Barbados – Country’s Geographical Notes

Barbados island nation in the Caribbean, is situated about 100 miles (160 kilometres) east of the Windward Islands. Roughly triangular in shape, it measures 21 miles from northwest to southeast and about 14 miles from east to west, with a total area of 166 square miles (430 square kilometres). Its capital is Bridgetown, the only seaport. Barbados is not part of the Lesser Antilles, although it is sometimes grouped with this archipelago. The island is of different geologic formation; it is less mountainous and has less variety in plant and animal life. The geographic position of Barbados has profoundly influenced the island's history, culture, and aspects of its economic life. In the era of sailing ships, access to the island was difficult because of the prevailing winds from the northeast. Outward-bound ships from Europe had to gain the island while heading west, for it was difficult for them to turn and reach its shores by sailing eastward against the wind. The island remained a British possession without interruption from its settlement in the 17th century to 1966, when it attained independence. As the first Caribbean landfall from Europe, Barbados has functioned since the late 17th century as a major link between western Europe (mainly Britain), eastern Caribbean territories, and parts of the South American mainland. Because of its long association with Britain, the culture of Barbados is probably more British than that of any other Caribbean island. Since independence, however, cultural nationalism and regional awareness have tended to increase. The climate is generally pleasant. The temperature does not usually rise above 86 F (30 C) or fall below 72 F (22 C). There are two seasons: the dry season, from early December to May, and the wet season, which lasts for the rest of the year. Average rainfall is about 60 inches (1,525 millimeters) a year, but, despite the small size of the island, rainfall varies, rising from the low-lying coastal areas to the high central district. Barbados lies in the southern border of the Carribean hurricane zone, and hurricanes have caused great devastation. Barbados is densely populated. More than one-third of the population is concentrated in Bridgetown and the surrounding area. Most of the farmland is owned by large landowners or corporations. As a result, â€Å"tenantries† are as common as villages. Tenantries are clusters of wooden houses–locally known as chattel houses–located on the borders of the large estates; they are usually owned by the occupants but stand on rented ground from which they may easily be removed. Most of them have electricity and running water. The largest town is Bridgetown. In its commercial and administrative centre, multistorey buildings are altering the features of the 19th-century town. Apart from Bridgetown, Oistins, Holetown, and Speightstown are the largest towns. The population of Barbados was 257 082 in 1990. the average population density was 572 persons per sq. km (1482 per sq. mile) was notably high considering the predominantly rural agricultural character growth of population during 1970s and 1980s was kept below 1% by out-migration. The capital, largest city and only seaport is Bridgetown with a population of 6720 in 1990. About 90% of the total population black; the remaining portion is composed of whites and persons of mixed racial descent. English is the official language. More than 50% of the people are Anglicans; other important faiths include various protestant sects and Roman Catholic. Education is free to children between ages of 5 to 16yrs. Barbados has a small, market-oriented, developing economy. Services, manufacturing, and agriculture are the main productive sectors. Although Barbados had a relatively high per capita growth rate in the 1980s, unemployment, especially among the youth and women, has been a serious problem. Most of the employment is in services and distributive trades, the greater part of which has been unionized. The economy of Barbados has traditionally been dependent on the growing of sugarcane and the production of export of refined sugar, molasses and rum. Sugarcane is grown principally on large estates rather than on the small farms. The annual harvest is in the early 1990s totalled about 600000 metric tons. Local industries manufacturing clothing, furniture, electrical and electronic equipment and plastic items. Newly discovered reserves of petroleum and natural gas are being exploited. Fishing has also increased the importance. Tourists' facilities have earned more foreign revenue than sugar products. The table below shows the origin of tourists to Barbados, the number of tourists visiting Barbados and the average GNP of tourists visiting Barbados ($US). The table below is refers to the question ‘why do fewer tourists travel shorter distances to Barbados from West Indies and South America? COUNTRY NO. OF TOURISTS TO BARBADOS AVERAGE GNO OF TOURISTS IN $US CANADA 65600 17936 SOUTH AMERICA 3500 3087 USA 170800 16664 UK 101200 11903 WEST EUROPE 33700 13333 WEST INDIES 64300 2798 Climate Figures For London The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Tourism To Barbados Barbados has many white sandy beaches and the beautiful sun, which often attracts holidaymakers. But the holidaymakers also bring many disadvantages to the country. The advantages and disadvantages are listed below in two categories. ADVANTAGES * When holidaymakers arrive the country often needs employees to work in hotels. E.G. waiters/waitresses, cleaners, bar attendants etc. * The country employs 15000 people. * Holidaymakers create other jobs such as in garages, factories, taxi drivers etc. * Tourism has encouraged the development of facilities which benefit the whole community. a) a deep water harbour b) an airport terminal c) a better road network d) an improvement in water supply, sewage, disposal, electricity. * Fisherman benefit as there is more fish needed to please tourist so the fisherman receive more money. DISADVANTAGES * Jobs have to shed labour at slack periods (Sep / Oct and May / June). * Cost was expensive to establish because of the need to import foreign manufactured goods such as vehicles and furniture. * Cost loses income for the country because a) food and manufactured goods still have to be imported, b) many hotels are foreign owned. The government is now trying to rectify by building hotels itself and encouraging local people tourists apartments. * Tourism has an effect upon agriculture by depressing it by draining it of workers. * The country loses money due to having the need to import goods such as Beef from New Zealand and Los Angeles. * Economy is dependent upon conditions elsewhere- recession in North America and Europe caused tourist numbers to fall by 5% in 1981. * Low moral standards in the tourists can have a bad effect on communities such as alcohol abuse and prostitution. * Tourist industries have affected land beach and sea resources. It is also responsible for increase in pollution on both land and sea. IS TOURISM HELPING BARBADOS? It's very difficult question to answer whether tourism is helping Barbados or not. So to answer this question I had divided it into two categories â€Å"Positive† and â€Å"Negative. After considering all the points it will be easier to decide whether tourism is helping Barbados or not. â€Å"Positive† * because tourism brings money to island like Barbados through accommodation paid for by tourists, souvenirs sold to tourists e.g. clothes, steel drums, coral jewellery, tours organized by country's community as they drive them around by giving toured rides etc. * because tourism supplies jobs for the country's community e.g. in hotels as bar attendants, waiters/waitresses, cleaners etc., taxi drivers, fishermen/women etc. * because tourism stimulates the country's market, even providing new markets. * because tourism has provided a better communication between races and cultures. * because tourism has provided the country with enough money to produce an airport, maintain better road links and conditions, and an improvement in water supply, sewage disposal and electricity. â€Å"Negative† * because tourism has also broken up communities by bringing so many tourists into the country that the communities are being denied access to the facilities provided. * because tourism has caused a loss in money by tourists expecting foreign manufactured goods e.g. food, furniture, vehicles etc instead of buying native products. * because tourism has caused a westernizing effect on culture and social standards, which can cause differences and may even cause the community to forget its background history. * because tourism has caused the environment to change by making buildings around the beach and buildings which do not fit in with the country's environment. * because the agriculture workers have left the fields to work in hotels close to the tourists so there are not many people to work in the fields anymore. After considering this subject, I conclude that tourism has both positive and negative effects on Barbados. If tourism is not controlled, in future it will not have good effect on the country as the country will be changed i.e. there will not be clean beaches with beautiful white sand and crystal clear green sea water, beautiful palm trees or the green environment etc. this will changed by the community changing their environment to please the tourists by building more hotels and forgetting their culture. If you think carefully then you will realize that tourists are going to Barbados for its culture, its beautiful white sand and crystal green water, its green environment and of course the sun. On consideration, tourism can have benefits for Barbados- bringing employment, income and improved facilities. On the other hand it can bring pollution, destruction of the environment in order to build facilities, and can have a detrimental effect on the culture and community life. WHY DO FEWER TOURISTS TRAVEL SHORTER DISTANCES? In answering this question I have referred to table 1 on the previous page. The question asked is ‘why fewer tourists travels shorter distances to Barbados from South America and West Indies?' My opinion on the question asked by many people is that GNP in both places is low and the vast majority cannot afford to travel abroad. If the country does not have a very high GNP they will not have much disposable income after all the main expenses are paid off e.g. mortgage, taxes bills, National Insurance (N.I), pensions, and road tax ( if car is involved). South America's GNP is 3087. West Indies GNP is 2798 (the figures stated are calculated in $US). If you compare the GNP of countries like USA and the UK to that of the GNP of the countries like the West Indies and the South America you will notice that people in the USA and in the UK have much more disposable income. USA's GNP is 16664. UK's GNP is 11903 (the figures stated are calculated in $US). Another reason for answering this question is that in the West Indies and in South America the annual average climate is generally the same so the residents will not need to travel to find the sun and fine weather. WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE TRAVEL TO BARBADOS FROM NORTH AMERICA & EUROPE? The question asked is why do so many people travel to Barbados from North America and Europe. My suggested opinion is firstly because in countries in North America and Europe usually have a higher GNP meaning after all the main expenses are paid off (stated in the question ‘why do fewer tourists travel shorter distances to Barbados?')they end up with enough disposable income to spend on the trips to places like Barbados. Another reason is that in places like Europe and North America the climate is too hot but there is either too little hot weather or the climate is not hot enough. There are not that many beautiful beaches like in Barbados. ‘WHY DO TOURISTS FROM NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE TURN UP IN BARBADOS AT CERTAIN TIMES OF THE YEAR?' My suggested answer for this question is because of hot climate. At certain times in the year the sun is out and the weather is basically hot, hot and hot with a lot of sun. The months when the climate is hot and sunny is at the end of December to beginning of June. The remaining months are mainly rainy months so you wouldn't actually find many tourists around in Barbados.

