Friday, December 27, 2019

Similarities And Differences In Walls And Pelzers Styles - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1193 Downloads: 4 Date added: 2019/06/10 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: The Glass Castle Essay Did you like this example? Two childhoods, both plagued by hardships, suffering, alcoholic and neglecting parentsthis was how Jeannette Walls and David Pelzer grew up. Their familial situations are only different in that Walls parents were forgivable because they had good intentions and tried their best despite their addictions and financial situations, whereas Pelzerrs parents are seemingly unforgivableone parent was a sadist and abusive mother, while the other left the family and never stood up for his son. This essay will examine the similarities and differences in the styles that Walls and Pelzer recount their unusual, and painful, childhoods. Identify and then compare and contrast the central arguments of both works The central argument of The Glass Castle revolves around the the theme of unconditional love. As the Walls family moved from the dessert to West Virginia, Jeannette began to understand that her life wasnt a never-ending, fun adventure. When the Walls family switched to a sedentary lifestyle, both of her parentrs carefree mentalities caused serious damage that consumed the whole family. Jeannette suffered from extreme poverty, bullying, and having to be held accountable to feed her siblings. Though she is anxious to get away from her parents and the circumstances they have made her suffer through, Walls still loves them and never blamed them for anything. When her parents followed her and her siblings to New York and became homeless, the reader sees that she loves them enough to want to help them better their living conditions. She never turns her back on them, though she definitely has enough reasons to do so. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Similarities And Differences In Walls And Pelzers Styles" essay for you Create order Unlike The Glass Castle, A Child Called It is not a story of a familyrs unconditional love. The central arguments of A Child Called It try to show readers how a parent can become abusive and how the human spirit can prevail. Pelzer himself states that these are his objectives for writing the memoir in the afterword. Unlike Walls The Glass Castle, Pelzer does not write his memoir to show his parents any forgiveness. His mother was his abuser, and his father was a coward that didnt stand up for his own son. He holds no sentiment for his childhood, save for the few years before his abuse. But instead, Pelzer wishes to tell his experience to show how the human spirit can conquer and survive all as long as it stays strong. Compare and contrast the styles of writing that each author utilizes Both Pelzer and Walls wanted to use a type of language and word choice in their works that their characters would have used when when they were young to create the effect that the reader was actually reading his/her thoughts at that particular time. Both use descriptive, but simple, word-choice. Wallrs writing style is narrative, developing very complex characters: Her own family. She even used first-person narration and dialogue to show their point of view. All of the books chapters are consecutive, therefore the story development is very clear and easy to follow. The books syntax uses long sentences with ideas separated by commas (not run-on sentences, but long enough to hold plenty of information). The tone in the book is personal and reflective, as her own reasoning is the bridge between the events in her life and her family and her own actions. Walls uses a mixture of informal diction, with a tad of slang diction for characterrs words like skeddadle and big ol since those were phrases that were actually used by her family. Walls possibly did this to bring authenticity to her work. Pelzerrs overall writing style is fairly easy to follow. His diction/language level is generally casual and simple since the story is from his point of view as a childalso narrative like Walls. Pelzer does not use many sophisticated words, and his use of techniques such as figurative language are limited. His writing style is very straightforward and to the point. He does very little to develop his characters, like his mother. All the audience knows is that his motherrs attitude made a 360 change from loving mother to child abuser. She is antagonized throughout the entire memoir without much explanation as to why she abused David like she did. The difference in writing styles and sophistication maybe be due to each personrs background. A Child Called It was Pelzerrs first book, and he was an amatuer writer. On the other hand, Walls had been writing for a long time, being that she was a writer. Analyze and compare and contrast the evidence and techniques each author uses The Glass Castle is mainly divided in two parts: Walls early childhood in the desert and her time in Welch, West Virginia. Walls writes is by using imagery, personification, and detail. Most of the imagery used took place when she was living in the desert, as she often compared herself to object in nature: We were sort of like the cactus. We ate irregularly, and when we did, wed gorge ourselves (p.22), however, these literary devices stopped when she moved to Welch, since she no longer had the element of wild nature to draw from. She uses long and complex sentences with detailed descriptions of events and places, often using several descriptive adjectives in one sentence. Since this is a memoir, she opts to relay messages by using quotes and diction. Walls includes a lot of dialogue combined with her actual thoughts create an overall feel of authenticity. Though he is not a sophisticated writer, throughout the book Pelzer does notably implement the literary techniques of tone/mood, motif, allusion, and imagery to illustrate the horrors he faced as an abused child. Take a look at this excerpt, in which most of the mentioned literary elements are exemplified: At night I no longer dreamed, nor did I let my imagination work during the day. The once vibrant escapes of watching myself fly through the clouds in bright blue costumes, were now a thing of the past. When I fell asleep, my soul became consumed in a black void (p. 77). The tone here is defeated and gloomy, creating a jaded and depressed mood. The reader feels how beaten down young David feels, how defeated his spirit is. The imagery adds to this mood by describing how his dreams were once vibrant and of him being a superhero, to becoming a black void. The recurring motif here is the image of superheroes. Throughout the book, young David compares himself to Superman as a way to cope and keep himself motivated to outsmart and survive his motherrs torments. In one scene, David describes in [his] dream, [he] flew through the air in vivid colors [and] wore a cape of red [He] was Superman (p. 59). This allusion, or reference, to Superman, a character of strength and resilience, is what keeps young David determined to live. Evaluate the arguments of each text as a whole. Each author tells their own story of a childhood in an untraditional, even dangerous, household, and how they each found their escape in hopes of a better life. In the end, both characters accomplished their goal of having a separate adult life from their family. However,

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Animals Are Not Accorded Equal Rights - 1521 Words

