Exploring Methods Of Coast Protection Environmental Sciences Essay

A stipulation for a successful shoreline Restoration undertaking is that all the parties involved have some apprehension of the coastal morphological procedures. They are so in a place to understand why the present state of affairs has developed and why certain solutions will work and others will non. The followers should be considered in connexion with shoreline protection and direction undertakings: See the coastal country as a dynamic natural landscape. Make lone intercessions in the coastal procedures and in the coastal landscape if the involvements of the society are more of import than continuing the natural coastal resource. Appoint particular subdivisions of the seashore for natural development. Demolish inexpedient old protection strategies and re-establish the natural coastal landscape where possible. Minimise the usage of coastal protection strategies, give high precedence to the quality of the seashore resource, and concentrate on shore protection. Continue the natural fluctuation in the coastal landscapes. Restrict new development/housing close to the coastline in the unfastened uninhabited coastal landscape. Allow merely such installations, which require entree to the sea. Maintain and better the public entree to and along the beach, lawfully every bit good as in pattern. Reduce pollution and enhance sustainable use of coastal Waterss. This leads to the practical guidelines for shore protection in connexion with seashore protection, shore protection and shore Restoration undertakings. They are mentioned in the following paragraph. Work with nature, for case by re-establishing a starving coastal profile by nutriment and by using site-specific characteristics, such as beef uping semi-hard headlands. Choose a solution which fits the type of coastline and which fulfils as many of the ends set by the stakeholders and the governments as possible. It is rather frequently impossible to carry through all ends, as they are frequently conflicting and because of budget restrictions. It should be made clear to all parties, which ends are fulfilled and which are non. The adviser must do it wholly clear what the client can anticipate from the selected solution ; this is particularly of import if the undertaking has been adjusted to suit the available financess. Propose a support distribution, which reflects the fulfillment of the assorted ends, set by the parties involved. Manipulate the rate and gradient of the littoral impetus rate and gradient by usage of a minimal figure of constructions. Preserve subdivisions of untasted dynamic landscape where possible. Let protection steps merely if valuable buildings/infrastructure are threatened. This policy will continue the natural coastal resources and the neighbouring subdivisions will have stuff as a consequence of eroding in the unprotected country. Secure transition to and along the beach. Enhance the aesthetic visual aspect, e.g. by understating the figure of constructions. Few and larger constructions is usually better than a batch of little constructions. Preferably allow merely undertakings which deal with an full direction unit/sediment cell and which have maximum shore protection. Individual undertakings tend to concentrate on seashore protection. Minimise care demands to a degree, which the proprietor ( s ) of the strategy is able to pull off. A stand-alone nourishment solution may at first glimpse appear ideal, but it will usually non be ideal for the landholders, as recharge will be required at short intervals. Secure good local H2O quality and understate the hazard of pin downing dust and seaweed. Secure safety for swimmers by avoiding constructions bring forthing unsafe rake currents. Avoid protected beaches as these give a false feeling of safety for hapless swimmers. Protected beaches at exposed sites tend to endure from sand pin downing in the sheltered country. If the H2O is excessively unsmooth for swimming, a swimming pool, perchance in the signifier of a tidal pool, is a good solution. Provide good beach quality by procuring that the beaches are exposed to moving ridges, as the moving ridges maintain the attractive sandy beaches. This will of class limit the clip when swimming is possible, but doing protected beaches frequently means safety jeopardies, hapless beach quality and hapless H2O quality. Be realistic and matter-of-fact, maintaining in head that the natural untasted coastline is utopia in extremely developed countries. Create little attractive locations at otherwise strongly protected stretches if this is the lone realistic possibility.Overview of Types of Coast Protection, Shore Protection and Sea DefenceProtection of the seashore and the shore against the erosive forces of moving ridges, currents and ramp rush can be performed in many ways, and protection of the seashore and the backwoods against deluging adds even more types to the protection defense mechanism steps. The pick of the step in a given state of affairs depends on the three primary conditions: The job ( coast eroding, beach debasement or implosion therapy ) The morphological conditions ( the type of coastal profile and the type of coastline ) The land usage ( infrastructure/habitation, diversion, agribusiness etc. ) Some of the steps have chiefly one map, which e.g. is the instance for a revetment. It protects the seashore against eroding, but aggravates shore eroding. Beach nourishment, on the other manus, protects against seashore eroding every bit good as against shore debasement.Management of the seashoreDune stabilizationFrom Coastal WikiJump to: pilotage, hunt Dunes are a natural coastal characteristic on reasonably exposed and exposed seashores. Dunes are formed by the sand, which blows inland from the beach and is deposited in the country behind the coastline.BackgroundDuring storm rush events, the pes of the dunes can be eroded but the dunes act as a really flexible buffer zone, which protects the backwoods from eroding and implosion therapy. The scoured stuff supplies stuff to the littoral budget understating the general eroding along the full subdivision of shoreline. During the storm and besides during more normal events, sand will be transported inland, sometimes in connexion with the formation of air current back streets in the dune row. After the storm, the damaged dune will bit by bit be built up once more, possibly somewhat more inland. This means that a dune Acts of the Apostless as a natural flexible seashore protection and sea defense mechanism steps. It moves backwards parallel with the gnawing coastline and at the same clip it maintains its signifier and volume every bit good as a broad beach. This is a natural quasi-equilibrium state of affairs. The eroding of dunes as a consequence of a terrible storm rush is besides referred to as dune eroding. However, the natural balance will switch if the dune flora is damaged by croping or if beach-users, etc. bring forth excessively much traffic, etc. This may do the dunes to degrade ensuing in loss of the protection provided by the natural dunes. At the same clip the sand blowing inland causes assorted sorts of harm. Consequently, governments usually tend to protect dunes by modulating their usage. In some instances governments have been really eager to protect the dunes by seting marram grass and puting fascines in the air current back street to pin down the sand. ( Fascines are the placing of pine or titivate subdivisions ) . This has, in some instances, resulted in a complete repair of the dune place and an unnatural growing in tallness. Consequently, the flexibleness of the natural dune is lost ensuing in a gradual disappearing of the dune due to eroding, whereby the protection, provided by the natural dune system, is lost.MethodFig. 1. Marram planting and the placing of spruce fascines in air current back streets ( Danish Coastal Authority [ 1 ] ) . Planting marram grass and puting up spruce fascines for caparison of sand and sweetening of dune build up. Larger wind back streets can besides be filled unnaturally anterior to seting. However, as mentioned above, the protection should non be so comprehensive that it wholly fixes the dunes. Newly planted flora in peculiar can be strengthened by utilizing fertilizer. Restrictions for their usage can besides protect the dunes. Croping in dune countries is prohibited in most states, and governments frequently limit public entree. Such limitations may modulate the traffic in the dunes, e.g. by forbiding motor traffic. Different options are paved walk-to transitions in countries near parking tonss and fencing delicate freshly planted countries.Functional featureDune stabilization is a sustainable protection step, heightening the natural protection ability of dune countries. It protects against moving ridge and storm rush onslaught and at the same clip it preserves the natural coastal landscape, if performed reasonably. Dune stabilization requires a planned and coordinated attempt.ApplicabilityDune stabilization is applicable on all coastal types where natural dunes occur. This is particularly the instance on reasonably exposed to exposed seashores with perpendicular to really oblique moving ridge ( air current ) onslaughts, types 1M to4M and 1E to 4E . Artificial dunes are besides used as a sea defense mechanism construction.Cliff stabilizationFrom Coastal WikiJump to: pilotage, hunt Coastal drops can be unstable due to the combined consequence of several factors, discussed in this article along with methods to brace them.BackgroundCoastal drops can be unstable due to the combined consequence of several factors, such as: Erosion of the pes of the drop caused by wave action and storm rush Skiding or weathering of the incline due to geo-technical instability. The eroding of the pes of the drop usually initiates geotechnical instability, but the sliding/collapse can be of different nature depending on the geo-technical conditions of the incline. There are fundamentally three different state of affairss: If the stuff is non-cohesive stuff, the weathering of the drop ailment usually occur at the same time with the eroding of the pes as a talus formation, which is the aggregation of fallen stuff organizing a incline at the pes of the drop. If the stuff is a mixture of clay, silt, sand and bowlders, such as in the instance of moraine boulder clay, the incline can be really steep for a period due to the cohesive forces, but the incline will finally fall in. Smaller or bigger fractions of the drop will fall in connexion with groundwater force per unit area, frost impact or general weathering, or by skiding. Skiding will particularly happen in connexion with groundwater force per unit area. If the stuff consists of fictile clay or silty clay, the prostration of the drop will be in the signifier of slides, which can travel far behind the top of the drop. Weathering of the drop by air current conveyance of sand. This will be most marked if the drop stuff is sand ; nevertheless, besides exposed drops dwelling of other types of stuff can be eroded by sand blown over the drop from the beach.MethodThe basic cause of cliff instability is usually the marine eroding of the pes of the drop, extenuation of this is covered under the protection method: Revetment. Installing the revetment will except farther eroding of the pes, but at that phase the incline of the drop may really good be so steep that enduring and sliding may still happen. This can be counteracted by the undermentioned agencies: Artificial smoothing of the incline, if there is adequate infinite at the pes every bit good as at top of the drop for this. This will antagonize future uncontrolled weathering and sliding. Smoothing of the incline by make fulling with farinaceous stuff at the pes of the drop. This requires that there is sufficient infinite at the pes of the drop for the filling. Establish a flora screen on the drop. This can best be done by following the above-named smoothing of the incline. Good flora protects against enduring and groundwater ooze, and thereby to some extent against skiding Drain of groundwater. This can be used if the drop suffers from skiding due to high groundwater force per unit area and hapless drainage conditions. Horizontal and perpendicular drains can be used every bit good as the ordinance of the surface overflow. Cliff inclines are frequently aa‚ ¬Aâ€Å"protectedaa‚ ¬A? by dumping miscellaneous rubbish, such as subdivisions etc. , over the drop. It is a bad aa‚ ¬Aâ€Å"solutionaa‚ ¬A? because it does non halt the hazard of skiding. On the contrary, it spoils the flora and thereby increases the hazard of skiding.Functional featureCliff stabilization presupposes that the pes of the drop has been stabilised. Stabilization counteracts the natural behavior of drops to skid and endure. Such an active drop is portion of the dynamic coastal landscape and should therefore in rule be maintained as an incorporate portion of this landscape.ApplicabilityCliff stabilization can be applied at all reasonably exposed to open seashores ; nevertheless, in order to continue the dynamic coastal landscape drop stabilization should merely be used meagerly. Continuing the active drop at dumbly populated seashores is usually non executable due to the limited infinite. Consequently, cliff stabilization is usually merely used when there is sufficient infinite in the backland to let some smoothing.Repairing the coastline by constructionsDefinition of Breakwater:A construction dividing land and H2O countries. It is designed to forestall coastal eroding and other harm due to beckon action and storm rush, such as implosion therapy. Breakwaters are usually really monolithic constructions because they are designed to defy the full force of moving ridges and storm rush. In pattern, breakwaters and revetments are synonyms. Fig. 1. Examples of seawall constructions. A breakwater is constructed at the coastline, at the pes of possible drops or dunes. A breakwater is typically a aslant concrete construction ; it can be smooth, stepped-faced or curved-faced. A breakwater can besides be built as a rubble-mound construction, as a block breakwater, steel or wooden construction. The common feature is that the construction is designed to defy terrible beckon action and storm rush. A rubble-mound revetment frequently protects the pes of such non-flexible breakwaters. A rubble-mound breakwater bears a great similarity to a rubble-mound revetment ; nevertheless a revetment is frequently used as a addendum to a breakwater or as a stand-alone construction at less open locations. An open butch, which has been strengthened to defy wave action, is sometimes referred to as a breakwater.Functional featureThe about perpendicular breakwater, which was chiefly used in the yesteryear, had the unfortunate map of reflecting some of the moving ridge energy, whereby the eroding was aggravated, ensuing in accelerated disappearing of the beach. However, all sorts of breakwaters involve beach debasement as they are used at locations where the seashore is exposed to eroding. The breakwater will repair the location of the coastline, but it will non collar the on-going eroding in the coastal profile. On the contrary, it will to a varying grade, accelerate the eroding. It is rather normal that the beach disappears in forepart of a breakwater, and it will most frequently be necessary, after some old ages, to beef up the pes of the breakwater with a rubble revetment. A breakwater will diminish the release of deposits from the subdivision it protects and will hold a negative impact on the sediment budget along next shorelines.ApplicabilityA breakwater is a inactive construction, which protects the seashore against eroding and implosion therapy. Breakwaters were ( are ) frequently used at locations off exposed metropolis foreparts, where good protection was needed and where infinite was scarce. Promenades have frequently been constructed on top of these breakwaters. They are besides used along other less inhabited seashores, where combined seashore protection and sea defense mechanism is desperately needed. Breakwaters are chiefly used at open seashores, but they are besides used at reasonably open seashores.Definition of Revetment:A revetment is a facing of rock, concrete units or slabs, etc. , built to protect a scarp, the pes of a drop or a dune, a butch or a breakwater against eroding by wave action, storm rush and currents. This definition is really similar to the definition of a breakwater, nevertheless a revetment does non protect against deluging. Furthermore, a revetment is frequently a addendum to other types of protection such as breakwaters and butchs.Emergency ProtectionFrom Coastal WikiJump to: pilotage, hunt The undermentioned article discusses exigency protection of seashores. Emergency protection steps are by nature rapidly built and non good designed steps.MethodTypical edifice methods and stuffs are the undermentioned: Rock dumping. Without filter beds, frequently excessively steep and low, without proper toe protection, which means that they are unstable Sand sacking, sometimes supported by wooden hemorrhoids. Often excessively low and without toe protection etc. The cloth is non lasting, which means that such protection will fall in after a really short period Dumping of other sorts of material easy at manus, such as different sorts of concrete pieces, edifice stuffs, old tyres etc.Functional featuresEmergency protection steps are typically holding the undermentioned features: They are unstable and therefore non supplying proper protection They need changeless care and supply of new stuffs They are ever inactive, and promotes farther loss of beach They are botching the natural beauty of the beach They prevent transition of the beach They pollute the beach with unnatural elements, such concrete dust, bricks, gum elastic and plasticApplicabilityPrivate and public land proprietors are sometimes forced to â€Å" build † exigency protection at locations where â€Å" unexpected † eroding occurs. The exigency protection is installed in order to forestall farther harm to coastal installings. â€Å" Unexpected † can hold different causes as discussed in the followers: Unexpected can be in the signifier of a rare of utmost event, such as a tidal moving ridge state of affairs or the transition of cyclone Unexpected can be the development of ongoing eroding at locations where it has non been possible to supply financess for a proper and timely protection Unexpected can be due to miss of cognition to coastal procedures and/or informations, whereby eroding seems to be unexpected despite the fact that it could hold been foreseen if proper monitoring and coastal probes had been practised Emergency protection can to a great extent be avoided by proper monitoring, shaving and support.Definition of Bulkhead:A bulkhead is a construction or divider used to retain or forestall sliding of the land. A secondary intent is to protect the seashore against harm from wave action.

