Incas Essays - Andean Civilizations, Inca Empire, Sapa Inca

Incas INCAS The vast Inca empire, with its advanced culture and powerful armies, spanned most of the Andes along South America's western coast at the time of Spanish conquest in the early 16th century. The Incas had a very clear social structure. The ruler, Sapa Inca, and his wives, the Coyas, had supreme control over the empire. The High Priest and the Army Commander in Chief were next. Then came the Four Apus, the regional army commanders. Next came temple priests, architects, administrators and army generals. Next were artisans, musicians, army captains and the quipucamayoc, the Incan accountants. At the bottom were sorcerers, farmers, herding families and conscripts. WHO THE INCAS WERE The 16th-century written accounts of the Incas do not provide a very complete understanding of the economic and political organization of their state. It is clear, however, that the principles of Inca economics and politics were taken from old Andean traditions and were very different from European ones. The I nca state was not under the absolute control of its ruler. It was an array of dozens, if not hundreds, of different political, ethnic, and even linguistic groups. In order to maintain unity within the empire, an attempt was made to introduce uniform organizational and administrative procedures to the realm. This process, however, was far from complete in 1532, and administrative practices varied greatly from one part of the empire to another. An unusual characteristic of the Inca state was its ability to move people about the empire as colonists far from their homes. This custom of internal colonization allowed the Incas to place loyal groups in regions that were difficult to control. The practice also appears to have had economic aims in some cases; people could be relocated to develop new lands, new mines, or other

Select vs. Selected

Select vs. Selected Select vs. Selected Select vs. Selected By Maeve Maddox The English verb select and the adjectives, select and selected, derive from a Latin verb meaning, â€Å"to choose, select, set apart.† Both adjectives mean, â€Å"chosen from a larger number of other things.† However, a useful distinction exists between selected and select. selected This adjective indicates that something has been chosen or picked out from a larger number; the reason for the selection is usually made clear by the context. For example, researchers may track the distribution of workers engaged in â€Å"certain selected occupations.† The occupations have been selected according to criteria set by the researchers for their study. An accountant wants to know if she can restrict her reports â€Å"only to certain selected users.† The accountant has specific criteria for her selection of people who will have access to the reports. select This adjective indicates that whatever was chosen out of a larger number was chosen on account of excellence or superiority. For example, â€Å"Hermes Paris caters to a select clientele.† Because Hermes products are expensive, select indicates that the people who shop there are superior to other people because they have the money to pay for luxury items. â€Å"The agency did its hiring from a select group of college graduates.† Here the use of select implies that the graduates were chosen from among other graduates by reason of superior intellect and ability. Both select and selected are popular with advertisers, but select is frequently confused with selected. Here are some examples from the Web: â€Å"Hyundai offers discount on selected car models† Appropriate use; some models are discounted, but not all. â€Å"Remington Shaver Charging Cord for Select Models† Inappropriate use; the sense is that the cord will work with some models, but not with all. â€Å"LifeProof New Case for Select Apple iPad Models† Inappropriate use; the sense is that the case will fit some models, but not all. Save select to mean something that is perceived to be above the ordinary in quality, cost, recognition, social status, or the like. The following examples use select in this sense: NFL offensive rookie pick in select company Special terms allow students to attend select schools in nearby states for a fraction of out-of-state tuition. Bryan Sutton keeps select company with the very best musicians in bluegrass, those musicians who may have peers but no superiors. The most select club in Hollywood: The Hitchcock Blondes A third [executive] obtained permission from a select group of local influencers to list their names on his nonprofit’s letterhead.   An NQDP plan must be restricted to a select group of management or highly compensated employees. Dr. Jackson was among a select group of presidents and chancellors invited to participate. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:"Because Of" and "Due To" How to spell "in lieu of"Uses of the Past Participle

