Project design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Project design - Essay Example However, packaging of ice cream on commercial basis was always a problem for mass producers. Initially they used to supply the product in cups but in the early 1900 manufacturers identified a strong need of introducing ice cream carriers which were less costly and more productive. John was too frustrated those days because of the increasing raw material cost. He has been into the ice cream manufacturing industry since last twenty years but now he was facing immense difficulty in meeting up all the business expenses while maintaining good profit margins. His company used to do business in the late 19th century and the early 20th century. They had paper cups, glass jars or even plastic boxes in order to store, transport and sell the product. However, due to the changing business scenario and the advancing technology the prices of ice cream carriers raised beyond expectations and hence the major ice cream manufacturers including John’s ice cream had to plan again the entire busin ess strategy. Developing a new business idea so as to cater the needs of customers is very difficult and risky. Ideas can be generated through various sources but the most common and widely applicable source is brainstorming (Bragg). Paper and plastic carriers were very costly, they were incurring huge wastage and the natural environment was becoming contaminated. Considering this scenario and the declining company profits, John called his managing team including supply chain managers, financers, marketers and the advisors. After two months of intense brainstorming and parameter analysis they finally decided to introduce an entirely new ice cream carrier which was not only cost effective and friendly to the environment but it was also the most feasible, interesting, tasty and edible ice cream carrier ever produced. So now John was out of his initial frustration period he knew his need i.e. an ice cream carrier which could be eaten away along with the ice cream. However, the next sta ge was even more difficult as the team of researchers was still uncertain about the exact ingredients they must use to make the carrier eatable and safe to health. One of the advisors analyzed the cooking books to find a recipe for carriers which could easily hold ice cream for a longer time period without melting it away or soaking its moisture. Hence pastries and creams were thoroughly studied but since both of these were naturally soft materials and could not hold ice cream in the required solid form for a considerable time period therefore they were ultimately rejected. Then John evaluated the effectiveness of ice cream carriers made from flour. These were also rejected because of water absorption. Hence the frustration for not being able to implement the business idea was initiated and now John started to spend some more time in kitchen so as to identify the best possible material which could be used as an ice cream carrier. While introducing a new product or even making an inn ovation in the current product range there is significant value of time. Company has to profoundly move from product details, ideas, development, screening and finally the introduction (Fuller). All of these procedures must be followed in a timely manner. But here the time was running fast and the profits were decreasing even faster. It has now been one year that the entire team was evaluating different ice cream carriers. Some of them proved to be highly absorbent while others were too hard to eat

Carrying out an open-loop step response on the process trainer pt326

Carrying out an open-loop step response on the process trainer pt326 INTRODUCTION: The control systems are based up on the behaviour of the dynamics systems and it is also a branch of the engineering and mathematical model of the process. The desired output of the system is called as reference. A controller is device which observes and outcome the changes in the output that are affected by the input variables. And it is also used to operate the input variables to a system to achieve the desired result on the output of the system. It is very simple and flexible to solve using the mathematical model. In control system design, we have a concept of feedback control system. The main concept of this feedback loop is to control the system performance and it is a negative feedback because the sensed value is subtracted from the desired value to produce the error signal which is amplified by the controller. To avoid the problem of the open-loop control system, the control system initiated the feedback loop. Where as in closed loop system, the control system uses the feedba ck to control the output of the process. One of the most widely used controllers in the design of continuous data control system is the PID controller, where PID stands for the proportional plus integral and derivative control. The PID controller is mostly used in the feedback control design. The controller is used for the operation of the error signal to produce the control signal. Proportional (P) control: This is the one type of action performed and used in the PID controllers is the proportional control. It is the simplest form of continuous control system that can be used in the closed loop system. Proportional control is used to minimize the fluctuation in the process, but it does not allow to bring back to the required set point. P-only controller provides the faster response than other controllers. The system first allows the P-only controller in order to get the system a few seconds/minutes faster. The main advantage of the P-only controller is the faster response time, it produces the deviation from the set point and this deviation is called offset. Mathematical Equations: P-only controller linearly correlates the controller output (actuating signal) to the error (difference between measured signal and set point). In the mathematical form, the p-controller is given below Y(t) = Kc e(t) + b Where Y(t)= controller output Kc = controller gain e(t)= error b= bias In the above equation the controller gain and bias are constant to each controller. The controller gain is the change in the controller output per change in the controller input. Bias is simply a controller output, when the error is zero. In the PID controller, when the signals are transmitted then the controller gain relates the changes in the output voltage to the changes in the input voltage. Thus, the gain ultimately changes in the input and output properties. If the controller output changes more than the input, Kc is greater than one. If the change in the input is greater the controller output, Kc is less than one. Ideally, Kc is equal to infinity then the error will be reduced to zero. Exact equalities cannot be achieved in the control logic. In this, the error will be allowed up to certain range of the system. Integral (I) Control: This is another type of action performed in the PID controllers is the integral control. Integral control is the second form of feedback control system. It is obtained used to remove the deviations that may exit. Thus the system moves to the steady state and original settings. A positive error will cause the signal to be increase and whereas a negative error will cause the signal to be decrease the system. However, I-only controller is much slower in response time than the P-controller. Thus, the slower response time will be reduced by combining with another form such as P or PD controller. It is often used to measure the required