Canadian Electoral System

Canadian Electoral System

Week 2 Business Information Systems Essays

Week 2 Business Information Systems Essays Week 2 Business Information Systems Essay Week 2 Business Information Systems Essay Essay Topic: Nashville Week 2 Checkpoint – Business Information Systems October 14, 2011. Based on the website www. mifos. org, the Mifos Initiative is a diverse community of microfinance institutions, technology professionals, business people, volunteers and contributors. (2011 Grameen Foundation) This allows developing countries the finance opportunities that the rest of the world has. There is excellent information contained in the website. There is a Mifos Business Intelligence Server that allows countries access to * Clients, groups and centers Loan products loan accounts * Savings products savings accounts * You can search browse for client accounts * Surveys and progress out of poverty tracking office * System users, permissions datascope * Setup, configuration localization * Financial transactions accounting support * Bulk batch processes * Audit trails * Login security * Reports This website allows for the community to become involved and how they can be involved. There is a ton of support which provides information to help people better understand the program and how it works. The support tab provides so much information, that you could figure out just about anything with the program. For example, here is a list of system setups that other people that use the Mifos programs have shared. What is Your System Setup? Share with the community your system requirements so others can know how they should set up their system. MFI | Location | Clients Served | Branches | Server (DB) | Server (App) | OS | Server Connection | Client System Connection | What is this? | Nashville, TN | 250 | I dont know | Apache (CentOS) | Apache (CentOS) | | Who knows? | | Something | Chicago, IL | 500 | 4 | MySQL (Debian) | Nginx (Debian) | | Mongrel | | Test MFI | Seattle | 0 | 0 | Windows | Linux | | 256KBPS | | Jitegemea Credit Scheme | Nairobi, Kenya | 6,500 | 4 | n/a | IBM ThinkCentre MT-M 8326-76G 3. GHz | Windows 2003 Server w/ 10-user License | n/a | n/a | etYdnDyivHhodjFA | New York | WyUbmQwvCI | NzWWaDgcgiXTN | xXsOanpTpNKliH | GBHuxDgS | SUiYSoSBsfUNJ | jLUwJFkqNmhM | wjtMdUTIUqEM | KbWgrrpPbulLTi | gzTvwAaCEWTSwWDSp | RvqxjUiJJiEEhroS | OoQXgctnQMruB | ZsLTKuAOylzCmnB | euvgPEAoSByRzfAa | CLbPYsLkONZya | ESRrIhGBoMzmAwvbe | fgCbnZROK | WlicJlGZcN | yobWPwiMFxiranKpbBz | AAcVOQQP | cxtdjxfpAuX | QsYCrDUOAehbE | jMTPMsZZUZAEgK | BcGPRJwvq | BJWlBHNUDXy | rlGrGJZQW | TyENGScAQhBz | HipdyBHmtSKDK | HjzJWaPIaSUHbJn | ZuPxboWskC | CspIKHSwrLKfbtkUm | kUEJgpFTroaAtWoTww | xPMddRjiwKJMwyZuTgb | ZNVutNOG | PMOqBztof | LeqRNIirlCRoOFGpd | JNUIsIkOCmjJ | CdhakMhvKOa | FaISUgjoyiaDBc | tAnWhjiFmmKJhxprDiq | qWfHKtIa | JWumoAhG | vpINOUykZY | lmRSayyurTOJTDNI | (2011 Grameen Foundation) I think that with the collaboration of the Grameen Foundation and Mifos, some great technological advances have taken place in the world of finance. It is sad that the Grameen Foundations direct involvement with Mifos will conclude at the end of November. References: www. mifos. org 2011 Grameen Foundation

PRINCESS DIANA 2nd part Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

PRINCESS DIANA 2nd part - Essay Example Also, cultural variables relevant not only to Britain but also to the entire world were reflected in her personality, also certain expectations were naturally associated with her (Mattern 2006). Also, being a courageous woman, the factor of gender also added in to maintain her leadership style per se and managed to positively affect her followers` base. The concept of gender also created chaos in her life as the conspiracy theories associated with her character were quite intense in nature. There is no second opinion on the fact that Lady Diana had quite a charisma in her character, which made her one of the most charming yet influential women in the world. The transformational phases overriding her life, and her inclination toward the ordinary lifestyle despite the royalty makes her distinct from other leaders. Leadership Member Exchange View theory implies that the leaders impact the followers via direct and indirect interactions, and the followers are influenced by the persona and beliefs of the leaders. Personal Charisma, involvement in the personal affairs of the followers, concern with the issues of the people and the understanding of the popular culture of the society are a few must-have traits possessed by the leaders portraying LMX approach (Kippenberg 2002). Lady Diana clearly possesses these traits as she had quite a charming personality and a kind heart. She was deeply concerned with those less well off in the society, and took issues pertaining in the society with dire seriousness. Her interaction patterns with the common people helped her connect well with the followers, owing to which the masses were very fond of her. Thus, she didn`t have to exercise power tactics to influence other, in fact her character was impactful enough for her followers. Similarly, Transformational Le adership style deals with the positive transformation of the followers by virtue of effective leadership,