The Importance of Organ Donating

Speaking from my own experience, it is not easy to make a decision to donate a loved one’s organs, however, my sisters and I knew that our mother wanted to be an anatomical donor. She had filled out an advance directive stating that upon her passing, she wanted to donate any viable organs for transplant purposes. We donated her eyes, and now someone out in this wonderful world we live in has her eyes. This person can now see the beauty around them, maybe even their grandchildren for the first time. We made the decision to give this wonderful gift of renewed life and we agree that this was the right thing to do. We are thankful everyday that someone has our mother’s eyes and now has the gift of sight. There is one important fact that every person in this world can agree on: At some point in our lives, we are all going to face the reality of death. Death is imminent to everyone, and the prospect of death is generally very tragic for most people. It is the unknown that can instill the fear of dying in a person or a family. Tragic accidents and terminal diseases are often the source of many deaths, and invariably in those instances we are unable to control the inevitable outcome, which is death. However, in the course of life and death, we have the ability to control certain situations. We have the ability to control the outcome of someone else’s life. This person may be a stranger or a family member, but we can give them a very precious gift. We have a choice. We can offer the greatest gift we can give, the gift of life to another person through organ donation. Life is spared for many people through organ donation. Organ donation is truly a gift that saves hundreds of lives each day. However, even greater than the number of lives saved is the number of deaths that occur each day as people on an organ transplant waiting list continue to wait. Organ donation and transplants must become a reality and readily available to all people in need of transplants. According to the Mayo Clinic, in ancient mythology and the bible, heart transplants are referenced a number of times. Additionally, at the beginning of the 20th century Alex Carrel became a pioneer in making organ transplants a realistic possibility. Estimates reveal that in New York City alone, there are maybe three-hundred fifty people who are organ donors, however, there are at least 7,000 people in this city who are currently awaiting organ transplants. One single organ donor has the ability to save up to eight lives by donating their heart, lungs, liver, kidney, pancreas, and intestines. There are no restrictions on who can become an anatomical donor. (NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases) According to the information found on the web site organdonation. om, family consent is required for organ donation. Requesting people to become anatomical donors is never easy, especially when they are faced with the loss of a loved one, or their own imminent demise. First, consider the wishes of a loved one. Secondly, remember you are giving the gift of life to someone. Organ transplanting and organ donating can and has saved many lives. Dr. Dan Fischer writes in his article titled, â€Å"The Gift of Organ Donation† how becoming an anatomical donor will bestow the distinction of giving a lifesaving gift to a person who needs a healthy organ. This is an opportunity for everyone to give the gift of life to another human being during our lives or after we have passed. I agree with Dr. Fischer that we desperately need organ donors in this country, and everyone should consider themselves a potential donor. (Fischer) Statistics on organ donor’s . html show that well over tens of thousands of people are on waiting lists each year for transplants. Approximately 10-20% of these people will die before they can receive a viable organ that is a match for them. There are many factors to consider when looking at current problems associated with the lack of organ donation and transplants. One of great importance is demographics. Many people in the Eastern portion of the United States do not believe in organ donation for a variety of reasons. For some it is cultural, for others it is religion. Many people are just not comfortable with donating their organs or a loved one’s organs after they have passed on. One possibility may be just the fact that being an organ donor has never been brought to their attention. One way to become an organ donor is to request to be an anatomical donor on your driver’s license or state issued identification. This will show as a restriction and alert medical personnel as to your request. People can also state in their advance directives that they wish to be organ donors. When someone who has died, and has previously given permission for their organs to be donated to another human being, they are giving a gift so precious it cannot be measured by dollars, only by love. For people who cannot survive without a transplant, a donated organ can give them back their lives.

Shakespearean Sonnet Explication Sonnet 146

SONNET 146 Poor soul, the center of my sinful earth, Lord of these rebel powers that thee array, Why dost thou pine within and suffer dearth, Painting thy outward walls so costly gay? Why so large cost, having so short a lease, Dost thou upon thy fading mansion spend? Shall worms, inheritors of this excess, Eat up thy charge? is this thy body’s end? Then soul, live thou upon thy servant’s loss, And let that pine to aggravate thy store; Buy terms divine in selling hours of dross;Within be fed, without be rich no more. So shalt thou feed on death, that feeds on men, And death once dead, there’s no more dying then. Sonnet 146, as in all Shakespearean sonnets, exemplifies the importance of poem structure. Following the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, this English sonnet (now called Shakespearean), distinguishes its author by the format in which it follows. Consisting of a total of fourteen lines, this body of this poem contains three quatrains and ends with a rhyming couplet.Not only does Sonnet 146 encompass all the necessities of a Shakespearean sonnet, it also displays William Shakespeare’s mastery in his use of control of language, tone, and meaning that is portrayed to the reader. In the opening of the poem, in quatrain one, we see the speaker as he wrestles with his own personal conflict between the spiritual and material state that he has found himself in. For here in this Shakespearean sonnet, the speaker addresses not a friend, lover, or mistress – only his own â€Å"poor soul† that has suddenly been placed at the center of his â€Å"sinful earth† (line 1).The speaker reprimands his soul for spending so much on its â€Å"outward walls† (line 4). In quatrain two, the poet asks the question of why so much effort is put into the investing of the things that are temporary: â€Å"Why so large cost, having so short a lease† (line 5). For at death, only worms will inherit the costly excesses. In quatr ain three, the speaker concludes his argument by warning his soul to use the body as â€Å"thy servant† (line 9).Let the outside wither -â€Å"pine†- so that the inner soul can prosper -â€Å"aggravate thy store† (line 10). In conclusion, the rhyming couplet shows us the speaker’s only solution to this inevitable fact of life – death. The soul needs to prepare itself for when the time comes and it must face death. For the soul can outlive the body, and even conquer death, as we see in line 13 and 14: â€Å"So shalt thou feed on Death, that feeds on men / And Death once dead, there's no more dying then. â€Å"This sonnet is one of few written by Shakespeare that reflects a more religious tone, as the words sinful, divine, and soul are present. What an interesting insight this provides to the reader about the writer’s own potential internal struggle with morality. For just as the speaker asserts here in this poem, so too us true for us in ou r own Christian faith – that when we focus on the body (the temporary) by allowing ourselves to worry over the adorning of it, then we do so at the expense of our soul (the eternal).

