Repression in Russia in the period 1900-1929 Essay Example for Free

Repression in Russia in the period 1900-1929 Essay Why did the rulers of Russia so often resort to repression in the period 1900-1929? Repression was used under both Nicholas 2 and the Bolsheviks to control the Russian population. The liberal methods employed preceding both governments (Alexander 2 and the Provisional Government respectively) failed completely and discouraged any other form of liberal or democratic controls. The strict extremist ideologies of both the Tsarist and Bolshevik regimes also necessitated violent repression to ensure total compliance. This was needed due to the major political upheavals taking place the decline of Tsarism despite Nicholas determination to continue his autocratic rule and the rise of Bolshevism to replace it meant that both parties needed to take a very harsh line. This was exacerbated by the fact that neither party came to power with the legitimate vote of the public and so faced strong opposition that they wished to eliminate. Conflict, in the form of Civil War and the Great War, was an apparent complication in both regimes. This caused additional economic disarray and social disruption, hindering the plans of the 2 major governments of this era. Consequently this encouraged the use of repression in an attempt to resurrect the country and increase their power. Further difficulties during this period were caused by Russias long term long problems, particularly the vast land area and a high percentage of distinct ethnic minorities causing a lack of cohesion and sense of national identity. Bad communications and retardation of industrialisation meant poor social conditions which led to vocal rebellious groups requiring violent put downs i.e. repression. Russia, at this time, appeared ungovernable without resorting to repression and dictation. Repression was seeded by the lack of an alternative available to Russian rulers at this time. The Bolsheviks were further discouraged from democracy by the failure of the Provincial Government after just 6 months in 1917. The refusal of this government to use repression was highlighted by some of the reforms they undertook abolition of capital punishment and closure of the Okhrana (secret police) and the Cossacks. Lack of army support due to the Petrograd Soviet agreement made control harder as the problems left by the Tsar (economic collapse and rebellious minorities) could not be dealt with. The public began to realise that authority could be easily flouted without the threat of punishment. Consequently, Lenin realised that coercion was required to rule Russia and that repression through the Army could be achieved when his slogan All power to the Soviet was realised. Alexander 2, grandfather to Nicholas 2, was seen as the reforming Tsar- mainly due to his emancipation of the serfs in 1861. He was assassinated by a party representing these very people at the 7th such attempt. Nicholas 2 realised (as the failure of the Provincial Government was to do for the Bolsheviks) that power was questioned when repression was not implemented. Although Lenin also used repression, the similarity in personalities between Nicholas 2 and Stalin meant that both used similar methods. Both were intensely paranoid about the publics perception that they were weak. To disprove this, both resorted to violent repressive tactics. Repression under Lenin was more calculated he talked of the coercion needed for the transition from capitalism to communism. Both governments were autocratic and wished to impose extreme ideologies and therefore required total support which they believed was only achievable by quashing any opposition. Total control was to be achieved by the Tsars divine right to have this and by the Bolsheviks through their classless, one party state. This was shown when Lenin forcibly disbanded the constitution in 1918, because the Bolsheviks would not have had the majority vote they needed for the total control they sought. As a result Lenin became the leader of the only powerful party- the Communists. Later, Stalin increased his control through purges within his own government ensuring his role as the absolute leader reflecting the Tsars goal of omnipotence following the Fundamental Laws. The Tsar required repression of the peasantry (80% of the population) whereas the Bolsheviks faced opposition from the middle and upper classes. Tsarism relied heavily on religion (the Russian Orthodox Church/ROC) to control the people whereas the Bolsheviks saw this as a threat. The ROC taught that the Tsar was God on earth in an attempt to indoctrinate the peasantry to such an extent that they would do as he commanded. Important ministers were often associated with the Church e.g. Pobiedonotstev. After the downfall of Tsarism, Lenin proclaimed the Marxist theory that religion was the opium of the people and proceeded to turn repression onto the church to rid Russia of this perceived powerful opponent to the communist system. Stalin continued the destruction of religion in Russia through the assassination of any cleric he felt had too much influence. The Tsar and the Bolsheviks both faced threatening opposition. The Tsars opponents ranged from the peasant-based Social Revolutionaries (who would later become the Bolsheviks opponents) to the Bolsheviks themselves supported by the working class. The failure of the 1905 revolution after the intervention