A Line Of Promises Essays - Rings, Fingers, Marriage, Ring Theory

A Line Of Promises Essays - Rings, Fingers, Marriage, Ring Theory A Line Of Promises A Line of Promises Many times simple objects in peoples lives can come to represent a part of themselves. The object can become an integral part of a persons identity. In Wedding-Ring by Denise Levertov, the relationship between a woman and her old wedding ring is explored as a way to intertwine the womans life with the rings meaning. Through the ring, the woman identifies herself. The wedding ring is wishfully transformed from a complex symbol of promises to a simple gift of friendship. In the opening of Wedding-Ring, Levertov sets the tone of the poem, by exemplifying the interaction between the speakers feelings and the wedding ring. My wedding ring lies in a basket / as if at the bottom of a well (1,2). The first two lines of the poem paints a picture of a lonely woman trying to depart with the last memory of her marriage, her wedding ring. The comparison between the basket and the bottom of the well accentuates the low point in the womans ending marriage. Having compared the shallow basket to the deep well, the poet implies to the reader that the speaker is feeling sorrow, and therefore her surroundings may also seem sad and empty. This displays the relationship of how the wedding ring and her feelings are connected. This image of the wedding rings location is further described as Levertov writes, It lies / among keys to abandoned houses / nails waiting to be needed and hammered (5,6,7). Not only does the ring lie in the bottom of a well, it is along with other long forgotten objects. The use of abandoned houses brings images of loneliness and emptiness. The speaker also uses violent nouns and verbs such as nails and hammered to describe the setting of her ring. Nails alone are just mere objects, but nails that are hammered and are forced to be used to hold things together hold a much higher value. Like the womans wedding ring, its true value is not seen until it is put on a finger. In reality the ring is not in a well with these objects but her connection with the ring is bringing out emotions that are creating these images. It is often easy to overlook the speakers intentions in the poem, but upon closer examination line breaks following the word lies can help emphasize the word. In this case, lies can be interpreted by multiple denotations. The obvious way to denote lies is to continuously read through to the next line, and use the context of the poem to define the word. But the enjambment creates the possibility of lies defined as ill truth. A wedding ring is a symbol of a promise, and for it to hold ill-truth means the ring can no longer be called a wedding ring. It is now a mere piece of jewelry, which the woman attempts to forget. . The speaker has given much thought to remove the ring out of her life but each reason she gives justifies a reason for her not to. In the poem she writes, It cant be given away / for fear of bringing ill-luck. / It cant be sold for the marriage was good on its own (11-13). The repetition of I cant sets a series of limitations around the woman. No matter what she tries to do, the wedding ring will always be a part of her. The line break after the word own gives the notion of belonging. It gives thought that she is one entity and the ring also has its own life. However, she is unable to escape the ring because she is fearful she will be violating its memory. The rings memory is also a part of her own memory. The reason the woman is drawing lines around herself with these restrictions is because the ring possesses some sort of power over her. The superstitious woman, on the other hand believes it can bring bad luck to whoever holds the ring after she has already worn it. The phrase for fear of bringing ill-luck suggests that the woman is afraid that since her marriage ended, any new owners of the ring will have the

Nikola Teslas Inventions and Bio

Nikola Tesla's Inventions and Bio Nikola Tesla was born in 1856 in Smiljan Lika, Croatia. He was the son of a Serbian Orthodox clergyman. Tesla studied engineering at the Austrian Polytechnic School. He worked as an electrical engineer in Budapest and later emigrated to the United States in 1884 to work at the Edison Machine Works. He died in New York City on January 7, 1943. During his lifetime, Tesla invented fluorescent lighting, the Tesla induction motor, the Tesla coil, and developed the alternating current (AC) electrical supply system that included a motor and transformer, and 3-phase electricity. Tesla is now credited with inventing the modern radio as well; since the Supreme Court overturned Guglielmo Marconis patent in 1943 in favor of Nikola Teslas earlier patents. When an engineer (Otis Pond) once said to Tesla, Looks as if Marconi got the jump on you regarding Marconis radio system, Tesla replied, Marconi is a good fellow. Let him continue. He is using seventeen of my patents. The Tesla coil, invented in 1891, is still used in radio and television sets and other electronic equipment. Nikola Tesla Mystery Invention Ten years after patenting a successful method for producing alternating current, Nikola Tesla claimed the invention of an electrical generator that would not consume any fuel. This invention has been lost to the public. Tesla stated about his invention that he had harnessed the cosmic rays and caused them to operate a motive device. In total, Nikola Telsa was granted more than one hundred patents and invented countless unpatented inventions. Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse In 1885, George Westinghouse, head of the Westinghouse Electric Company, bought the patent rights to Teslas system of dynamos, transformers, and motors. Westinghouse used Teslas alternating current system to light the Worlds Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago. Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison Nikola Tesla was Thomas Edisons rival at the end of the 19th century. In fact, he was more famous than Edison throughout the 1890s. His invention of polyphase electric power earned him worldwide fame and fortune. At his zenith, he was an intimate of poets and scientists, industrialists and financiers. Yet Tesla died destitute, having lost both his fortune and scientific reputation. During his fall from notoriety to obscurity, Tesla created a legacy of genuine invention and prophecy that still fascinates today.

