Fractal Geometry Essays (585 words) - Fractals, Fractal,

Fractal Geometry Fractal Geometry Fractal geometry is a branch of mathematics having to do with fractals. Fractals are geometric figures, just like rectangles, circles and squares, but fractals have special properties that those figures do not have. In geometry two figures are similar if their corresponding angles are congruent in measure. Fractals are self-similar meaning that at every level the fractal image repeats itself. An example of self-similarity would be a triangle made up of triangles that are the same shape or are similar to the whole. Another important property of fractals is fractional dimensions. While in Euclidean geometry figures are either zero dimensional points, one dimensional lines, two dimensional planes, or three dimensional solids, in fractal geometry figures can have dimensions falling between these whole numbers, that is being made up of fractions. For example a fractal curve would have a dimension between one and two depending on how much space it takes up as it twists and curves. The more a flat fractal fills a plane the closer it is to being two-dimensional. As few things have basic shapes, fractal geometry provides for the complexities of these shapes and allows the study of them better then Euclidean geometry which is only successful in accommodating the needs of regular shapes. Fractals are formed by iterative formation, meaning one would take a simple figure and operate on it in order to make it more complex, then take the resulting figure and repeat the same operation on it, making it even further complex. Algebraically fractals are the result of repetitions of nonlinear-equations. Using the dependent variable for the next independent variable a set of points is produced. When these points are graphed a complex image appears. One does not have to try very hard in order to experience fractals first hand in the real world as they are ever present in nature. For example in the instance of a river and it's tributaries, each tributary has it's own tributaries so that it's structure is similar to that of the entire river. Many of these things would seem irregular, but in fractal geometry they each have a simple organizing principle. This idea of trying to find underlying theories in what seem to be random variations is called the chaos theory. This theory is applied in order to study weather patterns, the stock market, and population dynamics. Fractals can also be used in order to create computer graphics. It was found that the information in a natural scene can be concentrated by identifying it's basic set of fractals and their rules of construction. When the fractals are reconstructed on a computer screen a close resemblance of the original scene can be produced. The first person to study fractals was Gaston Maurice Julia, who wrote a paper about the iteration of a rational function. This work was essentially forgotten until Benoit Mandelbrot brought it back into the light in the 1970's. Mandelbrot, who now works at IBM's Watson Research Center, wrote The Fractal Geometry of Nature that demonstrated the potential application of fractals to nature and mathematics. Through his computer experiments Mandelbrot also developed the idea of reconstructing natural scenes on computer screens using fractals. In conclusion fractals are irregular geometric objects made of parts that are in some way similar to the whole. These figures and the study of them, Fractal geometry, allow the connection between math and nature. Bibliography Bibliography M. Barnsley, Fractals Everywhere, 2d ed, 1992 T. Vicsek, Fractal Growth Phenomena, 1992 http://www.ncsa.uiuc.edu/edu/fractal/fgeom.html Mathematics

How to Use Italian Reflexive Pronouns

How to Use Italian Reflexive Pronouns If you want to use reflexive verbs in Italian, then you have to be familiar with reflexive pronouns, too. Reflexive pronouns (i pronomi riflessivi) mi, ti, si, ci, vi, and si look just like direct object pronouns, except for the third-person form si (which is the same in the singular and in the plural). In a reflexive sentence, the action of the verb refers back to the subject. Examples: I wash myself. - Mi lavo.They enjoy themselves. - Si divertono. In reflexive sentences, Italian verbs, like English verbs, are conjugated with reflexive pronouns. Reflexive pronouns (i pronomi riflessivi) are identical in form to direct object pronouns, except for the third person form si (the third person singular and plural form). Â   The following table includes the reflexive pronouns in Italian. Italian Reflexive Pronouns SINGULAR PLURAL mi myself ci ourselves ti yourself vi yourselves si himself, herself, itself, yourself (formal) si themselves, yourselves (formal) Just like direct object pronouns, reflexive pronouns are placed before a conjugated verb or attached to the infinitive. If the infinitive is preceded by a form of dovere, potere, or volere, the reflexive pronoun is either attached to the infinitive (which drops its final –e) or placed before the conjugated verb. Note that the reflexive pronoun agrees with the subject even when attached to the infinitive: Mi alzo. - Im getting up.Voglio alzarmi./Mi voglio alzare. - I want to get up. The pronouns Mi, ti, si, and vi may drop the i before another vowel or an h and replace it with an apostrophe. Ci may drop the i only before another i or an e: Voi varrabbiate facilmente. - You get angry easily.I ragazzi salzano alle sette. - The boys woke up at seven oclock.A casa, mannoio. - At home, I get bored. To see how reflexive pronouns work with reflexive verbs, see a sample conjugation of lavarsi (to wash oneself) in the table below. Lavarsi - To wash oneself Mi lavo ci laviamo ti lavi vi lavate si lava si lavano Italian Workbook Exercises Questions | AnswersReflexive PronounsA. Complete the following with the appropriate present indicative reflexive forms of the indicated verbs. Io ________ Enzo. chiamarsiQuelle ragazze ________ alle otto. alzarsiLoro ________ vicino alla porta. sedersiDaniele ________ lentamente. vestirsiNoi ________ facilmente. addormentarsiIo non ________ mai. arrabbiarsiVoi ________ sempre. lamentarsiFrancesco ________ di Teresa. innamorarsi Questions | AnswersB. Complete the sentences with one of the verbs given below.chiamarsi, diplomarsi, fermarsi, laurearsi, sentirsi, specializzarsi, sposarsi Io ________ Valentina. Tu come ________?Andate dal dottore quando non ________ bene?Maria frequenta luniversit. Vuole prima ________ in medicina, e pio ________ in cardiologia.Gli studenti italiani ________ alla fine del liceo. Poi vanno alluniversit.Ugo e Vittoria ________ se trovano una casa. Italian Language Study Resources: Italian Language LessonsItalian Audio PhrasebookItalian Language Audio Lab Related Articles: Understanding the Italian Present Conditional TenseGive Me a Hug! Understanding Italian Reciprocal Reflexive VerbsItalian Reflexive VerbsHow To Use Reflexive Pronouns in Spanish

