Generic Visual Perception Processor Essay Example for Free

Generic Visual Perception Processor Essay The generic visual perception processor (GVPP) has been developed after 10 long years of scientific effort . Generic Visual Perception Processor (GVPP) can automatically detect objects and track their movement in real-time  . The GVPP, which crunches 20 billion instructions per second (BIPS), models the human perceptual process at the hardware level by mimicking the separate temporal and spatial functions of the eye-to-brain system. The processor sees its environsment as a stream of histograms regarding the location and velocity of objects. GVPP has been demonstrated as capable of learning-in-place to solve a variety of pattern recognition problems. It boasts automatic normalization for varying object size, orientation and lighting conditions, and can function in daylight or darkness. This electronic eye on a chip can now handle most tasks that a normal human eye can. That includes driving safely, selecting ripe fruits, reading and recognizing things. Sadly, though modeled on the visual perception capabilities of the human brain, the chip is not really a medical marvel, poised to cure the blind Introduction of  GVPP The GVPP tracks an object, defined as a certain set of hue, luminance and saturation values in a specific shape, from frame to frame in a video stream by anticipating where its leading and trailing edges make differences with the background. That means it can track an object through varying light sources or changes in size, as when an object gets closer to the viewer or moves farther away. The GVPPS major performance strength over current-day vision systems is its adaptation to varying light conditions. Todays vision systems dictate uniform shadow less illumination ,and even next generation prototype systems, designed to work under â€Å"normal† lighting conditions, can be used only dawn to dusk. The GVPP on the other hand, adapt to real time changes in lighting without recalibration, day or light. For many decades the field of computing has been trapped by the limitations of the traditional processors. Many futuristic technologies have been bound by limitations of these processors . These limitations stemmed from the basic architecture of these processors. Traditional processors work by slicing each and every complex program into simple tasks that a processor could execute. This requires an existence of an algorithm for solution of the particular problem. But there are many situations where there is an inexistence of an algorithm or inability of a human to understand the algorithm. Even in these extreme cases GVPP performs well. It can solve a problem with its neural learning function. Neural networks are extremely fault tolerant. By their design even if a group of neurons get, the neural network only suffers a smooth degradation of the performance. It wont abruptly fail to work. This is a crucial difference, from traditional processors as they fail to work even if a few components are damaged. GVPP recognizes stores , matches and process patterns. Even if pattern is not recognizable to a human programmer in input the neural network, it will dig it out from the input. Thus GVPP becomes an efficient tool for applications like the pattern matching and recognition HOW IT WORKS: Basically the chip is made of neural network modeled resembling the structure of human brain. The basic element here is a neuron. There are large number of input lines and an output line to a neuron. Each neuron is capable of implementing a simple function. It takes the weighted sum of its inputs and produces an output that is fed into the next layer. The weights assigned to each input are a variable quantity. A large number of such neurons interconnected form a neural network. Every input that is given to the neural network gets transmitted over entire network via direct connections called synaptic connections and feed back paths. Thus the signal ripples in the neural network, every time changing the weighted values associated with each input of every neuron. These changes in the ripples will naturally direct the weights to modify into those values that will become stable . That is, those values does not change. At this point the information about the signal is stored as the weighted values of inputs in the neural network. A neural network geometrizes computation. When we draw the state diagram of a neural network, the network activity burrows a trajectory in this state space. The trajectory begins with a computation problem. The problem specifies initial conditions which define the beginning of trajectory in the state space.

Dworkin Theory of Law as Integrity

Dworkin Theory of Law as Integrity In Laws Empire, Dworkin has distinguished three legal conceptions: conventionalism, pragmatism and law as integrity  [1]  , by criticizing conventionalism and pragmatism, Dworkin concludes that law as integrity is the most plausible and defensible. However, criticism to Dworkins argument-law as Integritycan be seen in various academic works. In this essay, first and foremost, we will briefly discuss the basic arguments of Dworkins theory of law as integrity then we will go on to criticize Dworkins theory in light of relevant legal theories. Introduction of the Theory of Law as integrity Conventionalism Pragmatism In the theory of conventionalism, legal rights can only emerge from existing law, including precedents and legislation. Conventionalism also holds the view that judges must follow the law and should make decisions only based on existing statutes and more importantly, judges must respect what convention deems binding law.  [2]   According to the theory of pragmatism, assignments of legal rights and responsibilities must be consistent with past decisions. Moreover, the pragmatist theory holds the view that adjudication is not really constrained by the law. Hence, pragmatism argues that judges should decide what decision will, according to them, be best for the community as a whole.  [3]  This means that for reasons of strategy judges must sometimes act as if they are applying pre-existing legal rights.  [4]  In the meanwhile, in accordance with pragmatist theory, to some extent, the behaviour of a court in making decision of certain case is not constrained by the existing law. These two legal theories are highly criticized by Dworkin. As Dworkin points out that assumes that judges sometimes invent law, which means that they act in an unconstrained manner. Pragmatism also assumes that judges are hardly constrained when adjudicating cases. It thus cannot account for why judges are so concerned with precedents and statutes when they decide hard cases.  [5]   Dworkin then provides a third theory of law, which he believes not only better represents what actually happens when judges decide cases but is also a morally better theory of law. Law as Integrity The concept of Law as Integrity is a key to Dworkins Constructive Interpretation of legal practice.  [6]  According to Dworkin, judges should identify legal rights and obligations on the basis that all the rights and obligations are crated by the community as integrity, and all those rights and obligations express the communitys conception of justice and fairness. In accordance with Dworkin, the only way to understand legal practice seems to be thattaking the interpretative perspectives of the participant into consider in the practice. Dworkin claims that when judges (as well as lawyers) consider which way is the best to solve a legal issue, they should not simply identify exactly what positive law is applicable in a certain case, but taking an interpretative approach to law as social practice. Dworkin emphasizes that a solution to a certain case is always sought out through a matter of interpretative practice. Dworkins perspective here is quite against that of conventionalists, the conventionalists insist that in dealing with a certain case, the judge only should identify exactly what law is applicable. Furthermore, Dworkin points out that in the debate of a certain case, different opinions and arguments are raised by lawyers, and under this circumstance, the decision of what law is applicable in the case is usually based on what opinion the law amounts to in a particular matter rather than what conventions apply. Participants in such a debate thus do not attempt to link the facts of a case with the supposedly posited law applicable but rather interpret the law in light of a general normative justification or moral point expressed in it. A participant interpreting a social practice [i.e. the law], according to that view, proposes value for the practice by describing some scheme of interest or goals or principles the practice can be taken to serve or express or exemplify.  [7]   Dworkin argues that network of political structures and decisions of his community  [8]  must always be called on by a judge when the judge goes about adjudicating. For instance, legislation and case law which must be identified in a pre-interpretative stage Then in the following stages, the judge must always question himself whether his interpretation of this network could form part of a coherent theory justifying the network as a whole. No actual judge could compose of anything approaching a full interpretation of all of his communitys law at once. But an actual judge can () allow the scope of his interpretation to fan out from the cases immediately in point to cases in the same general area or department of law, and then still farther, so far as this seems promising.  [9]  In accordance with Dworkins arguments, the interpretation of law should not only fit into the legal system but also be the best normative justification of law as such, this means that not only must the i nterpretation of the judges be consistent with the law identified at the pre-interpretative stage, but also the law must be interpreted in a way which is the best in the participants mind. Moreover, according to Dworkins theory, both the judge and any other participant should adjust his own sense of of what the practice really requires so as better to serve the justification he accepts at the interpretative stage.  [10]   We notice that, in accordance with Dworkin, morality affects the whole process of adjudication of cases. By contrast, he dose not express the view that a certain case should be adjudicated and resolved on the basis of sole considerations of justice. Dworkin claims that the moral standards should be derived form the explicit and existing legal practice and contrary to positivists, Dworkin believes that moral principles that cohere with past legal practice are valid propositions of law as well-so much so that these principles can and should go beyond what legal conventions teach us the law is.  [11]   In Dworkins theory, there are two basic elements of law, one is a retrospective element, which he calls fit, and the other is a prospective element, which he calls justification.  [12]  Furthermore, Dworkin points out that in exercising the function of these two elements, judges are required to construct a theory of law which can both fit past legal decisions and makes the law as good as possible. In doing this, the judges are required to search out legal principles which have been previously mentioned in the historical and social characteristics of the legal system and then improve the law for the future by making it more coherent  [13]  . Hence, we can say that according to Dwokins theory, in dealing with a certain case, the judge should try to interpret the law in a way which promotes the coherence of the legal system as well as possible. In other words, it is to say that an interpretationwhich is the most coherent to legal systemis much better than an interpretation-which makes the legal system less coherent. This implies that when interpretation is concerned, there exists a certain tension between what is presented by the existing positivist material and what is the best way to interpret such material from a moral point of view.  [14]   From the view of Dworkin, a judge is like an author in writing a novel, in that case a new author is bound by what another author has written in a previous chapter, but the new author will subsequently attempt to continue the novel in the best possible way.  [15]  A judge should view his or her role in a chain in law, he or she is not purely independent, but is indeed independent to some extent,He knows that other judges have decided cases that, although not exactly like his case, deal with related problems; he must think of their decisions as part of a long story he must interpret and then continue, according to his own judgement of how to make the developing story as good as it can be.  [16]  In other words, Dworkin holds the view that law is not arbitrary but rather the expression of an underlying attempt at forming and clarifying a coherent legal consciousness of society.  [17]  Hence, in interpreting certain legal text, a judge is not completely free. The judge is no t allowed to inject any personal morality into the interpretation of the legal document. More essentially, a judge is required to interpret with the purpose of establishing coherence based on the integrity of existing law. Furthermore, decision making by the judge will depend, that is, not only on his beliefs about which of these principles is superior as a matter of abstract justice but also about which should be followed, as a matter of political fairness, in a community whose members have the moral convictions his fellow citizens have.  [18]  Dworkin also explains this in more general terms: There are two possibilities. Someone might say that interpretation of a social practice means discovering the purposes or intentions of the other social participants in the practice (). Or that it means discovering the purposes of the community that houses the practice, conceived as itself having some form of mental life or group consciousness. The first of these suggestions seems more attractive because less mysterious. But it is ruled out by the internal structure of an argumentative social practice, because it is a feature of such practices that an interpretive claim is not just a claim about what other i nterpreters think. () [A] social practice creates and assumes a crucial distinction between interpreting the acts and thoughts of participants one by one, in that way, and interpreting that practice itself, that is, interpreting what they do collectively. It assumes that distinction because the claims and arguments participants make, licensed and encouraged by the practice, are about what it means, not what they mean. () [An interpreter must therefore] join the practice he proposes to understand ().  [19]   Criticism of Dworkins Legal Theory Moral to full extent According to Michael Sandel  [20]  , Dwokins legal theory begins with the principles of freedom and equality that justify the institutions of democracy and law. However, as Stephen Guise points out that the claim that democracy is just and that law is part of democracy is a claim about a moral ideal.  [21]  If we go further, that is to say, in a moral level, the world without democracy is better than a democratic world. Since in a democratic world, laws are enacted and enforced but laws may be substantively unjust. Stephen Guest criticizes that The theory of Dworkins is moral to the full extent. Interpretation is therefore is not constrained by facts even though it makes use of facts. It does not follow that his theory is subjective, because his moral views like all moral views are subject to revision, correction and, in short, reason.  [22]  Stephen Breyer says that constitutional standards keep subjective judicial decision-making in check.  [23]  In my mind, it is right, but not purely right, that is because, this statement implies that there exists some external checking fact on these judicial subjective judgments, more importantly, this statement demonstrates that judges should not formulate applicable constitutional standards. In the theory of Dworkins, interpretation is something close to the end-product of moralizing with others who are largely in agreement and who endorse true propositions of modality.  [24]  This means that the origin of Dworkins legal theory is moral pro posals concerning equality and freedom. Dworkin cannot explain the extraordinary rigidity of the U.S. Constitution, in particular the way that entrenched provisions of the Constitution conservatively constrain judges by imposing the dead hand of the past  [25]  . In Dworkins perspective, there is no categorical distinction between distinction history and substance, although there is an argument of fit, as we mentioned before, this is merely another form of argument of substance. So in Dworkins theory, there is no way of identifying historical facts about the Constitution distinct from its moral substance. The only arguments are moral arguments and as we mentioned in the first part, Dworkin expresses the idea that entrenched positions can be interpreted morally, in terms, for example, of the protection of democratic decision-making. So law is a form of moralizing that is also an integral part of democracy. If we genuinely believe in equality of respect, we naturally end up with endorsing representative democracy, which means legislative activity through delegated agency. It is not just that the legislature represents my view through legislation but, merely in its existence, it expresses my conviction that I respect others equally. Since I do, I must allow that their convictions count, too, and so I must abide by whatever the procedural outcome is of this respect I owe to others. Moral convictions and objectivity. There is a conflict in Dworkins theory, on one hand, Dworkin emphasizes objectivity in decision making, on the other hand, Dworkin put decision onto a moral basis. As Duncan Kennedy  [26]  claims that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the judges should not choose the interpretation that applies their own moral and political convictions. I personally dont see what else they could applyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Furthermore, as Waldron points out that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦These are convictions, not whims, and even where there is nothing else but ones own convictions to follow, no-one thinks that it means those convictions are rightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ã‚  [27]  So it is rare or even impossible that a judge will not take personal moral convictions into the process of adjudication or interpretation. Unclear about Justice By holding the same view with Waldron, Smith  [28]  supposes that Dworkins idea or justice is not clear since Dworkin has argued that justice depends on recognizable principles. Furthermore, Smith questions that why should a principle of justice have to be recognizable?  [29]  For principles of justice will surely gain moral recognition if they do because they have force independent of recognition. Someone has to do the recognizing first. How to achieve ideal integrity? Susan Hurley  [30]  defends Dworkins perspective against a claim by Kenneth Kress  [31]  that Dworkin cannot provide a coherent consideration of law in circumstances where there is an intervening judicial decision between a set of facts that ground litigation and the litigation itself. Does the judge decide on the basis of the previous law, or the intervening law? Hurley concludes that if the intervening decision is right, then there is coherence, therefore, there is no problem; if it is wrong, it is a mistake, and need not count. A question may be raised here thatalthough it may have created further rights, say, to reasonable expectations being met, which will cohere with integrity? Moreover, Hurley  [32]  sees the problem in terms of overall moral coherence untrammeled by worries about descriptive facts'. So Hurley usefully broadens the picture by pointing out that coherence is determined as much by hypothetical facts, those that test the limits of principle (and which judges often use), as they are by judicial decisions. Furthermore, as we mentioned before, in Dworkins legal theory, when dealing with a particular case, a judge should interpret and apply law in light of the whole legal system, and make interpretation which is consistent with the integrity of the legal system. However, is this really applicable in practice? In accordance with Waldron  [33]  , it is a challenge to Dworkins descriptive optimism that the facts of the American legal system could make it impossible to give an overall account of American law that would remain true to integrity. But as Stephen argues that there is no such tension between facts and moral optimism as he appears to envisage. The facts are either incorporated into the argument that makes for integrity or they are discounted. There is the possibility that the American legal system has become so dysfunctional that no moral case for integrity can be made for it, but that seemingly remote possibility would not be an embarrassment for Dworkins theory.  [34]  Waldrons comments seem to imply that there are facts that determine law independently of interpretation. And so it has the general form of: Imagine a legal system where integrity might not apply; what then? Dworkins reply can only be and it is his reply that We cannot be sure, before we look, because noth ing in his legal theory requires that all legal systems display integrity  [35]  . Finally, Dworkin must allow that, by making best sense of an existing legal practice, we may still conclude that the practice failed the ideal. Take the fugitive slave Acts for instance.  [36]  What should the judges do when they are legally required to send captured slaves back to the South? In order to maintain the integrity of legal system, the judges should send those slaves back but to achieve the goal of justice, judges should set the slaves free. Hence, the outcome of the judgment represents a serious conflict between integrity and jusitice. A positivist will deal this case by distinguishing legal justice and real justice, but in Dworkins theory, this is criticized. According to Dworkins theory, the relevant ideal here is the ideal of integrity; it is through bad legal argument that one fails to meet that ideal, and it is bad because it hasnt made maximal use, in the circumstances of actual practice, what that actual ideal of integrity requires. So interpretivism produces an ideal, but it is not the outcome that would be the best in all possible worlds, which is how we ordinarily think of ideals. But maybe this doesnt particularly matter. We have the ideal solution in integrity and this differs from the ideal solution in justice. At times both fairness and efficiency require following precedents, but integrity is different, although it will serve both those values as well. Nevertheless, the ideal of integrity appears to be constrained by existing practices in a way that the ideal of justice is not. Or, by its nature, it seems, interpretation is only possible within the existing world, which suggests it is not an ideal at all. A cruder way of putting this point is that making the best sense of existing legal practices is no more than adequately characterizing equity deficits, that is to say characterizing how far these practices fall short of the ideal. If the Legal System is Wicked Obviously, a consequence of Dworkins views is that the legal system itself may not contain too many mistakes. That is because in Dworkins theory, the normative dimension feeds on the law itself, and more importantly, Dworkin emphasizes the relationship between local politics and law. As a matter of fact, Dworkins theory is constructed on the presupposition that the integrity of the legal community is in a large measure reflected in its law. So if the justification of law is to flow from societys political decisions (in the form of law), it follows that these decisions must also be justifiable as such; but this is obviously not always the case, as the examples of Apartheid South Africa and Nazi Germany show. Why would we make racism the best it can be? Dworkins argument here is circular in that it presupposes, in his case, the existence of a liberal democracy  [37]   We also note that Dworkins theory does not require abandoning the history or anthropology of wicked legal systems. As we mentioned before, Dworkin holds the view that law should be treated as conventional, because that is a theory that clearly has a moral point  [38]  . There is no need to talk in terms of the Hart-Dworkin debate'  [39]  Stephen claims, especially as they barely debated these questions. The debate should instead concern the theoretical question of the identification of the conditions according to which propositions of law are true. That debate is important because it concerns, amongst other matters, our moral obligation to conform to law. And so while it is right that we move away from the Hart- Dworkin debate, it would be wrong to move from questions concerning the identification of law, because these are at the core of our moral obligations to the community.  [40]  It is true that there will be occasions when the law requires something the moral force o f which grates with a judges personal convictions. There will therefore be occasions when it may be morally right for the judge to lie where justice trumps integrity. But I dont see how any of this affects Dworkins theory unless, yet again, one supposes that some descriptive fact defeats the moral judgment. Both the systems of apartheid and Nazism contained elements of good that could be put to use through integrity. Since these systems regularly enforced equality in some spheres, and morality says that the racial classifications are wrong, then the laws promoting the immoral policies can be made out as dysfunctional, perverted, or even mistaken and, so, not creative of moral obligations. However, if there is no articulated and public structure that, as Dyzenhaus says, citizens have been encouraged to obey and treat as a source of rights and duties,  [41]  it is difficult to see what is left. Where there is such a semblance of law, of an articulate public structure of rights an d duties, citizens acquiescence forms something of a legitimizing base, which, incidentally, Fuller called the external morality of law.  [42]   What will be interpreted cannot be distinguished from the interpretation itself It is not very clear in what respect an analogy can be drawn between law and literature in that legal texts constrain judges in their interpretative activities. Some argue that legal texts themselves are texts as well and thus also must be interpreted. In other words, what is to be interpreted cannot be distinguished from the interpretation itself. There is no such thing as a text out there  [43]  , and meaning is derived from interpretation. From that point of view, a previous legal text as such does not put any constraints on its interpretation but rather on the shared understandings that live within the interpreting community. Conclusion As we have discussed throughout this essay, although Dworkin tried to provide a theory of law, which, at least in his opinion, not only better represents what actually happens when judges decide cases but is also a morally better theory of law. It seems that his work is unsuccessful. Dworkin tried to avoid the shortcomings of both conventionalist theory and pragmatist theory. In the theory of law as integrity, when comes to interpretation of law, on one hand, Dworkin expects to make the judge constrained by law by arguing that the interpretation of law should follow the step of former decisions and be coherent with the existing legal system, on the other hand, Dworkin tries to make the judge creative, and emphasizes on the moral issues in the process of interpretation. Moreover, Dworkin connects law with other social elements, such as politics and local community, and enlarged the conception of integrity. In conclusion, we see Dworkins theory of law as integrity is good in a moral level but bad in a legal level. As we have discussed in this essay, Dworkins theory of law as integrity lacks applicability, if a theory only sounds good but could not be applied in practice, this theory is not a good one. In addition, as a legal theory, Dworkins theory of law as integrity fails in the following essential aspects. Firstly, this theory made its sole concept integrity conflicted with the concept of justice under certain circumstances. Secondly, when Dworkin makes law closely related to politics, actually, more problems have been raised rather than solved.

