Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Making Capital Investment Decisions †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Making Capital Investment Decisions. Answer: Evaluating whether Jason should start TOYEE business: Option 1 Year Cash inflow Cumulative cash flow 0 $ (40,000) $ (40,000) 1 $ 8,500 $ (31,500) 2 $ 11,700 $ (19,800) 3 $ 15,950 $ (3,850) 4 $ 16,400 $ 12,550 5 $ 23,700 $ 36,250 Internal rate of return 21.79% Accountingrate of return (Average Income-Depreciation) / Average investment Accounting rate of return ($15,250 $6,300) / (($40,000-$8,500)/2) Accounting rate of return $8,950 / $15,750 Accounting rate of return 56.83% Payback period Year + (Cumulative cash flows / initial cash flow) Payback period 3+($3,850 / $16,400) Payback period 3+0.23 Payback period 3.23 years Table 1: Identifying the IRR, Payback period and NPV of Option 1 (Source: As created by the author) The above table 1 mainly helps in depicting the relevant IRR, Payback period, and NPV of option 1, which could allow Jason to increase their profitability. Furthermore, the investments in TOYEE might mainly increase the overall profitability of Jason, where it might provide an IRR of 21.79%, which is relatively higher than the required return of 5%. This high-end returns that is been provided by the investments in TOYEE is relatively adequate, which could allow Jason to generate higher returns. The overall returns provided by investment in TOYEE are relatively adequate, which could directly help in improving its returns in future. The overall IRR return mainly indicates that minimum return that is provided by the company over the period of time when investment in TOYEE is conducted. Abor (2017) argued that identification of internal rate of return allows managers to pin point projects that could provide the quickest retune from investment. However, Alkhamis et al. (2017) mentioned th at use of IRR valuation mainly allows organisations to identify relevant projects, which has the quickest return from investment. The overallaccounting rate of return was mainly at 56.83%, which depicts the relevant return, which is generated by the investment. The overall ARR is relatively higher than 5% required rate of return, which mainly depicts the relevant income that could be generated by investment. Cucchiella, D'Adamo and Koh (2015) stated that with the help of ARR method mentioned companies are mainly able to measure the overall profitability that might be generated from investments. On the other hand, Castellucci et al. (2016) argued that ARR directly ignores the time value of money, which is an essential part of project evaluation. The overall payback period of investment in TOYEE is mainly at 3.23 years, which could allow the organisation to attain the relevant investment within the time of 3 years and 2 months. Companies to identify the minimum time mainly conduct the evaluation payback period, which is taken by the project to return the initial investment. Kostesek et al. (2015) stated that payback period is mainly identified, as the viable option of investment appraisal technique, where managers are able to identify projects that could quickly provide the relative return from investment. On the other hand, Kwan et al. (2015) criticises that payback period does use time value of money, which reduces the overall viability of the investment. Portraying the 5 year projected cash flow of Revell Inc: Particulars 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Cash flow from operating activities Net Income $ 5,790 $ 7,050 $ 7,400 $ 7,766 $ 7,606 Add back non cash expenses depreciation $ 123 $ 1,115 $ 1,244 $ 1,380 $ 1,523 Subtract gains and add losses Other income $ 874 $ (469) $ (497) $ (527) $ (559) Subtract increase and add increase in current assets Accounts Receivable $ 227 $ (611) $ 271 $ (637) $ 262 Inventory $ 33 $ (133) $ (92) $ (144) $ (105) Prepaid Expenses $ 340 $ (96) $ (101) $ (106) $ (111) Add increase and subtract decrease in current liabilities Trades Payable $ (10) $ (93) $ 215 $ (67) $ 203 Accrued Liabilities $ (700) $ 242 $ 254 $ 266 280 Income Tax Payable $ (6) $ (80) $ 6 $ 10 $ 6 Cash flow from operations $ 6,671 $ 6,925 $ 8,700 $ 7,941 $ 9,105 Cash Flow from Investment Property, Plant and Equipment, net $ 167 $ (686) $ (626) $ (593) $ (550) Long-term Investments $ 1,998 $ (347) $ (367) $ (390) $ (413) Other Non-Current Assets $ 656 $ (556) $ (584) $ (611) $ (641) Cash Flow from Investment $ 2,821 $ (1,589) $ (1,577) $ (1,594) $ (1,604) Cash flow from financing Notes Payable $ 147 $ 377 $ 227 $ 373 $ 235 Long-term Debt $ (496) $ 167 $ 104 $ 171 $ 107 Share Capital and common stock $ 588 $ 532 $ 329 $ 544 $ 342 Cash flow from financing $ 239 $ 1,076 $ 660 $ 1,088 $ 684 Total change in cash $ 9,731 $ 6,412 $ 7,783 $ 7,435 $ 8,185 Cash at beginnings $ 4,308 $ 4,979 $ 4,987 $ 4,996 $ 5,005 Total Cash inflows $14,039 $11,391 $12,770 $ 12,431 $ 13,190 Table 2: Mentioning the Cash flow statement of Revell Inc (Source: As created by the author) Depicting the best options, which could be used by Jason for improving its return from investment: Projected cash flow of Revell Inc. Year 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Projected cash flow $ (37,500) $ 14,039 $ 11,391 $ 12,770 $ 12,431 $ 13,190 Cumulative cash flow $ (37,500) $ (23,461) $ (12,070) $ 700 $ 13,131 $ 26,321 Required rate of return 5% NPV $17,795.38 Payback period 2.95 Years IRR 21% Table 3: Mentioning the IRR, Payback period, and NPV of Revell Inc (Source: As created by the author) Projected cash flow of Tamiyah Inc. Year 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Projected Cash Flow from operating Activities $ (37,500) $ 18,560 $ 21,260 $ 26,850 $ 21,450 $ 17,430 Cumulative cash flow $ (37,500) $ (18,940) $ 2,320 $ 29,170 $ 50,620 $ 68,050 NPV $53,957.51 Payback period 2.89 Years IRR 48% Table 4: Mentioning the IRR, Payback period, and NPV of Tamiyah Inc. (Source: As created by the author) After the evaluation of overall Table 3 and table 4 relevant investment option for Jason could be identified, which would help in increasing its over or return from Investments. Table 3 mainly provides the overall investment appraisal evaluation of Revell Inc, where NPV, IRR, and payback period is depicted. The use of NPV, IRR, and payback period could help in identifying the most viable investment option that might increase the return. However, after the evaluation it is estimated that the cash inflow of Revell Inc is a relatively lower than Tamiyah Inc. Furthermore, this is the main reason why Jason should invest in Tamiyah Inc, as it might increase its overall return from investment. Larson and Gray (2013) mentioned that all the investment appraisal techniques do not provide the same level of evaluation, as they have both cons and pros. The above tables also defect the relevant investment appraisal calculation, where payback period of Revell Inc is at 2 years 9 months, NPV is at $17,794.99, and IRR is at 21%. However, in comparison to Tamiyah Inc it is relatively lower, as it has payback period of 2 years 8 months, NPV is at $55,957.51, and IRR is at 48%. The overall calculations depicted in the above statement mainly identify Tamiyah Inc, as the most viable option which could help Jason to improve its overall return from investment. Pechmann, Scholer and Ernst (2016) argued that Investment appraisal techniques mainly loses its friction if adequate evaluation of data is not conducted, which nullifies all the result provided by the methods. On the other hand, Malek et al. (2017) stated that investment appraisal technique allows organisation to evaluate the project on the basis of time value, which helps in discounting all the relevant future cash inflows. After the overall evaluation of different projects and appraisal techniques, it is estimated that Jason must invest in TOYEE and Tamiyah Inc, as both the investment could provide the relevant returns. Hence, the investment could provide a return higher than 5%, which could help in increasing the capital value in future. Mentioning why managers use IRR rather than NPV when carrying out discounted cash flow evaluation: Maximum of the managers mainly focus on internal rate of return method, as it helps in identifying overall projects, which will quickly provide the return from investment. However, NPV method is best used by stockholders or shareholders, as they need higher returns from investment rather than quick return. In case of managers they are mainly focused in identifying projects that have the highest IRR, as it will help in generating the cash inflow quicker and use that money on other projects. The investment project does not have to provide higher NPV for the managers to choose that project. In this context, Sultan et al. (2014) mentioned that managers by using IRR method are able to identify the maximum return that might be provided from an investment, which helps in reducing the struggle of finding cost of capital for an investment. Managers with the help of IRR method are able to increase the process of reinvestment, as it allows the organisation to generate higher revenue from the sa me capital. However, Robinson and Burnett (2016) argued that NPV method is more reliable than IRR method, as it accommodates time value of money, which could help in discounting all the relevant future cash inflows. References: Abor, J.Y., 2017. Evaluating Capital Investment Decisions: Capital Budgeting. InEntrepreneurial Finance for MSMEs(pp. 293-320). Springer International Publishing. Alkhamis, N., Noreen, U., Ghonaim, L., Alghonaim, S., Ibrahim, S. and Alturki, R.A.A., 2017. Capital Budgeting and Capital Structure Decisions in Saudi Arabia.Advanced Science Letters,23(1), pp.330-332. Castellucci, V., Garcia-Teran, J., Eriksson, M., Padman, L. and Waters, R., 2016. Influence of sea state and tidal height on wave power absorption.IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering. Cucchiella, F., D'Adamo, I. and Koh, S.L., 2015. Environmental and economic analysis of building integrated photovoltaic systems in Italian regions.Journal of Cleaner Production,98, pp.241-252. Kostevek, A., Kleme, J.J., Varbanov, P.S., ?u?ek, L. and Petek, J., 2015. Sustainability assessment of the locally integrated energy sectors for a Slovenian municipality.Journal of Cleaner Production,88, pp.83-89. Kwan, T.H., Pleissner, D., Lau, K.Y., Venus, J., Pommeret, A. and Lin, C.S.K., 2015. Techno-economic analysis of a food waste valorization process via microalgae cultivation and co-production of plasticizer, lactic acid and animal feed from algal biomass and food waste.Bioresource technology,198, pp.292-299. Larson, E.W. and