Focus on the Learner Essay Example for Free

Focus on the Learner Essay Student Background Veronica is a 31 year old elementary level student. She is originally from Ecuador and is currently residing in Birmingham and has been for the past 3 months. She is University level educated, as a graduate in Dentistry, and a native speaker of Spanish and is also fluent in Italian. Veronica has worked as a dentist in her families practice; she has learned English at a basic level and is able to converse in English at an elementary level. Her motivation for studying English is to increase her level of English language so that she may work as a dentist in England. She has been encouraged by her sister to move to the United Kingdom as the rate of pay in her home country she could not earn enough money. She is very motivated to learn English as she will be able to provide a better life for herself financially and will also be able to better communicate and therefore socialise with her friends from different cultures. Linguistic and Skills: Strengths and Weaknesses 1. Listening It is difficult to grade listening skills without actually setting a listening task. For the purpose of this report I will analyse the understanding of questions set in the interview as well as class observation of the learner. Veronica seems to understand what is said and did not stall in answering the questions. She is able to understand most task set in class with the teacher’s explanation, without requiring further help. However when she doesn’t understand an exercise, she will not respond to the task set and will check with classmates in order to complete the task. 2. Speaking Strengths Veronica is able to present her message in a relatively clear manner. She is a fast speaker, often the case with Spanish native speakers. She uses simple short sentences mainly in the present tense. (Lines 10/14). Weaknesses Veronica has difficulty with pronunciation, often not using stresses. She pronounces the word noisy as nosy as seen in line 13-14. However when I repeated the word in the correct manner, she quickly adopted the correct pronunciation. She uses the past simple to explain future plans as seen in line 20 and line 25.This is a grammar error also noted in her writing and reading task. Veronica uses ‘is’ instead of it ‘it is’ and makes the error of using in instead of at (as seen in line 20) to state future plan of studying at University, she also made the error of putting the before the lexical verb university Grammar Tense Veronica struggles with the future tenses. She uses ‘is’ to explain future plans as seen in line 20. Vocabulary Veronica displays a relatively good level of vocabulary, illustrated by words such a professional, principle and University (lines8/20/21). However at times she struggles to find the words she wants to explain which results in her mumbling ’inaudible’. Pronunciation Veronica struggles with pronunciation. This may be seen in words such as noisy, seen in line 13-14, and principle, line 8/20 Reading Strengths Veronica was able to complete the reading task without any prompt, in other words independently. She was able to read for the specific information, and seemed to be familiar with have and haven’t. She showed particular strength in writing full sentences with correct capital letters as well as an ability to recognise the correct punctuation and contractions making only a few errors. Weaknesses Veronica has made a few errors in the reading exercise. This may be seen through her answering, ‘it is’ instead of ‘it has’, when asked whether an individual has internet on their mobile phone. This perhaps illustrate that she may struggle with grammar. Veronica has also made a few mistakes in writing the correct punctuation, often rewriting the wrong sentence instead of correcting it as well as failing to put a full stop at the end of the sentence, as well as not using enough commas. This illustrates that Veronica who is although familiar with capital letters, punctuation, and contractions needs more support in this area. Writing Strengths Veronica is able to present her message relatively well; she is able to spell most word correctly. She illustrates a variety of words, therefore can be seen to have a good vocabulary for a learner at elementary level. She presents her ideas in logical manner, she states for example that her life in England is interesting and is able explain in more detail why she has written this. Her handwriting is very legible. She is able to use correct punctuation such as full stops and comma’s as well as contractions. Weaknesses Veronica has made a few spelling mistakes, often when words are difficult to spell such as profession which even native speaker struggle with. However even more importantly Veronica has struggled to use the capital letters in the correct manner, for example she writes Favourite instead of favourite and uses full stops to frequently instead of commas. She also struggles with the difference between is, has are and often makes errors in word order. Some of these mistakes such as wrong use of capital letter could also seen in reading task. Rationale for choice of Language area I have chosen to focus on grammar, most specifically on future tenses and future plans. In order to help improve Veronica’s improve her language skills in the area of tenses, as this is an area which is problematic for Veronica. Rationale for chosen skills area I have chosen to focus on speaking as this is an area which Veronica displays difficulty in as illustrated through the recording and may be seen in the transcript.