variables to remain within a narrow range and also require a fine tuning control. Mathematical Equations I-controller correlates the controller output to the integral of error. The integral of error is taken with respect to time within a specified interval. In the mathematical form, the I-controller equation can be represented as Where C(t)= controller output Ti = integral time e(t)= error c(t0)= controller output before integration. Derivative (D) Control: This is another type of action performed in the PID controllers is the derivative control. I-control and D-control are a form of a feed forward control. D-control anticipates the process conditions by analyzing the change in error. It main function is to minimize the change in error, thus keeping the system in a consistent setting. The main benefits of the D-controller is to resist change in system, the most important of these being is oscillations. PI-controllers: PI-controller is a combination of both proportional plus integral controller. This is the feedback controller which drives the process/plant to be controlled with sum of error and also the integral of that value. In PID controllers, we have not yet used the D-controller (D=kd=0). The basic block diagram of the PI controller is shown below, The controller output for the above closed loop system is Where ÃŽ is the error of actual measured value from the desired set point. ÃŽ = SP PV. The main advantage of the PI controller; the integral terms in the PI controller causes the steady state error to be zero for a ramp input. The main disadvantes of using with the PI controller is the phase lag. This means that the phase margin decreases. Required Apparatus: The report of this experiment is carried out on the Feedback Process Trainer, PT326. The design of the control system consist of a computer ,A/D and D/A converters, and a printer used to provide the copies of the response system. The networked PCs used to obtain the system design using the nyquist simulation method employing the design and simulation program CODAS. Explanation of PT326: According to the industrial situation, the PT326 process trainer model is commonly used. This situation appears when the temperature control is required in the presence of transport delay and transfer lags. In this PT 326 process trainer, the trainer involves air that is strained from the atmosphere through a centrifugal blower and it is heated and passed over the heater through duct before it is being heated. The objective of the control is to sustain the temperature of the air at the required level. The temperature control can be achieved by varying the electrical power supplied to the heater grid. By using the bead thermistor which is placed in the flow at any three position along the duct, the air temperature may be sensed. The process trainer introduces the transport delay in the system which is located between the thermistor and heat coil. By setting the opening of the throttle, the mass flow of the air can be adjusted through the duct. The temperature sensors can be placed at any three of the position in the duct, so that these sensors can acts as a detector. The variation in the resistance of the temperature sensor is converted to the voltage variation through the bridge circui t and is available at terminal Y. The output of the temperature sensor can be used as feedback for connecting the terminal X and Y. The required temperature can be indicated by adjusting the knob label set value. In additionally, the set value can change the step by using the command throwing the switch as internal. An external referrence input can also be provided using the label as external. The difference between referrence input set value and feedback signal is availabel at terminal B and can be supplied to the heater power supply so that the gain can be adjusted by using the prportional band. To select a continuous control, the signal at A can be send directly to the heater power supply by using the switch s. The switch s can be alternatively used as on-off controller as well as it is used to select the two step control. This on-off control command reponds to the maximum heater power when on and for the zero heater power it is off. The hysterisis is an on-off controller which can be adjusted by the knob label as overlap. The maximum heater supply can be adjusted using the knob label as max heater power. The process may be seen to comprise a simple blower in which air is drawn from the atmosphere, blown past a heater grid and along a tube having a provision for several temperature to pick up. The purpose of the control system is to maintain the temperature of the air flowing in the tubeat some required set point. The output of the process is a temperature which is measured by the use f the thermistor bead transducer and bridge circuit. Procedure: In the set of experiments of the PT326 process trainer, a personal computer acts as a contoller. Three controller are going to be investigated, a) Proportional control b) Integral control c) Proportional plus integral control. The final experiment make use of the analytical control system to show how the control theory can be used to calculate the behaviour of the control system. a) Proportional control: Using the computer program go into the controller setting menu. Set the controller to be a proportional only type i.e set the kp= 0.1, ki= 0, kd= 0. On the process trainer, adjust the throttle to 25o and place the sensor in the position away from the heater. Vary the proportional gain and plot the graph of the steady state error against the proportional gain. Choose the value of gain we think for the best response and obtain the screen dump to get a copy from the printer. Finally, indicate on graph the onset of instability. b) Integral control: Using the computer program go into the controller setting menu. Set the controller to be a integral only i.e set the kp= 0, ki=0.1, kd=0. On the process trainer leave the throttle at 25o and kep the sensor in the position away from the heater. Vary the integral gain and plot a graph of steady state error against the integral gain. Choose a value of gain that gives the best response of the system and obtain the screen dump. Finally, indicate on the graph the onset of instability. c) Proportional-plus-Integral control: Using the computer program go into the controller setting menu. Set the controller to be proportional-plus-integral type i.e set the kp=0.1, ki=0.1, kd=0. On the process trainer leave the throttle at 25o, and keep the sensor in the position away from the heater. Vary the proportional and integral gains until we get the best response from the system and obtain the screen dump. d) Open-loop step response: Using the computer program PRESS o this will put the system under the open loop control. The programme will then automatically carry out an open loop step response. Obtain a screen dump for the open loop step response. From the loop step response it is possible to calculate the transfer function of the process trainer. The tranfer function has the form: Where K is the open loop D.C gain of the system and Td is the pure time delay present in the system and Tp is the time constsnt for the system. It is possible to measure these values directly from the open loop step response. The steady state error for the control system can be derived as : Steady state error = V/(1+kp k) e) After obtaining the open loop step response values like K, Tp, Td, e and R from the graph. Place the values of K,Tp and Td in MATLAB simulink. To simulate the plant only in open loop