Research methodology design and process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6000 words

Research methodology design and process - Essay Example In this context, the need for research in nursing is no longer just driven by the epistemological requirement of the field, but it is also necessitated by the perceived need for policies that will enhance patient satisfaction. In this regard, this paper will look into research and research methodology as it is adopted in some studies within nursing. This paper will be divided in to six sections. The first part is the introduction. This section presents the focus of the paper as well as the structure of the entire study. The second segment deals with the identification of the area, which is to be researched or audited and the justification for the choice of the topic. This part will present the rationale behind the chosen topic for the research. The third part will be discussing the search strategy used in identifying sources of research. Continuing, the fourth part will deal with the research methods adopted by some studies within nursing regarding the issue of nursing led care in ca ncer health services. The fifth part will look into the impact of the selected studies to the field of nursing. Finally, the sixth section will present some research suggestions pertinent to the topic chosen. At the end of the paper, a better understanding of the rudiments of research and research methodology as it is adopted and applied in nursing is attained. 2. The Identification of the Topic and the Justification for the Choice As the field of nursing is wide and various issues are being raised, the researcher decided to look into the topic of nurse led care in cancer with focus on adult patient’s satisfaction. There are several reasons that prodded the researcher to prefer this topic over other concerns that are encountered in the field of nursing. These are (1) the researcher is working as an oncology nurse. This is the primary reason why the researcher has opted to work on the topic nurse led care among adult cancer patients and patient satisfaction. My experiences in work serve as a motivation to understand further the extent of patient satisfaction among adult cancer patients, especially when it is nurse led. (2) Another reason is that there is an increasing awareness among patients regarding the importance of their perception pertinent to their health care (Kleeberg et al., 2008; Williams and Healty 1998). Since, knowing patient satisfaction will help in developing approaches that will further improve their predicament. Patient satisfaction is crucial for cancer patients as they are vulnerated not only by the cancer, but they are made vulnerable byseveral psychological, emotional, and educational challenges (McClement and Hack, 1999; Stiefel and Rafazi 1994; van Gruenigen et al., 2006). Accordingly, there is a constant necessity to know cancer patients’ satisfaction in order to provide them with the appropriate health care they need as they deal with their illness. Finally, (3) recent developments in biomedicine have helped patients in gaining better chances in dealing with their cancer. However, the developments in biomedicine also carry with it increasing complexity. In this regard, there is a need to know patient satisfaction of adult cancer patients as they face not only their illness, but also the complex health care services they use (Lis et al., 2009). As there is a perceived necessity in apprehending patient satisf

Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Literature - Essay Example Othello’s being an Alien in Venice and the gulf of culture, race and complexion—that exists between him and the Venetians—in an important theme in the tragedy in Othello. The theme of race and the themes of isolation and alienation can be combined because it is because of the race that the character of Othello considers himself alienated from the Venetian society. Shakespeare forced his audience to see Othello with the â€Å"bodily eye† of Iago. Othello tries to attach himself to the Venetian society on the basis of universal virtues such as love and loyalty. However, Iago’s attempt in realizing himself as an alien makes him to a step that takes him to his tragedy. Therefore, it is quite clear that Othello has evidently awareness of his race and color as different to Desdemona. This racial difference becomes a cause for his consideration that Desdemona has illicit relationships with Cassio. He also considers himself alienated from a society, which is not his. He tries to be a part of that society but he is always aware of his being different due to which, he is alienated and isolated. Like Othello, the themes of isolation and alienation in Everyday Use can also be assembled with the theme of race. The family of Maggie and Dee has an African background while Maggie remains stick to her traditions and culture while Dee wants to stay away from her culture, which is quite impossible. Dee belongs to African culture and she cannot deny this fact. Dee makes many friends, out of which, no one is sincere to her according to Maggie. Due to this fact, Dee is alienated from the society in which, she lives because of her racial identity for having an African background. Dee wants to connect to another culture and wants to leave her due to which, not only she becomes an alien to the new culture she wants to adopt but to her own culture