Development of Soil Nutrient Sensors

Development of Soil Nutrient Sensors The rising demand for food crops and the growing concern for environment have made it necessary to shift from traditional agricultural practices towards modern agricultural practices. Traditional agricultural practices are labor intensive, time consuming, expensive and also a cause of environment pollution. To achieve sustainable agriculture, it is necessary that the precision agriculture technologies and practices are integrated with the traditional practices, which will also help to deal with the spatial heterogeneity of the soil [1]. The biggest hurdle in the proper implementation of precision agriculture is the inability to generate information related to a particular site rapidly and at an acceptable cost using laboratory analysis and soil sampling methods. The nutrients required for the healthy growth of a crop are obtained from the soil. The quality of crop yield depends on the quality of soil in which it grows. Therefore, soil testing is an important aspect of precision agriculture. The proposed research work is an effort towards the design and development of a soil monitoring system that can be used to estimate the urea content in soil. The system makes use of Partial Least Squares Regression Technique (PLSR) for the estimation of urea. The system can be made portable, smart, low cost and user friendly through the use of embedded systems. With some modifications the system can be designed to estimate more than one soil component. The thesis is organized in the following chapters as described below. Chapter I (Introduction) â€Å"Agriculture not only gives riches to a nation, but the only riches she can call her own†[2]. The growth in the demand for food, feed and fiber globally is anticipated to grow by 70 percent. The demand for crops for industrial use and in the production of bio-energy is also expected to rise simultaneously. The increasing demand for agricultural goods will put huge pressure on the limited resources available. The increase in urban settlement areas will force agriculture to compete for land and water. Agriculture will therefore have to adapt itself to newer conditions and at the same time will have to address issues related to climate change, maintenance of biodiversity and preservation of natural habitats [3]. To meet these demands, farmers therefore need to equip themselves with new technologies so as to increase productivity with limited number of resources. Sustainable resource management is the need of the hour. Conservation of soil quality is crucial to sustainability in agriculture. This has led to a shift from the use of traditional agricultural practices to modern agricultural practices so that the available resources are utilized in a sustainable manner. The modern technique of farming known as precision farming is based on the concept of site specific crop management. This method takes into consideration variability exhibited by the soil and accordingly inputs are applied based on the local requirements within a field. Soil sensing plays an important role in precision farming. Large numbers of soil sensors are being developed all around the world to measure different soil properties. Some of which are still in the research and development stage and some of which are commercially available. Based on their principle of working these soil sensors can be classified as follows: Electrical and Electromagnetic sensors: Depending on the composition of soil under test, electrical capacitance or inductance, resistivity or conductivity of the soil is measured. The response time of these sensors is very fast, they have high durability and are of low cost. These sensors are commercially available. Optical and Radiometric sensors: These sensors, through the use of electromagnetic waves, measure the level of energy that is either absorbed or reflected by the soil particles depending on the soil composition. The properties of the soil are measured using visible and near-infrared wavelengths [4]. They can be used for the estimation of CEC, soil texture, moisture and other soil parameters with the help of appropriate data analysis techniques. Mechanical sensors: these sensors measure soil resistance with the help of a tool used in the soil. The measure of resistance offered by the soil has a relation with the compaction of the soil which is a spatially varying property of soil. Acoustic sensors and Pneumatic sensors: Though these are a class of mechanical sensors, they can be used as an alternative means for the differentiation of physical and mechanical characteristics of soil. Measurements taken using pneumatic and acoustic sensor have been used to correlate soil texture and compaction. The application of acoustic sensors in characterizing the physical state of soil is not very clear and requires more research work. Electrochemical sensors: These sensors produce an output voltage through the use of ion selective membranes, depending on the activity of ions under study such as H+, K+, NO3 −, Na+, etc. Soil pH sensors using this technique are already commercially available. The extraction of ions such as potassium in real time is still not possible even though the concept appears to be simple. There is a need to develop fast, real time and portable soil sensors which can generate soil report instantly. Thus, the problem of designing and developing a smart soil monitoring system was formulated using a reconfigurable embedded system platform. Chapter II (Literature Survey and Objectives) The conventional laboratory methods of soil testing have a number of limitations such as they are expensive, labor intensive and time consuming. As such new methods of soil testing are being developed across the globe. A number of soil nutrient sensing techniques are in the stage of development and testing. These sensors can be broadly classified into two types depending on the techniques of measurement being used. 1. Optical sensing uses reflectance spectroscopy technique wherein the light that is absorbed/reflected by soil particles is measured. Since optical sensing techniques have the advantage of being non-destructive they are more widely used as compared to electrochemical sensing techniques [5], [6]. Soil color analysis can be used for estimating soil organic matter content through the use of optical sensors [7]. The visual and near-infrared spectral reflectance in optical sensing can be used for estimating soil texture, moisture, CEC etc. [8]. 2. Electrochemical sensing is based on the measurement of current or voltage generated between the sensing electrode and the reference electrode. The amount of voltage or current measured is related to the concentration of the selected ions such as H+, K+, NO3-, etc. [8]. Ion selective electrodes made of glass or polymer membrane, or ion-selective field effect transistors are used for the measurement of soil fertility. Ion-selective membrane sensors have a huge potential in the development of on-the-go soil nutrient(s) and pH sensors [9]. Currently, the accuracy of the results using these sensors is low as compared to those using laboratory tests, but this can be taken care of by increasing the sampling density. Use of Spectroscopic techniques in the estimation of soil properties has been demonstrated since 1970’s [10]. Various methods using spectral analysis have been proposed for the measurement of the soil properties. Methods that are based on the physical and analytical characteristics of the signal and chemometric based empirical methods provide good effective predictability. Therefore, the relation between soil properties and soil absorption can be used to develop regressions using field and laboratory data for calibration. Spectroscopic techniques are found to be faster, can provide real time measurements and are of low cost, as compared to conventional methods and hence are found to be more suitable when there are more samples and analysis to be done. Also, unlike laboratory testing methods which require sample pre-processing and the use of chemical extractants, spectroscopic techniques can be used directly, thus saving on cost and time [11]. Thus, the problem of developing a soil nutrient sensor using RF spectroscopy based on the dielectric principle was formulated. The thesis emphasizes on the design and development of the sensor and the use of embedded platform to make it portable, real time and user friendly system through the use of DSP algorithms. Objectives: In order to meet the global requirements of increased crop productivity and sustainable agriculture, there is an urgent need of developing soil sensors which are fast, accurate and portable. Also, the problem was formulated keeping in mind the conditions of Indian farmers. Indian farmers are mainly small farmers who are poor, technically unfit and cannot afford modern tools. This research work is being undertaken with the main objective of developing a fast, portable, cost effective and user friendly soil monitoring system to analyze the fertility status of the soil. The objectives of the research work are the design of a dielectric cell to measure absorption loss at RF frequencies for various soil nutrients and to use this RF data to develop a FPGA based smart soil monitoring system for accurate prediction of soil content using PLSR technique. The system shall be user friendly as well as reprogrammable for changed environmental conditions. Chapter III (System Design for Soil Monitoring System) The block diagram of proposed design for Soil Monitoring System is as shown in Figure 1. The design consists of RF data obtained from Scalar Network Analyzer fed as input to Altera DE2 board with target as NIOS II FPGA. The RF data is obtained from the soil sensor connected between a tracking generator and a spectrum analyzer. A soil sensor based on the dielectric loss technique is designed and constructed to