Thursday, December 26, 2019

Family Analysis Project Essay - 1478 Words

Running head: N3352 LEGACY OF THE FAMILY N3352 Legacy of the Family: Family Analysis Project The University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing In partial fulfillment of the requirements of N3352 Legacy of the Family Online RN-BSN Introduction The content of this paper is to thoroughly analyze the relationships and functionality of the family chosen to be studied and assessed. By assessing, incorporating the lessons taught throughout the past five weeks in this class and inter-relating the family’s sociocultural background, communication patterns, physical environment setting, values and beliefs, power and role structure, communication patterns, adaptation and level of development as well as their†¦show more content†¦Both the sons have also a relationship with a significant other which Jane is nice amenable to it so as long as marriage is not yet involved. Values: Norms and Rules Though her sons are over the age of 21, Jane sets rigid house rules, curfew times to her children and imposes a great deal of disciplinary actions when disobeyed. They practiced the traditional Chinese culture wherein the eldest or the head of the household has the final say in everything that goes on. Her sons follows her rules with no questions asked. It can be inferred that she is domineering and wants control of her sons even if they are on their way to seek independence and live their life on their own. She wants a say in every aspect or decision that her sons will make and she actually can be defined as overprotective stage mother. Spiritual Activities All of the members in this family, given the fact that they are all born and raised in a third-world, Buddhist dominant country, guards religion as a major part of their daily lives. Jane, the mother and head of household, goes to the temple every single day in the morning and also is part of the volunteers and helper every weekend on Sundays. This has been their family tradition since even when they lived in Chinese and even after migrating to a first world country, they still carried on and continued their religious practices here in the United States. Socialization: Child Rearing Practices; Intrafamily Support/Social Network;Show MoreRelatedEssay on Family Analysis Project951 Words   |  4 PagesFamily Analysis Project Introduction I selected the family of A.G which is based on personal acquaintance for this project. I will complete a comprehensive analysis using the criteria that I will be describing in details in the proceeding paragraphs. These criteria includes description of the nuclear family form, sociocultural data, genogram and Ecomap, environment, communication, power structure, role structure, values, spiritual activities, socialization, adaptation and healthcare. OnceRead MoreProject Management : A Buzzword Of The Modern Business World1312 Words   |  6 PagesAlthough projects can be found dating back hundreds and thousands of years, project management has become a buzzword in the modern business world. Improved technology has allowed and enabled a vast increase in the number of projects to be completed in the workplace. Projects that would once have taken months to complete now take weeks, and new projects follow on their heels. The latest software makes tracking multiple projects easier, and training courses in project management demonstrate new tricksRead MoreChild Sexual Abuse And Survivors900 Words   |  4 PagesIt is important to understand that every culture is different in handling the treatment of their children. â€Å"If identifications and interventions with these families and their children are to be appropriate and successful, professionals must communicate effectively with one another and be consistent in the messages they are giving to the families† (Westby, 2007). Continuing with the third journal article, Action, Engagement, Remembering: Service for Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, researcherRead MoreEvaluation Of A Memorial Hospital1622 Words   |  7 Pagessatisfaction. The draft proposal calls for a two-phase capital project intended to increase operating room capacity, address technology limitations, and improve patient satisfaction. The proposal has many key pieces of information pertaining to the successful completion of the project. It delivers a clear analysis of financial growth, analysis of both inpatient and outpatient surgery markets and a clear analysis on how each phase of the project will address the strategic priorities of the hospital. TheRead MoreDevelopment Of Technology Prototype For Home Care1181 Words   |  5 PagesExecutive Summary CareKit Health Hamilton, Ontario is a private company that supports the complete clinical and family care team to provide a high quality care with reducing cost, and ensuring timely interventions by its highly approachable mobile application that leverages the mobile technology. To complement the healthcare platform, the company has started a project named â€Å"CareKit Health Technology Prototype† that demonstrates the development of technology prototype for home care use. CareKitRead MoreTop 5 Services ( Most Valued By Parents )980 Words   |  4 Pageswhere over 20 families responded out of 28 for statistical validity. â‘   ‘Big brother big sister volunteers’ service is considered as higher priority however the families’ rate is lower than other top 7 services. â‘ ¡ Results show that services’ value for families is decreased as the length of being Camp Simcha is increased. â‘ ¢ ‘Parties and outings’ service is very effective for younger children and especially those who have been with Camp Simcha for a relatively short period. â‘ £ ‘Family retreat’ serviceRead MoreImpact Of Theory On Data Review1392 Words   |  6 Pagesprevention brings reconstitution (Neuman Fawcett, 2011). The use of the Distress Thermometer (secondary prevention) for patients and/or families recovering from cancer diagnosis and treatment (primary prevention), and referring patients for additional evaluation and support (tertiary prevention) aligns with the NSM model of holistic care (see Table 4). The project data will look at the number of distresses and types of distress the client expresses utilizing the DT instrument. An underpinning throughRead MoreDesigning A System Design For An Automobile Repair Business1371 Words   |  6 Pagesof our MIS 4163 class, we are going to work in a project that will prepare a system design for the application we select. Our team, the Purple Pirates, is a team composed of 5 people. We have selected to put together the design for a service order and invoicing application for an auto repair business. We have named our project ARS which stands for Auto Repair System. JMC Auto Repair is the business we selected for our project. It is a small family business without a sophisticated computer systemRead MoreWhat Potential Claims Does The Keith Family Have Against Mr.996 Words   |  4 Pagesb) What potential claims does the Keith family have against Mr. Bankfiend under common law and/or the federal environmental statutes that we have discussed so far in class? The types of common law claims available for analysis are trespass, nuisance (private and public), negligence, and strict liability. In order to claim trespass, there must be a physical intrusion upon the property of another without the proper permission from the person legally entitled to possession of that property. IntrusionRead MoreEssay on FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT1052 Words   |  5 Pages What do you understand by the phrase â€Å"stakeholder analysis†? Attempt a stakeholder analysis of an organisation that you are closely associated with. Introduction Stakeholder analysis is important for successful implementation of projects and/or strategic activities within any organisation. It is used to analyse the stakeholders in order to understand them and classify them according to their power, influence and interest. Stakeholders are people who have an interest in a commercial entity including

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman Essay - 1229 Words

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman begins with a note from the editor, who is a local schoolteacher near the plantation where Jane Pittman lives. He has long been trying to hear her story, and, beginning in the summer of 1962, she finally tells it to him. When her memory lapses, her acquaintances help fill in the spaces. The recorded tale, with editing, then becomes The Autobiography of Miss Jane. Jane Pittman is born into slavery on a plantation somewhere in Louisiana. Jane is called quot;Ticeyquot; during her days as a slave and has no parents; her mother died as a result of a beating when Jane was a child, and Jane did not know her father. Until she is around nine, Jane works in the Big House caring for the white children. One†¦show more content†¦Life on Mr. Bones plantation initially is good with a colored schoolteacher and a political scene still monitored by Republicans from the north. Then the original owner of the plantation, Colonel Dye, buys it back (with money borrowed from Yankees). Life reverts back to almost how it was before slavery, with segregation and violence against blacks who step out of line. The blacks start fleeing north because of the worsening conditions. Initially the whites do not care, but soon they try to stop the flight. Ned, who is now almost seventeen, joins a committee that helps blacks leave. Colonel Dye warns Jane that Ned must sto p, but when he will not, Ku Klux Klan members arrive at Janes house. Ned is not home when they come and is able to flee the plantation later that night. Jane does not want to leave her secure life, so they separate with sadness. Ned goes to Kansas, gets an education, and eventually joins the U.S. Army to fight in Cuba. Jane soon marries Joe Pittman (without an official ceremony). Despite Colonel Dyes attempts to keep them, Joe and Jane soon move to a ranch near the Texas-Louisiana border where Joe has found a job breaking horses. Joe and Jane live at the new ranch for many years, but as they age Jane becomes increasingly worried about Joe getting hurt in his work. One of her recurring dreams depicts him being thrown from a horse. Soon after, Jane sees a black stallion in a corral that isShow MoreRelatedThe Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman1277 Words   |  6 PagesThe Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, used many historical events to connect to the characters story. The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman was published by Bantam Books in 1972 and has 259 pages. The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman is a classic fictional book. The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman is the story if a women’s life told when she was over one hundred years old. The novel goes over 3 main periods of time: war years, reconstruction, and slavery. In The Autobiography of Miss JaneRead MoreThe Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman1596 Words   |  6 Pagesexcuse for failure. If you look at them as a hurdle, each one strengthens you for the next† -Ben Carson. In The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, a series of obstacles involving slavery and the search for freedom continually affects Jane Pittman and those around her. Every character within the novel has their own unique way of facing these obstacles, but none of them are as effective as Miss Janes eye on the prize mentality. Tee Bob Samson is a sensitive man, who when faced with obstacles, allowsRead MoreThe Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman Essay647 Words   |  3 PagesThe Autobiography Of Miss Jane Pittman In the novel The Autobiography Of Miss Jane Pittman, there were many different stories about JanePittmans life. In the movie there were not as many stories as the novel, but they were still quite interesting. The novel and the movie had many similarities and differences. Some of the similarities were very noticeable. Just from the beginning, in both the movie and the novel, Ned carried the two rocks that made the fire for Jane and Ned. Ned thenRead MoreThe Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman by Ernest J.Gaines664 Words   |  3 PagesThe realistic fiction novel, â€Å"The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,† by Ernest J. Gaines, tells the life of a black woman whose life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Miss Jane Pittman herself narrates the novel as a schoolteacher records her accounts. Jane’s life entails a childhood spent as a slave. Once she gains her freedom from the white man, she leaves the plantation behind in search of Ohio. As the story of Jane’s life progresses and shows her personal growth,Read MoreThis Essay Is About The Autobiography Of Miss Jane Pittman1495 Words   |  6 PagesThis essay is about the Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and History. This essay argues that the historical institution of slavery has not allowed for change to come. The emancipation has set all enslaved people free from slavery but has not made enslaved people free from the effects of slavery. The damage that the institution of slavery inflicted on the people of the South has conflicted with perusal of freedom and change. The major theme of the passage is the conflict of the historical past andRead MoreErnest Gaines: Accomplished African-American Author Every person has challenges and different600 Words   |  3 Pageswriting, Gaines received many awards for his best novels and works. One of the first awards he won was the Joseph Henry Jackson Award in 1959 for his story Comeback, which Gaines wrote while still attending college. After writing The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, he was nominated into the Black Academy of Arts and Letters in 1972 and received the Guggenheim Fellowship in 1970. The Guggenheim Fellowship allowed him work at Denison University as a writer in residence. In 1983, Gaines won the SanRead MoreA Lesson Before Dying Summary Notes1827 Words   |  8 Pagesteacher trying to teach a man named Jefferson that he is a man, not a hog, before he is executed. †¢ It was important for Jefferson’s caretaker, Miss Emma, and the entire black community that he dies as a man- proud and brave. Author- Ernest J. Gaines †¢ Born in 1933 in Oscar, Louisiana †¢ Author and educator †¢ Wrote several books- Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman discusses period from the Civil War to the civil rights movement †¢ 1994- National Book Critics Circle Award for A Lesson Before Dying YearRead MoreEssay on A Lesson Before Dying Major Works Data Sheet4251 Words   |  18 Pagesalongside their elders in the fields. He served in the U.S. Army, but then pursued writing. Some other books that he’s written include A long Day in November, Of Love and Dust, Cathering Carmier, Bloodline, In My Father’s House, and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. He lives now at a house that he and his wife built on land that was once part of River Lake Plantation, where he spent his childhood, and where his ancestors labored for generations. Helpful background information or information aboutRead MoreSlave Oppression3341 Words   |  14 Pagesand Ernest Gaines are two African-American authors who come from completely different backgrounds, but provide an interesting viewpoint on the struggle of an African-American. Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man and Ernest J. Gaines’s The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman are two fictional books, which both narrators are African-Americans who are struggling to survive in oppressing societies. The setting of Ellison’s Invisible Man takes place in between the 1940s and the mid-1950s and it focuses onRead More Comparing Dignity in A Lesson Before Dying, Jane Pittman, and Of Love and Dust2674 Words   |  11 PagesDignity in Southern Society in A Lesson Before Dying, Autobiography of Jane Pittman, and Of Love and Dust      Ã‚  Ã‚   The ante-bellum Southern social system put blacks in a low economic and social class and limited their pursuit of happiness.   The aristocracy firmly held blacks in emotional and spiritual slavery. Cajuns, Creoles and poor whites maintained a low status in society, which frustrated them because they felt they should be superior to blacks and equal to whites. Racism was a base of