Compare and Contrast Home Depot and Umpqua Bank Essay

Compare and Contrast Home Depot and Umpqua Bank - Essay Example Different companies have different cultures, which will be discussed here in the light of the Hofstede’s dimensions. Masculinity When both managers of home depot and Umpqua bank took office, their first initiative was to change organizational cultures so as to make the companies more competitive. This was a common goal and therefore each of the company took an initiative to ensure that its culture is transformed. Both companies gave the mandate to different individuals who are males thereby indicating the gender biasness in the two banks. Home depot hired Dennis Donovan while Umpqua hired David from Ziba to research and therefore come up with a solution. Low Uncertainty Avoidance Both of the company embarked on an environmental creation mission because they are change oriented and are ready to take risks. Umpqua ensured that it cleaned all its surrounding as this had a bad image on the company. It also refurbished its structures to ensure that the image of the company changes completely and becomes more user friendly to all customers (Freeze n.d). They did this by changing the structures to become open door one so that each customer can feel free to get in. This is because offices that are regarded as of higher standards keep off lower ranked employees and even customers who refer them as out of their reach. On the other hand, home depot structures such as low light in its orange store houses gave it a new look. Others included cluttered aisles and sparse signage (Charan, 2006). These changes in structures, which are part of organizational culture, saw great improvement in the performance of both companies. There was a major difference on how both companies implemented their policies of changing the organizational structure. Umpqua set aside a budget while home depot company just implemented the policy silently without interrupting the companies program. This played a major role in ensuring that the performance of the company is maintained even in the pe riod of transformation. Low Power Distance Language and relationship between the company officials is another important aspect that both companies undertook. Relation between the members especially the attitude in communicating plays a major role in ensuring that organization work together in achieving the set goals and objectives. Home depot ensured that it installs a good discipline among all members of the organization and all those who were not ready to comply with the new condition were swept out of the company (Charan, 2006). This showed how this aspect of culture was important to the whole performance of the company. Home depot applied an important tactic to ensure that cultural change does not get much resistance from the employees. This was through making the employees understand the benefits that the company will accrue from the change. It did this by holding various meetings with all stakeholders while the project was made clear to all people. On the other hand Umpqua cha nged its philosophies of which the employees came to uphold. It also did this by changing the features of its brand which signaled a new change in the company which was welcomed by the employees (Edger, 2010). Both companies ensured that they install a positive belief on their employees and workers. This gave both companies an upper hand as it changed the mindset of the customers towards the companies’

A documented position paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

A documented position paper - Assignment Example This is kept going by strong ICT systems and processes that provides real-time information that links all stakeholders. The company’s international freight partners – DHL provide worldwide reach and specialized support. Also, Primark has made reasonable moves to limit reputational and ethical risks that come with operation in foreign markets around the world. This is done through strong monitoring mechanisms and corporate social responsibility. Primark is a UK-based clothing manufacturing and retail entity that originally founded in Dublin Ireland in 1968 (Primark Website). Today, Primark has over 200 outlets in Europe and North America. The company’s fundamental corporate strategy is based on an integrated global supply chain system through which the company designs its product in the UK and USA, sends the outlines to factories in developing countries like Bangladesh, Turkey and India where they are sewn and export it to the UK for onward distribution to Primark outlets around the developed world. This paper posits that Primark’s Global Supply Chain Management system is the firm’s primary cause of competitive advantage. In order to achieve this end, the paper will draw on evidential sources to show that the company saves a lot of cost by locating its manufacturing units in the developing world and sells them to consumers at high prices in the developed world. The integration of ethics and reputation i s the main means through which the company retains its continuous cost leadership system through the Global Supply Chain Management (GSCM) process. The global textile industry has gone through a major reformation after the Cold War ended (Kunz and Garna 3). This is due to the apparent trend towards the elimination of barriers towards international trade and the major disparities that exists in different parts of the world due to the differences in costs and values. The rational producer will seek to minimize costs and maximize sales revenue. Hence,

UK Economic Policies Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

UK Economic Policies - Dissertation Example Economic Policy Measures undertaken on or before the 1990s. †¢ Privatization ï  ¶ Mainly aimed to tackle the stagflation that gulped the nation during the 1970s and to prevent further such developments. However has been criticised by a number of economists. ï  ¶ Also enabled the revision of labour laws so as to reduce the power of the labour union and assign more power to the company. ï  ¶ Moreover, the competitive spirit that the step would instil among the producers will help the nation to achieve a comparatively advantageous position. ï  ¶ Most relevant sectors, other than the postal system, were privatized. ï  ¶ The scheme was preceded by a number of failures and required a lot of effort from the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, before it finally achieved success almost a decade later. †¢ Reduction in unemployment benefits combined with a modification of tax laws that might act as an incentive for higher production and thus an improved GDP position (Wagnur, 2000). †¢ Modification of the education system in the country and providing maximum financial coverage to the students. †¢ New pension plans so as to shift the burden from the state to the individuals. ï  ¶ Introduction of pay-as-you-go scheme in the occupational structure, where the individual has to purchase and become a part of some pension benefit scheme (Taylor-Gooby, 2006). †¢ Increased housing ownership due to introduction of buyer-side subsidies. †¢ Capital account convertibility that helped the inflow foreign investments.

