Incas vs Aztecs

Incas vs. Aztecs Prior to Cortez landing, there were many civilizations that held power in the Americas. These groups included the Olmecs, Zapotecs, Mayans, Toltecs, Aztecs, and Incas. The two of these civilizations that had some of the most lasting effects were the Aztecs and the Incas. These two civilizations had many similarities and differences. One of the major differences between the two civilizations is their location. The Aztecs lived in Central Mexico while the Incas lived in the Andes Mountains. The location of the civilizations affected many of their customs. The Incans mummified their dead by leaving them on a mountain cliff side where the winds would dry the moisture out of their skin. Then they would take the mummies to large events and carry them around. The Aztecs did not mummify their dead or have any customs like this. Because the Aztecs lived in Mexico which is a fairly dry area, they needed a way to irrigate crops. They built chinampas which were floating farms that were always irrigated by the body of water it was floating in. The Incas used a form of agriculture called terrace agriculture were they would build flat layers into the slope of a mountain out of specific materials so they could grow food on mountain sides. That was another technique they formed because of where they lived. Another difference between the two civilizations was the size. The Inca civilization covered over 50% of the East coast of South America and had a population of about 20 million people. The Aztec civilization only controlled Central Mexico and only had a population of 15 million people. Because the Inca civilization was so big, they needed a way to get messages around. They developed a large messaging system with messengers called chasquis that used a way to get messages around called quipu. The Aztecs did not have anything like this. Inca was so large because it conquered many other civilizations that had their own languages. This made it difficult for some people to understand each other. That’s why they developed a unified language called Quechua that everyone had to learn. The Aztec civilization was more like the Persian Empire and allowed anywhere they conquered to stay the same and keep their language as long as they paid their taxes and accepted that the Aztecs’ rule. Another difference is the punishment that a village would get for disobeying the Incan or Aztec civilization. The Aztecs would go into the village and burn it to the ground. They would take everyone inside and either kill them or enslave them. The Incans would go into the village and relocate them. In Inca this is just as bad as killing them because the civilization is in the mountains and it is very hard to start living in the mountains with nothing to start off with. If they try to go back to their village they usually have to cross many mountains which was also very difficult. Something else that was different was the merchant class of the empires. While they both had good economies, the Incas did not have a large merchant class and the merchant class they did have only traded locally. The Aztecs had a large merchant class that would take very long journeys to distant lands. The Inca government controlled all long distance trading and they did not allow the merchants to have a lot of freedom. Also, the Incas did not have a currency system while the Aztecs used cocoa. The two civilizations also formed differently. The Aztecs started from three large cities forming an alliance and together they conquered land and people to establish their powerful civilization. The Incans started as a nomadic family or clan that settled down and started a trading colony. Then more and more people came and it eventually turned into a civilization. Those were the many differences between the Aztec and Inca civilizations. The Aztec and Incan civilizations also had many similarities. One of the major similarities was that they both flourished at about the same time. The Aztecs flourished from 1300 A. D. to 1521 A. D. The Inca flourished from 1300 A. D. to 1533 A. D. Another similarity is that they were both ruled by an emperor. They also both thought gold was very important. Incas used gold for everything because it was so common in the mountains. Aztecs called gold the sweat of the sun and their sun god was their most powerful god so they must have thought gold was important. They were also both monotheistic, worshipping many nature gods and goddesses. They also both thought their sun gods were very important. The Aztec sun god was named Huitzilopochtli and the Inca sun god was Inti. Inti was the most powerful god in Incan religion. It was thought that the people in the originally family that started the Inca civilization were children of Inti and they said all future rulers must be a descendant of Inti. Huitzilopochtli in the Aztec religion was the god that supposedly told the Mexica to find a place where they would see an eagle sitting on a cactus with a snake in its mouth and that was where they were to settle. This place was Lake Texcoco. Both of these gods were very important to them. Another religious similarity was that they both perform sacrificial rituals. They also had the same style pyramids that had a wide square base that lead to a point at the top with stairs going up the side. Those were the similarities between the Aztec and Inca civilizations. The Aztec and Inca civilizations are still some of the most powerful civilizations that have ever existed. They had a huge impact on the countries that exist there today. The Mexican flag is even based off an Aztec myth. They had many similarities and differences which made them the civilizations that they were.

Project Risk Management – Fluidity in Risk Planning Case Study

Risk Paper 2 Project Risk Management- Professor Hurst Fluidity in Risk Planning – A Case Study One of the most important steps within a project is risk management because it plans for and responds to risks that impact the overall project deliverables including budget and timeframe. Risk management is used to mitigate risk in ways that align with each individual risk and its potential impact. During the risk management process risks are identified and defined and a plan to control, monitor and eliminate them is created.Risks from all areas are brought up during these brainstorming sessions of the risk management planning phase and are planned for accordingly. The work breakdown structure of the project is used as a guide when compiling a risk matrix that will identify potential risks, their severity and impacts. The case study in chapter 13 reflects two different risk response strategies with regards to the tender review process of a project’s deliverables.The first phas e of the case study aligns more closely with a thorough and effective risk planning process plan while the second phase builds on the baselines determined by the first phase to generate a more solid and final risk assessment that will continue to be fluid throughout the project. Risk management is a crucial step of the project planning stage that continuously evolves throughout the project. During phase one of the case study this stage is considered a high importance and value step thus resulting in the proper planning of the risks based of off the WBS.The objectives of phase one are clearly identified and the intention to identify major risks of the project, which will be used as a baseline when comparing each individual tender to the project’s risk outcomes, is clear and all major steps to do so are taken. Step one of the creating the tender phase one case study calls for the â€Å"project structure to be reviewed with the project manager and key staff† and creating â€Å"an agreed risk WBS†. (Cooper, Grey, Raymond, Walker, 2005, p. 52) The first step calls for a meeting of all parties involved to review the WBS and start brainstorming on potential risks. This is a highly advised step because it allows for proper risk identification and mutual understanding of the risks amongst all parties. Phase one does a solid job identifying risks using human resources, quantifiable measures and adequate documentation. Phase two uses the outcomes of phase one as a baseline and works of off those when comparing each tenderer’s offer to the risks and determining the impact the tender will have on each individual risk.Phase two uses the exact same process as phase one except it already has a baseline to work with whereas phase one creates the baseline. Both steps are highly regarded steps yet step two does a better job at identifying risks because it uses the baseline of potential risks and compares them to the introduction of a new major risk, t he tenderer, while measuring its impact on the overall project. Phase two is the more solid one of the two phases because it demonstrates the fluidity of the risk planning process while quantifying each change to the baseline using the same approach as in phase one.The case study states that during phase two all â€Å"revised risk likelihood and impact measures should be converted to numeric scales and risk factors [should be] recalculated†. (Cooper, Grey, Raymond, Walker, 2005, p. 160) Thus phase two also does a better job at quantifying the risks because it compares each changed risk to the baseline and adjusts its ratings based on the proposed changes creating a more realistic understanding of the potential risk likelihood and impact. The case study was interesting because it showed the pre planning phase of the risk planning process.The pre planning phase was phase one because it created a baseline of assumed risks while phase two built on this fluidity and showed the imp acts each tenderer would have on these risks. Essentially phase one of the case study directed phase two since phase two could not be completed without the identified baselines. Phase one was a simpler stage of the case study because it consisted of brainstorming and risk identification without taking into consideration the positive or negative impacts a third party would have. This does not mean that it didn’t plan for those as phase two was to follow once tender submissions were received.Phase two, however, had a more compelling assessment of risk because it had a map already outline and it just needed to follow it to arrive at the best possible location or situation. The first phase identified risk assessment formulas to quantify the risks; it created a baseline of risks and audit proof steps to follow. With those results in mind, the second phase was more concrete because it followed the steps set forth by the first phase, analyzed the impact of the actions of the tendere r on the baseline risks, assessed those, anked them and then assigned numerical values using the formula set forth in the first phase. These two cases are so much alike yet they are so different as well. They are alike because they use the same process to identify and rank risks but their baselines are different. The first case, phase one, started with a blank slate using the WBS to identify risks while the second case, phase two, used the baseline set forth by the first phase and used the WBS to explore new ways and their impacts on the overall project.Both phases of this case study are crucial in risk management projects and are enforceable whether a tender is requested or not. Risk management is a fluid process that calls for constant adjustments to achieve the best possible outcome with minimal if not zero interruptions of the project’s deliverables. This case study showed the importance of constant review of risks and the work that goes into risk avoidance and mitigation .Risk avoidance does not only occur during the initial phase of risk planning but it is something that project managers prefer to keep in mind with every step they take, whether this means hiring contractors, employees or support staff, each individual and their actions will impact the overall risk of the project, the question is how severely? References Cooper, D. , Grey, S, Raymond, G. , Walker, P. (2005). Project Risk Management Guidelines Managing Risk in Large Projects and Complex Procurements. West Sussex, England : Wiley and Sons.

Short Story Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Short Story - Essay Example The journey represents a necessary testing of his faith, but the fear expressed by his wife Faith indicates there is a hidden peril in undertaking such a journey. Her warning, â€Å"may you find all well when you come back† (293), seems to indicate the peril does not apply strictly to Goodman Brown as he sets off on his journey, but for Faith as well as she is left behind in the darkness. In this solitary journey, Hawthorne indicates that the doctrine of purposefully seeking challenges to a faith already weakened by church dictates is a highly dangerous proposition with the capability of leading many men and women to their dooms rather than their salvation. This concept that the experience is leading to doom rather than salvation is defined more as the story progresses and Goodman Brown goes deeper into the darkness of the forest. The people that Young Goodman Brown sees and hears as he makes his way to the heart of the forest proves to him that the human soul is beyond redemption, regardless of their good works performed in the light of day, such as â€Å"a female figure on the path, in whom Goodman Brown recognized a very pious and exemplary dame, who had taught him his catechism in youth, and was still his moral and spiritual adviser, jointly with the minister and Deacon Gookin† (295). It is witnessing of the meeting between the woman and his companion who is presented as the devil, that first opens Young Goodman Brown’s eyes to the idea that the people he has considered so good in his lifetime are as full of sin and corruption as anyone. Throughout his journey, he loses some heart, but determines to hold fast to his Faith and return home. However, when he hears the voices of the villagers in a passing cloud, along with the sound of his own Faith being carried along with them, he gives in altogether and determines to find out what lies at the end of the path. Crying â€Å"my Faith is gone!†,

Effective Presentation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Effective Presentation - Essay Example An image on a slide, for instance, can be effective in attracting the viewer’s attention towards the subject of the key theme of the presentation. A picture may also evoke powerful emotions in the viewers and, therefore, serve to attract attention. Visual expressions serve a fundamental role in enhancing the quality of the presentation. A picture showing the differences in impact on an individual hit at 40 mph and 30 mph, for instance, may inform the audience of the critical implication of escalating by a difference of 10 mph. The picture may be used to show that there is a high chance of an accident victim surviving when hit at 30mph compared to 40mph. A descriptive visual impression, therefore, is important in enhancing the presentation quality. Graphics are important in explaining detailed information that, in some instances, requires emphasis and comprehensive explanations. Inserting statistical data using tools such as graphs is decorative and helps clarify the information presented. It helps place the message in its context and add meaning to it as well as emphasizing its significance. Use of statistical presentation tools such as pie charts and graphs renders it easy to make comparisons, for instance. Besides financial data, scientific information such as the functioning of organs including the brain is best attainable trough inclusion of graphics. The National Geographic 3D mapping of the human memory is an example. National Geographic (2015) uses the 3D map of human memory to illustrate the various parts of the brain and their functioning systems. The interactive is useful in explaining the formation of memories in the brain. Besides, it is important to show other brain functionalities and processes. Graphics are vital in emphasizing the context of communication. That is particularly important when explaining scientific processes and concepts to viewers. Processes that occur in chronological order are best explained