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Accounting for Managers Wesfarmers Limited

Question: Discuss about the Accounting for Managers Wesfarmers Limited. Answer: Introduction The report describes about the assumptions, and judgments that need to be made in preparing the financial statements for the company. These assumptions and judgments differ from company to company, hence for better understanding to the topic, report describes about the impact of these judgments on the financial performances of the company (Saccer, Malis Pavic, 2016). Besides this, the report does ratio analysis for wesfarmers limited which is an Australian company, founded in 1914. The report after ratio analysis does a critical analysis over the company ratios. At last the, the impact of ratio analysis on the company shareholders has been described. The Key areas of accounting judgment The financial statements in a company are prepared according to the rules and regulations formed by (IFRS) International financial reporting standards. The company must also follow the rules and regulations formed by (IASB) International accounting standard board (KPMG, 2017). According to the board, the management of the company is required to make some assumptions and estimates. The compliance of accounting policies in the financial statements required some assumptions and judgments. These assumptions make the understanding of financial statements complex (Chea, 2011). Every companys management has different assumptions and judgments in regard to compliance with the accounting policies. These judgments and assumptions are variable in nature that is, it changes according to the changes in market condition or change in organizational structure. Management has to take care while forming a judgment that is judgment should be formed while considering the uncertainties, and future plans of organization (Deloitte, 2017). After forming appropriate judgments and estimations, the management needs to mention these judgments in footnotes of the companys financial statements. The judgments formed by the financial managements of the company affect the net amount that would be recorded in the financial statements. The report discusses about the various aspects where various assumptions and judgments can be applied (Deloitte, 2010). These are as follows: Recognition to assets Assets are to be recognized at book value. This means that the changes in market value or face value have to be ignored. However the changes in the valuation of assets and liabilities would be considered while valuing the goodwill (International federation of accountants, 2011). Recording of transactions Only those transactions are disclosed which can martially affect the decisions of investor. This is done for better understanding the working of organization and to reduce complexity, as more transactions and dealings if mentioned can lead to confusion in the minds of the consumer (John Wiley Sons, 2006). Recognition to revenue and expenses In accounting policies, revenue and expenses are recognized on accrual basis. That is, as the revenue or expense is due it has to be recorded in the financial statements, no matter whether the payment has been received or paid or not (Essentials performance objectives). Recognition of uncertainties To recognize the uncertainties, management need to make provisions for example provision for doubtful debts, provision for taxation etc. the amount to these provision is from profit for the year, hence increase in the provisions will reduce the profit of the entity (EC staff, 2011). Impact of judgments on reported financial performance and position The use of judgments and estimation effects the presentation of financial statements. The use of judgements leads to changes in valuation of tangible and intangible assets in financial statements. The financial statement helps the management in quantifying the impact of judgments on overall performances of financial and operational management. The effect of judgment in assets and liability structure of the financial statements can be in terms of rate of depreciation applied, life of the asset or license, scrap value of fixed assets, value to be shown in the financial statements, of the fixed assets installed in the organization. However implications of judgements in the financial statements have not made any affect in valuation of current assets and current liabilities (Deloitte, 2009). Company background Wesfarmers is a public company diversified into chemicals, coal mining, fisheries, and industrial and safety products. The company is founded in 1914, headquartered in Perth, Western Australia. The chairman of the company is Michael Chaney, and CEO is Richard Goyder. The company targets consumers of Australia, Bangladesh, Ireland, New Zealand, and United Kingdom. The main competitors of Wesfarmers limited are: Best Less, Myer, Woolworths and hs home (Wesfarmers). Key operating areas The company deals in diversified range of products. Company involves in liquor, supermarkets, convenience stores, hotels, office supplies, home improvement, and departmental stores. The company is also involved in providing industry products such as fertilizers, chemicals, energy and safety products. It is one of the largest companies in Australia having more than 2, 20,000 employees and a shareholder base of more than 5, 30,000 (Keith, 2012). Internal and external factors impacting or likely to impact the company performances Internal factors Internal factors are those which affect the company internally. These are the factors that can be controlled by the management itself. Internal factors in a company can be said as: strength, weakness, competitive advantage, employees, technology, machinery, human resource, and marketing plans. However there are many internal plans that can impact the performance of the company. In case of wesfarmers limited some of the internal factors which can make some impact in the performance are discussed as below: Segment: the market of the company is segmented in grocery shoppers, home, office and industry supplies. Target: the company targets those consumers which seek variety, convenience, services and discounts. Wesfarmers limited majorly targets the consumers of Australia, Ireland, Bangladesh, United Kingdom and New Zealand. Positioning: the company has positioned itself as dealing in various kinds of products and industries. Strength: the strength of the company is that it has been established long before that is in 1914. That helps the company in increasing the brand strategy. The company is highly focused on increasing the quality and performances of the products and services provided by it. The sales of the company are done mostly on online basis. The company has a large employee staff that is more than 2, 20,000. Weakness: although the company has a good brand image in the mind of shareholders but still, the company lacks in maintaining or increasing the confidence of shareholders towards the company. The major weakness of the company is in technological aspect. In the competitive world, the company lacks in developing the technological aspects (Pahl Richter, 2009). External factors The external factors are those, which are out of the control from company. This means that company cannot eliminate these completely. However the company can reduce the impact of these factors on the performances. In the given case study of wesfarmers limited the external factors which can affect the company performances are as: opportunity, threats, political and legal factors, social and cultural factors, technological factors (Kazmi, 2008). Opportunity: wesfarmers limited has an opportunity can change its product and services range in order to meet the changing requirements of consumers. The company is in a better position to make improvement in business performances. This will help the company in managing the level of competition. The business can improve its core competency to reduce the impact of external factors. The wesfarmers has an opportunity to increase the business and size of the activities and improve facilities. This will help the company in increasing its scope of business and would help the company in targeting consumers of other country. Threats: the company faces a lot of competition from its competitors; this affects the business development plans of the company. It has been observed by the company operations that the competitors of the company follow aggressive strategy towards wesfarmers. The competitor of the company produces similar kind of products and services as of wesfarmers limited. Political and legal factors: as the company targets consumers of various regions, hence it is the key responsibility of the company to follow the foreign import policies. Due to various target markets, the company faces a lot of international pressure, due to which the company has to comply with various regulatory bodies and government policies. Economic factors: due to large target markets targeted by the company, wesfarmers limited faces risk of changes in economic cycle of other country. Besides this, the company faces risk of competition from rivalry in other nations. Hence to reduce the impact of economic factors, the company must improve its outbound logistics that is supply chain management by employing a good staff of supplier and distributors (Richter, 2012). Social: wesfarmers limited company faces a risk of social factors, in terms of change in consumer fashion, trends and tastes. Therefore due to economic factors as faced by the company, it faces risk of brand and company image in the minds of consumer. Technological factors: wesfarmers limited is highly involved in online selling, but it lacks in competing with its competitors in terms of meeting technological factors. This impacts the sales and brand image of the company in minds of consumers, which overall impacts the market share of the company (Rao, Rao, Sivaramaakrishna, 2009). Ratio analysis Ratios are calculated from the items mentioned in income statement and balance sheet of the company. It enables the comparison from one company to another in terms of financial data. Ratio analysis describes about the company performance and helps in doing comparison with industry or other competitor. There are wide ratios to facilitate the comparison of the company either from itself or from other rivalry competitor. The given report discusses about the liquidity ratio, efficiency ratio, profitability ratio, coverage ratio and market share ratio (Business, 2016). Liquidity ratio Liquidity ratio depicts the relationship of short term assets and short term liabilities. It tells the company that whether it would be able to meet the