Facebook Acquisition of WhatsApp

There’s no doubt that one of Facebook’s primary objectives is to connect the world and acquiring Whats App is key to their strategy. There are multiple companies trying to reach them, but no one has truly been able to do this yet. The five year old mobile application software Whats App definitely made a remarkable impact on the world of Information Technology, especially in mobile messaging. Because of the good start, Whats App has been able to compete favorably against other online messaging applications in the market such as Twitter and Skype. Whats App managed to emerge the most popular mobile messaging application with an estimated 450 million users all over the world.

 There are a many reasons that make Whats App popular with many smartphone users.
Firstly, Whats App utilizes broadband connectivity which enables its users to send texts and multimedia files easily via their cell phones. Moreover, it has amazingly reasonable prices by charging a paltry $1 for a year regardless of the number of texts, pictures, audio and video files a user sends during that period. In addition, Whats App has been able to get a strong hold in new and emerging markets especially in developing countries and in Europe where other online messaging applications have not really made a mark. Therefore, it was not surprising that Facebook, being the big company in the social networking scene, decided to acquire Whats App for a whopping $19 billion. In fact, Facebook’s bid to acquire a mobile messaging application had previously been unsuccessful and therefore it was expected that Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg would make such a move. Of the $19 billion, Zuckerberg paid $4 billion in cash, $12 billion in Facebook stocks and $3 billion in bonds. This is a huge capital-intensive venture, but the prospects that Facebook will be able to prove itself on the mobile messaging scene are worth the risk.

 Many industry experts have speculated on the real reason for Facebook deciding to acquire Whats App. Some are of the opinion that Facebook needed the pictures that most Whats App users had been sending across this program. Others felt that Zuckerberg needed to make an entrance into the mobile messaging program considering that Facebook’s version of mobile messaging was nothing compared to Whats App. However, after all the excitement has gone down, this was a major boost to Facebook, making it the central pillar for all messaging needs in the market, be it in the social media or mobile messaging frontiers. Furthermore, it is expected that with this acquisition, Whats App’s user database will increase exponentially at a rate of 1 million users everyday , by being under the Facebook wings. In addition, it is expected that Whats App is expected to become absolutely free in future in line with the policies of Facebook usage. In case this happens, mobile messaging users will be the beneficiaries making communication easier and more accessible to a vast majority of users. The only downside, however, is that users of Whats App must have smartphones whereas many mobile users in developing countries in Africa may still be too poor to own smartphones. In future, as smartphones become cheaper and more affordable to these populations, the real impact of this acquisition will be felt across the board.

 Previously, Facebook had also acquired Instagram at $3 billion and it’s apparent that Facebook’s resolve to dominate the online social networking and mobile messaging is firmly on course. This acquisition will definitely propel Facebook’s dominance in the mobile messaging industry as well. 

Case Study

Intro:

In 1991, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) banned passengers from using their cell phones while on board an airplane that is in flight. The ban was instituted because the FCC suspected that the radio frequency emitted by cell phones could damage an airplane's equipment systems. In complying with this rule, different airlines have instituted different policies about when phones can be turned on and off. In 2005, the FCC announced that it might consider lifting the ban on the use of cell phones on airplanes, with certain restrictions. Lots of debate has surrounded the use of cell phones on airplanes. The primary concern is that cell phones may interfere with the navigation and communication systems of the plane. Numerous airlines have reported disruptions in cabin pressure, compass function, and wireless navigation systems associated with the use of cell phones on board. The FCC is attempting to establish an acceptable threshold of radio frequency emissions, so that cell phones could be used on airplanes without any fear of the navigation system.



Body:

Recently, the FAA loosened its rules for using cellular devices on airplanes. Many airlines now allow you to use tablets and smartphones during take-off and landing as long as they are in airplane mode. It is also considering allowing cell phone calls in the air. To make that possible, airplanes would need to be equipped with specialized miniature base stations called (picocells). Those base stations would relay any cellular signals through satellites or cell towers on the ground that are already set up to work 
with airplanes.

