Micromint micropayment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Micromint micropayment - Essay Example The scrip ensures there is a permanent relationship between the customer and the vendor. This according to Rivest (1997, p. 45), is inconvenience for a vendor. To perform each transaction, the consumer goes to the broker for exchange of the vendor scrip. In spite of the security features of Millicent System; it is still exposed to cyber crimes. Future systems ought to be improved using public keys for encryption. This can protect sensitive information from reaching intruders. Additionally, network security techniques ought to be applied to eliminate the risk of man-in-the-middle attack. Glassman, S., Manasse, M., Abadi, M., Gauthier, P & Sobalvarro, P 2013, â€Å"The MilliCent Protocol for Inexpensive Electronic Commerce†, Fourth International World Wide Web Conference, Darmstadt, Germany. Rivest, R 1997, â€Å"Electronic Lottery Tickets as Micropayments†, in R. Hirschfeld (Ed.), Financial Crypography: First International Conference (FC ‘97), Anguilla, British West Indies, Feb. 24-28, Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Vol. 1318, pp. 307-314). Yacobi, Y 1997, â€Å"On the Continuum Between On-line and Off-line E-cash Systems†, in R. Hirschfeld (Ed.), Financial Cryptography: First International Conference (FC ’97), Anguilla, British West Indies, February 24-28, Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Vol. 1318, pp.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao - Essay Example ois Macomber.’ This paper helps to provide an insight into how the author has made use of the feeling of absence very beautifully in the story as he talks about how the lives of people in the shadow of dictatorship and living in exile were full of loss and has also pointed out absence in the form of immigrants. In the middle of Oscar’s pathetic existence, Yunior tells the story of how terrifying it was to live under the dictatorship for Oscar’s mother and grandparents. They underwent blood soaked years of the Trujillo dictatorship full of paranoia, torture, secret police, murder and fear.   These are the words that describe life in a small, tropical dictatorship run by a psychopath.  Not coincidentally, they also describe the legacy of the Twentieth Century. The book helps in describing the dark path that the immigrant, Oscar, was made to tread upon and the various events that he went through during the course of his lifetime. The idea of absence has been provided in a very descriptive manner as the author has tried to point out instances with respect to the emotion. The first taste of absence maybe felt by the readers by the mention of the immigrant family that Oscar was from. Immigrants are people who have been forced to flee their home countries and live elsewhere because of social or moral issues prevailing within society. In actuality, they are not able to fit well within other societies because of problems of acceptance faced by other people around them. Thus, they feel lonely and are one of the most key aspects of describing absence and loneliness. Furthermore, Diaz has made use of the backdrop of dictatorship and exile under the purview of which the protagonists of the story were living. The author describes the absence of friendship and prevalence of loneliness in Wao’s life; â€Å"In the old days when his so-called friends would hurt him or drag his trust through the mud he always crawled voluntarily back into the abuse, hour of fear and

Differences of the psychodynamic and behavioural approaches

Differences of the psychodynamic and behavioural approaches While psychodynamic and behavioural approaches are the two major approaches to personality, they view personality from different perspective. Psychodynamic approach argues personality is caused by forces in the unconscious but not learnt. Individuals have little control over their behaviour as it is predetermined, and early childhood plays a crucial part in shaping ones personality. Behavioural approach, on the other hand, recognizes personality as learnt and focuses only on present behaviour matters. Given the differences, it has been argued whether, in terms of scientific merit, psychodynamic or behavioural approach is more comprehensive. The strengths of psychodynamic approach are consideration of childhood experiences and recognition of the unconscious part. On the contrary, behavioural approach focuses on behaviour that can be scientifically measured and verified, and recognizes the importance of external environment on personality. From the above arguments, it is finally conclu ded, in term of methodology and testability, behavioural approach is more comprehensive. Introduction The scientific merit of psychodynamic and behavioural approaches to personality is quite different in terms of supporting whether personality is largely inborn or learnt. The term scientific merit here is defined as the methodology employed and testability of the approaches. On one hand, it has been argued psychodynamic approach relies too heavily on unconscious mind whose existence is hard to prove; on the other hand, behavioural approach has also been criticized for being overly environmentally determinist while overlooking mental processes. The following essay is to critically compare and contrast these two approaches from various aspects, and deduce