Importance And Role Of Economic Information Essay

Importance And Role Of Economic Information - Essay Example This mutual understanding is for the reason that businesses do not require to end up in price wars among competitors that ultimately eludes the profitability of the businesses. Owing to the interdependence and resulting price stickiness characteristic of industry, the demand for the product turns elastic in case the price is increased as compared to industry participants. If the competitors will attempt to increase the price as compare to other participants and this will result in losing revenue as demand will switch to other competitors. While in case of lowering price customers show inelasticity as all industry participants reduced price taking all firm to competitive positions again. Even in case of a high increase in marginal cost, the considerably low impact has to be transferred to customers. Since profit is maximized at a point where marginal cost equals marginal revenue therefore as long as marginal cost cuts marginal revenue in vertical position price will remain at P. Furth er, in case MC cuts marginal revenue vertically the price is retained same and a benefit is not passed on the customer.Further, competition is supported in other aspects such as branding, services accuracy etc, ABB has developed a competitive advantage with fast delivery services supported by online operations as compared to competitors in certain areas in order to retain differentiation from competitors. Other competitors based on respective capacity compete on aspects such as quality or differentiated range of products offered.  ... Further, incase MC cuts marginal revenue vertically the price is retained same and benefit is not passed on the customer. Further, competition is supported in other aspects such as branding, services accuracy etc, ABB has developed competitive advantage with fast delivery services supported by online operations as compare to competitors in certain areas in order to retain differentiation from competitors. Other competitors based on respective capacity compete on aspects such as quality or differentiated range of products offered. All these factors ensure increasing barrier to entry for new entrants while retaining competition. Therefore, securing industry from competition authorities to charge participants with accusation of cartelization; practice that is followed in oligopoly. Hence, being abreast not only with respective business position economically ABB has to remain updated as well as linked with the strategies of competitors to retains the competitive business positions. IMPOR TANCE AND ROLE OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION Financial information and respective understanding forms the back bone of the business. Importance of financial information is not only critical for top management that are concerned for decision making with respect overall business goals but at the same time financial information is critical for every department (Brealey, Myers, Allen, & Mohanty, 2007). For instance, marketing department’s investment in the advertisement and sales campaign are concerned to fetch sales that add considerably to profitability. Similarly, HR department also evaluates performance of departments, respective employees and comparison of efficiency of company employees with other

The Concept Of Just Punishment Philosophy Essay

The Concept Of Just Punishment Philosophy Essay In his paper A Non-utilitarian Approach to Punishment, H. J. McCloskey argues that a utilitarian account of punishment dictates unjust punishments which are unacceptable to the common moral consciousness (239). In your paper, (a) outline the argument McCloskey provides for this conclusion and (b) raise two objections to his argument. If you support his argument, then respond to the objections that you or other critics mount. The concept of a just punishment is captivating and is debated among many philosophers today. Punishment is defined as the intentional infliction of suffering on an offender for a moral or legal wrongdoing. In this essay I will go into great detail of McCloskeys article, and discuss how his argument that a utilitarian account of punishment is unjust and retributive theory is the only way punishment can be considered just. I will also introduce objections to McCloskeys theory that attempt to disprove that in order to justify punishment you have to connect punishment with moral wrongdoing, and the offender must get a punishment he deserves. I agree with McCloskeys argument, and will offer my opinion in responding to the arguments posed against his theory. To the average mind, punishment should generally be justified based on utilitarian grounds. It seems to make the most sense that satisfying the greater good is obviously relevant when determining which type of punishments should be inflicted. The question arises which punishments are just, and this must be answered before we can determine which punishments are morally permissible. Although crime is bad, a punishments purpose is to prevent it more so than cancel it. To punish crime is an imperfect state of affairs. Punishments such as whipping, imprisonment, and death are considered evils. Although crime is an evil and prosecutors deserve to be punished, these punishments need to be justified based on their utility. A society with no crime and no punishment is obviously better than one with both. McCloskey argues that good results come from punishment, because it is attempting to set a precedent not to commit the crime in the future which will cause the greater utility. Punishment is justified because it is useful as opposed to because society should be able to illustrate indignity towards the offender, or if one says the punishment cancels out the crime, or because as a human being himself, he has the right to be punished. H.J McCloskey says that these justifications are implausible in a way that utilitarian justification is not. He argues that morality of punishment is by a retributive theory, specifically the theory where evils should be distributed according to desert, and that the vicious deserve to suffer. Just punishment is deserved punishment. In order to deserved to be punished, the offender must have committed an offence that that a morally accepted as an offence. If an innocent man was being punished, this would definitely not be justified. Punishing a person not responsible for his behavior, such as a person with a mental problem would also be seen as unjust. Whether punishments actually work is irrelevant in determining if they are just or not. In the 18th century people were hung for shoplifting, where in todays life this would be considered severely unjust. According to utilitarians this type of outrageous punishment could only be permissible if it somehow turned out that it would achieve greater utility. Morality suggests that in order for punishment to be just, it has to be merited by the offence being committed. It must involve care in determining if the offender is truly responsible, and it implies a moderate punishment, that shouldnt be excessive. It should not surpass what fits the severity of the crime being committed. The point is that an outsider should be able to say that the person being punished deserved that type of punishment. One shouldnt say that good has come out of one being punished. It seems logical to say that the punishment was useful but not deserved, and deserved but not useful, and one cannot say that a punishment was solely undeserved. Unjust punishment is whether collective or scapegoat punishments that result in inefficient trial procedures, corrupt police methods, or mistaken tests, as is punishment for things that have nothing to do with the crime. Just punishment is one that fits a retributive theory. it points to a very important consideration in determ ining the morality of punishment (its justice) and explains what punishments are just, and why they are just. A utilitarian would say that any punishment, regardless of severity, would be just if in the long run it created greater utility for a greater number of people. Utilitarians dismiss appeals about moral consciousness that relate to ones emotional response. McCloskey disagrees with utilitarians in this sense. He argues that our moral consciousness gives us answers we don not accept as defensible after hard observation, and the judgments which we do accept after serious manifestation are the ones being appealed. Before a utilitarian questions this approach, he must ensure that he is secure from similar criticism. One could argue that a utilitarians would appeal the theory of utility is based on an uncritical emotional acceptance of what at first seems to be a moral principle, but after sever examination, could involve great evils. If a utilitarian were to argue that utilitarian ism does not involve unjust punishment, and the answer is that whether or not unjust punishments are useful, it is logical to think that at some point they will become useful, in which case a utilitarian is committed to. A utilitarian would argue that it could be necessary to punish a lunatic, mentally challenged person or an innocent person being framed as being guilty, which McCloskey and I do not agree with. If a person is not in control of his actions, he should not be punished for an offence he didnt know he was committing An objection to McCloskeys theory would be the utilitarian theory. Utilitarians only justify punishment after balancing the good and evil produced with the outcome. McCoslkey says that in order to justify punishment you have to connect punishment with moral wrongdoing. The offender must get a punishment he deserves. McCloskey brings up an example to justify his objection to the utilitarian theory. He uses an example of a town that has a racial conflict, and where a black man rapes a white woman, and riots, white mobs, and with the help of the police, killing of black men occur as a result. If a utilitarian were there he would convict the initial black rapist instantly, if he knows this will prevent the riots and killings, so as a utilitarian he has the duty to bear a false witness in order to punish the innocent person. A utilitarian only performs acts that bring about the most utility. McCloskey argues that it is not morally permissible to perform this kind of act, making the utilit arian justification incorrect. An innocent man should not be framed and punished for something he didnt do, regardless of what the outcome would be. Thus the retributive theory of punishment with its criterion of justice as an end in itself gives place to a theory which regards punishment solely as a means to an end, utilitarian or moral, according as the common advantage or the good of the criminal is sought.

