Essay on 1What Is Literature

Essay on 1What Is Literature Essay on 1What Is Literature FIRST YEAR NOVEL COURSE LECTURE 1 Definition of literature and characteristics of a literary work WHAT IS LITERATURE? ï‚ž Literature can be generally defined as any written work that is produced for an artistic purpose, rather than merely to communicate information . A literary work, therefore, often has certain characteristics that distinguish it from other forms of writing. These characteristics will be outlined in the following slides. 1. LITERATURE IS FICTIONAL ï‚ž Most works of literature are fictional: they tell about imaginary or unreal people, places and events. In fantasy fiction, for example, human beings fly, perform magic remain young, travel through time, and live happily ever after. ï‚ž Even historical literature, which is based on actual events, is fictional. It includes characters, 2. LITERATURE IS AESTHETIC ï‚ž Literature is aesthetic as it gives a sense of pleasure to the reader. ï‚ž This pleasure rests in the way authors use literary conventions, such as metaphor, symbolism, irony , suspense, and poetic language to enhance and communicate ideas. 3. THE LANGUAGE OF LITERATURE ï‚ž The medium of literature, whether oral or written, is language. ï‚ž Authors of literature use language in special ways. One of those ways is an emphasis on connotative rather than denotative meanings of words. ï‚ž For example, scientists use THE LANGUAGE OF LITERATURE-CONTINUED ï‚ž In contrast, writers of literature use language connotatively: they emphasize the emotional

