Evaluation Of An E File System - 836 Words

Painters Case Study This is a thought-provoking case study which, like most of the effort in Sociotechnical Theory, is concentrated on a certain type of ‘production system’, in this case an E-File system. Socio Technical Theory is an intellectual model that helps us recognize patterns in the way technology is used. How well businesses can utilize this model can make or break the success or failure of an organization as they change the way they do business or introduce new technology to their workforce. In looking at the case study by Painter B he mentions the renovation of a paper method to an electronic E-file system. Reasons standing behind these changes were noted; †¢ Claims from injured †¢ Delayed payment on claims †¢ Rising costs† of disability benefits. According to Painter (NA), The Electronic Claim File system was customized for the assertion of reimbursement and compensation division of an insurance conglomerate, Workers’ Compensation Board (p.2). The firm had huge client database and hence the main task was to collect data, weigh evidence, and relate specified information in making difficult decisions about workers’ injury compensation entitlements in an assortment of businesses. Painter, the author of this study executed a sequence of before-and-after evaluations and comprehensive consultations, approved and developed by labor and executives, to aid them closely with the effects of E-File transition on the employees, during the periods of pilot testingShow MoreRelatedSdlc And Change Management Policy. The Following Outlines1446 Words   |  6 PagesUniversity’s IT systems and applications. The Change Management Procedures are designed to provide an orderly process in which changes to Felician University’s IT infrastructure are requested and approved prior to the installation or implementation of the change. This policy should be periodically reviewed and updated, where necessary, to reflect changes in the technology environment. SCOPE: The policies and procedures within this document apply to Felician University’s IT Systems and applicationsRead MorePositive and Negative Effects of e-learning for Students1343 Words   |  6 PagesPOSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS E-LEARNING FOR STUDENTS Nowadays, E-learning has become an increasingly popular approach to learning in higher education institutions due to the rapid growth of Internet technology. As we can see, most higher education institutions using e-learning to improve the education of students and enhance their technology skills. E-learning can give us a lot of positive effects, especially students; however, the technological content was twice the decline and needs. ComputerRead MoreDesigning An E Commerce Solution Evaluation Essay1624 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Types of E-commerce†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. E-commerce in use by organisations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦... Financial implications†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Designing an e-commerce solution†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Evaluation†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Introduction. Many businesses have shown that after implementing an e-commerce system into their companies, sales have increasedRead MoreAnalysis Of Drive By Download Attack Vector944 Words   |  4 PagesDrive-by Download Attack Vector For the drive-by download attack vector, we create a system called the security Posture, Integration, and Correlation Engine (SPICE). SPICE takes a feed of real time junk mail, sends a vulnerable virtual machine to each link within the e-mail, sends a vulnerable virtual machine to every link within the e mail, detects an infection on the virtual system, and logs all the information involved across layers into a database associated with that attack. inside mins of beingRead MoreThesis Abstract Title: a Feasibility Study of a Computerized Management, Academic and Research Information System for the Mountain State Agricultural College1416 Words   |  6 PagesMANAGEMENT, ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR THE MOUNTAIN STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE AUTHOR: INTRODUCTION The increasing complexity of administrative operations in today’s colleges and universities are the effects of the growing students, faculty and administrative populations and the physical expansion of the institutions. The increase in complexity means additional administrative manpower, workloads, and management information and data processing system. To meet the growing needs of educationRead MoreComputer Forensics Tools And Resources For Hjc Corporation1515 Words   |  7 Pagesinvestigations to discover who committed the crime and provide investigators, police and prosecutors with evidence that will be admissible in a court of law. Recovering Deleted File Programs - Utilities The first program for evaluation is EnCase. EnCase s advanced analysis functionality enables it to recover deleted files and disk partitions by utilizing its log parser functionality on event logs and on unallocated hard drive disk space. EnCase Forensic (July 21, 2005) SC Magazine Reviews EnCaseRead MoreEssay about Computer Virus and World Wide Web745 Words   |  3 Pagesenvironment. 2. Your employees e-mail file attachments to each other and externally through the organization’s firewall and Internet connection. What security countermeasures can you implement to help mitigate the risk of rouge e-mail attachments and URL Web links? The basic step would be to not allow hyperlinks to automatically work when in an e-mail. Some times when a link is in a user can click and it will automatically launch it. Another step would be for the e-mail to have the user’s signatureRead MoreCodeing Scenarios Essay851 Words   |  4 Pagesanatomic site, condition of disease, abbreviations 6. An initial inpatient consultation with a detailed history, detailed exam, and MDM of low complexity would be coded to what E/M code? 99253 7. What are the four elements of history? Chief complaint (CC), history or present illness (HPI), review of systems (ROS), past present family and/or social history (PFSH) 8. The complexity of medical decision making is based on what three elements? a) Number of diagnoses or managementsRead MoreItec 630 Final Examination Complete Solution Spring 2015 Final Exam805 Words   |  4 Pagesyour assignment folders on LEO. Question 1: (20 Points – 4 Points Each) Multiple Choice – Eliminate all but the correct answer. 1.Which is not a factor to consider in software evaluation? A. Performance effectiveness B. Performance efficiency C. Ease of use D. Quality of documentation E. Target Operating System 2.In a database, Keys are: A. Data items in a record used to identify the record B. Normalized C. The names of database tables D. Used to identify the mostRead MoreElectronic Medical Record ( Emr )1688 Words   |  7 PagesMoving from paper to electronic records was a monumental tasks not only in the implementation of the software but also in training all hospital providers to properly use the EMR. In 2010, the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) decided to switch its current system to Epic to consolidate its variety of applications and most important of all to streamline billing. With this new endeavor, the administration needed to build a new department to accommodate the training needs of all providers

Military - 1875 Words

The average civilian or recruit coming into the Army often misunderstands the meaning of the words military discipline. He thinks of them as being connected with punishments or reprimands which may result from the violation of some military law or regulation. Actually, discipline should not be something new to you for you have been disciplined all of your life. You were being disciplined at home and in school when you were taught obedience to your parents and teachers, and respect for the rights of others. On your baseball or other athletic team you were disciplining yourself when you turned down the chance to be a star performer in order that the team might win; you were acquiring discipline in the shop, or other business when your†¦show more content†¦These sergeants are the first-line supervisors for the majority of the work completed by Soldiers. These actions can be as simple as physical training or motor pool maintenance on vehicles or as complicated as leading a comba t patrol in war. Chances are high that every activity from processing pay documents to medical services at the hospital are being executed and supervised by sergeants. They touch every aspect of our Soldiers and our Families lives.Need an MP for an emergency? Here comes a sergeant. Who is teaching at the Warrior Leader Course? A sergeant is instructing right now. Our sergeants find us before we are in the Army: recruiters. NCOs -- drill sergeants -- mold us from civilians into Soldiers. Career counselor NCOs keep us in the Army. Sergeants teach us at advance individual training, airborne course, Ranger course and other specialty courses. It is sergeants who develop the future NCOs in the Noncommissioned Officer Educational System. From WLC to the Sergeant Major course, NCOs are developing the next generation. And guess who executes large portions of Officer Candidate School? NCOs do!Sergeants enforce the rules, regulations, and policies of the Army. NCOs dont make policy, they enfor ce them. Many have heard me say, I dont make the rules; I get paid handsomely to enforce them! The Army says what is proper and then empowers sergeants to enforce it. So the key aspect to this notion is not the rule, but rather the disciplineShow MoreRelatedMilitary Police : A Military Policeman1123 Words   |  5 Pagesavailable to a man or woman is a military policeman. As a military police, one is in charge of all the doings on the facility they are stationed at, as well as the little things that take place on base, such as traffic control, domestic issues, and other problems that occur. Before a civilian becomes a Military Police they must got through 3 stages of training, basic training, advanced individual training, and weapons training which takes place within . The life of a military police then forms into BasicRead MoreMilitary Vs. Military Robotics2291 Words   |  10 Pageshas come pretty far in the military industry from building prosthetic arms for the injured veteran s to unmanned aircraft that can do surveillance without getting caught under the radar of enemy territory. Military robotics have stretched beyond the previous potential of what it originally supposes to accomplish; the military even has robotics where little drones that are controlled by a remote can camouflage in any terrain. Even though critics and politicians claim military robotics cause more destructionRead MoreThe Military And Military Intelligence5950 Words   |  24 PagesTo understand the shift in military knowledge requirements, as an element of military intelligence, it is necessary to examine the evolution of employment of intelligence to support military operations. The shift in the use and value of knowledge in the military domain parallels the evolution of knowledge as a commodity within Western society. This issue is quantified in valuation, where in the private sector knowledge has become a key asset for the world’s major corporations. The value of knowl edgeRead MoreMilitary Culture And The Military1386 Words   |  6 Pagestransformed the military from the old force which was seen to focus only on winning battles without caring much about their forces to the highly skilled force it is today that is all rounded. In order to comprehend the changes in the military there is need for understanding the military culture. Like any other culture, military culture has evolved from unorganized forms of administration and organization to the current modern force it is today. There are different viewpoints on military culture andRead MoreMilitary Leadership1194 Words   |  5 PagesWithin the U.S. military, leadership is generally considered something of a given. It is a fundamental ingredient of warfare, without which the outcome of a combat operation cannot be assured. The leader is the brain, the motive power of command, upon whom subordinates rely for guidance and wisdom, and depend upon for good judgment. The leader must be determined, unflappable and charismatic; confident in delegation of authority; able to combine the various strands of command into a common thread;Read MoreThe Military Revolution1574 Words   |  7 PagesHolub, Martin HIST; midterm #2 The military revolution was a direct outcome of changes in the virtuosity of war between 1560 and 1660. The changes crucially influenced campaigning and combat in Europe during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The most influential alterations included transformation in weapons, growth in the army size, change in tactics and organization, and centralization of the states’ bureaucracies. There were many battles in the late 17th and early 18th centuries thatRead MoreMilitary Bearing1023 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Military Bearing† and how it affects the Army as a whole Bearing, put simply, is the appearance and demeanor of a person throughout the activities and circumstances that an individual is seen or observed. An individual is largely judged by others through the bearing that the individual exudes as he goes about his daily affairs, and thus it is very important that the person shows a bearing of competence and professionalism at all times. Militaries since the beginning of recorded history have setRead MoreMilitary Suicides1010 Words   |  5 PagesMarch 2015 Informative Speech Outline Title: Informative Speech Main Idea: Suicides and the Military Thesis Statement: At the end of my informative speech, my audience will know more about the Military Suicide Issue and how the number of military or veterans deaths by suicide has been increasing at an alarming rate, the common misconceptions about the possible reasons why current and former military members are taking their own lives and finally what is being done to try and resolve this issueRead MoreWomen in the Military1453 Words   |  6 Pagescaptured. The Israelis always feared for the women who were taken prisoners of war and the psychological effects that followed. (Lief, â€Å"Second Class in the Israeli Military†, U.S. News World Report) Sexual harassments happen in the United States armed forces too and according to an article in the New Scientist more women in the military report sexual assault by colleagues on deployment than men. Of the nearly 4,000 members of the U.S. armed forces to report sexual assault or harassment, 88% of themRead MoreWomen in Military12 48 Words   |  5 Pagesintriguing questions of integration has yet to be fully answered. Apart from all others is the battle to allow women the right, the honor, and the privilege of serving and defending their country as part of the United States Armed Forces. Being in the military means prestige, honor, pride, and the satisfaction that comes along with engaging what is considered one of the most valiant and traditionally revered professions in our country. However, there has always been and continues to be considerable debate

