AT free essay sample

A discussion of the role the Federal Communications Commission played in breaking up telephone service company, ATT. The paper shows that although the federal government and far more importantly the consumer may not like a monopoly, large companies have many advantages and so tend to keep reemerging. The author discusses how the entire world of telecommunications and certainly the history of ATT itself would no doubt have been written very differently if the United States government had not twice intervened in the workings of the company. This paper examines the role of the Federal Communications Commission in breaking up ATT and what have been the consequences both to consumers and to the technology of the industry as a result. ATTs self-imposed dismantling (at least to some extent self-imposed, for company officials did originate the plan to spin off the Baby Bells) was the largest corporate breakup in history. We will write a custom essay sample on AT or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It provided both legal and cultural precedents for the lawsuit against Microsoft that the federal government is engaged in currently. The fact that the company was able each time to recover so quickly merely demonstrates the need for the Federal Communications Commission oversight of this industry. The world today runs on information, and none of us can afford to have that flow of information limited or held hostage by the monopolistic practices of any single company.

The Pay It Forwards film report

The Pay It Forwards film report Pay It Forwards is the film made in 2000 which can be regarded as a curious illustration of the Oedipus Conflict. Apparently, it is often difficult to define roles in real life settings. Likewise, the film reveals complex relationships between people.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on The Pay It Forwards film report specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Trevor, a boy of eleven, is obviously a conventional child figure as he is a kid. He is brought up by his mother as she left Trevor’s father who had an alcohol abuse history. Trevor is attached to his mother a lot. Arlene, Trevor’s mother, is the main mother figure in the film. However, being a single parent she sometimes takes a role of a father figure. She tries to set some rules and keep her child away from danger. However, she is still a conventional mother figure as she tends to comfort Trevor and support him rather than punish him. Ricky, Trevo r’s biological father, can hardly be called the father figure as he does not take part in Trevor’s upbringing. Trevor does not see him as an authority. Eugene, Trevor’s teacher, can be regarded as the main father figure in the film. He guides Trevor and sets some rules. He says what is right and wrong. As for the Oedipus Conflict, it is really specific. The child figure seeks for eros concepts. He desires to obtain independence. The project he starts is the way to show he is independent and he is grown up. He tries to help his mother develop proper relationships with her own mother and with the worthy man, Eugene. He makes decision for grown-ups and this makes him feel a grown-up, i.e. free and independent. The conflict ends up in a success and a failure, at the same time. On one hand, Trevor’s project has positive results as the chain does work and people help each other. On the other hand, Trevor is killed by a kid when he tries to help a smaller child in a fight. Trevor’s death proves he was not prepared to become independent. Thus, even though the child figure does make the world better, the Oedipus Conflict ends in an unhealthy manner as the kid is killed.

The role of two selected topics in Operation Managment Research Paper

The role of two selected topics in Operation Managment - Research Paper Example In order to promote the competitiveness of organizations, promote cost efficient and accurate methods unrestricted flow of information is necessary. Hence, the key role of supply chain in operations is to ensure that all processes are in place in order to get accurate results. In order to ensure that the supply chain is cost effective and efficient, companies use a process known as supply chain management. A series of steps are followed by firm in order to ensure that the company transforms its raw materials into finished products. These series of steps may comprise of five stages namely, planning, developing, creating, delivering and returning defective products. With the changing markets globally, many companies and firms are forced to review their operations policy. Companies have changed from centralized operations to decentralized operations to be close to their markets and take advantage of available resources (Gunasekaran & Ngai, 2005). a) Procurement – One of the major roles of supply chain in operations management is that of procurement. All companies need to order goods and services in order to conduct business. A good supply chain manager is one who ensures that best quality goods are obtained at the least price. In manufacturing, the key responsibility and role of a procurement specialist is to search for vendors to procure materials which match the budget constraint and quality requirement. Hence a key requirement of purchasing professionals is to develop relationships with their suppliers and even look out for partnership options wherever feasible. A firm having an efficient supply chain management process seeks to provide purchasers multiple benefits which also include increased and improved coordination with suppliers. If the coordination between purchasers and suppliers is better, then this leads to increased commitment and a long term relationship between the suppliers and purchasers; thereby leading to a cost effective option to the pu rchasing organization (Giunipero & Brand, 1996). Smaller organizations need to order stationaries and hence they need to maintain a regular list of vendors who provide them the best quality products at the lowest price. Hence, an efficient procurement specialist should be a good negotiator in order to get the best deals from the suppliers. b) Transportation – One of the major roles of supply chain in operations is to efficiently handle transportation. Transportation in an essential part of the production process right from manufacturing of the product till the time of delivery to the final consumer and returns. The key prerequisite for this process to be successful is to ensure excellent coordination between each component in order to attain optimum benefits (Tseng & Yue, 2005). This requires in first determining the best suited and cost effective method of transportation applicable to the organization. Managers responsible for this first try to assess the tradeoffs in terms of price and speed. Most companies may have two or more modes of transportation depending on the urgency of the requirement. Shipping goods and equipment through a truck may be cost effective than by a flight. However, the time taken to send the consignment may be more in comparison to the time taken to send the goods by flight. Also some transport services may be highly