2-1-4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

2-1-4 - Essay Example Two major fiscal policy tools are government spending and taxation. Government, through its fiscal policy changes the composition of taxation in order to maintain sustainable growth of the economy. Taxation system is the main source of earning of any government. As a result it is very important to control the system in accordance to the requirement of the economy. Governments control the taxation system through its fiscal policy. Another tool is government spending. It is also important in the context of the economy of the country. Importance and applicability of government spending has become clearer during the period of current global financial meltdown when governments have spent millions of dollars to save their respective economies and important organizations who were in trouble. It is found that the budget deficit of United Kingdom in the period of 2008-09 was around 90 billion Euro. It is also found that the difference between the tax receipts and government spending was almost 12 billion euro (Seager, A. 22 April 2009). According to EU Business, budget deficit of Germany will be more than 4% of total GDP in 2010 (EU Business, 14 January 2009). According to European Union’s growth and stability pact, each and every EU members must maintain its public deficits lower than 3% of GDP. Member countries must also keep their public debt below 60% of total GDP. US fiscal policy is found to be very much aggressive as compared to the fiscal policies adopted by the EU members. According Timothy Geithner who is the Treasury Secretary of U.S., the country will see more aggressive fiscal policy in future (Reuters, Feb 3,

RESPONSE PAPER for Comparative Politics class Essay - 1

RESPONSE PAPER for Comparative Politics class - Essay Example According to the research article by Questia, the capacity of a party-state aimed at preserving both communist rule and social harmony was lightweight when placed close together against a global and interconnected world. The preference for a panoptic control shows strict constraints deserving a strong emphasis which is the nature of the medium in connection with political context requiring further exploration. This exploration is the communist heritage that is a matter of interdiction as of social mobilization. The Society of China has begun putting into use the resources of new information technology to put effectively pressure on the authority regarding social and economic issues (Questia, 2015). Wider patterns of social privileges and disadvantages remain as an influence on the public society. Some accounts show that new ways of state-society relations have reduced the influence of class and race on politics and policy (Orvis & Drogus, 2015). Shifts in modes of state-society relations have tampered with the mechanisms of racial influence and social class in ways that sometimes reward economic and social benefits. For example, business mobilization and citizens around economic development and environmental issues in some parts of France and USA has reinforced the local governance against most disadvantaged neighbor-hoods (Orvis & Drogus, 2015). Elsewhere, more so in the northern part of Europe, a great local participation is working to the advantage of marginal groups in social policy. In other developing cities in the world, a growing opposition from the middle and upper-class car owners are underestimating initiatives to curb vehicle pollution. How do institutions affect sate-society interaction? Although institutions are important, other types of institutions have emerged to control and regulate governmental and state-society relations.

Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Personal Statement Example This career had an impact on me, both in terms of being a hand-on profession as well as being mentally challenging. Reading articles and spending a lot of time in my research over the school years, I got to realise that dentistry is one of those professions that integrate technical professionalism with human interaction. This made my interest become my dream. After realizing what my dream is, I got to know how adequate dental care and heal can leave an impact on a person’s life. This realization fuelled my desire and pushed me forward to step ahead and give an attempt to enhance my dental knowledge by applying for further studies in dental schools. Every time it’s about Dentistry, my mind electrifies on the thought of studying from a top Dentistry university as soon as my college ends. That led me to speak so much about Dentistry that I was often asked that what made Dentistry my ideal career. I couldn’t think of giving them a better answer than â€Å"my intelle ctual rigor, interest in sciences and desire to increase a person’s quality of life makes this career ideal for me†. The three year remarkable experience I received in this field gave me a golden chance to furnish myself with a comprehensive and better insight into being a dentist. My fortunate chance to spend a week of Community Dental Practice, I got an opportunity to deal with those dental patients who are unable to get general dental practice due to their phobia of the Dentist or any disability. Handling a patient is not a hazardous task for me, because I had a permanent patient who had me at his beck and call. This opportunity has helped me in realizing the fact that working in a care profession gives me great amount of self satisfaction. I was able to learn multiple aspects of a dental busy surgery and gained sufficient practical experience, and worked under pressure and supervision of experienced dentists by getting a dental experience in the Orthodontics Departm ent. These experiences strengthened my idea of being a Dentist. During these educational practices, I took a peer tutoring course which enabled me to deal with individuals with empathy and provided me a chance to learn about their problems and aspirations. I gained further insight by observing a dental laboratory, seeing the role of a Dental Technician and what was their importance to practising Dentist, their system and practices, dealing with patients, relationship and communication with the dental staff and many other small yet important things. By getting a chance to make an appliance like denture, it helped me in displaying my manual dexterity skills. This part of my life contributed in refining my skills and abilities. From the early years of childhood, I have been visiting my father’s dental clinic regularly. Watching him treating his patient’s dental problems and prescribing them with some dental precautionary steps, enlightened my inner wish of becoming a succ essful dentist. Two years back, I assisted my father and got to see into the real world of dentistry and how dentists worked in such a critical environment. My sportsmanship has provided me with the chance of knowing how to lead and guide a team and work within them. This will really help me in performing well in a group and under pressure in a dental surrounding. In the coming future, I see myself as a well-qualified, ambitious and renowned dentist. I will surely be able to come under spotlight and outshine in this health care

Formal Business Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Formal Business Report - Essay Example imarily taken as benchmark because it is one of the biggest success stories within the fashion industries that have been able to retain its competitive edge even in the tough economic conditions. The firm, ABCD Fashions is recommended to follow the model of Zara and expand its operations globally, especially in emerging economies like India, China. The consultancy report is prepared by the Marketing Manager for the Board members of UK based fashion retailer, ABCD, on the potential of expanding the business across the globe. The major purpose is to recommend the best way to proceed over the next three years in the current competitive business environment. ABCD Fashion is a high-end UK garment retailer which is facing huge competition from domestic and foreign apparel houses. While Primark and Tesco attract customers with their low cost fashion garments, Mark & Spencer, Zara etc. offer a wide range of high-end garments which become very attractive for customers during discount seasons. Today, contemporary fashion is more influenced by the changing socio-cultural paradigms of rapid globalisation and the myriad channels of communication such as the Internet, international magazines, TV etc. have evolved as crucial tools that facilitate greater awareness regarding the changing fashion trend across the customers. Moreover, lack of variety in fashion clothing, problems of cultural biases faced by retailers and the recessive trend in the economy have significantly impacted the performance of the firm and the industry in general. The company therefore, needs to evolve innovative strategy and creative input within its operations to identify a nd exploit new opportunities of growth. Another similar business, Zara, a member of the Inditex group of Spain, was studied and used to compare and contrast the business imperatives vis-Ã  -vis Strategic orientation towards product-market development; competitive strategy pursued; product innovation; technological innovation; and

Short answers,Times New Roman,font size 10.5 Coursework

Short answers,Times New Roman,font size 10.5 - Coursework Example Moreover, there is an innovative aspect based on the process need that is otherwise deemed to be a weak link evidenced in every process. It is characterized by the fact that the majority intends to move around the problem instead of making an attempt towards the success of the success of an enterprise solution. Ultimately, Drucker also contributes to the development, demographics that constituted the population size structure and employment background and a new knowledge with advanced scientific assumptions thus creating new products and new market demands (Mitra 25) Mitra (25), points out at various attributes how technology has contributed towards the realization of entrepreneurial activities. The fundamental technological advancement is critical in the advancement of scientific understanding of entrepreneurial activities. Besides, it has contributed to the initiation of different kinds of industries that are either owned privately or by the state. Moreover, technology has also played a vital role in the conceptualization of feedbacks from the already existing enterprise while utilizing the results to enhance further technological advancements. On a number of occasions, government policies are seen as barriers to innovative aspects and entrepreneurial developments. In essence, a change in certain policies of the government often has devastating effects towards the success of entrepreneurial activities. According to Mitra (28), the government for setting up various policies and deployment of resources that are also characterized by incentive-oriented strategies thus most likely to affect the forces of the market demands. Mitra (33) explains that an economic equilibrium theory may not give a proper understanding of the entrepreneurial relationship because it mainly concentrates on the production function. Moreover, it concerns rationalization choice

An Inconvineint Truth Al Gore Essay Example for Free

An Inconvineint Truth Al Gore Essay The subject of global warming has been debated for years. Factories, power stations and vehicles produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases trap warm air in the atmosphere. Most climate scientists believe these gases are responsible, at least in part, for temperature increases on Earth. The debate centers on the extent to which greenhouse gases are responsible for global warming. In the movie, Al Gore reports about the sharp increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in the last fifty years. He compares countries around the world and their share of carbon dioxide releases. He also shows a similar increase in the Earth’s temperature. He shows melting glaciers and huge pieces of ice crashing into the ocean. He provides biological examples of global warming. He shows tropical animals, plants and diseases on the move northward as temperatures increase. And he shows a model of rising sea levels spreading over southern Florida, parts of India, Africa and other areas in the world. He also discusses the population explosion in the world and its increasing problems for the planet. Its not about forcing my ideas on any other person. These nouns refer to the quality of being in accord with fact or reality. Truth is a comprehensive term that in all of its nuances implies accuracy and honesty: We seek the truth, and will endure the consequences Charles Seymour. Veracity is adherence to the truth: Veracity is the heart of morality Thomas H. Huxley. Verity often applies to an enduring or repeatedly demonstrated truth: beliefs that were accepted as eternal verities James Harvey Robinson. Verisimilitude is the quality of having the appearance of truth or reality: merely corroborative detail, intended to give artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative W. S. Gilbert. If youll notice that when talking about any issue, whether it the social science behind pakistani bitterness in the uk to world relief and reasons behind hunger, that people will pipe in with some uneducated negative reply. The natural reaction of course to the truth is one of disdain, hatred and denial because of the various biases and prejudices inherit within each person. Case in point, when I once mentioned racism and classicism in England which kept in line with some of the comments about why some pakistanis decided to bomb a few trains in london. And I talked about the anguish and feelings from within the pakistani community and how the bitterness has resulted in very mixed feelings towards the english and, indeed, the west. All of which was taken from notable sources and books written by social scientists. Many of commentors then went on to speak about their own personal experiences, or simply to deny that any form of racism against pakistanis exists in the uk, and some have even gone to lengths at describing the fact that some minorities are also prejudice and do injustice. The problem here is that while all these things may be true to a degree it takes away from the initial conversation and evaluation of how true racism and classicism has led to pakistani/muslim bitterness in the UK. This type of denial also places a hold on extending the conversation towards the bitterness of the Israel/palestinian conflict and the Iraqi war which may have also played a role in the suicide bombings and terrorist organizations within britain.. And so on and so forth. The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end; there it is. (winston churchill) thereby, an inconvenient truth is not suited to the comfort level of a certain individuals or groups definition of reality. Although it may, indeed, still be a fact!

