Communication Case Essay Example for Free

Communication Case Essay Ethics Case 4-7 – Income Statement Presentation of Unusual Loss Requirement The Cranor Corporation suffered $10 million in expenses linked to a product recall. The company had endured product recalls in the past and they still occur in the business. To show revenue from continuing operations, Jim Dietz, the controller, wishes to describe the $10 million as an extraordinary loss, instead of an expense included in operating income. He states to the CEO that the company has never had a product recall of this size and that the corporation fixed the design flaw and improved quality control. The drawback is, in order for Jim to categorize the loss as an extraordinary item, he must view that the losses in the company’s financial statements are infrequent and unusual. He must also presume this event is not likely to occur again in the future profitability. (Spiceland, Sepe, Nelson, 2013, p. 188) The Journal of Accountancy states that extraordinary items are gains and losses that are material, and result from events that are both unusual and infrequent. (Extraordinary Items Share Exclusive Company , 2013) These criteria must be considered in light of the environment in which the entity operates. There obviously is a considerable degree of subjectivity involved in the determination. The concepts of unusual and infrequent require judgment. In making these judgments, an accountant should keep in mind the overall objective of the income statement. The key question is how the event relates to a firm’s future profitability. If it is judged that the event, because of its unusual nature and infrequency of occurrence, is not likely to occur again, separate reporting as an extraordinary item is warranted. The ethical dilemma faced by Jim Dietz and the company’s chief executive officer is that it appears from the facts of the case that it would be difficult for the company to come to the conclusion that a material product recall is not likely to occur again in the foreseeable future. This type of event has occurred before and is common in the industry. While a subjective judgment, extraordinary treatment of the $10 million does not appear warranted. Is the obligation of Jim and the CEO to maximize income from continuing operations, the company’s position on the stock market and management bonuses stronger than their obligation to fairly present  accounting information to the users of financial statements? If they decide to go with Jim’s suggestion, it would be misleading to the shareholders and creditors about the lost suffered. The misrepresenting of the stakeholders and money market would be sinful and display wickedness, while if the corporation is straightfor ward with the market and shareholders it will demonstrate moral values and show that the corporation is working in the best interest of the investors by not misleading them when it comes to losses. In Exodus 23:1-2 it speaks about bearing a false report. The New International Version states: â€Å"Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness. Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.† With Jim and the CEO being in a management position, they are required to perform many activities in running the entity in the best interest of stakeholders. Their duties include leading and directing an entity, including making important decisions concerning the acquisition, deployment and control of human financial, physical and intangible resources. They are supposed to take the charge for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance to the accounting policies. (Handbook of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, 2013) I think the Cranor Company should include the loss in their net income and continue with the product recall. Including the loss in their net income will show honesty to its stakeholders. They may not receive a bonus, but it is better for them to be honest than risk the consequences of lying about the loss. Leviticus 19:11 says, â€Å"Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another. (The Quest Study Bible, New International Version, 1994) By seeing the scripture we can detect how this relates to accounting ethics. Leviticus 19:11 explains that that we are not to steal, and ultimately mislead others. When we associate this verse to this ethical dilemma it would describe Jim Dietz and the company chief executive officer of deceiving the stock market into thinking that the loss was truly an extraordinary item on income statement when in reality, they are misleading them to get a bonus. References The Quest Study Bible, New International Version. (1994). Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House. Extraordinary Items Share Exclusive Company . (2013, September 3). Retrieved from Journal of Accountancy: http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/Issues/2007/May/ExtraordinaryItemsShareExclusiveCompany.htm Handbook of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. (2013). New York: International Federation of Accountants. Spiceland, D., Sepe, J., Nelson, M. (2013). Intermediate Accounting (7th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

Corruption in Judicial Systems Essay Example for Free

Corruption in Judicial Systems Essay Corruption in judicial systems is threatening the protection of human rights, a United Nations independent expert said, urging governments to implement policies to strengthen the rule of law to combat this practice. â€Å"The pervasiveness of corruption in the judiciary and the legal profession, whether one off or endemic, is very worrying because it directly undermines the rule of law and the ability of the judiciary to guarantee the protection of human rights,† the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Gabriela Knaul, told the General Assembly while presenting it with her latest annual report. â€Å"A judiciary that is not independent can easily be corrupted or co-opted by interests other than those of applying the law in a fair and impartial manner,† she said. â€Å"Strengthening the judiciary from within, as well as providing all the safeguards for its independence vis-à  -vis other public officials and private actors, is essential in combating and preventing instances of judicial corruption.† Ms. Knaul noted that corruption in the judiciary has the potential to victimize those that do not have the means to play by the informal rules set by a corrupt system. â€Å"Corruption in the judiciary discourages people from resorting to the formal justice system, thereby diverting dispute settlements towards informal systems that more than often do not abide by the basic principles of impartiality, fairness, non-discrimination and due process,† she said. Mechanisms of accountability, the Special Rapporteur underlined, should be put in place to investigate acts of corruption and they should be developed with the full participation of the actors concerned. â€Å"I strongly believe that the existing international principles and standards on human rights and corruption provide adequate guidance on how to tackle judicial corruption while respecting the independence of the justice system and human rights,† she said. Ms. Knaul also emphasized that judges, prosecutors and lawyers are in a unique position to tackle the wider phenomenon of corruption in other instances of the public and private sectors, and that â€Å"anti-corruption bodies should be established or developed to effectively assist judicial actors to combat corruption and to implement and strengthen transparency within the public sector.† Independent experts, or special rapporteurs, are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back, in an unpaid capacity, on specific human rights themes.

