Overview of Different Wireless Networking Technologies

Overview of Different Wireless Networking Technologies Overview of different NMS WIRELESS NETWORKING TECHNOLOGIES Various wireless technologies are under evaluation or are already in use by operational forces. Among these technologies are: WLAN, WiMAX, cellular-based, satellite-based, and MANET. Previous research provided an analysis of the qualities of many of these various technologies based on their ability to support ECO (McHuen and Price, 2009). Each of these technologies has unique features that allow it to fill a particular niche and each has shortcomings that require the incorporation of other technologies into the network. Because this differentiation is likely to continue, the network management system design must include the basic elements incorporated into any tactical wireless technology. 1. WiMAX The Institute of Electric and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.16 standard defines the standards for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) (IEEE, 2004). WiMAX provides point to multipoint, broadband communications to areas not connected by fiber optic or copper cabling. WiMAX is capable of providing throughputs of up to 70 megabits per second and has a range of approximately 50 kilometers. WiMAX uses a multicarrier modulation scheme known as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). A limitation of WiMAX is that OFDM is sensitive to multipath and Doppler effects that occur in rapidly changing RF environments such as with mobile users (Fuller, 2008). 2. WLAN The IEEE 802.11 series defines the wireless local area network (WLAN) standards (IEEE, 2007). The most common of these standards in use today will include 802.11g and 802.11n. A WLAN can typically provide throughputs of 54 megabits per second and a range of 100 meters without the need for copper cabling. Most WLAN 31 implementations have the advantage of a fixed access point in order compensate for some of the effects of changing RF conditions; however, a truly mobile ad hoc network must support mobility without being tethered to a fixed infrastructure. 3. Satellite-Based Systems Satellite-based solutions provide beyond line of sight connectivity, but the availability of satellite channels is limited for tactical users. The existing military satellite system known as the UHF Follow-on system (UFO) only provides capacity for 600 concurrent users. DoD users also have commercial services such as Iridium to fill this access gap. That is no panacea, however, since commercial satellite services may not be available when DoD needs them most (Rosenberg, 2010), and it is cost prohibitive to use satellite connectivity exclusively (U.S. Navy To Rely on Netted Iridium Service as Gap-Filler, 2010). The long-term solution in lieu of commercial satellites systems is the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) that provides cutting edge technology based on commercial 3G cellular phone services. MUOS offers both voice and data in a converged, handheld device. However, the MUOS program has experienced several technical problems that delayed the launch of its first satellite, and t here are other issues with the development of the MUOS handsets (Iannotta, 2009). It is likely to be several years before the capabilities offered by MUOS are available to the majority of DoD’s tactical forces. 4. Commercial Cellular The use of commercial cellular technologies on the battlefield has gained significant attention because senior military leaders recognize the potential benefits of putting these devices in the hands of a generation of soldiers and marines that have grown up using this technology. The basic requirements of any cellular network are the handsets and the cellular base stations that are typically associated with towers to increase network coverage. Current capabilities of the tactical cellular network provide throughputs of 1.8 megabits per second while ranges are dependent on the height of the mobile cellular tower placed on a tactical vehicle such as Mine Resistant Ambush 32 Protected (MRAP) vehicle (Lowler, 2009). The current tactical cellular solution is best suited for special operations soldiers who operate in small groups. This network requires a tethered aerostat or a circling aircraft equipped with a cellular base station in order to relay the communications. Other architectural designs have focused on integrating the cellular handsets with tactical radios filling the role of the base station (Tuttle, 2010). That used the cellular handset essentially as an external computer in order to host command and control (C2) and situational awareness (SA) applications in this case. A more efficient architectural design entails developing the tactical radios to host the C2 and SA applications internally, thus eliminating the need for an external computer worn or carried by soldiers (â€Å"New Military Radio Unveiled,† 2011). C. MANET SYSTEMS MANET technologies are highly desirable