in CODAS. Compare the time response with the actual plant open-loop response. f) Introduce the controller into the simulation and in frequency domain, adjust proportional gain to give the gain margin of 2 i.e., Nyquist plot (controller plus plant, open-loop) cuts the real axis at -0.5. observe the corresponding time response(controller plus plant, closed loop in time domain). g) Following the Nyquist method (f), introduce an integral control term and observe the time response. h) Keeping the proportional plus integral control established in (g), adjust the overall gain(k) to give gain margin of 4,2,1.333,1 and 0.8 (corrresponding to the Nyquist plot cutting the real axis at -0.25, -0.5, -0.75, -1.0 and -1.25 respectively). Comparing the corresponding time responses on the same graph. i) Now,changing the overall gain back to 1 and substituting the proportional and integral gains as calculated using the (i) ziegler-Nichols and (ii) cohen and coon formulas. And comparing the time responses for the three methods (Nyquist,Ziegler-Nicholos and cohen and coon) on the same graph. j) Moving back to the industrial trainer, and substituting the PI gains that where obtained using the Nyquist method and observe the closed loop response. And finding to get fine tune PI gain to improve the performance of the system. MATLAB CODE (CODAS Program): The diagram represents the open loop step response of the system is The code for the plotting of the open loop step response of the sytem is hold on xlabel(Time) ylabel(Input (red), Output (green)) title(System response to a step input) plot(t,x,r) plot(t,y,g) grid on The code for the plotting of the closed loop step response of the system is hold on axis([0.0 10.0 -10.0 2900.0]) xlabel(Time) ylabel(Desired Output (blue), Actual Outputs) title(System responses to a step input) plot(t,x,k) plot(t,y,b) grid on The code for the nyquist process trainer in the nyquist plot for the closed loop response of the system is % Plant : Gp(s)=K*exp(-Td*s)/(1+Tp*s) % K=1.266; % DC Gain Td=0.35; % Time Delay Tp=0.729; % Time Constant % num_p=K; den_p=[Tp 1]; disp(Plant Transfer Function : ) plant_tf=tf(num_p, den_p,InputDelay,Td) % % Compensator: Gc(s)=Km*(Kp+(Ki/s)+Kd*s) = Km*(Kd*s^2+Kp*s+Ki)/s % disp(Km :) %Km=1.0 Km=2.0/(2) %Km=1.0 % Multiplier Kp=2.1397; % Proportional Gain Ki=0.857; % Integral Gain Kd=0.0; % Derivative Gain % num_c=Km*[Kd Kp Ki]; den_c=[1 0]; disp(Compensator Transfer Function : ) comp_tf=tf(num_c,den_c) % OL_tf=comp_tf*plant_tf % %Gain and Phase Margins % [Gm,Pm,Wcg,Wcp]=margin(OL_tf); disp(Gain Margin: ); Gm disp(Phase Margin: ); Pm % % Nyquist plot of OL TF for 0.2

Essay --

A genetic disorder is a sickness caused by one or many abnormalities or absentees in the genes or chromosomes. One interesting genetic disorder such as cancer, are found genetic but, can also be caused and affected by many by environmental factors such as being exposed to asbestos which may increase the risk of lung cancer and many other cancers. While on the other hand most disorders like Williams Syndrome are genetic and are primarily rare and only affect a limited amount of people about one in every several thousand. Because it is a genetic disorder that is estimated between 1 in 10,000 people worldwide, primarily caused by a micro-deletion on the seventh chromosome is what indicates the disorder being Williams Syndrome. Because Williams Syndrome is very uncommon within a large crowd among people, the causes that are known to trigger the disorder are very few. The causes or conditions that are known to trigger Williams Syndrome is by the deletion of twenty-six to twenty-eigh t genes on chromosome #7. Many people may conclude that just because Williams Syndrome is a â€Å"genetic† disorder meaning that it has to be inherited from their parents are incorrect. Most people may not inherit Williams syndrome because the chances of his or her child to inherit the syndrome is a low 50/50 chance. That is because when the deletion of the 26 – 28 genes that takes place within the chromosome number seven are of what randomly chosen events that particularly occur in the male or female eggs or sperm .When dealing with Williams syndrome many symptoms may come upon the person with this disorder. Some of the symptoms may be not be that eye catching or life threating but some, however some can be life threating. In resulting the person to ... ...consequences of having Williams Syndrome. Some examples would be that a type of cardiovascular disease will soon follow Williams Syndrome called Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis. Resulting ones largest blood vessel to get narrower and narrower causing the person to catch ones breath very often even if not exercising , abdominal pain, and sometimes if fatal heart failure. Furthermore Williams Syndrome is not a disorder that is to be thought of kindly. Just because it occurs 1 in 10,000 people does not mean it is not deadly. It has been estimated that 82 percent of people who die of Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis disease (a disease that follows Williams Syndrome) are 65 and older. And b2cause there are no cures for William syndrome even with the help of today’s modern science and technology people with it must be monitored and treated for symptoms throughout their lives.

Female Genital Mutilation in the Middle East and North Africa Essay

Values and beliefs of a certain society can be illumined through the traditional cultural practices that often span from one generation to another. Globally, every social group has its own traditional cultural practices that are considered to be beneficial for the community. However, there are many instances that such practices may be harmful for some groups, most especially for women. Terrible traditional cultural practices are committed directly against females around the world. Despite the atrocities of such practices and its violation against human rights, many women-violent practices still exist and are prevalent in other countries. One of the most prevalent forms of harmful traditional practices is the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) (Office of the High Commisioner of Human Rights-United Nations Organization [OHCR-UNOG]). The pervasiveness of FGM is attributed to people’s inability to question the morality of such action that should be addressed to those who practice female genital mutilation. As such, despite of the interventions of many international communities, in order to achieve gender equality, women are still violated and continue to be denied of various human rights. Hence, it can be perceived that many traditional cultural practices, including female genital mutilation is carried out for the benefit of the male populace (OHCR-UNOG). Historical Background of Female Genital Mutilation Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as ‘female circumcision’ or ‘female genital cutting’, involves procedures that are centered in the partial or overall removal of the female’s external genitalia, or the infliction of injury to the genital organs of female for non-medical reasons. More often than not, the practice is performed by traditional circumcisers who are believed to play a significant role in the community where they belong. However, records have indicated that FGM is also carried out by medically trained professionals (World Health Organization [WHO]). FGM is considered to be an age-old practice existent in various communities globally because it is known to be a custom (OHCR-UNOG). However, FGM’s origin has not been well