measure the RF responses of various soil nutrients. The cell is rectangular in shape with outer dimensions 13cmx2cmx2.5cm and is made up of PMMA sheets. The inside surface of the cell is lined with gold foil and the same is connected to the outer shield of the feed connectors so as to provide the necessary shielding effect. The outer surface of the cell is covered with a copper foil and is also provided with the necessary shielding effect. A wire made of gold is connected from the input feed connectors to the output feed connector at centre of the cell. The RF spectrum of a sample is measured by placing it in the cell. A tracking generator is used for injecting an RF signal into the sample through the central gold wire. Thus, a dielectric cell consisting of the central wire, the outer copper shield and the sample is formed. The signal strength starts reducing as it propagates through the central wire from the input end to the output end of the cell, due to the dielectric loss associated with the sample solution. Thus, an output signal proportional to the absorption loss of the sample solution is captured by the RF spectrum analyzer connected at the receiver end of the cell. Signal Hound USB-TG44A tracking generator and Signal Hound USB-SA44B spectrum analyzer are used with both the instruments working in the frequency range of 1Hz-4.4GHz. Figure 1: Block diagram of the Soil Monitoring System Figure 2 shows the RF spectra for urea in the range 10MHz to 4.4GHz. Figure 2: RF Spectra of urea. Figure 3: Section of urea spectra with varying concentrations Samples for obtaining the RF responses of various soil components are prepared by dissolving the required component in distilled water. The amount of the component to be added to water was calculated from the data obtained from agricultural department. This amount was taken as the normal concentration of a particular component found in the soil. Samples of varying concentrations of the soil components are prepared and denoted as 1 for normal, 0.5 for half the normal, 2 for twice and 3 for thrice. The soil components considered for the study are urea, potash, phosphate, calcium carbonate and sodium chloride. The frequency range of 10 MHz-4.4GHz is divided into smaller frequency ranges based on the unique frquencies at which the variation in the attenuation is found as per the change in the concentration of the soil component. A set of recorded spectra for various combinations of the five soil components with concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 are used in the calibration file. In order to predict the unknown concentration of urea in a sample, the detected spectra containing the urea signature along with the other components is passed through signal conditioning stage. The output from Spectrum Analyzer is stored in the computer. This data is then fed to a CYCLONE II device with Altera Nios II processor running on it. The recorded spectra are then passed through SIMPLS algorithm running on NIOS II processor. The algorithm predicts the concentration of unknown sample (Urea) and displays the result on LCD or a computer screen. The SNR of the detected spectra must be sufficiently high so a s to provide reliable urea specific information and therefore data processing is needed to identify spectral features of urea from the combination spectra originating from interfering matrix components like potash, phosphate, sodium chloride and calcium carbonate. We can extend the use of this system for the analysis of other soil components by modifying the processing algorithms required to analyze that component without changing the hardware. Chapter IV (Multivariate Data Analysis) It is a statistical analysis technique used in the case of data consisting of multiple variables. Due to the advancements in the field of information technology there is a huge amount of data being generated in various fields. Though the magnitude of data available is huge, it is still a challenge to derive useful information and knowledge from this data. Multivariate Analysis can be used to derive meaningful information for the improvement of process performance and product quality. Over the last decade, multivariate analysis is being successfully used to monitor and model chemical/biological processes [12]. Techniques using multivariate data analysis are widely used in the analysis of spectral data both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quick analysis of complex samples from their spectral signatures can be done using standard tools like Partial Least Squares (PLS), Principal Component Regression (PCR), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR) and discriminant analysis based on chemometric techniques [13]. Partial least squares (PLS) isone of the recent multivariate data analysis technique particularly useful in situations where there is a large set of independent variables (i.e., predictors). A set of dependent variables can be predicted from this set of independent variables by using PLS. Partial Least Squares (PLS) can be an effective tool for the analysis of data as it has minimum constraints on scales of measurement, size of sample, and residual distributions. It consists of methods for regression and classification, and techniques for reducing dimens ion and tools for modeling. The basic assumption on which the PLS methods work is that a small number of latent variables that are not directly observed or measured are used to drive the observed data from a process or a system. The technique of PLS for projecting the observed data to its latent structure was developed by Herman Wold and coworkers. PLS is now being used as a standard tool in the analysis of a wide spectrum of chemical data problems in chemometrics. The successful data analysis of PLS in chemometrics has led to its increase use in other scientific fields such as bioinformatics, food research, medicine, pharmacology, social sciences, physiology etc. PLS is a multivariate technique that transforms the input-output data onto a smaller latent space, by extracting a small number of principal factors having an orthogonal structure. The extraction of the factors is done in such a way that it provides maximum correlation with the dependent variable [14]. To model linear relations between multivariate measurements, PLS is used as a standard tool. Multivariate Calibration Model for Soil Monitoring System: Multivariate spectroscopic data can be analyzed using the PLSR model. PLSR is one of the techniques of multiple linear regressions and is probably the least restrictive of the various multivariate techniques used in multiple linear regression models. This feature of PLSR makes it possible to be used in situations when there are limitations on the use of other multivariate methods, for example, when the predictor variables are many as compared to number of observations.PLSR can be used as an elementary analysis tool for the selection of suitable predictor variables and in the identification of outliers. PLSR model based on SIMPLS algorithm using C language is developed and ported on NIOS II platform to estimate the urea concentration. The PLSR model is validated for the following cases: Case 1: Changing urea concentrations from below normal to above normal i.e. from 0.5 to 2 and keeping other components at their normal concentration value i.e. 1. Case 2: Changing the concentration of each of the other soil component from 0.5 to 2 and keeping urea constant in all the cases. Chapter V (Design of FPGA Soft Cores for Soil Monitoring System) DSP functions can be implemented using two different types of programming platforms: digital signal processors (DSP) and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Digital signal processors are microprocessors specifically designed for handling DSP tasks, while FPGAs are reconfigurable signal processors. The factors that make FPGAs more suitable, particularly for high performance computing applications are: (i) Huge potential for implementation of parallelism (ii) The control logic is embedded (iii) On-board memory in FPGA helps to overcome the limitation set by number of I/O pins on processor logics memory access bandwidth and hence results into significant performance benefits (iv) A higher capacity FPGA can be used on the same board as an older device, to support performance upgrades. DSP Implementation on Embedded system The implementation of DSP algorithms is done on Altera platform. A Nios II system is designed to measure the concentration of urea in soil. The Nios II system is the heart of the instrument which controls the various modules of the system like interacting with 12 bit ADC and performing the SIMPLS algorithms on the spectral data to estimate the concentration of urea. The whole interface and algorithms are implemented using 32-bit NIOS II soft-core ported on CYCLONE II FPGA. Chapter VI (Analysis, Results and Conclusion) The thesis covers the design and development of soil sensor based on the dielectric technique. The technique proposed the use of RF signals in the range of 10MHz-4.4GHz and analyzing the detected spectra in the soil sample for urea signature. In this thesis a novel Soil Monitoring System is developed using RF spectroscopy based on embedded technology. An Altera DE2 board based on NIOS II soft-core platform and having target as CYCLONE II (EP2C6) is used to estimate the urea content in soil in the RF range of 10MHz-4.4GHz. SIMPLS algorithm for PLSR model is developed using C language and embedded on the NIOS II platform for the estimation of urea concentration. The designed sensor was tested for its precision by recording the spectra of a particular component over a number of times. The PLSR model was validated by calculating percentage error under various conditions. It was found that the predicted urea values showed percentage error which was within the acceptable levels required fo r device development.

