Good vs. Evil †Lord of the Flies Essay

Star Wars, Superman, James Bond—all of these are stories which chronicle the ever-present warfare between good and evil. What exactly is good? How does one describe evil? The answers to these questions are highly subjective, and could be debated for years on end without ever reaching a final conclusion. However, it is widely agreed that each person is inherently born with two sides; one of which is good, the other evil. It is this sense of inherent good and evil in all of us that William Golding tried to warn and protect society against in his classic, The Lord of the Flies. It is clear to anyone who reads this book that Golding is trying to exaggerate the inherent good and evil in the boys on the island. The boys are all well-raised, British prep school boys. They have grown up in a dignified and sophisticated society, and are by no means savage before they crash on the island. However, in a very short period of time, the boys lose the intelligence and sophistication they had been raised with, and become wild and crazy and almost completely devoid of any signs of civilization. The boys come to the island controlled by their inherent good, but the longer they stay, the more the inherent evil begins to take over. Inherent good and evil are also represented in the book through different characters. For example, Simon seems to be the most sensitive and civilized boy on the island. He is also the only one who recognizes that the true beast on the island is inside the boys themselves. Simon represents the inherent good in human beings. However, Roger is clearly bloodthirsty with little or no concern for those he hurts when while he is trying to accomplish a task. In fact, Roger enjoys deliberately hurting other boys on the island. Roger is representative of the inherent evil in man-kind. Through these examples and many more, Golding clearly warns us against the good and evil inside all of us. One may wonder, however, what society can do in order to help prevent catastrophe. After all, if good and evil are truly inherent—what can be done to fix the problem? Golding shows us the answer to this problem through certain events in his book. One of the most obvious examples of this is in the chapter â€Å"Huts on the Beach. † This chapter describes the process which the boys go through to build their shelters on the beach. When they begin the first hut, all of the boys are working together. The final result it strong and of high quality. However, as work continues on the second and third huts, the boys begin to leave for an assortment of reasons—and discontinue their work on the huts. The second hut, with only a few boys working on it, does not end up as strong as the first one. Predictably, the third hut, with even less boys working on it, is of the worst quality out of the three huts. The building of the huts shows that when the boys work together, the end product is much higher quality than when only a few boys are working to create the shelter. Symbolically, Golding is trying to tell society that if we work together, we can ultimately saves society from ourselves, and the inherent evil in all of us. Another example of this message is in an example of what will happen if society instead, continues on the path it is currently on, and people continue to right against each other rather than working together. Toward the end of the story, Jack creates his own group on the island. This divides the island in two—Jacks’ group on Castle rock, and Ralph’s group which remains on the beach. At the time of this separation, the already lacking democracy on the island weakens drastically, and everything falls apart. Simon is killed, Piggy’s glasses are stolen, SamnEric are tortured and manipulated, Piggy is murdered, and Ralph’s life almost comes to a dramatic end. These events represent the obvious truth that when the people fight against each other, the result is extremely counter-productive, and will eventually corrupt society. Inherent good and evil, and the qualification of each, is a topic that has been debated for centuries, and is sure to be debated in the future. We may never all agree on one true definition for good and evil. We may never even agree on whether good and evil both truly exist. However, the important thing is to realize that what Golding was trying to warn us against is a real problem. Society is heading in a negative direction, and if we don’t do something soon, it may be too late to turn back.

Alcoholism people

Chronic and often progressive illness involving the excessive inappropriate ingestion of ethyl alcohol, whether in the form of familiar alcoholic beverages or as a constituent of other substances. Alcoholism is thought to arise from a combination of a wide range of physiological, psychological, social, and genetic factors. It is characterized by an emotional and often physical dependence on alcohol, and it frequently leads to brain damage or early death. (Nicholas, 2001) Some 10 percent of the adult drinkers in the U. K. are considered alcoholics or at least they experience drinking problems to some degree.More males than females are affected, but drinking among the young and among women is increasing. Consumption of alcohol is apparently on the rise in the U. K. , countries of the former Soviet Union, and many European nations. This is paralleled by growing evidence of increasing numbers of alcohol-related problems in other nations, including the Third World. (Richard, 2006) Effects Alcohol has direct toxic as well as sedative effects on the body, and failure to take care of nutritional and other physical needs during prolonged periods of excessive drinking may further complicate matters. Advanced cases often require hospitalization.The effects on major organ systems are cumulative and include a wide range of digestive-system disorders such as ulcers, inflammation of the pancreas, and cirrhosis of the liver. The central and peripheral nervous systems can be permanently damaged. Blackouts, hallucinations, and extreme tremor may occur. The latter symptoms are involved in the most serious alcohol withdrawal syndrome, Delirium Tremens, which can prove fatal if not treated or treated improperly. (Donald, 2000) This is in contrast to withdrawal from narcotic drugs such as heroin, which, although distressful, rarely results in death.Recent evidence has shown that heavy–and even moderate–drinking during pregnancy can cause serious damage to the unborn ch ild: physical or mental retardation or both; a severe expression of this damage is known as fetal alcohol syndrome. (Richard, 2006) Genetic and Behaviour factors Alcoholism is considered a disease which runs in families and results from genetics. According to Edenburg, â€Å"Alcoholism is a disease of the mind and body similar to other diseases like cancer†. Alcoholism is like cancer because both are based on the genes of the person, Edenburg feels.Edenberg is Chancellor's professor at the Indiana University School of Medicines and was the lead researcher for the study. Edenburg believes that even though there is not one single â€Å"gene that causes alcoholism†, the statistical link between genes and the risk for alcoholism is powerful. He has researched the GABRA2 gene, which is one of many genes that produce parts of the receptor for the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA (Edenburg, 2004). Edenburg believes that the link between alcoholism and this ge ne is the strongest.His evidence came from the study he conducted that involved 2282 individuals from 262 families, all picked because each had 3 or more alcoholic family members. The Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) has been working on the study for years. COGA is a federally funded effort whose objective is to identify and characterize those genetic factors. Over 1,000 alcoholic subjects and their families are in the study, with researchers conducting comprehensive psychological, physiological, electrophysiological, and genetic analyses. Several traits, or phenotypes, have been identified by the study that seem to be linked to genetics.Although environmental aspects are very important, these studies give solid evidence that genes play a major role. Adoption studies have also supported the role of inheritable factors concerning alcoholism (Fitzgerald, 1988). Researchers studied males and females that were adopted, comparing them with non-adopted siblings. Bo th males and females of alcoholic and non-alcoholic parents were also studied. A child with alcoholic parents is four times as likely to become alcoholic than one with non-alcoholic parents, even if the child was adopted and raised in non-alcoholic families.(Ann & Gary, 2004) If adopted children with alcoholic parents whom lived with non-alcoholic foster parents are still four times more likely to become alcoholics, it proves that genes are more to blame. Furthermore being raised by a biological alcoholic parent did not increase the likelihood of developing alcoholism (Fitzgerald, 1988). Robert Karp, PhD, is the program director for genetics at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. He says that the end stage of alcoholism looks fairly similar, but there are many different ways to get there, so there are probably many different genetic causes (Elliot, 2001).Although some data points to a genetic basis for alcoholism, other studies go in the other direction. A study published in Science News that tested 356 pairs of twins showed minimal correlation with alcoholism and genetic factors. The report supports the opinion of many scientists that think environmental factors play a larger role in alcoholism than genes (Bower, 1992). The study was among women of all ages and among men with drinking problems that surfaced in childhood.The researchers tested 85 pairs of male identical twins and 44 pairs of female identical twins (sharing the same genes), and 96 pairs of male fraternal twins and 43 pairs of female fraternal twins (sharing half of their genes), along with 88 pairs of opposite-sex fraternal twins. (Donald, 2000) To choose the sets of twins, the researchers would find on twin who had undergone treatment for alcohol dependence or abuse, then sought out the other twin. The study suggests that family influences have a greater effect on these people than their genes do, reports psychologist Matt McGue of the University of Minnesota and his collea gues.McGue feels that environmental factors are more to blame for the development of alcoholism with this study as evidence. McGue's team also reports that genes play a larger role in alcoholism for the men whose problem emerged during childhood. According to McGue, â€Å"Although the data emphasize environmental influences on alcoholism, they also indicate that consistent delinquent and cruel behavior derives from important genetic effects. â€Å"((Nicholas, 2001) Some experts consider alcoholism to not only derive from genetic causes, but also environmental causes.According to Donald, family studies have repeatedly confirmed that the risk of alcoholism is higher among parents, siblings, and children with relatives that are alcoholics. While genetics may play an important role, there are other factors that can influence individual biological susceptibility to the effects of alcoholism (Donald, 2000). The fact that alcohol abuse is linked to behavioral and environmental factors le ads to the point that genetics act together along with other non-genetic factors (Mawr, 2002). Alcohol abuse is very likely to involve multiple genes that control various aspects of the biological response to alcohol.Environmental factors amplify the chance of alcoholism when mixed with these genes(Heath and Nelson, 2002). Some experts agree that both genetics and environmental factors play equal roles in alcoholism. According to Howard J. Edenberg, alcoholism is a â€Å"complex disease†, which means that many genes as well as environmental factors play a role. It is known that addiction runs in families, but how is it transmitted? Are we born with an ‘addiction gene' or with an ‘addictive personality', or are we taught addictive behavior by our family and society? This classic question of nature vs. nurture is answered with a qualified â€Å"both.† (Heath and Nelson, 2002) Psychoanalytic theories make some intuitive sense since many alcoholics have immatur e social skills. They often turn to alcohol to help cope with life stresses. Despite this intuitive appeal, there are little prospective data to support these theories. An alcohol dependent person may exhibit dependent traits, however, these traits are just as likely to result from chronic alcohol use as they are to lead to it. (Ann & Gary, 2004) Even if correlations exist between alcohol abuse and dependent personalities, it is not clear which is the cause and which is the effect.Treatment Treatment of the illness increasingly recognizes alcoholism itself as the primary problem needing attention, rather than regarding it as always secondary to another, underlying problem. Treatment is administered in specialized residential treatment facilities, separate units within general or psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, and physicians' offices. (Richard, 2006) As the public becomes more aware of the nature of alcoholism, the social stigma attached to it decreases, alcoholics and th eir families tend to conceal it less, and diagnosis is not delayed as long.Earlier and better treatment has led to encouragingly high recovery rates. (Donald, 2000) In addition to managing physical complications and withdrawal states, treatment involves individual counseling and group therapy techniques aimed at complete and comfortable abstinence from alcohol and other mood-changing drugs of addiction. Such abstinence, according to the best current evidence, is the desired goal, despite some highly controversial suggestions that a safe return to social drinking is possible.Addiction to other drugs, particularly tranquilizers and sedatives, poses a major hazard to alcoholics. Antabuse, a drug that produces a violent intolerance for alcohol as long as the substance remains in the body, is sometimes used after withdrawal. (Doug, 2005) Alcoholics Anonymous, a support group commonly used for those undergoing other treatment, in many cases helps alcoholics to recover without recourse to formal treatment or facilitates sustained remission in those who completed formal treatment.Two pharmacotherapies, naltrexone and acamprosote, have recently been shown to reduce the chances for relapse to alcohol dependence when used in combination with psychosocial treatment. Conclusion After reading through many articles about how Alcoholism is a disease, I found that the evidence proving it false was a lot greater than evidence proving it was in fact a disease. The research and facts provided revolved around a physical change in ones system, or â€Å"tolerance†.With any substance that is introduced to the body, it becomes familiar with it and can withstand more of a dose that normal. This does not mean that one is becoming â€Å"dependant† on it or will have trouble not using the substance. It simply means that his body is adjusted to the levels that he his inducing. The process is similar to that of exercising. If one has never jogged before, he will find it hard t o go the distances that a regular runner can, without losing breath or pausing.With repetition and constant practice though, he will find that he is able to travel longer distances without tiring out. Independent studies abroad have shown that one of the major reasons disproving â€Å"Alcoholism as a Disease† is that when treated with a program such as AA, the drinker, or â€Å"patient†, is confronted with stopping drinking cold and taking control of their lives. If Alcoholism was in fact an uncontrollable disease, that takes control of various organs and functions of the body as it deteriorates them, one would not be able to do this process successfully.References Ann W. Lawson, Gary Lawson, (2004), â€Å"Alcoholism and the Family: A Guide to Treatment and Prevention† (2nd edition) Motivation Pr. Bower, Bruce. (1992) Science News. Alcoholism: Nurture May Often Outdo Nature Washington: Vol. 141, Iss. 5; p. 69 http://proquest. umi. com/pqdweb Donald W. Goodwin (2 000) â€Å"Alcoholism: The Facts† ; 3 edition Oxford University Press, USA Doug Thorburn, (2005) â€Å"Alcoholism Myths and Realities: Removing the Stigma of Society's most Destructive Disease† Galt Publishing Edenberg, Howard J (2004) Medical Letter on the CDC FDA.Alcoholism; Alcoholism risk linked to gene involved in brain chemistry Atlanta: p. 10 http://gateway. proquest. com/openurl Elliot, Victoria Stagg (Ed. ). (2001). Addictive Cocktail: Alcoholism and genetics. AMedNews. http://www. ama-assn. org/amednews/2001/02/05/hlsa0205. htm Fitzgerald, Kathleen Whalen. (1988), Alcoholism: The Genetic Inheritance, New York: Doubleday Heath, Andrew C and Elliot C Nelson. (2002) â€Å"Alcohol Research and Health. Effects of the interaction between genotype and environment: Research into the genetic epidemiology of alcohol dependence†, Washington: Vol.26, Iss. 3; p. 193 http://proquest. umi. com/pqdweb Mawr, Bryn. (2002) Senior Seminar in Neural and Behavioral Sciences . Nature, Nurture, and Evolution. Haverford College. Nicholas A. Pace. (2001) â€Å"Alcoholism Is a Disease† Alcohol. William Dudley, Ed. Teen Decisions Series. Greenhaven Press Richard Fields, (2006). â€Å"Drugs in Perspective† McGraw-Hill College Volpicelli, Joseph R. , â€Å"Alcohol Dependence: Diagnosis, Clinical Aspects, And Biopsychosocial Causes† http://www. doctordeluca. com/Documents/AlcDependenceOverviewVolpicelli. htm