established. Certain theories indicate that female genital mutilation predates male mutilation (Davis 158 qtd. in Lightfoot-Klein). In one study, it was shown that FGM occurred in areas that are considered to be restricted to the rest of the world which includes Islamic, Semitic and Christian nations. It was contemplated that â€Å"the more ancient a custom or belief, the more universally it is found† (Lightfoot-Kline). All throughout history, reports regarding female circumcision has been existent. The very first historical reference of FGM can be traced from the literature of Herotodus, who wrote that FGM already existed during 5th century BC in Ancient Egypt. He even pointed out that the practice had its beginnings in Egypt or Ethiopia because FGM has been performed by Ethiopians, Phoenicians, and Hitties (Taba qtd. in Lightfoot-Kline). One Greek papyrus dated 163 BC found in the British museum indicated that circumcisions were performed on girls by the time they received dowries. Different authors claimed that FGM was practiced by early Romans and Arabs (Kline). Methods employed in order to repress women’s sexuality has been well recorded in history. In ancient Rome, women slaves are required to wear metal rings which were passed through the labia minora in order to prevent procreation. During the absence of their husbands, women from medieval England wore chastity belts to avoid promiscuity. Tsarist Russia, as well as France, America, and France during the 19th century already practice clitoridectomy; while evidences from mummified bodies of ancient Egypt indicate that excision and infibulation has been performed, thereby giving rise to the existence of pharaonic circumcision (OHCR-UNOG). Types of Female Genital Mutilation Various types of female genital mutilation are performed depending on the cultural history and traditions of a certain community. Basically there are three common types of FGM: (1) Type one or Sunna circumcision. â€Å"Sunna† is an Arabic term which means tradition in English. This form of FGM is done by removing the prepuce or the clitoris’ tip. (2) Type two also called as clitoridectomy or excision is widely practiced in Egypt. This procedure involves the removal of the whole clitoris including the prepuce, glans and the adjacent labia. (3) Type three which is commonly referred to as infibulation or pharaonic circumcision is the procedure commonly applied in Sudan and Somalia. Considered as the most dramatic type of FGM, infibulation, which literally means â€Å"to fasten with a clip or buckle,† involves not only the removal of the clitoris and the nearby labia, but also include the sewing of remaining parts of vulva with the use of a catgut or thread. Such form of mutilation leaves only a tiny hole in the female genital that serves as a passage for the urine and menstrual blood. Women who are infibulated are cut open during their wedding night in order to perform sexual intercourse. However, right after the act, they are sewn again in order to avoid infidelity. More often than not, the groom is responsible for opening the bride’s sewn genitalia with the use of a double-edged dagger. There are some instances that women are cut open and are sewn back together during the time of their separation with their husbands. (4) The remaining type of FGM which is categorized as type four mutilation includes procedures that inflict damage to the female genitalia. Such form of mutilation may range from piercing, pricking, and stretching of labia or clitoris; burning of the clitoris and other tissues of the genitalia through cauterization; scraping of vaginal orifice; vaginal cutting; placing corrosive substances to cause vaginal bleeding, and the introduction of herbal substances to narrow or tighten the vagina (Rosenthal). The most common type of FGM is the clitoral and labia minora excision which constitutes about 80% of all FGM case. However, infibulation is considered as the most extreme form which accounts to 15% of all the mutilation procedures (Steiner, Alston, and Goodman,). The Cultural and Religious Tie: Middle East and African Areas Located Above the Equator The principle of female genital mutilation is prevalent in the societies of African territory. The extent of such phenomena can be seen in 25 countries of Africa. Infibulation is widely performed in areas including Djibouti, Mali, Somalia, selected parts of Ethiopia, Egypt and the northern region of Sudan. Meanwhile, excision and circumcision are evident in Benin, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Gambia, Cote d’Ivoire, Chad, Guinea, Guinnea-Bissau, Kenya, Mauritania, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Uganda, Togo and other areas in the United Republic of Tanzania (OHCR-UNOG). Currently, WHO estimated that annually about three million African girls are at risk for female genital mutilation and about 92 million of the female populace, age 10 years and above have already undergone mutilation. The prevalence of FGM in the said areas is associated primarily with myths and the ignorance of people towards biological, medical, and religious perspectives. As noted by Hanny Lighfoot-Klein: â€Å"The clitoris is perceived as repulsive, filthy, foul smelling, dangerous to the life of the emerging new born, and hazardous to the health and potency of the husband† (Lightfoot-Klein, n. p. ). Majority of African countries adhere to such beliefs that it has been well embraced and became a value, causing FGM to become a customary practice over time. In Sudan, the clitoris is believe to grow to the length of the neck of a goose; long enough to dangle between the legs which could rival the male penis if left uncut. Such concept influences the perception of males, thereby reinforcing them not to marry a woman who is uncircumcised or â€Å"unclean† (Lightfoot-Klein). Among the Bambara’s in Mali, it is widely viewed that once the clitoris touches the head of a child being born, automatically the child will die. As the clitoris is considered to be the male characteristic of females, its removal is seen as an action that would result in the enhancement of femininity. In Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Somalia, females are imposed to undergo mutilation in order to control their sexuality and ensure their virginity until marriage and their chastity right after (OHCR-UNOG). Because childbearing and marriage are the only options for most of African women, majority of them are forced to submit themselves to the practice genital mutilation which they also have to pass on to their daughters (Lightfoot-Klein). The institutionalization of patriarchal system within the society also plays a significant role in the perpetration of FGM. In ancient Mesopotamia, the code of Hammurabi embarked the presence of some features of patriarchy in public veiling and sexual repression of women. It was stated in the code that fathers were entitled to treat his daughter’s virginity as a ‘family property asset. Due to this system, women were categorized as â€Å"respectable,† meaning they were chaste and conforming, and â€Å"disreputable,† which translates to low class or slaves. As a result, women who bowed to the system benefited from it by securing their own safety as well as that of their children. However, they became the steadfast advocates of the system, thereby imposing it to their daughters. Present-day Africans follow the same patriarchal outlook. Female circumcision is then performed to the daughters of the women, who, during the time they were young, experienced mutilation. Although perceived by many as a