Impact Of Globalisation On Biodiversity Environmental Sciences Essay

Impact Of Globalisation On Biodiversity Environmental Sciences Essay Biodiversity is the diverseness in the different varieties of flora and fauna in a particular habitat. It comprises of the totality of genes, species and ecosystems in a specific place. It serves as a source of aesthetic and economic value, is used as food and related items, provides scientific information and replaces engineering solutions such as flood control and water pollution abatement. Bio richness thus is rated of higher preference to stand as a major factor for the future economic growth and thereby the overall sustainable development. Globalisation is the concept where people, nations, technologies, businesses and networks are interconnected and interdependent politically, economically and socially unhindered by different time zones making the whole world as a unified globe. It helps in the increase of transportation and communication networks and allows cross border trade and resource movements. The international business activities and cross national treaties and agreements are done with much ease. The question put forward was whether globalisation is a cause for the loss of biodiversity. The notion of globalising the world comprises of upgrading and furthering of all the sectors and spheres of economy. People started enjoying the luxurious lifestyles and became attached to opulent materials and drew pleasure out of it. This drastically depleted the natural resources and their fullness. Since bio diversity is the key factor comprising of both the biotic and abiotic factors in an environment, the loss of its magnificence will drastically affect the present pace and thereby indirectly strike hard on the future generations to follow. STANDPOINT PROPOSITION The failure to proper recycling, inefficiency in the process of restoration of the near extinct varieties by newer fertility techniques, over exploitation of fossil fuels and enormous population growth have lead to serious troubles. Measures must be taken to search for the best breeding grounds and home habitats that would rejuvenate the endangered species. Ethical values and morale of people must be exploited for the protection of the extinct flora and fauna. The buffer zones must be encouraged to be set up for creating space between human intervention and original wild dwellings. All the intergovernmental organisations and related institutions must come together to coordinate and participate in meetings and seminars annually or semi-annually to formulate plans and implement strategies to avoid the hidden disasters that could arise from the advancing loss of biodiversity and the rare species. The value of ecosystem balance and a sustainable economy must be essential for a stable economy. Thus a good effort must be taken to uplift biodiversity as it contributes to both utilitarian and non utilitarian grounds. I take a mediocre stand in the preservation of bio diversity along with globalising the world extracting mutual benefits from both and contributing to a better economy. Thus a world would be possible enjoying the aspects of global benefits and equally valuing the bio assets. ESSAY The term Globalisation creates a big difference in the entire aspect of revolutionising an economy. It would generate a new world where people would agree upon common grounds and come into harmony to deal with arising conflicts and disputes with ease. It would make the dream of unifying the globe with a single culture, heritage, human rights and standards come true. The economies will unite together for a common goal, purpose and intention to individually contribute to the overall general development of the communities. The people would come into the point of giving their best by becoming mutually accountable for each other and developing complimentary skills. Effective participation and shared leadership will be displayed by each and every one being to make their part become clear and true. There would be right use of power and its implementation by the right set of people at the right occasion. Globalisation would make the technology to advance and grow in right proportions to all the sectors and areas in equalised amounts and contribute for the well being of its source. The cognitive, affective and behavioural patterns of economies will be furnished to contribute more and more to the well being of the nations together as a single unit with defined principles and etiquettes. The basic requirements of self actualisation needs, security concerns, sociability factors, status and dignity counts and general morale of the future generations will be revised and viewed upon in a different and broader perspective. The cross border issues and interstate matters will be held with concerns and peace treaties and negotiations would harmonise different colonies and related territories. Surely globalising the world is one of the most important factors required for inculcating a necessary change to the economy. Biodiversity on the other hand is one of the key factors comprising the earth to its entirety. It is the totality of genes, species and ecosystems together contributing to the biotic and abiotic factors of the planet. The richness of flora and fauna constitutes the green factor and spreads the value of aesthetic beauty. It is the basic building block of the earth and is the keystone element giving space for future growth and flourishing of newer breeds and varieties of species. Since globalisation struck the heads of people, so did occur the excess loss of biodiversity. People began to enjoy the taste of comfort and foolish luxury. The age of Americanisation, Mc donalisation and computerisation paved way to more and more relaxed methods of living and effortless access to materials. It generated a pathway to ready and immediate entrà ©e to the acquiring of the needs and wants of greedy souls. The corporate world and related institutions began to exploit the economy under the name of globalisation. Newer generations demanded latest and advanced gadgets to meet the competency levels and to satisfy the needs of emerging markets and labour forces. Nanotechnology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, aeronautics, geospatial technology, genetics, fitness and holistic nursing, emergency and disaster management strategies, computer forensics, robotics and fields like artificial intelligence have created a yet different view in the whole living standards. The inte nsity, vastness and propensity of interconnectedness made possible through globalisation thus produced a huge impact on the present existence of people. Huge areas got cleared by excess amounts of deforestation and replacement of the space with new constructions and buildings. The prevention factors were suggested by planting quick growing trees in the place of the cut trees. But quick growing trees demanded adequate quantities of surplus water which was impossible to be provided in such high proportions. The typical example was of eucalyptus trees that required enormous gallons of water sources for its growth. Since it was a difficult move, it finally lead to a stop to the immediate growing of trees after mass felling. The activities like mining of fossil fuels like coal and petroleum from marine environments and the oil spills extended the hands of humans onto the natural habitats of the species dwelling inside the oceans. In a way the activities disturbed the entire food cycles in ocean environments. The plants that grow in the surface absorbs the contaminated water which harms the small fishes that depend on plant ingredients for their survival. Hence the luminous and bizarre creatures that grow in the twilight zone gets harmed which again spoilt the bigger predators that dwell in the bathypelagic