Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Essay Sample on the History of the United States Liberalism and American Dream

Essay Sample on the History of the United States Liberalism and American Dream The guideline of the present paper is to discuss how Liberalism and American Dream have helped to create and to shape the history of the most powerful country of the world – United States. The concepts of liberalism and American dream represent political and ideological tendencies and their influence is seen throughout the American experience. In responding to the topic the paper will firstly define Liberalism and American dream, secondly explain their origins and thirdly how those tendencies have helped to shape United States history. In conclusion the discussion will be about how studying history helps to understand the present. Liberalism is known to be an ideology and political tradition with the idea that liberty is the first and the most important political value. It is a matter of fact that the origin of the liberalism is in Western Enlightenment, but nowadays this term embraces different political thoughts. Liberalism emphasizes individuals rights such as freedom of though, limitation on government and religion power, the rule of law, free exchange of ideas, free public education for both men and women, market economy with free private enterprise and finally transparent government system which will protect the rights of all citizens. In modern USA liberalism is connected with open and fair elections, equal rights granted by law for all citizens, equal employment opportunities. It is apparent that such definition of liberalism is the evidence of its significant influence on USA history. (Goldberg 2001) It is necessary to mention that â€Å"liberalism† originated from Latin â€Å"liber† (free) and was firstly described as struggle for independence and freedom between patrician and plebeian classes with the purpose to receive equal rights. American War of Independence was the first to establish a nation based on the concept of liberalism, especially on the idea that â€Å"governments rule by the consent of the governed†. The principles of free trade were firstly enunciated in the USA history due to liberalism. The impact of liberalism on USA history is evident and significant, because due to it there was a rapid increase in literacy among population. Spread of knowledge resulted in successful social activism and nation has become interested in its authorized freedoms and liberties. The positive impact is passed law against child labor and laws requiring workers’ safety and fixed minimum wages. Liberalism set the idea that nations needs to be protected from exploitation and to be provided with education. It is apparent that impact of liberalism is profound on the USA history, because it implemented new ideas of personal dignity, religious tolerance, free expression of thoughts, private property, government transparency, human rights, popular sovereignty, rights for privacy, fundamental equality, national self-determination, free trade and market economy, rule of law, etc. that is why the impact and result of liberalism can’t be neglected by USA nation.(Goldberg 2001) American dream is a belief â€Å"that in the United States of America hard work and determination can lead to better life, usually through the earnings of money†. Such values were in the root of American dream are closely connected with Horatio Algerism. American dream is living in a perfect house with two children and without financial problems. It is the lifestyle of the middle class. Nevertheless the American dream was strongly criticized because of it accent only on material possessions as the highest happiness. Critics argued that American dream didn’t suggest the ideas of intellectual wealth and development. (Hochschild 1995) It is necessary to point out that the origin of American stems from the departure in economic and government based on the models of Old World. From the American Revolutionary war the unprecedented freedom was allowed and gave the possibility of dramatic social activity. Additionally many physical resources were held out and unclaimed waiting lucky investments in industry. Industrial Revolution combined great natural resources potential and unsettled continent and thus created American dream aimed at achieving wealth.(Cullan 2003) American dream has its challenged throughout the 20th century, because the Great Depression caused hardships and racial instability was still present. After the World War II American families were trying to find the relative comfort and stability for living. American dream suggested â€Å"perfect family† to be a part of consequence. American dream was tossed aside by new generation of young hippies who strongly denied the traditional values and ideas of the dream. (Ehrenreich 1989) Nevertheless the impact of American dream was seen throughout the USA history, because it promoted the ideas of education and personal achievement. It is apparent that a dream has never died out and is still present in souls of many Americans. American dream stimulated the people pursuing their energy into new source of gold – Internet, because it was the new way to become wealthy. In the result even ordinary people started their businesses and became millionaires. American dream attracted many entrepreneurial people from India and China to seek fortune in USA. The last argument is that American dream promoted hard work as the way to achieve a better life. (Hochschild 1995) In conclusion it is necessary to state that studying history helps to understand the present. As it is said all reasons of the present are hidden in the past. History helps to understand better the origins of events and tendencies and to realize their importance. History is the mirror of the present, because it hides many secrets and unexplained events. It is historians who contribute development by analyzing historical trends and their possible results in the future. Due to studying history it is possible to figure out the impact of American dream and Liberalism on the history of the United States. If there were no history, there would be no present and past.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

