay Sample Solar Energy Systems Analysis Essay Example Solar Energy Systems Analysis Essay Example Currently, the question of the energy future of the world is one of the most considered and urgent problems of the humanity. It would seem that the solution to this problem is obvious: more power plants should produce more power. However, usage and maintenance of existing and built-to-be power plants need more fuel, which is derived from the natural resources of oil, gas, and coal that are not infinite. Nowadays, scientists and engineers around the world are searching for new sources of energy that could not only maintain and replace exhaustible natural resources, but also improve the ecological picture of the planet. Energy has numerous branches, depending on the main source type: nuclear, coal, gas, hydropower, and alternative, which is based on the use of renewable energy sources. Alternative energy includes wind, geothermal, biomass, tidal wave and solar energy. Comparing all these energy industries on the basis of environmental and economic criteria and indicators of safety, it is possible to conclude that solar power is the most promising. Current paper examines the problem of modern humanity that is the crisis of energy resources. In this regard, using new sources like alternative energy becomes necessary. Main attention is given to the areas of solar energy’s application as a clean and renewable source of energy. Besides, the paper describes existing inventions, their design and function. Solar Power Systems and Devices The most appropriate type of energy for the majority of autonomous objects is the energy of the sun. At the moment, solar energy is almost the only one, the reserves of which are completely inexhaustible. The amount of energy received by the Earth from the sun in one hour is equal to the total energy consumed by people in a year and at the same time this type of energy has almost no economic constraints (Tsao, Lewis. and Crabtree). It is quite natural that the development of solar energy and the attempts of its practical use, especially in the US and Western Europe, are extremely intense in the whole range of possible applications, ranging from micro electric for a few tens of watts for a variety of independent members to solar power plants for the industrial use, including applications such as spacecraft and solar powered cars. The amount of solar energy reaching the Earth is greater than the energy of the worlds reserves of coal, gas, oil, and other energy resources. Usage of only 0.0125% of solar power could provide all the needs of today’s global energy (Kravchenko). Advantages of the technologies using solar energy are seen by the fact that solar installations do not provide heat added into the surface layers of the atmosphere where the greenhouse effect is not generated and there is no air pollution. However, there is a lack of solar energy. In particular, it is dependent on the state of the atmosphere, time of a day, and season. Use of solar energy mainly goes in two ways: in the form of thermal energy through the use of various thermal systems or by photochemical reactions. The most widely used technology in the world to use solar energy is hot water supply and heating. For this purpose, low-temperature energy is sufficient. Plants and solar heating systems are divided into passive and active (Fricke). In passive systems, absorption and storage of solar energy are provided directly by the elements of building constructions with little use of additional devices or without them. Throughout the history, the humanity has learnt how to use the sun’s heat during the construction of houses. In many countries, buildings are characterized by thick walls, accumulation of energy, and orientation of windows on the sunny side. Even at the current time, there are new methods developed, which improve such system. The wall facing the south is black, before a wall there is a glazed surface, and there is air between them, which is heated and then circulated in the building by convection. A water wall can be used instead of the stone one formed by water-filled containers from fiberglass. Active systems are based on the use of solar thermal collectors that convert solar energy into heat. Usually, a solar collector consists of energy absorbing plate glass and tubes disposed between the plate and the glass. Heated liquid circulates through pipes by a pump. Solar collectors can be used in a variety of low-temperature processes. For example, those can be used in the food industry for pasteurization of products, cleaning of cans, bottles, laundry in laundries, drying of agricultural produce, and so on. Reflecting solar collectors that concentrate the heat and light of the sun by chasing the sun’s movements are used for getting higher temperature or for implementing any mechanical work. Such collectors have either mirrors or lenses. Mirrors can be parabolic, spherical, or paraboloid. The concentrated sunlight falls on the central heat sink and heats the liquid, which is then pumped. This system includes the storage tank for the heated fluid. The main problem of the widespread usage of solar thermal systems is related to their economic efficiency and competitiveness as compared to traditional systems. The cost of energy generated by solar installations is higher than the cost of the energy obtained when using traditional fuels. However, the use of solar is more cost-effective for areas remote from centralized power supply (Corkish, Green, Watt and Wenham). A more efficient way of using solar energy is its direct conversion into electrical energy using solar cells. Photovoltaic cells are light-sensitive plates made of semiconductor material: selenium, silicon, gallium arsenide, silicon, diselenide, etc. (Corkish, Green, Watt and Wenham). Photovoltaic is produced when light particles (photons) create an electric current that is absorbed by the semiconductor. Solar panels can be of different capacities, from portable units in a few watts to power wattage, covering millions of square meters. In order not to depend on seasonal and diurnal solar cycle and atmospheric conditions, there are technical energy storage methods such as electrochemical storage batteries and mechanical accumulation (using rotating flywheels) in the form of hydrogen. It is also possible to mix cells with other energy sources such as the most likely combination with wind turbines, as well as systems with fossil fuels. Photovoltaic systems (solar panels) require minimal maintenance and they