SWOT Analysis. Avon Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

SWOT Analysis. Avon - Case Study Example Strength †¢ The company had a wide range of products to be marketed, from skin care to fragrances for both men and women †¢ It had a market coverage in 137 countries and marketed its products with the assistance of over 3 million sales representatives †¢ Most of the marketing strategies were directed towards the young generation which was termed as the most potential market segment in the personal care industry †¢ The company focused on direct selling, retail selling through kiosks and online selling as its marketing strategy which helped it to be focused and also simplified the organizational operations Weaknesses †¢ Avon’s financial structure was remarkably weakening with stagnant sales revenue and lower growth rate †¢ The brand image of the company got fragmented due to over diversification of the product line †¢ Lack of aggressive purchase of Avon products by targeted customers, i.e. the Generation Y †¢ Increasing competition in online selling †¢ Loyalty in brand segments were unequal due to inadequate distribution channels †¢ Growth in all the sectors were not adequate, i.e. in the women section the company had a significant growth comprising of elderly females while in the men’s section the company was quite weak ... in the women section the company had a significant growth comprising of elderly females while in the men’s section the company was quite weak Inefficiency in the recruitment and retaining of quality employees Increasing competition in online marketing along with major disputes between the company’s strategies and the interests of sales representatives Markets were weakening in the developed economies including the European region Opportunities The Personal-Care industry was growing, although it at a slower pace Reliable growth in the hair-care section in the market segment based on ethnic backgrounds of the customers Rapid growth was witnessed in the personal hygiene, men’s fragrances and makeup/color cosmetics sections Spa services were gaining consistent attention among the customers and marketers as a medium to generate higher customer loyalty Personal care products were highly favored by the Generation X customers Kiosks were receiving more and more attention in the industry supply chain North and South America were termed as the most potential markets for personal care products Online selling is most likely to gain a rapid growth in the near future The regulatory framework supported the operations of self-inspections, good manufacturing and maintenance of good relation with the regulatory bodies It had only two major competitors, i.e. Mary Kay Inc. and L’Oreal Mary Kay had no growth with weak existence in the women section Threats Mary Kay had only 8 categories of products with 200 different product lines primarily focused on the men’s section with limited women customers Mary Kay also segmented its market only in

Relationship between the international law and Sultanate of Oman's Essay

Relationship between the international law and Sultanate of Oman's municipal law - Essay Example Oman has a history of using the Sharia law that is given the priority as the basis of legislation and customary obligations in this society. Although the Oman’s Sultanate law has attempted to harmonize their laws to conform to the international laws, the country is depicted as a violator of the general law to which all nations are subject to. This has had an impact on Oman in that it has had a challenge in coping with other nations and the international law as a whole. This law system has garnered a wide range of interest from scholars intending to identify that this system of law has with the international law. The international law provides a framework for stable and well-grounded international relations between states and nations. These laws are consent based and states are not obliged to adhere to these laws unless they have opted to be bound by specific international legal clauses. Member countries that are abound by this law are also subjects of the International tribuna ls such as the international criminal court. International laws can be sourced either from treaties or customs in a nation that are generally accepted as basic in the world. Treaties constitute agreements between nations that decide to conduct their operations across their boundaries. On the other hand, customary laws, that form part of the international customary law, are developed from some internationally acceptable standards within countries (Beckman and Butte, 2012). They are sourced from the customs of the people in various nations. Unlike the other international laws, the international customary laws bind every state and they generally used in solution of crisis that seems to negate the standards laws that apply in all states. Sultanate Oman is an Arabian state located in the southern part of western Asia bordered by the United Arab Emirates. The legal system of this kingship is governed by the Sharia or Muslim laws that are often applied in the Sharia Law courts, the justice 's chambers. The customary law of Sultanate Oman was developed to regulate the human behavior in matters of inheritance, land ownership, marriages, social conflicts and cultural matters. Although the legal system is evident, the country allows some cultural issues to be handled in the traditional methods where a jury if formed by elders to mediate on specific matters of the community. Most customary laws and regulations are not documented and their application is personalized and their application is often personalized (OmaniLaw, 2013). The undocumented laws have raised questions about whether the Sultan Oman is a free state with a well-developed government system. The international law conflicts with the Sultane Oman customary Law on various grounds. One the of point where the two legal systems drift is the application of human rights that is subject to the Oman’s customary laws. The provisions of the international are that all members be from the Free states and such as a s tate must have a fully developed system and be regarded as a state by other states. Consequently, there is a general notion that Oman is a state that is not tied to the international law. However, the international customary law has all states as subjects and human rights is part of the core concern of the international customary law. One issue that has raised alarm in Oman as a country that pays less