in tactical environments because each node in the network is able to communicate with all other neighboring devices over one or more hops in order to extend connectivity to areas where a fixed infrastructure is not available. There are many factors that influence the performance and reliability of a MANET. Communications links within the MANET are continuously fluctuating due to the location of devices, power, or environmental factors. MANET technologies are valuable for enhancing command and control because they provide network connectivity beyond line of sight and in harsh environments where this previously was not possible. A tactical MANET provides considerable flexibility through its rapid deploy-ability to provide a wireless voice and data network without any fixed infrastructure. The general characteristics for a tactical MANET include attributes such as rapid deploy-ability, ease of use, mobility, and flexibility. These features make it very suitable for military applications in environments where setting up fixed infrastructure may not be feasible or practical. The MANET nodes also allow transmission of position location information (PLI) in real-time to increase situational awareness at the company level. History of Wireless Networks A wireless network consists of many types (GSM, Wi-Fi, UMTS, and WiMAX)11]. Wi-Fi technology is used in indoor environment because as for considering its accessibility and cost which is very low. Wi-Fi has its specific range in which its calculation can be made. The main goal of the project is indoor positioning system with accuracy to locate an object or target in a room and the identifying rate must be fast that can be deployed considering real time constraints [ HYPERLINK l FLa06 12 ]. More accurate location can be achieved for mobile clients or users which are based on GSM network13]. GSM gives birth to three methods that are positioning by a cell, calculating the distance accordingly to signal strengths SS and based on time difference distance computation [ HYPERLINK l Eve07 14 ]. Positioning by a cell is located simply by using a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) it has a specific area in omnidirectional. A mobile connected to a BTS can be easily located as a BTS has its specific range (from100m to several Km) depending upon the size of the cell in which a target is located. The direction of the target is or mobile user is achieved by sect oral antenna. Positioning can also be measured by the signal strength SS, the distance between the Transmitter and Receiver is calculated through BTS. The method adopted for it is trilateration which identifies the position of a mobile phone. The accuracy obtained between the range of 50 o 500 m having great amount of errors due to structure of buildings and obstacles present there. Enhanced Observed Time Difference (EOTD) is the estimation method in which the time is noticed as it reaches from the mobile station towards the BTS. This is called timing in advance and requires the synchronization between the mobile phone and BTS. Distance is calculated by the time difference on EOTD. After that by trilateration which identifies the position of mobile phone. These methods are not used in Wi-Fi indoor environment because of Wi-Fi limitation and short range and inside the building the signal strength SS, is weak as compared to outdoor environment15]. Accuracy and Precision are the required main factors in indoor localization, weak signals degrade the accuracy of positioning [Ing06 16 ]17]. Indoor positioning detection is achieved by using Wi-Fi signal strength (SS), and formulae to locate user’s position. Wi-Fi signals are of radio waves where movements of signals are dependent upon frequency [Mah12 18 ]. Signals are transmitted by Access Point’s (APs) in all directions regarding their signal strengths. Wireless router can cover an area of about 100 feet i.e. (30.5 m).Recent research work shows that received signal strength indicator (RSSI) localization of an object or target is achieved quite accurately. RSSI is measured in dBm. From different APs the RSSI values are observed on the basis of these values of RSSI the location can be observed between the Transmitting AP and the Receiving node. Mathematically RSSI is ten times logarithmic ratio of received power signal and reference power (i.e. 1mW)19] which has an equation of RSSI ÃŽ ± 10 log P / Pref (2.1) Power is dissipated from a source point by moving further, the relation between distance and power (P) is inversely proportional to square of distance (S) travelled. Mathematically RSSI ÃŽ ± log (1/ S2) (2.2) The attraction of RSSI is that calculation and measurements are almost very simple and less time consuming rather than using other methods. Problems and Degradation of Signal Strength Indoor environment faces a lot of problems due to which weakness in the strength of the signal occurs due to path loss as it becomes weaker as the distance increases from the origin. Different barriers