zone and the abyssal zone. An incident occurred in California where a particular breed of pink pelicans got wiped out within few months due to the excess amounts of pesticides that was sprayed onto the rivers that was the main habitat for the pelican population in that region. As a result of the toxin, the plants got infected that automatically created problems to the fishes in that environment. So whe n the pelicans whose main food was fishes, consumed the fishes as in normal ratios, the toxin entered their body too. Since the energy transfer occurs based on a 10 percent law, the quantity of toxic chemicals that penetrated into the pelican body also. The chemical had a substance inside it that eliminated the cause of formation of coating for the eggs formed inside the pelican bodies. As a result, when the eggs fell onto the ground, broke due to the absence of the hard shell around. Since newborns were not produced, the species got extinct with the current population. The introduction of exotic species is yet another important factor that lead to the extreme loss of biodiversity. The exotic species are introduced for better resilience and adaptability factors with the environment. They display greater survival capacity with their advanced body adjustments and resistance capabilities. A typical example was the bringing in of the population of mongooses in a particular village to reduce the disturbance of snakes. After a period of time, the mongooses wiped off the snakes but as a result of the complete extinction of snakes in that area, there occurred extreme multiplication of rats and rodents since there was an imbalance in the food chain. The end result was snake control but excess population of mice. Hence the theory is that never cause problems to the natural co-existence of species as it would create other uncontrollable troubles in the future. The International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed the latest trends of biodiversity loss with the help of figurative graphs and ratios. According to the studies, the results obtained were that 21% of mammals, 28% of reptiles, 37% of freshwater fish, 70% of plants are under serious threat. Among the 33 largest biotic deltas, almost 24 are in a heavy sinking stage. From the conclusions of United Nation Environmental Programme (UNEP) yearbook, a rounded figure of US 50 dollars fish stocks have been depleted. The Amazon activists and reporters have given their analysis on almost 80 percent of the timber forests being sold illegally for personal gains under the disguised name of globalisation. The increasing industrial activities and factory outlets have created havoc in the nearby neighbourhood regions and the rivers and lakes in the vicinity. Excess toxic wastes and chemicals gets drained out onto the lands and the water sources. As a result of this toxic secretions, the f ertility of the grounds are lost and it penetrates onto the inner regions of earth through crevices and holes. Thus the water table gets affected and the deeper roots of giant trees and plants sucks the venom into it causing great trouble in the entire nutritional cycles and food chain. When surface run off and soil erosion occurs, the chemicals flows onto the rivers and its tributaries producing chaos and confusion to the fish stocks and marine plants. The evaporation process absorbs these harmful and unhealthy poisonous chemical substances onto the atmosphere. The rain when occurs causes acid showers and expelling of dangerous gases onto the surface of the earths layers. Many of these unbalanced cycles have contributed to the climatic changes and melting of polar ice caps thereby flooding the low lying regions. Ozone depletions and noxious gases have still been hot topics in the immediate future. Genetics have been another field that has brought in greater danger in the present scenario. Though it has played an important lead role in globalisation and its effective measures by raising improved varieties of cattle and stock, yielding better quality crops, producing healthy and resistant breed of animals and plants, genetically modified and reengineered products for the nourishment and proper intake of nutrient enriched food materials, it has also displayed itself as a necessary evil. Better varieties of crops and breeds of cattle are produced by artificial techniques and methods of cross breeding and genetically modifying the genital regions of livestock. Disease resistant and pest resistant varieties of crops and related types have lots of preservatives and chemicals added onto it to give the extra juicy and luscious appearance, which are too harmful for the normal metabolic activities to be carried on the human body if consumed above optimum limits. Nowadays Kentucky Fried C hicken (KFC), whoppers and double beef pattie burgers have constantly filled the stores, restaurants and bakeries. People are so addicted to the junk food that there is no way to make them realise the harm it can cause to their delicate skin and body. The heavy dose of calories that gets added onto the body can cause dangerous health hazards like obesity, chronic rise in blood pressure, heart attacks, palpitations and nervous breakdowns. The fat molecules when deposited around the vital organs can cause bad and alerting symptoms of body disorders. The hybrid cattle might produce milk, flesh and wool in much higher proportion than normal and original breeds. But the milk, flesh and related products will be full of injected hormones and dangerous equalisers. It is not the quantity that has to be counted and taken into account, but the quality and health parameters. Pollution has been yet another factor that has created problems for the people. Excess gas emissions, automobile exhaustions, ejection of chlorofluorocarbons and toxic chemicals onto the surface of the air causes respiratory disorders and nasal blockages. The people living along the roadsides and nearby factory buildings develop skin, eye and nose irritations followed by excess breathing problems. The wildlife too gets affected with extreme inhalation of toxic gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxides. The pressure thus generated around the valves of respiratory tract for sometime can even lead to a state of unconsciousness and if continued death. Lungs have a minimum capacity to filter out the unwanted toxins from the general pollution. When it exceeds the limit, the victim gets subjected to chronic unrecoverable ailments. The red list has cited an alarming number of hotspots all around the world. Rare and last of some of the keen species have gone extinct due to the high levels of human interventions and penetration onto the natural habitats and dwellings of the collection of species. The main trouble occurs when a particular breed of species completely vanishes from the earth. There is no means to bring it back onto the surface again into full strength. Therefore the best option is to protect and preserve the last survivals and constantly work for its maintainance and upbringing. One wouldnt know the true values of an asset until otherwise it is fully gone from the visibility of our eyes. Thus make the maximum effective utilisation of resources without causing harm to their balancing cycles and its self capacity to replenish itself. Usage is not a problem, but the way of handling it is the right method to be practised by individuals. Hence globalisation has brought about lots of positive outcomes but at the same time created havoc and disorder on the other end. Clear cut ideas and its implementation is yet an art that has to be handled and practised by the world and its inhabitants for the well being of the future and the effects to follow. If one does create an issue, he is fully responsible and liable to suffer the consequences that are to follow by