of the Okhrana and army showed that the Tsar could not have retained power without repression. The Okhrana were also used to rid Russia of revolutionaries such as Lenin himself. The Bolsheviks shared the problems caused by the ethnic minorities and their wish for independence. However, The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk weakened this opposition for the Bolsheviks after it removed 25% of Russian land mainly that housing the minorities. Both regimes faced a wide range of opposition, prompting repression to remove the greatest threats such as the dissolution of the SR-dominated constitution in 1918. Lenin reduced the power of the elite by taking their property and institutions from them. Stalin continued and extended the use of repression eliminating any minor threat, including members of the Communist Party in his Great Purges Conflict encouraged the rulers during this period to resort to repression. The Tsar faced the Russo-Japanese war and the Great War during his reign. The Bolsheviks had to contend with a Civil War. In both cases, repression was used to evoke loyalty and force unification. The Cossacks and Ohkrana were fundamental to the suppression of objectors to the Tsar, as were the Bolshevik equivalents, the Cheka. The Cheka aided Bolshevik victory in the Civil War and were then used by Lenin to forcibly take grain for the soldiers under the Grain Requisition Act despite the distress caused to the peasants. The Tsar also used repression to keep Russia fighting in the Great War including the silencing of anti-war parties and also opposition to the mandatory food rationing by a hungry people. Despite these efforts, war finally brought the downfall of Tsarism after mass desertion from the army effectively took away the last prop of the old regime. The Bolsheviks however, emerged successfully from the Civil War allowing them to consolidate their new-found power with the use of additional repression. Retarded Industrialisation was a long-term problem that is still felt by Russia today. The Tsar attempted to improve Russias industrial affluence whilst maintaining control by repressing the working classes to prevent them revolting. To do this, he banned trade unions and imprisoned the leaders. The Communists also attempted to improve Russias industrial situation- through the conversion from capitalism to communism. The Tsar sought support from other European countries whereas the Communists violently rejected this policy. This meant that the Communists required a greater level of forced labour (i.e. repression) in order to cope without this aid. Stalin hoped to develop Russia into a superpower in his 5-year plans. This involved the use of the forced free labour of non-conformists who were imprisoned in labour camps. The Kulaks (wealthy peasants) were among those sent to such a camp. Collectivisation was a re-introduction of the Grain Requisition and an attempt to revolutionise agriculture along Communist lines and resulted in starvation of the rural population. This repression of the peasantry was also evident in the Tsarist regime to prevent unrest. The long-term problems experienced by Russia at this time encouraged the use of repression as a means of control. The huge population spread over a vast land area meant that in addition to the communication problems caused by sheer size and the abundance of minority groups, it was impossible for any government to meet the demands made by all of the people. The Tsar attempted to deal with this through the enforcement of Russfication and sending the army to eliminate any protesters e.g. in Uzbekistan. The Bolsheviks also faced the minority opposition with violent repression millions of Ukrainians were sent to forced labour camps by Stalin. Prejudice against ethnic groups was rife; anti-Semitism caused repression of Jews under both Tsarist and Bolshevic regimes. Although it can be said that the governments of Nicholas 2, Stalin and to a lesser extent Lenin were repressive by nature, the need for control via repression was inherent within the set up of Russia. Until the fall of communism in Russia in the late 20th century, it was clearly evident that the more lenient governments, such as that of Alexander 2 and Provisional Government were less successful than the more repressive ones although they were hardly given chance to do well, so quick were some to take their place at the first sign of weakness. This acted as an encouragement for the major governments between 1900-1929 to use the secret police, army and threat of imprisonment to deter opposition, repress the peasantry and enforce the ideologies of the government. Repression was imperative for both governments; the Tsarist to cling to power and the Communists to snatch it from them. Both had many unpopular economic, political and social reforms to pass. War highlighted the problems of the country and the presence of strong opposition against both governments. In the view of both it increased the need for repression to realign the economic and social structure. Under both regimes the cause and the effect of repression was the same; it resulted in the death or displacement of many. Unfortunately, it was just a prelude to the terror that was to be experienced during the High-Stalinism of the 1930s. During this decade, 7 million died, mostly after being sent to a labour camp for failing to conform to the Communist ideal of collectivisation.