violation against human rights, the practice is defended by the women themselves because they consider it as an essential part of their tradition that ensures the social standing of their family in the community they belong (Lighfoot-Klein). The existence of patriarchal society is attributed to economic reasons. Historically, fathers are known to be keen in identifying their â€Å"real† children, in order to know who is going to handle his property. Hence, it could be perceived that the establishment of systems including moral and religious values, as well as legal aspects became an imperative in order to protect the economic interests that uphold the society. In this regard, it is hard to abandon a custom that benefits the economic interest not only of the family but the whole society as well. The existence of such system guarantees profit for many, thereby catapulting â€Å"dayas† and medical practitioners to resist changes in the practice of female genital mutilation. Likewise, the family woman can gain considerable bride price if she is mutilated by the time of the marriage. Moreover, women continuously submit themselves to FGM for the fear that their husbands will divorce them for a second wife. This perspective serves as a threat for the women in the society who have no economic recourse and access to own properties and relies only on the â€Å"bride price gold that she wears on her body. † As such, it can be concluded that female genital mutilation is the result of the economic interest permeating within the society (Lightfoot-Klein). While many experts hold that female genital mutilation is an African custom, there are few reports regarding the existence of FGM in the Middle Eastern territory. This is understandable because it is difficult to study sexual relations in societies of Middle East. Almost everything regarding sexuality and personal matters are kept in private sphere. Likewise, books and research pertaining to Middle Eastern sexual habits are almost non-existent or at the most, heavily guarded by the comprehensive rules based from the Islamic law. However, recent finding from northern Iraq suggests that FGM is also practiced widely in societies outside of Africa. The case study of Iraqi Kurdistan served as an instructive case. In 2003, a German-Austrian NGO called WADI took the initiative to take medical and social support to the women in Kurdish areas. More than a year later, women who received support spoke about the practice of FGM. It was found out that Kurds used the sunna circumcision and were performed by midwives. Subsequent studies found out that of 1,544 women, 907 had undergone FGM, which further suggests that 60% of the population view mutilation as a normal practice. The discovery in Iraqi Kurdistan debunks the assumption that FGM is solely an African practice. As Fran Hosken quoted: â€Å"There is little doubt that similar practices—excision, child marriage, and putting rock salt into the vagina of women after childbirth—exist in other parts of the Arabian Peninsula and around the Persian Gulf (Hosken 278 qtd in Osten Sacken, and Uwer). The absence of medical records tackling FGM in the whole region does not necessarily mean that the Middle Eastern territories are free from female circumcision. Such issue is left undetected due to the lack of freedom to permit formal studies regarding the subject. Taboo also plays a significant role in the undercutting of researches in Arab nations. Many scholars and NGO in Arab countries prohibits the criticism predominant culture of Arabs and Muslims. Because of these findings many questions were raised by the critics of FGM, one of which is whether the said phenomena is a religious issue in the Middle East (Osten-Sacken and Uwer). Many Muslims and academics from the West claim that FGM is not based from religion rather it is a practice shaped by culture (Simonet qtd in Osten-Sacken and Uwer). However, in a village level, the people who are committed to the practice perceive the action as mandate by the religion. Although the law of Islam does not have any justifications regarding FGM, many Islamic clerics in the Northern part of Iraq advise women to undergo mutilation. If the women wish to abandon such practice, she must suffer the consequence of appearing disreputable in the eyes of the public (Mackie qtd ini Osten-Sacken and Uwer). Some Islamic scholars may disagree with FGM but others refer to the mention of FGM in the Hadith as a defense for the persistence of such practice in Middle East. The claim was further sufficed by the Islamic law specialist Sami Aldeeb Abu Salieh when he stated: The most often mentioned narration reports a debate between Muhammed and Um Habibah (or Um ‘Atiyyah). This woman, known as an exciser of female slaves, was one of a group of women who had immigrated with Muhammed. Having seen her, Muhammad asked her if she kept practicing her profession. She answered affirmatively, adding: â€Å"unless it is forbidden, and you order me to stop doing it. † Muhammed replied: â€Å"Yes, it is allowed. Come closer so I can teach you: if you cut, do not overdo it, because it brings more radiance to the face, and it is more pleasant for the husband. (Aldeeb Abu Sahlieh 575-622 qtd in Osten- Sacken and Uwen). Aldeeb Abu Sahlieh’s claim is further reinforced by other Islam scholars by stating that Islam condones sunna circumcision but not the pharaonic circumcision (Omer qtd in Osten-Sacken and Uwen), and that since the prophet Muhammad does not condemn the act, thereby making it permissible and cannot be outlawed (Aldeeb Abu Sahlieh qtd in Osten-Sacken). Ultimately, the practice of female genital mutilation in the Middle East may have its roots in the cultural scope of the region. However, its religious ties cannot be disregarded. Effects of Female Genital Mutilation The implications of FGM can be short-term and long term. The immediate consequences of the practice are hemorrhage, acute pain and infection. The infections are commonly acquired from the usage of unsterilized instruments performed in unhygienic areas and introduction of substances. The infections may range from tetanus, general septicamea, chronic pelvic infections, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Recently the transfer of HIV has also been a concern for the FGM researchers (OHCR-UNOG). Obstetric complications are also common among mutilated women. Pregnant mutilated woman put the life of her child in danger because the fetus is at risk of acquiring infectious disease. Likewise, the head of the child may be crushed during the delivery due to damaged birth canal. Furthermore, infibulated women are needed to be opened during child birth and are commonly reinfibulated after every delivery resulting to the scarring of the genitals. Cyst commonly referred to as epidermal clitoral inclusion cyst may also develop among women who undergo type 3 FGM (Rosenthal). Female Genital Mutilation has also psychological implications. These include sexual phobias, depression, and lack of libido which result in the premature ejaculation among women’s partners, personality disorders like rebellion which may eventually lead to psychiatric disorders (Rosenthal). Some evidences indicate that children who undergo FGM experience recurring nightmares (OHCR-UNOG). The socio-economic problems associated with FGM include higher divorce rate and drug abuse which are commonly associated with the males. It was found out that a male with mutilated wife has the tendency of using narcotics to give sexual pleasure to his wives (Rosenthal). Response to Female Genital