Government Regulation of Climate Change Essay

For all nations, adapting to climate change has become a key issue. Governments are mandated to formulate policies aimed at safe guarding lives and livelihoods for their people and at the same time attain their development goals. As cities continue to grow, more people moving to urban centers, and nations working to become industrialized, climate change is here to stay, all that can be done is formulation of policies that will help reduce and adapt to the change. These regulations should put into consideration sustainability. In its short term policy, the government has formed a wide array of public private partnerships aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions. Focus is put on use of renewable energy, efficient use of energy, methane and other non carbon gases agricultural practices, and projects to achieve reduction in greenhouse gas emission. ( U. S. Climate Policy and Actions) . In its quest to reduce green gas emissions, the government has established a multi agency climate change technology programs to develop and implement the technologies. Climate change being a global challenge, no nation can satisfactorily claim to have fought it within its jurisdiction. It is on this ground that the government has formed international cooperation with other nations in areas of science, mitigation and environmental monitoring. To some extent, large (mostly industrializes nations) green gas emitters are made to compensate the small (developing world) green gas emitters. The government has set threshold for green gas emissions. These defines the acceptable limits of green gas emissions by firms . The regulations here targets large and stationary greenhouse gas emitters. EPA estimates these large emitters to contribute about 70% of green house gases in the country (EPA regulatory initiative, p3). Programs targeting reduced green gas emission and increased fuel economy for cars and trucks used in United States have been established. Under the regulation general suppliers of fossil fuel and industrial green house gases, manufacturers of vehicles and engines and any other green gas emitting facility that emits above 250000metric tonnes of green house gases annually to submit annual reports to the regulation body EPA. These regulations aim at collecting timely information for better planning. Different views have been given on climate change . Arguments that there is no scientific proof showing that increase in global temperature is brought about by heat trapping gases in the atmosphere have been raised. It also has been claimed that despite the claims that these gases are as a result of man’s activities, for instance burning of fossil oil or deforestation, still no scientific proof on this has been given. In his view Brzorad, scientists in addition to doing their work, have other motives, their research are at times biased based on the desired outcome . The bias could be politically motivated, need for firms to make more profit, or personal urge for recognition (p2). In my view, climate change is a reality. As a result of industrialization, increased life expectancy and a generally growing population, human activity is putting pressure on the limited natural resources. These acts of man has led to more green house gases being generated from power plants, automobiles and other firms accumulating in the atmosphere, trapping heat from the sun and increasing global temperatures. Policy makers have several options to choose from as they consider how to reduce green gas emissions. Of the many options, the most practical ones are command and control regulation where regulatory authorities directs on how emission limits will be achieved, and the incentive based regulation where forces of supply and demand are used to change behavior and achieve environmental goals. Command and control regulation are enforced by fines if pollution is above the set limits or threshold. In this system, pollution is monitored and laws enforced. This is done either under a tax regime or a regulatory regime. The system applies uniform emission limits on polluters despite each firm having a different cost on emission reduction. The regime is considered rigid as it also controls the emitter choices on how to reduce emissions. In the incentive based regulation, pollution reduction is achieved through tradable emission limits where and if allowed pollution can be achieved at lower costs. It is a market based approach to pollution reduction achieved by providing economic incentives. In this system, a regulatory body or the government sets a limit on the amount of a pollutant that can be emitted. The limits are sold to firms in forms emission permits. Each firm is required to hold permits equivalent to its emission. Each firm is only entitled to a certain specific number of permits. A firm emits higher levels of pollutant than the maximum allowed permits then the firm buys the extra permits from other firms. In the set up, the buyer pays for extra pollutant while the seller is rewarded for causing less harm to the environment. The approach leaves the burden of reducing emission to the emitter. It offers reduced social cost due to its flexibility. It also creates a single price for emission. If in Federal Congress or administration, I would recommend an incentive based approach for greenhouse gases. These gases have the same effect on the environment regardless of where pollution is occurring and are also perfectly mixing. The approach gives the polluter the freedom to look for most economical ways to reduce emission and continually reduce emissions to be below the set standard to avoid buying more permits or enjoy selling the permits if emission is blow the set standards. For other types of pollutants, including solid waste I would recommend command and control regulation the polluter would be made to pay for the actual damage made to the environment. List of references Brzorad John, (Feb. 9, 2009) opposing views on climate change. Retrieved from http://www2. hickoryrecord. com/content/2009/feb/05/just-science-opposing-views-climate-change/news-opinion National Center for Environmental Economics (May 31, 2010). Retrieved from http://yosemite. epa. gov/ee/epa/eed. nsf/3cdbd09d7c867d9785256c9200548b12/988c90eb8ee77035852574ce000e9724! OpenDocument U. S. Climate Policy and Actions (February 22, 2010). Retrieved from http://www. epa. gov/climatechange/policy/index. html

Karl Marx Essay

Karl Marx did not believe in god. He was well known for his ideas about alienation. He believed everyone was born with a creative spirit, i.e. species being. Conflict is to fight or to battle, Karl Marx was the founder of conflict theory, according to sources conflict theory argues that the competition of groups and individuals for power and wealth is a fundamental process shaping the social structure. Conflict is manifested through Marx by who gets what and why, Marx argued that the labor market was shaped by class conflict. The capitalist class, which owned the means of production, promoted division of labor to maximize their profits and to disempowered workers. Karl Marx did not believe in god. He was well known for his ideas about alienation. He believed everyone was born with a creative spirit, i.e. species being. Conflict is to fight or to battle, Karl Marx was the founder of conflict theory, according to sources conflict theory argues that the competition of groups and individuals for power and wealth is a fundamental process shaping the social structure. Conflict is manifested through Marx by who gets what and why, Marx argued that the labor market was shaped by class conflict. The capitalist class, which owned the means of production, promoted division of labor to maximize their profits and to disempowered workers. Karl Marx did not believe in god. He was well known for his ideas about alienation. He believed everyone was born with a creative spirit, i.e. species being. Conflict is to fight or to battle, Karl Marx was the founder of conflict theory, according to sources conflict theory argues that the competition of groups and individuals for power and wealth is a fundamental process shaping the social structure. Conflict is manifested through Marx by  who gets what and why, Marx argued that the labor market was shaped by class conflict. The capitalist class, which owned the means of production, promoted division of labor to maximize their profits and to disempowered workers. Karl Marx did not believe in god. He was well known for his ideas about alienation. He believed everyone was born with a creative spirit, i.e. species being. Conflict is to fight or to battle, Karl Marx was the founder of conflict theory, according to sources conflict theory argues that the competition of groups and individuals for power and wealth is a fundamental process shaping the social structure. Conflict is manifested through Marx by who gets what and why, Marx argued that the labor market was shaped by class conflict. The capitalist class, which owned the means of production, promoted division of labor to maximize their profits and to disempowered workers. Karl Marx did not believe in god. He was well known for his ideas about alienation. He believed everyone was born with a creative spirit, i.e. species being. Conflict is to fight or to battle, Karl Marx was the founder of conflict theory, according to sources conflict theory argues that the competition of groups and individuals for power and wealth is a fundamental process shaping the social structure. Conflict is manifested through Marx by who gets what and why, Marx argued that the labor market was shaped by class conflict. The capitalist class, which owned the means of production, promoted division of labor to maximize their profits and to disempowered workers. In sociology the word culture means the totality of learned, socially transmitted knowledge. It can be defined as the ways of thinking, the ways of acting and material objects that together shape a persons way of life. Material culture refers to physical culture artifacts, i.e. things that you can touch, cars, handbags and clothes. Non-material culture refers to artifact that exists in a culture, e.g. norms, values, religion rules,  moral language and knowledge. In sociology this is referred to several processes that a culture uses to shape its member’s members thoughts, feeling and behaviors. Abortion is considered part of non-material culture because it is an artifact that exists in cultures its something that can’t be touch. Many religions view abortion as a sin due to the fact that abortion is the termination of an early pregnancy by various methods; religions view it as the killing of a life. Others just view it as moral issues despise the legality of abortion. Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by the removal or expulsion of a fetus from the uterus. It can occur in two ways purposely which is the term abortion refers to or it can occur unexpectedly, which is considered a miscarriage. It is done in two ways medically in a clinic or with pills. Abortion falls into values and religion rules because many people believe it is something that shouldn’t be done because who are we to take a life away, and as I previously stated others view it as murder because a fetus is consider a life from the moment it is conceived. According to Julie Cline in the article â€Å"Teen Abortion† from the Chicago Tribute, the controversy over abortion is incredible still until this day; people against abortion are trying there best to change the fact that abortion is legal. But according to Cline others believes abortion has its benefits. Studies show teen pregnancy has gone up in the last few years and that more than 300,000 teens receive abortions, that is equal to 1/3 of the abortions performed yearly. This article states abortion should stay legal because it keeps unwanted children from coming into this world and teens from ruining their futures.