Gray, C., 2013.Project Management: The Managerial Process with MS Project. McGraw-Hill. Malek, A.A., Hasanuzzaman, M., Rahim, N.A. and Al Turki, Y.A., 2017. Techno-economic analysis and environmental impact assessment of a 10 MW biomass-based power plant in Malaysia.Journal of Cleaner Production,141, pp.502-513. Pechmann, A., Schler, I. and Ernst, S., 2016. Possibilities for CO 2-neutral manufacturing with attractive energy costs.Journal of Cleaner Production,138, pp.287-297. Robinson, C.J. and Burnett, J.R., 2016. Financial Management Practices: An Exploratory Study of Capital Budgeting Techniques in the Caribbean Region. Sultan, F., Aziz, M.T., Khokhar, I., Qadri, H., Abbas, M., Mukhtar, A., Manzoor, W. and Yusuf, M.A., 2014. Development of an in-house hospital information system in a hospital in Pakistan.International journal of medical informatics,83(3), pp.180-188. Vora, A.P., Jin, X., Hoshing, V., Saha, T., Shaver, G., Varigonda, S., Wasynczuk, O. and Tyner, W.E., 2017. Design-space exploration of series plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for medium-duty truck applications in a total cost-of-ownership framework.Applied Energy,202, pp.662-672.

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Representations of Global Femininity/Masculinity in Contemporary Media

Introduction The change in time and events from a conventional world to one that is sophisticated and modern has been accompanied by changes in representation of masculinity and femininity. This is with regard to how the contemporary media represents both man and woman and its position on this.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Representations of Global Femininity/Masculinity in Contemporary Media specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Contrary to the conventional style of representation where the woman was overshadowed by the man, she is now gaining representation in a powerful and autonomic manner that reveals her self-confidence. This paper will bring into light the changing, as well as the adamant phenomenon of representation of masculinity and femininity by the contemporary media. How Contemporary Media represents Masculinity and Femininity The great shift to contemporary visual media has been accompanied b y a change in the representation of women. According to the contemporary media, the woman is faced with a lot of responsibilities which she must see to it that they are all handled accordingly. As a result the media has brought out the woman as one who is faced with a lot of challenges, making it difficult for her to live up to other people’s expectations. However, it has been shown that, amidst their dilemmas, women resort to traditional intervention with regard to femininity for a solution. Different articles will explain the different ways which women act in relation to femininity. Men on the other hand have always taken up the authoritarian role that depicts power and strength (Leavy, Gnong and Andrea 261-292). Typical images of the modern woman, for instance pop stars like Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez represent a unique kind of femininity. In this kind of representation, the woman is independent and entitled to her own life. This shows the liberation of women while compared to what was previously the perception of femininity where the woman stayed at home to look after her children and husband. Now, the woman has become more educated and liberated, but the main theme of femininity that has not changed a single bit is beauty. Contemporary media has given the picture of a woman as one who is adventurous, and in so doing has continued to encourage this kind of behavior. This woman is able to capture the best man who is sexually desirable. She then retains this man as long as he is interesting. This kind of woman will also be seen pursuing a great career at the same time. This is a demonstration of the change in representation of femininity in contemporary media which in other words can be considered to be cosmopolitan. It is very different from the traditional method of representation of women as wives and mothers. It is therefore clear that great changes have occurred and transformed the perception of women by the media (Leavy, Gnong and Andrea 261-292).Advertising Looking for research paper on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The representations of masculinity and femininity by the media are constantly changing and so are the perceptions. The change in representation is what leads to the change in perception as the media is very powerful in influencing people’s attitudes. Previously, the woman was represented as a submissive and obedient wife and mother. Currently, this is not the case as women strive to gain equality with regard to gender. Men on the other hand were represented as having power and authority over the woman. This representation has however changed as men have turned out to become violent so as to acquire hegemony, which is linked to masculinity (Andersen and Gray 446-450). Contemporary media may have a negative impact on the representation of the woman and associated femininity. For example, the implications of the media on porn ography tend to have a negative impact on the women as opposed to men whose hegemony is very evident. The contemporary media