AIDS Crisis essays

AIDS Crisis essays Post world war civilization around the world has undergone many changes. With modernization, urbanization and western ideas infiltrating many countries, traditional ways of life and culture have been forced to adapt to this new and fluid society. AIDS has been referred to as the disease of modernity, and nowhere has its devastating effects been more profound than in Africa, specifically, the sub-Saharan region. Before diving into the causes and effects of HIV/AIDS on African society, it is necessary to understand AIDS as a disease; its origin, transmission, and development. Tissue preserved in 1959 from a central African man has recently been identified as the earliest known case. Many speculate that AIDS may have spread from the blood of hunted chimpanzees to their butchers in the years after WWII. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is transmitted through bodily fluids, including blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. Most commonly, it is transferred through sexual contact, intravenous drug use where needles are shared, and through blood transfusions. HIV/AIDS is a viral disease which tends to progress in three distinct stages. Within the first several weeks after infection, acute, flu-like symptoms develop, and many think nothing of it. A long period of ten years, on average follows, during which time no symptoms are present. In the final stage, full-blown AIDS appears, which is characterized by the collapse of the bodys immune system from which death ultimately occurs from wasting or overwhelming infection.3 Why has Africa been especially hard hit in the AIDS pandemic? Africa is an economically depressed region where everyone from government officials to children are forced everyday to survive. Mass migrations of people to urban areas in search of work began following WWII. These people left behind families and adopted new ways of life in the cities. Many fell into the practi...

Appreciative and Thank-You Quotations

Appreciative and Thank-You Quotations A word of appreciation or a simple thank you can do wonders for building relationships. A thank you is not just courtesy or good manners; it acknowledges and hence cherishes kindness. Here are some beautifully worded thank you quotes. The gratitude of most men is but a secret desire of receiving greater benefits. -Francois Duc de la RochefoucauldDo not let the empty cup be your first teacher of the blessings you had when it was full. Do not let a bard place here and there in the bed destroy your rest. Seek, as a plain duty, to cultivate a buoyant, joyous sense of the crowded kindnesses of God in your daily life. -Alexander MaclarenO Lord, who lends me life; lend me a heart replete with thankfulness. -William ShakespeareIt is the will to be grateful which constitutes gratitude. -Joseph CookNext to ingratitude, the most painful thing to bear is gratitude. -Henry Ward BeecherThou hast given so much to me,Give one thing more- a grateful heart;Not thankful when it pleaseth me,As if Thy blessings had spare days,But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise. -George HerbertWhen we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs? -G K Chesterton Kindness is the language, which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. -Mark TwainWe can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. -Thornton WilderWhat I have done is worthy of nothing but silence and forgetfulness, but what God has done for me is worthy of everlasting and thankful memory. -Joseph HallFeeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. -William WardWhen eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them. -Chinese ProverbOnly a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things. -HoraceSaying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality. -Alfred PainterSilent gratitude isnt much use to anyone. -G B SternAs each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily. The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world. -Adabella Radici

Business Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Business Law - Essay Example This is selected because it contains very relevant explanations and outlines of how directors and shareholders are expected to relate towards the collective success of their companies. Several UK case laws are also going to be analysed in such a way that by the end of the discussions, Mary and Joseph would clearly identify areas of legal liability in the conduct of their directors and areas where no legal liabilities exist. Directors’ Duty Duty owed to the company and not individual shareholders First, it is important for Mary and Joseph to realise that prior to CA 2006, the directors owe their duty to the company as a body and not to individual shareholders of the company. However, it has been explained earlier that the company is only an artificial person, who must be represented by natural people. Mary and Joseph could therefore direct their actions in such ways that they are either seen as individual shareholders fighting for their interest in the company or as members of the company as a body1. ... Similarly, in Percival v Wright (1902), it was held that the director of the directors in some instances owe fiduciary duties to individual shareholders of the company. By further implication, how a petitioner positions him or herself in cases against the adjudication of the duties of directos is very important in determining what the outcome of the petition would be3. Mary and Joseph will therefore be advised to position their selves as constitute members of the company rather than as interested parties in the acquisition because of the directors’ duty is owed to the company and not to individual shareholders4. Power to issue shares Further advice given to Mary and Joseph would bother on the power that the directors of the company have to issue shares. It would be noted that s 171 CA 2006, which touches on the duty of directors to act within powers clearly outlines the powers given to the directors to exercise powers for the purposes for which they are conferred5. As part of the powers, given by most companies to their directors also, there is the power for the issuance of shares where directors have the right to issue shares that they deem as acts profitable ventures for the company6. In effect, the argument of Mary and Joseph cannot be against the mere issuance of shares in the acquisition process of the subsidiary firm. The acquisition of the subsidiary company through the issuance of shares could easily be justified by the directors through their power to issue shares if the purpose for the formation of the subsidiary company had finished serving its roles7. In Hogg v Cramphorn Ltd (1967), it was held that the directors of the company could not be charged for