Project Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 8

Project Management - Essay Example A formal project technique ought to outline the roles of each team member all through the project time. In project management, software is becoming increasingly important in order to assess the implementation and final success of a project. This paper will discuss how project management techniques can be used to improve the completion of projects, the role of start, finish times with respect to project completion time, and explain the role of software in project management. Project management techniques can help to improve the completion of the projects in that they can used to determine where change is needed and to help in integrating such changes into the project plans. Project management techniques help to evaluate all facets of administrative, technical, social and operational modifications based on the project prerequisites, in order to successful complete the project (Wysocki 324). Besides helping to identify such changes, the techniques help toprioritize the urgency and order of their implementation to maximize the project completion. Project analysis techniques are applied to recognize the essential and non-essential tasks and activities pertaining to a project thus increasing the chances of project completion by reducing unnecessary non-essential activities that could hamper the completion of the project on time (Wysocki 455). The analyses help to outline the most effective and efficient approach to implement the project. The project start and finish times are very critical since they help to plan and project costs and ensure successful completion of a project. Start and finish time characterize the duration each undertaking in the project requires in order to be accomplished. The time is dependent on the size and input required to accomplish various project activities. The project time, determined by the difference between the start and finish time, gives an outline to transform the inputs into outputs.

Film Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Film Review - Essay Example The crux of the story revolves around the well known adventure and archaeologist Dr. Henry – â€Å"Indiana† Jones when he is summoned back into action and gets entangled in a plot by the Soviets to unearth the secret behind the sinister yet mysterious artifacts of the Crystal Skulls. At the time of the Cold War, Professor Henry James is tracked down by Soviet agents when they find him accepting a coded message that was sent to him from an old and demented colleague, played by Henry Oxley. The brilliant and adventurous Irina Spalko leads the Soviets and trails Jones and Mutt the young man to Peru. Making use of Oxley’s code, they chance upon a legendary skull carved from a single piece of Quartz. The main knot of the story lay in the fact that if Jones found the skull and transferred it to its rightful place, then everything would be calm and peaceful, but in case Irina found it and took it to it’s place of origin, she would be endowed with exceptional powers that would endanger the West. The professor and the young man join hands with a lady from Jone’s past to face the dangers of the tumultuous jungle. Spielberg’s brilliance can be seen in almost every frame and the movie captivates or engulfs its audience. This 122 min. film keeps the audience pinned to their seats as the intriguing drama unfolds. Such a mega movie needs the backing of a big company and that was shouldered by Paramount Pictures, USA. With the sound mix in Dolby Digital, the soundtracks were old but very famous numbers by popular artists. The first was â€Å"Hound Dog† lyrics penned by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and originally performed by the enigmatic Elvis Presley, the second track was the â€Å"Howdy Doody Theme†, the third was the famous â€Å"Wake up little Susie† originally performed by the Everly Brothers and the other tracks were â€Å"Little Bitty Pretty

Business strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 2

Business strategy - Essay Example Disruptors also play a major role for gaining competitive advantages. Disruptors break old boundaries of business and implements new things into business. This case study describe about the rhetoric structure and disruptors of Ford Company. By managing knowledge effectively the Ford implemented a disruptor which created a competitive advantage for the company. The company’s different rhetoric structure contributed a lot to enhance its products and business process. Ford invented a very innovative technology which helped the company to design its one of best selling truck. The company used aluminium in a high quantity to make the body of truck. It became an important feature for the company for saving its cost. The competitor of Ford does not have such features in its product. It helped the company in many ways to gain its market. The case study chosen revolves around best-selling pick-up truck of Ford. Ford F-150 contributed majorly towards global profit margins of the company. The company gained competitive advantage through designing a vehicle of aluminium. This was a rare concept and helped in reducing fuel consumption rate to desirable extent. Automobile industry is a part of oligopoly market structure. This industry is dominated by big five players such as General Motors, Ford, Honda, Toyota and Chrysler. There are certain key objectives of Ford’s competitors which can be stated as acquiring maximum profit share, technological leadership, growth of market share and service leadership. Ford comprises of 8 brands – Ford, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Aston Martin. Differentiation techniques have been adopted by the organization in order to stay competitive in the market place. Safety, advanced technology and innovative designs are the basis of their competency set. P orter’s five forces model can be applied on Ford in order

TET Offensive Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

TET Offensive - Essay Example Johnson, upon assuming the Presidency after the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, inherited not only Kennedy's social reform policies but also the United States' involvement in Vietnam. He had never wanted to become a 'war president'. His primary objective had been to ensure a legacy of a president who gave his country social reform policies and programs devoted to establishing the 'Great Society' and first three years saw him work almost exclusively towards achieving it.2 This solitary concentration cost him conscientiousness with regard to the Vietnam Conflict. During the first three years Johnson was responsible for establishing groundbreaking strides in the Civil Rights Movement, development of programs to provide training for the poor, such as Job Corps and VISTA, establishment of the Medicare/Medicaid Programs, and creation of educational enrichment programs for disadvantaged children such as Head Start, to name just a few3; Ironically, however, these programs which would come to become an intrinsic part of American society, is not what Johnson is remembered for. He as a President is responsible for leading the United States into the longest period of continuous armed battle in its history - The Vietnam Conflict. ... In simpler words, he underestimated the commitment and investment that were necessary for launching a sustained Vietnam Conflict.4 Although the TET offensive is hailed by many as the turning point of the war, its political ramifications were laid years earlier. During an address at John Hopkins University in 1965, LBJ stated "We fight because we must fight it [the Vietnam Conflict] if we are to live in a world where every country can shape its own destiny. And only in such a world will our own freedom be finally secure".5 In fact, the United States' entry into Vietnam was anything but altruistic in nature. America involved itself for purely political motives, and in Johnson's defense the events leading up to it did predate his presidency. However, he escalated the political stakes and ultimately lost. The war in Vietnam was not a war of major battle engagements, although at times there were some. Vietnam was more of guerrilla warfare. There were neither defined battle lines nor set plans. With the Vietcong's endless manpower supply, they were able; it seemed, to hold America, the 'super power' at bay indefinitely. By February of 1966 General Westmoreland asked for a significant increase in manpower. What had begun as several thousand American soldiers had by this time escalated to over 400,000 combatants in Vietnam with no end in sight.Johnson, at this point, began to see his folly. He was stuck. On one hand he had to finance an ever increasing international war and on the other, his domestic commitment to social reform program, the Great Society. With no scope to compromise, he was trying to balance between the American public's acceptance and his power to exert his will upon them. Although he had avowed

Critically analyse the transtheoretical model of exercise behaviour Essay

Critically analyse the transtheoretical model of exercise behaviour change and understand the problems associated with exercise adherence - Essay Example The analysis will be done by giving important consideration to the critical address to the model as an application for modification of healthy behaviour among people. The paper shall also discuss the problems associated with the adherence of the TTM based interventions or exercise for the need of better behavioural change. A number model has been drawn specifically in order to illustrate the ways in which behavioural change within an individual is more likely to be noted. The origination of the model was done by the conceptualization by Prochaska and DiClemente in 1983. The conceptualization made use of certain theoretical constructs to make the description of the behavioural changes associated with the modification of healthy behaviour. The difference between transtheoretical model of behaviour change and other approaches is that other approaches have utilized social and biological impact to focus on the behaviour and decision-making. This makes transtheoretical model of behaviour change to be more relevant and specific to human behaviour change (Moran, 2004). The contribution of Prochaska and DiClemente is basically a sum mixture of different theoretical basis of psychotherapies and models. The generalization on which the transtheoretical model of behaviour change is based is the occurrence of change over the time. The application of the TTM is considered to be effective in case of modification and promotion of healthy activities in the daily routine of humans. It is an obvious fact that humans can gain a great deal of mental stability and behavioural activity by implementation physical exercise. TTM based physical exercise can bring positive change among individuals because of the analytical grounds on which the behaviour change is measured (Carlin, 2009). As per the grounds of the model, it has been noted that the behavioural change can occur in five categorized stages. These stages are noted to be Pre-contemplation stage, contemplation

Business plan - Setting up my own business (Flower Shop) Coursework

Business plan - Setting up my own business (Flower Shop) - Coursework Example There will be a highly connected delivery network that will enable flowers to be delivered the right time so that the impact is not lost due to an inefficient delivery. Flowers are a good choice for several occasions including birthdays, mother’s day, and weddings, to name just a few. A key differentiator would be its exclusive floristry that will provide elegant flowers of the best quality. Perhaps the most convenient and obvious segmentation is the occasion segmentation that will segment the market according to different occasions namely weddings, birthdays, Mother’s day, Christmas, Valentine’s day and other seasonal parties. This division of the market into sub groups will allow greater profits through larger sales by targeting the right set of individuals (Hall, Jones, Raffo, and Anderton 2008, p. 139). Another option is to segment the target markets temporally, meaning, based on the required delivery times. While many occasions require same day delivery, many others do not. For this reason, it will be convenient to divide the market to groups of individuals based on the delivery times for the recipients. In case of time based segmentation, the segmentation variables would include same day delivery, next day delivery, peak seasonal delivery, and other holidays. The florist offers great flower at good prices with international delivery options. Moreover, the customers have the choice of various delivery time options. The flower shop also has a flower catalog that can be requested to order unique flowers for different occasions (Philip’s Flower Shops 2014). Philip’s flower shops operate online and have a specially designed website structure that allows easy ordering of flowers online. It also provides flexible delivery systems for its customers so that recipients receive flowers on the appropriate time. Since Tesco is a large