which one is more encompassing. The psychodynamic approach argues experiences in childhood have significant influence on the development of adult personality without their consciousness. Freud (1969), the founder of psychodynamic approach to psychology, suggested the psyche consists of the following three parts: the preconscious, the conscious, and the unconscious. Among these three, individuals are only not aware of the unconscious part, in which there is always conflict between the id and the superego. The id is unconscious basic drives present in the newborn, and the superego represents the conscience developed by living in a community. These two parts of the psyche has to be managed by the ego, which mediates between the impulses of the id and social constraints. Freud argued that every child must undergo the psycho-sexual stages and their experiences play a large part in adult development, particularly the development of personality. (Freud, 1969). According to behavioral approach, personality is viewed as a pattern of learned behaviors developed through either classical or operant conditioning, and then further molded by reinforcement such as punishment or rewards. Classical conditioning, first proposed by Pavlov (1936), is learning through association, which suggested individual learns to connect a neutral stimulus with a reflex response such as anger or delight. Also, operant conditioning, primarily proposed by B. F. Skinner (1974), is learning through the outcomes of behaviour. If ones behaviour is rewarded, then it will be maintained or increased; if it is penalized, it will be weakened and even extinguished. There are several substantial differences between psychodynamic and behavioural approaches. Comparatively, psychodynamic approach recognizes that experiences in childhood have influence throughout our lives without our consciousness. It provides important framework for judging ones personality and behaviour. For example, the reason for a person committing murder may be the fact that his violent father has always physically-punished him since childhood. Nevertheless, behavioural approach argued most human behaviour is mechanical, and ones personality is simply the product of stimuli and responses. Therefore, the psychodynamic approach acknowledges everyone can suffer mental illnesses and conflicts without their faults. Compared with the psychodynamic approach, another weakness of the behavioural approach is that it ignores the part of unconscious. According to Social Learning Theory, Bandura (1989) has suggested cognitive factors cannot be overlooked if learning is needed to be understood. Bandura has also noted that while reward and punishment substantially shape ones personality, cognition has as much impact as they do. Also, the principles of behavioural approach have mainly been tested on animals. It implies some findings may not be applicable to human being, who is much more complex. On the other hand, one of the strengths of behavioural approach over psychodynamic approach, in term of testability, is that it only focuses on behaviour that can be tested and observed, which makes it very useful in experiments under laboratory setting where behaviour can be observed and verified. Therefore, the results derived from behavioural approach have been, and continue to be, objectively and reliably measured. In terms of methodology, the behavioural approach focuses on the present instead of examining ones past or their medical history. In some cases, this can be a kind of strength, especially for those suffering from their abnormal behaviour. For them, instead of knowing the causes, getting rid of the unpleasant behaviour is much more important. For example, a person with an irrational impulse to brush his teeth unnecessarily many times a day is more concerned about ridding himself of this unnatural behaviour. Compared with behavioural approach, the major criticism of psychodynamic approach is that it cannot be scientifically verified or observed. In fact, no one is even able to design an experience which can effectively refute psychodynamic theory. There is no way to prove whether the unconscious really exists, and whether a restrained memory is real or not. Therefore, psychodynamic approach does not have solid scientific evidence underpinning the arguments about personality. Another weakness would be the fact that most of the evidence for psychodynamic theories was taken from Freuds case studies, such as Little Hans. (Freud, 1969). The main problem is that the case studies are based on studying one person in detail, and they tend to be highly subjective. This makes generalisations to the wider population difficult and not representative enough. Conclusion In term of methodology and testability, behavioural approach is more encompassing for the following reason. Firstly, unlike psychodynamic approach which can hardly be scientifically observed or tested, behavioural approach has proved to be useful in scientific experiments under laboratory setting where results can be reliably verified. Secondly, behavioural approach, in terms of methodology, recognizes the influence of the external environment on ones personality. Finally, most of the evidence for psychodynamic theories was taken from Freuds case studies, which is very subjective and it is hard to generalize results to a larger population.

