Physiological Adaption Fish

Physiological Adaptation of Fish to Its Environment BIO101 March 11,2013 Physiological Adaptation of Fish to Its Environment All organisms around the world are sparsely distributed depending on the environment that best suited to their modes of survival. Organisms undergo adaptation – an evolutionary process where they became well-suited to a particular. The process of adaptation happens through the natural selection, whereby nature selects those organisms that suit a certain habitat and sustain them for successive generation and ones that do not perish, hence the theme of survival for the fittest.The surviving species pass the same favorable features to their generation for their further survival after a progressive reproduction. Physiological adaptation of fish to their habitat depends on what the nature favors to suit them. Below is the illustration of the external and internal features of a fish (â€Å"Internal Salmon Anatomy Worksheet Key,† 2011): Water bodies have a diversity of conditions that enable fishes to adapt to their survival. The physiological adaptation of these animals varies to a particular habitat, and it relates to how their metabolism works to counter the changing environment.Fish metabolic activities seek to regulate their body functions in any opportune change of their environment and adapt to it. To control the body temperature, fishes undergo physiological thermoregulation. The physiological and metabolic activities regulate the body temperature and maintain it by means of countercurrent exchange system. The countercurrent exchange system is one where the hot blood in the blood vessels, as a result of muscular activities, passes along and gives up some heat to the blood in the adjacent blood vessels, which is flowing to the other parts of the body. This way fishes are able to keep warm.Fish also have the survival tactics in areas where water temperatures are on the point of freezing all the year round – like in the Antarctica region. In order to overcome the darkness due to the ice over the water surface, fish have a specialized sensory system called mechanosensory lateral line, which enables them to sense the motion of other animal in their environment and allows them to feed. However, some fish subspecies normally live in the freshwater and in seawater depending on the environmental opportunities that affects their chances to survive (WhyEvolutionIsTrue, 2012).Freshwater fish have a mechanism, which makes possible them to concentrate salt within their bodies in the environment of salt deficiency; consequently, marine fish have the capability to excrete excess salt in the hypertonic environment. The latter as well has chloride cell in their gills, which produce enzyme called gill Na+/K+ATPase that enables them to ride their plasma of excess salt build up when they drink seawater. The enzyme is applied to pump sodium out of their gills using the energy generated from the muscle.Freshwater fis h have a physiological mechanism that allows them to concentrate salt and compensate their sanity environment. They achieve the balance of the body and that of the surrounding by producing very dilute, copious urine to rid them of the excess water in their body while taking ions through their gills (â€Å"Fish in Their Environments: Habitats & Adaptation,† 2010). Their adaptation favors their capability to adjust to the changing environment. The swordfish has a modified eye muscle with a concentration of mitochondrion cells.The mitochondrion organelles perform the duty of breaking down of food to obtain energy for normal eye movement and to provide heat for blood going to the brain. The physiological system of fish also operates within a fluid environment despite the change its environment. Osmoregulation in fish aims to get a stable balance of uptake and loss of water and solutes through their excretory organs. Marine fish, for example, bony fishes, are hypo-osmotic to seawa ter; respond to loosing water in their bodies by osmosis and gain salt by diffusion and from the food they eat.They also take up chloride ions through their skin and gills to balance osmotic condition of their environment. In conclusion, fish, like all other animals, have their mode of adaptation to survive in their habitat regarding the circumstances that occur. They will continue to reproduce passing those adaptations to their next generation. References Internal salmon anatomy worksheet key. (2011, January 14). U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Retrieved from http://www. fws. ov/r5crc/salmon/workbook/homework_salmon_anatomy_internal_key. htm Fish in their environments: Habitats & adaptation. (2010, March 3). Earthguide. Retrieved from http://earthguide. ucsd. edu/fishes/environment/environment_zones. html WhyEvolutionIsTrue. (2012, April 11). Parallel adaptation in fish: Same genes used over and over. Why Evolution Is True. Retrieved from http://whyevolutionistrue. wordpress. com/20 12/04/11/parallel-adaptation-in-fish-same-genes-used-over-and-over/

Critique: Effects of Class Size and Instruction on Kindergarten Achievement Essay

Introduction This article discusses some very important points that will affect many children as they begin the first steps of their education. It is fairly clear that the authors have done quite a bit of research on the effects of the classroom size and the achievement of kindergarten students. Both authors are affiliated with the same school, the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In reviewing the article, the authors point out some important details pertaining to the quality of the teacher as well as their method of teaching in an effort to keep in line with the NCLB Act(No Child Left. Behind Act). The main aim of the authors is to prove that the size of the class may affect a student’s academic progress because there have been mixed findings in the past as to the validity of this issue. Literature Review One of the main sources used by the authors in their review of literature was an experiment done by students in Tennessee in the 1980’s called STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Ratio). â€Å"Researchers have referred to STAR as: â€Å"one of the great experiments in education in U. S. history (Mostellar, Light, & Sachs, 1996). † The variables are mainly the  Kindergarten class size and the teacher’s instruction methods which are well defined throughout the article. Statement of Problem This research study was conducted to determine whether teacher quality is more important than class size for achievement. The hypothesis is explicitly stated in this article and gave sufficient understanding of the specific variables that were to be studied in the article. An example of the hypothesis would be â€Å"teachers may teach differently in larger and smaller classes, Experimental Design 3 some instructional practices may be more effective than others in a smaller class, students may  behave differently in larger and smaller classes†. (Milesi & Gamoran, 2006, pp. 291-293) The authors have made a very convincing argument concerning the stated hypothesis because they used reading and math data collected from children’s classroom experience, classroom size and their teacher’s instructional methods to come up with their definitive conclusion. Methodology The kindergarten class size was measured from a sample of 21,260 children that were enrolled in approximately 1,000 kindergarten programs. It also consisted of children from various racial and ethnic backgrounds as well as socio-economic backgrounds. Some of the children studied were from private kindergartens and others were from public school kindergartens (Milesi & Gamoran, 2006, pp. 293-294). Data was collected twice throughout the year, during the spring and the fall. Most of the authors mentioned used data that was supplied at the beginning and at the end of the student’s kindergarten year. The parents were asked questions concerning their socio-economic background. In determining the student’s cognitive achievement, information was gathered from the children using a one-on-one computer assisted interview. Data in the areas of reading, math and general knowledge was used to assess the students. In evaluating the teachers, they were interviewed in the fall and in the spring of a particular kindergarten year (Milesi & Gamoran, 2006, pp. 291-293). There was some concern about the validity of the study because there were some limitations on how the data was gathered from the teachers. There were questions as well as interviews which investigated the teacher’s instructional methods because it captured more of what a teacher’s intentions were as opposed to the teacher’s accomplishments through the year. Experimental Design 4 The authors had a few limitations but if they wanted to use the descriptive method to demonstrate whether or not the quality of a teachers’ instructional method versus the size of the class played a larger part in a kindergartner’s achievement, it was a necessary step (Milesi & Gamoran, 2006, pp. 296-297). Results The researchers presented very descriptive statistics for all the student levels and class level variables that were used in the analysis. There were descriptive statistics presented for large and small classes. The researchers weighed the statistics at the student level but not at the class levels but they used descriptive statistics for both the original and the mean-imputed variable (Milesi & Gamoran, 2006, pp. 299-306). Discussion The researchers have offered no evidence that the class size affects reading or math achievements for kindergarten. The major findings were that class size does not affect the achievement of kindergarteners on an average nor does it affect any particular group of students. The researcher’s findings for the class size differ from those of Project STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Ratio). It was not determined whether the same teachers use different instructional methods in classes of different sizes (Milesi & Gamoran, 2006, pp. 299-309). Experimental Design 5 References Mosteller, F. , Light, R. J. & Sachs. J. A. (1996). Sustained injury in education: Lesson from skilled grouping and class size. Harvard Educational Review, 66, 797-842. Retrieved on February 17, 2011 from ERIC. Milesi, C. , Gamoran, A (2006). Effects of Class Size and Instruction on Kindergarten Achievement. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 28:4, 287-313. Retrieved on March 17, 2010 from http://eepa. aera. net.