Srucial part of job Essay

And here the other job of the sales team will kick in because they have to go around to talk with the retail establishment, big and small, in the cities they are operating, which will require an extended travel as sometimes they have to cover the outskirts of the city as well as the outlying regions. There is a huge competition to get space in the crowded shelves of retailers that will have to be convinced that the product is worth their recommendation and meets all the legal requirements to be sold for the public, which is part of the job of the sales team to furnish proof and explanation. This is also a very crucial part of their job, although at times it could be done through the distributors. However, the smaller retailers that are not chain stores might have to be approached individually or it might be the job of the distributors to convince them to carry the new product that should attract many buyers because of what it is offering, which is not only unique but functional foods are new even for the general food market that is catering for the adult buyers. After doing that, the particular brand depending on its popularity might start to sell itself, where distributors and retailers would want to put it in their stock and on their shelves because it is selling well, and when that point is reached the sales team could say their job is partially done, but they can still search for new locations and retailers in the same regions or in other regions. The conclusion is the baby food market is a highly regulated market and it is similar to the pharmaceutical market where manufacturers do not have a direct access to the buyers and users of their products, because of the sensitive nature of what is involved, which is the life of young children whose growth could be harmed irreversibly if they are not given what they exactly need for their normal growth from the beginning. Even if there is no outright opposition to the existence of the breast milk substitutes, the authorities and other concerned groups would have preferred if mothers start using it between four and five months, but since that might not be possible because of the nature of the life of the mothers themselves who could be working outside of the home, which will result in their being time strapped, and instead of preparing food for their children at home it will be easier for them to pick the substitutes form the various stores and mix the feeding process with their own breast-feeding since it is proven to be vital for the children. Similarly, the existence of the breast milk substitutes will become handy for children whose mothers cannot breast-feed them for various reasons that were mentioned earlier, and in their case the breast milk substitute will come close to breast milk and they will grow up healthy as there are sources that are saying even if people simply wanted to believe that breast milk is better for the child and it will create some kind of bondage between mother and child, in reality the substitutes are proven scientifically to be as good as the breast milk if not better. Therefore, any company that is selling baby food, which has a global market of close to $21 billion a year will have to go over many hurdles to put the substitute on the hands of the mothers that will use it to feed their baby properly and everyone will be benefited at the end of the day. [10] REFERENCE 1. Nestle in Northern Europe. Retrieved from the Web on April 5, 2007. www. nestle. se/neobuilder/200108091943_6622_3b72cbb9544e1. html 2. Baby Food Business Assessment. Retrieved from the Web on April 5, 2007. www.researchandmarkets. com/reports/3492 3. Baby Food Industry Lobbies WHO. Retrieved from the Web on April 5, 2007. www. bmj. com/cji/content/full/321/7273/1411 4. The Ecologist. Retrieved from the Web on April 5, 2007. www. theecologist. org/archive_detail. asp? 5. International Code. Retrieved from the Web on April 5, 2007. www. ibfan. org/english/resource/who/fullcode. html 6. Nestles Market War. HighBeam Encyclopedia. Retrieved from the Web on April 5, 2007. www. encyclopedia. com/doc/1G1-131934511. html 7. Breast Feeding. Retrieved from the Web on April 5, 2007. www. geocities. com/HotSprings/spa/3156/code. htm 8. Health Workers and the Baby Food Industry. Retrieved from the Web on April 5, 2007. www. bmj. com/cji/content/full/312/7046/1556 9. Nestle Public Relation Machine Exposed. Retrieved from the Web on April 5, 2007. www. babymilkaction. org/boycott/prmachine. html 10. Health-Conscious-Drive-Baby-Food-Market-Growth. Retrieved from the Web on April 5, 2007. www. rncos. com/Press_Release/Health-Conscious-Drive-Baby-Food-Market-Growth-July. htmÃ'Ž

Anthropologic Comparison Of Orangutans, Gorillas, And Chimpanzees Essay

Anthropologic Comparison Of Orangutans, Gorillas, And Chimpanzees - Essay Example Studies have revealed that female orangutans solely assume the responsibility of rearing their children whereas the males their work is over once they mate. This implies the male is not that social, which prompts their young males once they reach maturity to leave their mothers to live the solitary life (Maggioncalda 14). Chimpanzees are the most social primates compared to both the orangutans and gorillas (Haviland 59). Consequently, this is has prompted numerous scientists to refer to their social structure as "fusion-fission" due to the close-knit groups, which they normally maintain. Mainly these social units comprise of 10 chimpanzees where they usually move together from one place to another in search of food (Haviland 59). Contrary to the gorillas and orangutans, they usually keep strong family or community bonds that may carry on for a lifetime. Dominance in any group by males adopts the age’s hierarchy, where the old chimp becomes the alpha primate, which is also evident among their females though they are under males. Chimpanzees unlike to the orangutans, they guard their territory by touring their boundaries. Once another male chimpanzee intrudes the territory, others gang up against the intruder. However, almost mature female chimpanzees are free to move from one group to another bu t still maintain their natal bond, which is contrary to the orangutans (Primate Infor Net). Gorillas’ social structure is in between that of chimpanzees and orangutans. This is because one male commonly referred to as silverback usually dominates one female troop; mainly for mating and protection purposes (ONeil).

Research Methods in Social Sciences Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Research Methods in Social Sciences - Essay Example   The experimental survey is a planed design that inflicts a great deal control over the conditions of the research procedure (Ruane, 2004). All experiments entail random task of participants in the phenomenon of the research, dependent and independent variables. The main aim of performing an experiment is to examine casual associations between the dependent variable and independent variable. Researchers might carry out experiments in extremely controlled laboratory settings or in field environments, in which the researcher has somewhat less control over the resultant forces that may influence the variables. In the laboratory, the researcher normally has adequate control over peripheral forces that may affect the participant. Simon indicates that the purpose of the experimental technique is to generate data from which a researcher might obtain genuine conclusions as efficiently as possible. The disparities in outcomes displayed among the different experimental and control groups do not arise from disparities in original forms among the groups. Rather, they result from differences among the stimuli offered to the experimental groups. As Crane, & Brewer asserts, the researcher who prepares the study and plans the conclusion measures, also resolves how the independent variable is to be maneuvered in most experimental research. In addition, most experimental research aims at testing forecasts based on hypothesis rather than generalizing directly from the simulated setting of the laboratory to real experience.  

