Oracle :: essays research papers

Dates in Oracle are stored in numeric format. Each date represents the century, year, month, day, hours, minutes, and seconds. The default date format is DD-MON-YY. Using the SYSDATE function, you can display the current date and time. You can use SYSDATE as you would use any other column name. In order to view the time you will need to use the TO_CHAR function along with a format mask which includes a time format element. For example, you can display the current date by selecting SYSDATE from a table. You usually select SYSDATE from a dummy table called DUAL. All users can access the DUAL table. It is owned by the SYS user. It consists of one column known as DUMMY, and one row with the value X. When you want to return a value - not necessarily a date - once only, the DUAL table is useful. To display the current date using the DUAL table, you use the command shown. And the output displays the current date. Dates are stored as numbers in the database, which enables you to perform arithmetical calculations on them. You can add or subtract a number to or from a date for a resultant date value. You can subtract one date from another to find the number of days between them. You can also add hours to a date and time value. This is performed by dividing the number of hours in the time value by 24. Let's take a look at how you can manipulate dates. Let's say that you want to add and subtract days from the current date. To add one hundred days to the current date, you type the command shown. The result is displayed in the column SYSDATE+100. If you want to subtract 34 days from the current date, you type the command shown. The result is displayed in the column SYSDATE-34. Let's say you want to subtract the hire date from the current date - you type the command shown. The result shows the number of days between the current date and the hire date. Let's say you want to display dates in terms of weeks. To show the number of weeks each employee in department 10 has worked, you first subtract the hiredate from the current date. Then you divide the result by seven. You can use date functions in a similar way to number functions to operate on Oracle dates. The MONTHS_BETWEEN function finds the number of months between two dates. The result is displayed as a numeric value. This is the only date function that does not return a date value.