Zoot Suit Movie Critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Zoot Suit Movie Critique - Essay Example Henry Reyna being the leader of an American-Mexicans group is sent to prison without any substantial evidence over the death of a man in Sleepy Lagoon, Jose Williams. Lawyer George Shearer and Editor Alice begin to fight for the release and the rights of the alleged murderers. Henry and his friends thereby receive an unjust and unfair treatment from the court system as they are sentenced to a period in prison, even though evidential statements indicate that William was killed by the Downey gang. Zoot Suit is mainly based on factual events that surrounded the Hispanic gang members for the killings in Los Angeles in the year 1942 and the demonstrations that ensued right after their arrest. Henry Reyna and his friends, a 38th street gang member went to have fun, and in the process collided with its rival crew, the Downey. Rudy, Henry’s brother provoked a commotion and a fight commenced between the two groups. Henry, later on, his way home confused a commotion, caused by the Downey gang to a party at Williams the Ranch. After some few days, Henry and his friends are arrested and unfairly sentenced over the murder of William. Zoot Suit incorporates drama to emphasize on some specific themes that are currently relative. The drama does an exploration of family relationships and the burden of a child’s growth in racially discriminating environments. The social themes depicted in the play include tragic results from gang violence, injustices, racial discrimination and oppression.

E-Recruiting Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

E-Recruiting - Term Paper Example I hope to gain more knowledge on improved techniques that can be used in organizations to get potential employees more easily using the Internet resources. This knowledge will also enhance an individual’s knowledge about technological advancement. E-Recruitment analysis E-recruiting is the process by which personnel are recruited by using electronic resources and in particular the Internet (Watson, 2008). Most recruitment agents and companies have relocated most of their recruitment processes online in order to enhance the speed at which potential candidates can match live vacancies. Online recruiting systems are time-saving to the employer since they can easily rate their e-candidate and also several other people in the human resource department can review these candidates (Gary, 2005). The database technologies used in this program in conjunction with worthy search engines that advertise online jobs enable candidates to fill posts in a remarkably short period. In the ninetee nth century, recruitment was centrally based on an apprenticeship methodology. Organizations had apprentices who were not employees in the organization and after completion of the apprenticeship they were given jobs in the company. Comparison between the apprentices and skilled candidates proves that the skilled candidates are considered more desirable since they have the necessary qualifications pertaining to the job vacancy. With the needed employee data in the Human Resource Information System databases, Human Resource executives are free to pursue creative thinking and critical projects. This technology uses the power of online CV search technology to search resume databases and aid employers together with the human resource personnel actively search for valid candidates... This essay stresses that the Human Resource department is truly changing the operational phenomena in organizations that have adapted this change. The Human Resource Management System will ensure that employee’s data is managed effortlessly. The use of this system also reduces data-entry errors which are common in the traditional recruitment methods. In a considerate view, the paper-based processes detain about 80% of the information whereas the software system can detain all the data. The optimizing of the Human Resource management software system requires identification and investing in the right system to suit the business’s demands. One can also examine the technological, cultural and economic parameters. The communication factor also affects the competitive nature of the company by either increasing or decreasing it depending on the organization’s productivity. Employee satisfaction is also impacted by the financial capability of the employer. This also affe cts the health requirements and wellness of the employee in several ways. This article makes a concluiosn that nowadays, Human Resource managers are channeling their attention in motivation, policies, relations and quality consciousness in conjunction with E-Recruitment. Lastly, there are other future advocated models like Triple I, Federal and Shamrock that have been proposed by HR professionals including the likes of Charles Handy among others. These are the future organizational models to be used in the future of E-Recruitment.