occur in the direction of signals such as sun or rain drops also effect the strength of the signal, even it occurs very rarely but it has its influence with signals, the structure of the building which have many walls, doors, windows, glass, concrete, shelf’s and penetration from the floors, the result is in the form of attenuation. Interference is another problem with other wireless station with in an office or a building. Signal Attenuation in Static Environment When Electromagnetic waves strike with a wall or any other barrier as it passes through, Thus the wave becomes further weaker because of reflection that starts when it strikes the barrier. Another main factor is absorption which is converted in the form of heat and its impact is very small that it cannot be noticed by human. Loss is related to the size of material, focusing on its thickness, attenuation effect of glass is higher than brick walls. These factors have a critical impact especially by using the methods to measure distances by measuring the signal strengths. Attenuation in Signals By User’s By experiments it is concluded that with the presence of users the signal strength is changed. The signal strength is thus weakening due to the human’s in an environment. The radiations are partially absorbed as human body contains water in their bodies and this attenuation occurs in the signal strengths. Location of a mobile device with signal strength map relates measurements with a SS map. Two approaches are for measurement matching either Deterministic or by Probabilistic. Map-based systems are identified by signal strengths SS, in two steps i.e. (Offline step and Online step). The Offline step creates a map of signal strength. The Online step relates with the signal strength maps previously built. For both of steps, two approaches exists Offline step is achieved through measurements or with simulation. The Online approach consists of matching measurements of the signal strength SS, with the map content which was as above said that matching can be achieved either by Deterministic or probabilistic. But creating the signal strength map with simulation requires a great work for building a propagation model that computes signal strength map. Focusing on study that is simulating the signal propagation for creating signal strength map that relies on propagating based positioning techniques, but there is a difference among both systems. Positioning system using propagation based technique does not know mobile’s location; therefore it does not look into having obstacles between mobile and transmitters. On the other hand signal strength mapping are associated with SS values for knowing its geographical coordinates. It has the ability for looking in the obstacles in models such as Motley-Kennan. With the availability of SS map, positioning mobile is built by the content of the map with signal measurements which are provided by mobile or architecture of wireless network that matching may be Deterministic or by Probabilistic approach. Deterministic matching is a simple method for mapping SS, which has a database of all access points within its coverage area and having an average value for signal strength for every Access Point (AP). The matching may be at single point or at several points, where the average value of its coordinates are taken. Probabilistic matching is not a simple method as it required greater data for mapping the signal strength. Probability distribution is used to provide signal strength values. Matching is done by probabilistic methods which are based at Gaussian’s model i.e. CMTA. Other models include Histogram which is done for signal strength distribution. Inconsistency is one of the properties for indoor radio wave propagation. It implies very close values of signal strength for two models in space; description is in two geographical points are opposite and very far from each other. Paramvir Bahl proposed an idea for enhancing positioning estimation considering the previous locations for eliminating the ambiguities in location which relies on Viterbi-like algorithm. Positioning is a main factor in deploying a Wireless Local Area Network. The other hardware or technologies which are used for localization are Active Badge System which works on Infrared sensors detectors that are used to detect the signal’s from Mobile Stations (MS) Active Badge; the central unit processes the data and determine location of mobile stations. But the main drawback of infrared signals is due to its short range and interference from fluorescent light in indoor environment and from sunlight. Cricket system uses RF receivers and ultrasound to get information about time of flight and works on Multilateration for estimating location. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based technologies systems (i.e. SPOTON) and LANDMARC systems are also studied. Other hybrid systems like Zigbee radios are proximity sensors, which improves accuracy in positioning system that are WLAN-based.