Choosing a New Director of Research Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Choosing a New Director of Research - Case Study Example Although the three candidates seem to be worthy candidates, Alexa and Kelsey tend to be more focused on elements of comfort and creativity than results (Northouse, 2010). In this regard, Thomas had previously shown similar traits through his accomplishments at GLF, which earned him the respect of his fellow colleagues. It is apparent that a good leader should be free with other workers in order to establish a good working relationship. Thomas is free with the other colleagues and shares ideas with them because of his vast experience in the company. Sandra Coke should go for someone who is skilled and understands the market dynamics in order to capitalize on the new trends in the industry (Collins, 2014). Thomas deserved the promotion because of his previous experiences and honesty when dealing with other workers (Northouse, 2010). This shall enable to influence changes without resistance from the workers who also understand his abilities to produce good results. The trait approach is useful in the type of recruitment because it makes it easy to recognize the leadership abilities of different individuals. Workers possess varied traits from each other that enable the management to identify the strengths of each party. The trait approach is also suitable since it aids in narrowing down the qualities of candidates on the managerial list. Organizations need to monitor the performance of their workers before promoting them to managerial positions (Northouse, 2010). This makes it appropriate for the management to enhance a smooth transition in the policymaking and distribution of tasks. Considering this, the trait approach is unique and helpful to choose candidates that show good qualities and experience in their duties. Choosing of workers based on traits is suitable than using the academic criteria that only focus on the skills acquired (Weth, 2007).  