Mutilation In 1997, World Health Organization (WHO) together with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) issued statements against the continuous practice of female genital mutilation. By 2008, a new statement was issued supporting the increased advocacy of totally condemning FGM which was backed heavily backed by more countries of the United Nation. The 2008 statement include data concerning the past and present practice of FGM. The statement also gave emphasis on the increased recognition of human rights and provided evidences regarding the extent of the issue. The damaging effects of FGM were also presented in order to affect changes in the public policy. From 1997, various government and non-government organizations both in the international and local levels ratified laws abandoning FGM (WHO). Conclusion Based on the study, it is apparent that female genital mutilation predominantly place women in a disadvantaged position. Immense cultural pressure is considered to be the root cause of FGM. However, based from several findings, religion also serves as an encouragement for the existence of such practice. The impact of FGM does not only affect women but also the society where it is widely recognized as a custom. Although, international interventions reduced the prevalence of FGM in African regions during the past years, its practice may not be totally eliminated if practicing communities will not abandon the act itself. Hence, organizations as well as government agencies should further promote awareness regarding the issue of FGM. Works Cited Lighfoot-Klein, Hanny. â€Å"Prisoners of ritual: Some contemporary developments in the history of female genital mutilation. † The Female Genital Mutilation Cutting Education And Networking Project. 30 April-03 May 1991. 10 December 2008 . Office of the High Commisioner of Human Rights-United Nations Organization. â€Å"Fact sheet no. 23, harmful traditional practices affecting the health of women and children. † Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. 2008. 10 December 2008 . Osten-Sacken, Thomas and Uwer, Thomas. â€Å"Is female genital mutilation an Islamic problem? † The Middle East Quarterly. 2007. 10 December 2008 < http://www. meforum. org/article/1629#_ftn38>. Rosenthal, Sara. The Gynecological Sourcebook. Chicago, IL: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2003. Steiner, Henry, Alston, Philip and Goodman, Ryan. International Human Rights in Context: Law, Politics, Morals: Test And Materials. New York: Oxford University Press US, 2008 World Health Organization. â€Å"Female genital mutilation. † May 2008. 10 December 2008 .

Mono Lake Committee

The atmosphere here makes you feel at peace with yourself. Not only do people FRR mom all over the world come here; photographers, journalists, ornithologists, but even locals come to connect with nature. As I am meditating on the shore line of Mono Lake, I begin to take in my sours endings. The scenery is unique and brings me peace. It unifies me with who I am and who I will become.I feel the UN baking down on me as a breeze lifts the smell of salt water towards me. When that settles, pick up a thick earthy smell that reminds me of wet grass. It's easy to notice different types of birds flying around, for example, lake birds and shore birds, Canadian geese, California g lulls, an osprey flying off the towering tuffs. It's amazing how the tuffs are composed of the same subs dances and yet they each have their own complexity. Was fascinated by the seagulls' nests tucked into the tuffs. If this lake wasn't here, there would be no place for the birds to rest and eat.Mono Lake isn't just a lake, it's a special lake. This lake is ever changing, there's always something new. Every hind around me is peaceful and yet buzzing with life. Places like Mono Lake matter because it gives people the chance to connect w tit nature and in today's overstretched world it's important to rest and reflect on life. In the cit y, there's no woods for people especially kids, to explore and discover places like these. No matter how many times people drive past this magical place, it never gets old.

Report On Service Quality Of Remington Hotel Essays

Report On Service Quality Of Remington Hotel Essays Report On Service Quality Of Remington Hotel Paper Report On Service Quality Of Remington Hotel Paper Expectancy-disinformation theory postulates that customer forms their satisfaction with a service as a result Of subjective comparison between their expectation and perceptions (Oh 1 999, up. 68-70). In this case study, the author will investigate the gaps in the service quality in Remington Hotel. The five main dimensions of the services will be measured on SERIAL scale to understand where gaps exist between expectation and perception of the customers. The author will also discuss reasons behind gaps and recommendations. Gaps in service quality as observed from Spenders complaint Knowledge AP (Gap 1) The non- availability of hotels airport facility in night hours was a simple expectation of Mr.. Spencer, which was not fulfilled. The gap visibly exists in knowledge of the Remington Hotel management who does not understand what service a customer expects from the hotels airport facility in night hours. A customer with delayed flight will expect airport facility to safely pick up the guests from airport to the hotel. Paranormal teal (1 985, up. 2-45) described this as Gap 1 -a gap between consumer expectation and management perception of those expectation. The absence of physical agility is a tangible evidence of incompetent service quality of the hotel. Knowledge gap can be due to incorrect market research, lack of feedback and too many organizational layers (Grazing 2007, up. 86-89). Standards gap (Gap 2) The example of gap of management perception and service quality specifications/standards was evid ent when there was only one desk left for registration at 11 PM while about 12 guests were waiting in queue. Management was not able to provide standard and prompt services to customers coming in night hours. Management understands expectations but as no system, which will deliver quality service as desired by the customers. Standards gap is due to faulty planning, bad management, lack of goals, and insufficient support and resources (Grazing 2007, up. 86-89). Delivery gap (Gap) is the difference between what managers have defined as standards of service quality and the way how a service was actually delivered (Belles 2011 , up. 42-43). There is a brazen example of gap in delivery of the service quality in Remington Hotel when Spencer with his wife and sleeping years old child, needed a luggage assistant to take his luggage to the room which is AR away in next building in night hours. Communication gap (Gap 4) represents variation between delivered service and what customer was actually told about the service itself. Mr.. Spencer was informed about the availability of airport facility in night hours but it was not clearly mentioned that the service is nit available in night hours. Communication gap occurs if communication is not integrated with services or if there is tendency to exaggerate the promises (Grazing 2007, up. 86-89). Gap in services (Gap 5) was evident when the desk clerk did many errors in providing the keys of rooms ND room allotment. Another desk clerk did not show courtesy to register the customers who approached just before her going off time. Gap 5 refers to difference between customers expectations regarding the service and their perception after the service (Belles 