2 Questions Needed to be Ansewered Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

2 Questions Needed to be Ansewered - Assignment Example Firstly, they encourage countries to tighten money supply and reduce fiscal stimulus (Friedman 4). Secondly, they advocate privatization of public enterprises (Friedman Web). They also advocates for liberal, free market economy. These institutions also force countries to adopt tax rate that prevail in other countries. They also demands countries to maintain their deficit to GDP ratio to international standards. In addition, they allow the removal of restrictions on the flow of international capital and the removal of barriers to trade (Quiggin 5). Countries are also required to maintain zero tolerance to corruption. In fact, after the 1980’s debt crisis, the IMF required the government to cut public expenditure, sell or close public institution operating at a loss followed by removal of regulatory policies (Quiggin 32). Several benefits exist to countries that follow the Golden Straightjacket. The first benefit is the increased acceleration of the economy and decreased political interference (Friedman 4). The Golden Straightjacket fosters more growth and higher average income (Friedman 4). This happens through increased trading activities, foreign investments, privatization and efficiency in resources used due to the pressure of global competition (Friedman 4). On the political front, the political and economic choices of those in power are limited by the global economic standards (Friedman 4). In fact, the government control on the economy minimizes as it adopts more policies that are liberal. This means the degrees of freedom on fiscal policies are limited (Friedman 101-111). On the other hand, some countries are against the Golden Straightjacket. Consequently, there is a consequence to such countries. Firstly, there is decreased investment. Secondly, there is reduced spending or withdrawing of m oney from such countries. Moreover, such countries are required to pay higher interest rates to borrow from foreign institutions (Chaudhry

Kant vs. Mill Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Kant vs. Mill - Essay Example In other words, he says that one must act in a manner that one would expect others to act towards oneself. This Kantian ethical theory is popular because it is widely respected and consequently upheld by others. Mills’ ‘greatest happiness principle’ widely known as utilitarianism is fundamentally focused on the consequences of actions taken. He believed in the philosophy that actions, which result in maximum happiness for maximum number of people, are invariable good and therefore, the end justifies the means if it generates happiness for people. Popularised as act utilitarian theory, the actions, that are designed to benefit or have beneficial cascading effects on others, are morally and ethically right. Bentham propagates Mills’ theory and says ‘when choosing a course of action, one should always pick the one that will maximize happiness and minimize unhappiness for the greatest number of people’ (Bentham from Rosenstand p.176). I agree with Kant that trash should not be thrown out of the car window on the freeway primarily because Kant is quite vociferous on the issue that respect for others must become part of our actions and people must act appropriately. Throwing trash not only promotes the bad habit of scattering trash all over the place, even if it is a freeway, but it also violates the law of the state that encourages cleanliness, good habits amongst the citizens and ensures safety of other road users. Despite being a freeway, the people must ensure that their acts do not hurt the other people and throwing trash out of the window could inadvertently hurt people who could be passing by. Mills response to the issue is ridiculous because although cleaning lanes does provide employment to a segment of the people but at the same time, deliberately throwing trash would hurt the sensibilities of a lot more people! It must be understood that people are living within a defined parameters of a social framework. Hence, well being of

The interview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The interview - Essay Example This fact is true since in most cases, experience and ability to effectively carry out a task can only be accessed by examining the recognition, attitude, knowledge, and professionalism of the candidate (Carless & Waterworth, 2012). Interview allows for the contacts between the candidate and the firm representatives, thereby making this evaluation possible. In most situations where the firm intends to retain top talents and build a reputation, sufficient time limits and effort are required from both parties. However, during the selection of the potential employees, the human resource department remains very keen on the every component of the required skills and qualification of a candidate. As stated by Boswell (et al. 2003), personal interview acts as a bridge that must be crossed by the candidate in order to move from being a job seeker to a new hire. As a candidate approach interview with utmost impressions and glitters of hope, the company, on the other hand, keenly approaches the recruitment process with an awareness of the financial side of employment. Thus, the interview provides a chance for an individual to confidently enter the workforce of the firm. In addition, successful hiring requires more than just examining ideal resume, but needs conversations and personal interview in order to access the candidate’s capabilities and compatibility to the organization’s culture. Boswell, W, Roehling, M, LePine, M, & Moynihan, L 2003, Individual Job-Choice Decisions and the Impact of Job Attributes and Recruitment Practices: A Longitudinal Field Study, Human Resource Management, 42, 1, pp. 23-37. Klotz, A, Motta Veiga, S, Buckley, M, & Gavin, M 2013, The role of trustworthiness in recruitment and selection: A review and guide for future research, Journal Of Organizational Behavior, 34, pp.

Environmental Effect of Synthetic Lubricants Term Paper

Environmental Effect of Synthetic Lubricants - Term Paper Example Though it may consider late to take up such a noble action of showing environment concern because the environmental condition is somehow in a steep situation wherein global warming continues to affect every nation, climate change renders human activity dysfunctional, rising seashore levels threatens the humankind, and increasing level of scarcity when it comes to natural resources, we cannot consider invalid the efforts made nowadays to counter these problems. The world starts to become highly industrialized. It is understood that a highly industrialized nation has a tendency to produce more wastes that inevitably affect the world. The negative effects of industrialization like environmental degradation escalate on a different level. Their technological advancements and innovations affect not just their nations but other nations as well. One thing to consider though is not all the industrialized nations are the ones to blame on this global ecological turmoil despite the fact that the ir wastes constitute the major reason for this imbalance in the biosphere. Even the not so industrialized nations still have their impacts on the global environmental problem. In viewing the world nowadays, it cannot be denied that the nations who have advanced technologies constantly develop new means to address to full-scope of the environmental problems. In industrialized nations, machinery has become very vital when it comes to production. It is even complex because despite the convenience it gives to the welfare of the country in the sustenance of its needs, there are harsher effects that they introduce on the environment that is being addressed lately. There are several efforts to counter these global problems. New lubricants have been developed. Lubricants are considered to be vital since it deals with machines. However, it cannot be avoided that lubricants, before the development of the environment-friendly ones, have posed a serious predicament since it contributed to pollu tion that greatly affected the marine, the terrestrial and the aerial biodiversity. People, at first, seem to be so doubtful about the use of these new lubricants. At the same time, most of them neglect the fact that the effects of the use of eco-friendly lubricants have contributed to the welfare of the environment and were not fully aware of the successes of the researchers and innovations made that pertain to its usage. In my years of practice in an oil company in Texas, I am able to see with my own eyes the full capacity of these newly-formulated and environment-friendly lubricants. They have yielded positive results despite certain negative implications. Based on how I have seen these outcomes, I am able to prove with certainty that the positive effects indeed outweigh the negative ones. Also, there can still be improvements which the scientist and engineers can still work on in improving further the function of these lubricants. During my stay in the oil company I work for, th ey have considered these environment-friendly lubricants to be a better choice.

Stravinsky and Shoenberg's Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Stravinsky and Shoenberg's - Essay Example Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky was born on June 17, 1882, in Oranienbaum, Russia and died April 6, 1971, in New York. His father, a bass singer and his mother, a gifted pianist, raised him in St. Petersburg. Also, he was a citizen of the United States and France. After fathers death in 1902, Stravinsky decided to become a composer. And he really became one of the most famous genius composers of the 20th century. Igor is a key figure of such art direction, as modernism. His work has had a revolutionary impact on musical ideas during the First World War. Stravinsky created more than 100 works, executed by the Ballets Russes. One of his the most successful ballet works was "The Rite of Spring", which brought to him the extraordinary fame in the world of music. It was premiered in Paris in 1913. This musical work was created in the first phase of Stravinskys career, the so-called Russian period. In that time the composer often visited Paris for work. Nevertheless, Russia remained his home. (A&E Television Networks, 2015) The first performance happened at the Thà ©Ãƒ ¢tre des Champs Élysà ©es on May 29, 1913. It was one of the most famous exciting actions, which led to protests and disputes among the audience. In the history of musical theater it is one of the first nights of unrest. During the performance, the dancers could not hear the music, because people have created a very loud noise. Without a doubt, we can say that this composition was the original thanks to its bold, rough rhythms and unresolved dissonance. The Rite of Spring is a new musical concept, in which vary metric imbalances and rhythms. This work is accompanied by brilliant orchestration and sharply dissonant harmonies. The composers approach was empirical. He always wanted to test his musical materials and create something new, previously unidentified. He experimented with different chords, constantly playing the piano. Despite

