Thursday, December 26, 2019

Daily Mandarin Lesson Travel in Chinese

æâ€"…è ¡Å' (lÇš xà ­ng) means to travel or travels in Mandarin Chinese.  If you want to express your love for travel or if youre trying to explain that youre visiting China for leisurely travel, learning how to pronounce and use the term æâ€"…è ¡Å' can be helpful.   Pronunciation The pinyin for æâ€"…è ¡Å' is ââ€" ºlÇš xà ­ng. The first character is in the 3rd tone while the second character is in the 2nd tone. This can be written as: lu3 xing2.   Chinese Characters In both traditional and simplified form, æâ€"…è ¡Å' is written the same way. The first character æâ€"… (lÇš) means trip or travel. The second character è ¡Å' (xà ­ng) translates to all right; capable; competent; okay; to go; to do; to travel; temporary; to walk; to go; or will do depending on the context. Sentence Examples Audio files are marked with ââ€" º ââ€" ºTÄ  mÄ›i nià ¡n dÃ… u chÃ… « guà ³ lÇšxà ­ng yÄ « cà ¬.ä »â€"æ ¯ Ã¥ ¹ ´Ã©Æ' ½Ã¥â€¡ ºÃ¥Å"‹æâ€"…è ¡Å'ä ¸â‚¬Ã¦ ¬ ¡Ã¤ »â€"æ ¯ Ã¥ ¹ ´Ã©Æ' ½Ã¥â€¡ ºÃ¥â€º ½Ã¦â€"…è ¡Å'ä ¸â‚¬Ã¦ ¬ ¡He travels abroad once a year.ââ€" ºTÄ men yà  o qà ¹ Ã… uzhÃ… u zà ¬ zhà ¹ lÇšxà ­ng.ä »â€"們è ¦ Ã¥Å½ »Ã¦ ­ Ã¦ ´ ²Ã¨â€¡ ªÃ¥Å  ©Ã¦â€"…è ¡Å'ä »â€"ä » ¬Ã¨ ¦ Ã¥Å½ »Ã¦ ¬ §Ã¦ ´ ²Ã¨â€¡ ªÃ¥Å  ©Ã¦â€"…è ¡Å'They are travelling to Europe by themselves. Synonyms Another way to say travel in Chinese is  Ã¦â€"…æ ¸ ¸ ( lÇš yà ³u), which can also mean tourism.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Christian Philosophy Versus Christian Worldview - 1294 Words

Introduction Human perspective differs and leads to diverse worldviews. Several factors contribute to the creation of worldviews; the environment, experiences and most importantly the education that a human is exposed to. The question is often asked if there is such a thing as a write or wrong worldview, since it can consist of religious beliefs, political connections, and subjective opinions on life, love, family and friendship. These worldviews create philosophical questions regarding how society truly functions and different human beliefs. As educators it is critical that we nurture the Christian mind in order to fulfill the Christian worldview. It is also absolutely essential that the education system and learning objectives put†¦show more content†¦This allows Christian believers to reflect on what many contend is the background for the faith; that all humans are made in the image of God. It allows for educators to extend biblical teaching outside of the areas that are not explicitl y defined in the Bible. Furthermore it incorporates faith into learning and impacts society and the way we live. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of having a sound Biblical philosophy when it pertains to of education. Christian educators are learning that the curriculum must be Bible integrated in theory and practice. By this the Bible is to provide more than theoretical guidance and generalization. It is to be a vital part of the content of the curriculum and integrated with all subject matter. Christian philosophy seeks to answer the questions of what is real, what is the truth, what should be believed, is there a God and can we know Him? NEED TO WRAP THIS UP! Christian Worldview is defined as the framework of ideas and beliefs through which a Christian individual, group or culture interprets the world and interacts with it. Different denominations of Christianity have varying worldviews. There are varieties of particulars within the Christian worldview, and disputes of the meaning of concepts in a Christian worldview, but certain thematic elements are common in the Christian worldview (Ennis, Patricia A., et al). The world-view is by no means all the views and notions of the surrounding

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Social Media and Virtual Group Discussion †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Social Media and Virtual Group Discussion. Answer: Introduction: Social media and virtual group discussion comes in alignment when people talk about them. This can be said because whenever people talk to each others over social medias, the conversation between them does not remain personal and is considered with sharing of thoughts with everyone present. While making conversations, it is not necessary to be present physically that enables a lot of peoples involvement in simultaneous manner(Khan 2017). Sharing of thoughts creates an environment in which personal information or enquiries are spread which can be accessed by others. Thus it creates a network of sharing informations and messages while gaining enlightenment is only a part of it. For this, people need to connect with each other through writings, uploading pictures or sharing videos among each other. Although people do not engage themselves in face to face interactions still they make their point of view clear to everyone. Social Medias are one of the fastest and easiest ways to express ideas and informations online which also consist of