How Dead Mens Path and Snapshots of a Wedding Portray Different Cultur

How Dead Men's Path and Snapshots of a Wedding Portray Different Cultures For this article I will talk about Dead Men’s Path, by Chinua Achebe, and Snapshots Of A Wedding, by Bessie Head. These are both short stories from the Opening Worlds book by Heinemann. Composed by the Nigerian child of ardent Protestants, Dead Men’s Path is a significant short story, which investigates the modernisation of Africa through convictions and furthermore the impacts of Western traditions and thoughts on customary African culture. It recounts to the account of one man attempting to modernize Ndume Central School in Africa where he has as of late been made Headmaster. Albeit as it were 26, Michael Obi has a high assessment of himself, and a to some degree over-swelled inner self. He sees himself to be above others and better than them since he is instructed: ‘He was frank in his judgment of the restricted perspectives on these more established and regularly less-taught ones.’ With his young spouse Nancy supporting his extreme thoughts and perspectives on a present day school, in showing technique as well as in appearance, Obi attempts to bring the ‘backwards... How Dead Men's Path and Snapshots of a Wedding Portray Different Cultur How Dead Men's Path and Snapshots of a Wedding Portray Different Cultures For this exposition I will talk about Dead Men’s Path, by Chinua Achebe, and Snapshots Of A Wedding, by Bessie Head. These are both short stories from the Opening Worlds book by Heinemann. Composed by the Nigerian child of passionate Protestants, Dead Men’s Path is a significant short story, which investigates the modernisation of Africa through convictions and furthermore the impacts of Western traditions and thoughts on conventional African culture. It recounts to the tale of one man attempting to modernize Ndume Central School in Africa where he has as of late been made Headmaster. Albeit as it were 26, Michael Obi has an exceptionally high assessment of himself, and a to some degree over-expanded self image. He sees himself to be above others and better than them since he is taught: ‘He was candid in his judgment of the tight perspectives on these more seasoned and regularly less-taught ones.’ With his young spouse Nancy supporting his extreme thoughts and perspectives on a present day school, in showing strategy as well as in appearance, Obi attempts to bring the ‘backwards...

Mental Health Study Guide 1 Essay Example for Free

Emotional well-being Study Guide 1 Essay Characterize and portray mental and psychological wellness nursing: Psychiatric nursing centers around care and recovery of individuals with recognizable dysfunctional behavior or turmoil Mental Health nursing centers around well and in danger populace to forestall dysfunctional behavior or give prompt treatment to those with early indications of a confusion. Mental psychological well-being nursing is portrayed by Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Scope and Standard of Practice as focused on advancing emotional well-being through the evaluation, finding and treatment of human reactions to psychological wellness issues and mental issue. Mental psychological wellness nursing utilizes the investigation of human conduct as its science and intentional utilization of self as its specialty. It sees individuals comprehensively, thinking about their quality, needs, and issues. It depends on physical and sociology, intended to address issues of individuals with medical issues, gave via mindful and educated experts, depends on critical thinking way to deal with plan, convey, and assess care. 2. Follow the historical backdrop of mental psychological wellness nursing in the US as it applies to persistent focused consideration: 3. Recognize critical patterns in medicinal services and their impacts on mental nursing 4. Depict the contrast between different hypotheses Psychodynamic-psychoanalytic hypothesis gets from Sigmund Freud. Fundamental to explanatory hypothesis is the possibility of oblivious which contains curbed recollections. Albeit an individual is ignorant of oblivious material, quelled musings look for articulation thorugh dreams, dreams or may prompt unreasonable or maladaptive conduct. An objective of psychodynamic guiding is to grow mindfulness on oblivious working and its connection to day by day living. To Freud, character is made out of three subsystem: id, conscience , superego. Psychological Guides two significant schools of contemplations: Albert Ellis’s discerning emotive hypothesis and Aaron Beck’s subjective hypothesis. Both underline the job of cognizance (musings) in how individuals feel and act Rational emotive treatment (Ellis hypothesis) occasion don't cause passionate or conduct outcomes straightforwardly. Or maybe, convictions about these enacting occasions are the most immediate and significant reasons for how individuals feel and act. Sane emotive treatment (RET) underscores the controversy of nonsensical convictions. Psychological Theory (Becks)- holds that conditions, for example, gloom result principally from unavoidable, negative error . Conduct States that all conduct are found out, centers around how natural conditions bring about securing, adjustment, support, and disposal of versatile and maladaptive practices. To a behaviorist, emotional experience didn't give adequate logical information, just investigation of straightforwardly detectable conduct and the boosts fortifying conditions that control it could fill in as a reason for defining logical standards. Ideas of conduct hypothesis are: molding, fortification, discipline, speculation and segregation, demonstrating, forming. Subjective conduct Learning scholars, for example, Donald Meichenbaum improved conduct treatment by presenting job of discernments or interceding forms between a boost and reaction, which prompted intellectual social hypothesis or psychological conduct the board. This sort of treatment is dynamic, mandate, profoundly organized, and time restricted. Specialists are viewed as educators or mentors and anticipate that customers should be locked in effectively in their treatment, rehearsing new contemplations and practices through schoolwork practices created by the advisor. Some subjective social methods: Cognitive naming, deliberate normal rebuilding, levelheaded critical thinking Humanistic-Recognizes the significance of learning and other mental procedures that customarily have been the focal point of research. Such procedures incorporate innovativeness, trust, love, self satisfaction, self-awareness, qualities, and importance. Humanists are worried about the self-improvement and possibilities of individuals. With their constructive perspective on human instinct, humanists accept that psychopathology results from the blocking or bending of self-improvement, extreme pressure, and ominous social conditions. Sociocultural-centers around job of social and social effects on the individual. Culture can be thought of as the â€Å"glue† that holds certain gatherings together. It comprises of socially procured and transmitted images, convictions, methods, foundations, customs, and standards. Culture has been found to apply an incredible effect on the birth, advancement, and passing of people. Biophysical-alluded to as clinical model. Recommends that psychopathology results from physiologic condition, essential a deviation inside the focal sensory system. The purposes behind these deviations are multifaceted, including an unpredictable interaction of hereditary qualities, disposition, improvement, mind hardware, atomic science, and condition. Relational models-Emphasize the socialization of people all through their formative stages. Inability to continue through these stages agreeably establishes the framework for later maladaptive conduct. Accentuates the job of youth in forming self idea. Mutilated self ideas can be followed to the person’s family. Two aftereffects of mutilated self ideas are poor relational working and reckless games individuals figure out how to play. Relational treatment is worried about lightening uneasiness and pathogenic or issue causing connections. 5. Talk about the privileges of psychological wellness customers and distinguish how these rights apply by and by: The fundamental privileges of customers accepting mental nursing care include: option to fitting treatment, right to an individualized, composed, treatment or administration plan, right to progressing cooperation in a way suitable to person’s abilities, the option to be given sensible clarification in wording or language that customer can see, right not to get a mode or course of treatment without educated, willful, composed agree to treatment aside from during crisis, right not to take an interest in experimentation without educated, intentional, composed assent, right to opportunity from limitation or confinement, other than as a mode or course of treatment or restriction or disengagement during crisis, right to others conscious treatment condition that bears sensible security from hurt and proper protection concerning individual needs, option to access on demand, person’s emotional well-being record, right ( on account of an individual conceded on a private or inpatient care premise, to speak with others secretly, to have helpful and sensible access to phone and sends, see guests, option to be educated quickly and recorded as a hard copy at time of confirmation of these rights, option to practice rights without response, right of referral to different suppliers upon release. 6. Distinguish circumstances in which the obligation to caution ought to be summoned The obligation to caution should e conjured when there is plausibility of damage. Because of the Tarasoff choice, it is obligatory in many states for medicinal services work force to report any reasonable danger from customers about aim to hurt explicit individuals. Therapists, psychotherapists, and other mental medicinal services suppliers must caution specialists (whenever determined by law) and potential survivors of conceivable risky activities of their customers, regardless o f whether customers fight.

4 Ways to Improve Your Resume

4 Ways to Improve Your Resume Regardless of how great your resume or C.V., it can generally be better. Attempt the accompanying four methodologies to knock yours up into the class of significance, and check whether you can’t land that fantasy work. 1. Make it skim-ableEase of perusing is critical. Sort out your record so the recruiting director can discover the data they need without exertion or strain of any sort. Work hardest on the headers, dispense with superfluous verbiage, and focus on placing the most significant and pertinent data in the initial five expressions of every portrayal. The quicker they can get the significance of how incredible you are, the better.2. Tailor to the jobYes, fitting each resume you send to the specific position is an agony and requires a huge amount of additional work, however it’s an extraordinary propensity to get into. It’s more essential to do this than to have one resume that is designed delightfully and fits consummately on to one page. Make sense of w hat the employing chief needs from a competitor, and put forth a valiant effort to introduce yourself explicitly in that light.3. Make it mobileWe never used to need to consider how our superbly organized resume would peruse on an advanced mobile phone or a PDA. This is, be that as it may, the world we live in now. Twofold check how your records open on these cell phones and modify in like manner to ensure you’re not duping yourself if an employing administrator peruses your application on the run.4. Go liveMake a site for yourself for pursuit of employment purposes. It doesn’t need to incorporate significantly more than your resume, yet it’s constantly helpful to have an immediate connection in the event that a record is indistinguishable on one gadget or PC or the other. It’s likewise an extremely valuable approach to urge individuals to take a gander at your portfolio-without being requested it directly.Endless tinkering of your resume isn't the though t here. Simply ensure you’re terminating on all chambers, at that point update it, and let it go. Get out there and land the position!