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING - Essay Example Global financial managers discuss and evaluate the financial parameters of business planning and performance. The course of Global Financial Management provides the students with a deep in-sight into the strategies used by the financial institutions and intermediaries to operate successfully in a highly dynamic and challenging environment. Students are taught the structure of financial markets, the factors that play a role in the development and breakdown of financial markets, and the way financial markets operate. The pathway of Global Financial Management provides a clear and coherent framework and educates and trains the students so that they can fully understand the challenges and deliver in the field of accounting and finance. The pathway of Global Financial Management enables the students to develop their employability skills by teaching them the mathematical techniques and operations involved in accounting and finance. Students are taught financial report writing which is a very important skill in the field of accounting and finance. Innovative financial management and strategic financial planning are some of the most required and relevant skills in the contemporary market driven by creativity and innovation. Students understand the financial capital markets in detail and develop the knowledge of annual company accounts. The pathway polishes the students’ ability to determine cashflows for the organization they work for and creates an understanding of latest developments in business thinking in the students. As a result of taking this course, students become deep thinkers and their ability to make informed decisions is improved. The pathway of Global Financial Management prepares the students to work in a variety of areas that include but are not limited to corporate finance, trading, banking, real estate,

I have a choice of 2 topics. Agression or Understanding Self Essay

I have a choice of 2 topics. Agression or Understanding Self - Essay Example But the Aggression in simple terms signifies an act of hostility initiated to cause physical or mental harm or injury. An accidental harm or injury caused cannot be termed as aggression. The act of aggression is often deliberate. The type of aggression mostly stems from its causes, and hence has various forms and categories. However, in the most basic form, aggression can be categorized as physical, verbal and mental. According to Moyer (1968), Aggression or aggressive behavior can be further categorized into seven different types such as Predatory aggression, Inter – male aggression, Fear induced aggression, irritable aggression, territorial aggression, maternal aggression and instrumental aggression. However, in humans, aggression can also be caused / learned by imitation for instance, prolonged exposure to violence through media, either television; internet or video games may cause aggressive behavior in young children. Some other significant contributing factors which might lead to aggressive behavior include consumption of alcohol, mental pain or discomfort, frustration, etc. Continuous exposure to discomfort may cause irritation and provoke aggressive responses for instance, working in extreme temperatures hot / cold. There have been several researches and studies that suggest that even the presence of a violent object such as gun or knife, may trigger aggressive behavior. Gender and age also plays a significant role in stimulating anger or aggression. Various studies suggest that males are generally more physically aggressive as compared to females. This major difference is found to be the most major gender difference across all cultures and age groups. However, even young children display aggressive behavioral characteristics especially when exposed to fear, or during exposure to family conflicts as well as while undergoing mental trauma. This section describes and discusses various aspects /

Comparing movie Genres Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Comparing movie Genres - Essay Example Revolts against slavery in interior parts of Africa and Asia have been focused more in action movies. Action movies use racism as a theme in scenarios involving revenge against the wrong doers or as an act of dominance towards the discriminated people. An instance where a good guy who is usually white investigates the stealing of robbery and jewels associated with black people also depict racism in action movies. These movies always portray them as the criminals. Movies which show a villain extensively using drugs, explosives, and alcohol are more often a person who is African American. In movies showing war between two countries, racism is the theme as one nation destroys the other minor/poor country. In horror movies, stories are more fictional and imaginary. Even in these imaginary stories, racism has been highlighted with the evil/ man-eater not being a white. These haunted stories like usually revolve around a group of people who are trapped in a forest to a witch/ man-eater (us ually the non-white), eventually killing it. The movie ‘Friday the 13th’ depicts how the black guy and the Asian guy are mocked at. In one of the instances, the black guy expresses his sexual desires, but is only allowed to look at the rich girls around (Champion, 2009). The effect of racism on the larger audience through action movies has a positive effect. Action movies address racism with its heart touching and eye opening scenes more so with the events which have occurred in the past. The revolts against racism which have occurred in the history are presented in movies have a motivational message attached with it. The audience realizes how inhuman racism is and gets the feel good factor about their revolutionary heroes. In contrast to horror movies, action movies give a meaningful message to the audience. The genres of Action and Horror address sex through most of the movies. In horror movies, it is more used to show how sex can make the best slip. In the movie â₠¬ËœA Nightmare on Elm Street’, there is a scene where a girl is taking a bath, in which the bath becomes a deep pool of water (â€Å"A Nightmare on Elm Street†, 2011). These scenes though do not send a strong message, but are extremely important to show how the character blends into the story. Intense horror movies show sex between the good guy and the evil who is disguised as an attractive women and the evil later killing the guy. These instances address on how even the most vigil person can fall to attractive women. In ‘Scream’, a teenage girl shows another teen girl a photograph on her cell phone of a man's bare abdomen and chest, and the girl says that he's really hot (â€Å"Scream4†, 2011). These scenes go hand in hand with the horror movies to oscillate the emotions of the audience and to keep the thrill going. Action movies address the theme of sex more cleverly. The main idea of including such scenes in action movies is to deceive the gangst er or the lead in the movie and getting critical information from him. The movie ‘Bad Company’ shows how the protagonist of the movie is tempted to cheat on his girlfriend (â€Å"Bad Company†, 2011). An action movie addresses the theme of sex with attractive ladies making out with criminals or the hero in bars or at lodges. In some movies, these scenes are repeated. It shows that the goons in the movie wish to be surrounded by attractive and seductive women most of the times.

Chemistry revision notes Essay Example for Free

Chemistry revision notes Essay The oxidation state or oxidation number, is a value assigned to a chemical species which represents its actual or nominal electrical charge. The oxidation number in a free or uncombined element is zero. This means that, metallic magnesium has an oxidation number of zero, and chlorine in Cl2 form has an oxidation state of zero. For simple ionic compounds, the oxidation state of the single atom ions is simply the charge on the ions. In most compounds the oxidation number for hydrogen is +1 and for oxygen is -2. The exceptions include the hydrides (the oxidation state is -1) and the peroxides (the oxidation state for oxygen is -1). In the compounds, halides usually have the oxidation number -1. The sum of all the oxidation numbers in a compound have to be equal to zero. The sum of all the oxidation states in a complex ion is the same as the charge on the ion. Semiconductors A covalent element such as silicon or germanium which has a higher conductivity than that of a typical non-metal but a much lower conductivity than that of a metal is described as a semiconductor. Semiconductors are also referred to as metalloids and they occur at the division between metals and non-metals in the Periodic Table. Key facts : 1. The electrical conductivity of semiconductors increases with increasing temperature. 2: Doping pure crystals of silicon or germanium with certain other elements produces 2 types of semiconductors: n- type and p-type semiconductors. The addition of small quantities of certain substances to pure silicon greatly enhance its conductivity and makes possible the construction of electronic devices. This controlled addition of impurities is called ‘doping’. 1. doping pure silicon with phosphorus or arsenic (group 5 elements) these elements have 5 valence electrons, a few of the silicon atoms are replaced by P, As atoms 1 electron is left over after the 4 bonds have been formed. The extra electron is free to conduct an electric current and the phosphorus-doped silicon becomes a conductor called n-type. B. doping with boron or aluminium (group 3 elements). By doping with an element having 3 valence electrons some of the silicon atoms are replaced by boron atoms, but because each boron has only 3 electrons, one of the four bonds to each boron atom has only 1 electron in it. We can think of this as a vacancy or hole in the bonding orbital. An electron from a neighbouring atom can move in to occupy this vacancy. As a result of this movement this type of conductor is called p-type. Superconductors 1. Superconductors are a special class of materials that have zero electrical resistance at temperatures near absolute zero. 2. Achieving temperatures near absolute zero is difficult and costly so application of superconduction at these temperatures is impractical. 3. Recently superconductors have been discovered which have zero resistance up to temperatures above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen- temperatures which are less costly to attain. 4. Superconductors may have a future applications in power transmission and electrically powered forms of transport.