Beer spoilage associated with Pediococcus spp

Beer spoilage associated with Pediococcus spp Introduction In average lager fermentation gradual decrease of pH and specific gravity is expected while ethanol concentration is increasing. Some flavours are also formed during fermentation as esters and other flavour compounds are formed. They can remain in beer or be gradually removed either due to evaporation or further metabolism of yeast. Deviations from the average pattern of changes can signalise a contamination. Fermenting wort is therefore routinely tested for its gravity, pH and also for flavour and odour. In a sample tested rapid decrease of pH at the end of fermentation was noted. pH reached 3.7 which was well below expected 4.1 (Hough 2001). Such significant fall suggested bacterial contamination. Two groups of bacteria may cause lowering of pH. These are Acetic Acid Bacteria and Lactic Acid Bacteria. pH decrease was noted late in fermentation when no oxygen was available suggesting Lactic Acid Bacteria. Strong diacetyl odour (sweet-buttery), turbidity and time indicated Pediococcus spp., probably Pediococcus damnosus since it is the most common beer-spoiling bacterium in its genus . The spoilage characteristic associated with Pediococcus spp. Lactic Acid Bacteria are the most common contaminant in fermented wort and beer. They can be responsible for up to 90% of microbial beer spoilage incidents (Taskila et al. 2009). Within them two groups are recognised as the most common contaminants: Lactobacillus and Pediococcus. The symptoms of bacterial contamination by member of any of those two genera are similar: lowered acidity (giving to the beer sour taste) caused by production of lactic acid by the bacteria and diacetyl (buttery) off-flavour. The latter one is the main reason why pediococcal contamination is so unwanted. According to Whiting (1992) as few as 20,000 bacterial cells per 1ml can produce diacetyl in concentration of 0.36mg/L, which is 3 times higher than the taste threshold. Spoilage by Pediococcus is often characterised by ropines, but some of Lactobacilli can also give similar symptoms. Presence of any of those lactic acid bacteria negatively influences yeast performance and health slowing down fermentation (Priest 2006). Further investigation is required to determine spoilage microorganism, the cause of contamination and methods of removing unwanted bacteria from the system. Pediococci are spherical, gram positive bacteria that often form tetrads, but also may appear in pairs (Priest 2006). Generally they are catalase negative, but in low glucose medium they can produce pseudocatalase that can also break hydrogen peroxide, which may lead to false catalase test results (Priest 2003). They do not form spores and are nonmotile. The main product of their metabolism is lactic acid (homofermentative bacteria) and thought they are anaerobic they can tolerate presence of oxygen (Priest 2003). The species that can inhabit fermenting wort and beer are hop resistant. Following species have been isolated from beer: Pediococcus damnosus (formerly in brewing literature also referred to as P. cerevisiae), which is found in beer, late fermentation and brewing yeast (also wine) and is thought to be responsible for 90% of all spoilage incidents caused by Pediococci (Priest 2003, Whiting et al. 1992, ). Pediococcus inopinatus found in beer, brewing yeast, vegetables, wine, milk (Priest 2003). Pediococcus dextrinicus (Priest 2003). Pediococcus pentosaceus (Priest 2003). Pediococcus claussenii (Priest 2006). Isolation and confirmation of the presence of Pediococcus spp. To detect presence of Pediococcus species in wort it should be first filtrated (volume 100ml). A 0.2 0.45 microns membrane filter is recommended. (Lewis and Bamforth 2006). Colonies should be incubated then on suitable medium (e.g. MRS[1]with Actidione to suppress yeast growth, Raka-Ray or NBB medium) for 5 days in temperature 25oC in anaerobic conditions (Lewis and Bamforth 2006, Briggs et al. 2004). Grown bacteria can be Gram-stained and examined under microscope. Gram-positive cocci organised in tetrads suggest Pediococcus spp. although that should be checked by further tests: Catalase test should be negative no bubbles formed after dripping 3% H2O2 solution onto colony. Colonies growing have sour odour. No gas should be produced from glucose using Gibson and Abd-el-Malek method (Priest 2003, p. 211). An improved methodology for the recovery of Pediococcus spp. Traditional methods of identifying bacteria are very time consuming. The results are too slow for commercial requirements and may result in dispatching a product that does not meet health and safety criteria. Therefore rapid testing methods were developed to identify spoilage microorganisms. There are used in diagnostic tests, often designed specifically for a given industry, such as LightCycler foodproof Beer Screening Kit. The LightCycler foodproof Beer Screening Kit is based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In order to carry on the test sample has to be filtrated and inoculated into enriching broth as the count of about 1000 cells/ml is required to increase reliability of the result. The sample is then centrifuged, cells are lysed and DNA extracted, amplified and identified. The test can detect 24 most common species of beer spoilage bacteria of genera Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Pectinatus and Megasphaera and identify Pediococcus damnosus as well as P. inopinatus, Lactobacillus brevis, L. lindneri and Megasphaera cerevisiae (Biotecon 2009). The method is very quick in compare to traditional methods (2 days versus up to 14) but is much more expensive. It requires three more kits and specialist equipment to carry the test and read the results, therefore can not be applied in small breweries. Solution Pediococcus damnosus was found in the fermenting wort and in beer. Special cleaning regime was employed with use of antibiotics to remove contamination as well as acid wash was implemented to pitching yeast. References BIOTECON. 2009. http://bc-diagnostics.de/?cid=1201264657lang=1name=foodproof+Beer+Screening+Kit%2C+Hybridization+Probes+(LC+1.x)+ http://www.bc-diagnostics.com/public/DB_Data/files/Downloads/BeerScreening.pdf leaflet. Biotecon Diagnostic GmbH. Potsdam. Briggs, D.E., Boulton, C.A., Brookes, P.A., Stevens, R. (2004). Microbiology. In Brewing. Science and Practice. pp 606 649. Woodhead Publishing Limited and CRC Press, LTD. Cambridge. Hough, J.S., (2001). The Biotechnology of Malting and Brewing. Cambridge University Press. Melbourne. Lewis, M.J., Bamforth, C.W., (2006). Microbiology. In Essays in Brewing Science. pp. 58 68. Springer Science+Business Media LLC. New York. Priest, F.G., (2003). Gram-positive Brewery Bacteria. In Brewing Microbiology. 3rd ed. (ed. by Priest, F.G. and Campbell, I.). pp 181 218. Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. New York. Priest, F.G., (2006). Microbiology and Microbial Control in the Brewery. In Handbook of brewing. 2nd ed. (ed. by Priest, F.G. and Stewart, G.H.). pp 607 628. Tylor and Francis. Boca Roca. Taskila, S., Nebauer, P., Tuomola, M., Breinstein, A., Kronlà ¶f, J., Hillukkala, T. (2009). Improved Enrichment Cultivation of Beer Spoiling Lactic Acid Bacteria by Continuos Glucose Addition. In Journal of Institute of Brewing. Vol. 15. No 3. 177-182. Whiting, M., Crichlow, M., Ingledew, W.M., Ziola, B., (1992). Detection of Pediococcus spp. In Brewing Yeast by a Rapid Immunoassay. In Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Vol. 58. No 2. 713-716

Christopher Columbus: The Villain Essay -- Christopher Columbus Essays

The letter Christopher Columbus wrote back to Spain to report his findings in the New World sparked intrigued me and sparked my imagination. Why I have been so absorbed in this letter I can not explain. This letter is supposed to be about describing an unknown land, a land that has not been seen by anyone besides the natives, but it seems that there is more to it than that. Columbus is known in elementary schools as the man who found the New World, and is regarded as a hero. To the contrary, historians who have done more research on Columbus say that he was driven by fame and fortune and that he was tyrannical in his ways with the indigenous peoples of the places that he came to find. I feel that the contradictory tones Columbus uses gives this letter an eerie feel, and Columbus’s eventual desire to take over the indigenous peoples brings doubt on his reliability as an accurate and fair eyewitness. Columbus begins this letter to Luis De Sant Angel by saying how fortunate he was to find these great islands. Right away, before even describing his findings, he thanks the king and queen and begins to explain how he named the islands he discovered. Everyone knows that the king and queen gave Columbus those ships, yet he wanted to recognize them for some reason. I think that he wanted the king and queen to feel as if they themselves discovered the islands, not him. Whether it was out of fear, or out of respect, Columbus really gave them credit. So much tribute was given that the first island they discovered, Columbus named San Salvador, commemorating the king. He seemed like he really wanted to give credit to everyone that may have had a hand in this voyage, especially the king and queen, who financially supported this expedition. Contrary to what historians believe about Columbus, he was very humble and giving in the naming of these islands. Keeping with the standard tone of the Spa nish monarchial society, he named these islands for the wisdom and greatness of the monarchs. Columbus then went on to describe the natives, whom he called â€Å"Indians†. He made it clear that there were many people, and even used the word, â€Å"innumerable† on several occasions. One of the more disturbing lines to me was in the beginning of the letter, â€Å"I have heard from other Indians I have already taken that this land was and island†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Columbus goes on to explain how he explored the islan... ... this man, and call him your brother? I am pretty sure that the leader of this town is not going to embrace the man who has tyrannically taken over your people. I believe that the king calling Columbus his brother is a fictional embellishment to the story, or that the king of this town was so afraid for his people’s lives that he did not put up a fight. During the whole course of the letter, Columbus beat around the bush and was not upfront with their true intentions of the voyage. He speaks of gold, he speaks of quarreling, but whenever these subjects came up, Columbus quickly changes the subject to a lighter matter. Based on much of the fine print, much of the things that he did not realize what he was writing, and by reading in between the lines of this letter, I saw much more than what was just written. The strayed away from the fact that he was tyrannically taking over the indigenous peoples of this land, even though it was so apparent that he in fact was. Because of this information that we now know about Columbus’s tyrannical ways, was hard for me to read this letter and still believe in Columbus’s integrity as an eyewitness for describing the events on at this New World.

slavery in 18th century Essays -- Slavery Essays

slavery in 18th century Despite the horror of the word slavery we have to admit that slaves have played a big role in rising big empires. For example the Egyptians used slaves to build their majestic pyramids, the Chinese and Indian used slaves for large-scale construction and agricultural and the Hebrews also used slaves. Slaves were brought from Africa to the British American colonies to work in agriculture and farming, which among other factors made the British colonies in America become so strong and prosperous. The slaves of the British American colonies were mainly from African west coast. It is important to note that slavery was present in African communities long before white traders sent African slaves to Europe and America. Slaves in Africa were those tribal people captured in confrontations between tribes and sold to Arab traders. The first traders to introduce slaves to the American colonies were the Portuguese who were later followed by the Spanish. Brought from Africa by way of different routes but in particular, the "Middle Passage" or directly from Africa to the Indies, slaves would travel in ships packed like sardines and under the most horrible conditions. Perhaps the most logical reason to try to explain the boom of slavery in America and anywhere is it was a very profitable business. In the case of America, the first slave trades were done for mere profit but then it became a necessity because of the increasing demand for working hands in the ...

Existentialism Essay -- essays research papers

Jean-Paul Sartre says "man is nothing else but what he makes of himself" (762). This existentialist view depicts the idea that one is not based on the essence of a soul, but rather, based on decisions made throughout life. Sartre also believes that every man is responsible for all men. One may choose his marriage partner, however, in choosing to marry, one chooses monogamy. Decisions that individuals make will collectively create a set of principles and beliefs for all of man. Many people believe that a person’s decisions are a reflection of his soul and personality. However, it is more likely that the conclusion a person reaches is due to the influence of different ideas, as well as the circumstances surrounding the choices. One does not have an innate "essence", but instead, the choices that a person makes constantly shape his character, which in turn creates his essence. Decision-making is based on many different conditions and controlling factors that exist at the time of conflict. People take into consideration the thoughts and opinions of others, hindering the idea of an individual’s essence. If an essence really existed, another person’s thoughts would not affect someone else’s. Instead, a person makes choices from birth and the different decisions that one chooses form a pattern and creates one’s character. Sartre also says, "Man is nothing else than his plan; he exists only to the extent that he fulfills himself; he is therefore nothing ...

HITECH visual and psychological method Essay

We may look at Ads as an informative tool with critical judgement. The ads give misleading impression on people basically through the words used or through the verbal message conveyed by an established public person addressing the audience to provoke the feelings for getting the result as claimed by the Ad quickly . Latter method is to (mis)use the stardom value of the person on the screen. For example Amitabh Bachchan speaking good of some cold drink. Its good that he stopped it subsequently may be because he understood responsibility of his stardom. Good of him. But this speaks of misleading effect an ad can create on the minds of people who are easily carried away by the appeal of their favorite star. It will be a good idea if some wise and responsibly feeling stars come forward for the cause of consumers! And also the consumers get educated against the HITECH visual and psychological methods used by the Ads. Misleading Advertisements There are many advertisements that always overstate the products’ effectiveness in our daily life. One of the most notable example is weight-reducing advertisement. In addition, the height-adding and health-improving advertisements are also good examples of misleading advertisements. People can see many different kinds of weight-reducing advertisements on cable television programs, and these advertisements are always broadcast all day. They will have many consumers tell audience their personal experiences, and their amazement at the strong effectiveness of this weight-reducing product. Furthermore, the average weight the consumers lose may be almost five to eight kilograms a month. These users will also tell audience that this weight-reducing product makes their face glowing with health because this product makes their chronic excrement smoothly and completely out of their bodies. However, the best way to reduce weight is to do more exercise and eat less food of high calorie, so I don’t think using weight-reducing products is a good way to lose weight, and these kinds of products may have side effects that will hurt people’s bodies. Height-adding advertisements are also a good example of misleading advertisements. These kinds of advertisements always have a doctor explain the principle of adding height; then, a short user will appear and asks that doctor to help him. After one week, that short user will show up, and he would become taller by about three centimeters, and the user will have more confidence in themselves than before. One month later, the user will become almost another person because his/her height will increase about ten centimeters. Also, the user would tell audience that his/her interpersonal relation becomes better than before, and makes more friends of the opposite sex. However, people’s height will not increase so dramatically, especially after the growth period, so height-adding product advertisements are really misleading. Health-improving advertisements are always broadcast on TV programs, and in this kind of advertisement there will be a linkman, an expert, and many users. The expert will do an experiment of healthy food, and tell the audience that this kind of healthy food is more effective than others. Then, a user will appear and tell the audience that he/she had cancer before, but since he/she used this product for one year, the cancer magically disappeared. Moreover, he/she will tell the audience that his/her weak body turns to be a strong one. However, if people want a healthy body, they have to keep their daily life regular and have a balanced diet. These three kinds of misleading advertisements are easily seen in our daily life, and most people will believe their effectiveness. This kind of concept is very dangerous because if the product has poisonous substance, it will hurt people’s body severely. Therefore, people should test these three kinds of products before using them. These products may have side effects or people will lose their health without getting the effectiveness that the advertisements state.