Native American Spiritual Artwork Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Native American Spiritual Artwork - Essay Example Similarly, the beautifully art-worked moccasin foot ware of Cherokee tribe are also seen as something sacred and this is evident when in a poem, the Native American man sings, â€Å"I put them on. I walked sacred on the land† (Williams et al., 31). On the performance side also, it can be seen that Native American dance is not simply an art form or a mode of entertainment but is deeply embedded with spiritualism (Sun Dance). Dance even becomes a form of prayer for these tribes (Sun Dance). In this way, â€Å"American art provides a mean for people to connect to the sacred† (Zimmerman, 94). It is observed that â€Å"animism† is the prevalent common theme of all Native American art (Dagan). The spiritual meaning of animism is a belief that â€Å"all things (in this world) are in unity† with each other (Dagan). Animism is also considered as the â€Å"oldest spiritual perspective in the world† (Dagan). The visualization of animism in Native Indian art ca n be seen as â€Å"spirals or zigzag lines† in paintings and carvings (Dagan). An interesting aspect of Native American art is that a spiritual experience is what ends up as an art work for a tribesman (Zimmerman, 94). Zimmerman has given an example for this when he said, â€Å"a dream might reveal to the artist a design for a warrior’s shield or part of a dancer’s regalia† (94).... It was a spiritual retreat in which a large number of participants would fast, pray and dance for a period of days. They asked for answers to events going on in their lives† (Sun Dance). Half-man-half –beast images are also part of this spiritual philosophy (Dagan). It is these spiritual creatures that are supposed to guide the shaman through the path between the two worlds (Dagan). The same figures can be seen in the paintings, carvings and performance arts of Native Americans (Dagan). While exploring Native American performance art, it has to be kept in mind that â€Å"Native American dance is meant to channel spiritual energies or reanimate ancient stories that can be caused to re-appear in the world today† (Dagan). A magical web, the dream catcher, is yet another figure that appears in many forms of Native American art (Dagan). Also, the wolf being a sacred animal for Native Americans, it has gained a place in Indian art as well (Dagan). Apart from these commo n themes, there are different concepts of art and spirituality prevalent among different Indian tribes. For example, many â€Å"clan crests, songs, stories, (and) regalia (hats, blankets, tunics etc.) and clan houses† are considered ‘at.o?ow’ by Tlingit clan thereby wiping out the difference between what is art and what is mundane (Willaims et al., 139). The borders of physical and spiritual worlds thus overlap. An at.o?ow is a clan property that has social and spiritual importance (Williams et al., 139). From this example, it can be seen that traditional artworks as well as art forms like songs and stories have a spiritual role in Native American culture. Similarly, in the Pueblo community, the embroidery done by traditional weavers

Case Study of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill and the Resultant Changes