How Much Money Can You Make as a Truck Driver

How Much Money Can You Make as a Truck Driver Truck drivers are currently in high demand. You’ll have to study for and pass your CDL exam. This means a training program. But once you do get licensed, you’ll find there are many lucrative opportunities available to Class A CDL drivers. Here are how much money you can make as a truck driver in different positions.Standard RateIf you don’t choose to specialize, you can expect to make an industry or company standard rate per mile.Specialized Training/OrientationWhen you’ve chosen to specialize in, say, Hazmat driving, you will undergo special training with the carrier that hired you. You’ll be paid a particular rate for the first few weeks of your training. These rates are more likely to be per hour, day, or even week.Solo OTRThe largest percentage of the workforce. Starting drivers will usually make $40-45k in their first year, but this rate depends a bit on the carrier and available bonuses.Team OTRPairs can traverse longer distances faster by swi tching on and off. This can be quite lucrative- with a pair splitting $100-150k per year.TrainerMore suited to the classroom than the open road? Done your drive time and ready to linger in one place? To experienced drivers, training positions can be a great career- making $60-80k per year, on average.Owner-OperatorIf you have sufficient experience working for a carrier, you might be ready to make the big transition into being your own boss and maybe even running your own fleet one day. There’s more stress, to be sure, but you will also earn more per mile by cutting out the middle man.BonusesEvery company is different, but potential extras include signing bonuses when you’re first hired, monthly mileage rewards, fuel-efficiency bonuses, safety pay when your driving record is exemplary, layover pay, bonuses for clean DOT inspections, and referrals of friends as new drivers to your company.  BenefitsWhile they may not be tangible as cold hard cash, benefits can be a luc rative addition to your compensation package. Anything from paid sick time and vacation to life insurance, medical insurance, dental insurance, job security, and 401k retirement plans.The road you take will be your own, but these are a few things to keep in mind (and in your pocket!) on your journey to becoming a CDL truck driver.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Politics of contemporary Middle East & North African Essay

Politics of contemporary Middle East & North African - Essay Example A historical perspective The history of Egypt was changed after the Arab conquest of 641. The military commander Amr ibn al As initiated the processes of the Islamization and Arabization. From the ninth century Egypt was ruled by strong autonomous dynasties and the destiny of the country was in the hands of hereditary dynasties (History of Egypt). Adelson stated: The Middle East, if I may adopt a term which I have not seen, will some day need its Malta, as well as its Gibraltar; it does not follow that either will be in the Persian Gulf. Naval force has the quality of mobility which carries with it the privilege of temporary absences; but it needs to find on every scene of operation established bases of refit, of supply, and in case of disaster, of security. The British Navy should have the facility to concentrate in force if occasion arise, about Aden, India, and the Persian Gulf (Adelson, 1995). North Africa underwent substantial changes in the 5th century. Tunisia was invaded by E uropean tribes. Starting from 7th to 15th centuries Tunisian population experienced numerous migrations and Jews and Hispanics Muslims entered this country. Tunisia as Arab cultural center was known as the Turkish Ottoman Empire until it was protected by France in 1881. Starting from 1956 this country gained independence, but there is still a close connection with France on political, economic and cultural levels (History of Tunisia).   According to John Foster Dulles,  the Middle East is "the area lying between and including  Libya  on the west and  Pakistan  on the east,  Syria  and  Iraq  on the North and the Arabian peninsula to the south, plus the  Sudan  and  Ethiopia" (Davison, 1960). Sir Ignatius stated that  Middle East  means "those regions of Asia which extend to the borders of  India  or command the approaches to India" (Adelson, 1995). Current events The main common feature between Tunisia and Egypt is a repressive regime, which is appr opriate for other Middle Eastern autocracies (Egypt and the  Middle East:  revolution  or evolution?) In spite of a social turmoil, it is relevant to note that Tunisia is â€Å"an economically successful state† (Dunne 2010). In accordance with data of the World Economic Forum's  Global Competitiveness Index 2010  Tunisia  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœgained the lead’ in comparison with Poland,  Italy and  Spain. In 2010 Tunisia was â€Å"a country for tourism, not terrorism† (Burger 2010). Social support of the government enabled pregnant women to receive prenatal care; there were favorable conditions for businessmen to start their business in 11 days (Burger 2010). In spite of the mentioned data, an oppressive regime of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Alikept has been an issue of a great concern for Tunisian society. 90s were marked by imprisonment of more than 10,000 political opponents, Islamists, or ‘suspected enemies’ (Burger 2010).  There was no cha nce to criticize Tunisian government. Tunisia was known as the country with the most repressive regime. Among Middle Eastern dictatorships,  Tunisia  was considered one of the most repressive. Thus, a current protest of public in Tunisia is often compared to a ‘dog who barks in a desert’ (Burger 2010). Voiceless people are not afraid and finally express their ideas versus their government, their real