China’s Role in the World Economy

Over the past decades, the competitiveness of the United States economy has been outstanding because of its capacity for innovation, higher education system, market size in terms of labor and product markets, and flexible capital markets. These advantages have allowed U. S. industries to take a leadership role in the global economy, providing products and services demanded worldwide. However, the U. S. economic powerhouse faces expanded global competition. Economic liberalization throughout the world, skills upgrades in developing countries and massive technological advances mean that the United States faces expanded competition for jobs and investment. The United States’ overall competitive position in the world economy is threatened by uprising developing countries such as BRIC—Brazil, Russia, India, and China. This paper will focus particularly on China’s role in the world economy. At a time when the U. S. nd other traditional economic powers are weakening, China’s economic power is strengthening, indicating that it will try to find a much more assertive role in shaping the future of the world financial order. China, after all, has one-fifth of the world’s population, or roughly twice the population of the European Union, the United States, and Japan plus a handful of other high income nations. China sees the global downturn as an opportunity and it has the resources to seize the moment. Although Chinese leaders are struggling with shrinking trade and rising unemployment, China’s economy is still growing faster than those of other major nations. Chinese banks are more stable and the Beijing government is sitting on the largest stockpile of foreign reserves in the world. China's power has been increasing in recent years as it has surged to become the third biggest economy, after the U. S. and Japan. Since the late '70s, however, China's economy has doubled every eight years. In that same period, the U. S. conomy has doubled once. Today, average Chinese have some ten times the purchasing power they had just a quarter century ago. China's growth was led by exports and investments in fixed assets, such as factories and roads. China is now a powerful trading nation, and in recent years has been an avid consumer of industrial commodities such as copper, iron ore, and steel to fuel its rapid industrialization. Additionally, another main driver of Chinese growth was the Beijing Summer Olympics whom people looked to as a defining moment of China's rise. China's run of economic prosperity has been great news for millions of Chinese who have seen their living standards improve, as well as for global trade and the broader world economy. However, with all the foreign investment China is receiving, the country will only grow more and more interdependent upon the world economy. The impressive growth rate of China’s economy is not without its shortcomings. Problems such as inflation and inefficient state-owned enterprises plague the rise of the Chinese economy. Some of China’s economic problems seem to be internal, and connected with supporting the massive population while divesting the government of money-losing businesses. Its integration into the international economic order poses major difficulties for the rest of the world. These problems include bringing China's mixed market/centrally planned economy into the GATT, adapting to competition from labor-intensive Chinese exports, encouraging further market-oriented reform, and accommodating its demand for international capital. But China's participation in the global economy also offers important opportunities for trade, investment, and international cooperation to promote world prosperity and stability. The average Chinese GDP is still very low, meaning that it is a country with a lot of poverty. Since China has limited natural resources, the incremental increase in demand for these resources will have to come mainly from imports. Demand for energy and for certain other resources will thus grow very rapidly and China will have to expend large amounts of foreign exchange on their purchase, but China will have the oreign exchange required. And it is also clear that for the developed world, we have to react intelligently and strategically to what China is doing, accepting its aspirations, but also being aware of our own national self interest, and being clear about the ways we can work together. China is a manufacture based economy and is also graduating 350,000 engineers each year, six to seven times more than the U. S. These engineers are joining the manufacturing sector where manufactures now play an important role in response to global demand. The use of information technology in organizations is inevitable, be it manufacturing. It has contributed largely to the process advancements in countries much like Eastern Asia. Chinese manufacturers, for example, will continue to seek out and perfect the implementation of the latest strategies and technologies in the future. A comparative analysis of the investment patterns of U. S. manufacturers versus China is quite astounding. †¢ U. S. Manufacturing plants spent 3% of sales on capital equipment in 2004 whereas China spent 20%. †¢ In the U. S. 53% of manufacturing plants were expected to increase their capital-equipment spending in 2005 compared to China at 72%. †¢ IT spending was expected to increase at 42% of U. S. Plants in 2005 whereas in China, 75% of plants were expected to increase their spending on IT. In short, China has a manufacturing base that is, more cost-efficient today and investing more heavily in the capital equipment and IT that will enable it to become more innovative tomorrow. The impact of information technology in global trade is on the rise, as several advancements are focused on to be implemented in various developing countries like China. American entrepreneurs have pounced on the opportunity of growth in these countries, specifically in China. China is highly populated and is increasing in middle class citizens who have enabled the creation of consumer markets in China. While continuing to grow, entrepreneurs have leaped at the chance to be apart of the business and consumer growth. They learn the Chinese culture, language, and government regulations through their own research and or with the help of locals. Using the opportunity of unpenetrated markets and low resource and production costs, these entrepreneurs are able to build successful ventures. With high business growth, more Chinese citizens are able to afford purchase of imports and exports. Certainly, China is poised to become the world’s next economic super power and largest trading entity, in terms of inward and outward trading flows. If China would keep growing at this pace its economy would be bigger than the American’s economy by 2030 (Prasad, 2004). Their success in attaining that status will depend largely on how they collectively deal with their existing and future economic issues. The economy is showing positive changes but still faces very big difficulties. Despite its problems, China's economy is forecast to grow by at least 5% this year, in stark contrast to many major global economies that are shrinking. But these are speculations about the future. As for the present, China’s emergence is already a major challenge for other developing countries, for Asia, and for the world. That challenge will not diminish anytime soon.

Improve Own Practice in Learning and Development Essay

Why L&D practitioners must engage in reflective practice and continue CPD. Analyse own values, beliefs and attitudes and the impact on their practice. Engaging in Reflective practice is associated with the improvement of the quality of care, stimulating personal, professional growth and the closing gap between theory between theory and practice. J Dewey was among the first to consider the questions of psychology and the theory of knowledge, I liked Brookfield (1998) as his concept explained discussing and talking and contemplating through the learner’s eyes. The appeal of the use of reflective practice is that as teaching and learning are complex, and there is not one right approach, reflecting on different versions of teaching, and reshaping past and current experiences will lead to improvement. Schà ¶n’s (1983) reflection–in-action assists practitioners in making the professional knowledge that they will gain from their experience in the classroom an explicit part of their decision-making. Research base practices strongly supports the importance of the teacher/ facilitator being a highly trained, reflective professional. The importance of reflecting on what you are doing, as part of the learning process, has also been empathised by many investigators, for example the second stage of Kolb’s (1984) learning cycle, reflective observation. Reflective observation can be an important tool in practice based professional learning settings where individuals learning from their own professional experiences, rather than from formal teaching or knowledge transfer, maybe the most important source of personal professional development and improvement. Another way to look at it is through Lewin/Kolb’s single-loop learning, and the Argyris and Schà ¶n concept double-loop learning which were mapped from the works of Ashby (1960) while working on cybernetics. Single-loop learning is like a thermostat that learns when it is too hot or too cold and turns the heat on or off. The thermostat can perform this task because it can receive information (the temperature of the room) and take  corrective action. Double-loop learning occurs when an error is detected and corrected in ways that involve the modification of an organization’s underlying norms, policies and objectives. Double loop learning uses feedback from past actions to question assumptions underlying current views. Davies (2012) explained the benefits to reflective practice Increased learning from an experience for situation Promotion of deep learning Identification of personal and professional strengths and areas for improvement Identification of educational needs Acquisition of new knowledge and skills Further understanding of own beliefs, attitudes and values Encouragement of self-motivation and self-directed learning Could act as a source of feedback Possible improvements of personal and clinical confidence . There are a number of ways to monitor your performance regularly, capturing incidental/experienced learning by keeping a self-reflective journal, by reading it over and over again I can begin to analyse achievements however small they seem and develop a greater level of self-awareness. This is where I try to recognise the needs to enhance my own learning so that a bigger benefit for the learner to progress and achieve something in their future. Firstly I identified my own preferred learning style as everyone learns in different ways. There are many ways to establish your preferred way of learning and as supported by Reece and Walker (2009), â€Å"All students are individuals and no two students learn the same way†. To move forward in life, we all need to improve our ideas, broaden relevant knowledge and skills. Getting constructive feedback (for example, learners, peers, mentors and colleagues) are important aspects of reflection. Performance indicators of the organisation are identified, it shows whether I am current with the ways of facilitating and is it having an impact on learners. It will also show how I am performing, what is going well and where I need training or guidance i.e.  learning Microsoft office at college, enabling me to have computing vocational skills. Utilising the S.W.O.T analysis where I am able to identify my strengths: Supportive Judicious Communication skills Imaginative and observant I am able to identify my weaknesses: Inability to refrain from helping Being too talkative Too altruistic This ensures me I am performing to the best that I can and that I am meeting all the standards and expectations within the organisations policies and procedures. The guidance of a mentor is an advantage for they have had similar experiences and understanding of their issues with self-development. There will be times when I will need support and advice to move my career forward and achieve life goals, so it is best to have an effective relationship. Some factors that help to build an effective relationship; Mutual respect Honesty and direct communication Acceptance and flexibility Commitment Trust Some shared values Willingness, to work through obstacles â€Å"Mentoring is to support and encourage people to manage their own learning in order that they may maximise their potential, develop their skills,  improve their performance and become the person they want to be† (E Parsole, The oxford school of coaching & mentoring) I believe that all individuals are created equally, thus all have the ability to learn equally. Resisting from a classroom culture of control, with the correct amount of care and tutoring, learners would be able to participate in classes with simplified understanding. Providing adequate feedback is an important aspect, I always try to rephrase a question with learners so not only do they understand and try to answer correctly, they feel great when they receive feedback which motivates them to learn. When I provide learners with time and space to be aware of their own knowledge and their own thinking, student ownership increases. Research shows that metacognition can be taught (Visible Learning, 2009). Using reflective practice I am able to instil values that the learner can use in their life and work.

Guns in the US: The statistics behind the violence Essay

Americans love their guns, and they will love them until the end of time. But as years go by gun violence has increased throughout the U.S. Experts have yet to decide whether to ban guns altogether or would it be just plain impossible since Americans gun bearing tradition is so embedded that we could never give them up. Or could we just simply prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands? Gun violence has just gotten worse throughout the years. It seems like every day we hear a story about another â€Å"mass shooting† and there is a big possibility that we will never stop hearing it. Each day we hear the horrors of the stories of the children being in the crossfire or young adults being involved in these shooting. How could society mess up this bad that children are being killed for things that had nothing to do with them. Now that there are more and more cases involving gun violence, concerns are being known. How can people live safe when there are guns being used for the w orst almost every day? Americans have had the right to bear arms when the 2nd amendment in the Bill of Rights was adopted in December 1791. So, would it be so hard to implement stricter gun laws or just not have guns at all? The U.S owns more guns than any of the other countries even if it accounts for only 5% of the world’s population, the U.S. residents own 50% of guns in the world. Some people think that the more guns the more violence there would be. While others think that guns for self-defense, hunting and collecting them are a good reason to own a firearm. Why are shooting occurring INTRO Can anything be done about it? INTRO //////Will gun laws help this situation or is America to attached to having guns or will we ever give them up/////Can we take measures like not letting people with mental health have guns in their home? Or people who have been convicted of violent crimes Or no-fly lists Where have stricter gun laws been effective/ineffective How have the other countries addressed the gun issues? Stricter gun laws After a mass shooting, Australia passed the National Firearms Agreement in April 1996. A man with a semi-automatic killed 35 people and injured 18. After this law was passed Australia banned semi-automatic self-loading rifles and shotguns and had stricter incensing and registration requirements. Since the ban of 1969 rate of homicides; murder and manslaughter have fallen. People who can’t buy guns Felons can’t have guns. they can not live in the household with a gun. Someone who has been convicted of violent or gun-related misdemeanors. Abusers of alcohol or drugs. Severe mental illness. Americans who have threatened to harm themselves or harm others go through a background check to prevent them from having a gun for at least 6 months.