short term liabilities from its short term assets. The liquidity ratio consists of current ratio and quick ratio (Tracy, 2012). Efficiency ratio It is also called as asset turnover ratio. Efficiency ratio describes about the efficiency of management to generate sales from its assets, inventory. This ratio is used by management to identify inefficiency; it is also used by creditors to get ensure about the liquidity of the company. In efficiency ratio, the report has done an analysis over inventory turnover ratio, days sales in inventory, accounts receivable turnover, days sales outstanding, total assets turnover and fixed assets turnover (Bragg, 2012). Leverage ratio It depicts the company ability to pay of fixed payment from the company earnings and equity. It describes about the long term solvency of the company. In case of leverage ratio, total debt ratio, debt to equity ratio, equity multiplier, times interest earned, cash coverage has been analyzed (Friedlob Welton, 2008). Profitability ratio Profitability ratio defines the relationship between the sales of the company and its profits. It depicts the percentage of profits that is arrived from sales. In profitability ratio, the report does a critical evaluation over operating profit margin, profit margin, and return on assets (ROA), Return on equity (ROE), and ROA (Du Point) (Gibson, 2009). Market value performance This is the main ratio that needs to be analyzed by the shareholders before investing in any company. This ratio depicts the earning of the company in terms of assets equipped in the company. It also defines the relationship between the market value and book value of the company. The report describes about market value performance, earning per share, price earnings ratio and market to book ratio (Nuhu, 2014). Following is a tabular presentation of ratio analysis of wesfarmers limited. Wesfarmers limited Particulars Amount (m$) 2015 2016 current assets 9093 9684 current liabilities 9726 10424 inventory 5497 6260 average inventory 5878.5 quick assets 3596 3424 net sales 62447 65981 account recievable 2269 2463 Average receivables 1134.5 total assets 40402 40783 fixed assets 31309 31099 total debts 17834 15621 total equity 24781 22949 EBIT 3759 1346 Depreciation 1219 1296 Interest expense 315 308 EAT 2240 407 Shares outstanding 21844 21937 Market price per share 41.31 39.92 Earnings price per share 216.1 36.2 Book value per share 22.05 23 Ratio abalysis Liquidity ratio Current ratio 0.934916718 0.929009977 Quick ratio 0.369730619 0.328472755 Efficiency ratio Inventory turnover 10.62294803 Days sales in inventory 34.35957692 Accounts receivable turnover 55.04363156 Days sales outstanding 6.631103175 Total Asset turnover 1.545641305 1.617855479 Fixed asset turnover 1.994538312 65981 Leverage ratio Total debt ratio 0.441413791 0.383027242 Debt to equity ratio 0.719664259 0.680683254 Equity multiplier 1.263427626 1.777114471 Times interest earned 11.93333333 4.37012987 Cash coverage 15.8031746 8.577922078 Profitability ratios Operating profit margin 6.01950454 2.039981207 Profit margin 3.587041811 0.616844243 Return on assets (ROA) 0.0554428 0.009979648 Return on Equity (ROE) 9.039183245 1.773497756 ROA (DuPont) 0.0554428 0.009979648 Market value performance Earnings per share 0.102545321 0.018553129 Price earnings ratio 0.191161499 1.102762431 Market to book ratio 1.873469388 1.735652174 (Wesfarmers, 2016). Comment on key areas related to business performance The company has increase in liquidity ratio, which means that company is improving over its liquidity. In case of inventory receivables in days company takes 34 days to convert its inventory into sales. While in case of account receivable in days, company takes only 6 days to covert its receivables into cash. This shows the efficiency of management. Here in calculation of account receivables and inventory ratio, the number of days in a year is assumed as 365 days for better understanding to the ratio. In case of leverage ratio, the debt has been increase in 2016 in comparison to 2015. This has created some risk to equity shareholders. Hence company should take some measures to ensure the shareholders in terms of risk and payment of dividend. Total asset multiplier depicts the assets of the company in terms of number of shares held. In 2016, equity multiplier ratio has been decreased due to fall in equity in 2016 by 0.42%. Times interest expenses shows the amount of EBIT that is earni ng before interest and tax on interest expenses. The company has increase time interest earned in 2016, by 63%. This was due to increase in earnings before interest and taxes by 64% in 2016. The company has increased its cash coverage ratio by 9% in 2016. The operating profits and net profit margin has reduced in comparison to 2015. This is due to decrease in the net sales. In calculation of profit margin, EAT means earning after tax. Return on assets defines the amount of profits earned due to assets, while return on equity defines the relationship between the earning available to equity shareholders and number of shareholders in the company. In the given case of wesfarmers, the company has increased its return on assets and return on equity due to increase in profits. Du point analysis defines the relationship between the profits and total assets of the company. Wesfarmers has increased its du point ratio due to increase in the earnings in 2016. In case of market value performance s, the earning per share has been increase by 81% in 2016, this is due to increase in earning of the company and decrease in the shareholding of the company. Due to increase in the earnings per share in 2016, the price earnings ratio has been declined in 2016. There are not much variation in market to book value ratio in 2016 as compare to 2015, due to not much variation in market value and book value of the shares (Dalabeeh, 2013). Analysis for shareholders to whether increase or reduce the investment in the company By analyzing the company ratio analysis, it can be said that the company has a good position in the market. It has a good liquidity position. Besides this the company has sufficient profits to provide dividend to the shareholders and pay off the interest expenses on long term debts. Hence it is advisable for investors to increase the shareholding wesfarmers limited (Adedeji, 2014). Conclusion It has been assumed by the unsophisticated readers that the data mentioned in the financial statements is purely on objective basis. The elements in financial statements involve little elements of judgment. Judgments can differ from company to company; hence it is the responsibility of the financial management of the company to disclose all the judgments in financial statements of the company. According to the ratio analysis, it has been analyzed that company has good command over liquidity has efficiency in getting converted its inventory and receivables into cash. This lays a positive impact in the mind of investors. Besides this the company profits are increased by a large percentage, which builds confidence in the minds of shareholders of the company. References Adedeji, E, A,. 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Retrieved on 3rd March, 2017 from https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/in/Documents/risk/Corporate%20Governance/Audit%20Committee/in-gc-guality-of-financial-position-the-balance-sheet-and-beyond-noexp.pdf Deloitte,. (2010) What are the judgments? Retrieved on 3rd March, 2017 from https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/nz/Documents/audit/Financial-Reporting-Survey/nz_en_FinancialReportingSurvey_Seriesissue4_062010.pdf Deloitte,. (2017) IAS 1- Presentation of Financial statements. Retrieved on 4th March, 2017 from https://www.iasplus.com/en-gb/standards/ias/ias1 EC staff,. (2011) International accounting standard 1 presentation of financial statements. Retrieved on 3rd March, 2017 from https://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/accounting/docs/consolidated/ias1_en.pdf Essentials performance objectives,. (n.d.) Retrieved on 3rd March, 2017 from https://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/ACCA_Global/Students/per/New%20Performance%20Objectives%20Document.pdf Friedlob,G,TWelton,R,E,. (2008) Keys to reading an Annual Report, Barrons Educational Series Gibson,C.(2009), Financial Reporting and analysis: using financial accounting information, 11th edition, Cengage learning, USA International federation of accountants,. (2011) The evolving nature of financial reporting: disclosure and its audit implications. Retrieved on 3rd March, 2017 from https://www.ifac.org/system/files/publications/exposure-drafts/IAASB-Disclosures_Discussion_Paper.pdf John Wiley Sons,. (2006) Ethics in accounting. Retrieved on 3rd March, 2017 from https://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/kieso/0470374942/gate/Ethics_in_Accounting/ethics_in_accounting.html Kazmi,A. (2008) Strategic management Business policy, 3rd edition, Tata Mc graw hill education, India Keith,. (2012) Coles, Woolworths, and the local. Retrieved on 4th March, 2017 from https://localejournal.org/issues/n2/Locale%20n2%20-%2007%20-%20Keith.pdf KPMG,. (2017) Getting accounting judgments estimates right. Retrieved on 3rd March, 2017 from https://boardleadership.kpmg.us/relevant-topics/articles/2014/10/getting-accounting-judgments-and-estimates-right.html Nuhu, M,. (2014) Role of ratio analysis in business decisions: A case study NBC Maiduguri plant, Journal of educatioanal and social research, 4(5), pp (105-118) Pahl,N Richter,A,. (2009) Swot analysis-idea, methodology and a practical approach. GRIN verlag, Germany Rao, C, A,. Rao, B, P Sivaramaakrishna, K,. (2009) Strategic management and business policy. Excel books, New Delhi, India Richter,T,.(2012) International marketing mix management: theoretical framework, contingency factors and empirical findings from world-markets. Logos Verlag, Berlin Saccer,I,M,. Malis, S, S Pavic, I,. (2016) The impact of accounting estimates on financial position and business performance- case of non-current intangible and tangible assets, 3rd Global conference on business economics, management and tourism 39 The wall street journal,. (2017) Wesfarmers Ltd. ADR. Retrieved on 4th March, 2017 from https://quotes.wsj.com/WFAFY/company-people/executive-profile/115666 Tracy, A. (2012). Ratio Analysis Fundamentals, Ratio analysis. Net Wesfarmers,. (n.d.) Who we are, Wesfarmers- a diversified corporation. Retrieved on 4th March, 2017 from https://www.wesfarmers.com.au/who-we-are/who-we-are Wesfarmers.(2016) Financial Reporting 2016. Retrieved from https://www.wesfarmers.com.au/docs/default-source/reports/2016-annual-report.pdf?sfvrsn=4