do not use water. Thus, they are well-suited for remote and desert regions. This method of converting solar energy is durable and environmentally friendly. It can also be used to improve environmental conditions at the place of use and in the future to regulate environmental conditions in large areas. Basic needs in solar cells include: lighting, functioning of electronics (radio, TV, refrigerator), and pumps for lifting water in remote rural areas. It also helps to provide energy supply to environmentally friendly public recreation areas and treatment, as well as for radio and telecommunication systems, lighthouses, buoys. Installations of solar energy are not only environmentally friendly, but also have a positive impact on other areas of life. For example, the use of solar panels in hot desert regions such as a sun umbrella provide favorable conditions for growing underneath melons and citrus fruit, for which intense sunlight is not advisable. Another example is the use of solar panels or solar collectors as building elements for facades (Chiras). Production of Solar Equipment In many countries, there is a constant increase in the production of solar collectors. Their current global installed capacity is estimated at 15 GW (Sterner). The total area of solar collectors in the world, according to incomplete data, exceeds 21 million of square meters, while annual production of solar collectors exceeds 1.7 million of square meters. At this point, leading countries are (in millions of square meters): Japan 7, USA 4, Israel 2.8, and Greece 2. Photoelectric conversion of solar energy is one of the fastest growing trends in the domain of renewable energy. Currently, the total installed capacity of solar photovoltaic systems is over 938 MW. The annual growth rate has been 30% during the last 5 years. At this point, leading countries are: Japan 80 MW, the United States 60 MW, and Germany 50 MW (Kalogirou). The extent of the use of photovoltaic solar cells are limited to the higher cost of electricity generated as compared to the energy produced by the use of traditional energy sources. The unit cost of power flat solar modules on the world market is 4 5 $/W and the cost of photovoltaic installations is 7 10 $/Wt (Wolfe). The cost of electricity generated by the modules ranges from 0.2 to 0.3 / $/kWh, which is significantly higher than the cost of electricity from conventional sources. However, worldwide there are large areas with centralized energy supply experiencing an acute shortage of energy, thus resulting in significant losses, including material and financial ones. There are regions remote from centralized power like individual settlements, villages, and operating points. The use of renewable energy sources, including solar energy, would solve social and economic problems of these regions and remote locations. Therefore, the question of economic opportunity and efficiency must be addressed taking into account socio-economic conditions, including energy deficiency, the cost of fuel, as well as geographical and climatic conditions. Main Inventions Scientists estimate that a small percentage of solar energy is sufficient to provide transport and industrial and domestic needs both now and in the future. The energy balance of the Earth and the state of the biosphere are not to be affected irrespective of whether or not the energy is used. However, one cannot overlook one major drawback. Solar radiation falling on the Earth’s surface does not have a fixed place of concentration. Thus, it is necessary to catch and turn this energy into a form that could be possibly used for human needs. In addition, there is a need in some way to stock solar energy to maintain the power supply at night and on cloudy days. At present, this problem is easily solved. The main thing is a correct usage of this resource to reduce its cost to a minimum. Moreover, taking into account day-by-day improvement of technology that becomes more expensive and, most importantly, traditional exhaustible resources, solar energy will find more fields of applica tion. Thus, below are the main of them. The task of solar collectors is accumulation of solar energy as efficiently as possible. Several well-known principles have been used in the design of the solar collector. For example, the heater is based on the property of solar rays, which freely pass through the transparent medium into the closed space and, being converted into thermal energy, are no longer able to come back through the transparent roof installation. The hydraulic system works by the principle of thermosiphon effect. That is known by the property of the liquid being heated to climb up, displacing the colder water and forcing the latter to move to a place of heat. It should also be noted that the development of solar energy has considered the effect of the accumulation and preservation of heat. Accumulated solar energy converts into heat energy that persists for a long time. There are different types of solar collectors differentiated by the external form of surfaces or by principles of absorbing surfaces and accum ulating methods. A flat solar collector is the most common type of solar collectors used for domestic water heating and heating systems. This solar collector has a glazing panel encasing the absorber plate. Absorber plate is made of metal with a good heat capacity (Kalogirou). The most frequently used metal is copper as it conducts heat better and is less susceptible to corrosion than aluminum. The plate is treated with a special highly selective absorber coating, which keeps better absorption of sunlight. This coating consists of a very strong thin amorphous semiconductor layer deposited on the metal base and has a high absorptivity in the visible region of the spectrum and low emissivity in the long wavelength infrared region. Heat loss reduces due to the glazing since frosted glazing glass with a low iron content that transmits only light is typically used in flat solar collectors. The bottom and side walls of the solar collector are coated with a heat insulating material, which further reduces he at loss. In the vacuum solar collector with direct heat transfer water, vacuum tubes are arranged at a certain angle and connected to the storage tank (Kalogirou). From it, water from a loop heat exchanger flows directly to tubes, heats up, and comes back. Advantages of this system concern a direct transfer of heat to water without other elements. Thermosiphon systems work on the principle of natural convection phenomena when warm