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Problems of adolescents Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Problems of adolescents - Research Paper Example Adolescent age usually begins from the age of thirteen and wind up at nineteen. This age bracket is usually referred to as the teenage period. Although this stage is short lived, it sis a period characterized by vigorous maximum physical growth, mental development and emotional maturity. Both the internal and external aspects of development are visible. In fact, nearly all the physiological changes of human growth are completed at this bracket. In common scenario, this group is known for emotional imbalance, naivety and an overwhelming quest for adventure. As their emotions starts to balance, it is impossible not to notice appreciable level of intelligence, reasoning, thinking and appreciating of the environment surrounding them. Their memory seems to be so fresh and intact always perceiving things out of the ordinary, strong concept of creativity, well acquaintance with group associations and generalization. An adolescent is always challenging and questioning every thing a bout exis tence but feels a great sense of pride of achievement and satisfaction should their views be recognized on a discussion forum or any topic. This period is also characterized by so much joy and happiness alongside aspirations and adventures they would never want to miss. One moment this lad is in such lovely mood and the next instance he/she bursts in tears .As their emotions experience development, it is believed this is the reason why most seem to have such imbalances (Clemente, 2009). At any level of social interaction, this group would do anything to outshine her/his peers as their feelings are at maximum. Fro then, there exists a universal internalized way of understanding feelings o others who also belong to the adolescence bracket. This understanding is readily exercise on the opposite sex who they feel so eager to interact with .Consequently, in their endeavor to win the admiration of the opposite sex, they display ego centered interactions however with some checked adjustmen ts in character to cover up their big ego. For an average adolescence, there exists a natural recognition of norms and values determined by the society and knowledge of moral respect of God and belief inexistence of heaven for good people (Adams, 2005). For any household with an adolescence amidst them understands that to this person, there is defined new era in interaction occasionally accompanied by rebellion, mood swings and switched attention from the family members to wards his/her peers. Parents only become very concerned when the new era practices becomes a negative aspect of growth i.e., occurring too frequently than those they observe from children of family friends. Parents constantly feel challenge by such an unbecoming behavior and some even become emotionally affected .It is thus important to establish the general causes of such behaviors by discussing the main problems associated with an adolescence age (Clemente, 2009). To understand these underlying problems then we must dwell on normalcy ands deviation from normalcy. To understand an onset of truancy, you will notice a continuous boredom. To cover up for such boredom, the adolescent may be tempted to engage in risky activities like stealing, driving without license, being involved in drug abuse, indiscriminant sexual exploitation and at the extreme engage in physical fights. However, the above are just symptoms of degeneration thus the paper attempts to dig deep into the root causes of these symptoms

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Social Interaction in People with Autism Essay Example for Free