Monday, December 2, 2019

When Outsourcing Content Writing Is Wrong

If this title sounds a bit peculiar, you are not alone in feeling that way. After all, so many tasks these days are enthusiastically outsourced, and writing is one of them. Some estimates suggest that as much as half of all marketing content is being written by freelancers or firms that specialize in this sort of writing, rather than by in-house staff.Advertising We will write a custom article sample on When Outsourcing Content Writing Is Wrong specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More While there are many good reasons to do so, this is a strategy that should be undertaken thoughtfully, and with a full knowledge of potential pitfalls. An enterprise considering outsourcing their writing needs to take into account a number of factors that could make this approach less successful. Content creation takes time and reflection: One of the situations that often prompts a business to bring in some help for content creation is simple lack of time. T he business of running the business can be so overwhelming that trying to sit down and to be too much to handle. However, is this a reason to outsource the development of materials that will carry the message of the business? Sometimes, it is better to rethink priorities and allocate some person power to this task. The very exercise of articulating something – anything – about the business can be very helpful in clarifying what makes your enterprise unique and worthwhile. This insight, in turn, can be helpful in the longer term in planning and strategizing for growth. Of course, if the writers brought in to help with content creation are permitted to participate in the reflective process, the same positive result can be achieved. However, where time is perceived to be short, this step in the process of creating marketing material can be unwisely overlooked. You need to continue to improve your writing skills: Another reason that often prompts the hiring of outside writ ing help is a lack of writing skills on the part of the entrepreneurs themselves. This should not be a source of embarrassment. Many brilliant businesspeople cannot write marketing material right from the start. It has always been an art, and now, with the demands of Search Engine Optimization, it is also now a science, complete with statistics! Some have compared this kind of writing to three-dimensional chess, and the comparison seems apt. There is no shame, therefore, in seeking help if one’s writing is not very strong. However, this should not be used as an excuse not to strengthen one’s own writing skills. Part of being a successful entrepreneur in the longer term is, indeed, acquiring additional skills in order to adapt to the environment. Think of how disadvantaged many businesspeople were who pooh-poohed email when it was in its infancy (yes, there was a time when it was possible to operate a business without it!). Similarly, outsourcing writing marketing conte nt should not replace the conscious effort to improve one’s own writing.Advertising Looking for article on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More ESL is not an excuse not to be involved in content creation: A perfectly valid, and often related, reason for outsourcing content creation is a lack of language skills. Even the most articulate writer in their mother tongue is at a major disadvantage when trying to translate into another language. English is particularly tricky. It is an irregularity-laced minefield of words from two very different linguistic sources (Romance and Germanic) with a massive available vocabulary. For an ESL entrepreneur, this is actually a drawback. More words in the thesaurus mean more opportunities to make an embarrassing mistake in word choice. However, this is not a reason to outsource writing entirely. You, as the originator of the business, have a unique and vital perspective. If possible, you should put your ideas down, whether or not the grammar is correct, or the word choice felicitous. This should become the basis for discussion with whoever does the final composition of content. Don’t use language skills deficits as an excuse for not being directly involved with the creation of your marketing messages. You need competent wordsmiths for content creation: Of course, all this assumes that you have access to help from writers who are at least fluent in English, or in whichever language in which you need to market. This is another pitfall of outsourcing. Although there are many freelancers out there who are wordsmiths of great skill, there are also a disturbing number of folks whose language competency exists largely in their own imagination. There is often no way to discern, from a website, whether a writer is a native, competent speaker/writer, a fluent ESL speaker (no shame there – think of ESL literary giants such as Nabokov), or someone who cannot get through a sentence without committing a linguistic indiscretion. This is preventable by working with people you have gotten to know, even if only by telephone. Referrals are crucial to avoid problems. If you can avoid outsourcing, you can avoid the problem entirely. Your message needs to be conveyed accurately in your marketing content: Whatever your reason for considering outsourcing, you face a potential problem of dilution or distortion of your intended message. Think of the children’s game of â€Å"telephone†, where repeated transmission degrades the accuracy of the chosen word or phrase into nonsense, resulting in laughter. The same phenomenon, when applied to marketing your business, can result in wasted expenditures, and the possibility of lost sales. Your marketing content needs to reflect a unified, consistent, and accurate grasp of what you are selling. This is possible only if the writer understands fully what you are trying to accomplish, an d if you are hiring someone else to create your marketing content, you will need to invest effort in explaining your business in detail. It is frustratingly difficult to write about something one does not understand fully.Advertising We will write a custom article sample on When Outsourcing Content Writing Is Wrong specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More From personal experience, trying to write marketing copy without a complete picture of the business and its goals is like walking through a dark tunnel with a small flashlight, swiping at cobwebs on the way. If you cannot take the time lay out your business for a hired writer, better keep the task to yourself. Outsourcing content creation is a critical option for businesses. However, it needs to be exercised with knowledge and caution. If you have the language and writing skills and the person power to write your own marketing copy, you are in a fortunate and enviable position. If you f ind that you need to get outside help, consider the caveats noted above, and use outsourcing wisely and well. This article on When Outsourcing Content Writing Is Wrong was written and submitted by user Jamal Shepherd to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

WHY PEOPLE COMMIT CRIMES Essays

WHY PEOPLE COMMIT CRIMES Essays WHY PEOPLE COMMIT CRIMES Essay WHY PEOPLE COMMIT CRIMES Essay Crime is any action that is termed as an offense and any person who commits crime is liable to punishment by law. There are many reason that make people to commit crimes but people always associate situations such as poverty, lack of enough parental care or neglect, drug abuse and lack of self-esteem as major reasons to why people commit crimes. However, there are major factors that places individuals at risk of committing crimes, the factors can be categorized into four major categories that will examine and explain how biological, socio cultural, psychological, economic and social cultural factors affect the behaviors of individuals and how the factors make them to commit crimes. Biological factors influence people behaviors in different ways, but depending on the factors a person is exposed to, it can incline an individual to committing criminal activities. According to Akers (2013), biology, genetics and evolution are primarily responsible for a persons behavior. Factors such as physical body of a person, inherited genes, structure of the brain, hormonal behavior and factors of evolution influences how a person behaves and it might incline a person to commit criminal activities for example, people with malnutrition as a result of poor diet might cause them to steal (Clinard, Quinney Wildeman, 2014).Conversely, people with neurological deficits, mental illness, low serotonin activity and environmental contaminants rewards for aggressive criminal conduct. Additionally, there are specific types of genes that are associated with crimes hence people with such kinds of genes tend to commit crimes. The society, culture, and ecological system of individuals defines how they behave or make choices especially in the way they do things. A society where there are no strong regulations on crime will encourage individuals to commit crimes (Akers, 2013).People who live in environments with a lot of danger tend to commit crimes. Similarly, overcrowded places increases rates of hostility hence creating opportunities for crimes. Felson and Boba (2010) argues that the ecological system including interaction with people and the type of environment determines peoples behavior and how they commit crimes. According to Levitt and Lamba-Nieves (2011) the routine activities of people in a given society have effects on how crime activities occur for example a society with a lot of crime offenders and little guardianship will have increased number of people committing crimes because people will get motivated by the able offenders of crime. The social environment that a person gets exposed to and cultural activities that a person engage in determines how he/she will behave and increases the chances of getting involved in criminal activities. According to Clinard, Quinney and Wildeman (2014), people tend to grow inspiration to commit crimes and gain skills for committing crimes through the people they associate with for instance a neighborhood with unravelling social structures such as poor schools or vandalized buildings is likely to have high crime rates. According to Levitt and Lamba-Nieves (2011), a place where there is high population of unemployed people and a mixture of both commercial and residential property will motivate individuals to commit crimes for example stealing through robbery. Felson and Boba (2010) argues that when people have a certain culture for example drug abuse, many will be at risk of committing crimes because they are liable to engage in violence. Conversely, the fact that people are of diffe rent cultural backgrounds, there are some actions that are not considered as crimes in some cultures but according to the law they are crimes and people from a certain culture might commit offenses without their consent. Economic crisis situations for example rise in prices of goods and services, decrease in wages rates, increase in interest rates and high rates of inflation can trigger crimes. Economic stress has been seen to encourage criminal behavior because during such times many people become broke hence encouraging many people to steal coveted properties (Rosenfeld Messner, 2010). According toFelson and Boba (2010), during better economic times, people tend to engage in criminal activities because they have enough money for buying drugs and alcohol which in most cases leads to violence. Similarly, better economic times calls for high rates of robberies as those who are not well off will get tempted to steal from the rich. It is evident that both economic crisis and better economic times calls for high rates of crimes because the poor are greedy of what the rich have which eventually leads to robberies through stealing. Psychological factors of a person that includes the development of an individual characteristics and the role the parents played in upbringing a child might make one to commit criminal activities. According to Felson and Boba (2010), inappropriate practices of child-rearing, neglect of parents, parents criminal behaviors, abuse from parents or relatives and lack of supervision can influence the psychology of a person and it might increase the chances of him/her engaging in criminal activities. Additionally, when people live in an anti-social environment they will be affected psychologically and they will tend to make inappropriate choices such as stealing. From the above it is evident that a number of reasons contributes to occurrence of crimes. People commit crimes because of biological factors that include; genes, hormonal behavior, mental illness, neurological deficiencies, low serotonin activities and the environmental contaminants. The sociocultural factors that make people to commit crimes include; a society with weak regulations and the type of activities that people get involved with. The social and cultural factors that lead people to committing crimes include, the social lives of individuals and the cultural environment they live in. The economic factors include both bad and better economic situations which make people to engage in criminal activities. Finally, psychological factors that include; poor development, parents neglect, abuse, lack of supervision and anti-social environment increases the chances of people engaging in criminal activities. References Akers, R. L. (2013).Criminological theories: Introduction and evaluation. Routledge. Clinard, M. R., Quinney, R., Wildeman, J. (2014).Criminal behavior systems: A typology. Routledge. Felson, M., Boba, R. L. (Eds.). (2010).Crime and everyday life. Sage. Levitt, P., Lamba-Nieves, D. (2011). Social remittances revisited.Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies,37(1), 1-22. Rosenfeld, R., Messner, S. F. (2010). The normal crime rate, the economy, and mass incarceration.Criminology and public policy: Putting theory to work, 45-65.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