Business game Essay

Reflection on Personal Performance in Business Strategy Game Business strategy games involving management process before confirming the decision to be made. Lesson learned taken from the business game, from the process and the content from the case (industry and situation & condition of the business). Management Process Planning was the first process taken. Reading and understanding the relevant information was necessary and plays a significant role in planning process. Expectation was established in the planning, and followed stepping process until all aspects have been determined, including all distinctiveness in production (capacity, model, etc. ), transportation (shipping), labor, etc. Planning is critical, and it was indicated in the business strategy games, in which it required quite some time to achieve an agreement. Time was also a factor should be considered, and it drove the discussion on the planning to obtain the agreement. Organizing was also needed in the game to obtain optimal process. One opinion was listened and it organized the discussion and the direction of the process toward certain strategy. Other opinion was taking in to consideration, whether support or as devil advocacy to the strategy. The process also managed by organizing the flow of discussion to center on the strategy with already decided to be focused on. One person plays role as organizer at one time became a source person or follower in the other time. This approach of organizing made the progress of the discussion in the one focal point that describes the strategy taken which leads to the decision. When a member played the role as organizer, then the member did directing the process and content according to the chosen strategy, and also can happened that the strategy can be changed according to the expected result and considering assumption of strategy of the competitors. Some times in the process, one or more member can have their drive going down. In this situation other member did motivated the team to keep up the winning spirit. Controlling was also involved in the process, by focus on one thing and sacrifices in other thing, align with the strategy. These four processes of management were implemented in the process of gaining the final decision and in determining the content to be made (such as production/manufacturing, shipping, labor, price, etc. ), in which the final decision was made by consensus. The experience in the game gives the learning point in practicing of implementing management process, planning, organizing, directing, and controlling. Within a given time, group should be able to do planning (including crafting the strategy, and establish the goal), organizing the process (including agreed on the road map of the process, listening and expressing opinion, and adjusting to the characteristics of the group), directing (including do and accept direction, motivating others, make or initiate decision), and controlling (to be aligned with strategy). Management Functions Strategy plays a critical role in the process, and aim to make the company have differentiation that creates competitive edge compare with the competitors. Decisions are determined align with the chosen strategy. Strategy such as increasing market share and or increasing price to obtain more profit, and or have a low cost production by moving the manufacturing to the low cost location, and or lowering the labor cost, and or increasing the quality of the product, etc. , were became the issues discussed during the process. Any decision made in the process should be linked to the strategy and eventually to the expected result (goal). Marketing management initiatives plays important role in the process. Attention was put in the advertising or promotion program. The decision on the initiatives was made in relation with other initiatives, and initiative should be congruence to be able to reach expected impact. Operations management was also applied, in order to have efficient and low cost production, to be able to lower the price, or put emphasizing in better quality of product and therefore adjust the price to a higher number. Having different locations of manufacturing was also part of consideration in operation management, including the days needed for shipping, and inventory level. Financial management was critical. At the end of the day, the success of the strategy, whether the plan was achieved of not, was determined by facts and figures which was analyzed and interpreted in terms of financial. The situation or condition of the company was considering of profitable, safe or potentially bankrupt, and whether the strategy was effective or not was determined from numbers including financial ratios. Production plan and realization, exchange rate, labor cost, product sold or unsold, inventory level, price, etc. were contributed to the financial condition, and will be analyzed further for determining next strategy (for next run). Human Resource was also had major role in the decision process. Number of labor involved, salary and incentives, were several factors considered in human resource function. During the discussion it was also considered incentive factors as the factor that can boost the motivation of the employees, in which can increase the productivity and eventually proportionally can lower the cost. Experience in the business games told that the management functions will be more effective if it was take into consideration in integrated way. The strategy made was comprise of many functions of management, Working in Teams Team work was a factor that can smooth the progress of the practice toward a productive way. At one time one member took the role as leader, and expressed the idea or opinion which regarded as reference that was supported or argued by other members. The leader than guide or direct the process toward obtaining acceptable or best solution. Other member played role as follower, tried to understand point of view of the leader, and gave opinion to enrich the information for having the decision. In one process it can happened that the role of leader was switch from one member to another member, and lead the discussion toward the decision. Working in team in the business games demonstrated by listening to other opinions or ideas and, gave contribution to the group by doing analysis and expressing constructive argument and idea or opinion to the group. In the process of making group decision, group tried to obtain consensus, with all group members support the decision. Experience and Lesson Taken to Working Place In leading unit in the working place, it is important to have clear goals for the unit, which are determined in the process of performance planning that usually take place at the beginning of the year. The goals comprises of organization (unit) objective, and individual objective which should be clear and measurable (refer to SMART Goals principle) and cascaded from top to bottom, means that the goals are aligned from executive or manager position to staff position. Having a clear goals or expectations will make all employees within the unit know exactly what are expected to be achieved and will make the monitoring of performance become more effective, and eventually it will make the evaluation of the achievement more effective. Leader should be able to define the goals, which reflected what the unit wants to be, particularly for the respective year. For the unit, strategy than decided to define what is the best way to achieve the goals or answering how to get there. Leader should be able to determine the strategy, which should consider of having different way of doing rather than just following the same thing. Strategy should have put into consideration opportunities and obstacles that can potentially will be faced along the year. For the unit performance, flow of work, service level agreement, number of employee, training and development program that will have impact to the quality of work, compensation practice, etc. should be considered in order to have effective strategy. Every people in the organization have potential, and leader should put effort to unleash the potential of the individual and support them to perform in their work. Many initiatives of improvement or programs come from the people in the unit that can give positive impact to the unit. Motivation is needed to keep the work spirit not fall to the lower level. Leader should do coaching to ensure people in the unit understand and on track, make sure that people move to the same direction with same strategy. Every function of management can be implemented to achieve optimum result. Managing the operation implemented to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of work. Human resource management will help in ensuring what unit do are align with the business. Financial management can be implement whether in business or support function, for instance to measure Return on Investment of certain initiatives. As member of management team, we should contribute in a positive way by giving opinion and ideas, or doing what has been decided productively. Discussion should be conducted in conducive way, listen what other people say and express opinion to reach to the decision. When decision has been made, member should follow and committed to perform the decision in effectively. Success of the unit is also determined by the competency, performance, and contribution of the members. To have an optimum result, member should be able to look the purpose as unit purpose not individual purpose. This principle can create synergy between members in the team and can contribute more to the performance of the team. The business strategy games provide inspiration that can be applied in the working situation. Having competitors that can affect the result of one group convey the message that in establishing standard, one unit should not look into inside factors, but should also consider outside factors. The capability of the unit can be seen differently and will lead to different goals and strategy. Strategy can be different if the external condition is supportive and indicates opportunity and will be different if the external conditions are not accommodating. Macro and micro analysis can be conducted to have a more comprehensive analysis for obtaining effective and right decision. Read more: http://www. ukessays. com/essays/business/reflection-on-personal-performance-in-business-strategy-game-business-essay. php#ixzz2leirR8KT BUSINESS SIMULATION GAMES INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION PAPER On 10 November 2010 afternoon, Our Can group get a chance to get the materials business simulation games, the first time we were a little confused and not understand what the content and intent or purpose of this program. Until then we get the opportunity to play an active role play in the game by forming a company in our Group Can. Listen Read phonetically Dictionary – View detailed dictionary I am a member of cans group discussion – 3, in this business game, we manage the company named â€Å"CHAMP†. We chose the name â€Å"CHAMP† for our company becouse we hopes that companies will become a leader or a winner in this Business Simulation Game. Growth of our company in this game very interesting and gave many valuable lessons. Our company was ranked second on the game in first year, after making changes in the manufacturing and marketing strategy; we became the first winner in the game in the second year. In the third year we make changes in the shipping, manufacturing also marketing strategy again to maintain its position as champion, but in the fact that our ranking dropped to be number 3. In the fourth year we wanted to get back into champions. We did totally change the strategy in all sections and mainly to increase product awareness, we contracted with many famous artists paid a high price for promotion. But the results we slumped to the lowest ranking (sixth). This surprised us and made us confused to find out where our biggest mistakes in managing the company. Listen Read phonetically Dictionary – View detailed dictionary noun camp compound Did not want to continue to decline, in the fifth year we try to flash back to learn the success stories in the first and second year, besides that we also study the company’s strategy of competitors, then we create a new strategy and the results we were able to ride into fourth place. In the sixth year we try to make small changes to strategy in several sections and the results we rose again to number three. In the seventh year we do not make changes to our strategy and stay at rank 3. After doing business game above, there are many valuable lessons that I get. Those lessons were: About Management Process (Planning, Organizing, Directing, Controlling) In managing a company as a manager or owner of a business we must have: a. Planing ? Both long-term planning and short term, this really helps us to determine the strategy or action we should do in the near future or the preparation for long-term corporate strategy. b. Organization ? Complete, clear and transparent as one of the supporters because of the company’s â€Å"people are assets of a company†, the placement of people with appropriate knowledge and skills that will facilitate the acceleration of the process as well as the operations of a company. It also must be supported by a clear Job Description and detail-enter the respective functions of the organization. c. Directing ? In the governance of a company also must be supported by rules or standard operating systems or procedures are clear and understood by all line employees. we often call with company regulations, standard operating procedures etc. d. Controlling ? As a manager or owner in a company we still have to implement controls on employee performance, corporate governance, corporate operating costs and market conditions that support the smooth and that we manage the company’s growth periodically. We can also be done with checking Monthly Report / Balance Sheet , hold on monthly meetings, etc. Listen Read phonetically Dictionary – View detailed dictionary adjective inside deep indoor internal interior profound inland intrinsic cavernous thoughtful three-dimensional adverb deeply sound preposition in within on to inside under in the course of prefix endo- 2. About Management Function (Strategy, Marketing, Operations, Finance, Human Resources, etc. ) Strategy ? Corporate strategy should be set appropriately by considering several factors, including supporters of human capital, finance, market share and also that there are competitors in the same type of business with our company. In the governance of a business may take a few strategies such as for launching a new product needs some backup strategy, it is necessary whenever the initial strategy does not show results in maximum then we still have some alternative backup strategy, so it does not require a long time to take any action appropriate in market penetration. Marketing ? According to my opinion, the success rate of a company also backed with the full functionality of the marketing is true both in the company engaged in the services or products etc. Capable marketing, product master, around the existing market and marketing must knowing the strengths and weaknesses of competitors. Listen Operations ? Operational support from both system and service level aggrement factor in a process of corporate governance is very important. It also needs to be supported with the latest technology. Listen Read phonetically Dictionary – View detailed dictionary verb hold conduct make organize provide establish arrange carry out throw take set up call launch institute stage put on bring about impose carry on incur exercise levy open put up effect float lay on negotiate afford touch off operate stage-manage generate phrase bring into being Finance ? A company can be said in good condition when to generate maximum profit. As a manager or the owners of a company we should be able to manage our capital versus operating costs required, the greater the profit earned by production costs that are not too large will show the healthy of a business. However, we also must consider the placement of funds and financial governance of our company, whether already in accordance with the budgeting or is not appropriate. In terms of business expansion or major factor that should we consider is the condition of our corporate finance, whether supportive or not, when lack of support but the potential or opportunities that we have a large, one financial source of our business is on loan from the Bank with a source of return and specific timeframe. Human Resources ? In addition to the above factors one important thing to note is that inadequate human resources that are reliable and have the skills to suit the needs of the company. A competent leader should be able to determine the amount of labor requirements and can put the right people-enter the respective divisions within an organization. 3. About Working In Teams To work as a reliable teamwork are some things we have to consider include: Get familiar with either all members of the team, it is useful to the division of tasks and towards solving problems that arise. We must be willing to hear opinions of all members of the team in making changes in strategy or action for operasinal company. Explore more information and opinion that reliable and resonable with the case or problem that we should solving as a good team work, eq. Browsing some data from internet or from any sourches. Putting the right people on the job or responsibilities in accordance with the characteristics of our team members are. Based on the experiences and lessons I got from the business game I have done, I plan to apply some advantages in my workplace. As the leader of my unit : A leader should have strong leadership and enough skills to manage the organization and the company. Planning, directing (also mentoring or choaching program) and controlling periodicly to all of my sub ordinate. Delegate some responsibilities to the deputy business with a fixed control function properly . Sharing knowledge to all sub-ordinate, sub-branch manager and exploring new knowledge, new technology and strategy for the success of Bank Mega Cluster Balikpapan Special Hire employee from another Bank (Manager or Marketing) to help me manage the company and make the vision 1000 of Bank Mega become reality (become the leader bank in Balikpapan – East Kalimantan Indonesia) As a member of my management team : Being more creative, proactive and always have new ideas to supporting the management team More details in targeting business opportunities and increase market share. Establishing a reliable team work with 2-way communication is effective and still value the opinions of other members of management team Read more: http://www. ukessays. com/essays/business/business-simulation-games-individual-reflection-paper-business-essay. php#ixzz2lej5YvdS REFLECTION PAPER – THE BUSINESS STRATEGY GAME About Management Processes From the Business Strategy Game, I learned that first important process for a company to determine its future business path was to set a strategic and realistic planning about what is the company goal, how long the goal will be achieved and how to achieve the goal among the competition. In setting the plan, company should define first what is their mission statement or strategic vision. This mission statement is a statement which indicates the purposes and activities of the company’s business/goals in brief, clear and focus words. Along with mission statement, company must clearly define its objectives quantitatively within certain period. From these quantitative objectives, company could set a realistic and attainable long term strategic planning to allocate budget and resources in the company. In strategic planning, company should define clearly its target market, financial objective and competitive position among the industry. This strategic planning will be the direction of the company in running its business. After setting the strategic planning, company should design an organization structure to manage the company effectively, by designating persons who will in charge in each roles and held responsibility in each area of the business in the company (marketing, finance, operation, sales and so on), especially the person who will be responsible as the leader of the company (as CEO). The role of CEO is very essential because he/she must lead company to the right direction in implementing company strategy to achieve company’s objectives. From the clear and effective organization structure, CEO and management will have clear legitimation and authority in directing all resources in the company to implement the company’s strategy. Finally, the company should closely and intensively controlling and monitoring the performance of the strategy during implementation to assess its progress against the pre-defined targets and ensure that all the company elements were doing their parts and responsibility in the right track. About Management Functions In a company, management should establish the right and important functions which will run the company operational activities, define what are the responsibilities of each functions and ensure that each functions performed in accordance with the company objectives. In order to give more value to the company in terms of profitability, management should work together to set a strategy in making company’s output (product or services) more competitive in the market by considering all aspects involved. As an example, to gain more profitability company could set pricing strategy to be higher or lower compare to market but before decided the price, company should consider other aspects such as costs, quality and resources needed in creation of the product or services. About Working in Teams In working as a team member in the company, it is very important to determine a clear designation about who will act as the leader and the follower. Because if there’s no clear designation, potentially will cause the resources in the company to move to the wrong direction and this will destruct company effort in achieving its objectives. As a leader, a person should show the ability to manage and to coach the entire team member to do their tasks properly, and he/she should has willingness to listen and appreciation to his/her followers insights at the same time. And as a follower, one should give respect to the leader and obey the leader decisions. But it is important too for the company to define what is the follower assignment and designation, because if it is not clearly defined, the follower couldn’t perform nor contributed optimally in attaining company’s objective process. What I plan to do in my work place from the experience and lessons I took from the BSG are : As the leader of my unit I will put more effort to be an effective and efficient leader of my unit and will put more awareness to all my team member that our jobs especially in designing the most efficient operational work flow in my company has essential impact in saving the company budget and optimizing company resources which will contributed in achieving the company’s objective especially in financial aspect and giving more value to the customer and shareholder. And furthermore I will spend more time and effort to evaluate designation and job description for each member of my team, to put the right person to the right job and responsibility. If the designation and job description were not fit or not clear to the team member, it will impact to the performance of the working unit itself because each team member do not know exactly what is their role in their working unit. As a member of my management team I will put more consideration and attention about financial impact of any decision that my management made. From the BSG, I see that all activities in each working unit must be contributed and affected to the company strategic planning especially in achieving financial goals. And I will put more respect to any member and any decision of my management team made, even though sometimes the decision seems to be hard to be implement, I will try to see it from wider perspective that the decision must be made deliberately and considered many important aspects which ending is to give more value for the company.