Buddhism in China and Japan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Buddhism in China and Japan - Essay Example On the contrary, it believes that change is normal and in order for a person to attain a state of spiritual satisfaction he has to act morally and follow the teachings that are designed to help him live through his lifelong worries without any confusion. There are two major sects established all over the world, Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. Emperor Asoka the Great embraced Buddhism after the war of Kalinga. In the third century, he made efforts to spread the word of Buddhism and sent missionaries to the North West region of India, which is Pakistan and Afghanistan of today. Out of the many religions established in China at that time, Taoism was one of them. Due to similarities in the Taoist teachings and Buddhism, in terms of spirituality and meditation, the concept was welcomed well by the Chinese and soon it became widely practiced by the people. In the sixth century, the message of Buddhism reached Korea and Japan. Buddhist scriptures were translated extensively all over the world. Due to historical and sociological reasons, Buddhist practices in China differ from those in Japan. Zen is a form of meditation proposed by Buddhism. However, the ways to attain the state of nirvana are different in both China and Japan. Besides, Japanese have merged this religion with that of the prevailing Shinto, which involves the inc lusion of several gods. This is not the case in China, where the concept of God in Buddhism is absent. However, the main beliefs remain the same. Only the means to achieve the goal are

Case Studies on Architectural Design Methodologies

Case Studies on Architectural Design Methodologies How We Build: The Parts and the Whole Precedent Case Studies The two philosophies introduced above, mechanism and systems thinking, have influenced many aspects of our lives. One can arguably note their influences in our built environment, as can be seen in the variety of design methodologies present in architectural design. Both academics and practitioners in the design field have often argued that the architectural practice can be classified as a holistic enterprise. This argument is founded on the fact that many players have a key role in the process of designing a building: the architect, the client, the consultants, the engineers, the planners, the builders and so on. In this context, holism does indeed propel an all-inclusive design process realized as a result of the many members collaborating on a given project. In fact, this trait is even said by many to be unique to architecture as a profession. However, when analyzing the conventional design methodologies employed in architecture, one cannot ignore the hierarchical and sequential separation of design, detailing, documentation, modeling and fabrication that has become prevalent in todays day and age. This type of hierarchical separation and compartmentalization of processes can be seen in many aspects of design, but more specifically between material, form and structure. In order to explain this phenomenon more clearly, two built architectural projects have been chosen for analysis based on these two ideologies in architecture. Analyzing the two built examples below may shed more light on the ways in which machine thinking and systems thinking have influenced architectural design philosophies and methodologies. The first project is considered by many as being the most contemporary technological application of timber construction. The second project was completed approximately three decades ago and continues to be an inspirational precedent regarding the use the inherent material properties of wood, specifically Tiber. Distinguishing between these two projects and their approaches is of great relevance to this research. The aim is not to assess the two projects with the intention of promoting one over the other, but rather to identify the contrasting design methodologies. For this comparison, the focus will lie namely on the design and realization of the roof structures. The inspiration for the roof of the Centre Pompidou in Metz, designed by Shigeru Ban, Jean de Gastines and Ove Arup Partners, was a traditional Japanese straw hat (ill.3). The form that resulted from this inspiration was based on two components: a specified freeform surface with a hexagonal edge, and a flat, kagome lattice consisting of triangles and hexagons that is projected onto the free-form surface. The lattice structural grid was developed using digital processes such as CAD software (ill.4). The digital model created from this step was then developed into a highly complex geometric construction in which every element of the structure was unique in its curvature and shape. The digital form-giving process was used only to establish the geometry of the roof structure. Following this design phase, engineers and consultants working in the realm of computer-based geometry optimized the design of the structure and rendered it buildable. The actual physical construction of this roof structure involved a series of glue-lam girders arranged in three layers (ill.5). Each of these girders is comprised of several segments, fastened to one another in order to achieve the curved appearance of the girders. In total, the entire roof assembly is made up of 1,790 segments, which were classified into three categories (straight, single curved, double curved) (ill.6). The 1,790 individual segments were fabricated by a computerized numerical control (CNC) joinery machine. In order to achieve the final form of the structure, it was necessary to mill away fifty percent of each individual glue-lam beam to obtain the required building component geometry (ill7). In the next phase of the project, the individual components making up the complex geometry of the roof were transported from the fabrication shop with trucks and were assembled incrementally using scaffolding and cranes to make up the final form of the structure (ill.8). This project followed a relatively linear flow of data, beginning with the initial design inspiration, and working up towards a formal design, the development of a CAD model, the refinements and optimization achieved by engineers in rationalizing the