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The Impacts of Information Technology on Cultural Interactions.

Culture, when essentially taken to refer to our way of life, has been impacted in a huge way by computers and information technology. The numbers of web users continue to grow in every part of the world and across all cultures. With this growth comes the cumulative addition of information that brings to light cross cultural interactions more vividly and refines the meaning of the reference to the world as a global village. Information technology has impacted on the way we carry out leisure activities, how we do business and how we communicate in addition to many other implications.

The wide range of information on the internet that includes research, the arts and entertainment, public policy and education, has created more awareness on how different people with varied dispositions do things across the globe. A cultural enthusiast from say, a western country, has access to oriental recipes and clothing without having to book a flight to China or hire a personal guide.

It has an ever-growing impact on interpersonal communication and exchange, through which an individual is able to sample different people and their cultures by the click of a button. This has been enabled and made easier through social sites found on the internet that provide unlimited possibilities for people make friends, chat, follow each other’s activities and even communicate using real time video technology. In essence, it is a virtual social hall where people from every part of the world can meet and interact.

Blogs and forums provide a platform for interaction of ideologies that may be one-sided, from which racial or ethnic hatred is bred, or all-embracing and all-inclusive from which people are able to learn about and appreciate opposing views and ideas of social, political and religious bases. Applications of the internet such as online opinion polling provide research data from which a wide array of cultural and political views can be studied. It has also served to propagate political ideas such as western democratization and socialist systems; the influence of such political websites across all cultures cannot be underestimated.

The internet has come out prominently as a channel for cultural invasion by dominant cultures. The boundless use of the English language is one point of note. Language is an important cultural vein from which people derive their definitive reference to cultural identification. The English culture (read Western lifestyle) has a vessel by which it invades the rest. The internet also carries with it moral and ethical influences that may be desirable or otherwise. Some scholars have pointed out these impacts on indigenous cultures of different people and the resultant moral and ethical erosion. The vulnerability of this influence is cross-cutting but mainly impacts on youthful consumers who form the bulk of internet users.

The overbearing effect of information technology has not left out the military apparatus of States and governments. Countries, especially the dominant ones, are able to monitor warfare activities miles away from the confines of plush offices and issue directives appropriately. It has opened up an infinite avenue of communication between ally States and their ability to venture into military wars where they have common interests. This in effect, has served to further the agenda of a select few countries with the means and resources, and thus upholding their domineering positions in world affairs.

Radioactivity

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Radioactivity is a property exhibited by unstable nuclei resulting in the emission of particles and energy. An unstable nucleus decomposes spontaneously to form a stable nucleus. During radioactive decay, new elements are formed with the emission of electromagnetic radiation. The rate of decay is known as half-life during which half of the original amount of the unstable nucleus is reduced by half. Unstable nuclei undergo several cycles to form stable nuclei. The radioactive decay process may occur in three forms namely alpha, beta, and gamma radiations. The neutrino type is less common (L’Annunziata, 2016).

In 1895, Roentgen was busy working in his lab when he noticed that a strange fluorescence was emitting from a nearby work table. Roentgen observed that it emanated from a partly evacuated Hittof-Crooked tube, that was covered in opaque black paper. He says that he was working on cathode rays. According to the report he made later, he wrote that the fluorescence that had pierced through the opaque black paper must have been caused by rays. Roentgen could not figure out what caused the rays so he named them x-rays. Later discoveries disqualified x-rays from forms of radiation. However, Roentgen opened the door to further discoveries (Mann, Ayres & Garfinkel, 2016).

Antoine Henri Becquerel was the first person to discover radioactivity. He has a Nobel Prize in his honor. Roentgen motivated characters such as Henri who even used a similar experiment. Henri surrounded many photographic plates with black material and added fluorescent salts. What is ironic is that Becquerel only intended to advance knowledge on x-rays. It was a serendipitous discovery. The weather was bad on the day of his experiment, and, therefore, he was forced to delay the experiment (L’Annunziata, 2016). He positioned the enveloped plates in a dark desk. After a few days, he came back to his lab and unwrapped the papers, and was surprised to see that the fluorescent salts left distinct marks on the photographic material in the absence of energy.

In 1903, the Curie family was awarded a Nobel Prize in physics for their work in radioactivity. Marie Curie and Pierre Curie coined the term “radioactivity”. Curie used a device to measure the voltage of the air around uranium. She noticed that there was a change in the current. Her experiments revealed that radioactivity was dependent on the quantity of uranium and that the radioactivity was due to the atom itself. She discovered that radium and polonium were radioactive. Unfortunately, the curies died young, with the wife dying due to aplastic anemia likely due to exposure (L’Annunziata, 2016).

Ernest Rutherford is the father of nuclear physics. In 1903, he received a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his contribution to the atomic structure of elements. It formed the basis of the modern understanding of the structure of the atom. The atom consists of a nucleus with protons and neutrons and is surrounded by negatively charged electrons (L’Annunziata, 2016). He also did numerous experiments on radioactive decay. He classified the types of radiation depending on their depth of penetration.

There are a variety of models that have attempted to elaborate on the structure of the atoms. John Dalton’s model stated that all matter consists of small particles. He coined the term “atoms” for the particles. According to his model, the matter is composed of minute atoms that are indivisible and indestructible. Also, the atoms have identical physicochemical properties. He stated that compounds are formed from a reaction between two or more different atoms. Most of his theory was correct. The only exceptions are that there are even smaller particles than the atom and the discovery of isotopes. In 1897, electrons were discovered. This led Thompson to propose the plum pudding model. In his model, the atoms contain electrons. Thompson was unaware of the presence of the nucleus. However, he knew that the atom was electrically neutral. In the plum pudding model, the electrons float in a soup of diffuse positive charge (Sproull & Phillips, 2015).

Rutherford disputed the Thompson plum pudding model. The plum pudding model stated that the electrons were floating together with positive mini-particles. However, Rutherford introduced the concept of the nucleus. In the planetary model, the nucleus contains positively charged particles which are surrounded by the lighter and negatively charged electron. He stated that the nucleus contains the bulk of the atomic mass. The majority of the concepts are still widely accepted in the world today. He, however, did not elaborate on why some atoms emitted light (Sproull & Phillips, 2015).

The Bohr model of the atom described the structure of the atom similarly to Rutherford. Furthermore, he explained why some atoms fluorescence. Bohr theorized that the electrons revolve around a positively charged nucleus. The electrons occupied distinct energy levels. The lowest level is called the ground state and is the most stable. Electrons absorb energy and move from lower energy levels to higher energy levels (Sproull & Phillips, 2015). The higher energy levels are called the excited states. Energy is absorbed or emitted in photons between the orbits.

The quantum mechanical model of the atom is the current description of the structure of the atom. The model makes numerous assumptions. All particles are perceived as matter waves with a distinct wavelength. The other assumption is based on the principle of uncertainty states, which says that one cannot know the energy and location of an electron. There exists more than one energy level in an atom (Sproull & Phillips, 2015). The electrons have two intrinsic spin properties. Not two electrons in a given orbital can have the same spin. Four quantum numbers are used to describe the traits of electrons and their orbitals. The numbers are principle quantum number, angular momentum, magnetic quantum, and spin quantum numbers.

Natural radioactive decay series

In alpha decay, an energetic Helium atom is emitted. The resulting daughter nuclide has an atomic number which is two less than the parent. The atomic mass number is four less than the original molecule. An alpha particle can be stopped with a few centimeters of air, hence possess the least penetrating ability. Since it is the heaviest it is the most ionizing. The particles have a net charge of zero. The velocity of alpha particles is 4% of the speed of light. The beta particles are high energy, high-speed electrons emitted during the radioactive process. Beta particles have a higher penetrating ability than alpha particles. The particles are also lighter, hence, they travel at a higher speed than alpha. The speed is approximately 0.9 x speed of light. They have lower ionization properties than the former due to the small mass. Gamma radiation is a form of energy emitted from the nucleus. It has the most penetrating power (Adloff, 2018). Also, it travels at the speed of light. Besides, gamma radiation has the least ionizing property since it tends to lose all its energy at once. It can be stopped by a thick concrete or lead. However, like all other forms of radioactivity, it has severe damage to living organisms.

Radiation detectors

A radiation detector is a device used to identify high energy particles. In the early stages, photographic plates were utilized to identify the paths left by nuclear interactions. Modern devices use calorimeters to quantify the energy of the detected radiation. The scintillator exhibits scintillation in the presence of ionizing radiation. The gaseous ionizing detectors are also used to detect ionizing radiation. The Geiger Mueller counter is the most commonly used detector. The GMC has a gas-filled tube at high voltage that responds to incident ionizing radiation. It cannot distinguish between the various types of radiation (Mann, Ayres & Garfinkel, 2016).

Acute radiation syndrome

Acute radiation syndrome is an immediate sickness that develops from extreme radiation exposure over a small period. The large doses result in cellular damage within a short period. There are four stages of the ARS. The first one is the prodromal stage which is characterized by anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In the latent stage, the patient may have few or no symptoms at all. The manifest illness level may have features of the three specific syndromes namely, hematopoietic, gastrointestinal, or neurovascular. The recovery or death stage is the fourth stage. It may take one up to two years to fully recover. Those who do not recover die within a few weeks or months. The three ARS syndromes occur depending on the amount of radiation exposure. The neurovascular syndrome requires the highest amount of dose, while the hematopoietic syndrome requires the least dose. Long term exposure to radiation leads to cancer and death (Desouky, Ding & Zhou, 2015).