function in which group discussion is allowed. Many people or associates find it difficult to convey their feelings during physical presence of others which is the reason they chose social networking sites. Therefore, it can be said that the tendency to hold back feelings, which was present earlier, could have been present if social Medias had not supported. Social Medias also confirms what is believed by someone which means the ascertaining of personal thoughts from view point of others(Ebma 2016). For example, a person might have an idea that could surprise others or which is not believed by self even. If similar idea or venture is seen over social sites, it encourages people to think in diverse ways and confirms that their beliefs are not false. There are many also drawbacks for such confirmation as people use this propensity for making conspiracies or false notions about others. In corporate world, Social Medias are many times used in order to make false judgement about competing companies which make customers or associates belief about it. Similarly friend or analogous groups can create reasons to fight between each other through wrong judgement. Interactions made on social sites cannot be replaced with other alternatives as conversations takes place with real people and messages are also saved for future references(Debate.org 2017). Since the process is simple and can be assessed during any time of the day, it ends up spending extra time on it than spending with real people. The basic purpose behind involving into social media does not limits to gain information or get into group conversation only but to make out what is right from different peoples perspectives. Some people require more simulation and so they spend more time around others to get their considerations. While conversing with people online there are chances of getting informations distorted or making different sense completely. In order to prove their feelings, people require making face to face conversations so that they are not offended by others. Thus, connecting through social networking only can be said incomplete way of forming relationships(Today Pictures 2017). It makes easier for creating groupies only while intense belief needs to be conveyed physically. On the other hand there are people who believe in conveying their feelings online and do not care about what others might think of them. This makes others unsure about their real being or what the person might be like in real world. Social Medias proves very useful to those who are hesitant in sharing their views within society and does not believe in themselves. Therefore while sharing their feelings with others, such people finds social networking the most efficient way(Lee Rainie 2011). Group thinking enabled in social sites happens to end up or get along with things according to declaration made by other people(Cooper 2017). In order to fit in the group many people casts their views one sided or even they do not take time to make judgement of their own. Every time a group discussion or universal online conversation takes place, what people convey can be liked or unaccepted by others. Whatever the case may be, the groups generally take one sided decisions irrespective of how much truth lies behind the information. This element shows that part of groups are only concerned in their continued existence rather than controlling the group from their view point(Thornberg 2014). On the other hand the leaders are ones who control the conversation and put on their effect over others about how they distinguish life. It does not matter whatever the case is, the ultimate goal of building group discussion is created which allows everybody to share their point of view. The accurac y of the information can be judged only through physical examination but making assumption or cross examination can be done through social media. Most of the people prioritise information which matches to their present values and ignores any invaluable message which shows that people attends to only fraction of information from social sites. Study shows that individuals consumes those informations which match to their opinion. But conflicting news tends to discriminate and amend personal views while creating dissimilar thoughts(Chamorro 2014). Nevertheless people always try to maintain their own belief and endeavour to be creative in becoming open minded. Earlier social Medias were not present but even though authors and philosophers had speculated long ago about human inability to embrace present reality(Casey 2016). Therefore internet or social networking can be termed as a cultural lens with which construction or distortion of reality is done. The choice of alternatives had made difficult for the masses to make decision upon which source of information shall be chosen, and the best way to choose between them is by ignoring irrelevant source. Presently it can be said that more people are engaging themselves in social media and using social sites has been increasing profoundly. Many people who are shy in nature find it effective while others likes to discuss about their present or past experiences. Social networking has also enabled etiquettes and ethics in many people as they keep comparing themselves from others. But social media have made virtual life more important than real life. Privacy among people life is diminishing and humours are spread in fast manner(Influence of Online Social Networks on our Youth 2017). Thus it can be said that social media have facilitated peoples life in both positive and negative ways. Many social sites are present that are used by people like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, etc.