Measuring tools Essays

Measuring tools Essays Measuring tools Essay Measuring tools Essay Either the aim or objective and the type of quantitative approach was clearly stated within the abstract or summary of all the papers. Identification of the purpose and type of research at the beginning of the paper has several immediate advantages and limitations. From a nursing perspective, it is possible to determine if the research is relevant to patients in a particular care setting. However, as McCaughan (1999) points out, subtle differences may only be apparent with further exploration of the study. Secondly, clarity of purpose suggests a well-planned study that will deliver valid and useful data. Thompson (1999) concurs with this view and suggests that without a clear statement of aims the reader is unable to determine whether the research achieves its objectives or not. Furthermore, with unclear aims, there could be a tendency towards data-trawling, which may result in providing spurious results. Although I agree with the views of Thompson (1999) and McCaughan (1999), I believe there can be concerns with stating the type of method used in conducting the research. For instance, there could be a tendency to accept the design at face value or for it to bias the critical analysis of the study. Lais (1998), study is described as a prospective, nonrandomised study. According to Woods and Catanzario (1988), a prospective design aims to observe a sample on at least two occasions over a period of time, the aim being to reduce the likelihood of bias in reporting the relationship between the cause and effect. Whereas Lais (1998) study consisted of gathering information for a period of one month and could therefore be called prospective, it is not clear whether all the criteria for a true prospective design were applied or not. However, this is not to say that the research findings themselves would not be valid and reliable. Rather that even though there is a clear statement of the type of research, care must be taken that it does not influence personal judgement or the analysis of the study. Having determined that initially, the information given in the abstract of a study can have advantages and limitations, the next point will briefly consider the value of including or excluding a literature review within the study. LITERATURE REVIEW None of the studies reviewed in this assignment contained a literature review. However, there is some evidence that previous studies had been used to inform the investigations. Homer (1998) refers to previous studies within the methodology section and again in the discussion. The studies referred to are included in the reference list. Although the material in the reference list is relevant to the topic it only contains references for seven previous studies. Similarly, Lai (1998) cites previous studies within the discussion. Again the reference list only contains a few references. On the other hand, Curran et als (2000) study incorporates references to numerous previous work throughout the text. The value of including a literature review in a quantitative study is that it enables the research problem to be put into context or to identify gaps and weaknesses in prior studies so as to justify the current investigation. Also as Carnwell and Daly (2001) discuss it is valuable in demonstrating insight into the current state of knowledge within the relevant field. However, the exclusion of a literature review does not necessarily mean that the researchers did not undertake one. On the other hand, exclusion makes it difficult to determine the reason for undertaking the studies. For example, although, it appears that Lais (1998) study may have been carried out, at least in part, to support a cost saving initiative within his medical centre, none of the referenced material concerns this issue.  However, there is a common understanding throughout the studies regarding the nature of the topic being investigated. In particular, all of the papers acknowledge that peripheral venous cannulae are associated with the development of phlebitis. THEORETICAL/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Although none of papers (Curran et al 2000, Homer 1998, Lai 1998) identify a theoretical or conceptual framework that guided the research, there is allusion to the principles of some of the theories. For example, Curran (2000) discusses two causes of phlebitis, insertion site infection and physiochemical reactions. Similarly, Lai (1998) refers to infusion-related phlebitis and sepsis. On the other hand, Homer does not appear to refer to any theoretical framework in his study. In conclusion, it does not seem that theoretical models had a major influence on the studies. DEFINITIONS OF PHLEBITIS The studies have all identified phlebitis by using clinical indicators and severity rating scales. However, there does not appear to be common indicators or scales to identify the severity of phlebitis. For example, Lai (1998) has defined phlebitis as a palpable cord or at least two of the following, tenderness, warmth, erythema and induration. There is no particular reference as to the origin of the definition, although it appears to have been adapted from the inflammation scale used by the IV team within the hospital where the study took place. Similarly, the origin of the inflammation scale is not reported. According to Lais (1998) definition, phlebitis would be given a score of 3 or 4. Homer (1998) also defines phlebitis by clinical categorisation and allocating scores. However, the categories and scoring are different to those used by Lai (1998). Using Homers (1998) definition would give phlebitis a score between 2 and 4. Homers (1998) scale is not referenced but a significant difference from the one used by Lai (1998) is the exclusion of induration as a clinical indicator. Curran et al (2000) referred to the existing literature for indications of phlebitis. The eventual approach adopted contained two categories, erythema equal to or extending more than 3cm from the insertion site and/or purulent discharge with either or both being given a rating of 2 if present. Curran (2000) reports that this scale had been used in previous studies and includes references within the text, but does not offer any further information. However, there is no discussion as to any previous validation process that may have been used. As we have seen, phlebitis has been categorised and classified in different ways by different authors unique to their own study. Previous studies may have guided some of the categorisation. For example, Homer (1998) refers to the classification of phlebitis by Maki and Ringer (1991 cited in Homer 1998 p5) and Tager(1983 cited in Homer 1998 p5) but develops his own scale for classifying phlebitis. As a result, there appears to be no consensus of opinion regarding the rating and definition of phlebitis between the studies under review.  As well as impacting on the accuracy of assessing and identifying severity of phlebitis, the lack of a common assessment tool for defining and measuring phlebitis may impact on the generalisability of the research. Campbell (1998) suggests that the use of a uniform scale that measures the degree of phlebitis is also beneficial in providing criteria for standardising documentation. ACCURACY, VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE ASSESSMENT TOOL Each of the studies used clinical indicators and a rating scale to determine and measure the severity of phlebitis. The strength and appropriateness of this type of measuring tool has been demonstrated in other quantitative studies within the same field. (Dinley 1976, Maddox and Rush 1977, Baxter Healthcare Ltd. 1988 cited in Campbell 1998 p 1311) However, there are limitations and weaknesses with the tools used in the studies under review. None of the researchers have discussed how validity and reliability was assessed. Although both Lai (1998) and Homer (1998) have used tools that do not appear to have been used in previous situations, there is no report on a pilot study being carried out prior to the main study. Lais (1998) measurement tool has a number of limitations. Within the study Lai (1998) reports that the intravenous site was monitored according to a well-defined inflammation scale and has published the indicators and rating for the inflammation scale in the study. However, the tool that Lai used to obtain the data on phlebitis in his study was not the reported inflammation scale. Lai (1998) appears to have used elements of the inflammation scale and designed a scale that has some differences from the inflammation scale that he reported was used. The inflammation scale uses pain and swelling as clinical indicators but in the scale that was used in the study swelling has been excluded and pain has reduced to tenderness. Another point of concern is the implication that the severity of phlebitis could be measured on a scale designed to measure the presence and severity of inflammation. This may lead to confusion between rating phlebitis and inflammation. In other words, it is not certain that the tool actually used measured what it was supposed to measure. Homer (1998) referred to other studies before adopting a different set of clinical indicators in his scale that he reports as being more rigorous than Maki and Ringers (1991 cited in Homer 1998 p5) scale but less so than Tagers (1983 cited in Homer 1998 p5). However, there does not appear to be any reference to testing validity of the scale. A point of accuracy concerns the use of the scale for measuring infiltration as well as phlebitis. Although, the measuring of infiltration is not mentioned in the discussion section, the methods section gives the grading of infiltration as 1-3. The grading on the scale for phlebitis is 2-4. According to Homer (1998), the majority of the incidences of phlebitis were graded at 2. Consequently, phlebitis and infiltration were both graded as 2 using the same clinical indicators. Again, this raises the point of whether the scale measured what it was supposed to measure. The strength of Curran et als (2000) measurement tool lies in the fact that it had been used in other studies. However, there is no discussion as to the validity or reliability of the tool. It is also unclear as to whether Curran et al (2000) carried out a pilot study or not. There is a reference in the paper to collecting data on forty catheters, which is not the total number of the whole data collection. However, although analysis was carried out on the data collected from this, there is no further discussion. In summary, there appears to be serious weakness and limitations with the accuracy of the measuring tools. Validity and reliability appear not to have been tested. As McCaughan (1999) points out, if measuring tools are not valid then neither are study findings. Error due to the measuring technique used, the instrument itself or the person doing the measuring may affect reliability. Therefore, the next point will consider the issue of interrater reliability.