Communication climate supportive defensive Essay

Communication climate supportive defensive - Essay Example We therefore adopted a supportive communication through focusing on what/how concerns in the topic, being focused on the task, upholding openness in the discussions, holding each as an equal person in the presentation and being very flexible. The proposal presentation adopted a supportive climate through high level of collaboration among the members present for the proposal presentation. The whole process was well prepared for by all members which therefore enabled everyone to n active role in defining as well as solving the problems at hand as against having to assign any person what he/she was expected to do. There was mutual understanding which espoused on empathy as n important element in supportive environment of communication. Besides, the investment committee with whom we worked were very supportive identified with us, respected our propositions and acted in a lot of care towards us which made the communication climate and environment very conducive for our presentation. In spite of our team being well structured in organizational structure, equality was well safeguarded in the presentation and discussions because the team acknowledged the quality of individual contribution towards the success of all. We however acknowledged that every person would be well placed to contribute towards any query raised from the discussions and this led to the open contribution policy while presenting as this would illustrate high levels of support to each other. The success of our presentation and discussions was much dependent on the capacity of us to work as a team and this meant that the hierarchy in responsibility s either being the chair or just a member had no place in the communication. Supportive climate of communication requires high degree of flexibility, open mindedness and general willingness to buy from new ideas presented while conversing and this was highly exhibited while presenting the business proposal to the

Industry Best Practices Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Industry Best Practices - Research Paper Example More devices are being used today than were ever before. This has made protecting network while providing access very difficult and expensive in the industry. It is important to ensure that local user access is very tightly secured today while remote user access is just as simple and sound as local. Given the use of devices and technology today, all users are remote while all end points are unsafe. The user demand will increase in the coming years and demand access to business resources from any location will also increase. The future is gearing up towards a universal access control model, one that inverts the network. In this the protection will be more focused towards application resources. In universal access control, the entire access network field is level. In this setting, no user, device or location is given preference or trusted blindly. The focal point of such an access control field are its information resources. These include the applications, the data and the services. Th us in all its benefits and advantages, the biggest advantage of universal access control is that it ensures all resources are available easily at any point and at any location. However, universal access control is just made available. It Is not made universally accessible as one of the best practices in the industry. The IT department of any telecommunication company needs to come up with a strategy to establish and sustain universal access control. Universal access control has made protection of devices, data and resources more easy. With the growing evolution of laptops and mobile traditional networks cant be protected completely by IT. Thus the most dangerous and notorious attacks on the networks come from local users than from remote users. Thus implementation of universal access control ensures protection from these attacks. It is important for IT managers to assume that any user and device as a potential risk point. Implementation of universal access control has become a criti cal norm in the industry. IT managers must now assume that any user and device is a potential risk point. It does not matter if the user is gaining access remotely or by directly plugging into the LAN. Thus universal access control in a remote connectivity environment, serves to provide the following three important objectives: (REMOTE CONNECTIVITY) 1. Provision of adequate security: The security system should ensure that users are validated with passwords to protect network attached resources from unauthorized access. The greater the number of levels of security provided, the more secure the network resources and information would become. 2. Easy administration: The security systems should be easily accessible, easy to use and most be protected from unwanted tampering by other users. 3. Transparency: Users can attempt to implement circumvent security methods which are difficult to use. So the universal access control model implemented should ensure logging in from both the work sta tion attached to corporate LAN as well from home office. Implementation of universal access control is costly. It takes heavy costs for IT, infrastructure and other costs have escalated sharply and heavily. Thus the implementation of universal access control is a costly procedure. . Works Cited REMOTE CONNECTIVITY. (n.d.). Retrieved 1 14, 2012, from Sonic Wall:

John Irving, a prayer for owen meany Essay Example for Free

John Irving, a prayer for owen meany Essay In the first chapter of A Prayer for Owen Meany, John Irving displays an expansive, articulate style that relies heavily on rich descriptions to create detailed portraits of the New England of his youth, especially the title character who inspires him to believe in God and Christ. Irving’s language throughout the chapter is articulate and his sentences long, perhaps to accommodate his rather abundant, detailed descriptions; it is almost oratorical without being florid or long-winded, reflecting the fact that the narrator is descended from a prominent New England family (including the Puritan minister for whom he is named). He also relies heavily on memories, moving from his recollections of Owen to broader discussions of his own family and hometown, creating a context for the subsequent action and thus giving his memories a deeper meaning. In addition, Irving uses Owen as a symbol of Christ-like divinity – the boy is something of a martyr for his suffering (indeed, he never tells on his peers for their abuses), and yet he takes away the narrator’s mother, however unintentionally, by hitting the foul ball that kills the narrator’s mother (hence the chapter’s title, â€Å"The Foul Ball†). Irving avoids sounding childish by using articulate adult language, but he conveys a child’s point of view by speaking in a matter-of-fact way about how he and his peers picked on the frail, undersized Owen. He conveys no immediate judgments or apologies for his actions (indeed, as a child he feels no shame for it), and he does not analyze his motivations. For example, when Owen offers a surprisingly mature complaint about church services, the narrator says, â€Å"To these complaints, and others like them, I could respond only by picking up Owen Meany and holding him above my head† (Irving 23), showing how other children are unable to comprehend Owen. He also implies adults’ stupidity by mentioning his oblivious Sunday school teacher and how the police chief and coach quarrel over the ball after his mother’s death. The author wants the reader to understand his world (hence the detailed discussions of his town, family, and relationship with Owen) and especially Owen’s complex role in it. Though he mentions his Christianity at the very start, the narrator does not preach or scold the reader, admitting that he is a rather lazy Christian but also making clear that he feels deeply indebted to him (despite Owen’s role in his mother’s death) and makes the reader feel sympathy for the victimized Owen. Irving’s language is richly descriptive without becoming tedious, and he recalls Owen’s characteristics humorously, especially his diminutive size and high-strangled voice (Owen’s words always appear in capitals). Irving communicates respect for Christianity, but not for the ritual or doctrine – he admits his laziness and calls his approach â€Å"a church-rummage faith† (Irving 2). Instead, he believes in the divine power channeled through Owen, whose intelligence and deep understanding of God set him apart from his peers. Irving implies that both the narrator and New England, despite their Puritan past, find religion uninspiring until Owen appears, and that Owen has vastly more potential to influence events than is shown in the first chapter. More explicitly, he evokes New England’s provincial values, especially the split between insiders (the descendants of Puritans, like the narrator) and outsiders (later arrivals, like Owen’s Irish-Catholic family), and Irving contrasts the region’s harsh religious past with the narrator’s spiritual barrenness, for which Owen ultimately becomes a remedy. In the book’s first chapter, Irving shows the reader a rich picture of his characters’ world, creating the context in which the narrator’s transition from nonbeliever to Christian occurs. He presents Owen in a sympathetic light, as a wise yet victimized figure whose suffering and kindness bring enlightenment into a milieu that needs it. Irving, John. A Prayer for Owen Meany. New York: Ballantine, 1989.

How to Write an Accounting Essay

How to Write an Accounting Essay When writing a successful accounting essay it is essential that you follow certain processes to help you reach your end goals, whilst at the same time demonstrating that you are comfortable with the key concepts of your study, and that you are capable of producing a confident piece of academic research and writing. You need to ensure that your accounting essay is both stylistically impressive and devoid of easily avoidable mistakes. A good idea is to begin by reading another accounting essay to gauge what might be required from your piece of work. Copies of accounting essays and dissertations are usually available in University libraries. Next you need to work out what it is that the essay question is asking by looking at what the key words in the question are. In your accounting essay you are looking to carry out a sustained study of a specific topic, and therefore this topic must be well researched. When writing your accounting essay your aim is to both expand and deepen your knowledge of that subject. When approaching your accounting essay it is important to work out a timetable, and then religiously stick to it. This will be an insurance against things going unexpectedly wrong, and will give you plenty of time to get hold of your appropriate source materials. You will also need time to thoroughly proof read your essay once you have finished. Finally your accounting essay should be clearly referenced. It is very important that the style of referencing should be thoroughly consistent throughout. Referencing is important for many reasons, specifically to avoid any accusations that your work is plagiarised, whilst poor referencing can also lead to docked marks. When undertaking the writing of your accounting essay it is important for you to pace yourself properly. Therefore you can avoid a panic in the final few days, and can give yourself time to fully reflect on your research. Another important step when writing your accounting essay is to determine what kind of analysis you are being asked to make, and to look in-depth at the concepts you are writing about. Ideally your accounting essay should be a sustained argument, and your accounting essay is a test of independent thought, with independent enquiry into the topic essential. It is also vital that have familiarity with the appropriate research methods needed. A successful accounting essay should be full of analysis, of critical evaluation and of discussion of your topic. Your accounting essay is a test of test your ability to present a sustained academic argument in clear and logical prose. When tackling the writing of your essay you should write little and often, and in short chunks. Your accounting essay should follow a logical structure. It is often a good idea to write the body of your essay before writing the introduction and conclusion. In this way you can develop what you intend to say in your introduction before writing it. This is important as your introduction is often the most vital part of your work. In the main body of your essay, each paragraph should be based on a separate but related aspect of the main topic of the essay, and then the conclusion should be a summation of your argument. Stylistically it is vitally important that you avoid colloquialisms or sloppy grammar in your accounting essay. You should also ensure that you stick to the central thread of your argument. Your text should be easily navigable for the reader with obvious ‘signposts’. When writing you should try to avoid personal language such as ‘I’ as far as possible. When using long quotations of four lines or more you should indent on the left hand side of the page. You shouldn’t rely overly on your source material, as this does not go far enough to show independent, original thought. These facts should be kept in mind when writing your accounting essay. Questions Discuss the state of the world accounting system with reference to intangible assets and the related processes such as amortisation and capitalisation. How far is the worldwide divergence in accounting systems problematic? How realistic are balance sheets compared with the actual financial picture? What solutions are there? Bearing in mind the attached accounting spreadsheets and other information would you recommend investing in Burnfish plc. Bear in mind issues potentially relating to off balance sheet assets. Also bear in mind the current financial climate. Give your answer in reference to three other recent takeovers in Britain. Discus the relative merits of three types of pricing systems used for materials. 4. ‘The traditional system of book-keeping, created by an Italian renaissance monk, is wholly inadequate to the demands of the new weightless economy We live in a world awash with numbers that mean almost nothing. The service sector, public and private, dominates the British economy. The most important assets of any service business are intangible: its people, their skills, a brand image. Those are the assets that provide a service business with its competitive advantage and reputation. You do not judge the Carphone Warehouse by the quality of its buildings or the state of the carpets. Yet those are the assets that are recorded on the balance sheets of service companies; tangible assets such as buildings, cars, computers, furniture’ Discuss the above statement, and what the implications of the claims made are. 5. Discuss the recent Quest inquest and Stevens inquiry with relevance to accounting in football.