Problems Of Waste Disposal In Developing Countries Environmental Sciences Essay

Problems Of Waste Disposal In Developing Countries Environmental Sciences Essay J. Staniskis (2005), said the acceptance that waste is there, it will always be there cannot lead to waste management solution. We need to know the reasons of waste generation, the can we prevent it. This goes to mean, municipal waste is evident and something needs to be done about it if we need to save lives and protect the environment for the present and the future generation. The aim of this chapter therefore is to introduce the what is municipal waste management, it principles and concept that can be applied in order to improve or optimize waste management strategies in developing countries as well as the case study of this report. Also it will introduce the specific problems affecting efficient management of waste in developing countries. Most human activities generate waste and the manner in which these waste are handled, stored, collected and disposed of that poses risks to both the environment and human health. In fact where the concentrations of human activities are intense like in the urban areas, the needs for an appropriate solid waste management is imminent in order to foster healthy living conditions for the population. As a matter of fact, this ideology has been embraced by many governments with many municipalities trying to provide some basic services. In less developing countries, about 2/3 of most of the wastes generated are uncollected (World Resources Institute, et al., 1996, Achankeng, 2004, USAID 2009). Most of these uncollected wastes which are often mixed with animal and human excreta, are usually thrown in an indiscriminate manner in both the streets and drains which contribute to flooding, insect breeding, rodent vectors and the ultimate spread of diseases (Zerboc, 2003). Most municipal solid waste in Africa and other low-income countries when collected are dumped on land in a more or less uncontrolled way. As a result, this uncontrolled manner of dumping may cause serious adverse effects on both the environment in turn, affect human and animal health and as well as severe economic losses ( Zurbrà ¼gg 2002). Environmental degradation which come as a result of inadequate disposal of waste is expressed by, the contamination of surface and ground water via leachate, soil contamination through direct waste contact or leachate, air pollution by burning of wastes, spreading of diseases by different vector like birds, insects and rodent , or uncontrolled release of methane by anaerobi c decomposition of waste. The decomposition of organic materials produces methane which is capable of causing fire and explosion and this can contribute to serious global warming. For example in a Mexican city of Tampico in the Gulf of Mexico coast, there was fire which burned for over six months in an open dump (Medina, 2003). In some municipalities not served with waste collection facilities, the unusual way for waste reduction is applied by dumped managers and that is through a deliberate setting of periodic firs at the dumps so as to reduce the volume of the waste. This therefore creates space for the dumping of more waste and thus extends the life of the dumps areas. Africa itself produces thousands of tons of waste daily and in which case, most of the solid wastes ends up in open and wetlands which leads to ground water and surface contaminations (USAID, 2009). According to this report, solid waste generation rate for some cities in Africa estimated to be about 0.5 to 0.8 kilogram per person a day. As a matter of fact, comparing these figures with the 1-2 kg per person per day generated in developed countries according to USAID, the figure seems small comparatively but a difficult problem to manage in the context of most developing countries. This because, most cities in the developing countries are handicap or lack the resources to match the demand of services in terms of solid waste management and environmental sanitation (Medina 2002; Achankeng, 2004). In fact because of service insufficiency in cities of most developing countries, there has been an increase in the deterioration of most urban environment especially in the aspect of water and land pollution which is a source of risk to both human health and the environment. 2.1 OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT As earlier mentioned previously, municipal solid waste management is becoming a serious problem in cities of many developing countries (MSWM). This is because, most cities do not collect the totality of the waste generated and of course of the entire waste possibly collected; only a few fractions is disposed of in an environmentally acceptable manner. However the whole objective of solid waste management is an ideal concept, that is, solid waste management is aimed to reduce the quantity of solid waste that are disposed off on land by recovery of materials and energy from solid waste (Medina 2002; Zurbrugg 2003; Achankeng 2004). This objective is very well acceptable and applicable all over the world and this is commonly backed by with principles (as will be seen below). Some of the principles of municipal solid waste management involve the application of the principle of sustainable development and principle of Integrated Solid Waste Management ISWM). Integrated solid waste management here refers to the application of suitable techniques, technologies and management programs that deals with waste of all types as well as waste from all sources so as to attain the ultimate goals of sustainable waste reduction and effective waste management which will help in better management of waste produced thereafter. 2.1.1 Sustainable waste reduction Of recent, it has been realized that, in order to attain a successful sustainable waste management, industries and society have to produce more goods and services with a lesser use of the worlds resources (using less materials and energy) and less pollution and waste. In most countries today, despite increase in production of goods, product changes have been introduce and put into use, i.e. applying the techniques of internal recycling of materials and on-site energy recovering which act as a way of solid waste minimization schemes. 2.1.2 Effective Solid Waste Management In an effective management perspective, the systems of solid waste management are needed to ensure an absolute human health safety. In fact, the whole system of effective solid waste management must ensure absolute protection of waste management workers and safety of the entire public health through diseases prevention as well as it must be sustainable in both environmentally and economically manners. By this notion, it means effective solid waste management must have the capacity to reduce in a sustainable way the environmental impacts of waste management and the cost of operation must be acceptable by the entire community. Entirely, an effective waste management system should encompass some options like: waste collection and transportation, resource recovering through separation, resource recovering through waste processing etc. 2.2 CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The issue of waste management has in recent years attracted global concern especially in relation to the environment (Staniskis, 2005). This has led to the creation of many organizations both from local, national to international with the aim to seek for means to develop a more resounding ways of handling, storing and disposing of solid waste in a sustainable and friendly manner (W. Kates et al. 2005). According to W.Kates et al. (2005) it is of recent that the of the need of sound waste management was integrated in the concept of sustainable development created by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) initiated by United Nations General Assembly in 1982, and named the Brundtland Commission in 1987. Following the aim of this commission, it realized that despite the effects of human activities on the environment, humanity still has the possibility to make their developments sustainable in a way that, it should meets the needs of the present without compromising th e ability of future generation to meet their own needs (WCED 1997). This actually, opens as a new way of rethinking as this doctrine was embraced by almost all countries in the world. Following the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the doctrine was endorsed and expanded as Agenda 21 which laid out the plan to tackle and overcome economic and ecological problems. Many countries embracing this doctrine have created and adopted supplementary laws to under-score the recommendations of Agenda 21 and Cameroon s not left out. To this effect, many developing countries like Cameroon his was followed by the development of a strategic framework for sustainable development that is, Cameroon created a national environmental management plan which was inculcated into chapter 1 in Article 13 in the law on the environment of 1996, as well as in Chapter 1V Article 45-53 which addresses all issues related to sustainable waste management in the