Statistical Mechanics and its Applications

Question: Discuss about the Statistical Mechanics and its Applications. Answer: Introduction In this report, ratio analysis technique has been used and demonstrated. Lamar Swimwear ltd is the business entity that has been used for the ratio analysis and business analysis has been used. Profitability ratio, solvency ratio and liquidity ratio has been used to analysis different aspects of the Lamar Swimwear ltd. Income statement and statement of financial position has been used to calculate different ratios to analyse business operations. In this report, analyses of different position have been examined and investment decision has been framed. At the conclusion of overall business condition of Lamar Swimwear ltd has been reported to investors in this report. Calculation of ratios Ratio Formula 2009 2008 2007 Gross margin Gross profit / Sales x 100 565,000 / 1875,000 x 100 = 30.13 % 460,000 / 1500,000 x 100 = 30.66 % 400,000 / 1200,000 x 100 = 33.33 % Net margin Net profit / Sales x 100 119,700 / 1875,000 x 100 = 6.384 % 91,800 / 1500,000 x 100 = 6.12 % 88,200 / 1200,000 x 100 = 7.35 % Current Ratio Current assets / Current liabilities 710,000 / 540,000 = 1.31 times 585,000 / 340,000 = 1.72 times 450,000 / 220,400 = 2.04 times Net income to total assets Net profit / Total assets 119,700 / 2100,000 x 100 = 5.70 % 91,800 / 1350,000 x 100 = 6.80 % 88,200 / 1100,000 x 100 = 8.02 times Return on equity Net profit / Equity x 100 119,700 / 856,100 x 100 = 13.98 % 91,800 / 646,400 x 100 = 14.20 % 88,200 / 554,600 x 100 = 15.90 % Debt to total asset ratio Debt / Total assets 1243,900 / 2100,000 = 0.59 times 703,600 / 1350,000 = 0.52 times 545,400 / 1100,000 = 0.50 times Debt-equity ratio Debt / Equity 1243,900 / 856,100 = 1.45 times 703,600 / 646,400 = 1.09 times 545,400 / 554,600 = 0.98 times Time interest earned ratio Earnings before interest and tax / Interest Expenses 260,300 / 85,000 = 3.06 times 186,000 / 45,000 = 4.13 times 160,100 / 35,000 = 4.57 times Earnings per share Net profit for shareholders / Outstanding equity shares 3.15 per share 3.06 per share 2.94 per share Average collection period Trade receivables / Sales revenue / 365 360,000 / 1875,000 / 365 = 70 days 259,000 / 1500,000 / 365 = 63 days 170,000 / 1200,000 / 365 = 51.70 days (Zha and Liang, 2015) In order to analyse investment opportunity in the business organisation different aspects of the entity shall be examined. Ratio analysis is one of the techniques that can be used to analyse business operations and business situation of entity. Ratio analysis is the technique under which financial statements are used for analysing business operations. Profitability, solvency, liquidity and efficiency are four major ratios that are used to analyse business situation of the business organisation. In present case, ratio analysis technique has been used in order to analyse business situation of Lamar Swimwear ltd. Financial statements i.e. statement of financial position and income statement of Lamar Swimwear ltd has been used to analyse profitability, liquidity, solvency and efficiency of Lamar Swimwear ltd. Following is the financial analysis of the Lamar Swimwear ltd: Profitability analysis It is the ratio technique under which profitability of the business organisation will be analysed. In case of Lamar Swimwear ltd, gross profit margin has reflected adequate level of profitability from the primary business operations. Lamar Swimwear ltd has adequate level of gross profit from its business operations. In case of net profit margin, Lamar Swimwear ltd has also shown adequate level. On the other hand, in terms of net profit margin of Lamar Swimwear ltd is lacking behind as compared to industry standards. Net profit margin is the profitability ratio which calculates profit earnings capacity of the business organisation. Return on equity is another profitability ratio that is used to reflect earning capacity for equity shareholders or investors. Return on total asset is another ratio that denotes profit earning capacity by utilising assets of the business organisation (Zha and Liang, 2015). In case of Lamar Swimwear ltd, return on total assets, has not reflecting adequate r esults in term of earning capacity of Lamar Swimwear ltd from its business total