Enzymatic Functioning in Bromelain from Pineapple Juice

Enzymatic Functioning in Bromelain from Pineapple Juice William Nguyen Introduction An enzyme is a biological catalyst that accelerates specific chemical reactions. It converts substrates into specific products. Most enzymes are proteins and hence have a three-dimensional structure of folded polypeptide chains. Enzymes have an optimal temperature and pH range in which they function most effectively. If changes occur that remove the enzyme out of this range it may not function effectively. This principle forms the basis of this experimental design where the increasing temperature results in the denaturing of the enzymes found in bromelain and thus lowering its catalytic effectiveness. Bromelain is a protein extract present in the fruit, leaves and stems of pineapple plants (Ananas comosus). Although it is present in all parts of the pineapple plant, the stem is the most bromelain rich part that also makes it the most common commercial source of bromelain (Rowan, Buttle Barrett, 1990, p.869-875)1. The crude aqueous extract from the pineapple fruit is known as bromelain. It is in fact a mixture of different thiolendopeptidases and other components like phosphatases, glucosidases, peroxidases, cellulases, glycoproteins, carbohydrates and protease inhibitors (Maurer, 2001, p.1234-1245)2. It is also known that the enzymes in the bromelain extract begin to denature when heated over 80 °C (Jutamongkon Charoerein, 2010, p943-948)3. Since bromelain is essentially a mixture composed of many different enzymes, its substrate spectrum is very broad. It extends from synthetic low molecular amides and dipeptides up to high molecular substrates such as fibrin, gelatin, casein and bradykinin (Cooreman, 1978, p.107-121)4. Pineapples are an excellent source of the trace element manganese which acts as an essential cofactor for many of the enzymes found in bromelain. In addition, thiamine also acts as a cofactor in enzymatic reactions central to energy production in bromelain (Joy, 2010, p.67 0-686)5. Historically, bromelain has been extracted and utilised for medicinal purposes by the natives of South and Central America. In modern society, bromelain has been proven to be effective at tenderising meat and as such, is sold commercially as powdered meat tenderisers. It has also earned universal acceptability as a phytotherapeutical drug because of its history of safe use and no side effects. In 1972, conclusive evidence that bromelain prevents aggregation of blood platelets was reported by Heinicke et al (1972, p.844-845)6. Bromelain also displays an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect on soft tissue injuries especially in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It has also been found to dramatically reduce post-operative swelling and pain due to these properties (Leipner, Iten Saller, 2001, p.779-789)7. Additionally, bromelain applied topically as a cream in a lipid base has shown beneficial characteristics in the debridement of eschar from severe burns and in the acceleratio n of healing. It has been commercially approved in Europe and sold under the trade name NexoBrid (Hauck, Chang Klein, 1983, p.124-134)8. Aim and Hypothesis This experiment aims to qualitatively identify the enzyme functioning found in commercially sold canned pineapple juice using background information provided by previous experiments. The rate at which gelatin is degraded in this experiment by the bromelain provides an indication of the rate of enzyme activity. The fresh pineapple sample is known to be rich in bromelain and as such, will hypothetically result in a significant amount of gelatin degradation. Boiling the pineapple juice sample over 80 °C will result in the denaturing of enzymes and should display little to no degradation of the gelatin. The canned sample in question may not display any degradation as it has undergone processing that may have disturbed the natural functioning of the enzymes in bromelain. Materials 15 test tubes 12 petri dishes 3 test tube racks 3 metal tongs 3 plastic bottles 1 thermometer 1 timer 1 macropipette 1 straw Hot water baths (35oC, 45oC, 50oC, 60oC and 90-100oC) 1 stirring rod 1 razor 1 ruler 1 fine black marker 1 water bath 1 electronic balance 1 pineapple 1 pineapple juice bottle 100g gelatin powder Methods Part A: Determining the degree of enzymatic functioning in canned pineapple juice Preparation phase/Pre-lab Place gelatin and hot water into 250mL jug and mix with stirring rod until gelatin has dissolved Pour equal amounts into 12 labelled petri dishes and place in the cool room to set for a day Make 3 pits in each dish by extracting gelatin using a straw when setting has complete Draw, measure and