Pros and Cons of the Corn-Based Plastic PLA

Pros and Cons of the Corn-Based Plastic PLA Polylactic acid (PLA), a plastic substitute made from fermented plant starch (usually corn) is quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. As more and more countries and states follow the lead of China, Ireland, South Africa, Uganda and San Francisco in banning plastic grocery bags responsible for so much so-called â€Å"white pollution† around the world, PLA is poised to play a big role as a viable, biodegradable replacement. Proponents also tout the use of PLA, which is technically â€Å"carbon neutral† in that it comes from renewable, carbon-absorbing plants, as yet another way to reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases in a quickly warming world. PLA also will not emit toxic fumes when incinerated. However, there are still issues with the use of polylactic acid such as its slow rate of biodegradability, its inability to mix with other plastics in recycling, and its high use of genetically modified corn (though arguably the latter could be one of the good effects of PLA as it provides a good reason to alter crop yields with genetic splicing). The Cons of PLA: Biodegradation Rate and Recycling Critics say that PLA is far from a panacea for dealing with the world’s plastic waste problem. For one thing, although PLA does biodegrade, it does so very slowly. According to Elizabeth Royte, writing in Smithsonian, PLA may well break down into its constituent parts (carbon dioxide and water) within three months in a â€Å"controlled composting environment,† that is, an industrial composting facility heated to 140 F and fed a steady diet of digestive microbes. It will take far longer in a compost bin, or in a landfill packed so tightly that no light and little oxygen are available to assist in the process. Indeed, analysts estimate that a PLA bottle could take anywhere from 100 to 1,000 years to decompose in a landfill. Another issue with PLA is that it must be kept separate when recycled, lest it contaminates the recycling stream; since PLA is plant-based, it needs to be disposed of in composting facilities, which points to another problem: There are currently a few hundred industrial-grade composting facilities across the United States. Finally, PLA is typically made of genetically modified corn, at least in the United States. The largest producer of PLA in the world is NatureWorks, a subsidiary of Cargill, which is the world’s largest provider of genetically modified corn seed. This is tricky because the future costs of genetic modification (and the associated pesticides) to the environment and human health are still largely unknown. Pros of PLA Over Plastics: Utility and Biodegradability Genetically modified foods may be a controversial issue, but when it comes to genetically spicing plants together to breed corn that yields more crops for industrial use has its major advantages. With the increasing demand for corn to make ethanol fuel, let alone PLA, it’s no wonder that Cargill and others have been tampering with genes to produce higher yields. At least harmful plastic isnt be used as frequently anymore! Many industries are using PLA because they are capable of biodegrading at a much faster rate than plastic while still offering the same level of sanitation and utility. Everything from plastic clamshells for food take-out to medical products can now be made from PLA, which drastically reduces the carbon footprint of these industries. While PLA has promise as an alternative to conventional plastic once the means of disposal are worked out, consumers might be better served by simply switching to reusable containers, from cloth bags, baskets, and backpacks for grocery shopping to safe, reusable (non-plastic) bottles for beverages.

Fifth Section Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Fifth Section - Essay Example One-year strategic objectives are to identify a market which most effectively exploited its capabilities, the market for cordless segments, and develop this market. The brand in turn should acquire a distinctive identity. That combination, a system of production which gives the company a particular advantage in its chosen market segment, a world-wide reputation for product quality, and a brand which immediately identifies the aims and aspirations of its customers, will make Able Corporation one of the most profitable manufacturers. Five-year strategic objectives are: (1) to develop innovative products and solution which meet needs of target audience and allow Able Corporation to sustain strong market position; (2) to penetrate new market segments of PEPT; (3) to become a leader in cordless market segment. A ten-year strategic objective include: (1) to transform itself from a medium-ranking company with uncertain future to Europe's leading PEPT producer; (2) to build two plants in Eas tern Asia and (3) to penetrate Asian market; (3) increase market share in 50 % (McDonald, Christopher 2003). Business strategy looks at the relationship between the firm and its competitors, suppliers, and customers in the markets which it has chosen.