Research on Education Policy Development in Secondary School

Research on Education Policy Development in Secondary School CHAPTER THREE:  METHODOLOGY This chapter presents the methodology used in carrying out the research. The research design, population, sample and sampling techniques, instrumentation, validity, reliability, administration and method of data analysis. Research Design Descriptive survey design was used for the study. The design gave the researcher the necessary information to be able to draw some basic conclusions about the adequacy of the data as regards policy implementation in education (Cooper Schindler, 2001). Descriptive survey research design is one in which a group of people or items is studied by collecting and analyzing data from only a few people or items considered to be representative of the entire group (Nworgu, 1991:54). Population The population of the study comprised 247 public senior secondary schools in Rivers State. The respondents consisted of all the 247 school principals and 8452 teachers in senior secondary schools in the State bringing the total population to 8,699 (Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, 2015). Sample and Sampling Techniques The sample for this study comprised 1,305 principals and teachers (15% of 247 = 37 principals and 15% of 8452 = 1268 teachers) using the multi-stage sampling technique. Multi-stage refers to sampling plans where the sampling is carried out in stages using smaller and smaller sampling units at each stage (Wikipedia, 2016). Instrument For Data Collection The instrument for data collection of research data was the questionnaire titled: Assessment of implementation of Education Policy changes Questionnaire (AIEPCQ). The questionnaire was divided into sections A and B. section A was on demographic information and section B was divided into four parts with eight items on each of the parts making a total number of 32 items. Part I focused on information and communication technology (ICT) in public secondary schools, II on the universalization of Junior secondary education, III on professionalization of the teaching profession, and IV on the school-based management policy in senior secondary schools. Document analysis was to supplement questionnaire data. The questionnaire was designed in such a way as to gather information on the perceptions and experiences of a wide range of participants through narrative of their participation and observation of the role of policy implementation. Respondents were asked to indicate the extent to which th ey agree with each statement using the modified Likert type scale ranging from Very High Extent to Low Extent. Very High Extent (V.H.E)-(4 ) High Extent (H.E)-(3 3.99) Moderate Extent (M.E)-(2 2.99) Low Extent (L.E) -(1 1.99) Respondents indicated the extent to which they agree or disagree with the statements. The responses were assigned numerical value. Validity Content and face validities of the instrument for the study were determined. The content and face validity were determined by the scrutiny of two lecturers in the department of Educational Management including the researchers supervisor. Their comments and corrections were adopted to improve the quality of the instrument. Reliability The reliability of the instrument was determined through the use of Cronbach Alpha method. Cronbach Alpha is a reliability co-efficient that reflects how well the items in a set are positively correlated to one another (Sekaran, 1992:69). The instrument was administered once to 20 sampled respondents that were not part of the sample. The reliability co-efficient was determined using the cronbach alpha. The internal consistency of the instrument was computed to be 0.71 Administration of Instrument The researcher including three trained research assistants administered the questionnaire to the school principals and teachers. A total of 1305 questionnaire was administered, 1200 were collected back and found suitable for an analysis. Method of Data Analysis Mean and rank order statistics were used in analyzing the four research questions raised. The criterion mean of 2.5 was adopted. z-test statistics was used in testing the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. CHAPTER FOUR:  RESULTS AND DISCUSSION This chapter focused on the results and discussion of findings obtained in this study. One thousand two hundred copies of the questionnaire were retrieved and found suitable for analysis. Table 4.1: Distribution of respondents according to their status. STATUS No. Administered No. collected Percentage Return Principals 37 37 100% Teachers 1268 1163 92% Total 1305 1200 Research Question 1: To what extent is the policy on the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in senior secondary schools in Rivers state implemented? Table 4.2 Mean (X), mean set and rank order of principals and teachers on the extent of policy on the implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) in Rivers State. S/N Items Teachers N = 1163 Principals N = 37 Mean set Rank Remark 1. Development of skills through the use of computers 3.18 2.84 3.01 5th High extent 2 Use of Computer to enhance productivity 2.69 3.03 2.86 6th Moderate extent 3. Effective teaching by teachers through the use of computers 3.06 3.08 3.07 4th High extent 4. Creation of effective human capital through the use of computers 2.98 3.29 3.14 2nd High extent 5 Students learn effectively through the use of computers 3.13 3.08 3.11 3rd High extent 6. Ease teachers workload through the use of power point 2.58 2.57 2.58 8th Moderate extent 7. Increased individualization of learning by students through the use of ICT 2.86 2.65 2.76 7th Moderate extent 8. Students exposure to the rudiments of computer literacy 3.37 3.11 3.24 1st High extent AGREEMENT 2.98 2.96 2.97 Source: Field Research, 2015. Table 4.2 shows an aggregate mean of 2.97 for both principals and teachers, the highest mean scores of 3.24, 3.14, 3.11, 3.07, 3.01, 2.86, 2.76 and 2.58 were ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th respectively having means above the criterion mean of 2.5 were accepted indicating that school administrators to a moderate extent implement policy on the use of information and communication technology in Rivers State. Research Questions 2: What is the extent of implementation of policy on the universalization of Junior Secondary Education in Rivers State. Table 4.3 Mean (X), mean set and rank order of principals and teachers on the extent of policy on the universalization of junior secondary education in Rivers State. S/N Items Teachers N = 1163 Principals N = 37 Mean set Rank Remark 9. Disarticulation of JSS from SSS 2.72 3.16 2.94 6th Moderate extent 10. Provision of free and compulsory basic education 2.94 3.35 3.15 2nd High extent 11. Compulsory nine years of primary and junior secondary education 2.94 2.49 2.72 8th Moderate extent 12. Emphasis on curriculum diversification 2.82 3.19 3.01 5th High extent 13. Automatic transition from primary to Junior secondary education 3.17 2.86 3.02 4th High extent 14. Restructuring the school system 2.98 3.24 3.11 3rd High extent 15. Students gets more experience before proceeding to senior secondary 3.34 2.97 3.16 1st High extent 16. Few students to a teacher in the classroom 2.60 3.11 2.86 7th Moderate extent AGGREGATE 2.94 3.05 2.99 Table 4.3 shows an aggregate mean of 2.99 for both principals and teachers, the high mean scores of 3.16, 3.15, 3.11, 3.02, 3.01, 2.94, 2.86 and 2.72 were ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th respectively having means above the criterion mean of 2.5 were accepted indicating that universalization of junior secondary education to a moderate extent in public senior secondary schools in Rivers State is implemented and therefore accepted. Research Question 3: To what extent is the policy on professionalization of the teaching profession in Rivers State implemented? Table 4.4 mean score, mean set and rank order of principals and teachers on the extent of the policy on professionalization of the teaching profession in Rivers State. S/N Items Teachers N = 1163 Principals N = 37 Mean set Rank Remark 17. Continuous teacher professional development 3.02 2.27 2.65 6th Moderate extent 18. Compulsory training of non-professional teachers 3.01 2.70 2.86 4th Moderate extent 19. Must be registered with the professional bodies in Nigeria 2.58 3.05 2.82 5th Moderate extent 20. Improvement of quality education at all levels 2.61 2.54 2.58 7th Moderate extent 21. Development of in-service training 3.11 2.92 3.01 3rd High extent 22. Recruitment of only professional teachers 3.08 2.97 3.02 2nd High extent 23. Regular exposure to innovations in the profession 3.01 3.05 3.03 1st High extent 24. Development of knowledge and skills through mastery of subject matter 2.61 2.41 2.51 8th Moderate extent AGGREGATE 2.89 2.74 2.82 Table 4.4 shows an aggregate mean of 2.82 for both principals and teachers, the high mean scores of 3.03, 3.02, 3.01, 2.86, 2.82, 2.65, 2.58 and 2.51 were ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th respectively having means above the criterion mean of 2.5 were accepted indicating that the policy on professionalization of the teaching profession in Rivers State to a moderate extent will help teachers get a worthwhile experience and impart sound educational morals to the students. Research Question 4: To what extent is the policy on school-based management in Rivers State implemented? Table 4.5 mean scores, mean set and rank order of principals and teachers on the implementation of the policy on school based management in Rivers State. S/N Items Teachers N = 1163 Principals N = 37 Mean set Rank Remark 25. To facilitate school effectiveness 2.79 3.22 3.01 2nd High extent 26 Co-operation between school and community 3.02 2.78 2.90 6th Moderate extent 27. Improved infrastructures in schools 2.42 2.78 2.60 8th Moderate extent 28. Provision of funds to cover running costs 2.89 2.97 2.93 5th Moderate extent 29 Committed community support can enhance accountability 3.12 