Climate Change Impacts On Water Resources Environmental Sciences Essay

Climate Change Impacts On Water Resources Environmental Sciences Essay Scientific records and projections prove the elevated risk of vulnerable freshwater resources being harshly impacted by climate change, with considerable resulting effects, especially for Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) like Mauritius. Adaptation measures to respond to those climatic impacts on water would require an integrated water resources management which includes obtaining the perception of the societys understanding of the issue. This paper aims at analysing the perception of a category of the Mauritian society, namely the working personnel, with regard to awareness as well as understanding of climate change and its impacts on water resources. The results of the study show that the educational level of respondents has an impact on both their awareness and understanding of climate change and the negative effects it has on our water resources. Those findings can be of help to policy-makers engaged in the effective selection and implementation of realistic and targeted wat er-related adaptation measures all throughout the island. Keywords: Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation, Water Resources, Small Islands Developing States, Public Perception, Educational Level. Introduction Climate Change, its Impacts and the Global Response Climate change is viewed by natural scientists as perhaps the preeminent environmental risk confronting the world in the 21st century (Leiserowitz, 2007) and the most debated environmental issue in the political ecology field in the last two decades (Whitanage, et al., 2009). The key source of global warming is generally viewed as being an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, with resulting greenhouse effect (Yadollahie, 2010). There is much scientific proof of occurrence of considerable global warming, and recent warming, which has already brought alterations in the earths climate, can be attributed to human activities, according to the Royal Society (2005). The undeniable responsibility of human activities in this matter has since 1992 been expressed by the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) when defining climate change as a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the globa l atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods (UNFCCC, 1992). This analysis is supported by Rosenzweig, et al., (2007) who claim that the consistency of observed significant changes in physical and biological systems and observed significant warming across the globe very likely cannot be explained entirely by natural variability or other confounding non-climate factors. The Royal Society (2005) emphasizes that though projected climate changes will generate both favourable and adverse effects in various sectors ranging from agriculture to human health, larger and faster the changes in climate, the more likely it is that adverse effects will dominate. Along the same line, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides scientific evidence of strong effects of recent climate change on many aspects of both natural and managed systems, with consequent changes in several areas including coastal zones (Rosenzweig, et al., 2007). The IPCC (2007) further explains that projected changes will be in climate variables such as precipitation, temperature, sea level and concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide and emphasizes that impacts of those changes would be felt mainly on coastal systems and low-lying areas, health, freshwater resources and their management, ecosystems, industry, settlement and society, food, fibre and forest products (IPCC. , 2007). Signed in 1992 by virtually all nations of the world as a response to the issue that increase the levels of greenhouse gases are being caused by human activities, the UNFCCC treaty is referred to as being the first agreement to address climate change, with commitments to establish national action plans for voluntary reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to agreed levels, as a start to global warming mitigation (Fletcher and Parker, 2007). Due to the fact that several countries were not being able to reduce their gas emissions, the parties to the UNFCCC treaty moved from voluntary measures to the Kyoto protocol, which establishes legally binding, mandatory emissions reductions (Fletcher Parker, 2007), relevant to 38 developed countries listed in the protocol as Annex 1. The Kyoto protocol, which has been agreed to towards the end of 1997 and has entered into force in February 2005, has been signed and ratified by 187 nations as at November 2009 (UNFCCC, 2009), including more than six ty percent of the developed countries listed at its Annex 1. Those developed countries that have ratified the treaty are bound to implement national measures to lessen their greenhouse gas emissions in addition to making use of three market-based mechanisms introduced in the Kyoto protocol, namely, International Emissions Trading, the Clean Development Mechanism, and Joint Implementation (Bashmakov, et al., 2001). International Emissions Trading implies that signatory Annex 1 countries can trade part of agreed emission quotas among themselves, while in the Clean Development Mechanism, Annex 1 countries can help develop reduced emissions projects within Non Annex 1 countries, explicitly developing countries, to help them attain sustainable development and in return, the helping countries beneficiate from the so generated certified emission reductions. With regard to Joint Implementation, Annex I countries can help to implement reduced emissions project in another Annex I country and thus receive emission reduction units, which can be used by the investor countries to attain the required limitation of emissions (Bashmakov, et al.2001). The Kyoto protocol is seen as a political and a technical failure as well as a symbolically important expression of concern about climate change (Prins and Rayner, 2008), and since the Kyoto Protocol regime expires in 2012, there might be in their point of view only a slender window of opportunity to radically rethink our objectives and operations (Prins Rayner, 2007). Further to the end of the commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, the latest Conference of Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC held in Copenhagen, Denmark in December 2009, included on its agenda a discussion on an international climate agreement, with the Copenhagen Accord as outcome. Though consensus has not been reached at that Copenhagen Summit or COP15, with the Accord being finally not adopted, it is believed that only the future will tell whether that Accord would evolve into a subsequent agreement or arrangement that is sufficiently robust to motivate meaningful action on climate change (Stavins Stowe, 2010). The ab ove cited view is nevertheless not shared by Yadollahie (2010) as he deems the result of the Copenhagen Summit to be disappointing, believing that no significant step has been made, and considers that the whole world now looks forward to the new COP to be held in Mexico at the end of 2010. Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources There are a good deal of scientific records and climate projections to prove the elevated risk of vulnerable water resources being harshly impacted by climate change, with considerable resulting effects. The researchers of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) go further stating that the negative impacts, such as salinisation of coastal aquifers, droughts and floods affecting water quality and exacerbating water pollution, are expected to outweigh the benefits (Bates, et al., 2008). The Need for Adaptation To fight climate change, the UNFCCC (1992) recommends mitigation, with measures to lessen human activities that generate green house gases, and adaptation, which tries to reduce vulnerability to impacts of climate change. Mitigation only is insufficient and thus adaptation is essential given that even if action is being taken now to considerably reduce greenhouse gases, the climate system generally reacts slowly to changes in greenhouse gas concentrations, with further changes in climate being consequently unavoidable (Royalsociety.org, 2005). Stavins and Stowe (2010) highlight the introduction in the Copenhagen Accord of the necessity for developed countries to provide financial and other resources to support adaptation actions in least developed countries, including small islands. Concerning adaptation in regard to the water resources, an integrated water resources management, though still in its early years, is recommended by Bates et al.(2008) as a tool in seeking adaptation measures, subject to reshaping planning processes and the inclusion of the societys views as some of the strategies to ensure implementation success. Climate Change and SIDS Small island developing States (SIDS), of which Mauritius is a member, have numerous problems and specific characteristics that increase their vulnerability, resulting in a situation where adverse effects of climate change and sea-level rise represent the most immediate threats regarding sustainable development (UNDP, 2009). Mauritius is about to experience substantial economic loss, humanitarian stresses and environmental degradation due to climate change impacts such as sea-level rise, increasing temperatures, an increase in the intensity of tropical cyclones and increasingly variable rainfall (UNDP, n.d.) with important sectors most likely to be affected by climate change impacts being coastal resources, agriculture, water resources, fisheries, health, biodiversity, land-use change and forestry. Bates, et al (2008) further observe that under most climate change scenarios, water resources in small islands are likely to be seriously compromised. As a reaction to this critical situation which SIDS are facing, a number of adaptation projects are being implemented, the main one being the National adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs) executed by UN agencies (Graham, 2007).There are also other projects supported by financial institutions and other development assistance agencies. Adaptation costs are very high and are financed for instance by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Trust Fund, which is recognized by the UNFCCC (2005) as being One of the principal channels of support for small island developing States (SIDS) in the area of climate change. Some more sources of funding are the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) whereby Adaptation activities to address the adverse effects of climate change have top priority for funding, the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), and The Adaptation Fund under the Kyoto Protocol, for financing adaptation projects in developing countries that are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (Graham, 2007). Numerous SIDS have already submitted their NAPA documents to the UNFCCC, wherein the water resources sector is of major importance. Those NAPA documents propose adaptation measures as follows: Improve water harnessing, collection and storage infrastructures by building reservoirs and dams, encouraging use of individual water-saving devices and promoting safe rainwater harvesting through ground catchment and roof catchment systems, Elaboration of decentralized management plans on