record the diameter of the pit made using a black marker on to the bottom of a petri dish Repeat step 4 for all petri dishes Buy a can of pineapple juice and extract 15mL of the juice into a plastic bottle labelled canned pineapple juice Purchase a fresh pineapple and cut into slices using Juice all pineapple slices and boil half the juice collected Place 15mL of boiled juice in a bottle labelled boiled pineapple juice and 15mL into a bottle labelled fresh pineapple juice Proteolytic gelation phase Divide the gelatin-petri dish samples up into 4 groups: control, boiled, canned and fresh. Leave the controlled petri dish absent of pineapple juice Pipette 3 drops of the labelled juices into corresponding petri dishes. Allocate one team member per variable group to minimise qualitative discrepancies Cover the petri dishes and allow reactions to occur for 120 minutes at room temperature Post-proteolytic gelation phase Remove cover from petri dishes and describe/record physical differences of each group. Tip any remaining juices out of the petri dishes Draw new circles around the post-liquid pits, measure and record the new diameters into results table Part B: Measuring the effect of temperature on enzymatic functioning in bromelain Preparation phase/Pre-lab Place gelatin and hot water into 250mL beaker and mix with stirring rod until gelatin has dissolved Allow the gelatin to set in the cool room for a day Cut out five 1.0 x 1.0cm cubes of gelatin using a razor blade Allocate each cube a number from 1-10 Weigh and record the weight of each cube into the results table Proteolytic gelation phase Label five test tubes from 1-5 with a black marker Place 10mL of fresh pineapple juice into each test tube Heat test tube 1 using a water bath heated at 35oC for 10 minutes Remove the test tube from the water bath, using tongs, and place into test tube rack Allow the test tube to cool down to room temperature by using a thermometer Repeat steps 3-5 using test tubes 2-5 at temperatures 45oC, 50oC, 60oC and 90oC. Placing test tubes in a bucket of crushed ice may quicken the cooling process Place allocated cubes of gelatin into respective tubes and allow to sit for 20 minutes Separate juice from the gelatin cubes and rinse with distilled water Allow gelatin cubes to completely dry Weigh the gelatin cubes and record variances in results table Results Table 1. Degree of enzymatic functioning in various types of pineapple juice Table 1 depicts data taken from part A of the experiment. Three trials were run for each type of juice to ensure reliable results. It is apparent that there is a large change in the diameter of the fresh pineapple juice samples compared to the other types tested. Whilst canned pineapple juice displayed a lower degree of change, the boiled sample however seemingly gained gelatin. The control sample did not display any changes in the diameter of the pit. Figure 1. Step 1 of the proteolytic gelation phase (Part A) Figure 2. Step 3 of the proteolytic gelation phase (Part A) Recorded Observations Many air bubbles were formed during the pipetting of juices into the gelatin pits The diameter of the gelatin pits appeared to remain the same after a period of 120 minutes for canned, control and boiled pineapple juice Visible changes in hole size observed in fresh pineapple juice samples Table 2. Effect of temperature on enzymatic functioning in bromelain Table 2 depicts data taken from part B of the experiment. Like part A, three trials were made for each variable to ensure reliable data. As temperature applied to the juice increases, it is evident that the degree of weight loss of the gelatin decreased. However, test tube 2 displayed a result that deviated from this trend as the weight loss (%) dropped then rose again. The control sample displayed the highest amount of weight loss of the gelatin cube. The trend (not inclusive of the control) is represented in the figure below. Figure 3. Effect of temperature on enzymatic functioning in bromelain ­Ã‚ ­ Figure 4. Step 3 of proteolytic gelation phase (Part B) Figure 5. Step 4 of proteolytic gelation phase (Part B) Recorded Observations Fresh pineapple juice retained a cloudy, yellow colour with froth formation on the surface of the juice During the cooling period, the pineapple pulp separates from the liquid and forms two distinct layers Gelatin cubes that were dropped into the test tubes rise to the top of the solution with pulp sediments resting on the bottom of the test tube Discussion Part A It was supported by the results in Table 1 that fresh pineapple juice displayed a larger degree of enzymatic functioning compared to the other three sample types (boiled, canned and control). This is depicted through the change in the diameter of the gelatin