Human and animal rights have been a major discussion topic among most news reporters in the recent past. The contagious issue has however been why animals are not accorded equal rights as humans. Philosopher Kant argues in his theory that human have the ultimate right and freedom, and life is very valuable. Utilitarianism says that humans should focus more on doing what produces happiness at all times. Religious ethics demand that humans consider rights and freedom of all creature before making decisions. The natural right theory states that every creature has a natural right and freedom to live and do all that helps them in development and growth. Kantian theory, natural rights theory, utilitarianism and religious ethics have all pointed to the fact that doing something to create happiness to the maximum is sometimes ethically wrong (Magee 23). Philosophers like Kant have argued this on the basis that keeping the animals in zoos or captivity is unethical and contravenes their rights. It is also against the animal’s natural right of freedom. Animals be they domestic or wild should be accorded the freedom they deserve of being allowed to roam and move freely at all times. Philosopher Fran’s de Waal in the origin of human and animal’s rights and wrongs argues that certain acts of animals portrays the animals reasoning and hence warrants that these animals be accorded their freedom. He outlines examples of generous animal acts like a gorilla sacrificing to help his wounded mateShow MoreRelatedAnimal Rights and Laws2472 Words   |  10 Pages Animal Rights The world has existed with the presence of both living and non-living matter. Human beings have been accorded the right of protection and preservation of the environment, where the animals belong. In essence, humanity is all about coexisting with animals and plants, together with the other non-living matter. With preference of human beings over animals, and with preference of animals over plants, every category higher than the other, is relinquishing the capacity to dominate andRead MoreThe History and Purpose of The Animal Rights Movement Essay945 Words   |  4 PagesAs of today PETA is one group that is helping animals in barbaric situation like that of professional research laboratories. In these laboratories, the staff treats animals inhumanly where chemicals are poured onto the animal causing burns and sores. According to answers.com, animal rights are the rights to humane treatment claimed on behalf of animals, especially the right not to be exploited for human purposes. This movement in America traces its roots to the settlers. According to the US HistoryRead MoreEthical Treatment of Animals2645 Words   |  11 PagesETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS If you systematically question the significance and use of existence you are a philosopher, either amateur or expert. Ethics is the division of philosophy that asks how nation supposed to live their lives and how they ought to act good and right to each one. Animal ethics is equal but contains animals. Robert Garner in his book Animal Ethics says Animal ethics look to examine values that are apprehended concerning the moral standing of non-human animals. (Audi, 2010). Read MorePractical Ethics, By Peter Singer, The Modern Bioethical Philosopher1469 Words   |  6 Pagesability, infanticide, political violence, the moral status of animals, obligation to assist others, overseas aid, species, embryo experimentation, and euthanasia (Review of Practical Ethics n.p). In assessing the lives which are pleasurable and those which are not, Singer accounts for the lives of the other creatures within the animal kingdom. Singer posits that â€Å"We should recognize that different beings argue t hat each life is equal and valueble†. Singer is not particularly convinced that just becauseRead MoreIs Equality for All a Realistic and Desirable Aim Within Society?1516 Words   |  7 PagesEquality exists in many contexts. It can exist in the political level; individuals have the same rights under the law. It can exist in a social level, between categories of people, for example gender, or race. It can even exist on an individual level, as to how each person is treated. Equality cannot be confined to simply equal opportunities for all; for an equal and fair process is still equality. An equal and fair result is also equality. At each of the different level, equality shifts from being realisticRead MoreBrown Ride Rising : Metaphal Analysis : Otto Santa Ana1211 Words   |  5 Pagestimes and described a single occurrence and not the entire Latino immigration. Such metaphors included immigration as pollution and immigration as fire. The dorminant metophors outrightly stripped the Latino of their humanity by categorizing them as animals. Such sentiments are racist and strips the Latinos of the individuality. In fact, the American discourses signify that the Latinos were not to be termed as humans, but a dangerous infestation that should not have been welcomed into the country. TheRead MoreAnalysis Of The Article Towards A Buddhist Environmental Ethics By Rita M Gross1611 Words   |  7 Pagesall those elements, both the living and the non-living that surrounds us. The environment can also refer to the condition within which individuals, animals and plants lives. Mankind has a role to play in the environment, which mainly concerns taking care of the environment as well as improving it. Since, we as human beings are different from animals as we have a gift consciousness, we have an obligation of being improvers of the environment through ensuring that we observe environmental consciousnessRead MoreSchool Of Busi ness, Blaine Campus1343 Words   |  6 Pagesdifferences between the sexes. Men are expected to provide financially for the family. Men are also expected to take the central role of being responsible for the family’s welfare in terms of protection and religious beliefs. Women, on the other hand, are accorded the role of raising the children in each family. Islam views men and women as endowed with certain values that are inherent to each sex. Men are viewed as physically and intellectually stronger than women, while women are seen as morally more righteousRead MoreThe History of Race Discrimination603 Words   |  2 Pageselements of composing the whole social structure. According to literary theorist Kenneth Burke, humans are symbol-using animal. We have the ability to build symbols such as language and use them to judge and evaluate the world. Sadly, we use this gifted ability to invent the world â€Å"race† and discriminate all the other people who do not belong t o certain so-called advanced group. Yet animals other than human being have hierarchy as well, most of them mark their boundaries of class by gender or their obligationRead MoreEnvironmental Ethics And Its Impact On The Environment1833 Words   |  8 Pagesused to determine if something is morally acceptable or not. Humans have moral standing when they do something for the individuals sake and not for their or someone else benefit. There are different ethical approaches that focus on the morality (right or wrong) of human behavior and their impact on the environment, and this paper covers five that will argue for the best suited to resolve environmental issues. This paper argues that Ecocentric Ethics is the best approach to environmental ethics.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Communicating Agricultural Sciences Samples †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Communicating Agricultural Sciences. Answer: A Literature review Integrated Pest Management: Sophisticated approach towards reduction of chemical use in Cotton crop The emerging technologies in pest management of cotton crops as a part of the integrated pest management or IPM have significantly influenced chemical usage. Pretty and Bharucha (2015) argued that the IPM is not just the resource conserving technology. When compared to other forms IMP is the sustainable intensification that increases the natural, human and social capital by preventing the crop, pest, weeds and disease. The sophisticated approach to grow cotton crops without chemicals reduces the use of the pesticides by 50%. Chemicals such as mercury, calcium arsenate, copper arsenite, and others are no more required in the agro ecosystem. The author highlighted the use of alternative methods such as biopesticides and insecticides to cotton crop. The results showed increase in yields with reduction in chemicals to cotton crops although complex. On the other hand the chemicals use reduction is significant. However, the author also presented the drawback of reducing chemical use such a s evolution of pests, diseases and weeds. The study is limited as it focuses in other crops other than cotton. The results were supported by the survey of Wilson et al. (2018) that highlighted incorporation of the IPM in Australian industry. It is attributed to sophisticated approach called production of the Bt cotton. In this approach the, the cotton crop is injected with the genome of the Bacillus thurengienesis to prevent damage by insect toxins. It significantly decreased the use of the of insecticide active ingredient spread per hectare. Thus this approach of using the pest ecology/ biology is advantageous as year round approach. This approach is useful against resistant Helicoverpa spp. larvae in Bt cotton. Reducing the chemical use and replacing with this approach has resulted in the increase in environmental and economic gains. This system has well evolved since 50 years in Australia owing to the flexibility of the sophisticated approach. The limitations of the approach are focus only in Australian industry. In the book by Luttrell et al. (2015) reduction in chemical use by sophisticated approach as part of the IPM, is discussed. The author presented the advancement in the arthropod control technologies, crop management system and improved insect management system. This process reduces the arthropod damage to the cotton crops. It drastically decreases the insecticidal control of several key cotton pests. Greatest advancement being the Bt cotton in US. This is in alignment with the results of Wilson et al. (2018), however, it focused more on the adaptive capacity of the arthropods and spatial scales of management. This approach to reduce the chemicals have remarkable reduced the arthropod damage. Unlike the above cross section survey studies, Krishna and Qaim (2012) emphasised the long term effects of the reduced chemical use for cotton crops and the advantage of the Bt cotton. The data on sustainability was a literature gap and omitted by this study. This study collected data from the pa nel survey of cotton farmers in India. The Bt use significantly reduced the applications of pesticides by non-Bt farmers. The results coincided with the above results. However, it contradicted the results by Wilson et al. (2018) that considered that the Bt approach would become obsolete. The data is however limited due to small farmer setting. The study by Downes et al. (2017) gave evidence to the Wilson et al. (2018) argument that the Bt cotton approach has challenges. In this study, the findings highlighted the resistance of Helicoverpa armigera in Australian to DDT with use of broad spectrum insecticide. Despite various rotating chemistries and the use of modified chemical sprays the resistance continued, until genetically modified crops augmented IPM. The results imply that the resistance management is vital for genetically modified cotton crops. Another study by Benbrook (2012), also gave similar evidence. In the herbicide-resistant weed management system, to mitigate the spread of glyphosate-resistant weeds, there is an increasing amount of the herbicide use. This increase reduced the insecticide use onBtcrops. The results were also supported by another meta-analysis by Klmper and Qaim (2014). The results of the study concluded that genetically modified technology adoption reduces the chemical use by 37% and increase s the crop yields by 22%. This technology also increases the farmers profit by 68%. When compared to the herbicide-tolerant crops, insect-resistant cropsshowedincreased yield gains and reduction of chemicals both in the developing and developed countries. Although the original studies does not show sample size and variance measured it is useful to increase the public trust in the technology. This study eliminated the gap created by Wilson et al. (2018) and Luttrell et al. (2015) that focused on single countries. Studies from different countries showed efficacy of the transgenic Bt cotton approach in reducing the chemical use in the cotton crops. Countries like Australia, US and other developed countries have demonstrated the successful adoption to the sophisticated approach as a part of IPM There is a literature gap in the factors preventing the adoption to alternate to chemicals in pest management. The gap in the literature was covered by the survey conducted by Khan and Damalas (2015). The results showed that half of the farmers in the Punjab in Pakistan were forced to use pesticides for cotton crops. The main determinants were lack of education, lack of environmentally sound pest control methods. The increased availability of the chemical and the poor government regulation system were other barriers ion adoption of sophisticated approach to reduce chemical in cotton crops. The study implies for strong government policies and regulation system. The results align with that of Khan and Damal as (2015). It highlighted that the cotton farmers had less knowledge of the pesticide safety issues and thus relied on the chemical method. The results implied the farmers education and training to create awareness of natural enemies of cotton pests. Similar study on farmers perspective in Iran revealed that adoption of sophisticated approach of biological control could be enhanced by recognising the negative effects of chemicals (Abdollahzadeh et al., 2015). References Abdollahzadeh, G., Sharifzadeh, M.S. and Damalas, C.A., 2015. Perceptions of the beneficial and harmful effects of pesticides among Iranian rice farmers influence the adoption of biological control.Crop Protection,75, pp.124-131. Benbrook, C.M., 2012. Impacts of genetically engineered crops on pesticide use in the US--the first sixteen years.Environmental Sciences Europe,24(1), p.24. Downes, S., Kriticos, D., Parry, H., Paull, C., Schellhorn, N. and Zalucki, M.P., 2017. A perspective on management of Helicoverpa armigera: transgenic Bt cotton, IPM, and landscapes.Pest management science,73(3), pp.485-492. Khan, M. and Damalas, C.A., 2015. Factors preventing the adoption of alternatives to chemical pest control among Pakistani cotton farmers.International Journal of pest management,61(1), pp.9-16. Khan, M. and Damalas, C.A., 2015. Farmers' knowledge about common pests and pesticide safety in conventional cotton production in Pakistan.Crop Protection,77, pp.45-51. Klmper, W. and Qaim, M., 2014. A meta-analysis of the impacts of genetically modified crops.PloS one,9(11), p.e111629. Krishna, V.V. and Qaim, M., 2012. Bt cotton and sustainability of pesticide reductions in India.Agricultural Systems,107, pp.47-55. Luttrell, R.G., Teague, T.G. and Brewer, M.J., 2015. Cotton insect pest management.Cotton, (agronmonogr57), pp.509-546. Pretty, J. and Bharucha, Z.P., 2015. Integrated pest management for sustainable intensification of agriculture in Asia and Africa.Insects,6(1), pp.152-182. Wilson, L.J., Whitehouse, M.E. and Herron, G.A., 2018. The Management of Insect Pests in Australian Cotton: An Evolving Story.Annual review of entomology,63(1).

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Reverse Logistics at the Planning