country. According to UNESA (2002), sustainable development has foster and reshape ideologies environment, economy and society. However, today more emphasis on sustainability is focused on the aspect of sustainable development and environment protection, but in which case the broadness of this concept goes deeper than just environmental protection. In developing countries and Africa in particular, water scarcity, resource degradation, falling in the standard of living, species extinction, and tribal conflict which arises because of scrambling for resources are major problems related to environmental degradation. In what sense, if this situation is not handled in a responsible manner in a long while, it might cause serious environmental degradation on environment that can lead to total havoc on human life on earth (UNESA, 2002) 2.3 INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT (IWM): Municipal solid waste has become a serious issue to be worried of within developing countries. This is because most municipalities in the developing countries are handicap in financial and technologically in handling municipal waste management problems. The development of the concept of IWM came to experience as a means to address certain common issues with municipal waste especially in Low-income countries (LIC). Long time ago, the management of solid waste was practiced through collection, land disposal and incineration of household waste. Today, the situation has improved due to increasing awareness of the dangers of environmental degradation caused by human activities (Cole and Sinclair 2002). Apparently, studies have proven that, landfill and incineration solution to solid waste management are not enough to habdle the volumes of solid waste generated both communities and industries (J. Staniskis, 2005). It is imperative to comprehend that, in developed countries; the most suitab le and widely applicable approach for a sustainable environmental waste management is the Integrated Waste Management (Cole and Sinclair 2002). In this context, an integrated approach to waste management consist of hierarchy and coordinated set of action which according to Medina (2002), aim in reducing pollution, maximize recovery of reusable and recyclable materials so as to protect both the environment and human health. IWM systems follow general hierarchy of waste management, Fig, 2.1 Hierarchy of integrated waste management Source: African Development Bank (2002) In this way, it tries to conceive specific issues and needs of community and to develop some appropriate and integrated sets of solution in each context. Several solid waste management studies having bring forth the possibilities of certain approach capable to adapt in many developing countries situation. An overview of some possible solution via the concept of integrated waste management can illuminate the illustration above. 2.3.1 Waste Prevention/Source reduction Large and wide, it has been recognized and proven that waste minimization is by far the most feasible tool for resource efficiency and sustainable development. The fact that we acknowledge that waste is exist and will continue to be there, cannot solve the problem or better still leads to waste prevention. As is often said, it is better to prevent a disease than to cure it. Also, it is after the cause of a disease is known that it can be cured. In this like, according to J. Staniskis (2005), to better prevent waste, it is imperative to first of all know the source of it generation. It is only after identifying the it source of generation that certain prevention measures listed below can be applied. Application of more efficient production technologies to reduce waste Internal recycling of production waste Substitution of hazardous substances Reuse of products or part of products for the same purposes This method requires that, before household disposed off their waste, efficient waste management decision and policies must have been implemented. Through the application of waste prevention, a great deal of waste reduction can be achieved through the introduction of ideas like changing products which help to increase the advantages of pollution reduction and resources efficientcy (J. Staniskis, 2005; Zebroc, 2003) 2.3.2 Reuse Reuse in the context of waste hierarchy refers to recovery of products and use them again. This entail the reduction in the consumption of scarce raw materials thereby saving both water and energy, prevent waste generation as well as reducing pollution. This is quite evidence in most cities in the Less develop countries. For example in Cameroon, both soft drinks like Coka cola, sprite and Pamplemousse as well as mineral water (Tangui and Super Mont) are sole in plastic bottles. After consuming these brands, the consumers keep the plastic bottles for another purpose, e.g. re-sell the bottles to the retailers, also, refill the plastic bottles with drinkable water and later store in the refrigerator. As a matter of fact, this act as a source of income to some household who go around searching and picking these bottles in order to re-sell them to the shops or retailers. 2.3.3. Recycle Recycling of materials is an important aspect of reducing the amount of waste to be disposed off. This system of waste management is being well practiced in developed countries but to a lesser extend in developing countries due to their waste composition, making recycling ineffective in most developing countries. The notion of waste separation at source (household) is a common practice worldwide especially in low-income countries- waste separation is done with a lot of attention by waste pickers and scavengers who recover valuable items from this operation and sell to itinerant buyers e.g. plastic bottles, metals, old shoes, old clothes, papers (Snow, 2003) According to Zerboc (2003), a well organize and waste practice backed by local municipality can enhance safety of on workers health as well improving the income for waste pickers and collectors. Furthermore, waste recycling can be an important economic option for some cities in the developing countries which produces waste similar to cities in developed countries, but in cases where the local municipalities are unable to provide recycling facilities due to financial problems, partnership with other private recycling companies can be another better option (Sudhir et al. 1997) 2.3.4. Composting of waste Taking into consideration the composition of waste in most cities in developing countries, waste composting seems to be a more preferable option to management their waste (African Development Bank, 2002). According to Cointreau (1982), Achankeng (2004) Gordon (2005), most waste in developing countries can be reduced through composting. This is because; most of the wastes generated have higher composition of organic materials. Following their research, about 78-85% of compostable materials were realized in waste generated in some low-income countries like SriLanka. Achankeng (2004) in his research found out that, compostable materials in waste produced in the city of Bamenda in Cameroon stood at about 85%. According to African Development Bank (200), Gordon (2005), the practice of composting can offer the following advantages It helps in the reduction of the amount of waste It has the possibility of reducing landfill gas emission and also because, since it is process is natural, the help reduces environmental degradation Offer the advantage of recovering fertilizer and natural manure that can be used agricultural purposes. 2.3.5 Incineration According to Zurbrugg (2003) and J. Staniskis (2005), incineration is another important option of managing waste. It is a process where waste is being burnt under a controlled and monitored condition. Despite the fact that incineration has the capability of reducing waste to about 90%, this option is still difficult to fit in the context of developing countries due to the cost of constructing a solid waste incineration plant (Medina 2002). Ti construction, maintenance is very costly and cannot be handled by developing countries. Another serious problem of incineration in developing countries is the fact that, most waste consist of high amount of compostable materials and contain high moisture quantity which makes the functioning of incinerators inefficient. 2.3.6. Landfills This method is commonly practice in most developing countries. Sanitary land fill is designed to for final waste disposal. As a matter of fact, it is recognized as a better option of waste management than open dumping commonly practice in cities in developing countries. According to African Development Bank (2002), what makes sanitary landfill some how complex is the way it should be planned, what kind of administration should be associated to it and the amount of experts to be involve Sanitary Landfill has some advantages like reducing the risk of both environmental and human health associated to all kinds of wastes Reduce the absorption of methane underground Production of energy i.e. electricity through the burning of methane captured from landfill gas. The allocation of landfill requires the municipal government identify a convenient location so that it should be far away from human residences. Through the creation of sanitary landfill, it can generate job opportunities for citizens, also reduces pollution and conservation of natural resources. 