3.00 3.06 1st High extent 30. Contribution to school planning 3.09 2.81 2.95 4th Moderate extent 31. Provision of support to school activities 2.63 3.29 2.96 3rd Moderate extent 32. Regular access to public funds 3.09 2.70 2.89 7th Moderate extent AGGREGATE 2.88 2.94 2.91 Source: field Research, 2015 Table 4.5 shows that with an aggregate mean of 2.91 for both principals and teachers, items 29, 25, 31, 30, 28, 26, 32 and 27 ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th 7th and 8th in a descending order respectively, they were therefore accepted indicating moderate extent on how the school-based management policy has encouraged communities and schools to work co-operatively in enhancing educational growth and development in the state. Ho1: There is no significant difference between the mean scores of school principals and teachers on the extent policy on the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in pubic secondary schools in Rivers State is implemented. Table 4.6: Summary of z-test on the difference between teachers and principals on the extent of implementation of policy on the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in public senior secondary schools in Rivers State. Status No. of Respondents X S.D DF Level of significance z-cal z-crit Remark Teachers 1163 2.98 0.98 1198 0.05 0.11 +1.96 There is no significant difference Principals 37 2.96 1.08 Table 4.6 shows that the z-calculated of 0.11 is less than the z-critical value of + 1.96 at 0.05 level of significance with a degree of freedom of 1198. The null hypothesis is therefore accepted, meaning there is no significant difference between the mean rating of principals and teachers on the extent policy on the use of ICT is implemented in senior secondary schools in Rivers State. H02: There is no significant difference between the mean scores of school principals and teachers on the extent policy on the universalization of junior secondary education in Rivers State is implemented. Table 4.7: Summary of z-test on the difference between teachers and principals on the extent of implementation of policy on the universalization of junior secondary education in Rivers State. Status No. of respondents X S.D DF Level of significance z-cal z-crit Remark Teachers 1163 2.94 1.05 1198 0.05 0.66 +1.96 There is no significant difference Principals 37 3.05 0.99 The result from the table shows that, the z-calculated value (-0.66) is less than the z-critical value of (+1.96). The null hypothesis is therefore accepted, indicating no significant difference between the mean rating of principals and teachers on the extent of implementation of policy on the universalization of junior secondary education in Rivers State. Ho3: There is no significant difference between the mean scores of school principals and teachers on the extent policy on professionalizaiton of the teaching profession in Rivers State is implemented. Table 4.8: Summary of z-test on the difference between teachers and principals on the extent of implementation of policy on professionalizaiton of the teaching profession in Rivers State. Status No. of respondents X S.D DF Level of significance z-cal z-crit Remark Teachers 1163 2.89 1.02 1198 0.05 0.78 +1.96 There is no significant difference Principals 37 2.74 1.15 The result from the table shows that the z-calculated value (0.78) is less than the z-critical value (+ 1.96). The null hypothesis is therefore accepted indicating no significant difference between the mean ratings of principals and teachers on the extent of policy on professionalization of the teaching profession in Rivers State is implemented. Ho4: There is no significant difference between the mean scores of principals and teachers on the extent school-based management policy in Rivers State is implemented. Table 4.9: Summary of z-test on the difference between teachers and principals on the extent of implementation of school-based management policy in Rivers State. Status No. of respondents X S.D DF Level of significance z-cal z-crit Remark Teachers 1163 2.88 1.05 1198 0.05 0.33 +1.96 There is no significant difference Principals 37 2.94 1.08 The result from the table shows that the z-calculated value of -0.33 is less than the z-critical value of + 1.96. The null hypothesis is therefore accepted, meaning that there is no significant difference between the mean score of principals and teachers on the implementation of the school-based management policy in Rivers State. DISCUSSION OF FINDING/IMPLICATIONS The main aim of this study was to assess the implementation of education policy changes in senior secondary schools in Rivers State. In other words, the purpose of the study was to capture the extent of implementation of the different policies introduced as regards teaching and learning. The administration of schools, and the experiences gained. The study addressed the following: Implementation of policy on the use of ICT in senior secondary schools in Rivers State. The answer to research question one revealed that the extent school administrators implement policy on ICT in senior secondary schools in Rivers State is development of knowledge and skills through the use of computer, computer usage enhance productivity. There is effective teaching by teachers through the use of computers, creating of effective human capital through the use of computers, students learn effectively through the use of computers in schools, it eases teachers workload through the use of power point in schools, there is in creased individualization of learning by students through the use of ICT and students are exposed to the rudiments of computer literacy. The respondents agreed on all the items as being adequate and were all accepted. The findings considered ensures that all the items were strongly accepted as ICT inculcation in the school curriculum will help improve students learning and teachers effectiveness majority of the respondents totally agreed on the extent to which ICT policy implementation in schools will lend to high level of development, and their roles on managing the implementation of such policies. The result of hypothesis one shows that there is no significant difference between the mean scores of school principals and teachers on the extent to which they do implement policy changes. The above is in line with Adeosun (2010:196) who observed that the major objective is to develop computer and technological literacy through the introduction of computers in secondary schools similar to what has been done in many other countries including turkey and morocco. The implication to policy makers is that school administrators have high regard for ICT integration in secondary schools, the lack of and inadequacy of ICT equipments and facilities might undermine the achievement of policy goals or frustrate the implementation of such policy. According to Ekoro, (2011) facilities are plants, buildings and equipments which enable people to carryout their activities effectively. This implies that ICT integration in secondary schools will develop such society if the necessary equipments and facilities are provided to enable people carryout their activities effectively. According to Adomi, Okiy and Ruteyan (2003), the absence of ICT equipments in most Nigerian schools leads students to resort to cybercafà ©s for internet access. ICT application and use will prove beneficial in improving Nigerias educational system and giving students a better education. A technologically advance workforce will lead to ICT growth in Nigeria, with the potential to improv e military technology and telecommunications, media communications and skilled CT professionals who will be well-equipped to solve IT problems in Nigeria and other parts of the could (Goshit, 2006). Implementation of policy on universalization of junior secondary education. The answer to research question two on the extent of implementation of the policy on the universalization of junior secondary education in Rivers State are; Few students to a teacher in the classroom, there is free and compulsory basic education, there is automatic transition from primary to junior secondary education, compulsory, uninterrupted nine years of primary and junior secondary education, disarticulation of junior secondary School from senior secondary school, provision of free and compulsory basic education, students gets more experience before proceeding to senior secondary and restructuring the secondary school system. The results of the study presented, shows the importance of the perceived relevance of the universal basic education policy in the school system. The results of hypothesis two indicated no significant difference between the mean scores of principals and teachers on the extent of implementati

Anthropological Feminism in The Piano :: Feminism Feminist Women Criticism