Dualism: Mind, Body, and Cognitive Science Essay

This essay examines the interaction between dualism and modern cognitive sciences. Additionally, it examines a modern defendant of dualism, and extrapolates his reasoning further into the 21st-century in interacting with cognitive science developments in the future. Finally, it examines how dualism is already a problem in modern factors such as healthcare, and how it will need to further adapt for the betterment of society. Dualism: Mind, Body, and Cognitive Science Dualism has been a powerful cornerstone in both Western and Eastern cultures for many years, chiefly because it is so centrally located within spiritual texts. The New Testament, for instance, makes a clear division between the soul of Jesus and his body, and how those separated entities were reunited for the resurrection of Jesus. Perhaps more practically, the Bhagavad-Gita emphasizes the separation of mind and body as a tool with which one can combat everything from doubt to boredom: one’s body may be doing troubling tasks (such as killing family members, as Krishna asks Arjuna to do) or simply menial tasks, but one’s mind—a separate entity—is encouraged to stay focused on Krishna, regardless of the body’s actions. With these spiritual texts playing such a central part in Western and Eastern cultures, it is no surprise to discover that dualism has endured with such strength over the years. However, dualism (as with many aspects of the religious texts that help promote it) becomes more problematic when modern science and medicine are applied to it. The most humble behaviorist models of psychology pose their own problems, as the study of correlations between external environmental experiences and the mind’s reaction work to close the gap between mind and body, as opposed to expanding it. The flawed practice of logical behaviorism does the same thing: reducing human interactions to a predictable math equation that does not account for the inherent illogic of the separation of mind and body. Reductive materialism attempts to reconcile so-called â€Å"folk psychology† with neuroscience, claiming that mental states and brain states are one and the same, eliminating the need for dualism. Failures of reductive materialism led to the theory of functionalism, which considers minds to be equal (as in, similar mental states) that simply react to outward stimuli. This â€Å"cause and effect† belief seemingly eliminates the freedom of thought necessary to dualism, as the mind’s actions simply become reactions to the body’s experiences and needs. However, modern dualism is not without its arguments, nor its defenders. According to Dr. Embree, there are three primary arguments for the existence and necessity of dualism: the first, as alluded to above, is that â€Å"epiphenomenalism inherently undermines the validity of thought† (2009). What this means is that any scientific explanation that attempts to debunk dualism (or does so as a byproduct) must bring with it the sobering effect of making free will a simple illusion that individuals believe as a kind of personal myth. This works on the level of national myths as well: according to functionalist theory, the Founding Fathers of America were not free thinkers (a thought that would have troubled Thomas Paine, to say the least), but were simply reacting to the external stimuli they experienced. Perhaps more troubling to this national myth is the â€Å"equalizing† effect of functionalism: not only did George Washington do what he did in accordance with external stimuli, he did what anyone in his place, with his means, would have done. Instead of being an agent of his destiny and of America’s, he was simply one vessel (of potentially many) for the predictable course of destiny. The second argument Dr. Embree puts forth for dualism is that â€Å"epiphenomenalism provides no explanation for the subjective elements†¦of conscious experience† (2009). According to this, attempts to explain the universe in terms of cause and effect creates one large problem: â€Å"that consciousness can be explained mechanistically† (2009). Embree concedes that one might believe no such mechanism has been discovered yet, and one may simply be waiting for the day that such a thing is discovered†¦however, that pushes what is supposed to be a scientific, rational inquiry perilously close to something more akin to religious faith, in two ways: one is the contentment to wait for the arrival of something which will validate one’s world view, and two (much more troubling) is establishing so many other things on the shaky ground that is this faith. For a religion, this is understandable. As a scientific inquiry into the workings of the human mind, it is quite disconcerting. Embree’s final argument for dualism is that â€Å"epiphenomenalism requires acceptance of deterministic assumptions about human nature and behavior† (2009). Embree