Feature Writing and Journalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Highlight Writing and Journalism - Essay Example At one home, she was even denied the option to consider. She had early understood that instruction is imperative to win cash. After she had fled from her subsequent encourage home at thirteen years old, she had guaranteed that till sixteen years she would stay at the halfway house and study. From there on, she would move to another spot and seek after higher examination while working. She had left Dakota when she was sixteen. She is a decided youngster who isn't just savvy yet additionally canny and centered. She does low maintenance cleaning work at the IT firm and works late night move at the nearby bar as server. As employments are rare, she accepts that any work would do so far as it can pay her school expense. Her dark belt in Judo has helped her to avert the consideration of road Romeos and alcoholics while working later night moves or going to night classes of the board. She imparts her settlement to two different young ladies who have now become her closest loved ones. While this may not give her the imperative security, it all things considered has helped her to make due in new spot Her transient objective is to get the executives degree and later do apprenticeship in some settled organization. She has just conversed with her director at the IT firm who has guaranteed her that once she gets the administration degree, she would be thought of. The firm utilizes youthful abilities and gives them immense open doors for development. She had likewise warmed up to numerous individuals at the firm who additionally help her in picking up PC aptitudes. She additionally accepts that grounds meeting would likewise help her in finding a new line of work. She in this manner has kept her choices open. I truly loved her engaged way to deal with managing things and issues. She has her need very much characterized and moves in the direction of it with most extreme reality. She reveals to me that she has just passed three semesters and after fourth one, she would be qualified to go after junior administration job. This is an incredible accomplishment, particularly thinking about h er

White Out COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

White Out COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog I am not a meteorologist and I rarely watch local television news (I prefer the PBS NewsHour), however my highly unscientific observation is that it has snowed a great deal in New York City in the past month seemingly more than any other year that I lived in New York City. Normally after a storm the snow will entirely disappear after a few days, however one storm has followed another week after week and the city has thus been perpetually covered in snow for over a month. I   posted some pictures after the blizzard that hit the day after Christmas and a few readers mentioned they liked the pictures.   It snowed yet again on Wednesday night and I took some more pictures on the way in to work Thursday.   Some of these were taken with my Blackberry so they are not the best quality, but I hope you enjoy them anyway. The main gate at 116th and Broadway has some statues and they were fashionably snowed on. The trees on the main walk were pretty with the snow covering the branches.   Later the snow becomes pretty alarming when the temperature warms up and the snow crashes on top of unsuspecting pedestrians. These are the same bikes I took a picture of last time, and I do not think many of them have moved. Those of you that have visited the International Affairs Building might be familiar with the fish bowl that is a part of the main lobby.   It was covered in snow . . . . . . and later on there were some SIPA students exhibiting joint cooperation by making a snow man to watch over the fish bowl.

Racism in Latin America - Free Essay Example

While the idea of racial democracy may be an ideology or agenda pushed by the political elite, there is evidence which shows the majority of Latin America is that of mixed or mestizaje lineage, people who aren’t clearly indigenous, black, or white. Racism manifests in Latin America where politics attempts to manipulate culture; divisive politics makes people easier to control and racial lines are easily exploited. According to Peter Wade, and his peers agree, Humans are â€Å"too similar genetically†, and groups so intermingled, that variation is too great to be categorized into races. Race is a set of â€Å"ideas† about human our similarities and differences. (Poole Wade, 2008) Ideas about racial democracy and racism in Latin America span pre-colonial, colonial, to modern times and have evolved to show tension between nature and varying forms of government – and its effects on the populations targeted. Pre-Colonial/Colonial race relations The â€Å"social contstruction† of Latin America by Europe started immediately upon arrival in 1492 and by late 1500’s a population of roughly 20 million native â€Å"Indio† populations was reduced to two million. (Gates, 2011) Such a reduction in the native, â€Å" New World† manpower used by the conquistadors called for imports of African slaves en masse to South America, the Carribean, and North America. Thus a caste system or â€Å"sistema de castas† was proliferated throughout the Americas to promoted â€Å"proper† mixing of the races along state sanctioned lines. For such a system to work, the people, brown, black, and even white, had to be indoctrinated to believe that this is how things were, however pseudo-scientific we know such principles to be today. (Nieto-Phillips, 2008) Limpieza de Sangre By end of 17th century interracial marriages were on the rise, the Catholic Church relaxed its former restrictions on race mixing. The Catholic Church allowed marriage between all groups. So as doctrine changed and laws evolved to grant freedom to black slaves and children of white citizens, such propaganda as â€Å"Casta paintings† were painted to show diversity of mixing genes of black people, brown people, and white people. (Las Castas, 2013) Pseudo scientific reasons to make certain people inferior so that they were more easily managed. Convincing certain parts of the population that they are inferior is the key part in such a social manipulation technique; there is ample documentation of the psychological, physical, and emotional abuse that took place to enforce such philosophies. (Gates, 2011) Mestizaje Multiculturalism In modern times, if there is a case to be made for racism in Latin America, it is in the ideas about racial democracy and confusing racial coexistence with racial equality. Many Latin American governments it is the protocol, or doctrine, to push the belief that race is not an issue, that racism is not a problem, that racial discrimination does not exist because everyone is mixed – mestizaje. On the other hand much academic research shows that racism does exist and that racial discrimination does occur/is a factor in peoples’ life outcomes. (Zizumbo-Columbo Martinez, 2017). In our modern era we can observe the effects of what Peter Wade describes as â€Å"social construction†, we have this dual reality; on one hand we have racial democracy, which isn’t just a myth. It is in some respects a reality; Latin America is very much mixed between racial categories of white, black, and brown. (Race and genetics interact with each other; humans, genetically, are 99.9% the same, 0.1% different). For the last few decades Latin American nations have been going through processes of multicultural reform, giving land rights and educational rights to indigenous and black minorities. Such genetic data reinforces the idea that actually, Latin Americans are mixed primarily; this tends to put indigenous and African derived populations on the outer fringes of the modern Latin American societies. There was a period in the early 20th century where racial democracy was widely celebrated. There were national identities built around how mixed populations had become over time, in an effort to manifest a more racially tolerant reality. The lack of black people in political elite; Brazil, Mexico, Colombian elites are predominately white whereas the working class populations are of darker complexions’. (Poole Wade, 2008) The whole idea of racial democracy is, in one sense it’s an ideology imposed by the elite as a kind of idea about what the nation is. On the other hand, it also has certain elements of truth about it because the experience that the majority of the people in the country are mixed, and aren’t clearly indigenous, black, or white. This is an every day reality in Latin America. Particular cultural stereotypes exemplify racial distinction. Current Manifestations of Racism Current president of Guatemala, Jimmy Morales, while running for office in 2015, faced criticism for his character â€Å"Black Pitaya† or Black Dragonfruit. Morales, a former comedian and actor caught judgment for his questionably racist blackface comedy bit. (cite). Morales is associated with the least wholesome aspects of certain Afro-Latino stereotypes like narco-traficantes, hyper sexual content, and violence among lower classes. Such characters also exist throughout places like Peru, and Mexico. Morales just happens to be in the spotlight as he now holds the highest office in the land. Like Trump and his followers it appears Morales is no stranger to using polarizing racial rhetoric to gain political and economic advantages. (Lakhani, 2015) Other racist manifestations include cartoons like Memin Penguin, an afro-stereotypical rendition of a primate in popular comic book character form. The argument is that such characters in Latin American pop culture are so dated, coming from a time when such racial mockeries were seen as acceptable, and so they can be laughed about today. Again, an attempt to push a â€Å"we are mixed, and past that part of society† mentality. It does not always manifest in the true nature of society. I do not see any reason to believe things will change very much in Latin America, one of the things about Latin America in the last decade or so there has been a move toward official multiculturalism, where states recognize that they are, in fact, more racially diverse than previously admitted. (de la Cadena, 2007) Racism manifests in Latin America where politics attempts to manipulate culture; divisive politics makes people easier to control and racial lines are easily exploited. Should the people of Latin America (and even North America) continue to play into the false rhetoric and political propaganda displayed by media business models securing their profits from consumers, then we should expect the same cycle or manifestation of racial polarization. ? Works cited Casale-Hardin, M. A. (2017, December 07). Mejorar la Raza: An Example of Racism in Latino Culture. Retrieved October 14, 2018, from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-alejandra-casalehardin-/mejorar-la-raza-an-exampl_b_7558892.html De la Cadena, M. (2007, September 25). Reconstructing Race: Racism, Culture and Mestizaje in Latin America. Retrieved October 14, 2018, from https://nacla.org/article/reconstructing-race-racism-culture-and-mestizaje-latin-america Gates, H. L. (2011). Black in Latin America. Retrieved October 12, 2018, from https://www.pbs.org/wnet/black-in-latin-america/ Lakhani, N. (2015, October 21). Guatemala election puts Latin Americas affinity for racist caricatures in spotlight. Retrieved October 14, 2018, from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/21/guatemala-election-latin-america-racist-caricatures Las Castas – Spanish Racial Classifications. (2013, June 15). Retrieved October 14, 2018, from https://nativeheritageproject.com/2013/06/15/las-castas-spanish-racial-classifications/ Nieto-Phillips, J. M. (2008). Language of blood: The making of Spanish-American identity in New Mexico, 1880s-1930s. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press. Poole, D., Wade, P. (2008). A companion to Latin American anthropology. Malden: Wiley Blackwell. Peter Wade, Race in Latin America, A companion to Latin American Anthropology (2008), pp.177-189 Zizumbo-Colunga, D., Martà ­nez, I. F. (2018, September 20). Study reveals racial inequality in Mexico, disproving its race-blind rhetoric. Retrieved October 13, 2018, from https://theconversation.com/study-reveals-racial-inequality-in-mexico-disproving-its-race-blind-rhetoric-87661

Jeep Brand A Synonym for Ruggedness - 1170 Words

Jeep Brand: A Synonym for Ruggedness Yan Zhou Abstract Currently, there has been advancement in examining the brand personality, in which a general large scale of the brand personality was widely introduced and used in the researches and studies. Some showed solicitude for the difference between the brand personality and human personality (Shank amp; Langmeyer 1994). Others focused on the brand personality in different situations and different types of product (Hosany 2006; Beldona amp; Wysong 2007). The core exploration of this report is about how Jeep brand conveys the personality as well as how the brand personality positively influences the production, despite the prior studies interest in brand personality. Keywords: brand†¦show more content†¦Broadly speaking, the brand personalities-tough, strong and powerful can be awfully represented by the 4-wheel-drive system and off-road performance of Jeep. Jeep brand benefits from the personality Keller (1993) states that successful marketing program is to create favorable brand and satisfy consumers’ needs and wants. A favorable brand personality creates more positive value to the companies. From consumers’ perspectives, brand personality is a motivation which inspires consuming. Consumers perceive the brand personality and distinguish it from other products. Keller (1993) finds that brand personality allows the consumers to purchase one brand over another. Only when a brand has a unique personality, can it influences the desires and impulsive of the consumers. Recommendation Jeep is an off-road vehicle which has high emission, which will inevitably cause a huge environmental pollution. At the same time, it makes a lot of engine noise when running and climbing. Therefore, it is suggest that the company can take some measures to solve the problem. For instance, the environmental friendly equipment can be installed in the vehicles to reduce the noise and pollution. In terms of branding, Jeep can be more flexible. Given that, it is advice that the company can create new personality to abstract more potential consumers. For example,