Radiation-induced damage to DNA

When radiation interacts with matter several things can happen. The effect is dependent on the dose and the length of exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The radiation could pass through the cell without affecting it. In some cases, the radiation may harm the DNA, and the cell may repair itself. In some situations, the radiation may lead to apoptosis. Ionizing radiation can cause direct damage to the DNA molecules leading to cancer. Radiation may cause a change in the chemical structure of the bases. It may also break the sugar-phosphate backbone. It may also break the hydrogen bonds connecting the base pairs (Desouky, Ding & Zhou, 2015). The result is either DNA damage or DNA mutation. Ionizing radiations have indirect damage to cells and DNA. For example, radiation can form radicals such as ROS that may lead to DNA damage. Radiation-induced mutations are alterations in the genome. Hence, it can alter either the chromosome or the genes. Mutations that occur in gametic cells are passed on to future generations. Radiation-induced carcinogenesis is widely believed to occur as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation. Living cells are damaged, and the normal physiological cell cycle regulators are impended. As a result, the surviving cells are outside the regulating mechanisms, which lead to cancerous growth.

Radioisotopes are widely used in the biological fields. Radionuclides are used to tag biological particles before commencing biochemical assays. The assays determine the constituent of the plasma and body fluids. The technique is known as radioimmunoassay. An example is the iodine bioassay that emits gamma radiation using iodine-125 and iodine-131 (Yeng, Cheng & Ng, 2014). Radionuclides can be used to determine the GFR during urinalysis. Radionuclides may be used to conduct trace studies in an organism. Radioactive C-14 is utilized in carbon dating. The radionuclide K-40 decays to form argon, hence, is applied to investigate the age of rocks. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) makes use of radionuclide emitting positron particles. The positrons react with nearby negatively charged particles to emit gamma rays that are sensed by the PET. Radionuclide therapy utilizes radioisotopes that emit radiations upon decay. The released radiations are utilized in radiotherapy, especially in cancer. Surgical instruments are sterilized using gamma-emitting radionuclides.

Radionuclides are employed in many sectors, especially in the medical field. The exposure to ionizing radiation lead to serious medical problems hence, the need to protect the workers from occupational harm. Employers seek to minimize stochastic risks. The basic principle is to ensure that the dose limit is as little as rationally attainable. Essentially, the dose should be below the limit and effective to treat the patient. The control of occupational exposure should be systematic (Yeng, Cheng & Ng, 2014). It starts from the design of the facility, the workplace, monitoring contamination, the use of personal protective tools, and following the local rules and regulations for the safe handling of radiopharmaceuticals. The organization should focus on training its personnel. Public access to the nuclear medicine department should be restricted. Apart from this, the patient’s family needs to be educated on how to handle their patient who is radiotherapy.

Short and long term effects of the atomic bombs

It is estimated that between 150000-200000 died in Hiroshima and Nagasaki as a result of the two bombs that were detonated by the American government in World War 2. Some of these people gradually. The deaths were referred to as acute deaths. The survivors of the atomic bombs have been under the radar since 1950. They are assessed to determine their health. The studies focus on utero exposure, life span, pathology, and adult health. The offspring of the survivors are studied for mortality, biochemical genetics, and cytogenetics. Cancers are prevalent in this population. The Chernobyl accident was a product of severely flawed reactor design. It was an RBMK reactor design. The Soviet Union stubbornly used this design despite widespread rejection from around the world. The main concern was the inherent instability, particularly on startup and shutdown. Thirty-one people died from the accident. The accident led to approximately 20,000 cases of thyroid cancer, especially among the youth. The vegetation was intoxicated with the radioactive material, and the animals died. Those that thrived spread the radionuclides to humans (Beresford et al., 2016).

Nuclear weapons pose significant threats to the world. One would argue that no nuclear weapons have been used since world war 2. However, more powerful and destructive weapons are tested weekly. The weapons are tested underground (Futter, 2015). The only thing that has been suspended is the use of these weapons on military and civilian people. The world talks of nuclear disarmament but the actions reveal otherwise. For example, during the Cuban crisis of 1962, the US used its nuclear power to threaten the Cuban government to submission. Currently, the issue of disarmament is only addressed by a political and technical background. Critics argue that the world should shift focus to moral and ethical issues regarding the use of these weapons. From a moral ground, a state should not use weapons that they would not like to be used against them due to the long term and short effects on people. It is immoral because of what the effects continue to do to people. And also, it is immoral because of what the nuclear industry is prepared to do in the name of national security. Human beings should promote the continuation of human survival instead of annihilating it (Davidson, 2019). The move ought to be towards quality engagement. To do that, a new culture and language of peace should enshrine all the talks about the use of nuclear weapons.

References

Adloff, J. P. (2018). Fundamentals of radiochemistry. CRC Press.

Beresford, N. A., Fesenko, S., Konoplev, A., Skuterud, L., Smith, J. T., & Voigt, G. (2016). Thirty years after the Chernobyl accident: What lessons have we learned?. Journal of environmental radioactivity, 157, 77-89.

Davidson, D. L. (2019). Nuclear weapons and the American churches: Ethical positions on modern warfare. Routledge.

Desouky, O., Ding, N., & Zhou, G. (2015). Targeted and non-targeted effects of ionizing radiation. Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences, 8(2), 247-254.

Futter, A. (2015). The politics of nuclear weapons. Sage.

L’Annunziata, M. F. (2016). Radioactivity: introduction and history, from the quantum to quarks. Elsevier.

Mann, W. B., Ayres, R. L., & Garfinkel, S. B. (2016). Radioactivity and its Measurement. Elsevier.

Sproull, R. L., & Phillips, W. A. (2015). Modern physics: the quantum physics of atoms, solids, and nuclei. Courier Dover Publications.

Walker, J. S. (2016). Prompt and utter destruction: Truman and the use of atomic bombs against Japan. UNC Press Books.

Yeong, C. H., Cheng, M. H., & Ng, K. H. (2014). Therapeutic radionuclides in nuclear medicine: current and future prospects. Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE B, 15(10), 845-863.

Ralph Lauren Analysis

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Introduction

           Ralph started with a tie in 1967 that was against the norm since it was wide contrary to the slim ones that were manufactured, the fabric used was of high quality, and the polo neckwear collection was launched. The company has come a long way since then with a focus on both luxury and middle-range products in four categories, fragrances, apparel, accessories, and home to become one of the biggest firms in the US Specialty Apparel Industry with a market share of 34.80% as of 2017. The company, which has its headquarters in New York, has also invested in the restaurant industry by establishing various outlets. RL is the symbol for the Ralph Lauren Corporation (“Our Company,” n.d.). The company’s success is accredited to internal and external factors, which will be the basis of the discussion on the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats the company faces and how it has managed to change the negativity to its advantage.

Strengths

           The company has retail over 325 factories and retail outlets, and the company also operate online stores and employs innovative marketing example, the 4D mapping that was used in Europe (Templeton, 2013). One of its brands, Polo Ralph Lauren, is among the leading players in the world on marketing, design, and distribution of lifestyle products, and all the retail store’s emphasis on showcasing the “World of Ralph Lauren,” which has an extensive luxury products selections. Most of the company’s success has also been attributed to the operations management, company structure, and the advertisement department efficiency. In the UK, the company’s margins in its sales have been attributed to the attractive display and product customizations that offer high-quality products while remaining competitive.

Weaknesses

           The company products have some replica and fake imitations, which affect the sales that eventually affect the profit margins of the company. The company also sells globally; hence the different exchange rates result in the company’s cost margins being unstable, and the company’s product prices have limited flexibility; this does not attract consumers. The brand image of the company was also affected by the Levis lawsuit. Additionally, the company wholesale 36% revenue comes from two wholesale customers; this is bound to be affected if one customer was to terminate the business (“Ralph Lauren Corporation SWOT & PESTLE Analysis | SWOT & PESTLE,” 2017).

           There are various ways that the company can change the weaknesses to strength; by providing incentives to encourage its recognition and new wholesale buyers. Also, to counter the difference in exchange rates, the advertisement can be increased; this can increase its market base to counter the margins from the fluctuations. Fake imitation is a problem that affects most brands; hence, the company can incorporate the symbol with distinguishable features to help the consumers distinguish the real from counterfeit products.

Opportunities

           According to “Ralph Lauren Corporation SWOT & PESTLE Analysis | SWOT & PESTLE,” 2017, they are also various opportunities that are opening up for the company; recently, they are emerging markets where the consumers can be able to afford the products. Through the e-tailing, which is garnering recognition, the company can use the platform to increase sales, which will undoubtedly lead to its growth. With the advancement in technology, most people can be able to purchase goods from their laptops and phones, through the e-commerce, the retail store’s space for the companies will be freed up which can improve brand recognition especially in developing countries (Vanderbilt & Yunes, 2012). In addition, the company can engage in partnerships with the private label; this will ensure it gets significant tie-ups to necessitate its growth.