Case Study of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill and the Resultant Changes Research report of this case study is regarding of the Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster. Exxon Mobil Corporation is found on 30th November 1999 by merging Exxon and Mobil and its the largest publicly traded companies in the world. It is in the rank of #1 or #2 for the past 5 years. By the time it reached March 1989, a worst tragedy took place where caused by one of the largest super tanker in the world Exxon Valdez. [1] Different products have developed constantly in respond to changing demand for better in petroleum refinery. There a lot of processes involve in refinery, but the four main processes is refinery, separation, conversion and purification operation processes. At first the use of refinery is to create kerosene as cheaper and better compare to whale oil. Since all vehicles and airplane is combustion engine, it created more needs for petroleum. The location of Prince William Sound is so deep in where it only can be access by plane and boat. Due to this, the government and particular industries that involve had a tough time cleaning the disaster. By this major disaster, environment, economic and social were the main aspects were affected badly. It has given a negative impact on the lifestyle of the people in Prince William Sound.[2] A lot of action has been taken in the oil refinery industry after the oil spill, such as Operation Integrated Management System (OIMS), better radar system and Coast Guard in Prince William Sound. Introduction 2.1 Problem Statement By such disaster occurring, the exposure and early prevention steps would be taken by the society. Engineers will be efficient as in; safety and the quality would play a big role for them in their career by knowing the consequences of the major disaster. 2.2 Objective 1. The aim and objectives 2. To observe oil and refinery industrial processes and operations and learn the cause of the disaster 3. Risks of the oil spill disaster and pollution that affected all areas that lead to the oil spill disaster and pollution 4. The consequences of all the hazards of the oil spill disaster 5. To improvise and the changes in the management systems to prevent from the disaster to occur 2.3 Overview This research report is a case study of the Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster that took place in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Within six hours of the grounding, the Exxon Valdez spilled around 10.9 million gallons of its 53 million gallon cargo of Prudhoe Bay crude oil. Eight of the eleven tanks on board were damaged. Even before this major disaster occurred, they were high risk of oil spill in Prince William Sound. There is still an unclear doubt why this oil spill took place. [1] 3. Aim and objectives of Exxon Mobil Corporation Exxon Mobil Corporation is merged in two companies which is Exxon and Mobil in the year of 1999. It is the worlds largest petroleum and petrochemical company and it is also the worlds leading traded international oil and gas company. Exxon Mobil markets fuel and lubricants are under three brands which are Esso, Exxon and Mobil. The corporation aims and objective is divided into few sectors: 3.1 Development Exxon Mobil is focused on serious and discipline investment decision to find the best solutions that can give a large amount of profit and also the same time increase the reliability and reduce the cost. Exxon Mobil is also focused on many major projects which have started with the design and the operating concept and delivery. 3.2 Employees Exxon Mobil is very choosy in taking in and retaining employers. They need employers who are extremely good and get the best out of them. They make the best of the best by sending them to the best training. They are very committed to maintain their safety during at workplace. A safe work environment enriched by diversity and characterized by open communication, trust and fair treatment.[3] 3.3 Communities Exxon Mobil is base throughout the world. Where ever the, they are very committed to be a good cooperate citizen. They maintain their high ethical standards, obey all applicable laws, rules and regulation and also respect the culture of the respective country. Among all those objectives above, they are more dedicated to running safe and environmentally responsible process. Exxon Mobil Corporation is self-motivated to be at the leading edge of competition in all the aspects of our business. They are very discipline and very selective in estimating the range of capital investment opportunities available to them. They create new ways such as develop proprietary technologies that provide a competitive edge. Their goals are achieved by flawlessly executing business plans and adhering to these guiding principles and the foundation policies. 3.4 Shareholders Exxon Mobil Corporation is committed to enhance the long term period value of the investment dollars trusted to them by the shareholders. At the end the shareholders would be rewarded with their superior returns. The momentum of this would enhance their management of their Corporation. [1] 3.5 Customers To remain successful in an industry, a company has to be firm to please those different perception customers to adapt to their needs. Exxon Mobil commits them self to offer high quality products and services at competitive prices. [1] Refinery Industrial Processes and operations Figure 1: Process Flow Diagram [4] Oil refinery industry is a process where a barrel of raw crude oil that contains a mixture of all sorts of hydrocarbons, is transform it to petrochemical fuel like petrol and diesel. All processes are done by heat, pressure and chemical reaction method. Valves and gadgets is the one