assets. This position can hamper business asset of the Lamar Swimwear ltd in later years. Liquidity analysis Liquidity can be defined as the state under which cash availability position in the business organisation. There are two major types of ratios that can be used to measure liquidity in the business organisation. Current ratio is the ratio that is used to analyse liquidity position of the Lamar Swimwear ltd. Current asset and current liabilities are two components of current ratio. This ratio is used to analyse position of liquidity in the business operations and level of working capital in business operations. Liquidity in Lamar Swimwear ltd is positive as current ratio is more than 1 time in all last years (Uechi et al., 2015). As compared to industry standards, Lamar Swimwear ltds liquidity position is not adequate in all three years. Solvency analysis Debt to total assets is the solvency ratio that is used to analyse level of debt used in backing assets of the business organisation. In case of Lamar Swimwear ltd, debt to total assets shows inadequate results i.e. their asset is backed by more than half of debt. In 2009, their total assets are purchased from total debt of the business organisation. Another solvency ratio is debt to equity ratio, which is used to measure proportion in capital structure of the business organisation. In case of Lamar Swimwear ltd, their debt to equity ratio has shown adequate level of safety among investors. As their debt is less than its equity i.e. internal funds. Another solvency ratio that is used to analyse solvency in the business organisation is time interest earned ratio. This ratio is used to analyse interest or financial charges payment capacity of the business organisation. In case of Lamar Swimwear ltd, their solvency capacity in terms of ability to pay financial charges is at good level. As compared to industry standards time interest earned ratio is not at adequate level. Efficiency ratio Efficiency ratios is used to analysis efficiency in the business operations of business entity in terms of receivables, payment and inventory turnover. In case of Lamar Swimwear ltd, debtors collection period has been calculated which reflect collection of cash from the debtors. Debtors collection period is the reflect conversion period of debtors into sales revenue i.e. period when cash is actually collected by the business entity. In case of Lamar Swimwear ltd, debtor collection period has shown inadequate collection period. As compared to industry standards, debtors collection period of Lamar Swimwear ltd is way more. Debtor collection period shall be controlled to as low as possible. In case of Lamar Swimwear ltd, their debtor collection period is at higher level and this means liquidity is postponed in Lamar Swimwear ltd. Conclusion From this report, it can be concluded that Lamar Swimwear ltd has mixed level of business operations. It can be concluded that, different ratios has been used and calculated to analyse business operations. Lamar Swimwear ltd is the business organisation whose business operations has been analysed and commented on. It can be concluded that liquidity position of Lamar Swimwear ltd as compared to industry standard is lacking behind. Solvency position of Lamar Swimwear ltd has shown adequate results as compared to industry standards. On the other hand, profitability position of Lamar Swimwear ltd has also shown inadequate results. Recommendation Since Lamar Swimwear ltd is financially strong in terms of liquidity and solvency therefore it is recommended to invest in it. Only thing that Lamar Swimwear ltd has to improve is debtors collection efficiency in terms of collecting cash of credit sales. As compared to overall industry standards, Lamar Swimwear ltd is not up to mark and has underperformed. On the above basis, it is recommended not to invest in Lamar Swimwear ltd. References Zha, Y., Liang, L. (2015). Aggregated ratio analysis in DEA.International Journal of Information Technology Decision Making,14(6), 1285-1297. doi:10.1142/S0219622014500114 Uechi, L., Akutsu, T., Stanley, H. E., Marcus, A. J., Kenett, D. Y. (2015). Sector dominance ratio analysis of financial markets.Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications,421, 488-509. doi:10.1016/j.physa.2014.11.055

