Overview of the Malthus-Ricardo Debate

Overview of the Malthus-Ricardo Debate The world known controversy between the Malthus and Ricardo has long been considered as a source of history for economic thought. But no one try to investigate this as a polemical dialogical exchange (Glyn, 2006). The present study is undertaken to fill this gap within the framework of a more ambitious project that places controversies at the center of an account of the history of ideas, in science and elsewhere. According to my views the dialogical co-text is essential for comparing and contrasting the Malthus and Ricardo views about different economic perspectives. The initial step towards analyzing these controversies is the analysis of their backgrounds. Because backgrounds are essential part to investigate the real story of Ricardo Malthus debate. Then we shall move towards the comparison of their views towards different economic perspectives (Cremaschi Dascal, 1998). Malthus was born in 1766, in the core of troubled but optimistic period. He was the younger son of his father, Daniel Malthus. His father was a gentleman from good family background. Daniel Malthus has some sort of intellectual statutory into his personality. Malthus was born into an English family that belongs to the gentry of the country. Malthus was having the disadvantage of stammering by birth. Due to this defect he has to face huge difficulties in selecting his profession. This natural disability was the major constraint in the Malthus career choice (Cremaschi Dascal, 1998). As a student Malthus was a boy with excellent academic career. He was pride for his teachers. He performed distinctions, got scholarships and selected as fellow of Trinity College. Malthus lived a relatively placid life. During his stay in the Trinity college, he began to develop the perfectibility and of philosophic anarchism in him. He also learned about the rationality and how men and women could learn to live rationally through their whole life and can accomplish their lives (Cremaschi Dascal, 1998). The first edition of his essay in 1798 made him famous in the age of 32. The essay got hatred from some sections of community due to its deriding the hopes for progress and arguing about the futility of charity to children. The below passage can clearly portrays the Malthus View of human progress, â€Å"The vices of mankind are active and able ministers of depopulation. They are the precursors of the army of destruction; and often finish the dreadful work themselves. But should they fail in this war of extermination, sickly seasons, epidemics, pestilence, and plague advance in terrific array, and sweep off their thousands and ten thousands. Should success be still incomplete, gigantic inevitable famine stalks in the rear, and with one mighty blow, levels the population with the food of the world† In these excerpts Malthus made it clear that overpopulation can be disastrous for the mankind. His argument was totally against the Godwin’s faith in the ability to rule the rationality as supplant the principle of overpopulation (Glyn,2006). David Ricardo was born six years after Malthus and to a very different station in life. Ricardo’s father was a broker who had been migrated from Amsterdam to London just few years before the birth of Ricardo. His father joined the Jewish community and Ricardo was sent to Jewish school in Amsterdam to get proper education when he became old enough. HE returned to London in age of fourteen and start taking interest in his father’s business. Due to controversy between Ricardo and his parents, he had to leave the house. After quitting house, Ricardo opt the trade profession, the only professions he knows. He quickly proved himself to be the Boy Wonder of Thread needle Street. Till the age of thirty he collected enough wealth and get bored from this accumulation of wealth. So he started turning his mind towards other things like economics (Rashid,1981). Economics was the major thing which he adopted after leaving the wealth accumulation. In 1799 he read the Wealth of nations and this inspired him too much to continuously read and think about the economics. Ricardo took participate to solve he inflation crisis in the parliament. This and some of the other major events e.g. depreciation of led to the first meeting between David Ricardo and Malthus. And from the very first meeting they became good friends. They were good friends but they could never long out for each other’s minds. Below are the major controversies of their thought and views on some major theories and perspectives. The Corn Laws Controversy The extraordinary collaboration of their thoughts emerged after few years of their initial encounter. The occasions were the controversy over the Corn Laws. Corn Laws were about the variable tariffs and export subsidies which were levied to protect and promote the English agriculture. In the times of Napoleonic Wars, farm prices were specifically high due to the coincidence of wartime demand. After war ended, the economic destabilization caused due to some bumper crops. This destabilization lowered the wheat prices by 50% in 1812-1815. Tariff protection was necessary tool to protect the agriculture demand. This was the major debate of that time. Malthus and Ricardo first time entered into the public debate from opposite sides over this issue. The debate is the basis for the formulation of rent theory of Malthus and Ricardian elaboration of rent theory of Malthus. The argument served as kernel for the establishment of the political economy and taxation. Ricardo was of the view that with the growth of country’s population, capital or wealth would be accumulated and this can cause the farming prices to fall. As the farmers have to resort to least productive land. This would also cause to fall down the general profit rates for agriculture in the economy. Malthus completely disagrees with this conclusion of Ricardo. He published his observation on the Corn Laws in the form of pamphlet. This pamphlet was the review of advantages as well