How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home

If you’re an experienced pet owner, you know that where theres one flea, there are undoubtedly more. Effective flea control requires treatment of both the pet and the home, including the use of products that address the entire flea life cycle. That will require treating your pet and cleaning your home thoroughly, perhaps more than once.   The Life of a Flea There are many flea species, but the most common one in the United States is  Ctenocephalides felix, commonly known as the cat flea. These parasites thrive off the blood of mammals like cats, dogs, even humans. They love warm, moist places, and they breed like crazy, which is what can make infestations so serious.   Fleas go through four stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs hatch within 12 days of being laid. The larval stage lasts from four to 18 days. During this time, they feed on things like dead skin cells and dander, but they dont bite like adults do. Flea larvae next enter a pupal stage and lie dormant for anywhere from three to five day. Its the adult fleas that are the true pests. Theyre hungry and bite their hosts in order to feed off the blood they draw. Theyre also mobile, capable of leaping from host to host. And theyre prolific. An adult female can begin laying eggs within 48 hours of her first meal, on average 50 eggs a day. And fleas can live for two or three months, breeding until the end. Treating Pets To stop fleas, you need to break their life cycle, which means eliminating the eggs, the larvae, and the adults. Since your pet is the most likely host, start there. Begin by consulting your veterinarian, who can recommend a course of treatment based on your pets health and living situation. Many vets suggest topical products, often called spot-on treatments, or oral treatments. Popular treatments include Frontline Plus, Advantage, Program, and Capstar. These products are usually applied or administered monthly or every few months, and most require a prescription. Its worth pointing out that a small number of pets have an allergic reaction to these treatments, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. The Humane Society of the United States offers safety tips for using flea treatments on its website. Your vet may also suggest bathing your pet with an anti-flea shampoo to kill fleas living on your pets body, followed by a thorough combing with a flea comb to catch any remaining pests. But fleas can be persistent. If your pet goes outdoors, it can pick up new fleas. Likewise, your pet will become reinfested if you dont also treat your home. Cleaning Your Home Remember, the flea eggs drop off your pet. Flea larvae dont feed on blood; they can find everything they need to live in your carpet. After you treat your pet with an approved flea-control product, you need to get rid of the fleas in your carpet and on your furniture. Otherwise, the flea eggs will keep hatching, and you will be fighting a perpetual infestation of hungry fleas. If you act as soon as you notice Fido scratching, you may only need a vacuum and a washing machine for this step. Mild flea infestations can often be managed with some persistent housework. Concentrate your efforts on the areas of your home where your pet spends the most time.   Wash pet bedding, toys, blankets, linens, and throw rugs in hot water. Anything your pet has been on or near that can fit in the washing machine should be laundered. Use the hottest water possible.Vacuum carpets thoroughly. If possible, use a vacuum with a beater bar, as these do a better job of moving the carpet pile and getting to the flea eggs and larvae deep within the rug. Make sure you pick up any clutter; dont just vacuum it. Also, move the furniture and vacuum underneath. Some people recommend putting a flea collar inside the vacuum bag to kill the fleas once youve collected them.Vacuum upholstered furniture. Even if you dont think your pets climb on your furniture, they are. There are probably flea eggs hidden in your couch cushions. Vacuum all the cushions, cracks, crevices, and seams carefully. Remove the cushions and vacuum underneath them, too.Throw away the vacuum bag when done. If you dont, the fleas can escape. If you have a bagless vacuum, be sure to empty it immedia tely after sweeping and get the trash out of your house to prevent reinfestation. For bad infestations, you may also need to do a little more cleaning and use an environmental flea treatment: Vacuum baseboards, trim and other places where fleas may still be hiding. If you didnt catch the flea infestation early enough, or in a year when flea populations are higher than usual, you may need to be more thorough with your housekeeping chores. In addition to vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture, use a crevice tool to remove fleas from under baseboard molding and kitchen cabinets. Look at the places where your pets eat, sleep, and play, and try to find the places where fleas may still be hiding.Apply a pesticide labeled for flea control to infested carpets and furniture. The key is to use the right product, one that contains an insect growth regulator. For flea control, look for spray products that contain methoprene or pyriproxyfen. These products disrupt the flea life cycle, ending the fleas ability to reproduce in your home. Flea Control Options Both chemical and natural products are available. Raid, Vibrac, and Frontline are three popular brands of chemical flea treatments for the home. Foggers can sometimes be effective, but they require very careful handling and use. Youll need to vacate your home for two or three hours while the fogger is on, plus youll need to clean all cooking and food-prep surfaces and utensils afterward. The Environmental Protection Agency has more tips for safe use of foggers on its website. If you want to avoid using harsh chemicals, there are some natural flea-control solutions as well, but they are often less effective. Vets Best and Nature Plus are two natural brands that earn good consumer reviews. You can also try adding a drop or two of essential oil (such as eucalyptus or lavender) to a spray bottle filled with water, then spraying the mixture on pet bedding, furniture, and rugs. Some experts also recommend spreading  diatomaceous earth on rugs, bedding, and furniture, but it can be difficult to vacuum up. Regardless of the product you choose, follow all directions on the label. Do not apply these products to your pet or your skin. Keep pets and children off of treated carpets and furniture for three days, which will allow the treatment time to work, then thoroughly vacuum. Treat Again as Needed If you still find fleas after following the steps above, you may need to do another round of cleaning and vacuuming 14 to 28 days later. If you live in a warm climate where fleas can thrive outdoors year-round, you may also need to have your yard treated. Dont forget to reapply monthly topical flea treatments to your pets and check regularly for fleas. Use a flea comb on your pets. You can purchase a fine-toothed flea comb at your local pet supply store or at your veterinarians office. Comb your cat or dog regularly, and examine the comb for fleas, flea eggs, or flea dirt which may be a sign of flea bites.Use a lint roller on your clothing. After your cat or dog has been on your lap, do a quick check of your clothing with a lint roller. Use the kind that comes with sticky tape, and roll it over your pants and shirt. Check the sticky tape for evidence of fleas. For all but the most severe flea infestations, these steps should get fleas under control. In some cases, such as when a multi-unit apartment building becomes heavily infested with fleas, the services of a professional pest control specialist may be required to eliminate the pests. Sources Crosby, Janet Tobiassen. The Life Cycle of the Flea. TheSpruce.com. 4 April 2017.  Flowers, Amy. Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home, Step by Step. WebMD.com. 18 February 2018.Humane Society of the United States staff. Flea and Tick Product Ingredients. Humanesociety.org.

English “Speak” Essay - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 856 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2017/09/22 Category Advertising Essay Type Argumentative essay Tags: School Essay Did you like this example? Alex Volkov Per. 3 English â€Å"Speak† Essay Melinda escaped her tough times by going to her art class. She was assigned to draw and sculpt trees. Her art had a really strong connection with her personal feelings throughout the book. Melinda goes through tough times and her problems show in her art. In her first phase (the confused phase) she really isn’t sure of her art assignment. This is similar to her life, because on her first day of high school she wasn’t sure of what clan she was going to be in. She is just getting used to her tree making assignment in art class. Also as she starts high school she is just getting used to how things work. The scariest period of Melinda’s art was the â€Å"dead period†, where all of the trees she made looked dead or dying. This is the most traumatic part of the story because here Melinda’s spirit starts dying. Some big examples are her constant truancies, her in school suspensions, her lack o f words, her falling grades, and her lack of respect for authority. Melinda really doesn’t care about her life here and it shows through her art. Her final stage is the feelings stage, where she really lets her feelings pour into her art giving her a much better project. In this part of the story she tells Rachel that she got raped. She shows her feelings, when throughout the entire story she never could. This stage is the climax of the story and is where Melinda really shows that she is going to make it through this difficult time. Finally at the end of the book Melinda makes her masterpiece and overcomes bad times and heals. Symbolism-Trees In art class, Melinda learns how to express her emotions. Her art teacher, Mr. Freeman explains, â€Å"Art without emotion is like chocolate cake without sugar. It makes you gag. † He helps her to communicate her emotions through art instead of keeping them inside of herself. The tree is symbolic of Melinda’s personal ity and life and is one of the main things that helps Melinda cope with her emotions in the novel. It also provides a way for Melinda to deal with the rape. Throughout the novel, Melinda little by little becomes better at drawing the tree, which is symbolic of her search to find her identity and her emotional recovery. In the beginning of the novel, Melinda feels dead, so she focuses on dead trees. She comments, â€Å"I can feel the wind blow and hear the mockingbird whistling on the way back to her nest. But when I try to carve it, it looks like a dead tree, toothpicks, a child’s drawing. I can’t bring it to life. † She is able to visualize what she will be like when she can be more open but is not able to fully make the change yet. She also says, â€Å"For a solid week after the pep rally, I’ve been painting watercolors of trees that have been hit by lightning. I try to paint them so they are nearly dead, but not totally. She is upset about what hap pened at the pep rally, so she feels like she is almost to the point of death. Melinda is able to show this through her paintings of the trees. Her expression through art is progressing at this point. When the tree is torn down in front of Melinda’s house, she says, â€Å"He is killing the tree. He’ll only leave the stump. The tree is dying. There’s nothing to do or say. We watch in silence as the tree crashes piece by piece to the damp ground. † Melinda feels that she can identify with the tree, and she feels sad that it must die. She is also scared that the tree representing her will fall and crash onto the ground like this tree. Throughout the novel, Melinda strives to draw the tree that represents herself and her emotions, at the same time mending the scars that Andy Evans has caused. By the end of the novel, Melinda finds a way to begin again and bring the tree to life. She says, â€Å"My tree is definitely breathing; little shallow breaths like it just shot up through the ground this morning. The new growth is the best part. † The picture of the tree becomes a picture of Melinda by the end of the story. In the last scene of the novel, Melinda is finally able to overcome her emotions about the night she was raped and paint the tree. She says, â€Å"I look at my homely sketch. It doesn’t need anything. Even through the river in my eyes I can see that. It isn’t perfect and that makes it just right. † She comes to realize at this point the significance of the tree she has been determined to represent properly throughout the story and that it was meant to be a portrait of her and her healing, not a tree at all. The symbolism of the tree adds a new depth to the story. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "English â€Å"Speak† Essay" essay for you Create order

Comparing Pronto Musica Played Three Compositions By...