Strengths and Opportunities of Walmart Essay Example for Free

Strengths and Opportunities of Walmart Essay Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart, is an American multinational retail corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the worlds third largest public corporation, the biggest private employer in the world with 2. 2 million employees and is the largest retailer in the world. Walmart is also one of the worlds most valuable companies. First of all, Walmart has good reputation for convenience and their low price strategy and these become their advantage to attract customers. Walmart reclaimed the top spot in the Fortune 500 in 2012 after slipping to No. last year. The retailer’s refocus on low prices continued to attract frugal shoppers into the discounters U. S. stores. Everyday Low Price (EDLP) is the cornerstone of the company strategy and their price focus has never been stronger. Today’s consumer seeks the convenience of one-stop shopping that they offer. From grocery and entertainment to sporting goods and crafts, Walmart provide the deep assortment that the customers appreciate. The company price investments across a broad assortment allow them to deliver a lower-priced market basket. Through Walmart’s localised and national market basket media campaigns, they show customers market by market that they are the low price leader on baskets of merchandise. In fiscal 2013, Walmart U. S. delivered a strong 1. 8 percent comp increase or an additional $4. 7 billion in comp store sales from last year. Net sales rose to $274. 5 billion, a 3. 9 percent increase and operating income grew by 5. 4 percent to $21. 5 billion. They are driving growth and meeting the customers’ needs by offering lower prices on a broad assortment of relevant merchandise. Each week, more than 245 million customers and members visit their 10,800 stores under 69 banners in 27 countries and e-commerce websites in 10 countries. By offering everyday low prices on a broad merchandise assortment, the company builds customer trust and resonates with consumers globally. Besides that, Walmart also has some successful cost leadership strategies. The strategies are efficiency in operations and distribution strategies, efficiency in supply chain management and the strong bargaining power. For fficiency in operations and distribution strategies: the Organisation Development (OD) strategies have helped Walmart achieve low prices- Walmart opens the stores outside of large cities and within 200 miles of existing stores. By bunching stores together in small areas, distribution costs are below average. Moreover, Walmart seeks to meet different customers’ needs with four main distinct retail options; these include supercenters, discount stores, Sam’s Club, and neighborhood markets. For the efficiency in supply chain management: Walmart is incredibly successful in managing its supply chain. The company applies the most reliable supply chain management system which is very efficient because almost all product data can be tracked to and from the manufacturer, warehouse, and the store shelf. Efficiency in supply chain system may save Walmart several million dollars as it can prevent losses from faulty product management. For the strong bargaining power: Walmart buys its products at rock-bottom prices, exchanges high purchase volumes for low cost while passing the savings onto its customers. The bargaining power of suppliers is weak. Many suppliers even give in to Walmart’s pressure because they depend on the discount retailer for the majority of their sales. Obviously, suppliers would do what Walmart wanted them to do if they hoped to maintain their sales. The cost leadership strategy enables Walmart to offer products at low price points. The company offers its grocery products at prices about 12% lower than the market. This strategy ensures a steady, recurring stream of customers for its goods, making Walmart synonymous with inexpensive and this keeps constant pressure on competitors. In addition, Walmart also has a focused strategy in place for human resource management and development. The employees are the key to Walmarts business and they are willing to invest time and money in training and developing them. They believe that the success of the business model relies on entrepreneurial employees who desire to learn and grow within the industry. They invest in the training and development of each employee, offering equal opportunities for learning at all levels. Training and development of employees provides a competitive advantage, enabling continual improvement of performance across the whole organisation. The employees must develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to serve, support and sell within the operating framework of their division. Therefore, the company’s goal is to expose employees to training that is specific to their area of responsibility and provide opportunities for further learning and development for ongoing growth within the organisation. Opportunities Retail market growth in Walmart’s emerging markets gives an opportunity to the company. Retail markets grew by at least 5% on average in emerging markets in the last year, opening huge opportunities for Walmart’s revenue growth. The business currently operates in Brazil, Mexico, China and India markets. Since 2008 to 2012, the number of international locations has nearly doubled. Walmart International serves more than 105 million customers per week in 26 countries. The company’s portfolio provides a balance of growth with improved profitability and higher returns. In fiscal 2013, Walmart International contributed almost 30 percent of the company’s net sales, with an increase of 7. 4 percent from the prior year to $135. 2 billion. Besides that, the company operating income also grew 8. percent to $6. 7 billion. Walmart ended the year with 497 more new stores, totalling approximately 19 million square feet. As the largest retailer in the world, the retail market growth in its emerging markets has given Walmart a new reason to be successful. Another opportunity for Walmart is the concentration on grocery and food trends continue to grow. The perception that home-prepared foods are much healthier and an unmet desire to enjoy affordable, restaurant-type food at home have given food marketers the opportunity to recapture mealtime. The current trend of eating healthier food has resulted in higher demand for grocery products. Walmart’s largest part of the overall business food and grocery had successfully continued to gain share from the market from this trend. As the largest retailer in the world, Walmart has an opportunity to expand its grocery stores to earn more income from this trend. Besides that, the significant growth in the online grocery shopping has given an advantage to Walmart as Walmart had started to offer the customers the option to shop online using mobile devices since the year 2000. A 2012 Nielsen survey of consumers in 56 countries uncovered some fascinating insights on this trend. The number of people stating that they intend to buy food and beverages online grew 44% over the last two years and 26% of global respondents say they plan to purchase food and beverage products through an online connected device in the next three to six months. In addition, Online grocery sales are also expected to increase 9. 5 percent annually to become a $9. 4 billion industry in 2017, according to data from IBISWorld. The service fulfilled the customer desire for quick, easy, cost-efficient grocery shopping. Walmart is trying to expand their e-commerce operations with several tactics. One success of the company is the new search engine for walmart. com which delivers more relevant results to online shoppers and led to increased sales conversions. They are also testing some great innovations, such as same-day delivery of purchases from the company’s U. S. website. The company just expanded mobile self-checkout through their Scan and Goâ„ ¢ app. They have also launched a multi-year process to build the next generation global technology platform. Moreover, Walmart had also carried out many projects which will boost the companys public image. In the year 2012, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation’s charitable contributions surpassed $1 billion in cash and in-kind donations to positively impact local communities around the globe. This includes $1 billion in cash and in-kind gifts in the United States and $82. 2 million in cash and in-kind gifts in international markets. In addition, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Logistics employees volunteered more than 2. million hours, generating $18 million to U. S. nonprofits. At 20 June 2013, the Walmart Foundation announced $14 million in grants to provide more than 1. 7 million children and families with free meals and nutrition education programs. The grants will expand access to meals for children outside of school this summer and throughout the year, while also teaching families how to develop healthy, low-cost eating habits. Ethical sourcing is also practiced by the company. The foundation of Walmart’s business has always centered on helping people live better. This mission applies not only to their customers but also to the workers who make the products. The company collaborate with other retailers, brands, NGOs and government leaders to verify the products they sell are produced in a way that provides dignity and respect for workers in their supply chain. As the world’s largest retailer, they strive to positively influence global supply chain practices by raising their own standards and improving working conditions in the countries from which they source. These projects had successfully increased the company’s public image and community relations.