himself admits that this is the weakest of his three arguments, because it does not deal with â€Å"logical† or â€Å"evidentiary† flaws in epiphenomenalism, but rather with the troubling aftermath. According to him, accepting that â€Å"our behaviors are strictly and solely determined by forces outside our control† renders us â€Å"puppets (2009)† who are unable to ethically try and imprison fellow citizens, simply because the rejection of dualism leads to an inevitable triumph of nature over nurture: just as George Washington did the only thing he could in reaction to his environment, so too did this murderer, or that rapist. If their thoughts truly aren’t free, their thoughts are not their own, and punishing them no longer has any hope of them turning over a new leaf, but instead becomes an arbitrary exercise in authority. On an emotional level, Embree’s arguments are very persuasive. On a philosophical level, very few individuals would be pleased to think of themselves as lacking free will. And, as he points out, even fewer individuals would be willing to overturn the entirety of how modern society is constructed simply to make it more philosophically consistent. However, by Embree’s own admission, the belief in dualism essentially gives itself a â€Å"get out of jail free card. † When it comes to hard questions, such as whether consciousness can be determined mechanistically or not, a dualist is free to take or leave explanations as they see fit. This is precisely because dualism, brought back to its Cartesian foundations, is founded on observation and assumption. Even as Descartes acknowledges the limits of observation (the hand in front of him could always be a dream image), his famous conclusion—â€Å"I think, therefore I am†Ã¢â‚¬â€is, itself, an assumption. Any attempts at rationally explaining why the brain acts or reacts in specific ways to specific stimuli represents a threat to this simple principle, and dualists protest against the futility of it. Ironically, perhaps, for a philosophy that self-associates so vividly with free thinking, that attempts to curtail discussion into the mind/body problem are the philosophic equivalent of the dualists locking the behaviorists away, a la Galileo. The freedom to think seems incompatible with the freedom to explore why we think. The final assertion of Embree’s is persuasive as well, though not necessarily in the way that he’s intended. He is correct that society is effectively set in its ways, so any major advancements or discoveries regarding the way that individuals think is not likely to turn society on its ear. However, such a view that this process is â€Å"all or nothing†Ã¢â‚¬â€that is to say that all of society changes, right down to our notions of justice, or nothing changes—is oversimplifying the matter to an obscene degree, To use an analogy, Darwin’s discoveries did not mean that society had an obligation, more or otherwise, to burn down every church they saw. However, it amounted to an incremental change in the way the world works on the part of everyone who believed in the scientific findings—a series of micro changes that eventually worked on a macro level. This is particularly true of discoveries related to how the mind works—the entire justice system was not turned inside out in response to the discoveries of Freud, but the incremental changes his psychological revelations brought about in individuals did eventually affect the justice system in terms of sentencing prisoners, organizing prisons, and simply understanding criminal behavior. What rings most true about Embree’s work, perhaps, is his correct assertion that on some level, people need to believe in dualism, if only to preserve the freedom of thought. Individuals being told that they are only doing or saying something because of the environment around them will feel no more illuminated than someone told they are doing or saying something because God or the Devil are making them do it. It risks robbing life of its spark, or zest. However, what Embree seems to overlook are the astounding advancements in sheer human empathy that are offered by discovering how the mind works. â€Å"Freedom of thought† certainly sounds attractive, like a bumper sticker one might wear in Orwell’s 1984 (shortly before Big Brother had this person taken away, of course). However, to continue the Orewellian strand, freedom of thought does not prevent â€Å"group think† simply because societies attempt to organize around their cultural similarities and when that proves insufficient, they rally around their dissimilarity to other groups. White, rural communities continue subtle (and some not so subtle) forms of segregation against black and Hispanic individuals. On a national level, in the so-called â€Å"Post 9/11 world,† citizens are measured by just how American they are, and extra scrutiny is given to those from another country. This is, of course, the