Genre Theory †Robocop Essay

Genre theory is essentially a structuralised method of categorising films by common traits or conventions. The basis for genre theory comes from humans need to categorise things into neat sections and is one of the few film theories actually implemented more by the audience of films rather than film theorists and academics. ’ As intelligent entities, human beings have a natural proclivity towards organizing the components of the world around them into ordered filing systems. ’ (lumiere revolution 2004). However most films in a genre actually share conventions with films from other genres and borrow styles from other genres to make hybrid genres such as action comedies, science fiction/horror etc. The genre of a film depends on many features that make up the film text itself, from narrative to settings and themes in the story which the film has in common with other films (conventions). A collection of films with similar conventions which are grouped together make up a genre category such as horror, romance etc. The theory of semiotics also comes into genre as semiotics is essentially the language of signs such as red usually means danger, relating to genre signs are used to show the audience what type of film they are watching, visual cues such as the place setting or main characters which create the conventions of that genre. For example if someone goes to see a film in the action film genre they can expect to see a fast paced film with lots of spectacle possibly with special effects overshadowing the narrative, with the narrative usually based around conflict resolution. To look into how genre theory applies to Paul Verhoven’s Robocop (1987) it is useful to look at the science fiction genre and exactly what conventions go into putting a film into the science fiction genre. The main convention in a science fiction film is in the setting, often set in a futuristic utopia or dystopia on Earth or in space where technology plays a large part in people’s lives. A major theme seen in science fiction is technology, again it hinges on the premise of what the future holds, and is usually either man against machine or a commentary on mans over reliance on machines. Science fiction films also often feature a social commentary on past events or present political or social issues which are paralleled in the film text. Refer to films like Paul Verhoven’s Starship Troopers 1997, which is essentially world war two in space and the theme of the Terminator films which features machines becoming so intelligent they nearly wipe out mankind, reflection on the increasing reliance on computers to do pretty much everything. The reason I have chosen Robocop to apply genre theory to is simply because it is a very clear example of all the conventions which place a film in the science fiction genre. The setting makes it an obvious example of a science fiction film, set in a futuristic dystopia (not ideal future) where the city of Detroit is run by big companies who have privatised the police force (social commentary on privatisation in America at the time, health care etc.) The future setting is a standard science fiction convention which clues the audience into what genre this film fits into as soon as they see the setting. The main story arc is centred on a project to create a robotic super police officer, future technology being another major convention of the genre. To bring the robots to life on screen require some very impressive special effects which again is something that the science fiction audience has come to expect in order to make the setting and subject matter of the genre believable. As I mentioned earlier science fiction films also tend to have subliminal commentaries on social issues and Robocop is no exception. The transformation of America into a consumerist nation is a big theme that runs clearly through this film, everything is about selling products, even the police force has been privatised and is treated as a product. Robocop is even directly referred to as a product when the subject of his name comes up Bob Morten simply states ‘He doesn’t have a name, he has a programme, he’s a product’ (Robocop . P. Verhoven 1987). Verhoven also stages commercials throughout the film advertising fictional futuristic products again suggesting consumerism as a theme, even the main company in the film is called Omni Consumer Products. Replacing old with new is also a major part of the film, not only in the sense of Murphey being rebuilt into Robocop but also OCP’s plans to demolish old Detroit in favour of building Delta city, a city they can have total control over much like they have control over Robocop by programming him. ‘Omni consumer products or OCP, a company that functions as the unseen and seemingly irresistible casual principle, as it sets about redesigning the human environment – replacing old Detroit with the gleaming modern planned community of Delta City, complete as we learn , even to an element of planned crime and corruption. ’ (J. P. Telotte Science Fiction Film pg 166) The main plot is about OCP creating a super cop robot that doesn’t have the frailties of a human being, there are two projects seen in the film the first to be tried out is the Ed 2009 project which is totally made of mechanical parts and is run by a computer. The Ed 2009 project ultimately fails suggesting that with no human element to control the machines cannot function properly, rather than the other way round. The Robocop project is a combination of human and machine, with the brain programmed to take orders from OCP, with the human brain and mechanical body the project is a success which is perhaps a reference the ability of humans to think for themselves rather than blindly following orders that may not be applicable in the context of the situation. Robocop is in my opinion a shining example of what makes a science fiction film fit into its genre, this is supported by the very conventions of the science fiction genre, it has a distinct future setting which raises questions on what the future might hold, technology is also a major theme which is so often the case in the science fiction genre and also raises questions about morality and socialist issues. So just by looking at this film in particular you can use it as an example to show exactly what the typical conventions of a science fiction film should be. Film Theory Explication. Bibliography. Web Sites: * http://www. main-vision. com/richard/genre. shtml * http://lumierevolution. blogspot. com/2004/10/genre-theory-science-fiction. html Internet source: An introduction to genre theory – Daniel Chandler. Texts: An Introduction to genre theory – Daniel Chandler. Science Fiction Film – J. P. Telotte. The Science Fiction Film as an uncanny text – pg 161 – 178 – J. P. Telotte. Filmography. Robocop – P. Verhoven 1987. Starship Troopers – P. Verhoven 1997 The Terminator- J. Cameron 1984 Terminator 2 – J. Cameron 1991.

Natural Fires

When we speak of large scale fires, we often associate it with destructive forces that could burn properties and structures down to ashes or commit many lives. What we don’t realize is that large-scale fires have existed way back in the history of our planet, and that these fires are considered as natural occurrences. It is just our perception that lead us to our conceived meaning of fire, but truly, there are more benefits in it rather than the destruction if brings. Nature utilizes these large-scale fires for various reasons, both destructive and beneficial. We often think of fire as an evil force that consumes both living and non-living things in the environment. But besides this, we are oblivious to the fact that these fires are agents of natural change. These fires are considered as herbivores, because they consume plants and transform them to a more useful material (Bond and Kee). Most plants however, are inedible or just difficult to consume, like towering trees and the like. In order to put this into good use, fires act as herbivores that would devour an entire forest of inedible trees. They are consumed in order to transform the ecosystems into better ones, which the various creatures of our environment could live into (Pyne). No matter how man intervenes with the way the environment works, nature would always find its way with things. This is true for the occurrence of these large scale fires. Man has struggled and was somehow successful in suppressing these fires from devouring trees and other vegetations. Because of this, nature has somehow managed to adapt by increasing the temperature of the environment lately (Westerling et al.). Because of this increase in temperature, the trees in the forests become more susceptible to these fires. They easily get burned with just a little nudge, like a lit cigarette thrown into the woods, or a boy playing with some matchsticks. Works Cited: Bond, William J., and Jon E. Kee. â€Å"Fire as a Global ‘Herbivore’: The Ecology and Evolution of Flammable Ecosystems.† TRENDS in Ecology and Evolution Vol.20.No.7 (2005). Pyne, Stephen J. â€Å"Pyromancy: Reading Stories in the Flames.† Conservation Biology Vol. 18.No. 4 (2004). Westerling, A. L., et al. â€Å"Warming and Earlier Spring Increase Western U.S. Forest Wildfire Activity.† American Association for the Advancement of Science Vol. 313 (2006).      