water aspires upwards. In thermosiphon systems, the tank should be located above the collector. When water in tubes of the solar collector heats up, it becomes lighter and naturally rises to the top of the tank. Cooler water in the tank flows down into the tube; thus, it is circulated throughout the system. In smaller systems, the tank is integrated with solar collectors and is not designed for rail pressure. Therefore, thermosiphon systems need to use either water supply from upstream capacity or through reduction of pressure reducers. This type of solar collector has a minimum flow resistance. The system is required to be non-pressurized (open expansion tank) for tubes to avoid pressure. The drawback of such system is a slightly larger volume of water loop heat exchanger. There could also be a case of leaking water if the tube of solar collector is broken. However, the main advantage is low cost with all the benefits of a solar collector with vacuum tubes. The first prototype of a solar vehicle appeared in 1955 in Chicago thanks to William Cobb (Freestone). The model had a design with a length slightly larger than a foot and consisted of thirteen selenium solar cells on the roof and a small electric motor. It was the first attempt at creating silent and environmentally friendly transport. In the late 80-ies of the 20th century, the idea spread around the world. The idea is certainly unique, but also quite expensive. To make a solar power car able to compete with the motor car, one must use the most lightweight and durable construction materials, as well as a high-performance drive system, the latest achievements in the field of electronics, electrical engineering, and aerodynamics. Mobile station photoelectric is an autonomous energy source that can be used both in an open remote place and for the stationary use. However, of course, the main purpose of the station is the battery charging. The principle of operation of mobile photovoltaic plant is direct conversion of sunlight into electricity through solar cells. The station consists of modular solar panels, collapsible structures, and inter-module cable. Solar cells used in the modules are protected with light-resistant film on the front side and on the back side they have a rigid substrate. All this helps to protect them from mechanical damage and environmental influences. Solar modules are suitable for storage and transport as they are created in a convenient folding design. Concerning power characteristics of such installation, the cable can switch in parallel all the modules for charging a nominal voltage of 12 V, while series-parallel to the voltage of 24 V. In order to achieve voltage of 48 V, one must c onnect all modules with their own current leading in a daisy chain (Kalogirou). Portable solar power system is intended primarily for energy supply to DC house and special equipment with power up to 60 W and is based on solar photovoltaic modules. The structure of the portable system includes: a solar battery, a sealed rechargeable battery with charge controller-level, a warning device, a network adapter, and a lamp with a fluorescent lamp. Features of the system are the following: Accumulation of energy from different sources, including thermoelectric solar batteries and charger power; Ease of use and assembly of the technology implemented through the use of electrical connectors; Light weight and undeniable compactness that are important for the mobility of the system. Solar kitchen is household solar plants intended for cooking. The main element is a solar concentrator that focuses the sun’s rays on the surface of the radiation detector dishes in which food is prepared. Often, solar concentrators used for solar dishes have a low accuracy of the focusing solar radiation; however, it is enough for everyday usage’s convenience. Rotation after the apparent motion of the sun is carried out by hand and efficiency of the plant reaches 55-60% (Hesselbach and Herrmann). Benefits of solar kitchen are its compactness for the use in open space conditions, indispensability of the absence of gas, and, of course, budget of the installation. Lamps with solar batteries: today, there cannot be a huge surprise in case someone uses photovoltaic systems for night illumination of streets, highways, and other areas. These systems are autonomous power supply, which are based on solar module that allows making the lighting less expensive. The principle of operation of such systems is reliable and simple. During the daylight hours, the photovoltaic cell recharges batteries, turning solar energy into electricity. At night, the light automatically comes on and stays on until dawn. Intensity of solar radiation does not affect charging abilities of the battery; it can be recharged even in cloudy weather, not to mention the winter season. The structure of the photovoltaic system includes: PV module that converts sunlight into electricity; Battery that accumulates energy. Sealed and maintenance-free batteries are commonly used, the service life of which does not exceed 10 years; Controller, which optimizes the level of charge/discharge of the battery and automatically switches on the light at night and turns off the light in the daytime; An inverter, which converts direct current into alternating; Lighting unit, including the ceiling and the lamp. Of course, all electronic devices equipped with a photovoltaic system are protected against short circuit, overload, and overheating, while providing reliability and efficiency of the system. In conclusion, the main thing is that solar energy is one of the most renewable and readily available sources of energy. The fact that sunlight and heat are available for free in large quantities and do not belong to anyone makes them one of the most important alternative energy sources. Currently, the potential of solar energy is extremely high in addition to a large number of positive aspects in favor of the use of this resource in comparison with conventional energy. However, as mentioned in the beginning, there is one major drawback. Despite the fact that the amount of solar energy is enough to supply all the energy needs of the world, unfortunately these huge potentials will hardly be ever implemented on a large scale. This is impossible because of the low intensity of the solar lighting. Moreover, the use of a large number of collectors involves considerable material costs. Perhaps, the situation will change for the better in case cheaper materials for collectors are created an d applied.