his/her deeds. It has played a very important role in the destruction and devastation of the biotic reserves and its richness. CONCLUSION Globalisation is a true and positive measure that has made a huge impact on the entire assembling of the world as a unified globe. The effects and measures of its implications and scheduling have brought about lots of benefits to the world as an economy. People have gone forward into thinking seriously about the whole idea of globalising the world due to the increased chances of benefit factors and the thought of a better world has made them go for it. Every aspect has a positive part and a negative part. The positive side is that it has lead to liberalisation of trade, made technological advancements, built, stronger cross border relations, harmonised the economies despite of cultures shocks, communication barriers, age and gender bias, class disparities and rich poor inequalities. Globalisation as in itself is a key criteria expanding and extending its roots onto newer and fresher aspects of better chance and change factors and looks forward for innovative ideas and opportunities. The negative side is that the basic nature of globalisation is that whoever stands on its way is removed and destroyed in the process of advancement. So whether it is an industrial progress or a technological plant construction, no matter what, the surrounding areas and the nearby habitats are deeply destructed and devastated. The advancements are invariably achieved by whatever means. There may be many institutions and greedy eyes whose intentions are fixed to draw profits and money under the disguise of progress and emergence as a sole and supreme power. According to me summing up all the aspects covered till now, I go with my stand point proposition as to draw positive benefits from both the parties as both are interlinked and connected to each other. None can stabilise without the other. So giving space for the growth of both simultaneously can only bring about an actual change in the development of economy. Biodiversity is important for the continuation and survival of life and globalisation is required for the regular and constant growth of the existing life. It is true that damage may occur on any of the grounds, but make it a point that the damages affected are less and that the positives overpower the harms followed. Effective strategies and plans can be brought about to implementing right lengths of standards and formulation of techniques to sustain the growth of biodiversity and globalisation parallely. Scheduling and making proper plans as to conserve and preserve the balance of the existing species and creating the environment for their full fledged revival are very important for the future advancement of generations. All the environmental organisations and institutions must cordially work together in establishing a common ground and reap out the necessary outcomes for the mutual benefit of all the economies together as one.

The Sole MExican :: essays research papers

Tank: Press Circle(6), R1, L2, L1, Triangle, Circle, Triangle during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. The tank will appear in front of you. This may be repeated as many times as needed. Information in this section was contributed by SionYoung via Grub Fisher, Justin, Adam Santilllana, James Henderson, and others. Dodo car: Press Right, R2, Circle, R1, L2, Down, L1, R1 during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. Information in this section was contributed by Gxp via WISBIZKIT69, Adam Santilllana, Carl Buckley, and others. No wanted level: Press R2(2), L1, R2, Up, Down, Up, Down, Up, Down during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. Note: Saving the game will make the effects of this code permanent. Information in this section was contributed by Adam Santilllana, Woody Woody, Carl Buckley, and others. Higher wanted level: Press R2(2), L1, R2, Left, Right, Left, Right, Left during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. Note: Saving the game will make the effects of this code permanent. Information in this section was contributed by Adam Santilllana, Carl Buckley, and others. All weapons: Press R2(2), L1, R2, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. Repeat this code for more ammunition. Information in this section was contributed by Adam Santilllana, John Wooley, Carl Buckley, and others. To get unlimited ammunition, enable the "All weapons" code continuously until whatever you want is at 9999 shots. The next time your clip runs out, it will reload automatically but the magazine (9999) will stay the same. Information in this section was contributed by Michel Soucy. Full health: Press R2(2), L1, R1, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. Information in this section was contributed by Adam Santilllana, John Wooley, Carl Buckley, and others. If your vehicle is on fire, enable the "Full health" code to extinguish it. Information in this section was contributed by Rene Arrezola. Full armor: Press R2(2), L1, L2, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. Information in this section was contributed by Adam Santilllana, John Wooley, Carl Buckley, and others. More money: Press R2(2), L1, L1, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. Information in this section was contributed by Adam Santilllana, Carl Buckley, and others. The Sole MExican :: essays research papers Tank: Press Circle(6), R1, L2, L1, Triangle, Circle, Triangle during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. The tank will appear in front of you. This may be repeated as many times as needed. Information in this section was contributed by SionYoung via Grub Fisher, Justin, Adam Santilllana, James Henderson, and others. Dodo car: Press Right, R2, Circle, R1, L2, Down, L1, R1 during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. Information in this section was contributed by Gxp via WISBIZKIT69, Adam Santilllana, Carl Buckley, and others. No wanted level: Press R2(2), L1, R2, Up, Down, Up, Down, Up, Down during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. Note: Saving the game will make the effects of this code permanent. Information in this section was contributed by Adam Santilllana, Woody Woody, Carl Buckley, and others. Higher wanted level: Press R2(2), L1, R2, Left, Right, Left, Right, Left during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. Note: Saving the game will make the effects of this code permanent. Information in this section was contributed by Adam Santilllana, Carl Buckley, and others. All weapons: Press R2(2), L1, R2, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. Repeat this code for more ammunition. Information in this section was contributed by Adam Santilllana, John Wooley, Carl Buckley, and others. To get unlimited ammunition, enable the "All weapons" code continuously until whatever you want is at 9999 shots. The next time your clip runs out, it will reload automatically but the magazine (9999) will stay the same. Information in this section was contributed by Michel Soucy. Full health: Press R2(2), L1, R1, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. Information in this section was contributed by Adam Santilllana, John Wooley, Carl Buckley, and others. If your vehicle is on fire, enable the "Full health" code to extinguish it. Information in this section was contributed by Rene Arrezola. Full armor: Press R2(2), L1, L2, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. Information in this section was contributed by Adam Santilllana, John Wooley, Carl Buckley, and others. More money: Press R2(2), L1, L1, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up during game play. A message will confirm correct code entry. Information in this section was contributed by Adam Santilllana, Carl Buckley, and others.