Jeffersonian Republicans and Federalists

Jeffersonian Republicans and Federalists The Jeffersonian Republicans are often categorized as strict constructionists who were opposed to the broad constructionism of the Federalists, but to some extent this generalization of the Madison and Jefferson parties were inconsistent. In the form of the Louisiana Purchase, the Embargo Act, and the War of 1812, the Jeffersonian Republicans can be seen as broad constructionalists, the opposition of the war, in the form of a two-thirds majority to declare war, and Madisons vetoing of the Internal Improvement Bill can make the Federalists seem as if they were the strict constructionalists. Through an analysis of these topics, it is easy to see that both parties crossed their political lines to some degree throughout this time period. In the election of Thomas Jefferson, the world was about to experience a new era of national and political authority. The ideals of Thomas Jefferson were very different from the previous President; Jefferson sought a peaceful and constitutionally strict way of life for his political party. As Jefferson began his presidency he claimed that his election was a recovery of the original ideals of the American people. Jeffersons true ideology was one that believed in a small, weak central government, and that a small central government was the only way to flourish in these times. In truth, Jefferson had felt that the safety, and health of the nation, that he now ran, was somehow inversely related to the power the federal government had. In the letter to Gideon Granger, one of Jeffersons future cabinet members, he wrote on the note of the preservation of the constitution of America, and the ideals, and principles that created said constitution. Our country is too large to have all its affai rs directed by a single government. This was unquestionable proof that Jefferson felt that a smaller central government would be more beneficial in the eyes of the nations domestic policies and issues, as for the foreign policies, that stronger central power may have been a more proper means to follow. Thomas Jefferson was a man of a very unique sense of religion. Throughout his life as public figure, Jefferson would see that his lack of religious ground would prove to be a major threat to his party, for instance, his idea of a complete separation of church and state. The letter sent to Danbury Baptists, proves that Jefferson thought that the separation of church and state was something that Jefferson saw as a crucial point to help further the Nation. He made such statements as a wall of eternal separation which show that he felt that there was no reason for the Church to be intertwined with the government of the nation. Jefferson would also write a letter to Samuel Miller, a Presbyterian minister, that would further the religious grounds of Thomas Jefferson. He would say that he believes that there should be now binds between the United States constitution and the religious institutions, their doctrines, or exercises. A very important measure of Jeffersons true character comes from the Louisiana Purchase. While this is seen as one of, if not the most notable achievement of Jefferson, there are some missteps in logic. The idea that there should be no change in the Union was a moral supposedly followed by Jefferson. Jefferson would go on to say that this change should be proven true by a constitutional amendment, but since the process of amendment was slow, Jefferson basically said that there was no time for the ideas of strict constructionalism, the same ideals that his party and his ideals were based onà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ this showed the people of his party that there was some elasticity with this idea of strict constructionalism. All of the hype, all of the popularity that Jefferson had gained throughout his first term as president soon passed as he began his second term. Jeffersons second term was much less bountiful in the eyes of political and national advancement. One of the most disappointing ordeals originated from the Napoleonic wars, the naval blockades that were rampant in the Atlantic and Caribbean waters. These blockades would devastate the American trade companies and would pressure the US to take sides in a war that was not even ours. The response to this naval war was the blockade was the Embargo of 1807. This embargo did not do much for the colonies except virtually close down every American port to all foreign countries. To enforce this act, the use of the coercive powers that Jefferson opposed were needed, i.e., a strong central government which went against the principles of Jefferson. The political cartoon, made by Alexander Anderson in 1808 depicted a snapping turtle biting the nether regi ons of a man attempting to smuggle American goods to a British ship, with the word Ograbme written in an air bubble. (Ograbme was a political cartoonists way of saying Embargo.) The creator of this cartoon is none other than a Federalist portraying the views of the distaste towards the Embargo Act. The feeling that came from the violation of his own principles rang rampant and spread like wild fire throughout the country. The Federalists used this opportunity to mudsling the president and to proclaim this Embargo unconstitutional, and used it as a springboard to elect Madison as president. James Madison, the president who came after Jefferson, was seen as the only man that could carry out the ideals of the Federalists in this time period. The first thing that Madison took on as president was the repeal of the Embargo Act. The time that Madison was president, was one controlled by the continued tension between the USA and the French and British governments. The Embargo Act was soon changed to the Non-Intercourse Act, which was a way to limit the trade to the European powers, but America soon realized that it had no effect on either Great Britain or France, this act was soon repealed, and trade among the three began again. In Madisons effort to find a new path to peace with the European nation through commercial retaliation, it became increasingly more impossible to do so. With the new War Hawk elected into the seat of Congress, and the British arrogant assaults on American ships, Madison asked for a declaration of war in June 1812. Madison, who was a devoted republican, had a very tough time building and manning a formidable navy and army during this time of peace. Because of the Federalists up in New England, who had their trade basically destroyed, the United States was driven into war. This army was extremely weak and Madison needed a way to increase it. In Websters speech on a conscription bill to the House of Representatives, he said that the administration under Madison did not adhere to the ideals of strict constructionalism when they forced men to join the war for the Government. In 1814 both of the Americans and the British grew tired of war and signed the Treaty of Ghent, which ultimately brought peace and a new hope to the war stricken countries and insured independence among the Americans. The War of 1812 was one that produced economical and political effects. Since the threat of disunion coming to an end, westward expansion was on the way, which also brought a sense of new confidence to the nation as per security. Madison had felt that he had needed to respond to this new nationalism. The Federalist Party had seen their imminent demise because of the opposition of war that they had shown. Although the Jeffersonian Republicans saw this downfall as an advantage to win the seat again, there was an internal weakness among the republicans. In actions to stimulate the economy, Madison threw out some of his own Republican ideals about weak government in favor that he so strongly discouraged and opposed years ago. By 1815, Madison had developed a new wave of domestic programs to better the nation. One major recommendation was a charter for a National Bank, and a tariff to help protect small industries that were just beginning to prosper. In a speech to the House of Representa tives John Randolph implied that Madison had given up all of his republican ideals and motives to emulate a more federalist point of view. Madisons actions did not adhere to his original ideas of government. Madison would also recommend the federal support of roads and canal making. This funding of roads and canals went against what Madison would have agreed to in previous times. The last major act as president was the vetoing of the Internal Improvements Bill of 1817. In Madisons message to congress vetoing and Internal Improvements Bill, Madison said, The power to regulate commerce among several states cannot include a power to construct roads and canals Even though Madison set aside many of his political policies and republican ideals, he would still oppose internal improvements. Jefferson and Madison, although both were destined to follow and obey the ideals of the Jeffersonian Republicans, they were both compelled to act accordingly to the problems at hand, even if that meant compromising some of their own beliefs. In the years 1801 to 1807, Jefferson and his policies would emulate the true republican priorities, meaning that federal powers would be decreased. By 1807 Jefferson contradicted many of his prior beliefs about a small Central Government for the future of the nation. From 1808 to 1807 domestic, political, and nation threats were on the door steps of Madison, and although he seemed to veer away from his true, original ideology the he initially spoke of, he did it for the future of the nation. Both men shown here, exhibited a true conflict between their ideas and their practices of said ideas.