Digital Forensic Tools of Investigation Samples for Students †MyAssig

Question: Discuss about the Digital Forensic Tools of Investigation. Answer: Computer crimes By definition, crime is an act that has been done that violates the law(Daniel, 2012). This definition brings about difficulty when dealing with computer related crimes. The enforcement of the law in this area is cumbersome because many crimes done by computers tend not to violate the formal laws put down in judicial proceedings. Therefore, modern laws tend to apply the traditional ways of analyzing computer crimes relating them to criminal offenses such as burglary, fraud and even larceny. However, the advancement in computer technology is also leading to difficulty in applications f such traditional laws(Sammons, 2012). Criminal law This law defines crime as a wrong that has been done which affects the society. Conviction lying within this act usually leads to a jail term. The same law convicts an individual to probation. The punishment incurred in the criminal law is aimed at disciplining the offender and at the same time prevents future occurrence of the crime(Garrison, 2010). For one to be found guilty, the jury needs to believe the conviction beyond reasonable doubt. The easy way of undertaking this is by use of testification that links the offender to the computer crime. However, loopholes still exist the testification as the offender can still be found innocent. The criminal behavior is categorized into two. A felony results into jail term since it is more severe. Another category is the misdemeanors that are punishable by incurring a fine or a prison sentence of a duration less than one year. Civil law In civil law, crime is wrong that is done to an individual or business. Ten offense usually lead to loss or damage. In civil law, there's no jail term as in criminal law, and mainly the purpose of this bill is to provide financial security for the offended and can be given as follows; compensating damages, punitive damages, and costs in statutory. These cases are easier to convict due to the reduced burden incurred during conviction. The jury only needs to believe about the evidence presented against the offender and items can be seized after issuing a search warrant(Andrew Jones, 2011). Insurance. An insurance policy transfers the risk of loss to a party to a desirable level os loss. Any loss in computer information demands the insurance company to pay out about the agreed policy. There is the situation of negligence that requires the insurance company only to pay a portion of the loss incurred. Rule of evidence Investigations done need to be thorough and be adhered to the Rule of Evidence. There is a difficulty in legal proceedings whenever computer crimes are involved. Skills are required to identify and extract information that can convict offenders. More to that, traditionally, evidence necessary to be concrete as opposed to the intangible evidence posed by computers(Gogolin, 2012). Best evidence rule This rule specifically requires original proof of evidence presentation in the court rather than a copy of the evidence. However, a copy can be accepted under these conditions(Casey, 2009); Loss of first evidence due to acts of God such as fire or flood. Destruction of evidence due to ordinary business course, The existence of proof by a third party who cannot be commanded by the court. Exclusionary rule This rule states that any evidence needs to be obtained via law enforcement in adherence to legal guidelines that govern the search and a violation to this leads to evidence obtained as the fruit of a poisonous tree. Hearsay rule. This rule allows a second-hand issuing of evidence not obtained from individual knowledge, but another source and the weight of it depends on the competence of the source in scrutiny. Chain of evidence The evidence obtained during search needs to be put under protection and accountability. This can be done by stating who confiscated the evidence, secured it and had control over it. Admissibility of evidence Admissibility of the computer crime evidence is high since the information in this evidence can easily be interfered with. The court, therefore, generated ways to deal with this scenario by issuing the relevancy of evidence and its reliability laws(Wiles, 2011). The process of investigation Pre-investigation process(Garrison, 2010) Identifying the type of seized system The computer system that has been targeted needs to be evaluated to obtain as much information on it as possible. This includes its hardware and software specifications. Choosing the search and team members to undertake the seizure. Before the seizure, the law enforcement needs to obtain warranty and its members should consist of the lead investigator, an information security department, a legal department and a technical assistant(Gilbert Peterson, 2009). Obtaining and issuing search warrant In case a suspect is believed to be in custody of evidence a warrant is issued. For the permit, the investigator needs to prove the reason for it. Once the warrant is issued, items can be confiscated for investigation(Jahankhani, 2010 ). Execution of investigation Securing of the site Sketching and photographing the site Identification, marking and packing of the evidence according to the collection process adhered to in the Rule of Evidence. During this step, when the computer is on a video tape is recorded by the use of scrolling effect. Also, photographs need to be taken. After this, the computer is powered down bearing in consideration of logical mainframe shutdown. To escape all these steps, the investigation can alternatively be done on site. Obtaining surveillance of the proposed offender. Scrutinizing the evidence obtained. Forensic tools of investigation Various forensic tools are used in the study. These devices are deployed in the survey process. During a forensic investigation, the procedure can start to be an analysis of network traffic. The analysis can be done using a sniffer tool such as Wireshark that intercepts network traffic and logs them for more review. One more tool that can be deployed is the NetworkMiner. This tool is capable of extracting and recovering all files present in the computer under scrutiny. Whenever a real-time investigation needs to be done, the Snort tool can be deployed to track down a network of intruders(Casey, 2009). Reporting During reporting of digital crime, the law will not automatically end with the arrest or clearance of the offenders. The enforcing law needs to obtain and present evidence to the prosecutor who will submit it to the jury for scrutiny. During this process, challenges develop during the investigation and handing over of evidence. The research entails categorizing of evidence such as a hearsay that has been discussed above. The Frye test, therefore, is used to determine the admissibility of the evidence provided. From the results obtained, NIST tools are used to scientifically validate the crime done(Cory Altheide, 2011). Finally, the defense is handed a duplicate of the results achieved or is given access to view the information(Daniel, 2012). References Andrew Jones, C. V. (2011). Building a Digital Forensic Laboratory: Establishing and Managing a Successful Facility. Denver: Butterworth-Heinemann. Casey, E. (2009). Handbook of Digital Forensics and Investigation. Chicago: Academic Press. Cory Altheide, H. C. (2011). Digital Forensics with Open Source Tools. Philadelphia: Elsevier. Daniel, L. E. (2012). Digital Forensics for Legal Professionals: Understanding Digital Evidence from the Warrant to the Courtroom. Chicago: Elsevier. Garrison, C. P. (2010). Digital Forensics for Network, Internet, and Cloud Computing: A Forensic Evidence Guide for Moving Targets and Data. washington DC: Syngress. Gilbert Peterson, S. S. (2009). Advances in Digital Forensics V: Fifth IFIP WG 11.9 International Conference on Digital Forensics, Orlando, Florida, USA, January 26-28, 2009, Revised Selected Papers. Wiscosin: Springer. Gogolin, G. (2012). Digital Forensics Explained. New York: CRC Press. Jahankhani, H. (2010 ). Handbook of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics. Chicago: World Scientific. Sammons, J. (2012). The Basics of Digital Forensics: The Primer for Getting Started in Digital Forensics. Atlanta: Elsevier. Wiles, J. (2011). TechnoSecurity's Guide to E-Discovery and Digital Forensics: A Comprehensive Handbook. New York City: Elsevier.