Determination of a Rate Equation Essay -- GCSE Chemistry Coursework In

Determination of a Rate Equation Rate equation has the form rate = k [A]x[B]y which shows how the rate of a chemical reaction depends on the concentration of the reactants (A&B) and the rate constant k. The rate equation normally indicates what species are involved in the rate-determining step and how many species are involved. A rate equation is used to describe how the concentration of a product increases or the concentration of the reactants decreases with time, the equation also indicates how the concentration of one or more reactants directly affects the rate. Occasionally it can even be the concentration of a product that affects the rate. In general the rate equation for the reaction: A + B C + D Is found by experiment to follow simple kinetics with the rate equation being written as: Rate = k [A]x[B]y k = rate constant, x = order with respect to [A], y = order with respect with [B]. There are three orders of reactions, zero order, first order and second order. Zero order = the rate does not depend upon the concentration of the reactant. The rate of reaction is fixed. Doubling or tripling the concentration of the reactant makes no difference to the rate. Thus: Rate of reaction = k or rate of reaction = k[A]0. First order = the rate of reaction depends directly upon the concentration of the reactant. If the concentration of the reactant is doubled, the rate doubles, thus: Rate of reaction = k[A] or rate of reaction = k[A]1 Second order = the rate of reaction depends directly upon the square of the concentration of the reactants. If its concentration is doubled, its rate of reaction quadruples. Thus: Rate of reaction = k[A]2 The graph below shows zero, first and second order reactions and how changes in the co... ...ean that the concentration would be altered so this wouldn’t work. Also when doing the experiment the temperature was not always constant in the surroundings and in the solution. This could have affected the rate of reaction by some reactions happening faster and some slower than the others. To improve this i could make sure all the solutions were at the same temperature before starting the reaction. This would then ensure that the test was being conducted fairly and that way i could get more accurate results. To improve the experiment and minimise errors I can try and devise a better method that would ensure that all of the above errors were reduced. When measuring out my solutions I was taking readings from below the meniscus, this reduced the numbers of errors in my results. REFERENCES:  · Cambridge chemistry 2 text book  · Letts revision guide.  · Class notes.

Legal aspects of cultural diversity Essay

Cultural diversity is of great essence to any community, just as diversity is important to the living organisms which can in fact, have their ecological system adversely affected, lack of cultural diversity can lead to an increase in the risk of economic and political instabilities. This therefore implies that it is very important to preserve cultural diversity. Its preservation, above all conflicts and security concerns has made it to be of much concern in the global arena. For effective integration of the cultural diversity there is need to develop and enact laws that are intended to preserve it so as to continue enjoying its numerous benefits (Heuberger, Gerber, & Anderson, 1999). Legal aspects of cultural diversity A major fundamental characteristic that is emerging as a result of political space that is increasingly widening globally is not so much due to plurality but as a result of polarity of thoughts coming from different corners of the globe which vary significantly. The polarity of these ideas naturally corresponds to the cultural diversity of the communities. Polarity does not necessarily lead to development in the negative direction in the process of social politics. However, there is need to derive some values which are useful from this particular development. This therefore means that there should be efforts which are aimed at developing institutional mechanisms, which apart from acknowledging the existence of cultural diversity they also stress on the fundamental consensual principles and values as a basis of any state. The potentiality of such opportunities lies in the enactment of laws intended to safe guard cultural diversity, such laws should be well entrenched in a country’s supreme law, that is, the constitution (Tarver, 1999). The ethnic