Threats

           However, they are threats that pose a challenge to the company; they include the exchange rate changes that occur across different states affect the prices and can result in the company making losses and its profits. Also, because of the high fashion industry fragmentation, this gives the consumers a high bargaining power. Also, the suppliers have considerable bargaining power since most of the company’s revenue comes from strategic revenues, which it has no control over. According to Vanderbilt & Yunes, 2012, the company has been facing competition from other brands all over the globe; for example, Burberry this have reduced the exclusivity of luxury brands. The company has also established retail stores in other countries where the labor conditions of those countries can affect the margins of the company; for example, the $15 minimum wage in China.

           Also, the threats of the company can be turned to opportunities by the company considering the competition as an arena and producing high products at an affordable price while providing incentives to the customers. The company should use the online platforms to garner a higher reputation globally; the sales margins from the recognition can account for the exchange rate issues. Lastly, it should ensure it complies with the labor standards in countries it has set shop to ensure there are no barriers to its operations.

           Ralph Lauren started as a small shop hit it has grown and become a recognized brand, this success can be attributed to the company’s evaluation of both the external and internal factors enduring that while it exploits all available opportunities the threats to its success are also countered. The clothing industry is garnering a lot of popularity hence attracting many brands. Still, the only way they are bound to succeed is to ensure that while only producing quality products, they are affordable to all.

References

Our Company. Corporate.ralphlauren.com. Retrieved 3 April 2020, from https://corporate.ralphlauren.com/our-company.

Ralph Lauren Corporation SWOT & PESTLE Analysis | SWOT & PESTLE. SWOT & PESTLE.com. (2017). Retrieved 3 April 2020, from https://www.swotandpestle.com/ralph-lauren-corp/.

Templeton, S. (2013). It’s Not About the Clothes: Branding Strategies of American Heritage Brands Brooks Brothers and Ralph Laure [Ebook]. Retrieved 3 April 2020, from https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&=&context=tmd_major_papers&=&seiredir=1&referer=https%253A%252F%252Fscholar.google.com%252Fscholar%253Fhl%253DVanderbilt, M., & Yunes, D. (2012). e-Commerce Fulfillment Strategy for Luxury Brands in South Korea [Ebook]. Retrieved 3 April 2020, from https://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/77475/827226328-MIT.pdf?sequence=2.

The Impacts Of Internet To Young Generation

It is true that presently, the Internet has resulted in a generation of lazy young people given that it is the main source used by people in their everyday life, from social networking to gaming as well as researching, however, as a result of limitless possibilities, it results to pure laziness. The research shows that, the young people find themselves unable of going a day without using the internet, whether by use of their cell phones or tablets. For this case, internet can therefore be said; it is the cause and the source of laziness to the young generations as a result of easy access and lack of doing things manually. In summary, this paper will analyze how the internet has resulted in a generation of lazy young people.

Most people are using the internet because of its contribution to accessing an unlimited range of information. As compared to the olden days, it is has become common that, the younger people are today not finding themselves doing a lot of researches by themselves, but would rather go for internet where they quickly research what they need in a quick and simple way. In addition, the young generations also have had a very hard time of going to the library where they can go researching of what they might need since they see that to be difficult and a process that consumes a lot of their time. For instance, in schools, students have become so lazy that they cannot even search for anything in encyclopedia or dictionaries unless will go to Google search engine so as to get more information. The use of internet has made work easier for politicians for example, the presidential campaigns can be accessed through internets minutes after it is over via websites such as YouTube, Facebook, and blogs. Most people see it to be pointless of waiting or buying newspapers and magazines that will consume a lot of time rather than logging into the websites to get information which can be retrieved in a matter of seconds. A survey recently conducted by the Youth-Net indicates that about 75% of the young generation ranging between 16-24 years believes that Internet is everything hence they cannot live without it. The other report conducted also showed that 82% of people who use the internet would use the search engine “Google.com” in looking for advice while about 45% just feel happy spending their time online. About 32% of the respondents on the other hand, find it easy to use the internet in researching whatever they wanted to know in regards to the problems they had given that they are able to find all that they needed online. On the contrary, less than a half of people would be ready of giving advices on sensitive issues only to those seeking them online.

Conclusion

Internet is significant since it has improved the way people communicate and perform their chores. Today, people living from other parts of the countries are able to get information sent within a short period of time. There are also some social networking sites which provide instant messaging that is much quicker than sending an e-mail. In this case, the other party is notified when the texts are typed until it is entered and displayed on the screen.

The impacts of IT on the quality of Higher education

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1.0 Research Questions & Objectives

A good number of academic books, articles and journals have given different varying opinions on the impacts of information technology on the quality of higher education. Others have given positive reports on the impacts with e few shortcomings while others have also reported on negative effects with at least some positive impacts on the quality. For example, Yuan & CETIS (2013) cites several positive impacts such as open curriculum which enable learners to combine academic sources, packages together with various disciplines in order to meet many of their needs which implies good quality. At the same time, Cristensen (2003) cited in Yuan & CETIS (2013) reports that the existing higher education model of funding has been well thought-out to be a major barrier to exploring fresh models of business and innovative techniques in the learning institutions.

The main problem is thus to investigate which side of impacts outweighs the other that is, positive or negative. The research on this problem is important because it will help learning institutions to take corrective actions on areas of curriculum weakness in relation to IT. The varying report opinions leads us to a number of research questions listed bellow with an aim of finding out the level of positive impact against the negative impacts of IT on the quality of higher education.

1.1 Research questions

How does information technology contribute to good performance of students in the higher institutions of learning?

How does information technology contribute to poor student’s performance in the learning institutions?

What are the impacts of the negative performance brought about by IT on the students in terms of job market in the organizations or companies?

Does the structure of the syllabuses used has any effect on the adoption of IT and hence its effects on the performance of students?

Do you think that all students who perform well or bad academically also perform the same practically in the job market?

How do IT adoption inlearning institutions add value to the current syllabuses used in learning institutions?

1.2 Research objectives

The first objective is to find out the extent to which IT contributes to student’s good or bad performance at the higher learning institutions.

The research is also to establish whether the student’s good or bad performance has any effect on the quality of education in terms of job performance in the company or organization level.

The research is to find out whether the structure of syllabuses used has any added value and to what extent on the performance and hence the quality of education and competency in the job market.

The next objective is to find out whether the job performance by various graduates at the companies or organizations is due to good or bad quality of education brought about by IT.

After the analysis, I hope to achieve the result showing more weight of positive quality impacts as opposed to negative impacts on quality.

2.0 Systematic Literature Search

The database of online academic library of articles, journals and books has been used to help in the search of systematic literature that is relevant to the proposed topic above. This library of journals and articles is found through the Google scholar search engine available at http://scholar.google.com internet site. The search by topic method was thus used to find the required sources of information that meets the requirements of the search topic. In order to retrieve the relevant articles from this online library of academic database, the following steps were followed.

2.1 Steps taken

First, the existing or the available browser which is Mozilla Firefox software in this case, was launched. The scholar.google.com was then typed at the address bar of the browser followed by a click event to the search command. A specific topic was then proposed first within the line of IT in which the entire research is to be based. The topic is entitled, “The impacts of IT on the quality of higher education”. Once the scholar Google search engine appeared on the screen, this research topic was typed, followed again by a click event on the search command next to it. A list of several books, articles, and journals then appeared on the screen in a variety of page tabs. In order to get the most reliable information that are up to date, the list of articles and journals were sorted first to include only those sources that were published at most five years ago. This was done using the sort feature that is available within the same interface of the Google search engine.

Since the articles and journal sources come with their associated topics and brief synopsis on the screen, this helped in knowing the source or sources with the contents that matches the research topic. Others sources appears as pdf, that is, portable document format which can be downloaded, others in the form of hypertext markup language webpage which can also be downloaded easily. The others also have portable document format with only the abstract of the article and thus cannot be downloaded directly unless bought. The others are books which can be opened and read while online but cannot be downloaded. In some cases, the sources with well summarized abstract were also considered in the case where the whole article cannot be accessed. Starting with the first page tab, the relevant sources were opened, read and/or downloaded where possible. The associated source citations provided were also downloaded from the cite tab command provided immediately after the synopsis of the article or journal. The same process was repeated by navigating all the available pages through the page tabs until all the required relevant sources were found and selected for use in the research. The search did not necessarily visit all the existing web pages. As long as a good number of relevant sources and materials were found, the search was terminated. The Google scholar was then closed and then the browser itself respectively. The downloaded sources are finally read and compiled by extracting major points which are more relevant to the chosen topic of study. This is done source by source until all the selected and downloaded sources are exhausted.

The summary of the search algorithm is sequentially represented as shown bellow.

Start by launching the existing browser and wait for it to open up

Type scholar.google.com in the address bar of the browser and click the search button.

Think of the specific, precise and relevant topic to search about and type it on the Google scholar once it opens up and click search command next to it.

Sort the various articles and journals to fit the years of publication using the available sort feature.

Select the relevant article or journal from the list that appears on the screen by reading their synopsis, opening them and even downloading the entire article where possible.