(Casti 2013) The basic fundamental behind forming such websites is to create groups and promote social attachments and bonding between each other. Businesses use social sites for promoting their products and companies. While, common people uses it for sharing and enabling informations among each other. Conclusion While discussing about social media, it had been made clear that social media can never be the reason for enlightening one self and shall be considered only as a medium in which one has to find out relevant source. The confirmation of idea behind using social media has been made which shows that persons belief is stimulated through it while encouraging them to react according to their own perspective. Group discussions in social media provides eliminating doubts and makes clear about different people visions while making own statements. The advantages discussed above proves that social network is been greatly used by people nowadays to confirm their feelings and expressing those ideas which might not be liked by others. This may also be one of the reasons why social sites are gaining much importance than relationships in real life. One shall always consider social media as an effective tool for making distinctions rather than making it their own vision as social medias does not enabl e gaining correct information every time. On concluding note it can be said that although social media have made peoples life interesting and easier but negative impact of it shall also be considered as it allows insecurity among their lives. Every new technology comes with both negative and positive effect and thus making a choice and amount of its using shall be decided critically. Social media shall improve life but not become life after all(Jitendra 2017). References Casey, Chole Ellinor. Social Media Is Not Reality. 2016. https://www.theodysseyonline.com/social-media-is-not-reality (accessed October 05, 2017). Casti, Taylor. 10 Private Social Networks for Discreet Interaction. 2013. https://mashable.com/2013/06/10/private-social-networks/#Soz.mJ3a9uqg (accessed October 05, 2017). Chamorro, Tomas. How the web distorts reality and impairs our judgement skills. 2014. https://www.theguardian.com/media-network/media-network-blog/2014/may/13/internet-confirmation-bias (accessed October 05, 2017). Cooper, Oliver JR. Social Media: Does Social Media Encourage Groupthink? 2017. https://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/social-media-does-social-media-encourage-groupthink (accessed October 05, 2017). Debate.org. Can social networking websites replace face-to-face interaction? 2017. https://www.debate.org/opinions/can-social-networking-websites-replace-face-to-face-interaction (accessed October 05, 2017). Ebma, Christine. Confirmed: Echo chambers exist on social media. So what do we do about them? 2016. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/in-theory/wp/2016/07/14/confirmed-echo-chambers-exist-on-social-media-but-what-can-we-do-about-them/?utm_term=.33f0152fdbc2 (accessed October 05, 2017). Influence of Online Social Networks on our Youth. 2017. https://www.indiabix.com/group-discussion/influence-of-online-social-networks-on-our-youth/ (accessed October 05, 2017). Jitendra. MERITS AND DEMERITS OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES. 2017. https://blog.oureducation.in/merits-and-demerits-of-social-networking-sites/ (accessed October 05, 2017). Khan. What are social groups and social networks? 2017. https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat/society-and-culture/social-structures/a/what-are-social-groups-and-social-networks (accessed October 05, 2017). Lee Rainie, Kristien Purcell and Aaron Smith. Section 3: How the internet is used in groups and the rise of social media and texting in group activities. 2011. https://www.pewinternet.org/2011/01/18/section-3-how-the-internet-is-used-in-groups-and-the-rise-of-social-media-and-texting-in-group-activities/ (accessed October 05, 2017). Thornberg, Molly. HOW SOCIAL MEDIA CAN RUIN OUR PERCEPTION OF REALITY IN 140 SECONDS. 2014. https://www.babble.com/tech/social-media-perception-reality/ (accessed October 05, 2017). Today Pictures. The False Self on Social Media. 2017. https://www.todaypictures.com/social-media-false-self/ (accessed October 05, 2017).