Social Interaction in People with Autism Essay People with Autism tend to face difficulties in social interaction. This study examined the possibility that the cause of these social difficulties is heightened anxiety in response to social situations. First year psychology students were asked to complete three surveys online, in order to test their anxiety levels, as well as the extent to which they demonstrate autistic-like traits. The results indicated a link between anxiety and autistic-like traits in the general population. Due to the fact that this study was based on the general population, further research using participants who have autism would be beneficial to ensure the validity of this link. If this link was reinforced in future studies, it could potentially have significant implications for the treatment of Autism. By developing ways to reduce anxiety, clinicians may be able to make patients more comfortable in social situations and improve their quality of life. Social Interaction in People With Autism: The Link Between Anxiety and Social Communication Deficits Individuals with Autism exhibit â€Å"abnormalities in social and communication development, in the presence of marked repetitive behavior and limited imagination† (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994). One of the most prominent issues for people with Autism is their tendency to experience difficulties in social interaction. They tend to lack conversational skills, find it difficult participate in social events and are often seen to behave in a generally strange manor (Kanne, Christ, Reiersen, 2009). The reason for this lack of social interaction is unclear. It is possible that people with Autism are simply not interested in social interaction, however it is more plausible that this lack of social interaction is due to heightened anxiety in social situations. Research has identified that those with significant Autistic-like traits are more prone to loneliness. Loneliness implies that these individuals are not content in being by themselves and are experiencing negative feelings as a result (Bauminger, Shulman, Agam, 2003). Furthermore, research has illustrated that many individuals with Autism have expressed a desire to develop friendships and sexual relationships (Jobe White, 2007). These results indicate a desire to engage in social activities; therefore it seems likely that this avoidance of social interactions is due to elevated anxiety rather than disinterest. One recent study compared the anxiety levels in children with autism, with the anxiety levels of two control groups. The results indicated that the children with autism had â€Å"considerably higher† anxiety than the control groups (Gillott, Furniss Walter, 2001). An alternative study examined the link between autism and anxiety in adolescents. Similarly, the results indicated significantly higher anxiety in people with autism. Both studies listed a limited sample size as a limitation, and suggested future research with a larger sample size (Bellini, 2004). This study will build upon the foundation provided by these and other studies and further examine the link between anxiety and autism with a larger sample size. Autism is often considered to be a â€Å"spectrum disorder. † This means that those with Autism are high in particular traits, which can be found to a lesser degree in all members of the general population (Jobe White, 2007). Therefore, the general population can be used to examine the link between autistic-like traits and elevated anxiety. This report will use three questionnaires, namely the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS, Mattick Clarke, 1998), the Autism Quotient (AQ, (Baron-Cohen, Wheelwright, Skinner, Martin, Clubley, 2001) and the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation (BFNE, Carleton, McCreary, Norton, Asmundson, 2006) to analyse the link between Autistic-like characteristics and anxious tendencies in the general population, which can then be related to people with Autism. The aim of this report is to clarify the cause of social deficits in people with Autism. It will examine the notion that these social difficulties are linked to heightened anxiety levels in response to social situations. It is expected that the data will reflect this link, and higher AQ scores will be positively related to higher scores in the BFNE and SIAS. Method Participants The research was based on a sample of first year psychology students studying at the University of Western Australia. There were 356 participants- both male and female- ranging from 17 to 56 years old. Participants were asked to take part in the study as a part of the course requirements for PSYC1102. There were no additional selection criteria; all students were invited to participate in the study regardless of age, sex or ethnicity. Materials The data was collected using three surveys: the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), the Autism- Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation (BFNE). The SIAS provides a list of social tendencies and skills and asks participants to identify whether the statement is characteristic of them. Participants are given 20 statements such as â€Å"I have difficulty making eye contact with others† and are asked to select the option that most accurately reflects them from a five-point Likert scale between â€Å"not at all† and â€Å"extremely. † Participants receive a score between 0 and 80 based on their answers. The BFNE seeks to assess participants’ fear of negative evaluation; it does this by providing 12 statements such as â€Å" I am afraid of other people knowing my shortcomings† and asking participants to select an answer on a five-point Likert scale from â€Å"not at all characteristic of me† to â€Å"extremely characteristic of me. † Participants receive a score between 0 and 60 based on their answers (Carleton, McCreary, Norton, Asmundson, 2006). Finally, the AQ is a 50-question questionnaire, which assesses where the participant lies on the Autism Spectrum. It assesses the participant on five areas: social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication and imagination (Baron-Cohen et al. 2001). It offers statements such as â€Å"I prefer to do things on my own rather than with others† and invites participants to select an answer on the five-point Likert scale from â€Å"definitely agree† to â€Å"definitely disagree. † Participants receive a score between 0 and 50 based on their answers. (Baron-Cohen et al. 2001) The current study aimed to clarify the cause of social deficit in people with Autism. It was hypothesised that these social difficulties are linked to elevated anxiety levels in response to social situations. It was expected that the data recorded from the AQ, BFNE and SIAS questionnaires would be consistent with this hypothesis and highlight the link between autistic-like traits and heightened anxiety. The results show no link between the AQ and the BFNE. However, they do indicate a positive relationship between the AQ and SIAS, and a positive relationship between the SIAS and BFNE, as expected. This indicates that there is some truth to the hypothesis that the social deficits faced by people with autism are linked to anxiety. This study has some limitations, which should be considered when discussing the results. Firstly, participants of this study were first year students, largely under the age of 20, and of similar level of intelligence. These factors make the sample somewhat limited, and it is unlikely to be a true refection of the general population. Future studies would benefit from conducting surveys with a more diverse sample group. A random sample of participants would provide a more rounded and accurate representation of the general population. In addition, this study assessed members of the general population, and most –if not all- participants do not have autism. Therefore, it could be argued that the results may not be entirely valid. While there is research to suggest that autistic-like traits are evident in the general population, this does not necessarily mean that the link between autistic-like characteristics and anxiety established in this study can be transferred to people with autism. Future studies may need to assess this hypothesis with people who have autism for more valid findings. A further possible limitation of this study is that of the 931 students, only 356 participated in the study. It is logical to expect that the students who completed the survey are likely to be the more diligent students. The more diligent students may share similar characteristics, and may have more autistic-like tendencies; this could indicate some bias in the sample group. This study indicates a link between autistic-like characteristics and anxiety in the general population. If this link was proven in future studies to be also relevant to people with Autism, the information could be used to improve the quality of their social interactions. Clinicians could potentially take this link into account when working with patients with Autism. By developing ways to reduce anxiety, clinicians may be able to make patients more comfortable in social situations. This study has supported the theory that there is a link between autistic-like characteristics and anxiety. This could be further developed with more extensive research into anxiety in people who have autism. With further research, clinicians may be able develop methods to target anxiety in people with Autism and reduce the severity of their social deficits.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Influence of Societal Expectation in Hunger and Siddhartha Essay exampl