Piezoelectric Energy Home Analysis

Piezoelectric Energy Home Analysis 1.0 Introduction In Malaysia, each house using electricity at Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). With the use of electricity, the family in each house to do the activities and generate electrical appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and others. Basically when using a lot of electricity, home users should pay a lot of bills. Some homes also have alternative energy like solar, water and wind, but it has disadvantages because of the use of solar energy they generate during the day camp only. While water and wind requires strategic places to generate electricity. Piezoelectric Energy Home more aimed at people always use a lot energy. Nornally piezoelectric energy home is a useful the future alternative energy. In the United States, China and Japan the consumer use this piezoelectric energy home as an alternative energy. At firstly, this piezoelectric is difficult owned alternative energy but in the future, people will easily get and use piezoelectric to help with the saving of energy costs and also a particularly safe environment. 1.1 Problem Statement By using the kinetic energy, consumers can reduce electricity use from Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).  In addition, it is the best alternative energy because it will be produced day and night.  In addition, it can generate anywhere and can be used on anyone.  The kinetic energy function using the piezoelectric system [1].  It is a very easy method to tread plates, electrical energy will be generated and stored in the bank energy (battery) [3]. Bank staff will show the amount of time and energy to live and then send the electricity to electrical equipment (air conditioning) [2] is determined by the user.   1.2 Project Objective The objective of this project is to design a piezoelectric energy home with the following features: To design piezoelectric system to generate electricity from vibrations.   To apply the electrical energy produced to any electrical appliances. To evaluate the voltage produced varies with level and value. 1.3 Project Scope These following scopes are listed to ensured to ensure the project is heading the right direction and achieve the objectives: The board size is 27cm wide and 45cm long will convert the mechanical energy in electrical energy (piezoelectric system). Use the preteus 7 professional software and mikoelektromika software for C language programmers to LCD display (162) the level and value voltage at the battery charging. Can supply electrical appliances which has a capacity 100-220V 50-60Hz for example notebook adapter, hair dryer, curling iron and other things. Chapter 2 2.0 Literature Review 2.1 Overview This chapter describes the literature review which is related to this piezoelectric energy home project. Information about the piezoelectric energy home has been studied from different resources to perform this project. This chapter also carried out the whole project to gain knowledge and skills needed to complete this project. Those sources from thesis and journals will help to identify problems as well as giving ideas for analysis and decision making in this project. The technology that involved or already produced is studied. Study of the PIC, piezoelectric and other circuit used are conducted by referring the previous project that had been done. 2.2 Description of previous project system 2.2.1 Third Order Longitudinal Mode Piezoelectric ceramic transformer and its application to high-voltage power inverter Journal authors [1] pointed out that Figure 2.2.1.1 shows the structure of the in investigated piezoelectric transformer which can operate in the third order longitudinal vibration mode. Triple Stacked tranformer which elements are thin piezoelectric ceramic esare available in the transformer. The transformer has symmetrical secondary electrodes trip at the center of it and a primary electrodes at both ends of the transformer. Figure 2.2.1.1: Structure of triple-layered piezoelectric transformer operating in the third order longitudinal vibration mode. New PZT Actuator Using Piezoelectric Thin Film on Parallel Plate Structure Journals authors [2] display from the Figure 2.2.2.1 shows parallel beam structure. Square hole is mode through the rectangular solid. Then the thin parallel beam structure is constructed. Section modulus of parallel beam is decreased by square hole. Parallel beam structure has many significant features as such: Piling up the the basic structures, we can increase displacement. We can increase rigidity by changing parallel beam thickness. Tip moves in parallel at the end and stiffness to the vertical direction is large. When displacement of the tips is small, stress of the structure is big. Figure 2.2.2.1: Parallel Beam Structure 2.2.3 Vibration Active Control of Fluid Pulsation Based Piezoelectric valve In Figure 2.2.3.1 the journal author [3] describes about structure of the piezoelectric direct drive servovalve is illustrated. It mainly consists of piezoelectric stacks, sleeve, spool and displacement sensor. The annulus piezoelectric stacks, which have holes in the center at drive the spool. When voltage whose amplitudes are equivalent but inverse phases are applied in the two piezoelectric stacks is a elongates and the other simultaneously shortens. Next the spool will move to the special direction the displacement sensor in the hollow of the piezoelectric stack can measure the displacement of the spool. Figure 2.2.3.1: Schematic configuration of the piezoelectric direct drive servivalve 2.2.4 Analysis of Active Vibration Control for Piezoelectric Intelligent Structures by ANSYS and MATLAB Journals authors [4] describes the start of the piezoelctric actuator is operating vibration response containing the revocation of an object used to activate piezoelektric vibration control method. As shown in Figure 2.2.4.1 the output controller will be control the output signals to the actuators and control subjects in the under control. It also use a sensor that can see vibration of the piezoelectric plate or other structure to move the intelligent actuator controller in accordance with the output. In addition, if the actuatorâ‚ ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s output is equal to the vibration response of the structure, least be suppressed or vibration of the structures should be controlled. Figure 2.2.1.1 : Schematic diagram of active vibration control system 2.2.5 Wireless Drive of a Piezoelectric Plate by Dipole antenna Journals authors [5] states piezoelectric plate to the electric field plate shaped transmit he live and ground electrodes are used to form a dipole