Organic lab. Comparison of alkanes and alkenes Essay

1. Volatility of methane, hexane, and paraffin Substance Methane Hexane Paraffin wax Observations Colorless gas, with a smell of sweet burnt alcohol. Clear, colorless liquid. Alcoholic smell, light but pungent. White, oily (waxy) solid. Very malleable, odorless. 1. Solubility of hexane and paraffin in water Substance Hexane + water Paraffin wax + water Observations Hexane when shaken with water does not dissolve. We can tell so because even though both liquids are clear and colorless, we can see a clear line which distinguishes one liquid from the other. The hexane floats right above the water, never mixing, and we can see the line of separation. Paraffin wax when shaken with water also does not dissolve. Even when finely ground, the solid pieces of wax float throughout the liquid and eventually deposit on the bottom of the test tube, never mixing with the water. 1. Combustibility of methane, hexane, and paraffin wax Substance Methane Hexane Paraffin wax Observations When the lighted splint is inserted in the test tube filled with methane, the flame quickly extinguishes itself, with a small spurt of black smoke. Right after, water vapour coats the walls of the test tube. Therefore, combustion occurred, since the water vapour means that H2O and CO2 are produced as bi products. The combustion almost complete, but not quite, since the black smoke suggests that a small amout of noxious CO and carbon were also produced. When the lighted splint is applied to the basin full of hexane, the whole surface of the alcohol catches fire (combusts) and a big flame forms, which lasts circa 5 minutes. As the fire blazes, some black smoke rises from it, and the walls of the evaporing basin become first light brown, and then progessively a darker shade of brown. This is the soot collecting on the basin. Therefore, a incomplete combustion occurred, in which the bi products of CO and carbon were released. Indeed, the soot is the amount of carbon produced by the combustion. The lighted splint does not cause the paraffin wax to combust. When applied, the heat of the fire of the splint causes the wax to melt, but not catch fire itself. This because the wax is in the solid fase, and so does not combust. It would need a candle wick, a piece of yarn inside the candle which catches fire and helps the candle melt. Part II – Comparison of alkanes and alkenes 1. Reaction of the double bond Substance Hexane + dilute sulfuric acid + potassium permanganate Hexene + dilute sulfuric acid + potassium permanganate Observations When the fucsia potassium permanganate is added to the clear hexane and sulfuric acid, the whole solution turns fucsia, as one would expect. Since there is no color change (the fucsia just happens to be the predominant color) no reaction occurred. When the fucsia potassium permanganate is added to the clear hexane and sulfuric acid, initially the whole solution turns fucsia. However right after there is a color change and the solution goes from fucsia, to light pink, to clear again. We can tell from the color change that an addition reaction occurred. 1. Combustibility of hexane and hexene Substance Hexane Hexene Observations When the lighted splint is applied to the basin full of hexane, the whole surface of the alcohol catches fire (combusts) and a big flame forms, which lasts circa 5 minutes. As the fire blazes, some black smoke rises from it, and the walls of the evaporing basin become first light brown, and then progessively a darker shade of brown. This is the soot collecting on the basin. Therefore, a incomplete combustion occurred, in which the bi products of CO and carbon were released. Indeed, the soot is the amount of carbon produced by the combustion. When the lighted splint is applied to the basin full of hexene, the whole surface of the alcohol catches fire (combusts) and a big flame forms, which lasts circa as long as the hexane combustion. As the fire blazes, a lot of thick black smoke rises from it, and the walls of the evaporing basin become first brown, and then progessively a darker until they become almost black. This is the soot collecting on the basin. Therefore, a incomplete combustion occurred, in which the bi products of CO and carbon were released. Indeed, the soot is the amount of carbon produced by the combustion. Since the basin of the hexene was darker than that of the hexane, we can deduce that the combustion of hexene is more incomplete. Part III – Alcohols and Carboxylic acids 1. Oxidation of ethanol Substance Ethanol + potassium dichromate + dilute sulfuric acid Observations When first placed in the water bath the solution turns from orange-yellow to first a light green. The smell is quite alcoholic and strong, pungent. After 5 minutes, the solution has become a darker shade of green, an almost turquoise color. The smell is a bit like a medicine, still a bit pungent (less though) and quite sweet – like cough syrup. After other 5 minutes, the color is now an intense forest green, and the smell is very sugary sweet. 1. Making esters Substance Ethanol + ethanoic acid + concentrated sulfuric acid Observations When first placed in the water bath the solution turns from a warm yellow color to first a light blue-green. The smell is very strong, pungent and unpleasant. After 5 minutes, the solution has become a more intense and dark shade of blue-green. The smell is still acidic and tangy, but now quite sweet. It is not unpleasant anymore. After other 5 minutes, the color is now an a very dark green, almost black, and the smell is almost like lemon pie, tangy but sugary at the same time. It is a nice scent. Data Analysis Part I – Alkanes 1. Volatility of methane, hexane, and paraffin 1. Methane CH4 (g) 1. Hexane C6H14 (aq) 1. Paraffin wax C20H42 (s) 1. Solubility of hexane and paraffin in water 1. Hexane No reaction occurs: C6H14 (aq) + H2O(l) à ¯ C6H14 (aq) +H2O(l) 1. Paraffin wax No reaction occurs: C20H42 (s) + H2O(l) à ¯ C20H42 (s) +H2O(l) 1. Combustibility of methane, hexane, and paraffin wax 1. Methane CH4 (g) + 2 O2 (g) à ¯ CO2 (g) + 2 H2O(g) * 1. Hexane 2 C6H14 (aq) + 19 O2(g) à ¯ 14 H2O(g) + 12 CO2 (g) * 1. Paraffin wax No combustion reaction occurred – paraffin only changes state: C20H42 (s) + heat à ¯ C20H42 (l) Part II – Comparison of alkanes and alkenes 1. Reaction of the double bond 1. Hexane No addition reaction occurred Concentrated H2SO4(l) C6H14 (aq) + KMnO4 (aq) C6H14 (aq) + KMnO4 (aq) 1. Hexene Concentrated H2SO4(l) C6H12 (aq) + KMnO4 (aq) C3H6O2 (aq) + KMnO2 (aq) 1. Combustibility of hexane and hexene 1. Hexane 2 C6H14 (aq) + 19 O2(g) à ¯ 14 H2O(g) + 12 CO2 (g) * 1. Hexene C6H12 (aq) + 9 O2 (g) à ¯ 6 H2O(g) + 6 CO2 (g) * Part III – Alcohols and Carboxylic acids 1. Oxidation of ethanol reflux 3 CH3CH2OH(aq) + 2 K2Cr2O7 (aq) + 8 H2SO4 (aq) + heat 3 CHà ¢COOH(aq) + 2 Crà ¢(SOà ¢)à ¢(aq) + 2 Kà ¢SOà ¢(aq) + 11 Hà ¢O(g) 1. Making esters concentrated H2SO4 CH3CH2OH(aq) + CH3COOH(aq) CH3COOCH2CH3 (aq) + H2O(g) * These reactions are written as complete combustions, but in reality they were incomplete conbustions, as we can tell from the soot (carbon) left behind after the reaction. Therefore the products of these combustions would not only be CO2 and H2O (water vapour) but also the noious CO and Carbon (black smoke and soot). These equations thus do not represent fully the reaction which took place. Conclusion Part I – Alkanes 1. Volatility of methane, hexane, and paraffin The state of methane, hexane, and paraffin wax are gas, liquid, and solid at room STP, respectively. They are all alkanes, and therefore only have Van Der Waal intermolecular forces (they are non-polar, so do not have dipole dipole, and do not have any Hydrogen bonds as well), The stronger the intermolecular forces, the more energy (heat) it requires to break the bonds, the higher the MP. However, even though methane, hexane, and paraffin all have VDW forces, they have very different MP and BP, as seen from their physical state at room temperature. This is due to the difference in surface area of the three alkanes. Van Der Waal forces are stronger in molecules that have a larger surface area: indeed, paraffin wax, which can have a molecular formula of C20H42 to C40H82 which be a much longer chain than hexane (C6H14) which in turn will be longer than methane (CH4). Therefore, paraffin wax will have a higher MP than hexane, which will have a higher MP than methane. 1. Solubility of hexane and paraffin in water Since hexane did not mix with the water (there was a cler line of separation between the two substances) we can concude that hexane is not soluble in polar solutions, (water is the universal solvent for polar solutions). Therefore, hexane is non-polar, as its symmetrical structure (C6H14) would suggest (the dipole moments cancel out). Also paraffin wax did not mix with water. This is due to the fact that also paraffin wax is a alkane, and therefore will also be non polar, because of its symmetrical structure (eg: C20H42) with dipole moments which cancel out. Also, the fact that the wax was solid, and no heat was added to the solution, contrbuted probably to the insolubility of the wax in the water (even polar substances like sugar melt better when heat is applied). 1. Combustibility of methane, hexane, and paraffin wax Methane combusted when the lighted splint was applied. The flame extinguishes itself quickly, and the products CO2 and H2O are formed (water vapour). However, the combustion is not complete, because also some black smoke (Carbon and CO) are produced, since there is not enough oxygen and the carbons in the reactants are not combusted completely. Likewise, also the hexane combusts when the lighted splint is applied (a huge flame erupts). However, the hexane has a more incomplete combustion. We can tell from the substantial amount of soot (carbon) left on the evaporating basin, much greater than the thin black smoke generated from the combustion of methane. The paraffin wax, even though it is an alkane, is in its solid state and therefore does not combust. When the lighted splint is applied, the wax changes state from solid to liquid. Therefore, no reaction occurs, and the products of combustion are not formed (CO2 and H2O, and Carbon and CO). If a wollen wick were to be inserted, then combustion would occur. Part II – Comparison of alkanes and alkenes 1. Reaction of the double bond Hexane did not react with the potassium permanganate, since the color did not change. This because the alkanes are saturated (do not have any double bonds) and therefore cannot perform addition reactions. Hexene instead reacts with the potassium permanganate (KMnO4), aided by the concentrated H2SO4 to form C3H6O2 and KMnO2. We can tell see the reaction visually, for the potassium permanganate is fucsia, and therefore tinges the whole solution of a pink, but after the reaction occurs the solution becomes clear, since the products are different. This because it is an alkene, and therefore unsaturated, so other molecules can add into it to form different products. The carbon-carbon double bond is very reactive. However the alkene could not react with the potassium permanganate without the catalyst H2SO4 to facilitate the reaction. 1. Combustibility of hexane and hexene Hexane and hexene both combust when the lighted splint is applied. They both catch fire, and burn for circa 5 minutes. They both produce CO2 and H2O (water vapour is formed, and moisture is left behind after the fire extinguishes), and also Carbon and CO (black smoke rises from the flame, and soot is left behind on the basin. Therefore, there is not enough oxygen, and the hexane and hexene do not combust completely, generating these noxious, unwanted products. The main difference is that hexene has a more incomplete combustion than hexane, since it leaves behind much more dirt and soot, coloring the basin pitch black, while the hexane only leaves a bit of soot, coloring the basin of a lighter brown. Therefore, the combustion of hexene requires more oxygen than that of hexane, since the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere remains more or less constant. Part III – Alcohols and Carboxylic acids 1. Oxidation of ethanol The oxidation of ethanol is an oxidation of a primary alcohol. The reaction can occur because all the reaction conditions are present: heat, the oxidizing agent (K2Cr2O7 ) and the catalyst (H2SO4). Therefore, the alcohol (CH3CH2OH) first will form an aldehyde through distilling (low ratio of oxidizing agent to alcohol) but then through reflux it will form a carboxyllic acid (CHà ¢COOH). We can notice the reaction occurring by observing the changes in the test tube. Initially yellow-orange, the solution then turns green. Also, we notice a change in scent, from a pungent alcoholic scent, to a sweeter, more pleasant smell. 1. Making esters A reaction occurs when the ethanol and the ethanoic acid, aided by the catalyst H2SO4 and heat, form an ester CH3COOCH2CH3 and water. Also here, the reaction only occurs because the reaction conditions were present: heat and catalyst H2SO4. We can notice the reaction occurring by observing the changes in the test tube. The color changes from a warmer color, to a colder, blue-green color. Also, we notice a change in scent, from a pungent alcoholic scent, very unpleasant, to a fruity, sweet and tangy smell like lemon pie. Indeed, esters are used as artificial flavouring, replicsting the smell of fruits.