double-sided coin of dualism; as Stefan Eck points out, â€Å"Descartes did not only help establish the natural sciences, but also the freedom of thought in philosophy, the humanities†¦his philosophical ideas were important for the emergence of modern politics of freedom and equality† (2009, p. 158). Doing anything to dismantle this may be seen by opponents as political maneuvering—quelling their ability to express personal philosophy in the name of an ambiguous future unity. Right now, this tendency to fear and rally against the unknown is a major form of societal unity—uniting in solidarity against the perceived threat of an unknown and unknowable Other. Discoveries in the way the mind works can continue down the road towards true equality because individuals will be able to empathize better with, for instance, an illegal immigrant, because they will no longer see them as outsider threats to the external notion of America, but simply one of their own possible fates had they not been born in a time and place of great privilege and prosperity. Despite this, there are many exciting possibilities for dualism in the 21st century. As mentioned above, the basic tenets of dualism remain necessary to focus most individuals on achievement. If they are made to feel like their special achievements are effectively a lottery that someone else could have one, it would threaten to derail the entire notion of human achievement. In this sense, dualism remains necessary for the realm of politics, as well. For obvious reasons, a system of representative democracy would fall apart if individuals thought that the person they were voting for would do no worse or no better than another individual from the same circumstances and location. As Dr. Embree so eloquently describes, a belief in dualism remains necessary for a belief in justice to seem well-founded. The justice system is already under severe scrutiny for possible flaws—best not to give critics more philosophical ammunition by implying that guilt is a subjective force that no human can logically dispense to another human. Stefan Eck describes this quite well: †¦Cartesian dualism is precisely one of the foundations of the politics of freedom and equality that Lock and Farquhar propose. Descartes says that the mind is independent of the physical body that contains it. Modern politics hold that people’s opinions are to be kept separate from bodily attributes such as gender, skin color, or beauty, that the minds of those who take part in the political sphere have to be split from their bodies to ensure that bodily difference is not turned into political difference. (2009, p. 156-157) Ideally, though, modern dualism and modern dualists will not be against inquiries into the way the mind works. Modern medicine, as a whole, will continue its struggle with how far down the dualism rabbit hole it is prepared to go. Grant Duncan points out that Western medicine often regards pain as â€Å"a simply bodily sensation,† and that modern medicine â€Å"often [neglects] psychological factors in health and illness† (2000, p. 493). The reason for this is simple: the extreme end of believing that pain is often entirely in the mind is the end that is sharing shelf space with books on healing crystals and other holistic claptrap. Grant goes on to point out that in the overmedicated modern world, those who experience chronic pain do their best â€Å"to justify the pain and to avoid the label of ‘psychogenic’†¦ if the pain does not fall into that ‘physical’ category, then it is likely to be treated with skepticism and moral disapproval† (2000, p. 507-508). This is the brutal bottom line: those whose pain is â€Å"only† in their mind will often be regarded as someone trying to scam the doctor for unnecessary medication. Meanwhile, psychologists—in a field that, theoretically, is most threatened by inquiries that would eliminate dualism once and for all—continue to experience unfavorable representations in modern media as â€Å"head shrinkers† who are content to blame all modern problems on the patient’s mother and then bill them an exorbitant amount. Where, then, does this leave modern psychology and its inevitable ties to dualism? Ideally, psychologists will realize that fields such as neuroscience are approaching the same problems as psychology approaches, merely from a different angle. Reductive materialism is another great example of this, as it takes the things that psychology focuses on (beliefs and desires) and claims that these can be restated and explained through neuroscience—that neuroscience is not attempting to invalidate a person’s beliefs and desires as necessary aspects of their psychological make-up, but to explain why they experience those desires. As Scott Arnold puts it, â€Å"[reductive materialism] allows that behavior has mental causes and that the causal processes may be complex, involving a series of mental