On March 10, 2016, a non-profit organization called Pronto Musica played three compositions by Ludwig van Beethoven. These three pieces include Overture Coriolan, Op. 62, Concerto for Piano, Violin and Violoncello in C major, Op. 56, which is also known as the Triple Concerto and Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93. For the Triple Concerto, the soloists included Philip Chu as the pianist, Axel Strauss as the violinist and Matt Haimovitz as the cellist. The concert was conducted by Alexis Hauser, the artistic director of the McGill Symphony Orchestra and of Pronto Musica. The instruments that comprise this chamber orchestra are first violins, second violins, violas, cellos, basses, flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, French horns, trumpets†¦show more content†¦Beethoven wrote this to accompany a drama called Coriolan by Heinrich Joseph von Collin, in Vienna in the year 1807 (Viant, K. C. Coriolan Overture, Op. 62.). The drama is the same as the tragedy written by William Shakes peare. The genre for this piece would be a concert overture. A concert overture is played at a beginning of a concert and it is a one movement work in sonata form, and it is always program music. Program music is instrumental music that is associated with story and in this case, the story â€Å"examines the problem of deposing a bad ruler and the consequent civil unrest† (McConnell, L. Coriolanus.). The beginning of the piece starts with the strings, with the dynamics being mezzo forte. With the addition of the flutes, it sounds mezzo piano. Near the end, there are pizzicato, where the string instruments are plucked and the dynamics is in piano. The tempo of the piece is moderato overall. The beginning is more allegretto and near the end it is more adagio. The key of this piece is in C minor. Since this is an overture, the piece was around ten minutes. The second piece sounded more unique since there were soloists. The Triple Concerto. It was composed in 1803 and it was the only concerto Beethoven composed with more than one soloist. This is one of the longer pieces and continued for approximately 40 minutes. The genre of this piece is triple concerto, where there is a large ensemble with three instrumental soloists which in this piece are the

Life Span Development Free Essays

The life-span development of a person is an amazing issue to study. From the prenatal phase to death, the changes that occur in each stage are incredible. The various issues that are addressed in life-span development show the differences between nature versus nurture. We will write a custom essay sample on Life Span Development or any similar topic only for you Order Now These aspects play a major role in genetics, lifestyle and emotions. People continually develop physically, cognitively, socially and behaviorally through all stages of life. Working in the Behavioral health field the life-span development theories can help with specific behaviors of people and experiences. According to Santrock (2007) â€Å"personality can be better understood if it is examined developmentally. † Behavioral Health counselors must provide clients proper context and explanations. This can be achieved through the basic theories of cognitive, biological and socio-emotional development principles. Research in these areas has been done and evidence has been found that life requires stability and change (Myers, 2007). Stability enables us to depend on others and change motivates us. Children that are with La Paloma Family Services are offered stability and change. Many come from very unstable environments and are use to change in negative ways. So as Behavioral Health Professionals we are there to provide positive stability and change. The life-span development stages and the understanding of the environment that clients come from will provide Behavioral Health Practitioners the ability to counsel a client in an effective way. Chapter one of Santrock (2007) assessed various theorists and concentrated mainly on early childhood development. These principles help to give insight on an individuals behavior patterns from early on. Santrock (2007) made an interesting point about the environmental influence playing a major role in a person’s development. The chapter explains Piaget’s cognitive developmental theory relates to a person’s behavior and how one adapts to the environment around. The children that I work with are highly affected by the environment that they are in. Many come from broken and abusive homes. These environments are tough and chaotic, so in turn the kids only know how to react to things in certain ways. Once placed in group or foster homes these kids struggle with their current environmental issues. At La Paloma Family Services a client’s behavior is seen as an adaptive course that is motivated by a biological desire to obtain balance (La Paloma, 2008). Vygotsky’s cognitive theory emphasizes the impact of social and cultural environmental relationships. What goes on around us with peers and the culture we are in influences us. There are a variety of cultures that are put together in group and foster homes. The girls I work with come from various backgrounds, which affect how they interact with each other and with staff. It is imperative for the Behavioral Health industry to understand the life-span perspective. Erickson’s theory of development identifies the different stages of life. The stages go from prenatal to death, with each stage in an optimal period (Boeree, 1997). This is important to recognize as a counselor or Psychologist. When providing therapy to a preschooler it is different than with an adolescent. Erikson’s theory is apparent that one phase must lead to the next, as with Piaget and Kohlberg. Developmental inconsistencies can lead to tribulations later in life. Biological factors play a role in the development of individuals and are considered one of the oldest. The nature versus nurture can be controversial over the relative contributions of biology and experience (Myers, 2007). â€Å"Nurture works on what nature endows† (Myers, 2007). Humans are ‘endowed’ with a vast capacity to learn and adapt to our environments. Together our genes and our environment influence our individual behaviors. Psychology relates to many fields, ranging from the biological to the social and all influence our culture and environment. The various theories that are offered should be researched and understood by all that enter into the Behavioral Health field. The theories offered can be helpful guides, but relying on a single theory to explain development is probably a mistake (Santrock. 2007). Life-span development offers a comprehensive approach for therapists. Genetics and experience are interconnected. Basically we are all unique in our own ways, but how different are we really? From conception onward we are products of our interactions of our genetic predispositions and our surrounding environments. How to cite Life Span Development, Essays Life Span Development Free Essays The study of lifespan development grew out of Darwin’s desire to understand evolution. The first study of children was published by G. Stanley Hall. We will write a custom essay sample on Life Span Development or any similar topic only for you Order Now Hall’s book introduced norms and adolescence to scientists (Boyd Bee, 2006). Lifespan is the period of time from conception extending to death. This paper will define the development of humans throughout the lifespan and describe the characteristics of the lifespan perspective. Human development domains and periods will be identified and contemporary concerns as related to lifespan development will be identified. Lifespan Development Defined Lifespan development is a process beginning at conception that continues until death. The progression initiates with the emergence of a fetus from a one-celled organism. As the unborn child enters the world the environment in which the child exists begins to influence the child’s development (WGBH Educational Foundation, 2001). Lifespan development can be defined as a methodical, intra-individual change associated with progressions corresponding to age. The development progresses in a manner implicating the level of functioning. According to Levinson the life cycle consists of four 25 year eras. The main developmental periods are child and adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood and late adulthood. Each era’s transition involves a necessary change in the character of the individual’s life and sometimes takes up to six years to complete the change (Smith, 2009). The study of human development began with Darwin and other evolutionists. Darwin thought if he studied human development he could further prove his theory of evolution (Boyd Bee, 2006). Characteristics of the Lifespan Perspective The lifespan perspective argues that significant modifications take place throughout development. The lifelong perspective consists of a development of humans that is multidimensional, multidirectional, plastic, multidisciplinary, and contextual. The development involves growth, maintenance and regulation. Changes that occur should be interpreted in a manner that considers the culture and context of the occurrences. Through the perspective comprehensions of the modifications of adulthood have gained as much importance as those occurring in childhood; an understanding from other disciplines in turn have increased importance in human development. According to Paul Baltes, humans have the capacity of plasticity or positive change to environmental difficulties throughout life. Baltes additionally contributed to the understanding of the positive characteristics of growing old such as learning ways to compensate and overcome (Boyd Bee, 2006). Human Development Domains The domains of development are categories used by scientists. The categories include, physical, cognitive and social domains characterize human development. The physical domain is characterized by how humans grow and change physically, specifically during childhood and adolescence. This domain includes how humans view the world as development progresses as a result of developing vision. Adjustments in the way the world is viewed as the body develops are also included in this domain. The cognitive domain is concerned with how learning occurs and why memory deteriorates during old age. The social domain contains adjustment in variables within social situations such as personality research, social skills and developing relationships. All the domains operate together and are affected by each other (Boyd Bee, 2006). Human Development Periods Human development periods span the lifetime from conception to the end of life. These periods are as follows, prenatal, early, middle and late childhood. As the child grows and approaches adulthood the periods are adolescence, early, middle and late adulthood. Numerous theories about the periods of development and the movement from one period to the next exist. Various theories attempt to define how movement from one level to the next level of development occurs. The three major families include psychoanalytic, learning and cognitive theories (Boyd Bee, 2006). Contemporary Concerns in Lifespan Development Nature versus nurture is one of the many contemporary concerns in lifespan development. Additional concerns in the area of development include continuity and discontinuity. Nature and nurture concerns surround the basis of development. The issue lies in determining the weather genetics or environment influence development. The concern of continuity and discontinuity’s impact on development lies in relationship development. â€Å" The question is whether age-related change is primarily a matter of amount or degree (the continuity side of the debate) or more commonly involves changes in type or kind (the discontinuity side)† (Boyd Bee, 2006, p. ). Conclusion Development of the lifespan began with Darwin and continues to intrigue psychologists and scientists today. An understanding of how humans develop consists of the domains of physical, cognitive and social advances. The domains occur throughout prenatal, childhood and adult development. As the field expands the controversy of nature versus nurture and continuity and discontinuity continue to perplex those within the field. Freud advanced a theory of personality development that centered on the effects of the sexual pleasure drive on the individual psyche. At particular points in the developmental process, he claimed, a single body part is particularly sensitive to sexual, erotic stimulation. These erogenous zones are the mouth, the anus, and the genital region. The child’s libido centers on behavior affecting the primary erogenous zone of his age; he cannot focus on the primary erogenous zone of the next stage without resolving the developmental conflict of the immediate one. A child at a given stage of development has certain needs and demands, such as the need of the infant to nurse. Frustration occurs when these needs are not met; Overindulgence stems from such an ample meeting of these needs that the child is reluctant to progress beyond the stage. Both frustration and overindulgence lock some amount of the child’s libido permanently into the stage in which they occur; both result in a fixation. If a child progresses normally through the stages, resolving each conflict and moving on, then little libido remains invested in each stage of development. But if he fixates at a particular stage, the method of obtaining satisfaction which characterized the stage will dominate and affect his adult personality. The Oral Stage The oral stage begins at birth, when the oral cavity is the primary focus of libidal energy. The child, of course, preoccupies himself with nursing, with the pleasure of sucking and accepting things into the mouth. The oral character who is frustrated at this stage, whose mother refused to nurse him on demand or who truncated nursing sessions early, is characterized by pessimism, envy, suspicion and sarcasm. The overindulged oral character, whose nursing urges were always and often excessively satisfied, is optimistic, gullible, and is full of admiration for others around him. The stage culminates in the primary conflict of weaning, which both deprives the child of the sensory pleasures of nursing and of the psychological pleasure of being cared for, mothered, and held. The stage lasts approximately one and one-half years. The Anal Stage At one and one-half years, the child enters the anal stage. With the advent of toilet training comes the child’s obsession with the erogenous zone of the anus and with the retention or expulsion of the feces. This represents a classic conflict between the id, which derives pleasure from expulsion of bodily wastes, and the ego and superego, which represent the practical and societal pressures to control the bodily functions. The child meets the conflict between the parent’s demands and the child’s desires and physical capabilities in one of two ways: Either he puts up a fight or he simply refuses to go. The child who wants to fight takes pleasure in excreting maliciously, perhaps just before or just after being placed on the toilet. If the parents are too lenient and the child manages to derive pleasure and success from this expulsion, it will result in the formation of an anal expulsive character. This character is generally messy, disorganized, reckless, careless, and defiant. Conversely, a child may opt to retain feces, thereby spiting his parents while enjoying the pleasurable pressure of the built-up feces on his intestine. If this tactic succeeds and the child is overindulged, he will develop into an anal retentive character. This character is neat, precise, orderly, careful, stingy, withholding, obstinate, meticulous, and passive-aggressive. The resolution of the anal stage, proper toilet training, permanently affects the individual propensities to possession and attitudes towards authority. This stage lasts from one and one-half to two years. The Phallic Stage The phallic stage is the setting for the greatest, most crucial sexual conflict in Freud’s model of development. In this stage, the child’s erogenous zone is the genital region. As the child becomes more interested in his genitals, and in the genitals of others, conflict arises. The conflict, labeled the Oedipus complex (The Electra complex in women), involves the child’s unconscious desire to possess the opposite-sexed parent and to eliminate the same-sexed one. In the young male, the Oedipus conflict stems from his natural love for his mother, a love which becomes sexual as his libidal energy transfers from the anal region to his genitals. Unfortunately for the boy, his father stands in the way of this love. The boy therefore feels aggression and envy towards this rival, his father, and also feels fear that the father will strike back at him. As the boy has noticed that women, his mother in particular, have no penises, he is struck by a great fear that his father will remove his penis, too. The anxiety is aggravated by the threats and discipline he incurs when caught masturbating by his parents. This castration anxiety outstrips his desire for his mother, so he represses the desire. Moreover, although the boy sees that though he cannot posses his mother, because his father does, he can posses her vicariously by identifying with his father and becoming as much like him as possible: this identification indoctrinates the boy into his appropriate sexual role in life. A lasting trace of the Oedipal conflict is the superego, the voice of the father within the boy. By thus resolving his incestuous conundrum, the boy passes into the latency period, a period of libidal dormancy. On the Electra complex, Freud was more vague. The complex has its roots in the little girl’s discovery that she, along with her mother and all other women, lack the penis which her father and other men posses. Her love for her father then becomes both erotic and envious, as she yearns for a penis of her own. She comes to blame her mother for her perceived castration, and is struck by penis envy, the apparent counterpart to the boy’s castration anxiety. The resolution of the Electra complex is far less clear-cut than the resolution of the Oedipus complex is in males; Freud stated that the resolution comes much later and is never truly complete. Just as the boy learned his sexual role by identifying with his father, so the girl learns her role by identifying with her mother in an attempt to posses her father vicariously. At the eventual resolution of the conflict, the girl passes into the latency period, though Freud implies that she always remains slightly fixated at the phallic stage. Fixation at the phallic stage develops a phallic character, who is reckless, resolute, self-assured, and narcissistic–excessively vain and proud. The failure to resolve the conflict can also cause a person to be afraid or incapable of close love; Freud also postulated that fixation could be a root cause of homosexuality. Latency Period The resolution of the phallic stage leads to the latency period, which is not a psychosexual stage of development, but a period in which the sexual drive lies dormant. Freud saw latency as a period of unparalleled repression of sexual desires and erogenous impulses. During the latency period, children pour this repressed libidal energy into asexual pursuits such as school, athletics, and same-sex friendships. But soon puberty strikes, and the genitals once again become a central focus of libidal energy. The Genital Stage In the genital stage, as the child’s energy once again focuses on his genitals, interest turns to heterosexual relationships. The less energy the child has left invested in unresolved psychosexual developments, the greater his capacity will be to develop normal relationships with the opposite sex. If, however, he remains fixated, particularly on the phallic stage, his development will be troubled as he struggles with further repression and defenses. How to cite Life Span Development, Essay examples