The bad things for using phones in the airplanes are that it interferes with communication and navigation systems, you can be sure that the Department of Homeland Security Would not allow passengers to use their mobile phone or iPad; for fear that they could be used by terrorists. Another reason I found that makes the most sense was the fact that when you make a call, at say 10,000 feet, the signal bounces off multiple available cell towers, rather than one at a time. The frequent switching between cells creates significant overhead on the network and may clog up the networks on the ground, which is why the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) not the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) banned cell uses on planes.• The FCC (and not the FAA) bans the use of cell phones using the common 800-MHz frequency, as well as other wireless devices, because of potential interference with the wireless network on the ground.• A few devices, if left on, may not cause any interference. However the case may be different if 50-100 or more devices are left on, chattering away interfering with the plane communications system. Also there would be no way for the flight crew to easily determine which devices are causing the problem. So best is to restrict usage completely.• If mobile phones are allowed on airplanes, terrorists might use the signal from a cell phone to detonate an on-board bomb.

Conclusion:

At the end, in my opinion I think the (FCC) Federal Communications Commission about banned passengers is successful solution. When you banned anyone use the phone, they will warn next time and also be careful about their sons when they use iPad or iPod. But if there are some airplanes allowed use phones, this is because they will not effect from the signals that come from the electronic device.

Animal Experiments

In the medical research institutions, someone takes animal testing to prove how effective some new medicine is. The mice and rabbits are often the victims. Animal testing is done for the development of effective and safe drugs for mankind. Animal research in fact plays a vital role in virtually every major medical research and development process. The reason behind animal testing stems from the fact that this type of research offers valuable insights into the working of the human systems. Moreover health agencies and medical societies around the world recognize the need for animal testing. Studies using animals have underpinned virtually all the progress that has been made in understanding and treating cancer over the past century, from giving clues to causes of the disease to showing us the best ways to treat it. For example, the breast cancer drug tamoxifen, arguably one of the most important cancer drugs of all time, was developed by the animal research. Over the years, it has saved hundreds of thousands of women’s lives. The development of antibody treatments for cancer has also relied on animal research. Antibodies are molecules designed to target cancer cells, and early research in mice helped to find a way to produce large enough quantities of these molecules to be used to treat patients. On the other hand, animals shouldn't be forced into cruel experiments for our benefit. In today's society there are many other ways products can be tested without using animals, so there is no need for it to continue. Animals have pain sensors just as we do. Animals and humans are not same biologically. Some animal testing may fail because of the biological differences one. The result of failure is a whole waste of animal lives, money and other resources. Through science development, there are other alternatives instead of animal testing. For example, in 2010, L'Oreal, which is one of the famous cosmetic making companies has developed a glass chip made up of human skill cells that reacts to humans natural allergic responses. My opinion about animal testing is that there are some benefits animal research has brought to people with cancer, but there are thousands of other drugs and treatment techniques that are built on knowledge from tests in animals. Also that studies in animals continue must be important to bring benefits to cancer patients and save lives around the world.      

Exam 1

Q1:

Critical thinking is a rich concept that has been developing throughout the past 2500 years. Also it’s that mode of thinking about any subject, content or problem in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully analyzing, assessing and reconstructing it. Critical thinking involves a wide range of skills and attitudes that includes:

1- Being able to read between lines and recognizing false or unfair assumptions.
2- Presenting a point of a view in a structured and reasonable way that convinces others.

Q2:

1- Misunderstanding of what is meant by criticism: The criticism means always making negative comment. But identifying the negative and positive aspects means the critical thinking.

2- Over estimating our own reasoning abilities: Most of us think of ourselves as rational being. We always believe that our belief system and reasoning system are the best.

3- The emotional attitude.