Click the cite tab provided bellow the selected article or journal and copy the related citation in the format specified for the research.

Repeat the same process by navigating through all the page tabs available until the required number of the specified sources is found which are relevant to the topic of study.

Close the Google scholar search engine once you are through with the whole process of the search. Then finally close down the browser.

Compilation is then carried out by reading each and every source accordingly.

3.0 Analysis and Critical Evaluation

3.1 Techniques used

In one of the articles entitled, Digital learners in higher education by Wong, Levinson & Shojania (2012), a study was carried out by using the techniques of structured interviews and surveys in five schools. The findings were thus based on center of attention for a collective interview with 69 students together with a survey responses received from the random sample of 438 students who were all second years in fourteen various programs in five schools within the institution. The number of female and male students interviewed was 188 and 247 respectively where the number of male students outweighed those of female students with the percentages indicated at 56.8% and 43.25 respectively. The average age of all interviewees was reported to be 24.1. the students t-test and the Mann Whitney test were then carried out in order to test for the significance of the generational variations in behavior that could come as a result of impact of technology on the quality of education.

The independent t-test was also employed for the significance measure of the difference in groups. The generation was used as the independent variable with particular characteristics of the generation being use as the dependent variable. In the use of Mann Whitney test for differences in group, the ICT use was taken as the dependent variable with the given that the ICT data was not measured on interval scale but ordinal. The sample data was thus divided in to two groups namely the net-generation students which mean those who were born in the year 1982 and after that. The other group was the non-net generation students who were born before the year 1982. In order to deal with the net generational characteristics, 11 survey items were used while 2 items were used to find out the preferences for students for communication with instructor and peers (Wong, Levinson & Shojania 2012)

3.2 Resources used

The authors have used reliable sources in support of their research. Most of the sources used are journals and articles on issues of technology and the use of computers. Examples of journals used in this research include the ‘digital natives’ debate: A critical review of the evidence by Bennett, Maton and Kervin(2880), beyond the ‘digital natives debate: Towards a more nuanced understanding of students technology experiences by Bennet and Maton (2010), the net generation in higher education: Rhetoric and reality by Bullen et al. (2009), Digital natives, digital immigrants: An analysis of ICT competence in teacher education by Guo, Dobson and Petrina (2008) and many more related sources. It is evident that the authors in deed used reliable technology sources to support their research and thus the findings from their research cannot be disputed. This means that the paper is also based on the credibility of future research (Wong, Levinson & Shojania 2012)

The authors also used the sources most of which were recent as per that particular time. Therefore the time of publication of the sources used is also enough evidence that the research is indeed based on sources which are credible. In addition, the relevance of the sources used concurs with the author’s topic of study and research which is basically the IT technology versus education. If the information from all these sources led to credible findings and conclusions, then any reference made from their publications is also true and thus further research can be developed from the same.

3.3 Evaluation of results

The results of the research findings and the review of the literature added to the advanced body of research. The findings were consistent with those of other previous researchers which they used as their sources, some of which are listed above in the resources section. The past researchers also suggested that criticality is really required concerning the claim that the differences of these generations and much extra care concerning the implementation changes to the higher institutions of learning founded on these ideas. A major finding of the study in this article was that generational divide does not exist in the body of students for the higher institutions of learning. In other words, the students born before and after the year 1982 were not significantly different. The authors in their findings stated that the findings are not arguments for upholding the status quo at the higher institutions of learning. The findings rather implied we require avoiding the temptation of basing our decisions on the stereotypes of the generations. Instead we need to look for deeper understanding of how students are employing technology and the role played by the IT technology in their learning and teaching in higher education. The context is thus the main issue; therefore, the faculties and students need to be given specific ICT to both the context and content (Wong, Levinson & Shojania 2012)

The findings also stated that the IT infrastructure that was put in place within the institution was necessary according to most of the students. Nevertheless, it was further stated that the software that were put in place for students did not entirely offer suitable return on investment, that is, added value on the quality of education. This is because the students as reported depended so much on constrained freely available tools rather than using the ones provided by the institutions.

3.4 Article conclusion

The study in this article concluded that the students in higher institutions of higher learning use limited set of infrastructure fir the ICT. In addition, the use of IT infrastructure is driven by the cost,, immediacy and familiarity. The conclusion further stated that the use of a number of ICT equipment was ubiquitous and thus did not find any proof that could support the arguments that digital literacy, connectedness, need for immediacy in addition to need for the experiential learning for quality were characteristics of a specific generation of learners. The conclusion the findings were consistent with Reeves & Oh, 2007; SelWyn, 2009, Kvavik, 2005; Margaryan & Littlejohn, 2008; Pedró, 2009; and Kennedy et al., 2007, 2009 whose article publications were all used by the authors in their reference of sources.

4. Research proposal

The specific topic chosen for discussion from the previous section is “The impacts of IT on the quality of Higher education”. The following research question can be derived from this topic of discussion.

Does IT really have significant impact on the quality of education at higher learning institutions?

This question can be answered by carrying out a project that can be conducted through a research proposal. The research proposal in this case will employ various strategies and methodologies for the generation and analysis of data. The research will use statistical techniques for data collection, analysis and interpretation. The methodologies to be used will include a combination of interviews and sample self managed sample surveys. The answer to this question will also be useful given that negative critical incidents in addition to attitudes are the major determinants of the intention of users to proceed with the use of e-learning, regardless of their experience in e-learning. The impact of negative serious events on apparent ease of use is greater for users who are less experienced. On the other hand, the impact of negative serious events on the apparent usefulness is greater for extra experienced users. All these factors are thus the determining factors on the use of it facilities by students to gain the quality of its use. Therefore experience in the use of IT comes first before its attributed value is considered. This also implies that not all students will benefit from the quality of using IT unless they are all experienced to use it(Lin, 2011).

4.1 Justification on the choice of methodologies

4.1.1 Use of sample surveys

The self managed mode of sample surveys will be appropriate for this case because it more suitable in situations where probability sampling is applied in order to be able to make generalization to particular population of target. It thus places an emphasis on the significance of coverage error topics that will have established awareness in the literature of survey. Sample surveys will also b used because it is expected to cheaper in terms of cost and time as compared to covering the entire population. (Bennett et al. 2011). The face, construct and content are some of the existing methods for establishing the survey instrument validity that will be considered for use. In this case, a process that comprises of four steps will be employed. The steps start with the definition of constructs plus the content sphere, generation and judgment of items of measurement, designing and carrying out studies for the development of scale and scale finalization in that order. It should also be noted that use of construct in validation is essential for guaranteeing accuracy and survey instrument validity although it is also a time rigorous course (Burton & Mazerolle, 2011).

As far as this research is concerned, the advent of computers with complicated software, for instance, has made it promising to solve several difficult problems extremely fast at the lowest cost possible. This is also made possible due to the huge production of affordable computers, creation of internet broadband connection and rich content in education which has also generated a worldwide occurrence in which ICT is employed in the transformation of education (Masud & Huang, 2012). Consequently, the sample survey is very suitable in this case to gather information from various students in higher institutions of learning with the main aim of establishing whether the use of the ICT in these institutions has any significance on the quality of education in terms of any added value to the skills of graduates.

4.1.2 Use of interviews

The use of structured interviews will be preferred in this case for the reason of providing respondents with a flexible way of giving elaborate responses. In addition, the use of interviews also provides a cheaper method cost wise than when methods such as questionnaires are employed though time intensive. The research in general thus tends to minimize the total financial cost. Interview also permits the interviewer to gather the most accurate data as you get time to interact with the interviewee one on one. This makes it somehow easier to judge the eventual data collected from the given sample size taken. Interview is also most appropriate and easier to conduct in situations whereby only sample size of population is targeted. This is because the process of trying to carry out an interview for the whole population under study will be very tedious and time consuming. Nevertheless, the sample data collected will be analyzed and the conclusion drawn from it will be interpreted to apply to the whole population. This implies that interview method of data gathering will not be suitable in situations where very large sample size is taken as this will consume a lot of time. Other methods like the use of questionnaires will be most appropriate for such situations although it will also be very expensive in terms of cost of printing and structuring the valid questionnaire for the large coverage (Zikmund, Babin & Griffin, 2012, Pickard, 2012).

Quality of education which is the main point of research for this paper can be affected by several factors which this interview method seeks to establish. There is always a limit to the time, money and talent that can be invested in e-learning facilities by an individual in the context of higher education. It can also be challenging to maintain the engagement of student away from traditional classroom setting and make sure that students get timely feedback that will be very helpful to them in carrying out their assignments. Reports from the past research also reveal that institutions still uses both the traditional classrooms in addition to ICT facilities for dissemination of knowledge to students. We can also ask why the institutions cannot just use pure ICT infrastructure if at all it is more effective and reliable in ensuring the best quality. It also seems that the old methods of teaching are still very useful and hold some added quality to higher education. It is as a result of this that the research on quality of education plans to use structured interview method to get possible views from the students concerning the benefit they achieve by using the IT infrastructure and equipment in their study (Tarhini et al. 2015).