Movie Review Grown Ups (2010) Essay Example

Movie Review: Grown Ups (2010) Essay As with other Adam Sandler starrers, the 2010 released Grown Ups too excels in that special brand of American humor. Sandler and his co-stars, including Kevin James, David Spade, Rob Schneider and Chris Rock were first part of a successful basketball team in school. The ocassion of the funeral of their coach brings them together after many years and the old friends decide to stay in a cottage to reminisce their old days. With each of the five having moved into different careers and all being married now, they exchange moments of nostalgia as well as regrets about the decisions they have taken in their lives. As the narrative moves further, some of them start showing their unique quirks and idiosyncracies that had stayed with them since school days. Indeed some of the apparently juvenile behavior of their school days seemed to have not left them completely as they had integrated into their adult personalities. It is for this reason that the movie title Grown Ups is an ironic lab elling of the theme. One would expect many funny situations and responses when adults behave like juveniles. But making such as theme cover the entire length of the film is an arduous undertaking on part of the director and script writers. The low-brow and at times slapstick variety of humor might appeal to a certain audience, but is not sufficient to sustain a film throughout. For example, the scene where the five friends play ‘Arrow Roulette’, where an arrow is fired into the air and the last to run away is declared the winner. There is a certain comic feel to see middle-aged participants in a children’s game. But after a while such comedy loses its novelty and effect. We will write a custom essay sample on Movie Review: Grown Ups (2010) specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Movie Review: Grown Ups (2010) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Movie Review: Grown Ups (2010) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer When the children and spouses of the five friends also get involved in the plot, it sets up awkward, unexpected and suspicious situations, all of which add to the comic effect of the movie. The sexual innuendoes, drunken behavior, barbeques and games all set up interesting situations in which the characters play out their quirky personalities to full effect. Herein lies the drawback of the film as well, for the quirky, adolescent behavior of the five friends can at times appear to be too artificial and conjured up to be appreciated. Believed to have been inspired by the classic comedy flick The Big Chill, one can see that Grown Ups does not match up to the quality of the former. As far as the weakness of the movie goes, the script writing team of Fred Wolf and Adam Sandler have wasted much of the potential offered by the plot. The previous major buddy-comedy film The Hangover is a classic case in point, where the full potential of the plot was realized on screen. But die-hard fans of Adam Sandler, who have acquired a taste for his unique brand of situational humor would also like this movie. Having a star-cast has helped the overall quality of the film. At places where the script fails, it is the acting talent and experience of the actors that pull the narrative through. The presence of Salma Hayek, Maria Bello and Maya Rudolph along with Madison Riley and Jamie Chung certainly brings glitz and glamor on screen. The background score by Rupert Gregson-Williams is relatively low-key as would be expected of films in the genre. In sum, Grown Ups is a typical Adam Sandler movie with many hilarious comic situations. It is also a well-packaged movie with a proven star cast and enough glamor quotient to make it a perfect weekend watch. Indeed, it is worth a watch at least once. As with other Adam Sandler starrers, the 2010 released Grown Ups too excels in that special brand of American humor. Sandler and his co-stars, including Kevin James, David Spade, Rob Schneider and Chris Rock were first part of a successful basketball team in school. The ocassion of the funeral of their coach brings them together after many years and the old friends decide to stay in a cottage to reminisce their old days. With each of the five having moved into different careers and all being married now, they exchange moments of nostalgia as well as regrets about the decisions they have taken in their lives. As the narrative moves further, some of them start showing their unique quirks and idiosyncracies that had stayed with them since school days. Indeed some of the apparently juvenile behavior of their school days seemed to have not left them completely as they had integrated into their adult personalities. It is for this reason that the movie title Grown Ups is an .

GISAT 160 Essays

GISAT 160 Essays GISAT 160 Essay GISAT 160 Essay Name Course Instructor Date : GISAT 160 1. What is the thesis (or central claim) of this text? The author seeks to highlight the health and psychological effects associated to television addiction. Television is viewed by many across the world, but people are becoming increasingly subconscious that it leads to addiction. Many people perceive addiction to being of chemical substances such as drugs like heroin and morphine. However, this text contradicts this and shows the chemical activity inside the human anatomy when people watch television. The chemical activities involving the brain and nervous system are related to those of a drug addict. Research is also used to show that those who spend most of their time on TV experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those addicted to chemical substances. 2. What are the author’s motives for writing the text (authorial intent)? The author aims at educating the masses on the need to reduce risks associated with television addiction. The risks are psychological, social and even health risks such as obesity and sleep deprivation. He aims at proving this addiction exists as a reality and should not be ignored or disputed. â€Å"Of course not all addictions are chemical.† This is according to the author who is demystifying the various types of addiction. 3. What arguments does the author use to support the thesis? A variety of arguments by the author verifies his claims. There are research and studies that support claims of the text. For instance, the article from Eastern Province Herald, in South Africa, which conducted an experiment between two families from different socio-economic status not to watch TV for just a month. The poor family gave in within the first week, and the other family members were affected by cases of depression. Their feelings were similar to losing a friend and had negative psychological effects. He also uses research by scientists conducted on lab rats to show opioid-stimulants induce behavior of an addictive nature similar to that of watching TV. 4. Identify and explain the methods of argumentation used by the author (such as appeals to the intellect or emotions). The author employs the use of sources of authority whereby he applies the use of a professional opinion in Psychotherapist Thomas Mulholland research work. The research showed that within 30 seconds of watching TV Alpha brain waves were produced. These are associated with losing focus and an over receptive, consciousness state. This supports his argument that watching television is an inactive process. 5. Identify and explain the assumptions (e.g., cultural, scientific, political, social) the author uses to support the thesis. The author uses the assumption that advertising agencies and the government are always out to make money with little or no concern for the consumers. This is his explanation as to why the television is flooded with attractive and entertaining advertisements while using public figures for the consumer to relate with when using the product. He also assumes because of an individual’s emotional instability, they tend to escape reality through the TV. 6. Identify and explain instances in which the author employs flawed logic or faulty reasoning. Use the â€Å"fallacies in reasoning† handout for explanations. The author uses generalizations to support his statements. He uses the assumption that television turns everyone into zombies while not everyone is influenced by the TV as most people are. The generalization from the research that people of all generations are influenced by the violent programs on TV to have an overestimation of the violent situations in reality is not conclusive. Some people are influenced by personal experiences and a violent environment in the way they view violent situations. 7. Assess the reliability of the evidence used by the author by identifying and explaining each of the following: a) Which statements are factually inaccurate? The claim that television turns everyone into a zombie is not a proven fact. Just because majorities of individuals become inactive and non-responsive when watching TV, does not apply to all individuals. b) Which statements or data are deceptive? Statements like â€Å"it brainwashes consumers to throw away money† is not true. Some consumers buy products whether they are advertised on not. Sometimes the consumer is influenced by personal choice and preference but not brainwashed. c) What evidence is not relevant to supporting the thesis? The statistics that 75% of women in America think they are overweight do not fully support the report. The author assumes that these women are influenced by women on TV who are slimmer. However, this is not proven as different factors may influence this perception. d) What relevant evidence or information has been omitted? The writer omits information on the other time spent by Average Americans despite the four hours on TV; the rest of the time is not accounted. There are no clear figures and statistics on the total number of Americans suffering from obesity and sleep deprivation. The writer just sites many TV addicts suffer from this, while other categories of individuals also have similar health issues. 8. Identify and explain any words or phrases used to support the thesis that are vague, unclear, or ambiguous. â€Å"An addictive mind control device† this statement refers to the television and does not clearly indicate how mind control occurs. He only uses the element of the early stages of hypnosis to show mind control. However, not much research and evidence has been used to show how a person is mind controlled by the television. The statement is thus deemed vague. Moreover, hypnosis is not proven to have an effect on everyone.

Interracial Marriage essays

Interracial Marriage essays I had really never thought about it: What is America? Until this week I believed that America was a country (and a continent), but after reading Schlesingers piece I realized that it is not only that. Schlesinger believes that America has succeeded as a multicultural society, because: America gives ethnically diverse people reasons to see themselves as part of the same nation. After reading this quote I realized that America is no where near that. Internationally America as seen as a multi-ethnic country, but nationally it is not. Schlesinger, states for America was a multiethnic country from the start. What does from the start? mean. If you really go back to the real start, Native Americans were the start. Schlesinger is talking about the start he likes to believe in, he is referring to the start most white-Americans refer to. There is not one history book that refers to Native Americans as the founders of America. Native Americans lived in this country long before Europeans discovered. There is a part of Schlesinger piece that is true: The hostility of one tribe for another is among the most instinctive human reactions, when Europeans arrived on the U.S. they believed that Native Americans were dangerous, reason for why they decided to take their property, kill most of them, their culture, make them live in reservations, and lastly re-name the country as New England. How come this is not part of our history books? Schlesinger talks about U.S. history from the revolution on, he also mentions that America was successful is making a multiethnic society. How can anybody classify America as a successful multiethnic society, if since the beginning of times Americans decided to exclude the real Americans? What does being an American mean to Schlesinger? America is home to millions ...

Argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 6

Argument - Essay Example It reflects the realities they face on a daily basis and their struggle to come to terms with the world around them. Far from encouraging young people into a life of drug addiction and gun crime, hip-hop can actually save them from it by proving a form of expression which can release their anger, stress and anxieties. This essay will explore the two sides to this hotly debated topic and attempt to understand just what role hip-hop plays in modern society. Jennifer McLune is a supporter of the idea that hip-hop is a damaging influence on modern society. Her focus is particularly on females, since she argues that hip-hop betrays its black women listeners by objectifying them. The basic premise for her argument is that far from offering an outlet for young black females, it actually encourages them to conform to roles delimitated along the lines of ‘baby mommas’, ‘chickenheads’ or ‘bitches’. Rather than offering positive role models for women, this music instead attempts to limit the role that women play in a society where men set the rules. This is an often levied criticism. At first listen lyrics to many hip-hop songs appear to have little respect for women beyond pure sexuality. McClure takes this point and develops it, in a distinctly feminist tone. McLune argues against Powell’s idea that the overt misogyny in hip-hop comes from socio-economic factors which have encourages this approach. She argues this point by indicating that women, too, have been raised in the exact same socio-economic conditions. Further, rich white males are just as capable as poor black ones of sexist slants. Her approach is an overtly feminist one which argues that women should not accept this war which men are waging on them. She argues that hip-hop culture is driven by sexism and that even artists which are opposed to this do not openly publicise the fact. It is so mainstream to hate women, it would

Communication in Economics(Econ 479) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Communication in Economics(Econ 479) - Essay Example Some nations have put in place strict rules in the retirement plans with the intention of ensuring that the wellbeing of the citizens is secured even after they come out of employment. This is the argument which David Harrison raises in the article. The article reports that there is need for more reforms to be initiated so that people are not permitted to withdraw the money prior to reaching the eligibility age. The suggestion in the article is valid but may not be hopeful in dealing with the retirement and financial issues facing employees today. Americans should be allowed to continue benefiting from their retirement account funds when need arises. What needs to be done is the formulation and enactment of procedures and policies that will help in striking a balance between the current financial needs which force them to use their retirement funds and the needs they will have to meet when they are out of employment. One major reason why I believe that should be allowed to choose when to use their retirement funds is the fact that most employees still find themselves in difficult financial situations because of the prevailing economic conditions. Factors such as economic recession have directly affected the financial stability of most Americans. At times, employees are faced with heavy financial needs which in one way or the other affect their wellbeing and even their productivity. Without the flexibility in the rules, some people will not be able to meet their financial needs. Needs like medical bills, eviction and foreclosure of a person residences makes it necessary for workers to look for immediate sources of funds (Ezra, Collie and Smith 58). Claims have been made that there are other avenues through which people can meet their financial obligations. However, some of the available options like loans from banks may apply only to those who still have more years in employment. The flexible