Creating And Maintaining Stability In Ecosystem

Creating And Maintaining Stability In Ecosystem Ecosystem is a distinct space on earth where community of living organism including flora and fauna interact with the abiotic elements like air, water and soil as a system. The interaction between the biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem is linked together through energy flows and nutrient cycles. Biologists define biodiversity as the totality of species, genes and ecosystems of a region. This encompasses genetic diversity, species diversity and the ecosystem diversity. Traditionally, the term was used to communicate the species richness of an area. The latter definition of biodiversity is used in this essay. The word stability is defined in detail in the relevant section. In broad terms, ecosystem stability is the capability of the ecosystem to return to its equilibrium state after a disruption. The essay tries to identify the ecosystem function, which should be the indicator to demonstrate the stability of the ecosystem. This document also studies the effect of various biodiversity factors, which can modify the stability of ecosystem. Framework for the Ecological Functions of Biodiversity Organisms in an ecosystem service themselves and carry out certain other functions, which benefit other organisms of the community. These functions are the ecological functions of biodiversity. These ecological functions are classified into four categories depending on the complexity of the services provided by these organisms. Complexity level 1: Functions performed primarily by Individual Organism Primary Production Energy fixed in the process of photosynthesis or chemosynthesis is called Primary Production. In photosynthesis sunlight is used as the source of energy and is fixed as carbohydrates, proteins fats and other organic compounds needed by all herbivores. In Chemosynthesis, oxidation or reduction of chemical compounds like that of sulpher is used for energy fixation. Variety of primary producers existing in an ecosystem has a direct influence in the diversity of herbivores, carnivores and detritivores in the ecosystem. Symbiotic associations among organisms can sometime increase Primary production. Oxygen Production Oxygen production is one important function of biodiversity. The primary producers produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis. Oxygen is required for respiration of aerobic biota and decomposition by detritivores. Oxygen is also required for Earths protective ozone shield. Sequestering of Carbon Dioxide Many organisms in the ecosystem does the function of removal of carbon dioxide from the earths atmosphere. They also help in removal of carbon dioxide from soil and water by process such as precipitation of calcium salts or amassing of organic deposits. Marine life like charophytes use carbon dioxide to make limestone plates; protozoans absorb dissolved carbon dioxide to create coral reefs; trees, shrubs and herbs use atmospheric carbon dioxide during the process of photosynthesis. Herbivory Herbivorous animals eat primary producers. Herbivory is the function of Herbivorous animals. Herbivorous organisms serve the function of feeding carnivorous animals and thus maintain the food chain and food web of the ecosystem. Carnivory Carnivorous animals eat other animals. Carnivory is the function of Carnivorous animals. The carnivorous organisms functions as the balancing force to regulate the population of the herbivorous organisms in an ecosystem. The trophic structures of an ecosystem would be simplified significantly if there are fewer carnivorous animals. Control of Erosion Erosion Control is a function provided by plants in a terrestrial ecosystem. The root growth of plants prevents soil erosion. Accumulation of litter and organic remnants of the plants helps in retaining and recycling nutrients. Consequently, the rate of soil build up will be faster than the erosion rate and thus control erosion. Aquatic plants play a vital role in the control of erosion in estuaries, riverine and marine ecosystem. Complexity level 2: Functions involving interactions among low numbers of different kinds of organisms Population Moderation Herbivores, Carnivores and Parasites deliver the function of population moderation in an ecosystem. Human species is the only species that could develop methods to control disease, parasites and predators selectively. This control measures has resulted in the elimination of natural method of population moderation for those selected species. Dispersal and Migration Dispersal/ Migration is an ecological function of organisms. The tendency of an organism to move away from its birth site is called natal dispersal and from its breeding site is called breeding dispersal. The seeds and spores normally undergo passive dispersal using agents such as wind, birds, animals etc. This process of dispersal facilitates the development of new adaptive variants, which could re-colonize and restore, an already destroyed or highly modified natural ecosystem. Migration is a mass directional movement of large numbers of organisms from one location to another. This is a tactical response to overcrowding in an unpredictable environment, which affect the survival. Migration can provide ecological links between different habitats. Symbiosis Symbiosis is a close and long-term, interaction between different species. These interractions may be mutually beneficial and the degree of benefit for each species is varied. Symbiosis is an ecological function of biodiversity. Pollination is one area where symbiosis is very evident. The pollinating agents like insects and birds pollinate different kinds of flowering plants. The plants respond to this by evolving different flowering-time sequence, floral fragrances and markings. The reduction in any one of the symbiotic species can reduce the possibility of new symbiosis and new life forms. Fragmentation of habitat, pollution and usage