Economy of Palestine essays

Economy of Palestine essays Economy has lost 790 million. This is equivalent to 20% of projected GDP for the year 2000. Investors have been detracted from Palestine due to blockade and due to poor resources in the country. Unless things change investors will not change their minds. It means it will be very difficult for business in Palestine to get any projects financed and major projects will be delayed. If Sharon imposes border closures, import and export businesses will be seriously disrupted. It will be exceedingly difficult to bring imports into the Palestine territories and exports will also be held up at border crossings. Perishable goods will rot as they did before when the Israelis imposed closures. "There are many Palestinian workers in Israel who bring in an enormous amount of income. In 1996 when Benjamin Netanyahu was in power it was $500 million. It was almost double that in 1999 when things were much better." However, external aid is still a crucial part of the picture and, under the circumstances, the donor financing will presumably continue. Poverty has increased by 50% since beginning of crisis. World Bank has released a report stating that 32% of Palestinians are below the poverty line. 100,000 Palestinians (23% of the workforce) depend upon work in Israel family income has evaporated. Purchasing power has decreased. ...

These Tips Will Help in Writing Synthesis Essays

These Tips Will Help in Writing Synthesis Essays Writing An Interesting Synthesis Essay Writing a desirable synthesis essay might sound tough, but after this guided method to writing one, your perception will totally change. To understand it, you should define what synthesis is. To synthesize means to gather several elements and create something new. You must have heard about the relationship between thesis, antithesis, and synthesis by now, if not then it okay. This means that for every point raised, there is a counterpoint. There is a combination of both results in the synthesis of a new point, where both aspects are reconfigured together to give out a new suggestion. A synthesis essay entails assimilation of different elements that agree or contradict to give out a single perspective when synchrony is applied. Synthesis Essay Definition Coming up with a synthesis essay is easy. You are expected to research a particular subject matter, and come up with sources that support your argument. The challenge arises in the conversion of the information obtained into your self-made point of view. For instance, you are given ten sources that have conflicting, or varying perceptions about the great depression. You are required to utilize only several sources (if not all) to synthesize your self-written synthesis essay. Your written papers should have a thesis which clearly puts across the point you are trying to make, based on the information collected from the chosen topics. Avoid summarizing the points, but instead, focus on making a point out of them. This is because most of the readers are aware of the contents of the sources and there is no need for repetition. Instead, use the sources as support to arguments that you intend to highlight. Ways of Writing a Captivating Synthesis Essay The following example will help you in understanding the process of coming up this a synthesis essay. Let’s say you are given ten sources, each talking about Superman. Out of the ten, four sources are essays on Christian Bale’s Batman, Adam West’s Batman, Ben Affleck’s Batman, and Michael Keaton’s Batman respectively. Four other articles show a photo of each actor while in their character, Batman. The other two are statistical data in graphs and charts, where one shows the box office returns of the four films with each having Batman as the star, while the other shows the ratings each got according to rotten tomatoes. Additionally, you are given the following prompt: Given that you have an executive position in a major film studio that is mandated to bring back the Batman franchise, synthesize using the sources provided, an essay describing how the studio should handle the Batman character in this latest comeback move. To start off, you should go through the information on each source and let the information sink in and get familiar with it. While at it, refer to the prompt given and make conclusions based on it. What are the reasons the studio should undertake a particular direction to handle Batmans character successfully? By answering such a question, you already have formulated your thesis. After completing your thesis, you are required to construct your outline. It is common knowledge that it should have an introduction and a conclusion. In between these two elements are the main points that support your argument, stated in the introduction under thesis, and re-stated again in conclusion. Support each point put across with sources provided. Synthesis Essay Outline In relation to the superman topic, I will highlight how best you should structure and organize your work to come up with a first-class synthesis essay Introduction The character of Batman has evolved in different forms over the years Each point of evolution has represented a theme popular during that time Adam Wests Batman character represented the campy fun of the 1960s Keaton’s Batman character represented the contrasting world perception of the 1990s Bale’s Batman character represented the realism demand for the 21st-century craving for a new true hero Afflecks Batman character represented the growing popularity of comic books in diverse genres, merges with filmmaking, but still utilizing the grim realism displayed by Bales Batman character. Bringing the character back to life should involve consideration of the target audience, daily realities, and the things the audience want to see in the film. The new Batman character should be both fun and evil, with a blend of intelligence, complexity, and torment. Finding the Right Movie Attitude in First Body Paragraph Each of the different Batman movie appearances has brought about a new phenomenon Evolving the character should apply originality, but still, stick to the true nature of the characters aspects that have not been introduced yet. Wests Batman character is a detective, thus showing originality in the introduction of a new Batman character wearing a cape and embarking on a vigilante crusade. Enjoy the Moments in Second Body Paragraph All appearances of Batman have excited viewers According to the review conducted by rotten tomatoes, the best appearances are based on the fun projected in character for the movie A new evolved Batman character is definitely exciting and enjoyable Be Realistic in Third Body Paragraph Wests Batman character is a tone for fun in watching the movie Keaton’s Batman character displayed a gothic, nightmare-like theme Bale and Affleck had a motive to highlight heroism, realism, and style in the character Ratings of the box office display the superiority in sales and audience point of view making them the biggest winners Evolving of the character adds fun to the content and movie altogether Conclusion Batman has a different character description on screen With the ranging opinions describing the best Batman character, factual evidence signifies the fun in evolving the character, and it should be real and focus on bringing to light a new aspect of the character that has not been developed on screen Topics to Consider for a Synthesis Essay Synthesis essay topics are aligned with reals include: Your thoughts about global warming The effort that needs to be taken to endorse economic development for sustenance Ways to combat terrorism and reduce a back and forth situation over the years What’s your opinion concerning genetically modified foods? Over dependency on digital technology in this evolving generation Normally, the topic or prompt is availed, together with the sources