A Fathers Influence free essay sample

On December 26, 2005, my father attempted a fifth suicide that killed him. In the years since, his death has shaped my life significantly. My father was born premature and doctors believe that his bones never developed fully. He had upwards of 30 surgeries ranging from his ankles to his neck, and everywhere in-between, seriously. He slowly developed a dependency on pain killers and sleeping pills due to the extreme pain he was constantly in. He attempted suicide several times by taking an overdose of pain killers, and eventually successful by carbon monoxide poisoning.I have had to live four, almost five, long years without him. He always tried his hardest to provide for my family. He was a great father because he always wanted to know what was going on in our lives and took us out to bond and spend time together. The quality time I now spend with my family and friends I cherish deeply. We will write a custom essay sample on A Fathers Influence or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I quickly had to become a fatherless child and the only man in my immediate family. Through his struggle with depression, I have learned to lead a more positive and caring outlook on life and try to transfer that energy to others. His love of food still resonates with me, along with a myriad of other dear memories that I will always remember. I have become such a strong person after seeing and dealing with so much devastation, and I do not let that get me down, instead, I learned from it. There are the days where all I want is for him to come back, but I have accepted the fact that he is not. My father, Jim Baumgardner, is the most influential and significant person in my life and I know that his spirit is always with me.

The eNotes Blog FOR SALE DraculasBirthplace

FOR SALE DraculasBirthplace Heres something you wont find in Craigslists classifieds The writing desk at which Bram Stoker created the bloodcurdling modern myth of Dracula will soon be up for auction. Looking at the ornate desk today, which seems so fitting as the gothic setting for the creation of perhaps the most chilling book in English literature, its hard to believe it was salvaged from near ruin not very long ago. Yes, this artifact, like all good curiosities, has its very own story After Stoker completed Dracula in 1897, he gifted the writing table to his good friend JSR Phillips, editor of the Yorkshire Post. According to an article in that same newspaper, the desk was later passed down at Phillips death to his son ER Phillips. Unfortunately, the younger Phillips wife so disliked the relic that she banished it from the house to rot in the garden for years. It was the Phillips son Guy, grandson of JSR, who saved the desk from complete ruin by taking it with him to London. But though he knew the history of the Dracula desk, Guy then left it behind in that London apartment when he moved away. Its next owners, the Brodericks, had no knowledge of its famous origins until they received a note from Guy Phillips later, explaining its history and hinting at its dark powers. I loathed the Dracula desk. But it is a fact that after leaving it behind, I and my family suffered misfortune after misfortune. I had two coronaries and my wife died suddenly of a stroke. Even after receiving the note, the Brodericks almost relegated the desk to destruction, casting it off to their neighbors the Yulls. At this point, the desk was in such bad shape that Mrs. Yull very nearly cast it off to a bonfire. It was only saved by her husband, who insisted it be put in his study and used as his computer desk. Interestingly, it was at the Dracula desk that Yull wrote his first book, a novel about Nazi fascination with the occult. Eventually, the antique made its way into caring hands. As of today the desk has been restored to more than its original glory by master furniture artist Mark Brazier-Jones, whose restorations can be found at none other than The Louvre and The Victoria Albert Museum. He explains his reimagining of the Dracula desk below. Even as a new desk, in its day, this was a modest item of furniture, a place for a man to work, and yet possessing a noble honesty.  I wanted to keep the desk complete and intact, to save all its scars and broken varnish, this history alive with its gnarled texturesI decided to attach, via callipers and clasps the necessaries to regain functionality.   To this I have also embroidered imagery appropriate to the great mans inspirations and imaginings.   I visualize Stoker sat pen to paper contemplating a moonlit rose garden, breathless milk white cleavage and blood soaked lace.   All the fixtures and fittings I have created are in bronze and burnished steel. He has also leather lined two secret compartments I have devised (the position of which will only be revealed to the final owner of the desk) The face panel of each drawer is acid etched through to copper and nickel layers.   The effect is to subtly represent a misty tableau of Whitby Abbey by moonlight, surrounded by gravestones and bats.   Over these drawer fronts are five bronze handles, each one different.   On the lower left, a bat, to the lower right, a savage hound (in Stokers book Dracula arrived in Whitby as a giant dog).   The three upper drawers consist of scrolling rose thorns and buds. The interiors are lined in deep buttoned blood red velvet.   The baroque rose motif is used again where they seem to crawl up and across the table top frame giving the feeling time has stopped like an overgrown grave. So, gone is the humble and battered desk of Stokers time, replaced by an ornate piece of art that certainly lives up to the gothic nature of its history. Hopefully some of the desks mysterious powers remain intact beneath all those coats of varnish, least of which is its uncanny ability to escape bonfires and garbage heaps. The Dracula desk can be yours, courtesy of the Profiles in History Hollywood Auction for a mere $60,000 to $80,000. Look for it on sale between December 15th-16th. Happy Halloween eNoters!

