Thursday, October 31, 2019

Race and Gender Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Race and Gender - Essay Example It starts by a guy (Han-Ki) spotting a young lady (Sun-Hwa) sited on a bench across the street and decides to sit beside her. His constant glare towards her makes her uncomfortable and she sees it as rude. She moves away from her and runs to greet her boyfriend. The man grabs her and forcefully kisses her, the witnessing soldiers intervene beats up this guy. She demands an apology, but the guy remains adamant. It leads to her spitting on him, introducing the hidden desire for obsession and vengeance in motion. It is revealed later that the impetuous, quiet gangster is a pimp. Later, the young girl in the street is implicated in a cash theft which lands her in a brothel. It would be unwise to assume that the theme of Bad Guy is about revenge; the plot revolves around the escapades between captor and captive and the director Kim seems not to be arriving at a particular theme. The beguilingly and controversial climax of the film leaves viewers with hard questions to ponder. Therefore, Bad Guy can be termed as an enigmatic piece of work displaying the common issues affecting the society inclusive of race and gender themes. Kim Ki-duk is known as one of the prolific directors in Korea. He is majorly recognized as a remarkable movie producer outside Korea with his movies receiving a number of international awards. For example, the film Samaritan Girl (2004) has gotten him a prestigious international award for best director in the Silver Bear awards. It is fascinating that despite Kim Ki-duk’s international identification as a leading movie director in Korea, back in South Korea his reputation is mixed with many controversies. He has many discontented detractors and a small flock of enthusiastic supporters. He is well reckoned for his unreserved and painterly images. However, many movie critics are displeased by his use of gruesome, shocking, voyeuristic, violent and bizarre images, inclusive of his

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Leadership Style Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Leadership Style - Essay Example Also it is a fact that qualities of a leadership cannot be taught at a class room or at any training centre. This study can be referred to as a reflective analysis of my leadership style. I will be making orientation with the leadership theories. After completing the study I have noticed that I show signs of situational leadership and action centred leadership but later I also observed that I show evidences of transformational leadership. Situational leadership states that there is hardly any superlative style of leadership. The most effective leadership style is that which gets adapted or adjusted according to the situation. In simple words situational leadership emerges from the environment, circumstances, place and time (Aluya, 2009, p.6). It resembles similarities with democratic style, authoritarian and laissez-Faire leadership styles. Situational leadership also emphasizes on directing, controlling, supporting and entrusting other styles according to the situation (Kloppenborg, Shriberg and Venkatraman, 2003, p.7). While on the other hand action centred leadership was developed by John Adair in the year 1960 (Reed, 2003, p.53). It can be referred to as a simple management and leadership model, which helps to apply the leadership styles according to the demand of the situation. ... type of leadership where the leader recognizes the need for change, creates a sense duty, raises learning experiences and achieves it by stimulating new and innovative ways of thinking (Griffin, 2010, p.566). In other words it tries to gauge the proper leadership style for a specific situation (Lussier, 2011, p.338). However out of the mentioned behavioural style I portray democratic style. Although since I am a follower of situational leadership, I also adopt leadership styles according to the need of the situation. Providing leadership to colleagues In an office event I was given the duty of entirely organizing a cultural event. The cultural event will have some of the eminent celebrities taking part. I knew that in the course of event I have to devote most of time towards the activities related to it. Also I could not give time to my family which is strictly against my principles. I always believe family comes first than anybody else. In the event I have authorized some individual to look after few areas. Since I thought that would not be able complete the entire process on my own. Therefore it is always better to authorize somebody else to accomplish the task. I have selected some of my colleagues whom I think has the capability of leadership. I was very much confident on them and they also relied on me. When the event was supposed to take place, I noticed that everything was in place and finally the event was completed successfully. The upper management of the organization praised me for my work. I also acknowledged it and congratulated my team mates as they were instrumental towards the completion of the project. I felt that I am also very much attached with the colleagues and remain true to myself. Working with Others I work in a small consultancy firm which

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Regulations for Carbon Pollution

Regulations for Carbon Pollution Executive Summary In June 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a draft rule to regulate carbon pollution from existing power plants, as part of an action plan to address climate change. The rule is limited to existing power plants and does not address other sources of carbon pollution such as cars or industrial facilities. It is often referred to in short hand as the â€Å"111d rule,† because the agency used the authority found in Section 111d of the Clean Air Act to issue the regulation. The EPA gave each state a target of carbon reduction to reach at power plants by 2030, based on its assessment of each state’s unique characteristics. The average carbon reduction nationwide is 30% by 2030. Montana’s proposed target is a carbon emission rate reduction of 21%. The draft rule gives the states significant amounts of flexibility in how to meet the newly proposed standards for clean air. If the final rule by EPA provides the flexibility promised in the draft, Montana will have significant latitude to implement measures that are rooted in the states unique economic characteristics. This DEQ paper presents hypothetical scenarios that could emerge depending on how the state decides to respond to the rule the EPA eventually releases. This document only seeks to illustrate some of the measures that the state could undertake as part of its plan to meet the proposed reduction targets in the draft rule. There are, of course, a number of other pathways to meeting the proposed standard, but we hope to start a discussion through this paper that will lead to even more innovations. In addition, this paper does not address the options or challenges that other states may have in meeting their respective proposed reductions, which could have impacts on Montana. As can be seen in the discussion that follows, each scenario has its potential benefits, costs, and uncertainties. Importantly, none of the scenarios call for plant closures. All five scenarios evaluated in this paper not only keep the jobs that we currently have and meet the reduction target in the proposed rule, but strongly suggest that it would be possible to create new jobs and additional tax revenue, and to further strengthen the economy through the development of new renewable electricity generating capacity and increased investment in cost-effective energy efficiency. Background Context On June 2, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued draft emission guidelines for the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions – specifically carbon dioxide (CO2) – from existing electric generating units (referred to as power plants in this paper), relying on its regulatory authority under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. For all pollutants regulated under section 111, EPA is required to identify a â€Å"best system of emission reduction† and set targets for carbon reduction based on that system of controls. In the draft rule, EPA used four â€Å"building blocks† to determine the best system of emission reduction. They are based on the most likely sources of carbon pollution reductions. Section 111(d) provides significant flexibility to states to decide how to meet the established standards of performance. Consequently, the EPA’s building blocks would not require states to follow them in order to comply with the rule. The four building blocks the EPA used are: 1) Efficiency improvements at all coal-fired power plants; 2) A shift in total electricity generation from coal-fired power plants to existing natural gas combined cycle power plants; 3) Increased generation from low- and no-carbon renewable and nuclear energy options; and 4) Increased investment in energy efficiency. EPA applied this system of controls to each state to determine proposed targets for each state. Montana’s target is expressed in pounds of carbon emitted per megawatt hour (a rate-based standard) 1,771 lbs CO2/MWh by 2030, a reduction of approximately 21% from the 2012 emissions level of 2,246 lbs CO2/MWh. To meet the standards for clean air created by the new rule, the state has the option to convert the rate-based standard into a mass-based standard, which is an overall reduction of tons of carbon emitted annually. EPA uses the following specific data inputs for each building block to arrive at Montana’s target. In Building Block 1, EPA assumes a 6% efficiency improvement at all nine affected coal- fired units. EPA assumes Montana’s potential under Building Block 2 to be zero because Montana does not currently have any natural gas combined cycle power plants. In Building Block 3, EPA assumes that Montana will be able to increase renewable energy generation from its current 5% of total state generation to approximately 10% by 2030. In Building Block 4, EPA assumes that Montana will be able to increase the electricity energy savings from demand-side management programs beginning in 2017, ultimately more FOR DISCUSSIONS PURPOSES ONLY 4 than doubling current energy efficiency in the state. The net result would be a reduction of the state’s retail sales of electricity by 11.3% cumulatively by 2030, compared to what Montana would consume without energy efficiency programs. Although EPA used the above-described building blocks to set targets, section 111(d) and the draft emission guidelines afford states the opportunity to use any mix of controls, including methods not considered by EPA, to meet those targets. That is, Montana does not have to use the building blocks EPA used if it can find a different path to meeting the overall proposed carbon reduction target. After the final rule is released in June 2016, Montana must develop a state plan (individual or multi- state) in accordance with section 111(d) to implement and comply with the rule.1 Although the methods in the plan may differ from those described above, Montana’s plan must meet or exceed the final carbon reduction target calculated by EPA. Purpose of this Analysis This paper analyzes five scenarios that, if implemented, would meet the EPA’s proposed target reduction in carbon emission intensity. These scenarios are similar in that they all achieve EPA’s proposed target, but differ in the extent to which they rely on each of EPA’s proposed building blocks to meet or surpass the target. The scenarios are presented here to demonstrate the relative interplay and effectiveness of some of the options available to Montana for complying with the proposed emission guidelines. The following five scenarios are discussed in more detail throughout this paper: Scenario 1 – Existing Energy Generation plus Heavy Energy Efficiency Scenario 2 – Existing Energy Generation plus Lewis Clark Plant Co-Fire Scenario 3 – Existing Energy Generation plus Moderate Energy Efficiency and Heat Rate à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Improvement Scenario 4 – Existing Energy Generation plus Heavy Renewable Energy Scenario 5 – Existing Energy Generation plus CO2 Sequestration Summary of Scenario Inputs and Results The five scenarios were modeled using a tool developed by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. Each scenario results in compliance with EPA’s proposed rate-based emission target as well as Montana’s estimated mass-based target. The following table shows the extent to which each building block contributes to each of the five scenarios. This paper only considers opportunities and challenges for reducing carbon emissions through actions taken within the state’s boundaries and does not consider a multi-state or regional approach.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Soliloquies Essay - Kates Soliloquy in The Taming of the Shrew :: Taming Shrew Essays

Kate's Soliloquy in The Taming of the Shrew Kate's soliloquy brings about a joyous conclusion to The Taming of the Shrew. The audience leaves the theatre with a pleasant feeling, glad that such a shrew could be tamed so well. Kate herself realised the error of her ways, making the men feel confident while making the women feel safe. Moreover, the audience found the speech to be very sound and sensible, as the views expressed in the play were extremely popular at that point in time. Kate, in realising her iniquitous ways, made the men feel extremely confident of their status in Elizabethan society, and effectively reinforced their beliefs about their own strength. Also, Shakespeare succeeds in creating a feeling of safety for the female audience, as well as in making them feel as through they are accepted for their kindness to men, and in the norm. Women, not having a strong role in society at that time, enjoyed receiving praise and encouragement for their purpose in society. Furthermore, they felt vindicated as Kate solemnly insulted the disobedient women (Bianca and the Widow), telling them to "Come, come, you froward and unable worms!". It may also be said that this play, as well as similar plays of the Elizabethan era, assisted in contributing to the oppression of females in society for an innumerable amount of years. After the conclusion of The Taming of the Shrew, including Kate's soliloquy, the audience is left with a proud feeling - proud of the fact that Petruchio tamed such a shrew so well. The men of the audience are about with feeling of satisfaction and justification. Shakespeare skillfully catered towards both sexes by using Petruchio much like the stereotypical action figure of today; a character who does the unbelievable effortlessly and leaves the audience in awe. In the play Petruchio, short after the inception of his skillful wooing, begins a plan "to kill a wife with kindness". Craftily he gives her anything that she pleases, only to swipe it away when he finds a flaw in the item. he also resorts to keeping Kate as a prisoner in his home, until she slowly becomes subservient and submissive to him.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Occupational Health Psychology Health And Social Care Essay

What is Occupational Health Psychology and what can it offer administrations and employees? Occupational Health Psychology harmonizing to M. Colman ( 2009 ) is a field ofA appliedA psychological science, at the interface ofA occupationalA psychologyA andA healthA psychological science, concerned with the application ofA psychologyA to bettering the quality of work experience and with the protection and publicity of theA wellness, safety, and wellbeing of people in work. It emerged as an independent field in the late ninetiess. Duncan et Al. ( 2004 ) reported that at least one individual is killed and over 6,000 are injured at work every working twenty-four hours in the UK. They besides claimed that in the UK, absenteeism is bing employers ?13 billion a twelvemonth. Modernization and competitory challenges workers face presents increased the emphasiss and unwellnesss. Therefore, the intent of occupational wellness psychological science is to advance wellness and safety for employers, employees and their households. Specific jobs in the workplace including emphasis and burnout, workplace intimidation, accidents, carpal tunnel syndrome and malignant neoplastic disease.What can Occupational Health Psychology offer?Occupational wellness psychological science can offer to both administrations and employees. For cases: occupational wellness and safety jurisprudence, psychosocial jeopardies and wellbeing at workplace and pull offing emphasis in administrations. The Health and Safety Executive ( HSE ) is the chief organic structure of responsible for implementing statute law and supplying counsel on wellness and safety in the workplace in the UK. The HSE screens offices, mills, edifice sites, mines and preies, fairgrounds, railroads, chemical workss, offshore and atomic installings, schools and infirmaries. ( Duncan et al. , 2004 ) Administrations are another organic structure that are responsible to supply wellness and safety in the workplace. Administrations should hold hazard appraisal helps to protect their workers and their concern, every bit good as comply with the jurisprudence. It helps them concentrate on the hazards that truly matter – the 1s with the possible to do existent injury ( HSE ) . Besides, for employees, they should do certain that they got wellness and safety under control. Post-traumaticA stressA upset harmonizing to M. Colman ( 2009 ) isA anA anxietyA disorderA originating as a delayed and protracted response after sing or witnessing aA traumaticA event affecting existent or threatened decease or serious hurt to self or others. A research had been done by Lunt et. Al ( 2004 ) on Literature Review of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder amongst Rail Workers. Suicides under trains are the strongest factor doing rail workers to hold PTSD. In short, this research suggested few attacks illustration leting employees for natural recovery and ill leave. Besides, it is a great thought to provide a voluntary footing â€Å" Buddy Support System † . â€Å" Buddies † should be acquainted with the psychological boundaries within which they are expected to present â€Å" psychological first assistance † . Stress harmonizing to M. Colman ( 2009 ) is a psychological and physical strain or tenseness generated by physical, emotional, societal, economic, or occupational fortunes, events, or experiences that are hard to pull off or digest. Whereas, burnout is anA acuteA emphasis upset or reaction characterized by exhaustion ensuing from overwork, with anxiousness, weariness, insomnia, depression, and damage in work public presentation. Stress and burnout caused from working had a great impact on employees, their households and administrations. The undermentioned parties may play a function in a emphasis direction undertaking ( Schabracq, 2001 ) : the employees, the employer, the director, the human resources, the occupational wellness co-ordinator, the occupational wellness adviser, the occupational wellness doctor, the company public assistance worker, the employees ‘ representative and attention systems outside of the administrations. The employees need to cognize their jobs and hap pen solution to work out it without conveying emphasis from work to place and frailty versa. The employers and directors in other manus should oversee the employees ‘ well-being and play an of import function of carry oning stress bar. Equally good as, administration should unify with audiences e.g. occupational wellness doctor from exterior of administration for their aid. Workplace strong-arming harmonizing to Heery ( 2008 ) is any behavior that intimidates an employee, taking to feelings of humiliation, deficiency of dignity, or insufficiency. The effects of workplace intimidation are estimated to be responsible for ( between one tierce to a half ) of all stress-related unwellness ( Ellis, 2003 ) . Employees being bullied should collar the affair to their administrations. Equally good as, the administrations should be cognizant of any intimidation happen within the workplaces and put up a policy against intimidation and force. Accidents such as stealing and stumbling are the most common cause of hurts at work, bing employers over ?300 million a twelvemonth in lost production and related costs. ( Duncan et. Al, 2004 ) . To cut down these hurts, administrations should aware of the care review. Employees should besides be provided with wellness and safety information and written instructions. Furthermore, administrations should besides supervise to do certain that the on the job country is safe. Table IIDB02 below was taken from HSE web site: Prescribed industrial diseases ; non – lung diseases in Great Britain by disease 1995-2008Great BritainDiseaseDisease No1995/961996/971997/981998/991999/20002000/012001/02 ( vitamin D )Musculoskeletal ( B ) A4 – A8 870 ( 520 ) 765 ( 480 ) 600 ( 375 ) 465 ( 290 ) 430 ( 305 ) 375 ( 265 ) 360 ( 245 ) Occupational hearing loss A10 530 n/a 415 n/a 260 ( 10 ) 315 ( 5 ) 225–265–265–Vibration white finger A11 3015 ( 10 ) 3290 ( 25 ) 3035 ( 15 ) 3155 ( 10 ) 3210 ( 5 ) 3315 ( 10 ) 2425 ( 10 ) Carpal tunnel syndrome A12 265 ( 60 ) 295 ( 50 ) 400 ( 55 ) 480 ( 70 ) 475 ( 55 ) 600 ( 80 ) 795 ( 80 ) Allergic Rhinitis D4 720 ( 40 ) 350 ( 25 ) 200 ( 10 ) 135 ( 10 ) 80 ( 10 ) 90 ( 10 ) 75 ( 5 ) Dermatitis D5 330 ( 80 ) 335 ( 90 ) 270 ( 70 ) 220 ( 55 ) 210 ( 55 ) 205 ( 55 ) 170 ( 45 ) OthersA80 ( 15 ) 85 ( 10 ) 85 ( 15 ) 75 ( 10 ) 60 ( 5 ) 65 ( 5 ) 55 ( 5 )EntireA5810A5535A4845A4845A4690A4920A4145ABeginning: DWPGreat BritainDiseaseDisease No2002/032003/042004/052005/062006/072007/08Musculoskeletal ( B ) A4 – A8 390 ( 235 ) 345 ( 200 ) 370 ( 230 ) 245 ( 145 ) 215 ( 125 ) 255 ( 130 ) Occupational hearing loss A10 335 ( 5 ) 330 ( 5 ) 255 ( 5 ) 210–175–215–Vibration white finger A11 1775 ( 10 ) 1015 ( 5 ) 865–645–515 ( 5 ) 1005–Carpal tunnel syndrome A12 1030 ( 95 ) 820 ( 90 ) 675 ( 65 ) 520 ( 55 ) 435 ( 45 ) 530 ( 65 ) Allergic Rhinitis D4 100 ( 5 ) 90 ( 10 ) 90 ( 10 ) 50 ( 5 ) 45 ( 10 ) 40 ( 5 ) Dermatitis D5 200 ( 50 ) 170 ( 35 ) 165 ( 50 ) 145 ( 35 ) 115 ( 35 ) 105 ( 20 ) OthersA65 ( 10 ) 75 ( 10 ) 65 ( 10 ) 60 ( 10 ) 75 ( 15 ) 70 ( 15 )EntireA3895A2845A2490A1880A1575A2215ABeginning: DWP This shows that there was tonss of industrial disease normally happened to those employees working in building sites, working with machinery or even those who were sitting at their work Stationss. This tabular array besides proves that business wellness psychological science and HSE had successfully reduced the sum of instances each twelvemonth. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nervus upset which may affect hurting, prickling, numbness and failing in parts of the manus, and can be caused by, among other things, exposure to quiver ( HSE, 2008 ) . In order to cut down this syndrome, administrations should be cognizant of the wellness and safety of their employees. In add-on, administrations should besides corroborate that the tools and machineries are good maintained. Cancer due to work such as lung and vesica malignant neoplastic disease, Gates ( 2004 ) refers to the surveies conducted by research workers from the Environmental Epidemiology Unit at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The research workers studied the degrees of lung or vesica malignant neoplastic disease hazard following exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ( PAHs ) . PAHs increased the hazard among workers exposed to diesel for case. This circumstance will alarm administrations to cut down the exposure degrees and control wellness hazard of their employees.DecisionIn conformity to the researches gathered as above, there are so many advantages of Occupational Health Psychology offering both administrations and employees as to keep their wellness, wellbeing and safety at working topographic points. Occupational Health Psychology helps to cut down emphasis, psychosocial jeopardy, unwellness, accidents, hurts etc. Harmonizing to Analysis of Compensation Claims Related to Health and Safety Issues ( System Concepts, 2003 ) , they stated that cause of accidents including faux pass, trips ( 16 % ) manual handling ( 10 % ) and exposure to resound ( 7.6 % ) taking to strive, sprains and hearing loss. The mean cost of these claims was faux pass, trips and falls ( ?4,222 ) , manual handling ( ?4,325 ) and exposure to resound ( ?1,782 ) . This analysis besides recommended few suggestions for farther research including utilizing the findings of this research to advance farther accident decrease and raising consciousness of hazard amongst employees. Administrations can besides carry on Employee Assistance Programs ( Cooper, 2003 ) . EAP is a systematic, organized and go oning proviso of guidance, advice and aid funded by the employer particularly for stress employees. As we can see, there is been tonss of instances, hurts, accidents, psychosocial jeopardies etc. happened throughout the twelvemonth at working topographic points. Stress is the major result of action. Results show that any unwellnesss, accidents etc. will take to emphasize and burnout and frailty versa, emphasis at first phase can take to burnout, depression, unwellnesss, accidents etc. Therefore, future monitoring, supervising and cooperation from both administrations and employees are much needed. If instances can be reduced, this will lend to the success, cut down the costs of claims, increase public presentation and happier life to both parties and their households.Mentions Listâ€Å" burnoutA n. † A A A Dictionary of Psychology. Edited by Andrew M. Colman. Oxford University Press 2009.A Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press.A A University of Bedfordshire.A A 15 November 2009A A hypertext transfer protocol: //0-www.oxfordreference.com.brum.beds.ac.uk/views/ENTRY .html? subview=Main & A ; entry=t87.e1199 Cooper, C. ( 2003 ) ‘Employee Assistance Programs ‘ in Quick, J & A ; Tetrick, L ( explosive detection systems. ) Handbook of Occupational Health Psychology. Washington: APA, pp.289-304 Duncan, M. , et Al ( 2004 ) Health and safety At Work Necessities: Revised & amp ; Expanded. 3rdedn. London: Lawpack Publishing Limited. Ellis, P. ( 2003 ) ‘Bullying and Victimisation at Work ‘ ‘Occupational Safety & A ; Health Journal ‘ , grand 2003 pp.40-42 Gates, E. ( 2004 ) ‘Cancer and Work ‘ ‘Occupational Safety & A ; Health Journal ‘ , May 2004 pp.18-21. HSE ( 2003 ) Analysis of compensation claims related to wellness and safety issues. Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr070.pdf ( Accessed: 15 November 2009 ) HSE ( 2008 ) Hand-Arm Vibration: Advice for Employees. Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg296.pdf ( Accessed: 14 November 2009 ) HSE ( no day of the month ) Health and safety: Acquiring started. Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/meetings/iacs/sbtaf/170407/gettingstarted.pdf ( Accessed: 15 November 2009 ) HSE ( no day of the month ) Table IIDB02: Prescribed industrial diseases ; non – lung diseases in England, Wales and Scotland by disease ( a ) 1995-2008. Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/tables/iidb02.htm ( Accessed: 14 November 2009 ) Lunt ( 2004 ) Literature Review of Post Traumatic StressDisorder amongst Rail Workers Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.hse.gov.uk/research/hsl_pdf/2004/hsl0416.pdf ( Accessed: 15 November 2009 ) â€Å" occupational wellness psychologyA n. † A A A Dictionary of Psychology. Edited by Andrew M. Colman. Oxford University Press 2009.A Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press.A A University of Bedfordshire.A A 13 November 2009A A hypertext transfer protocol: //0-www.oxfordreference.com.brum.beds.ac.uk/views/ENTRY.html? subview=Main & A ; entry=t87.e9206 â€Å" post-traumatic emphasis disorderA n. † A A A Dictionary of Psychology. Edited by Andrew M. Colman. Oxford University Press 2009.A Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press.A A University of Bedfordshire.A A 15 November 2009A A hypertext transfer protocol: //0-www.oxfordreference.com.brum.beds.ac.uk/views/ENTRY.html? subview=Main & A ; entry=t87.e6509 â€Å" pneumoconiosisA n. † A A A Dictionary of Nursing. Oxford University Press, 2008.A Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press.A A University of Bedfordshire.A A 14 November 2009A A hypertext transfer protocol: //0-www.oxfordreference.com.brum.beds.ac.uk/views/ENTRY.html? subview=Main & A ; entry=t62.e7112 Schabracq, M. , et Al ( 2001 ) Occupational Health Psychology: the Challenge of Workplace Stress. Leicester: BPS Books. â€Å" stressA n. † A A A Dictionary of Psychology. Edited by Andrew M. Colman. Oxford University Press 2009.A Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press.A A University of Bedfordshire.A A 15 November 2009A A & lt ; hypertext transfer protocol: //0-www.oxfordreference.com.brum.beds.ac.uk/views/ENTRY.html? subview=Main & A ; entry=t87.e8038 & gt ; â€Å" workplace intimidation † A A A Dictionary of Human Resource Management. Edmund Heery and Mike Noon. Oxford University Press, 2008.A Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press.A A University of Bedfordshire.A A 15 November 2009A A hypertext transfer protocol: //0-www.oxfordreference.com.brum.beds.ac.uk/views/ENTRY.html? subview=Main & A ; entry=t162.e1422Question 2: Research indicates that work can hold a negative impact on the wellness of employees. When compared with unemployed people, nevertheless, persons who are employed are by and large healthier. Critically discuss supplying illustrations of research to back up your statement.IntroductionWork can hold both positive and negative impact on the wellness of employees. The negative impact psychological and physical for cases emphasis, force per unit area and chronic unwellnesss. Hockey ( 2002 ) claimed that care of undertaking ends is threatened by inordinate work load and environmental conditions. Excessive work load may do emphasis and force per unit area to employees. This shows that work load may take to emphasize and therefore it cut down work quality.Relationship between facets of work and wellness jobsIt is clear that there are legion factors in people ‘s occupation and their work scenes which may make both psychological ( emotional ) and physical strain ( O'Driscoll, 2002 ) . Harmonizing to Jones ( 2001 ) , largest figure of surveies has considered the relationship between these work stressors and cardiovascular disease, blood force per unit area and cold. For case agriculture emphasis ; it involved a combination of physical and mental wellness effects such as work load issues and farming patterns ( HSE ) . Farmers are besides be givening to lose a batch of energy and excessively much exposure to the sunshine. Besides, air flight cabin crew ; they are more hazardous to acquire chest and tegument malignant neoplastic disease due to ionizing radiation. Another illustration, is l earning as a profession. Schamer and Jackson ( 1996 ) cited by Greenglass ( 2003 ) describes that instructors are affected by occupation burnout due to workload and emphasize, ensuing in negative attitudes towards pupils, loss of energy and instability public presentation. Harmonizing to DWP ( 2005 ) people usually spend 35-60 % of wakeful yearss at work and 28 million working yearss lost attributed to work related illness. However, by working, it provides an chance to advance and better wellness.Relationships between unemployment and wellness ailmentsIn conformity to Warr ( 1987 ) , research into unemployment and wellness has frequently been cross-sectional, comparing a group of people who are at the clip are unemployed with similar people who are in paid work. Such comparing on a regular basis shows that employed people are much healthier. Some unemployed people will kick that they feel really useless, lost of dignity, lost of self-pride, no money to back up themselves and their households etc. Research into occupation loss and go oning unemployment significantly impairs mental wellness ( Warr, 1987 ) . Furthermore, unemployment will increase the impact on physical wellness. Feeling useless, lost of ego regard and emphasis, these people will get down to make harmful behaviors such as intoxicant ingestion, smoke and even the worst suicide effort. No money for unemployment will do them to cut down their nutrient consumption and this cause poorness. Some instances they will get down to pretermit their kids and divorce. Peoples who are long-run unemployed or who have ne'er worked are between two to three times more likely to hold hapless wellness than those in work ( Arthritis Care, 2006 ) .Work has benefitsWork has many benefits ; people gain money to back up themselves and others from working. Earlier authors such as F.W Taylor, believed in economic sciences need motivation- ‘money is a incentive ‘ ( Mullins, 2007 ) . In add-on, harmonizing to DWP ( 2005 ) , people who are healthy tend to be more economically active and people who are economically active tend to be healthi er. In contrast, Jahoda ( 1982 ) give an illustration of grounds from many studies that people want to work, even if it were non an economic necessity. Furthermore harmonizing to her once more, non all the unemployed live in poorness ; non all the hapless are unemployed. The Jobless environment by Warr ( 1987 ) explained nine environmental characteristics including chance of control, chance for accomplishment usage, handiness of money, physical security, chance for interpersonal contact, valued societal place. Opportunity control shows that unemployed people have lesser opportunities to make up one's mind their ain chosen ways. Opportunity for accomplishment usage demonstrates that unemployed people are limited to demo their accomplishments and endowments and they had no opportunity to better and larn new accomplishments. Unemployment had reduced the income and handiness of money. Studies ( cited from Smith, 1980 ) showed that unemployed people systematically indicate that deficit of money is viewed as the greatest beginning of personal and household jobs ) . Physical security is good linked with handiness of money because if person had less income, it means there is less security at place for illustration. Last, chance for interpersonal contact and valued societal place will cut down if person loss his/her occupation. Unemployed individual will loss self-pride and prone to remain off from societal life. In other manus, all of these illustrations of environmental characteristics by Warr, are opposite to employed people. Employed people had many opportunities of make up one's minding their ain ways and thoughts. They besides had opportunities to construct up ego regard, self assurance, bettering accomplishments and larn new things. Furthermore, employed people had handiness of money therefore, they had a really unafraid physical and life. Finally, they are besides had a greater societal networking and interpersonal contact with households, employers, co-workers and communities.DecisionIn conformity to the researches and authors above we can reason that that working have both negative impact on the wellness of employees. Positive impacts such as happier life, derive money, obtain self assurance and ego regard, great physical security, handiness to interpersonal contact and communicating with others. Unlike negative impacts that conveying lesser happier life, cut downing self esteem, cu t downing income etc. In footings of wellness, working people had a greater opportunity of acquiring emphasis, mental illness and working-related unwellness. However, it is different between working-related unwellness and non. It is because ; working people had emphasis due to workload and physical unwellness due to the occupation range. But in the terminal, working people gain wages after that and this leads to occupation satisfaction. Example: wage, acknowledgment, publicity and congratulations from employers. It depends on each of persons need and what they want from working. Harmonizing to Maslow ‘s demand hierarchy: the most of import demand for people is physiological. Physiological demand is link to pay, because by acquiring salary, we can purchase nutrient ( Mullins, 2007 ) . Furthermore, they can acquire aid from employers, companies benefits, compensations and claims, ill foliages whenever they got ill or chronic unwellnesss. Whereas, for unemployed people, they are stress because they loss their occupation or got retrenched and unable to back up themselves and their households. They besides had limited life manner and experience awkward to be in the center of society. If they got chronic unwellness, this is a major job because they can non pay to bring around their unwellness. In short, we can see that employed people are by and large healthier ( in footings of psychological science ) and physically than unemployed people.Mentions listArthritis Care ( 2006 ) Benefits of working. Available at:hypertext transfer protocol: //www.arthritiscare.org.uk/LivingwithArthritis/Workingwitharthritis/Benefitsofworking ( Accessed: 17 November 2009 ) DWP ( 2005 ) Health, Work and Wellbeing-Caring For Our Future. Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.hse.gov.uk/campaigns/conferences/wellbeing/2.pdf ( Accessed: 17 November 2009 ) Hockey, R. ( 2002 ) ‘Human Performance in the Working Environment ‘ in Warr, P ( ed. ) Psychology at Work. England: Penguin Books, pp.26-50 HSE ( no day of the month ) Farmers, Farm Workers and Work-Related Stress. Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.sro.hse.gov.uk/View_Article.aspx? id=92 ( Accessed: 15 November 2009 ) Jahoda, M. ( 1982 ) Employment and Unemployment. Cambridge: Imperativeness Syndicate. Jones, F. and Bright J. , ( 2001 ) Stress: Myth, Theory and Research. England: Pearson Education. Mullins, L. ( 2007 ) Management and Organisational Behaviours. 8th edn. England: Pearson Education. O'Driscoll, P et. Al. ( 2002 ) ‘Job-related Stress and Burnout ‘ in Warr, P ( ed. ) Psychology at Work. England: Penguin Books, pp.203-228 Warr, P. ( 1987 ) Work Unemployment and Mental Health. United States: Oxford University Press.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Tourism Project for San Juan

Project Proposal:Multidisciplinary Research Programs Towards the Realization of Sustainable Integrated Tourism Development for the Municipality of San Juan I. Proponent:University of Batangas through the Center for Research, Publications, and Extension and the Batangas Heritage Center II. Duration:January 2013 – June 2013 III. Implementing Agency :University of Batangas through its agencies and the Municipality of San Juan, Batangas through the Office of the Mayor and the Municipal CouncilIV. Funding Agency:Municipality of San Juan, Batangas V. Brief Description of the Project: San Juan, a first class municipality and the second largest town in the Province of Batangas, has been considered in its admirable history as the cradle of heroism and bravery. The geography and culture of San Juan, now famous both nationally and internationally have elevated the status of this municipality to rank it amongst the most attractive destinations in the Philippines.However, San Juan’s potential to soar to greater heights needs to be discovered through the assistance of an academic institution who have proven to be capable of providing the support to San Juan because of its research experiences and capabilities. This is the reason why the University of Batangas and the Municipality of San Juan should work hand in hand so that a dream for greatness may be achieved.University of Batangas is an institution known not only for its ability to produce quality graduates but also for its capability to come up with multi-disciplinary research that will be beneficial for the developmental projects of the Municipality of San Juan. This capability of UB is proven by the quality refereed research paper that it produced covering the different disciplines from the sciences and mathematics, to humanities and social sciences.For the San Juan research programs, UB will make available its manpower resources through the UB Center for Research, Publications, and Extension (CRPE) and t he following will make up the research structure of UB for San Juan Projects: 1. Consultants for the Project: a. Dr. Abegayle Machelle Perez-Chua, UB Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the UB College of Allied Medical Sciences b. Atty. Jesus Victor Mayo, UB Vice President for Students and External Affairs c. Dr. Florencio V. Reyes, UB Assistant Vice President for Academics, Research, and Accreditations . Clusters: a. Humanities (Philosophy, History, Culture, and the Arts), Social Science, and Teacher Education – to be headed by Dr. Lionel E. Buenaflor, whose research inclinations are on history, philosophy, and the arts. This cluster will focus on the study of the ceremonies, cultural texts, and other cultural material forms, festivals and their significance, historical narratives, social organizations, arts and crafts for the purpose of promoting the identity of the Batanguenos in general and of the people of San Juan, in particular.This cluster will be in charg e of the cultural and historical mapping and its intended output is to develop a heritage tour on San Juan’s colonial church, ancestral houses, and historical sites. b. Ecology and Natural Resources Management – this cluster will be headed by Dr. Percival Arthur Timothy Showers, whose field of expertise is on Marine Science, Oceanography and Environmental Sciences. The cluster will focus on both the aquatic and the terrestrial, i. e. , on the aspects of ecology that are significant and have potential for tourism activities.The researches on ecology under this cluster are expected to pave the way for adventure tourism in San Juan because it will identify and establish paths and jungle tracks for trekking, swimming, boat-hiring, kayaking, as well as birds, bats, plants, and aquatic species for photography, research, and sight-seeing. c. Socio-Economic Researches – This cluster will be in-charge of the socio-demographic profiling, the commodity flow and market patt erns, as well as the socio-economic profiling and resource use patterns of San Juan.This cluster will be headed by Prof. Grace A. Perdiguerra (Ph. D. Candidate) who is a native of San Juan and whose expertise also includes literature and the arts. By analyzing the socio-economic profile of the people of San Juan, the cluster will be responsible for creating activities and organizing seminars and workshops for livelihood programs, leading to the development of tourism in the municipality of San Juan. d. Environmental Sustainability – This cluster will be headed by Engr. Alma M. Kalaw (Ph.D. Candidate) whose field of expertise is not only Civil Engineering but also Environmental Engineering. This cluster will focus its study on potable water, waste water, solid wastes, road network availability, as well as on fuel sources. e. Tourism Development and Sustainability – This cluster will be headed by Prof. Jane Katrine Atienza (MA Candidate) whose expertise is on Tourism Ind ustry. This cluster will deal on the potentiality of San Juan to provide tourism services present in the area.It is the responsibility of this cluster to coordinate with other clusters in order to design the type of tourism that can be applicable in the different areas of San Juan. The services that it will provide for San Juan will include the analysis of amenities and facilities, transport and access, energy, water and waste management, as well as on the promotion and marketing of the whole of Municipality of San Juan as a tourist destination.The potential of San Juan as a tourism destination will be assessed through organizational interviews, community consultation and the bio-physical assessment from the preceding clusters above. f. Business Training and Development – This cluster will focus on organizing seminars and workshops for the people of the Municipality of San Juan in order to make the SanJuenos well-prepared for tourism activities and other entrepreneurial endea vors. This cluster will be headed by Prof. Francia Yvette Magpantay, MA, the head of the HRM Department in the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management in UB.This cluster has the aim of developing trainings for culinary arts and technical competencies for hotel and resort managements. g. Human Resource Management – This cluster will be headed by Dr. Catalino Mendoza. (please continue) This program of researches involving different clusters underscores the principle that tourism should be perceived as a supplementary, and not as an alternative source of income—an economic activity supplemental to the social functions of the residents as resource users and managers.It is expected that the output of the researches on the different areas will lead to extension programs that will address the perennial issues on environmental preservation and conservation, livelihood, youth rehabilitation programs, curriculum and educational programs designed for institutions like Day Care Centers, churches, and institutions that are responsible for culture and arts preservation.It is the aim of this research program to carefully analyze the present skills and knowledge of the people of San Juan so as to assess the necessity to render trainings in order to empower the local populace to manage their own tourism and to create methods for environmental protection. The project â€Å"Multidisciplinary Research Programs Towards the Realization of Sustainable Integrated Tourism Development for the Municipality of San Juan† is developed in order to provide technical support for San Juan towards the realization of the following objectives: . To come up with a promotional campaign plan for the Municipality of San Juan relative to the organization of tourism programs (which includes agri-tourism, heritage tourism, community-based tourism, adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and aquaculture tourism). This promotional campaign plan will be based from the cultural, historic al, and terrestrial mapping of the Municipality of San Juan in order to identify places where activities for tourism programs will be conducted.In addition to this, the promotional campaign plan will pave the way for the creation of a Municipal Museum and a Cultural Center where the culture of San Juan will be showcased and promoted. This is again through the technical support that UB will be providing to the people of San Juan. 2. To provide San Juan with livelihood and well-being workshops, trainings, and seminars.UB-CRPE is set to tap the different colleges and departments of University of Batangas in order to organize livelihood trainings, seminars related to health awareness, and entrepreneurial workshops in order to guide the people towards the attainment of a better and more decent life. 3. To organize environmental awareness and protection programs. San Juan has been endowed by God with a fruitful land and a well-balanced ecology that is worthy of being preserved and develop ed.In this regard, UB CRPE’s research experience related to the ecosystem, as well as its linkages to agencies and NGO’s will be worthy enough to assist the Municipality of San Juan to come up with programs for the protection and improvement of San Juan’s ecosystem. It is the intention of UB to organize in San Juan an Ecology Society, which will be comprised of the SanJueno teachers, municipal workers, and other environmental enthusiast, whose job is to propagate species of San Juan’s flora and fauna as well as to protect environment and disseminate information on environmental protection.UB will also introduce to San Juan the Dark Green Project intended to the different public and private schools for the students to develop appreciation and initiatives on environmental protection. 4. To make plans for research trainings for municipal workers and teachers of both private and public schools in San Juan. Aside from the San Juan Ecology Society that UB inten ds to organize for the people of San Juan, it also has the intention of establishing a Historical Society, whose members are the SanJueno writers and historians and whose job is to conduct studies and researches on the history, culture, and the arts of San Juan.This is for the purpose of developing among the people of San Juan a great pride in their cultural heritage. Expected Output For this project proposal, the following will be the expected output based on the given objectives. I. Promotional Campaign Plan for the Municipality of San Juan 1. Resources Mapping a. Cultural Mapping b. Natural Resources Mapping c. Historical Mapping i. Built Heritage ii. Intangible Heritage 2. Organization of tourism programs a. Ecotourism b. Health and wellness tourism c.Heritage tourism d. Adventure tourism e. Agri-tourism f. Community-based tourism 3. Establishment of municipal museum and San Juan Cultural Center 4. Plans for development of promotional materials/collateral (brochures, maps, etc) 5. Training / workshop on conduct of tourist statistics 6. Linkage project with ABS-CBN for Travel Magazine Show and Publications 7. Technical assistance on organizing events for promotion of San Juan and its tourism industry II. Livelihood and Well-being workshops . TESDA Competency Skills Trainings i. Food and Beverage Services ii. Commercial Cooking iii. Front Office Service iv. Housekeeping Services v. Tour Guiding Services vi. Bartending b. ETEEAP Short-term Courses c. Workshop on developing tour packages d. Culinary Entrepreneurship e. Short term course on Creative Writing, Performing Arts & Visual Arts f. Cultural Entrepreneurship Course III. Environmental Awareness and Protection Programs a. Mangrove Rehabilitation b. Dark Green Project c.Lnd Surveying, site Development, Ground Water Resources Assessment d. Mapping of Flora and Fauna IV. Research Trainings a. Organization of San Juan Historical Society i. Publications of Local Book ii. Publication of Coffee Table books and C ookbook of San Juan foods and beverages b. Organization of San Juan Ecology Society c. Organization of Barangay Cooperatives d. Writing and Publication of Travel Guide Book Curriculum Vitae of the UB Researchers Educational background Seminars and trainings Professional Linkages

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Survey Essays

Survey Essays Survey Essay Survey Essay Survey Name: Course: Date: Survey Results: The study was conducted manly on the students of the institution who were classified into four groups namely freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior students. The sophomore constituted the largest numbers in the study as they made up 35% of the population, the juniors constituted 15% of the population, the freshmen 15% and the seniors constituted 25% of the population size in the study. This was paramount to obtain a clarified view in terms of preferences in shopping stores and their trends in consumption and purchases. 62% of the participants in the survey indicated that they preferred to make purchases from corporations, whereas 38% of the participants indicated that they preferred to make purchases from local stores. Key: Series 1- Large Corporations; Series 2 – Local Stores

Monday, October 21, 2019

5 Para. Character Sketch On A Seperate Peace Essays - Free Essays

5 Para. Character Sketch On A Seperate Peace Essays - Free Essays 5 Para. Character Sketch On A Seperate Peace Friendship is a bond that is held together by mutual respect and common benevolence. John Knowles explores this realm deeply in his novel, A Separate Peace. Phineas and Gene are best friends, but their friendship is challenged as Gene feels that Finny is superior. Finny, unlike Gene, has no inner conflict, but instead he mentally creates a perfect universe. When Gene finally unleashes his suppressed anger by use of violence, Finny is unable to accept it as intentional in an effort to sustain his perfect world. Unfortunately, he permits this hidden truth to fester until ultimately it destroys his mental paradise along with himself. Finny utilizes his idealistic views of life, genuine caring for others, and charismatic abilities to make people love him in order to preserve his inner utopia. Finnys idealistic views of the real world are optimistic and show the naivet of his character. He has standards of perfection for life, and he is willing to sacrifice the truth to uphold this perfection. This is true even when the truth is openly admitted, such as when Gene confesses that he deliberately jounced the limb so you [Finny] would fall off (Knowles 62). Finny simply denies it and even shows some anger by threatening to kill you [Gene] if you dont shut up (62). This anger becomes the first step in the deterioration of his perfect universe. Finny cannot accept the fact that there are imperfect feelings in the world, such as losing, because Finny never permitted himself to realize that when you won, they lost (27). Furthermore, Finny has a genuine heart, which aids in his friendship with Gene. His sincerity and honesty significantly depicts how uncorrupt his character is. He sets aside certain rules to live by, of which he strongly believes to Never say you are five feet nine when youre five feet eight and a half (26). This reveals how true Finnys character is, and the fact that it is a commandment shows how his morals are the basis for his life. Finny is also very sincere with his friendship towards Gene, by openly revealing that At this teen-age period in life the proper person is your best pal. He hesitated and then added, which is what you are, (40). Whereas Gene is insecure about their friendship, Finny readily admits his true feelings. This genuine attitude deteriorates in the end along with his world as he lies in an effort to suppress the truth. Additionally, Finny has an undeniable charisma that gives him the natural charm respected by all, all but Gene. He has an extraordinary power to make people love him, and it is that love which Gene envies. His power is shown when he was forced to speak himself, the hypnotic power of his voice combined with the singularity of his mind to produce answers, which were often no right but could rarely be branded as wrong (46). His charisma allows him to slip out of difficult situations, such as when Finny wears the Devon School tie as a belt, the substitute Headmaster seemed pleased or amused in some unknown corner of his mind (19). Gene, however, envied this, and it gives him an excuse to unleash his anger and the violence. So consequently, Finnys charisma ultimately leads to his demise. Finny is idealistic in his visions of the world, genuine in his caring for people, and charismatic in his convincing nature, and these qualities make him highly revered by many. Unfortunately, Gene tries to compete with Finny, which is impossible for Gene, so he envies Finny. When Gene releases his anger, Finny is unable to accept the truth, because he wants to preserve his utopia. This perfect world is created by Finnys mind in order to not see the evils of the real world. The friendship between the two of them is not mutual. This is why one must keep their enemies close, but their friends closer, because friends are most likely to stab their friends in the back.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Administrative law in Public Policy

The manholes are public utilities that are owned by municipals, regional authorities, or even companies which are hired to maintain them.   They are mainly used as access points to underground utility vaults for sewers, electricity, telephone storm drains and gas (Buckley, 2004). A fall into a manhole caused by negligence is cause enough to sue.   In this case if you can prove beyond reasonable doubt that if the authority in charge of that particular network of manhole into which you fell did not properly maintain or inspect the manholes, then, you may stand a chance of winning the case.   The ‘person’ to be sued in this case would be the authority responsible for the particular public utility, for which that particular manhole is used for (Buckley, 2004). To win, you would have to offer sufficient evidence to prove that the Authority in question had actual or constructive notice of the condition of the manhole as required by the utilities service facilities exception to governmental immunity act which provides that, â€Å"A dangerous condition of the facilities of steam, sewer water way, except that the claimant to recover must establish that the dangerous condition created a reasonably foreseeable risk of the kind of injury which was incurred and the local agency had actual notice under the circumstance of the dangerous condition at a sufficient time prior to the event to have taken measures to protect against the dangerous condition†, as per sec. 8542 (b) (5) (Buckley, 2004).   Failure to prove this would result in a compulsory no suit. Reference Buckley, W. Okent, C. (2004). Torts and Personal Injury Law (The west Legal studies series) New York: Clifton Park: Delmar Learning.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Gendered Spaces Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Gendered Spaces - Essay Example It is believed many of the ills of contemporary home environment can be traced to these historic developments which should be easily rectifiable by incorporating "feminine" aspects of space design (Roberts, 1991). The case for a feminine urban theory can be built on an obvious assumption that women were historically "oppressed" by a system of patriarchy which denied them an active voice in matters dealing with not only urban planning but also other aspects of life such as politics, civic participation, games and sports, trade etc. (McDowell, 1984, Francke, 1985). Rendell, Penner & Borden (2000) criticise this theory for its ignoring of the histories surrounding matriarchal civilisations such as Ancient Egypt and Samoa. The authors suggest that the theory of "oppression" is at best, an oversimplification of any historical legacy conferred by gendered spaces. In order to study this problem in detail, one must place higher focus on technical aspects of gender spaces phenomenon (Rendell, Penner & Borden, 2000). This would be made clear by unique gender displays which affect spatial dynamics in an actual interaction. 1. Relative size: Men occupy more space than women in terms of body size and posture (Umiker-Sebeok, 1985). This automatically translates into a male obsession for large size for example, preferences as in phallus-shaped skyscrapers or large limousines. 2. Psychological withdrawal from the social context: Men are fiercely territorial and prepare for potential threats to their control of the situation whereas women are more inclusive about differing arrangements (Umiker-Sebeok, 1985). 3. Ritualised subordination: Women show signs of being controlled by others and have more appeasing behaviour such as smiling which leads to a curvi-linear pattern in design which can be seen in traditional kitchens (Umiker-Sebeok, 1985; Spain, 1992). Men, in contrast, are more dominant and unyielding which can be seen in their preference for bold lines manifesting in rectilinear patterns (90) (Umiker-Sebeok, 1985; Spain, 1992). 4. Functional Ranking: Men like to control the actions of others whereas women are more concerned with being at a gentle ease about themselves (Umiker-Sebeok, 1985). 5. Locations: Women are generally found in domestic locations such as kitchens and nursery whereas men are found in lot more diverse locations (Umiker-Sebeok, 1985). 6. Touch/Manipulation: It has been repeatedly observed that when it comes to touching and manipulating objects, men choose to manoeuvre them whereas women tend to gently caress/examine them (Umiker-Sebeok, 1985). 7. Movement: Men usually make movements which are both faster and farther from the central object (Umiker-Sebeok, 1985). Women, in contrast, are set at a more leisurely pace which is seen in the way they manipulate things (Umiker-Sebeok, 1985). In an Australian context, according to an experiment conducted on the US print and

Friday, October 18, 2019

A Fast Food and Bakery Take-Away counter in Downtown, Mumbai Essay

A Fast Food and Bakery Take-Away counter in Downtown, Mumbai - Essay Example The initial setup of the bakery and fast food counter would be a small one to involve as little investment and risk as possible. The preliminary research has revealed that there are very few bakeries and fast food counters in the populated areas of Mumbai and hence, the competitive edge of the project would be its location inviting a lot of pedestrian traffic on a daily basis. The main customers of the counter would be office going youngsters and students who like mobile food and snacks and have a preference for Western origin food more than their local origins. The initial setup cost of the counter including the construction, rentals, machinery, raw material, etc. is around $ 76,000, which is an estimate calculated from the data of take away counters of similar capacity. An analysis of the location tells us that Mumbai is thickly populated with people belonging to all the backgrounds: Upper class, upper middle class, middle class, lower middle class, and the lower class. The main ta rget audience of the counter would be people belonging to middle class and the higher classes. Since Mumbai is densely populated with average income people, investing in a bakery that has numerous future prospects seems like an investment that is worthwhile. Another interesting factor is the change in the eating habits of people especially among the younger lot. They prefer fast food and snacks that they can eat while on the go. Hence, a take away counter for bakery items and fast food would definitely be a profitable venture. The Gantt chart of the project shows that it would take the counter approximately more than two months starting from research up until its launch. Project Description The outcome that the project would achieve is the setup of a take-away counter selling bakery and fast food items such as hot breads, rolls, cakes, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, etc. The location of the counter would be in downtown Mumbai, India so that it gets a lot of foot traffic from the nearb y offices, schools, colleges, etc. The target market of the counter is young and middle-aged people working in offices or students who are constantly moving and need to eat outside their homes. As mentioned earlier, the eating habits of all younger generation are very different from the older lot, they prefer fast food and bakery items and thus, a counter catering to their needs would ensure lots of people coming during lunch and teatime hours. Another possible consumer base of the counter would be people with a sweet tooth and other who like to buy cakes and pastries for celebrations and religious festivals, which are abundant in India. The counter would host products such as pastries, custom made cakes, biscuits, mini muffins, etc. The counter would also place tables and chairs nearby so that consumers who want to sit can have their meals comfortably. The counter would have self-service. The packaging would be attractive and artistically done for takeaways and gifts. A study of th e market has provided that food business, specifically bakeries, fast food, and other similar outlets suffer less even in the time of recession. Another advantage with such counters is that they are easy to setup and not a lot of technical expertise is necessary. The overall business model of such ventures is pretty straight forward with a direct revenue model that does not have a lot of risk involved. The success of such a counter depends on the following factors: market need, taste and product quality. Mumbai is a metropolitan city with the people residing here belonging to all backgrounds and coming from all parts of India bringing in their own cultural heritage and taste. Here, the

The Economics of Natural Resource Availability Essay

The Economics of Natural Resource Availability - Essay Example Every market strategy should cover the price and output strategy, the reaction of price and output strategy of other competitors in the market. There are large numbers of applications of business in this technological and advanced scenario. There are web and net facilities to all one should have an access to the internet facilities for business helps in advertising the introduction of the products and new designs The computer programming one of the most important things to consider the work based on software’s introducing different software. Small industries at small scales mean the garment factory leather and so on, small educational institutions such as small schools, investments in the small business of departmental stores, whole sellers and retailers. Keynes describes the study of unemployment with the business cycle he gives the study of aggregate demand. In Keynes view, using applying the fiscal policy can reduce the fluctuations in business cycle and monetary policy fiscal policy is the government policy and monetary policy concerned with the policy by a central bank and the government departments too. The Keynesian economics is based on the 20th-century ideas. In the Keynesian view, there are many macroeconomic variables, which have an impact on the individual’s microeconomics functions. In Keynesian economics, the discussion of aggregate demand with the individuals demands the goods. In his view there are many changes bring by the government by implementing the fiscal and monetary policy to take control over the economy and prevent it from downfall. The supply side economics is concerned with the implementation of monetary and fiscal policy it focuses on the monetary policy the study of money demand and its supply monetary policy is only concerned with the changes in the money supply not with the interest rate, the changes in interest rates are managed by the fiscal policy.  Ã‚  

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Question responses Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Question responses - Assignment Example The narrator says that, â€Å"Sunday’s too my father got up early and put his clothes on in the blue black cold, then with cracked hands that ached from labor in the weekday weather made banked fires blaze† (James and Alan, 32) This goes on to show how the narrator’s father was concerned about the narrator. If he did not care, then he would not have woken up early even on a Sunday. The claim that the father showed unconditional love is showed universally in this poem. In my own personal life, my parents show so much concern in me; from school work, family life and also my social life, my parents have shown concern in me that can only happen if there exists the connection that is commonly known as love (James and Alan, 32). Dulce Et Decorum Est is a poem written by Wilfred Owens and it has various arguments inside it that bring out what the poem is about. When the name is translated, it means, â€Å"It is sweet and meet to die for one’s country† (James and Alan, 33). And to back up the claims that the statement lacks merit, the poem has been written in order to distinguish between sweet and bitter, and pain and comfort. Even though the poem is about how sweet it is to fight and die for one’s country, the pain and suffering that the individuals go through reflects more on the negative side. There is evidence to support this in that the subjects talked about include post-dramatic stress, recurring nightmares, gas attacks that are lethal which include mustard gas attacks and chlorine gas attacks. Evidence

An Autoinhibitory Domain Confers Redox Regulation to Maize Glycerate Essay

An Autoinhibitory Domain Confers Redox Regulation to Maize Glycerate Kinase - Essay Example In assessing the in vivo activity of GLYK, GLYK activity was found to be low in the absence of 1, 4-dithio-DL-threitol (DTT), which cleaves disulfide bonds, but high in the presence of it. It needs light to function, as well. Next, 6 maize Trx genes were found from maize genome using sorghum Trx. The two type f Trx genes activated maize GLYK the most. Finally, in comparing maize GLYK to C3 plants, the Km of former was found to be similar to that of other plants in reducing conditions, but was only a third when DTT or Trx was absent. In addition, maize GLYK is longer, having a C-terminal extension of seven amino acids, including 2 Cys residues that form a disulfide bond Overall, the research was able to identify the molecular mechanism of maize GLYK regulation, which is the disulfide bond at the C-terminal extension. However, the authors were mistaken when they said in the text that it is the Km, which is similar among the plants. They would have been more correct if they said it was Vmax, as table I suggests. In addition, it would have been better if the writers said that the values being compared are not significantly different from each other, because, in contrast to the text, they are not similar as

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Coco Chanel & Vivien Westwood Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Coco Chanel & Vivien Westwood - Essay Example Modernism was not conceived as a style but a loose collection of ideas. Where and when it was born is anybody's guess, but it flourished in Germany and Holland, as well as in Moscow, Paris, Prague and New York. Modernists wanted to build a better world, a world that could achieve social improvement through technology. The modernist's principles were frequently combined with social and political beliefs which held that design and art could, and should, transform society. Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel belonged to this school of thought. (V&A, Modernism-Designing a New World 1914-1939, www.vam.ac.uk)1. Modernism which presume the existence of clear-cut distinctions between different types of aesthetic endeavors, are perceived as elitist in comparison with postmodernism, in which high culture is no longer viewed as aesthetically superior to popular culture and dominant cultures are no longer more significant than minority cultures. The shift from modernist to postmodernist styles is viewed as a consequence of social, political, and cultural changes that have altered the relationships between different social groups and the dominant culture, as well as the ways in which these social groups can be plausibly represented by cultural categories (An Excerpt from Diana Crane’s 1933- "Postmodernism and the Avant-Garde: Stylistic Change in Fashion Design", . The reign of Prince Regent (1820-1830) came to be known as the Regency era. Empress Josephine, during Emperor Napoleon’s (1804) time was a great fashion leader for the slender fashions of the day designed by Leroy. From fak e pearls and strass paste gems to parures and Cameos, these fascinating jewellery made under the influence of Greek and Roman architecture, came to be symbolic of the 18th and 19th century fashion world. The high waist styles of early 19th century known as the Empire style, evolved in the late 1700s. It began as a chemise shift gathered under the breasts and at the neck.It had a very dcollet low square neckline, a short narrow backed bodice and separate skirt. The small neat puff sleeves barely capped the shoulder. They were pulled back by the narrow cut of the bodice and this restricted arm movement. The fabric for Empire dresses was usually made of fine white lawn, muslin or batiste. The predominant styles followed during the regency fashion period were those of Spencer, Pelisse, and Redingote (Pauline Weston Thomas, Regency Fashion History, 1800s Costume History, for Fashion-era.com, www.fashion-era.com). 2.0 Definition of Modernism and Post-Modernism Between World Wars I and II, there was the rise of a puritanical style of design popularly called Modernism or the International Style. Many designs during this period represented a form known for its overall severity and geometry, combined with symmetry, order and simplicity. What was conspicuous was the absence of colour and applied decoration. When colour was applied, it was rarely spontaneous, and seen in geometrical formats and clear-cut,

An Autoinhibitory Domain Confers Redox Regulation to Maize Glycerate Essay

An Autoinhibitory Domain Confers Redox Regulation to Maize Glycerate Kinase - Essay Example In assessing the in vivo activity of GLYK, GLYK activity was found to be low in the absence of 1, 4-dithio-DL-threitol (DTT), which cleaves disulfide bonds, but high in the presence of it. It needs light to function, as well. Next, 6 maize Trx genes were found from maize genome using sorghum Trx. The two type f Trx genes activated maize GLYK the most. Finally, in comparing maize GLYK to C3 plants, the Km of former was found to be similar to that of other plants in reducing conditions, but was only a third when DTT or Trx was absent. In addition, maize GLYK is longer, having a C-terminal extension of seven amino acids, including 2 Cys residues that form a disulfide bond Overall, the research was able to identify the molecular mechanism of maize GLYK regulation, which is the disulfide bond at the C-terminal extension. However, the authors were mistaken when they said in the text that it is the Km, which is similar among the plants. They would have been more correct if they said it was Vmax, as table I suggests. In addition, it would have been better if the writers said that the values being compared are not significantly different from each other, because, in contrast to the text, they are not similar as

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Differences in Competencies Between Associate Degree and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Essay Example for Free

Differences in Competencies Between Associate Degree and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Essay Differences in Competencies Between Associate Degree and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Nursing education can be confusing because there are so many ways to become a nurse. However, throughout history, nurse leaders have advocated the importance of higher education for nurses. But as nursing shortages developed, the need for more and more nurses became apparent. To help solve the nursing shortage problem, Mildred Montag developed the associate degree of nursing program (ADN) in 1952. It was designed to be completed in two years and provide a balance of general nursing education along with clinical courses. The original program designed by Mildred Montag was for associate degree nurses to work under the supervision of professional baccalaureate prepared nurses. Due to confusion, the graduates of the associate degree nursing program were allowed to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This NCLEX exam was the same exam given to baccalaureate degree nurses (Creasia Friberg, 2011). Now, associate degree nurses can be found in almost every setting from hospitals to long term care facilities. However, even though associate nurses have the skills to provide adequate patient care, the advanced education of the baccalaureate degree nurse provides leadership skills, advanced critical thinking skill and improved patient outcomes (Lane Kohlenberg, 2010). Therefore, in recent years the difference in competencies between the associate degree nurse and the baccalaureate degree nurse has been examined, resulting in a push for more nurses to obtain a bachelors degree (BSN). Associate degree nursing programs teach the technical aspect of nursing care. An associate prepared nurse can function well at the bedside. She can monitor the patient’s needs and record the outcomes of treatments. An associate prepared nurse can use critical thinking skills to determine her best course of action in most situations. But the constantly changing field of healthcare is demanding higher educated nurses. It is demanding nurses that are more professional and have an understanding of theory based practice. Nursing and medical organizations across the nation are recommending that all RNs advance their education. An advanced level of education can improve patient safety and quality of care (Fact Sheet: Creating, 2013). This has been evidenced by numerous studies on the correlation between higher educated nurses and patient outcomes. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania conducted a study that found surgical patients had 14% lower odds of dying as an inpatient within 30 days when being cared for by higher educated nurses. Another study conducted at the University of Toronto found hospitals that increased their pool of baccalaureate prepared nurses by just 10% had a decrease in death of discharged patients (Fact Sheet: Creating, 2013). To fully understand the differences in competencies between an ADN and a BSN, it may be necessary to evaluate how each would perform in a specific patient care situation. For example, a 66 year male is hospitalized with an open wound on his leg. The wound is positive for MRSA and the patient is diabetic. The associate degree nurse dresses the wound properly, and teaches the patient how to take care of the wound. She helps manage the patient’s diabetes and teaches him how to manage it at home. The patient is discharged home with instructions and prescriptions. He is re-admitted a week later with high blood sugars and a worsening leg wound. The same patient is cared for by a nurse with a BSN. During his stay the nurse dresses his wound properly, and manages his blood sugar levels. During her time with him, the nurse questions the patient about his family and his home. Through casual conversation she discovers the patient lives alone, but his daughter lives close by. She also learns he is unable to clean his home properly, but he is adamant about staying there. With the patient’s permission, the nurse contacts the patient’s daughter to learn more about the challenges the patient faces in caring for himself. After talking with the daughter, the nurse discovers the patient has not had an eye exam in 5 years and his vision is poor. He does not follow a diabetic diet and prefers to eat out rather than cook at home. Armed with this new information, the nurse talks with the patient. She tactfully points out his vision problems and poor diet choices. The patient admits he needs new glasses, but cannot afford them. He admits to having trouble seeing the numbers on his insulin syringe. He also states following a diabetic diet is too difficult so he doesn’t bother. The nurse takes this information to the hospital’s case management team and together they get home health care that will help him with his dressings. They also manage to find help to clean his home and funding to get him new glasses. The nurse then makes an appointment for the patient for diabetic teaching provided by the hospital. Prior to discharge the nurse teaches the daughter how to change the wound dressing and how to give insulin injections. She encourages the daughter to go with  the patient to diabetic education classes. The BSN nurse did more than just discharge the patient. She used the metaparadigm of nursing model to treat the patient as a whole. The metaparadigm consists of person, environment, health, nursing and how they all interact with each other. (Gunther, 2011). She recognized the patient was an individual person with individual health needs. She discovered his physical and environmental challenges and learned how they were affecting his health. Utilizing the information she obtained she found the patient the appropriate help for his situation. The associate degree nurse is certainly capable of taking care of patients in almost any healthcare setting. However, healthcare is changing rapidly with increased acuity and short lengths of stay and nursing must change with it by producing more professional, well-educated nurses. References Creasia, J. L. , Friberg, E. E. (2011). Pathways of Nursing Education. In M. Iannuzzi, R. Richman (Eds. ), Conceptual foundations: The bridge to professional nursing practice (5th ed. (pp. 23-26). [PageBurst]. Retrieved from www. elsevier. com Fact sheet: Creating a more highly qualified nursing workforce. (2013). Retrieved from http://www. aacn. nche. edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/nursing-workforce Gunther, M. (2011). Theories and frameworks for professional nursing practice. In M. Iannuzzi, R. Richman (Eds. ), Conceptual foundations: The bridge to professional nursing practice (5th ed. (pp. 97-99). [PageBurst]. Retrieved from www. elsevier. com Lane, S. H. , Kohlenberg, E. (2010). The future of baccalaureate degrees for nurses. Nursing Forum, 45(4), 218-227. doi:10. 1111/j. 1744-6198. 2010. 00194.