fosters growth and availability of pornographic materials. However, as pornography grows, so does its violent nature that is entailed in its content. The video, which is the latest kind of contemporary media, shows very sad sexual fantasies. The perception brought out by this kind of representation is cruelty and unfriendliness to the femininity of women but on the other hand, encourages dominance by the man. This dominance has been portrayed through activities of sexual molestation (Andersen and Gray 446-450). Femininity and masculinity are two different kinds of images which are seen to vary considerably. The femininity of a woman in contemporary media is shown through pictures that bring out the beauty and attractiveness of the woman. The appearance of a woman in enhancing her femininity in certain jobs especially in the tourism industry is very important. The femininity of a woman is portrayed by her feminine appearance. A feminine appearance requires the woman to make her hair, wear make-up and suitable uniform that enhance her femininity. This is opposed to men whose attractiveness or masculinity with regard to the physical body is not required for the application or maintenance of a job. Irrespective of the empowerment that women have obtained, the media still maintains a position of hegemony with regard to gender. An example of this is where, irrespective of the masculine women like Cristina Yang in Grey’s Anatomy and feminine males like George O’Malley, conventional gender expectations are very evident, representing either femininity or masculinity.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Representations of Global Femininity/Masculinity in Contemporary Media specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This can be argued from the point that women continue to be attractive even if they tend to drift towards masculinity. On the other hand, the masculinity aspect among men who try to act in a feminine way is dominant thus will persist (Leavy, Gnong and Andrea 261-292). Contemporary media has used the mind-body dichotomy to bring out differences between men and women and associated masculinity and femininity respectively. This aspect of body and mind is seen to create disparity between masculinity and femininity. Masculinity places a lot of emphasis on the mind while femininity is all about the body. A quote from Bartky Sandra â€Å"Woman’s space is not a field in which her bodily intentionality can be freely realized but an enclosure in which she feels herself positioned and by which she is confined† depicts this (cited in Leavy, Gnong and Andrea 261-292). The concept of women’s space is taken to bring out a common idea of enclosed space. It could mean power or lack of power. This space could also be a symbolic rep resentation of the woman’s body as it is perceived to be associated with gender performance. On the other hand, the masculinity of men is not confined to their bodies. It entails attitudes, ability to think and perception. The dichotomy used reveals that as opposed to women, the masculinity of men is more realized by their ability to hold power and think wisely as opposed to a woman whose femininity is in her beauty (Andersen and Gray 446-450). Conclusion The media is actively involved in representation of both men and women in the content of masculinity and femininity respectively. The perception of masculinity and femininity will continue changing for as long the media keeps on changing the representations of both men and women. Despite the changing representations, one thing is for sure, femininity of a woman with regard to beauty can never change. On the other side, masculinity and power are inseparable. Works Cited Andersen, Robin Gray, Jonathan (Eds). Battleground: The Media. Westport: Greenwood Press, 2008.Advertising Looking for research paper on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Leavy, Patricia, Gnong, Andrea Ross, Lauren. â€Å"Femininity, Masculinity, and Body Image Issues and College-Age Women: An In-depth and Written Interview Study of the Mind-Body Dichotomy†. Qualitative Report, 2009 (14), 261-292, Bibliography Component Bibliography 1. O’ Barr, William. Representations of Masculinity and Femininity in Advertisements. Advertising Educational Foundation, 2006. Reason The article by O’Barr on representations of masculinity and femininity, asserts that advertisements that are represented by the media form a strong ground for emulation and reaction by the concerned parties. The relevance of this article with regard to the topic at hand is brought about in its explanation of what is entailed in masculinity and femininity. Masculinity is associated with power, virility, competitiveness, strength and athleticism. Femininity on the other hand is related to nurturance, beauty, cooperation and submissiveness. The article argues that both m en and women indulge in different activities that reveal their femininity or masculinity. The woman will bring out her femininity through her beauty and provocative postures that lay much emphasis on her sexuality. The femininity of a woman is used to show beauty, attractiveness, passiveness and cooperation. Masculinity on the other hand is associated with aggression, power and strength. Among other aspects of masculinity and femininity that will change, the ones mentioned above are inherent as they are used to define the difference between a man and a woman. It is very clear that both men and women have different roles to play in order to show their masculinity and femininity respectively as represented by different kinds of media. It is worth noting the masculinity and femininity begins at birth after determining the sex of a child. The media has been used to enhance this difference by demonstrating the different ways through which a woman can show her femininity. In addition, it has been applied to represent and show how masculinity is manifested in men (O’ Barr 213-221). 