that need to be used. Creating the subject matter from this is therefore easy. However, deep emphasis and focus should be relayed to developing a new thesis that no sources provided has it in their literature, consider reading through your sources and prompt several times, grasp the concept and develop a thesis addressing the provided prompt, and relates to the sources previously provided. A Guide Sample of a Synthesis Essay You are provided with two synthesis essay examples. Each will describe different techniques of approach in handling this type of essay. The first essay utilizes the outline and sources given to come up with the required essay. For the second essay, assume that it is based on three diverse sources: an article by Jones, Book authored by Garrard, and presentation done by Schultz. Assume that each source discusses an aspect related to Hamlets character. In the end, you will realize that the essay synthesizes the perspectives of the three sources into an argument. Batman: The Evolution The character of Batman has evolved over the years, with each manifestation representing a popular element at the time of its conception. Adam Wests Batman character represented the campy fun of the 1960s. Keatons Batman character represented the world perception of the 1990s. Bales Batman character symbolized the realism demand for the 21st-century craving for a new true hero. Afflecks Batman character signified the growing popularity of comic books in diverse genres merges with filmmaking while still utilizing the grim certainties displayed by Bales Batman character. In an effort to revolutionize Batmans character, our studio should take into consideration the current theme endorsed and what the audiences really want. The new Batman character should be both fun and evil, with a blend of intelligence, complexity, and torment. The evidence also displays that each new Batman character represents something different from what was portrayed before. This paper will deliberate how the new Batman character should be depicted on screen, in relevance to the provided sources. Finding the right movie attitude sets the pace required to evolve the Batman character. Each of the different Batman movie appearances has brought about a new spectacle. Evolving the character should apply originality, but still, stick to the true nature of the characters aspects that have not been introduced yet. An essay on Wests Batman shows that the character is a detective, thus showing originality in the introduction of a new Batman character wearing a cape and embarking on a vigilante crusade. Therefore, by bringing about a new character aspect as Batman being a detective will make the audience find the presentation as fascinating and fun to watch. You should, however, keep in mind that the audience prefers fun over-seriousness in cinema as per review by rotten tomatoes. This is the reason why many critics discredit Afflecks Batman character, which they thought that it was too grey and pompous. Our evolved version should endorse fun, but still, avoid the campy aspect of Wests Batman. Keatons Batman character brought equilibrium between comedy and tragedy; thus the character chosen to represent our franchise should have a similar charm about him. This will ensure that the audience receives both thrill and fun as they watch our movie. It is also important to acknowledge that Bales Batman franchise was the most successful up to date. It was the first movie to bring about realism to the character. This can be seen by the response the audience gave out, that illustrated the need for a real hero who will solve their problems and needs in a time where both elements were thriving. While Wests Batman set the tone for fun, and Keatons character depicted a nightmare-like gothic experience, the Batman character brought to display by Bale (and to some extent, Afflecks Batman) signified heroism, realism, and style within the character. Therefore, it is suggested that there is a need to present a realistic Batman character to the audience. In conclusion, Batman has been represented in various forms on the screen. Even though there is a lot of speculation regarding which character is the best, evidence shows that an evolution of the character should be fun, have a realist attitude and focus on aspects of the character that have not been fully developed on screen. All the provided reasons should help our studio to define a Batman character who is a detective but still fun and realistic altogether. This will make the movie a hit and give it promising box office ratings. The mental state of Hamlet: Mad or Just a Hoax? So many suggestions come through when discussing the mental state of Hamlet character in a Shakespeare written book. However, several scenes in the play illustrate that the Hamlet character is just pretending which if he is, he exaggerates it too much (he slays Polonius in a fit of frenzy and later on says that he does not know what he has done). This paper will present arguments on the character of Hamlet, where he does begin by pretending to be crazy to deceive these people who were spying on him. Additionally, as the play progresses, he ultimately loses his mind for a short period and recovers it in the final act. As highlighted by Jones, Hamlet is determined to pretend to be mad so as to dupe his father-in-law. He only divulges to people close to him, and his trick does work. Those that were out of his inner circle could not understand Hamlets actions thus could not make a significant act on him.   Hamlet also displays a reasonable character, proved by the long soliloquies stating that he was an active mind at work which shows no sign of insanity. Garrard illustrated that the act by Hamlet to slay Polonius by lugging his guts away, he depicted a high level of crazy.   His reason is not deceptive, and his soliloquies are not present. Both elements have been replaced by emotional outbursts directed to his mother, suggesting that the prince was on the brink of losing his mind. In the last scenes of the play, he again displays his soliloquies and reaffirms his rationality, as indicated by Schultz. This can be seen when he returned to Denmark after escaping the ship that was leading him to his demise. He then seeks forgiveness from those he had wronged and those he intended to. However, he still ends up hurting them with his actions founded on pure vengeance promoted by a perceived act of justice, rather than madness. With a review of Hamlets character, it is safe to imply that he is sane, then becomes crazy, and reverts back to being sane again, which can be summed up as temporary insanity. This implication gives room for a good argument to be based on both sides and fuses all points into a new sense of direction. This allows the audience to depict Hamlets character as a voyage from reason to madness and back to reason again. Using this aspect to examine Hamlet helps us see hid downfalls and comebacks. In conclusion, you cannot perceive Hamlet and totally sane or insane. His character can be best perceived as a changing factor as the play progresses. From the threatening but lucid man as the start of the play, he develops into a hysterical, infuriated young man in the middle, and reverts back to his normal self as a reasonable person at the end. Summing up A synthesis essay is not hard to write. You just need to find reliable sources or use those given to you, utilize the main points in each, and form a link to bring out a new perspective which synthesizes various points of view to come up with a new argument. The argument created should be supported by the provided sources. The conclusion you come up with should depict how it has undergone a scientific thought process, thus finally completing a concrete synthesis. Following all the required steps and utilizing the provided sources are key to the creation of a well-written synthesis essay.