as disadvantages of imposing tariff on imported agricultural commodities. Malthus was of the view that retaining the high tariffs on corn is necessary for its protection. Malthus argued that protection of Corn Laws is vital for protecting the English Agriculture as ways improving the vitality of English ways and institutions. Ricardo Continuously argued about the adverse effects of the population growth and capital accumulation due to protection of rents which was supported by Malthus. Ricardo argued against the Malthus concept of rent vehemently that Future success of the English economy depends upon the progress of industries which is being stifled through Corn laws. Ricardo argument about Corn Laws can be concluded as â€Å"If, then, the prosperity of the commercial classes will most certainly lead to accumulation of capital, and the encouragement of productive industry; these can by no means be so surely obtained as by a fall in the price of corn.† Although this debate did not lead them towards making any final theory about the policy issues, but it provided the strong basis for theory of national income. There were some similarities in their arguments too. They both relied upon the population theory while explaining level of real wages. Malthus theory of rent was focal point of Ricardo and Malthus arguments. They both recognized that rate of profit in agriculture can be determined through the productivity of the marginal land which is cultivated. Thus they include the marginal productivity into economic thoughts although in limited manner. They also agreed that rate of profit had to be the same in all industries where competition prevailed. Thus all the ingredients of Ricardian distribution and growth theory were in place and agreed upon. The Gluts Controversy The next controversial debate between Ricardo and Malthus was one the â€Å"gluts†. After the Waterloo English economy slumped into severe postwar depression called as glut. They were thinking about the possible solution to mitigate this challenge. Ricardo perceived that condition of general overproduction is impossible without the transiently. To balanced the oversupply of one commodity shortage of other commodity in necessary. Malthus argued about hat point that total demand can be smaller than the total output. But working population and other resources could produce if fully employed. The working population is able to buy subsistence only. If the well-off classes were too abstemious, the prices of luxuries could fall to the point where there was no profit in producing them, and glut would ensue. In the extreme, Malthus pointed out, if everyone lived on a subsistence scale there would have to be a vast oversupply of commodities since each worker could produce much more than bare subsistence for himself and his family. This debate was revived hundred years after the death of both the Malthus and Ricardo. Malthus devoted the final chapter of his book to the issue of glut and the need for a class of unproductive consumers who would provide the demand that would keep the rest of the economy employed profitably. Malthus pointed out those English landed gentry was the exception ally that is well equipped to fulfill that function. Ricardo holds the argument that â€Å" I can see no soundness in the reasons you give for the usefulness of demand on the part of unproductive consumers. How their consuming, without reproducing, can be beneficial to a country, in any possible state of it, I confess I cannot discover.(Glyn, 2006) The Value Controversy All the while that Malthus and Ricardo were arguing about the Corn Laws and the nature of gluts, they were conducting a third interminable dispute. This one concerned the definition, measurement, and cause of value. From our perspective, the concern over value, which extended from Adam Smith to Stanley Jevons at least, was a great waste of words and time. But Malthus, Ricardo, and their contemporaries took it very seriously, and with some reason (Rashid, 1981). They had enough experience with inflations, crop failures and bumper crops, and other economic disturbances to recognize that money prices fluctuated too erratically to indicate long-run relation-ships or to reveal underlying trends. They believed that each commodity had a property that, following Adam Smith, they called its natural value, which explained the ratio of its money price to the prices of other commodities (Glyn, 2006). Both Ricardo and Malthus agreed upon this fact but when they define the natural value they were devising to measure it in practice. In devising the endless practice, they too became engaged in the debate. The debate was about the practical measurement of values of the commodities. In this perspective, Ricardo argued that there is no tool for measuring the value of commodities. Instead the natural values of the commodities can be expressed in terms of approximation by comparing with the precious metals (O’Brian, 1981). In this scenario, Malthus advocated that values of the commodities can be measured by using the cost of labor (wages). This can be done of the grounds that there should be equal quantity of labor for measuring the natural as well as absolute value (Glyn, 2006). Malthus-Ricardo debate on under consumption Malthuss under consumption theory of business recession be summarized as follows; ‘If producers have not anticipated a fall in consumption demand, they will not be able to sell their products at a price that yields a normal rate of return. Discouraged by their losses, these producers will scale down their production levels and engage in less investment than they would otherwise. As a result, an under consumptions business recession ensues: Ricardo took the Malthus remarks as most important part for his principals. He responded the under consumption theory in two different ways (O’Brian, 1981). These are; Statement of effects: The first response was in the form that he did not understand the Malthus theory. The reason for this was that Ricardo was anticipating a model type system which