Reverse logistics is the course of planning, controlling and implementing the course of stock and finished products from the manufacturer, distributer or through the use of point to point recovery or disposal point (Spicer Johnson, 2004).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Reverse Logistics at the Planning specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Products recall, wrong deliveries, commercial returns, warranties, refurbishment, repairs and end-of life returns are few of the many examples of reverse logistics faced by companies. Though undervalued, reverse logistics is part of supply chain management that has currently gained much attention due to its direct impact on company’s margins and corporate image in terms of corporate social responsibility. Operational factors European Union (EU) Legislation European countries are producing approximately1.4 Billion tons of waste products, which are dangerous (Guid Van, 2001) . These directives require the manufacturers of products to bear the bigger part of product disposal costs for a sound environment analysis (Owen, 1993). The goal of these directives is to encourage the manufacture of environmentally friendly products (Owen, 1993). Installation of the necessary reverse logistics systems is not amongst the competence of the producers but requires a third party for implementation. Examples of the European directives include end of life vehicles (ELV) Directive 2000/53/EC, Battery Directive 2006/66/EC and WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC. However, these directives are not binding laws to the member states, but act as guidelines within which they have to comply. It is the responsibility of the European Union member states to transpose and implement the EU legislation into national laws to be followed by all members.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The ELV Directive In Europe, around 9 million tons of waste is produced by ELVs. However, used cars have many parts that can be recycled which include oil, plastic parts, filter and batteries. Notably, 75% of ELVs are recyclable (Spicer Johnson, 2004). Important to note is that portion of each end of life vehicle is recyclable, and thus minimizes its environmental impact. The ELV Directive came into force in October 2000, with an aim of achieving environmentally friendly transport. The WEEE Directive According to Fiksel (1996), this rule imposes financial and physical responsibility for establishing effective methods of disposal and collection of electronic waste. The directives state that companies should establish an infrastructure for collecting WEEE. The Battery Directive This rule has two main purposes, which include reduction of hazardous materials used in batteries and enhancing recycling and collection of batteries. It also aims at achieving optimum collecting and recycling quo ta for all used batteries (Bellmann Khare, 2000) Customer characteristics The top companies find it very crucial to leverage their reverse logistics capabilities. Many of them use reverse logistics capacity as a promotion strategy. The intention is to make their customers satisfied with their services and products before, during, and after the original delivery. In addition, it is the duty of the manufacturer to ensure that goods are available to the consumer in the required quantities. Also, they ensure that the reverse logistics systems are properly functioning, for example, in case of any product defects; it can easily be channeled back to the manufacturer for problem fixing (Vlachos Dekker 2003).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Reverse Logistics at the Planning specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Volume to weight ratio – Medium All cargo space involved in transportation of goods bears physical limits. Traditionally, weight has been used for costing individual packs. The difference between volume and weight costs can be considered, for example, when transporting large volumes with little weight (Vlachos Dekker 2003). Value to weight ratio – Low Throughout the history, seas have been helpful to people as a means of transportation. With the rise of air travel, sea transport is left to shorter distances. With respect to value of goods and weight capacity, the sea transport in most occasions is used to either transport low cost and bulky products, or high value heavy weight products. Supply Chain Flow Supply chain is the process of running the flow of materials and transportation of finished goods, from the vendors to the intended consumers using the available facilities and warehouses as possible intermediate stops. Transport Mode characteristics Cost economies The ability to move goods quickly, safely and cost effectively to the markets is essential to international traders, as well as national distributors of goods and economic developers (Stock, Speh Shear, 2002). Availability The EU continues to advocate for efficient use of infrastructure through elimination of both commercial and operational barriers that obstruct access to infrastructure.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Speed Effective communication on freight oriented networks prevents barriers that could otherwise arise, hence, avoiding unnecessary complexities that could lead to unnecessary delays. As such, the transport is always fast and meets the customer’s expectations. Double handling Double handling is the process where the products on transit pass through one means of transport to the other. Getting customers closer to the available means of transport helps avoid double handling cases which lead to unnecessary costs. Consignment Factors Type of Cargo/ Quantity When shipping goods, it is always important to choose the appropriate mode of transport. The decision on the means of transport depends on careful evaluation of business needs and comparison of the benefits of each method (Meade Sarki, 2002). Priority/ Distance Choice of the appropriate form of transport is heavily dependent on distance, nature of items on transit, budget, geographic location of the products’ destinat ion, and schedules that must be adhered to. Cost and Service Requirements Speed of Delivery For products that require quick delivery over long distances, air voyage is the most expedient mode, whereas load transport can be used in case of shorter distances. However, sea transport is convenient for those products that are transported over long distances, but are not very urgent. Slow steaming If ships reduce their speed, they can as well reduce their carbon emissions and save billions in ship fuel bills. Service Reliability Sea transport is the cheapest of the three standard modes of transport. Its cargo unit cost per kilometer is typically the lowest one (Bellmann Khare, 1999). Sea shipment sets specific conditions for packaging. The speed of product delivery is also essential to consider as well as the bulkiness of the load. Conclusion The demand for reverse logistics is driven by two key factors; first, companies have started to realize the economic value of sound return manageme nt, and secondly, legal environment developments require manufacturers to take full responsibility for products over their entire life cycle. Online retailing coupled with shorter product life cycles, have increased pressure to build strong capabilities in this area, or to some extent outsourcing handling of reverse logistics flow. Different firms have a number of opportunities for improving the way they manage their returns, for example, by improving their business processes through sophisticated software, changing their organization, or even outsourcing the whole process. Smart company’s executives will be looking to capture the value locked within the reverse supply chain. References Bellmann, K, Khare, A 1999, ‘European response to issues in recycling car plastics.’ Technovation, vol. 19, no.12, pp. 721-34. Bellmann, K, Khare, A 2000, ‘Economic issues in recycling end-of-life vehicles.’ Technovation, vol. 20, no. 12, pp. 677-90. Fiksel, J 1996, ‘Achieving eco-efficiency trough design for environment. ’ Journal on Total Quality Environment Management, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 47-54. Guid, D, Van, L 2001, ‘Managing product returns for remanufacturing. ’ Production and Operations Management, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 142–155. Meade, L. , Sarkis, J 2002, ‘A conceptual model for selecting and evaluating third-party reverse logistics providers. ’ An International Journal, vol. 7, no. 5, pp. 283- 95. Owen, J.V. (1993), conscious manufacturing.’ Manufacturing Engineering, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 44-55. Spicer, A, Johnson, MR 2004,‘Third-party de-manufacturing as a solution for extended producer responsibility.’ Journal of Cleaner Production, vol.12, no. 5, pp. 37-45. Stock, J, Speh, T. Shear, H 2002, ‘product returns.’ Harvard BusinessReview, 80 (7), pp. 16-8. Vlachos, D, Dekker, R 2003, ‘Return handling options and order quantities for single period product s.’ European Journal of Operational Research, vol. 151, no. 1, pp. 38-52. This essay on Reverse Logistics at the Planning was written and submitted by user Randall Mccray to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Unexpected Essays - 9, Steve Andropoulos And Betsy Stewart

Unexpected It was a Saturday morning, and I thought it would be a good time to go to the beach with my friends since I had nothing to do for the rest of the week. So I decided to call my best friend Sarah to see if she wanted to drive with me down to the beach Unfortunately, she had a wedding to go to, so she was not able to make it. I was a little disappointed, but I decided to go to the beach by myself. I left home at 3:30 p.m. and arrived at 5:00 p.m. to the beach house. Everything looked the same wa as it did last summer when I came with my sister. The only difference was now I was alone, and that was little scary. The next morning I went to one of my favorite cafes The Italian Coffee. This Cafe held good memories since last summer I worked there. The owners Mr. Roger and Mrs. Roger told me that a job was available if I wanted to work. I thanked them, but e lained that I had other plans for the summer. I told them that the restaurant looked great since it had been renovated. It was very noisy and crowded, yet it had a wonderful atmosphere that customers like. Perhaps, it was the Italian music and the w derful smell of fresh coffee that attracted them. Suddenly a lady came over to my table and asked, '' How are you, Raquel?'' I told her, '' I'm sorry Maam I don't recognize you!. She replied, ''Oooh, Raquel , I'm Elizabeth's aunt''. I said, ''Of course, excuse me''. We started talking about h the place was crowded, and she told me that she had to meet a friend here, but she had not shown up. I told her that it was nice seeing here, but I was expecting a call and I had to go. She promised me she was going to tell Elizabeth to call me so w could get together for lunch soon. When I got home to check the answering machine, the telephone rang. It was mom. She said that Sarah was planning to come Monday, and if I needed anything to give her a call. I thanked her and said,'' You are not going to believe where I just came fr ?. She quickly replied, ''Don't even ask it '' The Italian Coffee''. '' You are right '' I giggled. '' The Rogers are doing great, working like crazy trying to make everything perfect '', I added. She said, '' Honey, I'll give you a call Friday n ht OK!. Good bye!''. So far my day was going great. I sat down and watched MTV. It was a re-run of '' The Real World''. I quickly fell asleep on the couch for two hours and was awakened by the door bell. It was Claudia Roger explaining that her mother had told her that was in town, so she decided to drop by. I told her , '' I'm glad you came by. Are you doing anything for lunch?''. When Claudia told me that she was available, we decided to go to the Dixie to get a cheese burger. On the way to the Dixie , we made a quick stoop by the shoe store to ask Mr. Edwards to tell his daughter that I was going to meet her at 5 o'clock so we could play volley ball with my friends. Mr. Edwards was concerned because he had eard rumors about a kidnapper in town. Since Elizabeth and I were running late , we didn't really pay munch attention to what he was saying. When we got home, Claudia left to go to work. Feeling in the mood for going to the beach, I packed all my th gs and drove there. When I got to the beach I couldn't find my friends, so I grabbed a magazine and all of the sudden felt asleep. Waking from my nap, I had a premonition that something bad was going to happen. I went back to the shoe store in the mall to tell Mr. Edwa s that I didn't see his daughter down at the beach. He didn't know where she was either. He became hysterical and decided to close the store for the rest of the day. We decided to search the whole area including the mall first, but we couldn't find r . We called the police

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Wilfred Owen †War Poems

Wilfred Owen – War Poems Free Online Research Papers Wilfred Owen wrote the war poems, Anthem for doomed youth and Dulce et Decorum est and Siegfred Sassoon wrote The Hero. They are all based on how ghastly and atrocious world wars are and that any man fighting in them deserves more. In the poem Dulce et Decorum est Wilfred Owen puts his attitude towards war and his fellow soldiers very strongly. Dulce et Decorum est is translated to mean it is sweet and right to die for your country, which therefore automatically makes us feel that Wilfred Owen is with the idea of war but that is not true. As all through the poem he contradicts himself up all the way to the last sentence. ‘The old lie; Dulce et Decorum est pro patria mori’ This was extremely clever by Wilfred Owen as he contradicted himself it stood out the most and makes it seem as if he detested war more than anything and that the title was therefore just a giving a sarcastic approach towards the idea of war. Consequently this leads on to the idea that war was being lied about and that the communication between those at home and those on the front was virtually non-existent as those sitting in their armchairs at home thought that the soldier’s were havin g the time of their lives. He describes strongly the mood and how mentally and physically ill all these soldiers were. ‘Knock-Kneed, coughing like hags we cursed through the sludge’ This is an extremely powerful sentence that constructs a vivid image in your mind and helps you to relate the terror and repulsive conditions that these soldiers were going through. Research Papers on Wilfred Owen - War PoemsMind TravelThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsWhere Wild and West MeetCapital Punishment19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeQuebec and CanadaHonest Iagos Truth through DeceptionNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceThe Effects of Illegal Immigration

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The Importance of Sales Force for Promoting the Business Activities Assignment - 2