Health Disparities in Uninsured Americans Essay Example for Free

Health Disparities in Uninsured Americans Essay According to (Kilbourne, Switzer Fine, (2006), Health disparities are significant differences that are needed and viewed clinically and statistically in health care and health outcomes. These differences between groups of people can affect how often an illness(disease) have group affects, the number of people who have gotten sick and how many times do this particular disease or problem ends up with death occurring. There are a number of populations that can be affected by health disparities. ( Felton, (2013). Some of these differences are: Ethnic and racial minorities Rural area residents The elderly, children and women People with disabilities. (Medline Plus.com., (2013). Health disparity can also be defined as differences of populations in health care access, environmental exposures, health status, quality or utilization and outcomes involving your health. Health disparities are related generally to social issues and healthcare systems. The worldwide web coming in existence in the mid 1990s also can lead to health disparities since some ethnic groups would not be able to afford the internet. One of the objectives of Healthy People 2010 was to provide more internet services to the home. (Gibbons, (2005). Since this study will be a quantitative study it will focus on the total number of uninsured or underinsured Americans who didnt have health insurance by the end of 2012. Another focus of this study will be coming up with possible solutions to this growing trend in healthcare. In this study we will also seek to discover how the uninsured or underinsured individuals or families are being effected positively and negatively by gaining feedback from these individuals. There are several ways to obtain this feedback for this study in which we will be conducting surveys and questionnaires to get the answers we need. These ways are: the reasons why they do not have insurance to determine how this may affect their access to care, to determine whether the cost of care is directly affecting the reason why these individuals may not be insured and in this study we need to try to find the problems, come up with solutions and look for ways to get rid of any barriers to persons so that they can find affordable health care policies. Since the Affordable Care Act of 2010 is in effect we need to study how the introduction of a new healthcare law to totally replace the healthcare system that has been in place for years will effect uninsured and underinsured Americans. According to the article by (parkdatabase.org.,(2012). For the surveys we will be conducting our survey samples will be coming from males and females  who are American citizens, all races or ethnic groups, 200 participants will be equally divided by gender. In order to cover a wide variety of people that are being effected by health disparities in quantitative research usually will require a large sample size in order to quantify the research. (Felton, 2013). Background of the Study There are several factors that join together populations to influence someones health and health status which results into health disparity. According to the Healthcare Fairness Act of 2000 House Resolution #3250, populations that have health disparities suffer from numbers that are significant as it relates to the total rate of incidence of disease, mortality, survival and morbidity when compared to the population in general. The most contributing factor to health disparities most often mentioned when watched in the United States population is Socioeconomic status (SES). Other factors related to health disparities include: physical and cultural environment, lifestyle, working and living conditions, and community and social networks. Socioeconomic status can be defined as how persons, households, families, and aggregates and census contracts as it relates to the size to consume or create goods that our society values. (Shavers, (2007). The quality of healthcare experienced by our patients may be related to issues of disparity, socio-environmental determinants of health, practice variation, and substandard of care as scientific evidence seemed to show by the late 1990s. (Gibbons,(2005). Since Disparities in the United States can be caused by rather a mixture that is complex, historic injury intertwined with problems with access along with systematic quality. Health disparities have many sides which include ethnicity, status, geography and race. For policymakers it is critically important to give meaning to the problem in the correct way to make sure any solutions that are goal-related will be able to address the solutions reached. The goal is to provide health security for everyone no matter what your socio-economic characters are. Even though the United States goal is to completely get rid health  disparities there will be efforts to become a part of a broader effort to change health care and by doing so, there must be focus on improving the quality of care delivered to patients individually first and foremost. (Frist, (2005). We can now ask the question, Why the study of health disparity should be pursued and for whom is the study important to? The study of health disparity should be pursued because if nothing else but to determine if the research into health disparity will show any differences in organizational features that are specific. Furthermore the idea that organizational factors may play a significant role in health disparity has brought about more of a deep research on the role of organizational processes that are mutable when you look across the treatment setting. (Kilbourne, Switzer Fine, (2006), Purpose of the Statement The purpose of this study will be to test the framework that is conceptual that will cover health disparities in 3 phases. Detection Reducing and/or Eliminating Understanding The survey will include 200 male and female divided equally on uninsured Americans adults 18 years and older to gain feedback on why they do not have health insurance. (Felton, 2013). Viable Research Questions and Hypotheses What role if any how access to care directly affected your health status because you dont have health insurance? How has the cost of healthcare affected you individually, your families  health status because of no health insurance? How do you think your health status would change if you could afford health insurance? Do you think the new health care law will positively or negatively affect your ability to purchase health insurance? What factors do you believe are directly associated with the uninsured status as it relates to health insurance access? (Felton, (2013). Hypotheses Having no health insurance is directly impacting my access to care. Also the cost of care while having no health insurance is directly affecting my general health of me as well as my family. Also, if I had no cost for health insurance or low cost this would positively affect my health status as well as my family. With the Affordable Care Act of 2010 partially enforced, how do you believe this law will be directly associated with your uninsured status when it comes to access to health insurance. (Felton, 2013). Nature of the Study Design The strengths of Experimental Designs research according to the textbook, (Frankfort-Nachmias, Nachmias, (2008), designs begins with the understanding of the 4 components of research design which are: _comparison(correlation of two variables), manipulation(control over), control, (removal of other factors(, and generalization(different settings, larger populations can be use)._ (Frankfort-Nachmias, Nachmias, (2008).  The strengths of experimental designs is it will help a researcher understand the logic behind all other research designs, another strength is that an experiment lets the researcher observe and draw inferences that are casual with less difficulty no matter what type of variable is used and it allows researchers to be able to understand other design limitations. (Felton, (2013). According to the author,( Bhattacherjee, (2012). The limitations of Experimental Design research can be in the world of experimentation, the situation in the real world may not always relate, in situations where you have to randomly assign the persons to groups this may be impossible and unethical and another limitation would be getting rid of variables that are extraneous may not even be possible. (Felton, 2013). According to textbook by, (Frankfort-Nachmias, Nachmias, (2008). When I consider the quantitative research plan I am developing and my research questions, hypotheses, and variables, I would recommend the classic experimental design for research. The reason is my research plan involves, Health Disparities, which is a topic that can touch on several specific groups whether it be based on race, gender, insured, uninsured. In the classic experimental research design as the researcher you do have more control over the intrinsic and extrinsic variables for your research which is an advantage for me. Also in experimental design it allows the researcher to have control to introduce the variable that independent to help determine which direction the causation is being led to. Since Health Disparities will need to cover several areas in order to be effective I feel that experimental research design offers me the best chance of reaching the goal of my research which are three phases: 1. Detection, 2. Understanding of the problem and 3. getting rid of or eliminating health disparities all together. ( Felton, 2013). Since there are so many issues that are affecting Health Disparities in our world today, I feel I need to choose a research design plan that offers flexibility to the researchers which allows them to properly research the  issue, look at all sides to the issues to help come up with valid and ethical conclusions. Also, since I want to focus on uninsured Americans, just like me, and a hot topic in our world today, I will need an research design that will aid in my success to properly research this issue fully. iii. Instrumentation and materials According to the authors, (Keppel, Pamuk, Lynch, Carter-Pokras, Kim, Mays, Pearcy, Schoenbach, Weisman, (2005). S The levels of measurement that will be important for my study in Health Disparities can involve at the nominal level, ordinal level and ratio level. Health disparities can be measured according to six issues that are between populations and groups: 1. a reference point will need to be selected in order to measure disparity. 2. Disparity need to be measured in either relative or absolute terms. 3. Measurements for health disparities need to be in terms of adverse or favorable events. 4. Health disparity needs to be measured in summary fashion or pair-wise. 5. In health disparity you need to choose whether to weigh groups according to the size of the group. 6. In health disparity there needs to be a decision whether to order the groups in a inherent way. (Felton, (2013). According to the textbook, (Frankfort-Nachmias, (2008). The nominal level will be important to my study on health disparity because at this level you can measure a different symbol that will represent each symbol. For example: ethnicity, gender, nationality, martial status, religion, and where you live. According to Messer, (2008). The ratio level is also another level of measurement that can be used in my research study on Health disparities  because variables at this level have fixed natural zero points and absolute because these variable can be based on length, time, weight and area. Frankfort-Nachmias, (2008). Ratio measurement are the most common level of measurement used in disparity due to the scale of measurement. At the ratio level when measuring disparity it can be used in both as an absolute measure as well as a level of ratio. (Felton, (2013). Validity in research is concerned with whether you are measuring what you really need to or intend to measure for your research. There are three kinds validity in research: content, empirical and construct validity. I will ensure content validity, empirical validity, and construct validity for my study in health disparity in uninsured Americans by first understanding what each of the three types of validity mean: 1. Content validity is when your measurements are actually covering all areas you are intending to measure. In other words, nothing is left out. According to the textbook authors (Frankfort-Nachmias, (2008). Under content validity we have what is called face validity or the researchers evaluation that is subjective in their research. Another content validity is called sampling validity which is concerned about whether the population given in the research is sampled adequately. (Frankfort-Nachmias, (2008). Since health disparity covers a large area to be sampled, as a researcher I will have to find one area to focus on such as uninsured Americans, covering persons 18 years and older, male and females, all ethnic groups will all be a part of the sample. (Felton, 2013). According to authors (Hidalgo Goodman, (2012). Empirical validity refers to the relationship that is between an instrument that needs to be measured and the outcomes of the measurements. Construct validity relates the issues you are measuring to theoretical framework that is general. In disparities research it will be important to assess the standard criteria needed for the research to do what it is intended to do, especially if you are using different populations. In some cases, questionnaires may be needed to create validity in the study, but not in all studies. If in your disparities  research for uninsured Americans, where things like racism, race, ethnic groups which are considered constructs that are social can be hard to measure. (Felton, 2013) According to the article from (Active Campaign, (2009). In order to ensure validity in my research using content research which will be requiring all areas in my research I want to cover as it relates to health disparities for the uninsured American I would need to use a subjective form of measurement.