Bayesian Networks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Bayesian Networks - Essay Example BNs are graphical models that set probabilistic relationships among variables of interest. They depict the relationships between causes and effects. The BNs are strong knowledge representation and reasoning tool under conditions of uncertainty. The BNs are a directed acyclic graph having nodes and arcs with a conditional probability distribution linked for each node. Nodes stand for domain variables, and arcs between nodes stand for probabilistic dependencies. Set of nodes and a set of directed links between them must not form a cycle. Each node represents a random variable that can take discrete or continuous finite, mutually exclusive values. These values depend on a probability distribution, which can be different for each node. Each link states probabilistic cause-effect relations among the linked variables. A link is shown by an arc starting from the affecting variable (parent node) and ending on the affected variable (child node). We will use BNs to represent risk. For example, Figure 3.1 shows BN for "Decreased profits" risk. By linking together different risks we can model multiple risks in a project and we will look at this property in Chapter 5. Bayes' Theorem was developed after Rev. Thomas Bayes, an 18th century mathematician and theologian. Bayes set out his theory of probability in Essay towards solving a problem in the doctrine of chances published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London in 1764. Richard Price, a friend of Bayes' sent the paper to the Royal Society and wrote: I now send you an essay which I have found among the papers of our deceased friend Mr Bayes, and which, in my opinion, has great merit... In an introduction which he has writ to this Essay, he says, that his design at first in thinking on the subject of it was, to find out a method by which we might judge concerning the probability that an event has to happen, in given circumstances, upon supposition that we know nothing concerning it but that, under the same circumstances, it has happened a certain number of times, and failed a certain other number of times. (Hogben 1970) Laplace accepted Bayes's results in a 1781 memoir and Condorcet rediscovered them (as Laplace mentions). They stayed accepted until Boole doubted them in the Laws of Thought . Mathematically Bayes theorem is stated as: Where it is possible to update our belief in hypothesis H given the additional evidence E. The left-hand term, P(H|E) is known as the "posterior probability," or the probability of H after considering the effect of E. The term P(H) is called the "prior probability" of H. The term P(E|H) is called the "likelihood" and gives the probability of the evidence assuming the hypothesis H is true. Finally, the last term P(E) is free of H and can be viewed as a normalizing or scaling factor. The power of Bayes' theorem is that in many situations where we actually want to calculate p(H|E) it turns out that it is hard to do so directly, yet we might have direct information about the likelihood, p(E|H). Bayes' theorem allows us to calculate p(H|E) in terms of p(E|H). 1.3 The Bayesian Approach to Probability and Statistics Understanding of the Bayesian method to probability and statistics helps to know BNs and related learning techniques. The

Evaluation essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Evaluation - Essay Example For the potential buyers of these cars, this price difference should not be a consideration, provided they are satisfied with other features of the car. A clear advantage with the Camry range is that there are five different variant models on offer, with Hybrid varieties too made available to the customer, although this could cost an additional $5,000 on the basic model. The Honda Accord on the other hand Honda Accords comes in just two models. Moving on to other features of the cars, the Toyota Camry models score more points for their superior aesthetics and visual appeal. For example, the Camry has a rounded exterior, with a clean, tidy look which would appeal to buyers from the professional classes. Honda Accord, in contrast, has elements of a sports car, with sleeker and pointed exteriors, suggesting that the car would appeal to young car enthusiasts rather than older, higher income demographic groups. The Honda Accord Coupe has a 268-horsepower engine (V-6), takes lesser time to go from 0 to 60 and offers better fuel efficiency system, along with a lower center of gravity structure and â€Å"independent multi-link rear suspension†, which is supposed to provide greater control over the car. The Camry models too offer V-6 engines and greater car stability features, not by default but as additional options, which translates into more expenses for the customer. Both cars offer deluxe and comfortable leather interiors. As for safety features such as airbags, seatbelts, etc, both cars are similar. In other words, the safety and performance features of both cars meet standard expectations. Hence, neither car is overall better than the other. The final choice of a customer will depend on his/her age, location (urban, rural, etc), income, marital status, etc. Young men, who are not yet married, will more likely go for the Honda Accord Coupe, for its

Supply Chain Risk Management

Supply Chain Risk Management A global supply chain is subject to various types of supply and demand uncertainties existing at different nodes of the supply chain giving rise to a variety of risks that can lead to disruption. Companies that stay on top of supply chain risk make their businesses more resilient. They can enhance the companys competitive position, support growth and produce measurable returns. Many companies have recognized this and are now undertaking supply chain risk management programs This research paper reviews published approaches to supply chain risk management and tries to understand how the risks differ in two major industries-electronics and pharmaceuticals. For managers, it provides knowledge of the types of risks that may be present in their supply chain and presents a variety of strategies for identifying and managing the same. Introduction Globalisation, multiple channels to market, the pressure to run lean supply chains extending beyond traditional organisational boundaries, and the need to embrace external parties such as contract manufacturers and logistics service providers, have left the modern supply chain increasingly vulnerable to risk and to possible disruption. Economic disruptions including currency fluctuations, commodity price volatility, and sudden downturns in demand and ownership or investment restrictions imposed by governments have become more frequent and more visible since the financial crisis of 2008. Despite significant growth in international trade, cross-border movements are vulnerable to