Criminal Liability Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Criminal Liability - Essay Example However, it is worth mentioning in this regard that accusing or adjourning someone to have criminal liabilities, depend on various aspects which generally includes due concentration on the age of the accused, his/her intentions and his/her personal traits, in case it signifies any kind of disability. Emphasising on this notion, the discussion henceforth will intend to develop a general perspective regarding criminal liability of any person, rendering specific ideas concerning the factors which should be considered when accusing someone as a legal offender. The idea generated through the analysis of criminal liability and its defining factors, an analysis of Donnie’s criminal liability will also be portrayed in the discussion. A General Perspective of Criminal Liability The perception of criminal liability is often described as the guilt to perform such acts which apparently harms the well-being of any individual either psychologically or physically along with inhibiting the in terests of the society by a large extent. The notion of criminal liability principally arises due to the breach of a defined code of law with the perpetration of any sort of offensive behaviour which is against the defined codes (Sistare, 1989). It has been viewed that the fundamental assumption in relation to criminal activity signifies the presence of both physical as well as psychological factors when committing the offense to treat the offender as a criminal (RSC, n.d.). Furthermore, a particular individual who commits an unlawful act is considered to be criminally liable, provided the person performs an activity which is against the legal codes being influenced by the factors such as negligence, intention to injure or damage and recklessness (USIP, n.d.). It is worth mentioning in this context that criminal liability can be classified under three distinctive concepts, namely, culpability, capacity, and responsibility. Under the classification of culpability, the crime is believ ed to be committed purposefully, where the wrong doer is found to be completely aware of the consequences. Similarly, capacity intends to verify the age or the mental state of the criminal which impose a strong influence towards committing such acts. However, responsibility intends to elaborate on the willingness of the criminal to conduct such illegal act presuming that he was not forced by any material factors, such as money, threat or similar other elements. It is worth mentioning in this regard that the criminal liability must be justified under all the three concepts to verify a â€Å"corpus delicti rule† (NCWC, 2003). A criminal offense can also be committed by a person acting recklessly i.e. not caring at all about the effects or consequences of the unlawful activities performed by them. Furthermore, by law, in the case of any criminal liability offence, the accused person should have performed any kind of voluntary or involuntary physical activity/activities. The idea of voluntary physical action denotes the fact that the happening or rather the execution of the offensive act was under the control of the accused and thereby deliberating that the person had disregarded his/her minimum responsibility to control their intention of damage.