4.2 Relevance of proposal to the current topic of research

This research is relevant to the current research topic because it will deliver result that can be used to tell whether the use ICT in the higher institutions of learning has any relationship with the quality of education either on the negative or positive side of it. As a result, the institutional management will be in a position to use the result of this research to make corrective measures on the weakness part of using IT technology or enhance the use of IT infrastructure for extra quality in higher education.

4.3 Strategy and analysis

4.3.1 Strategy

The coding strategy will be used to code the collected data through interview and sample surveys. The coding will be done by the use of statistical package for social science (SPSS). The SPSS which is statistical software will make it easier to code, analyze and interpret the data for reliable results. This will also enhance accuracy of computation during the analysis process since SPSS consists of inbuilt complex statistical formulas which help in fast computations at the electronic speed.

4.3.2 Analysis

The sample in this case will be divided in to experienced users and non-experienced users. The collected data will be grouped in to tables of frequencies and percentages that identify the non- experienced and the experienced users. Others descriptive statistics such as mean, variance and standard deviations will be used to provide more information from the collected data. The idea here is to find out whether experienced students in using technology have better quality in education in terms of performance in class and in the job market as compared to less-experienced students.

The independence t-test will be applied to test for the significance of group differences between experienced and non-experienced student users at either 99% or 95 % confidence interval for the 0.01 or 0.05 significance level respectively. The experience will be used as the independent variable with specific level of experience as the dependent variable in the coding process. The relationship between the use of IT and the quality of education in terms of performance will be computed using bivariate correlation analysis. The analysis of bivariate correlation will be will be carried out using ICT use and performance as the independent and dependent variables respectively. In this case, correlation values ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 will be interpreted as weak correlation. The correlation values between 0.3 and 0.7 will be interpreted as moderate correlation while any correlation value above 0.7 will be interpreted as strong correlation. These correlation values can either fall on the positive or negative side (Field, 2013).

4.4 Interpretation

The results of correlation will be interpreted based on the value of correlation (spearman in this case) and the significant level, that is, either 0.01 or 0.05 together with the direction of correlation, that is, positive or negative. The t-test interpretation will be done by stating the population value, value of the degrees of freedom, the level of significance as well as the sample mean with the standard deviation (Field, 2013).

4.5 Ethical value

The ethical values that may involve in this study include the report on the sources of finance for the research as well as information on procedures used for research and whether the study has received research ethics review of the board.

4.6 Schedule and dissemination plan

Research schedule for the year 2015

April May June July and Aug September October

Research proposal Preparing interview and survey questions Data collection Grouping and coding of data Analysis and interpretation Reporting and thesis writing

The interview and survey questions are to be distributed or disseminated in person to the respective student’s respondents in a selected institution of higher learning.

References

Yuan, L, Powell, S, & CETIS, J, (2013). MOOCs and open education: Implications for higher education. Cetis White Paper.

Bullen, M, Morgan, T, & Qayyum, A, (2011), Digital learners in higher education: Generation is not the issue, Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology/La revue canadienne de l’apprentissage et de la technologie, 37(1).

Bennett, C, Khangura, S., Brehaut, J C., Graham, I, D, Moher, D, Potter, B K, & Grimshaw, J, M, (2011), Reporting guidelines for survey research: an analysis of published guidance and reporting practices, PLoS medicine, 8(8), e1001069.

Burton, L, J., & Mazerolle, S, M. (2011), Survey Instrument Validity Part I: Principles of Survey Instrument Development and Validation in Athletic Training Education Research. Athletic Training Education Journal, 6(1), 27-35.

Zikmund, W, Babin, B, Carr, J, & Griffin, M, (2012), Business research methods. Cengage Learning.

Pickard, A, (2012), Research methods in information, Facet publishing.

Masud, M, A, H, & Huang, X, (2012), An e-learning system architecture based on cloud computing, system, 10(11).

Tarhini, A, Hassouna, M, Abbasi, M, S, & Orozco, J, (2015), Towards the Acceptance of RSS to Support Learning: An empirical study to validate the Technology Acceptance Model in Lebanon, Electronic Journal of e-Learning, 13(1), 30-41.

Lin, K, M, (2011), e-Learning continuance intention: Moderating effects of user e-learning experience, Computers & Education, 56(2), 515-526.

Field, A, (2013), Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics, Sage.

Name

Student’s name

Course

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Ramayana Educational Role

Introduction

The Ramayana is an Indian epic poem that describing the royal birth of Rama in the Oudh kingdom, the tutelage he experienced under Vishvamitra and his success in bending the might bow of Shiva during Sita’s bridegroom tournament. The Sanskrit poem is ascribed to the Sanskrit poet Valmiki and Hindu sage. Ramayana is deemed to be among the greatest works in Indian literature alongside the Mahabharata. Together, they play significant roles in the Hindu culture and literature even during the modern age. The Ramayana demonstrates relationship duties by portraying ideal characters such as the ideal father, the ideal wife, the ideal king, the ideal brother, and the ideal servant (Buck, 201). The Ramayana has about 24,000 verses written in 500 cantos and seven books. It tells the story about Rama. Who is an avatar of Vishnu the supreme God, his wife Sita who was abducted by Ravana and Lanka’s king. Thematically the Ramayana explores the concept of dharma and human values. This essay probes the use of art as a form of education in elucidating and advertising philosophical truth by examining the poem Ramayana.

Ramayana is of Great influence to Hindus

Ramayana is of great influence particularly to the Hindus in different places in the world. The stories highlighted in this poem are said to have been told to Valmiki by the gods after which he wrote them down. Ram’s story is a model of the perfect man. Ramayana’s story is however filled with ups and downs and some of these elements make Ram appear as a bad man. From behind, he kills Vali, who is the king of the monkeys. He does this to help his brother gain favor so that he can win the war against Ravana. Notably, however, Rama becomes a hero that models how people behave in a given situation. The poem seems to be intended for the listener and the reader of the story. The poem’s excerpt is conducted using the third person which shows that the story was narrated with the intention and purpose of giving people a story. The story was intended for people that subscribe to the Hindu religion or the people of India as a way to direct them about the best way to live life, According to one of the greatest gurus in modern India, Maharishi Yogi notes that Ramayana is full of enlightenment, is perfect for every profession, and is for mastery as opposed to natural law (Goldman and Shall, 67). . He further notes that it is good for the fulfillment of the desires that a person might have. Ramayana is meant to create a perfect society, a perfect man, and a perfect world.

Ramayana Outlines a Good Model that can be Adopted by Anybody

The book outlines the model of life. Ramayana’s conduct of a good model that can be adopted by anybody. The people that read it are expected to follow in the footsteps of Lakshmana and Rama. It models love, brotherhood, and love. Notably, some forms of conduct are outlines in traditional roles which may otherwise not be possible in the modern world. This is demonstrated in the text that says “0 Prince of Raghu, it is for thee to keep thy fair name untarnished! The husband is as a God to the woman, he is her family, and her spiritual ·preceptor, therefore, even at the price of her life, she must seek to please her lord.” Additionally, there are lessons about the contemporary world from Ramayana. The fact that Rama is a King shows that in the current modern world, there is a lot of compassion towards people. It demonstrates that people must always depict friendliness and compassion towards the people around them irrespective of the dynamics and the nature of the relationship between them. Compassion is an important virtue and according to Valmiki, the author, the significance of this element is implicitly shown without saying necessarily saying the words but by ensuring it is part of the character that is painted as a model person.

Conclusion

The Ramayana is an Indian epic poem that describing the royal birth of Rama in the Oudh kingdom, the tutelage he experienced under Vishvamitra and his success in bending the might bow of Shiva during Sita’s bridegroom tournament. The Ramayana demonstrates relationship duties by portraying ideal characters such as the ideal father, the ideal wife, the ideal king, the ideal brother, and the ideal servant. Ramayana has a great influence on the Hindu that subscribe to the Hindu religion and its conduct of a good model that can be adopted by anybody.

Works Cited

Buck, William. Ramayana. Univ of California Press, 2021.

Goldman, Robert P., and Sally Sutherland Goldman. The Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki: An Epic of Ancient India, Volume V: Sundarakāṇḍa. Vol. 147. Princeton University Press, 2016.

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Rap Music Advancement

Rap music is one of the prominent and influential genres in the entertainment field. Throughout its evolution, many changes have been inherent as the artist tend to move out from the gangster’s style to more ethical and romance way occupying all the everyday lifestyles in today’s world. Change is inevitable and has to be adopted in the music sector as well as in any other field as the technology advances. The hip-hop music in the 1990s was distinct and significantly different from the rap today. The genre today is to a greater extent not what it used to be those years when rappers were depicted to portray the hood politics as the central theme. It is easy to distinguish the rap music produced by the early 2000s as all the artists had a typical style as they all talked about the hard life they undergo through, hood and gangster livelihood where most were associated with drug dealing. Their persona was similar which is different from the rap artists who have evolved during the last ten years which shows diversification in the art (Vincent, page 12). In this discussion, the rap music evolution is elaborated into a profound extent with regards to the vast songs that influence the public, how they dealt with police brutality during the early years and how the hip-hop music affects the listeners as well as the civilians.