Event Management for Seven Dimensions -myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about theEvent Management for Seven Motivational Dimensions. Answer: In the study of Motivational theories, the push and pull theorizing is the primary framework used to formulate and test motivations for event attendance. In this framework, the push factors are considered to be those internal factors that make one travel while the pull factors are the external factors that make one visit some places or take part in some activity. The seek-escape dichotomy is another theory usually used in event motivation. This theory asserts that the wish to seek essential rewards and that to get out of typical environment makes one be involved in leisure activities. Seven motivational dimensions were identified from various studies as discussed below. The dimension of family closeness has an active cultural component. Here, senior married people were found to spend more time with family compared to young couples. Concerning nationality, the South Americans and the Asian tourists valued time with family than the Canadian and U.S guests. It was noted that individuals with lower income appreciated more time with their families unlike those whose annual house income is high. On the basis of sex, females were found to spend more time with the family as than males. The other motivational dimension ascertained was socialization. This shows interaction with people either external socialization which is interaction with new people in the event or internal socialization which is interaction with familiar people. Unlearned visitors valued socialization compared to the learned, visitors from local regions liked socialization unlike visitors from without, people with low income, and the young who had more time with friends (Lee, Lee, Choi, 2011). The motivation to escape or recreate is the desire to relax and refresh both physically and mentally from the day-to-day life pressures. Escape is affected by sex where female preferred getting away for a while than males, Age-wise the young (18-25) preferred getting away from daily routine than those above 30 years (Tkaczynski, Rundle-Thiele, 2011). The study also ascertained event newness as a motivation to attend an event. This is the desire to find out current and different familiarities and sustaining interest. Female guests got moved without difficulty by event newness than male guests. Also, those visiting for the first time esteemed event novelty than the regular visitors. The desire for excitement and enjoyment of visitors to experience entertainment and the atmosphere of a given event and enjoy it were also found out to be event motivators. The unmarried or single people, the young and those out of region attended the festive than their respective equivalents. Most of the international visitors and older people valued cultural events as a motivation to attend various events. Their desire was to increase cultural knowledge, get involved with various cultures and interest in historical and cultural activities. From various studies, it was concluded that in attracting festive visitors, event-specific attributes were very crucial. The question is whether people attend events with different motivations. The research concluded that people attend events because of what the event offers and not just for the sake of it. The study also examined the motivations behind the attendance of music festivals. The attributes that were valued by people when deciding on the music festival to attend were found to be affected by the value for money, accessibility, and availability of information. Based on the results of various researchers, motivations to attend the two festivals - music and cultural differ slightly. Some are present in one, and those present in both have different relative importance attributed to the event. This study identifies essential factors for event motivation. It also ascertains seven motivational dimensions for different reactions to events. Motivation is affected by age, sex, nationality, marital status and education. Further research is recommended on motivations to attend music and diversity and in different data analysis methods. References Lee, J. S., Lee, C. K., Choi, Y. (2011). Examining the role of emotional and functional values in festival evaluation.Journal of Travel Research,50(6), 685-696. Tkaczynski, A., Rundle-Thiele, S. R. (2011). Event segmentation: A review and research agenda.Tourism management,32(2), 426-434.