antenna like structure like live and ground electrodes of the dipole antenna from the piezoelectric plate is placed in a plane perpendicular to the electrodes and equidistant. Figure 2.2.5.1 shows the mode of operation to determine the thickness of the piezoelectric wireless configuration. The material in the plates of lead zirconate titanate piezoelectricu (PZT) ceramic and poled along the thickness direction. The silver electrode on the plate at the top and bottom surfaces. Vibration the applied electricity field direction and both are parallel to the poling direction. The real power at the plate and delivers a load is measuring resistor connected across the two electrodes. Figure 2.2.2.1: Configuration of wirelessly driven piezoelectric plate operating in the thickness mode. 2.2.6 A Research on the Piezoelectric Vibration Actuator for Mobile Phone Journals authors [6] states used in the horizontal diplacement of piezoelctric vibration device. The best way to get elestic body goes through polarized piezoelectric ceramaic plate and the piezoelectric ceramic is a good structure, design and type of parallel bimorph. The piezoelectric vibration device compasition to make the piezoelectric actuator is 0.1 Pb(Ni1/3Nb1/3Sb1/3)O3 to 0.9 Pb(Ni1/3Nb1/3Sb1/3)O3. A vibration device joined piezoelectrictric ceramic two plate plates sized by 25x12x0.1mm3 and phosphor-bronzer size by 28x12x0.1mm3 to two liquid types of epoxy. Figure 2.2.6.1: Running principle. Inverter Inverter circuit serves to convert DC to AC voltage. The inverter circuit to produce a stable output as a integrated circuit CD4047. Astable multivibrator output is due to produce 4.40 RC (pulse width) and the monostable multivibrator output will be produce 2.48 RC (pulse width). After that, the signal will be go to the transistor used as amplifiers. This alows the signal to rise and generate the appropriate signals to produce a stable voltage when arrives the transformer. Battery A battery or voltaic cell is a combination of one or more electrochemical Galvanic cells which store chemical energy that can be converted into electric potential energy, creating electricity. The battery is the primary source of electrical energy. It stores chemicals, not electricity. Two different types of lead in an acid mixture react to procude an electrical pressure. This electrochemical reaction changes chemical energy to electrical energy. Chapter 3 3.0 Methodology 3.1 Introduction This chapter describes how the project developed and what methods will be used and describes the methodology and approach taken in the project. This project consists hardware designing, circuit and of software development. A number of support tools such as PICkit and USB programmer will be used to assist on software and hardware development. Research and literature review which are related must be made before starting this project. Information from similar projects, theory about the microcontroller, piezoelectric and inverter circuit that intended to be used in this project need to be studied. By doing research from the previous works, relevant idea could be generated in order to implement this project. 3.2 Project development Project development consists of two parts hardware and software designs. 3.2.1 Hardware design For hardware design, the circuit is divided into several units based on its functionality. The units are piezoelectric unit, microcontroller unit, power supply unit, inverter unit and interface unit. The piezoelectric unit function for produces mechanical power to electric power and moving the battery. The microcontroller circuit functions as the processor of this battery to show the level and value voltage in interface unit. The power supply unit, it plays major rules in distributing the power to the other unit according to the requirement of the system such as if the microcontroller unit requires 5V voltage, the power supply unit will provide 5V supply to the microcontroller unit. Finally, the electric moving the inverter unit to convert from DC to AC for user can used the electrical appliances. 3.2.2 Software development Microcontroller functions is important as a brain of this system. Microcontroller will show the level and value voltage at battery. Microcontroller build used the c language to MicroC and burning the PIC16F877A at PICkit 2 v2.55. Specifically, these are the tasks that microcontroller performs for this interface battery example level and value voltage. For this project, a familiar microcontroller will be used. 3.2.2.1 PIC microcontroller The PIC16F877A is from the PIC16 microcontroller family, with the some advantages is a high computational performance at an economical price and the addition of high endurance and Enhanced Flash Memory. Then added features include eight additional instructions that augment indirect and indexed addressing operations and the implementation of Indexed Literal Offset Addressing mode for many of the standard PIC16 instructions. In addition to these features, the PIC16F877A introduces design enhancements that make power sensitive applications to project and can build microcontroller a logical device for many high-performance.The PIC16F877A make use of NanoWatt technology that incorporates a range of features that can significantly reduce power and voltage consumption during operation includes: Alternate Run Modes. Multiple Idle Modes. On the Fly Mode Switching. Lower Consumption in Key Modules . Extended Instruction Set. 3.3 Part integration After all harware and software implementation is already finish and testing, all the part need to be integrate. The hardware must place at right location then the program is load into the microcontroller in order to test whether the piezoelectric can running and function to suitable for user. 3.4 Project Block Diagram Figure 3.4.1 : Project Block Diagram Component Description Piezoelectric plate Generate the energy from mechanical power to electric power Piezo regulator The voltage regulator to support 12V DC only and moving the battery to changer. Battery Storage and supply the voltage to give the inverter circuit. PIC and LCD Display The microcontroller use C language to show level and value voltage at LCD Display. Inverter Convert from DC to AC voltage. Electric appliances Electric appliances used by the user which features the 220v supply. Table 1: Component and Description Chapter 4 4.0 Expected Result The user stepping on the floor (piezoelectric plate) it will be generate from mechanical power to electric power because the plate can happen vibration. After that, the generate of electricity, it go in the piezoelectric voltage regulator to stabilize voltage so that it entered into the battery with a constant voltage. Later the battery will be to keep the voltage and go in the inverter to convert from DC to AC voltage1 for user can used the electrical appliances. In addition, the batter also display the level and value voltage by using PIC16F877A and LCD display. Figure 4.0.1: Flow chart Piezoelectric Energy Home. Chapter 5 5.0 Conclusion The project outlines were discussed with briefly. Piezoelectric Energy Home very easily function and safe to use by user. This project is the best alternative energy in a future. Then the user can saving in a payments for use electric. In addition, this project so easier for user to see the level and value voltage stored in the battery. The voltage in this project is stability and can used on all types of electric appliances. 