2.4 PROBLEMS OF SOLID WASTE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES 2.4.1 Urban Population growth The first serious problem related to solid waste management in developing countries s that of urban population growth. Most developing countries and Africa in particular, is witnessing fast urban growth because many people a commuting from the suburbs to the cities for better livelihood. This has led to a tremendous increase in the concentration of population in towns and cities (Nath 2003). According to facts from World Bank (2006), the world population has witnessed a tremendous rise since the beginning of 1990 with developing countries recording the fastest growth. The result of this rapid population growth has led to increase in waste generation in urban centers. According to African Development Banks (2002), the rapid population expansion has led to increase in the amount of waste generated in most urban centers in African thus, leading to excess waste over limited infrastructures. Also, rapid urban growth has led to the creation of informal pattern of settlements in cities of developing countries. This has resulted in the creation of slums, with housing and living conditions which are horrible. The pressure of ever-growing population on urban infrastructure in many cities overburdens the provision of urban services. Urban municipal governments are under intense pressure to meet the demand for basic services such as water, sanitation and solid waste management (Medina 2002). Most of the slums grow in an unplanned manner, and the local municipalities are ill prepared to provide basic facilities (like garbage collection) to the ever growing population. This causes garbage to be dumped in open spaces, leading to disastrous effect on the social, economic and environmental health of the area (Kuniyal et al. 1998, Medina 2002, Zerboc 2003); consequently this has resulted in financial and institutional constraints to manage the resulting solid wastes (Chakrabarti and Sarkhel 2003). Even those enjoying decent housing dump garbage in the open space, due to 2.4.2 Lack of finances and infrastructures In a developing country framework, though solid waste management accounts for 20 to 50 per cent of the municipal budget (Schà ¼beler 1996, Bartone 2000), the service is provided to only about 50 per cent of the urban population; actual collection only accounts for around 60 to 70 per cent of the refuse (Gerlagh et al 1999, Khawas 2003). For instance, Latin American countries were generating approximately 275,000 tones of solid waste per day in urban areas, necessitating a fleet of 30,000 trucks and 350,000 m3 of land a day to properly collect and dispose the waste (Chakrabarti and Sarkhel 2003). The insufficiency of services results in the deterioration of the urban environment in the form of water, air, and land pollution; which not only poses risks to human health but to the environment as well (Medina 2002). Another impact of the increasing population is the creation of a vicious cycle of pollution. Rise in population is not met by equal increase in infrastructural facilities, wh ich leads to increase in the filth and garbage. As filth gets accumulated, less and less number of inhabitants are willing to pay for the retrieval services leading to loss of revenue to the municipality and further deterioration of the quality of services rendered (Zerboc 2003). The impact of deteriorating services are directly felt, as there is visible increase in waste being dumped right besides the human habitats, which causes tremendous risk to both environment and human health. The present situation is expected to deteriorate even more due to rapid unchecked urbanization and growth in human population (Zurbrugg 2003). 2.4.3. Environmental problems The impacts of solid waste on environment is immense, from release of harmful green house gases (GHGs) to contamination of ground water, improper solid waste can wreck havoc on the environmental health. The most serious environmental problem in terms of solid wastes is the emission of GHGs. According to Thorneloe et al (2002), the waste management sector represents 4% of total anthropogenic GHG emissions and landfills contribute the largest anthropogenic source of methane, contributing 90% to the total GHGs release from the waste sector in the United States. Methane is a primary constituent of landfill gas (LFG) and a potent greenhouse gas when released to the atmosphere. LFG is created as a natural byproduct of decomposing organic matter, such as food and paper disposed of in these landfills and it consists of about 35-50 % methane (CH4) and 35-50 % carbon dioxide (CO2), and a 26 trace amount of non-methane organic compounds. Each day millions of tons of municipal solid waste are di sposed of in sanitary landfills and dump sites around the world. According to Methane to Markets Partnership, website (2004); globally, landfills are the third largest anthropogenic (human influenced) emission source, accounting for about 13 percent of global methane emissions or over 223 million metric tons of carbon equivalent (MMTCE). The status of solid waste management system thus considerably influences the problems associated with climate change and global warming. 2.4.4 Health problems Serious public health problems arise due to uncollected solid waste and waste often leading to many infectious diseases including water borne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Such incidence of diseases puts additional burden on the scanty health services available in resource poor developing countries. Insect and rodent vectors are attracted to the waste and one may recall that as many as 200,000 people had to flee after the outbreak of pneumonic plague in Surat in Western India (1994). The outbreak is attributed to the uncontrolled fermentation of wastes which created favorable conditions for the breeding and growth of rodents and insects that acted as vectors of diseases (Venkateshwaran 1994). A similar study by WHO (1995) observed in 1994 that 616960 cases of cholera resulting in 4389 deaths were reported in Angola, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania (UNCEA 1996) which can be linked to the fact that in Northern Africa as much as 20 to 80 per cent of urban solid wastes are dump ed in open spaces (Chakrabarti and Sarkhel 2003). Contamination of ground water by disease causing organisms from water seeping through dumps is likely to include the viruses of hepatitis, poliomyelitis and gastroenteritis (Medina 2002); thus such water contamination may have long run health effects apart from dysentery and cholera. The U.S. Public Health Service identified 22 human diseases that are linked to improper solid waste management (Hanks, 1967 in Hoornweg et al., 1993). The most immediate health threat due to solid waste in developing countries is to the waste workers, rag pickers and scavengers. Waste workers and rag pickers in developing countries are seldom protected from direct contact and injury. The co-disposal of hazardous and medical wastes with municipal wastes poses serious health threat. Exhaust fumes from waste collection vehicles, dust stemming from disposal practices, and open burning of waste also contribute to overall health problems (Hoornweg et al 1993). The magnitude of the health problems due to solid waste in case of developing countries are particularly alarming where the proper collection and disposal of solid waste is impeded by paucity of funds and technological capacity. The areas, which are not serviced, are left with clogged sewers and litters which create serious health problems for the resident population (Khawas 2003). Crowding and unsanitary conditions are important amplifiers of the transmission of infectious diseases. Many infectious diseases thrive where there is a lack of water, and inadequate drainage, sanitation and solid waste removal (Mcmichael 2002). Conclusively, it can be realized that, the issue of waste management in developing countries and Africa in particular posses a lot of challenges which are burning issues to deal with. However, there are some advantages like creating jobs for jobless nationals which is an important advantage for developing countries as a result of good waste management. In more precise way, the whole literature scenario depicts that, much needs to be done by policy makers and municipalities in order to effectively management their waste. Policies enacted should be implemented with the involvement of both private stakeholders and the entire community. Waste management planning should be done in such a manner that, all stakeholders should have a say on the issue of waste as well as training programs can be made an important part of waste management planning. This is because; it will enable the entire community to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of waste management in the milieu.