2. Millington, Bradley. Learning Masculinities: Youth, the Media, and Physical Education. Queen’s University, 2004. Reason According to the article by Millington, the media is filled with stereotypes about men and masculinity. This is especially true with reference to violent videos and movies. Since time in memorial, man has always been regarded as the greater sex. Contemporary media represents masculinity in terms of violence. Men have been seen to engage in violent and brutal acts in an attempt to bring out their masculinity. This may not work well for the young males as they will adopt this kind of behavior too. In a bid to reveal and show their masculinity, cases of violence against women will continue to prevail for as long the media will place masculinity in close link with violence. This research article is relevant to the topic as it shows how masculinity is represen ted by the media in the form of violence. This raises a lot of concern on how the young males and females will perceive the different representations by the media. The contemporary media is involved in presenting stereotypes on what is entailed in masculinity and femininity. The media presents the woman as one who is submissive and in so doing, embraces culture in the view of femininity. On the other hand the highly upheld and believed concept of hegemony with regard to masculinity is represented. However, the current position of both masculinity and femininity is not that which alienates femininity from masculinity as the search of equality continues to be contentious. This article raises concerns with reference to the perception of representation of masculinity versus femininity by the media. This is because the young people will be greatly influenced by the media to the extent that they will tend to follow what is represented in the media. The media has always been considered to have a very great impact on the people. This comes about due to misunderstanding that revolves around the issue of representation of masculinity and femininity by the media. This is explained by the fact that people are easily carried away by the media and will tend to follow what the media shows regardless of whether it is favorable or not (Millington, 23-45). Works Cited Millington, Bradley. Learning Masculinities: Youth, the Media, and Physical Education. Queen’s University, 2004. O’ Barr, William. Representations of Masculinity and Femininity in Advertisements. Advertising Educational Foundation, 2006. This research paper on Representations of Global Femininity/Masculinity in Contemporary Media was written and submitted by user K1nley to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Saturday, March 7, 2020

The eNotes Blog Top Ten Strangest Questions I’ve Been Asked While Working at a University Library FrontDesk

Top Ten Strangest Questions I’ve Been Asked While Working at a University Library FrontDesk 10. Patron: If I was feeling particularly existentialist, what book would you recommend for me? 9. Patron: Hi. I’m looking for a book called Bay Wolves. Can you help me find it? Me: Sure, let me look it up for you†¦ Hmmm, sorry we don’t have any books by that name. Do you know the author’s name, maybe? Patron: No, but I think it’s spelled kind of weird, like B-E-O wolves. Me: †¦Do you mean Beowulf? 8. Patron: Can you help me find the Law Library? Me: [pulls out a map] The Law Library is right here. You just walk down this street, turn this corner, and you’ll be there. Patron: Thanks, hopefully they’ll have a book about Newton’s Laws. Me: Uh, maybe you’re looking for the Physics Library instead†¦? 7. Patron: Do you have a travel section? Me: Yeah, we have a Study Abroad section. It’s right over there. Patron: Cool. Does that section have Gulliver’s Travels? 6. Patron: Who is the author of Dante’s Inferno? 5. Patron: Hi, I’m looking for a book- The Lord of the Rings. Me: Would you like all three, or are you looking for one of them in particular? Patron: What? It’s not a series. I’m pretty sure there’s only one of them. Me: [confused, but finds him the call numbers for all of them] -an hour later, he returns- Patron: Sorry, I meant Lord of the Flies. 4. Patron: Can I get the biochemistry book? Me: Sure, which one? Patron: Umm, the one with biochemistry questions in it. 3.   Patron: Where is your Shakespeare section? Me: It’s on the third floor, in the â€Å"PR† section. Patron: Cool, thanks. You guys have English versions of them, right? We dont, but its easy enough to translate. 2. Patron: I’m looking for that new book out, by Charles Dickens. Do you have it? Surprise! Dickens is back from the dead! And the winner, one of the most commonly asked questions in the library: 1. Are there books here?