The Importance of Sales Force for Promoting the Business Activities - Assignment Example This research will begin with the statement that Saxon Plumbing Services London Ltd (SPSL) is a plumbing service providing company established in the year 2000. The business operations of the company are directed by two brothers who are Peter Blair and Harvey Blair. There are around 40 employees working for the company. It is located in South London offering plumbing services to small as well as medium-sized retailers, insurance companies and manufacturers. The company possesses a better image and provides superior quality products or services in the market segments. In this respect, it has been observed that the gross profit of the company is around  £1.2 million.   SPSL with its new office in Manchester is required to adopt certain promotional techniques with the objective of executing its business activities in an efficient manner. Moreover, the company has adopted promotional tools such as website, newspaper and word-of-mouth communication. In this regard, the company has pro posed to adopt business-to-business (B2B) marketing with the intention of developing the healthier relationship with its customers. Moreover, the company has planned to acquire B2B with the aim of building the better relationship with its clients and customers. In future, the company also might decide to acquire Business-to-Consumer (B2C) marketing with the intention of improving the effectiveness of their business activities. SPSL with the utilization of the sales force will be able to develop the better relationship with clients or customers. The company with the assistance of sales force will be effective in conveying the message of the company as well as in building an enhanced image in the market segments. The incorporation of the sales force will assist the company in communicating with customers as well as acquiring important information in relation to their attitude towards the products or services of the company. The sales force will enable SPSL in developing and maintainin g a healthier relationship with customers.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

What I did during my internship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

What I did during my internship - Essay Example I was later introduced to everyone who I would be working closely within athletics and later told me about his career path and how he got started. Mr. Brave resume displayed that he had lots of experience in the production field. He’s started learning the production end of television at an early age of 13. I was given a tour of all of the athletics facilities on campus and I was also taught about all the different machines and their functions. Every facility had something unique about them and most of the facilities had to share a lot of the same equipment as well. Later during that week I found out that I was going to be working about baseball and softball games. I would be assisting in enabling people to follow USF softball and baseball games from home which I found exciting because I have always been a sports fan. As my passion for the game continued to develop, it lead me into a field that I never thought I had an interest for, which is sports reporting. Things started to get busy on my second week of internship. I began getting hands on doing editing with the aid of Final Cut Pro. I have had prior experience using final cut pro while taking broadcast news, but it was during the internship that I was really able to develop my editing skills. My broadcast news professor was not very skilled in this application and so although I was familiar with the basics, getting hands on was the best way to really understand how it works. It was during my second week that I was asked to put together a highlight film for the men’s and women’s basketball team. I found it really interesting because I am a basketball fan, and I totally understand the game and this kind of sport in general. I also know most personalities behind the industry. I went about finding important clips and editing them to craft a story that is both interesting and compelling to the

Sunday, November 17, 2019

GM Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

GM Research - Essay Example Research studies also show that this plant is capable of preventing lipid accumulation in the body thereby helping in weight loss. Natural Garcinia has a certain concentration of the active chemical. However, with the accelerating percentage of people turning towards Garcinia for easy weight loss has been the main focus of genetic engineers. The rind of the fruit was used to make medicinal extracts. Genetic engineers have modified the plant such that the active chemical is now produced in the rind as well as in the endosperm (pulp) of the fruit Trials were conducted on animals (rabbits). No serious condition was noticed in animal trials. Mild ocular irritation occurred when the extract was given in the right eye (Ohia et al,2002), however no literature so far suggest that the extract causes any health problems in humans. Traditionally the agriculture industry has been the best supporter and beneficiary from innovative technology. Interbreeding and natural selection of plant traits have been a common method to grow naturally modified crops for better yield and plant characters. However, the same technique in the laboratory has been developed paving way for the much debated genetically modified crops. Genetically modified crops are not only important to science and researchers but are of immense importance to the farmers as well. The growth projection of GMO’s is directly proportional to the profits of farmers growing the GMO’s. Contrary to the most common perception that growth of genetically modied organisms or plants are anti-democratic in nature, studies and surveys have established that growing these GMO’s are in fact much more beneficial than growing the ordinary forms of the same crop or plants.†In countries where farmers are allowed to grow GM crops, they increasingl y choose to do so. In 2010, 15.4 million farmers in 29 countries cultivated GM crops† (James,2010). Growing Garcinia Cambogia will

Friday, November 15, 2019

Stability Testing of Nifedeipine

Stability Testing of Nifedeipine Syed Masood Hassan Akbari Practical 2 Stability study of Nifedipine INTRODUCTION Nifedipine is considered as a prototype compound of the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel antagonists. Nifedipine is a selective arterial dilator, and also is used in the treatment of hypertension, angina and cardiovascular disorders. The drawback associated with nifedipine is that it can undergo photo degradation thus escalating in loss of pharmacological activity. This process involves the reduction of the aromatic nitro group to nitroso group or the oxidation of the dihydropyridine ring to a pyridine ring. Nifedipine synthesizers make use of light resistant coating to reduce their photo degradation. It has been found out that due to poor storage conditions the clinical efficacy of nifedipine can drop drastically. In order to fix this a selection of ingredients within the dosage form can be altered or enhanced in order to minimise photosensitivity. Ion-exchange beads are solid and suitably are high molecular weight polyelectrolytes that can easily exchange their mobile ions of equal charge with neighbouring medium reversibly. The ion-exchange bead can form a complex with nifedipine and its utility used to embrace drug in light natures. Instability of the drug product may lead to a reduction in the bioavailability of the drug. It is also highly important that the patients do receive their uniform does of the drug throughout the whole of the shelf life of the product. This experiment goes through the photodecomposition kinetics of nifedipine at zero-order when the reaction commences. As the reaction proceeds further to 50% the kinetics of the reaction changes to first-order. Figure 1: Represents nifedipine degradation at the two different wavelengths shown above. This experiment consisted of 3 main components: Determining the stability of nifedipine using HPLC at various time intervals. Estimating the half-life for the disappearing drug. Examining the relative stability of the drug as powder and in solution. EXPERIMENTAL For HPLC 20mg of nifedipine was weighed out and placed in a 100ml volumetric flask using the mobile phase to top up the flask. The resulting solutions colouration was noted and transferred to a beaker and covered with paraffin. A small insertion was made to take up 2ml of the solution into an injection using a 0.2 µm filter. The time was noted and the sample was loaded and run immediately and the beaker was covered with paraffin and placed on a ledge where sunlight was present and after every 15 min intervals the sample was injected into the apparatus and it was run. After each run was carried out the peak area for each of the runs were recorded. For stability in solid form 100mg of the solid sample of nifedipine was weighed out in a weighing boat and spread out evenly and placed on a window ledge with proper Irish sunlight for a duration of 2 hours. The appearance was noted before and after the time lapsed. The solid sample was then homogenised and 20mg was taken and placed in a 100ml volumetric flask and made up to the mark with the mobile phase. Straight away 2ml solution was taken and placed on a 0.2 µm filter and was ready for injection. The peak area of the solid sample was recorded in the report. RESULTS CONCLUSIONS Determination of the stability of nifedipine solid and liquid samples with sunlight. Table 1: Shows the nifedipine run time with 15 minute intervals, the solid form and a UV sample. The illustrations below show the HPLC peaks at various time intervals with their retention times, peak area and heights. Figure 2: Depicts nifedipine at T0. Figure 3: Depicts nifedipine at T20. Figure 4: Depicts nifedipine at T35. Figure 5: Depicts nifedipine at T50. Figure 6: Depicts nifedipine at T65. Figure 7: Depicts nifedipine at T80. Figure 8: Depicts nifedipine at T95. Figure 9: Represents the peak area plotted against time of nifedipine degradation taken at 15 minute intervals. After carrying out the experiment it can be said looking at the data that the reaction kinetics are of zero order at least from T0-T80. At T95 it is seen that the peak gets a bit broad it can show that a new peak is starting to form, it the experiment had continued for at least 45 minutes more then it could have been the start of the first order reaction kinetics. Therefore it can be deduced that according to the data attained the reaction kinetics are still at zero order during data acquisition. From the graph using the equation: y = a + bx b = slope = -12046.1 +/- 841.833 The half-life of nifedipine was found using the equation: As we were dealing with zero order kinetics so, r = k Using, t1/2 = In(2)/k t1/2 = 0.693/0.988 t1/2 = 0.701 According to the data gathered it is seen that the solid sample of nifedipine resembles to the first T0 liquid sample. By this observation a person can say that the solid state sample did not show any signs of degradation after the 2 hour window. The colour of the liquid samples were changing from yellow at T0 to faint yellow at T80. On the other hand for the solid sample from the light yellow powder after the 2 hour window a layer of dark yellow powder was seen and the powder was mixed around and it was seen the underlying solid particles still retained the same colour of light yellow. According to the UV data at T0 and Ɔºmax of 334 it generated an absorbance of 0.604. Whereas for the T100 with a Ɔºmax of 279 generated an absorbance of 1.064. QUESTIONS Comment on the relative photostability of solid and solution nifedipine in daylight. The solid sample of nifedipine after being expose to 2 hours of Irish sunlight visual observation showed a darker colour change from light yellow to a darker but when the powder was mixed the underlying layer was of the same light colouration as it started with. And after the 2 hours window the HPLC result showed no degradation at all. This could be due to the practical being carried out in doors and the lack of the photons getting to the solid sample. On the other hand in the liquid sample things were not much better from a yellow solution starting at T0 – T80 there was no colour change but after performing the next HPLC the colour had gone faint yellow. If the apparatus would have been given 45 minute more the results attained would be of first order kinetics. As it stands it is zero order kinetics. What type of reaction is the nifedipine decomposition? Reduction What other decomposition reactions do you think nifedipine might undergo? Oxidation What are the implications of your observations for the proper handling and storage of nifedipine? Manufacturers of nifedipine products use light resistant coating or packing to minimize their photodegradation. Long term exposure to sunlight or artificial light may also occur if nifedipine formulations are inappropriately stored by patients. Poor storage conditions may potentially decrease clinical efficacy of nifedipine. What validation do you think might be important in the type of analysis you performed today? â€Å"Validation of an analytical method is the process that establishes by laboratory studies, that the performance characteristics of the method meet the requirements for the intended analytical applications.† The typical analytical characteristics used in method validation vary but the relevant one for this experiment is stability, system suitability and system sensitivity. â€Å"Prepared sample/ standard stability is defined as the ability of the analyte to remain stable in the diluent at the test concentration specified in the analytical method.† System suitability testing is an integral part of many analytical procedures. The tests are based on the concept that the samples to be analysed constitute an integral system that can be evaluated as such. System suitability is determined by various methods. Any one or a combination of the following may be written into the method as necessary for using the method for routine post validation: Resolution ensures that closely eluting compounds are resolved from each other and establishes the resolving power of the system. It contains as close as is possible to a complete sample matrix. Finally capacity factor is a measure of the time the solute spends in the stationary phase relative to the time it spends in the mobile phase.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