Anthropological Feminism in The Piano  Ã‚   There is a moment in The Piano when the crazed husband takes an axe and chops off his wife's finger. We do not see the awful blow, but both times I watched the film the audience gasped and a few women hurried from the theater. It is a disturbing but crucial scene, the culmination of a sado-masochistic screenplay which has been condemned by some as harmful to women and welcomed by others as an important feminist work. Critics have been more nearly unanimous in their praise for The Piano, and for writer and director Jane Campion. A New Zealander, Campion made two previous low budget films with relatively unknown actors which attracted little notice and small audiences. But their quirky originality established her reputation among film cognoscenti. The Piano, by contrast, is both an astonishing artistic achievement and a major motion picture. Featuring Holly Hunter and Harvey Keitel, it has made Campion an overnight celebrity. She is being hailed as a "natural" and "original" film maker , and no doubt she is. Campion was also trained as a social anthropologist, however, and that training -- particularly the work of Levi-Strauss -- has had a profound impact on her directorial imagination. More than just a spectacular period piece or a feminist tract, The Piano is an anthropological excursion into the 19th century. And for Campion herself, it marks a shift from ethnography to fable-making. Campion as Ethnographer Campion's first esoteric film, Sweetie, was more "clinical" case history than screenplay. If it fails as a movie, it can be recommended as an instructional film for family therapists. Sweetie, the beloved daughter who turned out badly, is a greedy, impulse-ridden woman who constantly discomforts her family. Fat, if not morbidly obese, she is an unattractive personality in an unappealing body -- repulsive to conventional movie audiences. Fellini, fascinated by the grotesque, often gave such ugliness cameo roles in his films. But it is difficult to imagine any commercial film maker, even Fellini, choosing someone so utterly lacking in glamour, so completely unphotogenic, as heroine. There can be no doubt, however, that this was Campion's conscious aesthetic choice, for we see traces of the same kind of "ugly" choices in her two subsequent films. Campion is interested in Sweetie for all of the anthropological reasons that would repel an "escapist" movie audience and makes no effort to p rettify her. Anthropological Feminism in The Piano :: Feminism Feminist Women Criticism Anthropological Feminism in The Piano  Ã‚   There is a moment in The Piano when the crazed husband takes an axe and chops off his wife's finger. We do not see the awful blow, but both times I watched the film the audience gasped and a few women hurried from the theater. It is a disturbing but crucial scene, the culmination of a sado-masochistic screenplay which has been condemned by some as harmful to women and welcomed by others as an important feminist work. Critics have been more nearly unanimous in their praise for The Piano, and for writer and director Jane Campion. A New Zealander, Campion made two previous low budget films with relatively unknown actors which attracted little notice and small audiences. But their quirky originality established her reputation among film cognoscenti. The Piano, by contrast, is both an astonishing artistic achievement and a major motion picture. Featuring Holly Hunter and Harvey Keitel, it has made Campion an overnight celebrity. She is being hailed as a "natural" and "original" film maker , and no doubt she is. Campion was also trained as a social anthropologist, however, and that training -- particularly the work of Levi-Strauss -- has had a profound impact on her directorial imagination. More than just a spectacular period piece or a feminist tract, The Piano is an anthropological excursion into the 19th century. And for Campion herself, it marks a shift from ethnography to fable-making. Campion as Ethnographer Campion's first esoteric film, Sweetie, was more "clinical" case history than screenplay. If it fails as a movie, it can be recommended as an instructional film for family therapists. Sweetie, the beloved daughter who turned out badly, is a greedy, impulse-ridden woman who constantly discomforts her family. Fat, if not morbidly obese, she is an unattractive personality in an unappealing body -- repulsive to conventional movie audiences. Fellini, fascinated by the grotesque, often gave such ugliness cameo roles in his films. But it is difficult to imagine any commercial film maker, even Fellini, choosing someone so utterly lacking in glamour, so completely unphotogenic, as heroine. There can be no doubt, however, that this was Campion's conscious aesthetic choice, for we see traces of the same kind of "ugly" choices in her two subsequent films. Campion is interested in Sweetie for all of the anthropological reasons that would repel an "escapist" movie audience and makes no effort to p rettify her.

Blending Face-to-Face and Distance Learning Methods in Adult and Career-Technical Education :: Learning Adult Education Essays

Blending Face-to-Face and Distance Learning Methods in Adult and Career-Technical Education Strengths and Limitations of the Two Methods In theory, the advantages of face-to-face and distance learning methods complement each other (Leung and Tran 2000). In classroom learning, face-to-face contact both in and out of class can help motivate and involve students; active learning can engage students in thinking and interaction through questioning, discussion, small-group presentation, role play, and case studies. In distance learning via ICT, technology makes material available anytime and anywhere; multimedia (e.g., video and audio) can engage multiple brain channels; graphics can help understanding of complex concepts; interactive activities can involve students in dynamic learning through a cycle of questions/answers/feedback; discussion and work groups allow students to evaluate their performance against that of peers. It is important to note, however, that those two sets of complementary advantages are sometimes only theoretical (Cutshall 2002; McKavanagh et al. 2002). In practice, both face-to-face and ICT distance programs often rely on transmissionist, teacher-centered provision of information rather than on interactive, student-centered construction of knowledge; students may end up receiving passively both online and in the classroom. Nevertheless, two themes clearly emerge as the most frequently cited strengths: the personal contact allowed by face-to-face classroom learning and the flexibility allowed by distance learning. An interesting wrinkle is that different distance learning methods can offer different combinations of personal contact and flexibility (Cutshall 2002; McKavanagh et al. 2002; Miller and Webster 1997; Perraton 1991; Zirkle 2002). In synchronous distance methods (e.g., satellite TV, audioconferencing, videoconferencing, live Internet chat), learners and/or instructors are all engaged in the activity at the same time, restricting flexibility; flexibility is further restricted by methods like audioconferencing or videoconferencing in which participants must be at a physical location with necessary technology and hook-ups. However, asynchronous methods allow learners and instructors to participate at different times. Learners can listen to audiotapes, view videotapes, check e-mail, log on to a threaded discussion, or visit webpages anytime; the necessary technology is widely—although not universally—available. The ultimate in flexibility is the "anytime anywhere" availabili ty of a web-based course or course components. It may be surprising that studies examining the connection between learning style and success among distance learning students yield mixed results. Aragon, Johnson, and Shaik (2000) found no correlation between learning style preference and course grade among online adult students in advanced technology education, in spite of differences in learning style preferences between online and face-to-face students enrolled in the program. Blending Face-to-Face and Distance Learning Methods in Adult and Career-Technical Education :: Learning Adult Education Essays Blending Face-to-Face and Distance Learning Methods in Adult and Career-Technical Education Strengths and Limitations of the Two Methods In theory, the advantages of face-to-face and distance learning methods complement each other (Leung and Tran 2000). In classroom learning, face-to-face contact both in and out of class can help motivate and involve students; active learning can engage students in thinking and interaction through questioning, discussion, small-group presentation, role play, and case studies. In distance learning via ICT, technology makes material available anytime and anywhere; multimedia (e.g., video and audio) can engage multiple brain channels; graphics can help understanding of complex concepts; interactive activities can involve students in dynamic learning through a cycle of questions/answers/feedback; discussion and work groups allow students to evaluate their performance against that of peers. It is important to note, however, that those two sets of complementary advantages are sometimes only theoretical (Cutshall 2002; McKavanagh et al. 2002). In practice, both face-to-face and ICT distance programs often rely on transmissionist, teacher-centered provision of information rather than on interactive, student-centered construction of knowledge; students may end up receiving passively both online and in the classroom. Nevertheless, two themes clearly emerge as the most frequently cited strengths: the personal contact allowed by face-to-face classroom learning and the flexibility allowed by distance learning. An interesting wrinkle is that different distance learning methods can offer different combinations of personal contact and flexibility (Cutshall 2002; McKavanagh et al. 2002; Miller and Webster 1997; Perraton 1991; Zirkle 2002). In synchronous distance methods (e.g., satellite TV, audioconferencing, videoconferencing, live Internet chat), learners and/or instructors are all engaged in the activity at the same time, restricting flexibility; flexibility is further restricted by methods like audioconferencing or videoconferencing in which participants must be at a physical location with necessary technology and hook-ups. However, asynchronous methods allow learners and instructors to participate at different times. Learners can listen to audiotapes, view videotapes, check e-mail, log on to a threaded discussion, or visit webpages anytime; the necessary technology is widely—although not universally—available. The ultimate in flexibility is the "anytime anywhere" availabili ty of a web-based course or course components. It may be surprising that studies examining the connection between learning style and success among distance learning students yield mixed results. Aragon, Johnson, and Shaik (2000) found no correlation between learning style preference and course grade among online adult students in advanced technology education, in spite of differences in learning style preferences between online and face-to-face students enrolled in the program.