Monday, December 2, 2019

Software Patents and Piracy in China

Introduction Background Information Technology (IT) is one of the most important elements in the development of the world economy. The software industry forms one of the most essential components of IT. The size of the global software market has undergone a significant growth over the past few years. According to a report by Gartner Incorporation (para. 1), the software market averaged $245 billion in May 2011. However, one of the major challenges facing the software industry is piracy which entails infringing the copyright laws associated with products such as music, movies or software.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Software Patents and Piracy in China specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In an effort to curb software piracy, different governments have instituted various Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). One of the commonly used IPRs in the software industry entails the patent laws. Patent laws give in ventors a monopoly over their inventions by prohibiting illegal publication and distribution of software programs either through counterfeiting, rentals, soft lifting and hard disk loading (MacQueen, Waelde Laurie 4). Considering the fact that development in IT is increasingly being considered as one of the most effective ways through which a country can gain a high competitive advantage, some countries are considering software piracy as an effective way through which they can attain their desired competitive advantage at minimal cost (Jones 24). The rate of software piracy is highest amongst the emerging economies. This arises from a number of factors such as affordability, poor enforcement of IPRs, technical barriers and the comparative value associated with pirated software (Deloitte 2). Most of the developing economies have a relatively low per capita income. As a result, the consumers have other spending priorities rather than purchasing legitimate software. Additionally, indi vidual consumers attach the same value of legitimate software to pirated software. The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) is categorized amongst the countries with the highest rate of software piracy. In 1998, the rate of software piracy in China was 96 %( Jones 24). However, China has continuously implemented measures aimed at curbing software piracy due to pressure from other countries to comply with International IPRs. As a sign of its commitment towards IPRs, China has joined a number of international IPR conventions. This has enabled it to understand the importance of IPRs in dealing with software piracy. As a result, China has experienced a decline in the rate of software piracy over the past few years. By 2008 the rate of software piracy was 80% (Deloitte 24). This shows that the rate of software piracy in China is still high despite the measures implemented. China is ranked as the 2nd largest market for personal computers and the 10th with regard to software. This shows that th ere is a high market potential for software. The gap with regard to software market can be associated with the high rate of software piracy.Advertising Looking for research paper on intellectual property? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More One of the factors that have contributed to the high rate of software piracy relates to existence of an imbalance between demand for software products such as movies and other entertainment products and their supply. The Chinese government has implemented a quota system that is aimed at regulating importation and distribution of entertainment products for example television shows. This has led into a shortage for entertainment digital entertainment products such as movies. As a result, most individuals have resulted into the black market for software products. Software piracy negatively affects the growth of the world economy. This arises from the fact that a significant proportion of tax reven ue and wages are lost annually. Additionally, software piracy acts as a barrier towards creativity and innovation. This is due to the fact that motivation for creativity and innovation is significantly reduced. Personal experience In 2007, I had an opportunity to travel to China to my relative who relocated there. One of the issues that I noticed is the ease with which one can purchase pirated products. This made me to ascertain that China is one of the countries with the highest rate of piracy. Some of the most pirated product categories which I noticed included software, fashion clothing, electronics and jewelry. With regard movies, it was relatively easy to purchase them from street vendors. One the factors that made me to identify that the movies were pirated is the cost at which they were sold. For example, one could purchase movies which were still in the theatres for only $1. Some of the movies were of the same quality with the original ones while others were of poor quality. The poor quality of the pirated DVDs and CDs was as a result of failure by the counterfeiters to access the original copy. As a result, they would video tape movies in the theater screens from which they would make copies. However, pirated computer software and video games were not easily accessible from the street vendors. One would be required to purchase them from a particular central area where they were abundant. The discs which contained the video games and the computer software had no labels which made one to easily identify them as counterfeits. Additionally, the distribution of the discs was made in simple sleeves. In these stores, one would be able to select a variety of software which would be burned into one CD as per the customer’s request. In order to gain firsthand experience on the extent of computer software piracy, I enquired the cost of a number of computer software which included FrameMaker, Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat. The cost of the software was only $ 20 while the genuine ones cost more than $700. My relative informed me that software piracy is considered to be a part of the Chinese culture. This arises from the fact that copying in china is not associated with any form of stigma. Most individuals have developed a perception that they ought not to pay more for software whereas they can access a fake one which works just like the original one at a low cost.