Positioning Statement Essay

â€Å"To busy, career oriented professionals who need convenient car services, Pate Car Service is a mobile car service company that specializes in servicing your vehicle at your place of employment or residence, giving you the ability to spend more time being productive at work or spending time with your family.† My target segments would be men and woman who work a full time job because they are extremely busy and would not have enough time to get their car serviced. Another segment would be to high end neighborhoods, because most people who can afford nice homes work a lot of hours. Often times those whom reside in high scale neighborhoods have two working adults in the household. This would mean they do not have a lot of time on their hands and would want to maximize their down time with their families. I would also target people who were making high salaries. People making high salaries are great at time management and would realize it is not cost effective to take time off work to get their car serviced. If someone could come to their place of employment and service their vehicle, it would be more practical. My value proposition would be more for more. I believe this would be good because of the target market. By targeting those individuals who have high salaries and work full time jobs, they would pay a little more money for the convenience. They would have the most need for a mobile car service company and could afford it.

Contemporary Politics and Economics in Mexico Essay

Over the course of Mexican history, the governmental and economic state of Mexico has been largely unstable. The nation was marked by dictatorial shifts in party-list (and their candidates) and their constant bickering with each other; the deformed presidency, the elite and the political group controlled the economic fervor with constant insurgencies from the lower classes; the shift of the informal traditional ‘relatively’ closed market system to an international open trading system as a form of ‘globalization’; and finally, the drastic environmental events, like the 1985 earthquake which had shaken up the nation. In the following paper, there is an attempt to elucidate the static forces that govern the Mexican politics and economics from 1980s to the contemporary times. Mexican politics was largely determined by the ‘evolution’ of the ruling party Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI), their gradual shifts or hold in power from a hegemonic- (1929 to 1979), bipartisan- (1979 to 1985) and finally, the pluripartisan stage (1988-2000). The bipartisan stage marked the initial infiltration of the opposing party Partido Accion Nacional (PAN) and the strong comptetion between the PRI, PAN and the PRD (Partido de la Revolucion Democratica during the pluripartic years. PRI had a hold on presidential seat for 71 years until it was put to a stop in the 2000 elections. The presidential monarchy from 1970 to 1982 coincided with a period of shared development in political organization with the emergence of the bourgeoisie in governmental positions and puts an end to the ‘sustained’ economy that Mexico originally enjoyed under the Echeverria . To combat the economic crisis and peso devaluation, the State attempted to intervene with the entrepreneurial activities, thus sparking State-Entrepeneur dissent; the private businesses erected Entrepreneurial Coordinating Council (ECC) institutions as a protective mechanism. Portillo delivered his counterattack by nationalizing bank systems and increasing the interest rates. Mexico experienced general economic quagmire — inflation, external inequity, currency devaluation, peso flight, mounting unemployment and low purchasing power — in 1976, 1982, 1987 [ e. g. 59 % inflation] and 1994-95 with middle periods of mild economic recuperation. The September 19 1985 earthquake, which killed approximately 6,500 to 30,000 individuals, aggravated the economic crisis. The 80s were dominated by neoliberal (semi-democratized state implementing free election rule) over the freemarket system, as a result of mounting external debts and the ‘Washington Consensus’. The freemarket system/informal market system originally dominated by local ‘street market vendor’ types, became an open humdrum to international financial organizations like the World Bank to ‘negotiate’ for the debts. The State Restructuring generally involved administration modernization, openness of the national market/participation with free trade with the State neighbors (e. g. 1986 General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs), privatization of public enterprises, and introduction of radical social and political reforms to the relatively ‘traditional’ State. The ‘Restructuring’ debilitated the State with most of the reforms resulting to dispersed control in politics, loss of ethics in politicians and political institutions, and mounting economic problems. The Neoliberal State, 1982-2000, demonstrated a stunningly low GIP per head of 0. 3 %. With income distribution becoming more unequal. The year 1994 marked the participation of State to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Inequality in income and devaluation of the market price coupled with the global inflation of prices created insurgencies from the lower classes and the emergence of anti-political groups like the Zapatista Army of National Liberation from the State of Chiapaz. The peso devaluation, increased exchange rate volatility and meltdown of stocks will persist up to the current state of economic affairs. This was naturally fueled by distrust of external investors to the weak form of governance. Federal Electoral Institute, mediated by ordinary citizens was erected in the early 90s to ensure that elections are ‘clean’ compared to PRI unfair appointing of offices in the past. Quesada won the 2000 election due to the insurgency and popular voting but have few votes from the Congress. It was the former President Zedillo who officiated the electoral results thus stunting the chance of PRI to question the results. The administration of Fox signed up with the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America with the hope of modernizing the reforms and the pre-existing labor laws, opening investments in the energy sector, and improving the infrastructure. The 1994 NAFTA agreement’ beneficial effects were apparently not agreed upon by participants. Whereas the US reiterates that there is ‘speeding up’ of the economic activity of the free market system of Mexico as indicated by the thrillion dollar class, the quick economic growth did not improved the standards of living of the lower and middle class. Calderon, the current president of the Mexico and also a PAN member, experienced many oppositions from the PRD; the attacks were on post-electoral and on ‘Banobras-borrowing’. Calderon attempted to reduce the economic crisis of the country by producing reforms like Tortilla Price Stabilization Pact, salary caps, security policy and first employment program. The current presidents waged an active advocacy against drugs. The contemporary politics and economic changes in Mexico are centered on neo-liberalism with opening of the State to globalized free trade. The drastic results of the State restructuring persisted up to now and the reforms enacted by the current government will hopefully resolved the problems.