Conceptual Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Conceptual Art - Essay Example Conceptual art is perhaps one of the artistic movements surrounded by many debates and controversies since it seems to provoke powerful emotions and reactions in audiences. That is, although a good number of audiences agree that conceptual art is not only refreshing but also relevant to modern times, others find it rather repugnant and shocking kind of art. In fact, others feel that conceptual art is not art at all. Thus, conceptual art could be described as something loved and hated in equal measure. That conceptual art is controversial and divisive is not accidental as it seeks to challenge and probe audiences to take a keen and analytical look at art in general and prompts them to question hitherto unchallenged assumptions about what qualifies as art and the roles of art and artists. Therefore, there are a number of hurdles that philosophers of conceptual art have to encounter and contend with in their work. First, conceptual art philosopher need to isolate the art/object under ex amination or categorization. This activity becomes quite challenging given that the definition and boundary of conceptual and other types of art is not quite clear. Generally, conceptual art refers to the artistic movement that appeared in the period between 1966 and 1972, practiced and spread by artists such as Joseph Kosuth, Robert Morris, Joseph Beuys and Mel Ramsden. A critical feature of this period’s art is its absorption and application of the lessons learnt from earlier 20th century art movements such as the Fluxus group., Abstract Expressionism, Dadaism, Surrealism, and Suprematism. The other unique feature of conceptual art is that it attempts to overcome the notion that art is only about aesthetic value, emphasizing that art only valued for its beauty but not to make people think is redundant (Corris 78). Unlike conceptual art, instead of promoting reflection and conception, earlier artistic movements only used art to promote consumerism on the basis of the beauty of art and the skills of the artists. Conceptual artists thus denounce these specific and restricted views of art, Instead, they promote a revisionary understanding of works of art, artists, and artistic experiences. From a philosophical viewpoint, it would be rather narrow to restrict the definition of conceptual art to the 1960s and the 1970s. Thus, any inquiry into conceptual art should not only cover artworks created in this mentioned period since the spirit and intentions with which conceptual art was produced in the 1960s and 1970s continues even in current times