The Life of Kate Chopin :: essays research papers

The Life of Kate Chopin   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Born originally as Katherine O’Flaherty, Kate Chopin came to life on February 8th, 1851 in St. Louis, Missouri to Thomas and Eliza O'Flaherty. The family she was born into was known as one of St. Louis’ wealthiest family’s because of her father’s well-known success as merchant involving the sale of boats and wholesale grocery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1855 Thomas O'Flaherty died suddenly from a work-related railroad accident. Kate lacked male role models in her life after her father died. She was raised by three generations of women, including her maternal great-grandmother, Madame Victoria Verdon Charleville, who instructed Kate in music lessons, French lessons, and storytelling. Additionally, Kate attended the prestigious Sacred Heart Academy, which promoted intelligence and independent thinking: this helped Kate begin her lifelong love of reading and writing. When Kate was eleven, Madame Charleville died, and Kate's half-brother George was killed while fighting in the Civil War for the Confederate side.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At the age of nineteen Kate O’Flaherty married Oscar Chopin, the son of a wealthy cotton-growing family in Louisiana. The union between these two individuals produced six children (five boys and two girls). Oscar was French Catholic, as was Kate. In 1882, Oscar Chopin died of malaria also known at the time as swamp fever. Kate managed her husband's business for approximately a year and then returned to live near her mother in St. Louis. A year after her return, her mother passed away. To support herself and her family, Kate began to write. She was immediately successful and wrote short stories about people she had known in Louisiana. Her first novel, At Fault, was published in 1890 when Kate was forty. When The Awakening was published in 1899, the story created a scandal because of its portrayal of a strong, unconventional woman involved in an adulterous affair. It was inspired by a true story of a New Orleans woman who was infamous in the French Quarter.