(Felton, 2013). In the textbook, (Frankfort-Nachmias, (2008). The strengths and limitations in the reliability and validity I chose Construct validity strengths are based on how many dimensions and measures construct validity has, construct validity can be operated in a number of ways. (Felton, 2013). In order to ensure reliability for the measurement in my study, first I need to understand as a researcher the importance in the degree of reliability. Reliability is when your measuring instrument contain variable errors or mistakes that appear not all the time between your observation of your research for one time only or every time a variable is measured. So measurements contain two components which are called error component and true component. To further explain reliability which is measured on a ratio between true-score variance and variance in the total score measured. To ensure that my research study on health disparities is reliable for the measurement I will need to be able to distinguish that the results of the research may not be the exact same each time it is done. (Felton, (2013). The strengths and limitations when it comes to health disparities in the terms of reliability and validity can be linked to the fact that there are several components by which health disparities can be measured. Empirical validity and reliability are part of the research that deals with health disparities. One strength of empirical validity is relationships between prediction and results. According to the authors, (Ogden and Lo, (2011). The scale that is most appropriate to use for researching health disparities in uninsured America  Likert scale (tests attitudes) since it requires the researcher build a list of items that needs to be scaled, random research, then total of results. In using Likert scales there will be some limitations in the research involving health disparities. Some limitations are due to the debate on the role of comparisons socially and the impact it would bring on how the scales are completed and the results of the data being researched. ( Felton, 2013). According to authors Lobo and Mateus, (2013). Since in health disparities there are so many areas that need to be measured even access to health care and scales for measurement can help to achieve the needed results for the researcher if you take into account the aspects of the scale that you can enhance and you will continue to need to validate scales in your other populations. (Felton, (2013). According to ( Nowjack-Raymer, (2013), the test that is appropriate for my health disparities research plan would probably looking to better understand inequalities as well as health disparities, another test could involve developing testing with interventions that would be targeting people living in poverty, and we could also consider testing implementation and dissemination approaches for exploration to findings that would be effective in order to assure translation that is fast that could be put into practice, bring about some policies with action within communities. (Felton, (2013). The populations used for the scale and test as it relates to health disparities according to the NIDCR authors (Nowjack-Raymer, (2013), will involve research that will be focused on the vulnerable and disadvantaged population in subgroups. The testing population could include: Elders All ethnic and racial populations that are considered to be under health disparities, this will include Hispanic(Mexican, Puerto Rican, South and Central America, Cuban, and all Spanish speaking nations), African Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islander, and Alaskan Rural low income persons, urban dwellers, including Appalachians Persons who are unable leave their homes due to disabilities and persons who are in institutions  the special needs populations that includes persons living with AIDS, developmental or acquired intellectual or physical disabilities. (Nowjack-Raymer, (2013) Data analysis plan: Since in program research there a number that is limited in the efforts to evaluate and create health disparities involving new strategies with the health care system. Here are some of these program that are being supported by the AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for example: (EXCEED) or Excellence Centers to Eliminate Ethnic/Racial Disparities, this is a grant program that looks for ways to eliminate health disparities. (Gillian, (2004). Sampling According to website (HHS.gov.,(2013), For my Quantitative Research Plan on Health Disparities using ratio measurement because it is the most common level used to measure disparity. The population (units of analysis that are relevant) for this research will include all uninsured African Americans in the United States today. Statistically according to the new Health Care Law or the Affordable Care Act there are 6.8 million African Americans eligible for benefits under the ACA. (Felton, 2013). The population for my study includes all uninsured African Americans in the United States according to the ACA. Population: 6.8 million African Americans (including male and female), almost half of this number of young adults. This population need to be defined on the basis of: A. Content, B. Extent, and C. Time. Size: 6.8 million. (HHS.gov.,(2013). I have made a  change in my population for research which will be first finding a reference point which is critical when doing research on disparity. According to the authors, (Keppel, Pamuk, Lynch, Careter-Pokras, Kim, Mays, Pearcy, Schoenbach, and Weissman,(2005). I will also need to measure disparity in relative or absolution terms. Disparity is very obvious when you realize that disparity occurs when the amount that separates a group from a reference point that is specified on a measure that is particular to health that is expressed in the terms of percentage, rate, means or some other measure that is quantitative. (Felton, 2013). . According to authors, (Keppel, et al, (2005) Sampling: an individual within the Population such as for example the young adult population size of 3.2 million or 47% don t have health insurance from the ages 18 to 35 years of age. Type of Sampling used: Probability sampling. A sample need to be able to represent the population it will be used for. When you want to measure a sample and your objective is to work from individual groups in a certain domain then use comparisons that are pair-wise. When you summarize the measures used in your disparity this will quantify all the groups in opposition and any conclusions based on your summary results should be joined and interpreted using all groups. (Felton, 2013) How the sample will be drawn? When disparities are measured, first the reference point need to be identified, next if any two groups need to be compared the reference point with the favorable group need to be used(lowest rates). When using disparities samples it should be measured in both relative and absolute terms and when you are measuring disparities over various of health indicators it should be shown in terms of events that are adverse. Why did you choose this sample size and why it was chosen in relation to the size of your population? I initially chose this sample size since I had 3 populations to choose from  for the uninsured African American population which were male, female, or young adults and I chose the young adult population since I had a solid statistical number of how many of young adults between the ages of 18 to 35 who are uninsured. I am not totally convinced that choosing a sample size representing millions of people will be the correct course for me to take and I had a terrible time trying to create a graph or chart to show my numbers and I could not get the graph to show. Since the number of uninsured Americans is very high even with the Affordable Care Act being in place, I may have to consider working in another area in health disparity. I was attempting to doing a basic line graph chart showing the age of young adults with no health insurance. Since health disparities covers such a wide range of issues I will have to reconsider what area under health disparity I want to cover and research. Ethical Concerns Health Disparities research has emerging advances which include comparative effectiveness studies and controlled trials that are often conducted at academic sites and multiple communities. The institutional review boards (IRBs) has presented a impediment that is major to the effective and timely conduct of health disparity research. When the research involved the underserved communities and minority along with institutional requirements, ethical standards interpretation may be different. These differences can cause complications in the research protocol and informed consent process and may have a negative effect on how the participants will respect this type of research and the quality of the trials. Also the IRB or institutional review board, can also lead to delays that are unnecessary, jeopardizing the capacity to perform collaborative projects and funding. The Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Translational Research Network (TRN) have created a community-partnered approach to run side by side with the IRB review directly across the 18 RCMI institutions grantees that make sure compliance while making it better quality of health disparity research. (Hammatt,. and Nishitani, Junko and Heslin, Kevin and Perry and Szetela, and Jones, and Williams, and Antoine-LaVigne, and Forge, and  Norris, Keith C, (2011). Even though Americans are living longer and are healthier, health disparities still exist. However, policymakers are making a response to the health disparity issue by putting together and introducing legislation that are geared toward getting rid of health disparities. (ncsl.org., (2014). The Uninsured Americans as a health disparity There is about 44 million Americans total without health insurance and another 38 million Americans who do not have enough health insurance to meet their healthcare needs. If persons do not have health insurance it will usually mean putting also necessary care such as: Childhood Immunizations Preventive care Routine check-ups no Primary care doctor no access or limited access to prescription drugs being hospitalized for a condition that otherwise would not have led to a hospital stay that could have been avoided if you had health insurance Because of fear of medical bills you may choose to delay care which will usually lead to more cost to you, especially if you have to go to the emergency room. We must also understand that when the uninsured persons face a health crisis because they cant pay the burden of the cost will be to the insured population. (Glied, (2014). References: Active Campaign, ( 2009). Validity in Research Design. Retrieved from website http://www.activecampaign.com/blog/validity-in-research-design/ Bhattacherjee, A.,(2012). SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH: PRINCIPLES, METHODS, AND PRACTICES. Retrieved from website http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002context=oa_textbooks Felton. (2013). _An analysis of personality theory._ Unpublished manuscript, Walden University. Frankfort-Nachmias, C., Nachmias, D. (2008). Research Methods in the Social Sciences 7th Ed. New York: Worth Frist, W., (2005). Overcoming Disparities in U. S. Healthcare. _Health Affairs. Retrieved from website http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/24/2/445.short._ Gibbons, M., (2005). A Historical Overview of Health Disparities and the Potential of eHealth Solutions. _Journal of Medical Internet Research. Retrieved from website http://www.jmir.org/2005/5/e50/_ Gillian, S., (2004). Addressing Unequal Treatment: Disparities in Healthcare. _The Common Fund. Retrieved from website http://www.commonwealthfund.org/usr_doc/SteelFisher_unequaltreatment_cong2004_70 9.pdf?section=4039_ Glied, S., (2014). The Uninsured. Retrieved from the website http://www.pbs.org/healthcarecrisis/uninsured.html HHS.gov(Health care.,. The Affordable Care Act and the African Americans. Retrieved from website http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/factsheets/2012/04/aca-and-african- americans04122012a.html012). (HAMMATT,. AND NISHITANI, JUNKO AND HESLIN, KEVIN AND PERRY AND SZETELA, AND JONES, AND WILLIAMS, AND ANTOINE-LAVIGNE, AND FORGE, AND NORRIS, KEITH C, (2011). PARTNERING TO HARMONIZE IRBS FOR COMMUNITY-ENGAGED RESEARCH TO REDUCE HEALTH DISPARITIES. PUBMED.GOV. RETRIEVED FROM WEBSITE HTTP://WWW.NCBI.NLM.NIH.GOV/PUBMED/22102302 (Hidalgo Goodman, (2012). Validation of Self-Reported Measures in Health Disparities Research. _Journal of Biometrics and Biostatistics. Retrieved from website_ http://www.omicsonline.org/validation-of-self-reported-measures-in-health-disparities- research-2155-6180.1000e114.pdf (Keppel, Pamuk, Lynch, Carter-Pokras, Kim, Mays, Pearcy, Schoenbach, Weisman, (2005). Methodological Issues in Measuring Health Disparities. Retrieved from website http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_02/sr02_141.pdf Kilbourne, A., Switzer, G., Hyman, K., Crowley-Matoka, M., Fine, M., (2006). Advancing Health Disparities Research within The Health Care System: A Conceptual Framework. Retrieved from website http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1698151/ LOBO, A., MATEUS, S., (2013). VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF AN EQUITY IN HEALTH CARE SCALE. _SAGE JOURNALS. RETRIEVED FROM WEBSITE_ HTTP://SGO.SAGEPUB.COM/CONTENT/3/4/2158244013506716 Messer, L., (2008). Invited Commentary: Measuring Social Disparities in Health-What Was the Question Again? _American Journal of Epiderminology._ Retrieved from website http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/167/8/900.full.pdf ncsl.org., (2014). 2014 Health Disparity Legislation. Retrieved from website http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/2014-health-disparities-legislation.aspx nlm.nih.gov., Medline Plus., (2013). Health Disparities. Retrieved from website http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthdisparities.html Nowjack-Raymer, (2013). Health Disparities Research Programs. Retrieved from website http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/Research/DER/ClinicalResearch/HealthDispar.htm Ogden, J., Lo, J.,(2011). How meaningful is data from Likert Scales? An evaluation of how ratings are made and the role of the response shift in the socially disadvantaged. Journal of Health Psychology. Retrieved from website http://hpq.sagepub.com/content/early/2011/08/06/1359105311417192, Parkdatabase.org.,(2012). Qualitative and Quantitative Research Techniques for Humanitarian Needs Assessment. _An Introductory Brief._ Retrieved from website http://reliefweb.int/report/world/qualitative-and-quantitative-research-techniques- humanitarian-needs-assessment. Shavers, V., (2007). Measurement of Socio-economic Status in Health Disparity Research. _Journal of National Medical Association. Retrieved from website_