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Los Angeles lab report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Los Angeles lab report - Essay Example The test of reference is done on the fraction size 10/14mm. In order to understand the operation of the Los Angeles test, an experiment was set to determine the resistance to fragmentation. Apparatus The apparatus that would be used in this experiment include: Los Angeles Machine Recycled Concrete Aggregate Scale Tray Sieve Method. A 5kg of Recycled Concrete Aggregate was introduced in the cylinder via a hatch. The thecharge of eleven steel balls, with each ranging between 45mm and 49mm in diameter, while weighing in totallity between 4690g to 4860g was also added. The hatch lid was bolted in place with the cylinder being rotated about 500 revolutions at a given rate of 31 to 33 RPM (Revolution Per Minute). The machine was operated in a soundproofed cabinet. A built-in counter stopped the machine after 500 revolutions. The hatch was opened, and the contents of the cylinder were emptied into trays set underneath the opening. The balls were removed and the aggregate was sieved using a 1.6mm sieve. For the fraction that was retained on the sieve, was weighed. The result, the Los Angeles Coefficient, was calculated using . All the data collected was recorded in table 1. Table 1: Data collected. Type of aggregate Recycled Concrete Aggregate Initial mass of sample (g) 5000 Mass retained on the 1.6mm sieve (g) 3790 g Type of aggregate Thames Aggregate Initial mass of sample (g) 5000 Mass retained on the 1.6mm sieve (g) 3943 Calculations The Los Angeles Coefficient, LA, was calculated as follows: Aggregate with a LA value of less than 30 (LA30) is considered strong enough for use in coating and road surface treatments (i.e. surface dressing). For example, a faulty scale or a faulty Los Angeles machine may automatically affect the readings of the experiment. It is recommended that for experimental errors to be reduced the following steps should be followed. During the experiment one should ensure that at least three readings for a particular step are taken then an avera ge of the reading obtained to minimize the errors of parallax. The experiment needs to be done at least twice to confirm the recorded values and minimize the errors. The Los Angeles Machine and all the apparatus used for the experiment should always be checked before the start of the experiment to ascertain their efficiency (BS 1377-4, 1990). The experiment could also be done in an area with vacuum conditions in order to minimize the interferences in obtaining the readings demonstrated to air resistance. Whenever the capacitor is by-passed by an emitter, and capacitance of the coupled capacitor is large in regards to the AC frequency signal, the capacitors would be approximated as a circuit that is short (BS EN 1097-2, 1998). Whenever the input signal or voltage is increased the output voltage and the signal would be further vary around the dc bias point that has been established (Highways Agency , 2009). This effect would continue up to when the limiting condition of the voltage is reached. For the current in the circuit, the limiting condition would be VCC/RC, at the end, considered to be high, and a zero at the end considered to be low of the swing. The voltage of the emitter collector and the supply limit reaches a limit when they have a zero and VCC. Additionally, the voltage output and the varying current around the point of bias gives out ac power towards the load (Highways Agency, 2009). The delivered ac power is made to go through the load referred to as RC. AC signal, on

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Video Game Popularity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Video Game Popularity - Essay Example Massive amounts of games are produced every year for, literally, hundreds of thousands of excited fans! Interestingly, in Japan the fastest growing market segment is the elderly citizen, something that is very uncommon here in America due to social attitudes from this group. In Japanese markets, older citizens have a much better status in the family structure and have closer ties with youths in the household. This gives them much more exposure to gaming and lets them explore their personal creativity through technology. The senior citizens in Japan, this being people over the age of 60, seek games with content that involves improving brain power to help keep their mental function sharp and accurate. Games that include different puzzles, mind-teasers, and mathematics are in high demand and make a considerable profit margin for gaming manufacturers.Conclusion  The profit potential is always there for the gaming industry because of the widespread cultural adopting of gaming as a lifes tyle activity. It is big money! At the global level, sales of gaming will only continue to rise because they represent a little something for everyone in terms of content. With the development of new technologies will come new video game inspirations using a variety of different console and online formats. Gaming provides countless hours of personal recreation, the ability to sharpen mental focus, and explore their aggressions in a non-physical way by identifying with on-screen characters.   

Monday, January 27, 2020

Tracks Covering in Penetration Testing

Tracks Covering in Penetration Testing Er. Ramesh Narwal Er. Gaurav Gupta Abstract After completing attack, covering tracks is the next step in penetration testing. In tracks covering after completing attack we will return to each exploited system to erase tracks and clean up all footprints we left behind. Tracks covering is important because it gives clue to forensics analyst or Intrusion Detection System (IDS). Sometimes it’s difficult to hide all tracks but an attacker can manipulate the system to confuse the examiner and make it almost impossible to identify the extent of the attacker. In this research paper we describe all of the methods used in tracks covering and their future scope. Keywords: Exploit, Payload, Vulnerability Assessment, Penetration Testing, Track Covering Introduction Penetration testing is nowadays an important organisation security testing method. Penetration testing is also known as Pentesting. Main objective of penetration testing is to identify the security threats in networks, systems, servers and applications. Penetration testing consists of various phases which we discuss in overview of penetration testing. After gaining administrative access on a system or server, attacker first task is to cover their tracks to prevent detection of his current and past presence in the system. An attacker or intruder may also try to remove evidence of their identity or activities on the system to prevent tracing of their identity or location by authorities. To prevent himself an attacker usually erases all error messages, alerts or security events that have been logged. Overview of Penetration Testing Penetration Testing used for validation and effectiveness of security protections and controls of an organisation. It reduce an organisation’s