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Risk evaluation and calculation for a company. Importance of risk evaluation while taking investment decisions - Essay Example In order to illustrate the complexities of risks involved, the subject of evaluation shall be a multinational company, principally located in an emerging Asian country, but producing an internationally marketed product. While the foreign firm boasts a fundamentally sound business, the fact that it involves investment in another country requires consideration of the various risks. A UK-based investment fund is considering investing in the Asian emerging market. It is considering SMCorp, a food and beverage company principally located in the Philippines. Its main product is the globally renowned San Miguel Beer which had won numerous prestigious international awards. SMCorp has expanded its operations abroad and established breweries located in China, Malaysia, and South America. The Philippine currency has an exchange rate of about PhP69:Â £1, within the past year varying between PhP73:Â £1 and PhP68:Â £1. SMCorp stock is sufficiently liquid and is a favourite among global funds that decide to invest in the Philippines, because of its excellent company fundamentals and steady rate of return. The company regularly declares a uniform stream of annual dividends and exhibits a strong cashflow pattern. Its stock price has a beta coefficient of 0.8. Its 52-week per-share figures are a high of PhP 61 and a low of PhP 38; it is currently at PhP 41. Being in the co nsumer food and beverage industry, demand for SMCorp’s products are consistent even during economic downturns, and sales are brisk locally and abroad. Risk, as applied to investments, is the probability of earning a return less than the expected return (Brigham, 1996). Investors are usually risk-averse; that is, investors will as much as possible try to avoid chances of earning below expected income, moreso chances of loss. Investors who do not assume more than the prevailing

Potential Problems with Illegal Immigration Essay

Potential Problems with Illegal Immigration - Essay Example There is evidence of job competition between natives and immigrants, since the latter are typically employed in jobs shunned by natives (e.g., seasonal agriculture, working with toxic chemicals, etc.) even under conditions of high unemployment among the native-born. The hidden consensus seems to be that expelling the foreigners and their offspring who are already integrated would be too costly and disruptive (Som and Momblanco 2006). Meanwhile, the consolidation of immigrant communities, especially in big cities acts as a magnet for new entrants. For instance, "illegal Mexican immigrants have found good jobs in industries associated with the housing bubble. Large numbers of immigrants work at jobs in the construction, landscaping, and road construction industries" (Thornton, 2007). Some employers prefer to hire illegal foreign workers and some feel that they have no alternative. Wage stagnation is another problem caused by illegal immigrants in the USA. The role of compensation and its effect on wages and on the behavior of the unemployed has been put forward as one of the reasons for higher unemployment levels. Four aspects of unemployment benefit that could affect behavior of jobless workers. These are eligibility conditions; generosity of benefits; duration of benefits; and efforts made by authorities to prevent malingering. Following Jacobe (2006): "the current wage stagnation is a cause of the influx of a huge number of illegal immigrants who violate U.S". The evidence demonstrates that benefits played important role in unemployment and demands additional spending on social services for unemployed population. Illegal immigration becomes a burden for healthcare and health-related services. Following Porter (2006): "While many Americans without health insurance struggle to pay for medical care, U.S. hospitals provide at least $200 million a year in uncompensated emergency medical care to illegal immigrants" (p. 66). Defining needs as rational drives implies a corresponding conception of health. Being a critical concept supporting (or subverting) practical judgments about healthcare practice and health policy, the concept of 'health' is as contested as the concept of 'needs' (Som and Momblanco 2006). The government cannot deprive illegal immigrant a right to receive primary care but it deprives many native citizens healthcare insurance and healthcare services. The policy debate about healthcare needs is a response to conflicting demands on health policy and healthcare resources. Current government practices that disproportionately site municipal and hazardous waste disposal facilities in low -income and minority neighborhoods native citizens with the least access to quality health care. Operatively a basic and adequate standard of health care is the minimum level of care, the core entitlement that should be guaranteed to all members of society. "There is a lack of proportion between the medical resources and the burden of disease and that there is a human right to equal access" (Dwyer 2004, p. 34). Basic health care covers a wide range of common health services needed to maintain, restore, or provide functional equivalents (where possible) to adequate species functioning. It includes at least some preventive, curative, mental health,

Biological Module Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Biological Module - Essay Example The relationship lead to the permanent association and integration leading to eventual evolution of eukaryotes. Membranes that may be double or single layered line cell organelles. The Mitochondria, chloroplast and the nucleus (not strictly an organelle) have double layered membranes, while the Lysosomes, Golgi apparati, vacuoles and so on have a single membrane. The Ribosomes are non-membranous structures. The structural representation in the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane is universal in all living cells (plants & animals) and consists of two layers of phospholipids (lipids attached to a phosphate unit, proteins that dynamically move about the membrane and a small amount of glycoproteins (glucose bonded to proteins). The lipid molecules are "amphiphilic," having a hydrophilic (water loving) portion facing outside and a hydrophobic (water shunning) lipid portion turned inside. (Campbells' Biology Chapter 8; Dalton.M Chapter2/membrane/html.) Primarily, there are10 different types of lipids reported in cell membranes with different types of cells/organelles having differing percentage of each lipid, protein, and carbohydrate. They are: (1)Cholesterol, (2)Glycolipids, (3) Phosphatidylcholine, (4)Sphingomyelin, (5)Phosphatidylethnolamine, (6)Phosphatydilinositol, (7)Phosphatidylserine, (8) Phosphatidylglycerol, (9)Diphosphatidylglycerol (Cardiolipin), (10)Phosphatidic acid (Dalton.M Chapter2/membrane/html). Proteins in the cell membrane may have limited movement (being bound to the cell's exoskeleton or other membrane structures) or move freely if unbound (Campbells' Biology Chapter 8; Cellmembranes.html 10 Aug. 2003) . These proteins could be in the hydrophobic (integral proteins) or in the hydrophilic (peripheral proteins) regions. The proteins vary in structure and function but have distinct directional orientation (Campbells' Biology Chapter 8). Differential permeability The membranes are responsible for maintaining an almost constant cell or organelle environment. For instance the pH with the Lysosome is maintained at 5. This has been made possible by the selective permeability of the membrane that allows ready entry of glucose, amino acids and lipids and prevents the exit of metabolic intermediates while allowing external passage of wastes. The membranes' hydrophobic portions are typically impermeable to water-soluble materials like glucose, amino