Madison vs Marshall :: essays papers

Madison vs Marshall Upon the Declaration of Independence, a â€Å"plan of confederation† was offered to be prepared for the colonies. This plan, known as The Articles of Confederation, established a â€Å"league of friendship† among the states rather than a national government. The most significant fact about the created government was it’s weakness, it could not enforce even the limited powers it had. In James Madison’s words, in his Federalist Paper #10 â€Å"complaints are everywhere heard†¦that our governments are too unstable†. The states had won their freedom but had been unable to form a nation. They fought among themselves, suffered from severe economic depression, and came close to losing the peace they had won in war. These political and economic factors generated pressure for the creation of a new national government and a constitution. In Madison’s view, politics was overrun by different â€Å"factions†, which were groups of people who shared the same interests, different from other people or the opinion of the whole. These factions, he thought, prevented the government from its most important task, which in his opinion was to protect the owner’s of the land and property. The ownership of the land was divided according to people’s different skills, faculties, and according to Madison, â€Å"the protection of these faculties is the first object of the government†. And since the majority of the people were farmers and poor, and since â€Å"those who hold and those who are without property have ever formed distinct interests in society†, Madison wanted a constitution that would give the government the power to control the majority. In his address to the American Bar Association, Thurgood Marshall criticizes the constitution by saying that â€Å" I do not believe that the meaning of the Constitution was forever â€Å"fixed† at the Philadelphia convention†. In his opinion â€Å" the government that they devised was defective from the beginning†, meaning that the Constitution required several amendments before it became what people today consider as â€Å"the basic structure of the American government†. The constitution is very different today than what the framers began to construct two centuries ago. Marshall thinks that there was much wrong with the original document, he finds many â€Å"inherent defects†, but is willing to admit that it was â€Å"a product of its times and embodied a compromise that, under other circumstances, would not have been made†. By this he means the contradiction between promising â€Å"liberty and justice for all† and denying both from blacks.

Enterprise It at Cisco

Data, Models and Decisions (2012 IMBA FDMS) Homework Assignment VI 2012-11-7 Solve the problems in the POSIDON, INC case module on page 184 of the textbook. [Remark]: You only need to answer the questions, rather than prepare a case write-up. The Excel file â€Å"Homework6-1_POSIDON. xls† containing the data for the case has been uploaded to the MBA portal. Finish the following exercise: E1. A study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found that 23. % of adults are smokers and that roughly 70% of those who do smoke indicate that they want to quit (Associate Press, July 26, 2002). CDC reported that, of people who smoked at some point in their lives, 50% have been able to kick the habit.Part of the study suggested that the success rate for quitting rose by education level. Assume that a sample of 100 college graduates who smoked at some point in their lives showed that 64 had been able to successfully stop smoking. a) State the hypotheses that can be used to determine whethe r the population of college graduates has a success rate higher than the overall population when it comes to breaking the smoking habit. (b) Given the sample data, what is the proportion of college graduates who, having smoked at some point in their lives, were able to stop smoking? Construct a 95% confidence interval for the proportion. (c) What is the p-value? At ? = 0. 01, what is your hypothesis testing conclusion? E2.The demand of a certain kind of pen in Fudan student supermarket last year obeys a distribution with an average 27 per day. This year the price of such pen decreases by ? 0. 5. A random sample containing 6 days’ purchase amount is recorded. The data is 29, 28, 31, 26, 27 and 30. The manager hopes to know if the average demand of such pen increases this year. Could you offer any suggestion? Write down the necessary assumptions for your suggestion. (Hint: Use hypothesis test. ) [Remark]: Homework assignment VI is due on November 21 during the lecture. 1