pit. Enzymes in bromelain work to break down the gelatin and the larger the pit, the greater the functioning of those enzymes. The fresh pineapple juice sample showed an 18.18% change in the diameter of the gelatin pit. The canned pineapple juice had a lower degree of change (5.49%). This may have stemmed from the preparation and processing of the juice that may have altered the integrity of the bromelain in the juice. It may have been subject to heating to sterilise the juice that may have caused the denaturing of the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of gelatin. The boiled pineapple juice presented data that goes against the principle of bromelain breaking down gelatin. With a change in diameter of -1.18%, it has actually ‘gained’ gelatin after the proteolytic gelation phase. Since it is known that bromelain is responsible only for the degradation of gelatin, it is impossible for it to produce gelatin. Thus, this miscalculation may only have resulted from human error in marking and measuring the diameter. The marker used in this specific experiment produced rather thick lines relative to the small diameters that were measured. Use of a finer tipped marker may have minimised the chances of such inaccuracies to occur. The control sample involved a set of gelatin plates with no pineapple juice added. This was made to ensure that the pineapple juice was responsible for the degradation of the gelatin. If the control displayed a change in the diameter of the gelatin pits, then the experiment would be deemed invalid as more than one factor contributes to the degradation of gelatin besides bromelain. In accordance to the results, the control group displayed no changes to the gelatin pits. Part B Part B of the experiment explores the effect of temperature on the enzymatic functioning of bromelain. From the data recorded in Table 2, an increase in temperature applied to the juice corresponds to the decrease in the functioning of the enzymes as depicted through the amount of weight the gelatin cube lost. This trend is illustrated in Figure 1. Whilst there is an overall decrease in weight loss associated with increased temperature, there is an outlier at 45oC. Although this variable was repeated thrice, it still remained inconsistent relative to the data set. Such an error may have occurred with the apparatus provided on the day of the experiment where there were only three water baths provided (37oC, 50oC and 90oC). The experiment design took into account the equipment available that was provided in the laboratory manual that offered water baths at 35oC, 45oC, 50oC, 60oC and 90oC. Hence, maintaining the pineapple juice at 45oC and 60oC using the apparatus provided was the most probable cause of the error. In the case of the 45oC variable, it may have been heated too strongly that resulted in the denaturing of many more enzymes compared to at 50oC and 60oC. To improve upon this error, water baths with temperatures corresponding to those given in the laboratory manual should be provided to ensure accurate quantitative data. As mentioned previously in the introduction, it is known from past experiments that the enzymes in bromelain begin to denature very quickly at 80oC (Jutamongkon Charoerein, 2010, p943-948)3. This experiment confirms the statement as the 90oC variable experienced a steep decline in weight lost that indicates a large degree of enzyme denaturing. Naturally, most enzymes have a temperature range that it functions most effectively at. However, this graph only portrays temperatures > 35oC, not covering a large range of temperatures that is able to point out the optimum temperature. Again, this was not able to be accounted for in the experimental design due to the limited apparatus provided. From the trend line in Figure 1, a linear decrease is shown. However, a bell curve is usually representative of the optimum temperature where very low temperatures result in decreased enzyme functioning and decreased weight loss. As the temperature increases the enzyme reaches its optimum level of functioning and results in a large amount of gelatin degradation. With temperature reaching higher levels, the enzymes begin to denature and cease to function which brings the levels of weight loss down again. Relative to this experiment, the optimum temperature is ideally oC. In addition, the control displayed the greatest amount of weight loss com pared to all the variables that were tested (36.14%). The control was not applied any heat but rather subject to room temperature which is ~20oC. This reinforces the notion that the optimum temperature of the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of gelatin is oC. To validate this statement, the experiment should be repeated again