The future communicator free essay sample

In just 4 years since Volkswagen (VW) set up its India operations, it had captured a 3. 6% market share something the Detroit giants had not been able to do after more than a decade in the country (Exhibit 1). VW was the flagship brand of the Volkswagen group, which also owned Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT, and Skoda. In India, the group was present with Skoda, Audi, and VW. 1 Maik Stephan, Managing Director, Volkswagen Group Sales India said: While three brands give us the collective power, we have to be careful to market them uniquely so that we are not chasing the same customer. In 2011, the group’s worldwide revenues and net profit were Euro 159 billion and 15. 8 billion, respectively. Headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany, the group operated more than 60 plants around the world. It was the second largest automaker behind General Motors. It had a market share of 12. 3% in 2011. Its core markets were Germany and China. We will write a custom essay sample on The future communicator or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It was the market leader in Europe with a 20% market share. It aimed to become the world’s largest automaker by 2018. With a growth of 30% in the Indian automobile industry, India was to play an important role in realizing the group’s global ambitions. VW targeted to increase the market share of its flagship brand in India from 3. 6% to 5% by 2015. Neeraj Garg, Director, VW Group Sales India said: We have to transition from launch stage to growth stage of the life cycle. To meet our ambitious growth plans, we need to evolve our marketing strategy. Perhaps, we should review it. Are our segmentation, targeting, and positioning right? Is our product, distribution, and communication strategy appropriate to catapult us to the next level? Volkswagen has had a tradition of highly creative advertising globally. Its campaign ‘‘Force’’ for Passat was adjudged the best campaign of 2011 by Advertising Age. 2 The campaign featured a kid in Darth Vader costume (Darth Vader is the central character in the Star Wars saga) trying to use ‘‘force’’ (a metaphysical power in the fictional universe of the Star Wars galaxy) on everything from his dog to the washing machine to his sandwich all in vain. As he focuses all his energy on Passat, the car suddenly starts to the astonishment of the kid. A shot showed that the car was started by his father using a remote control. The campaigns connect with the popular culture of Star Wars resulted in 31 million views on YouTube. ‘‘Think small’’ and ‘‘Lemon’’ campaigns had become part of advertising textbooks. Lutz Kothe, Head of Marketing PR, VW Group Sales India said: What inspiration can VW Indian advertising draw from its global advertising? FROM GERMANY TO INDIA The German auto industry in 1930s was largely composed of luxury cars. Since many Germans could not afford luxury cars, Adolf Hitler set up a state-owned factory ‘‘Volkswagen’’ (pronounced as folk’s wagon) in Wolfsburg in 1933 for producing the ‘‘people’s car. Ferdinand Porsche, an engineer was chosen to steer the project. The first car that was rolled out was ‘‘Beetle. ’’ With its distinctive round shape and low price, it stood out from the big cars and became a global cult. In the 1970s, Passat, Scirocco, Golf, and Polo were launched. The sedan version of Golf 1 2 The remaining brands were imported by independent dealers. Advertising Age was the leading magazine in the domain of advertising. Seema Gupta, Assistant Professor of Marketing prepared this case for class discussion. This case is not intended to serve as an endorsement, source of primary data, or to show effective or inefficient handling of decision or business processes. Copyright ? 2013 by the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. No part of the publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise (including internet) without the permission of Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. This document is authorized for use only by Paul Boutilier at University of Prince Edward Island until December 2014. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. [emailprotected] harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. Volkswagen in India Page 2 of 33 Jetta was launched in 1983 and Phaeton in 2002. Thereafter, New Beetle was launched to recreate the magic of the original Beetle. The group entered India in 2001 with Skoda. Its plant in Aurangabad assembled a few models of Audi and Volkswagen as well. Audi and Volkswagen were launched in India in 2004 and 2007, respectively. In 2010, a stateof-the-art production facility was set up at Chakan near Pune with an investment of Rs. 35 billion to manufacture Polo and Vento indigenously. The plant also manufactured Skoda Fabia and Skoda Rapid as they were built on the Polo platform. Despite sharing common product platforms, the three brands were distinctly positioned. Skoda was positioned as less premium than VW which was positioned as more premium than even Honda and Toyota. Audi was positioned at par with BMW and Mercedes in the luxury category (see Exhibit 2 for positioning of various players). While the group integrated the back-end of technology, human resource, and finance across the three brands, the front-end of dealers was scrupulously kept separate. Despite its careful planning, there existed an anomaly. Skoda was perceived to be a more up-market label than VW in India. This was owing to Skoda’s history in India. Skoda was launched in 2001 with the Octavia, a premium car. The only other choices in the segment at that time were Honda City, Hyundai Accent, and Maruti Baleno. Octavia immediately became a CEO’s car. Subsequent brands Laura and Superb were even more premium and since they were diesel engines, they were more expensive than their Japanese petrol-engine counterparts. John Chacko, Group President and MD, VW Group Sales India said: Our priority is to get the core brand Volkswagen sorted out and then the other brands will fall into place. For instance, after Polo was launched, the price of Skoda Fabia was revised downwards. iii VW believed in engineering excellence. It pioneered ‘‘turbocharged diesel injection’’ (TDI) which provided fuel economy and BlueMotion Technologies which enabled energy efficiency. 3 It had obsessive focus on quality. For instance, the bumpers had seven layers of paint (most carmakers had four); it welded all the points on the dashboard simultaneously to leave no room for misalignment (this required more machines; other carmakers welded the points sequentially). VW combined engineering excellence with local market insights to crack open the emerging markets. CONSUMER INSIGHTS Each year, the product planning team in VW engaged with 200 consumers in a freewheeling chat. Product Head Product Planning Training, VW Group Sales India said: When you sit in the consumer’s drawing room, you get a flavor of his life. You can see whether he prefers a Samsung or a Sony or an LG. You can gauge his tastes and lifestyle. Buying Motives VW research showed that a consumer bought a car for three motives. First was to signal to peers and parents that he had made it in life and was not a failure. Second was for utility protection from rains, extreme weather, and weekend family outings. Third was for personal space, as people in metros lived in small houses with joint families car was his little dungeon and hideout. VW incorporated these consumer insights in its marketing strategy. To tap into the first motive, it positioned itself as an aspirational brand. To build aspiration, it followed a top-down strategy it entered the Indian market with higherend models such as Passat and Jetta and then introduced lower-end models such as Polo and Vento. Product Head said: Honda entered the Indian market with Honda City, whereas Hyundai with Santro. Both have a wide portfolio, but Hyundai is seen as an accessible brand, whereas Honda as an aspirational brand. It is because first impression is what remains with the consumer. Blue was the corporate color and motion stood for mobility. This document is authorized for use only by Paul Boutilier at University of Prince Edward Island until December 2014. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. [emailprotected] harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. Volkswagen in India Page 3 of 33 VW tapped into the second motive of utility by having functionality at the core of technology. For instance, its BlueMotion Technologies had several utilitarian features such as ‘‘park assist’’ wherein the car could park itself. VW addressed the third motive of space by designing spacious cars. It provided light interiors and striped fabrics which gave the impression of open spaces. Product Head said: Indians are claustrophobic. They need lot of open spaces. For Indians, house is anyways a compromise as it is inherited or is constrained by budget. The consumer hence does not want to compromise on his car. Consumer Attitude The product planning team researched consumer attitude toward cars. The Product Head said: Consumer treated the car as his muse. There is a lot of boredom that sets into the life of a sober man. He marries the girl suggested by parents, lives in the same city, and works for the same family business. He brings change through two things car and mobile. Those are his mistresses. He changes car every 3-4 years. The latest car would be his muse, his loved one. The product planning team at VW utilizes this insight to offer ‘‘wow’’ features which would make the car his most coveted muse. Consumer also likens the car to arranged marriage. He chooses car just as he chooses his wife based on looks. Later he falls in love with his car just as he fell in love with his wife for the way it treats him space, comfort, controls, driving experience, and cooling. The product planners leverage this insight to put experience enhancing features in the cars. For instance, the New Passat had ‘‘auto start-stop’’ in which the engine automatically turned off when one took the foot off the clutch after halting in a traffic jam or a red light. When one depressed the clutch again, the engine started automatically. PRODUCT PLANNING VW leveraged these consumer insights to design cars suitable for Indian consumers. For instance, cars had flat space on the dashboard for placing Ganesh idols, had liberal sprinkling of chrome (Indians loved chrome) and a lever behind the co-driver’s seat so that the passenger could push the seat oneself (Indian cars were chauffeur-driven so the co-driver’s seat was often vacant). VW decided which features to incorporate in the car based on four filters. First, was the customer willing to pay for it and how much? Second, what would it cost the company? Third, how easily could it be implemented from an engineering point of view? Fourth, could it be translated into a nice communication story? Product planners identified consumers’ willingness to pay for innovative features through gut feel and by asking a few friends. For standard features, VW used quantitative market research. They were careful not to over-engineer the cars with specifications that consumers were not willing to pay for. Product Head said: For European markets, VW cars had strong roofs that could bear the weight of 18 inches of snow. But, in India you don’t need it. Since the lead time for new product development was 3-4 years, product planners anticipated trends by considering socio-economic factors. The Product Head said: The cost of chauffeur would become very high in future, but the commutes would get longer, the traffic would worsen and the jobs become more demanding. The consumer would thus be ready to pay more for automatic transmission. So, automatic transmission would become the norm in metros and hence VW has started planning for producing more of them. Music CDs would disappear and so VW is considering knocking off CD players and keeping only USB port.

How to Write a Sample Essay of College Transfer

How to Write a Sample Essay of College TransferIn the past a student taking a transfer course had to write a sample essay of college transfer, but that used to be far too time consuming. You may have come up with the idea and then taken weeks to write it. But you know what? Now you can use these sample essays to write your own essays and save some time and a lot of headaches.I am going to give you some tips on how to write these sample essays so that you can save yourself a lot of time and hassle. By using this guide you will not only save yourself time, but you will also save yourself from a lot of heart ache!If you want to avoid the 'what is the difference' type of essay, just go for a simpler style. There are many essays available that are more simple. But you can still use this guide to write a full length college essay by using these sample essays.The first thing that you want to do is take all of the vocabulary and facts out of the essay. Don't do this unless you are actually g oing to grade this sample essay, because this will make it very difficult for you to understand if you don't have enough background in this particular topic.In addition to this, you may want to think about using a different essay writing software to write this sample essay. This will allow you to focus more on writing this one sentence rather than looking for vocabulary and facts.Also, you want to consider writing a few sentences to start. These sentences will help you get into a flow state. When you are in a flow state, you tend to process faster and you can make quick decisions.These sample essays can save you a lot of time and help you avoid a lot of headaches. Follow these tips and you will have a much easier time writing your own college essay.

American History

American History 1. The 19th Century definition of liberalism in adopts the realms and principles of capitalism.The first core assumption of liberal theory in political aspects is that the fundamental actors in politics are members of domestic society, understood as individuals and privately constituted groups seeking to promote their independent interests. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on American History specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In philosophical aspects, special conditions, limited competition, individual autonomy, and individual behavior are intertwined together to create a defined social order that seek for the promotion of individual welfare. The most basic tenet of liberal theory is that politics is mixed into the social context, which acts as an effective measure to curtail the powers of the government. In economic aspects, liberalism is a composition of individual who possesses different interests and identities that push them to form economic ties to further their social, political, and economic goals. While this theory is individualistic, its 19th century view is pluralist. 1a.The contributions of the work of Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton to notions about natural law began with the theories of Copernicus to the modern scientific world-view. The theories of the these scientists changed the worldview from medieval explanation to proven scientific views. Copernicus in his Ptolemaic system explained gave an analysis of reason behind an appearance of reverse motions adopted by planets. The impact of the work of Copernicus on man’s conception of the universe and rational thought in scientific disciplines is firmly entrenched in notions about natural law. The development of the first Heliocentric theory of the universe and the Pythagorean system had profound revolutionary implications on man’s conception of the universe and natural law. Kepler focused on the application of p latonic solids to provide explanation on orbit spacing in planets.In his work, Kepler placed the sun at the center of the universe and provided a groundbreaking foundation through which future works in astrology were to draw inferences. This was the premise behind Kepler’s Law’s that had immense impact of natural laws and formed the basis of Newton’s law of gravity. The impact of Galileo’s work on the universe and natural laws was majorly on mechanics. His outstanding contribution in the classification of acceleration, velocity, and instantaneous motion widely influenced natural laws of science. Isaac Newton on the other built on the concepts of instantaneous motion but Galileo and others. However, his work on dispersion, nature of color, wave nature of lights greatly influenced the view of humankind on nature and significantly contributed to notions about natural law.Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get you r first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Building upon the work of Kepler on the position of the sun at the center of the solar system, Newton developed the law of gravitational pull. His discoveries on the movement of the speed in relation to that of the sun and the Inverse Square Law showed common basis and remained defining discoveries on natural laws. The importance of Newton’s work for eighteenth century philosophy revolves around their impacts on worldview. Newton’s laws of motion managed to achieve a shift from medieval explanations to proven scientific laws with common basis. 1b.The origin of the natural rights philosophy draws its origin form liberal political philosophy of John Locke. Constitutions of most democracies of the world draw their existence from this philosophy. Natural rights philosophy proposes that men are free, equal, and independent. The government has the moral duty to respect the rights of individuals. The â€Å"natural right s† played a key role in the development of American Constitution and form the key principle in which the constitution is based. The fall and disintegration of the French monarchy and its replacement with principles of equality, citizenship, nationalism, and inalienable rights draw roots from the philosophy of natural rights. The French revolution was more radical because of the existence of radical elements that exploited governments problems and weaknesses to seize power and changed system of governance. In French revolution, the radical elements were the Girondins. Furthermore, the fear of neighboring countries about the prospects of the revolution spreading added fuel to the already turbulent situation in France. This created more internal turmoil and gave the radical movements more resolve to seize power as observed in Jacobin’s case in France. The difference in characters of George Washington and Napoleon in their contribution to the different ends of the America n and French Revolutions revolve around the fact that whereas Napoleon spread the revolutionary ideals of liberalism and nationalism across Europe, he failed to live the spirit of liberalism and natural rights for all in France. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on American History specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More George Washington on the other solved domestic challenges in America and ensured entrenchment of natural rights, thereby appealing to the American majority at the time. 1c.The legacy of the French revolution and the Napoleonic Empire had profound impact in the entire Europe. The ideas of revolution remain embedded in Europe’s law codes and spread to Europe’s colonies across the globe. The non-Europeans were later to use the revolution ideas of French revolution and the Napoleonic Empire to overthrow European’s colonial powers in the rest of the globe. In summary, the French revolution rema ins a powerful force in modern history. American History In 1787, stakeholders convened in Philadelphia to draft a new constitution. Key considerations entailed the need to review various provisions in the Articles of Confederation. However, the failure to reach a consensus promoted the abandonment of the Articles, and the onset of the drafting of a new constitution.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on American History specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This new document required the approval of at least nine states before it could take effect within the United States. Although numerous controversies and disagreements faced the creation of the new constitution, its ratification by eleven states was a milestone in American history. The Virgin Plan promoted the establishment of a central form of government that would adopt a people-oriented approach. Madison’s proposal of three distinct elements of governance gave citizens control over the executive and judiciary . Conflicts between the Virgin Plan and propositions by representatives of small states led to the introduction of the New Jersey Plan. Small-states’ representatives viewed the proposal concerning the adoption of a general voting for representatives to the lower legislative, rather than the one-state-one-vote approach, as an unfavorable concept (Foner 258). The New Jersey Plan incorporated various aspects within the Articles of Confederation that promoted the adoption of a unicameral legislature in which the vote per state stipulation remained valid. While the Virgin Plan focused on the inclusion of the public in key aspects of national governance and policymaking, the New Jersey Plan presented recommendations that sought to provide some level of influence to states with low populations, and minimize the dominance by states with high populations in crucial aspects of governance. Although both Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson sought the building of a people-oriented cou ntry, they differed in their views concerning appropriate approaches that would help America to achieve various objectives. While Hamilton promoted the need to restrict leadership roles to the affluent and educated individuals, Jefferson viewed the government as an entity that could guarantee optimal results through the reliance on the public as decision makers. Another consideration is Hamilton’s support for the establishment of a national government while Jefferson encouraged the inception of a state government. Hamilton and Jefferson differed on various aspects of the economy such as the necessity of a national debt, an agriculture driven versus urban and infrastructural boosted economy, and the distinction between the powers of state governments and the national government.Advertising Looking for critical writing on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thomas Jefferson’s views on appropriate gov ernance, as the creation of an entity, which would allow the public to participate in policymaking, highlights aspects similar to Madison’s assertion within the Virgin Plan. On the other hand, Hamilton’s propositions depict aspects of imbalanced governance in which the minority influence decisions that affect the whole population. This demonstrates that he would adopt the New Jersey Plan. The consensus among delegates on the need to promoted unity between states rather than focusing on aspects of equality led to minimal considerations on the issue of slavery. An analysis of the stipulations in the constitution illustrates aspects that strengthened the institution of slavery (Foner 259). The Fugitive Clause and the Three-Fifths Formula gave slave states significant levels of control over slaves. As a citizen of the new American Republic in 1790, I would have favored Madison’s views of a central government as it gives control to the public over crucial aspects of policymaking and leadership. I would have favored the Virgin plan because it clearly outlines the structuring of the government, roles of legislatures and the power bestowed upon the public. Foner, Eric. Give me liberty!: an American history. 3rd ed. New York: W W Norton Company Incorporated, 2012. Print.