5.1 Reference [1] S.Kawashima1, O.Ohnishi1, H.Hakamata1, S.Tagami1, A.Fukuoka1, T.Inoue1 and S.Hirose2, Third Order Longitudinal Mode Piezoelectric ceramic transformer and its application to high-voltage power inverter, 1NEC Corporation Kawasaki 211, 2Yamagata University Yonezawa 992, Japan,2002. [2] Sato.H , Arai.F, Ishihara.H, Fukuda.T, Iwata.H, Itogawa.K, New PZT Actuator Using Piezoelectric Thin Film on Parallel Plate Structure Department Of Micro. Sys.tem Engineering nagoya University, Japan, 2002. [3] Hongmei Liu2, Pingchao Ouyang2, Yunlong Cai1, Chen Lu1, Jiahui Luan1, Vibration Active Control of Fluid Pulsation Based Piezoelectric valve, 1Department of System Engineering of Engineering Technologi Beihang University, 2501 research institute China Academy of Space Technology Haidian, Beijing, China, 2009. [4] Zhu Xiaojin, Zhao Miao, Gao Zhiyuan, Chen Zhiyan, Analysis of Active Vibration Control for Piezoelectric Intelligent Structures by ANSYS and MATLAB, School of Mechatronics Engineering and Automation Shanghai University, Shanghai, China, 2010. [5] Satyanarayan Bhuyan and Junhui Hu, Wireless Drive of a Piezoelectric Plate by Dipole antenna, School of Electrical Electronic Engineering Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 2009. [6] O.D. Kwon1, J.S. Yoo1, Y.J.Yun1, J.S. Lee3, S.H. Kang2, K.J. Lim1, A Research on the Piezoelectric Vibration Actuator for Mobile Phone, 1School of Electrical Computer Engineering, Chungbuk National University, 1I2 Gaeshin-dong, Heungduk-gu, Chongju, Korea, 2Dept. of fire prevention engineering, chungcheomg University, Korea, 3RD Center, EMD Co., Ltd., Cheonan, Korea, 2005. [7] Jing-yu Yang,Guo-ping Chen, Actuator Placement And Configuration Direction Optimation In Plate Structure Vibration Control System, Nanjing University Of Aeronautics And Astronautics , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 2010. [8] B. J. G. Vautier and S . 0. R. Moheimani, Avoiding Hysteresis in Vibration Control Using Piezoelectric Laminates, The School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science University of Newcastle, Callaghan , Australia, 2003. [9] Takuro Ikeda, Fundamentals of Piezoelectricity, Oxford University, England ,2002. [10] The Jiashi, The Mechanics Of piezoelectric Structure, World scientific New York, 2006.

Dr. Faust, Scientist :: essays research papers

The Webster’s New Collegiate defines a scientist as: One learned in science or Natural science; also know as a scientific investigator. The Dr. Faust described in Marlow’s Faust defiantly fits all of these criteria. He was very learned (or so he thought) in all the different sciences. In here lies his problem, Faust said that he is boarded or sees no reason for analysis, physics, law and divinity (lines 5-60). It is possible that Faust could be looking for a new more interesting science. Therefore because he is constantly searching for more knowledge, under these guidelines, he is defiantly a scientist. It is important to note that unlike most scientists, Faust is not searching for knowledge just to better himself. He is only interested in more knowledge because it produces more power; and power is Faust’s main goal.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  More evidence that Dr. Faust is a scientist lies with in Act 2. This is the act where Faust finally sells his soul and the second thing he asks for are the tools of scientist, books. The first book he wants is a book that â€Å"behold(s) all spells and incantations†(lines 161). He asks for this one first because it beholds more power for him while the books he asks for after this are more for the learned aspect of Faust personality. These other books he now wants that allow him to â€Å" see all the characters and planets of the heaven† and â€Å"(to) see all plants, herbs and trees that grow upon the earth† (lines 165 and168). These last two books provide no direct means for power, unlike the first book of spells. The fact that he does ask for these last two purely intellectual books provide more proof that he is indeed a scientist.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dr. Faust would of found himself at home in the Royal Society for the improving Natural Knowledge. This is true for two reasons: first because he was very interested learning about new sciences, even if he did it for his own needs. He repeats his constant search for more information when he questions the seven deadly sins (lines 105-163). Here he continues to feed his scientific appetites by cross-examine and classifying the sins. Secondly, Faust would be part of this society because like the rest of the society he believed that science and religion is intertwined. Proof that he believes this lies in the fact that he uses religious applications to increase his knowledge.

Dangers of Buying Bottled Water Essay -- Food

Water Consider bottled water, have you ever wondered why you bring yourself to spend two to five dollars on a simple bottle of water? Water is one our earth’s very resources, should it be legal to have to purchase water at all? Wouldn’t you consider water a human right? According to TIME, Nestle’ makes $2.2 billion a year off of bottled water. This company and many like it are taking groundwater from local communities at little to no cost, and selling it at inflated prices as â€Å"purified† water. In the state of Michigan, citizens are protesting the outflow of water. They are claiming that groundwater levels are dangerously dropping and becoming unhealthy. When groundwater begins to drop to an unhealthy level that community must begin rationing out water to some how maintain the levels. This leaves children thirsty and mothers frantically trying to find ways to supply such a necessity to their families. It is not fair that these companies, like Nestle’, are permitted to withdraw 210 million gallons of water a year to sell at a profit that is yet to be figured. In this process, sta...