water production and distribution infrastructures, Elaboration and implementation of legislation and regulation, Design and construction of suitable sewage treatment and disposal systems to safeguard water resources, Establishing modeling maps and an information and monitoring system on water resources, Institutionalization of management system, with the purpose of putting in practice the national politics of the water resources, Reducing leakage in supply systems, Carrying out participatory research on the knowledge of traditional practices of adaptation to the variations of the water cycle. The above list of measures extracted from the UNFCCC database (UNFCCC, 2010a, b, c, d) can be used as a model for proposals of adaptation measures in Mauritius. Regardless of the broad range of adaptation options that could be successfully implemented in the SIDS, some fundamental constraints, categorized by the UNFCCC (2005) in three groups, limit the choices of options and their implementation. These constraints are specifically: insufficient data or information and technical capacity for well-timed and successful adaptation planning, as a starting point for the design of adaptation policies, strategies and programmes; the weakness of current institutions which have to be strengthened for effective implementation of adaptation measures; and insufficient financial resources which will necessitate international assistance with regard to research on less costly adaptation measures (UNFCCC, 2005). Maladaptation, caused by governments underestimating, overestimating or mis-estimating the climate impact (Graham, 2007), is also interpreted as a factor delaying the adaptation process. Climate change, adaptation, and water resources management in Mauritius In Mauritius, the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities is responsible for implementation of water resources policies, and other organisations operating in the water sector are the Water Resources Unit, the Central Water Authority, the Irrigation Authority and the Waste Water Management Authority, each of them having specific responsibilities defined by existing Mauritian laws regarding water resources (Proag, 2006). The impacts of climate change are already being felt in the island, as evidenced by the recent National Assessment Report prepared by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development when it reveals that meteorological records clearly indicate the increase of average temperatures, rising sea levels, intermittent heavy rainfall causing flash floods and climate variability that deviate from past patterns. (ROM, 2010). Mauritian water resources are vulnerable to climate change impacts, whereby one example is the risk run by boreholes situated near the Mauritian coasts of being contaminated by saltwater intrusion (UNFCCC, 2005). In line with the pledge of the Mauritian Government in its 2010-2015 programme (2010) regarding climate change, the UNDP is currently implementing a two year project under the Africa Adaptation Program (AAP), aiming at integrating and mainstreaming climate change adaptation into the institutional framework, development policy, strategies and plans of the island. An output of the project is the implementation of climate-resilient policies and measures in priority sectors, inclusive of the water sector (UNDP, n.d.). Accordingly, a working group under the chairmanship of the Water Resources Unit has been set up at the level of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, to look into the issue and come up with appropriate policies and measures that integrate climate change adaptation. The Maurice Ile Durable (MID) concept, a national project for sustainable development, also recognizes the negative impact of climate change on our water resources and recommends that the MID i nitiative should serve to increase the preparedness of Mauritius to adapt to climate change as far as possible (UNDP, 2009). Since 2005, several assessments have been conducted to identify appropriate climate change adaptation and mitigation measures which are currently being implemented or in the pipeline (ROM, 2010). The report lists concrete climate related actions that have been or are being taken in the field of : enhancement of climate change and sea level rise monitoring; reduction of GHG emissions through energy efficiency and conservation as well as renewable energy investments; and adaptation projects in the following sectors: Agricultural sector, Commissioning of Midlands Dam for irrigation of the northern plains. Cultivation of drought resistant cultivars and trash blanketing of sugarcane fields. Investment in hydroponics, protected cultures. Improved livestock housing. Coastal zone; Land use change and forestry; and Water resources sector: a. An integrated plan for water resources development up to year 2040 has been prepared. b. Surface water storage has been increased and new projects in pipeline include construction of dams at Bagatelle and Rivià ¨re des Anguilles. c. Existing storage dams and feeder/irrigation canals have been rehabilitated to minimize seepage losses. d. Capacity of potable water treatment plants has been extended. Ongoing public awareness campaigns on water saving. The report also highlights the emphasis that the Mauritian Government has laid on sensitization and awareness raising of the general public, through holding of regular sensitization and awareness campaigns for various target groups , as well as the publication of resource materials and broadcasting of regular programmes on television and radio. Apart from the State, non-governmental projects are also carried out, such as one project funded by GEF Small Grants Programme for period 2005-2006 and carried out by Environmental Protection Conservation Organisation (EPCO) in coastal villages, with the aim of raising awareness about climate change science and working with local community to understand the impact of climate change, to identify vulnerability, prepare and implement adaptation plan (GEF, 2006). The implementation of the above project included a vulnerability assessment exercise in four coastal villages whereby water scarcity was identified as a key element affecting livelihood (World Water Forum, [WWF], 2009). Another aim of the project was to secure better quality and quantity of water in these villages, through education and training, awareness and preparedness as well as community-participation (WWF, 2009).One of the several findings of the project is that the public should be encouraged to change lifestyle so as t o minimize utilization of water (WWF, 2009). Public perception as a tool for effective implementation of adaptation measures Understanding public perception is a key element in raising awareness and motivating behavioral changes in the population (Breton, et al., 2008). Lorenzoni and Pidgeon (2006, cited in Sola, et al., 2008), further insist on the fact that To ignore the values and attitudes of the public when deciding on the management of climate risk may lead to problematic situations. Globally, the study of public perception on climate change is of major importance nowadays. International studies mention that majorities believe that the worlds climate is changing (Poortinga, et al., 2006) and citizens concern for climate change is growing (Leiserowitz, 2007). A study of public perceptions on climate change and adaptation in Sri Lanka even concludes that keeping local communities out of climate business will create unnecessary damage (Whitanage, et al., 2009). At local level, some studies have been carried out involving public perception in the water resources sector. Focusing on the perception of Mauritians towards domestic water as a product of consumption, Sowdagur (2006) finds that a great majority of Mauritians are not willing to pay more and thus recommends that this fact be considered when deciding on water tariff policies. The study carried out by Madhoo (2006) estimates the budgetary impact of higher willingness to pay for residential water and demonstrates that as long as lower prices are allocated to low income groups, it would be politically feasible to charge higher prices, while in his works on awareness of water distribution costs, Proag (2007) concludes that not knowing the basic factors involved in producing and distributing water leads to people having a wrong perception about its cost and value. The role of education in climate change awareness and understanding With regard to environmental education, Potter (2010) believes that it is a critical tool for engaging the public, especially with the recent and strong focus on global warming and climate change. He thus suggests that new and more systemic environmental education legislation might be considered, together with substantive increases in funding for national-level grants, educator training, and research initiatives and broadening the scope of strategic-level conversations to include sectors beyond the education community. A study carried out at the Rice University in USA recommends that although the subject of climate change is cared for by schools solely in classrooms and in a passive manner without related project work, discussions of solutions should be integrated with the science, to provide a broader picture and to prevent students from becoming disengaged and fatalistic (Johnson, 2009). Another study undertaken regarding the role of higher education as change agent for sustainability wraps up by saying that institutions of higher education can be considered a stakeholder group with significant potential influence on society through many different mechanisms ( Stephens et al., 2008). The same stand is adopted in the UK whereby a study performed in September 2008 to assess the current state of knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by the surveying profession with regard to climate change impact reveals that around 50 per cent of graduates considered that there was no, or little reference to the issue sustainability and the effects of climate change in their own programmes. The study concludes that Whilst no one is suggesting that climate change should replace topics in existing syllabuses, based on the scientific evidence, it should be an integral part of any decision related to the built environment in order to achieve social, economic and environmental sustainability.(Dent and Dalton, 2010). Regarding the role of the Hawaiian university with regard to climate change mitigation, a research done in 2008 highlights that Universities are uniquely positioned within the climate change dialogue to act as resources for multi-disciplinary regional and global climate research, provide outstanding public education and outreach with credible and current information, and to serve as models of institutional and behavioral change.(Coffman, 2008). This paper summarises the perception of the working personnel on climate change, focusing on the target populations awareness as well as understanding of the climate change problem and its impacts on local water resources. The study highlights that education level is a key factor influencing the level of awareness and understanding of respondents. The findings of this study may help policy makers to better design more effective adaptation measures specific to safeguarding the islands water resources against climate change impacts and which would be understood by the Mauritian working personnel as well as receive their full support.