The rap music has been very influential to the peoples’ lives today as well as during the early era when it commonly consisted of hood style. Among the famous rap artist who was prominent in the 90s include N.W.A, in the early 2000s Lil Wayne, B.I.G and Jay-Z were on the top producing most popular music in the music industry. The common thing during this era being composing lyrics based on the gangster and hard livelihood around the ghetto street in the state depicted poverty as the way towards thuggery. The society has adopted their way of doing the art even though many portrayed the rap music as immoral and not the right thing especially for the young people as it could have significant effects in their lives. For instance, people involved in the rap music had a distinct character of gangster that in reality depicted their persona. Jay-Z and B.I.G are good examples of the famous rap music that was well-known drug dealers. Therefore, in many instances, they faced police brutality that made their livelihood in the society hard and challenging (Washington, page 97). There was a notion that even the close audience and fans of the genre had the same characteristics and would at the end up being subjects of such lifestyle.

Over the past decade, the previous messages composed of the most successful rap music are not evident as the artists’ work enhanced diversification in the genre as they come from range backgrounds. In today’s hip-hop genre the musician has proven that nothing relates rap to thug life as they do it differently and still hits in the sector and significantly attracting an enormous audience even that during the 90s. Drake is a perfect example of the artists that show diversity in the hip-hop rate as he is described as the furthest thing from the hood. Everything has evolved in the hip-hop industry starting with the record labels and artists themselves. However, some of the former rap artists such as Lil Wayne tries to keep the reality of original genre by having their production system and composing music that depicts the hood style. The change in the hip-hop mainstream has revealed music and social development enhancing positive change in many peoples’ lives. The young generation is significantly growing with the mentality that it is not a must the one be a thug or undergo the hard life condition to succeed in the rap field. Despite the hip-hop genre having earned relation with violence and drug dealing, it has significantly enhanced cultural development as it accommodates all kind of personality apart from the notorious way of living.

Lyrics appear to be the significant difference that between the modern hip-hop and that of the 1990s tracks (Mauch, page 17). During the early decade, the rap tracks were narrowly focused and were only considerate of the artist’s success story and the hardship he or she has undergone through in the process of achieving it. The thing was common that even the most successful artists adopted the same way as they also wrote about hard life in living in poverty, violence, drugs, and crime. This was the persona during that time that the artist believed that they must adapt to succeed in the field. The rap was significantly the gangsters’ anthem and was the story of the ghetto life that restrained hip-hop from joining other genres such as rock. However, during the 1990s decade, there was an honest bit in all the rap lyrics that portrayed the characters of the artists. It was the reality that these artists involved in violence and drug dealing forcing the audience to understand that their actions were behind survivability (Miller, page 21). They postulated that it was the only means to survive in the ghetto areas mostly related poverty and crime. It affected the community negatively as the same picture builds in their mind through the genre induced fear in their lives to never been associated with such experience. For instance, in his music Styles P appealed after childhood poverty and abuse, the only option was getting into the rap crew as he could get all the things that he required from the industry.

For instance, let us consider that gangster rap genre by N.W.A during the 1990s which significantly influenced the publics’ notion regarding the hip-hop music. Straight Outta Compton is the first album that they released during their initial stages. In the music, Compton is depicted as the hell full of violence and the N.W.As as the mighty lords of the region. In the music, Ice Cube states that it is a murder dance that keeps audience dancing. All through the N.W.A’s gangster lyrics, they depicted criminality in the nation as well as the drug dealing. In the normal living standard, these elements are referred as the social evils in the society, and no one would like to be involved in such crews. 50 cents was also a big and influential rap star I the early 2000s. His hip-hop genre was prominent and had lots of audiences which made him popular not only in the nation but also worldwide. Good examples of the 50 cents’ rap genre that depicted “hood lifestyle” include Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and The Massacre. They portray the same styles as the other hip-hop lyrics in the early decades that represents the ghetto life harshness, drug peddling, and violence. However, 50 cent back drawn in his artist work due to dishonesty that was detected in his work by the audience.

The hip-hop mainstream took another turn in the mid-2000s after the famous Kanye West dropped his debut album “The College Dropout.” It was a different portion of the rap genre that instead of comprising drug dealing and violence it coincidentally composed religion matters. It brought the light in the industry that it was possible to have diversity in the rap music and still the track get into the ears of an enormous number of audience in the world. Later, after the Kanye West’s hit in the year, 2004 many upcoming hip-hop artists were inspired and significantly started writing genre tracks out of the violence, crime, poverty, and drug dealing brackets. The rappers significantly diverged from the gangster rap into different ways that they could address not only their life experience but also other positive issues in the society that could lead to sound impact in the world. Since many people have found their way into the hip-hop genre as they are not traumatized of its “ghetto life” condition, but they can produce adverse tracks from any background (Mäkelä, page 74).

Nowadays, it is evident that the rappers write about everything and the songs still get popular regarding the message it depicts and the skills that the artists portray in the industry. For instance, the genre covers wide range starting from the social life to the excess lifestyle which includes the sexuality concern which has significantly spread in the world as well as a depiction of the wealthy status. Drake in his album “Take Care” depicts love as well as the social life in the society today. Drake is among the vessels that pray an essential role in shaping the future of rap genre as well as encouraging the rising artist to follow ethical based and show humanity as a way of developing the hip-hop mainstream. Today, hip-hop has emerged among the best and accepted music genre in the society that has a wide range of audience regarding the age as well as ethnicity and significantly portrays honest and straightforward lifestyle. Despite the illegality and violence depicted in the earlier rap genre, nowadays hip-hop has taken a different approach to romance and social development amidst the genres thuggery standing.

In looking at how rap music influences the listeners and public, the internet and social media will be put into consideration. Today, the social media platform as the most influential sector of the internet has become the measure and reflection of development in the society. It is among the platforms where the audience can merely access the lyrics and another rap genre at ease as well as providing their reviews with no one’s supervision. It depicts that the chances of telling the reality are higher as the listener is not put under any pressure to prefer any side. For instance, in social platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, the users can easily express themselves or write blogs regarding their career or experience as a measure of portraying self-expression and personality (Perlovsky, page 185). On the other hand, the subscribers and followers will get in touch with the information and leave their reviews that significantly depicts their reaction towards the issues. In relating this information to the hip-hop genre, it is clear that all the pop stars and other artists have their fan pages where their followers and listeners globally can access their conversations and can be significantly notified about the hits and tracks released. The followers on the other side will show their position substantially by either liking or reject the artwork as well as giving their comments and points of views regarding significant rectification.

Furthermore, the online websites and the YouTube channel has emerged the efficient way of accessing artwork through the internet. Her the rappers as other artists will merely add their music to the channels, and the audience can listen and leave their reviews on the same platform. They are important sites that recruit the artists, and they do not only measure them competency but also make the musicians earn a living after their hard and smart work. These sites had made the rap artists be prominent and come from different nations of the world as the genre allows diversification and societal growth (Francis, page 11). For instance, some of the rappers such as Immortal Technique composes work that emphasizes the effects of the artistic freedom on social media and internet. In his work “The 3rd World” Immortal Technique states that the government refers to them as terrorists who are destroying the nation while they are living in urban warfare. Such artist finds the secure place to get their fans and artwork moving as through the social media and internet sites they will be able to gather their followers and share their music freely.

The social media at the early decades of the 1990s had not legalized the act of broadcasting hip hop genre as it was significantly considered to bring social boundaries and spread immorality in the society. It was right as the rappers during that error had been corrupted by the thoughts that the path towards success was through producing violence, hard life and drug dealing based music. The information negatively affected the community and significantly ruined national cohesion as the “ghetto family” was seen as an excluded as well as being viewed as immoral. In today’s hip-hop artisan things are different, and instead, the genre has spread its roots to all corners of the world, and a high percentage of the population knows about it and the prominent artists. In the social media such radio and television station the rap genre covers a significant portion of the entertainment sector, and this music is played now and then due to a high number of audience.

From the above discussion, the hip-hop genre is a leading industry that has undergone a variety of change since its invention and is significantly developing into a more advanced as well as diversified field. The rap has been there to be and will continue spreading and taking different reformation in its development process. Sound changes are significantly seen as days go in the rap industry and more efficiently accommodating all people in the society (Clayton, page 7). The music portrays societal development regarding the message passed as many artisans write about the emerging issues. The change experienced from the early era rap music to the today’s genre is critical and has put in progress high advancement rate. The hip-hop music is for the nation and the world in general as well as for the future generation. Therefore, it is vital to support the artists to enable them to keep moving in the industry.

References

Clayton, Martin. The cultural study of music: A critical introduction. Routledge, 2013.

Francis, Nariah. “Beauty, Brains, But When The Beat Drops…: An Examination Of College Ages Women’s Uses and Rationalizations of Misogynistic Rap Music.” (2016).

Perlovsky, Leonid. “Cognitive function, origin, and evolution of musical emotions.” Musicae Scientiae 16.2 (2012): 185-199.

Mäkelä, Niko, et al. “Truncated RAP-MUSIC (TRAP-MUSIC) for MEG and EEG source localization.” NeuroImage 167 (2018): 73-83.

Miller, Matt. Bounce: Rap music and local identity in New Orleans. Univ of Massachusetts Press, 2012.