America: The Land of Opportunities Essay -- Careers Education Economic

America: The Land of Opportunities In modern day society, a college degree leads to people making specific assumptions about an individual’s capabilities, which proceed to shape social generalizations that may assist or inhibit the success of an individual in the economic system or job market. Universal standards form throughout the job market as a result of those assumptions made about students who attend college that may not encourage a full understanding of an individual’s ability to perform his duties. The assumptions made about a college education demonstrate the general principles of reductionism, in which people follow a logical approach according to his observations. As reductionists correlate the type of college degree to an individual’s intelligence, the overdeterminist looks to consider an individual’s surroundings and experiences (which include the education received) while evaluating an individuals’ aptitude. This social process becomes apparent not only in my own person al life, as I reflect upon the way in which society views me because I attend Mount Holyoke college, but also through the characters’ lives in the films: Mississippi Masala and the Boiler Room. I look to reevaluate the importance that the job market places on a college education, as well as the consequential economic trap that follows from the construction of assumptions. Society assumes that people who attend prestigious universities are capable and astute individuals. After having told people that I go to Mount Holyoke College, I have had people expect that I am a capable and intelligent woman solely based on the university’s image. While serving at a restaurant over the summer, customers frequently treated me with more respect as they found o... ..., the amount of exceptions to those clearly laid out generalizations may appear minute and trivial now, but they could grow to a catastrophic level as the theory expands on a macro level and becomes an unquestionable mentality in the job market. By affirming assumptions throughout society, it will eventually lead to huge misconceptions about groups of people that may be completely unwarranted. Although it clarifies situations, its also minimizes the complexity and ignores truths that should be considered, for example, when evaluating an applicant in the job market. Also due to the simplicity and attractiveness in the logic, a perpetuating cycle evolves that intensifies the class processes. By offering me an opportunity simply on the basis that I attend Mount Holyoke, both Mount Holyoke alumni and society follow image and deny others chances through erroneous means.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Miss Julie Essay

August Strindberg was known as a father of naturalism. Throughout Miss Julie Strindberg uses animal imagery to explain the behavior throughout the play. In the play, Miss Julie is obsessed with the animals. The animals are used to symbolize her behavior. Jean the manor’s thirty year old valet describes Miss Julie as wild and crazy. At this point he is talking to Kristen, his fiance and the manor’s cook. In the play dog imagery is used a lot . For example when Jean was explaining to Kristin how Miss Julie acted towards her fiance right before the engagement ended. They were down at the stables one evening, and Miss Julie was training him–that’s what she called it. Do you know how? She made him leap over her riding crop, the way you teach a dog to jump. Twice he jumped, and got a cut each time; but the third time, he snatched the whip out of her hand, broke it into a thousand pieces and went off (Strindberg 72). According to Jean Miss Julie teaching her ex fiance to jump over her riding crop like a dog showed that Miss Julie’s had a dominant side. She was trying to make him into her slave she treated him like a dog. A dog is suppose to be a man’s best friend because dogs are suppose to be extremely loyal pets to their owners. Miss Julie saw it as her being the owner taking all the control and her ex fiance being the dog listening to every word she said. She kept treating him like a dog trying to train him until he got sick of it and broke her riding crop right before the engagement ended. Diana, Miss Julie’s dog is used to symbolize Miss Julie when referring to the social class status. It was said that Diana looked just like her Mistress. Miss Julie’s dog in the play got impregnated by the gatekeeper’s dog, a mongrel. Just like her mistress who’s trying to seduce her servant not caring about the different class he falls into. Miss Julie became very coquettish after her engagement ended and she started acting more wild and crazy than usual. I went with the Count to the station and on my way back passed the barn I just stopped by for a dance. And who do I see but her ladyship with the gamekeeper, leading the dance? But as soon as she claps eyes on me, she comes rushing straight on over and invites me to join her in the ladies waltz. And how she waltzed ! —I’ve never known the like. She’s crazy! (Strindberg 71). She would go out dancing more often in order not to face her father the Count. She considered Jean a very good dancer and would often ask him to dance as well. Miss Julie wanted someone who could lead and that would not make her look ridiculous on the dance floor. At that point all Jean said to Miss Julie was â€Å" As your Ladyship commands, I am at your service† (Strindberg 74). Miss Julie then replies â€Å" Don’t take it as a command. This evening we are all just enjoying ourselves together, and any rank is laid aside. So give me your arm (Strindberg 75). Miss Julie then goes off to dance with Jean leaving Kristin alone. Jean returns back alone to Kristin telling her how crazy Miss Julie is and what a way she has of dancing while people laughed at her behind closed doors. To benefit herself Miss Julie told Jean that class ranks did not matter at the moment. She wanted to have a good time with someone who knew how to dance and that could lead her in the dance as well. The sexual affair between the dogs represent the sexual affair between Miss Julie and Jean and how they both look down on each other. Miss Julie looks down on Jean for just being another one of her servants and Jean looks down on Miss Julie for seeming so easy, for the way she flirted with him and for acting so crazy and wild. Miss Julie starts to confess the love she has for him while he sat there and spoke all the pretty stories she wanted to hear before he switched the role and starting saying some awful things to her. He found Miss Julie giving herself up to him quickly that he took it to his advantage to use her for her money until she told him she did not have any money for the plans he had made.

Friday, November 8, 2019

50 Million Years of Whale Evolution

50 Million Years of Whale Evolution The basic theme of whale evolution is the development of large animals from much smaller ancestorsand nowhere is this more evident than in the case of multi-ton sperm and gray whales, whose ultimate forebears were small, dog-sized prehistoric mammals that prowled the riverbeds of central Asia 50 million years ago. Perhaps more intriguingly, whales are also a case study in the gradual evolution of mammals from fully terrestrial to fully marine lifestyles, with corresponding adaptations (elongated bodies, webbed feet, blowholes, etc.) at various key intervals along the way. Until the turn of the 21st century, the ultimate origin of whales was shrouded in mystery, with scarce remains of early species. That all changed with the discovery of a huge trove of fossils in central Asia (specifically, the country of Pakistan), some of which are still being analyzed and described. These fossils, which date from only 15 to 20 million years after the demise of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, prove that the ultimate ancestors of whales were closely related to artiodactyls, the even-toed, hooved mammals represented today by pigs and sheep. The First Whales - Pakicetus, Ambulocetus, and Rodhocetus In most ways, Pakicetus (Greek for Pakistan whale) was indistinguishable from other small mammals of the early Eocene epoch: about 50 pounds or so, with long, dog-like legs, a long tail, and a narrow snout. Crucially, though, the anatomy of this mammals inner ears closely matches that of modern whales, the main diagnostic feature that places Pakicetus at the root of whale evolution. One of Pakicetus closest relatives was Indohyus (Indian pig), an ancient artiodactyl with some intriguing marine adaptations, such as a thick, hippopotamus-like hide. Ambulocetus, aka the walking whale, flourished a few million years after Pakicetus and already displayed some distinctly whale-like characteristics. Whereas Pakicetus led a mostly terrestrial lifestyle, occasionally dipping into lakes or rivers to find food, Ambulocetus possessed a long, slender, otter-like body, with webbed, padded feet and a narrow, crocodile-like snout. Ambulocetus was much bigger than Pakicetusabout 10 feet long and 500 pounds, much closer to a blue whale than a guppyand probably spent a significant amount of time in the water. Named after the region of Pakistan where its bones were discovered, Rodhocetus shows even more striking adaptations to an aquatic lifestyle. This prehistoric whale was genuinely amphibious, crawling up onto dry land only to forage for food and (possibly) give birth. In evolutionary terms, though, the most telling feature of Rodhocetus was the structure of its hip bones, which werent fused to its backbone and thus provided it greater flexibility when swimming. The Next Whales - Protocetus, Maiacetus, and Zygorhiza The remains of Rodhocetus and its predecessors have been found mostly in central Asia, but the larger prehistoric whales of the late Eocene epoch (which were able to swim faster and farther) have been unearthed in more diverse locations. The deceptively named Protocetus (it wasnt really the first whale) had a long, seal-like body, powerful legs for propelling itself through the water, and nostrils that had already begun to migrate halfway up it foreheada development foreshadowing the blowholes of modern whales. Protocetus shared one important characteristic with two roughly contemporary prehistoric whales, Maiacetus, and Zygorhiza. The front limbs of Zygorhiza were hinged at the elbows, a strong clue that it crawled onto land to give birth, and a specimen of Maiacetus (meaning good mother whale) has been found with a fossilized embryo inside, positioned in the birth canal for terrestrial delivery. Clearly, the prehistoric whales of the Eocene epoch had a lot in common with modern giant tortoises! The Giant Prehistoric Whales By about 35 million years ago, some prehistoric whales had attained gigantic sizes, bigger even than modern blue or sperm whales. The largest genus yet known is Basilosaurus, the bones of which (discovered in the mid-19th century) were once thought to belong to a dinosaurhence its deceptive name, meaning king lizard. Despite its 100-ton size, Basilosaurus possessed a relatively small brain and didnt use echolocation when swimming. Even more important from an evolutionary perspective, Basilosaurus led a fully aquatic lifestyle, birthing as well as swimming and feeding in the ocean. Contemporaries of Basilosaurus were much less fearsome, perhaps because there was only room for one giant mammalian predator in the undersea food chain. Dorudon was once thought to be a baby Basilosaurus; only later was it realized that this small whale (only about 16 feet long and half a ton) merited its own genus. And the much later Aetiocetus (which lived about 25 million years ago), though it weighed only a few tons, shows the first primitive adaptation to plankton feedingsmall plates of baleen alongside its ordinary teeth. No discussion of prehistoric whales would be complete without a mention of a fairly new genus, the aptly named Leviathan, which was announced to the world in the summer of 2010. This 50-foot-long sperm whale weighed only about 25 tons, but it seems to have preyed on its fellow whales along with prehistoric fish and squids, and it may have been preyed on in turn by the largest prehistoric shark of all time, the Basilosaurus-sized Megalodon.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Theoretical Framework Essays