Bar Kochba Revolt :: essays research papers fc

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Jewish revolt led by Bar Kochba in 132 AD was not the work of a single if a single radical revolutionary. It was the inevitable result of years of promises not kept to the Jews, and laws which suppressed the basis of Jews as a nation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To understand the reason for Bar Kochba’s Revolt one must go back many years even before the war. Prior to Hadrian, an emperor by the name of Trajan was the ruler of the Roman empire. Due to the rebellion of the Jews in the Diaspora to the east and the west of them, Trajan, in order to keep the Jews in Palestine from rebelling he had to send a great general to be governor of the Jews in Palestine, a general who was well with the harshness in which he treated people. This general’s name was Tineius Rufus, he was the general that put down the uprising of the Jews in Parthia. Because of Rufus’ reputation of his severity to the Jews, he uprooted any thought of the Jews in Palestine to rebel against Rome at that time. The Jews did not want to rebel anyway. Trajan had promised the Jews that he would rebuild the asenv ,hc, the Jews assumed this also meant to rebuild Jerusalem. The Pagans in Palestine did not want the asenv ,hc to be rebuilt, they thought that if it was rebuilt it would be the rebirth of the Jewish nation. Also, in addition, Trajan, the Emperor who made this promise died and was succeeded by Hadrian. The Jews were unsure if Hadrian would keep the promise that Trajan once made. Hadrian wanted to go to Jerusalem to see what he was rebuilding before he started the construction. When Hadrian got there he was awed by the sight of a once desolate and fruitful city in ruins. He immediately wanted to start the reconstruction. However later the Jews were surprised and disappointed to discover that Hadrian wanted to rebuild Jerusalem not as a city for the Jews to restart in, but as a Pagan city sanctified to the Pagan G-d Jupiter. He was going to put an alter where the Jews asenv ,hc once stood. Hadrian was to be the high priest. What once was called Jerusalem would now be called Aelia Capitolina. This was a mockery to the Jews. The Jews waited sixty years from the destruction of the Second asenv ,hc for Rome to restore it to them. The Jews held themselves back from Rebelling with their neighboring Jews in Diaspora because they held onto, and believed that Trajan’s promise

Busn311 Unit 2 Ip

Unit 2 – Probability and Distributions Leah Lopez American InterContinental University Abstract Within this email, I will cover different probabilities within your company. This information can help you to understand whether or not your employees are satisfied with their jobs or not. Also within the results of this survey, you will find that your employees are not distributed equally in terms of gender. Memo To: AIU From: Leah Lopez Date: November 13, 2012 Subject: Survey of employees at American Intellectual Union Dear AIU: Within this email, I will be providing some information from a survey that was given to your employees.This information can help you to understand how satisfied your workers are with their jobs. This will also help you to understand whether or not you should hire more women and men to even out the gender amongst certain departments. Overview of the Data Set The current data set is comprised of 64 individuals who were surveyed, and this is a part of the sam ple of the population at American Intellectual Union, and these individuals were identified by 5 characteristics: gender, age, position (hourly or salaried), tenure, and how they felt about job satisfaction on a scale of one to seven.The qualitative variables include: gender, department, and position. The quantitative variables include: age, tenure, and job satisfaction. Use of Statistics and Probability in the Real World There are several different ways that statistics and probability could be used in the real world. You could see this used in the horse races, the lottery, certain things in the stock market, also in marketing in a corporation. The Value of Statistics Every corporation that is successful exhausts statistics.It does not matter if they are operating a small fish store or they are a member of a board for a huge business, almost every decision made by a corporation is based on statistics. Averages, means and medians are a part of a business’s everyday life. Wheth er it is a chart, a data set, a correlation, or a bias, there is some sort of tool that will make sure your company is successful (Ayres, 2009). Data sets are one of the easiest statistical devices for businesses and one that you will probably exhaust daily without realizing it.When a person is reading over his/her bank statements, and taking care of daily business, they are more than likely going over a data set. When you pick up the morning paper and look at how your company's stock is performing, you are looking at figures gleaned from a data set. When using the words average, mean or deviation, you’re describing statistical tools that are currently being exhausted in your business (Ayres, 2009). Charts aren't just a pretty picture of an aspect of your business they are a visual representation of a data set.Whether you are looking at a bar chart of sales or a pie chart of company profits, these snapshots can tell you where your business is performing well and where it is p erforming poorly. From bank balances to employee compensation, charts and graphs can give you a visual picture of any part of your company which deals with data (Ayres, 2009). Correlations are where one event causes another. For example, you may notice that customers who buy a certain type of product are more likely to purchase another type of product.However, just because you think one event is causing another doesn't necessarily make it true; it could be a coincidence. Correlation analysis allows you to figure out whether one event is causative or not. A knowledge of correlations can be invaluable in planning sales and marketing campaigns (Ayres, 2009). Every business uses or produces some kind of statement or resolution; however, these may not always come out to be reliable. Errors may be present in the data collection, different sources do not always have the same information and there also could be mistakes in he calculations. Bias is when statistical results are different from the real — or true — value. A knowledge of bias will help you to understand which results are worth using for your business (Ayres, 2009). Distributions A distribution table can keep all of this information (numbers, row data) handy. A person can look, and say, oh, the participants in this survey were 75% male, or 25 % female. The managers can â€Å"see† the information and not just the raw data.Then complete the following distribution tables. Please pay attention to whether you should present the results in terms of percentages or simple counts. Distribution of Individuals by Gender |Gender |Percentage | |Females |50% | |Males |50% | Tenure with Company Distribution by Gender Please note that you do NOT have to convert these into percentages. You may leave them in a count format. |Under 2 years |2-5 Years |Over 5 years | |Male | |8 |11 | | |13 | | | |Female | |10 |3 | | |19 | | | Percentage of the Survey Participants in Each Department |Department |Percentage | Information Technology |34% | |Human Resources |25% | |Administration |41% | Sample Mean for Extrinsic Value by Gender |Gender |Mean Extrinsic Value | |Male |5. 32 | |Female |5. 36 | Probabilities The probabilities that will be calculated here are that an individual will be between the ages of 16-21; that an individual’s overall job satisfaction will be 5. 2 or higher; females working in human resources; and an individual’s intrinsic satisfaction is 5 or more.This information will be useful to AIU because they can look at these probabilities and find out what they need to change to increase job satisfaction, and they can also see whether or not they have an equal amount of females and males working in each department. |Classification |Count |Probability | |Probability that an individual will be between |18 |28% | |16–21 years of age | | | |Probability that an individual’s overall job |35 |55% | |satisfaction is 5. or lower | | | |Probability that an ind ividual will be a female |5 |8% | |in the human resources department | | | |Probability that an individual will be a |12 |19% | |salaried employee whose intrinsic satisfaction | | | |value is 5 or more | | | Probabilities in the Business World The theory of probability is actually the study of non-planned happenings. This type of study, of course, is math-related, and started when people would try to win card and dice games for money. Each and every decision that is made in a business setting has some sort of risk involved with it. With this being said, it seems that in the business setting, probability would be used to handle a business’s financial risks.Even the choices that are made by management have a probability of succeeding or (S. , 2010). Conclusion I hope that you have found all of the information within this survey of use. Using the information within this email can help you to improve working conditions for your employees. Sincerely, Leah A. Lopez Senior Board Mem ber References Ayres, I. (2009, August 13). The Value of Statistics. Retrieved from Freakonomics: http://www. freakonomics. com/2009/08/13/the-value-of-statistics/ S. , E. (2010). How Probability is Used in Business. Retrieved from Reference. com: http://www. reference. com/motif/science/how-probability-is-used-in-business

