Essay 3: Technology and Society

Essay Prompt

Technology and new media are playing an increasingly large role in our lives. From tablets and iPhones to Facebook and Snapchat, technological innovations are changing the way we interact, work, study, relax and negotiate public spaces.

 For your 3^rd paper you will choose one piece of technology (or new media phenomenon) and analyze the impact that piece of technology has made on society. Papers should be 5-7 pages in length, 12 pt. Times New Roman font.

The paper should include a Work Cited page. The Work Cited Page IS NOT INCLUDED in your total page count.

Your paper should be written in MLA format and will need to include:

1) An original thesis statement making an argument about your piece of technology. Your thesis could address any one of the following questions (or a combination of two):

How has/will this technology affect human relationships? Is it helping bring people together or is it pushing people apart? Is there a way in which this technology lessens the “quality” of interactions we have with one another?U.S. residents have some of the highest levels of stress of any nation in the world. Is this piece of technology increasing the amount of stress in our everyday lives or lessening it? In what ways might this technology affect stress levels?Has this technology affected the experience of U.S. undergraduates? If so, in what ways?How has/will this technology affect global politics or economics?Does this technology widen or diminish race/class/gender inequalities? If so, in what ways? Who has or does not have access to this new technology?How has this technology reduced or increased the amount of privacy we have over our personal information? What role should the government play in regulating information availability?

2) Evidence drawn from at least 3 sources to support/contradict your Argument. You must include in your sources at least: 1 In-Class reading, 1 Library Database article and 1 “pop” science article (from a Science Magazine or Website).

REMEMBER: This is not JUST an essay about what YOU think about this subject, you want to also use the parts of other writer’s arguments (from in-class reading assignments/outside sources) to support what you are saying.  

 Example of how to "use" outside support:

“I feel (insert your opinion) about (insert subject) because it is (example). In his essay, “(Insert Title)” written by  (Insert Author), he also argues (insert example and opinion of Author to help support your argument and make it clear that other people are writing about your subject, too.)”

Possible technologies for study include:

Music Sites (Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify)Cell PhonesText messagingWebsites like Wikipedia, Facebook/Instagram or YouTubeBlogging/social media appsInnovative Medical Technologies (like hearing aids, plastic surgery or lasik eye surgery)Video Games (or a specific video game)Instant Messaging

Essay Criteria

Thesis: Demonstrates clear purpose, complexity and originality; raises issue to be discussed and offers a direct

statement of writer’s position; previews the structure of the essay.

Supporting Evidence: Provides logical support for the claims made by the thesis; uses compelling sources and

forms of argumentative appeal; effectively counters opposing

arguments.

Types of Resources/Use of Resources: Includes at least 3 resources

Organization: Sequence of material supports the thesis and purpose; shows connections between ideas;

demonstrates writer’s control over organizational patterns of information.

Style/Tone: Uses language with control, elegance and imagination to suit the essay’s purpose; maintains

consistent, distinctive voice throughout the essay.

Mechanics: Uses grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax that are appropriate for standard written English;

demonstrates careful attention to proofreading

Conclusion: Briefly reviews but does more than simply restate the thesis; adds new insight to the thesis in light of

the evidence used.

References: Includes a reference page citing all sources in proper APA format.

Case Study 2

Customs Changes, Tariff Reduction Among Measures Responding to COVID-19

Monday, March 30, 2020

Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg Trade Report

Countries around the world are taking a variety of measures to ensure adequate access to and supplies of medical goods to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent Congressional Research Service report examines some of these actions, including the following.

Imposing Export Restrictions. The European Union has introduced measures that prohibit the export of personal protective equipment (e.g., masks, protective glasses, and garments) without prior regulatory approval. India has restricted exports of 26 pharmaceutical components as well as medicines and vitamins made from them. Dozens of other countries have also imposed export restrictions to address potential supply shortages. The U.S. has generally not supported such measures, but it is unclear whether they are inconsistent with World Trade Organization rules or may qualify for one of the available exceptions regarding critical shortages of essential products, protection of human life, or national security.

Reducing Tariffs. The U.S. has removed some of its Section 301 tariffs on medical goods from China, but the Trump administration has come under pressure to remove or suspend others as well. The report points out that Congress could potentially do this itself since it has the constitutional authority to “lay and collect duties.” Another option would be for the administration to permit duty-free imports of food, clothing, and medical, surgical, and other supplies for use in emergency relief work under Section 318 of the Tariff Act of 1930.