Case Study Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Paper - Case Study Example onal leader because he gets involved in every activity that is taking place in his businesses, allowing each employee to have a chance to make certain recommendations on ways of improving different projects and activities. Branson is an exceptional servant leader who leads from the front and works to benefit both his employees, and clients. Sir Branson does understand that the failure is part of life. However, he urges all his employees to fail because that is the only way they can learn to correct their mistakes. So often, as Branson notes, people fear failure yet the only way one can learn to do anything is buy learning how to do it. If everyone is fearful that the mistakes may cost him or her job, Branson opines that that is a sure way of failing in becoming successful (Scouller, 2011). He tells of his past as a good way of learning how to deal with life because the rules sometimes hinder people from achieving their best in life. However, if one looks beyond what the rules offer, the success of the company will be nesting on that particular end. The regulations in place do not hinder the success of the company but are a boost towards rising above the status quo. In fact, Branson urges all his employees to be bold enough to challenge themselves by taking up new challenges and working towards realizing their goals. Th e aim is to build an enterprise that points towards success rather than remain etched in the confines of one’s fears (Howell, 2012). Many people also fail to understand that concentrating on a goal is the best way of overcoming any fear. At a young age, Branson was diagnosed with dyslexia, and performed poorly in the normal classroom structures. However, that did not kill his dream (Howell, 2012). He went on to start a magazine that gave the youth a voice, and since then, he has never looked back in regret. He shows his employees that what makes them fail is their inability to get past their failures and fears. He shows them that the best way of

Power dynamics and empowerment issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Power dynamics and empowerment issues - Essay Example Power is realized and applied through certain social laws, actions and even strikes. The example, in terms of health it can be the social policy of a definite state. If local hospitals will have the power to check all potential HIV carriers then the rate of the malady spread will surely go down. Another example may include the power given to the directors of organizations not set the pre-condition of non-smoking in the office. This aspect is also very important to the health promotion. Power is the best incentive for some organizations to step in. For instance there many medical institutions that just do not have power to fulfill all their plans and intentions. There is an organization that strives for treating alcoholics. It is well known in the medicine that this chronic disease is treated only with the patient’s consent. However, only a small percentage of the drunkards are going to accept them being ill. That is why this organization demands to be given the power to take such people to hospitals by force. The thing is that in this way doctors limit a patient’s freedom that is considered the most violent crime in the modern world. On the other hand such person terrorizes the whole family not allowing them to live peacefully. Mothers and wives cannot cope with the physical force of a drunken man and have only to suffer. All their exhortations result in nothing – the only way out to fight with alcoholism is to give power to medical centers to go ahead. During several decades social discrepancy, poverty, famine, and other social disaster has risen significantly. Despite the rising numberÐ º of prosperous people in the developed countries – they constitute for about 20%, at those developed countries the number of poor people has reached the amount of 30%. â€Å"World-wide health disparities are increasing due to vulnerability to disease from severe malnutrition, rapid re-emergence of water and

Policy And Practice In the Education of Bilingual Children Essay

Policy And Practice In the Education of Bilingual Children - Essay Example The physical environment of the school and classroom Upon entering the school, a large map welcomes people with the sign that read: â€Å"Welcome to our school. We come from all over the world and we speak 27 languages†. For each language, it was connected to the country of origin as indicated in the map. This sign gave a very warm welcome to anyone who visited the school no matter what culture he or she comes from. An IT room is available for any EAL learner to use whenever one needs to consult a computer for spelling or grammar or anything that pertains to the English language. This additional resource to support their learning is another indication that the school anticipates learners’ needs and provides them when called for. The classroom observed had a big inflatable globe which represents a wide range of diversity is accepted there. The children can freely explore the globe and search for their own countries and link it to their native language. A trained EAL teac her was employed by the school to help facilitate the cognitive, language and literacy development of foreign children. Adults play a huge role in the language development of children, as they need someone who uses simple language in correct form and is flexible enough adjust his language to suit the child’s (Clay, 1988). Having a good second language teacher is essential to learning the language more fluently. The researcher does not discount the fact that imitation of proper pronunciation and intonation is necessary. Hence, learners should have attentive ears and retentive minds, and of course, cooperative tongues to be able to speak fluently in such language. Children also need opportunities to practice speaking and listening to the second language outside the language lessons, so that... This paper approves that in EAL, scaffolding comes in three forms, One is scaffolding by adults by making their expectations clear by sharing learning objectives and criteria for success with the students by way of modeling and demonstrating the English language, ‘recasting’ of the children’s language from their L1 and providing them with opportunities to use their whole language repertoire to aid them in understanding their L2. The teacher may also use scaffolding through visual support, via pictures, props, models, frames and language prompts, graphic organizers, diagrams, maps, plans and essentially all the print and picture cues they put up in the environmental setting. This report makes a conclusion that the numerous issues on second language learning, especially English, only prove that it is creating much impact on the development of children from diverse cultures. More and more people consider its advantages and possible disadvantages. Such amount of attention is worth it because people think up of ways on how to maximize its benefits. Learning another language apart from one’s native language helps children be ready to be highly competent in an increasingly globalized world. However, although they become bilingual, it should not be forgotten that they also become bicultural, and learning of one language and the culture that goes with it does not mean forgetting their original one. Teachers should take into consideration that their non-English speaking students should learn English in both its context and language elements so the students gain a better understanding and appreciation of the English language.

Environmental Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Environmental Systems - Essay Example as the key determinants of economic growth and thus have a direct though complex effect on how the other natural resources such as water, forests, pasture and biodiversity have been made use of from time to time. In spite of the negative general relation that is present between poverty and the environment, the focus for the better part has remained on the current development policy whilst keeping in mind peoples strengths. Even though natural resources and access to the land have remained as a main source of rural income, the two need to be seen in the wider scheme of things. The positive effects of diversification have been seen as being on the higher side as compared to the negative ones. The same have included the reduction of risk as well as vulnerability through spreading assets, in essence a generalized and elaborate use of family and household labor, cash generation for the purpose of investment in human and physical capital and in improvement of the environment due to minimal pressure courtesy the natural resources. Primary Gross and Net Productivity is mapped with the additive approach in an area that is marked with intensively managed agricultural land especially in the Midwest United States. To produce the required land cover map, a Landsat ETMz image dating from 29 July 1999 was acquired from the MODIS Land Team. Therefore, care was taken to locate the positional accuracy of the image and the same was measured by direct comparison with USGS digital orthophoto quadrangles concerned with the study area. Moving further ahead, land cover mapping was performed in such a manner that used unsupervised clustering of the six ETMz reflectance bands. After the same had taken place, clusters were assigned to five different classes which included water, urban and built, barren and sparsely vegetated, corn and last but not the least, soybean. This was performed with reference to the DOQs, air photographs, interpreter knowledge as well as the spectral

Financial Econometrics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Financial Econometrics - Essay Example ables fall into 3 general classes, namely: location statistics (eg, mean, median, mode, quantiles), dispersion statistics (eg, variance, standard deviation, range, interquartile range), and shape statistics (eg, skewness, kurtosis)†.The descriptive statistics gives the overall description of the data by providing the measures of central tendency, and the measures of dispersion. statistics. According to Petty( 2015) â€Å"A logarithmic price scale is plotted so that the prices in the scale are not positioned equidistantly; instead, the scale is plotted in such a way that two equal percent changes are plotted as the same vertical distance on the scale. The log returns basically is auto – correlated while the case is different with log prices. The log return are usually preferred in quantitative analysis as it gives a better insights in to aspects like normalization and classical statistics. Here the data stream for the 20-year period of January 1995 to December 2014 is used to calculate the log price and log return. Also a graph representation for the log price and the log returns is formulated in order to deliver a quantitative analysis of the specific data of the company. Here, histogram is used to represent the graph of the statistical data in a visual form The above analysis explains the descriptive statistics of the log prices and the log return of the data. From the log return, we can observe that the mean value of log return is 5.740008, with a standard deviation of 8.558659. The mean of log prices is 334.934 with the standard deviation of 0.024659. The skewnes of the variable log return is equal to 0.2427 which is a negative value implying that the value of the log return is negatively skewed. The value of kurtosis of the log return is equal to -1.02302 which is a negative value. This implies that the data of log return has a low distributed or low peaked about the mean. The skewnes of the variable log price is equal to -0.785038 which is a negative value

Ema Essay Example for Free

Ema Essay The main reason for this is the radical changes put in place so rapidly with immediate effect. This resulted in lack of structure and consistency throughout the whole chain stores, as you gave each store manager to much autonomy to change the store i. e. decor, food menu etc. , the business culture values as a whole was lost and that was what made the business a success before. I understand some changes had to be made but not so drastically. The loss of business culture and lack of dimension of structure had a lot negative effect in the business especially demographic and sociology factor wise as regular customers dislike the changes and constant change in staff router, the reason for this was staff/managers never has any incentive target to work towards so they would leave after short while which causes extra expenditure cost. Some good ideas drawn from the case study but presented in a quite unstructured way Part b) In Study session 1 we introduced a series a metaphors to describe a business one of them was business as a culture which is a pattern of belief and expectation shared by the organisational members. These beliefs and expectation produces norms that powerfully shape the behaviour of individual and groups within the organisation. As you recruited new staff with no experience and gave managers freedom to change each branch to their liking it took away the business identity and culture. The cause of this is inadequate training giving to new staff and lack of knowing the root/history of the business. A good example is how Disney world recruit and trains their staff, after passing the first phase the second is enrolling at university of Disney land where they undergo forty-hour apprenticeship programme, employee learn about the history and philosophy of Disneyland, and the regulation and procedures that govern work. The way Disney recruits is essential to keep hold of the business ethics and culture. OK but make sure the TMA maintains focus on the set question. Another example by Drennan (1992), who proposed 12 key factor that shape the culture of the business some of these are: The influence of a dominant leader-the vision, management style and personality of the founder or leader in a business often has a significant influence on the value that the business tries to promote The history of the business – how things has always been done The customers of the business who are they and what they expect The reward system and the measurement of performance c) These factor (above) could be useful to you to address your business problems vague and general in the future if put in place other suggestions are: Practices: These are the rites, ritual and ceremonies of the business. These can take many forms, and would include the annual office party, employees and inner site completion (what does this mean? ). (as mentioned before) Physical form: these include location, open plan or individual plan or individual office. Not relevant in a restaurant. Communication: Stories of notable events in the past tend to become part of the culture of the business and can influence behaviour explain how this relates to the case. A common language: jargon is common to many business. It is a convenient short hand form of communication, but is also effect behaviour. Disney employees are â€Å"cast crew† while McDonalds employee are â€Å"crew Members†. You have to be careful to hold on to the facts of the case, and not to go off at a tangent. Part 2 One of topics I found interesting through reading and taking part in discussion (book1 TMA01 Activity 1. 3) through TGF, which was the concept of business culture whether a business culture can be changed. At first I thought how a culture integrates in a business metaphorically and the more I read and researched the more I understood the big role it plays in a successful business. Many cultural element of a business is not obvious, but there has been attempts in the academic literature to develop definition and identify influencing factors. It is possible to see, or feel, that one business is different from another, and that this involves more than just how it present itself to the outside world.. During our discussion on whether a business culture can be changed, I felt that as human we have to adapt to new cultures to understand each other so for a business is imperative for changes to be put in place to modernise the business culture where needed to evolve the business. Some key factors influencing culture are: Which industry or sector he business is in, and how much and what type of competition it faces The procedures and policies within the business – ever-evolving, but often a good indicator of underlying values. The reward system and the measurement of performance Good summary Where is your references list? Where is your word count? MARKING GRID Part I Maximum Marks Your Marks Question 1 (a) Identify the problems faced by Lodge Bistro that relate to the study session chosen Explicit identification of the study session chosen20 List of problems106 Why these are problems and how these affect Lodge Bistro1814 Total marks Q1(a)30 20