regulated when the crude oil runs through many kilo metres of pipes. Computerizes gadgets used to monitor to control and optimize the processes that are undertaken. Refining Process In this industry, refining is the most simplest and common processes is under taken. It starts with the crude oil is been heated up to vaporize the oil in distillation tower. Naturally heavier molecules would not rise as lighter ones in the vapour and with this the vapour can condense with different levels. When the cooling process occurs at various degrees, the liquefied gasses are collected in condensation trays. By this various types of petrochemical material are obtained. [4] 4.2 Treatment The purpose of this process is for hydrocarbon streams to get ready for extra processing and to prepare complete products. Sometimes it includes the elimination or separation of aromatics and naphthenic also as impurities. Chemical or physical separation for instance dissolving, absorption, or precipitation using a variation and combination of processes containing desalting, drying, hydro desulfurizing, solvent refining, sweetening, solvent extraction, and solvent dew axing might be included. 4.3 Catalytic Cracking Catalytic processes are another type of processes. It involves the breaking of heavy molecules into more valuable light molecules. For an example the breaking of low bitumen to diesel or even petrol where this process takes place in a high temperature using an alumina silicate and alumina silicate acts as a catalyst to the process and helps to break down the molecule. This catalyst is in powder form. 4.6 Auxiliary operations and facilities Steam and power generation, process and fire water system, flares and relief system, furnaces and heaters, pumps and valves, supply of steam, air, nitrogen and other plant gases, alarms and sensors, noise and pollution controls, sampling, testing, inspecting, laboratory, control room, maintenance and managerial facilities. [5] 4.4 Other Refining Operations This includes light-ends recovery, sour-water stripping, solid waste and wastewater management, process-water treatment and cooling, storing and management, product movement, hydrogen production, acid and tail-gas treatment and sulphur retrieval. [5] 5. Risks in all areas that lead to disaster 5.1 Human Error Human error is the main contributing factors. The first mate or captain of the tanker Captain Hazelwood was under influence of alcohol, at that time of the incident. The captain was unable to concentrate on his responsibility. This could be avoided if the captain of the ship were more discipline during work. Hazelwood was send to alcohol rehabilitation for 28 days. The management knew about it and they followed his progress in rehab. The mistake the management did was, gave him the responsible to be a captain of vessel again. Instead of reinstating such a major responsible as a captain, they should have given him desk work job. Moreover the third mate who was in charge of the vessel when the major accident occurred. This is because he had very little sleep the night before grounding and they were lacking of staff on board tanker. When the Hazelwood went to sleep, the third mate had to take in charge to manoeuvre the tanker without having enough sleep.[6] 5.2 Failure of Coast Guard Safe proofing method has been established and agreed between State of Alaska, the Coast Guard and the oil industry. This is to avoid human error to occur. This method works when there is a form of iceberg the coast guard has to warn the captains and the captain has to slow down their tankers. However, most of the tankers did not follow to the rules including Exxon Valdez due to profit and eliminate down time. 5.3 Delayed Response Location of Prince Williams Sound is deep so deep in by geographical view, where can be only excessed by air or water made the response slow. Apart from the location, the weather also played another big factor. Due to delayed response on reacting to clean the mess, the oil polluted about 2000km of cost line and about 26000 square kilo meters of sea was contaminated. [10] Consequences Figure 2: State on-scene Coordinators [8] A tanker with crude oil from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska collides with a reef in Alaskas Prince William Sound and 11 million gallons of crude oil spilled into one of the biggest coastlines. The horrible outcome out of the incident could have been reduced but due to the location, it made it hard for the clean-up team and the government to react. Even Exxon Mobile did not react fast due to their unstable system in place to deal with the crisis. There is no any commitment given by Exxon Mobile to ensure that this same incident will occur again. [9] 6.1 Economical The total money to just clean the mess is approximately USD 2.1 billion dollars and fine is USD 5 billion dollars of this was the biggest penalizing fines ever charged out to a company. The total Exxon Mobile had to fork out USD 7.1 billion dollars. Those fishermens were affected badly, till their livelihoods were affected. They were relying on that for surviving. They lost around yearly gross valued at USD 174 million dollars. Due to this tourism industry were affected as well. [8] 6.2 Environmental Ecological system and wildlife were destroyed fully. Shoreline for 1400 miles was affected till they cant find those areas. A total of 1,015 dead Sea otters, 36,466 dead Sea birds 144 dead bald eagles, 302 harbour and more than 100,000 of oiled birds. The number for dead birds was the highest compare to Heneman oil spill happen in 1989. Some species sinked when they die, due to that the whole sea was polluted. Most of the marine mammals fall sick due to ingesting oil while trying to clean oil of their furs or feathers or eating intoxicated