Theoretical Framework Essays Theoretical Framework Essay Theoretical Framework Essay Vida (2007) noted that since the mid 1990s when Elisabeth Hirschman, expressed the need for researchers to explore the ‘dark-side’ of consumer behaviors, literatures investigating and explaining the various factors that influence consumer purchase behaviors, especially with regard to illegal or counterfeit products, have increased considerably. Building on the willingness to pay concept, Vida conceived explored consumers willingness to purchase fake products. The author contended that demographic and socio-economic factors like age, gender, education, marital status, income and religiosity shape consumers attitude towards counterfeits, innovativeness (desire to be unique) and social pressure. These three, in turn, influence consumers willingness to purchase counterfeit products. Also, Xuemei and Veloutsou (2005) in their exploratory study, also reports that personal and social factors significantly influence consumers purchase behaviors. The authors contended that personal and social factors such as: value consciousness, normality susceptibility, novelty seeking and collectivism, and five attitude measures: reliability of the product in question, functionality of the product, recognized social benefits of purchasing the product, risks of purchasing and legality of purchasing, influence consumer purchase of counterfeit products. The study found that novelty seeking significantly influences consumer purchase of counterfeits products due to the similar or sometimes, superior quality of counterfeit products. Moreover, in a more elaborate study, Augusto de Matos, Ituassu and Rossi (2007) also found that price quality inference and previous experience, among others, significantly increases the chances of consumers purchasing fake products. This study, drawing from the findings of the studies mentioned above, contends that a consumer attitude towards counterfeit product greatly influences their purchase behavior. It also hypotheses that previous experience with safety concerns, quality of counterfeits with respect to the price, and the intention to use counterfeits to test the product before purchasing the genuine brands, shape consumer attitudes towards counterfeit and subsequently, their purchasing of counterfeit products. Augusto de Matos, Ituassu and Rossi (2007) rightly point out that quality and price are two fundamental factors that shape consumer purchase behavior. Traditionally, consumers believe that lower priced products are of lower quality, and this is largely the case with deceptive counterfeit products. However, with non-deceptive counterfeits products, consumers are offered products of similar or superior quality, compared to the genuine products, at lower prices. The combination of low price and high quality is bound to improve consumer attitudes towards counterfeits. For this reason, it is expected that: Counterfeits with superior quality enhances consumers’ perception and attitudes towards counterfeit products. Safety concerns are one of the most important issues with counterfeit products. These products have been known to pose significant threat to consumer health and safety, especially when it concerns medications and household items. However, not all consumers consider counterfeit goods to be unsafe or dangerous. It is expected that: Consumers who consider counterfeit goods to be unsafe and dangerous will have unfavorable attitudes towards counterfeit products, and vice versa. Lastly, novelty seeking can also influence consumer attitude towards counterfeit products. This feeling refers to individuals need for a sense of worth or social recognition; people always want to be seen as special and capable of affording material things. The increasing materialism in the world means that people that cannot afford the finer things of life feel unworthy. Since the presence of cheaper and yet quality counterfeit products provide the opportunity to afford these luxuries, individuals in the lower economic range are often willing to purchase such counterfeit products. Thus, it is expected that the sense of novelty influences consumer attitude towards counterfeit products.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Gender Equality and Social Institutions in USA and United Arab Essay

Gender Equality and Social Institutions in USA and United Arab Emirates - Essay Example It is clear from the discussion that in both USA and United Arab Emirates the education system followed in English, even though Arabic is taught in UAE. USA is famous as superpower and UAE is famous for its oil wealth. Both the countries are well known as the tourist destination. Both America and UAE has a large population of expatriates and is haven for migrant workers who look for better prospects in life and career. Just like America, UAE also consists of different states which are called â€Å"emirate† unitedly known as UAE. The currency of UAE is closely as valuable as American Dollar. Both American and UAE have a high living expense and high standard of living. The citizens of UAE like Americans lead a comfortable and quality life. Both these countries have a strict law system and criminals are punished severely once convicted. UAE like America has a population of an indigenous tribe who were early descendants of the country. In general USA and UAE, both allow freedom of religion to its citizens. The population of UAE is also similar to Americans in food habit as they love junk food. They too like Americans mainly follow a meat-based diet along with vegetables. Since UAE like the USA is a very modern, free-market country, people enjoy indulging in new products and different varieties of fast foods. For the very same reason, both countries have high obesity rates among citizens. The primary and prominent difference between both the countries is the religion they follow. UAE is an Islamic country and USA is predominantly a country which follows Christianity.UAE has Islamic laws governing the country whereas the USA is a secular nation. American is a highly liberal nation and gives complete freedom to its citizens whereas, UAE nationals are bound by Islamic laws. The USA has a government system whereas UAE is ruled by royal family of the nation. The national language of USA is English whereas UAE follows Arabic as their national language. The USA is a country with regions of varied geographical nature and climate, but UAE is a desert region and most part of the year is hot and humid. The geographical area of both these countries also varies drastically. USA is a huge country whereas UAE is a tiny country.UAE nationals unlike Americans are family oriented and are closely connected with family members. Among UAE nationals, the private functions are attended by men and women separately. The marriage ceremonies and other functions are truly Islamic law based. When it comes to the costume of UAE nationals they follow traditional outfit whereas American is casual and trendy in their dress sense. One will only find UAE men in white robe and women in a Black hijab with a veil on their face. America is famous for its pop culture and fast life but UAE follows Bedouin culture and lives a life which is medium paced.UAE imposes a restriction on dressing code, alcohol, and vulgarity in public while America is pretty much liberal.

Friday, November 1, 2019

JETBLUE CASE STUDY Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

JETBLUE CASE STUDY - Research Paper Example However, a disturbing fact about turnover of Jetblue is that, far from increased percentages of sales over the years, the percentages are actually falling. Sales for 2006 constituted a 36% increase over 2005, but sales proportion of 2007 is only around 20% increase over 2006. It is imperative that sales growth is consistent through larger quantum of sales and revenues over profitable segments. Coming to variable costs, it is seen that the proportion is larger for variable costs rather than fixed. Aircraft fuel, as expected, holds the largest chunk. Rising fuel prices is one of the principal risks in the airline business. Jet fuel costs were considered the second largest operating cost in the airline industry, after staff costs. Coming to hedging it is seen that occasionally the company should purchase crude oil options contract or swap agreements. These commodity prices are connected with aircraft fuel, making derivative of them effective. These are short term measures designed to co unteract against steep increases in prices of aircraft fuels. Lower distribution costs, lower selling overheads and higher instance of productive output. This has been brought about by use of electronic ticketing and maximum use of internet services for airliners. Only two types of aircrafts in use: The... Coming to variable costs, it is seen that the proportion is larger for variable costs rather than fixed. Aircraft fuel, as expected, holds the largest chunk. Rising fuel prices is one of the principal risks in the airline business. Jet fuel costs were considered the second largest operating cost in the airline industry, after staff costs. Coming to hedging it is seen that occasionally the company should purchase crude oil options contract or swap agreements. These commodity prices are connected with aircraft fuel, making derivative of them effective. These are short term measures designed to counteract against steep increases in prices of aircraft fuels. Four possible reasons on how the company has, up to now, managed and achieved low operating costs are as follows. Lower distribution costs, lower selling overheads and higher instance of productive output. This has been brought about by use of electronic ticketing and maximum use of internet services for airliners. Only two types of aircrafts in use: The Company flies only two types of aircrafts, A320 and Embraer 190. Thus, it is possible for Jetblue to plan and control its operations, servicing and maintenance. Moreover, its pilots are more comfortable flying aircrafts whose technical and flight systems are well known to them and this helps in attaining ultimate flight efficiencies and lower chances of accidents or operational malfunctioning. Higher aircraft utilization: By effective and harmonized scheduling of aircrafts, and well- planned movement control, it is able to spread its fixed costs over a larger number of flights and available seat miles. Some of their aircrafts are on day-and-night

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Chinese History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Chinese History - Essay Example According to the text, the top trigram is referred to as Tui, the Joyous and denotes gladness. The lower trigram in my throw denotes Chen, also referred to as the Arousing and has the attribute of movement (pantherwebworks.com, 2). When the two trigrams are joined together, they yield gladness in movement (following). According to the text, following is endowed with the utmost victory, perseverance promotes, and no blame. The opposite hexagram (Chieh) warns that one must not persevere in the face of vexing limitation. I wanted to know if this year will offer more good than bad, hence I believe that the divination holds that if I seek to serve on the side of good, then goodness will follow me however the reverse also holds true. The divination also holds that I should strive to overcome all limitations that may prevent me from achieving my following in order to succeed. While I truly did enjoy this exercise, I believe divination is largely idealistic. The exercise did allow me to think more about my question and I believe that the answers that it provided were very helpful. I however would not depend on divinity to solve my large questions/decisions. As to the value, I truly believe that the practice offers temporary peace that can enable one to view their problems in a different