Societal expectations play momentous roles in character development in Hamsun’s Hunger and Hesse’s Siddhartha. Societal expectations derive from the origins of the individuals in the society who create authority and code of conduct for the people to obey and follow (based on their own morals). Both novels uncover the character development of the protagonists yet the authors approach these themes in different manners. Hamsun follows the hero’s path through an unforeseen destiny of solitude and weariness allowing the hero to find no place among the society. His journey of struggle within the society faces the hero to make certain decisions that readers question as either rational or irrational decisions. Whereas in Hesse’s, the hero accepts the transformation from an aesthetic Siddhartha to a more self conscious character basing his needs on the materialistic pleasures. Siddhartha’s influence from the environment enables him to feel and un derstand his present surroundings of a society leading to his ultimate motive of Self realization and to break the cycle of life and achieve ultimate happiness. Hamsun’s hero, the unnamed narrator in the novel Hunger, is a struggling character, always contemplating over his ideas and actions and often losing his sense of reality to his own illusionary world of his conscious â€Å"my deranged consciousness ran away with me and sent me lunatic inspirations† . The effect of having to create a character struggling within his own decision making skills has the audience to believe the protagonist has in a breaking point between sanity versus insanity. Yet under the society of Christiniana, under certain laws and rules that are to be followed, Hamsun creates a paradoxical character, ... ... through a chaotic state. Yet in Hunger it is portrayed that human nature always strives to be in communities, but when a society is formed, there are always certain individuals as outcasts like the protagonist, who tend to fall under the influence of its society’s expectations. Their strive to have a place in the society follows up working too hard to reach the expectations of earning money for a materialistic value in the society, therefore allowing the protagonist to go in a state of insanity. Siddhartha follows society as a materialistic living and a need, the protagonist allows himself to go through against materialistic living, following the expectations of the society. He allows the materialism of earning money and have physical pleasures to reach his own journey to reach enlightenment through experience of having to understand how to let it out of his Self.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Intelligence Led Policing Essay