2011, up. 42-43). First priority dimension of service Madeline should certainly focus first on responsiveness dimension of service. Madeline witnessed on the very first day that there were heavy crowd of about 100 guests and guides in the lobby waiting for check in. To wait for 40 minutes in lobby for mere registration and check in was annoying for the customers. The maxim the first impression is the last impression -holds true. Responsiveness means the willingness and readiness of the employees to provide prompt service, which was not appreciable in the hotel. The other dimensions that need attentions are assurance and empathy, which are related with knowledge, positive attitudes and courtesy of the employees. Humanity is the dimension of service, which is provided to preserve dignity and self -respect of the client (Grazing 2007, up. 86-89). The customers trust and confidence in the service will be strengthened with polite and courteous attitudes of the employees. It was a very unwelcoming scene when a desk clerk was in hurry to leave the work without paying attention towards the guests waiting in a long queue. The lack of courtesy creates lack of trust in customers mind. Measuring gaps in customers expectations and perceptions After finding the expectation data, it was possible for Madeline to measure the existing gaps in expectation and the perception. The gaps were seen as higher in two dimensions: Reliability and Responsiveness. Madeline should deal with improvement is responsiveness first, as it affects the clients immediately and directly after their entrance into the hotel. It was important to avoid scene Of disorder, disappointment and tension in the lobby and hotel. The gap between perception and expectation in tangible dimension is -0. , in reliability ;0. 7, in responsiveness -0. 7, in empathy -0. 2 and in assurance O. Thus, dissatisfaction is observed in 4 out of 5 dimensions but it is highest in two dimensions (reliability and responsiveness). Madeline should investigate the reason for low expectations from hotel regarding assurance and empathy dimensions. Low expectation is not a healthy sign for a large size hotel. Important information to collect Madeline should also get information about employees satisfaction, recruitment procedures, retention, schedule, training and motivation in the Remington Hotel. Madeline should find out how efficient the internal and external communications are. The feedback from staff and clients, participation of the staff in planning are equally important. She should also examine what the lofty promises are made by the hotels that are not met. This will minimize the dissatisfaction due to the communication gap. For example, availability or non-availability of airport services in night hours should be visibly mentioned in the external communication. The gaps appear due to many constraints and fluctuations in demands (Paranormal et al 1 985, p. 45). There are other attributes such as imprecise standards, short distribution channel, face-to-face interaction, fluctuating demands and clustered peak periods posing hurdles in quality service care. Customer satisfaction also depends on additional elements like price, personal and situational factors that may occur during the service supply (Boon-ITT 2012, p. 52-53). Important points to ponder in improving the service quality Management should understand and fulfill the customers demands. Resolving the complaints make the customer more loyal to the hotel than those who never complained. Designing of services should be according to the identified customers demand, such as appointing luggage assistance in night hours and having more front desks to deal with crowd of customers. Suitable people and technology should be applied. Proper recruiting, training and motivation can improve the functional dimension of service quality. Awarding the employees should be introduced (Belles 2011). Only realistic promises through suitable channel should be communicated. Horizontal and vertical communication inside the organization should be established. All employees should participate in quality research. The attitude of guests and employees can be studied simultaneously (Belles 201 1 , p. 51). The positive attitudes of employees enhance customers loyalty therefore best employees should be employed. Employees behavior and attitude can influence customers perception of satisfaction (Briggs 2007, up. 006-1019; Moll and Josh 201 1, up. 19-24). The physical evidence (tangible) signifies the commitment of the management and improves the overall experience of the customers (Briggs 2007, up. 1006-1019).

How Much Do Donations Help College Applications

How Much Do Donations Help College Applications SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips This is a question a lot of students think about during the college admissions process. If my parents could afford to donate $1 million, would I get in? Do donations affect your admissions chances? If so, by how much? In this article, I'll answer all of these questions. What Do Admissions Offices Usually Look for in Applicants? To answer the question of how much do college donations help college admissions, we must first break down the qualifications for a â€Å"normal† applicant (who does not donate).In brief, admissions officers are looking for students: who meet or exceed their average GPA for admitted students who meet or exceed their 25th/75th percentile SAT or ACT score for admitted students The 25th percentile score means that 25% of the students attending have a score at or below that number (this is below average). 75th percentile means that 75% of students have a score at or below that number. In essence, the 25th/75th percentile covers the middle 50% of all students admitted to the school. If you score at the 75th percentile for any school and have great grades from your high school, you have a great chance at getting in. If you're at the 25th percentile, you'll need to have a strong application to boost your odds of getting in.You can find out both of these numbers by Google searching â€Å"[College Name] Freshman Admit Profile† or â€Å"[College Name] SAT† or â€Å"[College Name]† ACT.† Of course, they factor in personal statements, supplements, achievements, letters of recommendation, etc., but without meeting the two qualifications listed above, a â€Å"normal† applicant would not have a great chance of getting in.However, admissions offices also look for special applicants known as â€Å"development cases† or â€Å"development admits† (although admission officers do not publicly acknowledge such). What Is a â€Å"Development Case† in Admissions? As defined by Daniel Golden, author of â€Å"The Price of Admission: How America’s Ruling Class Buys Its Way into Elite Colleges- and Who Gets Left Outside the Gates† who conferred with sources in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Stanford while writing his books,â€Å"‘Development case [is] a term that refers to the children of important donors or potential donors,† who receive an even more substantial advantage than legacies (students whose parents attended the school). Why are they called development cases? To be honest, in all of my research, I have been unable to answer this question, but I would guess it either comes from the fact that these applicants can help "develop" the university (the funds their families donate will be used for development) or these applicants themselves are in need of further "development" since they do not meet the "normal" admissions standards of the university. How Much Money