expenditure on IT security by identifying an remediating vulnerabilities or loopholes. It provides preventive steps that can prevent upcoming exploitation. Penetration testing phases Pre-engagement Interactions Intelligence Gathering Threat Modeling Vulnerability Analysis Exploitation Post Exploitation Covering Tracks Reporting Pre-engagement Interactions Planning is the first step in pre-engagement. During this phase scope, goal and terms of the penetration test is finalised with the client. Target and methods of planned attacks are also finalised in this phase. Intelligence Gathering This is most important phase if we miss something here we might miss an entire opportunity of attack. All information regarding target is gathered by using social media networks, google hacking and other methods. Our primary goal during this phase to gain accurate information about target without revealing our presence, to learn how organisation operates and to determine the best entry point. Threat Modeling The information acquired in intelligence gathering phase used in this phase to identify existing vulnerabilities on the target system. In threat modelling, we determine the most effective attack methods, the information type we need and how attack can be implemented at an organisation. Vulnerability Analysis Vulnerability is loophole or weakness in the system, network or product by using which can compromise it. After identification of most effective attack method, we consider how we can access the target. During this phase we combine information acquired in previous phases and use that information to find out most effective attack. Port and Vulnerability scans are performe in this phase and all data is also gathered from previous phases. Exploitation Exploit is a code which allows an attacker to take advantage of the flaw or vulnerability within system, application or service. We must perform exploit only when we are sure that the particular exploit will be successful. May be unforeseen protective measures might be on the target that inhibit a particular exploit. Before trigger a vulnerability we must sure that the system is vulnerable. Our exploit must do proper clean-up after execution at compromised system and must not cause the compromised system to grow into unstable state. Given below figure shows some system shutdown prompt at compromised windows machine due to without proper clean-up of exploit after execution. After successful exploitation the compromised system is under the control of an attacker. Many times attacker or penetration tester need to alter the compromised or breached systems to attain privilege escalation. Post Exploitation Payload is actual code which executed on the compromised system after exploitation. Post Exploitation phase begins after compromised one or more systems. In this phase penetration tester identifies critical infrastructure, targets specific systems, targets information and data that values most and that must be attempted to secure. In Post Exploitation while attacking systems we should take time to understand what the system do and their different user roles. Every tester and attacker generally spend time in compromised system to understand the information he have and how he can take benefit from that information. After gaining access of one system an attacker can access other systems in that network by using compromised as a staging point. This method is known as pivoting. Sometimes attackers creates backdoor into the compromised system to regain access of the system in the future Covering Tracks In the previous phases penetration tester or attacker often made significant changes to the compromised systems to exploit the sytems or to gain administrative rights. This is the final stage in penetration test in which an attack clears all the changes made by himself in the compromised systems and returns the system and all compromised hosts to the precise configurations as they are before conducting penetration test. Reporting All of the information like vulnerability reports, diagrams and exploitation results generated during penetration testing must be deleted after handover to the client. If any information is not deleted it should be in the knowledge of client and mentioned in the technical report which is generated after penetration testing. Reporting is the last phase in penetration test in which penetration tester organise available data and related result sets into report and present that report to the client. This report is highly confidential which have all the results of penetration tests like vulnerabilities list in the organisation systems, networks or products and recommendations to solve these problems related to the security of the organisation assets, which helps organisation in stopping future attacks. How to cover tracks To compromise system successfully an attacker need to be stealthy and avoid detection by various security systems like firewalls, Intrusion detection systems (IDS). System administrators and other security personals uses similar techniques to identify malicious activities, so it’s very important for attacker to be remains undetected. A system administrator can examine processes and log files to check malicious activities. There are various challenges which are faced by a penetration tester after successfully compromise of target system. Now we describe various problem faced by a penetration tester in covering tracks Manipulating Log Files Data To manipulate log files data an attacker must have nice knowledge of commonly used operating systems. An attacker must aware of two types of log files system generated and application generated. Penetraion tester or attacker have two options when manipulating log data first one is to delete entire log and second one is to modify the content of the log file. After deleting entire log an attacker there is surety of undetectability. But there is drawback of deletion of entire log is detection. Second option an attacker have to manipulation of log files data within the log files so that system administrator is not able to notice attacker presence in the system. But sometimes if attacker removal of so much information make gap between logs files makes it noticeable. Log Files Management in Various System Main purpose of log files in various operating systems is to check health and state of operating system, to detect malicious activity, to analysis system if something bad happens(system troubleshooting). Here we show locations of log files in commonly used operating systems Windows, Linux/Unix, Mac. Windows In windows log files or stored in event viewer, which is easy to find simply search event viewer and run it. Event viewer is simply look like the figure as given below, where we can see all log files of the system and applications. Figure : Log Files Managements in Windows Linux/Unix In mainly all linux and unix operating systems log files are stored in the /var/log directory. Mainly system log files are hidden in linux and unix operating systems to see complete list of log files from shell simply type ls –l /var/log/ command in shell. In the below