causes and effects ultimately resulting in behavior† (2010). In the future, psychology and neuroscience may very well work as one entity that may come to be preventative, as opposed to simply reactive. What does this mean? Instead of saying â€Å"patient X has unhealthy desire Y, we are prescribing medicine Z,† the combined future of psychology and neuroscience may be more like â€Å"patient X is predisposed towards behaviors Y, we are prescribing Z course of treatment to avoid these behaviors. † This is what Arnold means when he says that â€Å" we have a kind of Double Language Theory, in which there are two languages (the language of folk psychology and the language of the neurosciences) to talk about one and the same phenomenon, the neurosciences† (2010). Ultimately, reductive materialism is more inclusive than exclusive, allowing a mixture of the two worlds. The result will be a future that is likely a shared dream between doctor and patient: a world that minimizes medication, circumvents and prevents negative behavior, and ultimately allows for the patient to spend less time on the therapeutic couch, and more time in the world itself, enjoying life. In all likelihood, the cognitive sciences and the proponents of dualism will have a long, rocky road to travel together. Dualism is necessary for individuals to believe in abstracts (freedom, desire), whereas the cognitive sciences are necessary for individuals to understand, in concrete terms, what is happening with their brains. In the future, it is likely the dualism will be taught (even more than it is now) in philosophy and ethics classes as just one possible branch of human thought, as opposed to the sole branch which must bear the weight of the entire human experience without ever snapping. Reductive materialism points out the irony of the likeliest fate of the cognitive sciences and dualism: just as reductive materialism is necessary to transform the language of the people—â€Å"folk psychology†Ã¢â‚¬â€into neuroscience terms, it will be necessary for someone to â€Å"re-translate† any new breakthroughs back into the language of common people. Perhaps this is the function that dualism will always serve, even among its proponents: that cognitive science research actually works within the boundaries of dualism in the sense that it focuses on the body, while dualists are free to concentrate on their mental sphere however they wish. Perception, after all, does determine reality, and no amount of cognitive science research can undermine a dualist’s own reality unless they will it to be so. At the end of the day, dualism is actually much closer at home to the spiritual writings that have helped carry its torch than it ever will be to the sciences. Dualism is the language of hope and faith—a belief in the perfectibility of the soul when the perfectibility of the body seems impossible. Cognitive science, however, remains what it always has: not the language of what may be, but the language of what is. References Arnold, Scott (2010). The mind body problem. University of Alabama, Birmingham. Retrieved May 15th, 2010, from http://www. uab. edu/ philosophy/faculty/arnold/4-Mind- body. htm Duncan, G. (2000) Mind-Body Dualism and the Biopsychosocial Model of Pain: What did Descartes Really Say? , Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, 25:4, 485-513 Ecks, Stefan (2009). Welcome home, Descartes! Rethinking the anthropology of the body. Perspectives in Biology and Medicine, 52 (1), 153-158. Embree, Marlowe (2009). Why I am a dualist. University of Wisconsin. Retrieved May 15th, 2010, from http://www. marathon. uwc. edu/psychology/dualist. htm

Swot Analysis Mgmt 303 - 1728 Words

| Accent SWOT Analysis | Principles of Management | | | 5/20/2012 | COMPANY HISTORY Accent was founded in 1993 and is 90 percent majority owned by Canada-based MDC Partners, Inc. Accent has 11 locations in six U.S. states and two international locations in Jamaica and the Philippines. They do business with several fortune 1000 companies such as: American Family, Sprint, Asus, Char-broil, Samsung, Sharp and Weight Watchers. (PR Newswire, 2011) Accent Marketing Services is a company for brands (businesses) that want to retain and expand their customer base. â€Å"Since 1993, ACCENT has helped world-renowned brands acquire, support, retain and grow customers at every lifecycle stage.† (About us,†) Accent’s current mission†¦show more content†¦INTERNAL WEAKNESS Attrition is Accent’s biggest weakness. Per CEO Tim Searcy, â€Å"Compared to the rest of the industry, our engagement specialists are more expensive to hire and train than the average because of our need to find individuals who are skilled in multichannel engagement. This makes attrition very expensive – it’s a direct hit to our bottom line.