Goodwill and CSR Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Goodwill and CSR - Essay Example This means that it is left up to the management and leadership teams of commercial enterprises to determine whether such policies and procedures require development and how to effectively cope in the midst of a crisis situation that relies on the business extending a goodwill gesture for community support. Kyoto University (2007) offers that successful business operations are irrefutably linked with trust-building efforts with community citizens and stakeholders. Therefore, lack of legal backing and the undeniable truth that business success is linked to trust somewhat forces management and leadership to consider the value of corporate social responsibility when making goodwill decisions such as those proposed in the case studies. Â  In the event that a situation occurred where a business is dependent on market stability and customer interactions as part of their supply chain, crisis scenarios in which the business is called upon to extend physical support such as using the facility as a disaster triage center represents a considerable risk. In the case involving Kaspa Financial Services, there were concerns over potential liability claims for disaster victims who might choke on their food offerings as well as lost revenues from disgruntled shareholders (to name only a few). The financial and reputational risks to the business were significant if the company decided to offer the facilities to the disposal of disaster management personnel and victims of the disaster.

The World System Since 1500 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The World System Since 1500 - Essay Example Military had consumed around a quarter of the Gross National Product's share and the focus from production of consumer goods and investment in the civilian sector declined more and more as the time progressed. In 1985 Soviet Union's growth rate had approached to almost zero, the currency experienced a major fall, adding more to the fact that the petroleum prices slide. To end the turmoil Mikhail Gorbachev reached concessions with the United States and started to back out by informing that they are no more interested in intervening the affairs of the allied states in Eastern Europe and also withdrew their forces from Afghanistan. And finally, in 1989, George H.W. Bush announced that the cold war era has finally reached an end. And later in that year USSR broke into fifteen different independent states. The problem or the so called sovereignty of the states is protected by the nations' acts of advancements and defense of their interests at the expense of all the other nations. And thus International Law has always been struggling to protect the world from this menace of war. But so far, it is bad to see that the International Law has failed to prevent the world from this injustice that has been the characteristic of each and every war that has taken place and the role of International law has also remain limited in influencing the actions of these independent states. In fact, the states themselves have negatively exploited the use of International Law for their own self purposes. International law has some problems not with its content or lack of awareness, but it lacks in the enforcement area; it is still unable to make sure all the time whether states are complying with their agreements that they have made and are not simply backing out or neglecting the terms as they see fit. Ho wever, its role is not at all dead but it still plays a role in the decision making of the states but so far influence is considerably less. International law contains the series of agreements that are meant to codify and enforce the code of conduct and ethics necessary for the interaction amongst the states, which has been approved by the varying members of the world community. From the statement it can be inferred that International Law itself is not imposed on different parties i.e. the nations, but they themselves voluntarily agree to be a part of it. It is important to evaluate whether over the years the International Law has remained successful and has been able to serve the purposes to the full extent or not. According to liberals, International Law has been serving well enough to strive towards the mutual benefit of all the involved parties. Constructivists argue that the interests and the identities of the states are mutually constitutive leading to the possibility that International Law achieves the mutual benefits for all simultaneously. However, liberals and constructivist still do not provide any solid reason for why states interact with one another well enough. These theories have so far undermined the individual nature of self interest and has let them open to pursue their self interest and thus states act in their best interest despite the fact that the International Law sees that the states should see the interests as one world wide common