My Favorite Detective Story Essay

In my free time the most I like to do is reading books. Because with reading, it doesn’t matter is it a short story or a novel in several volumes, you can know something new about life. I enjoy reading different books but the most I like detectives and fantastic stories. My favorite detective story is Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie featuring the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. I first read it when I was 12 and it a little shocked me and left a great impression. The first I have always admired the talent of Agatha Christie, she is my favorite writer in detective genre, the mastery with which she described the story is incredible, the ending was completely unpredictable. And as always Hercule Poirot was simply inimitable. So what is story about? The Murder on the Orient Express. Mr. Ratchett was killed. Mr. Poirot accidentally discovers a note by means of which he learns that the murder of Ratchet directly connected with shocked all the world murder little Daisy Armstrong. Real name of Ratchett was Cassetti. Five years earlier, Cassetti kidnapped three-year-old Daisy Armstrong. Though the Armstrong family paid a large ransom, Cassetti murdered the little girl and fled the country with the money. Daisy’s mother, Sonia, was pregnant when she heard of Daisy’s death. The shock sent her into premature labour, and both she and the baby died. Her husband, Colonel Armstrong, shot himself out of grief. Cassetti’s guilt was proved. But despite this he could flee the country and escape further prosecution for the crime. Although the fact that all passengers have their alibis and witnesses proving innocence each of them Poirot because of its lively mind and experience reveals that crime. Hercule Poirot assembles all passengers and offers them 2 possible explanations of Ratchett’s murder. The first explanation is that a stranger – some gangster enemy of Ratchett – murdered Ratchett for reasons unknown, and escaped unnoticed. And the second – Ratchett was killed by all passengers because all of them were related to Armstrongs. He proposed to Bouc, the Head of the Orient Express, to choose the correct. Fully in sympathy with the Armstrong family, and feeling nothing but disgust for the victim, Bouc pronounces the first explanation is correct.