AIDS :: Free AIDS Essays

AIDS Invades Rural America   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  AIDS has been a problem in the United States for many years now. However, many people view victims of AIDS as homosexuals or drug users; this is no longer the case. AIDS is now being spread through teenagers in rural America. Many problems have arisen from the increasing number of victim in smaller America cities where hospitals and doctors are not able to provide suffienct treatment because of a lack of funding and experience. Also, the young adults that have no contracted the virus are victims of emotional and verbal abuse, because small-town America is not used to dealing with the AIDS virus. AIDS has made it’s way into rural America and the people do not know how to cope with the new face of Aids, the hospitals do not know how to treat the patients and the cites have a huge financial burden.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The new face of AIDS is very hard for many small towns to understand. Jamestown, in northwest New York State, is the newest town in which one man, who was infected himself, succeed in infecting many teenagers with AIDS one at a time. According to officials, more than ten young women in Jamestown and surrounding villages had tested positive for the AIDS virus. â€Å"This new face of AIDS is not only young, female, and heterosexual; increasingly it is also rural† (Brownlee 1).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"There are greater amounts of support are related to higher numbers of coping strategies and a stronger likelihood of reporting a parent's cause of death as AIDS. It was noted that female adolescents reported more coping strategies than did male adolescents† (Dillon 1999: 183). Preventing the contacting of AIDS is one of the many steps today’s teenagers need to be taught in school. Children need to be taught abstinence programs. Abstinence programs are the best method of teaching children safe sex and not condoms. Stuart Berman believes that all abstinence programs are promising and should continue to be funded (Berman 1999: 1486)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Using condoms gives adolescents a feel of security, which they should not have. Condoms give a sense of illusion, whereas, through condoms people are still able to contract AIDS and STD’s. â€Å"Suggestions for intervention include providing information about the illusory nature of some protective strategies and a focus on failing to protect oneself from STD’s† (Thompson 1999: 38).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"In rural counties across the nation, and especially throughout the South, AIDS cases are on the rise, sometimes at an alarming rate.

“The Deadline is the Deadline” policy is a good idea Essay

Schools today are now introducing the new policy â€Å"the deadline is the deadline†. This essay shall explain why â€Å"the deadline is the deadline† a good idea in schools today. It will include the consequences and disadvantages if you don’t follow this policy, with the benefits of following the policy too. This essay shall also include why teachers in our schools today choose to follow â€Å"the deadline is he deadline† policy. The benefits off following ‘the deadline is the deadline† policy is that when you go up to grade 11 o 12 the teachers will be more strict about this policy, and wouldn’t give you extensions for â€Å"accidently† leaving it at home or â€Å"loosing† your USB. It will help you later on in life when you get a job. It supports students to take responsibility. And this policy would also help later on in life when you’re in university. The disadvantages and consequences of the policy â€Å" the deadline is the deadline† are that if you get so used to not completing or handing assignments or work in or time, in the future when you get jobs it would be hard for you to hand it in on time. And if you don’t do the work, you might as well go looking for another job. Another disadvantage is that, by not handing in assignments it can take your grade down. Teachers today in our schools follow the policy â€Å"the deadline is the deadline† because if the teachers didn’t support the policy some students that hadn’t finished or handed it up may use pathetic excuses to get extensions. They also follow the policy as it encourages students to participate in the learning process, it supports students to take responsibility in their learning and it also supports students to develop time management skills. People today agree that â€Å"the deadline is the deadline† policy is a good idea, and I agree. It is a brilliant way to help students develop time management skills and to pass school, which means they would get a better chance of getting in to university or to get a good job. Students make up stupid excuses for not handing it in, which is not g oing to help. The deadline is the deadline and if you have trouble with handing it in on time, doing thirty minutes to an hour a night wouldn’t hurt.