Succubus Revealed Chapter 19

And so began my day in court. Despite Hannibal's call for order, it was obvious that everyone was still fixated on Roman's presence. I'd known nephilim were despised among greater immortals, but it wasn't until today that the full scope of it hit me. It shed new light on why Roman and his kind were often so obsessed with getting back at the powers that be. I wondered if it was good to have some of the attention taken off me or if I'd just doomed myself further by association. â€Å"So,† said Judge Hannibal. â€Å"You've got some kind of gripe with your contract. Join the club.† Low chuckles from the demonic spectators rumbled around the room. Roman cleared his throat, silencing the chuckles. â€Å"Your honor, we have more than a ‘gripe.' We have evidence that Hell not only violated her contract but also drew up another under false pretenses.† â€Å"That's absurd,† said Marcel. â€Å"We can't examine everyone in the world's contract. If someone else has a problem, they can have their own trial.† â€Å"The other contract is for a human who's still alive,† said Roman. â€Å"He's in no position to file a claim, and his was tied in to the paperwork that brought hers to court.† Hannibal waved his hands dismissively. â€Å"Well, we haven't even proved there's anything wrong with hers, so let's settle that before we start doing favors for others.† â€Å"Can we see her contract?† asked Roman. â€Å"Doris?† Hannibal glanced over at the woman with the laptop. She produced a heavy, metal box from underneath her desk with what appeared to be a numeric lock. After first consulting her laptop, she punched in a long series of digits. Smoke seeped out of the edges of the box. A moment later, she opened it up and produced a long, ornate scroll. She glanced at the judge. â€Å"Copies?† â€Å"Yes, please,† he told her. Doris repeated the procedure a couple more times, and I leaned toward Roman. â€Å"How does this work?† I whispered. â€Å"Isn't there some kind of order? Doesn't the prosecution go first?† â€Å"Maybe in an American court of law,† he whispered back. â€Å"Here? Everyone just gets out their argument when they can, and it's up to the judge to keep order.† It surprised me. Considering the obsession with details around here, I would've expected a certain amount of painstaking procedure. Then again, a survival-of-the-fittest method of pushing your case wasn't that out of line with Hell's ideologies either. Scrolls were obtained for the judge and lawyers. Even though it was a copy, I was still a bit daunted when Roman spread the scroll out before us on the table. This was it, the contract that had bound my immortal soul. One small decision with centuries of consequences. It was written in English, and I supposed Doris's magic scroll copy box must have the powers of translation since the original had been in Greek. â€Å"May I direct your attention to section 3A,† said Roman loudly. In a softer voice, he added to me, â€Å"The rest is pretty much standard Hell legalese.† It was true. The scroll was so big, we couldn't open it in its entirety. From what I could see, most of it was a painfully detailed description of what it meant to serve as a succubus and give Hell the lease on your soul. In their defense, there wasn't much they'd left out. I hadn't read the full contract at the time. Niphon had summarized the high points for me, but it was impossible to say they didn't let you know what you were in for. Fortunately, those technicalities weren't our concern today. Roman read aloud: â€Å"In exchange for ownership of the aforementioned soul (see sections 1B, 4A, 4B, 5B part 1, 5B part 2, and appendix 574.3) and services detailed below (see sections 3A, 3B, 6A-F, 12C) as performed by the contractee (henceforth called ‘the Damned'), the almighty Kingdom of Hell and its representatives do agree to the following: 1. Granting to the Damned of succubus powers described in sections 7.1A and 7.3A. 2. All mortals who were acquainted with the Damned in her human life shall have all knowledge of her erased from their memories, never to be regained, in accordance with standard memory loss procedures (see appendix 23).† Roman looked up at the judge when he finished reading. â€Å"Now,† said Roman. â€Å"I can read appendix 23 if you want, but the point is that Hell did not honor part of their agreement. Someone she knew when she was human – a mortal – remembered her.† â€Å"Why wasn't this raised back then?† asked Hannibal. â€Å"Because it happened a couple months ago,† said Roman. â€Å"The person in question is someone with a reincarnation contract who was alive then and today.† â€Å"If this person was reincarnated, then the point's irrelevant,† said Marcel. â€Å"It's not technically the same person anymore. Therefore, the contract stands.† â€Å"Not according to addendum 764 of the Treatise on Humanity ,† said Roman. â€Å"According to it, all individuals – humans and lesser immortals – are defined by their souls. No matter what shape that being takes, the soul remains constant, as does the individual's identity. I'm sure Doris can produce a copy if we need it.† Doris looked at Hannibal expectantly. â€Å"Don't bother,† he said. â€Å"I'm familiar with the Treatise. Okay. Operating under the assumption that souls are constant and individuals are defined by their souls, what proof do you have that this reincarnated individual remembered the petitioner here?† I expected Roman to say something and then realized he was waiting on me. It was still hard to wrap my head around the idea of everyone just jumping forward and speaking. â€Å"He called me by my name, your honor,† I said. â€Å"My first human name from the fifth century. The one he knew me as back then.† â€Å"Had he ever heard it before – in this lifetime?† prompted Roman. â€Å"No,† I said. â€Å"Did anyone witness this?† asked Marcel. â€Å"No,† I said. â€Å"I see,† he said, managing to make me feel very small with those two words. His tone implied that it was a miracle we'd even made it this far on such flimsy evidence. â€Å"It's okay,† said Roman. â€Å"Because we have more. This same reincarnated subject revealed under hypnosis remembering her in several other lives.† â€Å"Are there witnesses to that?† asked Hannibal. â€Å"We both witnessed it,† said Roman. â€Å"As well as an imp employed in Seattle. Hugh Mitchell. He was the one who actually performed the hypnosis, if you wanted to summon him.† I tensed. Hugh was certainly an airtight witness – seeing as he wasn't the petitioner in this case or a creature despised by both Heaven and Hell – but my earlier apprehension for him returned. I didn't know if he could get in trouble for providing key evidence. â€Å"We don't need him,† said Marcel. â€Å"You and he witnessed the same thing?† I nodded. Marcel glanced over at the jury. â€Å"You can tell if she's lying. Is she telling the truth?† Six heads nodded. I was surprised I hadn't thought of this earlier. Angels could tell if mortals and lesser immortals were telling the truth. That was handy in a trial like this. I was also surprised Marcel was helping me out like this. â€Å"There you have it,† he said. â€Å"She thinks she heard the subject remembering her under hypnosis. We can assume this imp would believe it as well.† â€Å"Hey,† I argued. â€Å"There's no ‘thinks' about it. He did remember me.† Marcel shrugged. â€Å"If you say so. We can only take your word for it and what you think you heard. There's no objective evidence to show that he remembered, therefore calling our part of the bargain into dispute.† â€Å"Oh, we can find the evidence,† said Roman. â€Å"The subject in question is also under contract. And the very nature of his contract contradicts hers. Can you bring it up, Doris?† Hannibal nodded his consent, and she turned to her laptop. â€Å"Name?† â€Å"Kyriakos,† I said, trying not to stumble over the word. â€Å"That's what it was in the fifth century, at least. In Cyprus. Today he's Seth Mortensen.† The judge arched an eyebrow. â€Å"I like his books. Didn't realize he was one of ours.† â€Å"Well, he's not yet,† I muttered. Doris meanwhile was typing away on her laptop, putting in the appropriate criteria. She must have found the right case number because she soon turned to the smoking metal box and produced three more scrolls. The copies were distributed, and a strange feeling crept over my skin as Roman opened this one, stranger even than when we'd viewed my own. Here it was. Seth's contract. Kyriakos's contract. It had existed unbeknownst to me all these years, subtly influencing my life. It had been made because of me. Roman again jumped to section 2, which was apparently consistent across contracts as far as what â€Å"the Damned† received. † ‘The Damned shall be granted a total of ten human lives, of which one has already taken place. The subsequent nine reincarnations shall occur in such times and places that he may be in proximity to the lover he believes is missing from his first life, in the hopes of reconciliation. Upon completion of the tenth life, the Damned's soul will become the property of Hell, in accordance with sections 8D, 9A, and 9B.' â€Å" Roman fell silent, a frown on his face. I too felt dismayed but didn't think we shared the same reasons. Without Seth confirming anything, we'd been unsure if his soul was damned or not, regardless of his success in finding me. I'd half hoped that Hell had given him some fairy-tale challenge, that if he could find and reunite with me, his soul would be restored to him. That apparently wasn't true. Hell had only offered him the chance to be with me. They'd given him no more than that. If we made amends, his soul belonged to them, the same as if we didn't. Our romantic outcome made no difference. I wondered if he had bargained for more or had been so desperate and grateful for the chance to simply be with me again that he hadn't even asked for more. Marcel smiled. â€Å"I see Letha mentioned nowhere in here. There was no violation of the terms of her contract.† â€Å"But obviously someone knew,† said Roman. â€Å"You must have a record of all of his lives. He's encountered her in each one of them. So someone, somewhere made sure that part of the contract was fulfilled – his reunion with the missing ‘lover' from his first life. Her. Whom he was supposed to forget, per the terms of her contract. They contradict each other.† Roman spoke confidently, laying his points out reasonably, but I could sense the uneasiness within him. I knew what the hanging point was – the same point Marcel had promptly jumped on. I wasn't cited by name here. Somewhere, there had to be a record of it if Hell had managed to let Seth be reborn near me each time, but we didn't know what that was. Hell certainly wasn't going to help us find it. â€Å"It could be a coincidence,† said Marcel. â€Å"Maybe he met someone else in his first life whom he fell in love with, someone whom he lost young and continued to seek in the following centuries.† â€Å"Someone else who was immortal and would be alive for the next fifteen hundred years?† asked Roman. â€Å"That's an awfully big coincidence.† Marcel looked smug. â€Å"Be that as it may, Letha is not mentioned anywhere in his contract. Everything's circumstantial at best, with no proof that Hell entered into this under false pretenses.† A thought suddenly occurred to me, and I began attempting to unroll the scroll, seeking a very specific piece of information. There were so many sections, subsections, articles, and clauses, however, that I couldn't make any sense of it. â€Å"Who drafted this?† I asked Roman. â€Å"Shouldn't whoever brokered the deal be listed?† â€Å"Section 27E,† said Roman automatically. I paused to give him an incredulous glance. â€Å"How do you know that?† â€Å"What do you think I've been doing for the last week?† he asked, by way of answer. He helped me find the appropriate section, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw the name I'd been hoping for. Just to be sure, I found the matching section in my own contract. Roman, spying what I had, immediately ran with it. â€Å"Your honor, these contracts were brokered by the same imp. Niphon. He had to have known they conflicted with each other. He had to have known that Letha was the lover Kyriakos was seeking.† â€Å"He didn't ‘have to have known' anything,† countered Marcel. â€Å"It could be a coincidence.† â€Å"Well, let's get him in here and find out,† said Roman. Hannibal considered this for several seconds. I got the distinct impression that he most definitely did not want to summon Niphon, but some of the angels in the jury were regarding him expectantly. If this were truly a fair trial, with evidence laid neatly out, then there was no reason not to bring in a key witness like Niphon. â€Å"Very well,† said Hannibal. He looked over to the guy in the nice suit, the one who'd opened proceedings. I'd taken him for some kind of classy bailiff. â€Å"Go get him. We'll call a ten-minute recess while you do.† Hannibal banged his gavel, and conversation buzzed as the bailiff hurried out of the room. I leaned toward Roman. â€Å"Niphon knows. He has to know. Did I ever tell you the full story of when he came to visit last year?† Roman had heard some of it but was very eager for a recap as I told the tale again. Niphon had shown up, ostensibly to deliver Tawny as our newest succubus. During his stay, however, he'd caused no end of trouble for me and Seth. He'd tried to drive a wedge between us, and indeed, some of his actions were what had led Seth to believe a breakup was better for us in the long run. Niphon had also tried to broker a contract with Seth in order for us to be together without the harmful succubus effects that occurred during sex. The cost would have been Seth's soul, of course. I paused, thinking that over. â€Å"I understand the rest . . . him wanting to keep us apart. Hugh had said it was the sign of an imp trying to cover for some mistake – and this is a pretty big one. It makes sense he'd want to split us up and avoid discovery of the conflict. But why bother to make another deal if Seth's soul was already under contract?