Overpopulation :: Human Population

During the first 2 million or so years of its history the human population was a minor element in the world ecosystem, with at most 10 million members. In the New Stone Age, less than 10,000 years ago, the number of humans began to increase more rapidly. The rough equilibrium maintained before Neolithic times gave way when the human population developed agriculture and animal husbandry and no longer had to spread out in search of game. With the abandonment of a hunting-gathering way of life and the rise of permanent settlements and eventually cities, the human population underwent dramatic growth. By the beginning of the Christian era it had reached 250 million, and by 1650, half a billion. Growth of population during 20th century was very rapid. In 1994 the total world population was estimated at about 5. 6 billion people. It increased nearly by 4 billions of people during past 100 years. The most significant world trend is that death rates are currently falling in poor and rich countries alike, while birthrates remain high in most poor countries and low in most rich ones. Exceptions are the generally higher death rates of Africa and the high birthrates of the rich oil-producing countries. The most populous countries, in descending order, are China, India, the United States, Indonesia, Brazil, and Russia. The U.S. population totaled about 260. 8 million in 1994. In the 1990s about 4. 1 million children were born annually in the United States, and more than 2. 1 million persons died yearly. The greater number of births is due in part to a fertility rate that has increased by nearly 20 percent since the mid-1980s. International immigration, both legal and illegal, is another major element in U.S. population growth. Legal immigration has recently amounted to about 1 million per year; illegal immigration is thought to be several hundred thousand. In China, the world's most populous country, the 1994 population was estimated at nearly 1. 2 billion, more than double the 1953 census population of 584 million in mainland China. China's annual increase has been estimated at 1. 1 percent annually. India's population of more than 911. 6 million people (1994 est.) is increasing faster than that of China, and if present trends continue, it will soon catch up with or surpass China. Since the disintegration of the USSR, Indonesia and Brazil are now the fourth and fifth most populous countries, with 1994 estimated populations of 199.

Viruses: Complex Molecules Or Simple Life Forms? :: essays research papers

Viruses: Complex Molecules or Simple Life Forms? Viruses have been defined as "entities whose genomes are elements of nucleic acid that replicate inside living cells using the cellular synthetic machinery, and cause the synthesis of specialised elements that can transfer the genome to other cells." They are stationaryand are unable to grow. Because of all these factors, it is debatable whether viruses are the most complex of molecules or the simplest life forms. While the definition of living organisms must be adapted, the majority of evidence leads to the classification of viruses as living organisms. Viruses are composed of a nucleic acid core, a protein capsid, and occasionally a membraneous envelope. The nucleic acid core is composed of either DNA or in the case of retroviruses, RNA, but never both. In retroviruses, the RNA gets transcribed to DNA bye the enzyme reverse transcriptase. The protein capsid is a protein layer that wraps around the virus. There are four basic shapes of viruses. The tobacco mosiac, adenovirus, influenza virus, and t-even bacteriophage are each examples of a different virus structure. Each individual protein subunit composing the capsid is a capsomere. The tobacco mosiac virus has a helical capsoid and is rod shaped. The adenovirus is polyhedral and has a protein spike at each vertex. The influenza virus is made of a flexible, helecal capsid. It has an outer membranous enevelope that is covered with glycoprotein spikes. The T-even bacteriophage consists of a polyhedral head and a tail. The tail is used to inject DNA into a bacterium while the head stores the DNA. Basic life is defined as the simplest form capable of displaying the most essential attributes of a living thing. This makes the only real criterion for life the ability to replicate. Only systems containing nucleic acids are capable of this phenomenon. With this reasoning, a better definition is the unit element of a continuous lineage with an individual evolutionary history. Because of viruses inability to survive when not in a host, they must have evolved from other forms of life. The origin of viruses is an easy thing to theorize about so many hypothesese have been made. One such hypothesis is that viruses were once complete living parasites. Over time they have lost all other cellular components. This is backed up by the idea that all cells degenerate over time. Some people think along very similar lines that viruses are representatives of an early "nearly living" stage of life. This goes along with the first hypothesis in that it accounts for a loss of components. All creatures that become parasitic can be seen losing their obsolete functions and

Spartan Political and Social System Essay example -- essays research p

Spartan Political and Social Systems Sparta was, above all, a military state, and emphasis on military fitness began at birth, imprinted through society and the political system. The education of the Spartan male children prove that the military and war was constantly a huge part of Spartan society, and the laws and systems that Sparta was governed by, only enforced the militaristic attitude into the society of Sparta. That the Spartans needed to be ready for war is proved by the discord between the Spartiate and the helots, who outnumbered and under ranked the Spartans. From birth Spartan children were expected to be physically strong and when male children were ten days old they were examined by a council of elders to see if the child had enough potential to be a warrior, or if it should be ‘exposed’. The children who were exposed were left to die at Apothetae on the slopes of Mt. Tygetus. The children who passed the examination were left in the care of their mothers until they reached the age of seven, at which point they left home to live in the barrack with other males, and were educated and trained in how to be a brave and strong warrior. While these children were still living at home they were mainly left in the care of a nurse, who taught them the first stage of their life-long education in the military. The nurses taught the children fight their fears as well as general superstition, toughening up the children so they would be able to better survive when they reach the age of seven and moved the barracks. Plutarch explains in source A how boys at the age of seven were put into the care of the state, and how they would grow up constantly training physically. When in the education system the boys learnt reading a... ...er’ in Sparta caused the Spartiates to be constantly prepared for a Helot uprise, as P. Cartledge explains in source F The helots were the Spartans slaves and were treated very poorly, being purposely set apart in image, given no rights, and beaten on several occasions. In fact each time new ephors were voted in, the helots would be rounded up and given an ‘annual beating’, so as the helots knew their place. However this treatment of the helots simply made the helots hate the Spartans, causing the Spartans to be even more prepared to an uprising, bringing the whole dilemma around in a circle. Spartans lived and breathed so that they could be ready for war. Their social and political structure shows this by their education of male Spartans, their laws and government procedures and also the necessity to be ready to protect themselves from a potential helot uprise.

Branding Yoga Essay

I think that’s why there are more and more people are encouraged to practice yoga and yoga has become a power brand which is able to compete with other industry. The yoga brand is managed systematically with branded styles of teaching, branded yoga clothing, branded training programs, branded instructors and etc. There are two branded styles of yoga which are Bikram style and Tara stiles. They are two different styles which appeal to two different sorts of people. Firstly, Bikram Choudhury who is the founder of Bikram yoga in America patent his approach to traditional yoga style. In the process of branding yoga, Bikram obtained the patent for his book, trademarked his company’s name and actively fighting for the copyright of his style. When branding a style of yoga, the legal rules which involves patent, trademark and patent intend to protect the founder’s right and disseminate the gains of the innovation so that it can be recognized by the people with the brand identity. The brand is also supported by Indian government which avoid others following Bikram’s branded poses even though the government only considered the yoga was part of the India’s traditional knowledge ( Deshpande, Herman and Lobb 2011). Additionally, the branding strategy in terms of the Bikram ‘s classical style of yoga is based on the inherent value and adds the more substantive value but still consistent and adherence to the addition (Cohen 2013). Secondly, Tara stiles is distinctive from Bikram’s style which develop the brand in a very fresh and personal way like the founder Stiles said â€Å"making yoga cool†. Stiles broke the rules and added many creative values to the brand such as music in order to maintain the relevance in the society especially the younger generation (Girard 2013). A more modern yoga style get the people more interested in and got popular soon by the promotional videos via different channels of communication in modern society. Stiles’s yoga is considered as authentic yoga since it is created as distinctive, exciting, attractive with personal values. By thinking the reason of success of Stiles’s success, the key is how Stile manage the brand by fitting it in American society. According to the feature of the liberal society in America, Tara promote a natural style not rigid with a certain style which perfectly stay relevance to the social values. Furthermore, the brand communication through the YouTube, Facebook, Ipad app strength brand identity and brand influence. In conclusion, by analyzing the two styles of yoga, I learned that the values adding to the brand is very important for branding experience. The brand needs to be relevant to the features of the society and the brand needs to be protected through the legal regulation. Managing brand is a long process which requires both adherence to the tradition and innovative modification. Desphande R. , Herman, K. and Lobb, A. 2011, Branding Yoga, Harvard Business School, Harvard. Cohen, M. 2013, Branding a style of Yoga, yoga journal, viewed 17 May 2013, <http://www. yogajournal. com/for_teachers/1683#comment> Girard, K. 2013, Branding Yoga: Good Business or Blasphemy? , Forbes, Harvard Business School