New Health Medical Systems Memo Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

New Health Medical Systems Memo - Research Paper Example Staffing should incorporate specified basic rules which play a part in managing the human resources of an organization. New Health Medical Systems should have a durable staffing strategy which will be significant in attaining its objectives.The strategic decision of placing advertisements in the local newspapers and contacting staffing agencies that specialize in placing technicians into healthcare facilities is extremely significant for New Health Medical Systems. This will help in creating awareness among the qualified technicians. Organizing a job fair for local professionals to attend will also be essential for New Health Medical Systems. The job fair will enable the organization to analyze technicians who are qualified from the ordinary ones. New Health Medical Systems will receive numerous applications from technicians coming from different regions due to the job fair and visiting professionals. The final strategy of offering a $1,000 signing bonus to anyone who joins the organ ization and stays for at least 180 days is novel but ineffective as it will enhance the expenditure of the organization.The management of New Health Medical Systems should provide training for its current employees and put forward an offer for them. Also, any member of staff who recommends a qualified technician should get monetary rewards. This will help in developing and acquiring qualified technicians. The organization should employ all forms of media so as to adequately advertise the vacant positions.... There is need for appropriate forecasts regarding possible employee transfers, retirements, and turnover outside the zone. Training employees in the organization is a basic step for filling positions which are not required instantly. Staffing should incorporate specified basic rules which play a part in managing the human resources of an organization. New Health Medical Systems should have a durable staffing strategy which will be significant in attaining its objectives (Conaty & Charan, 2011). The strategic decision of placing advertisements in the local newspapers and contacting staffing agencies that specialize in placing technicians into health care facilities is extremely significant for New Health Medical Systems. This will help in creating awareness among the qualified technicians. Organizing a job fair for local professionals to attend will also be essential for New Health Medical Systems. The job fair will enable the organization to analyze technicians who are qualified from the ordinary ones. New Health Medical Systems will receive numerous applications from technicians coming from different regions due to the job fair and visiting professionals. The final strategy of offering a $1,000 signing bonus to anyone who joins the organization and stays for at least 180 days is novel but ineffective as it will enhance the expenditure of the organization. Recommendations The management of New Health Medical Systems should provide training for its current employees and put forward an offer for them. Also, any member of staff who recommends a qualified technician should get monetary rewards. This will help in developing and acquiring qualified technicians (Boudreau & Ramstad, 2007). The organization should employ all forms of media so as to adequately