Canadian Historical Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Canadian Historical Development - Essay Example According to the essay findings  Canada is one country that has received immense influence on its political landscape from the French, Americans and Britons. For this reason what is practised in Canada is more less a blend of the three to a hug extent. The rights and freedoms of individuals are well guarded by the constitution and so are regional autonomy and the rule of law. The English traditions, French civil law and North American aboriginal government have all been embedded into one item to form the Canadian political culture.This study declares that  the political landscape being a borrowed one is characterised by the country being a constitutional monarchy whose origin is the traditions of Britain. The other important characteristic is that of having federal system of governance with a parliament. These manifestations in the political arena all work together in harmony under the guidance of well rooted democratic traditions. It is important to note that the Canadian struct ure of governance was one that was established by the British parliament whereas the federal system of governance came later and was enacted by politicians of Canadian descent. These developments where Canadian politicians begun to take full control of the changes witnessed in their country gained momentum with the advent of the 1st World War.  The natural resources in Canada are distributed in such a way that some regions are adored than others.

Mayo Clinic in Minnesota Essay Example for Free

Mayo Clinic in Minnesota Essay Problem 1 (a) One of the most promising approaches to helping people to quit smoking is the nicotine patch. The patch gradually dispenses nicotine into the blood. In a 1994 experiment at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, 240 volunteer smokers participated in a study of the effectiveness of the nicotine patch. All of the volunteers were between the ages of 20 and 30, were in good health, smoked at least 20 cigarettes a day and wanted to quit. They were randomly assigned to receive either 22-mg nicotine patches or placebo patches. All 240 participants also received counseling about quitting smoking. After one year, 33 of the 120 participants with the nicotine patch had quit smoking while 17 of those with the placebo patch had quit. (a) What are the explanatory and response variables in this case? The response variable is whether they quit smoking or not. The explanatory variables are the use (or otherwise) of a nicotine patch, and the counseling they received. 2. (Points: 10) Problem 1 (b) One of the most promising approaches to helping people to quit smoking is the nicotine patch. The patch gradually dispenses nicotine into the blood. In a 1994 experiment at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, 240 volunteer smokers participated in a study of the effectiveness of the nicotine patch. All of the volunteers were between the ages of 20 and 30, were in good health, smoked at least 20 cigarettes a day and wanted to quit. They were randomly assigned to receive either 22-mg nicotine patches or placebo patches. All 240 participants also received counseling about quitting smoking. After one year, 33 of the 120 participants with the nicotine patch had quit smoking while 17 of those with the placebo patch had quit. (b) Compute the p-value for a one-sided Z-test of whether the nicotine patch significantly increases the likelihood of quitting smoking. Be sure to state your hypotheses, defining p1 and p2. 33 / 120 = 0. 275 = p1 (Proportion who quit using patch) 17 / 120 = 0. 142 = p2 (Proportion who quit without using patch) Null Hypothesis Ho: Using a nicotine patch and counseling does not increase the probability of quitting smoking, compared to using counseling alone, for 20-30 year-olds who smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day. Ho: p1 – p2 = 0 Alternative Hypothesis Ha: Using a nicotine patch with counseling is more likely to result in quitting smoking than using counseling alone, for 20-30 year-olds ho smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day. Ha: p1-p20 Check if normal dist applies: samples are independent (no reason to think sample is biased) sample size 10% (only 240 from large population) np1=120*0. 275=33, n(1-p1)=87; np2=17, n(1-p2)=103 Z = (p2-p1)/sqrt(p1(1-p1)/n1+p2(1-p2)/n2) = (0. 275-0. 142)/(0. 0517) = 2. 578 So p = 0. 005

Functionalism Of The Marx Conflict Theory Sociology Essay

Functionalism Of The Marx Conflict Theory Sociology Essay According to Emile Durkheim and more recently with Talcott Parsons (Marshall 1994: 190-1) functionalism refers to system which interrelated with connection of several elements and each and every one of it has their own purpose of existence. Each elements play significant roles and responsibility to contribute within the system (Anderson and Taylor, 2005). Society had classified into different classes and status from low to high, but functional of duties difficult to verify significance of individual roles in society. Every character in society is essential roles within the system to circulate and they tend to affects each other. Contributions of every job have their own rewards but normally not all are equally paid. For examples, like stars they earn more than ordinary jobs like nurses but it does not represent the nurses are not play significant roles in society. Although nurses have less power and prestige than the stars, their functional position more vital compare to stars. Karl Marx is the first developer of conflicts theory used the hypothesis to explain about the development and revolution of industrials, he pointed out that emphasis of materialist among the culture of industries. Example like the 19th century of Europe, labour market was primarily control by groups of capitalists who were wealthy with outsized assets. Capitalists overuse their authority towards workers cause exploitation and rise up conflicts between them. At earlier times labours are treated like slave with getting value that lesser than what they have created in production and have no rights to voice up their inequality. Unfair treatment towards the labour show the gaps of power differences between the classes of society, the richest upper class who own the assets and poorest lower class who sell their labour time to. 1.3 Symbolic Interactionism Sociologists clarify the interactionism theory explain about communication among people within verbally and symbolic in order to share or approach meaning or messages (LaRossa and Reitzes, 1993). Symbolic interactionism enables human using various symbols to interact with others and impart appropriate meaning and messages with common languages (Mead, 1934). Indirectly, symbols and behaviours that individual present are majorly influence by social norms and believe. Each individual have their own specific perspectives and way to behave hence through interaction some symbols may created and develop. Meaning of symbols which attempt to send to others must be correctly connected to particular meaning and words which related in order to help receiver understand clearly and better or otherwise it will lead to misunderstanding and conflicts between each other. 2.0 Early Conflicts Theories à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ Karl Marx The earliest conflicts theories derived from Second World War period while the capitalists power over whelmed the labour market. Labours been treated as slaves work within the company and treated unfairly. The values that created by labours are more than what they deserve to received and caused exploitation. The earlier conflict theories emphasized more on inequality treatment of labours in industrials and value perceptions of people at earlier time ago (Swingwood, 1975). Capitalists maximize their authority on labour force to maximize production and profits and minimize time consuming. Labours welfare been ignored and status are classified as lower class which groups that always discriminate by society especially upper class capitalists. In early industrial sectors, Karl Marx allocates the society to two primary classes: Bourgeoisie, the party who own most of the assets such as monetary capitals, machines or factory and virtually monopolize the economy markets and Proletariat, the workers who sell their efforts and contribute to the industries (McAll, 1992). Due to scarcity resources of society, owners tend to get advantages from others. Capitalists over practice their authority and caused conflicts between classes, hence labours dissatisfaction arise the changes of social system to solve the exploitation problems (Anderson and Taylor, 2006). Karl Marx believes that if the conflicts situation keeps on remaining, the society will overcome the capitalism issues. After on at 1930, Max Weber, a German sociologist had developed a bureaucratic form which derived from Marxist capitalism theory. Max Weber emphasized the rules and regulation will certify the legitimate power which is the basis of social conflicts (Wesolowski, 1979). He believes that if the legitimate power does not be identify officially it would bring conflicts upon. Recent System Thinking on Conflicts Theories Max Weber bureaucracy system is broadly applied by all organizations now or should say as it had become basis element of organizations. The standardize process with rules and regulations assist management system more efficiently to manage labour force and resources. However, systematic process needs to improve to comply with external factors of organizations. According to the rapidly changing environment nowadays it would be challenge for organization to adapt to the various factors of environment. System can be determine in three degrees whether it is open system or closed system and group into two vital model, entropy which more refers to closed system which movement towards system run down and negentropy which refers to system which movement forward to advance structure (Bailey, 1990). The sociologist Niklas Luhmann (1927-1988) had develop system theory approach to examine the conflicts occur between system of organizations and the environment (Nollman, 2005). Luhmann explain differentiation of system and environment is one of complicate. Environment used to be more complex than system since there are few factors to be considered and try assembling it to adapt with owns culture system of organizations. Autopoietic system were develop by Luhmann which explained that it taking system like legal system or bureaucracy system as references among others. The system has four characteristic which can used to explain the system nowadays too. Firstly, autopoietic system generates its elements, for example money in economic market. Without the certification of value by market, money will not be valuable and just a paper. Both related and influence each other in the system. Autopoietic system is self-orientated to lay down boundaries and coordinate their organizations structure. The system usually set own limitations and regulations of managing structure of company. The system of autopoietic is self-reference within the economic system. As example, economic system created value for money and at the same time it considers the market to determine the price. Furthermore, autopoietic is a closed system which means the system does not directly attach with the environment (Esposito, 1996). Groups of people from lower class like labour might not have the ability to join within the system hence it shows that in economic market only involves who are wealthy and able to invest into the market. Communications are essentials part to solve conflicts. Within the standardize system it might be efficient but not truly effective. Interactions between people are importance to identify and understand each other. Society and psychic system have mutual element, both rely on communication to get the actual meaning of interaction (Ritzer, 2008). Sometimes, different people might using different way to approach others but meaning are not necessary propose, because meaning derived from particular words that been selected. Media nowadays will exercise different ways of sending messages to consumers, but some meaning might be hazy and hidden lead the consumer to the wrong information. This problem been declare by Luhmann and called it as double contingency. Double contingency discuss about the trouble of communication between parties and considerations of sending the correct messages. Society form by different cultures, norms and religions hence people all have their own believes and behaviour. Message sending by an individual to others might explain in other ways. As long as receiver understand the meaning which related and connected to particular words the information will be correctly present or else conflicts might occur. Luhmann, the first system theorists had develop sociology approach to solve the difficulties that organization facing. System could be adapt to external factors that might bring negative impacts to company. Both system and environment indirectly are interrelated to each others, with absence of one, it either will be hard to stand by its own. 4.0 Communication as on-going struggle Within system, communication acts an essential role to deliver appropriate information to the public. But not all information allowed to exposes to the society. Hence, this had cause misunderstanding and conflict rises between communication systems because of forbidden objectives or motif. As a lively examples showed will be conflicts between community, media and government. Therefore, government act as the capitalist within the system and media act as intermediaries to send information to society. Government are the main authority with supervising the society system hence, they monopolise the whole market. For that reason, government had entirely dominated mediaà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s activities and that is where the struggles occur. Media had limitations of rights to deliver information to society. Their delivery information are red tape by government to avoid conflicts arise with the society. The forbidden information of government rises up conflicts as well even without declaration of media despite of every individual are sensitive to aware of any threaten information that will bring negative effects towards them. From the above, conflicts of society had verified that communication of recent system theory still consist with on-going struggle. 5.0 Comparison of early conflicts and recent conflicts Comparing the earlier and modern theories of conflicts, we can view that in early time conflicts theories arise because of inequality and division of labours with different classes of society. Power and capitals which monopolize the economy markets and exploit the labours that classify as lower class and get discriminate. Marx and Weber both consent towards the facts of conflicts arises from profit thinking of the capitalists or who with most authority (Henslin, 2002). However the sociologists have their own explanation towards economic order, Marx classifies that early centuries class of society conflicts and capitalists are the elements which monopolize the economic market. Another hand Weber states that power relationships are determined by character of political power and they have their own significant responsibilities. Between these two sociologists conflict theories, Weber conflict theories can enforce social change but Marxist only promote changes of system itself (Cohen, 200 0). Until nowadays, conflicts still arise between owners and labours but for modern conflict theories, but the difference is older days workers struggle for basic survival but workers nowadays struggle for more to authority and job entitlement. The welfare of workers does improve and partly solve struggles among both capital and labour. The capitalist phenomena had over taken by modern system theories but still conflicts maintaining such as the conflicts of challenges towards their job advancement or power. Furthermore, conflicts like discrimination of status and classes still exist between societies. 5.0 Conclusion Nowadays majorly business are globalise hence organizations have to adapt to the challenging environment which full with new factors like technology. In order to improve efficiency, conflicts are the natural process to be experience and develop social changes. Capitalists who owned more assets are main authority to supervise the labour process yet people might misuse the power for own interests. The unbalance of social life will be still exist and so with conflicts, but both does not appear to be crucial mode like early years. Conflicts are continuous and might difficult to handle, but conflicts had lead organizations to more advanced system and make improvements. Communication between individuals helps improving understanding each other and minimizes the occurrence of conflicts but if the information does not send or approach properly it might cause another troubles and make the circumstances worsen. (1995) words