No Universal Truth Essay -- Philosophy Religion Essays

No Universal Truth Hume wrote, â€Å"be a philosopher; but, amidst all your philosophy, be still a man,† (qtd. in Jones 351). This statement strikes me more than all others, written by Hume or any of the philosophers from W. T. Jones’ Hobbes to Hume. It demonstrates to me that even after all of the inquisition towards what and how we can know anything, and the very methodical ways in which Hume is reputed to examine these things, he realizes that nothing is truly certain and begins to lean towards a pragmatic and radically empirical point of view. It is, therefore, also my conclusion that, as much as we may aspire to find the universal, indubitable, and objective truth, none of it can be proven to be universal, indubitable, and objective. In support of this view—the â€Å"abandonment of the quest for certainty, acceptance of provisional solutions as long as they work, and readiness to discard them when changing conditions make them no longer appropriate†Ã¢â‚¬â€I will endeavor to briefly examine substance, the self, and the presumed necessary connection of ideas or events (Jones 349). By applying his own empirical criterion of meaning to the examination of such a notably philosophical concept as substance, Hume flat out disposes of the entire notion itself. As has been formerly introduced by Descartes, substance is a fluctuating thing that takes on the same meaning as is best described by that certain je ne sais quoi. It is that certain something you just can’t put your finger on, and â€Å"by substance, we can understand nothing else than a thing which so exists that it needs no other thing in order to exist,â€Å" (qtd. in Jones 174-175). Descartes naturally takes this thing to be God, but never questions the meaning of God or substance a... ... and finally removes reasons for the existence of any connection between any of the ideas which we as a species have always held as being related. Hume also refutes any reason to believe in the existence of an external world, or a world without us, which has not been discussed here. In the end, there is really no reason to believe in the existence of existence, if Hume’s deductions are to be taken quite so seriously. Of course, if that were to be done, none could live as they do. Since Hume himself is concerned with a philosophy that concerns the everyday individual, not even he can truly accept that nothing exists. It is when he reaches this point himself that he realizes one can â€Å"be a philosopher; but, amidst all your philosophy, be still a man,† (qtd. in Jones 351). Works Cited Jones, W. T. Hobbes to Hume. 2nd edition. Fort Worth: Harcourt, 1980.

Cultural Differences Essay

Sexual development is a natural part of life. Sex is a biological form of the male and female make up. Sexual development is considered a universally biological aspect of life. Although, sexual development is the foundation of human existence everyone that is biologically labeled as a male or female do not identify themselves as such. Also social encounters that an individual experience develops gender identity. In this paper I will discuss the implication of the sociopolitical factors of gender and sexual identity/orientation in multiculturalism. I will address the following questions; what is gender identity and sexual identity/orientation? What is the role of gender identity in cross-cultural societies? What is the role of sexual identity/orientation in cross-cultural societies? Finally what of their significance in understanding cultural difference? Gender identity has been defined as the possession by somebody of a conviction of belonging to a particular sex, regardless of whether this corresponds to his or her anatomical sex (Segall, pg 227, 1999). The universally acceptable definition is the specification of a sexual role whether male or female it is not the biological make up as of sexual identity. There are many different perceptions of cultures within gender identity given it is socially-cultured influence for example the LGBT community which is a socially created group in result of behaviors developed from external factors. Gender identity is a socially driven aspect of sexual make up. â€Å"Gender refers to the meanings attached to being male or female, as reflected in social statues, roles, and attitudes regarding the sexes†¦gender roles, gender identity, and sex-role ideology are not inherently biological. Therefore gender identity is not an inherently developed part of the human. In fact it is a psychologically developed discipline because it is a behavior and can be influenced by external factors. Given that gender is easily manipulated and not manifested, male and female react to their gender roles in different ways. â€Å"Conditions in subsistence-level societies that can produce sex differences  in psychological differentiation through socialization practices that may differentially influence the two sexes† (Segall, pg 232, 1999). Sexual identity is how an individual sexual identify them as and sexual identity has a direct correlation to refers to whom one is sexually and romantically attracted to. Sex alone is the biological make up of a human genital. In today’s society many cultures will consider a person sexual identity as identification of sexuality. Also in a more traditional conservative culture sexuality identity is of what GOD created one as at birth. Yet for evolutionist sexual identity is how one identifies one’s self as. In contrast sexual orientation is the nature of sexual preference, the direction of somebody’s sexual desire, tow ard people of the opposite sex, people of the same sex, or people of both sexes (Segall, pg 229, 1999. Unlike gender identity sexual identity is a physiological make up of human sexual desires and orientation. The difference between gender identity and sexual identity is the nature vs. nurture concept. Gender identity is a product of nurture, and learned behavior while sexual identity/orientation is nature and apart of biology it is inherent. Gender identity is a universally accepted termed that is used in most cultures. Gender is a very controversial topic is conservative cultures. â€Å"The perspectives on the politics of difference obtained from poststructuralist queer theory underdetermine identity as it is experienced by a distinct subset of individuals, emblematized by non-traditional, non-conforming, and transgressive black queers† (Phillips & Stewart, pg 379, 2008). In mainstream society the ideology of gender identity has transitioned from male and female roles into gender confusion roles, which birth the LGBT population. In terms of cross-cultural correlation gender identity has a