Analysis of Impeachment Trails Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Analysis of Impeachment Trails - Essay Example reflect negatively on the integrity of the US government while at the same time, taking no action will be taken as a laxity which would affect trust and relationships as well as granting the future holders of this office chance to abuse their powers (Stadelmann, 2011). The most unethical of the three cases is the Nixon’s case with the Watergate issue where he covered up and refused to hand over evidence of the Watergate affair which would have shown that his re-election committee burglarized the headquarters of Democrats party office headquarters. He used his powers to misuse the CIA, conduct illegal wiretapping, perjury and obstructed justice. Lucky for him he resigned before he was impeached. This is closely followed by Clinton case. His sexual encounters were not what led to his impeachment by the Congress but rather his perjury and abuse of office. He was a lawyer to begin with and he knew that lying under oath was the worst mistake that can be done through any trial. Lastly is Andrew Johnson’s case where immediately after the Tenure of Office Act was enacted in 1867 and whose aim was to prohibit presidents from removing from office holders without approval from the Senate, he still went ahead and tried to remove the Secretary of War Stanton. He then went ahead and criticized Congress in loud voices on top of using his office to abuse powers (Gerhardt, 2000). On Clinton, the ethical charge would be conducting misconduct by having sexual relations in office which amounts to extra marital affairs and lying about it even after having video evidence of the misconduct. As for the Andrew Johnson, the ethical charge would be abuse of power and going against the laws of the land which he is supposed to be on the forefront of protecting. When it comes to Nixon, there are several ethical charges the first being perjury, abuse of his power as a president and involving the CIA in crime as well as misconduct in office by harbouring criminals and refusing to cooperate

Property Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Property Law - Essay Example †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦broadly, I think what must be shown as constituting factual possession is that the alleged possessor has been dealing with the land as an occupying owner might have been expected to deal with it and that no-one else has done so.†6 Another condition that may invoke such possession right includes an intention to possess the land7 without the consent of the actual owner8. One of the salient points noted by Browne Wilkinson in allowing the judgment for the defendant was the issue of whether the defendant squatter had â€Å"dispossessed the paper owner by going into ordinary possession of the land for the requisite period without the consent of the owner.†9 Adverse possession will not be valid if the illegal occupant gives written notice of the true owners10 or if the actual owners physically occupy the land. After twelve years of occupation, the squatter on a land may apply for registration of title as proprietor of a new or registered estate11. Therefore, by w ay of these limitations, the granting of title to the squatter was provisional and the required time period had to elapse before a squatter could legally claim the title to the land. However, the issue of ownership did not rise in this case. But according to the provisions of the new Land registration Act12, which came into force on 13 Oct 2003, squatters may directly put in an application for ownership. The law relating to adverse possession has undergone several changes, whereby the issue at stake is not title to the land, so much as direct ownership of the land, either by the squatter or the paper owner. In a recent case, the Court suspended the possession order against a widowed mother who had enjoyed possession of land for thirteen years13. However the Land registration Act of 200214 clarifies that no matter how long the possession of the land, it will not bar the paper owner’s title to the registered land. Adverse possession in itself will not give the

The Member of the Wedding Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Member of the Wedding - Essay Example Almost all of her works are set in South America and reflects the themes of misfits and spiritual isolations of the south. Her characters are desperately lonely individuals that are looking for ways to escape from their small town existence. The writing style and structure is deceptively simple hiding the richness of empathy that Carson portrays towards individual plight. The writer is best known for her three novels, â€Å"The Heart is a Lonely Hunter† (1940); Reflections in a Golden Eye† (1941) and â€Å"The Member of the Wedding† (1946). A Biographical Sketch of Carson McCullers Carson McCullers was born in Columbia in Georgia in 1917 in the home of a plantation owner and former soldier of the war. She initially had aptitude for music and it was this subject that motivated her to leave her home and study it at an advanced level through the prestigious Julliard School of Music (situated in New York City). But, when she lost the money that she had saved to the st udy the subject of music, she totally left any thoughts of pursuing the subject in higher education and instead started taking courses in creative writing under the tutelage of Dorothy Scarborough, a Texas writer at Columbia University. Carson also studied along with Sylvia Chatfield Bates at the Washington Square College of New York University. Later she met an aspiring writer Reeves McCullers and married him in the year 1937. Carson had suffered rheumatic fever in 1932 which may have been the primary cause of the number of crippling strokes that Carson suffered later in her life. The strokes weakened her body and by the age of 30, her left side was completely paralyzed. However, the strokes did not weaken her moral spirit and instead gave her the determination to face life with all her mental strength. The sufferings acted as fuel to her imagination and together with the association of prominent writers of the time (such as Eudora Welty, Louis Untermeyer, Newton Arvin and Katherin e Anne Porter) made her compose highly creative works. Carson created tragic works with an element of comedy in them. Carson’s first novel, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter (1940) had a sensational response from the critics and readers alike and established her as one of the premier prose writers of the country. Carson was twice awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship (24 March, 1942 and 15 April 1946) but was unable to accept it due to her poor health conditions. Amidst all the physical pains and spiritual disillusionments, Carson wrote the script of the play, â€Å"The Member of the Wedding† which opened to a full house on 5th January, 1950. The play is an adaptation of her book with similar title and won her the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for the best play of the season. However, her other play, The Square Root of Wonderful (1957) failed to attract the crowd and closed prematurely. Devastated by its failure, Carson turned to children’s writings. She publishes a children’s book, Sweet as a Pie, Clean as a Pig on 1st ‘November, 1964. Finally, the year of her death (1967) recognizes her outstanding contribution in the field of English Literature as she was awarded the 1966 Henry Bellamann Award. A few days later, Carson suffered a stroke and died on 29 September. Literary Analysis of the Book the Member of the Wedding The Member of the Wedding was one of the most important works of Carson written over a period of 5 years. At the time of its creation, the world was suffering from the traumas of World War II and this trauma passes on to its protagonist. It is a story of a 12 year old tomboy, Frankie Addams who is leading a very isolated kind of life with hardly a suitable candidate to speak to. Frankie’s father is a jeweler who had lost his wife during childbirth. Her elder