The Huaorani of Ecuador

The Huaorani of Ecuador Introduction The Huaorani or Waorani is a group of indigenous Amerindians living in the Amazon rainforest and specifically in Ecuador. This community has very unique characteristics from other South American tribes. Besides speaking a totally different language, these people have isolated themselves from other communities by living in the Amazon forest.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Huaorani of Ecuador specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The number of Huaoranis who speak the language fluently does not exceed 4,000 (Ziegler-Otero, 2007, p.33).They are not even familiar with the normal culture of Ecuador due to this seclusion. Their ancestral land is between Napo and Curaray rivers, a land that has been associated by logging and oil trapping (Lu, 2010). When some forest areas are cleared, the community will still look for other areas to embrace their lifestyle. The Huaorani community has strongly protected its culture from settlers and other indigenous tribes. This community comprises of four groups namely the Onamenane, the Tagaeri, the Huinatare and the Taromenane. Initially, Huaorani people were hunters and gathers who resided in the Amazon forest hunting wild animals as a form of subsistence. The practice however, changed gradually due to technological influence and interaction. Currently, these people live in the Amazon forest as their permanent settlement. They are sort of semi-nomadic horticulturalist community though they could be almost mistaken for foragers since they hunt animals and gather fruits and berries. However, they plant food crops wherever they go and do not employ modern agricultural techniques as they live far from the land. With the recent intrusions, the impact of the primary mode of subsistence on Huaorani way of life may be so strong that the community finds it difficult to adjust culturally according to the changes being encountered. Therefore, this paper i s focused on investigating the impact of semi-nomadic horticultural practices on key aspects of culture including kinship, social organization, gender relation and beliefs as well as values. Kinship One of the things Huaorani people consider most important is family life. A family will comprise of several groups of kin and ultimately grows when other people join the family. Anyone wishing to join a group is allowed but must build their own houses as they cannot live with the original land owners in the same house. These new comers either could be refugees from other villages or just members from other Huaorani communities joined by marriage.Advertising Looking for research paper on anthropology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A Huaorani kinship consists of a father, mother, children, spouses and grandchildren (Rival, 2002). In such an organization, there is a wide variety of help for the day to day chores that is de fined according to the ability and position of the family member. The sharing of daily chores has resulted in families having many children. The more children they have in a family, the more help they get for daily responsibilities. However, Huaorani is an individualistic community and each member of a group has some sense of autonomy. Every family member has a role to play in helping the family and laziness is not encouraged in fulfilling family chores. Even the children know what they should do or where they should help. Semi-nomadic horticultural practices have influenced the view of Huaorani kinship in a very different way. Relationships are always envisaged from ego’s viewpoint by reversing of nonreciprocal kin terms. As Rival (2002) observed, when a mature Huaorani is asked â€Å"Is A your child† the answer will be â€Å"I am the mother of A†, and not â€Å"A is my child†. In addition, this kinship system encourages diverse interpretations such that cross-cousin marriages are usually practiced (this practice is also observed in other nomadic Latin communities). Even the people value such marriages more than those from distance villages that have no relation to the former. The people do not consider any kin relation between members of different groups. However, they consider kinship relation with those living in the same village despite lack of blood connection. Rival (2002) affirms that cognates and consanguine are defined in terms of spatial proximity rather than genealogical proximity (p.115). Indeed, someone as close as a real sister is omitted if living in other village and has not been in contact for a long period of time. Usually, links between nonresident kin are reestablished to contract marriage alliance (Riva, 2002, p.116).Therefore, it can be concluded that the potential kin are simultaneously the potential marriage affine. Social organization Nanicabo or extended family unit is the fundamental unit in the Huaorani social organization of production and is impacted greatly by semi-nomadic horticultural practice (Ziegler-Otero, 2007, p.38). Food, which is acquired by any member of the family, must be distributed to all members of the Nanicabo before any is availed to members of other families.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Huaorani of Ecuador specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Hunting groups basically start in a single family, though others often join the party as it departs, predominantly in the more geographic dense villages particularly around schools. Within the Nanicabo duties are jointly performed and all goods including food are shared. Labor is divided according to gender where men are responsible for hunting and women take responsibility of gathering, gardening, cooking and child care. Regarding to decision making and social organization, the culture of Huaorani can be considered as highly individualistic a nd independent. Earlier before the missionaries came the community lived in small autonomous kin groups which made collective contribution to their economic activities. Within these kin groups there were no formal councils and headmen. Their hunting and gathering was a collective responsibility that demanded little directives or authorization. Even within Nanicabo and households, there was no overall power of persuasion beyond the individual. There were limited opportunities between the various groups to engage in shared decision making as well as conflict resolution due to hostility or warfare (Lu, 2010). Up to date, the individualistic pattern lingers among the sedentary communities which lack elaborate processes of making decisions. The social organization of the community is leaderless and decentralized, having few social obligations and limits on individual autonomy. Devoid of institutions to confer authority or impose social control, there are no ways of containing conflicts o r solving disputes. In case of a conflict or someone feels offended the only options are for the parties to separate or let the grudge go. Moreover, this lack of institutions to impose social control reflects lack of political structure to discourage individuals to exploit short-term advantages whenever a source opportunity arises. Therefore, decision making occurs at the Nanicabo or individual level, with little or no coordination at bigger scales and few contrivances to settle conflicts. The reason could be that the people had been made self-reliant by the practices of hunting and gathering which required individual contribution to solve the problems associated. Within the community, the only social organization existing in a larger scale is the consequence of school influence, and is tolerable though not treated seriously by the people. Such influence could be considered as a key driver for social change but has evidently indicated little effect on the community’s social o rganization. Semi-nomadic horticultural practice has made the Huaorani people to have abundant resources. They are isolated and free to do anything they want. Most important is that the land is free and thus no land ownership. The people can gather or hunt anywhere and can build dwellings wherever they want. Nevertheless, social boundaries exist between various Huaorani groups. Initially, the community kinship groups lived together in small populations where they did everything together.Advertising Looking for research paper on anthropology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This created a very strong culture of sharing among the kinship groups. But, with the growing population a small number of people share the day to day responsibilities throughout the community. There is still that spirit of sharing among those living in proximity. Among the various groups within the Huaorani community, there is little sharing and the groups tend to live separate ways. With such scarce sharing the groups have tended to avoid offending one another deliberately. Thus, the few hostilities witnessed have not been as fierce as expected for the groups (Lu, 2010, p.14). It can be argued that the avoidance of such hostility is triggered by the perception of threatening their livelihoods which is dependent on the harmony the people live in their isolated life. Nonetheless, there exist social boundaries between different groups and are certainly suspicious of attack. As a result, the groups tend to live far from each other. There is no doubt that each group attempts to protect their own territories by acquiring new lands deep in the forest rather than through force. For instance, the naming of streams after different people is an indication of social boundary (Lu, 2001). If a person discovered a new resource such as a waterway when walking deep through the forest, this finding will be taken to the group. The word would spread and the resource will eventually be named after the discoverer, and should be claimed by the village that he hails from. The village will let outsiders know about the finding and cannot partake of the resource. Reflecting on another side of the Huaorani community, it is true that they completely change during ceremonies. There is no sign of hostility and the people become warm and inviting. The drinking parties create friendship even beyond the social boundaries. In case one of the groups is in conflict with another, the festival is considered as the time to restore harmony. Therefore, the hostility will cease between the groups and both can merry together. Union between couple also occurs during these festivals. The community considers marriage to be sacred and the couple is expected to observe upright morals throughout. In that manner, the social organization of the community relate to the aspects that are centered on the semi-nomadic way of life. Gender relations The semi-nomadic horticultural practices by the Huaorani community resulted in the definition of major tasks for women and men. As a result, there is no assessment of greater worth or value on individual sex. The community has no strict sex roles but generally speaking Huaorani men provide their families with meat, cut down big trees for new farming lands and engage in warfare. Mostly, men hunt with spears and sometimes with blowguns which are made collectively by men and women. Men usually make the blow gun while women make the darts. Women perform most of the agricultural activities such as planting, weeding and harvesting as well as preparing me als and taking care of the young ones. Although this happens rarely women may also engage in hunting and men may perform other agricultural task than just cutting trees. Indeed, they do different things so as to equal out the roles. Huaorani lives matrilogically, meaning that the couple lives with their parents (Lu, 2001). Nonetheless, both women and men attend ceremonies especially the famous dancing marriage ceremonies. Most of these ceremonies are impacted by the knowledge of the people about the nature. For example, the ceremony of human birds is associated with the knowledge about birds’ way of life and migration when the food is gone. In fact, the life of birds is symbolic to such festivals which sometimes also lead to marriage. Men and women decorate with body paints, jewelry, feathers and other ornaments (Lu, 2001). While the men become aggressive during the ceremonies, women are expected to hang out with each other. In some ceremonies, both women and men may dance to gether or sing the same songs yet they must avoid each other. Sometimes, couples, brothers, sisters and cousins do not talk or look each other. This means that the social roles and presentation must reflect the gender variation defined in semi-nomadic horticultural practices. Beliefs and values The semi-nomadic, horticultural mode of subsistence of the Huaorani community has led to a belief system that affirms the whole world to have once been a forest. Thus, the people consider the forests as their real dwelling place while the rest of the world is very unsafe to them. Therefore, this society lives in isolation within the forest setting. According to their beliefs, living in the forest offers protection from attacks from other communities such as witchcraft. Like most of the hunters and gatherers, the rivers and forests form an integral aspect in the lives of the Huaorani people. According to cultural anthropologists like Lu (2001) who have studied the community asserts that plants and animals consistent with the belief system of the society have both spiritual and physical existence. Raymond (2006) note that the Huaorani people have a respect for animals despite them being hunters because they believe that people return to earth in form of animals after death and in particular as termites. The people hunt wild animals for food security but still carry the belief that the spirits of the killed animals can harm the people and must be placated. During their hunting scenes, they regard snake and jaguars in a special way. The reason is that they consider snakes to have the optimal evil power while the jaguar has the most magnificent plunderer. Through extensive gathering, the Huaorani people possess astounding knowledge regarding the medicinal and botanical value of plant with the forest. Thus, they take plants to be part of their lives and indicate their characteristics. As noted before the practice of staying completely isolated in the forest has made Huaorani people to believe that the forest is the sole protector from predators and animals. Accompanied by strong influence of nature, the people consider some animals and plants to be sacred. There are certain plants and animals that are not hunted due to their sacred positions in the minds of the people (Raymond, 2006). For instance, the warbler which is a small bird known to migrate to the Amazon forest is considered as to bring blessing to the people. The jaguar and eagle are also considered sacred animals because it is believed that people came about after the two animals mated. Indeed, the hunting and gathering form of subsisted has oriented much of the community beliefs to plants and animals. Conclusion The impact of semi-nomadic horticultural practice on the culture of Huaorani is evidently very strong and may require an immeasurable effort by the people in order to accommodate the changes expected. Their kinship point of view is dictated by their nomadic life such that their practi ces on some aspects such as marriage would seem absurd in other cultural settings. Their social organization is centered on the forest life of hunting and gathering to the point of deriving a social interaction that is only fit for the isolated life of the forest. The gender relation of the Huaorani is defined by the roles and responsibilities of both women and men as pertaining to semi-nomadic horticultural life. The beliefs and values of the people have entirely been characterized by animals and plants that have been learnt through the forest life. While any intrusion may compel the people to change their culture, it will evidently be difficult for the Huaorani people. References Lu, F. (2010). Patterns of indigenous resilience in the Amazon: a case study of Huaorani hunting in Ecuador. Journal of Ecological Anthropology, Vol.14 (1), p.5-21. Lu, F. E. (2001).The common property regime of the Huaorani Indians of Ecuador: Implications and challenges to conservation. Human Ecology, V ol. 29 (4), p. 425-447. Raymond, B. H. (2006). Subsistence modes of the Huaorani. American Indian Culture Research Journal, Vol.112 (8), p. 86-92. Rival, L. M. (2002). Trekking through history: the Huaorani of Amazonian Ecuador. New York, NY: Columbia University Press. Ziegler-Otero, L. (2007). Resistance in an Amazonian community: Huaorani organizing against the global economy. Oxford, UK: Berghahn Books.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The creation of the National Assembly was important to the French Essay