Revising Import Procedures. Most countries regulate imports of medical goods for public health and safety reasons, but some have taken steps to streamline their customs procedures to address issues that could delay access to medical goods. For example, China created a “green lane” system that prioritizes the inspection and review of imported medical goods. Similarly, the EU recently introduced guidelines instructing its member states to create “green lanes” for freight transport to ensure access to essential products such as medicines and medical equipment.

The U.S. has not yet publicly proposed amending its customs or other regulatory procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection may be able to create a “green lane” system using its congressional authorization to develop and implement screening and targeting capabilities, including prioritizing of passengers and cargo. The report notes that creating such a system may require CBP to complete a rulemaking process, which could take time, but that Congress could consider using its constitutional authority to regulate foreign commerce to more quickly implement new customs prioritization procedures.

Prioritizing Domestic Production. Many countries import more health-related products than they export. As an alternative to reliance on cross-border supply chains, the U.S. and some of its trading partners have sought to prioritize domestic production of necessary goods, either by requiring manufacturers to complete orders of medical goods before orders of non-medical goods or by imposing increased production requirements on these manufacturers. Such measures may be permitted under WTO rules provided (a) they are not unlawful subsidies (e.g., those that harm the industries of other WTO members) under the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures or (b) if they are potentially WTO-inconsistent, they fall within an exception.

Questions:

1.   What do your understand of the term ‘green lane’ as mentioned in the paragraph? What will happen if the ‘green lane’ system is not being applied in this time of COVID-19 pandemic? Explain.

2.   In this case, why do you think most countries in the world are introducing custom changes and tariff reduction? Have these changes in trade policies helped the countries’ economy or created even bigger barriers for trade. Discuss.

On July 1, 1978 The Container Store opened its first store in Dallas, TX. Kip Tindell (Chairman and CEO), Garrett Boone (Chairman Emeritus), and Architect John Mullen focused the original product offering around an eclectic mix of products that would help simplify consumers' lives. The Container Store was a pioneer in this new, specialty category of retailing that focused on storage and organization. The first store was filled with products like, wire drawers, mailboxes, burger baskets, and milk crates that consumers could not typically find all together in other retail stores. Today, The Container Store has locations nationwide that showcase thousands of innovative products to help consumers save time, space, and money.

For the past twelve years, The Container Store has been named one of Fortune Magazine's "Top 100 Companies to Work For." One of The Container Store's Foundation Principles is that one great employee is equal to three good employees. The Container Store believes in hiring great employees and retaining them! According to The Container Store, "A company must be extraordinarily dedicated to its human resource endeavor, because it takes astronomically more time and effort to attract, hire, and retain great people. They're more challenging to get and they're more challenging to keep. But the payoff they'll provide is enormous." The Container Store's annual turnover rate is 10%. The average turnover rate for most retailers is 100%.

What are some of the ways that The Container Store puts employees first?

Training- The Container Store is committed to giving its sales associates all the necessary tools to be successful on the sales floor and add value for customers. Full-time associates will undergo an average of 263 hours of training in their first year compared to 8 hours for most full-time associates at other retailers.

Fun- The Container Store centers its organization culture on having fun. The retailer sponsors such events as annual service awards celebrations for employees, an annual chili cook-off contest and hosting a "We Love our Employees Day" on Valentine's Day. On this special day, employees received gifts, celebrations, and recognitions at all of The Container Store locations.

Benefits- The Container Store offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees including health and dental. Recently, The Container Store announced that it would be offering its employees a discounted rate for Pet Insurance. The Container Store recognized that pets are a special part of employees' lives.

Wages- The Container Store does not use a commission based program to compensate employees. Instead, The Container Store offers employees wages and salaries that are 50% higher than the retail industry average.

1.

Creating a Fun work environment is an important part of The Container Store's ______________________.

A) Organization Incentive B) Organization Growth C) Organization Culture D) Organization Commitment E) Organization Constitution

2.

Health care, dental, and even pet insurance are all part of The Container Store's _____________ package for employees.

A) Commitment B) Benefits C)Gift D)Product E)Selection

3.

The Container Store is committed to a comprehensive ________________ program that lasts over 260 hours for all new employees. During this time, employees learn about products, corporate values, expectations, and customer service skills.

A) Organizational B) Training C) Invitational D) Streching E) Hiring

4.

The Container Store does not offer ______________ or incentives to employees. Rather, The Container Store offers employees a salary or wage package that is typically 50% higher than the national retail industry average.