Social Psychology and the Sustainable Future Essay

What has Global warming, Ozone Layer Depletion, Soil Erosion, Air Pollution, Carbon Emissions, and other environmental issues have to do with Social Psychology? One of the reasons for writing this paper, is to answer that question by showing the relationship between the environment in which we live and social psychology. I will endeavor to do this by looking at a root cause behind our ecological dilemma, as well as offering possible solutions and suggestions for social behavioral changes that each one of us could employ, as not only caring human beings, but as Christians fulfilling our God-given mandate to rule over the earth He created in the capacity of caretakers and stewards. As explained by Dr.  David G Myers in his excellent book entitled â€Å"Exploring Social Psychology†, the study of social psychology is a study in which â€Å"social psychologists scientifically explore how we as humans think about, influence, and relate to one another† [ Myers 2009 p. 1]. He goes on to quote novelist Herman Melville’s poignant observation, which states, â€Å"we cannot live for ourselves alone, for our lives are connected by 1000 invisible threads† [Myers 2009 p. 1]. And therein lies the root cause of our ecological problems. Because of our social orientation [being our personality psychology or â€Å"psychodynamics† which forms our â€Å"worldview† by the way we’ve been taught to think and act within the society in which we grew up], most people and societies, if not all, are inherently self-centered. A perfect example of this societal â€Å"self-centeredness† is clearly seen here in the United States of America, more so than in any other place in the world. The unrestrained, unbridled, and unprecedented consumerism and waste has sadly become this countries â€Å"social norm†. Generally speaking, we as humans, tend to give little thought, either intentionally or unintentionally, about how our attitude, actions, and behaviors might affect others in the society in which we live: or for that matter, the rest of the world. Because our lives are connected by 1000 invisible threads, our attitude, behavior, and actions cannot help but effect others. We are connected in many different ways, but primarily we are connected by being members of one and the same human race, sharing an earth which we all call home. Therefore, social psychology and the sustainable future of our environment are connected in the sense that as human beings, sharing the same earth, social psychologist can positively influence societies to bring about change through implementing strategies within a society through educational and other means, that would address the need for â€Å"other-centeredness†, as opposed to â€Å"self-centeredness† within our societies. This hopefully, through educational campaigns, would over time alter social norms throughout global societies, and help to positively shape our attitudes, behaviors and actions toward the environment in which we live, and encourage a more sustainable environmental future. The purpose of environmental education, is to bring â€Å"social awareness†of how each individual’s attitude actions and behavior, can and does have an environmental affect [whether positive or negative], not only themselves and their own environment, but on the environment of others also. So, environmentally speaking, this means that each individual person, group, society and nation’s environmental habits and lifestyle [which is mainly guided by the â€Å"social norms†of the country and the culture in which they are living], can have a global environmental impact. Social Psychology in the Sustainable Future 4 Social, psychologically formed thought processes, cause individuals and groups within a society or culture, to behave in ways that are considered normal to them, even though they’re ttitude, behavior and actions are environmentally devastating. One of the ways I can illustrate the fact of how our attitudes, behaviors, and actions [another words what we do and how we live], can and does affect others environment [even though they may be living on the other side of the world], is by looking at the worldwide issues of air pollution and its causes. Air is something that every living thing needs, as the famous 70s hit song sung by the British group†The Hollies† states, â€Å"all I need is the air that I breathe. Another translation of that song humorously states â€Å"I need to be able to breathe. † That we need air to breathe is an axiom, a self evident truth, for without it we die. In actual fact, air is one of the reasons why Earth is the only planet within our solar system that can sustain life, and in which life can be found. Air supports life, but the air has to be clean for life to be sustained. We don’t really need to be told that the air is polluted these days because we can see it. This is especially true if you happen to live in the city of Los Angeles, which for many years has been the butt of â€Å"smog† jokes, and recently topped the American lung Association’s bad air list of â€Å"most polluted cities in America† [GMA news 2012]. Why is the air polluted so badly? How did it get that way? The city of Los Angeles, like many other places in the world today are to a great degree responsible for producing much of the â€Å"bad air† in their cities. However, â€Å"bad air† is now being found in cities and other places where there is no air polluting factories or industry to blame. This is because air pollution does not recognize international boundaries, and like the proverbial trapeze artists, pollution in the form of toxic emissions can and do â€Å"fly through the air with the greatest of ease. † Because of this, â€Å"bad air† has † turned up† in places where it did not originate; such as National Parks and wilderness areas in remote parts of the United States. This is due to the fact that one countries air polluting practices can have a dramatic effect on another countries air quality located on the other side of the world. Toxic pollutants and emissions rise from factory smokestacks, power plants, and exhaust emissions , from countries who have no â€Å"clean air act† and therefore are under no threat of penalty or prosecution for noncompliance. These toxic emissions, are the result of unrestrained air polluting practices by countries who show little or no interest in environmental conservation. This toxic pollution rises into the wind currents and jet-streams, which carry the poisonous air hundreds, or even thousands of miles away to another part of the world, where it then affects the air quality of the place where it settles, creating health hazards and pollution within that cities population and location. So, the irresponsible polluting behavior and actions of one group/country, can have a drastic negative effect on another person/s, group/s, country/or countries, causing them to suffer debilitating health hazard consequences for which they were not responsible in creating. So you see in this one small illustration, how another person/s, group/s, or even other countries irresponsible attitude, actions, and behavior toward environmental conservation issues, can inadvertently and negatively affect another person/s, group/s, or even a