but with a wider range of temperatures to account for the bell curve trend that should occur to identify the optimum temperature. Reflective Comments This experiment on bromelain was performed by three persons including myself. The first part of this assessment task was performed individually as per instructions. After we completed this task, we got together and planned the experimental design. Each person was assigned a role in this activity where I was tasked with completing the risk assessment and drawing scientific diagrams. The other two collaborators were responsible for completing the methodology and the list of materials and equipment. When we had completed our tasks, we discussed each part together to come to a mutual agreement. Many modifications were made to all parts that were essential to keeping our experimental design valid. Designing this experimental protocol with my classmates was a pleasant experience as each one of us were committed and contributed to the project. During this part of the project, no significant difficulties were faced as we all worked through our tasks smoothly. To me, teamwork was already a no tion that I valued strongly, however this activity of getting together and completing such a large amount of work in so little time has definitely set that notion in stone. The approach to allocating tasks to different members was also done on the day of the experiment. An action plan was formulated with all the roles and times of the tasks that have been allocated and given to each member of the group. A great reason for doing this is so that we can minimise human error in repetitive tasks. For example, I had a role in heating the juices in the given hot water baths. If two of us were to heat it, one may have a different way of regulating the temperatures 45oC and 60oC (the temperatures not given) than the other member. Hence, we assigned such roles to be consistent with the method. It also maximises productivity so that all of us are working rather than one person work with the other looking on to see if they can help. The specific tasks that I have been allocated on this day was majority of Part B of the experiment. I was tasked with cutting the gelatin cubes, weighing and recording their weights, pipetting of juices into test tubes and heating the juices. After gelatin cubes have been dropped in and timed by another member, I removed, washed and dried the gelatin for the weighing process. In between my tasks where I had time I lent my assistance to my team members. At the end of the experiment we packed up the equipment and cleaned the lab bench so that we can sit down and discuss our results. The only minor problem experienced in this teamwork was the action plan. Some of the times allocated to specific tasks were under or overestimated. Although this is not necessarily a problem as we were provided three hours to conduct our experiment, it resulted in the clumping up of tasks where one member waited for another to finish their task to continue his/her own. Overall, I am very happy and satisfied with the outcomes of our team project (possibly the best team project I have ever had!). With minimal difficulties and great results, I would definitely proceed to approach teamwork like this in future projects. However, this method of teamwork is only suitable if all team members are committed to their roles. If one does not pull their weight and not complete their allocated roles, the group could fall apart. Hence, it would be best for me to find myself a group of dedicated individuals in future projects. References Rowan AD, Buttle DJ Barrett AJ, 1990. The cysteine proteinases of the pineapple plant, Biochem J, Volume 226, pp.869-875. 2 Maurer HR, 2001. Bromelain: Biochemistry, pharmacology and medicinal use, CMLS Cell Mol Life Sci, Volume 58, pp.1234-1245. 3 Jutamongkon R Charoerein S, 2010. Effect of Temperature on the Stability of Fruit Bromelain from Smooth Cayenne Pineapple, Kasetsart J, (Nat. Sci.), Volume 44, pp.943-948. 4 Cooreman W, 1978. Bromelain, In: Pharmaceutical enzyme Properties and Assay Methods, R Ruyssen and A Lauwers (Eds), E Story – Scienta Scientific Publishing Co. Gent/Belgium, pp.107-121. 5 Joy PP, 2010. Benefits and uses of pineapple, Pineapple Research Station (Kerala Agricultural University), Vazhakulam, pp.670-686. 6 Heinicke RM, Van der Wal M and Yokoyama MM, 1972. Effect of bromelain on human platelet aggregation, Experientia, Volume 28, pp.844-845. 7 Leipner J, Iten F and Saller R, Therapy with proteolytic enzymes in rheumatic disorders, Biol Drugs, 2001, 15 (12), pp.779-789. 8 Hauck JC, Chang CM and Klein G, 1983. Isolation of an effective debriding agent from the stems of pineapple plants, Int J Tissue React, Volume 5, pp.125-134.

