The Basic Mechanisms of Homeostasis

The Basic Mechanisms of Homeostasis Overview of homeostasis The term homeostasis was first coined by Walter Cannon in 1929 to literally mean ‘steady state’. It describes the dynamic equilibrium by which internal constancy is maintained within set limits by regulation and control. There are many examples of homeostatic control throughout the human body and in other living organisms, such as pH, pressure, and temperature. A concept important to homeostasis is the process of feedback circuits; involving a receptor, an effector, and a control centre.A receptor is responsible for detecting a change in the body, while the effector corrects this. The control centre organises these two together to elicit the response. The most common form of control in homeostasis is known as negative feedback, in which an excess or deficit in a homeostatic system triggers its own regulation. The diagram below illustrates this concept in reference to the control of temperature (Figure 1). Figure 1 is a simple representation of a rather complicated process.Here, the several types of negative feedback circuits involved in temperature control have been summarised into one. The hypothalamus is a combined receptor and control centre, both recognising extremes of temperature change, and triggering bodily effectors to correct the changes. Figure 1 shows the responses to a decrease in body temperature, which directs organs to increase metabolism, thus causing shivering. Another effect would be causing hair cells on the skin to force up their hairs, creating a trapped layer of air across the body surface.Such effects should then cause the body temperature to rise to the optimal 37Â °C again, causing feedback to switch the circuit ‘off’. If this does not occur, the circuit will continue to direct effectors to warm the body because the feedback will not be switched ‘off’. Recent research, however has added another dimension to the accepted definition of hom eostasis. Scientists studying circadian rhythms (24-hour bodily cycles) have pointed out that the internal environment does not have completely constant ‘normal’ set point. They have found, for example, that he set point for human body temperature varies over a 24 hour cycle, fluctuating between 36Â °C and 37Â °C. As a result of this research, current thinking suggests that while homeostasis controls the ‘minute-by-minute fluctuation in the environment’ , circadian rhythms control the body’s general programming over time. In this essay, we will concentrate on two examples of homeostasis, one that occurs in humans and one which occurs in plants. Firstly, we will discuss the control of blood glucose levels in mammals, and then will look at the role of plant stomata in regulating water loss.Example 1: Control of blood glucose levels The human body has a number of mechanisms in place to regulate the storage and release of molecules for energy. Sometime s, an individual will consume more calories than can be immediately used, so sugars will be stored in the form of glycogen (a polymer of glucose) in liver and muscle cells. Other periods of increased activity may however, require the sudden release of energy, whereby glycogen is initially oxidised from the stores in the liver. Clearly, this is another example of homeostasis and it is outlined in Figure 2.Two enzymatic hormones are utilised by the body to control the interchange of glucose as an energy molecule and glycogen as a storage molecule. The first, insulin, lowers blood glucose levels by promoting its conversion to glycogen. The second, glucagon, increases glucose levels by allowing glycogen to be phosphorylated. Both of these hormones are produced and released by specialised cells in the pancreas known as Islets of Langerhans. Insulin is released from ? -cells, and glucagon is released from ? -cells. Figure 2: Blood glucose control by insulin and glucagonIf the blood glucos e level is too high, more insulin and less glucagon is released. This causes cells to take in glucose from the blood, while the liver converts glucose to glycogen. During low levels of blood glucose however, glucagon release increases, activating the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver, and glucose is released into the blood. This is a good example of negative feedback control, as the lowering of blood glucose, for example, inhibits further insulin secretion. Importantly, insulin is dependent upon calcium.This is because glucose activates calcium channels. When glucose levels are high, the subsequent release of calcium results in calcium binding to calmodulin. Together, the two molecules promote insulin vesicles to be released from the pancreas. This demonstrates the negative feedback system discussed in the overview. Example 3: Control of water loss by plants Plants need to balance their need to conserve water with their need to photosynthesise energy. Transpiration cause s water to be pulled up through the plant passively as water diffuses out through the leaves.These pores are opened and closed by the action of surrounding guard cells, located as illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 3: Drawing of stoma & guard cells These guard cells can take on two extremes of conformation; either flaccid, to close the stoma, or turgid, to open the stoma. When guard cells take in water via osmosis, they swell, become turgid, and are forced to bulge outwards into a kidney shape, opening the stoma. They adhere to this shape both because the two cells are attached to each other at either end, and because cellulose microfibrils constrain them.However, if the guard cells lose their water content, they shrink and become flaccid, closing the stoma so that water cannot leave. The opening and closing of the stomata have been shown to be affected by light concentrations. When illuminated, the concentration of solutes in the guard cell vacuoles increases because starch is convert ed to malic acid, and a proton pump in the plasma membrane is stimulated. The proton pump removes hydrogen ions (H+) from the guard cells, and in response, potassium ions (K+) flow into the cell.Chloride ions (Cl-) also flow into the cell via another pump in response to the H+ concentration difference. The accumulation of these ions and malate in the vacuole of the guards cells is enough to cause the water potential to drop within the guard cells. Water then flows in by osmosis, leading to the turgidity just described and opening the pore. As this opening process occurs in light, exactly the opposite happens at night. As light is lost, channels open to conduct Cl- and K+ out of the guard cells, water is lost, and the cells become flaccid and close.Another stimulus for the closing of stomata is an emergency response to the plant wilting from lack of water. In this case, CO2 concentration increases inside the leaf cells, and alongside the wilting, causes the plant to release the hormo ne abscisic acid (ABA). This diffuses into guard cells and activates the loss of Cl- and K+, effectively mimicking the night time action of the stomata. Concluding Remarks The idea of homeostasis has been well-developed since it was first identified in the mid-1900s.We have seen in this essay that feedback loops play an important part in homeostatic processes, and that the process is controlled by the action of detector and effector hormones and other molecules activated by control centres. Ongoing research also indicates that innate circadian rhythms affect the processes of homeostasis, causing the optimal set point for internal conditions to vary on a daily basis. Bibliography Alberts, B. , Bray, D. , Lewis, J. , Raff, M. , Roberts, K. , Watson, J. D. (1994). Molecular Biology of the Cell: Third Edition.Garland Publishing, U. S. A. Campbell, N. A. , Reece, J. B. & Mitchell, L. G. (1999). Biology: Fifth Edition. Addison Wesley Longman, Inc. U. S. A. Foster, R. & Kreitzman, L. (2004 ). Rhythms of Life: The biological clocks that control the daily lives of every living thing. Profile Books, London. Givens, P. , Reiss, M. , Rowland, M. (1996). Human Biology and Health Studies. Nelson, Surrey. Jurd, R. D. (1997). Instant Notes in Animal Biology. BIOS Scientific Publishers, Oxford. Rost, T. L. , Barbour, M. G. , Stocking, C. R. , Murphy, T.M (1998). Plant Biology. Wadsworth Publishing Company, USA. Van De Graaff, K. M. & Fox, S. I. (1999). Concepts of Human Anatomy & Physiology. McGraw Hill, USA. Webpage: Physiological ecology: functional responses to environment. Accessed 16/03/2005. http://www. ecology. botany. ufl. edu/. .. /homeostasis. html Webpage: Class Notes (2002). Accessed 17/03/2005. http://www. msu. edu/course/lbs/145/smith/s02/classnotes_032802. html Webpage: No title. Accessed 17/03/2005. http://www. puc. edu/Faculty/Gilbert_Muth/botgloss. htm