Finance (Corporate) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Finance (Corporate) - Essay Example This meant to give each proposal a chance to convince the capital budgeting committee for approval. The initial project concerned expanding an existing Match My Doll Clothing line, which had a demonstrated record of accomplishment in the earlier period. The subsequent project initiated a fresh initiative referred to as New Doll Film/DVD, which applied an online software permitting users to tailor a doll’s characteristic to the customers’ specifications. This required calculation of the Net Present Value (NPV) of both ventures to discover which project is more lucrative. Simulation Process Finance Simulation process involve accessing simulation platform. Click prepare tab to access simulation summary, which gives New Heritage Doll Company assignment summary and how to play tab for procedure. Simulation process involves comparison of the following parameters between chosen projects. Theses include NPV, payback period, IRR, profitability index and project milestones and ri sks.    Compare revenue by division, operation profit by division and total assets by division. Compare I/S and B/S in regards to Company consolidated, production consolidated, retail consolidated and licensing consolidated. Further, compare cashflow statement, financial analysis, project details and financial history. Balance sheet Finally decided on the projects to propose as Match My Doll Clothing and New Doll Film/DVD According to projects details they compare as follows. Project comparison The following discussion leads to project chosen for each year and reasons. The market is always divided into two major segments: video games and traditional toys and games. The second segment was additionally divided into child/preschool toys, sports toys and dolls outdoor, and other toys and games involve arts and crafts, action figures, plush toys, vehicles, and youth electronics gargets. The America market for games and toys was dominated by large international enterprises that benefit from economies of balance in production, design, and distribution. Revenues were exceedingly seasonal; the largest selling period in the United States during winter holiday period (Project Analysis Services, 2011, Pg 1-2). The observable fact of age compression; the propensity of younger kids to obtain dolls that had conventionally been intended for older ones, reduced growth in the baby doll segment hence hindering profitability. Competition is always a risk factor and a constraint in any business. New Heritage Doll Company is not exempted; other doll producers are vigorous and they targeted similar demographics and marketing media is similar. Lasting branded name for a doll is rare to come up with. Financial committee also reluctant to finance projects due to licensing proposals and conflict of interest, which posses a risk in regard to profiting (Studymode, 2009, Pg 1-2). Net Present Value is considered through measuring of the following parameters. Operating projections applied to build up cash flow forecasts and then to work out    Net Present Value, payback period, Internal Rates of Return and other investment metrics. The cash flows debarred all financing charges and non-cash objects such as depreciation, and were computed on an after-corporate-tax base. The New Heritage’s company tax rate stated as 40%. Discount rate stated to have been set at 8.4% - for mild-risk scheme. NPV calculations incorporated a terminal

Human Resources - Attraction and recruitment Case Study

Human Resources - Attraction and recruitment - Case Study Example One of the ideal attraction strategies is to use their online presence to get the attention of potential workers. Websites not only provide businesses with worldwide exposure, they also are convenient platforms for target individuals to access the business. In the case of Pearson Publication, a website will enable potential workers get access to the kind of services offered by the company to its customers. They will be able to gauge the level of skills needed as well as what is expected of workers in the organization. The online strategy to attract more workers is ideal for the fact that it is able to attract people from all walks of life (Nankervis, Compton and Morrissey, 2009). The company will therefore be able to have a wide range of work pool, representing people from different backgrounds, and who can reach out to the diverse customer base that the company serves. Another way through which Pearson Publications can attract high level workers is by carrying out open house sessions in the areas where its services are (Hor, Keats and Holmes, 2008). These open house sessions can be carried out in university and high school career days or during any other sessions that are designed to get the public to know more about different organizations. These sessions are quite effective in helping potential employees gain first hand information about the company and the kind of professionalism it expects from its employees. Recruiters attending these sessions are also able to gauge the expertise of potential employees before they actually employ them. One disadvantage of this kind strategy is the fact tat it only reaches a limited number of people (Nankervis, Compton and Morrissey, 2009). Through these open house sessions, Pearson Publications can get any employees they need to help them achieve their objectives in a certain business area. Target

The Ethical View of Utilitarianism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 9

The Ethical View of Utilitarianism - Essay Example Utilitarianism is the ethical view that every action is either right/wrong on the basis of the impact that it will create, more specifically if it will produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people.   Deontology, on the other hand, is the ethical view that at least some actions will be right/wrong regardless of the consequences that they produce. Both theories follow different directs and have their own constraints and thresholds. The constraint of deontologists follows from their view that there may be circumstances in which one would be prohibited from taking an action even though it might trigger greatest amount of human happiness. In Engineer Bill’s case, from deontologist’s point of view, Sarah should be saved even though saving Sarah might mean killing a hundred other people in the train. However a utilitarian would opt for saving the train. (Rainbow) In Janitor Joe’s case unless Joe himself volunteers to give his body parts, it will be ethically wrong to forcefully kill him just to save others. In Engineer Bill’s case both Sarah and train were unexpectedly put under circumstances where Bill is left no other option but to choose. Here in Janitor Joe’s case other options can also be looked into and it makes no sense to impose death on someone even if it is at the cost of so many others. In the case of evil Hobo, Bill must save Sara. This is because Sarah has been deliberately framed into such a situation where she is being catapulted towards death. In this case, while utilitarianism may save the life of many but morally and ethically deontologists perspective holds more weight. The threshold for the deontologist is a limit over the amount of harm that the moral allows him to make while threshold for the utilitarian limits him on the amount of harm he can cause. Every situation is different and sometimes the mo ral action needs to be carefully weighed. In each of the aforementioned situation the context in which a particular ethical action followed was very important.

None Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 39

None - Essay Example The product offers a fast and convenient way of making a tea latte at home or office. Therefore, marketing Ms. Latte is supposed to create a distinct perception in the customers mind that it is a product meant to save time and money. The cost of a product determines its positioning in the market. During the implementation stage, the first rollout package will be positioned among medium income earners. This is because this market segment represents the largest population. In addition, the medium income earners are likely to perceive a tea latte as a basic necessity because of their busy lifestyles and the need to spend little money on living. The rich people may afford to order a latte from Starbucks whenever they want but the medium income earners want to run a busy lifestyle, save on living cost and still be able to use modern equipment such as Ms. Latte. Therefore, Ms. Latte will be positioned as an affordable product. However, after spending time on the market, the product can be developed further and differentiated into two models, an expensive for high-income earners and a basic one for low-income earners. The overarching gap in the market of Latte products is availability of time-saving latte product. Therefore, the primary attribute we would want the customer to see in Ms. Latte is the â€Å"time saving† attribute of this product. Marketing campaigns would actually need to focus more on the time saving aspect of the product. Positioning Ms. Latte within this context will make the product appealing to busy lifestyle populations especially in large cities and towns. However, this time attribute will need to be matched with the freedom attribute as well. It is not possible to dictate in a coffee shop, the amount or type of milk, sugar or other ingredients when ordering a latte. However, with Ms. Latte it is possible to alter all the ingredients depending on personal’s tastes and preferences. This gives freedom of taste

Population Demographics data for non US countries Essay

Population Demographics data for non US countries - Essay Example Analysis of the graph shows that South Africa does not have a steady increase in her population. During the millennium year, the country had a population of forty five million people that increased steadily to about forty nine million in two thousand and five (Ominde and Ejiogu 2012). This represents an increase in population of about four million. However, from two thousand and five to two thousand and ten, the population of South Africa increased to fifty one million people. This shows an additional two million people. In fact, the last census survey reveals a growth rate of negative zero point zero five. Over the same period of five years, the population growth was negative. This trend does not reflect what happens in other African countries bearing in mind that the country enjoys a stable economic, social, and political environment. The causes and Impact South Africa is a country on the list of the fastest growing economies. This enables to provide high quality services to the citizens. The country has improved her infrastructure increasing the rate of rural to urban migration. This affects the birth and death rates. The birth rate has increased following provision of the quality maternal healthcare, which reduces the death rate. The availability of family planning services counters this trend. Education also plays a major role in checking the population of South Africa.... Education also plays a major role in checking the population of South Africa. South Africans have adequate reproductive health information. They understand the right time to bear children and this reduces the fertility rate as most women spent time in school hence they bear children when after their teenage ages. This is not the case in other countries in Africa such as Kenya. Comparatively, there many women in Kenya who become mothers around the age of fifteen as they do not go to school and they still stick to traditions as opposed to South Africans. The low population growth rate makes South Africa capable of sustaining food demands of her people. Families also get involved in economically productive activities and this gives time to the government to invest in other non-food projects such as the development of IT. The population of South Africa is more educated when compared to other Africans countries as both the citizens and the government have adequate disposable income for en lightenment. Kenya Total population (x 1000) Population aged 0–14 (%) Population aged 15–64 (%) Population aged 65+ (%) 1965 9 505 48.4 48.0 3.6 1970 11 252 49.1 47.5 3.4 1975 13 486 49.6 47.1 3.3 1980 16 268 50.0 47.1 3.0 1985 19 655 50.0 47.2 2.8 1990 23 447 49.0 48.3 2.7 1995 27 426 46.5 50.8 2.7 2000 31 254 44.3 52.9 2.8 2005 35 615 42.7 54.5 2.8 2015 43 513 42.5 54.9 2.7 (Ominde 2012) Tracing the status Kenya is a country in found in East Africa in the southern Great Lakes region. The country is largely multi-ethnic. The country had a population of thirty-eight million people basing on the national population census conducted by the government in two thousand and nine. The country conducts a national census every ten years with the last one in two thousand and nine and the next

Ebonics dialect Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ebonics dialect - Research Paper Example The better understanding of a language does not come through following the strict rules that prescribes how the grammar and structure of the language should be applied. The understanding of language clearly sets in, when the learners â€Å"choose not to follow the prescriptive usage† (Curzan, 870). There is dispute on the fact that learning to apply the rules of Standard English language is essential, most especially considering that it is the formal and official language that is applied in business meetings, news reading and in different other global social and political platforms. In addition, the education, general publications and any other formal documents also apply Standard English (Curzan, 873). Thus, there is no doubt that there is a need for learners to understand the application of the Standard English, if they are to become effective communicators beyond their current classroom contexts. However, while teaching the Standard English language, it is only essential th at it is not applied as the standard of measure against which other non-standard or derivative English languages should compare their grammar and sentence structure. This position has been advanced by Anne Curzan, who argues that it would certainly be wrong pretending that â€Å"written Standard English is above question† (Curzan, 871). This essay, then, aims to emphasize that it is the social perception, as opposed to the inherent superiority of a language, that gives language its meaning. According to David Wallace, the essence of a language rests in its prevalence over everything and its applicability everywhere, such that the grammar purists, whom he also refers to as snoots, have a more glorious moment than the computer nerds (Wallace, 48). This argument serves to drive to the point that language derives its meaning from its applicability, more than from the actual fact that it is a superior or inferior language. Therefore, Wallace then holds that the application of