The canadian criminal code Essay -- essays research papers fc

The Evolution of the Canadian Criminal Code The laws of the United States have been revised numerous times, and the Criminal Code of Canada is similar. The Criminal Code is a systematically arranged body of law dealing with crime. The code has been revised multiple times over the past century by the federal government to help accommodate the numerous laws that have been applied to Canadian citizens. The history of homicide in the Criminal Code has evolved from having no degrees of murder in 1892 to having three types of culpable homicide (Leyton). The Canadian Criminal Code has changed over the years to accommodate the needs of changing times, such as amendments for gun control and the elimination of the death penalty. In 1892, the Criminal Code of Canada was established, copying much of the English 1878 bill. â€Å"The Canadian Criminal code which copied the English bill of 1878 has been revised numerous times to accommodate the needs of the Canadian citizens† (Monroe). At that time there was no distinguishing between different types of murder through degrees of severity, because the punishment for every type of murder was the death penalty, and manslaughter was a life sentence in prison (Designs). In 1955, a major reform was carried out and the Canadian Criminal Code was reduced from 1100 sections to only 753. The president of the Law Reform Commission of Canada did this major reform and noted, "It is too complicated. It is too illogical. It is poorly organized. It is not comprehensive and it is too intrusive. We deserve a Criminal Code that is modern, simple, logical, coherent, comprehensive, organized, understandable and restrained" (â€Å"What †). One of the advantages of the reform was the addition of a constitutional principle that no person was to be convicted of an offense unless it had been provided specifically for in a statute. Even though the reform brought many new changes, the Criminal Code was not fully revised because in 1961 there were other changes done to the Code. In this change, the code included degrees of murder and divided the murders into capital and non-capital murder. The punishment for capital murder was death, while non-capital murder was punishable by life in prison (Leyton). Capital murder was categorize... ...s well as other countries, Canada uses the lethal injection and the electric chair as methods of punishment, although the lethal injection is by far the most common. Indeed the laws for Canadian citizens have changed numerous times over the years to help them accommodate the changes in their nation. Works Cited Bralove, Alisa. â€Å" Mass murder to get new sentence.† Dolan Media Newswire. 09 September 2003: Page 1. Designs, Alissa. â€Å"The History of Homicide in the Criminal Code.† Victims Of Violence. Online 13 October 2003. < alissa’sdesigns@rogers?subject=victims%200f%20violence.com> Dessert, James. â€Å"Criminal Timeline of Canada.† Canada's Criminal Code: A History. Online. Internet. 11 October 2003. Garibay, Maria D. Personal Interview. 16 October 2003. Geter, Peter. â€Å" Murder of Crying baby was premeditated.† Daily Record. 23 June 2003: Page 1. Leyton, Elliott. â€Å" Homicide.† Canadian Encyclopedia. 1998 Ed. Monroe, Susan. â€Å"Criminal Law.† Criminal Timeline of Canada. Online. Internet 09 November 2003. â€Å"What is first-degree murder?† World Wide Information Association. Online. Internet. 09 November 2003.

Emily Bronte :: Biography

Three children sit in a circle playing with wooden toy soldiers. The world these children play in is not Earth, but worlds of their own creating. The children in this circle will grow up to be some of the best eighteenth century writers. It is no surprise that as a child Emily Bronte and her siblings had active imaginations. They created the worlds of Gondal, Emily and Anne’s creation; and Angria, Charlotte’s creation (White 12). The world does not know much about Emily Bronte except what can be concluded from Charlotte Bronte’s autobiography (Winnitrith 111). She was born July 30, 1818 in Yorkshire, England. At the young age of thirty, Emily developed tuberculosis and died on December 19, 1848 (Magill 56). Her potential had yet to be reached. C.D. Merriman from The Literature Network said, â€Å"Many early works from her past were lost – only 3 personal letters exist from her possessions.† Emily was influenced by many people including her mother and father. Her father, Reverend Patrick Bronte, was a school teacher (Magill 56). Patrick Bronte had a humble beginning; he went to Cambridge University and worked in order to pay for his stay. Her father was looked down upon for being middle class in a high-class school. Emily’s stories feature a strong value of education and deal with injustices of society, which is believed to have originated from her father’s troubles. (White 8) â€Å"Emily’s mother, Maria Bronte died from internal cancer when Emily was only three,† according to The Victorian Web (Allingham). Kathryn White said, â€Å"The Bronte children felt the loss of their mother keenly, for though they never really remembered her. Her absence in their lives is reflected in the number of orphaned and motherless children who were featured in their early writings and novels.†(21) Despite the fact Emily never knew her mother; she characterized Catherine Earnshaw as having a similar sentiment about being more attached to the earth than to Heaven. (White 19). In November 1824, Patrick Bronte felt that his daughters needed a proper education so he sent his girls to Clergy’s Daughters’ School at Cowan Bridge. This school was rigid, had poor hygiene, and lack of a good diet. He withdrew his girls after Maria and Elizabeth died from inadequate care. Although Emily had a poor experience at school, education became an escape route in many of Emily’s writings (White 5-25). Emily, Charlotte, Anne, and Branwell grew up in Haworth.