Process Analysis on Wildland Fire Fighting

Process Analysis on Wildland Fire Fighting Overview Of Wildland Fire Fighting and Management Wildland fires are extremely complex and potentially dangerous to the ecosystem hence the need to understand the fighting mechanisms as well as management efforts to contain such an occurrence (Nix par 1). When approaching the issue of wildfires, our basic foundation remains on the premise that wildland fires are neither innately destructive to the forest nor are they in the best interest of the forest (Nix par 2). Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Process Analysis on Wildland Fire Fighting specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, wild land fire operations are contained in a high risk environment where firefighter and non fire fighters can incur severe injuries in a matter of seconds especially due to burn overs (Nix par 2). Therefore, it is crucial for the relevant authorities to device mechanism and strategies aimed at improving their response to wildland fires and promote effective management to ensure that they protect life and resources from the negative implications associate with occurrence of wildland fires. Wildland fires result may result from human activities or from natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions and lightening (Goldammer Ahern Justice 20). Historically, frequent and low intensity wildland fires occurred in short fire return interval ecosystems and their elimination in various regions have resulted in build up of uncharacteristically high fuel loads consequently posing a greater risk of severely intense wildland fire occurrences (Goldammer Ahern Justice 20). Increased intensity of wildland fires has prompted various authorities to establish mechanisms aimed at transforming the response approach towards an approach that focuses on minimizing intensity and adverse negative effects. United States wildland fire programs have worsened over the past decades evidenced by the increases in annual acreage burned (Dalton 1). T his has prompted the agencies responsible to take necessary measures to improve the fire management programs in the country. Steps towards implementation of new approach towards managing wildland fires effectively in America Although it has widely been recognized that wildland fire could be beneficial in certain ecosystems, the increased number of damaging fires in the 90s led to the establishment of federal wildland fire management policy (Dalton 5). This policy recognized that wildland fires as not only being beneficial to some regions, but also an inevitable part of the landscape (Dalton 5). Further, earlier attempts to put out all wildland fires had been in part responsible for increasing the severity of recent fires (Dalton 5). Consequently, this policy dictated agencies to abandon their attempts to put out every wildland fire and sought to reduce the vulnerability of communities and resources to the negative effects of wildland fires (Dalton 5). Further, the policy enhanced a gencies’ response such that their main focus was to protect communities and people at risk while taking into consideration the cost and long term effects of such a response (Dalton 5). Advertising Looking for essay on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Adoption of this policy ensured that agencies focused on land management rather than suppressing all fires as well as utilization of less aggressive fire fighting strategies which minimize overall cost and provide safer mechanisms for fire fighters by reducing exposure to unnecessary risk (Dalton 5). In addition, agencies started developing fire management plans for various areas which further facilitated their improvement in response to wildland fire (Dalton 7). In 2006, about 95% of the agencies had completed the required plans and maintained the standards required by the federal wildland management policy. In recent years, the forest serv ice and interior agencies embarked on reduction of hazardous fuels in susceptible ecosystems in an attempt to reduce the intensity of wildland fires in order to manage the extent of wildland fires and protect life and resources (Dalton 5). This served to contain wildland fires as well as minimizing its negative effects. To achieve the end, the agencies reduced fuels on more than 29 million acres from 2001 through to 2008 (Dalton 2006). In addition, the agencies developed LANDFIRE, the geospatial modeling data and modeling system which had been recommended in 2003 (Dalton 2006). The system served to produce consistent and comprehensive maps and data describing the ecosystems relevant in wildland fires across the United States and serves to identify the extent, predict the severity and location of wildfire (Dalton 6). This was an important step towards ensuring effective management of wildland fires. Agencies and forest services are developing processes for allocating fuel reduction funds to different areas of the country and for selecting fuel reduction areas through the most efficient methods available (Dalton 6). The agencies currently prefer consistent and systematic process of fund allocation and they are abandoning the traditional allocation means (Dalton 6). Rather than relying on historical funding patterns and professional judgment, the agencies are developing processes that considers risks effectiveness of fuel reduction treatments (Dalton 6). In 2009, agencies began to use new analytical tools known as wildland fire decision support systems which helps line officers and fire managers to analyze various factors in order to determine tactics and strategies to adopt (Dalton 7). This has significantly improved fire management decision making since the tool provides information that will help fire managers and line officers to determine the resources at risk as well as the resources that may be threatened further promoting effective management of wildlan d fires (Dalton 7).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Process Analysis on Wildland Fire Fighting specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition, agencies developed strategies aiming at acquiring and using fire fighting assets effectively (Dalton 7). In 2009, the agencies adopted the fire program analysis which integrated their budget planning system (Dalton 9). The agencies continue to improve the FPA to enhance its ability to analyze various funding strategies and improve its data quality (Dalton 9). This has enabled them to cost effectively protect communities and resources from the adverse effects of wildland fires (Dalton 5). Outcome of the new approach The measures applied by agencies and forest services have significantly reduced intensity of wildland fires and improved fire management in the region. However, it is essential to ensure that agencies’ efforts to reduce negative implications are directed to th e most susceptible regions (Dalton 6). The agencies lack a standard measure of effectiveness of fuel reduction treatment and adequate information to ensure that fuel reduction funds are managed efficiently to minimize risk to communities and resources (Dalton 6) However, the agencies and forest services have acknowledged this shortcoming and the efforts to counter it are underway (Dalton 6). Extensive research is necessary to facilitate these long term efforts which should have the potential to improve the agency’s ability to assess and compare the cost effectiveness of potential treatments in deciding how to optimally allocate scarce resources (Dalton 6). Further, the agencies need to develop cohesive strategies outlining various approaches for reducing fuels and responding to wildland fires and all the decisions involved should be informed and cost effective (Dalton 10). It is clearly evident that even though the agencies have taken necessary steps in ensuring containment of wildland fires, a lot still needs to be done to ensure effective management of resources and protection life. Dalton, Patricia. Wildland fire management; federal agencies have taken important steps forward but additional action is needed to address remaining challenges, NY: Diane publishing, 2010. Print. Goldammer, Johann; Ahern, Frank Justice, Christopher. Global and regional vegetation fire monitoring from space; plans a coordinated international effort, Kugler publication, 2001. Print.Advertising Looking for essay on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Nix, Steve. Wildland firefighting in forests; introduction to firefighting in forests, About.com, 2010. Online publication.