A) Commissions B) Statuses C) Balances D) Strategies E) policies

5.

A clear indicator of employee satisfaction is The Container Store's low annual _______________rate which is 90% lower than the national retail industry average.

A) Compensation B) Wage C) Functioning D) Satisfaction E) Turnover

Research undertaken in the country of Yarrabung (the country) reveals the following:

1. • The country is a democratic, federal parliamentary republic, and federal legislative power is vested in the country’s parliament. The government is elected by the people in elections where everyone has an equal vote.

• As the country is a federal country, much of the work of government is done by the 16 states. Power is shared between the federal government and state governments. The national government cannot abolish the state governments.

• The constitution emphasizes the protection of individual liberty in an extensive catalogue of human and civil rights and divides powers both between the federal and state levels and between the legislative, executive and judicial branches.

2. • The country follows a civil law system which places little reliance on court decisions. As such, the country’s courts generally decide cases using legal provisions on a case-by-case basis without referring to other judicial or even superior judicial decisions. Therefore, the civil law system contrasts with common law system in which law is derived from judicial decisions of courts and similar tribunals.

3. • The major political parties in the country believe in a free market economy and the country has signed free trade agreements with numerous countries.

• The country is the world’s fourth-largest economy with GDP of US$3.7 trillion in 2017. It is the third-largest exporter, with goods and services exports in 2016 worth US$1.6 trillion, accounting for more than a third of its total GDP. The country’s export strengths are in manufacturing such as motor cars and medical equipment, while services exports are less developed.

• As the largest economy in its region, the country is often regarded as an economic leader of its region. Its economy recovered faster than most in the region after the global financial crisis.

4. • The country’s Commercial Code (Corporations Law) contains provisions emphasising the importance of creditor protection. Therefore, accounting practices adopt conservative balance sheet valuations with the tendency to understate assets and overstate liabilities thereby ensuring creditor protection. Thus, the country’s accounting is designed to compute conservative amounts of income that leaves creditors unscathed after distributions are made to shareholders.

• Accounting practices include historical cost (revaluation model is not permitted), choice of First In First Out or Last In First Out inventory valuation, amortisation of goodwill, expensing of development costs. The use of provisions is widely accepted.

• Taxation law is closely aligned with commercial accounting. For example, tax provisions are eligible for deduction only if they are fully booked for accounting purposes meaning there is no distinction between financial statements prepared for taxation purposes and those published in financial reports. However, under the Commercial Code, accounting requirements are gradually moving into line with international accounting standards.

5. • The country’s people place a high priority on structure, privacy and punctuality. The country’s people emphasise the values of prudence, attention to detail and there is great emphasis on ensuring that public transport runs on time. According to an authoritative trade publication the country’s people are most comfortable when they can organize and compartmentalize their world into controllable units. Additionally, the country’s people manage time carefully, and demand that calendars, schedules and agendas be respected.

• The country’s people comfortably accept pains or hardships without complaint and strive for perfectionism and precision in all aspects of their lives. They prefer not to admit faults and rarely do they hand out compliments. At first impression, their attitude may seem unfriendly, however, the people have a keen sense of community, social conscience and a desire to belong.

Required Based on the information provided:

a. Identify and explain the environmental factors that are likely to have an influence on accounting practice in the country. Provide relevant example/s for each factor.

b. With reference to Hofstede’s four original dimensions, assign a rating to the country. Justify each rating by providing relevant example/s for each dimension.

c. Describe the accounting values model developed by Gray that would be expected to prevail in the country. Justify your answer for each accounting value.

Business Statistics

Common Mistakes in Statistical Studies:

Top 6 most common statistical errors made by data scientists

Data scientists are the rare breed of professionals who can solve the world’s thorniest problems. The data savvy professionals are believed to be a rare combination of statistical and computational ingenuity, however, these data pros are also prone to mistakes. While we have dived into the makings of a data scientists and covered the topic extensively, it is time to train the gaze on the six most common statistical mistakes data scientists make. Some of the most common errors are the types of measurements, variability of data and the sample size. Statistics provides the answers but in some cases it confuses too.