Ethics Article Review Essay Example for Free

Ethics Article Review Essay Ethics in accounting and financial decision-making has received increased attention due to large corporate scandals such as WorldCom and Enron in recent years. Legislation such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has attempted to make corporations more transparent to internal and external stakeholders. After analyzing the 2005 article by Richard Bernardi and Catherine LaCross, Corporate Transparency: Code of Ethics Disclosures, recommendations will be made to improve ethical foundations at the San Quentin State Prison based on the parameters outlined by Sarbanes-Oxley. In the Corporate Transparency article, the key point is made that along with changes in the accounting practices, disclosing a code of ethics to the public will ensure better internal compliance with ethical practices. Those organizations that did not publicly disclose codes of ethics were less likely to truly conform to ethical practices required in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 was legislation enacted in response to large corporate scandals. The Act calls for public corporations to publicly disclose all financial statements, store all electronic records for five years and these rules are governed by the SEC (Spurzem, 2006). Sarbanes Oxley has impacted organizations in that accountants and financial decision makers are open to public scrutiny based on the public financial statement disclosures and IT departments must adequately create and maintain corporate archives that are cost effective and in compliance with legislation (Spurzem, 2006). Organizations have been impacted financially by having to add extra resources to maintain compliance and avoid fines. According to Bernardi and LaCross, â€Å". . . one example of a ‘best practice’ in transparency is a corporation making its code of ethics readily available for public scrutiny on its website (par 1). † Corporations increase legitimacy with openly stated code of ethics and websites are an economically feasible avenue for making a particular code available to the public. The article argues that organizations that go beyond the basic requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley and declare a universal code of ethics show that the organization is willing to ‘walk the talk’ of ethics. SEC chairman Donaldson is quoted as saying â€Å". . . going beyond mere adherence or conformity to new dictates and of Sarbanes-Oxley: responsibilities that rest at the very heart of their obligation to create a corporate culture of transparency and accountability (Bernardi, 2005, par 6). † Integrating ethics into a corporate culture is extremely effective in ensuring strong ethical compliance within organizations. At the San Quentin State Prison, ethics are important in many aspects of business including accounting, financial decisions, inmate treatment, medical care, and general work environment. There are many opportunities for unethical practices to take hold in a prison facility. Since the facility is closed off to the general public, self-monitoring is a crucial part of maintaining an ethical environment in all aspects of the prison business. San Quentin has the responsibility to use public tax dollars wisely and ethically as well as to maintain a corporate culture with high integrity. Based on the research findings by Bernardi and LaCross, the recommendation for a San Quentin State Prison public code of ethics will focus the entire prison cultural towards walking the ethical talk. All prison employees would be held individually responsible for maintaining the highest code of ethics across all job functions from accounting and financial decision-makers to medical employees. Ethics in business span larger than just accounting and financial-decision making. While these areas are extremely important, developing a code of ethics for all job functions in an organization is essential to maintaining an ethical corporate environment. At San Quentin Prison, an official code of ethics would guide the organization to best practices to ensure success. References http://searchcio.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid19_gci920030,00.html