† Roman's eyes were alight with thought. â€Å"Because he could've done an amendment to the old contract and cleaned up the contradiction. Seth's soul would have been resecured.† We had no time to analyze it further because the recess soon ended. Hannibal brought things to order and the bailiff returned – with Niphon. My stomach twisted at the sight of him, just as it had last time. Niphon always put me in mind of a weasel. He wore a gray suit, looking business-ready like all imps did, but had heavily pomade-slicked hair that took away some of his credibility. He had thin lips, small eyes, and an olive complexion. He also looked like he'd bolt if given half the chance. The screwup he'd tried to conceal was now being laid out. His escort led him to a witness stand near the bench. Niphon gingerly sat down, sweating visibly. I'd worried about Hugh being dragged into this, fearful of the consequences he'd face. Niphon was probably afraid of the same thing: being punished for helping my case. The difference was that Hugh would at least take some satisfaction out of assisting me. Niphon had no gain in any of this. â€Å"State your name please,† said Hannibal. The imp licked his lips. â€Å"Niphon, your honor. At your service.† â€Å"You brokered these two contracts?† asked Hannibal, indicating the scrolls Doris had just placed on the witness stand. Niphon made a great show of studying them. â€Å"I suppose so, your honor. My name's on them, but it's been such a long time. Makes it easy to forget.† I scoffed. â€Å"You seemed to remember last year when you were scrambling to cover your ass.† â€Å"Let's keep this civilized and fair,† said Hannibal mildly. Really? I was the one being chastised for civility and fairness? â€Å"Did you know when you drew up Kyriakos's contract that Letha was the one he was seeking?† asked Roman. Seeing Niphon squirm, Roman added, â€Å"And be careful about saying you ‘don't remember.' The angels in the esteemed jury will know you're lying.† Niphon swallowed and cast an anxious look at the jury box before returning his gaze to Roman. â€Å"I . . . yes. I knew.† â€Å"And since you'd drawn up Letha's contract, you knew that her terms required all those who knew her as a human to forget her. The fact that he was seeking her at all was a sign her contract had been broken. You weren't able to keep him in a state of forgetfulness.† Niphon made a face. â€Å"He didn't mention her by name. He only remembered that she was gone.† Roman smacked my contract hard. â€Å"The contract doesn't specify to what degree she can be forgotten, just that she is. Period.† Sweat was practically pouring off Niphon in buckets now. He jerked one of the scrolls toward him and scanned it with his twitchy eyes. † ‘All mortals who were acquainted with the Damned in her human life shall have all knowledge of her erased from their memories. . . .' † He glanced up. â€Å"This is a translation. I think the original Greek makes it clearer that only those from her human life forget her. Therefore, if he remembered her afterward, there would be no violation. Can we get a Greek copy in here?† â€Å"It wouldn't matter,† said Roman. â€Å"Even if it does say that. We've already established that a soul defines a person's identity across lives. Even now, he's still technically someone from her human life, and he remembered. You were unable to uphold the contract.† â€Å"That's hardly my fault!† Niphon exclaimed. It was unclear now if he was speaking to Roman and me or to superiors in the audience. â€Å"I made the arrangements for standard memory loss with her contract. I don't know why it didn't work. Yes, I knew he was her husband when I set up his contract, but I didn't think of this in terms of contract violation. I was just securing another soul.† Marcel addressed the jury. â€Å"Is he telling the truth? He made the second contract out of ignorance and not malicious intent? By which I mean, no more malicious intent than is normally called for in these situations.† Some of the angels nodded, looking reluctant to do so. â€Å"It doesn't matter if it was in ignorance,† said Roman. â€Å"That's never an excuse for breaking the law. You messed up, and in doing so, you've invalidated both contracts.† â€Å"Come now,† said Marcel. â€Å"It's not as though either of the Damned were that wronged. This technicality aside, she really was wiped from the memories of all she knew. And he got nine more lives. Nine more lives! We all know how rare reincarnation deals are. He got exactly what he asked for. He was even reunited with her. Hell has fulfilled these contracts as nobly as possible, and you can't hold everyone responsible for one underling's mishap that no one else even knew about.† â€Å"Oh,† said Roman, a predatory note in his voice. â€Å"I think others knew about the glitch. Others in much higher positions. Your honor, may I call another witness?† â€Å"Who?† asked Hannibal. â€Å"My father,† said Roman. â€Å"Jerome, Archdemon of Seattle.† There was a collective gasp among some, but whether that was from Roman acknowledging Jerome as his father or simply the summoning of such a high-ranking witness, I couldn't say. Hannibal nodded. â€Å"Granted. Niphon, you may step down. Jerome, please join us up here.† Niphon couldn't get out of there fast enough. He practically barreled into Jerome when they passed in the aisle. For his part, Jerome was sauntering along casually, as though all of this were beneath him and it was a great concession on his part to even show. He sat down, crossing his hands neatly in front of him and affecting a bored look. â€Å"Jerome,† said Roman. â€Å"Isn't it true you knew about the connection between Seth and Georgina? Er, Kyriakos and Letha?† Jerome shrugged one shoulder. â€Å"I knew they were both contracted souls.† It was an answer worthy of an angel. Some of the truth, but not all of the truth. I half hoped some angel would call him on it until an unfortunate fact hit me. Demons could lie without detection. There was no way to prove he was telling the truth or not. â€Å"Did you know the terms of her contract?† asked Roman. â€Å"Of course,† said Jerome. â€Å"I do for all my employees.† â€Å"So you knew that the contract allowed her to be wiped from the minds of all those who knew her when she was human.† â€Å"Yes,† said Jerome. â€Å"And you knew that Seth was once her husband, with a contract that involved her.† â€Å"No,† said Jerome flatly. â€Å"I most certainly did not.† A lie, a lie, I thought. But there was no way to prove it. â€Å"If that's so,† said Roman, â€Å"then why did you use Seth Mortensen to help retrieve Georgina when she was captured by Oneroi last year?† â€Å"I don't remember the specifics of that incident,† said Jerome delicately. â€Å"Well,† said Roman, â€Å"if you need your memory refreshed, there's an angel here who witnessed it all who can give us a recap. One I'm sure the jury won't question.† Jerome's features went perfectly still as Roman's trap sprang open around him. Jerome might be immune to angelic truth detection, but anything Carter swore to seeing Jerome do or know would be held as gospel. Carter couldn't lie. If he said Jerome had used Seth to rescue me, then everyone would believe it, regardless if Jerome continued to deny it. Seeing the futility of more cover-up, Jerome came clean. â€Å"Oh,† he said. â€Å"Those Oneroi.† â€Å"You used a human psychic to help retrieve her,† said Roman. â€Å"He had the power and the ritual but no way to actually find her in the void where the Oneroi were holding her. You suggested using Seth as a way to find her soul, and it worked. Why? How did you know that?† Jerome shrugged. â€Å"They were always mooning over each other. I figured if ever there was any merit in that true love nonsense, then we could use it to help us.† â€Å"That's not what Mei said.† I took advantage of the conversational nature of the proceedings, my mind spinning with a long-lost memory. â€Å"Mei said it defied the odds and that no matter how in love we were, it shouldn't have worked.† Jerome's dark gaze flicked to something behind me, and I was guessing Mei was now enjoying the full force of his glare. â€Å"Georgina was trapped in the vastness of the dream world,† added in Roman. â€Å"One soul lost among dreams. For someone else to reach her and call her back required a staggering connection, two souls with a tie that's bound them through time.† â€Å"Please don't get sentimental,† said Jerome. â€Å"It's nauseating.† Roman shook his head. â€Å"I'm stating facts. Everyone here knows it's true. Their souls had to have been bound for him to get to her, and you knew it, which is why you suggested using Seth. You knew about the contracts and their history. This wasn't one small error confined to a bumbling inferior. You knew about it. And you knew there was a problem.† â€Å"Which is why you had Erik killed and initiated a transfer for me!† I exclaimed. Seeing Jerome sitting there so coolly, so uncaring . . . it drove home the truth. He had known all along what was transpiring with Seth and me, and what it meant. I'd never thought Jerome and I were friends, but it was startling to really accept just how much he'd been working against me in order to further Hell's goals. â€Å"Oh, Georgie,† he said. â€Å"Always you and the melodrama.† â€Å"It's not! We can get proof – â€Å" Roman put his hand on mine. â€Å"Not easily,† he murmured. â€Å"There'll be no paper trail, I guarantee it. And it's not relevant to this case right now.† I thought about kind, generous Erik, bleeding to death before my eyes. â€Å"It's relevant to me.† Jerome let out a long-suffering sigh. â€Å"Is there anything else? Can I return to my seat, please?† The judge glanced between Roman and Marcel. Both men shook their heads. When Jerome was gone, Roman pushed the case. â€Å"Your honor, esteemed jury . . . we've provided more than enough evidence to show that her contract was not fulfilled. Through whatever mishaps, those from her human life did not stop remembering her. Per article 7.51.2 of the Soul Chronicles, Georgina's contract is invalidated. She's entitled to her soul back and the remainder of this life, free of Hell's employment, per the section on damages and reparations in article 8.2.0. Likewise, Seth Mortensen's contract is also invalidated because it was made under false pretenses. The imp who drew it up knew that it violated hers and knew that the very conditions of Seth's – finding her and making amends – included a degree of remembering. It's impossible for his to exist without contradicting hers. He too is entitled to the restoration of his soul.† â€Å"Your honor – † began Marcel. Judge Hannibal held up his hand. â€Å"Silence. I'll make you a deal.† There was a restless shifting in the courtroom, an undercurrent of excitement. Demons loved deals and bargains. â€Å"Go on,† said Roman. â€Å"I'm willing to dismiss the case without a jury vote and grant that Letha's contract wasn't honored. I'm willing to give her all of the restorations outlined in article 8.2.0.† Gasps surrounded us. My eyes widened, and I turned to Roman questioningly. Was it as easy as that? I didn't know all the details of 8.2.0, but by my understanding, if the contract was invalidated, I could return to Earth and live out the rest of my days as a human. In possession of my soul. It seemed too good to be true. â€Å"However,† continued Hannibal, â€Å"I don't see enough evidence to support the releasing of this second soul. Your argument for it will be thrown out for being groundless.† â€Å"But it isn't!† I cried. â€Å"If we don't accept, then what?† asked Roman. Hannibal shrugged. â€Å"Then the jury can vote on the question of both contracts.† Roman nodded thoughtfully. â€Å"Can I have a moment to confer with my, um, client?† â€Å"Sure.† Hannibal banged the gavel. â€Å"Five-minute recess.† The spectators didn't need to be told twice. This was huge. A soul getting released was not something that happened every day, nor was a deal like we were being offered. â€Å"What's the catch here?† I asked Roman softly. He narrowed his eyes. â€Å"Well, I think Hannibal thinks he's in danger of losing two souls and is trying cut his losses. Your evidence is pretty solid. Seth's is too, though not quite as good – especially without Seth actually here. Still, Hannibal would rather let you go easily and ensure that he still keeps one soul in this mess.† â€Å"But if the evidence is there, then we should let it go to the jury. You just said it's solid for Seth too.† â€Å"It is,† agreed Roman. â€Å"But here's the thing that Hugh told me about these juries. All contract disputes are judged by half angels and half demons – for the sake of fairness. The angels will honestly vote with what they feel to be right. If the evidence was flimsy, they'd vote against you. It's not worth it to them to get a soul free if the conditions aren't honorable. The demons have no such morals. Jerome and Niphon could both openly confess to a conspiracy of conflicting contracts, and every demon on that jury would still vote against you.† â€Å"That's not fair,† I said. â€Å"Georgina,† he said simply. â€Å"We're in Hell.† â€Å"So what happens if it's split? Do they go by the same hung jury procedures we know?† â€Å"A tie-breaking vote is produced. A thirteenth angel or demon is called at random, who then casts the deciding vote. If it comes down to that, then your chances simply fall to a 50-50 luck of the draw.† â€Å"Hence the bargain,† I murmured. â€Å"If I abandon Seth's soul, I'm guaranteed my freedom.† Roman nodded. â€Å"And if you don't, you may be consigning both of you to Hell.†