customs regimes, tariff and non-tariff barriers, quota systems, security concerns and infrastructure bottlenecks. All these risks can be clubbed into- macroeconomic, extended value chain, operational and functional risks. Almost two-thirds of the respondents to a global survey conducted by Mckinsey consisting of executives, say that the risks to their supply chain have increased over the past years. A significant of them also agreed to the fact their companies dont take any steps to mitigate these risks. (Source: September 2006 Mckinsey Quarterly global survey of business executives) Thus there is a clear need to review risk management practices as they pertain to both long-term strategic and short-term tactical decision-making. Organizations should review their risk exposure against objective, transparent criteria, with costs balanced against the benefits of potential methods for mitigating risk. . There are two sides to supply chain risk management: Risk assessment and mitigation Response to supply chain disruption Both are necessary components to an effective supply chain risk management strategy. With strong risk mitigation strategies in place a company is ready to face a given supply chain event. However, not all events may be anticipated. When these events occur, accompany must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively or risk suffering financial and customer service losses. Both the quantitative and qualitative risks will be covered through this paper. A step by step approach to tackle SCRM is proposed:- Assessing risk To assess risk, an inventory of key risks is build, along with the effects and probabilistic likelihood of each risk. A supply chain probability and impact matrix needs to be built. Designing a framework to manage the supply chain Once assessed, supply chain risks need to be managed via a framework that integrates all the key risk capabilities required. Implementing supply chain risk mitigation Companies need a robust action plan funded with the appropriate resources to address the core of the risk issues and implement treatment. The objective of this paper is to propose a comprehensive risk management and mitigation model for global supply chains. The model is intended to equip managers with a step-by-step procedure to identify, assess, and manage risks in their global supply chains, and guide future research. The paper reviews various risk mitigation techniques proposed in different papers in this subject and tries to understand its significance in the electronics and pharmaceutical industry. Literature Review Manuj and Mentzer (2008) say that due to demanding customers and competitive pressures, businesses today are restructuring themselves to operate on a global basis to take advantage of the international product, factor, and capital markets. There are several concerns in operating globally, including economic, political, logistical, competitive, cultural, and infrastructure. Typically, a firm operating internationally is part of a complex supply chain. Global supply chains require highly coordinated flows of goods, services, information, and cash within and across national boundaries. Maximizing profits in a multi-national environment include sourcing from locations that offer the lowest total procurement cost, manufacturing and assembling products in least cost countries, and marketing in high potential demand centres. But Wright and Datskovska (2012) are of the opinion that through lean processes and the geographical concentration of production, most executives would probably say tha t their supply chains and transport networks have become more efficient. These advances in efficiency, however, have also changed the risk profile for their supply chains. Janat Shah (2009) proclaims that lean techniques have created chains with longer paths and shorter clock speeds resulting in more opportunities for disruption and a smaller margin for error for a disruption to take place. Lengthy supply chains are increasingly proving to be a source of concern in the face of disruptions in sourcing, production and distribution of goods and services. As a result, many organizations need to take a hard look at supply chain risk and to review their plans and procedures for dealing with a broad range of new contingencies. Supply chain risk classification Wagner and Bode (2008) describes a supply chain risk as the combination of (1) an unintended, anomalous triggering event that materializes somewhere in the supply chain or its environment, and (2) a consequential situation which significantly threatens normal business operations of the firms in the supply chain. We can describe a five step approach to supply chain risk management- Risk Identification, Risk Assessment and Evaluation, Selection of Appropriate Risk Management, Implementation of Supply Chain Risk Management Strategy and Mitigation of Supply Chain Risk. Different authors have described various classifications of risk sources. Various supply chain risks can be divided as Supply, Operational, Demand, Security, Macro, Policy, Competitive and Resource risks. Chopra and Sodhi (2004) classify them as Disruption, Delay, Forecast, Systems, IP, Procurement, Receivables, Inventory and Capacity risks. Juttner, Peck and Christopher (2004) simplifies the classification to environmenta l risk sources, network-related risk sources and organisational risk sources. Risk assessment Pramod Kumar Mishra (2011) says that decisions on supply risks can be taken only when the impact of risks on the companys business can be evaluated. This can be quantitative or qualitative depending on the resources available. Risk assessment involves exploring what if scenarios like those below can help groups identify, understand and prioritize risks, a key prerequisite to tailoring effective risk-mitigation strategies. Manuj talks of two methods-probabilistic choice and risk analysis methods depending on the repeatability of events. Janat Shah has described constructing a probability and impact matrix to assess risk. Historical data may be used to understand the behaviour of risk probability distributions. However, there are many instances when there is none, inadequate, or unreliable historical data. In such cases, techniques such as the Delphi method may be used to assign probabilities. But Iyer(2008) says that this exercise is challenging because the relationships between risk factors are not static. One decision or risk factor may impact other risk factors. Risk mitigation Risk management is focused on identifying and assessing the probabilities and consequences of risks, and selecting appropriate risk strategies to reduce the probability of, or losses associated with, adverse events. Basically risk mitigation strategies can be classified primarily into seven categories: avoidance, postponement, speculation, hedging, control, sharing/transferring, and security. Hult, Craighead