Checkpoint the Information Systems Department Essay

The Information Systems Department’s goal is to manage a company’s information through safe, secure and resourceful methods that can be accessed easily from anywhere inside the company. The Information Systems Department manages a wide variety of company information; everything from software, computers, storage, e-commerce, online websites, system integration, company networks, IT help, networking, consultation, billing, telecommunications, partnerships, implementation and training. The greatest resource provided by the Information Systems Department is transparency through technology; helping employees use accessible resources to seed the evolution of new technology and future innovation. Two important departments that utilize Information Systems in a major way would be the Human Resources Department and Supply Management. The information systems department works with HR to develop strategies that help them become more efficient at tracking important employee information. Such as Payroll processes, distribution of funding, scheduling, pay, employee info, company ethics, salary information and skill inventories are all tracked through this system. The ISD department develops software and assists with the technical side of this process; helping the Human resources department develops efficient employee management strategies. On the supply management side of things the ISD departments main job is to control inventory and the supply management of the distribution side of the company. The ISD department would assist with such things as supply chain networks, production management, delivery management and quality control tracking. The department would implement strategies aimed towards tracking all of these resources and implementing effective changes to the system that may strategically enhance business production. Privacy and security of customer information would also be stored within databases managed by the ISD through the secure network established for this process. The ISD would also be responsible for transportation operations, scheduling, purchasing and all information management related to supply. The information systems department really deals with nearly all aspects of a company anymore. The processes used and developed through the ISD help a company become more effective by collecting, creating and distributing data through intelligent software. The resources managed differ from department to department, but all use the same core fundamentals. The goal is to deal with challenges in a cost effective manor; which ultimately helps drive the production of a company.

The British Government Vs the US Government

The United States and Britain are two powerful democracies in the world that always tried to uphold the values of democratic system and propagate those values across the globe. In most cases, they share same views and opinions in restoration of peace and democracy in different parts of the world. There are several factors that bring the countries closer. The similarity in the political system of both the countries is one of those factors. Their political systems also differ in many aspects. However, still they share almost the same values and principles.The government system of these counties are so strong and convincing that many countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and others have adopted their constitution from these countries. The British Government, a Brief Overview Britain has a parliamentary democratic system with a constitutional monarch. Queen is regarded as head of the state. Unlike other constitutions in the world, the British constitution is made up of a combination of laws and practices that are not legally enforceable.However, they are considered as vital to the functioning of the government. â€Å"The British government system is divided into four parts: the Monarch, the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. Although Queen is not involved in the day-to-day operation of the government, she is an integral part of all branches of the British government system† (James, 1999: 41). Britain provides a unique example of balance between the monarchy and democracy. Both Queen and the democratic head of the country perform their responsibilities without any conflict. The US Government, an OverviewThe political system of the United States gives a strong framework for a federal presidential form of democratic government. There is no monarchy in the United States. Unlike some other democracies in the world, the President keeps most powers in his hands. The president is both head of state and head of government. He is also t he head of a two-party legislative and electoral system. â€Å"The US government system includes the Executive headed by the President, the legislature and the judiciary. Legislative power is vested in the Congress that has two chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives.Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature and is comprised of the US Supreme Court and lower courts† (Vile, 1999: 31). The judiciary also has the power and authority to resolve the disputes between the executive and legislature. The British Parliament and the US Congress â€Å"The major difference between the government systems of Britain and the United States is the basis on which they are formed. While Britain has the parliamentary form of government, the United States has the presidential form of government† (Lijphart, 1992: 31).The legislature in Britain is known as the Parliament. It is made up of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Queen as constitutiona l monarch. â€Å"The House of Commons has 651 elected representatives who are called the Members of Parliament. They represent local constituencies. The House of Lords is comprised of 1,185 members who are selected on hereditary terms, two archbishops and the 24 most senior bishops† (James, 1999: 45). The center of parliamentary power in Britain is the House of Commons. â€Å"The House of Lords has limited powers in the functioning of the government.Traditionally, it complements the House of Commons and does not indulge in any type of conflict† (James, 1999: 46). The British Parliament uses several procedures to control the executive branch of the government system. When any report is prepared, the House of Commons gets the ultimate power to pass the resolution. If the House rejects any proposal, that becomes tantamount to be a no-confidence against the government. Like the British government system, the US Congress is also bicameral. It is comprised of the House of Re presentatives and the Senate.â€Å"The House has 435 members who represent the congressional districts. They serve a two-year term. House seats are determined on the basis of population in the respective states. The US Senate has 100 members. Each state sends two senators to the Senate who serve a six-year term. Both Senators and Representatives are elected through direct election† (Vile, 1999: 54). In the British government system, the House of Lords has very limited powers to decide the passage of any bill or proposal. However, this is not the case with the US Senate.â€Å"The Senate's advice and consent is required to confirm the President's nominations to high-level positions in the executive and the judiciary† (Vile, 1999: 52). Voting system in the British political system and the US political system is similar. In Britain, general elections are held every five years to choose MPs. Similarly, in the US, the President and the members of the House of Representatives are elected every two years. Voting is conducted through a secret ballot and the minimum age requirement to participate in voting is 18 in both countries.Political Parties Political parties in Britain and the United States play a major role in determining the course of the government. The political party system is essential to the smooth functioning of the constitution. Although there are several small parties in Britain, the contest is always between two major political parties, the Conservative Party and the Labor Party. All the general elections have been won by these parties. The smaller parties are mostly represented in local governments.After every general election, the government is formed by the party that gains majority in the House of Commons. The leader of the winning party is appointed as Prime Minister by the Queen. â€Å"The Prime Minister appoints about 100 ministers. Out of them, at least 20 ministers get the rank of cabinet ministers. They take all major policy de cisions. Ministers are responsible for government decisions, as they are party to it† (Lijphart, 1992: 46). The opposition party, which gets less number of votes, plays a constructive role to challenge government policies and present an alternative.The policies are always carried out by government departments that are accountable to the respective ministries. However, these departments are staffed by neutral civil servants who have no association with any political party. They perform the executive functions of the government. The political system of Britain and the US is quite similar. Although they function as multi-party system, only two major parties in both countries hold much importance. The United States has two major political parties, the Republican Party and the Democratic Party that dominate the political spectrum of the country.â€Å"It is true that the political parties have not been recognized or registered by the law either in Britain or in the United States. H owever, they are regulated by the constitutions of individual states or counties that organize elections both at local and national level. Despite having multi-party system, both countries have been limited to a bi-party system† (Lijphart, 1992: 48). Decision Making Group In Britain, the decision-making group is comprised of the Prime Minister and his group of ministers. â€Å"The government of the United Kingdom contains a number of ministries.Each of them is led by a senior minister who is supported by some junior ministers† (James, 1999: 61). Any major decision taken by the government first goes through the House of Representatives and then goes to the Queen for her approval. â€Å"In the United States, the decision-making group comprises of the President and the Cabinet appointed by him. The Cabinet includes the Secretary of State, Attorney General and secretaries of other federal executive departments† (Vile, 1999: 60). The US has separate state departments. Each department is headed by a Secretary who directly reports to the President. Once a bill is prepared, it goes through the House of Representatives and the Senate. It becomes law only after both the houses approve it. Judicial System The British judicial system is completely different from the American judicial system. Britain does not have a single judicial system. It has separate judicial systems for the member countries. â€Å"England and Wales have one judicial system while Scotland has its own judiciary. Northern Ireland has another judicial system.The Lord Chancellor, who is the head of the judiciary in England and Wales, appoints judges and magistrates for criminal courts. He plays an active role in the executive, legislature and judiciary† (James, 1999: 71). The US Constitution provides scope for a powerful judiciary. The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest judicial authority in the United States. It is regarded as the guardian of the constitution. The judiciary of the US is completely independent of the executive and the legislature. â€Å"The Justices of the Supreme Court are nominated by the President with the consent of the Senate.While the Supreme Court is established by the US Constitution, all other federal courts are created by the Congress† (Vile, 1999: 62). The Supreme Court has the authority to hold both original and appellate jurisdiction. Functions of the Government The British government makes strategies with the help of group of ministers, approval of the House of Commons and the final assent from the Queen. However, it is not possible for the government to implement the policies without the help of the government departments. Government departments and their agencies are instrumental in implementing government policy.They often work with the local authorities, statutory boards and other government-sponsored organizations. The major government departments in Britain include the Ministry of Defense, Departmen t of Social Security, Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Employment. These departments are headed by ministers. However, there are some departments that are headed by permanent officials from Civil Service. â€Å"Many government departments are assisted by advisory councils or committees. These bodies are generally appointed by the respective ministers† (James, 1999: 79).Members from the Civil Service are integral part of the government activities. Their responsibilities range from policy formulation to carrying out the day-to-day duties of public administration. The US government carries out its operations through various departments. â€Å"Although the President and the US congress formulate strategies, the federal executive departments implement these policies in the country. They work closely with the state governments and the local governments. The federal executive departments are headed by the members of the Cabinet† (Lijphart, 1992: 65).The main government departments in the United States are the Department of State, Department of Treasury, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education and Department of Homeland Security. Heads of these departments are called as Secretaries. Conclusion The United States and Britain always worked closely to restore peace and democracy in different parts of the world. Sometimes they used force to achieve their objective and received huge criticism for that.However, their dedication towards democracy, world peace and maintaining the constitutional values cannot be undermined. They always turned against the dictatorship and fascism and promoted democratic principles across the globe. The government systems of the United States and Britain are so popular that many governments have adopted them in their own countries. Bibliography James, Simon. British Cabinet Government. London: R outledge, 1999. Lijphart, Arend. Parliamentary versus Presidential Government. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1992. Vile, M. J. C. Politics in the USA. London: Routledge, 1999.

Legal Brief Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Legal Brief - Assignment Example In addition, Sullivan accused four black ministers named in the advertisement of erroneously accusing the police actions on protesters in Alabama. The New York Times said the suit was a way of intimidating new publishing houses, and a way of averting them from exposing unlawful actions of workers in relation to the segregation. Sullivan won the case in the trial court. The famous case of New York Times vs. Sullivan was a cry of the black people about the segregation and liberty of speech. The laws state that ‘A municipal official litigating for libel must attest that the statement in question was made with actual malevolence, rather than ordinary sense of malicious intent’ (Justia.com). Assuming that Sullivan was acting on behalf of the Alabama state and the police department of Alabama, the key issue here is, ‘Does the suing of a newspaper and black ministers who are attempting to end segregation qualify for defamation suit? Additionally, a key issue here is, ‘What constitutes actual malice, and what are the standards of speech freedom or defamation? The court ruled in favor of the New York Times as the Alabama court laws were found to be deficient. This is because there was failure to provide confines to speech defamation and freedom (Justia.com). The United States Supreme Court states clearly that the facts provided by Alabama court, even if presented under the preserve of verbal communication, were still inefficient constitutionally in the case of Sullivan (Packard, 241). The law states’ proof of actual malice was necessary in order for compensation to be honored (Justia.com). There were no dissidents as all the judges were for the ruling in favor of New York Times. The consequences of the United States verdict in favor of New York Times led to new organizations writing and reporting freely about civil rights violations, and the

The management of global trade distribution Essay

The management of global trade distribution - Essay Example The company has set a vision that has worked to their advantage in expanding the company. Its vision is â€Å"Most admired by our customers, employees, business partners and shareholders for the experience and the value they enjoy being with us† (Tata Motors). The company also adopted a culture of being accountable; customer and product focused and became excellent in goods and services provision with a superb speed. The company was founded in the year 1945, and most of its vehicles are used across India, currently over 7.5 million Tata vehicles are on the roads since they started in 1954. The company set a strategic alliance with The Fiat Group Automobiles in 2005 to manufacture both Tata and Fait cars and Fait power trains. Since then, the company’s dealership, sales, services and spare parts have greatly increased to over 3,500 touch points (Sauvant, 2008, p.25). Global Distribution Tata Motors has also expanded more since its enlisting in New York Stock exchange in September 2004; thus setting its level up to an international automobile company. The company also establishes several links and association with other companies enabling it to over its goods and services in several countries like the UK, Spain, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa and South Korea. One of the subsidiaries was the Daewoo Commercial Vehicles Company, which is the second leading manufacturer of trucks in South Korea and the other is the Jaguar Land Rover which was acquired in 2008. This enabled the Daewoo to have new products it its market giving them a chance to export the same product to international markets. Tata Company has grown internationally and established good ties with several international companies (Tata Motors). Since 1966, the company’s products were on the market of numerous continents. This includes Europe, Africa, South America, South East Asia, The Middle East and Russia. It also had some operations in Bangladesh, Ukraine and Senegal. In the yea r 2011, the company set a joint venture with Tata Africa Holding (Pty) limited to assemble both medium and heavy commercial vehicles ranging from 4 to 5o tonnes in its plant at Rosslyn, North of Pretoria. A venture was also established between Tata motors and Brazil-based buses and coaches manufactures of 51:49, a plant located at Dharwad, to manufacture busses and coaches for India. The company is currently known almost all over the world with its products that can be custom-made to fit the user’s needs and requirement (Tata motors). Strategic Issues Tata is a company that leads with trust. It believes in bringing back wealth to the community they serve. The company is inspired by nationalism, thus being kingpin of several industries of national importance to India. These are the steel, power, hospitality and airlines. This is one of the strategic plans for the company to develop a good relationship with its own country as one of the major users of their goods and services ( Tata motors). The company also used two-thirds of its equity through philanthropic trusts to open up state institutions for technology and science, medical research, arts and social studies. Through the trust, the company was also able to establish links with non-governmental organizations dealing with education, social welfare and health of the community at large (Thomsen, 2011, p.10). The company is also focused on new technologies currently available to enable the company widen its territories

Welcome to India 2012 - Documentary (Episode 1 of 3) Essay

Welcome to India 2012 - Documentary (Episode 1 of 3) - Essay Example They wake up at 3am to dust the street to get gold that, in turns; they sell to Naukada- one of the gold merchants (YouTube). They get poor pay and gets frustrated. However, the have to sell to the same man as he own house in which they live in. Their struggle is highlighted as the prices for gold goes up. This means there is less available gold in dust, in the street. They opt to go for sludge. They acquire sludge in a most inhumane way, as it is full of ‘shit’. We are also shown Javeds employees working tirelessly to get pure gold (YouTube). The film also focuses on live of poor in Mumbai beach. The life is highlighted using Rajesh family. Rajesh is married to Sevita. They own a pub with no license from the council. Rajesh had been jailed due to this illegality. Sevita his wife also does part time jobs as a cleaner despite physical challenges (YouTube). The family also goes through challenges of constant eviction. They are forced to rebuild the house every time after the eviction. Rajesh is also forced to rely on moneylender to boost his stock and is faced with challenges of repaying. I disliked the way young people are forced to go through inhumane ways of making ends meet. In this film, I have learnt it is advantageous to learn how to interact and interview in order to get facts about people ways of

Employment Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Employment Relations - Essay Example In that context, New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Act 1972, and the subsequent 1973 amendment to this Act framed the scope and ramifications of the country’s accident compensation policy. The 1972 Accident Compensation Act covered both the motor vehicle injuries and also non-work and work injuries. The 1972 Accident Compensation Scheme tended to affiliate to a salubrious array of rationales like pursuing a no-fault approach towards accident compensation and eliminating the time consuming and wasteful dependence on legal ways in the area of accident compensation, to extend multiple benefits to accident victims that included medical expenses, rehabilitation associated costs, payments related to permanent loss, earnings associated compensations, etc (Palmer, 1994). Background Prior to the envisaging of the 1972 Accident Compensation Scheme, New Zealand had a compensation system that was akin to what existed in the rest of the world. However, the nation soon realized tha t the tort based compensation policies were replete with varied undesirable consequences and results. Eventually, it was the Royal Commission on Worker’s compensation that proposed sweeping changes in the accident compensation policies in 1966 (Foley, 2008). The recommendations made by the Woodhouse commission recognized varied general principles related to compensation like enhancing the administrative efficiency in the area of accident compensation, bringing in community onus and responsibility in the arena of accident compensation, making the concept of accident compensation to be broad based to include varied costs like rehabilitation, pay losses and lump sum payments and ameliorating the disadvantages and efficiencies associated with tort based accident compensation (Foley, 2008). The essential crux of these recommendations was to associate accident compensation from Tort claims and to make way for the compensation of injuries irrespective of the related fault, including the fault of the person who gets injured. Rational Behind 1972 Accident Compensation Scheme It goes without saying that the 1972 Accident Compensation Scheme was a trend setter in the sense that it was perhaps one of the first few compensation policies in the world to take into cognizance a series of rationales associated with accident compensation and tried to do away with the flaws incumbent on the previously existing policies and systems (Malcolm & Barnett, 2007). The 1972 Accident Compensation Scheme took into consideration the human, social and financial ramifications of the compensation related claims and made way for covering the injuries irrespective of who so ever happened to be at fault (Malcolm & Barnett, 2007). This policy to a large extent did away with the need for engaging in costly, time consuming and unsatisfactory processes aimed at seeking compensation through courts. This scheme also tried to mitigate the emotional and physical trauma associated with injuries by allowing for the prompt and timely rehabilitation and treatment of accident related injuries (Dewees, Duff & Trebilcock, 1996). The 1972 Accident Compensation Scheme also diluted the financial losses and pain inflicted on the impacted individuals by allowing for

Enviroment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 7

Enviroment - Essay Example However, very little has been done to minimize the overdependence as dramatic increase has been witnessed over the years and the trend is expected to continue. The main concern of the American Jewish Community is the fact that the enemy is being strengthened at the expense of national security while the government is also concerned about the economic growth. There is an urgent need to adopt new and environmental friendly sources of energy such as wind and solar energy so as to reduce the overdependence on oil. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) was enacted to help reduce energy consumption through the manufacture of vehicles that uses fuel efficiently. The legislation has since been neglected by the congress leading to an increase in the number of fuel guzzlers. The Brighter Source Company which is owned by Israel plans to put up a major solar power plant after receiving a major funding from the government. This tender was awarded to the firm since it uses the most advanced level of technology and expertise given its familiarity with desert conditions. The move is seen to be a major boost to the U.S- Israel ties. This project will greatly reduce importation of oil from the Middle East and will also strengthen the image of U.S as the world’s super

World Views on theism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

World Views on theism - Essay Example Just as Hackett recounts, the absence of the divine Being immediately creates the limitations of cultural relativism. This is because, the notion that a divine Being exists and created the universe and the fullness thereof immediately gives room for moral absolutes or the universal law. Since a personal example suffices, living in America made me note that as globalization continues to render the US and the entire world a cultural melting pot because of multiculturalism, the danger of cultural relativism has certainly become inescapable. This danger has mainly manifested itself in a clash between legislative pieces and cultural values. For instance, because of the constant but radical shifting away from theism, the US government with all its constitutional maturity still remains ambivalent and unsure about the publication of literature such as Phillip R. Greaves II’s The Pedophile’s Guide to Love and Pleasure, despite the risks it poses to children. Only theism can here by strike this delicate balance between freedom of speech and conscience and that of children’s safety.... The crux of the mater herein is that when stimuli are introduced, there must be a response, as a corresponding action. Personally, I readily identify with behaviorism because I have come to note that results or consequences shape individual or collective action. Action in turn develops into behavior. Particularly, I have come to note that most of my colleagues did not take their assignments seriously until lecturers set deadlines. Reflecting on my past life also reinforce my belief in behaviorism, since we worked hard in high school, mainly upon knowing that entry into college or university learning would be based only on merit. Learning Styles Personally, kinesthetic approaches to learning have proven the best and most fruitful. This is because, this approach proves to be the most practical since it involves learning by performing, and therefore incorporates hands-on approaches such as movements, observing and other physical activities. Alongside note-taking and ensuring physical co mfort, joining study groups, using appropriate technology such as visual aids and reviewing information have catalyzed learning. The foregoing has especially been the case during encounters with cognitive sciences such as linguistics. Particularly, it has been virtually impossible to master phonetics, the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA chart), the phonological processes and supra-segmental features thereof, without looking at the mirror to watch the movement of articulators, or feeling the movements of my articulators, or both. In courses pertaining to political science, history and sociology, I have found it most benefiting to my memory when I place the world map before me, as a reference material. Likewise, as one given over to kinesthetic approach, I have found

Plato - Soul Essay Example for Free

Plato Soul Essay 1. ) True; Simmias uses the theory of recollection in his argument against Socrates about the soul and it having immortality, or not. He uses an analogy of an instrument to represent the body, and the instrument’s attunement to represent the soul. He makes a stand that if the body of an instrument can be destroyed, which will then cause the attunement to also be destroyed, then isn’t that saying the same for the relationship of the body and its soul? (72e-80c). 2. ) True; in order for the attunement or harmony within an instrument can work perfectly and in tune, the instrument must be put together correctly and in perfect harmonious measure. 3. ) False; Socrates states that there is no greater evil one can suffer than to hate reasonable discourse, not hate mankind. However, those that do hate reasonable discourse, are objectionable and nonproductive, but by no mean the greatest evil. The greatest evil are those who hurt, torture, and destroy others for their own selfish reasons or for no reason at all, just because they can. Reasonable discourse is the refined and ideal way to resolve differences and problems. (89d-e) ( but first there is a certain experience we must be careful to avoid That we must not become misologues, as people become misanthropes. There is no greater evil one can suffer than to hate reasonable discourse. Misology and misanthropy arise in the same way. ) 4. ) False; how can something rule over another thing, if that thing is the making up of the thing that’s trying to rule it? For example, I cannot rule over my mother, when my mother is who made me; another example, a soul cannot rule over a body, if the body is what makes up the soul. 5. ) False; without such things as the good and the beautiful being non-existent, then how can the soul have existed, before we were born, without them? How would we know whether or not if they did, unless the theory of recollection of course, was in play? 6. ) True; without the senses being intact, how can one hear or see accurately to know anything? To learn anything? Without just those two senses being intact, the other senses will also be inaccurate, as well. (65b) 7. ) True; he argues that when discussing opposites, that one thing comes from the opposite of another and nowhere else. (70e-72b) 8. ) False; you can’t know what you know with just your knowledge, because how can you have knowledge, if you do not know anything? You need experience, along with trial and error, to be able to learn what you are and aren’t supposed to do. How is it that the first people came to know anything? They weren’t just born with their knowledge; they had to learn what they know that has formed into their present knowledge. (65a) 9. ) True; Socrates does accept the fact that maybe good and beautiful do not exist. That’s when, in question 5, he came to the conclusion that even without their existence, does that say that mean our soul does or doesn’t still exist before we are born? Do we need such things as good, evil, beautiful, and ugly to have our soul be pre-existent? 10. ) False; Socrates has Simmias agreement that philosophers distance themselves as much as possible from bodily pleasures such as: food, drink, sex, fancy clothes, etc. Philosophers are only concerned with the comfort of their souls, and want to free the soul as much as possible from relations with the body. Socrates claims that our senses are vague and may deceive us, so the best kind of wisdom comes from basis, when distanced as far as possible from the distractions of the body. (64c-67b).

An Analysis Of Nespressos Strategy

An Analysis Of Nespressos Strategy Since 1970, Nestlà © has been endeavoring to search for a brand-new method in order to meet the rapidly growing demands of the gourmet specialty coffee. After an effort of many years development and preparation, the Nespresso System was founded in 1986 along with a lot of patents. After that, Nespresso gradually grew to represent a unique coffee concept designed to enable anyone to create the perfect cup of espresso. The irreplaceable Nespresso â€Å"trilogy â€Å"unites the worlds highest quality Grand Crcoffees with smart and stylish machines and exclusive, personalized services. Table 1: Impressive continuous growth 2000 2009 2010 Turnover in CHF 210million 2.77billion 3.20billion Cups per minute 868 10,000 12,300 Coffee Systems MS%(Units) 6% 19.5% 20% Global Club Community 600,000 8million 10million Global Boutique Network 1 191 223 Nespresso Employees* 331 4,500 5,500 *70% in direct contact with Nespresso customers In 2010, Nespresso reached sales of more than CHF 3 billion with a growth above 20% compared to the year of 2009. 12,300 cups of coffee were consumed every minute. Additionally, Nespresso keeps doing well in generating its leading market share in coffee machines to about 20%. Moreover, the number of the Nespresso Club Members has been increased by over 20% to 10 million. In order to deliver and retain its exclusive personalized services, 1000 more employees were recruited by the company; more than 70% of the 5,500 staffs are facing the customers in direct contact. In 2010, Nespresso started a series of expansion, with 32 more new boutiques opened in Brussels, Miami, Shanghai and Sydney, from Europe to Asia; so far Nespresso has 223 boutiques in total all over the world. Consequently, 63% of the markets are occupied by the Europe, and the rest is divided into Americas and Asia. Winning Strategy Nespresso is becoming a global player and always wants to be outstanding of the competitors. In order to enhance their competitive advantages as well as building on their core competences, Nespresso has been working on the strategy for the past two decades. As a result, thanks to the creation and perseverance of the formula, the company is now as a pioneer and one of the fastest growing operating units of the Nestlà © Group. There are six crucial factors attributes to the success story of Nespresso, these include: Unsurpassed coffee quality and coffee specialists. The company has its own unique sourcing of finest coffee around the world. For many years, the Nespresso coffee experts have been exploring the world in search of the best coffees from the best producer countries, including Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, Togo, Kenya and so forth. According to their findings, only the top one to two percent of the worlds green coffee crop meets the Nespressos high quality standards. At the same time, the company makes every effort to build long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with the local farmers who produce these precious beans. Table 2: Nespresso Quality+ Aroma Profile Unstoppable drive for innovation distinctive design Nestlà © is always in pursuit of the perfect products with the creative ideas. From the perfectly portioned Grand Crcoffee, the advanced coffee machine to the creation of the Nespresso Club, the company is obsessed about innovative and distinctive minds, compulsive about the fine details and passionate about the combination of high technology and avant-garde design. To date, the brand owns more than 1,700 patents. Passionate global brand community with direct consumer relations Nespresso is expanding their network over the globe. Currently, according to the companys annual report, the statistic shows that more than fifty percent of all new Nespresso Club Members first experience the brand through existing members. Update to the year of 2010, the total number of Nespresso Club Members worldwide has increased sharply from 600,000 in 2001 to more than 10 million, with an incredible amount of 2 million new members added in 2009 alone. Inspiration, iconic global brand The involvement of George Clooney makes Nespresso become the most charming and attractive coffee brand overnight. The slogan can be seen everywhere: Nespresso, what else? It seems that, for true coffee lovers, perfect coffee is not just an indulgence, it is a lifestyle. That is the main idea Nespresso trying to convey to their loyal clients. As a result, Nespresso has become the first global roast and ground coffee brand, moreover, since 2008 it is among the top 20 risers in brand value ranking. Exclusive route-to-market Table 3: Nespressos Sales in% by channel Internet 50% Customers Relation Centre 20% Boutique 30% Nespresso has the biggest shop window: www.nespresso.com. It is recorded that everyday seven millions visits in 2009 with an average time spent of 6 minutes. Consumers can purchase coffee, machines and accessories through the internet without any difficulties in terms of payment or customer service. In addition, the existing 223 boutiques are now possible for all the fans to go and enjoy the perfect espresso. Holistic approach to Sustainable QualityTM development The remarkable â€Å"Creating Shared Value† is the the Nestle Group key principle and obviously Nespresso is a loyal supporter. To further development, Nespresso carries out the strategy of Ecolaboration. The Nespresso EcolaborationTM aims to improve the sustainability performance of the Nespresso value chain. Under this circumstance, Nespresso brings their partners, stakeholders and also the coffee producers (local farmers) together to achieve a goal of the perfect fusion of: highest quality beans, economic viability, and respect the environment. There are three commitments the Nespresso is trying to achieve by the year of 2013: Source 80% of the coffee from Nespresso AAA Sustainable QualityTM Program certified by Rainforest Alliance (achieved 60% in 2010 already) Triple the ability to recycle the used capsules to 75% (achieved 60% in 2010 already) Reduce the CO2 footprint per cup by 20% (between 2009 and 2013) Conclusion Looking to the future, there are still many growing issues waiting for Nespresso to face with. For the moment, the strategy leader team needs to concern about five key issues: How to attract new customers (â€Å"away-from-home† V.S home consumption); Whether to introduce lower-cost system, compare to the current competitors; How to wider the market and then serve; Whether to invest in non-coffee market, diversify the products; How to gain an advantage over a competitor.