of pesticides affect symbiosis. This has resulted in extinction of many species of organisms in the ecosystem. Complexity level 3: Functions involving interactions among large numbers of different organisms Bioturbation Bioturbation is the activity of reworking of soils and sediments by flora and fauna of the habitat. This is a ecological function essential to maintain the quality of the abiotic ecosystem. Bioturbation affects the texture of sediments, bioirrigation, displacement of abiotic particles and microorganisms. The growth of roots, tunneling by worms, burrowing by animals, ingestion and defecation of sediment grains, infilling of abandoned dwellings displace sediment grains and modify the sediment composition. Climate Moderation Climate moderation is an ecological function of biodiversity. Climate affects the biodiversity of an ecosystem and the biodiversity affects the climate of the ecosystem. Macroclimate of a region is an abiotic factor, which affects the biodiversity of the region. The flora and fauna of a desert habitat is quite different from that of the tropical rain forests. This is especially true before establishing the vegetation in the region. Once the vegetation is established, the ecosystem will start influencing the climate. The transpiration from forest canopies and other vegetation can increase atmospheric humidity which can influence the rainfall. Plants have an important effect on the microclimate of an ecosystem. Trees and shrubs affect the shade and humidity, which can affect the other biodiversity of the area. Decomposition Decomposition is an essential function to ensure natural recycling of residues of life. Decomposition requires oxygen. Primary detritivorous organisms consume free organic molecules and metabolize to create nutritive blocks, which are required by primary producers in a habitat. Secondary detritivorous organisms digest all kind of plant and animal tissues both dead and alive. Mineralizing bacteria has the capability to metabolize toxic organic compounds and return harmless mineral matter. They play an important role in detoxifying soils, waters of the ecosystem. Creation and Maintenance of Ecosystem Structures Creating and maintaining a Ecosystem structure is a function of biodiversity. The evolution of different phyla into multicellular structures was derived from this ecological function. A tree can accommodate many other organisms like nesting birds, wood-boring insects and other parasites. Communication Communication is a profound function of biodiversity. The individual organisms of the same species and organisms of different species have diverse methods to communicate. These communication methods are essential for food gathering, courtship, herding, migration, flocking, escaping from carnivores and parenting. Methods used by organisms for communication could be sight, sound, smell, taste, radar, sonar, electric currents etc. The communication significantly improves with the evolution of biodiversity. Many specialized flowers reflect ultraviolet light, which can be seen only by some pollinating insects. Complexity level 4: Ecosystem Functions and Process Food Webs and Chains -Trophic Structure Trophic structure is the movement of energy through organisms in a community. This is an important ecological function, which enables species to utilize alternate trophic pathways, and shift from one to another depending on availability and thus meet the energy requirement. The species with multiple links in the food web has better survival rate than those with limited links. As the biodiversity evolves, the trophic structure will become complex and highly interlinked. Nutrient Cycling Nutrient Cycling is the movement and exchange of inorganic and organic matter back into the production of living organisms. The process of nutrient recycling is regulated through food webs pathways, which decompose matter into mineral nutrients. This is an ecological function, which describes the transport of nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium and trace elements through living tissue and the abiotic part of ecosystem. Nutrient cycling is a complex process, which affects the existence of ecosystem and the population of species in it. Stability Stability is the factor that ensures the movement of ecosphere at a steady rate with no drastic change from its equilibrium. The stability is a very complex function with correlation factor mapping to all other ecological functions in various degrees. Redundancy is an important factor that provides long term resilience to the ecosystem. Similarly the Generalist Behavior of the species in the ecosystem reduces the risk of instability. Other important factor, which promotes stability, is the existence of Keystone species, which has higher influence over the entire biodiversity. The real long term stability can be evaluated by the ecosystems capability for ecological succession. The function of stability in an ecosystem is further elaborated in next section. Harmony Harmony is the ecological function of biodiversity. Harmony in nature is pervasive, diverse and persistent. This exists at all levels necessary for the maintenance of the ecosystem. Harmony means the peaceful coexistence of different elements of the ecosystem like biotic and abiotic; flora and fauna; herbivores and carnivores etc. Another aspect of harmony is the inherent capacity for many life forms to live together within a larger ecosystem, and to make linkages, symbioses and co-adaptations. Stability Ecological stability is the measure of its immunity from perturbation. Ecologists define perturbation or disturbance as any relatively discrete event in time that disrupts ecosystem, community, or population structure and changes resources, substrate availability, or the physical environment (White and Pickett 1985:7). Terminologies used to define Stability The definition for the Stability of an ecosystem is currently not very precise. However the most accurate