and Ketchen (2010) have suggested real options based method. Janat Shah has created a matrix with investment required for mitigation and risk score as the axis to decide the mitigation plan. Juttner, Peck and Christopher (2004) in there paper have defined an approach based on avoidance, control, cooperation and flexibility. Avoidance is through dropping product lines, markets, supplier or partners. They define a control approach through increasing stockpiling and buffer inventory, maintaining excess capacity and imposing contractual obligations. Cooperation is mentioned to be thr ough joint efforts in information sharing and preparing continuity plans. Flexibility can be through multiple sourcing and localised sourcing. Blos, Wee and Yang (2009) have devised a framework based on business continuity planning. Depending on the demand and supply uncertainty, the authors have also defined a matrix aligning the strategic objectives of the firm with the supply chain objective and the mitigation plan to be followed. An efficient, responsive, risk hedging and agile supply chain each have different plans. There are also devised methods for continous risk monitoring-stress testing and Tailoring Risk Management approaches. Trade-off The biggest challenge companies face is mitigating supply-chain risks without eroding profits. Juttner, Peck and Christopher (2004) summarised the trade-off decision as (1) Repeatability versus unpredictability, ie trading the benefits of repeatable processes against the cost of a lack of flexibility; (2) the lowest bidder versus the known supplier; (3) centralisation versus dispersion decisions in production and distribution; (4) collaboration versus secrecy, ie while sharing more information on e.g. the results of risk audits would better place organisations to manage supply chain risks, it could also deter potential customers or weaken the bargaining position; (5) redundancy versus efficiency, ie managing the conflict between excess capacity in a supply chain and the efficiency-focused lean paradigm aiming at the elimination or reduction of waste. A final, maybe paramount supply chain trade-off decision is between managing risk and delivering value. This is the trade-off between t he extra costs related to most of the mitigating strategies and the total costs of supply as a main principle of contemporary supply chain management. Risks in Pharmaceutical industry Enyinda, Mbah, Ogbuehi (2010) reports on the empirical findings of the quantification of risks that decision makers consider most important when deciding on a risk portfolio to mitigate and the manner in which risks are prioritized according to their importance in the pharmaceutical sector. The empirical findings suggest that decision makers attached great importance to counterfeit, Food and Drugs Board, and exchange-rate fluctuations. With respect to risk-mitigation strategies, risk reduction is considered most important, followed by risk avoidance. Dynamic sensitivity analysis with respect to a change (increase) in the Food and Drugs Board did not result in any change in the ranking of risk policy options, while a change (increase) in counterfeit resulted in a change in the ranking between risk reduction and risk avoidance. Risk avoidance ranked number one, followed by risk reduction. The paper leverages the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to quantify risk mitigation. Greg Brandyberry (2010) reports five important trends in risk management practices in the pharmaceutical industry. Sensible cash-flow management: With the changing environment of increased regulation, price controls, generic-drug competition, and longer and more expensive research and development cycles, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have become much more focused on supply-chain cash-flow management strategies (following the lead of other industries that began implementing these strategies as many as 25 years ago). These strategies consist of a combination of programs that strive to better balance cash inflows versus cash outflows. Better balance of low cost versus low risk. Global supply chains have been under development across pharmaceutical industry since decades. Outsourcing, combined with low-cost country sourcing, is even riskier. The US Food and Drug Administrations recall of heparin in 2008 due to contamination of lots produced in China is another example. In this heparin recall, the drug was oversulfated as Chinese heparin manufacturers were unethically cutting the medication with chondroitin sulfate to cut down on manufacturing costs. This incident had devastating impacts on those who had chosen to use this Chinese supplier. FDA reported that there were hundreds of serious adverse reactions and scores of deaths among patients that had taken the heparin (2). The hard lessons learned from this incident have made it important for companies to revaluate their low-cost country sourcing strategies. They are evaluating risk versus cost and rebalancing their supply strategies to less riskier profiles. Comprehensive strategic-procurement initiatives Strategic sourcing is a pragmatic and structured procurement process. This process is conducted over several steps and includes: rigorous internal and external analysis; development of multiple strategic options weighted for risk and cost; strategy selection made collaboratively with business stakeholders; well-orchestrated negotiation; and detailed implementation planning, supplier selection, and ongoing supplier management, including continuous-improvement activities. Sustainability When it comes to embracing sustainability and green behaviour in manufacturing and product specifications, several large corporations such as GlaxoSmithKline (London), Proctor Gamble (Cincinnati), Diageo (London), and Unilever (London) achieved material cost savings, enhanced brand image, and generated increased demand for their products through innovative changes in primary and secondary packaging components. Risk in electronics industry Frank Zwibler and Marco Hermann (2012) have suggested that most supply chains in the electronics industry are global networks consisting of a single OEM, an A-supplier, and several small and medium supply companies (SME). These networks are characterized, firstly, by the dominance of the OEM or the A-supplier and, secondly, by the volatile electronics market and its strong fluctuations in demand, short product life cycles, and tremendous potential for technical innovation. Supply chain mapping, brain-writing method and stress, resilience and expense portfolio have been described as successive steps of risk identification. The Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) technique has been used for risk assessment. After assessing the different parameters, the so-called risk priority number (RPN) can be determined. Risk measures to control are similar to earlier