Do You Need to Donate (or Potentially Be Able to Donate) to Qualify as a â€Å"Development Case†? An admissions officer will not publically answer this question, but in my research, I found that Stanford considers development cases to be applicants from families capable of donating $500,000 or more. You basically need to buy a building. I'm sure it's comparable at the other elite colleges, especially when you take into account that Stanford has the 4th largest endowment out of all US Colleges with over $18.6 billion.If Stanford gives preferential treatment to students who could donate $500,000 or more, I'm sure other schools with smaller endowments will at least do the same. NOTE: so there is no confusion, this $500,000 or more is in ADDITION to paying the $200,000 or more in tuition for the student to attend the university. Why Do Colleges Accept â€Å"Development Cases† Over More Qualified Applicants? From a practical standpoint, colleges want to admit students who are likely to add the most value back to the school. This can be through donations or achievements that feed the school's reputation. By accepting a development case, they're basically saying that the value of the donations from that student's family now and in the future are worth more than a student who isn't able to donate that money.In even simpler terms, they want additional donations to protect their university's endowment and make it better by building new facilities and making other improvements to the school. Do Admissions Officers Seek Out â€Å"Development Cases† or Do They Wait to Be Contacted? Universities definitely look out for potential â€Å"development cases† in their applicant pool. Universities are a business (even if they are non-profits). Right or wrong, they admit â€Å"development cases† in order to get more money for the university to build better facilities, provide more scholarships, and generally make the university better. A former admissions officer at Stanford admitted that each year she was given a list from the Office of Development of applicants who were the children of significant donors. Former admissions officers at other elite colleges have admitted this as well. Want to build the best possible college application? We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in. Exactly How Much of an Advantage Do â€Å"Development Cases† Receive in Admissions? Again, according to Golden,â€Å"It can be as big as 400 or 500 points out of 1600 on the SAT, using the old 1600-point scale,† Golden said. â€Å"It can help a student with a score of 00 out of 1600 get into a top university.† In other words, these â€Å"special† applicants do not need to meet the 25th/75th percentile score for schools. They only need to be within 400 or 500 points (for the SAT) of the 25th/75th percentile.This help means the student could go from being an average applicant to a middle-ranking public college like UC Santa Cruz or UC Riverside to a serious Ivy League contender. How Prevalent Are â€Å"Development Cases† at Elite Colleges? While it varies from school to school, 4%- 5% of accepted freshmen at Dartmouth were given special admissions consideration due to donations by their parents. Also, Duke admitted in the early 2000s to easing its admissions qualification to admit about 100 students each year due to their family's wealth.I would guess this number is similar across all elite colleges, and development cases taking up 4-5% of the freshman class is very significant because it means 100-125 more qualified students did not receive admission. With great money comes great power (and little responsibility). How Do â€Å"Development Cases† Attempt to Secure Admission (If They Haven’t Yet Donated)? According to Golden, â€Å"wealthy parents sometimes use private counselors with contacts in admissions offices to indicate that they are likely to donate large sums of money if their child is admitted.†However, these parents do not have an explicit quid pro quo with the admissions office such as "I'll donate X amount if you admit my child," but there is rather an implicit understanding that they will donate a significant sum of money if their child is accepted. One of these elite private counseling companies, The Ivy Coach, says that money only helps so much. It won't turn an F student into an Ivy Leaguer, but it can help a student who is on the fence be admitted, and there is a specific amount that will get that kid in.However, they won’t tell you the number because they want you to pay them money to â€Å"guide you† and then they will tell you how much you need to pay the school. The president and founder of The Ivy Coach, Bev Taylor, did explain the type of advantage the children of large donors receive,â€Å"They’ll get a better read or they’ll get a second read, they’ll get a second look. ‘How can we accept this kid?’ is the question. Instead of looking to see what’s wrong here, let’s look to see how we can accept this kid.† Now that you have gotten the theoretical explanation of how much donations help in college applications let’s examine some real life â€Å"development cases†: Real Life Examples of â€Å"Development Cases† In his book, Golden references Margaret Bass, a Stanford Class of ’02 Graduate, as an example of a classic development case. Margaret Bass is the daughter of and alumnus who is one of Stanford's former chairs of the Board of Trustees and donated$25 million to Stanford in 1991 and $50 million to the Graduate School of Business in 2005. Bass was a so-so high school student. She was ranked in the middle of her class (40th of 79 students), and out of the nine students from her high school that applied to Stanford that year, she was the only one offered a spot in the freshman class, but she had the second lowest SAT score of those students (1220 out of 1600). At Duke, Maude Bunn earned admission despite her low SAT scores. Her family is famous for Bunn coffeemakers and has a large fortune from it. Duke admitted her hoping that her parents would repay the university. Her parents became the co-chairmen of a Duke fundraising campaign for Duke parents. This has happened more recently as well. In 2013, Maisie Lynton, daughter of Harvard alum and current Sony Pictures CEO, was torn between Harvard and Brown. Her father reached out to Brown, a school he didn't attend, and donated over a million dollars to create scholarships. She was offered admission to the class of 2019. Should You Donate? While I think $500,000 or more will help you out quite a bit, if you're planning on donating $10, 50, 100 or 1,000, keep your money! And don’t even think of trying to bribe the admissions officer, they’ve seen it before! A former admissions officer said several parents each year try innocent bribes (such as offering to buy him dinner) while others try more direct bribes (such as leaving an envelope with $1,000 in it at the admissions office). These bribes were rejected. Save your bribe for the admissions office, but if you have $500,000 or more to donate to the university endowment, you might just have a shot at the Ivy League. What’s Next? Let’s help you get into college with or without a donation. Taking the SAT?Check out our ultimate SAT study guide to help you with your prep. Taking the SAT very soon? Check out our guide to cramming for the test. Not sure where you'd like to go? We'll help you find the right college for you. Nervous about getting arecommendation letter for your college application? Learn about who you should askto write itand check out ourtemplate for a good letter. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: