Reflective Manager Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Reflective Manager - Essay Example As Wiesen (2011) states, â€Å"the purpose of employee development is for workers at a company to learn skills that they can use within the workplace†. Learning is considered a key phase in the employee development process which not only improves the performance of employees but also makes them able to overcome global competition challenges successfully. Learning in organizations holds an important place because of a large number of associated benefits. Learning is basically related to the improvement in skills, abilities, and knowledge of employees through training, coaching, and direct observation. Managers and employees all benefit from the reflective process of learning. The first stage of the reflective process is awareness which leads to the critical analysis. The critical analysis plays the role of a link between past experiences and the future. The last step of the reflective learning process is learning which helps managers and employees in improving their skills, abi lities, and job performances. Learning through coaching can help Comet in many ways. As Chakravarthy (2011) states, â€Å"the coach has to help the person learn the requisite attitude, behavior and skills needed to perform the job successfully†. ... The importance of learning in organizations cannot be denied in today’s world of ongoing competition. If we talk about the levels of reflection from learning perspective, we can say that at the lowest level, learning is task-specific and usually helps in problem-solving, whereas the highest level of the reflective process of learning helps managers and employees in overcoming challenges underlying attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions. Learning helps employees grasp more knowledge about the way they should perform their job responsibilities, as well as help them grow in their professional careers. Learning also helps managers in managing their entire job related activities and responsibilities in an effective manner (Peter 2012). Some of the main learning methods that can use to achieve the goals of improved organizational performance and strategic agility include on the job training, off the job training, small group discussions, and cross training. On-The-Job learning plays a vital role in boosting the learning process for employees and managers. This method focuses on improving employee efficiency using the approach of activity-based learning. Use of direct learning and temporary work rotations help managers in dealing with changing scenarios in an effective manner. Another thing which goes side by side with learning is the need to increase the level of confidence of people. Learning brings in the required level on confidence in people which is critical for increasing job productivity and performance. â€Å"Organizational learning allows for teams to learn exactly what is relevant to their specific tasks and specialties† (Silberman 2013). Along with increasing confidence of managers and employees, on-the-job learning also helps them in reducing

Eye diseases

Eye diseases 1. Introduction 1.1 Glaucoma Eye disease such as glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are some of the common causes of reduced vision and blindness (Short, 2008). Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease where the damage of optic nerves resulted in visual field loss. In the year of 2010, it is estimated that 60.5 million people will be diagnosed with glaucoma, and by 2020, the number would be increased to 79.6 million (Quigley and Broman, 2005). According to International Glaucoma Association, some of the risk factors that contribute to the development of glaucoma are advanced age, race, long or short sighted, and genetic predisposition. Damage of the optic nerves in glaucoma is often due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) which occurs when there is an imbalance of aqueous humor production and drainage in the eye. This clear fluid produced by the ciliary body flows into the posterior chamber and exit through trabecular meshwork at the open angle where the cornea and iri s meet (1). Blocked drainage channel restricts the flow of aqueous humor out of the anterior chamber. This causes the pressure in eye to be increased to an abnormal level, thus damaging the optic nerves. Optic nerve plays an important role in transmitting impulses from the light sensitive tissue layer, the retina to the brain, where the visual information is interpreted. Therefore, early detection and treatment could prevent permanent and irreversible blindness from glaucoma. There are several classifications of glaucoma, the most common types are primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). The difference between these two types is the present of physical obstruction in the drainage channel in one and its absence in the other. As for the former type, an increase in IOP is caused by blockage of the drainage channel where the aqueous humor drains out (1) (Coleman,1999). This process occurs very gradually and often patient does not notice any early signs of sight loss such as blind spots, or patches of vision loss until severe damaged has been done to the optic nerves, thus causing blindness. Different ethnic group was shown to have different glaucoma prevalence. The African population was shown to be more prevalent to suffer from POAG in the study demonstrated by Ntim-Amponsah et al. (2004). The standardised age-specific glaucoma prevalence for that ethic group was 7.7% while the Caucasians have an overall lower prevalence than that. It was suggested by Herndon et al. (2004) that the blacks have an overall thinner central corneal compared to the Caucasians and this might contribute to the progression of POAG. As explained by Coleman (1999), in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), the angle between the iris and lens is very narrow. When the iris dilates, the iris-lens contact prevents the flow of aqueous humor into the anterior chamber. The continuous secretion of aqueous humor creates a pressure which pushes the iris forward onto the trabecular meshwork, closing the angle (1). This rapid onset causes sudden build-up of intraocular pressure leading to short-term loss of vision. Severe eye pain, blurred vision, headache, nausea, vomiting and halos around lights are among the symptoms observed in this eye disease. Asian was shown to have a higher prevalence of PACG compared to the Western population. Some of the studies concluded that Chinese are at a higher risk of suffering from PACG. This is related to the geometry of the anterior chamber where Chinese has a smaller corneal or a shallower anterior chamber, thus implying that there is a higher risk of developing angle closure and therefo re PACG (Wang et al., 2002). 1.2 Pharmacological therapy of glaucoma The goal in treating glaucoma is to delay the progression by giving immediate therapy for early stage glaucoma patient to prevent further loss of vision. Treatment aims to reduce IOP by either increasing the aqueous humor drainage or reducing the aqueous humor secretion rate. Several classes of drugs are used in the treatment of glaucoma, namely beta-adrenergic antagonists (beta-blockers), selective alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and prostaglandin analogues. The choice of treatment depends on the effectiveness and side-effects of the drug, co-mobility and cost of treatment. Beta-blockers are one for the first line drug used in treatment of glaucoma but newer medications are increasingly being used as first choice of glaucoma therapy. The exact mechanism of beta-blocker in reducing IOP is not known, but it was suggested that beta-blocker reduces the aqueous humor production by blocking the beta2-receptor on the non-ciliary body epithelium. On average, no n-selective beta-blockers such as timolol, levobunolol, carteolol and metipranolol lower the IOP by 20-35% while beta1-receptor antagonist, betaxolol lowers it by 15-25%. However, when the pharmacological therapy is unsuccessful, laser or surgery are required to treat this eye disease (Soltau and Zimmerman, 2002). The most widely used ocular hypotensive agent is the non-selective beta-blocker, timolol. Timolol is often used as an adjunct therapy to other difference classes of IOP-lowering agents such as brimonidine, travoprost and acetazolamide. In one of the studies, combination therapy of latanoprost and timolol was proved to be more effective in lowering IOP compared to using lataoprost alone in glaucoma treatment (Olander K, 2004). The maleate salt of timolol is soluble in water and alcohol, and has a pKa of approximately 9 in water at 25Â °C. The current commercially available opthalmic therapies of timolol are timolol maleate topical opthalmic solution and gel-forming ophthalmic solution. Some of the local side effects of topical application of timolol include ocular irritation, burning, pain, itching, erythema and dry eyes. Beta-blocker is contra-indicated in patients who have bronchial asthma, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sinus bradycardia, heart block, or uncontr olled heart failure. In some cases, exacerbation of reactive airways disease and cardiovascular disease due to the systemic absorption of the non-selective beta-blocker has been reported occasionally in patients receiving topical timolol therapy (McEvoy G K, 2002). After long-term usage of timolol, tolerance might develop in some patients. This has been suggested that there is an up-regulation of beta-receptors in target cells in response to constant exposure of antagonist at the beta-receptors (Fechtner, 2008). 1.3 Drug delivery in treatment of glaucoma There are several approaches in delivering intraocular drugs, among them are topical application, systemic administration, intraocular implants and intravitreal injections. Each of these routes has its own advantages and challenges (Short, 2008). Topical administration is the most widely used route for drug delivery in treating eye diseases. The major challenge of this application to the posterior ocular tissues is poor drug bioavailability resulted from the ocular physiological and anatomical constraints, which include tear fluid turnover rate, nasolacrimal drainage and high efficiency of blood-ocular barrier. It was shown that only 1-5% of the topically applied drugs is absorbed across the cornea and reaches the target intraocular tissues. Furthermore, nasolacrimal drainage contributes to extensive precorneal losses that lead to poor bioavailability. In addition, systemic exposure through nasolacrimal drainage will also cause significant systemic toxicity. Blood-ocular barrier whic h is located at the retinal pigmented epithelium and the endothelium of the retinal vessels is also a major challenge in delivering topical drugs to the target tissues. This barrier limits the penetration of intraocular drugs to the back of the eyes. Unfortunately, systemically administered drugs are also having the same problem in penetrating the barrier. Hence, alternative drug delivery strategies such as intravitreal injections have been investigated and developed to overcome this problem (Tombrain-Tink and Barnstable, 2006). Intravitreal injection is the administration of intraocular drugs to the vitreous cavity of the eye and this route is becoming increasingly popular in treating glaucoma patients. Due to short half-life of drugs in the vitreous, frequent and repeated injections to the eye are needed to maintain the drug concentration at therapeutic level in the vitreous and the retina. Consequently, this procedure leads to complication such as infection, vitreous hemorrhage, and lens or retinal injury. Sustained release formulation has been developed and possible benefits of particulate drug delivery has been investigated and studied to overcome such complications. The particulate drug delivery systems include microparticles and nanoparticles such as liposome, microcapsule, nanocapsules, microspheres and nanospheres. Liposomes, microcapsules and nanocapsules allow encapsulation of the drug molecules while in microspheres and nanospheres, drugs are dispersed in a spherical polymer matrix. These particu lates act as a reservoir to control the release rate during periods of days and sometime even months (Short, 2008; Tombrain-Tink and Barnstable, 2006). 1.4 Microspheres Microspheres of biodegradable polymers such as poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) are a combination of drug and polymer. PLGA-based microspheres have several advantages over other controlled released drug delivery system. The administration of these microspheres to the body only requires syringes and needles, thus avoiding surgical implants of controlled-release formulations. Besides that, these PLGA are biodegradable and are biocompatible to the tissues, including the brain tissues (Fournier, 2003). Three microencapsulation techniques are being employed in producing PLGA microspheres these days. Solvent evaporation and solvent extraction process is one of the method which includes single emulsion process and double emulsion process. The former process involves oil-in-water emulsification and latter is the most commonly used water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) method used to encapsulate water-soluble drugs such as timolol maleate into microspheres. Final emulsions from both processes wi ll undergo solvent removal by extraction or evaporation. The solid microspheres that are produced from these processes will then be filtered or sieved, and finally dried. This technique is widely used because it is easy and does not involve complicated steps. Other methods such as phase separation and spray drying are also being used to encapsulate microspheres. The disadvantage of phase separation is that it needs a careful optimisation of some parameters, such as solvent and polymer type, salt type and concentration in order to obtain any microspheres at all. On the other hand, the limitation of spray drying is that small batches of drug are produced due to loss of product during spray-drying (Jain, 2000). PLGA, a copolymer of lactic acids and glycolic acids is commonly used in the production of controlled-release biomedical devices such as microparticles and nanoparticles. Incorporation of the active substance in polymer matrix allows drug to be released at a slower rate over a prolonged period, thus reducing the frequency of drug administration and hence improving patients compliance. The main target of controlled-release drug delivery is to produce a zero-order release pattern, but this was not achieved very often. Some of the small molecules are associated with undesirable initial burst phase during where drugs on the microsphere surface are being released through rapid diffusion, followed by a slow release or no release. During the initial burst phase, excessive release of potent drugs from the polymer for a prolonged time causes severe side effects. However, during the second phase, only a small fraction of drug will be released from the matrix due to decreased driving force in d rug depletion (Berkland et al., 2002). In the study conducted by Mao et al. (2007), the effect of different preparation of water-in-oil-in water emulsion on the burst release of fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled dextran from the PLGA microspheres was being investigated. It was found that an increase in drug loading, polyvinyl alcohol concentration and homogenisation speed resulted in a decrease in initial burst. This is due the changes in morphology of the by using different preparation techniques. The main mechanism of drug release from microsphere can be divided to two processes, which are drug diffusion from the polymer network and drug release through polymer degradation. Once PLGA is administered to the eyes, water fills into the network of pore by a negative water gradient and the active compound subsequently diffuses out of the co-polymer. However, this gradient will disappear gradually within a period time and thus the drug molecules are released at a slower rate at a later stage. This process is often coupled with the breakage of ester bonds of the polymer by hydrolysis and it can also be autocatalysed by the accumulation of acidic degradation products and hence leading degradation of PLGA-based microsphere. During this process, oligomers at the surface of microsphere escape from the matrix, leaving behind those who are entrapped inside the matrix core. Size of microsphere plays a very important role in manipulating the rate of degradation. In one of the study, it was shown that larger particle size will degrade more rapidly. This is due to the inner core of the polymer is more acidic compared to its external environment (Grizzi et al. ,1995) Effect of several factors such as polymer composition and preparation condition on the drug release patterns were being investigated by several studies. It has been demonstrated by Janoria and Mitra (2007) that different lactide/glycolide ratio resulted in different release rate of a lipophilic prodrug (GCV-monobutyrate) from PLGA-based microsphere. PLGA with higher lactide content (65:35) was found to have higher glass transition temperature than lower lactide content (50:50) of PLGA polymer. This was suggested that the former ratio had slower drug diffusion through the polymer matrix, hence longer releasing time. On the other hand, an addition of surfactants, polyvinyl alcohol or Triton X-100 to the primary emulsion obtained from the double emulsion solvent evaporation technique resulted in the production of larger particle size, thus slower releasing rate was observed (Bouissou et al., 2006). Besides that, inclusion of additives in the formulation will also affect the release prof ile of microspheres. Kang F R and Singh J (2001) found out that the addition of PEG 1000 and tricaprin increased the porosity of the PLGA, thus changing its surface characteristics. This has lead to a higher initial releasing rate of bovine serum albumin due to rapid diffusion of the protein through the large pores on the surface of microspheres. Different preparation methods effect the morphology and drug distribution of microspheres. A change in the process condition will yield different size distribution and porosity of the microsphere. Some of the critical parameters of determining the microparticles morphology are volume ratio of oil to internal water, homogenisation speed and type of solvents used. Surface morphology of microspheres is shown to be influenced by the volume ratio of oil to internal water in a research conducted by Yang et al. (2000). An increase in size and initial burst of the microspheres was observed by decreasing the volume ratio from 40:1 to 12:1. More porous microparticles were also observed in lower volume ratio. Homogenisation speed was also proved to be important in determining the morphology of microparticles by Sansdrap and Moes (1993). When homogenisation speed was increased, the microparticulate was found to be smaller. Similarly, different organic phase solvent was proved to produce differen t size distribution of particles. Song et al. (2006) showed that partially water-soluble solvents such as ethyl acetate and propylene carbonate produced smaller mean particle size compared to the fully water-soluble solvents, acetone and dichloromethane. Since there are limited studies based on the effect of method parameters on the morphology and drug release profile of timolol maleate encapsulated microsphere, this study aimed to further investigate the effect of volume ratio of oil to internal water, homogenisation speed and type of solvents used. Timolol maleate is encapsulated in PLGA by double-emulsion solvent evaporation method. The surface morphology and particle sizes of the microspheres were being studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). On the other hand, the effect on the drug release profile was determined by analysing the released drug sample from the microspheres using ultraviolet spectrophotometer.

What is the Purpose of the War on Terror? Essay -- Terrorism Essays

The War On Terror. It is a name that brings many strong thoughts and emotions to mind for Americans still to this today. It is has been Americas longest war, most expensive war, and a deadly conflict. All in all, the Iraqi War from 2003 to 2011 brought a cost of 500,000 lives from civilians to militants (Vergano 1). Among the U.S. army alone it is estimated that around 900,000 veterans have had some form of injury ranging from PTSD to amputations (Ruis 1). Not to mention, many experts say once all war reparations have been paid the war will cost upwards of three trillion dollars (Broder 1). That means when the math is done, if the war cost were to be split evenly among all American households, than every family in the U.S. would have to pay $75,000 (Auken 1). When President Barack Obama was campaigning in 2008 he once argued that through various taxes the Iraqi War (2003-2011) was and is costing each America household over $100 a month (Broder 1). With such catastrophic cost and toll s of the thousands of innocent lives where can the foundations for such a war effort begin? Throughout the years many eyebrow-raising statements have been brought up concerning the war, which quickly begins to make any war effort basis appear shallow and weak. Peter Baker, a former White House correspondent, wrote a book in which an anonymous senior Bush administration official is quoted saying, â€Å"The only reason we went into Iraq, I tell people now, is we were looking for somebody’s ass to kick.† In addition, General John Abizaid, a former head of U.S. Central Command and Military Operations in Iraq for 2007 said, â€Å"Of course it's about oil; we can't really deny that," in and interview with CNN (Juhasz 1). With such startling statements over the years... ...heridan, Kerry. "Iraq Death Toll Reaches 500,000 Since Start Of U.S.-Led Invasion, New Study Says." The World Post. HPMG News, 15 Nov. 2013. Web. 04 Mar. Swanson, David. "You're More Likely to Be Killed by a Toddler than a Terrorist." Washington's Blog. Washington Post, 12 June 2013. Web. 23 Mar. 2014. Staff, CNN. "Bin Laden's Death: How the Story Unfolded." CNN. Cable News Network, 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 05 Mar. 2014. Gipe, Paul. "For the Price of the Iraq War, The U.S. Could Have a 100% Renewable Power System." Washingtons Blog. Washington Blogs, 11 Apr. 2013. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. Templeton, Tom. "9/11 in Numbers." The Observer. Guardian News and Media, 17 Aug. 2002. Web. 21 Mar. 2014. Vergano, Dan. "Half-Million Iraqis Died in the War, New Study Says." National Geographic Daily News. National Geographic Society, 15 Oct. 2013. Web. 04 Mar. 2014.

Environmental Scanning: Identifying Threats and Opportunities

Organizational environment consists of both external and internal factors. Environment must be scanned so as to determine development and forecasts of factors that will influence organizational success. Environmental scanning refers to possession and utilization of information about occasions, patterns, trends, and relationships within an organization’s internal and external environment. It helps the managers to decide the future path of the organization. Scanning must identify the threats and opportunities existing in the environment.While strategy formulation, an organization must take advantage of the opportunities and minimize the threats. A threat for one organization may be an opportunity for another. Internal analysis of the environment is the first step of environment scanning. Organizations should observe the internal organizational environment. This includes employee interaction with other employees, employee interaction with management, manager interaction with othe r managers, and management interaction with shareholders, access to natural resources, brand awareness, organizational structure, main staff, operational potential, etc.Also, discussions, interviews, and surveys can be used to assess the internal environment. Analysis of internal environment helps in identifying strengths and weaknesses of an organization. As business becomes more competitive, and there are rapid changes in the external environment, information from external environment adds crucial elements to the effectiveness of long-term plans. As environment is dynamic, it becomes essential to identify competitors’ moves and actions. Organizations have also to update the core competencies and internal environment as per external environment.Environmental factors are infinite, hence, organization should be agile and vigile to accept and adjust to the environmental changes. For instance – Monitoring might indicate that an original forecast of the prices of the raw m aterials that are involved in the product are no more credible, which could imply the requirement for more focused scanning, forecasting and analysis to create a more trustworthy prediction about the input costs. In a similar manner, there can be changes in factors such as competitor’s activities, technology, market tastes and preferences.While in external analysis, three correlated environment should be studied and analyzed — †¢immediate / industry environment †¢national environment †¢broader socio-economic environment / macro-environment Examining the industry environment needs an appraisal of the competitive structure of the organization’s industry, including the competitive position of a particular organization and it’s main rivals. Also, an assessment of the nature, stage, dynamics and history of the industry is essential. It also implies evaluating the effect of globalization on competition within the industry.Analyzing the national e nvironment needs an appraisal of whether the national framework helps in achieving competitive advantage in the globalized environment. Analysis of macro-environment includes exploring macro-economic, social, government, legal, technological and international factors that may influence the environment. The analysis of organization’s external environment reveals opportunities and threats for an organization. Strategic managers must not only recognize the present state of the environment and their industry but also be able to predict its future positions.

Raynair Business Model Essay

This year, Air Scoop is publishing an updated report on Ryanair’s Business Model, with a new task in mind. Starting from what was built last year, the 2011 Ryanair report has been conceived with a double objective in mind: to provide readers with a brief, compelling, synthesis of Ryanair’s business model and highlight new elements and evolutions in Ryanair’s skies. In no way is that report intended as a replacement of the one published last year, rather as a complement that should provide anyone interested in the European low-cost industry with a wealth of information on the market’s most important company. Conceptually, the 2011 report was elaborated along two different axis of analysis. In a first part, the report starts by taking a look at Ryanair’s revenues and expenses. According to the company itself, if Ryanair has grown so fast, it is thanks to an efficient mix of ever increasing sources of income and ever wider cost-cutting measures in all services. For this reason, the 2011 report looks, item by item, at Ryanair’s cost-cutting, profit-maximising strategies. From the most discussed to the lesser known tactics, the goal is to show how Ryanair has managed and still manages to constantly extract increasing income from its passengers while maintaining rock-bottom prices, through a relatively complex fare system and a slew of ancillary services. The report also investigates Ryanair’s largely misunderstood relationship with its own assets and how the airline managed to practically neutralise costs usually associated with aircraft and human resources, even turning airports into direct sources of revenues. The second part of the report is dedicated to a more analytical approach of the airline’s structure, providing the reader with an analysis of what Air Scoop judges to be the three main strengths of the airline. Namely, Ryanair’s legal strategy, whose dominant feature is an extremely proactive stance towards anything even remotely menacing to the airline, deterring irate customers from engaging legal action and submerging European regulators with complaints. Second, and perhaps most important, is Ryanair’s financial structure itself, through which the airline has optimised every part of its business, taking advantage of varying legal and fiscal frameworks all around Europe. Third is the most visible, but also possibly the least understood, part of Ryanair’s package for success, its communication. The airline, mainly through its hyper-charismatic CEO, Michael O’Leary, has managed to be present in every form of media outlet almost daily. Whether it be in good or bad terms, Ryanair is being talked about, and gets into customers’ minds and on every newstand in Europe. The traditional pricing system means that â€Å"fundamentally, each flight must be paid for by exactly one fare, but a single fare may pay for more than one flight. Multiple fares may be combined to pay for all the flights in a journey. The airline industry uses the term fare component (FC) to refer to a fare and the flights it pays for (covers)†1. Fare components can be combined in six different geometric figures (ranging from direct trip to elaborate circle trip), any combination of one to four fare components qualifies as a â€Å"Priceable Unit† (PU). A ticket can be built from any number of priceable units to form a coherent sellable trip. Some more restrictions may apply such as rules indicating that there â€Å"must be a Saturday night between departure of first flight in first fare component of priceable unit and departure of first flight and last fare component†2. This results in an incredibly complex faring system in the traditional airline industry and low transparency for customers. Many low-cost carriers use a different pricing system. Because companies such as Ryanair rely on a point-to-point rather than a hub-and-spoke system, they cannot offer similarly connected flights. Ryanair has decided to turn this into an advantage and offer simply-priced â€Å"point A to point B† tickets, avoiding the hassle of elaborating complex ticket structures and allowing the company to deny any responsibility in a missed connection while having the opportunity to intensively utilise aircraft and crews.

Difference and Usages Between To and Too

Difference and Usages Between To and Too Sometimes a seemingly small error can turn a great paper into a dud. Using to when you should have used too might seem like a small matter to you, but it can be one of those errors that make the red ink pens fly. This is one mix-up that makes teachers and professors crazy! The key to remembering when to use too instead of to is the extra o in too. The word too is used when youre referring to an extra or excessive amount of something. For instance: Im too tired to do another math problem. (excessively tired)Ive eaten too many blueberries and Im feeling sick. (an excessive amount)Im coming to your party too. (as an extra person)I think the school day starts too early. (excessively early) The word to has many uses. 1. It can be a preposition expressing a certain direction or location: I am going to the coffee shop. 2. It can be a proposition that identifies a thing or person being affected by something: That situation seems crazy to me. 3. It can make up (or indicate) an infinitive verb form. Marigold loves to sing.To live well is my goal. More Tips for Using Too If you are already in the habit of mixing to and too, it will take a little practice to correct yourself. They key is to stop and make a conscious decision each time you start to write the word to. Ask yourself if: You could substitute the word very.You could substitute the word excessively.You are dealing with an increase in number or degree of something.You could substitute the word also.Youre talking about going past a certain limit.You could substitute the word exceedingly. Notice how each case above deals with the notion of an extra amount? Just think about that extra o in too as you write and proofread. Youll be cured of a bad habit in no time!

The Many Uses of PBT Plastics

The Many Uses of PBT Plastics PBT, or polybutylene terephthalate, is a synthetic, semi-crystalline engineered thermoplastic with similar properties and composition to polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Its part of the polyester group of resins and shares characteristics with other thermoplastic polyesters. Its a high-performance material with high molecular weight and is often characterized as being a strong, stiff, and engineerable plastic. Color variations of PBT range from white to bright colors. Uses PBT is present in everyday life and common in electrical, electronic, and automotive components. PBT resin and PBT compound are the two types of products used in various applications. PBT compound comprises various materials that can include PBT resin, fiberglass filing, and additives, while PBT resin includes only the base resin. The material is often used in mineral or glass-filled grades. For use outdoors and where fire is a concern, additives are included to improve its UV and flammability properties. With these modifications, its possible for a PBT product to be used in numerous industrial applications. PBT resin is used to make PBT fiber as well as electronic parts, electrical parts, and auto parts. TV set accessories, motor covers, and motor brushes are examples of the uses of PBT compound. When reinforced, it can be used in switches, sockets, bobbins, and handles. The unfilled version of PBT is present in some brake cable liners and rods. When a material with high strength, good dimensional stability, resistance to various chemicals, and good insulation is needed, PBT is a preferred choice. The same is true when bearing and wear properties are determining factors. For these reasons, valves, food processing machinery components, wheels, and gears are made from PBT. Its application in food processing components is largely due to its low moisture absorption and its resistance to staining. It also doesnt absorb flavors. Advantages The major advantages of PBT are evident in its resistance to solvents and low shrinkage rate when forming. It also has good electrical resistance and because of its fast crystallization is easy to mold. It has excellent heat resistance up to 150 degrees Celcius and a melting point reaching 225 degrees Celcius. The addition of fibers enhances its mechanical and thermal properties, allowing it to withstand higher temperatures. Other notable advantages include: Excellent stain resistanceExcellent machining characteristicsHigh strengthToughnessExcellent stiffness-to-weight ratioResistance to environmental changesExcellent machining characteristicsBetter impact resistance than PETExcellent dimensional stabilityBlocks UV radiationHigh electrical insulation propertiesGood variety of grades available Disadvantages PBT has disadvantages that limit its application in some industries, including: Lower strength and rigidity than PETLower glass transition temperature than PETProne to warp when glass is used as a fillerDoesnt present satisfactory resistance to acids, bases, and hydrocarbons Future of PBT Demand for PBT has regained footing after the economic crisis in 2009 caused various industries to lower production of certain materials. With growing populations and innovations in the automotive, electrical, and electronics industries, the use of PBT will steadily increase. This is apparent in the automotive industry, given its increasing need for lighter, more resistant, low-maintenance, and cost-competitive materials. The use of engineer-grade plastics such as PBT will increase due to issues surrounding corrosion of metals and high costs to minimize that problem. Many designers looking for alternatives to metals are turning to plastic as the solution. A new grade of PBT that offers better results in laser welding has been developed, providing a new solution to welded parts. Asia-Pacific is the leader in the use of PBT, which hasnt changed even after the economic crisis.  In some Asian countries, PBT is mostly used in the electronic and electrical markets, while in North America, Japan, and Europe, PBT is mostly used in the automotive industry. Its believed that by 2020, consumption and production of PBT in Asia will considerably increase compared to Europe and the U.S. This prediction is reinforced by numerous foreign investments in the region and a need for materials at a lower production cost, which is not feasible in many Western countries.

Choosing a Microsoft Certification

Choosing a Microsoft Certification The Microsoft certification you choose is dependant on your current position or planned career path. Microsoft certifications are designed to take advantage of specific skills and enhance your expertise. Certifications are offered in five areas, each with specialization tracks. Whether youre an application developer, systems engineer, technical consultant, or network administrator, there are certifications for you. MTA - Microsoft Technology Associate Certification MTA certifications are for IT professionals who intend to build a career in database and infrastructure or software development. A wide range of fundamental information is covered. There is no prerequisite for this exam, but participants are encouraged to make use of the recommended prep resources   The MTA is not a prerequisite for MCSA or MCSD certification, but it is a solid first step that can be followed by the MCSA or MCSD which expands on expertise. The three certification tracks for the MTA are: MTA: Database (Key technology: SQL Server)MTA: DeveloperMTA: Infrastructure (Key technologies:  Windows Server Virtualization,  Windows System Center) MCSA - Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate  Certification The MCSA certification validates your strengths in the particular path chosen. The MCSA certification is strongly encouraged among IT employers. The certification tracks for the MCSA are: MCSA: Cloud platform  (Key technology:  Microsoft Azure)MCSA: Linux on Azure  Ã‚  (Key technology:  Microsoft Azure)MCSA: Microsoft Dynamics 365  Ã‚  (Key technology:  Microsoft Dynamics 365)MCSA: Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations (Key technology:  Microsoft Dynamics 365)MCSA:   Office 365 (Key technologies:  Microsoft Office 365,   Exchange,   Skype for Business,   SharePoint)MCSA: SQL 2016 BI Development   (Key technology: SQL Server)  MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration (Key technology: SQL Server)MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development (Key technology: SQL Server)MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 (Key technology: SQL Server)MCSA: Web Applications (Key technologies:   C#,   Mobile Apps,   Visual Studio, NET,   Framework 4.5MCSA: Windows 10MCSA: Windows Server 2012 (Key technology:  Windows Server Virtualization )MCSA: Windows Server 2016 (Key technology:  Windows Server Virtualization )   MCSD - Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer  Certification The App Builder track validates your skills in web and mobile app development for current and future employers. MCSD: App Builder (Key technologies:   Azure,   C#,   SharePoint,   Office Client,   Visual Studio,   .Net,   HTML5) MCSE - Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert  Certification The MCSE certifications validate advanced skills in the area of the chosen track and require other certifications as prerequisites. The tracks for the MCSE include: MCSE: Data Management and Analytics (Key technology: SQL Server)MCSE: Mobility (Key technology: Windows System Center)MCSE: Productivity (Key technologies: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Office 365) MOS - Microsoft Office Specialist  Certification The Microsoft Office certifications come in three skill levels: specialist, expert, and master. The MOS tracks include: MOS: Expert 2013   (Key technologies:   Microsoft Office Word 2013,   Microsoft Office Excel 2013)MOS: Expert 2016 ( Key technologies: Microsoft Office Word 2016, Microsoft Office Excel 2016)MOS: Master 2016 (Key technologies:   Microsoft Office Word 2016,   Microsoft Office Excel 2016, Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2016)MOS: Microsoft Office 2013 (Key technologies:   Microsoft Office Word,   Microsoft Office Excel,   Microsoft Office PowerPoint,   Microsoft Office Access,   Microsoft Outlook,  Microsoft SharePoint,   Microsoft Office OneNote)MOS: Microsoft Office 2016 (Key technologies:   Microsoft Office Word,   Microsoft Office Excel,   Microsoft Office PowerPoint,   Microsoft Office Access,   Microsoft Outlook)

Write an essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Write an - Essay Example perience for me and through this time I have tried to change most of the conventional methods employed by the other teachers we have worked with and introduced more effective ways to involve the students, more so in learning. Curriculum, in my understanding, and in an educational context broadly defines the experiences that one undergoes through the educational processes. The term as defined by a variety of scholars majorly refers to a planned sequence of instructions often set by organization instructional goals. The curriculum in this sense should be able to incorporate all the learning usually organized, planned and guided by the school, carried out in groups or individually and done both inside and outside the school environment (Null, 2011). The curriculum should define the reasons for doing particular things, the range of activities to be carried out and also the designated times in which these activities are to be carried out. In totality it involves among other things the skills, performances, values and attitudes that are to be expected from students or pupils that are in the schooling systems. When taken specifically in the education system, the curriculum should entail such aspects as the cont ents of the syllabuses offered, the strategies used to achieve their set targets and also the norms and values accepted by the school systems. The curriculum as defined and applied in the several spheres of the learning environment and other setups include the explicit, implicit, hidden, excluded and extracurricular curriculum and are as described: Explicit curriculum; includes those subjects and courses that are taught, the set objectives of the school, and the specified skills and knowledge that are expected from students that undergo the schooling system successfully. Implicit curriculum; also defined as the unintended curriculum, involves the lessons that arise due to the culture of the learning institution and its behaviors, its attitudes and the various

Consuming Art, comsuming Society_ Keith Haring works and his Research Paper

Consuming Art, comsuming Society_ Keith Haring works and his inspiration - Research Paper Example Keith must have inherited his amazing style and artwork talent from his father who was a cartoonist. The paper will focus more on Keith Haring artwork and its inspirations on the art world. Discussion From his childhood years, Keith was interested in artwork and he grew up making drawings with his dad in Kutztown in Pennsylvania, and was increasingly motivated by popular Disney and Schultz cartoon work. Between 1979 and 78, he went to commercial collage of art in Ivy Professional Art college and gained interest in international artwork and later focused or Fine Art study1. Keith’s art was later witnessed in all public murals, nightclubs, museums and galleries all over the globe and he was famous for his activism in promoting awareness of AIDS. In New York, a home of thriving underground art scene, Keith befriended his fellow artists such as Jean-Mechel and Scarf, both of whom shared his colorful and transgressive graffiti art interest of the streets of the city2. Together with his colleagues organized exhibitions at different locations such as downtown nightclubs where music, art, and fashion combined in an effective mix. Outside the clubs, Keith started utilizing the town as his canvas, and riding the subway he discovered a black rectangular paper of blank advertising panels on wall stations and with a white chalk he started filling the panels with quick, simple picture drawings3. His signature images comprised of dancing images, a crawling baby generating light rays –radiant boy- a dog barking, flying saucer, television heads figures and bigger hearts, these graffiti images drew New York commuters and city authorities attention leading to Keith accusation of vandalism4. He responded to this accusation by highlighting that high art is an increasingly expensive production such that common people, therefore, to neutralize this Pop Shop store allowed ordinary people to afford art items at affordable prices. The shop has since then prospered and expa nded its practices online. Keith later started to apply his globally known imagery to self-supporting paintings and drawings. His art optimism and energy, with its strong lines and shining colors made him popular with great number of audience and in 1981, he started his solo exhibition in Manhattan. In 1983, he began displaying his artwork in galleries such as Tony Shafrazi that would display him in his lifelong career. All through from 1980s, Keith’s work was displayed broadly both internationally and in the US. In addition, in the quest to promote accessibility of his work, he started Pop Shop retail shop in the city of the New York and its neighborhood Soho in 1986 where he exhibited posters, Tshirt other cheap items featuring his signature designs5. Since then, various commercial industries have been established round Keith’s visual aesthetic all over the world with some of the items such as T-shirts, sneakers, cards and jewelry made from Keith artwork, and graffit i school designs. Keith has capitalized on his own image in a manner that painters could not imagine before the mass media age6. As he discovered and developed his style, Keith’s artwork visually fought against increased forms of racism, capitalism, religious, injustice and violence consumption, with focus on the nuclear war threats, environmental destruction, AIDs pandemic

Oxygen releasing compounds in groundwater remediation Essay

Oxygen releasing compounds in groundwater remediation - Essay Example In the past, there have been methods enacted to treat the underground water, which in turn is used by the citizens after it gets treated. There have been many methods of treating this water for the benefit of the persons consumer; also, this water is used for irrigation of crops and also animals. Recently, there has been the physical method used to treat the water. Nevertheless, some people have been claiming that this is not appropriate water to use for consumption. The methods used, seems to be sufficient just like the biological methods too (Canadian petroleum products institute 1991, p. 88). I believe that all these methods are quite good, and many people believe that the use of the physical method is appropriate and commendable since there are not many chemicals used or none at all. Pump and rate have been the most commonly used method of treating the underground water. It has been the most globally used remediation technology. This method has been considered to be the most suitable among all and not expensive. It is not costly compared to other physical methods of the purifying underground water (Wheeler & Adams 1905, p. 55). This method involves the process of pumping the water from underground to the surface and later, the water gets treated using biological treatment. There is also another physical method that can be used, which is known as the air sparking method. It is a very interesting method whereby, the air is usually bowed directly to the ground water and as the bubbles rise, the impurities get removed from the water and the impunities are directed to the soil, which calls the to another work to treat the soil. There has been also another method that could be used as a physical method. The Dual vacuum extraction. To avoid people being infected with t he deadly contamination, they can be used with the bioaugmentation method that increases the enzyme reactive concentration in the system to fight the germs rate in the water.

What role(s) does business play in politics, and what challenges and Essay

What role(s) does business play in politics, and what challenges and opportunities does this raise for effective and democratic governance - Essay Example In the light of globalization, global governance has emerged as a multilateral and poly centric process to define and implement global rules. In global governance, the corporate play active roles to address social and environmental issues and other concerns that are experienced all across the globe. Discussion Are firm’s economic or political actors? Whether firms are economic or political actors has become a debatable topic with the advent of globalization. The argument on the relationship between business and politics is based on the assumption of a regulatory environment, where in the public concern issues are addressed by the nation state level institutions. The nation state institutions also regulate the business behaviour in the country. The state institutions are therefore, the only political institutions that work for ensuring the well-being of the society. In contrast, business firms are generally considered as economic actors. Business firms use their political and l obbying strategies to influence the political system. Also, they take up corporate philanthropy as a part of their strategies. But these activities do not establish them as political actors that operate with the aim of addressing public concerns. Instead these activities of the business firm in the political sphere are more aimed at boosting their economic ends. However, over the last decade, the separations between the economic and political spheres have become blurred. With the advent of globalization, the national context of governance started losing its foothold. It was observed in many cases that the state system did not succeed in dealing with the transnational social and environmental issues, administering the rights of citizenship, regulating the economy, serving the interest of the public and in providing necessary public goods. These incidents of failure were seen many times worldwide due to the lack of proper enforcement mechanisms and the lack of essential resources. In these situations, often the private business firms intervened and filled in the void through their voluntary activities. In the current scenario, a number of multinational businesses have implemented voluntary regulation of activities and production of public goods. The companies have taken up responsibilities that were once into the foray of the government bodies only. The firms have started contribution to public education, health, protection of human rights, social security with the objective of filling up the gaps in the legal regulation processes and promoting stability and peace in the societies. Thus, now the businesses are operating as social entrepreneurs who serve public interest with the use of the resources in the business thus creating a distinct change in the political ideology throughout the world. Is the pursuit of corporate non-market/political strategy unethical? Although, the concept of a business firm occasionally taking up political activities is accepted with a broad consensus, yet a business actually being a strong political actor itself other than the governments still draws very less appreciation. The changing image of the firms from economic to political actors in global political scenario is highly contested. This is because this change challenges the existing theory of the role of business firms as economic actors in the society (Yves 351). Also, another reason is that this has caused the rise of substantial concerns about the impact of this change on democracy and public response all over the world. Internationally, only the states are known to have voting rights but international organizations often invite business firms to give their inputs in the

Brands and branding Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Brands and branding - Essay Example According to Burberry, the founder of the company he said that the company was established to help the young people realize their dreams through innovation and engage in creativity thus making life bearable to them. Marketing strategies used by Burberry The marketing strategies of the company are focused at providing provide value to the customers through the products and the type of information concerning the products that are in the market. Retail marketing Retail marketing has been commonly used by the company. As one of marketing strategies, it has the capability to make the company to be more competitive in the market. The core importance of using retail marketing plan is to make sure that the sales ratio of the company increases on the international front making the company to invest a lot in other marketing strategies (Clancy and Kriegafsd, 2000). When using retail marketing, the brand is recognized and established to the market thus having a trademark that the brands are wide ly known for. Due to use of retailing marketing, the company is also able to venture in foreign countries like China where the company has retail shops thus making great venture to the fashion brands that are in the industry. The only challenge that face the company when using the retail marketing are cheaper brands that are offered by the competitors. Customer awareness Burberry enjoys strong customer awareness, since the company brands in the past were favorite brands to Queen Elizabeth two and the Prince of Wales. Additionally, through the use of extensive advertisement, Burberry brands are used by many people and are given respect worldwide due to royal families’ involvement with the products. Objective as a marketing strategy in Burberry The primary aim of the company is to make sure that the brands are represented visually to target the customers hence making sure that the customers are satisfied and their ideas are listened to and again implemented, according to their wish (Philip, 2006). The customers are encouraged to be creative and if any one of them has an idea to come up with a brand that is unique in the market he or she is given the attention. This is based on the fact that the company was founded to make use of innovation and use of modern technology (Philip and Kevin, 2006). Social media The company uses Facebook and Twitter and the management post their new brand and others to social media as a method of advertising to make sure that it effectively competes with rivals. The company introduced the use of YouTube and launched films to promote the brands (Joshi 2005). The company still opens discussion forum which are used by the customers to make sure that their views and ideas are listened to and later implemented. Market segments in Burberry Market segmentation for Burberry is divided according to characteristic and personality aspects. For example, for the consumers who are 18-30 years old they have a certain brand of Burberry which t hey use as their product of choice. The second market segment is secondary age group that includes 30-40 years old. This category has certain brands of their choice that have unique characteristics that make them to be accepted by the secondary age group (Lenskold 2003). The third market segmentation is the families with high income and this gives them opportunity to buy expensive brands. The last market segment is for student and working individuals

What are Some Main Problems the U.S. Faced during Reconstruction Assignment

What are Some Main Problems the U.S. Faced during Reconstruction - Assignment Example The whites were not ready to treat Africans as equals; they, therefore, went ahead to form groups like the famous Ku Klux Clan among others. These groups were used to threaten blacks, warn them not to vote, and later on turned violent on them. This kind of treatment was an indication that the whites in the south were not ready to live with blacks. They, therefore, came up with a law that allowed segregation (Stampp, 136). The federal government had to craft ways of dealing with this problem by setting up Freedmen`s Bureau to support blacks escaping from the south. Abraham Lincoln`s plan to pardon the southern states which seceded was opposed by Congress, who wanted these nations to be punished. The idea behind his plan was that these nations were to be pardoned if they took an oath of allegiance to the United States and if they also create a new government that guaranteed the end of the slave trade. After the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, a group in the Congress known as Radicals Republicans did not allow the southern senators and representatives to join the Congress (Stampp, 301). And they also came up with their own reconstruction act that made it difficult for these nations to be accepted back to the Congress. The compromise of 1877 did not just bring reconstruction to an end, but it also birthed many things. The first of which was to allow Hayes who was a Republican become president, this was also a way that was used to solved elections dispute and also allowed the withdrawal of the remaining federal troops from the south (Stampp, 217). And after Hayes was sworn in as the 19th president of the United States, he immediately ordered the remaining federal troops to be withdrawn from South Carolina and Louisiana. Hayes also came up with plans for election reforms and committed himself to bring the differences between the North and South to an end. Afterward, the Democratic Party was given freedom in the South. Even though many people look at the compromise as a positive thing, the former slaves did no, to them this decision was taking them back to slavery. This is because during reconstruction they became free and also attained both social and political rights.  

Brands and branding Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Brands and branding - Essay Example According to Burberry, the founder of the company he said that the company was established to help the young people realize their dreams through innovation and engage in creativity thus making life bearable to them. Marketing strategies used by Burberry The marketing strategies of the company are focused at providing provide value to the customers through the products and the type of information concerning the products that are in the market. Retail marketing Retail marketing has been commonly used by the company. As one of marketing strategies, it has the capability to make the company to be more competitive in the market. The core importance of using retail marketing plan is to make sure that the sales ratio of the company increases on the international front making the company to invest a lot in other marketing strategies (Clancy and Kriegafsd, 2000). When using retail marketing, the brand is recognized and established to the market thus having a trademark that the brands are wide ly known for. Due to use of retailing marketing, the company is also able to venture in foreign countries like China where the company has retail shops thus making great venture to the fashion brands that are in the industry. The only challenge that face the company when using the retail marketing are cheaper brands that are offered by the competitors. Customer awareness Burberry enjoys strong customer awareness, since the company brands in the past were favorite brands to Queen Elizabeth two and the Prince of Wales. Additionally, through the use of extensive advertisement, Burberry brands are used by many people and are given respect worldwide due to royal families’ involvement with the products. Objective as a marketing strategy in Burberry The primary aim of the company is to make sure that the brands are represented visually to target the customers hence making sure that the customers are satisfied and their ideas are listened to and again implemented, according to their wish (Philip, 2006). The customers are encouraged to be creative and if any one of them has an idea to come up with a brand that is unique in the market he or she is given the attention. This is based on the fact that the company was founded to make use of innovation and use of modern technology (Philip and Kevin, 2006). Social media The company uses Facebook and Twitter and the management post their new brand and others to social media as a method of advertising to make sure that it effectively competes with rivals. The company introduced the use of YouTube and launched films to promote the brands (Joshi 2005). The company still opens discussion forum which are used by the customers to make sure that their views and ideas are listened to and later implemented. Market segments in Burberry Market segmentation for Burberry is divided according to characteristic and personality aspects. For example, for the consumers who are 18-30 years old they have a certain brand of Burberry which t hey use as their product of choice. The second market segment is secondary age group that includes 30-40 years old. This category has certain brands of their choice that have unique characteristics that make them to be accepted by the secondary age group (Lenskold 2003). The third market segmentation is the families with high income and this gives them opportunity to buy expensive brands. The last market segment is for student and working individuals

Living with a long-term urinary catheter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Living with a long-term urinary catheter - Essay Example This particular subject was chosen because I am interested in it. Throughout my Health Care Assistant experience I was involved in looking after patients with urinary catheters. My role was to ensure cleanliness, catheter function, monitoring output and emptying catheter bag. As a Trainee Assistant Practitioner (TAP) female catheterisation is one of my competencies. This has made me more aware about patient perception and psychological feelings when living with a long-term catheter (Godfrey, 2008, p. 181). I work in Highcare Unit where I look after patients with varying ages and sex. Some of them are quite reluctant to having a catheter. Other patients view it as an embarrassment and consider discussion about the device undignified. In critiquing the research regarding a patient's personal experiences, it enables me to relate, understand and empathise with the patient's situation and predicament. This enables me to give support, advice and information not only with the physical side implications but also the psychological impact in living with a long-term catheter. I think that being able to understand patients' perspectives about living with long term urinary catheters, enables healthcare professionals to sympathize and understand with what the patient is experiencing. It is obvious that research needs to be carried out and compare. This way the study will develop strong and valid evidence based research and implement the conclusions into practice that can assist these patients (Godfrey, 2008, p. 180). CRITIQUE RESEARCH: UTILISING EVIDENCE BASED CARE In the 1990's at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, developments were made regarding Evidence Based Practice (EBP) movement, which underpinned the Research and Development Strategy in the UK in 1991. Factors like the rise in the cost of healthcare, unnecessary intervention and variations in healthcare, influenced the EBP movement in the UK (Parahoo 2006). EBP advocates the best available evidence should be us ed when making clinical decisions, to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and health outcomes for patients (Kings College London 2009). Its origins date back to the mid-19th century, when concerns were raised because healthcare interventions were not being proven or evaluated (Lloyd et al 2007). Since the 1970's the term proof-based medical care has increased with the advancement of being capable of having a right to entry to a variety of data. Other aspects that have brought about the usage of EBP medical care comprise of; adjusting of communal anticipations, governmental consensus, cost stresses and expertise responsibility (Hammer Collinsonsn2005, cited by Cutcliffe W. & J. Ward M, 2004). EBP is an approach where healthcare professionals are able to use current evidence and research to back up. This support provides an accurate reason for their care they provide for patients. EBP is highly significant to me because it enables me to offer the best recent physical healthcare I ca n deliver for my patients. It also makes it possible for me to use proof to aid my understanding and comprehend the reasons behind my decision along with the performance of definite facets of medical practice that I am responsible for. There are many reasons why EBP is specifically relevant to engage in as a part of a nurses' role. Nurses need to make more informed judgements as part of a multi-disciplinary team. This initiative increases the number of complex healthcare decisions that need to be made. The Department of Health's (DOH) directives of best evidence collectively highlight the reason for EBP’s momentous nature. This questioning is accompanied by further cognitive research behind its

Characteristics Of Major Agro Ecological Zones Environmental Sciences Essay

Characteristics Of Major Agro Ecological Zones Environmental Sciences Essay Africa is a very large continent with extremely wide range of soils (Bationo et al., 2006). The soils range from shallow with meager life-sustaining capacities to deeply weathered profiles that recycle and support large biomass. In many parts of Africa, inappropriate land use, poor management and lack of inputs have led to soil erosion, salinization and loss of vegetation resulting in a decline of agricultural productivity (Bationo et al., 2006). In Africa and particularly Southern Africa, the most limiting factor to agricultural productivity is soil fertility (Ramaru et al., 2000). Soil fertility is defined as a condition of the soil that enables it to provide nutrients in adequate amounts and in proper balance for the growth of specified plants when other growth factors, such as light, water, temperature, and physical, chemical and biological conditions of soil, are favorable (van der Watt and van Rooyen, 1995). Large areas of sub-Saharan African (SSA) soils, in particular, are affected by various types of degradation, including fertility decline (FAO, 2001). Soil fertility decline is a deterioration of chemical, physical and biological soil properties. The main contributing processes, besides soil erosion, are: decline in organic matter and soil biological activity; degradation of soil structure and loss of other soil physical qualities; reduction in availability of major nutrients (N, P, K) and micro-nutrients; and increase in toxicity, due to acidification or pollution (FAO, 2001). Soils in most of SSA have inherently low fertility and do not receive adequate nutrient replenishment (FAO, 2001). The SSA has the lowest mineral fertilizer consumption, about 10 kg nutrients (N, P2O5, K2O)/ha per year, compared to the world average of 90 kg, 60 kg in the Near East and 130 kg/ha per year in Asia (Stoorvogel and Smaling, 1990). Agricultural growth in sub-Saharan African countries slightly increa sed over the past three decades, although not in line with the high population growth rate (FAO, 2001). Food production per capita in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has declined since the 1970s, in contrast with the increase in Asia and South America (Figure 1.1). Soil productivity in SSA is also constrained by aridity (low rainfall) and acidity (FAO, 2001) (Table 1.1). South Africa has to face high population growth, poverty, accelerated soil degradation and increasing pressure on land (FAO, 1999b) (Table 1.1). Depletion of soil fertility, along with the related problems of weeds, pests, and diseases, is a major biophysical cause of low per capita food production in Africa. This is the result of the breakdown of traditional practices and the low priority given by governments to the rural sector (Sanchez, 1997). The 1996 World Food Summit highlighted sub-Saharan Africa as the remaining region in the world with decreasing food production per capita (Figure 1.1). The worst levels of poverty and malnutrition in the world exist in this region (Sanchez et al., 1997). A team of scientists has identified declining soil fertility as the fundamental agronomic cause for declining food productivity in Africa. A Soil Fertility Initiative for Africa has been created by a group of international organizations including the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Center for Research on Agroforestry (ICRAF), International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), International Fertiliz er Association (IFA), and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Table 1.1: Characteristics of major agro-ecological zones in Africa (FAO, 1986) Figure 1.1: Regional trends in food production per capita (FAO, Statistical Analysis Service, 2000) As the main source of economic activity in SSA is agricultural production, declining soil productivity means not only that less food can be grown but also that production of cash crops for export is endangered (FAO, 1999a). It is therefore essential that production and soils be managed in a sustainable way, so that the present generation is fed and soil conditions are improved to support future generations. The Republic of South Africa covers an area of 121, 9 million ha and has a total population of about 46,6 million people (NDA, 2007). Approximately 83 % of agricultural land in South Africa is used for grazing, while 17 % is cultivated for cash crops. Forestry comprises less than 2 % of the land and approximately 12 % is reserved for conservation purposes (NDA, 2007, Land Type Survey Staff, 1972-2002 Land Type Survey Staff, 1972-2006). Land used for agriculture comprises 81% of the countrys total area, while natural areas account for about 9% (Abstract, 2005). High-potential arable land comprises only 22 % of the total arable land and only about 13 % of South Africas surface area can be used for crop production (NDA, 2007). Slightly more than 1,3 million ha of land is under irrigation. Rainfall is distributed unevenly across the country, with humid, subtropical conditions occurring in the east and dry, desert conditions in the west (NDA, 2007). The most important factor that limits agricultural production is the non-availability of water. Almost 50 % of South Africas water is used for agricultural purposes. Areas of moderate to high arable potential occur mainly in the eastern part of the country, in Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces (Figure 1.2). Scattered patches also occur in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces. Low to marginal potential areas occur in the eastern half of the country and in parts of the Western Cape. Map in Figure 1 shows large areas in the drier parts of South Africa (e.g. south-western Free State; western parts of the Eastern Cape and the North West Province) that are being cultivated, but which are not classified as having any potential for arable agriculture. Repeated crop failure and subsequent abandonment of these less than marginal lands can have important consequences for soil erosion and land degradation in general (Hoffman, M.T. A. Ashwell, 2001). Figure 1.2: The distribution of arable potential land in South Africa (ARC ISCW, 2002). Soil fertility challenges coupled with shortages of rainfall could result in a compounded problem of food shortage and famine. For soil fertility to be sustained, extracted soil nutrients must equal replenished soil nutrients, but in large areas of Africa and other parts of the world, more soil nutrients are extracted than replenished (Ndala and Mabuza, 2006). There is therefore global concern of fertility management especially with the recent increases in food prices. Soil fertility and its management thus have continued to play an important role in farm productivity. Farmers, their advisors, and any growers need to be knowledgeable of the soil properties which have an influence on soil fertility, some of which include soil texture, structure, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, base saturation, bulk density and pH. These properties also have an influence in determining land capability for agriculture as they are also key indicators for soil quality. Although significant progress has been made in research in developing methodologies and technologies for combating soil fertility depletion, the low adoption rate is a reason for the large difference between farmers yields and potential yields (Bationo et al., 2006). This study thus aims to determine the influence of soil physico-chemistry and clay fraction mineralogy on the fertility status of selected potential uncultivated arable soils of University of Limpopo Experimental farm (Syferkuil) in Limpopo Province. This will encourage expansion of arable agriculture in the area to improve the livelihoods in terms of alleviating food insecurity and poverty. PROBLEM STATEMENT When assessing land for agricultural capabilities, attributes such as slope, stoniness and thickness of the soil stratum are taken into consideration. Soil physico-chemical and soil clay mineralogical properties are often overlooked. Ekosse et al. (2011) showed that these soil physico-chemical and clay mineralogical properties and their compositions play a significant role in suitability of land for arable agriculture. Information on the mineralogy and nutrient status of uncultivated soils in Limpopo Province is lacking, especially of soils found in the communal areas where smallholder agriculture is practiced. Such information is crucial for any strategy that seeks to increase and improve the productivity of cropped or potential arable agricultural land. One important prerequisite of food security is access to land, as more people need to produce their food supplies and make a living from the land. Traditional land management systems are dependent on the availability of sufficient land to allow long fallow periods to maintain soil fertility. When there is no more access to new land, the fallow land has to be used and soil fertility falls. More intensive use of the land also implies that it becomes more prone to soil erosion. To maintain and raise its productivity, new sustainable management measures have to be introduced. As the main source of economic activity in Limpopo Province besides mining is the agricultural production, declining soil productivity not only means less crops is grown but also that, production of cash crops and income are endangered. Vast majority of South Africans, particularly Limpopo residents, buy their staple food from commercial suppliers, rather than growing them themselves (Statistics South Africa, 2009). Rising food prices, particularly of maize and wheat which are the staple diet of the poor in South Africa, pose serious problems for the urban and rural poor as most are net buyers rather than growers of their staple food. Recent information from the Food and Agricultural Organisation (2009) and Heady Fan (2008) suggest that food prices will increase steadily over the next decade even if there are some fluctuations and the occasional drop in prices (Evans, 2009). This therefore poses the need for more expansion of arable land for agriculture so as to improve livelihoods of the poor households. Population pressure and urban expansion seem to be causing the loss of high potential agricultural lands. Hence food demand is rising which leads to food insecurity, thus extension of arable agricultural lands would highly be required. In a recent study, Van Averbeke and Khosa (2007) reported that while income is the most important determinant of household food security in some areas around Limpopo Province, food obtained from various types of dry-land agriculture contributed significantly to household nutrition. They argue that without farming the food security of these households would be reduced, especially for the ultra-poor. The land is used beyond its capability, the type of usage would not be sustainable and the land degradation would result. Equally important is the fact that if land is used below its true capability then the full economic potential of the use of the land would not be realized. Although little production increase has taken place at the Experimental farm (Syferkuil farm), which has been obtained by cultivation of poor and marginal lands, the productivity of most existing lands has been ignored. With population continuing to increase in the area and the country as a whole, the need to take note of the fallow or abundant lands on the farm has become more important. Improving soil fertility could trigger rural and national economic development, achieve long-term food security and improve farmers standards of living, while mitigating environmental and rural migration. Thus, rectifying land degradation and enhancing productivity through appropriate soil management and conservation can play a major role in achieving farm household food security and agricultural development in the area. This research will therefore contribute to the existing database on the physico-chemistry and mineralogy of agricultural soils of Limpopo Province, particularly those at Syferkuil farm. It will also assist farmers and individuals around the area with information and awareness on the fertility status and capability of the soils in their community, so they can initiate agricultural activities on those lands which are left fallow or abundant. 1.3. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study is to determine the soil physico-chemistry, clay mineralogy and fertility status of selected uncultivated arable soils within the University Of Limpopo Experimental Farm Of Capricorn District in Limpopo Province, with the view of identifying additional potential arable lands for agriculture in the region. 1.4. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY To determine physico-chemical properties of selected uncultivated and cultivated soils on the farm and their influence on soil fertility. To determine the clay mineralogical composition of the selected uncultivated and cultivated soils on the farm and their influence on soil fertility. To determine the chemistry of the selected uncultivated and cultivated soils on the farm and their influence on soil fertility. To determine the fertility index of the selected uncultivated and cultivated soils on farm and their influence on soil fertility. To uncover and understand the role of soil physico-chemical and clay mineralogical properties influencing the fertility of the selected soils on the farm. RESEARCH QUESTIONS These questions will assist in attaining the objectives of the study: What are the physico-chemical properties of the selected soils? What is the clay mineralogical composition of the selected soils? What is the chemical composition of the selected soils? What is the fertility index of the selected soils? Do the soil physico-chemical and clay mineralogical properties affect the fertility status of the selected soils on the farm for sustainable agriculture? HYPOTHESES This research will be guided by the following hypotheses: Most potential uncultivated arable lands on the farm could be used to expand and improve agricultural yields. Soil physico-chemical and clay mineralogical properties with their influence on soil fertility are key indicators for sustainable agriculture. 1.7. RATIONALE OF THE STUDY South Africa has a wide range of soils of different physico-chemical and clay mineralogical composition. Limpopo Province alone has a diversity of soils and climatic conditions permitting a variety of different forms of agriculture, (White Paper on Agriculture, 1995). In support of food security and self preservation, it is now strategically important for any area to have available information on the relative suitabilities of their soils for agriculture, so that preference may be given for the land more suitable for agriculture. In this process, it is important to know the relative quality of the land so that its use can be regulated in accordance with the suitability of the particular soils. Local farmers have always relied on the agricultural research output and extension from Syferkuil experimental farm since their climate, and the soils they farm on developed from the same parent material as the ones at Syferkuil. The surrounding farm community and authorities of the area, will therefore benefit from this study by obtaining information on the physico-chemistry and clay mineralogy of their soils as well as the soils relative suitability for agriculture. Economically, capability classification of the soils in Mankweng area can assist in encouraging the authorities toward initiation of the various farming systems on the identified potential arable lands. In this way individual soils could be best utilized for the types of agricultural production for which they are best and most economically suited. 1.8. STUDY AREA The location, topography, climate, vegetation, soils, geology and hydrology of the area are briefly described below in the subsequent subsections. 1.8.1. Location of the study area Limpopo is South Africas northernmost province, lying within the great curve of the Limpopo River. The province borders the countries of Botswana to the west, Zimbabwe to the north and Mozambique and Swaziland to the east as shown in Figure 1.3 (DBSA, 1998). Limpopo Province is divided into five Municipal districts (Figure 1.3): Capricorn, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Vhembe and Waterberg , which are further divided into 24 local Municipalities (Limpopo Province Natural Resource Maps, 2003). The Province occupies a total surface area of 125  755 km2, about 10.3% of South Africas land area (Limpopo Province Natural Resource Map, 2003).The population is about 5 355  172 which is 11.3% of South African population (Statistics SA, 2003). Syferkuil is the experimental farm of the University of Limpopo (23o49 S; 29o41 E) situated in the Mankweng area, in Capricorn district municipality, South Africa. The farm is 1 650 ha in size (Moshia et al., 2008). Syferkuil experimental farm, for almost 39 years now (Moshia et al., 2008) has served as the main centre of University of Limpopos horticultural, agronomic, and animal production researches, on which both undergraduate and graduate student researches along with hands-on trainings are conducted. The farm is bordered by five populated rural farming communities which are Mamotintane, Ga-Makanye, Ga-Thoka, Solomondale and Mankweng. On this farm, about 25 ha are currently allocated for rain fed crops, 80 ha for irrigated crops, and 40 ha are used for rotation of winter and summer crops. The 80 ha irrigated crops are served by an automated linear move irrigation system (Moshia, 2008). Figure 1.3: Locality Map of the study area Figure 1.4: A scale aerial photograph map (scaled 1: 10 000) of University of Limpopo (Syferkuil)s experimental farm (Moshia et al., 2008) 1.8.2. Land-Use of the study area Limpopo Province constitute a total of 12.3 million hectares land, out of which about 9.24 million ha. is utilized as farmland (LDA, 2002). This 9.24 million hectares of farmland nearly 0.93 million ha. of it is utilized as arable land, 6.68 million ha. as natural grazing, 1.7 million ha. For nature conservation, 0.1 million ha for forestry and for other purposes. Seventy six percent of the arable Land is allocated to dry land (0.7 million ha) cultivation and only 0.223 million ha for irrigation systems. 1.8.3. Geology of the study area The geology of Limpopo is complex and diverse; it varies from Palaeo-Archaean mafic, ultramafic and felsic extrusives to Mesozoic sedimentary rocks and flood basalts (RSA Geological Map series, 1984). The rock formations in the Province can be considered in four main divisions based on time and general homogeneity namely: the Archaean, generally known as the Basal or Fundamental Complex; the Pre-Cambrian, or Algonkian Systems; the Palaeozoic, pre-Karoo Formations; the Mesozoic and the Karoo System. The topography of the region varies from relatively flat areas to mountainous terrain (Barker et al., 2006). Limpopo is rich in minerals with economic value (White Paper on Agriculture, 1995). Predominant minerals in the eastern part of Limpopo include platinum and its group metals, chrome, copper, phosphate and andalusite. The Western side is characterised by platinum, granite, and coal minerals, while diamonds, coal, magnesite, and traces of granite dominate the Northern part of the Province. Mineral resources that are currently being mined in the province are Andalusite, Antinomy, calcite, chrome, clay, coal, copper, diamonds, emeralds, feldspar, fluorspar, gold, granite, limestone, magnesite, manganese, ornamental stone-Slate, phosphate, platinum, salt, sand stone, silica and zinc (Dramstad et al., 1996). 1.8.4. Climate of the study area Limpopo falls in the summer rainfall region with the western part of the Province being semi-arid, and the eastern part largely sub-tropical, (Limpopo Province Natural Resource Maps, 2003). The western and far northern parts of the Province experience frequent droughts. Winter throughout Limpopo is mild and mostly frost-free. The average annual temperatures for the southern to central plateau areas of the province is generally below 20oC; in the Lowveld and northern parts average annual temperatures are above 20oC. The province receives summer rainfall between October and March peaking in January. The mean annual precipitation ranges between 380mm in the North and just over 700mm in parts of the Waterberg (Koch, 2005). The climate of the study site is classified as semi-arid with the annual precipitation of roughly  ±495 mm per annum. The mean annual temperature of 25 ±1oC (max) and 10 ±1oC (min) was common during the years of study. Annually, the farm averages 170 frost-free days extending from late October to mid April. Figure 1.5: Monthly average rainfall as recorded in the Limpopo Province (LDA, 2002) Rainfall data (figure 1.5) indicating that most rainfall occurs between November and March, ranging between 80 mm and 130mm. It should, however, be noted that these figures indicate an average rainfall and lower rainfall can be expected in most districts. 1.8.5. Soils of the study area There are wide varieties of soils that occur in the Province, tending to be sandy in the west, but with more clay content toward the east, (Limpopo Province Natural Resource Maps, 2003). The soils are differentiated based on depth, the nature of diagnostic horizons and parent materials, (FAO, 1999). Those soils are mainly developed on basalt, sandstone and biotite gneiss and are generally of low inherent soil fertility (FAO, 1999). Limpopo Province has diverse soils, however, five major soil associations have been identified, (FAO, 1999): of which Dystrophic, red and yellow, well drained clayed soils are highly leached, clay-like, acidic soils found in the high rainfall areas of Drakensberg and Soutpansberg range. They are rocky, found on steep slopes and are of low fertility. As such, they generally have limited value as arable land but are suitable for afforestation. Red, yellow and grey soils in caternary association are sandy and loamy soils in the 300-600 mm rainfall belt in the western and northwestern part of the Province. They are suitable for arable farming, but generally occur in the low rainfall areas west and north of Thabazimbi, Vaalwater, Lephalale and Polokwane. Black and red clay soils have with varying amounts of rock and lithosol, found in a narrow strip parallel to the eastern border, the Springbok Flats (Settlers and Roedtan) and the southwestern boundary near Dwaalpooort and Derdepoort. Alt hough highly erodible, they are utilized extensively for dryland crops such as cotton and winter cereals. Duplex and paraduplex soils are characterized by topsoil that is distinct from sub-soil with regard to texture, structure and consistency. Major occurrences are in Sekhukhune, south to southwest of Lephalale in Waterberg district, between Louis Trichardt and Tshipise, and sections of Vhembe District near the eastern border. They are generally not utilized as arable land due to high erodibility. Poorly developed soils on rock consist of topsoil overlying rock or weathered rock. They are found to the east of the Drakensberg, including a large section of Mopani District, and east and west of Musina. They tend to be rocky, with shallow soils and therefore generally unsuitable for arable farming. Black and red, fertile clay soils occur on the Springbok Flats, with reddish brown sandy loam to the Northern and Western part of the province, (FAO, 1999). The mountains have deeper, highly leached red soils in wetter areas, with more exposed rock where it is also drier. Reddish brown, gravelly soils, which have a low fertility, predominate on the Lowveld, the best agricultural soils being alluvial soils adjacent to the rivers. The Province has a few high potential areas for dryland crop production and many opportunities for extensive ranching and irrigated fruit and crop production, (Limpopo Province Natural Resource Maps, 2003). 1.8.6. Vegetation of the study area The geographical location, rainfall patterns and varied physical and climatic conditions have given rise to diverse vegetation across the province. The vegetation found in the province have been classified into inland tropical forest; tropical bush and savannah; pure grassveld; and false grassveld types (Development Bank of South Africa, 1998). The inland tropical forests include the northeastern mountain sourveld and Lowveld sour Bushveld types. Tropical bush and savannah comprise the Lowveld, arid Lowveld, Springbok flats turf thornveld, other turf thornveld, arid sweet bushveld, mopani veld, mixed bushveld, sourish mixed bushveld and sour Bushveld types (Limpopo Province Natural Resource Maps, 2003). Pure grassveld types include the northeastern sandy Highveld types. The false grassveld types include the Polokwane plateau false grassveld. 1.8.7. Topography of the study area Limpopo Province has diverse topographic features. In the east is the flat to gently undulating Lowveld plain, at an altitude of 300 to 600 m, bounded in the west by the Northern Drakensberg escarpment and Soutpansberg, with steep slopes and peaks up to the 2000m (LDA, 2002). The almost level Springbok flats in the South lie at an altitude of 900 m, while the Waterberg and Blouberg to the North, with undulating to very steep terrain, reach 2 000 m. The North- Western zone is a flat to undulating plain, which slopes down to the north and west at 800 to 1 000 m. 1.8.8. Hydrology/Water Resources of the study area The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) classifies South Africa as a water-stressed country, prone to erratic and unpredictable extremes such as floods and droughts that reduce land to a dry and arid wasteland (Water Research Commission, 2002). Water resources in South Africa are limited making them critically important for the sustainable economic and social development of the country (Dennis and Nell, 2002). This is one of the reasons why it is important to protect the scarce water resources of the country. Rivers are the main source of water for the country. In the Limpopo Province, there are Four Management Areas namely: Limpopo; Luvubu Letaba; Krokodil Wee Merico and Olifants (NDA, 2000). Applied research on irrigation and fertilizer methods are practiced on the research plots on the farm. There are two 10-ha plots fitted with separate irrigation systems used by researchers and students for research on field crops. 1.8.9. Agricultural activities of the study area The agricultural sector in the province is divided into three broad sub-sectors namely commercial farms, emerging commercial farms and subsistence farms, (Development Bank of South Africa, 1998). The commercial farms fall in the larger farm size category, emerging commercial farms in the medium size and subsistence farms in the smallest size (LDA, 2002). The emerging and subsistence farms are collectively called small-scale farms which are mostly located in the former homelands. The varied climates of Limpopo Province allows it to produce a wide variety of agricultural produce ranging from tropical fruits such as banana, mangoes to cereals such as maize, wheat and vegetables such as tomatoes, onion and potatoes (NDA, 2001). Limpopo Province has large area of land suitable for dry-land production (LDA, 2002). Maize is the staple food of majority of people in Limpopo Province and is largely grown by the different categories of farmers both for household, industrial and animal consumption. On the basis of area and volume of production, it remains the most important cereal grain produced in the Province despite the dry and drought prone agro-ecology of much of the region (LDA, 2002). Climatic variation could lead to variations in maize yields. As a staple food in the Province, maize has a large and stable market and is the most important agricultural product in South Africa (NDA, 2001). 1.9. Summary of chapter The chapter has clearly provided the background of the study outlining the general concept of clay mineral and their influence on soil fertility for crop production. It has also outlined the aims, objectives, research questions, problem statement, rationale and hypothesis of the research project. The map of the study site illustrating the location of the site in Capricorn district municipality and the suitability map of the study site has been provided. The geology, mineralogy, climate, soils and agricultural activities of the study site have also been outlined. The soil physico-chemical and clay mineralogical properties are reviewed in the subsequent chapter.