Effect of Air Bags on Child Fatalities

Effect of Air Bags on Child Fatalities Overview of the study Evidence following the suggestions for age-appropriate restraints as well as stern seat locations for kids travelling in the motor vehicles has been fine established. Though, evidence for the age-based suggestions regarding air bags as well as kids is lacking. Even though the NHTSA course of action for kids as well as air bags have been circulated extensively, the age (or body size) that finest describe when a childs additional danger of the injury or death from an air bag is replaced by benefit is unknown. Two initial studies suggested a link between air bags as well as childhood fatalities (defining kids as 0-12 years as well as 0-9 years of the age), but both analyses were limited by relatively small numbers of the fatalities, yielding statistically inconclusive results. Subsequent studies defined kids as 12 years of the age as well as provided more conclusive evidence for the link between air bags as well as death among right front seat passengers within this age range. Allison ( 2001) suggested that the increased mortality danger from air bags was most pronounced among right front seat passengers through age 10, becoming less pronounced from 11 to 14 years as well as turning to a net benefit for passengers 15 years of the age, but the results did not reach statistical significance. A more recent study examining differences in the air-bag effectiveness according to age as well as restraint use suggested a net increase in the danger of the death among child passengers 12 years of the age, but sample size limitations prevented definitive statements regarding the childhood age at net danger might change to no effect (or benefit) as well as the study did not assess markers of the body size. Durbin et al demonstrated that the danger of the injury (rather than death) among restrained kids 3 to 15 years of the age exposed to passenger air-bag deployment was twice that among front-seated kids not exposed to an air bag, with the danger of the injury being relatively constant among kids 3 to 8, 9 to 12, as well as 13 to 15 years of the age. We hypothesized that specific cut-off points in the age, height, as well as/or weight among kids used to define when the danger of the serious injury from the presence of a passenger air-bag changes from harmful to no effect (or beneficial), after adjustment for crash severity as well as other important crash factors. We tested this hypothesis with age, height, as well as weight as effect modifiers (interaction terms) of the link between the presence of a passenger air bag as well as serious injury among right front seat passengers 0 to 18 years of the age that is involved in the motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). Chapter Two: Literature Review The Politics of the Air Bag Safety: A Competition among Problem Definitions In light of the 121 deaths credited to the air bag deployments, considerably to children as well as adults of the small stature, recent policy debate has purposeful on altering present Federal automotive air bag regulations. A problem definition point of view is employ to identify the nature of this debate. (Ai Norton 2003) Utilizing a content analysis of the executive record of the one U.S. House as well as two U. S. Senate hearings, it is quarrel that four problem definitions exemplify the debate over air bag safety: behavioural, regulatory, technological, as well as corporate greed. (Allison 2001)Furthermore, it is argued that a problem definition perspective offers a better illustration of the recent changes to Federal air bag regulations than do pluralist, elitist, as well as principal-agent models. (Association for the Advancement Automotive Medicine 2001) Political discussion on policy issues are frequently portrayed as a disagreement over competing definitions of the social condition. (Braver Ferguson 1997)A problem definition offers the frame through that present conditions are supposed to be in the conflict with treasured social values. In this way, policy issues are socially constructed as well as communicated through the articulation of the shared definitions. (Braver, Whitfield Ferguson 1997) Problem definitions are significant to policy theory in the two ways. First, they pressure that issues rise to the public agenda. Definitions delivers a frame through that social conditions are perceived to be problematic as well as in the need of the government action. (Braver Whitfield 1998) Thus, the issues that are actively considered by government officials are in the part illustrated by the success of the definition competing for attention on a crowded agenda. (Barnard 1997) Further than illumination that concern is on the public agenda, the problem definition viewpoint also can assist in illustrating the outcome of the policy process. As political dialogue, the purpose of the problem definition is at once to give particulars, to explain, to advocate, as well as to persuade.(Berg 2000) Actors participate to have their definition of the social state frame the nature of the policy discussion. (Cummings 2001) A problem definition clears the survival of the public problem as well as the causes that it exists. The usefulness of the specific solution reasonably flows from the espoused set of the causes. In this manner, policy entrepreneurs utilize problem definitions to taper the variety of the options under consideration as well as to espouse a particular solution. (Calvert McCubbins 1989) Therefore, problem definition is often at the heart of the action itself, argues Allison (2001). A great deal of policymaking, in the fact, is preoccupied with whose definition would prevail (p. 98). Scholars have recognized a range of the characteristics that assist to illustrate the utility of the definition for structuring policy debate. In the hands of the accomplished policy entrepreneur, a problem definition, has possible solutions, as well as is well-matched with other definitions is a influential tool for influencing policy formation. Though, this position of the problem definitions has yet to be completely explored. (Cobb 1983) The concern of the air bag security offers an opportunity to look at the role of the problem definitions in the policy procedure as well as to test propositions implicit in the previous research. Deaths that have been accredited to air bag deployments have purposeful attention on the dangers linked with air bags as well as have resulted in the challenge to the wisdom of the Federal regulation necessitate that they be fixed in the motor vehicles. (Corneli 2000) A number of problem definitions have emerged in the debate in the effort to influence Federal policy. What are the mechanisms of the complete problem definition? What explanations are being used by policy entrepreneurs to persuade the substance of the government set of laws on air bags? Those definitions have been the most effective in the shaping new policy? Those definitions are likely to shape policy in the future? To deal with these questions we carry out a content analysis of the bureaucrat record of the three congressional hearings (two Senate, one House) held on the question of the air bag safety during 1996 as well as 1997. (Damsgaard 2001) The official statements as well as verbal remarks of the each contributor in the hearings were examined for the manner that the entity described (framed) the problem of the air bag safety. Also, present rules propagated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) give out as the policy answer to this concern. (Allison 2001) To test hypotheses about the influence of the problem definitions on policy formulation, the conten t of NHTSA rules will be compared with the dominant problem definitions articulated in the debate as carried out in the congressional hearings. (Coughlin 1994) Components of the Problem Definitions Complete problem definitions have several key components. First, definitions recognize a societal state that needs to be remedied through government act. (Dahl 1967)Second, key statistics as well as descriptions of the relevant events are offered as evidence to empirically demonstrate the perceived condition. In offering specific empirical evidence a problem definition draws attention to certain aspects of the condition while strategically ignoring others. This evidence also has the effect of the demonstrating that the condition being described is not an isolated event. (Dahl 1982)The definition provides a frame through that the information is interpreted as well as may lead to a very different interpretation of the data gleaned from a different problem definition. Third, the causes of this condition are identified to allocate blame or provide an illustration. It is this open causal theory which frequently distinguishes a number of definitions. Fourth, a complete definition clears a set of the results that would answer the supposed condition. (Damsgaard 2001) The solutions that are adopted reasonably follow from the articulated causal theory. Fifth, implicit in the reposed solutions is an acceptance of the key values or a desired end state. These values indicate what the condition should look like in the society. They also provide normative justification for the articulated causal theory as well as solutions. Sixth, to carry to life these values, symbols are used to perform the social condition that needs to be lectured. Symbols are substance that is gifted with importance that is not inbuilt in the entity itself that individuals use to sum up, condense, as well as simplify complex phenomena. (Decker 1984) Symbols not only help to converse other than it also builds understanding for a specific perspective. Entrepreneurs use symbols to persuade others to accept the basic assumptions of the problem definition. As Braver (1997) suggests, symbolic representation is the essence of the problem definition in the politics (p. 137). Air Bag Safety Problem Definitions In 1984, the U.S. Department of the Transportation needed that front seats in the motor vehicles be capable of with automatic occupant safety devices (i.e air bags) in its place of the, or in the accumulation to, physical lap as well as shoulder belts. In 1991, Congress focussed the NHTSA to adjust this standard to necessitate an inflatable restraint (i.e., air bag) when it passed the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) (P.L. 102-240). The Act required that air bags be put in the 95% of the cars by model year 1997 as well as in the 100% by model year 1998. Also, installation of the air bags was essential in the 80% of the light trucks in the model year 1998 as well as in the 100% by model year 1999. (Epidemiology 2002) Earlier than air bags were completely installed in the automobile fleet as focussed under the ISTEA, deaths to small children as well as women of the small stature focused attention on the dangers associated with air bag use. The NHTSA has announced 121 deaths attributable to the deployment of the air bags since 1990. In some cases, these crashes happened at speeds so low that only slight injuries would have resulted had an air bag not deployed. (Glass 2000)In reaction, Congress held three hearings to deal with the dangers of the air bags, as well as the NHTSA has concerned four modifications to its regulations in an effort to overcome the probability of the future air bag deaths. Thus, current policy debate has focused on modifying present Federal air bag guidelines even before the ISTEAs directive was completely put into practice. (Grisoni 2000) Manufacturers have installed some of the advanced technologies that is needed to comply with the advanced air bag rule in certain vehicles that are on the market today. (See table 1.) Manufacturers and companies that produce air bags are working on the development of other needed advanced technologies, with the aim of having them ready for installation in vehicles by September 2003, as required. Advanced air bag systems installed in future vehicles that are much more sophisticated than the conventional air bag systems in todays vehicles, because they will be capable of tailoring air bag deployment to characteristics of the front seat occupants as well as crash severity. Conventional frontal air bag systems deploy the air bags with a single level of inflation output for all crashes that exceed a predetermined severity threshold. (Ai Norton 2003)These systems generally consist of separate components designed to work together: crash sensors, a control module, and a driver and passenger inflator and air bag. The crash sensors and control module are typically located in one unit within the passenger compartment; the unit is often mounted within the floor between the driver and the passenger. (Allison 2001) The crash sensors detect the occurrence and severity of crashes and provide this input to the control module. The control module evaluates inputs from the sensors. If the cont rol module determines that a crash has occurred that exceeds the severity threshold, it then sends a triggering signal to the inflators to deploy the air bags. (Association for the Advancement Automotive Medicine 2001)The inflators and air bags are packaged together in air bag modules, which are located in the steering wheel on the driver side and in the instrument panel on the passenger side. Upon receiving a triggering signal from the control module, inflators generate or release gases that rapidly fill the air bags, generally within 1/20 of a second after impact. The purpose of the inflated air bags is to provide protective cushioning between the occupants and the steering wheel, instrument panel, and windshield. However, the single stage inflators in most vehicles today, in some cases, provide more inflation power than necessary because they fill the air bags with one level of output when deployed, regardless of the types of occupants requiring protection or the degree of severi ty of the crash. (Braver Ferguson 1997) Future frontal air bag systems designed to meet the performance requirements of NHTSAs advanced air bag rule may have additional features that will allow the deployment of the air bags to adapt to characteristics of the front seat occupants as well as different crash situations. Auto manufacturers anticipate that two new components may be needed to meet the rules requirements: occupant classification sensors and multistage inflators. (Braver 1998) Occupant classification sensors may provide an additional input to the control module to detect different types of occupants and whether or not they are belted. (Braver, Whitfield Ferguson 1997) For example, manufacturers anticipate installing sensors that is able to identify whether the front passenger seat is occupied by an infant in a rear-facing child seat, a child, or an adult. (Braver Whitfield 1998)Multistage inflators, which will replace single-stage inflators, may provide varying levels of inflation output that can be tailored to characteristics of the driver and front seat passenger as well as different crash scenarios. Deployment options could include no deployment, low-level output, and high-level output, as well as additional levels of deployment between the low- and high-output stages. (Epidemiology 2002)While the occupant classification sensors and multistage inflators are the key new features of the advanced air bag systems envisioned by auto manufacturers, other components may also be improved. (Barnard 1997)For example, manufacturers anticipate that these systems include crash sensors that can more precisely discriminate among different types of crashes (such as a crash into a rigid concrete wall versus a crash with another car), control modules that can process the additional inputs provided by crash and occupant sensors and make more accurate and timely deployment decisions, and air bag designs that allows the bag to deploy less aggressively. (Berg 2000) These advanced air bag systems are designe d to reduce the likelihood of the types of fatalities previously caused by air bag deployments. For example, such systems would deactivate the passenger air bag or deploy it at a low level if the passenger seat is occupied by an infant or small child. (Cummings 2001) These systems may also adjust air bag deployment if the driver or passenger is a small adult. Some vehicles on the U.S. market today have frontal air bag systems with multistage inflators and some other advanced features, such as seat belt usage sensors and improved air bag designs. (Calvert McCubbins 1989)However, no vehicles currently on the market have air bag systems with all the features manufacturers believe are needed to fulfil the requirements of the advanced air bag rule. In particular, no vehicles currently have frontal air bag systems with occupant classification sensors that can distinguish among child seats, children, or adults. (Cobb 1983) Manufacturers plan to continue making improvements in existing technologies for crash sensors, control modules, inflators, and air bags to comply with the advanced air bag rule. Manufacturers and suppliers are working on improving the ability of crash sensing systems to differentiate levels of crash severity and types of crashes. As part of this effort, manufacturers plan to increase the use of multipoint crash sensing systems. (Corneli 2000)Manufacturers and suppliers are also developing more complex computational systems to be incorporated into control modules, in order to allow them to process the additional inputs in advanced air bag systems and to make accurate and timely decisions regarding deployment outputs. (Coughlin 1994) Behavioral Definition Under the behavioural definition, atmosphere bags are touted as a productive machine vehicle safety device. Federal regulations requiring the facility of atmosphere bags in the machine vehicle fleet have helped have American machine vehicles safer for occupants. (Dahl 1967) To exemplify this perception, proponents of the behavioural definition offering estimates of the amount of lives that have been saved, and the amount of injuries that have been averted, by atmosphere bags. For instance, Dr. Ricardo Martinez (NHTSA) testified that [a]s of April 15, 1997, much than 1,900 drivers and passengers are awake because of atmosphere bags. About 600 were saved in 1996 only. (Damsgaard 2001) Deaths from atmosphere suitcase deployments are sad cases, and steps must be taken to guarantee that they do not happen in the future. But these deaths must be understood in the larger circumstance of traffic safety. (Damsgaard 2001) It is significant to recall that over 40,000 folk perish in machine vehicle crashes each year. The deaths traceable to broadcast suitcase deployments are tiny in amount when compared with the amount of lives that have been protected by atmosphere bags. Senator Gorton stated that atmosphere bag-related deaths are few in comparison with the amount of lives saved, or when compared to the 3,300 children killed in automobile accidents every year. (Decker 1984)In this manner the behavioural definition downplays the meaning of the deaths caused by atmosphere bags. The causal hypothesis for this definition suggests that the origin of the trouble is the conduct of the vehicle occupants themselves. (Epidemiology 2002) Occupants are depicted as placing themselves at danger by positioning themselves overly tight to the atmosphere suitcase at the moment of deployment or by being improperly belted. In mention to the children who have died, Martinez stated: Last year, about 721001121220f all the children who were killed in the frontal place [of] an auto were riding unbridled (Glass 2000 p59)In most cases broadcast suitcase fatalities could well be averted by the appropriate consumption of place belts and placing inexperienced children in the back place off from atmosphere bags entirely. [T]he behavioural issues, where, how, somebody sits, [are] ever going to be one of the principal determinants of living and death in the outcome of a wreck. (Grisoni 2000 p36) To exemplify the behavioural part of this matter, the place belt utilization pace of American machine vehicle passengers is compared with that experienced in new nations. Seat belt utilization rates in Canada and Australia are offered as benchmark s against which the U. S. experience is compared. (Ai Norton 2003) For example, Canada and Australia are credited with belt utilization rates of 90 0x0.002fb0804a29p-1022nd 95%, respectively; whereas the United States experiences a pace of 68. The correlation between belt consumption rates and atmosphere suitcase deaths is noted as Canada has had simply two or three fatalities attributed to broadcast suitcase deployments. If the conduct of machine vehicle occupants is causing the unfavourable consequences, so tools that change this conduct are the proper solutions. In the brief condition, behavioural changes are the almost practical [cure] and would take the almost prompt welfare. Three tools to achieve a difference in conduct are increased national training, improved resident security laws, and high-visibility enforcement of these laws. (Allison 2001 p44) The values tacit in these behavioural solutions are general national safety, private obligation, and societal economical efficiency. (Association for the Advancement Automotive Medicine 2001)Because deaths happen in situations where the person is improperly situated or restrained, the person bears the obligation for altering the conduct that places them in risk. As Martinez testified: No safety device is a cure-all; finally, drivers and passengers must go obligation for their own safety. To increase passionate consequence for these arguments, proponents provide respective depictions of the safety benefits of atmosphere bags. A woman is brought before a congressional hearing to say her tale about how an atmosphere suitcase saved her living. We a-e reminded that the lives saved are parents and grandparents. Videos indicate how atmosphere bags defend crash examination dummies in staged crashes. (Braver Ferguson 1997 p128) In each lawsuit these symbols assist dramatize the technological and statistical arguments about the consequences of irresponsible conduct that induce the deaths traceable to broadcast suitcase deployment. (Braver, Whitfield Ferguson 1997) Regulatory Definition Proponents of the restrictive definition admit the safety benefits of atmosphere bags, but the dangers of atmosphere bags are more outstanding than in the behavioural definition. The circumstance that is described is one where atmosphere bags make easily, but individuals are being injured and some die needlessly. To back this portrayal of the circumstance, statistics are cited that describe the amount of children and occupants who have died payable to broadcast suitcase deployments. But it is pointed away that insignificant injuries are the more popular outcome. (Braver Whitfield 1998) To exemplify the general potency of atmosphere bags, it is estimated that there have been over 1 million atmosphere suitcase deployments. In light of this whole amount, the industry is not putting away a faulty merchandise, but atmosphere bags surely can be improved. Also, it is noted that these deaths are occurring at a moment when Americans are buckling upward more now than always. Seat belt utilization rates are used to identify the circumstance but are interpreted in a distinct circumstance than under the behavioural definition. The reason of the circumstance is outdated and rigid regime rule. After describing the death of a 1-year-old daughter in his country, Senator Dirk Kempthorne characterized Federal rule as follows Is Alexandras death a disaster? Yes. Is this disaster the outcome of regime rule? Yes. Is this rule killing children? Yes. It is argued that automotive manufacturers are required to play rigid regulations when designing atmosphere bags. In specific, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 is the principal perpetrator. This measure requires atmosphere bags to defend the median grownup male, who is unbelted, in a head-on wreck at 30 miles per minute. In light of statistics indicating that most Americans now crumple upward, the unbelted examination is outdated. (Barnard 1997) More significantly, to be in conformity with this rule. atmosphere bags must deploy at a personnel equivalent to 200 miles per minute. Such higher deployment forces are in surplus of what it would go to defend children and occupants wearing place belts, and still unbelted occupants. Standard No. 208 is particularly unacceptable because by protecting individuals who in most cases are violating country place belt laws (i. e. , are unbelted), manufacturers know that they must put the older, tiny women, and particularly children at greater danger. As Senator Kempthorne comments: [Standard no. 208] says, in gist, lawbreakers who do not don place belts will be protected. (Berg 2000 p67)But it may be at the price of your children. Not simply is there worry about the safety implications of Standard No. 208 but too the liability manufacturers may hold. We think that manufacturers should not be subjected to merchandise liability danger when they are responding in better religion to a Federal authorization. (Cummings 2001) The resolution that emanates from this causal hypothesis is an alteration in Federal rule. In the brief condition it is recommended that Standard No. 208 be amended to allow manufacturers to depower atmosphere bags (i. e. , cut the volatile accusation for deployment. Depowering would cut the danger that occupants confront when an atmosphere suitcase deploys. (Calvert McCubbins 1989) Ultimately, the more suitable resolution is the liquidation of the unbelted examination entirely so manufacturers could produce a safer merchandise. (Cobb 1983) The security of the almost susceptible occupants in machine vehicles (i. e. , children, women of tiny height, and the older) is expressly espoused by this definition. Another value apparent in the proposed solutions is maker self-reliance or pattern flexibility. More tacit in this definition are values placed on legitimate conduct (i. e., wearing place belts) and the avoidance of maker merchandise liability. (Corneli 2000) Common symbols engaged to produce sustain for this definition are susceptible infant passengers as well as outmoded, nonflexible regulation. Proponents of this definition let alone a direct critique of Federal regulators. As a substitute, their ire is determined on the regulation itself that is unfashionable or misguided. As this difference in symbols among the regulation as well as the regulator may seem minor, it allows sustained cooperation among the regulators as well as those espousing this regulatory definition. (Dahl 1967) Technological Definition The technological problem definition outlooks the state from the viewpoint of the young children as well as people of small stature who are exposed to too much danger. As air bags have safety benefits, the technological definition focal points on the negative costs of air bags, that are a more serious problem than depicted by either the behavioural or authoritarian definitions. (Coughlin 1994) To reveal the amount of this problem, the amount of fatalities is a key statistic that is referenced. Moreover, the number of air bags in employ, both driver as well as passenger side, are recognized to exemplify the prevalence of air bags in todays automobile fleet. As Jim Hall (National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)) gives evidence, [w]e add another 1 million vehicles each month with air bag technology that is not protected for everybody, as well as specially not for children. This marker assists to demonstrate that the problem is one that potentially faces a large segment of the population. (Dahl 1982) Nothing like the other definitions, it is the technology that is the major cause of the deaths. The technology is described as crude; comparable to a one-size-fits-all piece of clothing. What creates one individual secure, though, will not essentially offer the same amount of safety to the next occupant. As a substitute of sensing the size of an individual, whether or not the person is belted, or whether a child safety seat is there, todays generation of air bags deploy with one consistent force. This is why persons of small stature as well as young children are placed at danger during air bag deployment. Insufficient research as well as development has been mannered to create the next generation of air bags that will decrease the danger to smaller occupants. (Damsgaard 2001) Obviously, the solution is to develop air bags that deploy with forces that are customized to the occupant as well as the conditions of the crash. Advanced technology holds the answer to improving air bag safety. These []smart air bags will offer greater safety remunerations than existing ones without the amplified exposure to danger that young children as well as occupants of small stature currently face. As these technological growths are not directly available, short-term solutions comprise of depowering, installing on-off switches, as well as deactivation on demand. The last two of these short-term solutions offer the resident with the alternative of using the active technology. (Decker 1984) A number of proponents imply that government regulation desires to be ratifies to motivate producers to expand smart bags. In reference to setting government standards pertaining to neat technologies in the future, Mr. Hall stated: â€Å"I think the economic thoughts are the actuality here, Senator, as well as the automobile manufacturers, until the Federal government sets the standard, are not going to initiate the changes that are required.† (Epidemiology 2002 p71) Charles H. Pully (Automotive Restraints Council) went further as well as testified: (Glass 2000 p89) â€Å"So when will the sophisticated smart restraint organism [be] available? If we have aggressive targets set, the 2000 model year is not unreasonable. Thats the 1999 calendar year.† (Grisoni 2000 p164) These solutions unreservedly worth technology, as future advances will make the motor vehicle an still safer means of transportation. (Ai Norton 2003)Additionally, passive protection is valued, as the final goal is to create an air bag that suggests safety reimbursements to all occupants without any responsibility positioned on the occupant to make sure proper usage. (Braver, Whitfield Ferguson 1997)Outmoded as well as hazardous technology is employed as an efficient symbol to heighten awareness for creating new technology. The present generation is referred to as dumb` air bags, whilst the new as well as improved generation is smart` technology. (Calvert McCubbins 1989) Corporate Greed Definition Under the corporate greed definition we are faced with an emergency or crisis. It is not that occupants are inadvertently dying, it is that air bags are killing people. In particular, air bags are killing young children. Even though it is acknowledged that some small women as well as senior citizens have died as a result of air bag deployments, it is the death of the child that is the focus of this description. (Epidemiology 2002) As confirmation to validate this depiction, the number of children whose deaths have been credited to air bag deployments is obtainable. Their ages are identified as well as the circumstances surrounding their death. Frequently presented is a description of the way in that the air bag caused the death. These are children who were struck in the face by air bags, all in low speed collisions in that normally they would have survived. (Corneli 2000)Approximation of future child losses due to air bag deployments is also offered. (Damsgaard 2001) Air bags are killing twice as a lot of children as they are saving, as well as the most current projection that I have seen from NHTSA is that air bags will kill 128 children a year, ab

Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Issues - Response to the Far Right Concerning

A Response to the Far Right Concerning Gay Marriage Mr. Far Right has claimed that neither the Constitution nor the Bill of Rights mentions the right of homosexual couples to marry. I think that it would be safe to say that a homosexual couple who wishes to marry is seeking their own definition of happiness. Did Mr. Far Right conveniently skip over the part about "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" that is the very spirit of both these documents? "Mankind are greater gainers by suffering each other to live as seems good to themselves than by compelling each to live as seems good to the rest" --On Liberty, John Stuart Mill Next, Mr. Far Right states that homosexuality is an "abomination" to the Lord. Ah, I see. Now he is making moral judgements about homosexuality based upon a theology that not everyone agrees with. Is this a private game, or can anyone play? To illustrate my next point, allow me to relate a story I one read, "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" by Ursula Le Guin. Behold the fair city of Omelas. In this shining city the people are happy. And why shouldn't they be? The children are beautiful, the food plenty, and crime is nonexistent. Nothing is unhappy in Omelas, well, almost. Locked in the small earthen basement of one of the largest houses in the city is a small child. This child is the source of all the splendor of the city. It is the sacrifice of this child's tortured existence by the city that makes its happiness and beauty possible. This boy is not a secret, however. In fact, every citizen of the city has to view and acknowledge the child for the city to retain is idyllic state. Most people view the boy and, after a brief pang of ... ... environments. It seems to me that there isn't a single good argument in Mr. Far Right' entire article against gay marriage. Mr. Far Right’s statements bring painfully to light the kind of ignorance that is rampant in our society. To quote Albert Einstein "Only two things are infinite; the universe and human stupidity, and I am not sure about the former." Although a ruling concerning gay marriage would have no affect on me directly, it deeply concerns me as to the kind of society that might be a result of a negative ruling. Once the rights of one group of people are restricted, what's to stop the restriction of another group’s rights? "Whatever crushes individuality is despotism, by whatever name it may be called and whether it professes to be enforcing the will of God or the injunctions of men." --On Liberty, John Stuart Mill

Saturday Morning Cartoons :: Television TV Cartoons Essays

Saturday Morning Cartoons Saturday morning cartoons are on the verge of becoming extinct on the major networks. Year after year there are continually less and worse cartoons on Saturday mornings. It was painful and sad but I thought that they had hit rock bottom and they will only get better from here. However, it now seems that cartoons may very well slide out of existence. How did this happen? Where have all the cartoons gone? Is there any hope in the future or will we all lead a cold, miserable existence (ok it might not be that bad). First, it would probably help to start at the beginning of Saturday morning cartoons and give a history to find out how we got here. Saturday morning cartoons have been around since the 1950’s. Since many people who worked in radio knew that most kids programming does better on Saturday mornings than any other time. Like most television programming of this time most these cartoons seemed like radio programs with pictures and really didn’t utilize the medium. Nevertheless these cartoons were spearheading the way for future cartoons. This era gave birth to The Rocky and Bullwinkle and Popeye. The most popular cartoon, however, was Mighty Mouse Playhouse. The show had the ability to mix action with comedy, which seems to be the key to most good cartoons. In the sixties and seventies a lot things were changing in America and cartoons were no exception. These were the first â€Å"post-T.V.† cartoons and this era was referred to as the â€Å"golden-age† of Saturday morning cartoons. During this time some of the most influential and longest running cartoons debuted on Saturday morning. The one cartoon, however, that attracted the highest ratings was the Beatles cartoon. Fortunately, after its initial season the ratings dropped off dramatically and the show was canceled. Bugs Bunny first appeared on Saturday morning in 1960 and has continued to be shown on one station or another for the last 40 years. Scooby-Doo first started in 1969 and also continues to be shown today. The Jetsons, which originally started out in primetime, was very popular on Saturday mornings as well. This time period also gave birth to some the very first â€Å"action† cartoons on Saturday morning.

Precautionary Measures for Genetically Modified Foods Essay

Genetically modified (GM) foods, a fairly recent development that came about from research in genetic engineering, pose a potential threat to human and environmental health. The basis of genetically modifying foods is the transferal of desirable genetic traits of plants to an agricultural crop. Genetic modification creates crops that are resistant to herbicides or can repel insects. Genetic modification also makes growing crops easier and allows for higher production rates. Anytime genetically altered crops are consumed by humans, the GM crops should be subjected to rigorous testing to assure that it is safe for human consumption and safe for the environment. When it comes to the environment and human safety, one cannot be too cautious. Some say that further safety testing of GM foods is not necessary because there is no evidence of GM foods being unsafe (Cockburn 2002). The truth is that the public does not yet trust that genetically modified foods are completely safe (Harlander 2002). The only way to convince the public that GM foods are safe and to create a market for GM foods is to perform further safety tests, such as a human study or controlled experiments. I propose that you fund this necessary and fundamental testing to ensure that GM foods are safe for the environment and for human consumption in order to help create a market for this life-improving product. Genetically modified crops were first commercially introduced in the United States in 1996; and by 2001 24% of the corn, 63% of the soybeans, and 64% of the cotton being grown in the U. S. were genetically modified varieties (Harlander 2002). Through genetic engineering, scientists have created varieties of crops that are insect-resistant, virus resistant, and herbicide tolerant. These qualities allow for improved yield and reduced use of potentially dangerous pesticides, as well as improved weed control reduced crop injury, reduction in foreign matter, reduced fuel use, and significant reduction in soil erosion. All of these consequences seem to be beneficial for the human race and the environment. It is important to prove to the public that GM foods are safe so that such a beneficial technology will not be under-utilized. In the United States, three government agencies are involved in the approval of genetically modified crops. These three agencies are the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) (Harlander 2002). These agencies are responsible for ensuring that the GM crops are safe for the environment and for human consumption. More specifically, the USDA ensures that the GM crops are safe to grow, the EPA makes sure that the GM crops are safe for the environment, and the FDA ensures that the products are safe to eat (Harlander 2002). The three agencies put the genetically modified crops through rigorous environmental and food safety assessments before they can be commercialized. However, Susan Harlander reminds the scientific community â€Å"an effective food safety evaluation system minimizes risk, but it is important to remember that food is not inherently safe† (2002). Tampering with the genetics of a crop increases the possibility of that crop being dangerous to the environment or to human health. Bettie Sue Masters, PhD, states, â€Å"All evidence to date indicates that any breeding technique that alters a plant or animal, whether by genetic engineering or other methods, has the potential to create unintended changes in the quality or amounts of food components that could harm health† (qtd. in Panasevich 2004). It is highly likely that this lack of inherent safety is a reason why the public is so cautious about the acceptance of GM foods. The key to diminishing the public’s fear of GM foods is to extend the safety evaluation process. Consumers have two main concerns about genetically modified foods: first, that GM foods are unsafe to eat; and second, that their cultivation will harm the environment (Gasson 2001). Currently the most widely used safety evaluation process is called substantial equivalence. Michael Gasson and Derek Burke discuss substantial equivalence: Substantial equivalence recognizes the fact that conventional foods have been eaten by many people over a long period of time and have an established and accepted level of safety. Genetic modification involves the introduction of a limited amount of change and substantial equivalence uses a comparative approach to reveal both intended and unintended differences between a genetically modified (GM) food and its conventional counterpart. (Gasson 2002) If the genetically modified food is substantially equivalent to, or similar to, it’s conventional counterpart, then it is generally regarded as safe. Thus far substantial equivalence has been effective, but as genetically modified foods become more and more complex there is no guarantee that this method will continue its success. More in-depth testing is required to ensure the safety of future GM foods. Genetically modified crops should be tested on living subjects in addition to applying the substantial equivalence method. Animals or human volunteers are essential in proving the safety of the genetically modified crops already approved by the FDA, EPA, and USDA, in addition to the GM crops to be introduced in the future. The risk of harm to a living being would be low as the GM food would have already passed the substantial equivalence test before being consumed. Long term testing would be able to prove that there are no mal-effects resulting from the consumption of GM foods. While long term testing may seem unappealing, it is a small price to pay for improving the quality of life for a nation. The public’s concern extends beyond the effects of GM crops after human consumption all the way to GM crops’ effects on the environment. Many environmentalists as well as non-affiliated persons think that genetically modified crops have a negative effect on the environment. Traits meant only for agricultural crops can be transferred to other plants through pollination; traits, like being herbicide tolerant or virus-resistant, which would diminish natural and artificial checks and balances on plants (Guebert 2004). The best way to ensure that the GM crops will not harm the environment is to perform experiments and further safety assessments. Convincing the public that genetically modified crops are safe for the environment is pivotal towards creating a market for GM foods and in turn improving quality of life. The testing and assessing of the safety of GM foods that I propose will be divided into two categories: the safety of genetically modified crops for the environment; and the safety of GM foods for human consumption. The testing of the safety of GM crops for the environment must be performed under controlled conditions. Our testing will take place in a greenhouse, where any negative effects will be contained and kept away from the environment. All genetically modified crops would be tested for two factors: whether or not the trait is likely to be passed on to other plants; and what nutrients in the soil the GM crop depletes and how fast it does so. These two factors are essential in proving the safety of genetically modified crops for the environment. If a GM crop passed traits, such as herbicide tolerance or virus-resistance, on to other plant species, it could potentially change the ability of that species to survive and thrive and wreak havoc on the delicate balance of the ecosystem. This risk of upsetting the ecosystem frightens would-be GM food consumers from supporting the industry. In order to test the ability of the genetically modified crop to pass on its genes to another species of plant, it would be planted for two growing seasons in the presence of varying plant species found around the agricultural United States. The soil will be tested for nutrients before and after each growing season in order to keep track of the nutrient depletion rate. Any genetically modified crop that depleted the soil of essential nutrients at an abnormally fast rate would be rejected. A genetically modified crop’s failure to pass any of the tests or assessments would not be approved, thereby leaving no reason for the public to fear for the safety of the environment on account of the GM foods on the market. To test the safety of GM foods for human consumption, a comparative study must be performed. In order for the study to be effective and result in usable data, several hundred human volunteers will need to participate. The volunteers will be divided into two groups. The first group will be asked to incorporate a specific genetically modified food into their everyday diet. The second group will be asked to incorporate the conventional counterpart of the same GM food into their diet. The study will last for 2 months with the participants receiving weekly physicals to check for any changes in health. A change in negative change in health in a number participant from group one, the group consuming a GM food, would indicate that the genetically modified food is playing a role in the deterioration. The GM food in question would then either be taken off of the market or subjected to further testing, depending on the extent of the data acquired from the study. With this study in place, consumers would feel much more comfortable purchasing, and creating a market for, genetically modified foods. By proving that genetically modified foods are safe for human consumption and for the environment, we are proving to the public that there is no cause for fear. In the absence of fear, consumers will no longer object to buying GM foods resulting in a market for genetically modified foods. The increase in demand for GM foods will result in more research and development and bring advances in GM technology. Genetically modified foods have the potential to improve the quality of life of people all over the world, and it would be a shame to let this technology go to waste. If you give us this grant, there will be numerous benefits that can come from our work. Please consider the well-being of the people that will be helped by our work while you are making your decision. Thank you. Works Cited Cockburn A. Assuring the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods: the importance of an holistic, integrative approach. J Biotechnol. 2002; 98 (1): 79-106. Harlander SK. Safety assessments and public concern for genetically modified food products: the American view. Toxicol Pathol. 2002; 30 (1): 132-134. Gasson M, Burke D. Scientific perspectives on regulating the safety of genetically modified foods. Nat Rev Genet. 2001; 2 (3): 217-222. Guebert A, Cousins D. Welcome to the world of unintended consequences. Farmers Weekly 2004; 141 (9): 64. Panasevich CL. Risk assessment urged for genetically modified foods. Nation’s Health. 2004; 34 (7): 25.