Learning Mandarin vs Cantonese

Learning Mandarin vs Cantonese Mandarin Chinese is the official language of Mainland China and Taiwan, but it is not the only language spoken in the Chinese world. Besides the regional variations of Mandarin, there are several Chinese languages which are mutually unintelligible with Mandarin. Cantonese is one of these languages. Cantonese is spoken in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, Hainan Island, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia and many overseas Chinese communities. Worldwide, there are about 66 million Cantonese speakers. Compare this with Mandarin, which is spoken by about 1 billion people worldwide. Of all languages, Mandarin is the most widely-spoken. Is It Better To Learn Cantonese? With 66 million speakers, Cantonese cannot be considered an impractical language to learn. If your main objective, however, is to do business or travel in Mainland China, you would be better off learning Mandarin. But if you want to do business in Hong Kong or Guangdong Province, is it better to learn Cantonese? Consider these points taken from hanyu.com: Cantonese has a lack of good learning materials.Cantonese does not have a standard Romanization system (like Pinyin for Mandarin). Yale Romanization is most commonly used in textbooks, but it is unknown to native Cantonese speakers.Cantonese is heard less often in Overseas Chinese communities as new Mandarin-speaking immigrants arrive from Mainland China. And Cantonese speakers are increasingly learning Mandarin to find work in Mainland China. So it seems as though Mandarin is more practical than Cantonese. That’s not to say that learning Cantonese is a waste of time, and for some people it may be the better choice, but for most people wanting to speak Chinese, Mandarin is the way to go.

Policy Brief Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Policy Brief - Research Paper Example It is however regrettable that to some extent, human actions and activities have promoted the rise of the aspect or issue of climate change. Conversely, empirical evidence and studies have pointed to the direction that as much as there are natural causes or acts of God which are beyond human control. For instance, when the volcanic eruptions occur or there a significant drift in the plate tectonics, it follows that climatic patterns would change considerably. There are also biotic processes and conditionalities alongside the instances of solar radiation. However, a keen interest lies on the contribution of the human activities to this phenomenon and how we as the human race could reverse the situation. It is important to note and mention that the human activities bring to the fore the aspect of global warming whose effects need no over-emphasis at this point in time. Thus, curative measures and approaches ought to be taken to ensure climate change is brought under control and measures taken to correct the same. It is my guided view and opinion that the virtue of your position as the executive director of the United Nations Environmental Programme, you could oversee the policy framework and borderlines to help address the issue of climate change. It is a public knowledge and common fact that once your office with your interests takes a matter of interest, then the whole world would listen to it. Thus, it would be important if the organization which you head, takes the matter so as to give the notion and the whole concept of climate change global attention. It goes without saying that as much as the consequences and the effects of global change are dire, without proper attention to address it then the effects would continue to affect the society as a whole (Caney, 750). Empirical studies and evidence have suggested that when a volcano erupts, there is a sufficient amount of sulphur dioxide, dust, water vapor and ash which are

Macro and Micro Economics and their Predictions for the Future Term Paper

Macro and Micro Economics and their Predictions for the Future - Term Paper Example Research has it that this growth began in the postwar period from 1955. Between this year and 1973, there was a rapid growth in the GDP at 8% but later, the GDP per capita was at 3%. Most of this growth has been attributed to the increase in the manufacturing sector. Various spheres of human development also improved greatly during this period, for instance; infant and maternal mortality rates declined such that by 1993 it was one of the lowest in the world. Some researchers say that over the past decade, Japan's economy has been stagnant due to poor population growth, debt, deflation and natural disasters. According to Buttonwood, however, the growth per capita over the last ten years is at 1.6% greater than that of the United Kingdom, Germany, France and even America (www.economist.com). Apparently, Japan has plans to start trans-pacific partnership trade to increase its economic growth. Another indicator of economic growth is the Human Development Index, currently in Japan; it is at 0.901, the 12th out of 187 countries. The purchasing power parity according to the wall street journal is 1$= 110.784 yen. The main industry in Japan is the manufacturing industry inclusive of electronics, automobile, biochemistry and optical media. Agriculture is not that well developed due to lack of farming land. These two industries provide the population with employment and according to the economist, in 2008, the ratio of job offers to applicants is at 0.59. However, the low birth rate is troubling this economy due to the high probability of lack of available indigenous workforce in the next few years. Japan is known to be one of the easiest and best places to do business due to its low tax rate. This is one of the members of G-20 countries, an upcoming economy. Currently, its economy has an expectation to expand by 8.5% (the Economist). The increase in the workforce is one of the reasons why there is a high expectation of its economic growth. The growing national income per capita has been seen to triple at a  percentage of 13.7% according to the wall street journal. Human development index in India is still questionable but expectations of improvement are very high.