Lincolns Legacy :: essays research papers

Lincoln's Legacy A legacy is something that is passed down from a predecessor. Lincoln's legacy is the teachings that he had wanted all of us, as American citizens, to live by. In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln explained what our responsibilities as American citizens are. His concepts tie all off U.S. history together and aid the prosperity of our country. In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln stated that all men are created equal. He was restating the beliefs of Thomas Jefferson when Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Lincoln was trying to explain to us that unity plays a major role in our lives. Just as Jefferson stated many years previously, we must treat all men as our brothers in order to keep the American society united. Lincoln also stated that a great civil war is something that is very difficult for a nation to endure. The Constitution states that we must create and maintain a more perfect union. That is impossible when we are fighting against ourselves. Lincoln said that "A house divided against itself can not stand." This is what James Madison, "the father of the constitution," meant in the constitution. We must compromise to solve our disagreements and keep our country together. The idea that many men had died for our country and that we should not forget them was strongly emphasized in he Gettysburg Address. In the Bill of Rights it is conveyed that no person should be deprived of their basic rights. These men that died in order that we could all be sovereign, and that nobody could own anyone else, were deprived of everything when their lives were taken. It is our responsibility to never forget what they have so bravely done for us.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings Essay -- essays research papers

Three primary problems â€Å"cage† Maya Angelou in her autobiographical book I Know why the Caged Bird Sings. The most pressing of these issues was probably the fact that Maya lived in the highly segregated south. Another factor of her imprisonment was because Maya, also known as Marguerite, was a social outcast, with very few friends other then relatives. Finally, the main character was entrapped because of her unusual sexual exposure. Over all, the highly segregated life she led, her exclusion socially, and her sexual experience caught Ms. Angelou. At the time, racism was predominate amongst southern citizens, this caused Maya’s displacement because she was a young black girl. Throughout the book Maya faces prejudice, and is constantly fighting this outrage, yet is not always winning. When Marguerite Johnson, nicknamed Ritie, was sixteen she became the first black streetcar operator in San Francisco, yet she had to fight incredibly hard to get her job. Even after she did her work schedule was impossible, and the free feeling she got from her job was turned against her at school, when she realized that her and her fellow classmates were, â€Å"on paths moving diametrically away from each other,† so even though Ritie had gotten the job she wanted, which she could have gotten easier had she been white, she was still an outcast. Furthermore, Marguerite, being Black, was denied certain necessities, such as not getting her toothache treated by the nearest dentist because he’d â€Å"rather sti... I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings Essay -- essays research papers Three primary problems â€Å"cage† Maya Angelou in her autobiographical book I Know why the Caged Bird Sings. The most pressing of these issues was probably the fact that Maya lived in the highly segregated south. Another factor of her imprisonment was because Maya, also known as Marguerite, was a social outcast, with very few friends other then relatives. Finally, the main character was entrapped because of her unusual sexual exposure. Over all, the highly segregated life she led, her exclusion socially, and her sexual experience caught Ms. Angelou. At the time, racism was predominate amongst southern citizens, this caused Maya’s displacement because she was a young black girl. Throughout the book Maya faces prejudice, and is constantly fighting this outrage, yet is not always winning. When Marguerite Johnson, nicknamed Ritie, was sixteen she became the first black streetcar operator in San Francisco, yet she had to fight incredibly hard to get her job. Even after she did her work schedule was impossible, and the free feeling she got from her job was turned against her at school, when she realized that her and her fellow classmates were, â€Å"on paths moving diametrically away from each other,† so even though Ritie had gotten the job she wanted, which she could have gotten easier had she been white, she was still an outcast. Furthermore, Marguerite, being Black, was denied certain necessities, such as not getting her toothache treated by the nearest dentist because he’d â€Å"rather sti...