European Climate and Clean Energy Law and Policy Essay

European Climate and Clean Energy Law and Policy - Essay Example With the increment in the amount of energy that is used as the world population grows, it is important to have this kind of regulation so that majority of the companies that are providing energy indulge themselves into the renewable sources of energy and nonrenewable. This will help since these forms of energy do not get exhausted. One factor that is to be regulated when it comes to energy is on the production of various forms of nonrenewable energy that do not have preventive measures to the environment and the consumers in term of their health. This requires the energy generating companies not to have a lust for lucrative amounts of money from consumers but also care on the duration that these forms take while being used and their side effects (Elizabeth, Waelde, and  Janeth, 2005). It is important for the companies that are producing the various forms of energy to ensure that the kinds of energy that they are producing are environmentally friendly and that they do not pose any harm to the surrounding. Proper conservation and management of the environment are quite ideal since it is a habitat for several organisms that are also using the energy. Environmental protection begins with the effects of the energy that is produced itself, the gaseous emissions that are released during the production, and the liquid effluents too. It is also important to consider certain types of energy such as the water that is stored in the reservoir; it should not also pose environmental hazards too. Nobel peace prize winner Wangari Mathai used to say â€Å"If you destroy nature, nature will destroy you†. It is therefore in order to try and conserve the environment and all the resources and facilities that are within the environment regardless of the amount that is n the proxi mity, all count (Kim, 2013).

Marketing plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Marketing plan - Essay Example Companies have also been able to take into consideration the comments left by different consumers and work with them to deliver brands which match their specific taste. Moreover, companies or manufactures have been able to design their products to match the different taste of their consumers, thus remaining on top of the market competition. b) Addressability as marketing issues can be said to be the ability of the company to share with their consumer details concerning their products or operations in a way that is easily understood. Interactivity on the other hand can be said to be the ability of the company to make their consumers participate in the production or manufacturing process. This may involve engaging the consumers to achieve response about their content or products. Accessibility is the ability of the company or producers to avail their products or services to the consumers without putting them through much hassle. Connectivity can be said to be the ability of a company or producers to reach their consumers by knowing such details like their profiles and designing their products or services to match their preferred taste. Control in relation to marketing mix can be said to be the ability of a company to accurately determine key consumer characteristics in order to make them loyal to the respective brands th eyre producing or manufacturing. c) The use of digital media has its pros and cons. Social media is a form of digital media that makes communication easier between parties involved. It also allows individuals, especially business men to expand their contact with their consumers. In addition, it improves the image of a business while also expanding market research for entrepreneurs in different markets. However, it may also decrease productivity of employees when they use for other purposes other than work. It has also led to scams as scrupulous individuals use it for fraudulent activities. Electronic media is

Other than the September 11, 2001 attacks, and later than 2000, Term Paper

Other than the September 11, 2001 attacks, and later than 2000, identify and describe one event that has influenced (changed, modified, added, subtracted) homel - Term Paper Example Hurricane Katrina turned out to be the worst thing that could happen to our homeland and the pieces were left for Department of Homeland Security to pick up. Katrina was a category 4 hurricane and FEMA, part of the Department for Homeland Security, reacted to it according to a prepared plan. But nothing could have prepared Americans for the destruction brought on by the hurricane. No one had anticipated the ruin and damage (Borja 2008). Before the development of one Department of Homeland Security, these activities were carried out by more than 40 federal agencies. Although there had always been talk of bringing all of them under one banner; the need for one entity was truly felt after the 9/11 attacks. A March 2001 bill proposed that FEMA, Border Patrol, Customs along with several other offices be merged into one agency that will be responsible for all security related services for homeland. The Office of Homeland Security was announced 11 days after the 9/11 attacks. Its main purpose was to safeguard the country against any threats of terrorism is the future (Borja 2008). This report will discuss how the hurricane forever changed homeland security and led to the introduction of a whole new set of previously ignored challenges. Hurricane Katrina was unprecedented due to its sheer force and size. It was a huge challenge and the most destructive event in American history. It challenged our disaster response capabilities to the extreme and brought out the deficiencies in our nation’s preparedness and response facilities (Townsend 2006). According to a presidential address in 2002, the Department of Homeland Security had four goals that became the responsibility of four of its divisions accordingly. The Border Security Division is responsible for guarding the borders and preventing terrorists from entering the country. The Emergency preparedness and Response Centre has to work in tandem

Tributary States Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Tributary States - Essay Example Politically, subordinate states enjoyed independent political sovereignty only after paying the tribute. Legally, tribute states exercised legal rights only within domestic boundaries, while the superior state could exercise legal rights across all its tribute states. One example of a tributary state was Babylon, which paid tribute to the Roman Empire. Another example is the Roman Empire itself, which later paid tribute or bribe money to the invading barbarians. Also, England became a tribute state when the invading Vikings demanded payment of material bribes from the English crown. Political revolutions are transformative processes that bring changes in the social, economic, and political atmospheres of a nation. In contemporary times, the French Revolution feature as a perfect example of the transformative nature of political revolutions. Prior to the revolution, the King of France had subjectively imposed divine powers. The French population was utter subjects to the King’s unquestionable rule, and any natural human rights were impractical. During and after the revolution, ideas of human rights became popular. The popularization of inalienable human rights gave rise to the concept of citizenship in France (Katter 29). Through the concept of citizenship, liberal institutions like the national assembly were established. In essence, the transformation from subject rule to citizenship initiated a corresponding transformation from aristocracy to democracy in France. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, a substantial portion of European’s population relied on agriculture. Most people were peasants who supplemented their food and financial income through small-scale farming. During the 18th Century, there was a rapid marriage between man and machines. Establishment of factory production systems demanded laborers.

Health care management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Health care management - Essay Example This paper explores how this new role would affect my personal life, and identifies a number of possible ward problems and possible approaches for tacking these problems are suggested. These include expectations from the team that I should do more hands on work, instead of planning; the problem of interpersonal conflicts, e.g. between nursing and administration teams, and complexity compression. One problem case in particular, that of an underperforming nurse colleague, is examined in more detail using the control (ie checking and quality control) management process. The first challenge that will face me upon taking up this responsible position will be the need for me to make personal adjustments to the new role. It is not easy to suddenly become a person who is held responsible for others in a team, and I anticipate both a high workload and an increase in stress caused by the fact that I will encounter new issues that I have not had to deal with before. It will make sense for me to scale down family and free time commitments as far as possible for the first few months so that I can keep focussed on the job. It would be a good idea to plan a specially rewarding holiday for my first leave period a few months down the line. The transition into the nurse manager role is difficult if one attempts it alone, and yet discussing personal worries or problems with members of the ward team would not help them to trust my judgement. It has been suggested (Belcher, 2006) that it is a good idea for new managers to actively seek out a mentor figure who is not in the same immediate area of work, but who knows the organization and the general demands of the role. This author suggests locating someone with good chemistry, clarifying what the mentor is expected to do, and using that mentor to find out all the ins and outs of the larger organization, including shortcuts to the people who hold key information or who have power in particular areas (Belcher, p. 150-151).

Professional career goals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Professional career goals - Essay Example To be an acute care nurse practitioner, I will need to complete my Bachelor’s in Science degree first before applying and being accepted into a Master’s program. My short term goal is to complete my Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. I prepared myself to succeed in the Associates Degree program in nursing and the Bachelor of Science in nursing programs at The California State University in Los Angeles by taking classes at a community college because I graduated a nursing school a long time ago. To achieve my goal, I need to effectively use time management skills. I am a student, an employee and a daughter, who needs to take care of a mother. To do well in my three roles, I need to prioritize my time and at this point a personal life is of less importance as I concentrate on my education and academic goals. If I succeed in time management and time distribution, I will succeed in the ADN to BSN bridge

Medicine during the revolutionary war Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Medicine during the revolutionary war - Essay Example The military was the most affected by undeveloped medical practices and poor knowledge on the field of medicine. They used to use branding iron to stop bleeding. Amputation was also very common and was somehow considered equal to what is an antibiotic currently. It was believed that, to stop an infection from spreading to the rest of the body from the part of the body that has been struck by a bullet or diseased, was to amputate it. Doctors tending to the military during that time had little concept of germs. They barely washed their hands or even their tools. They had an approach that curing a person mainly involved getting the disease out of the system. One of the common methods that were used was cupping. The doctors took a heated glass cup and placed it on the patient’s chest with an attempt to sweat out the disease. They also used a method called leeching. That is, they used leeches to suck out bad blood. Or they could simply cut the patient’s wrist and let them bl eed out an ailment. Dental hygiene was also a major issue during this time. People’s teeth were either black or yellow or missing altogether. They usually used twigs to brush their teeth. If someone can afford something better than twigs, they used a bone with pigs’ hair. A family could afford only one toothbrush which they had to share. Going to the dentist wasn’t very much necessary unless one is in deep and extreme pain. Alcohol was mostly used to ease the pain as a medical procedure. Pulling out a tooth could not have gotten any more literal. A metal object, whi