he could not find the under consumption theory. Direct criticism: The other response was in the form of direct denigration on the Malthus theory. Ricardo found it difficult to hold completely the Malthus theory. Ricardo separated the conclusions for the theory and criticizes them. He criticizes the defects in the reasoning (O’Brian, 1981). One conclusion not satisfying the Ricardo was general access of supply termed as glut. Ricardo argued that any excess supply can be balanced by demands. Malthus argued about hat point that total demand can be smaller than the total output. But working population and other resources could produce if fully employed. The working population is able to buy subsistence only. If the well-off classes were too abstemious, the prices of luxuries could fall to the point where there was no profit in producing them, and glut would ensue. In the extreme, Malthus pointed out, if everyone lived on a subsistence scale there would have to be a vast oversupply of commodities since each worker could produce much more than bare subsistence for himself and his family. This debate was revived hundred years after the death of both the Malthus and Ricardo. It can be concluded that Malthus and Ricardo were good friends who could never agree with each other on economic matters. Their first controversy was about the Corn Laws. Corn Laws were about the variable tariffs and export subsidies which were levied to protect and promote the English agriculture. In the times of Napoleonic Wars, farm prices were specifically high due to the coincidence of wartime demand. Malthus completely disagrees with this conclusion of Ricardo. He published his observation on the Corn Laws in the form of pamphlet. This pamphlet was the review of advantages as well as disadvantages of imposing tariff on imported agricultural commodities. Malthus was of the view that retaining the high tariffs on corn is necessary for its protection. Malthus argued that protection of Corn Laws is vital for protecting the English Agriculture as ways improving the vitality of English ways and institutions (O’Brian, 1981). Ricardo Continuously argued about the adverse effects of the population growth and capital accumulation due to protection of rents which was supported by Malthus. Ricardo argued against the Malthus concept of rent vehemently that Future success of the English economy depends upon the progress of industries which is being stifled through Corn Laws. The other major controversy was on the glut issue. There were good reasons why they could never agree. One of the reasons for their continuous conflict was that they were born and bred in two different cultures and traditions. The adopted the economics after getting through different occupations and preconceptions. These conceptions shaped their views and thinking about Corn Laws and glut controversies (Glyn, 2006). In the extreme, Malthus pointed out, if everyone lived on a subsistence scale there would have to be a vast oversupply of commodities since each worker could produce much more than bare subsistence for himself and his family. This debate was revived hundred years after the death of both the Malthus and Ricardo. Malthus devoted the final chapter of his book to the issue of glut and the need for a class of unproductive consumers who would provide the demand that would keep the rest of the economy employed profitably Although they brought up in two different cultures and modes, Ricardo was quick, brilliant and concise while Malthus was moderate and motivated. Although Ricardo as the archetypical theorist while Malthus was the practical economists. Ricardo favors the clean and simple cases while Malthus developed its thoughts from the rich and complex economic life. This is not the strange that they could not agree each other but simple thing is that they could not stand each other. Their differences arise in their mind sets, collaborations, cultures and perceptions. This can be reflected through their collaborations and friendships. Both Ricardo and Malthus agreed upon this fact but when they define the natural value they were devising to measure it in practice. In devising the endless practice, they too became engaged in the debate. The debate was about the practical measurement of values of the commodities.Their struggles to convey to each other their views of the forces that drove their economy are an inspiring case study in both the difficulty and the possibility of human communication. They were best friends who could not satisfy each other through their arguments and judgments. And they could never minimize their differences. Their differences can be more visibly seen from their writings, speeches and manuscripts and analysis. There are some similarities in their analysis too but mainly there was differences and opposite arguments about certain economic t heories. But their differences and opposite arguments gave the most valuable analysis of modern economic theories. The long debate help to view the economic theories from every perspectives. References Cremaschi, S., Dascal, M. (1998). Persuasion and argument in the Malthus-Ricardo correspondence.Research in the History of Economic Thought and Methodology, 1-64. Cremaschi, S., Dascal, M. (1998). Malthus and Ricardo: Two styles for economic theory.Science in Context,11(02), 229-254. Dascal, M., Cremaschi, S. (1999). The Malthus-Ricardo correspondence: Sequential structure, argumentative patterns, and rationality.Journal of pragmatics,31(9), 1129-1172. Glyn, A. (2006). The corn model, gluts and surplus value.Cambridge Journal of Economics,30(2), 307-312. OBrien, D. P. (1981). Ricardian economics and the economics of David Ricardo.Oxford Economic Papers, 352-386. Richerson, P. J., Boyd, R. (1998). Homage to Malthus, Ricardo, and Boserup Toward a General Theory of Population, Economic Growth, Environmental Deterioration, Wealth, and Poverty.Human Ecology Review,4, 85-90. Rashid, S. (1981). Malthus Principles and British economic thought, 1820–1835.History of Political Economy,13(1), 55-79.