Introduction Of Engine Block

Introduction Of Engine Block Until recently, cast iron and aluminum alloys have been successfully used to manufacture most diesel and conventional gasoline-powered engine blocks. However, with a greater emphasis on increasing the efficiency of the engine via weight reduction, there is a search for alternative alloys that are lighter than cast iron and aluminum alloys, while retaining the necessary strength to withstand the forces of an engine. In the late 1990s engine blocks made from plastic and other experimental materials were being used in prototype cars with the hope of developing more lightweight, efficient vehicles . Also lately new manufacturing processes have been developed that have brought to light two new alloys suitable for use in an engine block, magnesium alloy AMC-SC1 and compacted graphite cast iron (CGI). Thus this project will cover, the functional requirements of the engine block, the processes used to manufacture the part, and the mechanical properties of the alloys. INTRODUCTION: Todays engines are an integral component of an automobile that are built in a number of configurations and are considerably more complex than early automotive engines. The use of lighter and stronger engineering materials to manufacture various components of the engine has also had an impact allowing engineers to increase the power-to-weight of the engine, and thus the automobile. Since the engine block is also a relatively large component, it constitutes 20-25% of the total weight of an engine. Thus there is much interest in reducing the blocks weight.[Keay, Sue: Diet of Australian metal lightens cars and pollution, Media release, 14 October 2002.] Many early engine blocks were manufactured from cast iron alloys primarily due to its high strength and low cost. But, as engine designs became more complicated, the weight of the engine (and thus the vehicle) had increased. Thus the need to come up with lighter alloys that were as strong as cast irons arose. One such material that was being used as a substitute was aluminum alloys. Together, these two metals were used exclusively to fabricate engine blocks. Lately , however, a new material process has made a magnesium alloy suitable for use in engines. The alloy, called AMC-SC1, weighs less than both cast iron and aluminum alloys and represents new possibilities in engine manufacturing. A new manufacturing process have made compacted graphite cast iron (CGI) a viable alternative to gray cast iron for the manufacture of diesel engine blocks. Like magnesium alloys, this material offers a higher strength and lower weight than gray cast iron. Thus this section will cover materials used to manufacture engine blocks , component discussion, its functional requirements, and the materials used to manufacture the part. The mechanical properties of the individual alloys will be incorporated, along with the manufacturing processes used to fabricate the component. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT: WHAT IS AN ENGINE BLOCK? : The engine block is vital structure of vehicles which run on internal combustion, providing the powerhouse for the vehicle. The engine block is termed a block because it is usually a solid cast, housing the cylinders and their components inside a cooled and lubricated crankcase .Common components found in an engine include pistons, camshafts, timing chains,rocker arms, and other various parts. When fully stripped of all components, the core of the engine can be seen: the cylinder block. The cylinder block (popularly known as the engine block) is the strongest component of an engine that provides much of the housing for the hundreds of parts found in a modern engine. The block is typically arranged in a V, inline, or horizontally-opposed (also referred to as flat) configuration and the number of cylinders range from either 3 to as much as 16. Figure 1 shows engine blocks with V configuation. opposed configurations. Functional Requirements of a Cylinder Block: Because engine blocks are a critical component of an engine, it must satisfy a number of functional requirements. These requirements include withstanding high cycle fatigue stresses, thermal strains, and aggressive wear conditions over the full life of the engine, housing internal moving parts and fluids, ease of service and maintenance. REQUIRED MATERIAL PROPERTIES: The one-dimensional era of engine design is finished. The current approach considers the loads acting at each point of the engine block. (Vollrath, 2003) In order for an engine block to meet the above functional requirements, the engineering material(s) used to manufacture the the cylinder block material should have adequate strength and rigidity in compression, bending, and torsion. This is necessary to resist the gas pressure loads and also for the components, which convert the reciprocating motion of individual piston into a single rotary motion. The cylinder-block material should (a) be relatively cheap, (b) readily produce castings with good impressions, (c) be easily machined, (d) be rigid and strong enough in both bending and torsion, (e) have good abrasion resistance, (f) have good corrosion resistance, (h) have a high thermal conductivity,(to prevent failure under high temperatures). (i) retain its strength at high operating temperatures, and (J) have a relatively high thermal expansion, low density.(to resist expanding under high operating temperatures) High strength is a particular concern in diesel engines, since compression ratios are normally 17.0:1 or higher compared to about 10.0:1 for conventional engines. , and thermal conductivity . Good machinability and castability of the metal alloy are also important factors in selecting the proper material, as the harder it is to machine the product, the higher the costs of manufacturing. In addition to the previously mentioned properties, the alloys must possess good vibration damping to absorb the vibrations of the moving parts. METALS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE CYLINDER BLOCKS: Based on the functional requirements of the cylinder block and the material properties required to meet the functional requirements, industries have used cast iron and aluminum alloys to manufacture the blocks. EXISTING MATERIALS: 1)Cast iron alloys are used because of the combination of good mechanical properties, low cost, and availability. 2)Certain aluminum alloys combine the characteristics of iron alloys with low weight, thereby making the material more attractive to manufacturers who are seeking a competitive edge. NEW MATERIALS: 3)Compacted graphite cast iron is lighter and stronger than gray cast iron, making the alloy a more attractive alternative to the latter in the production of cylinder blocks, particularly in diesel engines. 4)Magnesium alloys, which were previously unsuited for use as an engine block material, have the advantage of being the lightest of all the mentioned metals, yet still retains the required strength demanded by a block. 1)GRAY CAST IRON ALLOYS: Gray cast iron alloy have been the dominant metal that was used to manufacture conventional gas-powered engine blocks. Though extensive use of aluminum alloys has minimized the popularity of this material, it still finds wide use in diesel-fueled blocks, where the internal stresses are much higher. The use of cast iron blocks has been wide spread due to its low cost and good formability. Generally types of gray cast iron of pearlite microstructure is used in the manufacturing of engine block. Gray cast iron alloys typically composition: A typical cast iron is a gray cast iron, which contains 2.5-4 wt.% carbon, 1-3 wt.% silicon, 0.2-1.0 wt.% manganese, 0.02-0.25 wt.% sulfur, and 0.02-1.0 wt.% phosphorus [Anyalebechi, P.N.: Essentials of Materials Science Engineering, January 2005, p. 94.]. and the balance (93.6%) iron. The carbon improves lubrication property of graphite, the silicon controls the formation of a laminated structure, called pearlite, which has good wear resistance, and the manganese strengthens and toughens the iron structure. A common aluminium alloy composition is 11.5% silicon, 0.5% manganese, and 0.4% magnesium, with the balance (87.6%) aluminium. The high silicon content in this alloy reduces expansion but improves cast-ability, strength, and abrasion resistance, while the other two elements strengthen the aluminium structure. While this alloy provides a good corrosion resistance, it can absorb only moderate shock loads. Types of cast iron used in engine block: SAE grade G2500- used for small engine blocks. SAE grade G3500-used for heavy and larger diesel engine blocks. Also some ductile iron are also used in manufacturing engine blocks. SAE AMS 5313C: mechanical properties: [alloying: understanding the basics , by joseph R devis.] Grade or class Hardness HB(a) Tensile strength min(b) MPa Yield strength min(b) MPa Elongtion in 50 mm(2in),%(b) Class A 190 max 414 310 15 Gray cast iron has excellent damping capacity, good wear and temperature resistance, is easily machinable, and is inexpensive to produce. However, gray cast irons are relatively weak and are prone to fracture and deformation. Although cast iron meets most of these requirements, it has a low thermal conductivity and is comparatively heavier. Due to these limitations, light aluminium alloys have been used as alternative cylinder-block materials for petrol engines. Cylinder liners are optional with cast-iron blocks; but are more essential with the relatively soft light aluminum alloy blocks, as they cannot directly withstand wear resistance. Because of the lower strength of the aluminum alloys, the blocks are cast with thicker sections and additional support ribs, so that their weight becomes about half of the equivalent cast-iron blocks. Due to these problems, compacted graphite iron has recently begun to compete with gray cast iron as the choice material to produce diesel engine blocks. COMPACTED GRAPHITE CAST IRON: Compacted graphite cast iron (CGI), which was accidentally discovered while trying to produce ductile cast iron, possesses higher tensile strength and elastic modulus than gray cast iron due to the compacted graphite found on the microstructure of CGI. Figure 8 CGI typical microstructure: 5% nodularity, 9% graphite, 265 particles/mm2. 3. CGI a new combination of properties: As shown in Fig. 8, the compacted graphite iron graphite particles appear as individual worm-shaped or vermicular particles. The particles are elongated and randomly oriented as in gray iron; however they are shorter and thicker, and have rounded edges. The compacted graphite morphology inhibits crack initiation and growth and is the source of the improved mechanical properties, as compared to gray iron. Compacted graphite iron invariably includes some nodular (spheroidal) graphite particles. As the nodularity increases, the strength and stiffness also increase, but only at the expense of castability and thermal conductivity (Guesser et all, 2001). It is usual to set a limit of 20% nodularity for CGI specifications. Table 1 shows mechanical properties of CGI, with grades from 300 to 500 MPa. In the case of cylinder blocks and heads, where castability, machinability and heat transfer are all of paramount importance, it is necessary to impose a more narrow specification. A typical specification for a CGI cylinder block or head can be summarised as follows: 1) 0-20% nodularity, for optimal castability, machinability and heat transfer 2) No free flake graphite, flake type graphite (as in grey iron) causes local weakness 3) >90% pearlite, to provide high strength and consistent properties 4) This general specification will result in a minimum-measured tensile strength of 450 MPa in a 25 mm diameter test bar, and will satisfy the ISO 16112 Compacted Graphite Iron standard for Grade GJV 450. The typical mechanical properties for this CGI Grade, in comparison to conventional grey cast iron and aluminium are summarised in Table 1: Mechanical and Physical Propertiesof CGI in comparison to conventional grey cast iron and aluminium at 20 °C Property Units GJV 450 GJL 250 GJL 300 A 390.0 Ultimate Tensile Strength MPa 450 250 300 275 Elastic Modulus GPa 145 105 115 80 Elongation % 1 to 2 0 0 1 Rotating-Bending Fatigue 20 °C) MPa 210 110 125 100 Rotating-Bending Fatigue (225 °C) MPa 205 100 120 35 Thermal Conductivity W/m-K 36 46 39 130 Thermal Expansion ÃŽÂ ¼m-m-K 12 12 12 18 Density g/cc 7.1 7.1 7.1 2.7 Brinnell Hardness BHN 10-3000 215-255 190-225 215-225 110-150 The results allow the comparison between CGI and gray iron. It can be seen the increase on tensile strength, moving from gray iron to CGI. CGI also shows a higher elastic modulus, when compared to gray iron. [- Mechanical properties of gray iron and CGI grades 400-450. 195-230 HB. Samples taken from the castings (Guesser, 2003)]. Figure 10 [Elastic modulus of gray iron and CGI grade 400. 12.0L I6 cylinder block (Guesser, 2003).] The results in Figure 10 were obtained from two sources: test bars and main bearings of a 12.0L cylinder block. The increase in elastic modulus, from 100 GPa for gray iron to 150 GPa for CGI, results in slighter cylinder bore distortion as reported by Tholl et all (1996), therefore reducing oil consumption and emissions. Results of fatigue strength tests can be seen on figure 11, comparing gray iron grade 250 and CGI grade 450, samples from an I6 5.9L diesel cylinder block. The fatigue limit for the gray iron is 62-79 MPa, depending on the carbon content, while for the CGI the fatigue limit is 175 MPa. The raise of fatigue strength allows the designer to reduce the cylinder block weight. As a result of mechanical properties improvements, a design study conducted by AVL Austria (Sorger Holland, 1999) has evaluated downsizing opportunities for a 1.8 L diesel engine cylinder block, converting from gray iron to CGI. The benefits of this conversion included: 1)9% reduction in overall weight of the finished engine 2) 22% reduction in weight of machined cylinder block 3) 15% reduction in overall length of the finished engine 4) 5% reduction in both; height and width of the finished engine Like gray cast iron, compacted graphite cast iron has good damping capacity and thermal conductivity, but its difficulty to machine has limited the wide-scale use of CGI. A new manufacturing process, however, has opened the way for larger applications of CGI. The development of rotary insert tools has increased the life of the tools used to machine the metal, thus allowing manufacturers to use CGI without worrying about purchasing new tools [Georgiou, George: Iron engines may be in your future, Tooling Production, September 2003, Vol. 69, issue 9, p. 26.]. MAGNESIUM ALLOYS: Magnesium alloys have been used in engines before, but not for cylinder blocks. Rather. The main advantage of this alloy is that the material is much lighter than cast iron and aluminum alloys and has the same strength as cast iron and aluminum alloys[Lampman, Steven: Tuning Up the Metals in Auto Engines, Advanced Materials Processes, May 1991, p. 17.][Anonymous, Magnesium alloy resists high temperature in engine blocks, Advanced Materials and Processes, August 2003, vol. 161, issue 8, p. 13.]. Material scientists and engineers were determined to exploit these characteristics of magnesium alloy and use it to fabricate engine blocks. There were a number of magnesium alloys available that met or exceeded the requirements demanded by manufacturers for an engine block, but insufficient material stability at high temperatures hindered their actual use. Following are the two alloys which have been found suitable for mass production of engine blocks. AMC-SC1: In 2003 material scientists and engineers from the Cooperative Research Center for Cast Metals Manufacturing and the Australian Magnesium Corporation presented their discovery of sand-cast AMC-SC1 magnesium alloy [Anonymous, Magnesium alloy resists high temperature in engine blocks, Advanced Materials and Processes, August 2003, vol. 161, issue 8, p. 13.]. This grade of magnesium alloy contains two rare earth elements, lanthanum and cerium, and was heat-treated with T6. This stabilizes the strength of the alloy at high engine operating temperatures, which is a necessary requirement for a cylinder block material [16]. Bettles et al. had performed experiments to determine the yield and creep strengths of AMC-SC1 and their results are shown in Table 3 [Bettles, C. et al., AMC-SC1: A New Magnesium Alloy Suitable for Powertrain Applications, Society of Automotive Engineers, 2003, p. 2.]. From Table 3, the most significant point is that the yield strength of AMC-SC1 essentially stays the same at 177 °C as it does at room temperature. Table 3: Yield and creep strengths of magnesium AMC-SC1 at room temperature, 150 °C, and 177 °C [17]. Room temperature 24 °C 150 °C 177 °C Yield strength, MPa 120 116 117 Creep strength, MPa 120 98 This means that the material is able to tolerate a wide range of operating temperatures without a loss in strength. Other properties of the magnesium alloy 10 include good thermal conductivity, excellent machining and casting qualities, and excellent damping characteristics. To demonstrate the significant weight savings of magnesium alloy over cast iron and aluminum alloy, consider BMWs inline-6 R6 (shown in Figure 4), which replaced the companys M54 aluminum engine. Its cylinder block is made of AMC-SC1 and is said to have decreased the weight of a comparably-built gray cast iron and aluminum alloy block by 57% and 24% [Jost, Kevin: BMW builds better inline six, Automotive Engineering International, January 2005, pp. 20-32.]. So far, BMW is the only company to have used magnesium alloy cylinder blocks in production vehicles. But, with a significant weight advantage over the current alloys used today and negligible increase in cost, other manufacturers will begin to consider the use of AMC-SC1 and possibly other grades of magnesium alloys for engine blocks. Figure 4: BMWs 6-cylinder R6 powerplant uses a magnesium alloy AMC-SC1-fabricated cylinder block [Jost, Kevin: BMW builds better inline six, Automotive Engineering International, January 2005, pp. 20-32.]. PRODUCTION PROCESS: STANDARD CASTING WITH SOME MODIFICATIONS: This alloy can be cast using a standard production process, with some modifications. For a magnesium alloy engine to be economically viable, it is not merely the cost of the alloy that is important. The casting process must also be commercially viable. There are several modifications required if an existing casting line of cast iron or aluminum is to be converted to one producing magnesium parts. These can be summarised as follows: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A new inhibitor in the sand cores to prevent reaction between the melt and the sand. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A redesign of the runner and gating system to ensure adequate filling (magnesium alloys have a low heat content). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Preheating of the core package to 150 °C. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Modifications to the core package design to allow low pressure rather than gravity filling and feeding. AM-HP2: AM-HP2 A High Pressure Diecasting Magnesium Alloy: The AM-HP2 magnesium alloy has similar high-temperature strength to AM-SC1 and has been specially tailored for use in the high pressure diecasting process. Like AM-SC1, the light-weight alloy significantly increases fuel-efficiency, environmental sustainability and vehicle agility and is suitable for the powertrain components of vehicles, such as engines blocks etc. Need for New alloy:AM-HP2 AM-HP2 has been specifically developed as a diecasting alloy for high temperature automotive powertrain applications, such as engine blocks, structural sumps and automatic transmission housings. The alloy is based upon the successful sand casting alloy, AM-SC1, with a modified composition to make it suitable for the high pressure die casting process. Commercial Opportunities AM-HP2 Magnesium Alloy in the Auto industry: High pressure diecasting is a highly productive process for mass production of light alloy components. While the casting integrity of sand casting and low pressure/gravity permanent mould castings is higher than high pressure diecasting, the latter technology is cheaper. Thus, this process is gaining popularity among auto manufacturers for casting of aluminium engine blocks. It is also the common process for powertrain components such as transmission housings. There is a strong demand in the automotive industry for a suitable high pressure diecasting magnesium alloy for high volume powertrain applications. AM-HP2 exhibits good diecastability and the required high temperature mechanical properties for engine components (including engine blocks) and automatic transmission housings. It has similar creep properties to alloy, AM-SC1. Advantages of AM-HP2 Magnesium over Other Alloys: A key advantage of AM-HP2 is that the alloy is more diecastable than competitor high temperature creep resistant magnesium alloys.Thus, the alloy can be more readily cast into complex shapes with fewer rejects and a wider operating window. The alloy also has better high temperature creep strength than its competitors and thus offers considerable advantage to engine designers seeking to obtain maximum performance for lowest weight and cost. current status of AM-HP2 magnesium development: Pilot scale diecasting trials and laboratory testing of mechanical properties have demonstrated the suitability of AM-HP2 for mass produced powertrain components. PRODUCTION PROCESSES: 3.2 Casting Processes There are two methods used to cast engine blocks for all materials: green sand molding or lost foam casting. The latter, pioneered by General Motors for their Saturn vehicles, have[11] become more popular due to its capability to produce near net shape components, provide tight tolerances for critical components, and reduce machine maintenance and cost [19]. Green sand molding, however, is still widely used in industry as material costs are low and most metals can be cast by this method [Luther, Norris: Metalcasting and Molding Processes, [Online], 22 March 2005-last visited, Available: http://www.castingsoruce.com/tech_art_metalcasting.asp.]. 3.2.1 Green Sand Molding: Green sand molding the common method to cast engine blocks. The term green denotes the presence of moisture in the molding sand . Figure demonstrates the pattern used in sand casting. The pattern mounted into the moulding box along with the runner and ingate system ready to produce a mould. [http://www.dmdaustralia.com.au/block1.html] From Figure 2, a combination of silica sand, clay, and water poured in one-half of the block pattern with a wood or metal frame. The mold is then compacted by squeezing or jolting, and the process is repeated for the other half of the mold. A core consisting of hardened sand is used for support. Then, molten cast iron, aluminum, or magnesium alloy is poured into the combined molds and solidifies. Once the latter part has been completed, the molds are removed, and the cylinder block is cleaned and inspected. Heat treatment of the block is then undertaken to improve the mechanical properties of the alloy for suitable use. [7]. 12 LOST FOAM CASTING: THE PROCESS: Figure 6: Graphical description of the last 6 of 7 methods of the lost foam casting method [Anonymous, Aluminum Cylinder Block for General Motors Truck/SUV engines, A Design Study in Aluminum Casings, pp. 1-31.] The lost foam casting process uses a expanded polystyrene replica of the part being cast. 1)The coated replica/pattern is placed in a flask and loose sand is placed around the pattern and shaken into its voids. 2)Molten metal is then poured through a foam sprue, or funnel, into the sand where the hot metal melts and displaces the foam of the pattern. 3)the metal cools in the shape of the part. The basic steps of the lost foam casting process are: 1) Pattern Molding Bead Pre expansion and Conditioning, Tool Preheat, Pattern Molding, Pattern Aging 2)Pattern/Cluster Assembly 3)Pattern Coating and Drying 4)Sand Fill and Compaction Metal Casting and Cooling 5)Shakeout, Clean-up, and Finishing Lost foam casting is a more reliable and efficient casting technique of the manufacture of engine blocks than green sand molding. The technique begins with the use of polystyrene beads placed in preexpanders for wet expansion to control bead size and density to produce four separate block moldings to be glued together to form the final mold [7, 19]. Next, the metal tool is preheated to remove any moisture and then filled with the beads. The tool is then heated via steam and placed in an autoclave, where it is subjected to high pressures in order to create the molds [7]. The tool is removed from the autoclave and immersed in water to finish the moldings. Precise control over the heating and cooling aspect ensures dimensionally accurate, smooth and strong molds [Anonymous, Aluminum Cylinder Block for General Motors Truck/SUV engines, A Design Study in Aluminum Casings, pp. 1-31.]. If the tool was not heated before the beads were injected, the results would be rough finishes in the molds with low-strength sections. If the tool and beads stay heated for an extended period of time, or is not cooled enough, the beads become overfused, which produces surface variations in the moldings. If the tool has been inadequately cooled, the molds will contain variations in dimensions [Anonymous, Aluminum Cylinder Block for General Motors Truck/SUV engines, A Design Study in Aluminum Casings, pp. 1-31.]. Figure 3 shows the final half stages of the lost foam casting method. . From Figure 3, once the individual molds are glued together, the assembly is placed in a vat with water-based ceramic liquid to prevent molten metal from destroying the mold, stiffen the assembly, and provide a smooth finish [Anonymous, Aluminum Cylinder Block for General Motors Truck/SUV engines, A Design Study in Aluminum Casings, pp. 1-31.]. The assembly can also be sprayed with the ceramic liquid, but is a time-consuming process. Next, the coated foam engine block is filled with sand,[13] compacted, and immersed in the molten metal alloy. Once cooled, sand is removed from the metal casting, cleaned, and undergoes heat treatment to increase the mechanical properties of the block. Finally, coolant and oil passages are machined into the block. Advantages over conventional sand casting: Unlike conventional sand casting, the lost foam process allows more complex and detailed passages and other features to be cast directly into the part. The lost foam process: 1) Forms complex internal passages and features without cores. 2) Reduces part mass with near net shape capability. 3) Eliminates parting lines. 4) Reduces machining operations and costs. 5)Provides for tight tolerances in critical areas and features. Lost Foam Casting for Fine Features: The lost foam casting process allows more complex and detailed passages and other features to be cast directly into the cylinder block. 1) In the cylinder block, oil galleries, crank case ventilation channels, oil drain back passages, and coolant passages are cast into the block. 2) These features would otherwise require drilling or external plumbing (with a potential for leaks). 3)Lost Foam castings have tighter dimensional tolerances compared to sand castings, because variations caused by core shift and core variability are eliminated and there is much less tool wear over the production life. The direct result is a significant reduction in machining costs and infrastructure investment and fewer opportunities for errors in machining and assembly. A comparison of green sand casting to lost foam casting shows a number of distinct advantages for lost foam: Property Green Sand Casting Lost Foam Casting Complex Internal Features and Part Consolidation Complexity determined by sand core limitations geometry, strength, and cost. Extensive and complex internal features (as small as 0.20) available in lost foam, based on detail duplication and pattern assembly in foam. Dimensional Tolerances +/- 0.030 is typical depending on part size, complexity, and geometry +/- 0.005-0.010 is typical depending on part size, complexity, and geometry. Surface Finish Capabilities 250-600 microinches typical. Depends on grain fineness of sand. 60-250 microinches typical. Depends on bead size and ceramic coating grain fineness. Feature Accuracy Core movement and shift between mold halves across the parting line limit feature accuracy. No cores or mold halves to shift and degrade feature accuracy Parting Line and Draft Angles Parting lines and draft angles are necessary for molding. No parting lines in the mold and minimal draft on tools. Environmental Costs Sand recovery requires binder removal and time consuming sand clean-up Sand is binder free, so it can be easily and rapidly recovered a