Accelerating Growth Between Marketing and Sales With Steli Efti

Accelerating Growth Between Marketing and Sales With Steli Efti Do you enjoy your morning commute? Do you use that time to figure out what you want to accomplish? Goals you want to crush? It can be a peaceful time to think about various projects and who to work with to make things happen. Today, we’re talking to Steli Efti, co-founder and CEO of Close.io, about the intersection of inbound marketing and outbound sales. We discuss where to start, how to work collaboratively, how to grow and scale practices, and HUCA. Some of the highlights of the show include: Starts with customers if you’ve had success with inbound marketing and data to identify ideal/non-ideal customers, that’s the foundation of outbound sales Outbound Strategy: Ask customers for advice on how to sell to them Be vulnerable when doing sales, ask for help, and create an MVP for insights Decision-maker milestones to reach through outbound efforts that can be improved, replicated, and scaled Not all sales reps are created equal; requires consistency and persistence Would I want to buy from this person? Would I want to buy something from this person that I don’t really want to buy? Salesperson Characteristics: Knowledgeable, influencing, trustful, confident, authentic, honest, competitive, and adaptive Depending on your buyers, send emails or make calls to reach them Hang Up and Call Again (HUCA): Philosophy that applies to trying again to get everything you want in life Get outbound sales and inside marketing to work together to understand what they’re trying to accomplish and what insights they’re gathering Links: Close.io Steli Efti’s Blog Steli Efti Keynote Steli Efti’s Email (subject: bundle, and refer to AMP) Send suggested AMP topics If you liked today’s show, please subscribe on iTunes to The Actionable Marketing Podcast! The podcast is also available on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Quotes by Steli Efti: â€Å"My entrepreneurial superpower has always been sales and marketing. I’ve always been communicating to drive things forward and to make my businesses succeed.† â€Å"Most of the advice that I give is super obvious stuff, but it’s stuff that people don’t want to do.† â€Å"Just ask a bunch of your customers to give you advice on how to sell to them from an outbound perspective.† â€Å"What separates a great from the good is real consistency and persistency.† If you sound confident and comfortable, it’s going to make me feel like I should stay on the phone and keep listening.

Heather Fraser, Mae Shaw and Paulo Freires View of Communitarianism Essay

Heather Fraser, Mae Shaw and Paulo Freires View of Communitarianism - Essay Example From the report findings it is clear a community represents a high level of employing an elementary preposition of political and social contribution. Neighbourhoods, families and churches all form part of the entire community despite the political and moral interpretations. Despite many differences across the globe, a community constitutes shared values and goals that coincide with the individual interests. In addition, community members have an instrumental value that built a personal relationship for different members to enjoy a sense of ownership. Most importantly, members of a community enjoy a sense of identity that allows them to enjoy various present conditions. The paper states that friendship has been an instrumental factor in defining different relationships. On other hand, this has failed in many instances, as it does not converge solidarity. Arguably, this is because of communal concerns and other issues such as sexual practices as well as understanding of the universe. Above all, communitarianism remains a viewpoint that has significantly affected the community. Despite going through change from one community to another, the term community probably remains an umbrella words that has not change meaning but only use. In his book, Four different approaches to community participation Heather Fraser presents a theoretical orientation of communitarianism from different approaches.

Unionized Workers In America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Unionized Workers In America - Essay Example In response to the strikes, RCA moved its operations from Camden to Bloomington (Romero 175). The same argument can be used to argue for the reason behind the dramatic changes in the number of unionized workers over the period from 1930 to 2003. During the early period of the 1930s and 1940s, most of the American companies set up their manufacturing hubs in different parts America. Initially, the corporations paid less salary to the members and extracted greater output from them. However, with the formation of unions, the workers started demanding more wages and this resulted in the fact that the manufacturing bases were often shifted from one place to another. However, with the rise of pressure from the worker's unions the management started getting cornered and were forced to comply with the demands of the workforce. However, with the start of globalization, the companies realized that they could get the same level of output as they were presently getting if they shifted the manufa cturing bases to countries like India and China. As the companies started to shift their manufacturing bases to third world countries the number of workers in America got reduced and this resulted in the fall of unionized workers in the USA. ConclusionThe above essay tries to provide an explanation behind the rise and fall of the number of unionized workers in America over the period from 1930 to 2002. The probable explanation is the shift of the manufacturing bases to third world countries.