Integrated Library Management Utility From Prospects

Integrated Library Management Utility From Prospects The meaning of the term digital library ranges from a digitized collection of all digital information along with the services that make the information useful to all possible users. At times it is used interchangeably with term such as virtual library, electronic library, and a library without wall. A digital library is a type of information retrieval that used the science of searching for documents. The simplest definition was aptly put forth by Hunter and Mardis (2001), a digital library is a collection of information that is both in digital (electronic from) and is organized. Information may take in many forms such as images, video, audio, text, formatted documents and interactive software. All these collection information then are stored in digital formats and accessible by computers either through internal accessing using Local area Network (LAN) network or external accessing through online.[1] The digital content may be stored locally, or accessed remotely via computer networks. A digital library is an organization, which might be virtual, that comprehensively collects, manages and preserves for the long term rich digital content, and offers to its user communities specialized functionality on that content, of measurable quality and according to codified policies operation (L. Candela 2008). The purposed digital library aims to provide an electronic system to help educators and student obtain accurate information; collect, store, and organized information in digital format; publish and share electronic resources; and learn how to use Information Technology (IT) tools to obtain information on local contents. The fundamental reason for building digital libraries is belief that it will provide better delivery of information than was not possible in the past (Arms, 2000). The major advantages of digital libraries over traditional libraries include: Digital libraries bring the libraries closer to the customers: Information are brought to the customers, either at home or work, making it more accessible, and increases its usage. This is very much different than traditional libraries where the customers have to physically go to the library. Computer technology is used for searching and browsing: Computer systems are better than manual methods for finding information. It is useful for reference work that involves repeated leaps from one source of information to another. Information can be shared: Placing digital information on a network makes it available to everyone. Many digital libraries are maintained at a single central site. This is a vast improvement over expensive physical duplication of little used material, or the inconvenience of unique material that is inaccessible without traveling to the location where it is stored. Information is always available: The digital librarys doors will never close; usage of digital libraries collections can be done at hours when the library buildings are closed. Materials are never checked-out, missed-shelve, or stolen. In traditional libraries, information is much more likely to be available when and where the user wants it. New forms of information become possible: A database may be the best way to record and disseminate information. Whereas conventional libraries are printed on paper, yet print is not always the best way to record and disseminate information. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The objective of this paper is to study the function of ILMU system on perceived ease of use of digital libraries. Further, this study also attempts to answer whether there is a relationship between the ILMU system and perceived ease of use in context of CRM. There is limited research done in Malaysia on the end-users perception of the ease of use and usefulness of digital libraries. Thus this paper attempts to study the nature of the relationship between system function, ILMU system modules, and effectiveness of CRM on digital technology among library staff in Malaysia. Methodology The methodology used was to examine academic libraries on the web to identify types of electronic information services available; the method of deliver and functionalities of these services. The selected organizations were those which used the term digital libraries or virtual libraries to describe the online library. history of ilmu In Malaysia, the use of Internet technology in libraries began with university libraries creating static web sites containing general information about the library, its collection, services and facilities. Libraries then began to incorporate Web-based Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) in the web site. Consequently, library systems evolved into Web-based library systems, with some of these sophisticated systems being able to integrate content management systems and facilitate the creation of Web-portals for the expansion of library services. As Chao (2002) observes, the rapid development of information technology is transforming key library services at a spectacular rate. By connecting to the Internet and WWW, the university library expands its access to information resources, some of which appear as digital libraries. Lately the term hybrid library is being widely used by Malaysian libraries as there are only just embarking on the journey to the digital world. ILMU was derived from the need to provide a seamless but integrated information environment representing a modern library system. From the paper-work description such as cataloguing, authority, circulation, etc. to the digitalized document and online database store. The end-product is a major step towards a true digital library but still maintains the lifework of the library system and follows the procedure of the library of congress classification (LCC). ILMU utilises client-server technology and accommodates multimedia; OLE, event-driven program execution and ODBC connectivity, in addition to conforming to international classification and standardisation schemes. Based on the digital library term and description, any information can be accessible and stored via LAN and online. The team that is responsible for ILMU had originally developed System Perpustakaan Berkomputer (SISPUKOM) in 1985, which won a National award and was awarded the first runner-up position for the Asia Computer Weekly Award for best software. But ILMU is not simply a revised or re-engineered version of SISPUKOM. It is a completely new idea and product built based on the experience on designing and maintaining the earlier system. It still used the concept of library system and follows the procedure of LCC but directed at utilising the latest technologies and fulfilling modern user prerequisites. From the CRM view, the computerised library information system is designed to provide both technical and customer information services in any library or information centre. By using the similar library activities and operation, it can be operated by customers both public and private sectors. Based on an open concept of software development, its modular and integrated approach towards library computerisation is complemented by its ability to be installed and executed in a number of hardware environments. Any update classifications are easily been upgraded to the new version. In commercial terms, the product has been successful, being enthusiastically received by customers both public and private sectors. It has been