Journal Assignment on Protest Art Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Journal on Protest Art - Assignment Example On the other hand, Crile so aligns the theme of her work to the unraveled scandal of brutish human rights violation in Abu Ghraib prison. Hers has assured having captured the actual scenes of grave physical, psychological, and sexual violence as in ‘Arranged: Naked Mound of Flesh’, ‘Crouching in Terror’, and ‘Obscene Intimacy’ in which each naked slim subject possesses both literal and abstract paleness under a smudged white complexion to stress an amount of innocence with shame, frailty, and defenselessness of character as opposed to a darker background of doom with men in full uniform, conspicuously in far greater authority. (2) In his abstract proposition, Alsoudani reveals how a mind would feel towards a concrete encounter of war in its most destructive form. Working the similar pieces with charcoal and pastel to enhance representation of severe disorder, the audience may be drawn to magnify that distorted images are symbolic of a heightened moment of disaster. Smoke and ashes clouding the transitory human figures impact an approach to perceive the concept of destruction that eventually leads to fading whereby the living elements, as in the soldiers, lose their distinguishable features which should have been so vivid prior to the state of chaos.

Introdiction to airline and airport management Essay

Introdiction to airline and airport management - Essay Example It is important to evaluate whether these factors are positively affecting the commercial air transport or not. The expectations of air passengers have increased in terms of quality of air transport services. Since passengers groups can be segmented into various categories based on different variables therefore, their needs may vary. The immense variability among the needs of the passengers has always been a major concern for the airlines. The ultimate need of all passengers is their satisfaction. Apart from the service quality improvements made by all airlines, the airports have widely adopting the quality criteria. Since the airports are also operating in a more competitive environment therefore, airport management is improving to serve passengers in a better manner. In the previous years, the customers used to buy tickets directly from the airlines and no contractual relationship used to exist between the customers and the airport. Today, the situation is very different because even without having any contractual relationship with the airports, the passengers expect to have excellent airport services. For fulfilling the needs of the passengers, the airport nowadays are giving great focus towards ground handling, security checks, airport access and border controls etc. The European airports have developed â€Å"Airport Voluntary Commitment on Air Passenger Service.† It has been developed after the extensive consultation of airport management with Consumers, European Commission and European Government. According to the voluntary commitment, European airports accept the responsibility to provide defined quality of services to the travellers without any legal binding on a consistent basis. For example, according to Airport Voluntary Commitment, â€Å"Each airport will prominently publicise the services it offers for assisting passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs).† 2 The

Current issues in financial reporting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Current issues in financial reporting - Essay Example 549-586). This paper explains the importance of financial reporting in organization, and gives the reasons for and against capitalising human resources in the financial statements of a company. Discussion Financial reporting entails communication of useful financial information for making credit, investment and other decisions in business. Reports to the stockholders on quarterly and annual basis, financial statement notes, prospectuses on issuance of security and common stock, and the external financial statements, like the income statements, stockholder’s equity statement, cash flow statements and the statements on stock equity. Financial reporting enhances delivery of information to the shareowners and lenders in business; it is usually component of the essential contract between them since they have the right to know the spending of their money and the returning profits (Ballweiser, 2004). In UK, big changes in financial reporting are under the Financial Services sector. T he Accounting Standards Board, ASB issued exposure drafts that detail the proposals for financial reporting in UK. ... The demand for more transparency ensures growth to the interests of an organization in order to meet such demand constructively. The organization will, therefore, have a strategic value in clarifying for the critical performance as well as internal management of the organization communication. This leads to effective allocation of capital in the organization, and critical in achieving a special attention within the accounting research. Reason for Capitalizing Human Resource in UK Human capital forms the main asset in service companies. The success of an organization can be rated depending on the  employees and customers they retain (Francis, Lafond, Olsson, & Schipper 2005, p. 295-327). Several studies on human resource measurement aim at providing the management of any organization with the traditional financial statements, as well as additional information. The intangible asset from many organizations is more critical than the tangible assets. Intangible assets comprise of the su ccess factors needed for maximization of profits and continual survival of the organization. Like human resource, while the intangible assets comprise of the fixed assets like property. The financial information from the financial statements is considered incomplete when they fail to cover and account the human resources. Financial measuring and reporting by businesses in UK enhance the management and evaluation of people’s performance. This ensures greater transparency on value creation through effective policies and practices that benefit stakeholders and the organization at large. The management of people by an organization impacts their performance. The feature of good managerial practices