Monday, October 14, 2019

The Physical Soil Properties Environmental Sciences Essay

The Physical Soil Properties Environmental Sciences Essay Soils are composed of five main components mineral particles derived from rocks by weathering; organic materials humus from dead and decaying plant material; soil water in which nutrient elements are dissolved; soil air both carbon dioxide and oxygen; and living organisms including bacteria that help plant decomposition. Soils differ in their fertility levels, because they have different proportions of these components and because the mineral particles have been affected to different degrees by weathering. Age of soil minerals, prevailing temperatures, rainfall, leaching and soil physico-chemistry are the main factors which determine how much a particular soil will weather (Sinha and Shrivastava, 2000). Soil thus, is important to everyone either directly or indirectly. It is the natural bodies on which agricultural products grow and it has fragile ecosystem (Sinha and Shrivastava, 2000). South Africa ranks among the countries with the highest rate of income inequality in the world (Aliber, 2009). Compared to other middle income countries, it has extremely high levels of absolute poverty and food insecurity threat (FAO, 2009). As part of this, a potential contributor to food security might be small-scale agricultural production. Aliber (2009) indicated that input support targeting smallholder farmers could boost production and food security. Utilisation of uncultivated arable lands and subsistence agriculture might be one option to contribute to incomes and/or savings, as well as to encourage food diversification (Altman et al., 2009). Land with high agricultural suitability is considered to have greater long-term security with regards to both agricultural production and development. From a planning perspective, high agricultural flexibility is therefore considered an appropriate measure of high quality agricultural land that is highly productive and fertile. Only a small proportion of worlds soils have a very good level of fertility, most of which have only good to medium fertility and some have very low fertility, and are often referred to as marginal soils (Ashman and Puri, 2002). Well-known fertile soils are deep alluvial soils formed from river mud, organic matter- rich soils on loess material, nutrient rich Vertisols and volcanic soils (Brady and Weil, 2004). Under poor management, soil fertility can be seriously depleted and soils may become useless for agriculture. 2.2. SOIL PHYSICO-CHEMISTRY Soil is a natural medium on which agricultural products grow and it is dependent on several factors such as fertility to be considered productive (Shah et al., 2011). The fertility of the soil is depended on concentration of soil nutrients, organic and inorganic materials and water. These soil physico-chemical properties are classified as being physical, chemical and biological, which greatly influence soil fertility (Ramaru et al., 2000). To manage soil fertility, knowledge and understanding of these properties is required (as discussed below). 2.2.1. Physical soil properties (i) Soil texture Soil texture refers to the relative proportions of the various size groups of individual particles or grains in a soil (Rowell, 1994). It is dependent on the mixture of the different particle sizes present in the soil. Based on these different sizes, soil particles are classified as sand (0.05- 2mm), silt (0.002-0,5mm) and clay ( Clay particles hold larger quantities of water and nutrients, because of their large surface areas (Brady and Weil, 1999). This property causes the swelling and shrinking of clay soils, but only those with smectitic group of clay minerals. The large surface area of clay particles gives nutrients numerous binding sites especially when the surface charge density is high, which is part of the reason that fine textured soils have such high abilities to retain nutrients (Velde, 1995). The pores between clay particles are very small and complex, so movement of both air and water is very slow (Brady and Weil, 1999). Clay particles are negatively charged because of their mineralogical composition. Soils with such particles usually have high CEC and can retain water and plant nutrients; thus such soils are considered to be fertile and good for plant growth (Brady and Weil, 1999). The knowledge of the proportions of different-sized particles in soils is critical to understand soil behavior and their management. Since sand particles are relatively large, so are the voids between them, which promote free drainage of water and entry of air into the soil (Brady and Weil, 2002). The implication of free drainage in sandy soil is that soil nutrients are easily washed down into the soil and become inaccessible for use by plants (Brady and Weil, 2002). Sandy soils are considered non-cohesive and because of their large size, have low specific surface areas and thus have low nutrient retention capacity (Rowell, 1994). Sand particles can hold little water due to low specific surface area and are prone to drought, therefore have a very low CEC and fertility status (Petersen et al., 1996). The pores between silt particles are much smaller than those in sand, so silt retains more water and nutrients (Rowell, 1994). Soils dominated by silt particles therefore have a higher fertility status than sandy soils and provides favorable conditions for plant growth when other growth factors are favorable (Miller and Donahue, 1992). (ii) Soil structure The term soil structure refers to the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates (Six et al., 2000). Soil structure is affected by biological activities, organic matter, and cultivation practices (Rowell, 1994). It influences soil water movement and retention, erosion, nutrient recycling, sealing and crusting of the soil surface, together with aeration and soils structural stability, root penetration and crop yield (Lupwayi et al., 2001). Soil structure can be platy, prismatic, granular, crumbly, columnar and blocky (RCEP, 1996). An ideal soil structure for plant growth is often described as granular or crumb-like, because it provides good movement for air and water through a variety of different pore sizes and it also affects root penetration (RCEP, 1996). An ideal soil structure is also stable and resistant to erosion (Duiker et al., 2003). Organic matter and humification processes improve structural stability, and can rebuild degraded soil structures (Brady and Weil, 1999). Therefore it is vital to return or add organic material to the soil and to maintain its biological activity in order to enhance soil structure for plant growth. Favorable soil structure and high aggregate stability are therefore vital to improving soil fertility, increasing agronomic productivity, enhancing porosity and decreasing erodibility. (iii) Water retention capacity Water holding capacity refers to the quantity of water that the soil is capable of storing for use by plants (Brady and Weil, 1999). Soil water is held in, and flows through pore spaces in soils. Soil water can be described into the following stages: gravitational, capillary, and hygroscopic, based upon the energy with which water is held by the soil solids, which in turn governs their behavior and availability to plants (Rowell, 1994). Water holding capacity is an important factor in the choice of plants or crops to be grown and in the design and management of irrigation systems (Brady and Weil, 1999). The total amount of water available to plants growing in field soils is a function of the rooting depth of the plant and sum of the water held between field capacity and wilting percentage in each of the horizons explored by the roots (Brady and Weil, 1999). Field capacity is the amount of soil moisture or water content held in soil after excess water has drained away and the rate of downward movement has materially decreased, which usually takes place within 2-3 days after a rain or irrigation in pervious soils of uniform structure and texture (Govers, 2002). The ability of the soil to provide water for plants is an important fertility characteristic (RCEP, 1996). The capacity for water storage varies, depending on soil properties such as organic matter, soil texture, bulk density, and soil structure (RCEP, 1996). This is explained by the degree of soil compaction, where problems will arise if excessive compaction occurs which would results in increased bulk density, a decrease in porosity and aeration and poor water drainage (Gregory et al., 2006), all resulting in poor plant growth. (iv) Electrical Conductivity (EC) Soil electrical conductivity (EC), is the ability of soil to conduct electrical current (Doerge, 1999). EC is expressed in milliSiemens per meter (mS/m) or cm (cm/m). Traditionally, soil scientists used EC to estimate soil salinity (Doerge, 1999). EC measurements also have the potential for estimating variation in some of the soil physical properties such as soil moisture and porosity, in a field where soil salinity is not a problem (Farahani and Buchleiter, 2004). Soil salinity refers to the presence of major dissolved inorganic solutes in the soil aqueous phase, which consist of soluble and readily dissolvable salts including charged species (e.g., Na+, K+, Mg+2, Ca+2, Clà ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢, HCO3à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢, NO3à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢, SO4à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢2 and CO3à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢2), non-ionic solutes, and ions that combine to form ion pairs (Smith and Doran, 1996). Salt tolerances are usually given in terms of the stage of plant growth over a range of electrical conductivity (EC) levels. EC greater than 4dS/m are considered saline (Munshower, 1994). Salt sensitive plants may be affected by conductivities below 4dS/m and salt tolerant species may not be impacted by concentrations of up to twice this maximum agricultural tolerance limit (Munshower, 1994). Electrical conductivity is the ability of a solution to transmit an electrical current. The conduction of electricity in soil takes place through the moisture-filled pores that occur between individual soil particles. Therefore, the EC of soil is determined by the following soil properties (Doerge, 1999): . Porosity, where the greater soil porosity, the more easily electricity is conducted. Soil with high clay content has higher porosity than sandier soil. Compaction normally increases soil EC. . Water content, dry soil is much lower in conductivity than moist soil. . Salinity level, increasing concentration of electrolytes (salts) in soil water will dramatically increase soil EC. . Cation exchange capacity (CEC), mineral soil containing high levels of organic matter (humus) and/or 2:1 clay minerals such as montmorillonite, illite, or vermiculite have a much higher ability to retain positively charged ions (such as Ca, Mg, K, Na, NH4, or H) than soil lacking these constituents. The presence of these ions in the moisture-filled soil pores will enhance soil EC in the same way that salinity does. . Temperature, as temperature decreases toward the freezing point of water, soil EC decreases slightly. Below freezing, soil pores become increasingly insulated from each other and overall soil EC declines rapidly. Plants are detrimentally affected, both physically and chemically, by excess salts in some soils and by high levels of exchangeable Na in others. Soils with an accumulation of exchangeable Na are often characterized by poor tilth and low permeability and therefore low soil fertility status, making them unfavorable for plant growth (Munshower, 1994). (v) Bulk Density (BD) Soil bulk density is defined as the mass of dry soil (g) per unit volume (cm3) and is routinely used as a measure of soil compaction (Gregory et al., 2006). The total volume includes particle volume, inter-particle void volume and internal pore volume (Gregory et al., 2006). Bulk density takes into account solid space as well as pore space (Greenland, 1998). Thus soils that are porous or well-aggregated (e.g. clay soil) will have lower bulk densities than soils that are not aggregated (sand) (Greenland, 1998). Plant roots cannot penetrate compacted soil as freely as they would in non-compacted soil, which limits their access to water and nutrients present in sub-soil and inhibits their growth (Hagan et al., 2010). Compacted soil requires more frequent applications of irrigation and fertilizer to sustain plant growth, which can increase runoff and nutrient levels in runoff (Gregory et al., 2006). The bulk density of soil depends greatly on the soils mineral make up and the degree of compaction. High bulk density usually indicate a poorer environment for root growth, reduced aeration and undesirable changes in hydrologic function, such as reduced infiltration (Brady and Weil, 1999). The presence of soil organic matter, which is considerably lighter than mineral soil, can help decrease bulk density and thereby enhancing soil fertility (Hagan et al., 2010). 