Week Five Exercise Assignment Essay Example for Free

Week Five Exercise Assignment Essay Liquidity ratios. Edison, Stagg, and Thornton have the following financial information at the close of business on July 10: Edison Stagg Thornton Cash $6,000 $5,000 $4,000 Short-term investments 3,000 2,500 2,000 Accounts receivable 2,000 2,500 3,000 Inventory 1,000 2,500 4,000 Prepaid expenses 800 800 800 Accounts payable 200 200 200 Notes payable: short-term 3,100 3,100 3,100 Accrued payables 300 300 300 Long-term liabilities 3,800 3,800 3,800 a. Compute the current and quick ratios for each of the three companies. (Round calculations to two decimal places.) Which firm is the most liquid? Why? Account Edison Stagg Thornton Cash 6,000.00 5,000.00 4,000.00 Short term investments 3,000.00 2,500.00 2,000.00 Accounts receivable 2,000.00 2,500.00 3,000.00 Inventory 1,000.00 2,500.00 4,000.00 Prepaid Expense 800.00 800.00 800.00 Total Current Assets: 12,800.00 13,300.00 13,800.00 Account Edison Stagg Thornton Accounts payable 200.00 200.00 200.00 Notes payable 3,100.00 3,100.00 3,100.00 Accrued payables 300.00 300.00 300.00 Total Current Liabilities: 3,600.00 3,600.00 3,600.00 Edison: Current ratio 12,800.00 / 3,600.00 = 3.56 Quick ratio (6,000 + 3,000 + 2,000) =3.06 Stagg: Current ratio 13,300.00 / 3,600.00 =3.69 Quick ratio (5,000.00 + 2,500.00 + 2,500.00)/ 3,600.00 = 2.78 Thornton: Current ratio 13,800.00 / 3,600.00 = 3.83 Quick ratio (4,000.00 + 2,000.00 + 3,000.00) / 3,600 =2.5 The most liquid company is Edison because they have the most access if necessary. 2. Computation and evaluation of activity ratios. The following data relate to Alaska Products, Inc: 20X5 20X4 Net credit sales $832,000 $760,000 Cost of goods sold 530,000 400,000 Cash, Dec. 31 125,000 110,000 Average Accounts receivable 205,000 156,000 Average Inventory 70,000 50,000 Accounts payable, Dec. 31 115,000 108,000 Instructions a. Compute the accounts receivable and inventory turnover ratios for 20X5. Alaska rounds all calculations to two decimal places. Accounts Receivable Ratio = Net Credit Sales / Average Accounts Receivable $832,000 / 205,000 = 4.10 Inventory Turnover Ratio = Net Credit Sales / Average Accounts Receivable $530,000 / 70,000 =7.60 (205,000 + 156,000) / 2 = 180,500 (70,000 + 50,000) / 2 =60,000 3. Profitability ratios, trading on the equity. Digital Relay has both preferred and common stock outstanding. The com ­pany reported the following information for 20X7: Net sales $1,750,000 Interest expense 120,000 Income tax expense 80,000 Preferred dividends 25,000 Net income 130,000 Average assets 1,200,000 Average common stockholders equity 500,000 a. Compute the profit margin on sales ratio, the return on equity and the return on assets, rounding calculations to two decimal places. b. Does the firm have positive or negative financial leverage? Briefly ex ­plain. Profit Margin = 130,000/1,7500,00 =7.43% Return on equity = 130,000/5,000=26% Return on assets = 130,000/1,200,000=10.83% (120,000 + 80,000 + 130,000) / (80,000 + 130,000) =1.57 It has a positive financial leverage of around 1.57 times. The net profit ratio states Digital Relay made a 9% profit off its sales. 4. Horizontal analysis. Mary Lynn Corporation has been operating for several years. Selected data from the 20X1 and 20X2 financial statements follow. 20X2 20X1 Current Assets $86,000 $80,000 Property, Plant, and Equipment (net) 99,000 90,000 Intangibles 25,000 50,000 Current Liabilities 40,800 48,000 Long-Term Liabilities 153,000 160,000 Stockholders’ Equity 16,200 12,000 Net Sales 500,000 500,000 Cost of Goods Sold 322,500 350,000 Operating Expenses 93,500 85,000 a. Prepare a horizontal analysis for 20X1 and 20X2. Briefly comment on the results of your work. Horizontal Analysis 202 201 Difference %Change Current Assets 86,000.00 80,000.00 -4,000.00 -5.00% Property, Plant, and Equipment (net) 99,000.00 90,000.00 9,000.00 10.00% Intangiables 25,000.00 50,000.00 -25,000.00 -50.00% Total Assets 200,000.00 220,000.00 20,000.00 -9.09% Current Liabilities 40,800.00 48,000.00 -7,200.00 -15.00% Long Term Liabilities 143,000.00 160,000.00 -17,000.00 -10.63% Total Liabilities 183,800.00 208,000.00 -24,200.00 -11.63% Stockholders Equity 16,200.00 12,000.00 4,200.00 35.00% Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity 200,000.00 220,000.00 -20,000.00 -9.09% Net Sales 500,000.00 500,000.00 0.00 0.00% Cost of Goods Sold 332,500.00 350,000.00 -17,500.00 -5.00% Gross Profit 167,500.00 150,000.00 17,500.00 11.67% Operating Expense 935,000.00 85,000.00 8,500.00 10.00% Net Income 74,000.00 65,000.00 9,000.00 13.85% (4,000) / 80,000 =-5% The company decreased its liabilities which is good but also decreased its assets and costs of goods sold. The operating expenses increased and kept the same amount of net sales. Their Stockholders’ Equity increased so they were able to purchase additional equipment, property, and plant. 5.Vertical analysis. Mary Lynn Corporation has been operating for several years. Selected data from the 20X1 and 20X2 financial statements follow. 20X2 20X1 Current Assets $86,000 $80,000 Property, Plant, and Equipment (net) 99,000 80,000 Intangibles 25,000 50,000 Current Liabilities 40,800 48,000 Long-Term Liabilities 153,000 150,000 Stockholders’ Equity 16,200 12,000 Net Sales 500,000 500,000 Cost of Goods Sold 322,500 350,000 Operating Expenses 93,500 85,000 a. Prepare a vertical analysis for 20X1 and 20X2. Briefly comment on the results of your work. Current Assets 15.20% 16.00% Property, Plant, and Equipment 19.80% 18.00% Intangibles 5.00% 10.00% Current Liabilities 8.16% 9.60% Long term Liabilities 28.60% 32.00% Stockholders Equity 3.24% 2.40% Net Sales 100.00% 100.00% Cost of Goods Sold 66.50% 70.00% Operating Expenses 18.70% 17.00% It seems as if the findings were the same as in the horizontal analysis. There is a difference, which is, seeing the sections changed based upon the previous. There is a 35% increase in the Stockholders’ Equity which is great for the company. 6. Ratio computation. The financial statements of the Lone Pine Company follow. LONE PINE COMPANY Comparative Balance Sheets December 31, 20X2 and 20X1 ($000 Omitted) 20X2 20X1 Assets Current Assets Cash and Short-Term Investments $400 $600 Accounts Receivable (net) 3,000 2,400 Inventories 3,000 2,300 Total Current Assets $6,400 $5,300 Property, Plant, and Equipment Land $1,700 $500 Buildings and Equipment (net) 1,500 1,000 Total Property, Plant, and Equipment $3,200 $1,500 Total Assets $9,600 $6,800 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Current Liabilities Accounts Payable $2,800 $1,700 Notes Payable 1,100 1,900 Total Current Liabilities $3,900 $3,600 Long-Term Liabilities Bonds Payable 4,100 2,100 Total Liabilities $8,000 $5,700 Stockholders’ Equity Common Stock $200 $200 Retained Earnings 1,400 900 Total Stockholders’ Equity $1,600 $1,100 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $9,600 $6,800 LONE PINE COMPANY Statement of Income and Retained Earnings For the Year Ending December 31,20X2 ($000 Omitted) Net Sales* $36,000 Less: Cost of Goods Sold $20,000 Selling Expense 6,000 Administrative Expense 4,000 Interest Expense 400 Income Tax Expense 2,000 32,400 Net Income $3,600 Retained Earnings, Jan. 1 900 Ending Retained Earnings $4,500 Cash Dividends Declared and Paid 3,100 Retained Earnings, Dec. 31 $1,400 *All sales are on account. Instructions Compute the following items for Lone Pine Company for 20X2, rounding all calcu ­lations to two decimal places when necessary: a. Quick ratio 1.17 b. Current ratio 1.86 c. Inventory-turnover ratio 10 d. Accounts-receivable-turnover ratio 13.33 e. Return-on-assets ratio 0.51 f. Net-profit-margin ratio 0.1 g. Return-on-common-stockholders’ equity 2.67 h. Debt-to-total assets 0.81 i. Number of times that interest is earned 15

Conceptions of crime Essay Example for Free

Conceptions of crime Essay Conceptions of crime are distorted by exposure to media coverage. Discuss. This cours from coursework. inf coga ga . r se . ga . ga . w or. ga . . ga . k inga foga . ga . ! The media constitutes a major part of modern society and plays a large role in our lives. It is the prime source of information and entertainment, and moreover acts as a strong influence on public belief and opinion. The media is highly influential in coae ae . r se . ae . ae . w or. ae . . ae . k inae foae . ae . . shaping our views upon the world in which we live. When it comes to crime, coae ae .r se . ae . ae . w or. ae . . ae . k inae foae . ae . . however, do the reports shown by the media present an accurate picture of the true This cours from coursework. inf events? The more horrific the report, the more likely it is to capture the attention of the public, which obviously secures plenty of profit for media barons. Is our increasing reliance on an institution that relies on sensationalism to create profit unwise, as this could well mean that the facts they report lack truth? The media reinforces social myths by selective reporting, and thus presents a distorted view ofreality. This could be leading to an increasingly misconstrued public view of certain crimes. The media is a very powerful influence on the way in which we behave and how we view the world, therefore it is important that it shows a realistic picture of what is taking place in our society, otherwise we will gain a false perception of aspects such as crime. Is the media really portraying crime as it truly is, or is it selectively reporting the most colourful events in order to secure audiences and therefore profit? It is important to understand that there are many crimes that are completely ignored by the media, as they are not seen as ? newsworthy?. Usually only those that will capture public attention are mentioned. This means that the crimes that fill our screens and pages are usually violent or shocking in nature. From a functionalist perspective this can serve a positive function, as the deviant behaviour makes ordinary people feel safe in the knowledge that they are morally better than the criminal, and reporting of crimes and subsequent punishments can also serve as a deterrent to others and a good method of reinforcing the social order. However, there is also a certain degree of bias present in all reporting that stems from the integrated norms and moral background of the journalist involved. It is almost impossible to be completely objective when reporting, and most journalists will slant their stories to appeal to the widest possible audience. This is theorized in the hegemonic model, and works on the basis that the majority of journalists are likely to be white, male and middle-class and will therefore bring with them to their stories their own similar set of norms and values, be this unconsciously or otherwise. The editors will also carry out a selection process on the stories before they hit the public view; therefore it is highly unlikely that any crime report reaches the news in an unbiased state.? Journalists also tend to use a set of stereotypes, which serve to easily identify ? types? of people and reduce complexities of character to a series of ? bad guys? and ? good guys?. These can lead the public to make quick judgments, which may not be based on true fact.? The media? s presentation of stereotypical images can change the public opinion on certain groups in society, and may create a false picture of them that may be harmful. The groups most often portrayed as criminal are the less privileged and minority groups such as those from ethnic minorities. Because our lives are so deeply influenced by the media we begin to see the portrayal of these groups as a reality, and this may cause crimes committed by other groups or individuals (such as corporate crime in the middle class) to be overlooked or seen as less serious.? In addition, the police can make use of the media to help maintain social order by choosing what to tell reporters, as many news stories use police accounts as a major source for their information. A good example of the media distorting aspects of crime is shown with the reporting of women involved in criminal activity. The common media portrayal of women is more passive and much less inclined to commit crime, and when they do it is seen as less violent or shocking in nature, or as influenced by a stronger male personality, for example Myra Hindley was commonly said to have been under the influence of Ian Brady when the horrific Moors murders were committed. Media coverage usually concentrates on the most violent and shocking aspects of crime. This can often be far from the truth, and puts the public in fear when in reality there is a tiny chance of them falling victim. Listening to the news, it appears that the country is riddled with serial killers and rapists however official crime statistics would show that this is not the case. Reporting like this can lead to mass panic and fear across the country, and this aspect was investigated further by Stanley Cohen in his book ? Folk Devils and Moral Panics? where he studied the 1960s mods and rockers conflicts. The media? s handling of the fights between the rivals groups made it sound as if Brighton was full of riots and was a very dangerous place, when in reality this was a false picture of events. However, these stories grabbed the headlines, and as a result appealed to a large audience and gained lots of attention with the public. At the moment there is lots of media coverage about murders in Cornwall, and about the girl who was kidnapped and murdered on Dartmoor. The way these are reported makes people fearful that there is a serial killer on the loose, when in reality there is probably little chance of this happening to them and they should be more concerned with the more common but less ? colourful? crimes that threaten society, most of which would be much more obvious if the public were able to look at official crime statistics. This viewpoint fits in well with the idea of the media as a manipulative entity that is ideologically biased and therefore bases its selection of news on this fundamental bias. This manipulation theory is Marxist in origin and works on the idea that the public are passive and absorb the information that the media presents them with without question, and that the media consist of the ruling class who use media channels to perpetuate their views and opinions in society. Official statistics paint an interesting picture of the true nature of crime levels in society. It is a fact that crime rates have actually remained stable over the last year, after experiencing a period of decline. This challenges the constant media message that crime is everywhere and on the increase. When people were interviewed about crime rates many of them believed that crime was well on the increase, as result of a ? heightened degree of press coverage which particularly focused on a claimed rise in crime.? (Jon Simmons in the Home Office Report 2002).? It is a well-known fact that the media tend to emphasise aspects and types of crime that are violent or shocking, such as murder and rape, which affects the general population by creating huge worry about occurrences of violent crime when it is a statistical fact that one is over four times more likely to fall victim to burglary. Another form of media that can, and often does, present distorted representations of crime are television shows such as The Bill, Merseybeat or reality shows such as Crimewatch. For example Crimewatch focuses on catching criminals who have carried out violent crime and places little or no emphasis on occurrences of burglary or more ? normal? crimes, even though this type of crime is much more frequent. The Bill shows many incidents of violent crime, however also tends to show other less ? newsworthy? forms of crime such as theft which is a more realistic approach. coac ac . r se . ac . ac . w or. ac . . ac .k inac foac . ac . . There are a number of media influence models that attempt to explain the extent and nature of media influence. The manipulation theory presented earlier is one of these theories; however there are others that attempt to explain the media? s effect on society in different ways. The pluralist model argues that the public are not passive receptors but active participants with the ability to choose and form their own opinions from the vast variety of information presented by the media, whether about crime or about other social issues. The media only serve to reinforce the existing values that people possess. Tversky and Kahneman suggest that the easier it is to recall or imagine an event, the more likely we are to see it as risky or as frequent in occurrence (Tversky and Kahneman cit. 1994: 303). Therefore if this is correct then constant media coverage of violent crimes could lead us to believe that such crimes are the ones most likely to affect us. Mass media reporting can also serve as a substitute for direct experience, however research into this supports the pluralist model by showing that people are usually active consumers and interpreters rather than passive recipients. The issue at hand seems to be the growing difference between the way the public perceive crime and the reality as shown by official statistics. For some reason, society has a far greater fear of murder and other violent crime than is justified by the actual number of occurrence, when in reality there is far greater likelihood of incidences of burglary or car crime. So where do these fears stem from? The answer appears to be that they come from the way in which the media report crimes and how they select the most newsworthy aspects so that more papers will get sold and so viewing figures will increase. In conclusion it is an unavoidable fact that our society is so immersed in the media that its influence is hard to get away from. To a large extent, media does form our social world, however it is also true that people are active interpreters of information, and are able to utilize their own opinions on events and stories shown by the media. We are only taking in what the media offer to us not the real truth about what is happening. It is very easy for our conceptions of crime to be distorted by the way that the media portray it, as the only information we are receiving on the events is that which comes from the media. However if people really are actively interpreting and thinking about the true nature of crime levels, while attempting to broaden their horizons of information, then they will be more aware of the reality of the situation and our conceptions will be far less influenced by media constructed images and opinions. Bibliography Maguire, M, R. Reiner and R. Morgan. 2002 The Oxford Handbook Of Criminology New York: Oxford University Press Haralambos, M. 2000? Themes and Perspectives in Sociology? 4th edition Cohen, S and Young, J. 1973? The Manufacture Of News: Deviance, Social Problems and the Mass Media, London: Constable and Co Ltd.