The Relationship Between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth Essay Example for Free

The Relationship Between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth Essay The relationship between a husband and wife is affected by their individual traits and affects their decisions together. This is exemplified by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Shakespeares play, Macbeth. Macbeths courage, ambition, and ambivalence combined with Lady Macbeths own ambition, cunning, and manipulative nature interact act to culminate in the final decision at the end of Act I to murder Duncan. Macbeth is first introduced by the wounded captain as a brave warrior and valors minion when the captain reports to Duncan, For Brave Macbeth (well he deserves that name). / Disdaining Fortune†¦ (1.2.18-19). His ambition emerges after he hears the witches prophecies. He becomes willing to do any manner of gruesome act to gain the throne when he says, The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step / on which I must fall down or else oerleap, / For in my way it lies (1.4.55-56) after he finds out Duncans son is heir and between him and the throne. Another of Macbeths traits, along with bravery and ambition, is his ambivalence. This is particularly obvious in scene 7 of Act I when Macbeth debates in a lengthy soliloquy whether he should kill Duncan. He lists reasons why he shouldnt commit the murder and a reason why he should, making his decision at the end known to Lady Macbeth: We will proceed no further in this business (1.7.34). These qualities conflict with each other and Lady Macbeths traits as well throughout Act I. Lady Macbeth is a complicated character in that she has qualities perceived as masculine as when Macbeth says, Bring forth men-children only / For thy undaunted mettle should compose / Nothing but males (1.7.83-85) and yet we dont know what drives her unwavering decision to murder Duncan. Is she doing ti for her husband as she suggests when she says †¦the golden round, / Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem ? To have thee crowned withal (1.5.31-33) or is she doing it for her own benefit to gain the privileges and luxuries of a queen of Scotland? Lady Macbeth is not only ambitious but sneaky enough to fulfill her ambitions as she shows when she advises Macbeth, Bear welcome in your eye, / Your hand, your tongue. Look like th innocent / flower, / But be the serpent under t (1.6.76-78). She follows her own advice when she greets Duncan as the humble servant with a smile and  gracious words while she is secretly planning his murder. Another assumed unnatural quality in women of the time is Lady Macbeths ability to manipulate. She demonstrates this when she convinces Macbeth to murder Duncan even after he decided not to, when she says, When you durst do it, you were a man; / And to be more than when you were, you would / Be so much more the man (1.7.56-58). Not only is she manipulating him, shes bullying him into the act by insulting his manhood. It is already insulting in todays society, but in Macbeths immensely patriarchal time, its all the more offensive. Lady Macbeths qualities make her a catalyst in the play because of her effect on Macbeth. Macbeths traits vie for control throughout the act. His ambition makes him want the throne but bravery and chivalry as a servant of the king keeps him in check. This ambivalence allows him to be easily manipulated by Lady Macbeth. She is ambitious as well but cant do anything due to the restrictions of their society. Therefore, she uses her sneakiness to persuade Macbeth to murder Duncan. By the end of Act I, Macbeth has undergone a huge change from being a brave and loyal servant of the king to a conniving, power hungry killer. Macbeth eventually decides to kill Duncan because of his ambition, Lady Macbeths ambition, and her ability to get what she wants. Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. London: Washington Square Press, 2003.

Four Eras of Writing Essay Example for Free

Four Eras of Writing Essay History has evolved over the last two centuries. In the introduction to Interpretations of American History edited by Francis G. Couvares, et al., he states that the transition of the way history was interpreted has only â€Å"linked the past more strongly to the present† (Couvares 1). Before, historians –mostly white male- used to report only about â€Å"male† topics but since then, different issues have transformed the way history used to be. Over the last 400 years, the four different stages that have reshaped the writing of American history have been the providential, the rationalist, the nationalist, and the professional. Late- nineteenth-century historians, usually called â€Å"historicists† or â€Å"positivists† believed that history was like science and with practice it could be solved. According to Couvares, Croce believed that Positivists were faulty in their assumptions because history was perceived differently every time it was written down since no one thinks exactly alike. With so many different views, historians are usually adding more and more information to each other’s perceptions. Couvares says that â€Å"history is historiography, the study of history and its changing interpretations† (Couvares 3). When interpreting history, historians were influenced by their personal circumstances, beliefs, and environment. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, all through the Civil War, historians wrote a form of â€Å"providential history† (Couvares 4). Puritans – usually ministers, magistrates, and women- wished to â€Å"justify the ways of God to man, and vice-versa† (Couvares 4) in their history. They interpreted what was happening at the time as a sign of God wanting them to move forward which led them to believe that the Revolution was a win for â€Å"reformed† Christianity. With the European Enlightenment, came more of an intellectual and natural way of thinking. Couvares notes how the â€Å"rationalist historians†, greatly influenced by Newton and Locke, prospered along with the people who had been at the top of the colonies before. During this stage, the progress of reason (Couvares 5), as they called it, was their new belief. Most historians during this time were wealthy and with a high position in society, hence the style of their writing. Because of the way they thought of themselves, their history explained how the enlightened world was a success because of men like them. According to Couvares, Jeffersons Notes on the State of Virginia very much sums up the thought of the rationalists where they were the ones who achieved greatness, it wasnt God driven. However, the rationalists were not that far off from the providential its because their story still pointed upward (Couvares 6). As the nineteenth century went on, historians started to see America as the triumph of Anglo-Saxon people over inferior races (Couvares 6). They thought that because America had overcome other inferior races that they were better. Couvares explains how Bancroft organized Americas history around three themes: progress, liberty, and Anglo-Saxon destiny (Couvares 6). This is where the third stage comes in. Their idea that the Teutonic people were supposed to spread freedom across the globe was the start to their sense of pride, love, and nationalism. Not only were men, but also female historians hooked on this idea. Helen Hunt Jackson wrote about white-Indian relations, which at the time was a big obstacle to jump; while at the same time anthropologists beginning to study these relationships. Around the 1870s, though, Bancroft seemed like the past and the future possibilities were just around the corner. As universities started being built and education was more common among the middle class, history was becoming a profession. Practiced by the people who had access to advanced education, white men, they started concerning themselves with specialized training, research methodology, and educational credentials (Couvares 7). Adams and Turner both shared the belief of applying Darwins method to history. Adams argued that history was like physics and that it could be deciphered the same way. Even though Adams couldnt accomplish his goal, Turner did while at the same time seeming connected to the nationalists is sharing a little bit of their beliefs. Throughout the first half of the twentieth century, another type of professionals emerged. These Progressive historians, unlike the Adams, saw history as politics and not as science. They believed that science was needed to produce usable facts, and art to persuade people to act on them (Couvares 9) but it was political action what they wanted to accomplish with it; which could be why Progressives could be classified as reformers. Basically, their point was that the function of history â€Å"was to uncover the economic basis of political ideas†¦and educate the citizenry† (Couvares 9). In the end, with the Great Depression going on and the Second World War, the question that was raised was whether or not if the history had prepared them. Nobody could have foreseen what was going to happen, and eventually history continues to be written everyday and like Couvares pointd out, â€Å"history is an act of interpretation† (Couvares 1).