accepted most of the Information Center and been adapted by customer as a guidance and module in library system. ILMU was implemented at PTAR in January 1999 then presently been installed over 170 in Information Center. It is a library information system designed to assist librarians and library staff for daily activities and operation. ILMU MODULES and functions In the literature by Bunge and Bopp (2001), the three aspects of service are identified as (i) service that assisting customers in finding information, (ii) service that helps customers learn skills to find and use library collection and (iii) guidance to customers in choosing relevant information resources based on the need and presenting the information. This definition, together with Marchioninis categorization was used by Choi (2006) and expanded by him. In this study, Chois categorization was adopted to suite the study aims and the selected digital libraries were examined based on the following criteria: Availability of Internet Resources Digital reference service Availability of online user education Availability of links to reference sources Availability of links to search engines Availability of links / guide to citation tools. Other services Mainly the concern was to identify the availability of information services useful to students and researchers, the librarys main clientele. Table 1 shows the overall description of the various digital information services in the digital libraries examined in this study. Each type of service is described based on the various functions it had in the library. Any functional digital library should following five main components (IBM DB2, 1998): It should provide for creating and capturing materials and support an array of industry standard and specification, able to define and import data in varied format, incorporate templates and authoring tools to help in the creation process. It should include an access and distribution module so that information can be distributed over public or private network. It should provide search and retrieval components so that the contents of the stored learning objects can be search effectively, utilising keyword searches, Boolean search and ranking relevant searches. It should provide authentication and rights management module that control user access and protect the library contents. It should incorporate the storage and management of contents that provides high-performance, scalable storage and efficient digital learning object management. ILMU provide some modules in library activity and operation such as acquisition, cataloguing, authority, circulation, infotrack, IRS, and accounting that can be implement by the customers. CATALOGUING Cataloguing module provides user friendly, and established data entry templates. Ability to interface with on-line bibliographic databases that can store hundred thousand bibliographic at the same time. With its locally established data-entry templates, assist libraries in the management of bibliographic information retrieval. This module provides searching method to the customer in retrieving certain information needed. It also provides customer accurate calculation about the total of the item that have been stored in the database. Using this module, customer can modify texts to conform to local cataloguing requirements, and import selected records to ILMUs database. As such, custom tailored records are produced. This module also permits the generation and arrangement of lists, such as Shelf lists and Accession lists, according to the libraries needs. Cataloguing module allows customers organized different kinds of library collection with very systematic way and can easy accessing. It gives very good solution for various kind of problem occurs and bibliographic operation such as bibliographic maintenance, accession maintenance, release for circulation, deleted bibliographic records, and batch indexing. BIBLIOGRAPHIC MAINTENANCE Customers in the management of bibliographic information can use Bibliographic Organisation to locally establish data-entry interfaces. It allows the customer to enter a new record and index the record so that it can be used by other customer. This feature also enabling the customer to edit, modify or delete the existing records. ACCESSION MAINTENANCE Accession Maintenance is the process allows the customer to record all the details of accession for every item in library. At the same time, it allows the customer to create a new accession record, edit or modify the existing accession record and also can deleting the records. RELEASE FOR CIRCULATION Release for Circulation is the last function can be done in Cataloguing Module. After this function, the item can be manipulated in Edaran unit of a library. Customer can borrow, return and also can reserve the item. The status for the item will be changed from Final Processing to Available after the function. DELETED BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORDS All the deleted items in Cataloguing module are stored in Deleted Bibliographic Record. Customer can use Deleted Bibliographic Records function to permanently delete a record. BATCH INDEXING The Batch Indexing used to indexing the buffer record which is temporary stored in batch. It enables customer to register the records into particular type of indexing. This process will keep the records into database for retrieving purposes. AUTHORITY MAINTENANCE ILMU authority modules provide valuable assistance to term reference. It allows users to submit terms that can be used by a library system to ensure the data consistency. For example, the author Kamaludin Muhammad uses his pen name Keris Mas for his writings. When a work written by the author is catalogued into the system, a user may key in Keris Mas or Kamaludin Muhammad as the author. When used in conjunction with the Cataloguing module, users are able to search for specific information through customized search keys derived from a variety of MARC tags. This mechanism ensures that when a user performs a search, it is possible to obtain consistent results. CIRCULATION Facilities tracking of check-in, check-out, renewal, recall, fines payment, generation of predetermined notification and a host of reports. Circulation is used by the librarians at the counter to perform activities such as borrowing items, returning items, booking, renewal, etc. the patrons activities will be recorded by the system and displayed in the enquiry screen. The functions of Fast Discharging are similar to Discharging. When there is scanner connected to the system, discharging will be executed automatically once the item is scanned. This will increase the efficiency of the librarian, especially when there is a long queue. The Item Recall is a request by the customer to the library to ask another customer who has an item checked out to bring it back to the library by specific date. Modify item status: Used by the librarians to modify the item status and able to displaying the related items. Reservation Scrutiny: Used by librarians to search the reserved item which has been given notifications. Item Branch Reassignment: The module will be released to satellite enabled site only. Batch Renewal: Gives the customer a flexible way to renew the items. By using this application, the customer can renew the items by grouping or one by one for same person. ACQUISITION Enables librarian to process users requests, create orders, and generate claim and cancellations. It also enables librarians to