Free Essays on Modern Art

Modern Art In the late 19th and early 20th century, the concepts (such as fauvism, expressionism, cubism, orphism futurism, etc.) are all classified under the category of modernism. Modernism includes all styles of painting, sculpture, and architecture that were done between 1880 and the beginning of World War II in 1939. (Stokstad 1023) This period of time in art history was filled with many new and different ideas, styles, and perceptions. Artists during the modernism period were all bound together by the fact that they were different from the standard. As modernism developed it, became more and more eclectic. This tendency gave artists the freedom to do what they want with art and not what was considered to be good art. The freedom of expression that began with modernism continued to be a part of the art world after World War II and is still a big part of artistic creation today. A good example of what modernism is about was an artwork, Fountain, by Marcel Duchamp. A member of the American society of independent artists, Duchamp admitted Fountain, which was a urinal that had been fixed onto a painted background, into society?s exhibition of independent artists. Duchamp signed the art with a false name, R. Mutt, and turned it into the exhibition, just to see what the other members of the society would say. As one would suspect, the society threw the piece out. Duchamp defended the piece by expressing his views on art. Ducamp stated that it didn?t matter what the art looked like. Instead, what was more important was why it was created in the first place (Stokstad 1022). As modernism took over the art world, so did this idea of artistic expression. Artists, such as Paul Cezanne, painted what they felt when they looked at an object, landscape, person, etc. as opposed to painting exactly what they saw. Inspiration for the created works of artists like G ustave Klimt and Odilon Redon were composed primarily from their mi... Free Essays on Modern Art Free Essays on Modern Art Modern Art In the late 19th and early 20th century, the concepts (such as fauvism, expressionism, cubism, orphism futurism, etc.) are all classified under the category of modernism. Modernism includes all styles of painting, sculpture, and architecture that were done between 1880 and the beginning of World War II in 1939. (Stokstad 1023) This period of time in art history was filled with many new and different ideas, styles, and perceptions. Artists during the modernism period were all bound together by the fact that they were different from the standard. As modernism developed it, became more and more eclectic. This tendency gave artists the freedom to do what they want with art and not what was considered to be good art. The freedom of expression that began with modernism continued to be a part of the art world after World War II and is still a big part of artistic creation today. A good example of what modernism is about was an artwork, Fountain, by Marcel Duchamp. A member of the American society of independent artists, Duchamp admitted Fountain, which was a urinal that had been fixed onto a painted background, into society?s exhibition of independent artists. Duchamp signed the art with a false name, R. Mutt, and turned it into the exhibition, just to see what the other members of the society would say. As one would suspect, the society threw the piece out. Duchamp defended the piece by expressing his views on art. Ducamp stated that it didn?t matter what the art looked like. Instead, what was more important was why it was created in the first place (Stokstad 1022). As modernism took over the art world, so did this idea of artistic expression. Artists, such as Paul Cezanne, painted what they felt when they looked at an object, landscape, person, etc. as opposed to painting exactly what they saw. Inspiration for the created works of artists like G ustave Klimt and Odilon Redon were composed primarily from their mi...

University at Buffalo SUNY UB Admissions Facts

University at Buffalo SUNY UB Admissions Facts The University at Buffalo, part of the State University of New York system, is a comprehensive public research university located in Western New York. The University at Buffalo is the largest of the SUNY schools with ambitious plans for future growth. The school has three campuses totaling over 1,300 acres. Shuttles run frequently between and across campuses. Because of UBs many excellent research centers, it was granted membership in the Association of American Universities. In athletics, the Buffalo Bulls compete in the NCAA Division I Mid-American Conference. Will You Get In? Calculate your chances of getting in  with Cappexs this free tool. Admissions Data (2016) SUNY University at Buffalo Acceptance Rate: 59%GPA, SAT and ACT graph for UB Test Scores: 25th / 75th Percentile SAT Critical Reading: 520  / 610SAT Math: 550  /  660ACT Composite: 24  / 29 Enrollment (2016) Total Enrollment: 30,184  (20,412 undergraduates)Gender Breakdown: 57% Male / 43% Female92% Full-time Costs (2016  - 17) Tuition and Fees: $9,574 (in-state); $26,814 (out-of-state)Books: $1,196  (why so much?)Room and Board: $12,292Other Expenses: $2,481Total Cost: $25,489  (in-state); $42,729 (out-of-state) University at Buffalo Financial Aid (2015  - 16) Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 77%Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 63%Loans: 52%Average Amount of AidGrants: $8,577Loans: $9,259 Academic Programs: Most Popular Majors:  Accounting, Biomedical Sciences, Business Administration, Communication Studies, Electrical Engineering, English, History, Humanities, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing, Political Science, Psychology, Social Sciences What major is right for you?  Sign up to take the free My Careers and Majors Quiz at Cappex. Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates: First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 86%Transfer-out Rate: 14%4-Year Graduation Rate: 58%6-Year Graduation Rate: 74% Intercollegiate Athletic Programs: Mens Sports:  Football, Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Cross Country, WrestlingWomens Sports:  Track and Field, Rowing, Softball, Soccer, Cross Country, Swimming, Volleyball, Tennis Data Source: National Center for Educational Statistics UB and the Common Application The University at Buffalo uses the Common Application. University of Buffalo Mission Statement: The University at Buffalo is a diverse, inclusive scholarly community dedicated to bringing the benefits of its research, scholarship and creative activity, and educational excellence to global and local communities in ways that impact and positively change the world.   We view the three traditional pillars of the public higher education mission- research, education, and service- as interdependent endeavors that continually enrich and inform each other. Groundbreaking research, transformative educational experiences, and deeply engaged service to its communities define the University at Buffalo’s mission as a premier, research-intensive public university.