12 Angry Men Essay -- 12 Angry Men, movie, film

Twelve Angry Men is a classic movie depicting how one determined leader can alter an entire crowd. Through dedication, curiosity, and the pursuit for the truth he is able to persuade a group of twelve to second guess even themselves. Within this heterogynous group are a dozen different personalities - some of which were leaders and most of which were not.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The strongest leader in this movie by far is the Architect in the White Suit. Right off from the beginning at the original vote the Architect stated clearly his position in the matter. Against the rest of the group he strongly held his ground and fought for what he believed. Most people in his position would have changed their opinion immediately after realizing that he was completely outnumbered. However he continued to argue his points and reiterate the reasons why â€Å"evidence† needed to be questioned. His mind was simply brilliant. As he sat there listening to the other jurors reasoning he always found a way to prove them wrong or make them question themselves. Whether it was through logic, mathematical reasoning, or questioning of evidence he seemed to always wow the other jurors. His strength as a leader is that he is a natural born one. He wasn’t trying to look smart or impress anyone. He simply was doing what he was born to do.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  He used both pushing and pulling tactics to influence his peers. His strongest tactic was the usage of rational persuasion. While other jurors were able to dismiss facts without consideration, he immediately noted a potential fault. Through the analysis of facts he was able to convince others to reconsider. One of the most notable discrepancies he proved was that of the witness across the street. Through common noises, known train speeds, and common knowledge he proved that the witness was anything but one.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The architect also uses inspirational appeal to convince his colleagues. He makes the other jurors consider the humanity of the situation. A mans life is at stake and he realizes the impact that his decision as well the rest of theirs will have on the man. The importance of values is portrayed. Likewise he keeps his own position non-emotional stating that he will concur with the group about the guilt, but only if they can convince him that he should.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Addi... ...vie and it completely altered the fate of the trial and the boys life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The other leader of the film was the assistant football coach who was also the Foreman of the jury. As the film played on it became clear why he was the assistant coach and not the head one. His leadership skills were minimal. Despite his good intentions on running a smooth discussion he couldn’t do so himself. He asked for direction several times, or was told by the others what they should do. He certainly is not a leader, but was forced to pretend to be one for the duration of the trial.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Despite their differences all five leaders were critical to the case at hand. The Angry father and the Architect were essential to represent each opinion group. The Salesman was necessary to serve as head of the rest of the bored people as well as to regulate the comfortability. The Foreman was necessary in theory to control the meeting. And the Old Man was the saving grace in the entire trial. Their vastly unique leadership styles each had its own place in the movie and certainly represented the true reality of the necessity of different leaders in our environment.

The present situation in iraq

The Iraq's general condition, including economic and political condition is bad[1]. During the years Saddam Hussein's dictatorship, there was a great dramatic fall of its economy. It was mainly due to the war Hussein aggressively started against Kuwait.   When US and British troops motivated in invading Iraq, which soon caused his defeat, its economic condition became even poorer. Sending powerful armed forces to fully disarm the Iraqi President Hussein was a big historical success but its remnants were a nightmare. The damage caused by the war made the entire population suffer. Everyone faced the same very difficult conditions. Lots of resources, agricultural and other land areas have been damaged.Recently, it appeared on the news[2] that there is a vague clue of reconciliation in Iraq. It says, â€Å"Leaders of the main factions have haggled over issues behind closed doors and urged Parliament to pass some conciliatory measures.† Although there is a temporary ceasefire, st ill the Iraqi leaders, as well as their supporters in the greater Middle East, have so many unfinished settlements on peace agreement.Seeing the present situation in Iraq, the answer to the question regarding new opportunities in the country is indistinguishable.By year 2006, Iraq is fourth[3] on the rank of the greatest oil reserves in the world. While, the current state of DWI is in Syria and in China, having oil reserves of 2.5 billion barrels and 18.3 billion barrels, respectively.[4] In comparison, Iraq has 115 billion barrels of oil deposit. With this much amount of difference, it is very tempting to venture any oil business in the area. It’s clear to have a predictable rise on the DWI revenue if it would have its development in Iraq. This would also give out opportunities to workers to have better compensation. However attempting to expand market share in Iraq would be too risky. Sending groups of people to work for the company in a particular chaotic place is very une thical.This is the primary reason United States law and U.N Sanctions barred any entry of business in Iraq. If DWI would insist to put in their business in the country, they would have to seek support from the US government first. Another option would be to have dealings with country’s parliament. Even if DWI would have settled with the US government or the parliament issues of Iraq, there is still no guarantee of a long-term settlement because the situation among them is even not fixed yet. Lots of deliberation is still going on among Iraqi leaders, and also between the Iraqi leaders and the US government as well. Thus any business dealings with the country these days are still unreliable. The best suggestion would be to wait for the time when there would be a secured peace in Iraq.References:Kjeilen, Tore. (Copyright 1996-2008). Looklex Encyclopedia. â€Å"Iraq: The Iraqi Republic†.Retrieved April 07, 2008 fromhttp://i-cias.com/e.o/iraq.htm.Mahdi, Kamil A. (2003). Ir aq's Economic Predicament. United Kingdom: Ithaca Press.Nafzinger, Wayne E., Frances Stewart, and Raimo Vayrynen.(2002).War, Hunger, andDisplacement: The Origins of Humanitarian Emergencies  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   New York: Oxford Press.[1] Kjeilen, Tore, â€Å"Iraq: The Iraqi Republic†, Looklex Encyclopedia,http://i-cias.com/e.o/iraq.htm, Accessed 07 April 2008. [2] Taken from â€Å"Overview: The Iraq War† The New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/ref/timestopics/topics_iraq.html#1, Accessed 08 April 2008. [3] Based from â€Å"Greatest Oil Reserves by Country, 2006†, HighBeam Research, LLC.  © Copyright 2005, http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0872964.html, Accessed 08 April 2008. [4] Mentioned in â€Å"Syria:Energy and power†, http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Asia-and-Oceania/Syria-ENERGY-AND-POWER.html, Accessed 08 April 2008.

Evaluate the Evidence for Human Impacts on Downstream Flood Risk in Rural Catchment Areas in Temperate Regions

Evaluate the evidence for human impacts on downstream flood risk in rural catchments in temperate regions. Before we can evaluate human impacts on flood risk we must first establish what is meant by temperate regions and also rural catchments. Temperate regions are generally regarded as lying between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle or the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle and therefore rivers investigated in this essay will fall within these parameters. Rural catchments are slightly harder to define, as today very few large rivers do not have some form of urban development within their catchments area. In this essay a river that is still in a predominantly rural catchment will be discussed even if there are areas of urban land within the catchment. Humans impact on flood risk falls into one of two categories. The first is deliberately and directly, through floodplain restoration, construction of dams and channel rehabilitation and all of these have fairly obvious positive effects on reducing flood risk. However it is when humans indirectly affect the flood risk, through deforestation, land use change and climate change (which all have a negative effect on flood risk) that there is less certainty into the extent of the impact that humans have. Overall though it is clear that human activity has resulted in ‘major changes’ (Goudie, 2006) in downstream flood risk in temperate regions and rural catchments. The most obvious way in which humans impact downstream flood risk is through direct adaptation of the river itself and this is also arguably also the most important way in which humans can have an impact on flood risk (Mrwoka, 1974). Damming is probably the most widespread example of how humans seek to control peak flows on rivers and the construction of dams in the UK has led to significant decreases in flooding. The reservoir created on the River Avon occupies 1. 38% of the catchment but reduces peak flow by 16% and even more impressively the reservoir on the Catcleugh in the Cheviots occupies 2. 72% of the catchment and reduces peak flow by 71% (Petts and Lewin, 1979). The creation of dams clearly reduces the flood risk overall, however, dams have a much smaller effect on rare flood events of high magnitude, due to the fact that there is a finite amount of water a dam can hold during times of high, prolonged precipitation (Goudie, 2006). On the River Avon the ratio of pre-dam discharges to post-dam discharges is a mere 1. 02 in a once-in-10 year event (Petts and Lewin, 1979). However, despite this, man’s construction of dams still has a large impact in reducing peak flood and therefore flood risk in downstream catchment areas. Floodplain restoration is another example of humans deliberately impacting on flood risk. It has been calculated that the flood reduction function of 3800 hectares of floodplain storage on the Charles River, Massachusetts saved US$ 17 million worth of downstream flood damage each year (US Corps of Engineers, 1972). Restoration has taken place on the River Cherwell between Oxford and Banbury. Here the embankments were removed and the channels restore to their pre-1900 dimensions. As a result of the rehabilitation of the channel peak flow was reduced by between 10-15% and the embankments which had been removed were shown to have been increasing peak flow by between 50-150% (Acreman et al, 2003). This clearly shows the extent to which humans can actively work to reduce the flood risk in a rural catchment area, and shows how important the role of floodplain restoration and channel rehabilitation is when reducing peak flows. A prime example of human activity indirectly affecting flood risk patterns is through deforestation. The principle here is that by removing vegetation, you remove the capacity for a significant percentage of precipitation to be intercepted by the vegetation and then evaporated before it reaches the stream. Therefore, if humans remove the vegetation in a catchment area this can increase run-off and therefore flood risk. An experimental study was conducted in 1910 to investigate the extent to which vegetation coverage affected peak flow in Colorado. Stream flows from two watersheds of approximately 80 hectares in size were compared over 8 years, before one valley was clear-felled. The catchment area which had experienced clear felling experienced 17% greater annual flow and also significantly higher peak flows (Goudie, 2006). In 1998 the Yangtze River experienced its worst floods for over 40 years, with high water remaining in some areas for 70 days. Although the precipitation over that time period was extreme, the extent of the flooding (which caused over $20billion in damages) has also been linked to the widespread deforestation that had taken place upstream of the floods. In 1957 the forest coverage of the river basin was 22% but by 1986 this figure had been reduced to 10% (Yin et al, 1998). Despite this, it has been argued that during times of prolonged rainfall, vegetation loses its ability to reduce peak flow as there is a finite limit to how much water vegetation can hold. A study on the Yangtze showed that under 90mm of heavy rainfall, surface run-off was 65mm in forested areas and 35mm in non-forested areas and therefore the forest does not retain more run-off (Cheng et al, 1998) and therefore flood risk is no greater. However, there can be no doubt that deforestation reduces seepage losses and therefore increases the convergence of seepage water and that deforestation increased the seriousness of the flooding that the Yangtze experienced in 1998 (Yin and Lee, 1999). The type of vegetation in a river basin can also have an influence on flood risk, and human activity can indirectly affect this. The principle here is that some types of vegetation retain more water than others and therefore their presence reduces flood risk. The catchment area of the Coweeta River in North Carolina was converted from deciduous hardwood forest to pine (which is evergreen) over a period of 15 years, from 1940 onwards, and as a result stream flow was reduced by 20% (Swank and Douglas, 1974). However, although certain types of plant may indeed significantly reduce stream flow, the impact they have on flood risk is often considerably smaller. It has been estimated that a forest of Ash juniper trees intercept around 40% of the precipitation that falls on them each year (Owens et al, 2006). This figure is so high as Ash juniper trees are evergreen and therefore absorb water all year round however, during storms, this figure is reduced to around 10%. This figure remains fairly similar for most vegetation during high storms. We can therefore say that although humans adapting the type of vegetation in a catchment area does have an impact on overall stream flow, the extent to which this reduces the flood risk downstream is negligible (Wilcox et al, 2006). Land use change is another example of human activity which, although it is not done with the intention of altering river flow characteristics, still has an impact on downstream flood risk. Developing urban areas in formerly rural ones is now widely acknowledged to have a ‘considerable’ hydrological impact, mainly thorough the ways in which it alters runoff (Hollis, 1988). Essentially this urbanization produces a tapestry of impermeable surfaces that increase run-off and therefore discharge during times of high precipitation (Graf, 1977). However, Hollis (1975) argues that whilst urbanization may increase the recurrence interval of small floods, in rare large scale floods, land use change has little effect on the overall peak flow, due to the fact that during large storms, rural areas become saturated quickly and then behave in much the same way as urban areas. Despite this, we can still say that land use change from urban to rural does increase the flood risk, even if this increase in risk is only during smaller events. Although we are examining flood risk in rural catchment areas, development of urban pockets in these areas must still be considered, as even catchments with only some urbanization are still more likely to suffer flooding (Wilson, 1967). Climate change is another way in which man indirectly can have an effect on flooding risk although this is a hotly contested topic, as no completely acceptable explanation of climate change has been presented before (Goudie, 2006). However, some climate models have still predicted that climate change over the next 100 years will lead to higher flood risk. This is due to the fact that in a warmer climate, the air can hold more water, which increases the potential for latent heat release during low pressure systems and therefore increased precipitation is likely (Frei et al, 1998). A model in 2002 produced by the EU group PRUDENCE compared summertime precipitation in mainland Europe from 1961-1990 and the forecast for 2071-2100 based on the climatic predictions made in the IPCC report. This found that although overall precipitation may slightly decrease over the summer, precipitation events in the 95th percentile for intensity would significantly increase (Christensen J and Christensen O, 2003). This would obviously increase the flood risk downstream in rural catchments. However, although climate change may, in the coming century, prove to have a significant impact on flooding, currently the topic is too heavily debated to draw any concrete conclusions on the extent to which human induced climate change increases flooding risk. We can therefore see that humans impact on flood risk in a variety of ways, some positive and some negative and all to varying degrees. It is worth bearing in mind that in some areas man may be impacting on flood risk in both a negative and positive way and therefore having an even larger impact on the stream than would at first be obvious. The evidence for man impacting on flood risk downstream in rural catchments is often disputed; however, it is clear that man is impacting on streams and flood risk. It is worth remembering that flooding is a perfectly natural event however rivers and the floods they can potentially unleash are in a delicate balance, and man is more than capable of upsetting that balance in a variety of ways.