Friendship, Life, and Nature: Of Mice and Men Essay -- literary Analys

John Steinbeck is an author that creates an illusion of life in animalistic terms. Throughout the course of the novella, animal characteristics are given to the character Lennie. The author compares the character to an animal along with explaining the physicality and interactive movement of the character. â€Å"These are made acceptable and indeed moving because of the genuine sweetness on feels in Steinbeck’s nature and because he sees these human beings as being at least as dignified as animals† (Allen 325). Human beings have instincts and behaviors that are similar to animals. Steinbeck’s personal interest of humans portray under the living qualities of animals. â€Å"Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Steinbeck 3). Steinbeck compares Lennie to a large animal in physical terms. Lennie’s hand represents the paw of the large animal. Overall, Steinbeck’s style of writing illustrates the lives of two men during the Great Depressi on and the strong connection of friendship they share through a struggle of life and the nature of being human. Protection of a friend depicts the American theme of two male counterparts. George watches over Lennie in protection of his safety and innocence. Taking the role of caring for Lennie after his Aunt Clara, George has to lead both himself and Lennie to their future destination. â€Å"†Hide till I come for you. Don’t let nobody see you. Hide in the brush by the river†Ã¢â‚¬  (Steinbeck 30). Consequently, George needs to monitor Lennie and keep him safe from peril. The George’ words reflect his feelings of dominance and protection over Lennie. George also protects Lennie from losing opportunities in the work force. â€Å"† Then why don’t you let him answer? What you trying to put over?†Ã¢â‚¬  (Steinbeck 22). George will a... ...he bond between George and Lennie, which goes back many years, is different† (â€Å"Themes and Construction: Of Mice and Men.† Exploring Novels. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Student Resource Center- Gold. Web. 26 Apr. 2010). Loneliness, class conflicts and Lennie’s mental disability describes the obstacles one may come across in life. Moreover, the nature of human instinct and behavior creates the backbone of the Steinbeck’s form of writing. â€Å" The novel is replete with references to traps and entrapment, and the frequent use of animal imagery serves as a point of comparison for understanding the emotional states of human characters within the work† (Beachman 3024). Survival of the fittest is influenced by both animal and human. John Steinbeck displays the role of a man’s life during the Great Depression and how extraordinary traits can lead to adverse event of what is to come.