Essay on Camus’ The Stranger (The Outsider): Meursault as Metaphysical

Meursault as Metaphysical Rebel in The Stranger (The Outsider)  Ã‚     Ã‚   The Stranger by Albert Camus was published in 1942. The setting of the novel is Algiers where Camus spent his youth in poverty. In many ways the main character, Meursault, is a typical Algerian youth. Like them, and like Camus himself, Meursault was in love with the sun and the sea. His life is devoted to appreciating physical sensations. He seems so devoid of emotion. Something in Meursault's character has appealed primarily to readers since the book's publication. Is he an absurd anti-hero? Is he a moral monster? Is he a rebel against a conventional morality? Critics and readers alike have disputed a variety of approaches to Meursault. I believe he is the embryo of Camus' metaphysical rebel as articulated in the philosophical essay, The Rebel. He is the man who says by his actions, "I will go this far, but no farther." In order to understand Meursault's rebellion we must first understand the nature of his personality as portrayed by Camus. The novel begins with the laconic assertion "Mother died today. Or, maybe, yesterday; I can't be sure." His mother's death briefly interrupts the pleasant flow of Meursault's life, a life devoted to appreciating sensation. He loves the feel of a crisp towel in the washroom. He enjoys eating, drinking, and smoking cigarettes. He loves to watch the sea and the sky. Swimming and making love to pretty girls like Marie are his favorite pastimes, so much so that an offer of a job promotion in Paris does not in the least appeal to him. When something bores him or distresses him he simply goes to sleep, as he does on the bus to his mother's funeral and even in jail. He is a detached observer of life. Symbolic of this quality... ... noble act. Even we might be able to do that.    BIBLIOGRAPHY Bree, Germaine. Camus. New York: Harcourt Brace, 1964. Camus, Albert. The Rebel. New York: Vintage Books, 1954 Champigny, Robert. A Pagan Hero. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1969. Cruickshank, John. Albert Camus and the Literature of Revolt. New York: Oxford University Press, 1960. King. Adele. Camus. New York: Capricorn Books, 1971. Lottman, Herbert R. Albert Camus: A Biography. New York: George Braziller Inc. 1980. Masters, Brian. Camus: A Study. London: Heinemann, 1974. McCarthy, Patrick. Camus: A Critical Study of his Life and Works. London: Hamish Hamilton, 1982. O'Brien, Conor Cruise. Albert Camus of Europe and Asia. New York: Viking Press, 1970. Quillot, Roger. The Sea and Prisons. University of Alabama: University of Alabama Press, 1970   

Micro-Economic Impacts on Tesco Plc

In this essay we are going to evaluate the micro economic factors on the activities and performance of Tesco. Tesco Plc (2011) states, that the retail industry is a highly competitive environment. Tesco competes with a wide variety of retailers of varying sizes and faces increased competition from UK retailers as well as international operators in the UK and overseas. Failure to compete with competitors on areas including price, product range, quality and service could have an adverse effect on the organisations financial results.Tesco aims to have a broad appeal on price, range and store format in a way that allows them to compete in different markets. There is a risk that Tesco may not deliver their stated strategy in full, particularly since, like all retailers; the business is susceptible to economic downturn that could affect consumer spending. 2. 0 The Extent of Competition in the Market Tesco is a multi-national grocery and general merchandising retailer. By revenue, Tesco is the fourth largest retailer in the world after Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Metro.With 4,811 across 14 countries in regards to profit, Tesco is the second largest retailer in the world. In the UK, Tesco operates in an oligopolistic market competing against three major retailers; Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s. Oligopolistic markets are those which are dominated by a small group of larger firms with several smaller firms also competing in the market with minority market share. The concentration ratio of the retail market is 4:76. 2. Figure 2. 0. 1: Comparing the Grocery Market (Preston, 2008) Preston (2008) states, Tesco are the market leader with 31. % with Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrison’s having a market share of 16. 9%, 16. 4%, 11. 5%.This means theoretically Tesco have monopoly power within the market but due to the intense competition which is apparent, they are not able to exploit their market power and discriminate against other firms as well as customers. How ever, there are still allegations that the major players within the market collude with one another to cause higher levels of barriers of entry and keep prices at a level which benefits all of the major firms. This protects their position within the market and allows them to set rices at any desirable level.With this happening these major players make it extremely difficult for start-up businesses to enter the market. 3. 0 Market Dominance In 1998 the market share for the grocery market showed that Tesco had 21. 8% of the market share. Asda had a market share of 12. 1% with Sainsbury’s share at 19. 9%. Morrisons and Safeway controlled 13. 3%. This gave a concentration ratio of 4:66. 1. However in figure 2. 0. 1, it shows that Tesco started to dominate the market and saw a rise in their market share from 21. 8% to 31. 