ethnocentric concept, meaning identity is very one side and biased. The groups that does not fall in the null group has to from a negative opinion of why they choose to have a gender iden tity verse a normal mainstream male female given identity. â€Å"Identity allows [groups] to attain voice and visibility against a context of social repression as did discussions concerning the identities of people†¦reinforcing social ascription and categorization† (Phillips & Stewart, pg 380, 2008). Sexual identity/orientation as it relates to cross-culturalism is an inherented from of humans. Sexual formation as a biological form has very little  variance across cultures due to the intangibility of sexual make-up. Yet in today’s society the relaxed notion of sex has transition into a not so culturally acceptable concept. Sexual identity/orientation is now the freedom of choice. A individual has the ability to decide which sex they want to identify which also the partner they want to share that identity with. â€Å"Behavior differences between the sexes are not identical in every society is enough to suggest that culture plays a role in shaping sex differences† (Segall ect, pg 227, 1999). External factors has shape to roles of sexual and how it impact each specific group, for example the LBGT population. In traditional perspective of sexual identity/orientation cultures associate sexuality with religion and considered sexual promiscuity as a sin. â€Å"Social articulation of sexuality had been organized primarily by religion and it was fundamentally the religion monopoly over the sins of the flesh† (Parker, pg 253, 2009). Finally the significance of gender identity and sexual identity/orientation in understanding cultural difference are the generalizations associated with the terms. Across cultural both factors have played a significant role in the liberal society from conservative. As children each culture bestow key gender roles as a form of upbringing from simply playing with dolls or truck to assisting the women in the kitchen and the men at work, each culture has a general ways of teaching socially accepted roles into their children. â€Å"All societies observed different inborn behavioral tendencies in males and females and shaped their socialization practices to reinforce such biologically determined tendencies† (Segall ect, pg 237, 1999). In conclusion although, sexual development is the foundation of human existence everyone that is biologically labeled as a male or female does not identify themselves as such. Also social encounters that an individual experience develops gender identity. The universally acceptable definition is the specification of a sexual role whether male or female it is not the biological make up as of sexual identity. Reference Nuttbrock, L., Bockting, W., Hwahng, S., Rosenblum, A., Mason, M., Macri, M., & Becker, J. (2009). Gender identity affirmation among male-to-female transgender persons: a life course analysis across types of relationships and cultural/lifestyle factors. Sexual & Relationship Therapy, 24(2), 108-125. Parker, R. (2009). Sexuality, culture and society: shifting paradigms in sexuality research. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 11(3), 251-266. doi:10.1080/13691050701606941 Phillips, L., & Stewart, M. R. (2008). â€Å"I Am Just So Glad You Are Alive†: New Perspectives on Non-Traditional, Non-Conforming, and Transgressive Expressions of Gender, Sexuality, and Race Among African Americans. Journal Of African American Studies, 12(4), 378-400. Segall, M. H., Dasen, P. R., Berry, J. W., & Poortinga, Y. H. (1999). Human behavior in global perspective: An introduction to cross-cultural psychology (2nd ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.

Nietzsche: Virtues/Life/Morality Essay

Nietzsche was a unique philosopher that had some very interesting ideas about people’s human values and personality types. In the following passage from Nietzsche, â€Å"?. this is the image of all life, and from this learn the meaning of your life! And conversely: Read only your own life, and from this understand the hieroglyphs of universal life! † According to Nietzsche, I think he defines that all morality is a manifestation of the will to power. People stress independence, personal dignity, self-approval and the will to succeed. For such people â€Å"good† refers to whatever leads to self-fulfillment with values such as strength, courage, power and pride. This appeals to those who are uncertain of themselves. They define â€Å"good† as what makes life easier/safer, with such qualities as patience, humility, modesty and compassion. I agree and disagree with Nietzsche. He helps me understand my own life, in that I agree with the will to power. I am living proof. I want to be in charge of my future. I have goals in every aspect of my life that I want to fulfill, and without these goals there would be no motivation for life. Artists wouldn’t want to be artists, scientists wouldn’t care about science, and people wouldn’t care about themselves. I also think we need certain virtues in order to succeed in fulfilling the goals set forth by the will to power. Patience, modesty, charity and compassion are some of the virtues that Nietzsche believes to be â€Å"sour grapes†. The moral that I think is sour is people who are not independent, look at others to follow, and that lack self respect. I believe that virtues such as personal power, strength, courage, pride, independence, and compassion, makes a person complete. However, this is reality and in reality you can have these virtues and at the same time stray from what you believe in. I think the key to life is to find who you are and to be happy. In today’s society, it seems there are too many people who do not know who they are. People tend to follow the group, dress how everyone else dresses and listen to the same music everyone else listens too. This to me is â€Å"weak†. The real root to power is within yourself. Life isn’t as cut and dry as Nietzsche suggests. Life is too complex and the mind is a mysterious thing. Although the qualities and virtues talked about are ideal, I wish it was that simple to apply to a person. I think the persons surroundings, and any influences the person has had in their life plays a role. Unfortunately the environment plays a large part in the development in a person. However, I think it’s never too late for a person to change or find him or herself. In conclusion, Nietzsche’s philosophy really allows me to understand the meaning of life. Nietzsche did not believe in equality. It seems he rejected equality because he believed in the importance of individualism. Nietzsche gives me a good reason for life/existence.