Concept of Species :: essays papers

Concept of Species Over the last few decades the Biological Species Concept (BSC) has become predominately the dominant species definition used. This concept defines a species as a reproductive community. This though has had much refinement through the years. The earliest precursor to the concept is in Du Rietz (1930), then later Dobzhansky added to this definition in 1937.But even after this the definition was highly restrictive. The definition of a species that is accepted as the Biological species concept was founded by Ernst Mayr (1942); "..groups of actually or potentially interbreeding natural populations which are reproductively isolated from other such groups" However, this is a definition on what happens in nature. Mayr later amended this definition to include an ecological component; "..a reproductive community of populations (reproductively isolated from others) that occupies a specific niche in nature The BSC is greatly accepted amongst vertebrate zoologists & entomologists. Two reasons account for this .Firstly these are the groups that the authors of the BSC worked with. (Mayr is an ornithologist & Dobzhansky has worked mainly with Drosophila). More importantly Sexual reproduction is the predominate form of reproduction in these groups. It is not coincidental that the BSC is less widely used amongst botanists. Terrestrial plants exhibit much more greater diversity in their mode of reproduction than vertebrates and insects. There has been many criticisms of the BSC in its theoretical validity and practical utility. For example, the application of the BSC to a number of groups is problematic because of interspecific hybridisation between clearly delimited species.(Skelton). It cant be applied to species that reproduce asexually ( e.g Bdelloid rotifers,eugelenoid flagellates ).Asexual forms of normally sexual organisms are also known. Prokaryotes are also left out by the concept because sexuality as defined in the eukaryotes is unknown. The Biological species concept is also questionable in those land plants that primarily self-pollinate.(Cronquist 1988). Practically the BSC has its limitations in the most obvious form of fossils.-It cant be applied to this evolutionary distinct group because they no longer mate.( Do homo Erectus and homo sapiens represent the same or different species?) It also has limitations when practically applied to delimit species. The BSC suggests breeding experiments as the test of whether a n organism is a distinct species. But this is a test rarely made, as the number of crosses needed to delimit a species can be massive. So the time, effort and money needed to carry out such tests is prohibitive. Not only this but the experiment carried out are often inconclusive. In practice even strong believers of the BSC use phenetic similarities and discontinuties for delimiting species.

Comparing two poems - Binsey Poplar by Hopkins and I wandered lonely Es

Comparing two poems - Binsey Poplar by Hopkins and I wandered lonely as a cloud' by Wordsworth. Compare the two poems and comment on: - The overall feelings of the poem - How they use language effectively - What the poems suggest about the characters of the authors. The two poems 'Binsey Poplars' by Hopkins and 'I wandered lonely as a cloud' by Wordsworth both contain very strong, emotive feelings. However, the feelings that they contain are very different. The 'Binsey Poplars' poem has an overall feeling of anger. Hopkins is openly enraged by the removal of the trees which is clearly seen in the poem as it stresses the sudden shock that Hopkins experiences as he sees his trees have gone. There is also a great feeling of sadness as Hopkinshas clearly lost something he cared for. 'My aspens dear' The opening word of 'my' tells us that Hopkins thinks of the trees as his own which show his care for them and the attention he must have given them. They were clearly very important to him which explains his protectiveness over them and also why he used the 'my' and 'dear. On the other hand, the Wordsworth poem is more joyful. It has an overall feeling of happiness which is seen from the word 'dance'. This word is repeated in every stanza of the poem to continually remind the reader of the joyous feeling throughout the poem. The poem also comes across as carefree which can be seen by the description of the jubilant mood the author is in: 'on my couch I lie in a vacant or in pensive mood' Wordsworth writes that he 'lies' on his couch it immediately shows the calm and peaceful state he is in. There is then confirmation on his carefree state of mind when he describes himself in a 'vacant or ... ...rates the number of plants as well as the fact that the daffodils are 'stretched in never-ending line' The 'Binsey Poplars' poem contains a lot of anger and rage, this reflects on the author, Hopkins. So, from this poem we can see that the character of Hopkins can be very hot-tempered and vengeful. However, the fact that he acted in this outraged fashion means that he cared for the trees very much and therefore we see a loving and caring side to Hopkins. On the other hand, Wordsworth does not show any anger in his poem but only positive feelings such as happiness and elation. In conclusion, we can see that the two poems differ greatly in the feelings they project through mood and literacy devices. However, the poems do have one thing in common in that they both portray the same sentient of concern over plants that the authors clearly care a lot about.

Evaluate the Importance of Ecosystem Management and Protection Essay

Evaluate the importance of ecosystem management and protection Every living thing on Earth belongs to an ecosystem. An ecosystem can be as small as a puddle or as large as an ocean. No matter its size, every ecosystem is vital to life on Earth, and requires human respect, support, management and protection. The term â€Å"ecosystem† refers to a community of plants and animals that share a common space and common resources, and are all dependent on one another for survival. Ecosystems are characterised by the complex interactions between these abiotic and biotic environments which involves a number of major systems such as the biosphere, the lithosphere, the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. Ecosystems are delicately balanced. If one component fails to thrive, the others become weakened, and may fail as well. If one ecosystem fails, neighboring ecosystems become threatened as well. Ecosystems are under constant and increasing threat of disruption from natural forces, invasive species and human development. Although ecosystems are dynamic, they are also fragile. Natural forces such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can destroy ecosystems. Depending on the severity, ecosystems may take a long time to recover, such as the slow rate of recovery from volcanic eruption. However natural disturbances do not occur often, or are on a regular basis, such as the El Nino or tornado. Human disturbances to the ecosystem however, occur on a regular basis. For example, the logging of the Amazonian trees at the rate of one football field per second. The constant degrading to the environment means there is no time for the ecosystem to resist the change hence resulting in a simplified, modified and eventual disclimax ecosystem Human have modified natural ecosystems in many ways intentionally and unintentionally but the distinction is not always clear. An example of an intentional modification to ecosystems would be construction of a dam on a river. The unintentional changes that could result from this might be the extinction of some species that needed shallow water to survive. There are other ways that humans have changed the ecosystems such as destroying, degrading and simplifying ecosystems. Agricultural land use often requires the wholesale clearing of land to grow single crops or graze animals. This monoculture system simplifies the complex interrelationships existing in natural ecosystems and is maintained through pesticides and fertilisers. Urban land creates greatly modified ecosystems. The vast quantities of fertilisers, herbicides and esticides are required to sustain the yields of the crops. The runoff pollutes streams, lakes and oceans and causes changes to their ecosystems. Human-induced changes in one ecosystem usually have cascading and unpredictable effects on other inter-related ecosystems through their nutrient cycles. Human-induced modifications to nutrients cycles are numerous and vary in scale from local to global. The clearing and removal of timber from a rainforest disrupts the nutrient cycle in these low-fertility ecosystems. The apparent richness of the rainforest ecosystem is a result of the recycling of nutrients stored in the trees and leaves. The soils are typically shallow and leached because of heavy rainfall. If the timber is removed, the nutrients are not recycled and the soil is not replenished. In addition, once the protection offered by the trees and their root systems is removed, rapid erosion occurs, removing the shallow topsoil and making regeneration of the rainforest a long, slow process that may take centuries, if it is allowed to happen. Ecosystems have various key features that determine the relationship between their biophysical components and that include interdependence, diversity, resilience, adaptability, unpredictability and limits set by abiotic and biotic factors. Human simplify ecosystems and attempt to control them for their own purposes. There are many complex interrelationships between biophysical components in natural ecosystems that are disrupted through human activities. Some of these disruptions create feedback loops that adversely affect activities. If crocodiles were not protected in Australia, for example, their role as a keystone species would be threatened. When hunting of crocodiles was permitted, the saltwater species was on the brink of extinction. Since the protection, their numbers have built up to pre-hunting levels and the estuarine ecosystems where they live are more balance. All of the Earth’s plants and animals rely on ecosystems to provide food and habitat. Ecosystems must maintain a delicate balance in order to stay vital. For example, a deer living in the meadow ecosystem needs water to drink, vegetation to eat and shrubs and bracken to sleep and hide in. If the deer population increases too much for their current ecosystem to provide these things, the extra deer will have to search for food and shelter elsewhere, encroaching on the habitats and ecosystems of other species. Humans also rely on ecosystems to provide food and natural resources. For example, the wood used to create lumber for building and pulp for paper comes from the Earth’s many forest ecosystems. When natural resources are harvested out of an ecosystem, it can disrupt the delicate balance if not done in a responsible way. According to the United Nations funded researches, 60% of the ecosystems on Earth are being used up faster than they can replenish themselves. Recent advancement in science and technology has help humans become more aware of the need to protect and manage the inestimable value of the ecosystem for humans and the world in terms of their genetic, utility, intrinsic, and heritage values, as well as perceiving the need to allow natural change and thus evolution to proceed. The ecosystems of the Earth can be protected through various ways such as responsible use. Heavily cultivated lands planted in single crops can be replaced with diverse cropping systems that help maintain soil productivity and prevent erosion. As homeowners, humans can plant native species that provide food and shelter to animals. These native species tend to grow with less supplemental water and little need for fertilization, which both conserves and protects our water sources. As consumers, humans can buy sustainably grown goods, use fewer disposable products and purchase products with minimal packaging or recyclable packaging. Each act of conservation in our homes, yards and workplaces reduces the stress on our ecosystems and helps maintain the necessary balance to maintain them. Therefore it is very important to protect and manage ecosystems properly for the benefit of all living species including us human beings. Ecosystems rich in diversity generally have greater resilience and are, as a result, able to recover more readily from naturally induced stress, such as drought and fire, and human-induced habitat degradation. Where diversity is diminished, the functioning of ecosystems and by association the wellbeing of people is put at risk. Biological diversity or biodiversity covers these areas – genetic diversity, species diversity and ecological diversity. Genetic diversity is the variety of genetic material contained in all individual plants, animals and micro-organisms. Ecosystems rich in genetic diversity generally have greater resilience and therefore are able to recover more readily from natural and human stresses. Where diversity is low, ecosystem functioning is often at risk. Ecosystems have utility value and this is concerning the usefulness of ecosystems in monetary terms. Recent study estimated that total value of goods and services provided by the earth’s ecosystems is US$33 trillion. This means that all the living and the non-living components of the earth’s ecosphere have either an existing or potential utility value or usefulness. By maintaining and protecting ecosystems we maximise humanity’s ability to adapt to change. The sheer diversity of life represents a vast store of genetic material that can be tapped as human needs change. The loss of a species – whether plant, animal fungus, bacterium or virus denies humanity possible future source of food, medicine, chemicals, fibres and other materials. Their protection is critical to the physical wellbeing of humanity. Ecosystems are endowed with their own intrinsic and ethical value, that is, they have the right to exist irrespective of their utility value. While few would disagree with such a sentiment, and most people would support the view that we need to protect ecosystems for the benefit of future generations, there is still no generally agreed mechanism or strategy by which this could be achieved. Central to the notion of the intrinsic value of ecosystems is a recognition that the biophysical environment provides for many of the inspirational, aesthetic and spiritual needs of people. Heritage protection of areas seen as having outstanding universal value. In Australia, the Royal National Park was dedicated as an area of outstanding heritage as early as 1879. The latter half of the 20th Century saw the emergence of great concern for the heritage value of ecosystems. The Australian heritage Commission views natural heritage, worthy of National Estate listing, to include those places, being components of the natural environment of Australia or the cultural environment of Australia, that have aesthetic, historic, scientific or social significance or other special value for future generations, as well as for the present community. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the heritage areas named by the World heritage listings. Because of the numerous values and benefits of ecosystems, they need to be managed properly using management strategies such as exclusion/preservation strategy. That is the habitat and species are totally protected from human activity of any kind. For instances, Wildlife Management and this is where humans make use of the wildlife either through ecotourism as in the African game parks or through hunting as in many of north American parks. The aims of managing wildlife are to manipulate wildlife populations and their environments for their survival and for human benefits. Conservation is one strategy that could be used to manage ecosystems. There is limited impact on ecosystems through sustainable use of resources. Scientists believe a minimum of 10% of the land area of the Earth needs to be protected to conserve ecosystems, their biodiversity and integrity from human activities. Some developing countries have little of their land protected. The major priority in selecting a site for a reserve is to protect fragile ecosystems under threat. Some of these take thousands of years to form and can never be recreated if lost. In an ideal world, the management strategies would select the best combination of these factors to preserve the ecosystems at risk. In reality however, the choice of site is often limited to what is available after other human demands have been satisfied. This compromise puts ecosystems at risk further pressure. Some difficulties confronting management of ecosystems include institutional difficulties. This involves varying regulatory arrangements applied to different land uses in adjacent areas making it difficult to achieve conservation on a landscape scale. Not only that limited corporation between public and private sectors in long-term environmental management to name a few. Ecosystems are modified by humans for sustainable use such as commercial agricultural. Again ecosystems are exploited regardless of the consequences. This results in species extinction, ecosystem destruction and reduction, and possible ecosystem collapse. The way to management and protect ecosystems is to provide public with education that could help decrease this exploitation and destruction of ecosystems. Rehabilitation and restoration of ecosystems are probably the most obvious management strategies that deal with ecosystems that have been damaged or degraded. Examples of such ecosystems are mined, farmed, logged, grazed and burned for a long period of time. Given enough time, the natural processes of ecological succession will eventually repair the ecosystem. But this depends upon the degraded ecosystems being protected and managed so that the natural processes can occur and the ecosystem be sustained. All this is costly and time consuming. If species are extinct, the ecosystem will never return to the pre-disturbance state. One way of protecting and managing ecosystems is o make laws to protect ecosystems. Traditional management of ecosystem is one way of managing ecosystems. Other strategies include restriction on species caught, closed seasons, taboo areas and species, designated areas for hunting groups and individuals, limits to population growth and sustainable methods of hunting were used and resources were not wasted to name a few. To conclude, ecosystems are very hard to manage, protect and conserve especially in the developing countries where populations are exploding and the pressure on the land is intense. The crippling debt most developing countries have and the urge to develop their ecosystem resources represent the real threat to the integrity of global ecosystems. So management strategies needed to protect ecosystems are at a local, national, regional, continental and global level. The management strategies to preserve and conserve ecosystems at risk recognize the need to manage whole ecosystems. This may involve strategies that range from total preservation to sustainable development Furthermore, the management of ecosystem is important to ensure sustainable development, preservation and minimized disturbances and recognition of ecosystem’s importance. Ecosystems change when they are controlled or disturbed. This may be the result of human or natural factors and may be intentional or inadvertent. Intentional changes can produce a number of unforeseen consequences, which creates the need for responsible management. .Management strategies change over time. This is due to changes in environmental quality, technological advances, economic, social and political attitudes.