4%.Presumably, within these 10 years Tesco’s used its economies of scale to gain this extra market share. With Tesco having a great majority of the market share they operate in, it allows them to possibly price discriminate. The way in which Tesco could do this is by having such a high market share they are capable of forcing competitors out of business and therefore, leaving only them to provide the products or services within that area. In addition to this, Tesco can under-price its products and services as with a greater market share they can reach economies of scale.Economies of scale arise when cost per unit falls as output increases. With having economies of scale Tesco’s can then be more productive than its competitors and supply more to its customers at better prices. For example if Tesco reach economies of scale they can get more from their suppliers with bulk buying allowing them to supply at lowers prices. By doing this poses a threat to smaller businesses that can be undercut by the competition. With a 30. 1% of the market share Tesco definitely do have some market dominance within the market via the instruments st ated above such as the potential to undercut competitors.However, they are not a monopoly and therefore, cannot fully price discriminate and set prices. As with doing this its custom see going to other companies within this market as the products and services they supply are similar. 4. 0 Economies of Scale Economies of scale are when higher output leads to lower average costs; such the average cost of production is reduced due to the increase in total output. Tesco has a very large scale business, opening new stores daily. There are currently more than 4,811 stores of Tesco worldwide.Since they are opening new stores regularly, they have to produce more. So as the volume of production increases, their average cost per unit has decreased. This has given Tesco a huge advantage over the other supermarkets especially those that are smaller in size. The large size of the firm means that it can benefit from further economies of scale in areas such as bulk buying, transportation, distribu tion, marketing and technology. A feature of their sales strategy is that they encourage customers to buy in bulk.They have special offers for that, such as buy one get one half price etc. These offers compel customers to buy more quantity, which in turn gives Tesco the advantage of selling more and consequently buying more, which in turn gives them a lower average cost. In an oligopolistic market, although it is difficult to prove, the likelihood is that the firms with majority market share collude with one another for the benefit of themselves. They will do so to maximise their profits as well as create higher levels of barriers of entry for new firms trying to enter the market.This has now become illegal in the UK by the 1965 Restrictive Trade Practices Act. 5. 0 Barriers to Entry Barriers to entry are the means by which Tesco’s potential competitors are blocked out. Due to Tesco’s monopolistic characteristics, Tesco will be able to enjoy higher profits in the long run as rivals have not diluted market share. Three barriers of entry are: Patents are legal property rights to prevent the entry of rivals. They are generally valid for an average of 20 years and give Tesco the right to prevent competitors from using patented products.Tesco can sell licences to competitors for a stated fee. Using Advertising and Marketing Tesco have developed customer loyalty; their club card has played a pivotal role in their customer loyalty. Thus making demand less sensitive to price; due to advertising leading to an outward shift in demand. Tesco engage in brand proliferation, as it is a firm which sells a vast range of products, this may portray Tesco differently to consumers. This is common barriers to entry in these types of markets as it is non-price competitions for household good. 6. 0 Porter’s Five ForcesIn order to evaluate the competitive environment surrounding Tesco, I shall utilise Porter’s five forces model illustrated in figure 2. Fig ure 6. 0. 1: Porter’s Five Forces Model (Zanthus, 2011) 6. 1 Bargaining Power of Buyers 0 The bargaining power of buyers is fairly high. 1 Products that have a slight differentiation; more standardised, the switching cost is considerably low, allowing the buyers to switch from one brand to another easily. 2 Prices are forced down by buyer’s power. For example, if bread is too expensive in Tesco, buyers will use their power and move to Asda.Supermarkets have a disciplined approach to price setting, stopping them from destroying each other in a profit/price war. 6. 2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 3 The bargaining power of suppliers is fairly low. 4 Suppliers fear losing contracts with major supermarkets, hence putting retailers like Tesco in a dominating position. Negotiations are therefore positive in order to get the lowest price achievable from the suppliers. 6. 3 Competitive Rivalry 5 The amount of competitive rivalry in the food and grocery retail industry is extrem ely high. 6 Tesco faces extreme competition from its key competitors; Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.Organisations are competing with each other over price, products and promotions sporadically. 7 Discount superstores such as Aldi and Lidl have taken over the market in current economic times, due to the recession. Keynote (2010) states, that during 2008, they recorded sales of over 25%. 6. 4 Threat of New Entrants 8 The threat of new entrants into the food retail industry is low. 9 Tesco and other supermarket chains put up considerable barriers to entry. Starting a new supermarket chain has barriers imposed on it, implicitly or explicitly, by the existing organisations.0 According to Mintel (2010) Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons account for 80% of all shopping carried out in the UK. 11 In order for new entrants to establish themselves they will have to produce something at an exceptionally low price and/or high quality. 6. 5 Threat of Substitute Products and Se rvices 12 The threat of substitutes in the grocery retail market is considerably low for food items whereas it’s medium to high for non-food items. 13 The substitutes for these major supermarkets are smaller firms such as convenience stores; but these are not seen as a threat to Tesco who offer high quality items at low prices.Tesco is however overcoming this threat by opening ‘Express’ stores in small towns and city centres, in effort of becoming an obstacle for substitutes hoping to enter the market. 