The Advantages And Shortcomings Of Daisyworld Philosophy Essay

The Advantages And Shortcomings Of Daisyworld Philosophy Essay Topic Selected: The advantages and shortcomings of Daisyworld as an analogue for the real earth system. The aim of this paper is to try and establish whether Daisyworld is an appropriate model of the real earth system, to analyse the debate between academics and in turn to discern wheather any part of Daisyworld and indeed Gaia hold any merit. Background : Daisyworld is a hypothetical model without the presence of greenhouse gases or an atmosphere. Originally consisted of two types of daises white reflecting light and black absorbing light. Later models introduced additional factors into the environment such as foxes, rabbits and other species. The main purpose of the Daisyworld system was to illustrate the crediblity of the Gaia Hypothesis. This proposes all organisms and their surroundings are interconnected to each other, creating a single, regulated system maintaining conditions for life . The original Daisyworld system was criticised for being both a rigid and narrow focused system. Since then Daisyworld has been reassessed, evolving into a more complex comprehensive system. Instead of the two fixed daisy species, many additional species were introduced including herbivores and carnivores through three tropic levels with common examples being rabbits and foxes. (Rabbits and foxes mentioned twice, possibly remove 2nd reference?)(Lovelock,2009) Advantages: Daisyworld demonstrates a simple analogue system, explaining the basic principle of Gaia and how every process has (causes instead of has) an action or reaction (couplings). Although Daisyworld can be perceived as lacking evidentionary support, the daisies show symbiosis with their environment, (but) if one species diminishes (and is) unable to survive with environment changes another species can thrive taking its place or niche. These components within the Daisyworld model can be seen in the earth system, however Daisyworld is often dismissed as a too simplified representation of natural selection. In response to critcism, Lovelocks paper A numerical model of biodiversity further expands this model by allowing the organism to mutate spontaneously. Lovelock states that both his paper and work conducted by Tim Lenton and Stephan Hardling back this theory and this more comprehensive system goes towards explaining the relationship between biodiversity and planet regulation. (Lovelock,1992) Furthermore within The vanishing face of Gaia Lovelock outlines at least ten predictions that were proposed in Gaia theory in the 1990s (proposed within Gaia theory), that (remove that) of which eight of them have been confirmed or accepted. (Lovelock,1992) (wrong ref, should be 2009) Prediction Test Result Mars is lifeless (1968) Atmospheric compositional evidence shows lack of disequilibrium Strong confirmation, Viking mission 1975 That elements are transferred from ocean to land by biogenic gases (1971) Search for oceanic sources of dimethyl sulphide and methyl iodide Found 1973 Climate regulation through biologically enhanced rock weathering (1973) Analysis of iceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ core data linking temperature and CO2 abundance Confirmed 2008, by Zeebe and Caldeira That Gaia is aged and is not far from the end of its lifespan (1982) Calculation based on generally accepted solar evolution Generally accepted Climate regulation through cloud albedo control linked to algal gas emissions (1987) Many tests have been made but the excess of pollution interferes Probable for southern hemisphere Oxygen has not varied by more than 5 per cent from 21 per cent for the past 200 million years (1974) Iceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ core and sedimentary analysis Confirmed for up to 1 million years ago Boreal and tropical forest are part of global climate regulation Models and direct observation Generally accepted Biodiversity a necessary part of climate regulation (1992) By models but not yet in the natural ecosystems Jury still out The current interglacial is an example of systems failure in a physiological sense (1994) By models only Undecided The biological transfer of selenium from the ocean to the land as dimethyl selenide Direct measurements Confirmed 2000, Liss The vanishing face of Gaia. Lovelock,2009 With eight out of ten predictions made being either confirmed or accepted, (this) means that these predictions must carry enough merit for them to be accepted by other professionals. This in turn helps support the Daisyworld model and Gaia. (maybe remove paragraph, adding at end before table that confirm of predicts support daisyworld) It has further been stated within the Daisyworld model that as solar luminosity increases, daises would perish with the increasing temperature, however negative feedbacks dampen these perturbations. This can create issues identifying were (where) some characteristics of an organism had originated, (whether) it be through natural selection or something long term such as evolution. This owes support to the claim, that the world is an interlocking system, coping with a complex interlocking system of feedback loops.This in turn can cause difficulty in isolating the original cause and effect. (Lovelock,1992) P.Saunders theorised that natural selection was not always the crucial factor in a species evolution.When enviomental change occurs, organisms have the chance (to) respond or not at all. If the system reacts as expected, its a regulated system however this regulation can cease. This can cause catastrophic collapse or a shift to a new state from which recovery is possible depending on the rate of shift. Daisyworld surmises that there is another factor involved in the systems self regulation other than natural selection called collective intellegence. Even if this is the case, P.Saunders states that natural selection deals with immediate benefit rather than the long term and insuring stability. This however could be seen as were Gaia could have influence. (Saunders,1994) Shortcomings: One of the main criticisms of Gaia and the Daisyworld model is the claim of planetary regulation through collective intelligence. A further shortcoming of the Daisyworld model has been, that the standard model experiences no greenhouse gases, no atmosphere and no clouds and as such is not representative of claims that the environment intelligently guides/shapes the planet, a real earth system. (Kump et al, 2009) . Furthermore the model uses luminosity in its calculations which is theorized to increase faster than the earths sun which could lead misinterpretations in data. Furthermore although equilibrium is achievable, in the case of the earth system, periods of equilibrium tend to be briefer and more erratic. Another criticism is that a permanent change in luminosity would cause daises to increase across the planet, causing increased albedo and reflectance which could cause a runaway effect. Although this can be witnessed on earth, the Daisyworld system presumes something would be triggered to balance the system. (kump et al,2009) The most significant criticism from various academics to Lovelocks theory is that it is pure conjecture not supported by documented evidence. Lovelock refutes this, citing both evidence he published in his book the vanishing face of Gaia and by insisting random patterns arent coincidental. Instead he insists the planet possesses greater regulatory force through collective intelligence which maintains constant symbiosis between plants, animals and the environment. Furthermore, Dolittle identifies that when a chemical or physical parameter nearly reaches critical levels, the mechanism initiating parameters to allow it to return back to optimum levels are seldom identified. Furthermore there seems to be a lack of consistent results. (Dolittle,1981) A additional shortcoming presented by Richard Dawkins in his work the selfish gene seems to contradict the Daisyworld para-dime.Dawkins states every organism is out for its interests to survive. Through this, there are many individuals that will try different traits to enhance their possible survival and in turn increase the possibility to further the species survival as a whole. The resulting theory is that individuals out for their own benefit try different traits through trail and error, with successful traits incorporated by the species as a whole and so therefore furthering the species existence. (Dawkins,1982) Lovelock counters this by insisting that symbiosis occurs to benefit both individuals and the environment simultaneously with the environment influencing the individual. Dawkins refutes this stating symbiosis is simply a by product of an individual fulfilling its own requirements. Furthermore Dr. W.F.Doolittle insists behaviour isnt genetically written, that instead accidentally balanced feedback loops occur which are fragile and happen by chance. This however conflicts with Lovelocks theory of collective intelligence it instead concludes that life is reliant on several crucial parameters and not that these parameters are manipulable which is implied by Lovelock. (Doolittle,1981) Agreement or debate : Daisyworld has been challenged and debated by several academics from various fields of study. Lovelock believed in hindsight naming his theory Gaia, after the greek godess had a bearing on peoples opinions causing people to reject his theory out of hand and become more resistant. (Lovelock,2000) Furthermore Gaia was criticized for being a teleological system with lifes existence predetermined. Lovelock refutes this stating that he never stated that planetary self regulation was purposeful or contained foresight. (Lovelock,2009) Stephen Jay Gould criticised the theory stating Gaias mechanisms involved in self regulating homeostasis havnt been identified. (Gould,1988) David Abram however refutes this criticism stating that the mechanisms itself are in fact metaphorical and consequentially Stephen Jay Gould had misinterpreted what Lovelock was trying to demonstrate. (Abram,1988) Lovelock reiterates that the connections between various identified mechanisms may never become transparent and this is why the system should be studied in its entirety. He explains his frustration that in other fields this would be accepted as matter of course. (Lovelock,2000) Mathematician R.Feynman backed this rationale further stating that a lack of explanation to the cause and effect of a theory may never be answered mathematically and it is indeed is inevitable in the progression of a theory, that even if answerable this may take time. (Lovelock,2000) Lovelock insists that Gaias biological feedback mechanisms use a process of systemic Darwinian evolution, with organisms that improve their environment survive and thrive better than those who damage theirs. (Lovelock,1979) W.F.Dolittle criticised this stating that nothing in the individuals genome could produce this functionality of intentionally bettering the individuals environment through the feedback process suggested. He therefore refutes Gaia as a scientific theory as the mechanism is unexplained. (Dolittle,1981) In Dawkins book The Extended Phenotype he further refutes this stating organisms are not able to work to a common plan, as foresight and planning would be required. (Dawkins,1982) Biologist L.Margulis and co-founder supports the Gaia hypothesis stating Darwins grand vision was not wrong, only incomplete.   She reiterates Darwin, stating the primary mechanism for selection is the direct competition between individuals for resources of which she expresses that this can be restrictive and lead to a ridged approach towards the subject. She continues by stating that the earths atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithospheres composition are controlled around specific points but that these alter with time. This highlights feedback loops raised in Lovelocks theory further supporting his claims of a level of symbiosis or collective intelligence. Furthermore she states that there is no tendency to preserve habitats and these communities can exist at various degrees of integration. Lovelock also states that although he feels there is a level of symbiosis these fixed points can become tipping points and so therefore no factor is indeed ridged and there is flexibility in the system. This can be seen when a tipping point has be (been) surpassed and the system shifts to a new state. (Margulis, 1999) Conclusion / interpretation : There are many criticisms of lovelocks work involving Daisyworld, one of the most vocal being Richard Dawkins. Dawkins is one of his main critics of his theory of collective intelligence with the biosphere and evolution of the organisms contributing to form a stable planet. Dawkins instead favours the gene as a unit of selection, in contrast with Lovelock. This approach, however has been criticised as misleading and should instead be described as a unit of evolution. Further criticism is that genes, do not exist alone but instead co-operate with each other both within the individual and its environment. Dawkins, however defends his theory stating that genetic recombination and sexual reproduction from a individual genes view sees all other genes as part of its environment. This view is criticised especially by professionals studying higher levels of selection including D.S.Wilson Co who state that a gene based approach can not satisfactorily explain all life for example altruism. Dawkins approach can be perceived as a restricted approach to understanding the earth system and by not analysing the system as whole results can become fractured and misinterpreted. Furthermore, initially Dawkins did not have any evidence to clarify his theories, he tries to rectify this in his book (which book, ref?). Dawkins states an individual organism is looking out for itself and this is ultimately beneficial for the group. This is because if you have many individuals evolving individually any advantageous behaviour or physical attributes can be passed on to the group as a whole. Furthermore this means that advantageous behaviour and attributes are passed onto the group quicker. In conclusion,Lovelock believes that to obtain accurate results we must look at the earth system as a whole this was why he created the Daisyworld model in order to explain the concept of Gaia and to counter criticism towards the theory. Lovelock stated that Daisyworld was never intended to be comparable to a real earth system, especially as the model didnt have an atmosphere and was basic in its formation. He instead created Daisyworld as he perceived that other academics were misinterpreting Gaia and its function and so Daisyworld should simply be a means of explaining the processes on earth and how everything is interconnected. Lovelock confirmed this by stating that Daisyworld was a cybernetic proof of the Gaia hypothesis (Kirchner,2003) Lovelock argued that other theories for example climate change involve a level of uncertanty and as such is widely understood as a young feild of research where inaccreatces can occur with out the theory, being dismissed out of hand. Lovelock states his fustration to this, that Gaia and the Daisyworld model are not afforded the same grace. It is seen in the original model that it was reductional, lacked variability and seemed to have limited comparability to the real earth system. However, this model has extended to include increased species diversity and variability and has included the additional parameters to allow organisms to spontaneously mutate. With these additions, this increases variability into the system which increases the systems credibility by producing more accurate results than the original system. This style of progression can be seen within climate change modeling, where better understanding and increased variability into the system, create a more accurate model moving forward. This however, takes time and as understanding increases so will the model evolve with it. Support for Daisyworld model, highlights the inclusive whole system approach in contrast to some scientists which views can be perceived by some as reductionist, bottom up approach for example Richard Dawkins. It should be appreciated that Daisyworld and more importantly Gaia is trying to create an inclusive model. Furthermore some academics have misinterpreted Daisyworld as the theory and have included some of Daisyworlds shortcomings when evaluating Gaia. Instead, Daisyworld should be seen as just a way of explaining Gaia. Although there are some inaccuracies and shortcomings of Gaia, the theory has already demonstrated that it can evolve over time and as such inaccuracies should be addressed The Gaia hypothesis has seen eight out of ten predictions confirmed or accepted, some have taken time to be proven for example the biological transfer of selenium from the ocean to the land, this was confirmed in 2000, 21 years after the Gaia hypothesis was formulated. This indicates that with some factors have been proven, others will take time to be confirmed. Another advantage of the system is that natural selection is accepted by all academics with the field but it has been realised that natural selection may not answer all outcomings. Therefore it is suggested that Gaia would be evolved in the long term and insuring stability. There are, however some factors that have the possibility of creating miscalculations for example the use of luminosity, which is suspected to be increasing faster than our sun which may lead to misinterpretations. One further, debated shortcoming is that equilibrium is achievable and that when a runaway effect is caused a balance is expected to come into force. In the real earth system equilibrium can be achievable but it is possible that it would be harder to detect in a real earth system for example for a brief period. There are still issues when a chemical or physical parameter is nearly reached, with the mechanism initialising parameters to return to normal seldom identified. The Daisyworld Para-dime isnt inherently wrong. The general principle of the Daisyworld Para-dime is a reasonable proposition. The belief that the world regulates itself on a global scale less so. Instead it is more reasonable to expect the small interactions between species, the environment and so on to balance the system. To illustrate, if the amount of Daisies increase the amount of rabbits one be expected (the opposite would be expected) to as well, cause and effect. Lovelocks general theory that when investigating the environmental effect on the planet, in order to get accurate results it should when ever possible be research in a multi disciplined co-operative approach in order to obtain both correct results and to obtain a fuller picture. Lovelocks theory of planetary regulation is correct but it is seen from the the individual species level, for example if the amount of indivdual cows increase, the level of methane that these cows produce will increase the levels in the atmosphere which could increase the level of warming of the planet. Daisyworld is a simplified representation model consisting of many connections, however how these components interact together is hard to calculate with an infinite amount of variables.It is possible to make a calculated assumption on how the earth will evolve but this is a ever developing topic with greater understanding increasing over time. For now I can only present my conclusion of whether Daisyworld is a flawed system and whether the method carrys any merit when explaining how earth develops over time. Daisyworld (the planet) has the capacity to remain stable even with components that fluctuate and organism becoming extinct, thus meaning that the small componets can change even though the planet stays the same as a whole. However due to the nature Daisyworld it only has a limited capacity of modelling prediction. Daisyworld is a basic model to attempt to explain some of the fundamental interactions in a earth focused system,it however lacks detail. We can, however see a more sophisticated detailed version of the kind of processes that can be seen in the Daisyworld system in modem climate change models. These climate change models are calculated by sophisticated computers which it has been stated that even with this level of sophistication it would still require both a great deal of space and time in order to calculate all eventual probabilities (get the number) In lovelocks most recent book The revenge of Gaia Lovelock states that Gaia is finding it increasingly difficult to minimise impact experiencing bigger losses than before, to the rainforests, planetary diversity and this is testing its ability to minimize the effects off additional greenhouse gases and increases the probability of homeostatic positive feedback associated with global warming. This new stance from Lovelock seems that he is trying to express that the balance that we once had is now being lost. This means that in the real earth system the greenhouse effect in Daisyworld terms would give a positive radiative forcing effect. This isnt modelled within Daisyworld, as Daisyworld has no atmosphere the planet would be considerably warmer with an atmosphere than without. The earth system is a dynamic system that changes over time which holds widespread agreement amongst the scientific community, this in itself means that we will always discover new facts about the planet and this will always be evolving. My assessment. there is a feed back between the daisys and the enviroment that helps regulation. the main fault with daisyworld is that the enviroment concusly adjusts this is instead a reaction to whats happening at a lower level. i dont believe this is what lovelock is trying to say instead this has been misconstuded as such. we can see that fluctation has allways happened and that the planet, as a whole has been able to regulate itself. the earth however has been less able to do this in recent years, this also has been true in history when there have been tiping points where the earth has not been able to regulate itself or maintain a level state. in my opinion, trying to be objective, i believe that the factors in which lovelock used may not exactly be correct or appropreate for example the use of luminosity and the planet having no atmosphere. however, i do firmly believe that lovelocks work has been dismissed by a section of individuals because of these shortcomings within the daisyworld model. Lovelock to his credit, has clearly stated on numerous occasions that daisyworld is not the the theory and as such should not be representative of a real earth system and was instead designed to simply explain the gaia theory. i do feel that lovelocks downfall was the fact that daisyworld was lacking in the detail and that this should have been looked at further before publicising. My conclusion is that daisyworld should not be directly used to calculate the real earth system, as it was never designed to do this. However, daisyworld is a perfect illustation of the gaia hypothesis and works efficently to illustrate the principles of gaia. It should be used as a aid in order to learn the theory. Gaia, itself seems to be gaining increasing merit but along with climate change modelling, there is an understanding that modeling will evolve in time and i believe this is the same with gaia.