figure we show log files in BackTrack linux operating system Figure : Log Files Management in Linux/Unix Mac To get or access log files in MAC operating system simply open finder and select â€Å"Go to Folder† in the Go menu. Type in /Library/Logs and hit Enter here you get the screen like as given in figure which contains all log files. Figure : Log Files Management in Mac OS X To manipulation of log files data an attacker must have root privileges. Challenges in Manipulation of Log Files If the system administrator configures its system to transfer all log files on the remote server time to time, in that case an attacker or penetration tester can only stop log files transfer process except it they have no other way. Hiding Files Various Tools for Covering Tracks There are so many to compromise a system but after compromising the system the attack must need to cover their tracks because each and every activity that attacker can do is stored or recorded by the system. Every system have different way to record the activity that occurs in the system. Every attacker must covers their tracks that are recorded by the system so that no one can identify him.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Mini Position Paper Essay

Many schools exist that don’t create student success. In too many school systems today, students are deprived of the education they need to become successful in life. What is society doing to make sure these students find their way? What does it take for them to become successful participants of society? After reading Freire’s, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, I must say there is some truth to students being oppressed for they are being forced to matriculate in an educational environment they aren’t familiar with; can’t survive in; or don’t want to be in. Students who are in the predicament noted above are not able to thrive in a strong academic environment because, as Freire states, they don’t know their reality. If they knew their reality, they would be better prepared to adjust to what they need for academic success. My position is that students that will better succeed in vocational or magnet schools. The vocational option is best suited for students that are not college bound and need to learn hands-on job skills to work right out of high school. For the nontraditional student the magnet option can work well. As a dancer, I attended magnet performing art school and this opportunity allowed me to learn about my craft and move on to earning a scholarship to Temple University in dance and theater. It allowed me the option to get involved in a field that I love and having a love for what you do makes the difference in which you become. There is no denying that people are mentally in different places at different times in their lives. Whether they have been raised in a single parent home, or whether they grew up in an environment that isn’t conducive to learning, it is important that students know what they can handle in an educational setting. For some students, an advanced math class or AP courses may not be reasonable. There are some students that understand where they stand academically and know that they aren’t able to learn under the same conditions as other students. These students need to develop other avenues in which to become successful. Vocational and Magnet schools are a great source for students that aren’t ready for a rigorous academic curriculum. Although students will still get the core courses they need to graduate, they will also have a trade that will at least keep them employed and able to take care of them after graduating. There are students that have a love for cosmetology, auto mechanics or even plumbing. One important fact is that there are colleges that offer two year degrees in these vocational trades. It is crucial that today’s generation know that there are options outside of becoming a doctor or lawyer. While we always need lawyers, doctors, and teachers, the world also needs mechanics to fix cars, a plumber to fix leaks the correct way or even a specialist to make sure a heating or air conditioning system is properly working. It is important that today’s student be comfortable in knowing that being academically challenged is okay, and that choosing a vocational education is an option. Vocational Magnet educations are just as important and should be interjected in all of today’s schools for they too serve a vital function in preparing our students in life. â€Å"The Guardian†, a newspaper printed in the U. K. , ran an article in 2013 regarding vocational educations. It questioned the validity of the concept of vocational educations by asking the public if they value vocational skills. The article allowed people to give their opinions. Although most people were in support of vocational education, there were some that weren’t. One person commented that though he didn’t look down on vocational education, he would not consider the vocational route if he didn’t get the grades needed to attend a university. He finished by explaining he would definitely go for A-levels because in his opinion, â€Å"they are far more respected by employers and universities†. In his opinion, having a career rather than a skill is more esteemed. After reading the article, I was stunned at the idea that vocational educations aren’t respected. That a plumber or custodian is not valued is a disrespectful and cocky position to take. Society will always needs someone to make sure offices are clean and bathroom toilets run properly. People underestimate that diverse careers are needed for the world to effectively revolve. Unfortunately vocational skills like plumbing, carpentry, and electricians have been downgraded in social status over the years. One of the biggest issues in education today is low graduation rates, low college entry and a growing rate of unemployment. Vocational education can be the resolution to this problem. What are missing in schools are alternatives like a technical baccalaureate, which offers valuable learning and real skills, and leads to real jobs for young people. Getting children in the right program for their learning needs is what leads to success. Vocational qualifications serve a need for particular kinds of students and are very important skills. Vocational education training provides career and technical education for students interested in jobs that are based upon labor-intensive or real-world jobs. The plus side to vocational education is that students have the opportunity to work in their field while in school; it requires less education than four year degree programs; the vocational fields are vast and varied such as, pharmacy and medical technicians, paralegals, medical assistants, office assistants, cosmetologists, mechanics and construction workers; it assists in higher graduation rates; increased employment; and overall student achievement. The objective in education is to assist students in their quest of having a stable life. A vocational education reinforces the connections between secondary and postsecondary education, and improves accountability for students.