14 In current economic times, customers will be drawn towards discounted prices, thus Tesco is a threat towards specialist shops. Due to the rivalry between these supermarket chains, a highly competitive environment can be maintained, and one that facilitates consumers a greater deal than a proliferation of small independent shopkeepers. 7. 0 Game Theory and Interdependence Game theory and interdependence are both linked together.Interdependence is when decisions o f two (or more) businesses have an effect on the other firm’s profits. Then when looking into interdependence the investigation into what happens is game theory. As Tesco has the highest share of the oligopoly it in theory has the most power of the market. However a competitor such as Sainsbury’s could easily affect the percentage share of the market Tesco has. This could be by Sainsbury’s lowering the prices of certain products and then with the decision that Tesco has to make, Tesco could end up losing either their percentage of share in the market or their profits.For example if Tesco decides to keep the price the same of an item which is on sale at Sainsbury’s then customers will decide to get the product from Sainsbury’s, thus Tesco lose money. However Tesco may also decide to lower the price of the item for sale at Sainsbury’s, however Tesco may not advertise the sale item as well as Sainsbury’s so again they may incur a loss as not many people know that the item is for sale. Many other examples could be used for interdependence for Tesco’s.If a competitor of Tesco such as Sainsbury’s decided to save costs because of the recession then Tesco could unexpectedly make more profits as a result. This is because Sainsbury’s could decide to save costs by cutting down the number of jobs and stop selling less profitable items. The effect this would have on Tesco’s would be positive. This would be due to the downturn in popularity of Sainsbury’s as a result of job losses around the country to save money. As big money companies cutting jobs is always very unpopular, as a resultSainsbury’s customers may well go to its competitors such as Tesco and thus Tesco gaining more money from more customers. With Sainsbury’s losing customers in this example, the demand curve for Tesco would shift to the right and as a result of more money being made the price level would be increa sed because of the increase in demand. 8. 0 Conclusion and Recommendations From the above analysis, it can be said that Tesco maintains to embrace its leading position in the highly competitive retail industry; in which organisations must follow both differentiated strategies and cost leadership.The core competencies of Tesco are aligned with the competitive operating environment, therefore highlighting a positive future outlook for the organisation. The company must constantly adapt to the fast changing circumstances. Strategy formulation should therefore be regarded as a process of continuous learning, which includes learning about the goals, the effect of possible actions towards these goals and how to implement and execute these actions.

Lung Cancer Detection Methods

There are several ways in which lung cancer may be detected and some of these are the following: First of all is to have the patient undergo what is technically referred to as â€Å"screening† (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). Here, a series of laboratory tests and other examinations are carried out (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). Second is known as blood test (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). Here, the blood is placed under scrutiny to see if the â€Å"lung cancer† has multiplied and have already reached the patient’s liver or bones (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). Third is the â€Å"bone marrow biopsy† wherein a needle is utilized to take out a small portion of the bone located at the â€Å"back of the hip bone† and is placed under the â€Å"microscope† to see if any cancer cells may be detected (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). Fourth is technically referred to as â€Å"mediastinoscopy† (Harvard University, 2008, n.p.). Here, the neck is incised to allow a lighted pipe to go through and to eventually get a sample of tissue inside it (Harvard University, 2008, n.p.) Again, this will confirm if cancer cells are there or not by looking at it under the microscope (Harvard University, 2008, n.p). Fifth is known as â€Å"bronchoscopy† (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). Like the aforementioned fourth detection method, a lighted pipe is involved here as well (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). However, with this method, the tube will be inserted on the nose and will look for tumors or obstructions in the lungs (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). It may also take tissue samples or fluids so that it may be checked under the microscope for cancer cells’ presence (The Health Alliance, 2006, n.p.). Last but not least is technically referred to as â€Å"needle biopsy† (Radiological Society of North America Inc., 2008, n.p.). Here, the lungs are monitored through a machine known as â€Å"CT Scan† while a needle is utilized to take out a mass sample in the lungs (Radiological Society of North America Inc., 2008, n.p.).Like in the other methods, the aforementioned sample will have to be checked under the microscope (Radiological Society of North America Inc., 2008, n.p.). References Harvard University. (2008). Mediastinoscopy. Retrieved February 14, 2008 from http://www.health.harvard.edu/diagnostic-tests/mediastinoscopy.htm Radiological Society of North America, Inc. (2008). Needle Biopsy of Lung (Chest) Nodules. Retrieved February 14, 2008 from http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=nlungbiop&bhcp=1 The Health Alliance. (2006). Lung Cancer Detection. Retrieved February 14, 2008 from http://www.health-alliance.com/Cancer/lung/detection.html