System to Filter Unwanted Messages from OSN User Walls

System to Filter Unwanted Messages from OSN User Walls M.Renuga Devi, G.Seetha lakshmi, M.Sarmila Abstract—One fundamental issue in today’s Online Social Networks (OSNs) is to give users the ability to control the messages posted on their own private space to avoid that unwanted content is displayed. Up to now, OSNs provide little support to this requirement. To fill the gap, in this paper, we propose a system allowing OSN users to have a direct control on the messages posted on their walls. This is achieved through a flexible rule-based system, that allows users to customize the filtering criteria to be applied to their walls, and a Machine Learning-based soft classifier automatically labeling messages in support of content-based filtering. 1. INTRODUCTION ONLINE Social Networks (OSNs) are today one of the most popular interactive medium to communicate, share, and disseminate a considerable amount of human life information. Daily and continuous communications imply the exchange of several types of content, including free text, image, audio, and video data. According to Facebookstatistics1 average user creates 90 pieces of content each month, whereas more than 30 billion pieces of content (web links, news, stories, blog posts, notes, photo albums, etc.) are shared each month. OSNs there is the possibility of posting or commenting other posts on particular public/private areas, called in general walls. Face book allows users to state who is allowed to insert messages in their walls (i.e., friends, friends of friends, or defined groups of friends). The aim of the present work is therefore to propose and experimentally evaluate an automated system, called Filtered Wall (FW), able to filter unwanted messages from OSN user walls. We exploit Machine Learning (ML) text categorization techniques. The major efforts in building a robust short text classifier (STC) are concentrated in the extraction and selection of a set of characterizing and discriminant features. We base the overall short text classification strategy on Radial Basis Function Networks (RBFN) for their proven capabilities in acting as soft classifiers, in managing noisy data and intrinsically vague classes. We insert the neural model within a hierarchical two level classification strategy. In the first level, the RBFN categorizes short messages as Neutral and Non-neutral; in the second stage, Non-neutral messages are classified producing gradual estimates of appropriateness to each of the considered category. The system provides a powerful rule layer exploiting a flexible language to specify Filtering Rules (FRs). In addition, the system provides the support for user-defined Black Lists (BLs), that is, lists of users that are temporarily prevented to post any kind of messages on a user wall. 2. RELATED WORK The main contribution of this paper is the design of a system providing customizable content-based message filtering for OSNs, based on ML techniques. As we have pointed out in the introduction, to the best of our knowledge, we are the first proposing such kind of application for OSNs. However, our work has relationships both with the state of the art in content-based filtering, as well as with the field of policy-based personalization for OSNs and, more in general, web contents. 2.1 Content-Based Filtering Information filtering systems are designed to classify a stream of dynamically generated information dispatched asynchronously by an information producer and present to the user those information that are likely to satisfy his/her requirements. In content-based filtering, each user is assumed to operate independently. As a result, a content-based filtering system selects information items based on the correlation between the content of the items and the user preferences as opposed to a collaborative filtering system that chooses items based on the correlation between people with similar preferences. Documents processed in content-based filtering are mostly textual in nature and this makes content-based filtering close to text classification. Single label, binary classification, partitioning incoming documents into relevant and non-relevant categories. More complex filtering systems include multi label text categorization automatically labeling messages into partial thematic categories. Content-based filtering is mainly based on the use of the ML paradigm according to which a classifier is automatically induced by learning from a set of pre-classified examples. Several experiments prove that Bag-of-Words (BoW) approaches yield good performance and prevail in general over more sophisticated text representation that may have superior semantics but lower statistical quality. The application of content-based filtering on messages posted on OSN user walls poses additional challenges given the short length of these messages other than the wide range of topics that can be discussed. 3. FILTERED WALL ARCHITECTURE The architecture in support of OSN services is a three-tier structure (Fig. 1). The first layer, called Social Network Manager (SNM), commonly aims to provide the basic OSN functionalities (i.e., profile and relationship management), whereas the second layer provides the support for external Social Network Applications (SNAs).The supported SNAs may in turn require an additional layer for their needed Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). The core components of the proposed system are the Content-Based Messages Filtering (CBMF) and the Short Text Classifier modules. The latter component aims to classify messages according to a set of categories. In contrast, the first component exploits the message categorization provided by the STC module to enforce the FRs specified by the user. The possible final publication can be summarized as follows: 1. After entering the private wall of one of his/her contacts, the user tries to post a message, which is intercepted by FW. 2. A ML-based text classifier extracts metadata from the content of the message. 3. FW uses metadata provided by the classifier, together with data extracted from the social graph and users’ profiles, to enforce the filtering and BL rules. 4. Depending on the result of the previous step, the message will be published or filtered by FW. 4. SHORT TEXT CLASSIFIER Established techniques used for text classification work well on data sets with large documents such as newswires corpora but suffer when the documents in the corpus are short. In this context, critical aspects are the definition of a set of characterizing and discriminant features allowing the representation of underlying concepts and the collection of a complete and consistent set of supervised examples. We approach the task by defining a hierarchical two-level strategy assuming that it is better to identify and eliminate â€Å"neutral† sentences, and then classify â€Å"non-neutral† sentences. The first-level task is conceived as a hard classification in which short texts are labeled with crisp Neutral and Non-neutral labels. The second-level soft classifier acts on the crisp set of non-neutral short texts. 4.1 Text Representation The extraction of an appropriate set of features by which representing the text of a given document is a crucial task strongly affecting the performance of the overall classification strategy. We consider three types of features, BoW, Document properties (Dp) and Contextual Features (CF). Text representation using endogenous knowledge has a good general applicability; however, in operational settings, it is legitimate to use also exogenous knowledge, i.e., any source of information outside the message body but directly or indirectly related to the message itself. We introduce CF modeling information that characterizes the environment where the user is posting. These features play a key role in deterministically understanding the semantics of the messages. In the BoW representation, terms are identified with words. Dp features are heuristically assessed; their definition stems from intuitive considerations, domain specific criteria and in some cases required trial-and-error procedures. Bad words: They are computed similarly to the correct words feature, where the set K is a collection of â€Å"dirty words† for the domain language. Correct words: It expresses the amount of terms tk 2 T K, where tk is a term of the considered document dj and K is a set of known words for the domain language. Capital words: It expresses the amount of words mostly written with capital letters, calculated as the percentage of words within the message, having more than half of the characters in capital case. Punctuations characters: It is calculated as the percentage of the punctuation characters over the total number of characters in the message. For example, the value of the feature for the document â€Å"Hello!!! How’re u doing?† is 5/24. Exclamation marks: It is calculated as the percentage of exclamation marks over the total number of punctuation characters in the message. Referring to the aforementioned document, the value is 3/5. Question marks: It is calculated as the percentage of question marks over the total number of punctuations characters in the message. Referring to the aforementioned document, the value is 1/5. 4.2 Machine Learning-Based Classification We address short text categorization as a hierarchical two level classification process. The first-level classifier performs a binary hard categorization that labels messages as Neutral and Non-neutral. The first-level filtering task facilitates the subsequent second-level task in which a finer-grained Classification is performed. The second-level classifier performs a soft-partition of Non-neutral messages assigning a given message a gradual membership to each of the non-neutral classes. Among the variety of multiclass ML models well suited for text classification, we choose the RBFN model for the experimented competitive behavior with respect to other state-of-the-art classifiers. RFBNs have a single hidden layer of processing units with local, restricted activation domain: a Gaussian function is commonly used, but any other locally tunable function can be used. RBFN main advantages are that classification function is nonlinear, the model may produce confidence values and it may be robust to outliers; drawbacks are the potential sensitivity to input parameters, and potential overtraining sensitivity. The first-level classifier is then structured as a regular RBFN. In the second level of the classification stage, we introduce a modification of the standard use of RBFN. The collection of pre-classified messages presents some critical aspects greatly affecting the performance of the overall classification strategy. To work well, a ML-based classifier needs to be trained with a set of sufficiently complete and consistent pre-classified data. The difficulty of satisfying this constraint is essentially related to the subjective character of the interpretation process with which an expert decides whether to classify a document under a given category. A quantitative evaluation of the agreement among experts is then developed to make transparent the level of inconsistency under which the classification process has taken place. 5. FILTERING RULES AND BLACKLIST MANAGEMENT In this section, we introduce the rule layer adopted for filtering unwanted messages. We start by describing FRs, and then we illustrate the use of BLs. In what follows, we model a social network as a directed graph, where each node corresponds to a network user and edges denote relationships between two different users. In particular, each edge is labeled by the type of the established relationship (e.g., friend of, colleague of, parent of) and, possibly, the corresponding trust level, which represents how much a given user considers trustworthy with respect to that specific kind of relationship the user with whom he/ she is establishing the relationship. 5.1 Filtering Rules In defining the language for FRs specification, we consider three main issues that, in our opinion, should affect a message filtering decision. First of all, in OSNs like in everyday life, the same message may have different meanings and relevance based on who writes it. As a consequence, FRs should allow users to state constraints on message creators. Given the social network Scenario, creators may also be identified by exploiting information on their social graph. Definition 1 (Creator specification): A creator specification creator Spec implicitly denotes a set of OSN users. It can have one of the following forms, possibly combined. Definition2 (Filtering rule): A filtering rule FR is a tuple (author, creator Spec, content Spec, action), where author is the user who specifies the rule; creator Spec is a creator specification, specified according to Definition 1: Content Spec is a Boolean expression defined on content constraints of the form à °C; mlÞ, where C is a class of the first or second level and ml is the minimum membership level threshold required for class C to make the constraint satisfied; action 2fblock; notifying denotes the action to be performed by the system on the messages matching content Spec and created by users identified by creator Spec. In general, more than a filtering rule can apply to the same user. A message is therefore published only if it is not blocked by any of the filtering rules that apply to the message creator. Note moreover, that it may happen that a user profile does not contain a value for the attribute(s) referred by a FR (e.g., the profile does not specify a value for the attribute Hometown whereas the FR blocks all the messages authored by users coming from a specific city). 5.2 Online Setup Assistant for FRs Thresholds As mentioned in the previous section, we address the problem of setting thresholds to filter rules, by conceiving and implementing within FW, an Online Setup Assistant procedure. 5.3 Blacklists A further component of our system is a BL mechanism to avoid messages from undesired creators, independent from their contents. BLs are directly managed by the system, which should be able to determine who are the users to be inserted in the BL and decide when users retention in the BL is finished. To enhance flexibility, such information are given to the system through a set of rules, hereafter called BL rules. Such rules are not defined by the SNMP; therefore, they are not meant as general high-level directives to be applied to the whole community. Similar to FRs, our BL rules make the wall owner able to identify users to be blocked according to their profiles as well as their relationships in the OSN. Therefore, by means of a BL rule, wall owners are, for example, able to ban from their walls users they do not directly know (i.e., with which they have only indirect relationships), or users that are friend of a given person as they may have a bad opinion of this person. 6. EVALUATION In this section, we illustrate the performance evaluation study we have carried out the classification and filtering modules. We start by describing the data set. 6.1 Problem and Data Set Description The analysis of related work has highlighted the lack of an publicly available benchmark for comparing different approaches to content-based classification of OSN short texts. 6.2 Short Text Classifier Evaluation 6.2.1 Evaluation Metrics Two different types of measures will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of first-level and second-level classifications. In the first level, the short text classification procedure is evaluated on the basis of the contingency table approach. In particular, the derived well-known Overall Accuracy (OA) index capturing the simple percent agreement between truth and classification results, is complemented with the Cohen’s KAPPA (K) coefficient thought to be a more robust measure taking into account the agreement occurring by chance . At second level, we adopt measures widely accepted in the Information Retrieval and Document Analysis field, that is, Precision (P), that permits to evaluate the number of false positives, Recall (R), that permits to evaluate the number of false negatives, and the overall metric F-Measure (F_), defined as the harmonic mean between the above two indexes. 6.2.2 Numerical Results By trial and error, we found a quite good parameter configuration for the RBFN learning model. The best value for the M parameter, that determines the number of Basis Function, is heuristically addressed to N=2, where N is the number of input patterns from the data set. 6.2.3 Comparison Analysis The lack of benchmarks for OSN short text classification makes problematic the development of a reliable comparative analysis. However, an indirect comparison of our method can be done with work that show similarities or complementary aspects with our solution. 6.3 Overall Performance and Discussion In order to provide an overall assessment of how effectively the system applies a FR. This table allows us to estimate the Precision and Recall of our FRs, Let us suppose that the system applies a given rule on a certain message. In contrast, Recall has to be interpreted as the probability that, given a rule that must be applied over a certain message, the rule is really enforced. Results achieved by the content-based specification component, on the first-level classification, can be considered good enough and reasonably aligned with those obtained by well-known information filtering techniques. 7. DICOMFw DicomFW is a prototype Face book application8 that emulates a personal wall where the user can apply a simple combination of the proposed FR’s. Throughout the development of the prototype, we have focused our attention only on the FRs, leaving BL implementation as a future improvement. However, the implemented functionality is critical, since it permits the STC and CBMF components to interact. To summarize, our application permits to 1. View the list of users’ FWs; 2. View messages and post a new one on a FW; 3. Define FRs using the OSA tool. When a user tries to post a message on a wall, he/ she receive an alerting message if it is blocked by FW. 8 CONCLUSIONS In this paper, we have presented a system to filter undesired messages from OSN walls. The system exploits a ML soft classifier to enforce customizable content-dependent FR’s. Fig. 3. DicomFW: A message filtered by the wall’s owner FRs We plan to study strategies and techniques limiting the inferences that a user can do on the enforced filtering rules with the aim of bypassing the filtering system, such as for instance randomly notifying a message that should instead be blocked, or detecting modifications to profile attributes that have been made for the only purpose of defeating the filtering system. REFERENCES [1] A. Adomavicius and G. Tuzhilin, â€Å"Toward the Next Generation of Recommender Systems: A Survey of the State-of-the-Art and Possible Extensions,† IEEE Trans. Knowledge and Data Eng., vol. 17, no. 6, pp. 734-749, June 2005. [2] M. Chua and H. Chen, â€Å"A Machine Learning Approach to Web Page Filtering Using Content and Structure Analysis,† Decision Support Systems, vol. 44, no. 2, pp. 482-494, 2008.