Intelligence Led Policing is a strategy that reduces crime through a strategic management and effective enforcement of strategies that target prolific offenders. In order to reduce social harm, the police have to work wider partners for wider potential solutions. The police have to combine their knowledge on criminal intelligence with crime analysis knowledge so as to come up with a substantial decision. It aims in achieving crime reduction and prevention by disrupting the activities of offenders through employment of a top-down management approach. Another way of predicting a prolific offender is through strategic targeting and prioritization. Targeting should be strategic towards individuals, location or operations that will produce the best results and success, thus enabling police officers to work effectively (Peterson, 2005). In addition, the information should be from reliable sources so as to allow the best results without breaching innocent people’s rights. Another issue is the use of previous crimes records as indicators so as to foster preventive measures in order to mitigate the offender from committing crimes. This operation can happen to be the best given that the information at hand is reliable but it can be unethical if the target happens to be clean (Peterson, 2005). Furthermore, through proper data collection either through physical surveillance, electronic surveillance, confidential informants, and public records or under covers operators who have provided vital information which after being analyzed they guarantee success. In conclusion, Intelligence Led policing focuses on certain criminal activities and key criminals can be targeted for inquiry after there problems are assessed. Moreover, some character and upbringing traits are use to predict recidivist behavior which helps in predicting prolific offenders and it tries to capture both operational and ethical issues. The number of times an offender has appeared in court, drug users’ and having delinquent acquaintances foster a good prolific offender target.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Pollution control and waste management Essay

The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (‘the Department’) has recognised that they are not always successful in policing and enforcing environmental laws. However, the Department is making strides to meet these challenges and to ensure that our laws are practically implemented. In March 2000, the Department published its White Paper on Integrated Pollution and Waste Management (‘the White Paper’). The White Paper proposes a number of tools to implement the objectives of the waste management policy it sets out. The promulgation of new pollution and waste legislation such as the amendments to the Environment Conservation Act, 73 of 1989 (‘ECA’) comprise one such tool. The objective of the Environment Conservation Act: Amendment Bill, 2003 (‘the Amendment Bill’) is to facilitate government’s general policy on integrated pollution control and waste management so as to give effect to waste management as proposed in the White Paper. The Amendment Bill will amend the ECA in three separate ways: †¢ the management of waste sites will be transferred from the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry to the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (‘the Minister’); †¢ the Minister will have the power to make regulations for the imposition of compulsory charging for identified waste streams (for example, plastic bags) and deposit systems (for example, second-hand non-reusable tyres); and †¢ the Minister will have the power to make regulations regarding products which, by their nature, may pose a hazard to the environment and/or human health if and when they reach the waste stream (for example, asbestos products). Transfer of power The ECA governs environmental waste pollution. In particular, the ECA provides for the permitting and related control measures for the operation of waste landfill sites. The ECA specifically stipulates that the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry should administer these facilities. In accordance with the government’s philosophy on integrated pollution control and waste management inherent in the White Paper, the amendment transfers the administration of these facilities from the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry to the Minister. Economic incentives In order to promote recycling and waste minimization in respect of certain waste streams such as plastic bags, glass and tyres, certain additional regulatory powers will be allocated to the Minister. The Amendment Bill proposes a financial incentive approach which will complement the existing traditional ‘command and control’ approach to controlling pollution. Whereas the command and control approach relies either on administrative sanctions (for example, permitting requirements on scheduled emissions) or criminal measures (for example, fines or imprisonment if such permit conditions are breached) to regulate pollution emissions, the amendment will give the Minister the power to make regulations to encourage the re-use, reduction and recycling of specific waste types. To this end, the proposed amendment to the ECA provides that the Minister may make regulations with regard to waste management, concerning the imposition of compulsory charging, deposits systems and levies on certain waste types or specified items in waste types. The intention is that the revenue raised from such charges will be used to encourage recycling and a compulsory deposit system will promote the collection and return of types of waste. A compulsory charge on a particular waste will encourage its re-use, for example, the controversial compulsory charge on plastic bags has promoted re-use. The Minister intends to use these mechanisms to impose a deposit scheme on second-hand and unusable tyres and glass. Regulating products Currently, the ECA does not give the Minister or the Department regulatory power over products, materials or substances that may cause harm to the environment or human health should these enter the waste stream (for example, asbestos, which is found in building material, friction material and other elements). The Department does not have regulatory powers over such substances until the relevant material becomes waste. The Amendment Bill will give the Minister the power to make regulations with regard to the prohibition, control or regulation of products that may have a detrimental effect on the environment or on human health if and when they reach the waste stream.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Animals and Their Environment