process customers purchase requests, to create orders, to generate claims and cancellations, and to record full and partial receipts. Librarians can import records from existing bibliographic databases or perform pre-ordering searches against the Cataloguing database for re-ordering purposes, thus reducing the ordering of duplicates On-line links with the Library Fund Accounting databases enable libraries to track all expenditures. INFOTRACK Enables customers to keep abreast with the latest events at the library as well as perform searches via features such as Library Map, Library Messages, Library Information, Library Calendar, looking for particular books, and journal in OPAC. Customers can browse through the latest news headlines or books and journals through the Newspaper Headlines and New Arrivals functions respectively. Also has an OPAC function, which permits quick information retrieval, and the sorting and printing of this information. Other facilities include Suggestion Box for obtaining users feedbacks, Patron Enquiry to allow individuals to browse through their personal information, Library Collection and Top 10 listings for librarians. IRS This module provides features such as creating a thesaurus, profile of patron, generating SDI listings, searching IRS database such as theses, articles in seminars etc. FUND ACCOUNTING This module is integrated with the Acquisitions and Serials modules respectively which allows transactions from the above-mentioned modules to be automatically transferred to the accounting database. SERIAL This module handles ordering, automatic prediction patterns, check-ins, claims, cancellations and reporting functions. Ilmu features In the ever-evolving world of library automation, ILMU provides organization with the perfect library solution: Open-Based on industry standards such as OpenURL, XML and ODBC. ILMU offer the ultimate in resource-sharing capabilities, full connectivity, and seamless interaction with other systems and databases. Reliable-The inherent multi-tier client/server structure guarantees that ILMU will meet your needs today and in the future. Flexible- Modular components can be tailored to accommodate the requirements of your institution or consortium. Easy to use- User-friendly workflows and intuitive graphical interfaces increase staff and patron efficiency. Customizable-Modifiable components enable libraries and consortia of any size to create unique management systems. Multilingual-Full Unicode support provides multidirectional and multiscript text capabilities. Â  L. Candela et al.: The DELOS Digital Library Reference Model Foundations for Digital Libraries. Version 0.98, February 2008 (PDF)

The Dangers with Using a Cell Phone While Driving :: Expository Essays Research Papers

The Dangers with Using a Cell Phone While Driving We have all heard the debate. Is driving while talking on your cell phone distracting to the driver? If it is what should be done about it? Since the culprit of some accidents has been the cell phone, many people are calling for a ban on the use of cell phones while driving. Since 1995, at least 45 states have proposed bills concerning cell phones in automobiles, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (15). There has been one state to put a ban on cell phones while driving and that is New York. On June 28, 2001, New York Governor George Pataki signed the legislation that banned New Yorkers from using handheld cell phones while driving (15). There have also been many countries that have banned cell phone use while driving. Statistics show that cell phones have been the cause for some accidents. Each year an estimated 2,600 people are killed and 330,000 people are injured by drivers who use their cell phones (12). However out of all the wrecks that were caused by distraction, cell phones accounted for 1.5 percent. The leading factor was "things outside the car" (13). Since these statistics were released many people think that we shouldn't rush to ban cell phone use while driving. These people think that since it is only 1.5 percent of distractions there are other things that can be improved. There are still others that think that it is a big deal and because of this many studies have been conducted on the effect of cell phone use while driving. In 2001, David L. Strayer of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and his colleagues reported that people talking on either handheld or hands free cell phones during simulated drives ran red lights more often and reacted more slowly to traffic signals than when not talking on a phone (14). David L. Strayer has run many tests to see how people react while talking and driving. He recently tested college students and found that many caused rear-end collisions and reacted more slowly to vehicles breaking in front of them (14). There were even some shocking reports from the British. Direct Line, England’s leading insurer, commissioned a study at the Transport Research Laboratory. Direct Line is hoping their findings will lend support to a total ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving.

pulp fiction :: essays research papers

Pulp Fiction is like boot camp for the Marines. You come into it from your civilized life, they subject you to violent language until you're numb, they abuse you verbally and physically until all of your normal feelings and values are reduced to dust. Leaving you aware that you have changed, and able to describe the change, you find yourself questioning the person you were previously. First thing you know you're saluting. This story is a cleverly disorienting journey through a landscape of danger, shock, hilarity, and vibrant local color. Nothing is predictable or familiar within this irresistibly bizarre world. You do not merely enter a theater to see Pulp Fiction: you go down a rabbit hole. Theater is an actor moving through time and space, telling a story. In Quentin Terintenio ¹s, Pulp Fiction, the actors portray savvy modern-day gangsters and the story is three stories told in backwards order. To say the least this not your average story. The theme of the story is redemption, and the journey to achieve that redemption. The characters are colorfully multidimensional and most importantly they are believable. The language of the story is street-smart and confident, like the characters. There is no main plot, only mirror plots that are reflections of each other. The theme of redemption is portrayed by two of the main characters of the story. These characters seek redemption and a new way of life, they each desire a more virtuous life. Butch (Bruce Willis) wants to pull off one last scam and then run away with the woman he loves. He seeks forgiveness and redemption through the future birth of his child. He wants his child to have a healthy childhood so that he will have the opportunity to hand down his precious gold watch, which was handed down to him. Jules (Samuel Jackson) has a near death experience and sees it as divine intervention that he is alive. Now he simply wants to leave his criminal lifestyle to  ³walk the earth ², and find his true self. Our story starts with the journey of the characters. The characters in this story are not simply black and white, from the moment you meet them you are drawn in and want to know more about them. The story ¹s intrigue, that element that makes the viewer curious, draws the audience in. And the story ¹s credibility, the consistency of the characters, holds the audience there, inside the movie.