Working as a Team

1. Introduction People form teams to accomplish a shard goal or task and have done so since the beginning of human history. For instance, cavemen building a fire together, students working on a group project, or basketball players playing on the same team, the need for teamwork is becoming greater. Parker (2011) suggests that teamwork is essential for business organizations to achieve success. Nowadays, working efficiently with others in a team is a key skill in order to survive in the competitive world of work.In any global business, certain skills and strategies are needed to incorporate into developing teams to maintain effective outcomes. The range of skills includes motivation, conflict management and team goals. This essay will examine the three mentioned aspects of teamwork that would prepare a person to work effectively in a team environment, supported by two real world examples for each aspect to show how individuals in organizations work successfully as active team players. 2. Body Firstly, motivation is an essential element in team-based workplaces.Workers are not mechanism, when they are asked to do the same tasks repeatedly, they will easily lose their interest or passion for their jobs. Consequently, a good way to keep team members’ passion is to motivate them. Motivation theory is one of the most vital theories in Human Resource Management. Armstrong (2001, p. 155) explains the motivation theory is applicable in organizations where they motivate their team members to utilize their skills and knowledge. This would aid at surpassing the organizations' goals and improve the capability to provide better for their teams.According to a research conducted by Macky and Johnson (2003, p. 82), the result shows that when teams are provided with a satisfactory workplace reflecting each personal necessity and requirement, instead of a higher wage or bonus, members are motivated to work harder and more efficiently. This indicates that using beneficial m otivators is becoming more important in nowadays business. In the operation of organizations, examples show motivation plays an important role in achieving success. Howard Schultz, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Google Inc. hich is based in California, considers that the success of the company is to put their employees as the first priority in its offices. According to the official website of Google (2011), the company offers a great range of benefits, including dining facilities, aerobics studios, laundry rooms, massage rooms, haircuts, car wash service and more. He firmly believes that â€Å"appreciation is the best motivation†, by providing a fun and inspiring workspace, team members are able to work in a positive atmosphere.This means team partners can motivate each other to satisfy their own needs, thus a greater opportunity to offer a higher level of performance (Google, 2011). Schultz is the CEO of Starbucks, an international coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, U SA, applies the same principle that employees matter just as much as products do. Michelli (2008) states that Starbucks provides a variety of welfare measures for the Starbucks teams, for instance, accommodation discounts, medical insurance, and vacations.This shows when the company satisfies team members’ needs, they are encouraged to work towards the same goal and strive for the best for the company. From these two examples, it is clear that therefore motivation can lead team members to provide higher quality of work and increase the profit of the company. Secondly, conflict management is a vital aspect in a high-performance team. Conflict is defined as â€Å"the perceived difference between two or more parties resulting in mutual opposition† (Bartol et al, 2008, p. 24). Conflicts are inevitable as different members in teams have different opinions and methods to show their variations (Engleberg, Wynn, 2006, p. 147). Some of the major causes of conflicts are arise fr om the oppose perspective of members’ desire, goals, values and beliefs (DeJanasz, Dowd, Schneifer, 2001, p. 243). Conflicts and arguments in teams can rise negative feelings among members such as ‘lost sight of team goal’, these feelings may lead to failure in achieving effective outcomes (Engleberg, Wynn, 2006, p. 48). Therefore, it is important for team members to recognize the effective strategies in dealing with conflicts in order to minimize fighting and hostility. With proper conflict management, workers are able to work productively as a team where differentiality are accepted (Boone, Kurtz, 2010, p. 2). This shows development of conflict management techniques is essential in contemporary business. In any team-based workplace, correct conflict management can enhance the success of organizations can achieve.The CEO of a Houston-based Birkman International Company, Richard Goldman introduced a policy where his team of employees need to attend compulsive com munication classes every week in attempt to reduce conflicts arise from misunderstanding when they communicate (Tallia et al, 2006). Goldman considers that overcoming communication barriers can provide outstanding insights with team members’ thoughts and act (Tallia et al, 2006). This suggests that team members are allowed to work more practically together when conflicts are handled and solved with efficient management skills.Another example is McDonald’s, the world’s largest chain of fast food restaurant located internationally. The CEO James A. Skinner believes that by offering training programs, such as McDonald’s Management Development Program, managers can build a fully understanding of the company’s policy and the basic skills of manager when working with other people in the McDonald’s Crew (McDonald’s, 2011). This enables mangers to deliver a better management performance when dealing with conflicts. As a result, staff can crea te a harmony team environment and maintain effective achievement.The above two examples indicates that conflict management is crucial in the success of organizations. Lastly, leadership is vital in team-oriented workplaces. Ivancevich & Matteson (2002, p. 45) define team leadership as â€Å"the process of influencing others to facilitate the attainment of organizationally relevant goals†. Leadership is important as it has been addressed as essential to achievement in teams(Gill, 2006, p. 1). A team leader with distinct leadership skills are able to help members to further the achievement of success.Good leadership skills include clear vision, the ability to spot the difference between team members, bring the team together to work towards the same goal and more (Armstrong, 2009, p. 36). All of these bring positive outcomes in teams. As a result, in nowadays organizations, leadership is one of the most vital aspect to be considered. The positive outcomes that team-based organiz ations achieve are visible. Carol Baines took over the Baines Company after the death of her husband, the previous owner of the company.She spent her time in the company to familiarize herself with the staff and operations of the company. She then analyzed the company’s situation and set a powerful set of term goals for the company. With her determined vision and remarkable leadership skill, she created a ‘family-like atmosphere’ for team members to work in. Members saw the clear goal of the company, thus significant success was achieved by the company (Northouse, 2010, p. 30). Another good leader is Steve Jobs, the CEO of America-based electronic company, Apple, Inc.. His good leadership skills have effectively bring success to the company.His quest for perfection has motivated his team to perform their best work quality. These two example makes it clear that leadership makes a huge different in maintaining effective outcomes of organizations. Conclusion To conc lude, this essay has examined three aspects of teamwork that are essential when working effectively with other people in business organizations, namely motivation, conflict management and team goals. It has also provided with real life examples that showed how organizations can incorporate numbers of skills and strategies to create the right team environment.First of all, motivation can create a positive team environment for team members to work effectively together. In addition, proper conflict management can reduce arguments and fights between team members in order to maintain efficient outcomes in organizations. Finally, leadership . Good teamwork certainly is beneficial in the operation of organizations and has become an important aspect to be considered. As s result, organizations should be aware of those aspects and utilize the ability of teams.

The sculpture Bodhisattva

The sculpture Bodhisattva had the strongest impact upon me for various reasons. This piece, found in the Silk Road Chicago collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a cross-cultural work with obvious Eastern and Western influences. This sculpture is a beautiful 2nd to 3rd century A. D. piece that depicts a man standing in obvious deep meditation. This model was created in the region of Gandhara, which is modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. This early representation of a Buddha-like figure is a unique and powerful image. The title, Bodhisattva, can be directly translated from Sanskrit as meaning a â€Å"spiritual essence or being.†This figure is an interpretation of a sacred being that has delayed its own nirvana in order to help others reach the spiritual plane. The adornments that this figure wears are representative of its delay to the spiritual realm. Wearing material and worldly items means that it has not transcended yet. This type of commitment is impressive and th e figure is blessed with the incredible ability to be in a state between both worlds. The figure in the sculpture has an awe-like power over the viewer. It makes you feel as if you are looking at an object that attains holy attributes.Although, the sculpture has divine qualities, it also makes the viewer feel able to relate to it. It is humanized in a way that differs from other Buddha representations. This makes the impact of the work even stronger. An inner strength is portrayed that varies from the traditional at rest Buddha that is found in most artwork. This figure has power, but it is not menacing. It is serene and this serenity is transferred to the viewer of the piece. It is easy to see how these types of figures transcended into what is now modern-day Buddhism. The bodhisattvas were ancient spiritual beings that were worshipped.The collective group of these became the Buddha figure that is widely known today. The detail of this sculpture is incredible. Despite its age, the particulars of the piece have remained blissfully intact. The hands are missing, but it is possible to guess at how they were placed in the sculpture. The right hand was most likely raised and assuming a gesture of reassurance. An object found in the left hand would determine the type of bodhisattva. There is realism in the depiction that makes the viewer feel that they are gazing upon an actual interpretation. Unlike other bodhisattva pieces, this work feels more based on a real person.Despite the Eastern subject matter, there is little doubt that there is Western influence apparent in this piece. â€Å"The art of this region experienced a type of merger with Greek influences after Alexander the Great conquered the region in the 4th century B. C. † (Rowland, 1960, 8). An example of this found in the Bodhisattva is clear in the figure’s intricate robes. These types of folds are traditionally found in Greek and Roman artistic depictions. The drapery reminds the viewer o f the togas worn by the figures in the sculptures of Roman imperials. The chest of the figure is also reminiscent of the merger of these two cultures.It is a more realistic portrayal with the muscular indentations found upon the figure’s chest. Eastern portrayals had less defined bodies in their works. The Indian traditions of the sculpture are displayed in the figure’s mustache and the dhori that he wears. The dual influences of this work made the most significant impact upon me. It is rare to see a piece that has such obvious Eastern and Western elements found in the manifestation. This cross-cultural work is a harmonious interpretation of a strong spiritual figure. Additionally, it has a strong religious impact.It is a documentation of how Buddhism made it way from India into China. When looking at the sculpture, it is unavoidable that you are not moved at how this is exposing a historical occurrence. The stone material of the piece lends power to the idea that this is a strong figure that is tied to the material world, but has the ability to guide people to their own nirvana. The lasting material makes the viewer feel as though they are looking at a spiritual piece that has transcended through the ages. Buddha is an important figure in artwork and it is essential to know how this form came into being.