whole country’s population’s health and well being. Many first world countries have environmental laws that heavily penalize companies for noncompliance, and therefore helps to limits air pollution to varying degrees. Yet there are more countries who don’t have any environmental laws, restrictions, or boundaries in place, and who Social Psychology in the Sustainable Future 6 do not recognize or practice environmental conservation. And so these developing countries by their â€Å"who cares, it’s business as usual† attitude and behavior, become one of the major contributors of â€Å"bad air† on a global scale, through their uncontrolled, unrestrained, release of toxic emissions into the atmosphere where it becomes an international traveler. However, air pollution caused by toxic emissions is only one of the environmental concerns facing humanity today. Another environmental concern, which we are being constantly reminded of through the news reports, newspapers, Internet, etc. is the issue of â€Å"global warming†. This is also known as â€Å"climate change†. Scientists use the name, or term global warming, so as to identify what types of climate change is actually happening i. e. , the planet is not getting cooler but warmer, ergo, global warming. One of the reasons they state this is happening is due to the excessive amount of a gas known as CO2. This is carbon dioxide, which is something that we, after taking in oxygen through the air, actually exhale. While CO2 is an odorless, tasteless, inert gas, it is also a byproduct of combustion, which is generally contributed to automobile emissions. However, while CO2 is a byproduct of automotive engine gasoline/diesel/natural gas combustion, it is also a byproduct of combustion associated with the burning of coal and oil to generate electricity and heat buildings. In fact, anything that burns will have CO2 as one of its emission byproducts. Because of the increase of automobiles, trucks, factories, etc. here is an excessive amount of carbon dioxide constantly being released into the atmosphere. Along with the deforestation of whole rainforests [note: trees absorb CO2 gases and convert CO2 into oxygen by the process of â€Å"photosynthesis†. This is one of God’s brilliant ideas for replenishing the oxygen we use. However, by cutting down all the trees in the forest, we re destroying the earth’s Co2 converter], Social Psychology in the Sustainable Future 7 and the combination of other greenhouse gases , which come from agricultural and industrial sources, global warming is the result. However, there is also another detrimental effect of having too much CO2 in the air that has to do with one’s respiratory health, and is known by a condition called hypoxia, or hypoxiation. [West, 1995 p. 22] This is a pathological condition in which the body as a whole, or region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply. This is due to the fact that the body is deprived of oxygen because CO2 in the lungs is inhibited from being released, and so accumulates causing too much CO2 to be where oxygen needs to be, and therefore death ensues as a result. West, 1995 pp. 22]. The use of CO2 displacing oxygen is great for firefighting is actually a preferred fire extinguisher in place of chemical powder for distinguishing fires, but it’s no good for breathing. The world climate is changing because CO2 is in excess, and humans are the reason why it is so. So far we’ve looked at some causes of air pollution and how it can originate from one part of the the world an d through air currents effect everybody globally. But in discussing social psychology in the sustainable future air pollution is only one component of many. There are many environmental concerns for a sustainable future, which also include water pollution. Just as we need clean air to survive, so also we need clean water for both drinking and food. In actual fact, it is quite possible for a person to go many days and even weeks without food, but only a few days without water. Clean water is essential for drinking as well as sustaining aquatic and marine life in our rivers and oceans. However, with the high human demand for oil, environmental catastrophes and disasters such as the â€Å"Exxon-Valdez oil spill†off the coast of Alaska in 1989, and most recently the BP oil Social Psychology in the Sustainable Future 8 spill of 2010, have polluted the life-sustaining ocean waters and left a path of ecological destruction, which much like the fallout from an nuclear bomb, may take forever, if ever, to recover. Even now as I write this, we’re told by BP officials and their advertising campaigns, that the waters in the Gulf are back to pre-oil spill status. However, a recent study reported by Brian Williams on NBC national news states that marine life such as dolphins are seriously ill and due to â€Å"health problems consistent with exposure to oil. Illness ranging from lung disease, kidney malfunctions and liver disease has been found throughout dolphin population which cause has been attributed to the ingesting of oil† [NBC nightly news March 23 2012]. Basically what we’re being told through the million-dollar advertising campaign by BP, is not true. We are still reaping the consequences caused by the massive oil spill where oil spewed out from the ground unrestrained for months. On top of water pollution, the sea is being devastated daily by the huge nets and â€Å"Longlines† of commercial fishing vessels. Longline fishing is a commercial fishing technique. It uses a long line called the main line which can be up to 50 miles long, with thousands of baited hooks attached at intervals of approximately every 20 yards. Hundreds or even thousands of baited hooks can hang from a single line. Although â€Å"Longliners† commonly target tuna, cod, halibut, unfortunately a baited hook is not very selective and many other species are caught and killed inadvertently. This is very troublesome, especially for those animals, mammals, and fish species that are on the endangered list, i. e. The Leatherback Sea Turtle. [Seaturtles. org 2003] Can you imagine a 50 mile long fishing line with corks set at every 20 yards, or huge Social Psychology in the Sustainable Future 8 dragnets, scraping the bottom of the sea for its fish, crap, shrimp and other marine life. This is all done to fulfill the growing populations appetite for seafood. Yet he growing need for bigger harvest is only one part of this very important ecological problem. Another part is the damage that is caused by the implements used in harvesting. I have personally seen the damage to the bottom of the sea caused by the nets being used to harvest fish from along the bottom of the sea beds. These nets are called â€Å"drag-nets† for good reason, as they scrape the bottom of the ocean’s floor so that nothing escapes. As they scrape along the bottom of the sea, they â€Å"drag† every kind of a marine life you can imagine into the net. The ocean floor then looks like it’s just been â€Å"plowed†. Thus, these â€Å"drag-nets† leave behind a path of destruction in their wake, by destroying all aquatic plants, and marine life forms and the environment in which they live. Another issue that is caused by fishing trawlers using dragnets, is waste. Nets are by