The creation of the National Assembly was important to the French Revolution because it brought together the three different states - Essay Example Rousseau also emphasizes the reigning regime’s inability to bring equality, and hence the need for democracy. Before the revolution, the nation had three divisions. The divisions comprised of the Clergy, the Nobility and the Commoner, with little representation of the commoners who were the majority. As such, the commoners sought for equal rights and representation. Montesquieu work (the Spirit of the Law) aided significantly in the implementation of democracy (Halsall). He argued that there ought to be balances within the government, with the incorporation of the people and not a single family. During the Enlightenment era, the people of France had become conversant of their rights. Montesquieu and Rousseau worked significantly in highlighting the rights of the people and the ills associated with monarchy. As such, they began to perceive the ills that the reigning authorities were perpetrating to them. This compelled them to question the governing systems of the time, and hence the need to transform them. There was a great need for the creation of a National Assembly and a constitution. The introduction of democracy in the US with set rules within the constitution and a congress and senate equivalent to the National Assembly also served as a significant influencing factor for the revolution. Montesquieu article also compare the French government with the US (Halsall). The governing systems also proved to be too ineffective to govern the people. The people felt the need to introduce a National Assembly and a constitution with unambiguous rights of the people. France also faced economic challenges at the time, owing to the huge debts accumulated by the former monarchies. The king of the time, Louis 16th also lived a lavish lifestyle, thus magnifying the already worse economy of the nation. The king’s wife, Marie Antoinette was infamous for leading an extravagant life. This meant

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

China as a threat to the US Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

China as a threat to the US - Research Paper Example China has become so strong economically and militarily that it has caused debates to erupt regarding whether or not it would ever go into a war with other powerful countries in the world in genral and the US in particular. However, the fourth generation’s leadership in China considers nourishment of a peaceful environment its most sacred goal so that the Chinese people can be pulled out of poverty. The US has been facing the issue of dealing with a politically repressive yet economically rising China since the late 1990s. There have been frequent debates about the containment and engagement policies. China can be considered as a threat to the US because of a number of reasons that include but are not limited to â€Å"A RISING ECONOMIC POWER ARMED WITH A ONE-PARTY DICTATORSHIP AND INCREASING MILITARY CAPABILITIES, FEAR OF A COLLAPSE OF CHINA, AND THE VISIBLE STRENGTH OF CHINESE NATIONALISM† (Zhao 85). China is, indeed, a threat to the US on economic grounds. The main con cerns of the stakeholders and the policymakers in the US with respect to China include â€Å"CHINA’S EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN AN UNDERVALUED CURRENCY, ITS MIXED RECORD ON IMPLEMENTING ITS WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) OBLIGATIONS, ITS RELATIVELY POOR RECORD ON PROTECTING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (IPR), AND ITS EXTENSIVE USE OF INDUSTRIAL POLICIES† (Morrison para. 2).... In case the Sino-American tensions keep rising, the whole world in general and Asia in particular would be divided into a new cold war. If that happens, it would result in sustained growth of the prospects of conflict and confrontation thus posing threat to the growth of China’s economy. Alternately, â€Å"A DEEPENING U.S.-CHINA ENTENTE WOULD BRING WITH IT INCREASED POSSIBILITIES FOR STABLE, SUSTAINED WORLDWIDE ECONOMIC GROWTH, THE PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF OUTSTANDING REGIONAL DISPUTES, AND THE SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF PRESSING GLOBAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING TERRORISM, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND THE PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS† (Friedberg 36). China is likely to resuscitate as a threat to the US after the removal of the threat of terrorism because of her rapid economic growth. China understands that the major powers in the West are the driving forces behind the development of the current international system. China is very much likely to take measures to develop such internation al norms that address her own interests. Thus, it is very important for China to take a more active role in the creation of the new world order. Taking everything into consideration and visualizing the matter in a broader frame, it becomes apparent that â€Å"CHINA IS MORE LIKELY TO POSE A THREAT TO U.S. INTERESTS IN EAST AND SOUTHEAST ASIA THAN TO U.S. GLOBAL INTERESTS, AT LEAST FOR MANY DECADES† (Ross and Feng 11). In spite of the fact that China poses threat to the US both economically and militarily since it is a nuclear power also, it is unlikely for China to erupt into a war with the US. War happens when the challenger that starts overtaking the dominant power is dissatisfied. The combination of overtaking, dissatisfaction, and parity happens to

Sunday, November 17, 2019

The rate of a chemical reaction Essay Example for Free

The rate of a chemical reaction Essay The equation for resistance using resistivity is Resistance = resistivity x length / area of cross section of the wire The resistivity of Nichrome at 250C is 100 x 10-8 ohm-m. The radius of the wire isResistance = resistivity x length / area of cross section of the wire Resistance = 100 x 10-8 x 0. 4m / 6. 16m2 x 10 -8 Resistance = 6. 49 ? rounded 2 d. p. TPlan Aim I aim to find out if the length of a Nichrome wire affects the resistance. Safety To ensure this experiment is safe I will:  Ensure that the power pack does not exceed 2 volts in case the wires overheat.    I will also only leave the power pack on for short amounts of time so the wire does not overheat. I will not perform the experiment in a wet area because water is a very good conductor of electricity and so this would be very dangerous.   I will not touch the wire once the power pack is switched on because the current will heat up the wire. Factors to control The independent variable will be: 1 The amount of resistance in different lengths of wire. The variables that I will keep the same will be: 2 Width of wire- I must keep the wire a thickness of 32SWG. If I change the width of the wire the resistance will change because there is more resistance in a thicker wire because there are more fixed ions so there are more collisions in the wire and more successful collisions means the resistance will increase 3 Material of wire- different materials will affect the amount of free electrons that are able to move through the wire. If there are more or larger atoms then there will be more collisions. This causes the voltage of the wire to increase causing a higher resistance. Also if the atoms in the material are more closely packed then the electrons will have more frequent collisions and the resistance will increase. I will use Nichrome only. 4 Density of wire- In a higher density wire there will be a higher resistance because there will be more fixed ions and more collisions. 5 Temperature of wire- If the wire is heated up the atoms in the wire will start to vibrate because of their increase in energy. This causes more collisions between the electrons and the atoms as the atoms are moving into the path of the electrons. This increase in collisions means that there will be an increase in resistance. 6 Shape of wire- the wire will be straight and taped to a meter rule, the shape of the wire may increase the resistance. 7 Voltage of 2 volts- I will have to keep a constant voltage because if the voltage changes then the resistance will change. The equation for resistance = voltage / current. If voltage increases, resistance increases. Apparatus The apparatus I will need to perform this experiment will be: 1 Power pack (2volts) 2 Ammeter 3 Voltmeter 4 6 wires 5 2 crocodile clips 6 Meter rule 7 Masking tape 8 Board marker Circuit diagram Method I have chosen to take a range of 10 lengths. I have chosen a range of 10 as to plot an accurate graph I will need at least 10 points to mark on the graph. The lengths that I have chosen are as follows: 10cm, 20cm, 30cm, 40 cm, 50cm, 60cm, 70cm, 80cm, 90cm and 100cm. I have chosen these lengths because the meter ruler can easily measure them and enough results to make a firm conclusion. To change the length of the Nichrome wire during the experiment I will tape down 1 meter of Nichrome 32 swg wire to a meter rule. I will then connect the 2 crocodile clips different distances apart using the measurements on the meter rule. The wire will be attached at X in the circuit. In my experiment I will find the current in the circuit using an ammeter and I will find the voltage in the wire using a voltmeter. I will take these two readings so I can then calculate the resistance using the equation resistance = voltage / current. I want to make my experiment as accurate as possible so I want to produce repeat readings so that I can find an average resistance. I will be using a variable resistor in my experiment to produce these repeat readings. I will draw 4 equally spaced points on the variable resistor with a board marker. To get my repeat readings I will move the variable resistor to these 4 points and get four readings for each length. After I have found the average resistance for each length of wire I will produce a graph showing the average resistance against the length of the wire. I will draw on my graph a line of best fit and then from this I will be able to see if my prediction was correct and if the resistance does increase when the length of wire increases. 1. Set up a circuit as shown above. Set the power pack at a constant voltage of 2 volts. 2. At X in the circuit the wire will be placed. I will first connect the crocodile clips 100cm apart. Then turn the voltmeter and ammeter on and ensure the variable resistor is set at the first point. 3. Now turn on the power pack and record the first results shown on the ammeter and voltmeter. I must take the first results because the results may change due to overheating if the power pack is left on. Now turn off the power pack. 4. To take my repeat reading of 100cm I will then move the slider on the variable resistor to the second marked point. I will now turn on the power pack and record the first result shown on the ammeter and voltmeter. 5. I will continue taking my repeat readings and moving the variable resistor along and recording the results for 100cm. 6. I will then change the length of wire to 90cm by moving the crocodile clips and i will set the variable resistor at the first point. Then I will turn on the power pack and record the first set of results. I will take 4 repeat readings for each length of Nichrome wire. 7. I will record 4 repeat readings for each length of Nichrome wire until I have results for all 10 lengths. Results table Length (cm) Repeat number Voltage (volts) Current (amps) Resistance (? ) Average 17. 82 I have put in bold any anomalous results. Analysing and considering evidence Conclusion From my graph I can tell that my prediction was correct. As the length increases the resistance increases, a piece of 20cm wire has a resistance of 3.8 ? and a piece of 30cm wire has a resistance of 5. 6 ?. This is because a longer piece of wire has a higher resistance because in a longer piece of wire there are more collisions between the electrons and the metal ions. In every successful collision energy is lost from the electron to the wire ions. The result is that the voltage of the wire increases. Because the equation for resistance is resistance = voltage / current, the resistance then increases. From my line of best I can also tell that as the length doubles the resistance always almost doubles too. A piece of 20cm wire has a resistance of 3.8 ? and a piece of 40cm wire has a resistance of 7. 4 ?. Double 3. 8 ? is 7. 6 ? this is almost double but not quite probably because my experiment was not quite accurate. A piece of wire 30cm long had a resistance of 5. 6 ? and a piece of wire 60cm long has a resistance of 11. 1 ?. This is also almost double, double 5. 6 ? is 11. 2 ?. The resistance doubles as the length doubles because there can be double the amount of successful collisions so double the amount of energy is lost causing the voltage to double and so the resistance doubles. Key Electron Metal ion Predicted results Length (cm) Predicted resistance ( ? ) Actual resistance ( ? ) Difference (ll of my results were quite close to my predicted results but as the length increases my predicted resistances become less accurate. This could have been for several reasons that are mentioned in my evaluation but probably as my experiment went on the wire overheated so my results became less accurate. Evaluating My method of collecting my results worked quite well. I gained the results I expected from my experiment. The quality of my evidence was good. My line of best fit went through almost all of my points on my graph and was quite similar to my predicted line of best. I did have some anomalous results. When I experimented with 10cm of Nichrome wire my fourth repeat readings was quite different to the other readings. It had a resistance 0. 87 ? that was the lowest repeat readings for 10cm. The second lowest was 1. 80 ? , this is quite a lot more than the anomalous result. When investigating which 30cm of Nichrome wire I had another anomalous result that was 6. 48 ? , the third repeat reading. This was the biggest repeat reading. The second largest was only 5. 89 ?. This could have been because: I left the power pack on too long. This causes the wire to overheat.   When I was measuring the lengths of the Nichrome wire my measurements might have been slightly inaccurate. The rulers used might not have been exact and it was difficult to get an accurate reading of length by eye as the wire was not completely straight. Also the ruler may have been of different thicknesses throughout the length. This would have contributed as a slight error in my results.   The ammeter and voltmeter could have been slightly faulty and not given me correct, accurate readings.   I connected the wire into the circuit using crocodile clips. These were quite loose and so this could have made my results less accurate. If I improved my method I could either attach the wires with tape but this may affect my results so instead I could solder the Nichrome wire into my circuit. It was difficult to adjust the variable resistor slider accurately only by eye. If I did the investigation again I could try to and adjust the variable resistor accurately I will use an advanced digital variable resistor.   I also found it difficult to measure exact lengths against the meter rule because the crocodile clips didnt clip on to the wire very securely. If I did the investigation again I could pre cut all the lengths of wire before the experiment instead of just connecting the crocodile clips at different distances apart on the meter rule. To further my investigation I could use the same method but increase the range of lengths. I could use lengths of up to 3 meters. I could take readings from lengths at smaller intervals; I could take reading every 5cm instead of every 10cm as I did. I could also take more repeat readings to get a even more accurate average. Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Electricity and Magnetism section.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Essay --