and cultural diversity is a broad area which can be very problematic should states fail to adequately cater for them in their laws of the land. When properly managed, cultural diversity is capable of producing positive fruits in the development of institutional structures aimed enhancing integration of various cultures. It is therefore important to note that dealing with ethnic and cultural diversity is not only a sensitive issue but a complex one too. Thus it is of much essence to include virtually all the stakeholders while coming up with laws of regulating and governing this diversity. This is very important since if such a process is not well managed the minorities are likely to feel left out in the development of their nations and thus opposed to its objectives. This can result into anarchy in a country, which can easily lead to tribal conflicts which do not auger well for the economic and political stability of a nation (Mitullah, 2002). The differences in various cultures are not absolute, they can therefore, be mediated positively through a well engineering process of the constitution of the country or other laws governing the state. This is a task that every country should endeavor to accomplish so as to avoid instances of discrimination of minorities. Their values too should be well taken care of and appreciated in a similar manner as those of the majority. Making laws on such basis will ensure that no single culture is left out in the task of nation building as they are all important and each form an integral part of the nation and thus a state cannot function optimally without the inclusion of all the cultures existing within its boundaries (Mitullah, 2002). By the laws properly addressing the issue of cultural diversity the states are likely to be saved from effects of conscious mobilization of people based on their culture and ethnic origins by their elites who are selfish and only interested in their political gains as opposed to the greater good of the entire nation. Such laws should ensure that there is eradication of political processes in which politicians are able to divide people during the periods of campaigns through ideas of cultural differences instead of policies that are needed by the state in order to develop both democratically and economically and thus liberate the citizens from the handicaps of ethnicity and their respective cultures. The laws should enable the citizens to perceive each culture in the country as an important part in the general development of the nation (Mitullah, 2002). In many countries ethnic or cultural social engineering so as to achieve myopic political goals is a major challenge in attaining credible political and economic stability. Not unless such is adequately addressed several countries will continue suffering and their development objectives delayed. Such short comings can be effectively addressed if there are laws and statutes to cater for cultural diversity so that it can be used to yield good fruits for these nations as opposed to situations of political and economic instabilities resulting from failing to manage cultural diversity in a proper manner (Lewis, 2007) Conclusion Cultural diversity when well managed in any given society is capable of yielding a lot of benefits to the all the nationalities. There is need therefore to ensure that it is well preserved and adequately taken care of so as to realize the benefits of stable economies and political systems. By appreciating cultural diversity the members of the different communities are able to borrow the strong values from other cultures and this will lead to the emergence of a culture that incorporates all the cultural diversities that exist within their limits. This can be effectively addressed in laws and statutes which should be oriented at ensuring that cultural diversity is preserved. Reference: Heuberger, B. , Gerber, D. & Anderson, R. (1999): Strength through Cultural Diversity; Journal Article of Multiculturalism Vol. 47, Issue 4. Lewis, M. (2007): Cultural Norms and Political Mobilization: Accounting for Local and State-Level Liquor Laws, 1907-1919, Journal of Cultural Geography, Vol. 24, Issue 8. Mitullah, W. V. (2002): Recognising and Respecting Cultural Diversity in the Constitution, Retrieved on 22nd May 2009 from, http://www. commonlii. org/ke/other/KECKRC/2002/5. html. Tarver, M. L. (1999): Law Enforcement Diversity Training And Technology, Retrieved on 22nd May 2009 from, http://aabss. org/journal1999/f13Tarver. html.