Unit 37 Understanding Business Ethics

Unit 37 – Understanding Business Ethics Explain at least 3 general activities from an ethical viewpoint your chosen business needs to consider in its operational activities. Describe how the business is attempting to show its stakeholders that it is aware of the ethical concerns that apply. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) CSR is about how companies manage the business processes to produce an overall positive impact on society. Business ethics Business ethics is the accepted set of moral values and corporate standards of conduct in a business organization.The specifics of what this actually means can vary from one organization to another. Task 1/P1 Include the following, which should explain: Virgin Airlines operational activities A Virgin Atlantic employee has resigned following allegations she passed on eight celebrities' flight details to paparazzi agency Big Pictures in 2010. Among those reportedly affected were Tottenham Hotspur player Jermaine Defoe, actress Sienna Miller and singer Cheryl Cole, the Guardian reported. Virgin Atlantic has said it is investigating while Defoe's spokeswoman said he was consulting lawyers.The employee has denied the allegations. Other celebrities named by the paper include Ms Cole's ex-husband, the Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole, actresses Scarlett Johansson and Gwyneth Patrol and pop stars Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger. http://www. bbc. co. uk/news/uk-17637277 Virgin started a trial of free Wireless In-flight Entertainment on a few selected air crafts; the idea was to see if flight entertainment boosted annual profits, they wanted to provide state of the art systems including 300 hours of movies, TV shows and music all available on your own device.The device can be accessed on an iPod, iPhone, iPod, and laptops this shows that Virgin is also in touch with modern technology Virgin yet needs to consider potential price changes for the customers and how this might effect them travelling with the company. Vi rgin Atlantic has reduced fuel emissions by 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually following the introduction of innovative, new flight software. New, innovative computer software will save Virgin Atlantic almost 20 million and reduce fuel emissions by 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, it has emerged.The sophisticated system can pin-point accurately where fuel can be used more efficiently, monitoring 300 different points during each flight and enabling the airline to reduce fuel burn significantly. As a result the airline can now boast impressive emission cuts and savings of of ? 20 million. http://www. clickgreen. org. uk/news/national-news/123721-airline-virgin-atlantic-reveals-100,000-tonnes-of-annual-co2-savings. html Virgin airlines mission Statement and corporate aims and objectives?Virgin airlines mission statement says that they want to provide safety, security and consistent delivery of the basics that are the foundation of everything that they do. Virgin also h as their aims and objectives. These aims are to provide their passengers with pleasurable flying experience from the time they book the flight to the time the plane lands at their destination. Virgin Atlantic also want provide a cost affective way to travel which appeals to all classes.How Virgin Airline attempts to show its stakeholders that it is aware of the ethical concerns Virgin have already created more than 200 branded company’s world wide, employing approximately 50,000 people, in 29 countries Virgin have Corporate social responsibility (CSR) which is how companies manage the business process to produce an overall positive impact on society, Virgin are now doing this by delivering brand values, which are: value for currency, superior quality, dazzling customer service, pioneering, competitively testing and fun. to provide a quality service by motivating employees and to assist and examine consumer feedback. Virgin value all its stakeholders which is anyone who is inv olved in the running of the business, they are an essential part of virgin production and brand and keeping trust in Virgin is one of their core values. In 2006 the group defined a Code of Conduct, covering human rights, environmental concern and business ethics issues. Virgin also launched 3 non for profit projects.These where Virgin earth, Virgin Green Fund and Virgin Unite Virgin Earth rewards a $25 million dollar prize for inventing a method or design of anthropogenic and atmospheric greenhouse gases removal which results in Earths climate stability. http://www. examiner. com/article/a-company-profile-virgin P2 Task 2 Explain the implications, benefits and drawbacks for the business and its stakeholders of operating ethically and any conflicts of interest between different stakeholders, with reasons. The meaning of stakeholders and why they are important to the business with regards to ethical behaviour.Stakeholders are anyone that makes a significant difference or shares and in terest in the overall success and running of the business e. g. the stakeholders in Virgin are the shareholders, management and employees, customers and suppliers, banks, government, trade unions, pressure groups. At Virgin they like to promote good ethical behaviour because they want a good reputation among all the stakeholders, if Virgin behaves ethically then this can attract more and more stakeholders such as suppliers and customers, which in turn can boost the annual profit.Virgin’s stakeholders play a vital role in the progress of the company which is why Virgin needs to behave ethically. This means that all the staff must be treating fairly by complying with all legislation, to attract good employees, always creating new jobs; recently Virgin has decided to go into banking by putting in a bid to buy Northern Rock, the banks today are responsible for our current economic state thus far, Sir Richard Branson ( Virgin Owner) wants put the trust back in banking and shake up the sector, Branson seams like he genially shares an interest in society, he makes comments such as we genuinely try to do what’s right. Any company that does that, hopefully, gets a good, positive brand, and if you’re not trying to do what is right in life, then your brand is damaged. We like to run our company ethically. ’ Richard Branson sets a persona of a person who cares about the public, which proves beneficial to the company because people are more likely to take an interest due to Virgin running its business ethically. The reasons for conflict of interest between stakeholdersTheir are many reasons for conflict of interest between businesses, at Virgin more than 300 GPs decided to end their partnerships with Richard Branson's Virgin Care to provide healthcare services after criticism that the arrangements might see doctors personally profit from sending patients to clinics they part-own under the coalition's health reforms. Under Virgins former name Ass ura, set up 24 local companies, knows as GPCOS which wanted the NHS to fund them to offer community services such as dermatology, physiotherapy and rheumatology to patients this was all run as partnerships with local GPS.The government decided to force GPs to commission health services but they put family doctors in a position of conflict of interest. As a result of this Virgin had taken over the provider companies, they released the doctors from there obligations, and talks with the GPS have been going on for around 18 months. http://www. guardian. co. uk/society/2012/oct/24/doctors-virgin-partnership-conflict-of-interest The benefits and drawbacks of ethical practice to the business on the way in which it is operating and give reasons with examples.Richard Branson ( Virgins owner) likes to make sure that society believe and trust in the company, recently Sir Richard Branson offered a $25m prize for scientists who find away to prevent the threatening effects off climate change to o r planet. Richard Branson’s is trying to offer scientists incentives to come up with a way to extract greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Richard Branson understands the importance of behaving ethically and has shown an interest in the future of the planet, also by him doings so he encourages other organisations to match this by operating in a similar more positive way. Task 3Assess how your selected business could improve the ethics of their operations. †¢Assess how your selected business could change or alter some of its practices, showing how the changes would contribute to ethical behaviour, with reference the 3 issues discussed in Task 1, (eg Walker’s Crisps altering the fat and salt content in their crisps to address consumer health; Europe’s largest oil and gas companies planning to survey their suppliers to establish, for the first time, a global database on supplier corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies to check compliance with treatment of the environment, workers and customers. This task addresses M1 In comparison to all the over airlines Virgin Atlantic by far operates the most ethically, like most companies they still have problems within the airline, recently their has been conflict with Virgin and its customers. It came to light that their has been an issue with a member of staff leaking information to the media about who and when, celebrity’s and politicians where traveling on the airline this matter has serious implications, although this is simply immoral, it effects the privacy of the individual and could potentially put the person in danger.Following these allegations in the press in April Virgin voluntary contacted the information Commissioners office and fully assisted with the enquiries, they couldn’t find any other evidence of other members of staff leaking the information and breaking the data protection act, however this is a matter that Virgin takes seriously as it says in the missio n statement that they want to provide safety and security. In my opinion they should take action to prevent this from happening again.I think Virgin should improve the way they structure the recruitment process by asking more questions in the interviews that are relative to this matter, such as have you ever work for the media? Do you have any friends that work for the press? I also think that how they handle personal information needs to improve and should be looked at again to see if their are any loop wholes of gaining access to this type of information. Virgin media needs to keep matching its reputation if the company wants to keep up the trust it’s built over the last few years.I also spoke about Virgin having free wireless internet and flight entertainment on the planes this has proved to rapidly boost of annual profits, I only have one idea to improve this idea and that is to make this device available to all classes not just upper class individuals. Virgin still need to change the price but I think if they didn’t do this so vigorously and applied the idea to lower class passengers more people would then fly with Virgin and enjoy the experience.Virgin Atlantic has reduced fuel emissions by 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide saving them 20 million each year, Virgin have worked with emissions specialists CICS and environ to assess both the emissions of the air craft operations and the carbon foot print. I think this puts Virgin in a good position and most certainly makes them look like a well organised ethical business. I would recommend Virgin to promote this idea to over airlines; this should work because although they are taking into account global warming they are reducing expenses which n turn will lead to an increase in profit. Task 4 Evaluate the impact the changes and suggestions from Task 3 would have on the selected business and its stakeholders. This will need to be supported with evidence of research. Related to your chosen organis ation, select 2 stakeholders and explain the relationship between these stakeholders and the organisation. I have chosen to work on the relationship between 2 stakeholders in Virgin Atlantic; these stakeholders are the employers and the employees who work for the organisation.The relationship between these stakeholders and the organisation is tied to the success of the business e. g. In task 3 I talked about why staff leaking information to the media would affect the customers, this is because the customers in this case who were people in the public eye did not want the public to know when or where they were traveling. This concerned the customers; if you are making your customers concerned about their safety then they are less likely to use your organisation which in turn will mean a loss of profit.I thought of a solution to try and prevent this from happening again, the idea was to find out information about potential employees at the interview stage, and to offer good incentives for employers who report these people, this act would also let them know that leaking information has been an issue and might make them think twice about doing this in the future, in my opinion the more you make your staff aware about these issues their is less chance of them reacquiring. Evaluate how the suggested changes and suggestions on ethical practice will impact on the stakeholders and the business.I think with staff signing more legal documents and training staff to look out for people not complying with company policy and offering incentives for them to catch these people, will lead to the customers preferably upper class customers gaining more trust when using the airline, because their has been some bad press about the information leak, it has had a knock on effect on the image of the business and now Virgin needs to put the trust back into the business. With this idea they can almost reassure customers that any information on the whereabouts can be considered safe. With the practice in place it will take a lot of