'Leases' and its impact on the financial position and performance of Essay

'Leases' and its impact on the financial position and performance of companies - Essay Example Exposure Draft ED/2013/6 'Leases' and its impact on the financial position and performance of companies Financial accounting Standards Board (FASB) and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has revised the Exposure Draft that outlined some proposed changes in the accounting rules for leases. The reason behind such a proposal is just to improve the comparability and quality of financial reporting, by increasing the transparency related to leverage. This signifies the use of assets in the organization in its day to day operations and the exposure to risk by entering into a lease contact. The Exposure Draft has proposed a dual approach through which identification, measurement and presentation of the cash flows and the expenses related to lease can be made. Apart from this, the board has proposed some disclosure that would facilitate the investors and other users of the financial information to understand the uncertainty of cash flow, amount and timing arising from leasing (IFRS Foundation, 2013a). This study focuses on the impact of new revised accounting standards that are fra med for leases, on the financial performance and position of the organization. Delta Airlines is a major airline, which is operating in America. It is headquartered at Atlanta, Georgia. It has an extensive network serving both domestic and international location in almost every continent except Antarctica. The organization along with its subsidiaries is operating with more than 5000 flights everyday and has approximate employee strength of about 80,000. Many of its aircrafts along with some ground facilities are taken on lease (Delta Air Lines, 2013; Delta Air Lines, Inc. 2013a). Thus, following section of the reports deals with how the revised accounting standard is going to affect the company. Lease Contacts by Delta Airlines Operating lease may act as an attractive option for the airlines industry as it increases the flexibility of the fleet, reduces the residual risk related to the aircraft for the aircraft industry and requires lower amount of capital commitment for the airline company. During the year 2012, Delta Air lines have entered into contact with T he Boeing Company and Southwest Airlines, to lease eighty eight B-717-200 aircraft. In the later part of 2012, these aircrafts were delivered. In the first fleet, 16 aircrafts were delivered and thirty six aircrafts will be delivered in 2014 and 2015 respectively. The B-717-200 aircraft that has been leased by the company will have advanced features like new and fully upgraded interiors, total seats of 110 that comprises of 15 Economy Comfort seat and 12 First Class seat, along with in-flight Wi-Fi (Delta Air Lines, Inc. 2013b). Thus, it can be expected to generate more income. Apart from this, most of the ground facilities of Delta are also on lease. Most of the lands and building that are occupied by the organization are on lease. The largest base for aircraft maintenance, principal offices, training facilities, kitchens, cargo and

Why I Want to Teach Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Why I Want to Teach - Speech or Presentation Example The eventualities of the experiences have made some of us to either abhor or cherish the learning part of our lives. Regardless of the experience one may have had, this piece of writing is a speech outlining the reasons why I want to be a teacher. "Teaching should be such that what is offered is perceived as a valuable gift and not as a hard duty." Albert Einstein My choice to settle on teaching as a profession was not a matter of spontaneous decision. Instead, it was a factor of a couple of years of reflection regarding the career I would like to pursue in life. I have settled on a career in education because I firmly believe that it stands out as one of the integral duties carried out in our society. I am convicted that teachers, both as an individual and collectively, have the ability to transform the world and shape it to the desirable destiny. In this profession of teaching, I remain hopeful that I will not only find an occupation and a source of living, but also I will derive p ersonal fulfillment and rejuvenation from it. I want to be part and parcel of the great pool of resourceful teachers who will one day be counted as those adhered to the true calling of teaching profession. In the words of Albert Einstein, I desire to teach such that what I offer to the students is perceived as a valuable gift and not as a hard duty. ... Furthermore, these teachers had a great mastery of communication skills and were well versed with the subject matter content. This is the exact type of teachers I desire to emulate. Nonetheless, being an open minded individual, I believe that my teaching technique would equally be anchored on a wide range of factors including my values and experiences. I want to ensure that my students learn in an environment that is secure and comfortable so that their level of steel esteem is enhanced. My experience as a student has served as an eye opener that great minds end up being unexploited to the optimum simply because the learning environment was not insecure or not conducive. Unwavering self-esteem would certainly give the student the confidence to strive and reach out for the goals they set for themselves. As a teacher, I will play an integral role in the provision of this environment to all students. I am also excited that I will have the privilege of shaping the lives of future parents and great members of the society. Often times, I find myself in a reverie imagining the pride that the teachers who taught President Obama felt when he was eventually inaugurated as the president of United States of America. I think of that and I cannot wait to start teaching. Who knows that an Obama or Hillary Clinton might be one of my students?! Many people find it hard to comprehend my unyielding passion to teaching profession. As others look at me in utter amazement, some people have chosen to level all sorts of criticisms at my â€Å"misdirected† ambition. They assert that teachers are the most lot of professionals no wonders they are ever complaining of exploitation. I do not blame them for this or neither do I hit