Tilting Windmills: Sanex Tries to Conquer Europe

Course: Marketing Management Case Study: â€Å"Tilting Windmills – Sanex Tries to Conquer Europe 1st Question: What were the reasons for the success of Sanex in Spain? The product Sanex, or moreover the Sanex concept, became a success in Spain because the company responsible for it, CVL, and it’s local President, Mr. Martin Munoz, carried out one of the first rules of Marketing: they invented a Consumer’s need and provided the right answer for it. Mr. Munoz was able to find a gap in the Household and Personal Care (HPC) Market, and namely in the Bath & Shower Products Market, where we could only find, in the mid 1980’s, 2 types of products: Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals. After studying this market along with his management team, Mr. Munoz realized that the first ones were perceived as lower end products, abrasive (sometimes giving rashes to its users) and with strong scents, only suitable for cleaning one’s body and not offering additional properties. The second ones were perceived by costumers as being suitable for almost medicinal purposes only, with no day-to-day applicability. Pharmaceuticals were not appealing to the mass consumer, namely because they had no perfume in its composition, besides being rather more expensive than their counterpart ones. We could find Cosmetics in supermarket chains and Pharmaceuticals in pharmacies. In this way, we can say that Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals divided the Bath & Shower Products Market, but in fact these were 2 completely different segments of the Market, with totally different approaches and Marketing Mix, being it in terms of Product, Price, Placement or Publicity. Accordingly, Mr. Munoz realized that there was a huge gap in the Market and thus started developing a product that should position itself between Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals: it should be cleansing as Cosmetics were, but slightly milder, and should offer a protection side as the Pharmaceuticals did. It should embrace the best of those 2 opposite worlds, but should be aimed at the mass consumer market. The result was the creation of Sanex and of a whole new category in the Body Care Market: Dermo-Protectors. The team readily started to develop and fine tune the Marketing Mix of Sanex. 1 Concerning the product in itself, they chose it to be white in order to differentiate itself from cosmetics (colorful) and pharmaceuticals (transparent). Sanex should also be soft and slightly perfumed. Cosmetics had strong perfumes and pharmaceuticals were odorless. Sanex should produce more foam lather than pharmaceuticals, but less than cosmetics. Sanex would ultimately have to provide a day-to-day cleansing function but also a protective effect to ones skin, thus contributing for it to be healthy. A great deal of concern was also taken into account concerning the packaging of the product. In terms of pricing, and regarding the positioning of the product, Sanex should be proposed at a premium price, closely linked with the highest price of its cosmetic counterpart so that it could be reachable by mass consumers. This was considered to be the right price. Another important aspect concerning its large scale availability was distribution, and Sanex was thought out to be available in supermarket chains and retail outlets. Lastly, a great deal of importance was given to the communication aspect. Being a whole new product, produced by a company that was in this market for the first time, Mr. Munoz realized that awareness of the product would be very important so he asked for an advertising campaign that should be adroit and credible, able to convey the message that using Sanex would not only result in a clean skin but also in an healthy skin. This was the Sanex concept. A whole new different concept. With the correct Marketing Mix, Sanex was launched in Spain in 1985 and became a winner almost instantly. Followers appeared with â€Å"substitute† products beginning in 1986, but Mr. Munoz used its 1st mover advantage and continued investment of revenue in strong advertising support, year after year, to ultimately achieve a Share of Voice of 37% in 1990 and continued leading market share throughout those years. 2 2nd Question: Do you think the reasons for success and the strategies used in Spain can migrate to other countries? Being a concept that didn’t exist in many other countries, Sanex had all odds in favor in order to replicate the success it had in Spain in other countries. That way, the reasons for success were all there. In fact, Mr. Munoz was invited by Sara Lee/DE headquarters, the mother company of CVL, based in the Netherlands, to roll out Sanex throughout Europe as a coordinator. Mr. Munoz’s firm beliefs were that the objectives, product policy and marketing policy of introducing Sanex should be identical for all the countries, and replicated exactly as done in Spain. Initially the different subsidiaries in countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, UK and Greece were quite unfavorable, namely due to the name of the brand and product characteristics. In the Netherlands, France and Denmark, management’s disbelief was confirmed by initial market research and local product testing that presented dismal results. However, in time, Sanex proved to be a success in all this markets and the way it got there was by implementing the same strategy and keeping the same product name and identity, as defined by Mr. Munoz. The only country where Sanex failed was in the UK, apparently because it was the only one where local management distorted the original product by changing the product’s name (from Sanex to Sante) and the market strategies accordingly. This way, it appears that Sanex could become a global brand and its marketing mix could be implemented in different countries, with minor adaptations, as illustrated by the stated above. I think this is particularly true in countries such as those in the EU where there is a convergence in terms of buying power, people’s interests/concerns, market structure and distribution channels. Last but not least, if nothing else, the uniqueness of the product/brand/concept should allow it to cut across borders and be managed as a whole.