† (Bracken, 2011) It is not uncommon to find companies claiming an attrition rate that is much less than that of others in their industry. Companies can project their attrition rate incorrectly because it tends to affect their brand image both internally and externally. Internally, it sends wrong signals to their employees and Directors. Externally, it can affect the company in various ways such as developing a bad image or limiting the perspective talent pool of new hires. I’m not stating Mr. Searcy would lie about Accent’s attrition rate, but from what I know about attrition; Accent’s attrition may not be so low. Accent’s second weakness is employee pay. I personally spoke with an HR member that advised me management has been grossly underpaid for quite some time (this is low, middle and upper management). Moving forward off of what Mr. Searcy stated above, this can definitely affect the attrition rate and overall employee happiness. With lower pay, higher attrition is most likely inevitable; in turn less tenured, inexperienced employees could possiblyShow MoreRelatedMgmt 303 Midterm Exam Solution – All Possible Questions3790 Words   |  16 PagesMGMT 303 Midterm Exam Solution – All Possible Questions http://hwguiders.com/downloads/mgmt-303-midterm-exam-solution-all-possible-questions/ (TCO 1) The _____ approach of going green is a good example of the firm’s social responsibility in addition to demonstrating the highest degree of environmental sensitivity. (Points : 5) 2. (TCO 2) The Ford Motor Company sold an auto parts company because profitability was low. The main environmental dimension considered was (Points : 5) 3. (TCORead MoreMgmt 303 Midterm Exam - Latest Essay2025 Words   |  9 PagesMGMT 303 Midterm Exam - Latest IF You Want To Purchase A+ Work Then Click The Link Below , Instant Download http://acehomework.com/MGMT-303-Midterm-Exam-Latest-709044433.htm?categoryId=-1 If You Face Any Problem E- Mail Us At JOHNMATE1122@Gmail.Com Question 1.1. (TCO 1) One example of a firm studying its ____ is an annual assessment of the labor supply available to the company. (Points : 5) organizational culture internal environment external environment Read MoreMgmt 303 Swot Anaylisis1338 Words   |  6 PagesVerizon SWOT analysis MGMT 303 DeVry University Julia Smith May 19th, 2012 Verizon Communications Inc. is a provider of communications services with for operating segments: Domestic Telecom, Domestic Wireless, information Services and International. Domestic Telecom is services principally represent Verizon’s telephone operations that provide local telephone services in 29 states and the District of Columbia. Domestic Wireless are products and servicesRead MoreProject Mgmt296381 Words   |  1186 PagesLeadership Chapter 2 Organization Strategy and Project Selection 1.4 Projects and programs (.2) 1.4.1 Managing the portfolio 1.4.3 Strategy and projects 2.3 Stakeholders and review boards 12.1 RFP’s and vendor selection (.3.4.5) 11.2.2.6 SWAT analysis 6.5.2.7 Schedule compression 9.4.2.5 Leadership skills G.1 Project leadership 10.1 Stakeholder management Chapter 11 Teams Chapter 3 Organization: Structure and Culture 2.4.1 Organization cultures [G.7] 2.4.2 Organization structure

The Celts And The Celtic World - 1720 Words

Knowledge of the Celts and the Celtic world has been acquired and accumulated through a variety of mediums such as archaeological evidence, geographical markings and most importantly, the testimonies left by Greek and Roman writers. Without these writings, developing an image of the nature of the Celts would be extremely difficult. Comparing two authors, Roman emperor, Julius Caesar to Greek writer, Athenaeus, it may reveal some of the prejudices and biased views held against the Celts, but more importantly by contrasting the views of these particular authors, it also offers a well-rounded account of the history and culture of these Celtic-speaking people. Athenaeus was a Greek writer, who wrote around the time of 200AD. He is the author of Deipnosophistae, a piece of literature all about eating and dining traditions. Athenaeus is writing during a time known as The Poseidonian Tradition; Poseidonios inspired a lot of Greek writers to write and keep record of the Celts and their culture. Athenaeus quotes Poseidonios in his Deipnosophistae as he has first hand experience of the Celts, having travelled around studying the Celts. Poseidonios’ work only survives through the work of later authors, such as Athenaeus. Athenaeus speaks of how Poseidonios observed the Celts during a feast, taking note of their customs, Athenaeus’ discourse is written in such a way that the impression left is that the Greeks may have considered themselves more evolved than the Celts they wereShow MoreRelatedInteraction Between The Roman And Celtic Civilizations1343 Words   |  6 PagesInteraction between the Roman and Celtic civilizations Between 750 BC and 12 BC the Celts were the most powerful people in Northern central Europe. 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