2.2.2. Soil Chemical properties Soil chemical properties which include the concentrations of nutrients, cations, anions, ion exchange reactions and redox properties, but for the purpose of this study focus will be based on properties that have an implication on soil fertility including: (i) Soil pH Soil pH is an important soil property that affects several soil reactions and processes and is defined as a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil (Bohn, 2001). It has considerable effect on soil processes including ion exchange reactions and nutrient availability (Rowell, 1994). Soil pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, where a pH of 7.0 is considered neutral, readings higher than 7.0 are alkaline, and readings lower than 7.0 are considered acidic (McGuiness, 1993). Most plants are tolerant of a pH range of 5.5-6.5 which is near neutral pH range (Bohn, 2001). Soil pH is one of the most important characteristics of soil fertility, because it has a direct impact on nutrient availability and plant growth. Most nutrients are more soluble in acid soils than in neutral or slightly alkaline soils (Bohn, 2001). In strongly acidic soils the availability of macronutrients (Ca, Mg, K, P, N and S) as well as molybdenum and boron is reduced. In contrast, availability of micronutrient cations (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Al) is increased by low soil pH, even to the extent of toxicity of higher plants and microorganisms (Bohn, 2001). The pH of a soil is also reported to affect so many other soil properties (Brady and Weil, 1999), including nutrient availability, effects on soil organisms, fungi thrive in acidic soils, CEC and plant preferences of either acidic or alkaline soils. Most plants prefer alkaline soils, but there are a few which need acidic soils and will die if placed in an alkaline environment (Brady and Weil, 1999). (ii) Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) Cation exchange capacity is defined as the sum of the total of the exchangeable cations that a soil can hold or adsorb (Brady and Weil, 1999). A cation is a positively charged ion and most nutrients cations are: Ca2+, Mg2+, K +, NH4+, Zn2+, Cu2+, and Mn2+. These cations are in the soil solution and are in dynamic equilibrium with the cations adsorbed on the surface of clay and organic matter (Brady and Weil, 1999). Clay and organic matter are the main sources of CEC (Peinemann et al., 2002). The more clay and organic matter (humus) a soil contains, the higher its CEC and the greater the potential fertility of that soil. CEC varies according to the type of clay. It is highest in montmorillonite clay, lowest in heavily weathered kaolinite clay and slightly higher in the less weathered illite clay (Peinemann et al., 2002). Sand particles have no capacity to exchange cations because it has no electrical charge (Brady and Weil, 1999). CEC is used as a measure of soil nutrient retention capacity, and the capacity to protect groundwater from cation contamination (Brady and Weil, 1999). It buffers fluctuations in nutrient availability and soil pH (Bergaya and Vayer, 1997). Plants obtain many of their nutrients from soil by an electrochemical process called cation exchange. This process is the key to understanding soil fertility (Rowell, 1994). Nutrients that are held by charges on a soil are termed exchangeable as they become readily available to plants (Rowell, 1994).The higher the CEC of a soil, the more nutrients it is likely to hold and the higher will be its fertility level (Fullen and Catt, 2004). Factors affecting cation exchange capacity The factors affecting cation exchange capacity include the following (Brady and Weil 1999), soil texture, soil humus content, nature of clay and soil reaction. Soil texture influences the CEC of soils in a way that it increases when soils percentage of clay increases i.e. the finer the soil texture, the higher the CEC as indicated in Table 2. CEC depends on the nature of clay minerals present, since each mineral has its own capacity to exchange and hold cations e.g. the CEC of a soil dominated by vermiculite is much higher than the CEC of another soil dominated by kaolinite, as vermiculite is high activity clay unlike kaolinte which is low activity clay. When the pH of soil increases, more H+ ions dissociate from the clay minerals especially kaolinite, thus the CEC of soil dominated by kaolinite also increases. CEC varies according to the type of soil. Humus, the end product of decomposed organic matter, has the highest CEC value because organic matter colloids have large quantities of negative charges. Humus has a CEC two to five times greater than montmorillonite clay and up to 30 times greater than kaolinite clay, so is very important in improving soil fertility. Table 2.1: CEC values for different soil textures (Brady and Weil, 1999) Soil texture CEC range (meq/100g soil) Sand 2-4 Sandy loam 2-12 Loam 7-16 Silt loam 9-26 Clay, clay loam 4-60 (iii) Organic Matter The importance of soil organic matter in relation to soil fertility and physical condition is widely recognized in agriculture. However, organic matter contributes to the fertility or productivity of the soil through its positive effects on the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil (Rowell, 1994), as follows: physical stabilizes soil structure, improves water holding characteristics, lowers bulk density, dark color may alter thermal properties; chemical higher CEC, acts as a pH buffer, ties up metals, interacts with biological supplies energy and body-building constituents for soil organisms, increases microbial populations and their activities, source and sink for nutrients, ecosystem resilience, affects soil enzymes. Soil organic matter consists of a wide range of organic substances, including living organisms, carboneous remains of organisms which once occupied the soil, and organic compounds produced by current and past metabolism of the soil (Brady and Weil, 1999). Soil organic matter plays a critical role in soil processes and is a key element of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) (Brady and Weil, 2004). Organic matter is widely considered to be the single most important indicator of soil fertility and productivity (Rowell, 1994). It consists primarily of decayed or decaying plant and animal residues and is a very important soil component. Benefits of Organic matter in soil according to Ashman and Puri, (2002) include: increasing the soils cation exchange capacity and acting as food for soil organisms from bacteria to worms and is an important component in the nutrient and carbon cycles. Organic matter, like clay, has a high surface area and is negatively charged with a high CEC, making it an excellent supplier of nutrients to plants. In addition, as organic matter decomposes, it releases nutrients such as N, P and S that are bound in the organic matters structure, essentially imitating a slow release fertilizer (Myers, 1995). Organic matter can also hold large amounts of water, which helps nutrients move from soil to plant roots (Mikkuta, 2004). An important characteristic of organic matter in soil fertility is C: N ratio. The C: N ratio in organic matter of arable surface horizons commonly ranges from 8:1 to 15:1, the median being near 12:1 (Brady and Weil, 1999). The C:N ratio in organic residues applied to soils is important for two reasons: intense competition among the micro-organisms for available soil nitrogen which occurs when residues having a high C:N ratio are added to soils and it also helps determine their rate of decay and the rate at which nitrogen is made available to plants (Brady and Weil, 1999). (iv) Plant Nutrients Plants require 13 plant nutrients (Table 2.2) (micro and macro nutrients) for their growth. Each is equally important to the plant, yet each is required in vastly different amounts (Ronen, 2007). Essential elements are chemical elements that plants need in order to complete their normal life cycle (Scoones and Toulhim, 1998). The functions of these elements in the plant cannot be fulfilled by another, thus making each element essential for plant growth and development (Scoones and Toulhim, 1998). Essential nutrients are divided into macro and micronutrients as illustrated in Table 3. Macronutrients are those that are required in relatively high quantities for plant growth and can be distinguish into two sub groups, primary and secondary ones, (Uchida and Silva, 2000). The primary macro-elements are most frequently required for plant growth and also needed in the greatest total quantity by plants. For most crops, secondary macro nutrients are needed in lesser amounts than the primary nutrients. The second group of plant nutrients which are micronutrients are needed only in trace amounts (Scoones and Toulhim, 1998). These micronutrients are required in very small amounts, but they are just as important to plant development and profitable crop production as the major nutrients (Ronen, 2007). Classification Element Function in plant growth Source Deficiency symptoms and toxicities Macro nutrients Primary Nitrogen (N) Chlorophyll and Protein formation Air/Soil, applied fertilisers Slow growth, stunted plants, chlorosis, low protein content Phosphorus (P) Photosynthesis, Stimulates early growth and root formation, hastens maturity Soil and applied fertilisers Slow growth, delayed crop maturity, purplish green coloration of leaves Potassium (K) Photosynthesis and nzyme activity, starch and sugar formation, root growth Soil and applied fertilisers Slow growth, Reduced disease or pest resistance, development of white and yellow spots on leaves Macro nutrients secondary Calcium (Ca) Cell growth and component of cell wall Soil Weakened stems, death of plants growing points, abnormal dark green appearance on foliage Magnesium (Mg) Enzyme activation, photosynthesis and influence Nitrogen metabolism Soil Interveinal chlorosis in older leaves, curling of leaves, stunted growth, Sulfur (S) Amino acids, proteins and nodule formation Soil and animal manure Interveinal chlorosis on corn leaves, retarded growth, delayed maturity and light green to yellowish color in young leaves Micronutrients essential Iron (Fe) Photosynthesis, chlorophyll synthesis, constituent of various enzymes and proteins Soil Interveinal chlorosis, yellowing of leaves between veins, twig dieback, death of entire limp or plants Manganese (Mn) Enzyme activation, metabolism of nitrogen and organic acids, formation of vitamins and breakdown of carbohydrates Soil Interveinal chlorosis of young leaves, gradation of pale green coloration with darker color next to veins Zinc (Zn) Enzymes and auxins component, protein synthesis, used in formation of growth hormones Soil Mottled leaves, dieback twigs, decrease in stem length Copper (Cu) Enzyme activation, catalyst for respiration Soil Stunted growth, poor pigmentation, wilting of leaves Boron (B) Reproduction Soil Thickened, curled, wilted and chlorotic leaves; reduced flowering Molybdenum (Mo) Nitrogen fixation; nitrate reduction and plant growth Soil Stunting and lack of vigor (induced by nitrogen deficiency), scorching, cupping or rolling of leaves Chlorine (Cl) Root growth, photosynthetic reactions Soil Wilting followed by chlorosis, excessive branching of lateral roots, bronzing of leaves Additional nutrients Carbon (C) Constituent of carbohydrates and photosynthesis Air/ Organic matter Hydrogen (H) Maintains osmotic balance and constituent of carbohydrates Water/Organic matter Oxygen (O) Constituent of carbohydrates and necessary for respiration Air/Water/ Organic matter Table 2.2: Essential plant elements, their sources and role in plants (Ronen,2007) Deficiency of any of these essential nutrients will retard plant development (Brady and Weil, 2004). Deficiencies and toxicities of nutrients in soil present unfavorable conditions for plant growth, such as: poor growth, yellowing of the leaves and possibly the death of the plant as illustrated in Table 3 (Ahmed et al., 1997). Therefore proper nutrient management is required to achieve maximum plant growth, maximum economic and growth response by the crop, and also for minimum environmental impact. In addition to the nutrients listed above, plants require carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which are extracted from air and water to make up the bulk of plant weight (Brady and Weil, 1999). Achieving balance between the nutrient requirements of plants and the nutrient reserves in soils is essential for maintaining soil fertility and high yields, preventing environmental contamination and degradation, and sustaining agricultural production over the long term. 2.2.3. Soil Biological properties (i) Soil organisms Soil organisms include mostly microscopic living organisms such as bacteria and fungi which are the foundation of a healthy soil because they are the primary decomposer of organic matter (Brady and Weil, 1999). Soil organisms are grouped into two namely soil microorganisms and soil macro organisms (Table 2.3). Table 2.3: Soil Macro and microorganisms and their role in plant and soil (Brady and Weil, 1999) Classification Organisms Function in plant and/or soil Source Microorganisms Bacteria Decomposition of organic matter Soil surface and humus particles Actinomycetes Source of protein and enhance soil fertility Surface layers of grass lands Fungi Fix atmospheric nitrogen and enhance soil fertility Soil (without organic matter) Algae Add organic matter to soil, improve aeration of swamp soils, and fix atmospheric nitrogen Moist soils Macro-organisms Nematodes They can be applied to crops in large quantities as a biological insecticide Soil and plant roots Earthworms Enhance soil fertility and structural stability Aerated soils Ants and termites Soil development Dominant in tropical soils Soil can contain millions of organisms that feed off decaying material such as old plant material, mulch unprocessed compost (Ashman and Puri, 2002), Microorganisms constitute Soil organic matter is the main food and energy source of soil microorganisms (Ashman and Puri, 2002). Through decomposition of organic matter, microorganisms take up their food elements. Organic matter also serves as a source of energy for both macro and micro organisms and helps in performing various beneficial functions in soil, resulting in highly productive soil (Mikutta et al., 2004). Macro-organisms such as insects, other arthropods, earthworms and nematodes live in the soil and have an important influence on soil fertility (Amezketa, 1999). They ingest soil material and relocate plant material and form burrows. The effects of these activities are variable. Macro-organisms improve aeration, porosity, infiltration, aggregate stability, litter mixing, improved N and C stabilization, C turnover and carbonate reduction and N mineralization, nutrient availability and metal mobility (Amezketa, 1999; Winsome and McColl, 1998 and Brown et al., 2000). The various groups of soil organisms do not live independently of each other, but form an interlocked system more or less in equilibrium with the environment (Brady and Weil, 1999). Their activity in soil depend on moisture content, temperature, soil enzymes, dissolution of soil minerals and breakdown of toxic chemicals. All have a tremendous role in the development of soil fertility (Alam, 2001). Their actions involve the formation of structural systems of the soils which help in the increase of agricultural productivity (Alam, 2001). 2.3. SOIL CLAY MINERALOGY The clay fraction of soil is dominated by clay minerals which control important soil chemical properties including sorption characteristics of soils (Dixon and Schulze, 2002). Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic compounds, with defined chemical and physical properties (Velde, 1995). Minerals that are formed in the depths of a volcano are called primary minerals (Pal et al., 2000). Feldspar, biotite, quartz and hornblende are examples of primary minerals. These minerals and the rocks made from them are often not stable when exposed to the weathering agents at the surface of the earth (Dixon and Schulze, 2002). These rocks are broken down (weathered) continuously into small pieces by exposure to physical and chemical weathering processes (Dixon and Schulze, 2002). Some of the elements that are released during weathering, reform and crystallise in a different structure forming secondary minerals (Melo et al., 2002). Secondary minerals tend to be much smaller in particle size than primary minerals, and are most commonly found in the clay fraction of soils (Guggenheim and Martin, 1995). Soil clay fractions often contain a wide range of secondary minerals such as kaolinite, montmorillonite and aluminum hydrous oxides, whereas the sand or silt particles of soils are dominated by relatively inert primary minerals. The clay fraction is usually dominated by secondary minerals which are more chemically active and contribute the most to soil fertility (Melo et al., 2002). Two major secondary mineral groups, clay minerals and hydrous