process, and finally ending with the computer aided manufacturing of the highly specified components. A similarly linear approach then took place on site for the duration of the incremental assembly process. Overall, this design approach is a direct reflection of mechanistic ideologies. The second project is the â€Å"Multihalle† located in Mannheim and designed by Frei Otto, Carlfried Mutschler, and Ove Arup and Partners (1975). Like the Centre Pompidou this project consists of a double-curved lattice shell, but the design was not the result of a form-giving process (ie. one in which the form was pre-conceived by the designer and a structural system was developed to actualize the form). Instead, this project consists of a more integrated form-finding process informed by material experimentation, material behaviours and constraints along with an extensive series of models and prototyping. It is important to note that the form finding process for the Multihalle involved upside-down hanging chain models (ill.10). This was important because it allowed the architects to determine the three-dimensional geometry of the shell. These models were especially effective in creating pure tension shapes due to gravitys pull on the chains. When an appropriate geometry was a chieved, the model was then inverted to create a pure compression shell. This resulted in a geometry that was structurally stable, devoid of in-plane shear stresses in the lattice structure. In the development of this project, the lattice shell structure was based on two fundamental questions: 1) Could a shell structure be constructed with a tensile uniform mesh and be capable of supporting its own weight without buckling and causing no moment bending? 2) Could a shell structure be constructed using the natural bending properties of wood laths, which were initially assembled as a flat system? The structure of Multihalle is called a grid shell. A grid shell is a double curved surface formed from a lattice of timber laths bolted together at uniform spacing in two directions.†[1] There are two types of lattice shells systems: strained and unstrained. The difference between strained and unstrained shells is that the unstrained shells are made of pre-bent members. In the unstrained shell, curved members experience no strain during the erection process because they have been previously curved to the desired shape. This method was used for the Centre Pompidou in Metz. The Multihall shell structure however, consists of a strained lattice shell, comprised of a 2 double-layer wooden lath system, assembled flat in a square diagrid pattern (ill.11). The initially flat grid is held together by pinned joints (ill.12) that permit the laths to move parallel to one another (ill.13). This allows the grid one degree of movement when flat. However, once the structure is erected and the grid takes on the double-curved geometry of the shell, the forces will deform the square grids into parallelograms (ill.14). In this manner, the structural web can take on specific forms by changing key parameters in the assembly such as scissor-like deformation, adjustable pins, cambering and edge definition of the system. As a result of this double curved design, the members increase in strength and stiffness.[2] Erecting the shell on site required that the entire flat system be lifted at a number of key points with the aid of cranes. Once the web was lifted at these points, the network of wood laths naturally took on the desired geometry due to the flexible bending behaviour of the continuous wood members and the deformation of the network (ill.14). The systems joint connections were then tightened to obtain shear-resistant connections that would maintain the desired shape of the structure (ill.15). Next, steel cable ties were added to provide diagonal stiffness to the shell (ill.16). The grid shell was then fastened to the substructure at specified support points, thereby stabilizing the complex roof The critical difference between these two projects is that one was designed and geometrically defined by the designer and subsequently rationalized for construction, while the other was a result of an extensive form-finding process based on material behaviours, experimentation and structural behaviours. The Centre Pompidou is often referred to as a state-of-art, digitally designed wood construction project. It required six layers of glue-lam beams with cross section of 140 x 440 mm to achieve a 50m clear span. In addition, it was necessary that 50 percent of the glue-lam material be milled off during the CNC fabrication process in order to achieve the desired shape of each member. In contrast, the double layered grid of the Multihalle in Mannheim spans up to 60m and consists of members that only measure 50 x 50 mm in cross section. As a result, the â€Å"Multihalle† project emerged as a grid shell that was extremely cost-effective and material efficient. It also proved much ea sier to construct than many of todays contemporary lattice structures like the Centre Pompidou in Metz. The intention of this comparison is to demonstrate the differences which exist between these two design methodologies. One is the digital continuation of the long-standing hierarchical process in which form-giving takes precedence over rationalization. The other concerns a design process which undergoes constant transformations due to an integrated and informed approach that can anticipate the possibilities of materialization. Frei Otto’s work with lightweight structures as well as the design methodologies employed in his projects serve as exemplary precedents in demonstrating the theory and design methodologies adopted in this research. Similar to Frei Ottos approach, this research will propose a lightweight structural system that seeks to incorporate an integrative approach to form-finding using the material properties and behaviours of wood. In order to fully understand the capabilities of this material, the following chapter explores the material science and characteristics of wood. [1] Happold and Liddell, â€Å"Timber lattice roof for the Mannheim Budesgartenshau,† The Structural Engineer 53 (1975): 99-135. [2] Burkhardt Berthold and Frei Otto. IL 13: Multihalle Mannheim (Stuttgart: Freunde und FoÃÅ'ˆrderer der Leichtbauforschung, 1978).