Group Roles Essay

We take on many roles throughout the day and while most of these tie into our social status, personal duties, expectations and our behaviors they are only one of the few roles we learn about in time. Social roles are used to predict the way an individual acts in a situation and there is a belief that they are the result of a situation. When working in groups, roles exists that are not related to our personality or a result of our behavior. A superior can give them to us or unknowingly we may adopt them. This we have all been doing since youth but most of the time we are so absorbed into the roles we have taken on that we rarely take time to think about them. They have become as automatic as breathing to majority of the workforce. Roles are not to be confused with personality. Dr. Meredith Belbin a researcher and management theorist regards them as clusters of characteristics, of which psychological preference is but one dimension.[1] By understanding theses definitions we can gain a knowledge, that when combined with certain practice exercises, will enable us to see roles working can drastically increase a team’s effectiveness and overall well-being. When developing an understanding of these roles, it is important to keep in mind that your role can change from task to task. In addition, one individual can have traits belonging to several roles just as much as several individuals can share certain roles that. A manager’s responsibility will be the task of making sure that the team is not heavy in more areas then others. GROUP ROLES INCLUDING DEFINITIONS Leader or Facilitator: An individual who enables groups and organizations to work more effectively; to collaborate and achieve synergy.[1] has excellent interpersonal skills, being able to communicate effectively with team members through good listening, verbal and non-verbal communication. This person does not need to have to be an expert but have knowledge of the tasks concept. Shaper: Initiator Energizer The Shaper is a dynamic, outgoing member of the team; they are often argumentative, provocative, they push the group towards agreement and decision-making, keen to remove barriers and embrace challenges.[1] Completer-Finisher Recorder They are never at ease until they have have checked every detail and made sure that everything has been done and nothing overlooked. It is not that they are overly or irritatingly fussy: their obsession is an expression of anxiety. They have a great capacity for follow-through and attention to detail. They are unlikely to start anything that they cannot finish. They are not assertive members of the team, but they maintain a permanent sense of urgency, which they communicate to others to galvanize them into activity [2] Resource Investigator: The Resource Investigator is a strong communicator, good at negotiating with people outside the team and gathering external information and resources. Resource Investigators are curious and sociable in their nature they are open to new ideas and ways of accomplishing tasks. [2] Plant: The Plant is innovative and will suggest new and creative ways of problem solving within the team.. Sometimes the ideas of the Plant may be impracticable due to their highly creative nature – they may ignore known constraints when developing their ideas. Plants are often introverts who may have poor communication skills; they are loners and enjoy working away from the rest of the group. [1] Monitor Evaluator Elaborator Monitor Evaluators are fair and logical observers and judges of what is going on in the team. Since they are good at detaching themselves from bias, they are often the ones to see all available options with the greatest clarity and impartiality. They take a broad view when problem solving, and by moving slowly and analytically, will usually come to the right decision. However, they can become very critical, damping enthusiasm for anything without logical grounds, and they have a hard time inspiring themselves or others to be passionate about their work. As mentioned earlier, there are many definitions and several methods, which have caused some confusion to say the least. Some Information that warrants further discussion regards the sharing of roles as well as multiple roles in a group. I was unable to find any mention of a role that would compromise a group if more and then one person took its position. One thing I did learn that was interesting is an importance in having multiple leaders/facilitators They do not have to posses all the traits of a great or good leader but help in â€Å"moving the company forward† This is a little vague but I still find it interesting and makes sense if you look our Government processes. I am looking at the roles and with understanding of them now I have not found any papers discussing groups missing some of these roles I would imagine there are definitely times that pieces are missing and they would result in negative team traits. Its proven that one person can manage many roles that doesn’t mean that just because one is short that anyone can absorb the responsibility. I find that even though I logically want o put the roles in an order I know look best or we sound I know it’s impossible because when I look at the characteristics of the roles they all have very defined strengths and in some areas it’s absolutely impossible to be strong at more than one thing. I could at least start with the leader but if there’s no completer or evaluator then the task won’t ever leave the leaders hands. Roles that I have participated in are all of the above generally leaning towards leadership if I have knowledge of the task, enough to ask questions and give answers. When I am not interested in the outcome or the object of the task I will usually take on the roles of monitor and the plant stands out to me as well. One that I know I am not interested in ever being in would be the â€Å"Finisher† That is a no brainer for me because without some pushing I will usually not finish the task and be ok with it. 99% of the time I am the leader and it’s usually by choice because nobody steps up or I am volunteered for it and sometimes that’s fun but I don’t always enjoy it, mainly because it becomes expected of me and it has to always be something big and consuming. At work, I am outspoken, enthusiastic, and very driven, when I am home, I tend to take on the roles of plant, monitor, and shaper. There is no problem staying far away from the role of a leader after work. I will and have taken on leadership roles usually when there is more confusion then I can handle. I am finding it  interesting that I choose the roles at home that are somewhat opposite of what I venture into at work. Discussing types of roles, filling roles and understanding the use of roles brings us to situation of underlying issues that can cause conflict. There are several models for roles in groups. These models have differences in definitions, role titles, and amount of roles. There are many arguments on the amount of roles needed to make an effective team; one thing that I have noticed to be universal is the amount of people needed to make an effective team. Managing a logistics company, I learned this fact first hand. We had an open floor for sales and operations, and then we separated the group into two departments, sales being one, carrier management the other; then again, we separated them into teams again for our regions. Together we all worked as a whole and communicated information back and forth all day. Sometimes it was like an amazing tennis match and sometimes it was like the other side just never got there . We were having many issues with one of our sub groups performing to task and another sub group would clean things up if they could. We analyzed the groups and kept asking what made the others work but not this one†¦ the carrier team had five sections with four desks in each section since it fit better that way. All the desks were full except one group had three people this being the problem group. We had factored that in the beginning though and had only delegated them a fair amount of work. We ended up blaming it on poor communication and lack of drive. The problem did not get any better and then we had another member of a team of four go on leave for six weeks. Two weeks later that team began having issues just like the other team of three and then we noticed the similarity between the two. Three people in a group could not perform the tasks as a whole. To make sure we were right we moved people around and made two new teams of three. We sadly realized that the group of three would fall apart because two people always formed an alliance against one every time. This brings me back to the universal number required for a team to work effectively has been noted to be four. By Dr Belbin from that point forward we never allowed a group to fall below the standard four employees for more than a day period . References Management Teams INTL. (n.d.). Team Roles . Retrieved from Teamopoly: http://www.teamopoly.com/cf.htm Wikepedia Team Role Inventories . (2009). Retrieved from Wikepedia : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Team_Role_Inventories