The Catcher And The Rye :: essays research papers

Love, Affection, and Adulthood   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In J.D. Salinger’s controversial 1951 novel The Catcher in the Rye, the main character is Holden Caulfield. When the story begins Holden at age sixteen, due to his poor grades is kicked out of Pencey Prep, a boys’ school in Pennsylvania. This being the third school he has been expelled from, he is in no hurry to face his parents. Holden travels to New York for several days to cope with his disappointments. As James Lundquist explains, â€Å"Holden is so full of despair and loneliness that he is literally nauseated most of the time.† In this novel, Holden, a lonely and confused teenager, attempts to find love and direction in his life. Holden’s story is realistic because many adolescent’s face similar challenges.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  J.D. Salinger presents Holden Caulfield as a confused and distressed adolescent. Holden is a normal teenager who needs to find a sense of belonging. All though Holden’s obsession with â€Å"phonies† overpowers him. Dan Wakefield comments, â€Å"The things that Holden finds so deeply repulsive are things he calls â€Å"phony†- and the â€Å"phoniness† in every instance is the absence of love, and , often the substitution of pretense for love.† Holden was expelled from Pencey Prep School not because he is stupid, but because he just is not interested. His attitude toward Pencey is everyone there is a phony. Pencey makes Holden feel lonely and isolated because he had very few friends. Holden’s feeling of alienation is seen when he doesn’t attend the biggest football game of the year. His comments on the game: â€Å"It was the last game of the year and you were supposed to commit suicide or something if old Pencey didn ’t win† (2, Ch. 1). This also hints to Holden’s obsession with death. Holden can’t find a since of belonging in the school because of all the so-called phonies. Holden speaks of Pencey’s headmaster as being a phony. Holden says that on visitation day the headmaster will pay no attention to the corny-looking parents. Holden portrays his not being interested by saying, â€Å"all you do is study so that you can learn enough to be smart enough to buy a goddam Cadillac someday, and you have to keep making believe you give a damn if the football team loses†(131, Ch. 17). Holden does not care for school or money. He just wants everyone to be sincere and honest. Holden's obsession with phonies causes him to have no positive adult role models to follow.