The Matrix Essay -- essays research papers

<a href="http://www.geocities.com/vaksam/">Sam Vaknin's Psychology, Philosophy, Economics and Foreign Affairs Web Sites It is easy to confuse the concepts of "virtual reality" and a "computerized model of reality (simulation)". The former is a self-contained Universe, replete with its "laws of physics" and "logic". It can bear resemblance to the real world or not. It can be consistent or not. It can interact with the real world or not. In short, it is an arbitrary environment. In contrast, a model of reality must have a direct and strong relationship to the world. It must obey the rules of physics and of logic. The absence of such a relationship renders it meaningless. A flight simulator is not much good in a world without aeroplanes or if it ignores the laws of nature. A technical analysis program is useless without a stock exchange or if its mathematically erroneous. Yet, the two concepts are often confused because they are both mediated by and reside on computers. The computer is a self-contained (though not closed) Universe. It incorporates the hardware, the data and the instructions for the manipulation of the data (software). It is, therefore, by definition, a virtual reality. It is versatile and can correlate its reality with the world outside. But it can also refrain from doing so. This is the ominous "what if" in artificial intelligence (AI). What if a computer were to refuse to correlate its internal (virtual) reality with the reality of its makers? What if it were to impose its own reality on us and make it the privileged one? In the visually tantalizing movie, "The Matrix", a breed of AI computers takes over the world. It harvests human embryos in laboratories called "fields". It then feeds them through grim looking tubes and keeps them immersed in gelatinous liquid in cocoons. This new "machine species" derives its energy needs from the electricity produced by the billions of human bodies thus preserved. A sophisticated, all-pervasive, computer program called "The Matrix" generates a "world" inhabited by the consciousness of the unfortunate human batteries. Ensconced in their shells, they see themselves walking, talking, working and making love. This is a tangible and olfactory phantasm masterfully created by the Matrix. Its ... ... people the same way that the Universe triggers a time sensation in us. Something does happen OUT THERE and it is called the Matrix. In this sense, the Matrix is real, it is the reality of these humans. It maintains the requirement of the first type of flow of data. But it fails the second test: people do not know that it exists or any of its attributes, nor do they affect it irreversibly. They do not change the Matrix. Paradoxically, the rebels do affect the Matrix (they almost destroy it). In doing so, they make it REAL. It is their REALITY because they KNOW it and they irreversibly CHANGE it. Applying this dual-track test, "virtual" reality IS a reality, albeit, at this stage, of a deterministic type. It affects our minds, we know that it exists and we affect it in return. Our choices and actions irreversibly alter the state of the system. This altered state, in turn, affects our minds. This interaction IS what we call "reality". With the advent of stochastic and quantum virtual reality generators - the distinction between "real" and "virtual" will fade. The Matrix thus is not impossible. But that it is possible - does not make it real.

The Feasibility of Different Techniques for Providing Fresh Water to Arid Regions in the World

The feasibility of different techniques for providing fresh water to arid regions in the world 1. 0 Introduction Water is the most valuable and indispensable resource for all forms of life. People need it for every activity: domestic use, agriculture and industry. Access to fresh water is regarded as a universal human right (United Nations Committee in Economics, Social and Cultural Rights, 2003). Drought has become an increasingly important problem in many parts of the world. Water scarcity is most common in arid and semiarid regions of the world, which cover one third of the Earth’s land surface (Smallwood, 2011).UNESCO and the Italian Ministry for the Environment and Territory (IMET) have launched â€Å"The Water Programme for Africa, Arid and Water Scarce Zones†, which seeks to develop the potential management of water resources to protect the fragile environment of water scarce regions. Additionally, limited fresh water resources available in these regions are also threatened with deterioration in quality due to hydrological changes. The accessible water in arid regions are often restricted to groundwater. Surface flows are usually limited to flash floods due to short duration and high intensity rainfall events.The purpose of this report to describe the feasibility of different techniques for providing fresh water to arid region, like Africa. Firstly, this report will consider the background to this problem and then it will compare and analyze two water provision methods in Africa, desalination and dams. Finally, this report will offer some recommendations. 2. 0 Background Water is not only a physical resource: in every culture it is spread among social, spiritual, political and environmental meanings. So, solving the water problem means progress across all of these developments.This is mostly relevant in countries with no perennial rivers, streams, or permanent surface fresh water. Also, people in arid regions are uniquely vulnerable to econ omic and social changes. Achieving sustainable development has dramatic implications for reducing poverty and hunger. Today, millions of people still lack access to basic sanitation and every year many of them die from diseases related with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene. According to The Water Project statistic’s, nearly 1 out of every 5 deaths under the age of 5 is due to water-related disease, such as cholera, diarrhoea and malari.Current predictions (UNWWAP, 2003) show that more than 20 developing countries will experience water shortage by 2025. Most of this countries are found in Africa and the Middle East. 2. 