Animals and Their Environment To understanding individual animals, and in turn populations of animals, you must first understand the relationship they have with their environment. Animal Habitats The environment in which an animal lives is referred to as its habitat. A habitat includes both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of the animals environment. Abiotic components of an animals environment include a huge range of characteristics, examples of which include: TemperatureHumidityOxygenWindSoil compositionDay lengthElevation Biotic components of an animals environment include such things as: Plant matterPredatorsParasitesCompetitorsIndividuals of the same species Animals Get Energy From the Environment Animals require energy to support the processes of life: movement, foraging, digestion, reproduction, growth, and work. Organisms can be categorized into one of the following groups: Autotroph- an organism that obtains energy from sunlight (in the case of green plants) or inorganic compounds (in the case of sulfur bacteria)Heterotroph- an organism that uses organic materials as a source of energy Animals are heterotrophs, obtaining their energy from the ingestion of other organisms. When resources are scarce or environmental conditions limit the ability of animals to obtain food or go about their normal activities, animals metabolic activity may decrease to conserve energy until better conditions prevail. A component of an organisms environment, such as a nutrient, that is in short supply and therefore limits the organisms ability to reproduce in greater numbers is referred to as a limiting factor of the environment.   The different types of metabolic dormancy or responses include: Torpor- a time of decreased metabolism and reduced body temperature in daily activity cyclesHibernation- a time of decreased metabolism and reduced body temperature that may last weeks or monthsWinter sleep- periods of inactivity during which body temperature does not fall substantially and from which animals can be awakened and become active quicklyAestivation- a period of inactivity in animals that must sustain extended periods of drying Environmental characteristics (temperature, moisture, food availability, and so on) vary over time and location so animals have adapted to a certain range of values for each characteristic. The range of an environmental characteristic to which an animal is adapted is called its tolerance range for that characteristic. Within an animals tolerance range is an optimal range of values at which the animal is most successful. Animals Become Acclimated to Survive Sometimes, in response to a prolonged change in environmental characteristic, an animals physiology adjusts to accommodate the change in its environment, and in doing so, its tolerance range shifts. This shift in tolerance range is called acclimation. For example, sheep in cold, damp climates grow thicker winter coats. And, a study of lizards showed that those acclimated to warm weather could maintain a faster speed than lizards not acclimated to those conditions. Likewise, the digestive systems of white-tailed deer adjust to the available food supply in winter versus summer.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