described mitigation plans. Sodhi(2005) has outlined a process to manage this risk by suggesting two risk measures for demand- a nd inventory-related risk respectively and two linear-programming (LP) models: one for allocating the plants replenishment schedule among the customers and the other to guide the request to plants for replenishment over the horizon. Research lacunae There is an immense need for action in industry to implement supply chain risk management systems. Each industry differs in their management of supply chain risks. Not only that supply chain risk management is not evenly applied throughout the different sectors, there are also great differences in the use and the implementation of supply chain risk management. A study comparing sector wise supply chain risk management is of immense scope. Research Methodology Mainly secondary research from peer reviewed journals, articles, websites and proceeds. Analysis The supply chain risk management process can be summarised as Figure : Supply Chain Risk Management Framework Electronics Industry More than ever before, electronics manufacturers are facing harsh realities. With further dismantling of trade barriers, globalization is now enabling companies to enter new markets each with its own standards and regulations creating fragmented product lines and distributed networks of suppliers and vendors. Product innovation is receiving greater emphasis as global competitors turn up the heat and product lifecycles continue to shrink. The entire nature of demand has changed, placing traditional forecasting weak. The fact is, long-range planning and demand forecasting are increasingly and inherently losing their ability to guide manufacturers as the recent inventory crisis in electronics showed all too clearly. With the introduction of partners such as electronics manufacturing services (EMS) providers, component suppliers and distributors, original design manufacturers (ODMs), contract design manufacturers (CDMs), and other participants, it becomes more challenging to control that network of suppliers. Although original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) still have direct design relationships with the semiconductor. Suppliers, the purchasing relationship comes about through the OEMs partners, making inventory ownership ambiguous, blurring inventory visibility across the supply chain, and creating unstructured processes among partners for managing supply chain execution. Figure Electronics Supply Chain (Source: QAD White Paper: Successful Risk Management in the Electronics Supply Chain) Critical risks Inventory Risk This is the greatest risk for supply chains getting caught holding inventory when a product becomes obsolete or demand shifts unexpectedly. With the highly volatile demand of electronics manufacturing, companies that rely heavily on demand-forecast accuracy face unnecessary inventory risks. Supply-Interruption Risk Conversely, no company wants to experience materials shortages that impact their ability to supply finished product to their customers. Supply interruptions are the ultimate opportunity cost for manufacturers. Capacity Risk In the cyclical electronics industry, most profits arise from new orders during a peak cycle coinciding with price premiums. Too little capacity presents significant opportunity costs. Conversely, excess capacity can negate the profits gained in the peak period. (Frank Zwibler and Marco Hermann (2010)) Risk Mitigation Inventory Visibility Faster Information Lead Times Sales and Operations Planning Managing Key Performance Indicators Managing Inter-Enterprise Business Processes Lean Manufacturing Service and Support Management An IT backbone enabling Supporting a pull-based manufacturing and replenishment environment Achieving inventory visibility across fragmented supply chains including multiple tiers and component suppliers and contract manufacturers Minimizing supply interruptions by reducing information lead time Comprehensive sales and operations planning (SOP) to optimize inventory at various points in the supply chain Monitoring supply chain KPIs including supplier and contract performance Managing outsourcing operations Supporting lean manufacturing and lean supply chain strategies Creating aggregated supply plans to drive strategic sourcing This ability to assess the impact and exposure from sources of risk made a big difference to the fortunes of Nokia and Ericsson, which were leading cell phone vendors in 2000. In March 2000, a fire broke out at their common supplier Phillips NVs semiconductor plant in New Mexico, forcing the plant to remain shut down for several months. The difference in outcomes between the two companies was dramatic-Nokia came out of the disruption stronger and gained market share, while a substantially weakened Ericsson lost more than à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬400 million that year and ultimately exited the cell phone market in 2001. This difference was primarily due to Nokias comprehensive supply chain risk management program, which helped the company immediately-and accurately-estimate the impact of the shutdown on its business, and then react accordingly. Nokia switched orders to other Phillips plants and to Japanese and American suppliers, and redesigned chips to reduce its reliance on Phillips products. By comparison, Ericsson was unable to assess the potential impact of the fire on its business and could not respond quickly to the incident. Pharmaceutical Industry Figure : Pharmaceuticals Supply Chain (Source: Chartered Quality Institute Guide) Critical Risks Counterfeit Drugs As pharmaceutical supply chains worldwide continue to experience increased risk levels, led by counterfeit risk, the WHO reports (1998) that 10% of all drugs distributed worldwide are counterfeits, with a disproportionate 60% rate in the developing countries. Pharmaceutical counterfeits can impose tremendous costs on both the pharmaceutical industry and patient safety. The costs through the actions of counterfeiters and diverters include more sick patients, loss of life, erosion of public health confidence, loss of brand image, reduced profit and reduced shareholder value. These costs are compounded by the costs of product recalls and the growing threat of counterfeiting and diversion. Compromised or untrustworthy drug value chains can create uncertainty , decrease investment, and decrease in research and development. Food and Drugs Board Compliance norms for pharmaceuticals can make or break a drug. Regulators are becoming much stricter about quality issues, increasing the size and frequency of mandatory product recalls. The number of drug recalls by the FDA increased by more than 28 percent in 2009 to 2010, for example Exchange-rate fluctuations Foreign exchange rates can fluctuate dramatically over the course of a supply agreement and it is important to consider