1 Water problems in Africa Water problems mostly take place in Africa, where it is predicted that 300 million people are affected by water shortages. (UNWWAP, UNESCO 2003) The University of Cape Town studied that climate change have a huge impact on Africa. For example, rain shortages have already caused many problems there.In East Africa more tha n 3 million people face hunger this year, because there hasn’t been any rain for three month. (BBC, 2011) Most people in Africa live in rural areas and they are still dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. Internal renewable freshwater resources average about 3 950 km3 per year. This amounts to about 10 per cent of the freshwater resources available globally and closely resembles Africa’s share of the world population at 12 per cent (Donkor, 2003). Three of four Africans use the ground water as their main water supply.The ground water is not always available, it accounts for only 15% of the continent’s water. Perhaps the greatest cause of Africa’s problem of a lack water is that they can’t effectively utilize its resources. Approximately 4 trillion cubic meters of water is available every year, and only 4% of that is used. The continent and people lack the technical knowledge and financial resources. In Africa is the greatest percentage of people lacking access to safe drinking water, there are 25 nations in the world and 19 are in Africa. The global challenge, 2011) So adequate management of its water resources is crucial for the future of the African continent. 3. 0 Comparison of Options 3. 1 Dams In meeting critical water needs, there is some alternative technologies, such as dams and desalination. According to ICOLD (International Commission on Large Dams), a large dam is dam with the height of 15 m or more. Regional inventories include nearly 1300 large and medium-size dams in Africa, 40 % of them are located in South Africa. Most of these were constructed in past 30 years, the reason is rising demand for water from growing population.The majority of dams in Africa have been constructed to facilitate irrigation (52%) and to supply water to municipalities (20%). Although only 6% of dams were built primarily for electricity generation, hydroelectric power accounts for more than 80% of total power generation in 18 African countries. Only 1% of African dams have been constructed to provide flooding control, according to the World Commission on Dams. Sudan’s president, Omar al-Bashir, is so proud of the new Merowe dam in the north of his country. Costing $1. billion, it will produce 1,250 megawatts and create a lake 108 miles long, above the Nile’s fourth cataract. (The Economist, 2010) However, if dam construction is predicted, then not only technically feasible options should be considered, but also economical viability, social acceptance and environment stability. 3. 2 Desalination In Africa, where water shortages are particularly severe, desalination technology has been developed to a point where it can serve as a reliable water source at a price almost comparable to that of the conventional sources.Desalination techniques are one of the available tools to avoid stressing freshwater resources. Nevertheless, they should always be considered as just one of the components of an i ntegrated water resources management process developed in conjunction with water conservation strategies (UNESCWA). South Africa is considering a major desalination programme for its coastal cities. Cornelius Ruiters, deputy directorgeneral of national water resources and infrastructure, told GWI that â€Å"At the moment, less than 1% of our water comes from desalination. We need to increase that by 7% and 10% by 2030.We are mostly dependent on surface water, and there is obviously a limit to that – we need to diversify our mix. † The cities of Cape Town and Ethekwini (Durban) are at the beginning of investigating desalination, but not decision have yet been taken on what technology would be used. Ruiters told â€Å" We have to examine all the options, both financial and technological, and look what are they doing in the Middle East, Singapore and China. Public – private partnerships are a possibility. † (Global Water intelligence, 2009) 4. 0 Conclusion a nd RecommendationDeveloping suitable policy and management system is essential to improve the value obtained from fresh water resources. This includes interventions to strengthen governance, improve knowledge and information systems including data collection and monitoring and evaluation, enhance human and institutional capacity, develop IWRM systems which focus on catchment and basins as the management unit, and mainstream gender. Cooperation and partnership, between multiple stakeholders and at multiple levels, from the local to the sub-regional to the regional, are at the core of successful interventions.These responses should improve the opportunities to meet urgent needs for potable water, sanitation, irrigation and hydropower, among others. A critical issue that will need to be addressed systematically in Africa is financing. Reference list UNESCO. (2004-2006). Water Program. Available: http://unesdoc. unesco. org. Last accessed [29. 11. 11] Arizona. (undated). Global Water Sh ortage Looms In New Century. http://ag. arizona. edu/AZWATER/awr/dec99/Feature2. htm. Last accessed [29. 11. 11] Iahs. (1995) Isotope techniques for water resources in arid and semiarid region. ttp://iahs. info/redbooks/a232/iahs_232_0003. pdf. Last accessed [29. 11. 11] Abufayed, A. A. ( 2003) Desalination: supplemental source of water for the arid states of North Africa. http://www. ipcc. ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg2/ar4-wg2-chapter3. pdf. Last accessed [29. 11. 11. ] Fao. (2007) Dams and Agriculture in Africa. http://www. fao. org/nr/water/aquastat/damsafrica/Aquastat_Dams_Africa_070524. pdf. Last accessed [29. 11. 11. ] The Economist. (2010) Dams in Africa. http://www. economist. com/node/16068950. Last accessed [29. 11. 11. ]