Ijaraha

IJARAH – (Lease to Own) In mode of financing, lease is simply a transaction in which transfer of a property from one person to another person for an agreed time period on rental basis. Ijarah is an Islamic leasing contract, representing one of the most common modes of Islamic finance currently practice. Its popularity is due to strong parallel to convential leasing concept. The process of ‘Ijarah’ is very simple and easy to understand. This has been derived from the Arabic term â€Å"Ujr† or â€Å"Ujrat† which means ‘consideration' or ‘return' or ‘wages'.In simple words ‘Ijarah’ defines; contract of hiring, renting and leasing. This mode of financing is use in case of equipment as well as property. This mode of financing is better for both lessee and lessor. According to Islamic Shariah based rule, Ijarah is an agreement between the two parties (Lessor and Lessee. In this mode of financing; an owner (Lessor) transfers i ts usufruct to Lessee for an agreed time period on contract basis. In return, lessee obligation is to pay specific rent or rental for a fixed period. Period of lease and rental determined at the time of agreement.In Pakistan, this mode of transaction gained popularity to purchase car. Several products have been introduced by banks and institution to facilitate customers and provide car on affordable prices and rental prices. Key words 1. The Lessor (Mujjir) – The individual or organization who leases out/rents out the property or service is called the Lessor. 2. The lessee: (Mustajir) – The individual or organization who hires/takes the lease of the property or service against the consideration rent/wages/remuneration is called the lessee (Mustajir). . The Benefit (Maajur) – The benefit that is leased/rented out is called the benefit (Maajur). 4. The rent (Aj'r or Ujrat) – The consideration either in monetary terms or in quantity of goods fixed to be paid against the benefit of the goods or service is called the rent or Ujrat or Aj'r. Some important aspects of Ijarah Financing †¢ Subject of lease should be clearly defines in the agreement with the mutually understanding of the both parties. †¢ At the time of Ijarah transaction, asset or equipment in the ownership of the lessor. Only consumable items are permissible to lease out. Non consumable items are strictly prohibited to lease out. Example: Money, Wheat. E. g †¢ Duration of lease must be mentioned clearly in the agreement. †¢ Lessee acts as an ‘Ameen’. In case of any damage to asset will be borne by the lessee. On the other hand, any other loss or harm outside the control of the lessee, lessor is liable. †¢ Rent should be known at the time of contract. The lessor can not increase the rent unilaterally. Rent will start after the delivery of the asset. Process Flow 1.In first step customer find the bank with the request for financing and ente rs into an agreement with the bank. 2. The Bank buys an item (car or equipment) from the vendor. 3. Bank takes delivery of the car and title of ownership from the vendor. 4. The bank makes payment to vendor. 5. The bank signs the agreement of lease with the customer and transfer usufruct. 6. The customer makes periodic rental payment as per the contract. 7. According to the agreement, at the time of maturity customer can purchase the asset from the bank with the help of separate agreement.Only Difference 1. In sale transaction, title of property usually transferred to buyer. 2. But in case of Ijarah, title remains with the lessor. 3. Only the use of the property is transferred to the lessee. 4. Lessee pays rent to the lessor as per as the agreement. 5. At the time of maturity bank signed another agreement with the lessee and lessor gift the asset to the customer. After this transaction, lessee becomes the owner of the asset. This practice is known as â€Å" Ijarah – Wal â₠¬â€œ Iqtina â€Å" Basic Elements of Ijarah AgreementAccording to Shariah, there are three general terminology used for Ijarah agreement as follows: 1. Wording of the agreement: Offer and acceptance word must be included in the agreement. 2. Contracting Parties: This includes a Lessor, the owner of the property, and a lessee, the party that benefits from the use of the property. 3. Subject matter of the contract: This includes the rent and the benefit. Rent Calculation 1. Islamic banks calculate the cost of purchasing the asset that is to be leased and intend to earn an amount equal to the rate of interest. . Agreement between the parties provides that the rental will be equal to the rate of interest or in addition to something. 3. While the rate of interest is variable, it cannot be set for the whole duration of the lease. 4. It is permissible to divide the cost price of the Asset and ownership of the Lessor to the Asset into several parts and to sell each part of ownership on pay ment of proportionate price/equity of the Lessor under a separate sale contract. Ijaraha IJARAH – (Lease to Own) In mode of financing, lease is simply a transaction in which transfer of a property from one person to another person for an agreed time period on rental basis. Ijarah is an Islamic leasing contract, representing one of the most common modes of Islamic finance currently practice. Its popularity is due to strong parallel to convential leasing concept. The process of ‘Ijarah’ is very simple and easy to understand. This has been derived from the Arabic term â€Å"Ujr† or â€Å"Ujrat† which means ‘consideration' or ‘return' or ‘wages'.In simple words ‘Ijarah’ defines; contract of hiring, renting and leasing. This mode of financing is use in case of equipment as well as property. This mode of financing is better for both lessee and lessor. According to Islamic Shariah based rule, Ijarah is an agreement between the two parties (Lessor and Lessee. In this mode of financing; an owner (Lessor) transfers i ts usufruct to Lessee for an agreed time period on contract basis. In return, lessee obligation is to pay specific rent or rental for a fixed period. Period of lease and rental determined at the time of agreement.In Pakistan, this mode of transaction gained popularity to purchase car. Several products have been introduced by banks and institution to facilitate customers and provide car on affordable prices and rental prices. Key words 1. The Lessor (Mujjir) – The individual or organization who leases out/rents out the property or service is called the Lessor. 2. The lessee: (Mustajir) – The individual or organization who hires/takes the lease of the property or service against the consideration rent/wages/remuneration is called the lessee (Mustajir). . The Benefit (Maajur) – The benefit that is leased/rented out is called the benefit (Maajur). 