Evaluate How Own Knowledge Understanding and Skills in Literacy

UNIT 303 How my knowledge, understanding and skills in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT impacts on my practice. In this assignment, I am going to describe how my knowledge and understanding and skills in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT help and impacts on my teaching assistant role at my school. All teachers and their assistants are required to have the literacy, numeracy and ICT knowledge, understanding and personal skills. This will equip us to develop inclusive approaches to addressing the literacy, numeracy and ICT needs of our pupils.I believe I know how to find information from books and know how to use the Internet efficiently to provide me with a good background idea. I often take notes to help me be ahead of the lesson or to remember what is the lesson about and I refer to the planning, which I am provided with by the teacher on daily basis. I believe I am confident in feeding back information to the teacher I am working with about our activities or group work. Literacy, Numeracy and ICT support: I play a key role in supporting the children with their activities after the teacher’s input.I usually support smaller, lower ability groups. I find out from the teacher about our activities beforehand, how is the lesson organized and or what is my specific role in the learning activity. I would prepare the resources needed for the particular lesson ahead, often while the teacher is providing the input for the children and do necessary photocopying or sticking pupil’s work into their books. While working with the groups I make sure I am being encouraging during the activities and that all the children implement the right, agreed strategy throughout the lesson.I provide the feedback and monitor the progress of the pupils and report any problems to the teacher. I often get to mark my group’s work if there is enough time afterwards or possibly in the afternoon while children do more independent work. Within the Literacy timetable I am often reading with children and provide constant feedback to the teacher about their progress as well as assessing them in t heir reading ability and benchmarking them to the next level if required after the discussion with the teacher.I also support lower ability group in their phonics lesson, I prepare daily activities for this sessions and provide progress report to the teacher on weekly basis. I play games with the children, use visual strategies and revise with them all the time to extend their phonics basics. I also do weekly spelling tests in groups and keep records of their progress in spelling area of Literacy. I regards to Numeracy sessions, again they often run similarly to Literacy lessons, where I get to prepare appropriate maths resources and organize the group work or work with certain individuals.I often need to repeat teacher’s instructions to re-enforce what pupils should be able to achieve and maybe introduce follow-on tasks to extend learning of the more able pupils. I feel, I still have a lot to learn in Numeracy department, partly due to the fact that I was not educated in the UK and the strategies for some mathematical activities are solved very differently here that I would had been used to. Luckily in Year 1 I can catch up fairly quickly and I am learning along side our children. I can pick right resources for their activities – like number lines, numbers squares, counter and on.I am fairly confident computer user and I use it in every day activities or planning time. Our children use ICT suite facilities on weekly basis and I have found that my ability in ICT has improved over time. I usually help children with logging in if some struggle, I help with opening particular programs and save and retrieve work when and where necessary. Also I can use email, which I often use in communicating with teacher or currently my tutors. I understand about health and safety related to using computers not just thinking about unsafe cables but also computer ergonomics and e safety.I am not necessarily always aware of how the programmes the children use work, b ut on this level it is all quite self-explanatory or if I’m unsure I ask our ICT lady and she is always happy to brief me before the session. I believe I am able to solve problems related to I. C. T to a certain extent. I am confident with printing documents although am cautious when determining the number being printed. Also I am confident with straight forward photocopying and getting more practice with more complex photocopying features like enlarging or manipulating the image.Every so often I come across the situation in the classroom where I need to ask or be advised about how to resolve the issue or find out the answer from the teacher or other staff. That is a proof of my need to improve and learn every day because I as long as there are questions that need answering, my learning does not stop yet. I would like to extend and put in better use the correct mathematical vocabulary and try to use various prompts to encourage mathematical skills in our pupils. I would also like to become more familiar with wide variety of techniques in problem solving exercises.I have learnt basics of the Phonics sessions, but would like to extend this knowledge further and hoping to receive the training from my school in near future about the Phonics system in more detail. I would help me tremendously as I sometimes run out of ideas to teach my group the same sounds over and over again without them getting bored and uninterested at times. There are few areas in ICT I would also need to brush up on – for example PowerPoint programme, as I do not use it very often, but do find it useful when I do get to use it.Also spreadsheets on Excel programme are not my strong point. But as with anything, if you do not use it very often, it becomes less familiar. Smart boards are a little bit of a mystery to me, too as I do not get involved in preparing daily input on it or uploading the files, but I can use it when it is on and running. So plenty to improve on and develop i n future and that is why I am also attending this course – to provide me with better and deeper understanding of my role in school and improve my knowledge and skills in various types of the curriculum.