Is globalization of the Vietnamese economy good or bad

Is globalization of the Vietnamese economy good or bad Vietnam has made a great progress in global integration since it began the Doi Moi process, especially when our country became the 150th member of WTO in 2007. The global integration has helped to change a poor country facing with starvation in the 1980s into a highly developing country now. However, Vietnam also has to face up with challenges affecting economic stability such as global financial crisis, severe competition from foreign enterprises. In order to understand more about globalization and its effects on the Vietnamese economy, I would like to write this paper to discuss the opportunities and challenges of this process upon the Vietnamese economy and what can be done to overcome these challenges. I. Literature Review 1. What is globalization? Globalization has now become a popular term appearing regularly on television, radio and newspaper. It is a very broad term which is related to economy, politics, culture, and environment. Carbaugh (2008) defines globalization as the process of greater interdependence among countries and their citizens. It consists of increased integration of product and resource markets across nations via trade, immigration, and foreign investment that is, via international flows of goods and services, of people, and of investment such as equipment, factories, stocks, and bonds. It also includes noneconomic elements such as culture and environment. Simply put, globalization is political, technological, and cultural as well as economic (p.2). Within this paper, we only focus on the economic side of globalization. 2. History of globalization in the worlds economy Carbaugh (2008) mentions three waves of globalization which constitute the so-called globalization nowadays. The first process was initialized by the global economic integration occurred from 1870 to 1914. It began with the decreases in tariff barriers and the development of new technologies railway, steam engines, and steam ships which lowered transportation cost. This wave was mainly driven by European countries, American businesses and individuals. As a result, the ratio of exports over the worlds total income nearly doubled to 8 percent and the United States became the richest country in the world. The first wave of globalization was ended by World War I, followed by the Great Depression of the 1930s, which pushed back the process. The second wave of globalization happened within the period 1945-1980 with the continual falling cost of transportation and the removal of trade barriers among developed countries. This period were featured by a new kind of trade: agglomeration economies-firms clustered together and were connected in a vertical linkage; parts manufacturers located near the main assembly line to lower the cost of transport. However, most developing countries still could not participate in this process for many different reasons. As the result, per capita income in developed countries increased dramatically while other developing countries were left behind. The last wave of globalization began in 1980 and continues up to now. The pace of this global integration has become much faster and dramatic because of unprecedented advancements in technology, communications, science, transport and industry. The wave is featured by the dramatic increase in global trade not only from developed countries but also from developing countries, which has made the global GDP increase quickly. Developing countries such as China, India, Brazil have succeed in joining the world market, exporting the goods they have competitive advantage mostly labor-intensive products. The communication technology developed very quickly. Another aspect of this wave is the increasing foreign outsourcing, which aims mainly at lowering the production cost by producing parts in developing courtiers. The period is also featured by bilateral and multilateral trade agreements and the establishment of the worlds biggest trade institution: WTO (the world trade organization) to superv ise and liberalize international trade. 3. The globalization of the world economy-for better There is maybe no other issues which are more controversial than globalization. There are maybe no other international institutions which are more protested than WTO. However, theories and reality have proved globalizations indispensability. According to the law of competitive advantage by David Ricardo, because of trade, films, regions, countries will gain benefits if they specialize in producing things they do well at a lower cost and use the earnings from these activities to by goods for which they are high-cost producers. Carbaugh (2008, p.14) Globalization encourages innovation and efficient production in each countrys economy. Because of competitiveness from foreign enterprises, domestic producers have a strong incentive to improve the quality of their products. Carbaugh (2008, p.14) Globalization also helps reduce the price of goods. For example, in the case of the US, because of global competition, the prices of such items as TV sets, clothing, toys have reduced dramatically. Meanwhile, the prices of products untouched by globalization, such as hospital services, sports tickets, and car repair have a tendency to increase. Carbaugh (2008, p.14) Globalization through the form of international trade provides stability for production. For example, a company can buy parts and components worldwide to supply its production. Moreover, it can export its products to other countries if the demand in the domestic economy is low. Carbaugh (2008, p.16) Globalization plays an important part in the economic growth of one country. For example, countries that open their economy to international trade tend to benefit from new technology and other sources of economic growth. (Carbaugh, 2008, p.16) Protestants of globalization often mention job displacement, loss of countrys sovereignty, environmental damage, etc. as reasons for anti-globalization. Indeed, these problems can be properly addressed if each government has determination and right strategies. 4. The globalization of the Vietnamese economy-some important events To Vietnam, since the country began the Doi Moi process in 1986, the economy has gradually integrated into global market. With the guideline Vietnam is prepared to be a friend and reliable partner of all countries in the world community, striving for peace, independence and development. Vietnam has gradually joined international organizations and economic institutions as well as cooperated with other countries for mutual development. Vietnam re-joined the World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 1992 and 1993. The year 1995 saw many significant external economic events. Vietnam joined the ASEAN and committed to implement the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), signed a Cooperative Agreement with the European Union (EU) and normalized relations with the US and applied for WTO membership. In 1998 Vietnam officially became a member of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). (Ho) In order to enhance trade among Vietnam and other countries, many bilateral and multilateral trade agreements have been signed. On July 13th 2000, the Viet Nam-United States Bilateral Trade Agreement was officially signed. Our country has signed over 80 bilateral trade agreements 40 bilateral investment agreements and 40 agreements on avoidance of double taxation. Most significantly, after eleven years of negotiation, in 2007 Vietnam became the official member of the world trade organization (WTO)-the worlds biggest trade organization. Since then, Vietnam has entered the largest trade play ground where every country is equal in both opportunities and challenges. So it can be summarized that Vietnam has taken part in the international integration for over the past twenty years and fully joined in the globalization process for three years dating from 2007. II. Benefits and opportunities of globalization to the Vietnamese economy Integration deeply into the world market has brought many tangible benefits and opportunities to the Vietnamese economy. 1. Increasing export revenues As a result of integrating into the regional and global market, export revenues have increased continually since 1990, speeded up sine 1995 when Vietnam joined ASEAN and grew sharply since Vietnam joined WTO in 2007. The growth in export revenues is illustrated in the following table Total Of which: Balance(*) Exports Imports Mill.USD 1990 5156.4 2404.0 2752.4 -348.4 1991 4425.2 2087.1 2338.1 -251.0 1992 5121.5 2580.7 2540.8 39.9 1993 6909.1 2985.2 3923.9 -938.7 1994 9880.1 4054.3 5825.8 -1771.5 1995 13604.3 5448.9 8155.4 -2706.5 1996 18399.4 7255.8 11143.6 -3887.8 1997 20777.3 9185.0 11592.3 -2407.3 1998 20859.9 9360.3 11499.6 -2139.3 1999 23283.5 11541.4 11742.1 -200.7 2000 30119.2 14482.7 15636.5 -1153.8 2001 31247.1 15029.2 16217.9 -1188.7 2002 36451.7 16706.1 19745.6 -3039.5 2003 45405.1 20149.3 25255.8 -5106.5 2004 58453.8 26485.0 31968.8 -5483.8 2005 69208.2 32447.1 36761.1 -4314.0 2006 84717.3 39826.2 44891.1 -5064.9 2007 111326.1 48561.4 62764.7 -14203.3 Prel. 2008 143398.9 62685.1 80713.8 -18028.7 Table 1 Export and import of goods Source: General statistics office of Vietnam (GSO) The countrys export turnover in 2007 reached US$48 billion, 21.3 percent higher than 2006s figure, surpassing the 3.1 percent target set by the government. Vietnams key export items having high export turnovers were seafoods, rice, coffee, vegetables, rubber, cashew nuts, and pepper. (GSO) The second year of WTO membership saw a sharp increase in the countrys export turnover. Export turnover in 2008 reached US$62 billion, 29.5 percent higher than that in 2007. (GSO) In 2009 the export turnovers were estimated to be US$56.6 billion, reflecting a drop of 9.7 percent from 2008.However, it was due to price drops during the economic crisis. Vietnamese commodities have been exported widely to 150 countries and territories, with many sectors benefiting from WTO membership including labor-intensive industries like clothing, footwear and electronics. (SGGP) An example of quick development in export after joining WTO is textile and garment industry. Vietnam has become one of the ten largest exporters of textiles and garments in the world after earning US$7.7 billion from exporting these commodities in 2007. The US market made up 56 percent of this total turnover, followed by the EU (US$1.45 1.65 billion) and Japan (US$700 million.) (GSO) Unit 2005 2006 2007 Prel. 2008 Crude oil Thous.tons 17966.6 16442.0 15062.0 13752.3 Coal 17987.8 29308.0 32072.0 19354.7 Electronic parts (Including TV parts), computer and their parts Mill.USD 1427.4 1807.8 2165.2 2638.4 Articles of plastic 357.7 452.3 709.5 921.2 Electrical wire and cable 518.2 705.7 882.3 1001.3 Rucksacks, bag, pockets, wallets(*) 470.9 502.1 627.1 833.0 Footwear 3038.8 3595.9 3999.5 4767.8 Textile, sewing products 4772.4 5854.8 7732.0 9120.4 Rattan, bamboo and rush products 157.3 214.1 246.7 255.6 Pottery and glassware 255.3 274.4 334.9 344.0 Embroidery products 78.4 98.1 111.8 Fresh and processed vegetables fruit 235.5 259.1 305.6 407.0 Pepper Thous. tons 109.9 114.8 83.0 90.3 Coffee 912.7 980.9 1232.1 1059.5 Rubber 554.1 703.6 715.6 658.3 Rice 5254.8 4642.0 4580.0 4741.9 Shelled cashew nut 109.0 127.7 154.7 165.3 Tea Thous. tons 91.7 105.4 115.7 104.5 Wood and wooden products 1561.4 1943.1 2384.6 2829.3 Fishery products Mill. USD 2732.5 3358.0 3763.4 4510.1 Of which: Frozen shrimps 1265.7 1262.8 1387.6 Frozen fish 608.8 1083.4 1379.1 Frozen cuttle fish 73.9 92.5 60.8 (*) Data from year 2004 include hats and umbrellas. Table 2: Some main goods for exportation Source: General statistics office of Vietnam (GSO) 2. Rapid increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) As a WTO member, Vietnam has become an attractive destination for foreign investors. Registered FDI surged to US$71 billion in 2008, compared with only $12 billion in 2006. Although FDI commitments dropped last year to $21.4 billion as a result of the global financial crisis, the figure was still at the same level as pre-crisis 2007. (Thanh Nien news) During the three years of WTO membership, total registered FDI into Vietnam reached more than $114 billion, 4.5 times higher than the target set for the 2006-2010 period. Of this, $29.5 billion was disbursed in the five years. (Thanh Nien news) The data for FDI into Vietnam over the past 20 years are summarized in the following table: Number of projects Registered capital (Mill. USD) (*) Implementation capital (Mill. USD) Total 10981 163607.2 57045.5 1988 37 341.7 1989 67 525.5 1990 107 735.0 1991 152 1291.5 328.8 1992 196 2208.5 574.9 1993 274 3037.4 1017.5 1994 372 4188.4 2040.6 1995 415 6937.2 2556.0 1996 372 10164.1 2714.0 1997 349 5590.7 3115.0 1998 285 5099.9 2367.4 1999 327 2565.4 2334.9 2000 391 2838.9 2413.5 2001 555 3142.8 2450.5 2002 808 2998.8 2591.0 2003 791 3191.2 2650.0 2004 811 4547.6 2852.5 2005 970 6839.8 3308.8 2006 987 12004.0 4100.1 2007 1544 21347.8 8030.0 Prel. 2008 1171 64011.0 11600.0 (*)Including supplementary capital to licensed projects in previous years. Table 3: Foreign direct investment projects licensed in period 1988 2008 Source: General statistics office of Vietnam (GSO) 3. Increase in enterprises awareness, adaptation and performance Joining WTO means that Vietnam has entered a large play ground where Vietnamese enterprises have to compete with many giant players-big foreign corporations with strong financial power and experience. Moreover, the reduction of tariffs and non-tariffs measures, the open of servicing market have made the domestic market more competitive. All these factors have forced domestic enterprises (both state-owned and private ones) to restructure and self-improve. Being aware of these challenges, Vietnamese enterprises have invested money to standardize their operation and products. Thousands of Vietnamese enterprises in different fields such as textile, transport, service, telecommunication, food production have met international standards: ISO 9000, ISO 14000. Furthermore, besides traditional markets such as the US, Japan, they have reached new markets such as Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. More effort is put on employee training and attraction high quality employees. Some big Vietname se enterprises which have strong competitiveness are Co.opmart, Hoang Anh Gia Lai group, Sai Gon tourist, VNPT. This is also a chance for state-owned enterprises pending on the Government protection and subsidies restructure their operation. Otherwise they will be defeated even in the domestic market. So under the competition pressure, the Vietnams enterprises will become more effective and competitive. 