their impact upfront. Clinical trial risk This is a risk specific to the pharma supply chain arising as a result of the drug development process. The empirical findings from Enyindas research using Saatis AHP indicate that counterfeit risk (0.453) is considered more important, followed by FDB (0.264), exchange rate (0.112) and other risks. This helps in inferring the ranking of the risks in the sequence presented above. Risk mitigation for Counterfeits Usage of technology is the only means to curb the menace of counterfeit drugs. Sophisticated pack design and labelling using special inks Holograms Tags and tamper-evident seals Field agents actively investigating instances of counterfeit product Consumer Awareness Programs Enyinda Szmerekovsky(2010) have proposed that U.S. pharmaceutical firms must turn to SR supply chain to better track and trace prescription drugs. And the key enabler to SR supply chain is RFID technology that has been touted as the holy grail. Because of the significant promise that RFID has, FDA recommended its adoption by the pharmaceutical industry in order to achieve and meet the electronic pedigree requirement and compliance. Effective risk management requires the ability of the decision maker to rank and prioritize a portfolio of risk factors involved in the supply chain. Managing the risk throughout the supply chain now means taking a systemic view. The goal is to build a system that can detect and work around any major supply-chain weaknesses. Discussion Hypothesis H0: All industries face similar supply chin risks. H1 :All findustries do not face same supply chain risks. Analysis of the risks shows that each of the industrys pharmaceuticals and electronics has critical risks which are quite unique to it in the case of the former. Firstly, Counterfeit risks are an inherent risk in the pharmaceutical sector with irreparable damage and life threatening implication as a result. This can tarnish the company with a huge blow to its brand and spoil its top line in the short term. They have a higher potential of damage to the company in terms of plausible revenue losses because of the inseparability in their appearance as compared to the original. This is not the same case with electronics where, there are ample amount of duplicates in the market but their appearance and performance can be easily scrutinized to arrive at a decision to buy. And they rarely have life threatening consequences. Secondly, pharmaceutical industry is controlled by the FDA who is a strict watchdog of the practices in the industry. New drugs receive extensive scrutiny before FDA approval in a process called a New Drug Application or NDA. The FDA reviews and regulates prescription drug advertising and promotion. After approval of an NDA, the sponsor must review and report to the FDA every patient adverse drug experience of which it learns. In electronics there is CEA, but they are not that a controllable authority as that FDA puts on pharmaceuticals. Thirdly, clinical trials done during drug development are very unique to the pharmaceutical research developing new drugs. Thus these particular risks are not a part of electronics industry and the generalised risk framework wont do for the same.They require specialised risk mitigation plans as discussed. Conclusion and Managerial Implications Supply Chain risk management will be a key success factor for companies in a globalized world if they have implemented a risk management process in their organizational structure. We have briefly reviewed several published literatures on supply chain risks. An effort has been made to define critical risks followed by its classification for electronics and the pharmaceutical industry. Several models of risk assessment from published sources have been reviewed .After this, several strategies of risk management is being presented. Supply chain risk management is thus a growing and challenging area with lot of research potential to be explored further. A future research scope would be to quantify the impact of various risks on each industry through primary research. Both pharmaceutical and electronic supply-chain risks are often related to a lack of information visibility or deviations in the information and physical flows from upstream to downstream, increased knowledge of essential risk management procedures and structures can significantly improve the ability of decision makers in implementing appropriate mitigation treatments for identifiable risk portfolios.

Marijuana: The Legalization :: social issues

Marijuana: The Legalization Their Side: After the sustaining vote in November of 1996 and coming into effect the beginning of this year, marijuana is now legal to medical patients in California and Arizona. Proposition 215 reads as follows: The people of the State of California hereby find and declare that the purposes of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 are as follows: (A) To ensure that seriously ill Californians have the right to obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes where that medical use is deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician who has determined that the person's health would benefit from the use of marijuana in the treatment of cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief. (B) To ensure that patients and their primary care givers obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes upon the recommendation of a physician are not subject to criminal prosecution or sanction. C. To encourage the federal and state governments to implement a plan for the safe and affordable distribution of marijuana to all patients in medical need of marijuana. (Proposition 215 Section 11362.5) Of course, it goes on and breaks into fine detail into which I choose not to venture. To summarize it all, if you're sick, or think you are, your doc can get you some pot. Just like that. So what's so great about this? It supposedly brings relief to those with terminal illnesses. (Such were listed in 215) Cancer sufferers who are inflicted with nausea due to chemotherapy have reported that a puff or two of a marijuana cigarette relieves the pain. (Theorized after study by psychiatrist Lester Grinspoon of Harvard Medical School) It has also been reported to relieve the pain suffered by AIDS patients. Despite all this great relief, one question remains unanswered, what about the side effects? Exactly how harmful and addicting is this stuff? MY SIDE: (the important stuff) My personal opinion: Marijuana should remain illegal because of the enormous side effects and addiction that results after using the drug. My first fact to back my opinion would have to be this, marijuana is what it is, a drug! You can't change that no matter how many people vote on it. Sure, there are prescription drugs on the market that are potentially dangerous but their effects are nothing compared to that of marijuana.