Criticism of Capitalism in The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald Essay

Criticism of Capitalism in The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald      Ã‚  Ã‚   In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald creates an artificial world where money is the object of everyone's desire.   The characters, the setting, and the plot are very deeply submerged in a Capitalism that ends up destroying many of them.   Fitzgerald's criticism of Capitalism can be seen as a move to subtly promote Socialism, an ideology in which value is placed on the inherent value of an object rather than its market value.   In a late collection of notes, Fitzgerald himself proclaims that he is "essentially Marxist." [i]  Ã‚   Marxism is a specific branch of Socialist theory.   Fitzgerald makes Gatsby a novel that is not inherently Marxist or even Socialist, but one that is imbued with Marxist theory.   He does this by denouncing nonhumanitarianism, reification, and market value.   Fitzgerald implies that the Capitalist system does not work because at the end of the novel, all of the characters that represent typical American Capitalism end up eit her dead or completely unhappy.   Fitzgerald's criticisms work to warn 1920's Americans of their behavior and how destructive it can be.       Marxists believe very firmly in humanitarianism; they believe that as humans, we should look out for each other and care for each other, because we are all essentially on the same level.   All of the characters in Gatsby nullify this idea, because they all use each other.   For instance, Gatsby uses Nick to set up a meeting between he and Daisy.   The characters also place very little value on individual human beings or on humanity as a whole.   Each character is too wrapped up in him/herself that he/she does not take the time to care for others.   Class levels are pr... ... Fitzgerald, F. Scott.   The Great Gatsby.   New York: Simon and Schuster, 1996. Lewis, Roger.   "Money, Love, and Aspiration in The Great Gatsby."   New  Ã‚   Essays on The Great Gatsby.   Ed. Matthew J. Bruccoli.   New York: Cambridge University Press, 1985.   41-57. Posnock, Ross.   " 'A New World, Without Being Real': Fitzgerald's Critique of Capitalism in The Great Gatsby."   Critical Essays on Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.   Ed. Scott Donaldson.   Boston:   GK   Hall and Co., 1984.   201-213.          Notes [i] Fitzgerald, F. Scott.   The Crack Up.   [ii] Lewis, Roger.   "Money, Love, and Aspiration in The Great Gatsby."   P. 51 [iii] Posnack, Ross.   "'A New World, Material without Being Real': Fitzgerald's Critique of Capitalism in The Great Gatsby." P. 202. [iv] Ibid., p. 203. [v]  Ã‚   Ibid., p. 206. [vi]  Ã‚  Ã‚   Ibid., p. 208.   