Mauch, Matthias, et al. “The evolution of popular music: USA 1960–2010.” Royal Society open science 2.5 (2015): 150081.

Vincent, Rickey. Funk: The music, the people, and the rhythm of the one. St. Martin’s Griffin, 2014.

Washington, Ahmad Rashad. “Integrating Hip‐Hop Culture and Rap Music Into Social Justice Counseling With Black Males.” Journal of Counseling & Development 96.1 (2018): 97-105.

The impacts of Obesity on the Obstetrical Patients

Rovena D.

Chamberlain College of Nursing

NR 715: Scientific Underpinnings

January 2022

The impacts of Obesity on the Obstetrical Patients

Obesity is an extremely delicate but very significant concern that affects everyone. The World Health Organization defines obesity as a health risk characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat. WHO identifies obesity based on one’s BMI where a BMI of 30 is classified as being obese (WHO, 2022). Obesity is common especially among women of childbearing age and poses as a great risk among that population. There are several consequences of obesity on pregnancy that are often overlooked by many providers. Maternal obesity presents many risks to both the mother as well as the fetus.

Data from the CDC reported that obesity has increased among pre-pregnant women in the US from 2016 to 2019. Studies assessed women of childbearing ages, with different education levels and women of different race and ethnicity. The report shows that the percentage of obesity went from 18.1% in 2016 to 20.5% in 2019 among women under 20 yrs of age which is an increase of 13%. For woman aged 20 to 29 the increase was from 27.2% in 2016 to 30.4% in 2019 which is a 12 % increase. For women 30 to 39 yrs, the rise was from 25.8% to 28.3% which is a 10% increase and women 40 yrs and older rose 9% from 28.0% in 2016 to 30.4% in 2019. (Driscoll & Gregory, 2020)

Literary Search Strategies

Several databases were used to conduct the search for quantitative literatures. Using the Chamberlain University online library, I performed a scholarly review search for articles for my topic. CINAHL plus was used and the key words obesity, pregnancy and quantitative research were utilized. Filters such as publication timeframe of 2018-2022, English language, research article, as well as peer review were used to make my search more efficient by narrowing down my search results. I also used google scholar where I used the key words obesity and pregnancy.

Critique of Article Using the John Hopkins Appraisal Tool

The John Hopkins Appraisal Tool was used to evaluate the researched article. The article by Masturzo, et al, which was published in 2019 is a single source, nonexperimental quantitative research article. In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the influence of high pre-pregnancy BMI and the possible dangers attributed to the adverse outcomes for maternal and perinatal patients as well as their fetuses in a tertiary care hospital in Sant’Anna, Turin.This involved a “retrospective” design where data was collected during a 4-year period obtained from the hospital’s database and logistic regression models which analyzed the impact of BMI on maternal and fetal outcomes. A statistical method was also used to provide an estimate for the findings on each risk factor.

Based on this appraisal tool, this study design is a level 3 which means that this study is nonexperimental because, there was no manipulation of an independent variable, there wasn’t a control group used and the participants were not randomly assigned to any interventions. This article is of good quality of this study.

Summary

Conclusion

References

 Catalano, P.M., & Koutrouvelis, G.O. (2021). Obesity in Pregnancy. American College of

Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 137 (6) 128-143. Obesity in Pregnancy (acog.org) (Links to an external site.)Masturzo B., Franzè V., Germano C., Attini R., Gennarelli G., Antonella L., Rolfo A., Plazzotta C., Brunelli E., Youssef A., Todros T., Farina A. Risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes by pre- pregnancy Body Mass Index among Italian population: a retrospective population-based cohort study on 27,807 deliveries. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. (2019) Apr;299(4):983-991. doi: 10.1007/s00404-019-050930

https://chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=c8h&AN=135556049&site=ehost-live&scope=site (Links to an external site.)Center for Disease Control. (2022, January 20) Pregnancy complications. Retrieved from Pregnancy Complications | Maternal and Infant Health | CDCThe U.S. Burden of Disease Collaborators. (2018). The state of U.S. health, 1990-2016 burden of diseases, injuries and risk factors among U.S. states. JAMA, 319 (14), 1444-1472. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.0158World Health Organization. (2022, January 21) Obesity. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/obesityDriscoll, A. & Gregory, E. (2020) Increases in Prepregnancy Obesity: United States, 2016–2019. NCHS Data Brief. No 392. NCHS Data Brief, Number 392, November 2020 (cdc.gov)Appendix

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rapid development in technology in Adidas CompanyContents

TOC o “1-3” h z u Adidas Company PAGEREF _Toc378181912 h 1Introduction PAGEREF _Toc378181913 h 1

IntroductionThe rapid development in technology has made the world become so competitive that companies across the world are trying hard to get over one another by being distinctive in the respective field. Adidas is world renowned company for sports equipment, clothing as well as, other accessories. The Company was established in Germany in 1949, by Adolf Dassler. The name Adidas is known to be synonymous with the sporting industry. Today, the Adidas Company has become a global public company as well as, one of the largest sports brands around the world. The company mainly targets the youth, the consumers from upper middle class, the consumers who love sports as well as the consumers who are fashionable and stylish (Brassington, & Pettitt, 2003). In summary, the paper will give a report on Adidas’ marketing mix assessmentAdidas Company Marketing mixIt is evident that every organization across the world is looking at their marketing in relation to the marketing mix. Marketing mix is significant in assessing and balancing the elements of the mix that helps in meeting the needs of the customers. The four P’s include;ProductThe main aim of the company is to satisfy the needs or wants of the consumers. As a result, the company is developing a new innovative technology that will make them to continue competing with Nike and Puma. The company upholds its brand by upgrading as well as improving the products’ innovative features along with quality in order to satisfy its customers. The company has maintained a culture of providing products with high quality to their customers. Its product portfolio is enhanced through innovations where they provide a well known brand for sports apparels, accessories and equipments.PriceThe Company is able to penetrate the marketing because their products seem to be cheaper than their competitors such as Nile, Fila and many others. As a result, the Company is developing a market skimming strategy which will help them in pricing their products. This is significant because it will help the company to continue achieving their set goals and objectives. The company’s involvement in evaluation practices will help the company to ensure that their products will always stay competitive at the point of sale.PlaceThe Company distributes some of their products to the various sporting outlets such as the Royal Sporting House. The company future plans in regard to places where they will sell their products will include online purchasing through the internet. Conversely, the company is adopting a global plan that will help the company in promoting their products to the consumers. The company is also setting up an “integrated distribution roadmap” that will ensure that there is further growth as well as, to increase the brand presence in affluent cities.PromotionAdidas Company promotion objective is to become the number one sporting brand worldwide. The company’s’ promotion mix includes use of Internet, point of sale, advertising through mass media as well as the “impossible is Nothing” campaign. Today, the company sells products in almost all country across worldwide. The company has adopted different promotional tools that will help them in reducing the number of lost customers as well as, to increase sales. The Company is also setting up an incomparable portfolio of the promotion partnerships with the international recognized sports associations which include UEFA, FIFA, and NBA.Strengths of Adidas CompanyThe Adidas Company has innovative ways that involve the use of technologies to attract consumers. The strong and innovative marketing since years have enabled the company to create strong brand retention in the mind of the customers. For example, they are able to express a new variety of their products every time. The Company on the other hand, has developed a long heritage along with high brand value since 1924 that offers quality products as well as, attracting educated employees who are willing to communicate the message of their products. In addition, the company is also known to have bees sponsoring major sports events such as Olympics and major sportsmen. The other strength of Adidas Company is that it has a worldwide presence which is internationally recognized. All these strengths enable the Adidas Company to meet the needs of their customers and to differentiate the firm from the competitors such as Nike, Reebok, Bata, Liberty, Puma, Fila and many others (Smit, 2006).OpportunitiesHowever, Adidas Company has several opportunities that make it gain its competitive advantage; the firm has various technological advancements as well as emerging international markets that are related to serving the needs of customers in that, the firm satisfy the desire for their products along with experience across other countries. An emerging international market helps the firm in expanding while other countries experiencing economic recession (Riley, 2012). Technological advancement on the other hand allows the Adidas Company in increasing the quality as well as, decreasing the waiting time for their customers. However, the company on the other hand, has an opportunity of keeping up with its competitors; for instance, the company is able to generate about 60 new foot-friendly designs each year. The other opportunity is that the company can venture into making more and more stylish designs and cuts as well as brand building by setting up sports academies (Smit, 2006).Future Strategy plans for Adidas Company

The Adidas Company marketing strategies is to ensure that they are at the top sports brand across the world. The company has planned to do this by ensuring that all the athletes are faster, cooler and stronger. Its other strategy is to create new customer experiences by training as well as increasing the global footprint (Ziervogal, Müller & Suffenplan, 2008). The company’s’ future plans are to position the footwear range as the premium brand for people taking athletics. Adidas has also developed a mid sole energy capsules which is an innovative technology that will help in building the brand similar to what its competitors such as Nike and Reebok did in early 80s.The company on the other hand, will run promotions as well as, sampling for the boost range in countries such as Berlin, Boston and London marathons. Its other future strategies plans are to promote the range at Parkrun, a series of weekly running events across the world. The Adidas Company future strategies plan is to adopt skimming pricing strategy in contrast to its competitors and to identify places where they will continue selling their products such as online purchase, sporting outlets and Adidas outlet. The BCG matrix of the Adidas assumes that, the Company enjoys its market share by making high profits when they sell their new branded products, and so the company will continue to enjoy the scale of economies that gives them benefits to achieve their competitive advantage. The Adidas market is expanding because of high growth but not that the company is investing its additional investment resources into its product line.ConclusionThe Adidas Company has a very extensive marketing process, and the way they address their marketing mix process provides a good example of the way major corporations should develop a marketing mix for the better development of the organizations’ marketing strategy and tactics. The four P’s allows Adidas to have the ability of connecting to consumers surrounded by the targeted market. The ability of Adidas Company to create a successful marketing mix has enabled them to produce a good result and a high quality and branded products compared to those companies who choose wrong mix that has led them to fail in their marketing strategies hence resulting to the dissolve of the business. Generally, marketing of the product focuses on the 4p’s in the marketing mix. The marketers therefore, need to carefully analyze the demand of the customers within a specific market in order to find out the specific products that can respond to the market demand.