4. The rent (Aj'r or Ujrat) – The consideration either in monetary terms or in quantity of goods fixed to be paid against the benefit of the goods or service is called the rent or Ujrat or Aj'r. Some important aspects of Ijarah Financing †¢ Subject of lease should be clearly defines in the agreement with the mutually understanding of the both parties. †¢ At the time of Ijarah transaction, asset or equipment in the ownership of the lessor. Only consumable items are permissible to lease out. Non consumable items are strictly prohibited to lease out. Example: Money, Wheat. E. g †¢ Duration of lease must be mentioned clearly in the agreement. †¢ Lessee acts as an ‘Ameen’. In case of any damage to asset will be borne by the lessee. On the other hand, any other loss or harm outside the control of the lessee, lessor is liable. †¢ Rent should be known at the time of contract. The lessor can not increase the rent unilaterally. Rent will start after the delivery of the asset. Process Flow 1.In first step customer find the bank with the request for financing and ente rs into an agreement with the bank. 2. The Bank buys an item (car or equipment) from the vendor. 3. Bank takes delivery of the car and title of ownership from the vendor. 4. The bank makes payment to vendor. 5. The bank signs the agreement of lease with the customer and transfer usufruct. 6. The customer makes periodic rental payment as per the contract. 7. According to the agreement, at the time of maturity customer can purchase the asset from the bank with the help of separate agreement.Only Difference 1. In sale transaction, title of property usually transferred to buyer. 2. But in case of Ijarah, title remains with the lessor. 3. Only the use of the property is transferred to the lessee. 4. Lessee pays rent to the lessor as per as the agreement. 5. At the time of maturity bank signed another agreement with the lessee and lessor gift the asset to the customer. After this transaction, lessee becomes the owner of the asset. This practice is known as â€Å" Ijarah – Wal â₠¬â€œ Iqtina â€Å" Basic Elements of Ijarah AgreementAccording to Shariah, there are three general terminology used for Ijarah agreement as follows: 1. Wording of the agreement: Offer and acceptance word must be included in the agreement. 2. Contracting Parties: This includes a Lessor, the owner of the property, and a lessee, the party that benefits from the use of the property. 3. Subject matter of the contract: This includes the rent and the benefit. Rent Calculation 1. Islamic banks calculate the cost of purchasing the asset that is to be leased and intend to earn an amount equal to the rate of interest. . Agreement between the parties provides that the rental will be equal to the rate of interest or in addition to something. 3. While the rate of interest is variable, it cannot be set for the whole duration of the lease. 4. It is permissible to divide the cost price of the Asset and ownership of the Lessor to the Asset into several parts and to sell each part of ownership on pay ment of proportionate price/equity of the Lessor under a separate sale contract.

St. Augustine and Virgil’s Influence in Dante’s Inferno

Reaching an epiphany after a lengthy, perilous journey may seem like the content pertinent for mythological legends. However, the epic poems of St. Augustine, Virgil, and Dante share similar themes and have an important relevance to Christianity. Virgil's The Aeneid follows the story of Aeneas who encountered hardships and travels to the underworld to maintain his destiny of establishing Rome. Dante's Inferno follows a spiritually indigent Dante through the nine rings of hell with the purpose of realizing simplicity and reuniting with his wife in heaven. Finally, St. Augustine's Confessions are an autobiography that details the life of its author in search of a spiritual awakening. An exploration of Dante's Inferno comprises inspirations and influences from the other two pieces of literature copiously in setting and subject matter.Virgil's InfluenceVirgil's The Aeneid influences Dante's work through a definition of a hell that is composed of multiple stages and punishment intensities for its unfortunate inhabitants. Dante's Inferno reveals a journey through the nine rings of hell (Hunt et al. 369). Through his journey, Dante identifies different parts in hell where people are suffering from different punishments Minervino 2 based on their sins. In this hell, he journeys more in-depth into the rings to the pit that holds the most villainous characters in religious history s uch as Judas and Lucifer (Dante, Longfellow, and Dore 212). Comparably, Virgil had developed this narrative in his works, which were written before Dante's. Virgil's The Aeneid shows Aeneas travel through different avenues of hell such as the Field of Mourning where adulterous suffered a horrid punishment (Puchner et al. 999). As they travel deeper into the underworld, Aeneas and Sybil come across a fortress where Rhadamanthus punishes the evilest people with intense torture (Virgil and Fagles 189). Virgil's formation of the underworld has recognizable bearings on Dante's explication of hell. The structural and operational similarity is an affirmation of Virgil's The Aeneid's influence on Dante's Inferno. Moreover, Virgil's narrative necessitates the assistance of a spiritual guide, a trope that Dante incorporated into the Inferno. The Aeneid's protagonist, Aeneas, follows a Sybil also referred to as a priestess through the underworld (Virgil and Fagles 172). Similarly, Dante follows the ghost of a deceased poet called Virgil (Dante, Longfellow and Dore 4). One significant similarity between the guides is their wisdom and strength (Puchner et al. 1465). They are decisive and very powerful such that they can travel around hell with little culmination to themselves and their special formulations. Dante's comparison of Virgil is an satirical guidance of Virgil's clarification of the Sybil.St. Augustine's InfluenceSt. Augustine's Confessions also has a notable influence on the subject matter shown in Dante's Inferno. Unlike Virgil's work, these two pieces of literature detail colossal ramifications concerning religion. Dante and St. Augustine's works are journeys to spiritual clarity (Enr ight Minervino 3 33). Dante's Inferno originates with a lost Dante wandering in a dark forest (Dante, Longfellow and Dore 1). However, he is unable to reach the light prompting him to turn back where he meets a guide, who promises to help him achieve righteousness and see his wife in heaven. Similarly; St. Augustine travels the world without much purpose other than engaging in materialistic pleasures such as sexual exploration (Puchner et al. 1127). However, upon reaching the garden in Milan, he achieves clarity and conversion (St. Augustine and Pusey 106). Dante also achieves a similar epiphany upon exiting hell into the earth. This understanding suggests that St. Augustine's Confessions had a profound ramification on Dante's Inferno.ConclusionSt. Augustine and Virgil's works of literature had a profound influence on Dante's work. Virgil's The Aeneid developed a conceptualization of hell that Dante later adapted to his work. The visualization of a portioned hell that caters to sins differently based on their intensity appears prominently in either author's work. On the other hand, St. Augustine's Confessions has an important influence on Dante's subject matter of a journey to redemption and eventual spiritual empowerment. Therefore, St. Augustine and Virgil's works were important in developing the Epic poem Dante's Inferno.?