Ebscohost

NORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONS FEEDBACK SHEET Activity 4 Dear Student, Please use this document to submit Activity 4. You can simply start typing in the first blank page (recommended) or paste in text from another document into the first blank page. Please save this file as: Your last name, first initial, e. g. , PSY5101-4 (DoeJPSY5101-4). Please save a copy of this file for yourself. Academic Integrity: Please see and follow the Academic Integrity Policy in the Learner portal.Your instructor may select this or any activity to review and submit to Turnitin to assess for an Academic Integrity violation Main Task: Evaluate Library Databases and Resources for use in Research For this activity you will do a library search for resources in your area of professional or research interest. Locate two peer-reviewed journal articles, one book chapter, and one scholarly resource (website or other resource). Then, prepare a brief paper on your library search and your results.First, fill out this chart and for each resource include the following: [pic] †¢ Appropriate citation (APA form) for the resource you discovered. †¢ Name of the database you used. †¢ Keywords you used. †¢ Any search limiters such as full text, date, peer-reviewed that you used. †¢ A note about your skills at this point in using the database from which you accessed the resource; what do you still need to practice? Then, conclude your activity with some general remarks that comment on: †¢ How useful was each database for you? What important journals, key scholars, or new ideas did you discover from your search. †¢ How might a library search spark new ideas? As you searched did you find new ideas or new directions for your search? Did the direction your search take you surprise you? Length:   Completed chart and 1 page reflection paper Your paper should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts that are presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic.Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University's Academic Integrity Policy. Submit your document in the Course Work area below the Activity screen. Learning Outcome: 6 †¢ Develop skills in online library database searches. Your instructor will give you feedback using the form below and in margin comments on your work. Reading and using your instructor’s feedback is as much a part of your learning as is reading the course materials and doing activities.Your instructor will not only help you understand the quality of your work on this activity, but will also give you guidance on how to improve your skills and increase your knowledge that, if you follow it, will help you do better on future activities! Feedback Introduction to Feedback: 1. Was the activity completed as instructed? Activity ElementsFaculty Feedback |Chart | | |Includes hree peer-rev iewed journal articles, one book chapter, and | | |one scholarly resource | | | | | |Includes | | |Name of the database used | | |Keywords used | | |Search limiters | | |Mention of skills at this point in using each database | | |Discussion of skills attained/needed to be acquired | | |Follows APA form and style | | |Reflection Paper discusses: | | |Usefulness of each database | | |Important new sources, scholars, or ideas | | |Value of searches in inspiring new ideas/ surprises | | 2. Are statements about all readings and resources accurate? 3. Is the writing clear and persuasive? 4. Is the writing correct in punctuation, grammar, word usage, and APA style?Grade and rationale. Grade is based on the following that maps onto the Northcentral rubrics as follows: 70% Content 1. Completion of the activity as instructed 2. Understanding of activity resources 3. Clarity and persuasiveness of writing 30% Presentation 4. Grammar, word usage and APA style For this assignment the topic that I chose to use is one that is very close to my heart. Over the years the research has become more specific in terms of different types of eating disorder as well as the impact that it has on multiple areas of life. For the first article I researched a topic which was first coined by the author Margo Maine, that topic is â€Å"Father Hunger†.This topic addresses the relationship between an adolescent female and the bond with her father and depending on the factors of the relationship the female is either more prone to developing an eating disorder or not. Although there was a large amount of articles available the further down the list I searched the keywords became less relevant however I kept the theme of eating disorders constant throughout my search. I had a few issues while completing this assignment one being that I was unable to find an electronic resource such as a webcast for my topic. I tried to advance my search in different ways while keeping consist ent with the topic and was not successful. The other issue that I ran into is that I was not able to type within the chart that was provided which is why the information is listed below.In order to make it easier to read I made the type of resource in bold print to help separate it out. Something that I need to work on is utilizing other search engines besides EBSCO Host and PsychInfo. Peer-Reviewed Journal Article #1 Article Citation: Fitzgerald, J. F. , & Lane, R. C. (2000). The role of the father in America. Journal Of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 30(1), 71-84. doi:10. 1023/A:1003653132742 Database: EBSCO Host Keywords: anorexia in girls and their relationship with their father Search Limiters: Boolean/phrase, peer reviewed journal, English. Human Skills in this database: I am fairly comfortable with EBSCO Host Peer-Reviewed Journal Article #2 Article Citation: Luby, E. D. & Weiss, M. (1984). Case study: Anorexia nervosa: A girl and her father. Women & Therapy, 3(3-4), 87-90. doi: 10. 1300/J015V03N03_12 Database: EBSCO Host Keywords: anorexia in girls and their relationship with their father Search Limiters: Boolean/phrase, peer reviewed journal, English. Human Skills in this database: I am comfortable with EBSCO Host Book Chapter: Citation: le Grange, D. , & Lock, J. (2008). Teens with anorexia nervosa: A family-based approach to treatment. In C. LeCroy, J. Mann (Eds. ) , Handbook of prevention and intervention programs for adolescent girls (pp. 242-268). Hoboken, NJ US: John Wiley & Sons Inc. Database: EBSCO HostKeywords: anorexia in girls and their relationship with their father Search Limiters: Boolean/phrase, peer reviewed journal, English, Human Skills in this database: I am comfortable with EBSCO Host Scholarly Resource: Citation: Johnson, J. G. , Cohen, P. , Kotler, L. , Kasen, S. , & Brook, J. S. (2002). Psychiatric disorders associated with risk for the development of eating disorders during adolescence and early adulthood. Journal Of Consulting And Clinical Psychology, 70(5), 1119-1128. doi:10. 1037/0022-006X. 70. 5. 1119 Database: EBSCO Host Keywords: Eating disorders and adolescence Search Limiters: Boolean/phrase, peer reviewed journal, English, Human