Conceptual Aircraft Design: APU, Pneumatic, and Environmental Control Systems Advance aircraft and spacecraft systems are so far, one of the most revise areas in aviation industry. Every year, more systems are tested, review, and redesign into better advanced applications. However, aircraft’s systems allocate many applications, such as the next generation in avionics and other sub-systems. With new methodologies and technological advancement in aerospace industry, aircraft’s systems can address better operational implementations and provide feedback for safety environments. In recent years, most aircraft’s systems has shaped the way in which aviation is heading. A focus on these developments is the systems redesigning phase. Although, redesigning phases reinforce the aircraft deficiency. By acknowledging system’s background, it allows better proactive and reactive processes for safety and performance. Yet, a very important aspect, is the overall endurance. Endurance approach must convey through all aircraft’s systems. These systems are the driving motor of the aircraft; without a proper integration, it could lead to a total structural failure. When a systems are not properly addressed as the requirement states, it is considered to be inefficient. Providing efficient work capacity through all systems is a minimum and essential condition. As part of an unending process, aviation industry is recurring to research implementations to address situational awareness regarding aircraft’s systems and performance. The continuity o f support to research areas, are very advantageous to this industry. It has led to address deficiencies in products, systems, services, safety factors, and human developments. APU One of the most important key... ...ich, Claudia Werner, Martin Saballus, Florian Gores. F.M. January 28- April 19, 2013. Multifunctional fuel cell system in an aircraft environment: An investigation focusing on fuel tank inerting and water generation. Aerospace Science and Technology. Retrieved 2014. For more information contact Jose Kallo to Josef.Kallo@dlr.de. And /or refer to: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S127096381300076X Ronald M. Heck, Robert J. Farrauto, Suresh T. Gulati. F.M. 2012.Catalytic Air Pollution Control: Commercial Technology. Pp. 361-372. Â © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Retrieved 2014. For more information refer to web source: http://books.google.com/books?id=wB-sqXID5oAC&pg=PA361&lpg=PA361&dq=ozone+removal+abater&source=bl&ots=u3drio74zp&sig=HDoj-Hz_veJCM7ady5fcanS2x7Y&hl=en&sa=X&ei=jLj3UvbEFcaIyAHZ5YGgBg&ved=0CDcQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=ozone%20removal%20abater&f=false

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Negative Effects of Genetically Modified Food/Crops Essay