Marketing is a mutualism existing between the companies and customers. Marketing is an important process given that most people are able to acquire all that they may need or want by means of an exchange. For instance, the role of companies is to ensure that they supply the needs of the customers who tend to buy their products. The main aim of the marketing process is to create value for customers who in turn will give value for the company in the form of profit and equity. For instance, the Adidas Company has innovative ways that involve the use of technologies to attract consumers. For example, they are able to express a new variety of their products every time. The Company on the other hand, has developed a niche in the market that offers good products as well as, attracting educated employees who are willing to communicate the message of their products. All these strengths enable the Adidas to meet the needs of their customers given that it allows the company to differentiate itself from other competitors.

References

Brassington, F., & Pettitt, S. (2003). Principles of marketing (3rd ed.). New York: FT/Prentice Hall.

Bruce, M. (2008). SWOT analysis: a tool for making better business decisions.. London: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Risk Management Agency.

Kotler, P. (2006). Principles of marketing (3rd ed.). New York: Prentice-Hall.

Wagner, J. A., & Hollenbeck, J. R. (2008). Organizational behavior: securing competitive advantage (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall.

Smit, B. (2006). Pitch invasion: three stripes, two brothers, one feud – Adidas and the making of modern sport. London: Allen Lane.

Ziervogal, R., Müller, D., & Suffenplan, H. (2008). Ralf Ziervogel: every Adidas got its story. London: Koenig Books ;.

Racism and research: Case of Tuskegee

Name

Institution

Date

Racism and Research: The Case of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study.

Racism and Research was a study conducted by Allan M. Brandt on occurrence of racism when it comes to scientific research using the case of Tuskegee Syphilis as his case study. The Tuskegee Syphilis Study was a study conducted on African-American men to observe the natural occurrence of syphilis on them. The study was carried out by researchers who took 600 black men, 399 with syphilis 201 without and conducted the study without their knowledge. The researchers told the men that their blood was being taken to test for bad blood hence the participants were unaware of what was being really done. The researchers made sure that the 399 men with syphilis remained unaware of possible penicillin treatment so as to continue with their study. The study was conducted for up to 40 years when an Associated Press story exposed what had been going on. Allan M. Brandt is medicine historian and Professor of the History of Science at Harvard University. Allan M. Brandt wrote an article by the name Racism and Research: The Case of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, to show the racial background behind the Tuskegee Syphilis study (Brandt, 2012).

Tuskegee research raised a lot of question whether it was valid or not. Brandt in his research wanted to find out if racism played a role in certain scientific research. The research questions involved in this study included

Did the participants have enough knowledge on the research that was conducted on them?

Was the Public Health Service and Tuskegee Institute justified to conduct the research?

Did racism play a par in these scientific research?

In order to conduct the research, Allan Brandt came up with hypotheses that would have helped him arrive to his findings

H0 The Tuskegee research was justified and ethical and had no impact on African Americans.

H1 The Tuskegee research conducted on young African American men was racist, had an impact on trust between African – Americans and health care providers

In testing the hypothesis, Allan used qualitative research method to gather his data which involved extensive document analysis. This data selection method involved getting all material on the Tuskegee research and compiling them. He also used material from other authors who had weighed in on the matter determining how ethical or unethical the research was. In selecting the participants of the Tuskegee study, Dr. Raymond Vonderlehr assembled men who would be sampled and stated that they were being tested for bad blood a term that was used to describe cases such as syphilis and anemia. They went through thorough examination including x-rays and spinal tab in order to know their incidence of neuro-syphilis. The research had been conducted in good faith as United States Public Health Service had promised the Macon County that they would treat the people who had been infected. Allan also got hold of conversation between Clark and Dr. Vonderlehr that helped out in his research.

The research by Allan Brandt had the following findings; the Tuskegee syphilis study showed that major ethical issues in the medical research field needed to be looked into to avoid the repeat of such a study. One of the key issues of the Tuskegee study was lack of informed consent. The 600 participants of the case had been misled to take part in the research by being lied to that the research was about testing for bad blood but in the real sense it was to check the nature of syphilis among black men. The researchers were supposed to let all their subjects know about all the aspects of the research but since they knew it would greatly affect their willingness to participate, they didn’t inform them.

Another major ethical issue was brought about by the withholding of any form of treatment that could be offered to the 399 black men with syphilis, for the purpose of their research. The 399 syphilis suffering patients were not given welfare consideration since they were not informed of the penicillin treatment. Researchers who took part in the Tuskegee study tried to justify themselves that penicillin was not yet proven to be the best option for curing syphilis since it had negative effects on patients. A group of physicians believed that it was better to deal with the minimal damages of penicillin while another felt the drug would lead to much harm. The claims of the penicillin effect on patients did not justify that subjects should have been given a choice about continuing in the study once penicillin was available.

According to Allan M. Brandt research article, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study occurred at a time when Darwinism gave a new angle for American racism. Some people believed that primitive peoples, could not reach the level of white civilization. Scientists claimed that the African Americans were doomed in the struggle for survival. Cultural diversity is the existent of many ethnic or cultural groups in society. There existed a cultural diversity among the white and African American that led to racism since the white thought of themselves as superiors. The Tuskegee syphilis study was meant to evaluate the natural progression of syphilis in black men because white men believed their syphilis cases were different from those of black men. White Americans thought there were health disparities hence their syphilis would not be the same as that of the African Americans (Tuskegee syphilis experiment).

White Americans had based their superiority from Darwinism which claimed that man evolved from monkeys. Whites thought that the black man was closer to the monkeys in the evolution chain and they were highest. Many scientists then went on to say that African Americans were not likely to survive as time goes by due to evolution. The claims made by the white scientists were wrong for the African American only has more melanin compared to them hence his darkness. Due to the superiority belief that the whites had, they went on to try and enslave the blacks as well as oppress them for they believed they were powerful and more superior to the other race hence the lying in the Tuskegee report to the African Americans and the use of knowledge to their advantage.

Empathy was not shown in the olden days since White Americans saw themselves being more superior. The whites thought that all other races were primitive and did not have a chance in survival. The lack of empathy for other races led to them mistreating them and seeing them as animals rather than humans hence slavery occurred. The Tuskegee study confirms that the researchers who were whites, lacked empathy for the blacks for they conducted the study without their consent and did so for 40 years. Even when a treatment was available, though it had side effects, they did not care to inform their subjects but went on to take blood in the name of bad blood finding. It is due to the notion that the white men created that they are more superior that causes them to have empathy towards other cultures and races.

An African-American patient’s attitude towards a medical research was measured. African American’s mistrust doctors, scientists, and the government due to unethical conduct of previous cases. African Americans are treated poorly than the White Americans hence they have a negative attitude towards researches done by the medical body. In the Tuskegee study, the African Americans could have been pressured to agree to the study or might have not understood what they were getting themselves into. As a result of an attitude towards authoritative figures such as nurses and doctors, they were forced to sign the contracts for agreement.

Future directions that were proposed for the research were recommendations to be put in place on how research could be conducted. Although research may be conducted on a man to save his life or that of others, then participants need to be on the know of what research is being conducted on them and the future implications that the research may have. Racism needs to be dealt with as at times subjects of African Americans get experiments done on them without full knowledge and tend to be treated differently than the white participants, In the case of the Tuskegee Study, it revealed more about the case of racism as compared to a study on syphilis. The study also had an impact on why most African Americans are still wary of health care providers.

The Tuskegee syphilis report has over the years led to a global self-awareness of the public health. The Tuskegee study has led to ethical standards being given much importance such that everyone is given the right to make formal decisions that could change their dignity, justice to be offered to all hence no segregation of a certain group, and also the health of an individual to be given priority. (The Tuskegee Syphilis Study and Its Implications for the 21st Century, 2015) Tuskegee serves as a very good example of unethical practice all over the world for it portrays racism, lack of empathy and a bad attitude towards others.

Reference

Brandt, Allan M. (2012). "Racism and research: The case of the Tuskegee Syphilis study." The Hastings Center Report 8(6): 21-29.