Twister :: essays research papers

Twister The movie that I watched was called Twister. It is a movie that is about the study of tornado's and a story of one of the actors lives called Joe. As a little girl, Joe's father was killed by an F-5 tornado( This is the largest size tornado possible). The movie begins with the actual death of Joe's father in 1969. After the tragedy, time is moved on to present day and into the field where Joe is with a group of scientist's called the Chaser's. Joe is presently married to a man called Bill. Bill is on the way to the field to get some divorce papers signed by Joe so that he can marry again to a woman named Melissa. Joe has put together a tornado studying device called Dorothy. Dorothy is a big canister filled with hundreds of little censors that fly up into the tornado and measure the size and wind velocities all at the same time. The only way that the Chaser's can make it work is if they put it in the damage path of the tornado. Joe is going to surprise Bill with Dorothy because he is the one who actually thought up the design, and at the same time has purposely not signed one of the papers. Bill finally arrives and asks Joe for the papers. Joe hands Bill the papers and acts like everything is okay. Bill looks through the papers and finds the paper not signed, and Joe acts as if she never say the paper and begins to read it. Bill becomes frustrated and just as She is about to sign one of the chaser's yells out " there is a tornado about thirty miles away". Joe and her team suddenly run to their cars and take off toward the area where the tornado is. Bill is left standing there and realizes that the papers were not signed. Bill gets into his truck with Melissa and proceeds to follow the chasers. He is following and looks in his mirror and can see a competing group of chasers and is runoff the road and busts a tire. Bill catches up with the group at a little gas station that happens to have a tire repair place across the street. Bill is standing in the road and realizes that the other groups leader is a old partner named Jonas. Jonas had gone out and found some corporate sponsors and doing so stole Bill's design of Dorothy and has just named it something else. Bill is totally outraged and tries

History, Race, and Violence in the Arena of Reproduction Enslavement. :: Essays Papers

History, Race, and Violence in the Arena of Reproduction Enslavement. In 1997, Dorothy Roberts wrote a salient book titled Killing the Black Body: Race, Reproduction, and the Meaning of Liberty. Roberts explicates the crusade to punish Black women—especially the destitute—for having children. The exploitation of Black women in the U.S. began in the days of slavery and, appropriately enough, Roberts introduces her first chapter with an illustrative story: When Rose Williams was sixteen years old, her master sent her to live in a cabin with a male slave named Rufus. It did not matter that Rose disliked Rufus "cause he a bully." At first Rose thought that her role was just to perform household chores for Rufus and a few other slaves. But she learned the true nature of her assignment when Rufus crawled into her bunk one night: "I says , ‘What you means, you fool nigger?' He say for me to hush de mouth. ‘Dis my bunk, too,' he say." When Rose fended off Rufus's sexual advances with a poker, she was reported to Master Hawkins. Hawkins made it clear that she had no choice in the matter: De nex' day de massa call me and tell me, "Woman, I's pay big money for you,and I's done dat for de cause I wants yous to raise me chillens. I's put you to live with Rufus for dat purpose. Now, if you doesn't want whippin' at de stake, yous do what I wants. Rose reluctantly acceded to her master's demands: I thinks ‘bout massa buyin' me offen de block and savin' me from bein' sep'rated from my folks and ‘bout bein' whipped at de stake. Dere it am. What am I's to do? So I ‘cides to do as de massa wish and so I yields. The story of control of Black reproduction begins with the experiences of slave women like Rose Williams. Black procreation helped to sustain slavery, giving slave masters an economic incentive to govern Black women's reproductive lives. Slave women's childbearing replenished the enslaved labor force: Black women bore children who belonged to the slaveowner from the moment of their conception. This feature of slavery made control of reproduction a central aspect of white's subjugation of African people in America. It marked Black women from the beginning as objects whose decisions about reproduction should be subject to social regulation rather than to their own will. (22-23) Once slavery was abolished Black people no longer had to worry about their children being the property of slaveowners, or anyone else.

Reasons for the Fall of the Western Roman Empire Essay

There are many pieces of writing containing facts and inferences about the reasons of the fall of the Western Roman Empire. After reading selections from a number of writings on this topic, it is somewhat clear what the main reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire were. The vast majority of the people in those times believed that the old civilization was not worth saving, and that contributed to the fall of the empire, according to Gatzke from what he wrote in a textbook. Another more arguable reason for the fall of the empire is that it was simply too big. Because of it’s vast size, it was difficult to control and maintain order. Christianity was legalized when Constantine converted to it when he was the Roman Emperor. The introduction of Christianity was another heavy blow to the empire, because Christianity discouraged the active virtues of the society at that time, killed off military spirit, and some public and private wealth was consecrated to Charity. The Roman Empire was so vast because of how many battles it fought in and won. When the empire was out for expansion, they gained conquered territory and used the new resources (such as plundered wealth and markets) to fuel the prosperity, but when the empire ceased to expand, economic progress also ceased. The Roman Empire could not afford to slow economic progress however, because the government had very large expenses, most of which were created by the army and the bureaucracy. The army had it’s own internal problems rather than just economic. Another factor that contributes to the fall of the Western Roman Empire is that there was a shortage of children, and foreigners began to pour in to be apart of Rome’s army, soon the Roman empire was composed mostly of Germans. This was internal decay. In an attempt to pay the large expenses owed, the government raised taxes on the people, and this only made matters worse. The effects of high taxation on the people were pretty disastrous, people lost hope and left their responsibilities, tenants fled from farms and businessmen fled from their occupations, private enterprise was crushed, and the state was forced to  take over many kinds of business to keep things going. Welfare was introduced, and although it seems good to society today, back then it made things worse for the empire. People stopped being so self-reliant, and they expected something for doing nothing, basically they were made lazy.