Correlation is not causation

According to leading data science veteran and co-author Data Science for Business Tom Fawcett, the underlying principle in statistics and data science is the correlation is not causation, meaning that just because two things appear to be related to each other doesn’t mean that one causes the other. This is apparently the most common mistake in Time Series. Fawcett cites an example of a stock market index and the unrelated time series Number of times Jennifer Lawrence was mentioned in the media. The lines look amusingly similar. There is usually a statement like: “Correlation = 0.86”. Recall that a correlation coefficient is between +1 (a perfect linear relationship) and -1 (perfectly inversely related), with zero meaning no linear relationship at all. 0.86 is a high value, demonstrating that the statistical relationship of the two time series is strong.Fawcett goes on to add that when exploring relationships between two time series, all one wants to know is whether the variations in one series are correlated with variations in another.

Biased Data

We have heard of biased algorithms, but there is bias data as well. We are talking about biased sampling that can lead to measurement errors because of unrepresentative samples. In most cases, data scientists can arrive at results that are close but not accurate due to biased estimators. An estimator is the rule for calculating an estimate of a given quantity based on the observed data. In fact, non-random samples are believed to be biased, and their data cannot be used to represent any other population beyond themselves.

Regression Error

In basic linear or logistic regression, mistakes arise from not knowing what should be tested on the regression table. In regression analysis, one identifies the dependent variable that varies based on the value of the independent variable. The first step here is to specify the model by defining the response and predictor variables. And most data scientists trip up here by mispecifying the model. In order to avoid the model misspecification, one must find out if there is any functional relationship between the variables that are being considered.

Misunderstanding P Value

Long pegged as the ‘gold standard’ of statistical validity, P values are a nebulous concept and scientists believes that aren’t as reliable as many researchers assume. P value are used to determine statistical significance in a hypothesis test. According to the American Statistical Association, P value do not measure the probability that the studied hypothesis is true, or the probability that the data was produced by random chance alone. Hence, business and organizational decisions should not be based only on whether a p-value passes a specific threshold. Many believe that data manipulation and significance chasing can make it impossible to come to the right conclusions from findings.

Inadequate Handling of Outliers and Influential Data Points

Outliers can affect any statistical analysis, thereby outlier should be investigated and deleted, corrected, or explained as appropriate. For auditable work, the decision on how to treat any outliers should be documented. Sometimes loss of information may be a valid tradeoff in return for enhanced comprehension.

Loss of information

The main object of statistical data analysis is to provide the best business outcome, with minimal modeling or human bias. Sometime, a loss of information in individual data points can impact the result and its relationship with data set.

1.) Choose 3 common mistakes, summarize the mistakes and how the material from this course can help you not make or fall for the mistakes when others make them.

Cytokines are regulatory proteins that act as signals between cells, creating a network for cell to cell signalling. Cytokines of the immune system are:

Interleukins which signal among leukocytes. At least 37 human IL have been identified.

Interferons (IFN) gamma IFN activated phagocytes and is secreted by T helper cells. Review the fucntion of IFN type I in chapter 15.

Growth factors stimulate leukocyte stem cells to divide and help with proliferation of certain cells of the immune system.

Tumor necrosis factor is secreted by macrophages and T cells to kill tumor cells.

Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines.

Be able to diagram an overivew of the immune system, include macrophages, eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils, natural killer cells, T helper cells, T cytotoxic cells and B cells. For each cell type include relevant information about receptors or markers on that cell's membrane.

B cells are lymphocytes that may differentiate into Plasma cells and memory cells. B cells have B cell receptors that bind to one Ag and each B cell has hundreds of BCR on its membrane surface. B cells also have a MHC I protein to present self Ag and a MCH II protein to present forgein Ag, or Ag that was able to bind that cell's BCR. Plasma cells have a great deal of RER and express antibodies. Memory cells are specialized to release IgG and are allowed to live a long cell life. The memory cells respond to a second contact with a given Ab by secreting large quantities of IgG within a few days of contact with the Ag.

T helper cells have a T cell receptor and a CD4 protien that work together to evaluate foreign Ag presented in MHC II proteins by antigen presenting cells. B cells and macrophages are examples of Ag presenting cells. T helper cells may release cytokines to stimulate B cells to proliferate and differentiate into memory cells and plasma cells. T helper cells would also have MHC I to present self Ag.

T cytotoxic cells also have a T cell receptor and CD8 protein to evaluate Ag presented in MHC I proteins. T cytotoxic cells identify tumor cells or virally infected cells by recognizing altered self Ag presented in a given cell's MHC I protein. T cytotoxic cells also have two modes of killing a target cell, the perforin-granzyme pathway and the CD95 pathway. p.487

5. Name one other cell of the immune system that utilizes perforin -granzyme pathway and explain how that cell's use differs from a T cytotoxic .