no means † selective† as anything and everything gets caught in the net. Once these nets are hauled in, much of what is caught in the nets is not used, but thrown out for reasons of either being under size, wrong variety, or in some way illegal etc. Some of the seafood is kept, and the other is thrown out to die. The fish and marine species that are caught in the nets or on the long lines as a â€Å"byproduct†, sea turtles, including the extremely endangered â€Å"Leatherback sea turtle†, various sharks, including some species which are also endangered, and also others. Seeing there is no international laws to reduce â€Å"bycatch†, we can expect that many more species will be added to the endangered list as part of the long-term decline, caused by these devastating fishing practices. So apart from destroying the environment which sustains our fish and marine life in our oceans, rivers and waters through pollution, waste and harvesting practices, we continued the Psychology and Sustainable Future 9 devastation by â€Å"overfishing† the waters to to the extent that fish that were once found in abundance 50 years ago, are now at the point of extinction and have been placed on the endangered list. Two of the fish species I would like to talk about here were, up till recently, very common. One is the Atlantic cod, and the other the Giant Bluefin Tuna. These two fish species once abundantly populated the Atlantic Ocean until the implementation of gill nets, drag nets, and now the dreaded long-lines of commercial fishing vessels. In a relatively short amount of time, the use nets and long lines have devastated the cod and tuna populations worldwide through â€Å"overfishing†. Even though size limits and harvesting amounts have been supposedly set by international bodies, Atlantic Cod, Bluefin Tuna, and many other fish species are â€Å"under the gun†, and may never recover, especially the majestic bluefin tuna, which is much coveted by â€Å"sushi chefs† and is considered a delicacy in Japan. Maybe it is for this reason that Japan, under the guise of supposedly abiding by the international fishing laws, have reportedly and consistently ignored the international laws for size limits and harvesting amounts. Through their longline fishing vessel fleet have continued at a ever increasing rate to catch bluefin tuna, to the point that they, could be considered to be the major contributing factor, as to why this fish species is numerically declining to a point of having to be put on the endangered fish species list. [Glover, Charles. The End of the Line. 2008]. It is a well-known fact that the Mitsubishi Corporation. Not only owns several long line ships which go out to sea for months at a time and don’t come back until their freezes are all full of bluefin tuna, but is the major purchaser of bluefin tuna. As well as fishing for bluefin tuna with their own fishing vessels. They have also been known to purchase as much bluefin tuna as they Social Psychology in the Sustainable Future 10 can, from other fishing vessels. These vessels are known as â€Å"Pirate Fishing Vessels†, ignore international fishing laws and catch all they can in what you might call an â€Å"undercover operation†. These pirate fishing vessels have, within the past 10 years, come under a lot of scrutiny by the Greenpeace organization: who sail the seas searching for these pirate fishing vessels so as to â€Å"catch them in the act. † Of illegal fishing, netting, long lining etc. [Greenpeace. org 2011]. Although many nations, including the United States, supposedly participate as international management bodies to maintain global tuna populations, the species continues to decline at an alarming rate and are now on top of the endangered species list because it’s numbers have depleted to such a point that it may never be able to recover. As you can tell air and water pollution combined with overfishing is a concern of mine, mainly because I see it is preventable, but for the selfish, self-centered, all-consuming greed of people from all walks of life I could continue on for quite some time, however I must bring this article assignment to a conclusion by talking about causes of environmental damage. As much as we like to blame tornadoes and hurricanes for most of the environmental damage, the biggest cause of environmental damage is man himself. Mankind is now the number one cause of all the destruction happening on Earth. We are the major cause of environmental disasters, beginning with the industrial exploitation of the resources of the Earth, which has become especially bad since the population of the Earth has trippled in the last fifty years to a point which, even with more efficient means of distribution, there is simply not enough food to go around. Obviously the reasons for the possible future scarcity of food, water, among other things, is the wasteful lifestyles that we have become accustomed to, especially here in the United States. All you need to do is look around in any restaurant here in the United States and see the huge Social Psychology and a Sustainable Future 11 amounts of food being thrown out in the trashcan while people on the other side of the world starve. It’s been noted in the book, exploring social psychology by David G Myers, that the human demand for things such as land, timber, fish, and fuels is increasingly exceeding the Earth’s regenerating capacity. [Myers, 2009 p. 378-379]. My point is this, with the present consumption of resources by our, wasteful habits and devastating harvesting techniques, coupled with the destined growth of population, further pollution, global warming, and environmental destruction, seem inevitable unless there is change. For the average American who lives with luxuries unknown by even royalty just a century ago, our lifestyle of unrestrained, unbridled, ever wanting more consumerism will be brought to a screeching halt unless there is change. Let’s face it our wasteful lifestyles cannot continue forever. For beyond the sunny skies of comfort and convenience. Dark clouds of environmental disaster at gathering. Sciences have accredited this coming ecological, environmental disaster to increasing population and increasing consumption. [Myers, 2009 p377]. I come to this conclusion; due to my observations of the wasteful practices I see around me every day of my life here in the United States I offer this small yet effective illustration of the environmental conservation. In Australia where I was raised, we grew up with â€Å"tank water. † Where you rely on the rain to fill a tank that is used for your drinking water, bathing, and bathroom uses etc. Under these conditions you learn to conserve and not waste water in every way possible. One of the ways I taught my children to conserve water was not to leave the tap running when they were brushing their teeth. They were instructed to turn the tap on to wet the brush, then turn the tap off while they apply the toothpaste to the brush and brush their teeth. After they had brush their teeth, they could then turn the tap on to rinse out their mouth and clean their toothbrush. Idiosyncratic? Not really. Just letting my children learn not to waste water and to appreciate the God-given resources we have available to us.