Encountering Conflict Essay Example for Free

Encountering Conflict Essay Encountering Conflict Conflict can both crush people and inspire people to greater heights. Conflict presents itself in various forms; it can occur in different places, can be intentional or unexpected and affect people in diverse ways. To survive people then need to develop coping mechanisms to overcome or at least begin their Journey of recovery. If they cannot do this, then they will not be able to move on. Conflict is a subject that everyone in the world faces on a day to day basis, but at different levels and emotions. Conflict can be exceptionally heart wrenching, by tearing people and amilies apart. But these wounds motivate many inspiring people who then make a difference. Conflict is a part of life; it cannot be avoided or put on hold. People from all around the world deal with conflict, in various ways and it affects people to a different extent. Throughout life, people may experience many conflicting situations, some are built by little ongoing problems, some explode and are left to dissolve, others are blown apart the pieces scattered, never to be put back together again. Conflict has been exposed and expressed in many films, novels and songs over the ears. The documentary Omagh by Pete Travis is an example of the devastation that conflict can wreck on lives. The film explains how conflict can affect innocent lives. For hundreds of years there has been tension between the Catholic Irish and Protestant English. This began as Ireland divided as a country due to religion but the tension increased with British interference in Northern Ireland. The documentary focuses on one specific event within the conflict which was the bombing in the Omagh high street. This caused 29 deaths and 220 injuries, of innocent people. The result left amilies crushed, broken hearted and dealing with their own conflict for a long time. The root of this devastation was religion; the Catholic Irish and Protestant English have fought for many years. Ironically the purpose of religion is to create peace, where as in Omagh it was the primary cause and branch of all the conflict. A very similar ongoing religious conflict is the fight for homeland between the Jewish and Zions (Israel and Palestinians conflict). The Jewish were sent from Israeli homelands many hundreds of years ago, but since have suffered persecution in Europe and now ish to return to their religious homeland of Israel. This however has been met with aggression by Palestinians and the Arab nations who now inhabit the area. Like the tension in Northern Ireland, peace is a long and painful patch to find. Conflict that has dwelled upon innocent lives has an impact on others who believe it should be brought to Justice. 1. 2 the Irish band wrote a song to express their feelings of their anger in response to the devastation in Omagh. One verse that stands out is: And the battles Just begun Theres many lost, but tell me who has won The trench is dug within our hearts And mothers, children, brothers, sisters torn apart. This particular verse links with the concept that conflict can devastate innocent people and their families, which are then being torn apart by the religion and also politicians in Omagh they did nothing. Thus people, like 132, stand up so hopefully the politicians can see that the conflict that has happened is still wounding many people lives, and that only they can bring it to Justice. So, conflict is a piece of everyones lives, even though you may shun conflict, it can come up unexpectedly. Omagh is an example of how conflict can be unexpected and totally crush lives. Conflict can also inspire people to create better lives for themselves and those around them. Kate Miller-Heidke wrote the song Caught in Crowd about a real story of lingering childhood regret. She wanted to raise awareness to people across the world, especially adolescents, of how bullying and peer pressure are causes of conflict. The song is about a relationship growing between a teenage girl and an outcast boy who is often bullied. It discusses how both had similarities, for example they both dealt ith conflict at home. Towards the end it talks about the boy getting thrown to the ground and him shouting out to her to help him. But she turned her back, and Just walked away. Kate Miller-Heidke encountered conflict and regrets the decision she made. Now she is motivated to make sure people of the younger generation do not make the same decision she made. Like Kate Miller- Heidke, Michael Gallagher, the father of Aidan Gallagher who was killed in the Omagh bombing wanted create a more satisfying life for himself, but also wanted to raise awareness that murders ere not being brought to Justice. He set up an Omagh Support and Self Help Group, which since 1998 have not stopped their fght. They have protested outside IRA meetings, written to the English Prime Minister and have talked to numerous newspapers but nothing has happened in relation towards the terrorist. In 2002, Michael Gallagher stated what happened in Omagh is still capable of happening in other towns. Because of him he has taught the world many lessons; the most important is never to give up on a Just cause Traumatic conflict can motivate people o immense heights, which can make an inspiring difference to our world today. Like Michael Gallagher, Glen McGrath lost a loved one and has not stopped fighting for what he believes in since his personal conflict. His wife, Jane was diagnosed with breast cancer. Jane McGrath had a passionate belief that every woman diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia should be able to benefit from the support of a specialist breast care nurse. Therefore, together they started up the McGrath Foundation in 2002. An additional aim of the project was to increase the awareness f breast cancer in younger women. Jane passed away at the age of 41 . Glen McGrath is more determined and devoted to the McGrath foundation by the inspiration of his loving wife. This proves that conflict can really touch people which motivates them to make a change, encouraging them to greater heights. These people have so much strength, their experiences power them on. Encountering painful conflict can bring out the best in people such as the old saying What doesnt kill us makes us stronger suggests people acknowledge they ave made a difference in the world and become satisfied. This is the beginning to the start of their Journey to recovery or acceptance. In the movie Omagh, Michael Gallagher, his wife and two daughters have not stopped fghting for the loss of their son, who was killed in the bombing. This tragedy caused conflict between the family, but they have learnt that they need to stick together to succeed their mission of family close, them standing up for what they believe in has helped them start their journey of recovery with each other. Another inspiration for making something out of terrible situation is in the novel Triage by Scott Anderson, the character Joaquin Morales managed to escape his village that was invaded. Joaquin lost his family dealing with the conflict of losing his family and survivors guilt. Joaquin become a psychologist for war criminals, hoping to change them and make them realise what monstrosities they caused. This would save many lives and hopefully bring peace to Spain. This experience helped Joaquin to begin his Journey of acceptance of what had happen to him. Joaquin quoted Im still here. Im still smiling meaning that he has learnt to live with himself after encountering conflict, which motivated him in saving many lives. Conflict is a subject that everyone in the world deals with everyday, from light issues to vigorous intensities. Conflict is incredibly powerful, it can tear people apart but it also brings the best out of many inspirational humans. Conflict can motivate people to extreme lengths which can make a huge difference in the world. These differences also help the individual to deal and maybe even overcome their own conflict.