6. Does a T helper cell directly kill a foreign cell or a virally infected cell? What is the role of a T helper cell in the immune system?

7. HIV lowers a person's T helper cell count. What effect would a very low T helper cell count have the immune system function?

T regulatory cells moderate T cytotoxic cell activity. Cell mediated responses must be regulated to reduce the possibility of autoimmune responses.

8. Describe how graft rejection involves T cytotoxic cells. p532

The primary immune response to an antigen is slow, the antibodies are synthesized by plasma cells which take days of cell division to develop. The IgM antibodies may be in the serum in 7-10 days from the initial contact.

9. If the bacteria is releasing a toxin that within hours, will the body be able to make antibodies to neutralize the toxin within hours? How long might it take? How can that person acquire immunity quickly?

When an Ag is encountered for the second time, the activation of memory cells ensures the production of Ab for that Ag is fast and at high concentration is the serum.  

10. The flu virus mutates its Ag quickly, does having the flu one season confer immunity through memory cells for the next season? If so why, if not why not?

Calculate (i)Cost of Production and Profitability Statement .(ii) Cash flow Statement.(iii)Calculate the cost of Capital; (iv) NPV of the Project;(v)DSCR.

Zinc Unit Installed Capacity    First Year Second Year    Third Year…
   Tonnes    1000000 750000 800000    1000000

SRevenue Projection : Zinc is expected to be sold at Rs per ton Rs2.1 lakh.

Cost of the Project: The cost of the project works out as below:
a) Fixed Assets or Long Term Loan: Rs 3145 crores
b) Working Capital : The working capital requirements were Rs 431 crores at 75% capacity; Rs 459.73 crores at 80% capacity and Rs 574.67 crores at full capacity utilization. Interest rate for working capital were @12.5 %.
Means of Financing: The project would be financed by equity of Rs 942 crores and rest by term loan financing amounting to Rs 2203 crores . Interest on term loan was @11.50 %. The company’s share is listed in NSE . The risk-free rate of return is 8.00% assumed by the company and the market rate of return is 18%. The Beta of the company, as reported in the pink press was 1.17. Marginal tax rate of the company is @ 27 %. The project does not enjoy any tax exemption. It is expected the project will be implemented in an years time.

Life of the Project : For all estimation purposes life of the project would be 8 (eight) years. The project enjoys 2 (two)years moratorium in terms of repayment of instalment payment .

In rest of the six years, instalments of the principal will be paid uniformly. However interest payment will be from the first year of operation.

Salvage Value of the Project : Rs 310.

Manpower of the Project: Since company is already running a plant of similar type and of bigger capacity , the company is confident to draw competent human resources required for the project.

Availability of Raw Material : The company is in possession of mine rights of Zinc Mine , there will be no difficulty to obtain needed raw material .

Technology and Process Knowhow :The company will be using Bayer–Hall-Herout commercial technology, for the production of Zinc.

Fuel Usage: To ensure reliable low-cost power for the units operations and to achieve self-sufficiency of energy needs, the company proposes to set up captive power plants (CPPs) to cater to the power requirements of its smelters and mines. Besides a large part of coal for the CPPs is high GCV imported coal. The price of coal since remains to be volatile the company is examining critically ,setting up installed thermal captive power plants (CPPs). As of now it would buy power from outside.

Risk Analysis- an indicative list only :(a)Changes in the market prices of Zinc, could adversely affect the results of operations;(b)Operating results are affected by movements in exchange rates; (c) The company’s energy requirements are met by power supply of electricity boards , any changes in the state government’s policy could increase production costs. (d) The company has to obtain a steady supply of Zinc ore at reasonable costs otherwise results of operations may be affected.

Domestic Industry Outlook: Domestic Zinc consumption has been witnessing strong growth spurred by investments and industrial growth. The outlook for future demand remains upbeat as economic activity in key Zinc consuming sectors continued to be fast paced. The company estimates with this capacity expansion its share in global market will be around 7%.

Project Implementation :A combination of cutting-edge technology-driven equipment and know-how of global mining experts will help us develop the mines. These initiatives will ensure high productivity levels at low costs, enabling us to maintain our position as one of the lowest-cost producers globally.

Revenues and Cost Structure (%)
Cost Components as % of Revenue
Raw Material    0.049
Salaries    0.034
Finance Cost 0.14
Depreciation    0.18
Power Fuel Water    0.050
Other Expenses 0.250
Sub Total .703