details for stability is provided by Orions (1974) where he has suggested that stability may mean many different things: the absence of change (constancy), the length of survival (persistence), resistance to perturbation (inertia), speed of return after perturbation (elasticity), the displacement from which return is possible (amplitude), the degree of oscillation (cyclic stability), and the tendency to move towards a similar end point (trajectory stability). The scientists over a period of time have used the above terminologies interchangeably and hence there is no common understanding. This essay uses the below mentioned definitions for clarity. In the above terminologies, the persistence and elasticity have units in time (t) while Inertia and amplitude are expressed as functions of perturbation (x). If Persistence is TP, Inertia is i(x), Elasticity is TE, and Amplitude is a(x). When a perturbation is applied on an ecosystem, the ecosystem resist the disturbance by Inertia i(x) for a persistence period TP upto which the ecosystem can survive. If the cause for the disturbance can be absorbed or outdone, the system will persist and this is called resilience of the ecosystem. Similarly when a perturbation is lesser than the amplitude a(x), then ecosystem tries to get back to its previously established stable state within an Elasticity period of TE. This is called Stability of the ecosystem. (Kolding, J. 1997. Diversity, Disturbance and Dubious Dogma.) Ecosystem Model The ecological stability is a complex function, which has direct and indirect relationships with all the other ecosystem functions and other abiotic factors. For Example, the stability of the ecosystem has a relationship with other complex functions like trophic structure and nutrient cycling. These sub functions are further related to many other ecological functions like Primary Production, Herbivory, Carnivory, detritivory, Symbiosis etc. Similarly factors like natural abiotic perturbations such as wildfire, earthquake etc OR Anthropogenic perturbations like Oil-spill, building of dams etc. also affects the stability of the ecosystem. Effort of scientists to model an ecosystem was not very successful because of the complexity of the model. The parameters involved in the model are dynamic and has multiple linkages to other parameters. Scientists attempted Lyapunov stability model for non-linear systems to model the ecosystem. However the results of the model is still under investigation with conflicting views about its utility. The ecosystem modeling is a time consuming and resource hungry exercise and model can vary between different ecosystems. The primary task of stability modeling is to find the correlation of biodiversity and their different ecosystem function with different reasons of perturbation. These factors can then be integrated into a model. The effectiveness of the model need to be further tweaked through studies and investigations. Scientists believe that best method to test the applicability of this stability model is by using it to analyze ecological destructions. The projects like Biosphere 2 can contribute in developing the model. Redundancy Scientist believe that higher biodiversity in an ecosystem provides better stability. Department of Environmental Science and Policy, California in 1999 conducted a study on the effect of biodiversity on the ecosystem function. In this study, the correlation of biodiversity and Ecosystem functions were qualitatively assessed to identify to one of the types of graphs shown below. The study concluded that Although 19 of 20 experimental tests identified a generally positive relationship between species number and ecosystem function, only 3 identified a type A response curve. Thus it can be concluded that the stability of the ecosystem and biodiversity are generally maintaining a Type B graph. This means that stability of the ecosystem does not improve much once the biodiversity has achieved the saturation level. However, the study assessed the linkages between stability and biodiversity through indirect means. The assumption of the scientists that higher ecosystem function means better stability is yet to be proved. Further the study did not use perturbations to measure the elasticity and amplitude of the ecosystem, which are more direct means to assess stability. The species richness in the ecosystem beyond saturation point is the redundancy in biodiversity. This redundancy in biodiversity is an important factor, which helps stability of an ecosystem to recover from the effects of perturbation. This is theoretically demonstrated using Reliability Engineering principles by University of Minnesota. If a perturbation affects population of a species in the biodiversity, the equivalent redundant species will take its role and keep the population of dependent species unaffected. This provides improved elasticity to the ecosystem. Keystone species Keystone species are the important species of an ecosystem whose absence is detrimental to the persistence of other species. Paine (1969) was the first researcher to coin the term keystone species. According to him, keystone species are species of high trophic status whose activities exert a disproportionate influence on the pattern of species diversity in a community. The above definition did not help ecosystem managers and conservationist to identify the real keystone species. Hence keystone species was redefined as a strongly interacting species whose top-down effect on species diversity and competition is large relative to its biomass dominance within a functional group. Keystone species support the stability of the ecosystem mainly in three ways. Keystone predators maintain the population of lower level competitors and thus allow other species to survive. The typical case of key stone predator controlling other low level competitors is that of the sea otter of West Coast of North America. Sea otters kept the population of sea urchins in check. In 