Genetically modified organisms refer to organisms whose genetic components have been changed to produce an unnatural occurrence. Genetic engineering refers to the technology employed in the alteration of the genetic elements, which also facilitates the transfer of genes between related and non-related species. This technology is applied in the production of Genetically Modified (GM) crops/foods in order to meet the desired objectives of the industry operators. The 1980 US Supreme Court pronouncement on the legal patentability of biological life in the Diamond vs. Chakrabartyn case opened the gateway to genetic engineering (Lex Orbis). There are some perceived benefits of the GM foods industry, both to the producer and consumer, especially in regard to increased food productivity and nutrition. Conversely, there have been reported cases on potential risks to human health and the environment due to GM foods/crops. The harmful effects of GM foods production and consumption cannot be overlooked, due to their impact on human health, the environment and socio-economic operation of a society. The introduction and widespread use of Genetically Modified (GM) foods has been met with uncertainties in regard to public acceptability due to the confirmed and potential harmful effects of this technology. GM foods are disputable for various reasons, one of them being the adverse effects of these foods to human health. There are concerns over deaths, near-deaths and diseases such as cancer and bacterial infections arising out of GM foods. Human beings need food for survival but it is incongruous to consume potentially harmful food for one’s existence just for survival. Studies indicate that there have been recorded deaths attributable to Genetic Engineering in foods. In 1989, a genetic modification of the food supplement known as L-tryptophan produced a devastating disease known as the Eosinophilia Myalgia syndrome (EMS). There were about 37 people who died from the ailment, as well as around 1500 who were physically impaired. The GM food supplement was manufactured by a Japan’s chemical company known as Showa Denko, which offered a $2 billion settlement to the victims, but investigations into the product were not carried out. In addition, initial GM tested products such as Flavr Savr have been reported as harmful to animals, evidenced by the premature deaths of the animals used in these lab tests. Further, in 1996, a company known as Pioneer Hi-Bred, the largest seed company in the US, produced soybeans with the added protein methionine, through splicing Brazil nut DNA into the conventional soybeans (Cummins, Lilliston and Lappe 36). Researchers from the University of Nebraska reported that the use of the GM soybeans may result in fatal allergies to individuals allergic to Brazilian nuts. Fortunately, the company withdrew the product from the market before any fatalities occurred. Allergenic reactions to GM foods are another area of concern to the consumer public. There has been an increasing rate of food-allergenic individuals in the nation, especially among children, which was confirmed by the Center for Disease Control. The increased alteration of diets contributes to the rising rate of food sensitivity, since GM foods are not comparable to regular foods (Nestle). Other indications of the allergenic quality of GM foods include the following: A study on GM potatoes with cod genes indicated they were allergenic; two independent studies indicated that GM Bt corn produced allergenic effects, even on the farmers who used genetically engineered Bt sprays to produce such corn; in 1999, York Laboratory researchers discovered a connection between the rise in allergic reactions to soy and the consumption of GM soy. The potential risks of GM foods extend to disease causality and bacterial infections. Scientists have established a connection between a protein hormone known as GH and a chemical hormone called IGH-1 associated with breast cancer, and in some instances, prostate cancer. The protein hormone GH is injected in dairy cows to facilitate the production of more milk, thus it has been used to boost the productivity of dairy corporations. Genetically modified versions of the hormone have been approved to enhance milk productivity despite warnings by scientists that this GM hormone increases the IGF-1 hormone in consumers, from about 70 to 1000%. Dr. Samuel Epstein, a University of Chicago doctor and the Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition explained the connection between GH and IGF-1; that the GH induces the malignant conversion of human breast epithelial cell types that eventually leads to cancerous growths. However, the US Food and Drugs Administration rejected the importance of such findings. The proponents of GM foods point to some science reviews which claim that GM crops in the market pose limited risks to human health. GM foods undergo protocol tests to determine their effects on human health as well as their allergenic quality. These tests have been evaluated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the result is that the GM foods currently in circulation pose no allergic effects to people. The World Health Organization further maintains that all GM foods in the global market have been approved after passing the necessary risk assessment tests; hence they are not harmful to human health. Additionally, the organization claims that adverse effects of these foods have not been proved among the general public where the GM foods have been permitted thus there should be no reason for alarm (World Health Organization). However, this position falls short of completely meeting the concerns of consumers, since various scientific studies have reflected negative health effects of GM foods, contradicting WHO’s position. Despite the observation of harmful effects on a minority, GM foods cannot be ruled as completely safe for human consumption. In consideration of all the evidence presented, it is certain that genetic engineering technology presents certain dangers and health hazards that need to be thoroughly assessed before GM foods are absorbed into the global market. The assessment criteria for these products should also be revised with reference to case studies and reports highlighting potential harms of genetic modification (The Economist 19). Consumers should also be fully aware of the type of products displayed in the market in order to make informed choices. Genetic modified foods and crops have also been frowned upon for their potential negative effects to the environment. There are concerns over the toxicity levels in the soil due to genetic engineered farming, leading to soil pollution and destruction of plant and animal life. Despite the positive effects of genetic engineering technology in boosting food supply to the public, the application of this technology raises the use of chemicals and bio-engineered products in farms, hence the environmental degradation. It is essential to support a food crop production system that maintains environmental standards rather than ruin them, thus maintaining the spirit of environmental conservation. The GM crop industry advocates for this technology on the grounds that genetic engineered seeds and plants are helpful to the environment by decreasing the amount of chemicals used in farms. However, most of the GM agricultural products have a high chemical resistance, which in turn increases rather than decreases the use of herbicides or pesticides with toxic effects to the farms. The GM crop industry seeks to profit from the sale of more products, and these include seeds as well as pesticides and herbicides. In light of this issue, it is conceivable that the industry intends to sell more genetic engineered agricultural products as well as chemicals; hence environmental safety is a challenge if farmers rely on these products, since they go hand in hand with great use of herbicides/pesticides. According to environmental scientist, R. J. Goldburg, scientists expect that the use of herbicides will triple due to GM agricultural products (Goldburg 647). An example of a company in this industry is Monsanto, which is a world leading corporation in the production of genetic engineered seeds as well as the herbicide known as Roundup. The herbicide glyphosate, also called Roundup, has damaging effects to plant and animal life. The US Fish and Wildlife Service indicated that Roundup poses a threat to 74 endangered species; it affects natural processes in plant life such as photosynthesis. Further, the herbicide decays in the soil but it leaves deposits on the crops harvested for the consumer. Glyphosate, which is the main component in Roundup, is harmful to humans, and has led to numerous cases of illness among farmers. Various scientific research projects also indicate the harmful effects of GM products to the soil; these include the research carried out by Oregon scientists which indicates the GM microorganism, klebsiella planticola killed vila soil nutrients and rendered it sterile. Similarly, in 1997, it was established that Rhizobium melitoli, a GM bacterium, released toxins in the soil that caused pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency also expressed its concerns over the matter, but these microorganisms are still in operation. The Oregon research also indicated that some of these microbes killed wheat plants when introduced into the soil. Other indicators of the environmental effects of GM products include the creation of super weeds and super pests; plant and animal invasions; destruction of forests; the death of beneficial insects and genetic pollution. GM elements such as Bt endotoxin have been reported to stay in the soil for about 18 months and could be transported to other wild plants, thus forming super weeds, resistant to beetles and butterflies, and this process affects the balance of nature. Super pests are created when common pests like budworms and cottonboll worms develop immunity from toxins due to repeated exposure. Research indicates that cottonboll worms have developed immunity from Bt sprays used in organic farming (Tabashnik, Gassmann and Crowder 199-202). Plant and animal invasions threaten the existing species and result to the imbalance of nature. Emerging GM strains can induce bio-invasions into plant or animal life, such as the invasion of the kudzu vine, which is an exotic plant from Japan with rapid growth. The damage to forest life is yet another justification for the claims against the production of GM foods/crops. GM trees have developed a resistance towards chemical sprays thus when spraying is carried out in a forest with GM trees, they survive but the plant life around them are killed. Unlike rainforests or tropical trees that support animal life such as fungi, insects and birds, GM trees are flowerless and sterile; hence they cannot support forest life in its entirety. Research further demonstrates that GM components destroy beneficial insects in plant life such as the monarch butterfly larvae which feeds on milkweed. In 1997, New Scientist reported that the proteins found in genetically modified canola flowers could potentially harm honeybees (Pain) Additionally, genetic pollution is another negative effect of GM production on the environment. Genetic pollution is facilitated by the transfer of GM pollen through rain, wind, birds or insects, and it becomes difficult to contain since unlike chemical pollution, it does not decay. The government of Thailand terminated field assessments for Bt cotton from Monsanto after the Institute of Traditional Thai Medicine established genetic pollution of nearby plants (GRAIN 1-7). In the face of the controversy around GM technology and its effects on the environment, the supporters of the technology advocate that it offers a solution to environmental strain caused by overpopulation. The proponents of genetic engineering argue that the technology is beneficial to the environment since it presents a solution that prevents further depletion of the environment as the world population rises. It is evident that overpopulation has caused negative effects on the environment, due to the constant struggle for land, water, fuels and other resources necessary for human existence. For this reason, supporters of this technology view it as the means to support the food requirements of the world as a whole while maintaining the status of the environment. GM food production has the potential to support the growing need of food supplies in the present world, but its damaging effects to the environment cannot be ignored since they pose long-term risks, that impact on future generations. These destructive effects on the environment, plant and animal life have been scientifically proven, thus they are not negligible GM crop production definitely introduces harmful effects to the environment and its inhabitants, making it an unsafe means to support food demands. The collaboration of core organizations in the environmental sector should be established in order to forge a way that incorporates stringent environmental standards in the GM food industry. Such organizations include the US Food and Drug Administration and the United Nations Environment Programme. There are a lot of concerns in the GM food industry, with some risks already identified while some remain to be discovered, hence there should be more emphasis on safe food production strategies rather than a technology filled with uncertainties (Krech 580). The other argument against genetically modified foods arises out of the negative political, social and economic implications of the industry to modern society. The extensive application of biotechnology in food production will change established farming drastically, the strongest effect being on the indigenous farmers, and eventually the consumers. GM food production requires patenting, and the large corporations in this sector will eventually push the indigenous farmers out of their farms, while they control food products and prices. Advocates against GM crop production argue that his industry will displace farmers out of their livelihoods, since they face the risk of being bought out by large multinational companies that can pursue genetic engineering from a large-scale level. The control of the GM food production industry by large corporations amounts to bio-colonization, which by extension refers to the power that bio-technology controllers possess in the current and future market. The ability to control genetic components as well as agricultural resources is the source of so much power, for its food production. Indigenous farmers in the U. S. are currently self-sufficient in food production, but with the advancements in the GM food industry, more and more people will be dependent upon these industry controllers for food. These industry controllers may be referred to as the bio-colonizing companies, which will possess a lot of decisive power in the world economy due to their control of genetic and agricultural resources. Agricultural workers will also be greatly afflicted with the transfer of control in the industry from individuals to corporations or governments. The result will be displacement of farmers from their economic activity by more powerful forces, leading to a high rate of food dependency from companies and the government (Committee on the Impact of Biotechnology on Farm-Level Economics and Sustainability 206). Unfortunately, the WTO, World Bank and GATT provide regulations that facilitate large-scale and foreign interests at the expense of local economies, which further impede self-sufficiency in those countries. Another socio-political issue of concern is the debate on the labeling of GM foods. Proponents of GM foods argue that these foods are similar to regular foods thus the need for labeling is unnecessary, but a counterargument is that with the potential risks of GM foods, consumers should be fully aware of the contents of their foods in order to make informed choices. The consumer has the right to be informed of the ingredients in his/her food, irrespective of the safety or harmful levels of the food. Some parties argue for genetic engineering in food production as the solution to world hunger and other economic problems that arise out of food shortages. The proposition is that GM foods can be produced even under harsh soil and climatic conditions since they can be engineered to withstand such conditions. For this reason, most lands that have previously not been utilized for farming can now be made useful, and eventually solve the problem of overcrowding on the fertile lands. According to the proponents, this move is expected to increase food productivity, thus solving two problems at the same time; the scramble for resources and food security. However, such an argument fails to consider the bigger picture in regard to autonomy in food production among local farmers and regions. It is clear that the GM food industry is controlled by large corporations and governments, hence they would in turn control productivity and supply on the international front. In this regard, indigenous farmers as well as small economies do not achieve food security; rather they become more dependent on multinational companies. In summary, genetically engineered foods raise a lot of questions and concerns among the public due to the insufficient information regarding the sector and the potential harm it presents to the people and the environment. There are proponents with valid perspectives who argue for and against the concept, but it is important that the benefits of this technology are weighed against the risks, in order to determine the true value of the industry to consumers (Ackerman). Positive effects include increased food supply and control of overpopulation in fertile lands, but these benefits are overshadowed by the numerous reported and unreported harmful effects of genetic science in food production. From health complications to environmental degradation and negative socio-economic impacts, the GM food production industry is potentially catastrophic in the present time and in the future ahead. Works Cited Ackerman, Jennifer. â€Å"FOOD: How Altered? † National Geographic Magazine. (2002). Web. 18 March 2011. Committee on the Impact of Biotechnology on Farm-Level Economics and Sustainability. Impact of Genetically Engineered Crops on Farm Sustainability in the United States. Washington, D. C. : National Academies Press, 2010: 206-207. Print. Cummins, Ronnie, Ben Lilliston and Frances Moore Lappe. Genetically Engineered Food: A Self-Defense Guide for Consumers. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press, 2004: 36-38. Print. Goldburg, R. J. â€Å"Environmental Concerns with the Development of Herbicide-tolerant Crops. † Weed Technology 6. 3 (1992): 647-652. Print. GRAIN. â€Å"Bt Cotton through the Back Door. † Seedling (2001): 1-7. Print. Krech, Shepard. Encyclopedia of World Environmental History: F-N. London: Routledge, 2004: 580-581. Print. Lex Orbis. â€Å"Patenting Microorganisms. † Lex Orbis: Intellectual Property Practice. (30 April 2005). Web. 18 March 2011. Nestle, Marion. â€Å"Agricultural Biotechnology, Policy, and Nutrition. † The New England Journal of Medicine (2002). Print. Pain, Stephanie. â€Å"War in the Woods – Dutch Elm Disease is back with a Vengeance. But this time Biotechnology. † New Scientist. (1997). Web. 18 March 2011. Tabashnik, BE, et al. â€Å"Insect Resistance to Bt Crops: Evidence versus Theory. † Nature Biotechnology (2008): 199-202. Print. The Economist. â€Å"Who’s Afraid of Genetically Modified Foods? † The Economist. (19 June 1999): 19-21. Print. World Health Organization. WHO: 20 Questions on Genetically Modified Foods. 2011. Web. 18 March 2011.