Monday, October 28, 2019

Junking the Junk Food Essay Example for Free

Junking the Junk Food Essay In this article the author is trying to show us how our country has become very unhealthy nation. Warner believes that to end the obesity in the country the government needs to be involved. They should make healthy food more appealing while making the junk food less appealing. There are a lot of people whom are worrying and trying to change the way majority of American people eat. Because almost 40% of American people are fat, and that because the way they eat. Lot of politicians are trying to send their message to the public and trying to make them realize that fast food is bad for them and eating healthy is good. Personally I don’t think that government can force somebody to change the way they eat. The only way or the only solution is changing our culture, because most of the people think eating burgers and fries everyday is normal, that’s their culture. But the day that we change that thinking and the day that we start thinking that eating healthy (fruits, vegetables) everyday is a normal, than we are going to have a different culture, and totally different America. 400 Warner identifies how politician Sarah Palin recently made an appearance in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with cookies to pass out to the kids of the local schools and how unnecessary the act was. Criticizing Palins actions, Warner continues on her point of how children are not deprived of these treats that some believe to be needed and how these foods and lack of nutrition need to be changed not encouraged. 401- Warner also mentions here how Glenn Beck mocked the governmentand led to government health inspectors shutting down a7-year olds lemonade stand. Government can’t regulate what the American people eatand don’t eat. Because there are lot of educated people and know the consequences of eating too much fatty foods. She also refers to Michelle Obama’s campaign to fight childhood obesity. She wants to change our culture educating peoples to eat fruits and vegetables instead of french fries and burgers. 402- Warner explains how government is trying to regulate the amount of junk food that we eat. She is trying to compare current events and historical events to explain how the eating habits in our country have changed over the years. An example is â€Å"the food rationing programs of World War 2† She also offers some solutions to the problem of obesity in the country. One of these solutions is that we should make fatting foods look bad, like we made cigarettes look bad. People will have a hard time changing their eating habits when junk food is portrayed as delicious and they don’t directly receive negative side effects 403- The only way or the only solution is changing our culture, because most of the people think eating burgers and fries everyday is normal, that’s their culture. But the day that we change that thinking and the day that we start thinking that eating healthy (fruits, vegetables) everyday is a normal, than we are going to have a different culture, and totally different America. 404- She also mention if we stop putting the cigarette like a s exy and cool product instead of putting something really bad that can damage our lungs and cause a horrible disease like a lung cancer can stop people smoking.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Why Is Religion Important :: essays research papers

Why is Religion Important? Religion is the one element of life that has connected the races and societies of the world for hundreds of years. It has given meaning to lives that may seem otherwise hopeless. Religion has provided for a universal language and culture among those who believe in a higher power. The spirit or being receiving the worship and praise may not be the same, but the practices are usually similar and serve the same purpose--to give direction, insight, courage, and a divine connection. In today's world, there are many different ways to get involved in religion; various methods have attracted groups of all ages and races. One popular association is FCA or Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This particular group has helped me to find Christ in my own life. There are a lot of unconventional activities to help the younger generations get involved. Some of these activities included Death Week, which focused on death and pain, meetings about family and divorce, lectures to help people reach for their goals, and encouragement speakers. There is a great deal of fun incorporated into all the seriousness, though. We went on ski trips, did missionary work, and put on skits. All of these activities involved Christ in some way, and helped the younger generation to realize that being spiritual was not 'uncool.'; When I attended the FCA meetings, it was the one time that I actually felt free from all my problems. FCA helped me to find my spiritual self and gave me a sense of compl etion. Religion is the main source of morals and values today. I feel like many people today are not following the word of God. I think that religion is overlooked, and not taught enough. For example, colleges, high schools, and many other places are not even allowed to pray, teach or preach the word of the bible. I feel like that is a problem in the United States today. It has had the effect of more violence, problems in families, and the non- education of the younger generation. I feel that though religion is choice, it should be introduced, because many don't even get the opportunity to learn about it.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Racism and Ethnic Discrimination Essay