Ireland :: essays research papers

Ireland   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the main reason me and my family came to America, was because we have been suffering The great Famine as you may call it, this was happening between the years of 1800 and 1845, there were approximately sixteen food crisis. Which was mostly caused due to the Wet harvest season. This season was responsible for about 40 percent of destroyed crops; enough to plunge the country in to a crisis. India helped us out but did not provide enough food for the tens of thousands of people who died Annually from malnutrition and epidemic disease. During the Famine over one million died, reducing the population of Ireland to 6.5 million people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Famine, although one of the main reasons I came to America, I have other reasons. One of the most attractive aspects of American Life that I found was freedom, and the choice that you have I you want to excel they’re room for expansion, back in Ireland, they was no room for expansion. In my homeland if you had a Job that’s would probably be your last, and the fact that America has many sources of food and plenty of jobs, requiring no school degree. Plus this country can give my family and me the opportunity to have a better life then that of Ireland.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What I am expecting to do in America, which I’ve heard from many people, will most likely be working in a factory. Due to that I have no school diploma. By me working in a factory, even though I might die working there, I would make enough money to put my kids through college, and let them be the bosses of the next generation. I’ve already Lived most of my life and its my goal to let my children live a better life, to offer them the best, let them choose they’re future. In 1999 the fate of Most immigrants coming from Ireland will all depend on who the person is. If A person has a good education and are set to work, they have a good future, but if you’re a bum in Ireland and you’re coming to America to get a job, it would be more difficult this time in age, everything is begin taken over computers and simple jobs are just not around anymore everything involves thinking and education.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The religion in Ireland was that of Catholicism. Despite the Penal laws it was clear that from the returns made by catholic Bishops to Dublin Castle that the church was better provided with priest then it had been a century earlier.

Clockworks Orange :: Free Essays Online

Clockworks Orange In the 1960's our developing world faces many of it's impurities. The youth of this nation fight for equal right, equality of the races and freedom of speech. But not all the protests are legal. Many people are guilty of treason and must be punished but with an over crowded prison system were will these political prisoners be sent. The common criminals are flooding the system with there petty robbers, assaults and murders. We need to deal with the common criminal before we can deal with the political. The novel The Clockwork Orange written by Anthony Burgess depicts the life of a child of the night (Alex). Him and his droogs (friends) see life as something worthless as they rape, assault and murder their way though their teenage-hood. To help cure this problem the government comes up with a new way a deal with criminals. This method included the relation between crime and physical pain. The method is first used on Alex when he was arrested. It works and he is released into society a violence free man. In the end Alex grows out of the treatment and goes back on a crime spree. He continues this until he grows out of teenage hood. The novel itself is well written, though it is a hard read. It contains over 200 Russian words that the reader must decipher themselves due to the fact that Anthony Burgess will not allow a glossary in any of his printings. The novel which is narrated by the man character pulls you into his life and shows the reader what goes through the mind of the criminally insane. The flow of the novel is easy to follow with little confusion on what is in each section. Many insights can be derived from this book and it can be used to support many different topics. A well rounded book that gives the reader wanting more. The power of youth is growing in the 60's. Teenager fight for their rights but when they have nothing more to fight for they will need something else to do. Most teens when bored turn to drug and crime as a source of pleasure. To deal with this me must stop it by sending the youth to correctional facilities. When these don't work adult punishments must be given. But what if we could trace back into the mind and find why we commit crimes.

Unit Assessment

Human Resources Coordinator: Supports the efficient operations of the Human Resources Department by coordinating and delivering a diverse range of Human Resources Management activities with a focus on recruitment, on-boarding & induction training, Human Resources system administration, organization development and information management. Business Plans: To work closely with Government, health practitioners, researchers, cancer advocacy groups, charities and cancers sufferers to help eradicate cancer.Business Goals: To eradicate cancer by reducing smoking prevalence. Ever exposure to ultraviolet light by behavior modification, create healthy environments thus having healthier lifestyles for patients, increasing cancer survival rates by encouraging screening participation, improving earlier detection, reducing cancer outcome variations, reducing the gap between outcomes and the care patients receive by defining key areas, Improve models of service delivery, embedding health services re search In cancer care and arranging policies & procedures to support them.Policies & Procedures: Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, Annual Reports & Cancer Plans, NEWS Cancer Plan 2011-2015, Conflict of Interest, Corporate Credit Card, Corporate Governance Statement, Data Governance, Employee Code of Conduct & Ethics, Fraud & Corruption Control Strategy, Information Technology – Third Party Service Management, Public Interest Disclosures Policy, Receiving gifts & benefits, Records Management, Reporting Corrupt Conduct to IAC, Responding to Requests for Information & Advice, Smoke Free Workplace and Sponsorship. ) Goals Coordinate the on-boarding of new staff Coordinate the separation of exiting staff Coordinate Performance Development Process (PDP) cycle milestones Coordinate organization wide training initiatives Coordinate organization wide reward and recognition programs The Human Resources (HRS) Coordinator's role is to ensure the above goals are met by work ing independently as well as working closely with HRS Management. By gathering the required Information, the HRS Coordinator must take it and use It accordingly to the organizations polices and procedures.The HRS Team can only function correctly if everyone plays their part. The HRS Coordinators primary role is to coordinate – to reduce plans for the organization in order for the organization to follow them in accordance with policy and procedure. 3) KIP: On-boarding Staff – Produce letters of employment offer, develop starter kits for new staff and organize enrolment into HRS Learning Systems for new staff. KIP: Separation of Exiting Staff – Conducting exit interviews, produce separation checklists, closure of employee profiles and removal of employee from HRS Systems.KIP: PDP Cycle Milestones – Develop documentation & follow-up to ensure milestones are completed in accordance with organizational requirements and generate a rarity of performance outcome reports. KIP: Organization Wide Training Initiatives – Organize invitations to get people involved in training, keep a formal attendance record, organize qualified facilitators to train students, keep & maintain training calendar for important training dates (assessments) and book venues for training to be held.KIP: Coordinate Organization Wide Reward & Recognition Programs – Be in charge of the organizing and running of the Purple Jersey Program, distribution of movie & lunch vouchers and developing 5 year service awards by keeping track of employee attendance. The above Kepi's will be used to measure goal-related performance by how well each task is performed. Every goal that each employee completes makes up the organizations overall performance outcome. Every task has its own set of conditions and difficulties.These conditions and difficulties can vary from minimal to maximum depending on what the task is and how the task is handled. By using the urgent-important ma trix, we can eliminate the most important tasks first and work on the smaller tasks at a later time that way the sit of tasks does not seem as bad as originally planned as they are broken up into more manageable tasks. By using the matrix, it can eliminate the stresses of having so much on one's plate to do.It will make it easier to look at each task and say â€Å"It is manageable† or â€Å"l can achieve this† instead of lacking the confidence to do so. 4) Coordinate organization wide training initiatives Coordinate PDP Cycle Milestones Coordinate separation of exiting staff Coordinate organization wide reward and recognition programs The two goals that I choose to develop work plans for are: I chose these two goals as I believe they are the most important tasks to manage for the organization would be going nowhere. Putting on new staff replaces those that exit the organization.I will maintain a healthy work-life balance by finding my best two hours of the day to stron gly strive awards getting my urgent-important tasks done. I also truly believe that work stays at work and home stays within home boundaries – do not mix the two together as it can cause problems in either area. My stress levels can be managed by sticking to my work plan of doing the urgent-important tasks first to eliminate worrying about trying to do several tasks at once. I can maintain my health by taking regular breaks away from the computer screen as it is unhealthy to be sitting staring at a computer the brief walk from my desk to the staff room and back.

Junk Food Essay

Hello, my name is Daniela and I am here today to share my opinion about banning junk food, and hopefully I change your opinion, if you disagree with me. Well, junk food is food that’s very high in fat, sugar, and calories. It hardly has protein, vitamins, or minerals. I know it may be very tasty and good, but it’s not so good for your body. Eating junk food can cause your brain to get addicted to it in a way like drugs do. You’ll constantly think you need it, when you don’t. If you go a couple weeks without junk food and you’re use to eating it, you’ll want it even more, which is bad. Poor eating habits as a kid, become worse when you’re an adult. Eating it for years can cause obesity. Over 31. 8% of children in America are obese or overweight. This all leads to heart problems, diabetes, and other health problems. It can also cause cavities and other dental problems. Junk food also has a lack of oxygen, which is what feeds the brain and the rest of the body. Lack of oxygen causes fatigue and lack of concentration. A lot of studies also show that kid’s grades are sliding down very fast, due to being tired and lack of concentration. They can’t keep all the information they’re learning in their head. Parents should monitor their kid’s diet, but at school they can’t. Therefore the school should help the students in deciding what’s better for their nutrition. Kids do what they see other people do no matter if it’s bad or good. They see us eating a lot of junk food; they’ll eat a lot of junk food. They see us being healthy; they’ll want to become healthy. So why teach them that eating a lot of junk food is healthy? At home, maybe some parents may not care what their kid eats; therefore they should at least have one healthy meal provided by the school. Many students like to go and socialize with their friends during lunch since they can’t really talk or see each other any other times during school. Therefore, they’ll want to just grab a quick snack, like a type of junk food, and just leave to go talk with their friends. They aren’t eating a good meal and are just putting junk in their body. It’s much better if the school bans it and replaces the junk food with a healthy snack so at least the person can be eating something good for them. What if the school makes you take P. E. more than you’re required to since they decided to keep junk food? I know many of you hate it. So I don’t know about you, but I rather be eating healthy, than be trying to lose those calories I got from the junk food. I rather not even be taking P. E. another year just because they decided to keep that junk. Also, students are taught in health classes about healthy eating, and if the schools promotes and sells junk food, then the school contradicts its purpose of teaching this. The money you waste on junk food funds most of the cool and new stuff we get for our school. The school board should be paying for this stuff. They’re basically making money off your poor health choices. I hope you see things my way now and think about supporting the idea of banning junk food in school. Thank you for your listening!