Alternative Transportation & Greenways System Plan Essay -- Transporta

Alternative Transportation & Greenways System Plan In Transportation Alternative's "Bicycle Blueprint" for the five boroughs of New York City, John Kaehny, executive director, states: Making greenway networks a reality will require partnership between planners and advocates, on the one hand, and public officials controlling purse strings on the other. Local elected officials, particularly city council members and borough presidents, have to be reminded that greenways can multiply the value and variety of open space in the region at very low cost in public resources; under ISTEA, bike and pedestrian projects may be paid for using a 20/80 local/federal matching formula. What's more, by offering fresh air, recreation, quiet and sheer visual relief, this enhanced open space can increase property values for both residential and commercial uses along the route. Greenways can also save or generate money by reducing infrastructure and energy costs, improving air quality and public health, and boosting tourism.1 Of course, Bloomington is a far cry from New York City but the statements made above hold just as strongly for the city of Bloomington, Indiana as for any other community interested in developing an alternative transportation greenway network. Over the past several months the city of Bloomington has been holding a series of public meetings and discussions to aid Bloomington planners in the creation of a greenways plan for the community. "The city already has miles of alternative transportation routes, including bike routes and lanes, trails, side paths, and multi-use trails, and the idea is to connect the parts," states Tom Micuda, Bloomington Planning Director.2 In fact, even before the public meetings began a grou... ...ricia Collingwood, City of Bloomington Planning Manager, and Josh Desmond, City of Bloomington Senior Planner, at City Hall on March 2, 2001. Follow-up meeting with Josh Desmond on March 30, 2001. Interview / phone conversation with Steve Cotter, Bloomington Parks and Recreation, on March 29, 2001. Johnson, Jennifer. Parking Revenue at $2.5 Million. Indiana Daily Student, January 29, 2001. Johnson, Marda. Ideas Sought to Link Greenways in Bloomington. Herald-Times, February 19, 2001. Johnson, Marda. Greenways Wish List Assembled. Herald-Times, February 21, 2001. Peck, Nick. Motorless in Montreal. Utne Reader, March-April 2001. Stuebe, Gayle et al. "Friends of the Limestone Trail" article from the Herald-Times provided by Scott Burgins. Transportation Alternative's "The Electronic Bicycle Blueprint" at http://www.transalt.org/blueprint/index.html

African Corruption Essay

This study intends to clearly show the extent to which Africa and Africans have been suffering from the ravages of corruption, fraud, and intentional mismanagement by their governments and their leaders, much to the disappointment and anger of the people. The impact of corruption on the lives of the people, the businesses, and the economy of any of the nations concerned has been studied by a number of authors, scholars, and worldwide institutions such as the World Bank, the IMF, and even donors (highly industrialized nations). Although Africa has a large share of the worlds raw material and mineral resources, African nations are by far the least developed and the poorest countries in the world. Robert Harris, in his book, Political Corruption In and Beyond the Nation State, (1990, p. 29,) introduced three themes. First, political corruption is an illegitimate extension of normal political activity. In trying to understand the central issue of corruption, one needs to understand the complex and intricate nature of corruption. If we ask, what is â€Å"corruption†? The American Heritage English Language Dictionary (Pickett, 2000) defines corruption as â€Å"the art or process of corruption, the state of being corrupt, decay, and rot.† As indicated above, corruption comes in many forms. In the least developed countries (LDC’s) such as Africa, all types of corruption are prevalent. The following brief case histories of these three companies will present the magnitude of the scandals, corruption, and deceit these companies perpetrated on the unsuspecting public and their business partners. Other countries of the world have similar problems of corruption, fraud, and mismanagement. From time to time, stories appear about the corruption trial of a government official, a banker, or corporate head in other parts of the world. Doing Business in Africa and Other Non-Industrialized Nations, the basic tenets of the guiding principles are that corruption, dishonesty, and unethical behavior among public officials represent serious threats to the basic principles and values of government, undermining public confidence in democracy and threatening to erode the rule of law. The aim of these guiding principles is to promote public trust in the integrity of officials within the public sector by preventing, detecting, and prosecuting or sanctioning official corruption and unlawful dishonest or unethical behavior. Monsanto Co.: Settled an SEC complaint in January alleging that the company funneled more than $700,000 in corrupt payments to Indonesian government officials between 1997 and 2002. ExonMobil, Chevron Texaco, Marathon Oil, Devon Energy, and Amerada Hess, as well as several other oil companies: These reportedly are involved in SEC investigations into bribes allegedly paid to government officials in Equatorial Guinea. Public perception of police corruption stems mainly from instances where the public has come face to face with the vice as they interact with police in their discharge of duty. My personal experience also left me with no doubt that police corruption in South Africa was daunting task for the new democratic government of South Africa. While police brutality in Kenya is much less compared to that of the apartheid South Africa, the police corruption in Kenya is much more widespread and open. Corruption in the police force takes various forms and in various degrees of sophistication. Corruption in Kenya and more particularly among the police has reached unprecedented levels. Thieves have been set free from police cells because of corruption. The ministry of public works: This is the second most corrupt institution in Kenya. Finding found that this is the Ministry that has the highest rent corruption in Kenya. A large population of the Kenyan people expressed disgust at the corruption in this ministry. The corruption at the ministry of public works is more sophisticated than meets the eye. It is also in charge of construction of government residential houses and offices. The ministry houses the largest number of government employed Engineers, professionals, and Architects. It is actually a key ministry in any government.   Millions of shillings are spent in purchasing goods and services for the government. There was no good will from the establishment to deal with cases of corruption. Where genuine outside companies have been awarded contracts, big bribes were paid to the committee before the award. In one case a contractor has given a job to put up some government circles. The author discovered that this was done just to get free money as penalties from the government. The poor jobs that we have seen on our roads are a result of corruption. This makes the land law in Kenya, one of the most complicated land systems in the world. The Crown Lands Ordinance (Cap. 280) passed in 1915 defined crown land as â€Å"All public land including all land occupied by the native tribes of the protectorate and all land reserved for the use of the members of any native tribe.† All the land rights of the natives were ignored. After all and without exception, African customs recognized land rights. African communities saw land as a gift of God to every individual. That has been the root cause of land problems in this country. Nowhere in Africa is land such expensive commodity as it is in Kenya. A Kenyan who has no land will always work hard to buy himself land. Land and Corruption in Africa The Ministry of Lands is one of the most corrupt institutions in this country. Land Cartels Land allocations, is the biggest single activity that goes on at the Lands office, Nairobi. Here, the people of Kenya will spend as much time and spend as much money, to ensure that they have been allocated land. Income tax department: African Revenue Authority is the main government agency for collecting all government revenue. No government can run on its own without taxes. Money collected from taxes is what the government uses to provide public services like Education, Health, Infrastructure, security and policing, a forestation, public service employment, defence and many others. (Transparency International Report, 2006) You cannot tax people so highly and yet fail to provide services. Over Kenya Shillings 250 billion taxes, (Transparency International Report, 2006), are collected annually by the Kenya Revenue Authority. The African revenue authority has some of the best professionals in the public service. Corruption at the African Revenue Authority is a matter of great concern. There is corruption in the organization both corporate and individual taxpayers. With the present economic situation most business people are stressed out and depressed. Research revealed that there is massive corruption in the import and export sector. Tax evasion is very high in this sector and the government loses millions of shillings through fraud and tax evasion. It was found that tax officers collude with importers and exporters to avoid tax and deny the government the badly needed revenue. This area has provided a good breeding ground for corruption in the income tax department. Officers in the Revenue Authority come across these businesses every day. The government is losing a lot of revenue by leaving these sectors out.