High Fidelity essays

High Fidelity essays On the surface, High Fidelity is a story about breaking up and getting back together again. Only, thanks to director Stephen Frears narrative technique, we dont realize this until the credits start to roll. He plunges into the life of Rob Gordon, played by John Cusack, on the night his girlfriend, Laura, leaves him. Robs subsequent depression and self-analysis is the focus of the film; getting the girl back becomes secondary. Robs frustration from his break up with Laura reminds him of all of his other failed relationships, specifically, his Top Five All Time Break Ups List. His recounts of each girl are interspersed throughout the first half of the film. We only learn about Laura as we learn about Robs past. Consequently, the main part of the narrative is either flashbacks or direct commentary by Rob to the audience. This might seem to be a weakness, but it is in fact a vehicle for Frear to move the present plot forward. It is only through understanding Robs past, that we can understand his current angst. In addition, the slow revelation of the causes for his and Lauras break up reinforces Robs own mental journey. We learn things as Rob himself is ready to deal with them. For example, it is only when Liz, a mutual friend, marches into Robs record store and yells profanity at him, that Rob begins to think of what Laura probably told Liz. He finally lets the audience in on some of the things he did to cause the break up. Yet Rob still hasnt fully grasped what happened between him and Laura. It is a great strength, and in fact the very nature of the film, that we are limited to Robs mental struggle. All of the information is slowly laid out, to him, and to us. In his struggle to understand his current break up, Rob becomes obsessed with his past relationships, and decides to go out with them all again and ask them what w ...

The Catcher in the Rye literary analysis essays

The Catcher in the Rye literary analysis essays The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is a story about childhood, and of finding ones self in society. It is the story of Holden Caulfield and his everyday encounters and problems with other people in society. The story depicts a week in the life of Holden, a week full of events and encounters that permanently change his life forever. In the Catcher in the Rye J.D. Salinger uses the character of Holden Caulfield, conflict, and setting to convey the theme that although the world may seem to be full of phonies or difficult and boring people, one must find a way to overlook his individuality and coexist in society. The first literary technique J.D. Salinger utilizes is the character of Holden Caulfield. Although Holden can be analyzed from many different vantage points the most prevalent characteristic of Holden is his lack of maturity and his journey into adulthood. Holden is a very insecure teenager desperately trying to connect with someone. Because he is immature he has problems understanding the adult world and has difficulty relating to his peers. He feels very much alone and doesn't know how to create a connection because he is very idealistic and has no tolerance for people. He labels anyone whom he considers not to be completely genuine as a phony, claiming that they do and say things for the sole purpose of being socially accepted and polite. However, Holden demonstrates his immaturity by partaking in many of the actions that he considers to be phony. He admits that sometimes it is necessary to take part in these actions and ultimately become a phony in order to exist in the ad ult world, which is why he is so strongly opposed to it. As the story progresses, however, Holdens actions and convictions begin to change into a more mature way of existing. One conviction that changes throughout the novel is Holden's belief that he can change the world. In the beginning of the story the reader gets the impre...

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Cultural diversity in the workplace. the positve and negative effect - Essay Example Cultural diversity incorporates differences based on race, ethnicity, sex, social class, nationality, religion, color and sexual identity (Thomas and Ely 2001, p. 229). Members of a cultural identity share common worldviews, values, norms, goals and cultural heritage, cultural markers being communicated through communication style, shared meanings and dialects or languages. Cultural identity is socially constructed, complex, and dynamic and is associated with some power position, status, and a certain degree of prestige. For instance, in Western society males have a more powerful status and higher positions in political system than females, just like whites have a more powerful position than people of color, heterosexuals are more powerful than homosexuals, etc (Thomas and Ely 2001, p. 229). The discussion of the diversity in the workplace began early in 1990’s. The US workforce was changing rapidly. Traditionally it was represented mostly by white males. However, since 1970s ever more women and minorities joined the workforce. In 1993 it was expected that by the year 2000 only one in seven of new employees would be a white male. The old way of assimilating diversity (people were expected to hide their cultural differences to fit into the company’s dominant culture) was abandoned. Diversity started being treated as an asset bringing â€Å"a broad range of viewpoints and problem-solving skills to the company† (Black Enterprise 1993, p.1). Workforce 2000 Today survey showed that by 1991 â€Å"issues of cultural diversity and women in the work force were becoming increasingly important in decision-making and strategic planning – especially strategic planning†. 60 percent of the respondents said their management viewed diversity as an asse t, not as a problem (Black Enterprise 1993, p.1). However, Ben Harrison questioned the reliability of those 60% emphasizing that most managers didn’t have a clue as to what diversity meant. He explained that