About the F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet

About the F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet The F-22 Raptor is America’s premier air-to-air combat fighter jet that can also perform air-to-ground operations. It is built by Lockheed Martin. The U.S. Air Force has 137 F-22 Raptors in use. The Raptor is the top air combat fighter jet in the world and is designed to dominate the air. Development of the F-22 began in the mid-1980’s at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Production of the F-22 began in 2001 with full production starting in 2005. The last F-22 was delivered in 2012. Each Raptor has a life span of 40 years. Unique Features of the F-22 Raptor Lockheed’s development partners include Boeing  and Pratt Whitney. Pratt Whitney builds the engine for the fighter. Boeing builds the F-22 airframe. The Raptor has advanced stealth capability to elude enemy aircraft and missiles. The stealth capability means the Raptor’s radar image is as small as a bumblebee. The sensor system gives the F-22 pilot a 360-degree view of the battlefield around the plane. It also has very advanced sensor, radar and electronics allowing it to locate, track and shoot down enemy aircraft. The two engines have 35,000 pounds of thrust each allowing it to cruise above 50,000 feet at Mach 2 speeds. The engines have afterburners for increased speed and directional nozzles for maneuverability. A sophisticated information and diagnostic system allows for paperless maintenance and faster turnaround. Capabilities The F-22 Raptor gives the U.S. air superiority world-wide as there is no other fighter aircraft that can match its capabilities. The F-22 has the ability to fly at over 50,000 feet at Mach 2 speeds and for 1600 nautical miles. Carrying an impressive arsenal of weapons the F-22 can take out enemy aircraft quickly and control the skies. It can then be converted by changing the weapons carried to perform ground attacks. The Raptor has secure communications capability from one F-22 to another F-22. A single pilot controls the aircraft as he has a 360 view of the battlefield around the plane and a wide array of sensors tracking other aircraft in the area. This allows the aircraft to know where enemy aircraft are in the area before they can see the Raptor. When carrying ground mode weapons the Raptor has two 1,000 JDAM’s that can be deployed. It can also carry up to eight smaller diameter bombs. Maintenance on the Raptor is paperless and has a predictive maintenance system to repair parts before they break. Weapons on Board The F-22 Raptor can be configured for either air combat or ground combat. Weapons carried for air combat: one 20mm M61A-2 six barrel rotary cannon and 480 rounds with ammunition feed system capable of 100 rounds per secondsix AIM-120C air-to-air missilestwo AIM-9 Sidewinder heat seeking missiles Ground combat weapon configuration: two 1,000 pound JDAM Joint Direct Attack Munitionstwo AIM-120C air-to-air missilestwo AIM-9T Sidewinder missiles Specifications Engines two Pratt Whitney F119-PW-100 engines with 35,000 pounds maximum thrust (similar engine as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter)Range 1600 nautical miles using just internal fuelFuel carries 18,000 pounds of fuel and can be refueled while in flight. Wing mounted fuel tanks can be added to carry an additional 8,000 pounds of fuelLength 62.1 feetHeight 16.7 feetWingspan 44 feet 6 inchesCrew size oneWeight over 43,000 pounds empty and 83,500 pounds fully loadedMaximum speed Mach 2Ceiling over 50,000 feetApproximate cost $143 million each Deployed Units Squadrons of F-22’s are deployed at: three squadrons in Virginiathree squadrons in Alaskatwo squadrons in New MexicoF-22’s are also based in Hawaii and the Middle Easttraining, maintenance and tactical work are performed in Florida, Nevada and California

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Evaluation of a Procurement Plan for use in a project based Assignment

Evaluation of a Procurement Plan for use in a project based ORGANIZATION - Assignment Example The project manager is given the mandate to document the selection process. The committee selected should have three to five people. It should have adequate information about the qualification and willingness of the consultants in pursuing the project and their responses about the project also the evaluation criteria. These are the items which should be contained in the RFR. Planning purchases is the process of determining what to purchase, when and how to purchase or acquire it. Purchase Planning singles out the project whose needs can be met by buying or acquiring services, products and results outside the project organization. Planning purchases also can be used to establish which project needs can be met by the project team during project execution. Mainly, the Purchase Planning includes reviewing the risks found in each make-or-buy decision, and reviewing the kind of contract planned to be used.1 One of its major targets is to reduce risks and to transfer risks to the seller. Make-or-buy analysis is the collection and comparison of opportunities and threats evoked by the make and buys solutions. To the buyers, Purchase Planning assists in cutting down impulsive buying of products and reducing overexploitation of the consumers or the buyers’ decisions by attractive advertisements of the products. There are different tools and techniques, which are used in Purchase Planning , with each aiming at proper planning. Contract type is one of the tools used in Purchase Planning . Different types of contracts are deemed to be suitable for different kinds of purchases. In the identification of the correct type of documentation of a project before contracting, the planner should be aware of the different types of contracts in order to select the most appropriate type of contract for program procurement. Expert judgment plays a vital role in planning for purchases. It can be used as an input