18th and 19th centuries, sea otters were hunted to the point of near extinction. This resulted in the population explosion of sea urchin. Sea urchins decimated kelp beds, which was critical for spawning fish. This caused reduction in fish population and affected the fishing community of the region. Later an international treaty was signed to protect sea otters. Consequently, in many regions where sea otter population could recover, fish catch improved. Keystone symbiotists provide resources for other organisms. For example, in Western Australia, a tree, Acorn Banksia is the only source of nectar for honeyeaters in certain period of year. Loss of this species of tree would cause population collapse for honeyeaters (pollinators) and consequently the pollination of other plants would be affected. Thus the implication of losing this keystone mutualist species has profound effect on the ecosystem. Keystone Engineers shape the environment for other organisms. In the African savanna, the tree shade prevents growth of grass. Grass is a primary source of energy for herbivores. Elephants help in destroying trees and make room for grassland to develop. If this keystone engineer is removed from the ecosystem, within a few years, the populations of herbivores like antelopes, zebras, and deers would shrink. Generalist Behavior A generalist species are species, which can survive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and varied diet. For Example, raccoon, which is found in North and Central America, is adoptable to wide range of environmental condition. It is omnivorous and eats berries, eggs, insects and small animals. On the contrary, specialist species can thrive only in a limited range of environmental condition and can consume restricted diet. Koala, a monophagous organism, eats only eucalyptus leaves, is a typical example for specialist species. Generalists have higher threshold to survive a perturbation and hence higher persistence. Thus an ecosystem with a predominantly generalist biodiversity is more stable than a specialist biodiversity. Scientists believe that the toxins like allelochemicals, tannins, oxalates, terpenoids, alkaloids contained in the diet of many specialist-herbivores are higher than what other animals can afford to consume. In the absence of these specialists, population of toxic biodiversity cannot be kept in check. This would result in the reduction of population of other organisms and thus affect the stability of ecosystem indirectly. Thus the specialists also play a vital role in overall stability. However, their own existence itself is precariously balanced by their special requirements. Ecological Succession: Ecological Succession is defined as a continuous directional change in an ecosystem over a longer time frame, which involves change in the composition and organization of the ecological community. During this period depending on the genetic traits, the population of certain species may diminish or flourish. In certain cases, depending on the type of perturbations, new variants of species may evolve which is more adaptable to the changes. Scientists believe that ecological succession bring in stability. The growth of hardwood trees like oak within the red pine forest is a typical example of ecological succession. The seedlings of hardwood trees are shade-tolerant while the pine tree seedlings need sun to thrive. Hence growth of pine tree seedlings in the shaded forest floor is difficult while the Oak seedlings would flourish. Over a period of time, oak would replace the red pine forest and would support a stable ecosystem for a longer time. Extinction of certain variants and evolution of new variants are symptoms of a vibrant ecosystem. Though these ecosystems may appear unstable over a short duration, these structures would last longer and hence stable in the real sense. Stability of Natural Ecosystem and Artificial Ecosystem All the above-mentioned factors affecting the stability of Ecosystem are more applicable to a natural ecosystem. In an artificial ecosystem, human beings modify the ecosystem and play a more vital role in regulating the ecosystem functions by a process of feedbacks and control action. Human is the only species, which could consistently maintain and increase the population over longer period of time. This is attributed to his ability to analyze the cause for perturbation and take necessary control measure. But mostly his response does not consider the effect of his control action to the biodiversity in the ecosystem. This leads to higher instability in the system. Indiscriminate usage of pesticides to protect agriculture is a classic example of such activity. The pesticide while eliminating the pests would kill its natural enemies and would increase pest resistance. Pesticide also contaminates unintended water source and land when they are allowed run off fields or sprayed aerially which would destroy other biodiversity and thus reduce stability. Conclusion Biodiversity plays a vital role in maintaining stability in a natural ecosystem. However, to prove the statement quantitatively, lot more research have to take place. Developing an ecosystem model and perfecting the model through analysis on a continuous basis will be the step to understand this issue more accurately. The short term and long term study on the stability is needed to understand the impact of biodiversity on the ecosystem. The changes in the ecosystem exhibited during the ecological succession process can be misunderstood for instability. In fact, the ecological succession process improves the stability of the ecosystem. This raises the question whether the extinction of species happening now is a part of ecological succession. With the burgeoning of human population, more part of ecosystem may require large-scale modification and artificial control measures to support the trophic structure. This has to be carried out responsibly without impairing the stability of the ecosystem.