prey. [9] Improvement and Changes in the Management System 7.1 Operation Integrity Management System After the oil spill Exxon Mobil Corporation devised a complete 11 point plan which covers from management to employees and everything including facilities and training. Exxon Mobil implemented an approach where safety is a major factor. The multilevel (OIMS) covers an extensive level of element in management system. This elements could classified as leadership management in safety and accountability, design, constructing and maintaining facilities, readiness in facing emergency, adaptation to change, continuous assessment of performance and inquiries in accident and incidents. When this policy been implemented Exxon had to go through a lot of changes and this changes lead to more improve and safe environment. This creates, Exxon Mobil to be the leader for safety in the industry. [4] 7.2 Management Leadership Implementation of safety starts at the management and work itself down to the labour force. This is because at the management level, the planning of the health and safety procedure is done. Thus enforcing safety measures also the responsibility of the management. This is done by identifying the risk involves followed by setting clear performances criteria. This can be done by creating a clear risk management procedure. Once that is done the leadership in the organization should have a strict enforcement policy where everybody involve should be given proper training and additional exposure to the risk and safety measure are involve. [4] 7.3 Construction and Facilities When designing a facilities and construction of the facilities there is different type degree of safeties. For an example when u designing a machinery or tool, in this case best related to a building of a oil tanker. After the catastrophic disaster of Exxon Valdez, the safety emphasis on the design was changed. For an example, tankers now are re-enforced by having double hull and other safety measures are more efficient. The operation safety is emphasis by training where is given to all ship crew. For an example, navigation officers are given training in extreme condition ship manoeuvring. [4] Improvement and Policies After the incident Exxon Mobil had strict recruitment policies where all employees which are new has to go through an alcohol and drug screening. This was also implemented on existing staff and this was done after the incident. If in case there was a employee who was under the influence of any substance on board a vessel would be stopped from sailing again until they can prove that they would not repeat and gone through proper rehabilitation. [4] Conclusion The conclusion is Exxon Valdez was one of the major oil spill disaster. It effect of this incident was wide spread and very devastating. Resulting from a human error and negligence, many innocent people and environment was affected. From this case study it can be said that a good safety plan is required. Management also should always be responsible with their action and measures to prevent such disaster. Given the situation and late response to the disaster made the incident even worse. They were many guidelines that did not followed by the management and employees, for an example the captain who was under the influence of alcohol and the lack of crew members on board. Incident happens because of human error. The crew on board was very badly trained or not trained at all for any kind of situation. Therefore more training needed in future for all the employees, there should be always a body which monitors the training and sets on-going training for all the staffs. The management should also enforce health and safety guidelines in a regular basis. To ensure in the future there will be any similar incidents occurring. There also should be a team that ensures the maintainers of the tanker and equipment on board. The Exxon Valdez spill was a lesson well learned by everyone especially Exxon Mobil Corporation and other oil and gas companies.

Representational Systems :: Communication Engineering Papers

Representational Systems This paper seeks to define a representational system in such a manner as to be capable of implementation in a connectionist, or neural, network. A representational system is defined and demonstrated to possess the ability to produce outputs which achieve global minima. The paper concludes by showing that, while a feed-forward neural network is incapable of representation, representation may be implemented in a recurrent, or internal feedback, connectionist network. Introduction Representational systems are commonly in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) domain of symbolic logic. Expert Systems are programmed into computer systems by recording the step-by-step logical methodology of experts to minimize the costs or maximize the utility of their decisions. Logical statements, or beliefs, be they fuzzy or hard, are established as "rules". Another branch of AI, Connectionism, attempts to build systems, often in artificial neural networks (ANNs), that implement the methodologies of the illogical, inexplicable, or intuitive capabilities of distributed systems such as pattern recognition systems. Here, it is not some logical mapping of input to output, but rather a holistic host of inputs which indicate micro-features which may or may not synergistically produce a desired output. While connectionist systems are recognized as being capable of distributed, non-representational processing, they may also possess the capability to additionally perform the rule-based logic of representational systems. As will be shown, not all connectionist networks possess the appropriate architecture for this task. Thus, a neural network, depending upon its architecture, may possess the