Comparing Odyssey :: essays research papers

The Odyssey vs. American History X   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Odyssey and American History X don’t share similarities in the plot, theme or time period, but they have an ingredient common in many stories. Odysseus and Derek are challenged with deadly obstacles and they overcome these difficulties with the help of a mentor. A guide saves both characters and assists them in their return home. Odysseus and Derek need the support and help of a trusted friend who will guide them through their dramatic adventure.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bob Sweeny, a trusted and loyal friend to Derek helped him develop into a well-rounded person. After Derek Vinyard’s father died, he fell into a self-destructive pattern ultimately leading to racism. After spending three years in jail, Derek began to realize he needed to liberate himself and his family from this hate-infested lifestyle. Derek turned to Mr. Sweeny and begged for his forgiveness and his help. While in prison, Mr. Sweeny told Derek, â€Å"your anger is consuming you, your anger is shutting down the brain god gave you† (American History X). Mr. Sweeny guided Derek into the right direction. He understood that in order for Derek to be truly liberated he needed to learn on his own, much like Athena. He guided Derek, but never persuaded him to change. Surviving jail was nearly impossible, but with the help of Mr. Sweeny, Derek overcame imprisonment and returned home.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Athena is much like Mr. Sweeny, helping Odysseus return home. She disguised Odysseus into a beggar, consulted with other Gods to allow him to return home, and she helped devise a plan to defend his home. Although Athena assisted Odysseus greatly, she never chose a path he should take, much like Mr. Sweeny. Both Derek and Odysseus show their gratitude toward their mentor, however Odysseus boldly states his affection in the following passage, â€Å" Mentor, stand by me and remember your old comrade who always did the right thing by you. We are yearsmates!† (Chapter 22, Page 247). Here, Odysseus thanks Athena for her assistance and her loyalty. This was also done by Derek but in an indirect manner. The most prevalent comparison between these two stories is the relationship between tests and ordeals. Derek must overcome racism in order to survive prison, and Odysseus needs to identify that his excessive pride delayed his return home several years. The gangs in prison threatened Derek every day. They pose a potential negative impact on his family if he continued to demonstrate his hatred.