1984 And The Truman Show Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A utopia is a seemingly perfect world, with happiness, honesty, equality, and peace. Although in the novel, 1984, by George Orwell, and the film The Truman Show, directed by Peter Wier, the readers and viewers are presented with a negative utopian society. A negative utopian society is a perfect world that somewhere has gone wrong. The controllers in the novel and film succeeded in achieving complete control and power, which was their attempt to make the ideal society. Each controller has a different threat, in 1984 it is association while in the film, The Truman Show, it is separation from the outside world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In George Orwell’s 1984, the ruling body, known as the Inner party, gains complete control over the people in their country. In all the homes, apartments, business offices, and town squares, there are telescreens. The telescreens give the ruling body the ability to invade the people’s privacy, and create fear into their lives. The ruling body of 1984 is afraid of unionization between the people and their ideas. They believed that if people got together and talked about their ideas about the parties, they would realize that their way of life had not always been like this, ruled by the Inner Party. The Inner Party controls everything that the people in their society does, thinks, says, and acts. Winston Smith, the main character of this novel, begins to realize that he has thoughts from his past and that the...

Life in Madinah of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) Essay

The first significant event after the migration of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was the construction of the mosque of the Prophet. It not only acted as a spiritual centre for worship, but also the political and military headquarters for the new state. It soon developed into an institute of learning where discussions and seminars were held. A social institution where Muslims learnt and practiced discipline, unity and brotherhood. The land on which the mosque was build was bought from two orphan brothers. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and many other prophets themselves worked hard to construct the mosque. This mosque was known as â€Å"Mosque of the Prophet† or Masjid-e-Nabawi. To this Quran says in Surah-At- Tawbah: â€Å"—, a mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in. Within it are men who love to purify themselves; and Allah loves those who purify themselves.† (9:108) Walls of the mosque were made of unbaked bricks. The roof was of mud and date palm leaves and the trunks of date palm trees were used for pillars. A large platform with a thatched roof, was built in one of the corners of the mosque. This was known as Suffah. Azan In order to call believers of Islam to mosques, the system of calling Azan was introduced. Hazrat Bilal (R.A) was appointed as the Muezzin. Arrangements for the inhabitants of Madinah People of Madinah belonged to two categories; Ansars (Madinites) and Muhajirin (Makkans). Even the richest emigrants were now poor as they had left their belongings in Makkah during the hijrat. The people who belonged to Madinah promised to help Muhajirs. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) established brotherhood between these two groups of Muslims. The Ansars happily agreed to help the Muhajirs and they took them to their homes, took care of them and shared all of their possessions with them. The Holy Quran mentions this in these words: â€Å"Those who and adopted exile, and fought for the faith, with their property and their persons, in the cause of Allah, as well as those  who gave (them) asylum and aid, these are (all) friends and protectors, one of another.† (8:72) The emigrants and their hosts were united into a bond of brotherhood, which proved, in practice, to be stronger than real brotherhood. Even the enmity between two tribes of Madinah, Aus and Khazraj was forgotten, as mentioned in the Holy Quran: â€Å"†¦ And remember with gratitude Allah’s favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His grace, ye became brethren†¦. (3:103) Treaty with the Jews: (Charter of Madinah) There were three main tribes of Jews: Banu Qainuqa, Banu Nazi and Banu Quraiza, settled in the suburbs of Madinah in their own strong fortresses. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) realised that the foundation of Islam would be very weak unless it was based upon the support of all the people living in Madinah. The situation call for a strong measure of co-ordination and adjustment, particularly as the Muslims were seriously threatened by the Quraish. Therefore, as soon as the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was settled in Madinah, he called together the Muslims and the Jewish tribes for consultation.

Free Essays on Managment Theories

Table of Contents Introduction 2 The evolution of HRM 3 Characteristics of HRM 6 Types of HRM 7 HRM – V’s – Personnel Management 8 Key Differences 10 Key Similarities 12 Conclusion 13 Introduction â€Å"Human resource management can be defined as a strategic and coherent approach to the management of an organisation’s most valued assets: the people working there who live individually and collectively contribute to the achievement of it’s objectives†. (Armstrong, 2001:3) The term human resource management has become increasingly familiar to managers since it’s introduction in the early nineteen eighties. Modern companies want to attract, develop and keep the best employees as they see this as key to gaining competitive advantage. They want people who are capable and committed and view these people as valuable assets, an investment for the future of the organisation. But even with the familiarisation of the term it is still difficult to clarify exactly what HRM is and how it differs from traditional personnel management. For the purpose of this assignment the topic will be discussed under the following headings:  § The Evolution of HRM  § Characteristics of HRM  § Types of HRM  § HRM –vs.- Personal Management  § Key Differences  § Key Similiararities The evolution of HRM In order to fully comprehend what the term HRM means it is important to have an understanding of the historical development of Human Resource Management. The Industrial Revolution: The birth of personnel management can be traced back to the industrial revolution in England in the late 18th century. The revolution saw the growth of the factory system that due to its nature demanded the more formalised organisation of work activities by planning, organising and controlling employees. The work environment was very unfavourable at ... Free Essays on Managment Theories Free Essays on Managment Theories Table of Contents Introduction 2 The evolution of HRM 3 Characteristics of HRM 6 Types of HRM 7 HRM – V’s – Personnel Management 8 Key Differences 10 Key Similarities 12 Conclusion 13 Introduction â€Å"Human resource management can be defined as a strategic and coherent approach to the management of an organisation’s most valued assets: the people working there who live individually and collectively contribute to the achievement of it’s objectives†. (Armstrong, 2001:3) The term human resource management has become increasingly familiar to managers since it’s introduction in the early nineteen eighties. Modern companies want to attract, develop and keep the best employees as they see this as key to gaining competitive advantage. They want people who are capable and committed and view these people as valuable assets, an investment for the future of the organisation. But even with the familiarisation of the term it is still difficult to clarify exactly what HRM is and how it differs from traditional personnel management. For the purpose of this assignment the topic will be discussed under the following headings:  § The Evolution of HRM  § Characteristics of HRM  § Types of HRM  § HRM –vs.- Personal Management  § Key Differences  § Key Similiararities The evolution of HRM In order to fully comprehend what the term HRM means it is important to have an understanding of the historical development of Human Resource Management. The Industrial Revolution: The birth of personnel management can be traced back to the industrial revolution in England in the late 18th century. The revolution saw the growth of the factory system that due to its nature demanded the more formalised organisation of work activities by planning, organising and controlling employees. The work environment was very unfavourable at ...