Is There a Filipino Identity? Essay

Is There A Filipino Identity? A glimpse of our historical past will surely reveal who the Filipinos really are, the Filipino identity as it is called. Yet, due to external factors like technological advancements and colonial influences, the true essence of being a Filipino now reaches the point where it is slowly degrading. Evidently, our colorful history truly defines our identity as a Filipino, but as I said earlier, changes threatened this identity. Now, despite of these changes, â€Å"Is there still a Filipino identity? † Let us consider for example our national flag which is the symbol of our nationality. This rectangular piece of cloth identifies us being a Filipino. But according to Prof. Randolf S. David, â€Å"We may sing the national anthem, as the flag is raised, and recite the pledge of allegiance everyday, but these do not do not automatically evoke in as a consciousness of being a part of a nation. †What’s the use of uttering such if we don’t even recite it by heart? In other words, we are just taking it for granted. National symbols like our national flag may give us a sense of being a Filipino, but these do not reveal our identity. Like for example, the barong tagalog, â€Å"without doubt, it is the garment of defining moments in the lives of Filipinos, from cradle to grave. The barong reminds the Filipinos of who they are. †It may really identify us apart from other nationalities, but it is only an external identification. Knowledge of these symbols is not enough to identify yourself as a Filipino. What really matters most is our culture. Culture is our identity. †Filipino cultural values are widely-held beliefs which make some activities, relationships, goals and feelings important to the Filipino people’s identity. † Yet, observance of this culture is now deteriorating. The culprit behind this is our colonial mentality. â€Å"The Filipino way of thinking that everything foreign is good is still embedded in his personality. †We prefer foreign culture more than our own. Now, I can conclude the fact that there is still a Filipino identity. Yet the identity we have in the past is different from what we have now. Ronnie John Pascua SOURCES: Ma, Corazon Alejo-Itila, Mitzi Marie Aguilar-Reyes, and Anita Feleo, Garment of Honor, Garment Of Identity (Manila: En Barong Filipino, 2008), 17,271 Tomas D. Andres and Pilar B. Ilada-Andres, Understanding the Filipino (Quezon City: New Day Publishers, 1987), 5, 151.

DID THE US OR SOVIET UNION CAUSE THE 1962 CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS Essay

DID THE US OR SOVIET UNION CAUSE THE 1962 CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS - Essay Example Germination of political conflict between these two nations commenced since very aftermath the World War II. During the Second World War, United States and Soviet Union, mutually, played leading role in putting an end to the terror and devastation of the Third Reich. However, end of the War helped them to evolve as two superpowers, capable of dominating the entire global politics. While the United States emerged as a titan among Western nations, the Soviet Union became its Eastern answer1. The conflict of power became inevitable as both nations were trying to prove their respective supremacy and rather than providing priority to the development of international political situation, they took further interest in opposing each other’s policies.2 The conflict between United States and Soviet Union also commenced on a different ground that is their respective ideology towards socio-cultural and socio-economic aspects. While capitalism dominated the ways of American approach towards determining the nature of socio-political factors, socialist approach was adopted by the Soviet Union to earn support of nations in their favor. During the post World War II period, United States not only made aggressive attempts to receive control over political and economic affairs in the international context, consequently, with an intention to reduce power and support of the Soviet Union, it tried to point out the flaws in the socialism that Soviet Union was trying to assert. Soviet Union, on the other hand, also vehemently criticized American tendency of economic imperialism and attempted to assert that socialism is the only way to survive the grasp of American capitalist aggression.3 Result of such attacking and counter attacking became more evident as the entire domain of international politics was divided into two specific groups: â€Å"On one side were the

Network Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Network Security - Essay Example Many cyber attacks are tackled through the Kaspersky antivirus. The security is dealt from many aspects by Kaspersky antivirus. Some of these aspects are as work regarding stealing of information, process of blocking for infrastructure, the stealing of money, destroying the repute of particular targeted organization. Many other techniques of intrusion are detected and explored for giving the enhanced security protection to the underlying system. (Kaspersky Lab ZAO, 2011). Kaspersky network security is the cloud based antivirus. It gathers data from the millions of its users’ systems around the world. Potential threats and malwares are detected and monitored. They are analyzed to defend the user’s systems from the dangerous actions. Kaspersky internet security 2013, with safe money, secures keyboard and others unique features; deploy new innovative technologies that defend PCs from sophisticated threats and viruses. (Kaspersky Internet Security, 2013) Norton antivirus was developed by Symantec Corporation in 1990. Norton internet security is an effective antivirus to deal with cyber attacks and provides best internet security. Dennis technology Labs in the year of 2013 performed a comparison that included the well known tools of internet security. Norton internet security tool is included among many other good security tools. The latest versions of all tools are included for the purpose of comparison. Norton provides protection to computer from the security threats and risks. The blocking process of malicious sites is performed on the basis of the repute of particular website and this is the good approach to handle such situation. Norton is considered among best tools that provide internet security due to the enhanced features it contain (Dennis Technology Labs, 2013). Norton safeguards the computers from viruses that spread from hard disk, floppy disk as well as travel across the network and

Develop arguments pro and con with respect to customized pricing. What Essay

Develop arguments pro and con with respect to customized pricing. What are the differences in implementing the policy across dif - Essay Example This causes lots of competition between other stores. Many other stores will drop the product's price in order to gain revenue from it. Sometimes other stores will drop their product price so low they lose revenue. A good example would be B-to-B magazine. If the retail store calculated the revenue from other stores in the area, the retail store could come up with a lower price to attract customers. The cons of opening up two stores in two different towns may cause the retail store to lose money. Customized pricing is determined by the location in the town. Considering the two retail stores will be in two different towns they will have to go by the customized pricing terms. Many of the prices seen at one retail store may not be seen at the other retail store. Depending on what product the customer is looking for, he or she may have to drive from town to town to get the cheaper price for the product. Sooner or later it will be like the two thrift stores from different towns will be com peting. Another good example would be B-to-B magazine. If the retail store sold the magazine for a really cheap price, the store may not get a big enough revenue. The pros and cons of using customized pricing are equal. It just depends on what type of retail store that person wants to open up, or whether or not he wants to open up more than one store.

Pharmacy Technician Experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Pharmacy Technician Experience - Essay Example This experience proved that the field of Pharmacy is multifaceted that a mere experience would not suffice to satisfy the professional demand of pharmacy. I have decided to pursue a doctorate degree in Pharmacy to competently respond to the demands of the profession both in the practical as well as scientific aspect of the job. For the short term, I am interested to further my knowledge in the practical aspect of pharmacy by engaging in the retail and hospital environments with the long term objective of becoming a scientist in the pharmaceutical industry. Obtaining my Doctor of Pharmacy will not only provide me with the competence in the field of research but will also provide the rare privilege of being a trusted member in my profession as well as community. This knowledge, experience and trust however must be earned especially in the demanding field of pharmacy particularly if one is to pursue a doctorate

Executive Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Executive Summary - Essay Example This has given rise to an â€Å"imperialistic form of a mindset† where the existing products are sold to the established markets in the global markets. By the maintaining the focus on the affluent consumers and some partner-organizations who participated actively in the formal economy, it implied that much of general consumer capabilities were being taken for granted. Low-income markets also referred to as the base of the economic triangle offers both tremendous opportunities to tap despite the unique challenges. In the recent years entrepreneurial firms from developing markets seem to have noted a loophole in the global market that when capitalized on can aid in the tapping of the untapped sectors of the market. Tapping on the opportunities and challenges at the base of the economic pyramid (Sirkin, Hemerling, & Bhattacharya, 1996, pp73). The opportunities linked with the market at the base of the economic pyramid are gradually becoming significant to both business managers a nd scholars. There is evidently more than meet the sight when considering the consumers having annual purchasing power parity of 1500 dollars or even less (Hymer, 1976, pp27). In fact, any business trying to find its footage in a new environment is bound to face quite a number of challenges. As a business strategy for new global ventures, entrepreneurs have been turning on to partner organizations for resources and expertise they are lacking (Stiglitz 2002, pp67). Just as is the requirement by most governments, it becomes indispensable that the new entrants in the global market have a corporate partner in the host country who will ensure market accessibility in the new economies. Moreover, the entrepreneurial firms that are entering the base of the pyramid strata of market economy have had to expand dramatically the field of potential alliance partners (Sharma & Vredenburg, 1998, pp729). According to the research work conducted, it is evident that the base of pyramid strategies that were successful relied so much on the partners who were non-traditional. Examples of such partners include the community groups, non-profit organizations, local or rather village level governments (Smith 1976, pp92). The strategies that turned out to be quite unsuccessful relied majorly on the traditional partners who included the national governments as well as the well-established local companies. This could be explained by the reasoning that the traditional partners are far removed as regards to the business knowledge of the low-income consumers (Ghoshal & Nohria 1989, pp327). Having a variety of non-corporate partners is also another strategy that has been employed by the entrepreneurial firms venturing into new global markets. These partners provide pertinent information as regards to the targeted customers and the general business environment that can be hardly found in the corporate sector. This process goes as far as the typical focus on the suppliers and customers. As post ulated by Hart and Sharma (2004), the greater the lack of certainty about what sought of knowledge is imperative, the more the importance of radical transaction is increased. This entails the ability to