Feminism in Pakistan

Out of the fifteen people asked, 53% of the survey population responded negatively to the question inquiring whether men were equal to women. Zahra Mania, a secretary for a business organization claimed that in our society, there is a substantial gap in the rights of men and women. The interviewee claimed that despite both sexes being intellectually equal, preference is given to men in acquiring important jobs such as being CEO, CFO, etc. Another respondent, who opted to remain anonymous backed this point by stating that women are far more likely to attain low-paying jobs such as being secretaries or receptionists.A journalist refuted these points by saying that in her profession, men were given equal rights to women and that in order to be promoted, a person’s work was taken into consideration, not his or her gender. Similarly, another journalist agreed with this point, adding further that equality between men and women is mostly dependant on the customs of a society, and the career one wishes to pursue. When asked about what would have to change before men and women achieved true equality, 18% responded negatively stating that in a patriarchal society, it would be nearly impossible for men and women to achieve equal rights.The rest 82% had optimistic views, claiming that while it would indeed be difficult to change the mindset of people who firmly believe in male dominance, a good start would be with the family. Many respondents believed that children need to be socialized in such a way where they believe that male and females are equal. If a boy is brought up to believe that he is no different from his sister, he will have a more positive outlook on life claimed Sana Memon. Another respondent stated that the oppression of women had to come to an end and in doing so, education would play a big part.According to her, education would eradicate ignorance within a persons character, and would lead to a deeper understanding of the other sex. When asked the question of what change does one wish to see regarding women’s rights, male respondents generally claimed that they did not want the workings of society changed. Ahmed Shehzab, an accountant, stated that women’s rightful place is at home, looking after the family whereas men have a duty to generate income and provide for their family.Similarly, another businessman claimed that women are inferior to men in both intelligence and physical exertion, and are therefore unable to handle the strain of leading a company. However, many respondents refuted these points by saying that women should be given more freedom. Nausheen Afzal claimed that in western countries, women are more liberated and are allowed to participate in almost anything. Being a pro-feminist, she believes that the same rights should be implemented in Pakistan. 72% of the survey population believe that the family plays an important part in gender role socialization.Fahaama Khalid, a housewife, believes that c hildren are heavily influenced by the perceptions and thoughts of their family, with whom they spend a lot of time. She believes that (specifically in Pakistan), girls are socialized in such a way that they are lead to believe that they are physically weaker than men and lack male dominant qualities. Girls are primarily raised to be mothers and care-takers of the household and are expected to obey their husbands rules. Similarly, Farhana Farooq who is a shopkeeper, believes that the family plays a crucial role in a child’s life.It is the family, she says, who influences the child using both direct and indirect methods. Direct methods, she explains, includes sending children to segregated schools and stopping girls from participating in athletic activities whereas indirect methods are when a child looks at his family, sees his father as the head and his mother as a nurturing woman, and automatically assumes that that is what is normal. Faareha Ansar, a waitress, refutes these points by saying that education is what has a more important role in a child’s life, for it is through knowledge and its application that children realize how society works. 1% of the survey population is of the belief that gender plays an important role in a person’s life chances. Anushe Zafar, a salesclerk says that in a patriarchal and close-minded society as the one in Pakistan, high-paying jobs are generally offered to men. She states that despite the fact that a female may have the same qualifications as a male, males are more likely to be favoured for jobs. Hassan Javed backs this point, saying that women are far more likely to attain positions such as receptionists or PA’s in lieu of occupations such as CEO’s or CFO’s. There are mixed views when considering feminism to be defensive or offensive. 3% of the survey population believes that feminism is offensive and ridiculous. Waleed Khan, a shopkeeper, says that feminism is a waste of time an d an excuse for women. However, many others refuted this point by claiming that women have a right to be heard, to have their sufferings acknowledged and appreciated and also to maintain equal status with men at all levels. The hypothesis of this report is that Pakistan has a patriarchal society and does not give much freedom to women. Many respondents have proved for this theory to be true, giving their honest opinions and using examples from their work life.