4. More favorable legal system for trading activities Global economic integration and accession to the WTO have given Vietnam a chance to refine its policy and legal system to be more transparent, sustainable and predictable to be in line with WTO regulations and to attract more foreign investors. For example, according to Law on Foreign Investment, there are flexible regulations of establishment Enterprises with foreign investment are permitted to change the form of investment, and divide, consolidate or merge with other enterprises. Existing joint ventures are allowed to transform into wholly-owned foreign capital enterprises under certain conditions. In addition, there is no obligation to form a joint venture with a local partner. Foreign investors are entitled to make their own choice from three forms of investment set forth by the Law on Foreign Investment. There is also the reduction of the administrative burden The duration for investment licensing was cut from 60 working days to 45 working days for projects under the category of appraisal and issuance of investment licences, and to 30 working days for projects under the category of registration for investment licences Furthermore, under the Governments Project 30 to enhance administrative reform, about 5,700 administrative papers at all levels have been under consideration. Duplicate or unnecessary documents will be abolished. The Prime Minister has proposed a 30 percent reduction of all legal documents. To enhance administrative procedures Vietnamese government are developing e-commerce and e-government to create effective links between administration agencies, businesses and people. (Vov news) Moreover, as a WTO member, Vietnam is treated as a full WTO membership. Vietnamese enterprises have a healthy environment for development in foreign markets. If there are trade disputes, they can be treated under WTOs Dispute Settlement Mechanism. Vietnamese enterprises will be judged by the WTO international court, which means we have more advantages to protect our rights. (Ho) For example, the lawsuit is no longer imposed by domestic laws as the previous catfish war case- Vietnams tra and basa dumping disputes, and we can implement some legal retaliating tools within WTO regulations. Vietnam will have equal status with other countries in the global trade policy-making process and an opportunity to participate in building a more equal and logical international trade cooperative framework. Le (2008) III. Challenges of globalization to the Vietnamese economy Globalization is an indispensable process. As a result, 153 countries have become official members of WTO and up to now no countries would like to exit this organization. This illustrates clearly the benefits of globalization. Globalization by its nature does not make a country worse. However, the opportunities created by globalization are always accompanied with challenges. If a country cannot overcome these challenges, it will meet a lot of difficulties. Vietnam is not the exception. Our challenges are not only from the outsiders but also from the domestic economy. Three major groups of challenges are described as follows 1. Low competitiveness of nation, enterprises and products Vietnamese enterprises are mainly medium and small-sized. According to Le (2008), none of Vietnams state-owned enterprises was on the list of 1000 world biggest corporations, neither its commercial trademarks in the list of 1000 most prestigious global trademarks. If we want to gain strong competitiveness in international market, we must have many strong enterprises like Sony, Toyota of Japan, or Hyundai, Samsung of South Korea. According to World Economic Forums report for the year 2009-2010, in terms of global competitiveness index, Vietnam ranked 75th out of 133 countries in the year 2009-2010, dropping 5 places compared to 2008-2009s index. From the report and practical situation, we can come up with some drawbacks in our economy which lead to poor nations competitiveness. Firstly, the most problematic factor of doing business which accounts for 16.1 percent in the World Economic Forums report is the inadequate supply of infrastructure. According to Thomas Siebert, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), the lack of high-quality infrastructure and logistical services is both a pressing concern and an impediment, especially to potential American investors. Indeed, this important issue has been brought up in every meeting between AmCham and the Vietnamese authorities since May 2006. Various problems include the delay in constructing bridges, inter-provincial roads and overland infrastructure. The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) said that 80% of Japanese companies considered roads as the first factor that needs improvement, followed by power supply (60%) and ports (40%). Dr Le Dang Doanh once compared a gap in infrastructure among Vietnam and other economies in the region by a typical example, it takes ten minutes to do logi stics for a container in a Singapore port but seven days in a Vietnamese port. Secondly, difficulty in accessing financing ranks second in problematic factors of doing business in Vietnam. According to Dr Le (2008), Vietnams financial depth ratio, a measurement of money supply relative to the size of the economy the ratio of M2 over GDP was about 84% GDP, with around 6 million bank accounts over the population of 84 million, the stock market just accounted for 6% GDP and still in the pilot stage and incomplete. Not to mention technology, Basel standards for the banking industry, number of commercial banks services offered, ratio of bad debts, we can see clearly how big the gap is for Vietnam to fill. Thirdly, poor system of higher education and training, which ranks 92/133, is a big challenge. Inadequately trained faculty, ineffective teaching methods, and lack of access to modern technologies severely limit students learning. Government sponsored educational reform has not kept pace with the need to transmit from an agricultural economy to an industrial economy. We are now facing with the dilemma of too much common labor force but inadequately educated workforce which ranks 3 in the problematic factors of doing business in Vietnam. Moreover, the quality of management schools is too low (111/133), which results in incompetent staff at different levels, from central to grassroots, from State agencies to businesses. Table 4: The competitiveness index for Vietnam 2009-2010 Source: World Economic Forum Table 5: The competitiveness index in detail for Vietnam 2009-2010 Source: World Economic Forum 2. Issues relating to macro policies and administrative procedure According to the World Economic Forums report, although the country improves in most of the categories of the Index, Vietnam is down five positions to 75th, the considerable worsening of its macroeconomic situation-dropping from 70th to 112th place-weighs heavily on its economy and competitiveness. A widening trade deficit, an overheating economy, and a global rise in commodity prices caused inflation to shoot up to 23 percent in 2008.This in turn triggered a crisis of confidence, big swings in interest rates, and a sharp fall of the dong, the local currency. Although this issue was over and the government has performed better when dealing with the global financial crisis, it is an important lesson that because the Vietnamese economy has integrated deeply into the global economy, the exchange rates, inflation, balance of payment and budget deficit will develop unpredictably. I share the same point of view with what Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said when having a meeting with the ba nking sector: what is right today may not right tomorrow. If we follow the rightness today too long, we may make mistake in tomorrows situation. Hence, it is essential for the government to pay close attention to the world economy, better the forecast ability and have flexible guidance so that Vietnam can reap the benefits of the efforts and successes achieved in other areas. One of the main reasons for Vietnams 75th position is the variable Burden of government regulation (106/133) which constitutes a big disadvantage. In fact, the current administrative system is a serious obstacle to development. Although the government is trying to reduce unnecessary administrative procedure such as one door, the current result is not as much as expected. According to the former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, Vietnamese public administration has been laden with the following problems: red-tape, ineffectiveness, inefficiency, cumbersomeness, corruption, and an unskilled and under-qualified public service. The administration is clearly not keeping itself abreast of economic level. 3. Difficulties in agricultural sector Agriculture  [1]  is the main sector in the economy, accounting for 20 percent of GDP and 66 percent of the national population. However, it is confronting with vigorous competition in the global market. Over the past three years, there was no sudden change in the export of agricultural products. Although the export revenue increased compared to the year 2006, the growth rate was lower than the general growth rate of export of the country as a whole, except for coffee. (Center for Information and Documentation). The table below illustrates the growth rate of agricultural export 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Prel. 2008 Mill.USD TOTAL 20149.3 26485.0 32447.1 39826.2 48561.4 62685.1 By economic sector Domestic economic sector 9988.1 11997.3 13893.4 16764.9 20785.7 28155.9 Foreign invested sector(*) 10161.2 14487.7 18553.7 23061.3 27775.7 34529.2 By commodity group Heavy industrial products and minerals 6485.1 9641.9 11701.4 14428.6 16000.0 19200.0 Light industrial and handicraft goods 8597.3 10870.8 13293.4 16389.6 21598.0 28575.0 Agricultural products 2672.0 3383.6 4467.4 5352.4 7200.0 10400.0 Forest products 195.3 180.6 252.5 297.6 Aquatic products 2199.6 2408.1 2732.5 3358.0 3763.4 4510.1 Structure (%) TOTAL 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 By economic sector Domestic economic sector 49.6 45.3 42.8 42.1 42.8 44.9 Foreign invested sector(*) 50.4 54.7 57.2 57.9 57.2 55.1 By commodity group Heavy industrial products and minerals 32.2 36.4 36.1 36.2 32.9 30.6 Light industrial and handicraft goods 42.7 41.0 41.0 41.2 44.5 45.6 Agricultural products 13.3 12.8 13.7 13.4 14.8 16.6 Forest products 1.0 0.7 0.8 0.8 Aquatic products 10.8 9.1 8.4 8.4 7.8 7.2 (*) Included crude oil. Table 6: Exports of goods by economic sector and by commodity group Source: General statistics office of Vietnam (GSO) This is due to a combination of many weaknesses. Farmers lack knowledge and professional skills. Production technology is small and backward, which increases the production costs compared to those of other countries and makes the quality of the products low. Agricultural enterprises are often of small size and disperse. As a result, they have weak financial capacity to improve production technology and labor productivity. Moreover, there are no shared strategies on developing in foreign markets, no strong and famous trade mark. For example, although Vietnam is currently the worlds second largest rice exporter Vietnamese rice still does not have an established trademark on the international market. Another problem is the slow and inaccurate market forecast about the worlds demand and price forecast by functional agencies, causing a lot of damages to agricultural enterprises and farmers. For example, in 2008, wrong forecasts about food security and the worlds rice price led to Vietnams not exporting rice when the worlds price was