4- Social conditioning.
5- Egocentric thinking.

Q3:

Fallacies are mistakes of reasoning, as opposed to making mistakes that are of a factual nature. If I counted 20 people in the room when there were in fact 21, then I made a factual mistake. On the other hand, if I believe that there are round squares, I believe something that is inconsistent. This is a mistake of reasoning and fallacy, since I should not have believed something inconsistent if my reasoning is good.

1- ‘you too’ theory: This is an attempt to justify wrong action because someone else also does it.
2- Confusing association with cause: like stating that the increase of the use of drugs among young people is due to unemployment or poverty.

3- Argument from personal inability to understand.
4- Personalization of the argument.
5- No connection between the argument and the conclusion.

Q4:

1- More focused reading.
2- Improved attention and observation.
3- Improved ability to respond to the appropriate points in a message.
4- Knowledge of how to get your point across.
5- Skills of analysis that you can choose to apply in a variety in situations.

Critical thinking entails effective communication and problem solving abilities and a commitment to overcome our native egocentrism and sociocentrism.

Critical thinking

Definition of Critical Thinking: Critical Thinking is a cognitive activity associated with using the mind. Critical Thinking involves a wide range of skills and attitudes that includes 

·       Being able to read between the lines, seeing beneath the surface, and recognizing false or unfair assumptions.

·        Identifying other people’s positions, arguments and conclusions.

·        Drawing conclusions about whether arguments are valid and justifiable, based on good evidence and sensible assumptions.

·        Presenting a point of view in a structured, clear, and reasonable way that convinces others.

Barriers to Critical Thinking

1.     Egocentric Thinking.

2.     Laziness.

3.     Arrogance and Intolerance.

4.     Lack of confidence.

5.     Egocentric Thinking.

6.     Schedule Pressures.

Critical Thinking

This course is about thinking critically and a key word is viable.

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is a type of reasonable, reflective thinking that is aimed at deciding what to believe or what to do. Encompassed in critical thinking are the skills ofrationality, self-awareness, honesty, open-mindedness, discipline and judgement. The process of critical thinking involves thorough and careful interpretation of information as well as its subsequent application to reach justifiable conclusions.

These skills are necessary in many professions, particularly law, where a lawyer must evaluate different pieces of evidence. There are three main aspects of critical thinking – recognising assumptions, evaluating arguments and drawing conclusions.

Benefits of critical thinking

Good critical thinking involves:

·        Improved attention & observation

·        More focused reading

·        Improved ability to identify key points in a text or meassage and not being distracted by less important material

·        Knowledge of how to get your own point across more easily

·        Skills of analysis that you can apply to various situations

Ancillary skills:

·        Observation

·        Reasoning

·        Decision-making

·        Analysis

·        Judgement

·        Persuasion

Realistic self-appraisal

Many people probably over-estimate their critical thinking skills

Emotional self-management

We may not like evidence that contradicts our own opinions orbeliefs

Perseverance, accuracy  precision

Critical thinking involves accuracy  & precision & a dedication to finding the correct answer. It includes:

     Attention to detail

     Identifying trends & patters

     Repetition

    Taking different perspectives

   Objectivity 

    Considering implications & distant consequences

Assignment 1

The movie is about the global warming and what the causes of it and what will happen if we continues in the same direction. Albert Gore was speaking in the video in general and in detail about the global warming of our planet Earth and spoke mainly about the causes of global warming and its effects. Also says that the main point of this movie is that humans are cause global warming and it's real.
 



The massage of the film is clear and understood. We need to reduce as much as possible of CO2 emissions to help our world recover to its natural state. For example, there are about 30% of CO2 is caused by forest fires. We need to protect our planet. There are many countries which have more population can help to reduce global warming. 


The presenter is a professional; I believe that global warming is a big problem that has very little chance of being resolved. This movie gave me an overall idea of what's happening and what will happen if the global warming is in effect or increases in effect.