Particular sectors of the population that are considered inferior based on their ethnic identities have limited socio-economic mobility and limited access to political participation, and for this reason the organization of current society reflects a situation of structural racism, which in turn perpetuates inequality. The phenomenon of institutionalized racism is covert, and is falsely considered something of the past instead of as an ongoing process that is real, still in force, and continually reproduced in social relations. While the fight against racism advances, expressions of racism become more sophisticated,4 and it intensifies other discrimination based on gender, age, geographic origin, or socio-economic status. 5 The ideology of racism is institutionalized by the State, as power and access is granted to certain groups based on the recognition of a superior culture. Racism then persists in the attitudes held by those with a voice in shaping laws, public policies, and programs, and therefore becomes imposed on the institutions and interactions that shape everyday life. One aspect that makes the analysis of racism and discrimination more complex is the fact that Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendent communities have internalized and accepted the racist structures, often reproducing those structures in their own relations. Stigmas held by certain groups against others create hierarchies that are inextricably linked to physical and cultural traits such as skin color, â€Å"grade† or â€Å"purity† of blood, clothing, and language and accents. At the international level there have been significant advances in the instruments and international mechanisms of protection and defense of the rights of Indigenous and Afro-descendent peoples. The Inter-American System of Human Rights is a notable advancement is the construction of jurisprudence on the collective rights, as well as the instruments and mechanisms established in the United Nations system. Nicaragua has ratified the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), however, it does not fulfill its commitments with respect to providing periodic information. After a complex history of external colonization that maintains Nicaragua divided in two socio-cultural realities, in the last few years a process of juridical and political recognition of multiculturalism has initiated. 6 These measures however have not contributed to transforming the State, or to guaranteeing equal opportunities of access in the construction of democracy. The central problem continues to be the form and behavior removal or diminishment of recognition, enjoyment, or exercise, under equal conditions, of human rights and fundamental liberties in political, economic, social, cultural spheres, or any other sphere of public life. 3 UN Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples and CODISRA. JUN POP TIJONIK. 2006. 4 Francisco Cali. CERD Expert, Guatemala. 2006. 5 The Guatemala Human Development Report (2005), analyses the concept of social stratification, which gives evidence of the asymmetries with respect to access to development for Indigenous and Afro-descendent Peoples, having to do with difference that go beyond socioeconomic factors, and that moreover, reinforce ethnic subordination. UNDP, Guatemala. 2005. 6 This is a doctrine based on the explicit recognition of cultural diversity is established in conformance with equality of citizenship. It recognizes the existence of collectives that are historically and culturally different from the cultural group that has been in power, to which once recognized, the collective cultural rights will be guaranteed, incorporating them in laws and state institutions and creating public policies to manage the diversity. Multiculturalism facilitates the culture and the identity that are constituted in main axes of political rights and duties. 5 of 104 Racism and Ethnic Discrimination in Nicaragua November 2006 of the National State: mono-ethnic, exclusionary in its concept of citizenship and in the distribution of goods and services. The Mestizo project of the national State continues to identify the administrative structure and resources of the State with an ethnic group, its cultures, and values. Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendent communities in the Autonomous Regions, Pacific, and Central-Northern region continue to be discriminated against. Racism and inter-ethnic conflict in Nicaragua continues to be a daily reality in the lives of Indigenous and Afro-descendent people. New threats linked to globalization and internal migration also exacerbate the conflicts. Despite advances in the Indigenous and ethnic movement, as well as increased recognition of rights, it is evident that to fight against these forces there must be greater commitment, as indicated by one of the subjects interviewed for the study: â€Å"We need to operate from a feeling of the value of others and the recognition of our Miskitu, Mayangna, and Kriole brothers and sisters as human beings—as individuals that have their own values, which are worth the same as mine†¦ I need to see [others] as human beings with whom I must live, and therefore, with whom I have to create an environment of empathy where we see each other as people fighting together to move forward †¦ and for this, we will need to change our ways of feeling, thinking, and acting †¦ we will need to have concrete goals†¦to move forward hand in hand as Costenos and as Costenas †¦ and this is possible. †7 This report seeks to describe racism in a way that documents a range of experiences of discrimination, in all spheres of life. Perhaps the outlook presented here will seem quite negative, as most of the subjects interviewed were skeptical that any governmental or nongovernmental organizations are taking steps to address the problems—nor were they confident that the situation would change in the near future. Since racist and colonial structures still exist in all corners of the world, unfortunately there are few examples of anything more than incremental changes in the past few years, decades, or even centuries. However, the intention of this report is not to showcase a list of complaints, nor to assign blame to any particular group or institution. Instead, this study operates under the possibility that the process of documenting experiences of racism and discrimination can facilitate communication across sectors, and can be the first step toward taking affirmative actions to combat the ideology and practice of racism. Thus, like other documents— reports, laws, declarations, treaties—this study can only be a starting point. The real work begins when, armed with consciousness and the will to change, people choose to undertake the task of struggling together for progress. 7 Interview with Benalicia Lucas, 2 October, 2006. 6 of 104 Racism and Ethnic Discrimination in Nicaragua November 2006 2. STRUCTURE AND METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY This study was conducted with the support of Diakonia, a Swedish international cooperation agency whose mission is to promote the respect and exercise of all the human rights of all people and to contribute to the democratization of societies for the strengthening of a democratic culture. The study carried out the objective of analyzing and systematizing racism as an ideology and an everyday practice in Nicaragua. The specific objectives were the following: 1. To establish and explain briefly the connection between racism, external colonialism and internal colonialism. 2. To characterize racism against Indigenous Peoples, Garifunas, and Afrodescendents in Nicaragua, in the cultural, social, economic, legal, and political spheres. 3. To describe the current situation and trends of the phenomenon of racism. 4. To analyze and evaluate the types of demands of the affected groups to combat racism, the affirmative actions to be taken, and the role of organized civil society in this process. 5. To analyze and evaluate the actions from the State in relation to racism at the national, regional, and international levels, identifying political strategies, programs to raise awareness, and potential results. 2. 1 Scope and methodology. The study was carried out at the national level, covering the North and South Atlantic Autonomous Regions, Indigenous Communities of the Pacific and CentralNorthern region, and Managua. Qualitative and participatory methods were used to collect the data for the study, complemented by a literature review. The methodology seeks to identify the ways in which racism manifests itself on a daily basis in the lives of Indigenous Peoples, Krioles, and Garifunas in Nicaragua. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were held with key individuals and organizations in Bilwi, Bluefields, Managua, Sutiaba, Leon, Nindiri, and Sebaco, as well as with Regional Autonomous Councils. A guide of questions was used for each interview and focus group, and is included at the end of this report (see: â€Å"Instruments Utilized. †) We recognize that knowledge of the historical construction of race in Nicaragua is indispensable to a complete understanding of the current situation; however, we consider that beyond the scope of this study. Moreover, it is important to note that policies of the State or of other institutions are by no means static. Portrayed in this study are the impressions of a variety of people based on trends and overall tendencies in the daily experience of racism, but we do not to pretend to represent all the facets of this theme, since we understand that there are other experiences and challenges that exist in Nicaragua. 7 of 104 Racism and Ethnic Discrimination in Nicaragua November 2006 Similarly, it is important to take into account the context of human development and well being in order to appreciate the full extent of the challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendents in Nicaragua. However, this report does not present extensive data on social, political, economic, or cultural well-being, and only refers to those indicators when directly relevant to expressions of racial discrimination or to examples of institutionalized racism. It is important to highlight that one of the limitations is the absence of a system of national statistical information with disaggregation by ethnicity or culturally relevant indicators, which makes it difficult to make comparisons. Finally, no ethnic group should be perceived as monolithic, as there is as much diversity in each group as there are shared characteristics. To assign a rigid set of values or perspectives to any ethnic group comes perilously close to contributing to institutionalized racism, as one of the basic traits of all ethnic groups is that, because they are made up of people, they are full of inconsistencies, paradoxes, and contradictions. Indeed, ethnicity is but one of many identities that we use to define ourselves, along with nationality, geographic origin, age, religion, physical and mental ability, gender, and sexual orientation. It is the intersections of these identities that determine the experience that we live as specific persons and Peoples. The report has been organized in the following order: In the first two chapters there is an introduction, the objectives are defined, and the scope and methodological aspects of the study are presented. In the third chapter the themes of racism and discrimination are analyzed using an approach based in individual and collective human rights, and concludes with various notes related to ethnic identity. In the fourth chapter the historical process of racism and ethnic discrimination in Nicaragua is analyzed in light of processes of external and internal colonization. It concludes with a discussion of new forms of colonization that Indigenous and Afrodescendent Peoples confront. In the fifth chapter the diverse forms and manifestations of ethnic discrimination in cultural, social, economic, juridical-legal, and political spheres are presented. In the sixth chapter the principal demands of Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendent communities are presented. In the following chapter there is an assessment of the responses that the State and various other actors have given to fight against racism and ethnic discrimination. In the last chapters conclusions and recommendations of the study are presented. 8 of 104 Racism and Ethnic Discrimination in Nicaragua November 2006 3. RACISM AND INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE HUMAN RIGHTS For the analysis of discrimination for ethnic and racial motivations we have considered it appropriate to use a human rights approach. The basic premise of this approach is that a society free from discrimination should permit people to live with dignity and achieve the highest levels of humanity guaranteed by the body of international human rights laws. This requires the recognition that Indigenous Peoples and Afrodescendent communities are subjects with individual and collective rights derived from their specific historical and cultural characteristics, and that a result of racism those Peoples have not had that recognition nor conditions to exercise their human rights. Indigenous Peoples define themselves as the descendents of the original inhabitants before the formation of States that, independently of their size or level of development, maintain cultural characteristics, cosmovisions, spirituality, and harmonious relationship with nature and are guided by their own forms of organization, customs, and traditions. 8 In the case of Nicaragua, this is understood by Indigenous people as â€Å"the human collective that maintains a historic continuity with societies before colonialism, whose social, cultural, and economic conditions distinguish them from other sectors of national society, and whom are governed totally or partially by their own customs and traditions. †9 In the case of ethnic communities, these are understood as the combination of families of Afro-Caribbean ancestry that share the same ethnic consciousness, through their culture, values, and traditions, linked to the cultural roots and forms of ownership of land and natural resources. 10 Article 5 of the Political Constitution of Nicaragua establishes ethnic pluralism as a principle of the nation, and that the State recognizes the existence of â€Å"Indigenous Peoples† and indicates among their special rights â€Å"maintaining and developing their identity and culture, having their own forms of social organization, administrating their local affairs, maintaining their communal forms of property of their lands, and the enjoyment and use of those lands. † These concepts do not necessarily imply that those characteristics are static, or that a certain sample could represent the extensive diversity and forms of organization, or the distinct demands of the Afro-descendent Peoples and communities in Nicaragua. As the process of reconstructing individual and collective identities and the international and national recognition of collective rights have advanced, the members of Indigenous communities have begun to recover and live in their everyday and public lives their specific collective identities: Rama, Sumu-Mayangna, Miskitu, Chorotega, and others. Each People has more specific cultural characteristics, others that have been adapted, and others shared. ILO Convention 169. Law 445 on Property and Communal Lands. The law defines the term Indigenous community as the combination of families from Amerindian ancestry established in a territorial space that share feelings of identification, linked to the past aborigines of their indigenous people and that maintain an identity and their own values of a traditional culture, as well as forms of ownership and communal use of lands, and of their own social organization. 10 Ibid. 8 9 9 of 104 Racism and Ethnic Discrimination in Nicaragua November 2006 The concept of a People is linked to the international right established in the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Convention on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and has been incorporated, without qualification, 11 in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted by the UN Human Rights Council in June 2006. Convention 169 of the International Labour Organization is however the only binding instrument that refers specifically to Indigenous Peoples and tribes. In addition to the United Nations, the Organization of American States has initiated a discussion on the project of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and through a variety of considerations, observations, and recommendations, has advanced the international juridical rules referring to Indigenous Peoples. The commission and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights has also had a notable process of constructing jurisprudence on collective rights within the InterAmerican system. Indigenous Peoples possess collective rights based on their historical rights and collective cultural identity, which are indispensable to their existence, well-being, and development as peoples. 12 Collective rights are human rights of the third generation that are derived from their political, social, and cultural structures, spiritual traditions, histories, and philosophy. It is also important to highlight that among collective rights are the rights to self-determination and autonomy, which are expressed through the right to conserve and their own political, juridical, economic, social, and cultural institutions, while maintaining their right to participate fully, if they desire, in the political, economic, social, and cultural life of the State from the local to the national level. 13 These rights are linked to the territorial right based on historical and ancestral usufruct, and access to the enjoyment, use and benefit from natural resources. 14 The central element in the debate on collective rights of Indigenous Peoples has been the recognition of their collective rights as peoples, and the consequent rights that are derived from that recognition. Because of the close relationship between collective rights and identity as Peoples, individual and collective identity is a process of reconstruction that depends on the degree of oppression that is confronted, the degree of cohesion of the group, their level of coordination with the grassroots, and their relations with the rest of society. Afro-descendent communities, based on their distinct ethnicity15 and the conditions of colonization, racism, and social exclusion that have been imposed on them, are subjects of collective rights. For them it has been very complex to obtain recognition of The text of the Universal Declaration adopted on June 29, 2006 by the Human Rights Council goes beyond the concept of Indigenous Peoples included in the ILO Convention 169, since it is not limited to the domain of States, and in this sense it is equal to what is established in the first paragraph of the ICCPR and ICESCR. 12 The definition of the rights of peoples is in the framework of the ICCPR and the ICESCR. 13 Universal Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights Council, United Nations. 29 June 2006. A/HRC/I/L. 10 14 Ruling in the case of Awas Tingni, Inter-American Court of Human Rights. 15 An ethnic group is one that shares common cultural characteristics and whose members recognize themselves as part of a group for reasons of relationship, solidarity, or culture. They share a name that they identify with common ancestry, historical memory, common cultural elements (religion, language, customs), and a sense of solidarity. In the case of Afrodescendents in the region, only the Garifunas share the sense of connection to the land and territory. 11 10 of 104 Racism and Ethnic Discrimination in Nicaragua November 2006 their distinct identity, because it has been associated with derogatory prejudices and the lack of clear forms of communal and cultural organization of their communities. However, the discrimination that these communities suffer is high and generally hidden. 16 The black communities, descendents of African slaves and workers of Caribbean islands as a result of the policy of colonization by the English during the 17th and 18th centuries, maintain certain common characteristics, such as their roots in African ancestry, their history of being uprooted and of slavery, and their specific customs, values, and traditions. 17 They are basically concentrated in two groups: the Garifunas and the Krioles. 3. 1 A note on cultural and ethnic identity. Ethnic identity is dynamic and complex, and can evolve over one’s lifetime according to a variety of factors, which may be incorporated consciously or unconsciously into one’s identity. It is affirmed by various elements that an individual defines for herself or himself as the criteria for a sense of belonging to a certain group, such as a set of shared values, attitudes, lifestyles, and/or customs. Similarly, cultural identity is formed based on a common ancestry, a shared historical memory, a connection to a native land, and/or common practices such as religion, language, traditions, and customs, which result in a feeling of solidarity. Each cultural group is further defined by its differentiation from others, based on cultural markers (such as language or clothing), and other attitudes and practices that are associated with a particular social group. In Nicaragua there is a mixture of shared ethnicities and cultures. Therefore, race and ethnicity cannot be defined based on blood, skin color, or physical traits, but rather, are based on the way in which one self-identifies based on a variety of cultural, social, and political factors. 18 For example, the construction of identity in the Autonomous Regions has been defined through contacts with external and internal colonization, in different historical moments, from the first contact with the English in the mid-17th century, up to the current migration of poor rural people from the central region of Nicaragua that is advancing with the agricultural frontier to the coastal regions. In addition to the specific identities of each people and community, there is also a â€Å"costena† identity promoted by these communities as a strategy of survival. 19. Racial and ethnic discrimination is the daily manifestation of racism that is expressed through behaviors differentiated according to the origin of a person. It occurs in personal relations and at each moment, but it also occurs in the institutional domain, where it is expressed in ideological constructions with which one has grown up, lived with, and been educated. Because of the fact of being internalized, it is expressed through laws, public policies, and forms of organization that are adopted by institutions within the State, as well as cooperation agencies, civil society, families, and educational centers. Its effects are both individual and collective, and in the case of Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendents it is expressed through the violation of their collective rights. 17 UNDP, Regional Human Development Report, 1999. 18 In the case of the Autonomous Regions, Law 28 recognizes ethnic self-identification as a right. 19 Similar processes have been documented in other similar contexts where there are negotiations and repositioning of actors that use symbols, and defend diverse cultural values in contexts of domination and resistance. Ong, (1999) 16.