Marketing Plan for the Launch of a new, electricity powered BMW in to Essay

Marketing Plan for the Launch of a new, electricity powered BMW in to the UK market - Essay Example BMW can be categorised as being the fashion brand. Its future growth strategy has been focused upon achieving greater market share in luxury car market by providing its customers innumerable alternatives (BMW Films, n.d.). It has three brands namely BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor cars. The BMW Group has set its vision upon the premium sector of the international automobile markets. In order to achieve this aim the company is well equipped with the knowledge of deploying its strength along with the efficiency that is unmatched in the automotive industry. The company can be marked as the leader in providing the premium products and services for individual mobility (BMW Group, 2010). This marketing plan has been developed to launch the new i8 car of BMW in the UK. It will deal with the tactics and strategies that are required to launch a product in the UK market. The chosen vehicle is an electric car with zero emission. Therefore, it would be prudent to have a brief understanding on th is product of BMW. It is to be noted that BMW’s i8 has been based upon the Vision EfficientDynamics concept. It’s a plug-in hybrid drive vehicle. It aims at offering high performance and low fuel consumption as well as low CO2 emission. It is worth mentioning that the term ‘i’ refers to sustainable vehicles and mobility solutions (Auto Sr. Reporter, 2011). 2.0 Situation Analysis 2.1 Company Analysis BMW has been a luxury and performance car manufacturer. The revenue of the company had been ?3.468 billion in the year 2008. There has been decline in revenue by ?0.7 billion from 2007. Its target market has been middle to upper class individuals and families and business users. It tries to maintain a competitive edge by relying on the ‘Efficient Dynamics’ strategy. It endeavours to adapt to the latest technology and focuses upon greater sustainability. It is majorly customer focused (Bai & Et. Al., 2009). 2.2 Competitors Analysis The major competi tors of BMW in the UK are AUDI and Mercedes-Benz. However, the market share of BMW had been the highest in three consecutive years, i.e. 2006, 2007 and 2008. In the year 2006 the market share of BMW had been 6.45% while that of AUDI and Mercedes-Benz had been 3.6% and 3.31% respectively. The market share of BMW in the year 2007 had been 6.97% in comparison to 4.2% and 3.39% of Audi and Mercedes-Benz respectively. In the year 2008, there had been a slight decline in the market share of BMW by 0.63 points. It had been registered at 6.34% of BMW and 4.7% and 3.42% of AUDI and Mercedes-Benz respectively (Bai & Et. Al., 2009). It is essential to know about the competitors in order to launch the product. The understanding of the existing competitors can aid while considering the quality of a new product to be launched and will also aid in innovating new ideas that can be implemented in the products and services. Customer responsiveness will help the organisation to establish the needs and wants of the customers and develop the products that can be used to satisfy the needs of the customers (Bai & Et. Al., 2

Coffee Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Coffee - Essay Example The finest coffee in the world that is grown in shade instead of sunlight is found in India. The number of coffee-growers in India is around 250,000, and 98 per cent of them grow it on a small scale. White flowers appear on the coffee plants and have an average life of three days before maturing into seeds. The duration between the fruit’s blooming and maturing stages varies from one region to another and from type to type. This duration for Arabica is around seven months whereas it is almost nine months for Robusta. The coffee plant needs around 90 per cent humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature to grow (Smestad, 2012). Coffee plants may catch fungus if not treated for it. There are two basic methods of processing coffee; the dry processing method and the wet processing method. In the former, coffee beans are dried in the sun whereas in the latter, they are fomented and washed. The power of coffee as a commodity is immense. â€Å"Coffee began as an export commodity in Yemen before 1500† (Topik and Samper, n.d., p. 6). Today, coffee is one of the most traded products around the world and is the largest food item imported by the US. The coffee commodity chain comprises producers, workers, exporting agencies, importing countries, roasters, and shops. This is how they reach the consumers. A lot of developing countries depend upon coffee as the prime export item. â€Å"Some 20 million families in 50 countries now work directly in the cultivation of coffee; an estimated 11 million hectares of the world’s farmland are dedicated to coffee cultivation† (Coffee News, 2008). Developing countries are the main exporters of coffee. Coffee is chiefly exported by Brazil and India. While the consumers of coffee are largely spread all across the world, the US is the biggest consumer of coffee in the world. Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam make more than 50 per cent of the total amount of coffee in