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Software Patents and Piracy in China specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Software patent laws in China Over the past two decades, China has increasingly been committed towards ensuring adherence to IPR laws. For example, from 1980 to 1995, China has implemented a number of trademark laws, copyright, patents and computer software regulations in an effort to counter software piracy. Despite this, software piracy is so prevalent that one can consider that there are no soft ware patent or copyright laws in China. Since its ascent to the World Trade Organization (WTO), China has increased its crackdown on organizations manufacturing pirated software. Additionally, the Chinese government has invested a significant amount of money towards development its legal systems and regulatory codes in an effort to enforce software privacy. For example, the Chinese government is committed towards ensuring that all state-owned enterprises and other government agencies use legal software in their operation. This has played a critical role in the decline in the rate of software piracy (Business Software Alliance para. 6). However, China has continued to experience an increase in loss of its revenue due to software piracy arising from infringement of IPRs (Hille para. 1). This indicates that the software patent and copyright laws implemented by the government are not sufficient. The inefficiency of these laws arises from a number of factors such as overreliance on admin istrative measures. For example; the administrative measures incorporated by China are evidenced by the fact that it has seized about 10 million boxes of illegal video products. Additionally, more than 4,000 video selling shops have been closed (Zhang Xie 2). In an effort to enhance the IPR laws, the Chinese government has established State Copyright Bureaus in all the provinces and municipalities. Despite these efforts, the Chinese government effort in fighting software piracy has been hindered by the fact that it over relies on administrative measures rather than criminal measures (Zhang Xie 3). Additionally, the government’s effort has also been hindered by increased levels of corruption and protection of the perpetrators at the provincial level. The government’s effort has also hindered by lack of resources necessary to enforce the laws implemented. The prevalence of software piracy is also increased by lack of sufficient knowledge amongst the citizens regarding the effect of software piracy on the country’s economy and social stability. Ethical perspective Most Chinese do not perceive software piracy as being morally or ethically wrong. Additionally, the ethical perspective regarding fighting software piracy in China revolves around two main issues. These relate to protecting the investments by companies, protecting their employees and the poor citizens. Therefore, implementing stringent IPR laws by the government to curb software piracy would result in social instability.Advertising Looking for research paper on intellectual property? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This arises from the fact that numerous individuals would be arrested and shops and companies closed culminating into an increment in the level of social instability. However, another dilemma arises from the fact that allowing software piracy to thrive would negatively affect the rate of innovation by hi-tech companies. This arises from the fact that they would cease to produce new software culminating into a decline in the rate of development in the global economy. Conclusion and recommendations From the above analysis, it is evident that there is a high market potential in the Chinese software industry. However, for this to be achieved all the stakeholders have to deal with the challenge of software piracy. Some of these stakeholders include the government, parents and learning institutions. Additionally, it is critical for the Chinese government to implement deterrent measures, educational campaign and other measures in order to enforce the laws. It is also important for the gove rnment and the software producing companies to implement preventative measures. Some of these measures include incorporating hardware and software schemes which will curb reproduction of software. For example, companies such as Microsoft Incorporation have implemented a key that requires to be sent through their database before particular software can operate. Another measure that can be implemented to counter software piracy entails implementing regional price adjustments. The price point set should be legal and affordable to individuals within a particular region. This strategy will encourage individuals to purchase legitimate software. Works Cited Business Software Alliance. China. 5 March 2011. Web. Deloitte. Monetizing consumer software in high-piracy market including China and  India. New York: Deloitte Development, 2010. Print. Gartner Incorporation. Gartner says worldwide enterprise software market grew  8.5% in 2010 to reach $ 245 billion. 5 May 2011. Web. Hille, Kathri n. China not doing enough on software piracy. 24 Oct. 2011. Web. Jones, Brian. Software piracy and the global economy. 23 Nov. 1998. Web. MacQueen, Hector, Waelde, Charlotte and Laurie, Gen. Contemporary intellectual  property: Law and policy. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007. Print. Zhang, Fan and Xie, Dennis. Chinese copyright protection has storied history,  strong future. 6 June 2008. Web. This research paper on Software Patents and Piracy in China was written and submitted by user Sloane T. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.