Napolean Bonaparte essays

Napolean Bonaparte essays Napoleon Bonaparte French Revolution Napoleon was the cure of the French Revolution when he came to power. It would be impossible to put them together. From what was chaos throughout France during the Revolution, came a new government that Napoleon created. He was able to balance the governments budgets and setting up national banks thus helping and supporting the economy of France. He was fair and allowed those who fled during the Revolution, to return, as long as they didnt affect him. He was able to receive support from the Bourgeois since he promoted officials depending on how they did in the job. Thus, the people stopped revolting and it would no longer retain the name Revolution to it. Napoleon was able to strengthen France from their weak states during the Revolution. He was able to invade and conquer much of Europe in which he added to his ever growing empire. He won most of the battles by defending his own people. He made blockades stopping his enemies and all their supplies. So, he was able to keep France safe while attacking and conquering other countries, showing how strong of a leader he was. When Napoleon was doing such feats, France was having the most power it ever had. No one was revolting against that. Napoleon created the Napoleonic Code, giving the country a simple set of rules to follow. It abolished the estate system. This was one of the main points of actually revolting so the people were obviously satisfied with Napoleon when he took office. But these laws still kept Napoleon powerful but the people had less liberty. Even though, their liberty was limited a majority of the French people were satisfied with the abolishment of the estates. If the people were satisfied, then a Revolution while Napoleon was in power, would be pointless. Napoleon was able to control his empire. Napoleons empire did have a few problems like guerrillas kept attacking Napoleons a...

Community Marketing Through Social Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Community Marketing Through Social Media - Essay Example This is a strategy to actively engage an audience in a non-intrusive manner usually in a public forum. Unlike traditional marketing strategies, community market has its focus on the needs of existing customers. In a nutshell community marketing seeks to establish a permanent connection between existing customers, prospects, companies, and products. By so doing it will be in a position to improve a products adoption into the wider community and also satisfy the same market while strengthening customer loyalty (Unger 2008). In the recent past social media has increasingly been commercialised. It has become a complex community which has been drawn from a wide cross-section of the community all with different backgrounds. It is this large community that has been a major target to marketing, and has made social media marketing to be considered by marketing executives. Incorporation of social media into e-commerce has changed the game of marketing and indeed drawn a lot of benefit to busin esses that are involved. The most obvious benefit would be capturing the diverse and ever growing audience that constitutes the social media. Click on display ads can be linked up with e-commerce websites that would allow customers to make required purchase at their convenience (Schneider 2011). Much as social media and community marketing cannot be measured through direct sales, such efforts usually go a long way in raising awareness of an organisation and creating a good image. Facebook fans It is very evident and clearly spelled out the returns any e store gains in terms of customer interaction and even recruiting new fans. However, it has always been an enigma how to take the momentum created by these fans and convert it to sales. The solution of creating these Facebook fans to paying customers is to create a platform that will move the fans from Facebook to the e store. This can be achieved through the following steps: Engage the fans with content they can relate to and share. Facebook is a powerful community hub, and its fans offer a rich marketing opportunity. Secondly, share content that invites the fans to the e-store. This can be through a link that offers a valuable option, such as a contest entry that will entice the fans. Finally, once the fans attention and contacts have been captured the e-store can introduce sales opportunities via email. Facebook Ads and display branding The most common way of incorporating community marketing in Facebook is through display Ads. Influential branding and strategically placed display advertisement tops the list of factors that increase sales and product awareness. Facebook display Ads can be tailored for specific audience, and be made to offer a lot more than just plain advertisement. Their dynamic nature also allows them to easily fit to any site without interfering with the main content. The only downside to this however, is that it tends to create a clustered landscape which can very easily be managed through careful targeting and selection of markets. Similarly, building brand awareness can be employed as a strategy to capture the rich market found in social media. Beyond marketing, Facebook presents a platform for organisations to directly engage with potential customers, and display their expertise in a given field. Tweeter account Another skilful way is incorporating Tweeter into e-commerce through the development of a user community. A Tweeter account of the e-store can push further the notion of spreading a positive word about the products offered to the larger market. This account can include special features such as group forums of a particular brand, and

Urban Renewal in Canada Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Urban Renewal in Canada - Essay Example This contributed to the establishment of the reform agenda which was considered best and suitable for the moral and economic aspect of Canada. Canada had notice that the urban renewal program which had been implemented in USA had emerged to benefit the residents of various towns significantly. Among the major towns in Canada where this program was notably implemented is the Distillery District in Toronto2. Generally, urban renewal in Canada involved removal of irrelevant structures, relocation of business centers and the government intervention of purchasing property for public planning and urban renewal. This government intervention in Canada as way of implementing urban renewal involved the purchase of private property for the purpose of city-initiated development projects. This exercise went further into the rural context of Canada carried out in rural areas commonly referred to as renewal of the village. The major reason that prompted Canada into considering urban renewal was to ease both human and building congestions and to ensure that major town and cities received expressways and freeways. There was a consideration that Canadian authorities viewed urban renewal program as being an economic fosterer as well as mechanism of reform. With the adoption of the underlying urban renewal program there emerged a trend in Canada. This emerging trend was that urban renewal in Canada became a policy in which houses and residential neighborhood were affected by urban renewal program. The policy provided revitalization of the central business district as well as the gentrification of the underlying residential neighborhood. This urban renewal was characterized with more renovation, less destruction and a significant government investment. In today’s Cana da, these policies have been integrated into the local government and it is mainly attributed to both big and large business incentives. Urban