Estern foods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Estern foods - Essay Example These challenges would be analyzed as follows: a) HRM: the firm’s workforce needs to be appropriately trained in order to be able to meet the standards set by the firm’s strategic managers. Reference is made in particular to the quality of food prepared but also to the quality of customer services. In the context of HRM another issue should be addressed: employees may be asked to work overtime and in different positions, especially during high peak seasons. Employees need to be ready to meet the challenges set by changes in the workplace so that their performance is kept at high levels. At this point, HR managers would have to face the following challenge: they should use effective criteria when allocating job positions, ensuring that each employee is assigned tasks to which he can respond. Additional or different duties could be assigned to employees gradually so that they have time to be adapted to the needs of other roles according to the organizational needs. In add ition, equality and fairness in compensation would be of critical importance for securing high employee motivation; b) Accounting: the firm needs the support of an accounting consultant; emphasizing on accounting standards and principles will help the organization to control its costs and income more effectively so that its performance is kept high; c) Marketing: the firm has to employ a marketing plan that will be aligned with the local culture and market trends; traditional marketing techniques would be combined with advanced marketing strategies, such as the social media; d) Operations Management: the cooperation between various organizational departments should be carefully organized; daily operations should be set in hierarchical order ensuring that all business activities are monitored and checked as of their alignment with business standards and ethics. Particular emphasis should be given on innovation and creativity, as factors that could enhance the firm’s competitiv eness in its industry. 2. HRM issues in Eastern Foods Business environment incorporates a high range of elements, including ‘economic, socio-cultural and administrative factors’ (Goyal and Goyal 2007, p.6). Organizing and distributing tasks are critical duties of managers in modern organizations so that conditions in internal organizational environment, where the firm’s HR are incorporated, are effectively controlled. In fact, it has been proved that the ability of HR managers to assign tasks aligned with the skills/ background of employees can help to avoid conflicts across organization and to keep employee performance high (Goyal and Goyal 2007). On the other hand, in the food industry competition is high. Customers’ expectations tend to be continuously increased a fact that creates pressures for changes in the firm’s practices (Simms 2005). Employees need to be willing to support organizational changes otherwise the relevant plans will fail. Empl oyees have a key role in another factor affecting organizational performance: innovation. Promoting innovation is a necessary prerequisite for firms that aim to keep their performance at high levels (Limberg 2008). In the food industry also, a similar issue appears. However, innovation and creativity cannot be enhanced within a particular organization unless they are adequately supported by employees; reference is made not only to

Sammrize Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sammrize - Essay Example The role of homeowners as participants and victims of the financial crisis was proffered in terms of being appraised and evaluated wrongfully posing inability to pay for mortgages of overvalued homes. The ethical issues identified were dishonestly, fraud, and scam, as mortgage brokers’ interests over the homeowners took precedence to gain financial profits at the disadvantage of unsuspecting public. The presentation, likewise, pinpointed mortgage banks, brokers and the two government sponsored entities, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, that were supposed to regulate and monitor the credit worthiness and validity of all mortgage instruments of private banks, but failed due to greed, corruption and excessive bonuses accorded to senior management officers, despite the impending financial meltdown. In the end, the financial crisis was instigated by the financial system that is expected to apply due diligence and adhere to ethical standards and codes of discipline to ensure the safety a nd security of the funds invested by the public.

Time Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Time Management - Research Paper Example I ensure that what I am doing is done to a high standard and therefore many details have to be approved by myself. Having acknowledged this challenge, I have decided not to emphasize so much on the finer details though not encouraging mediocrity. Delegation of duties will also assist me improve in this area since I do not have to go through all my tasks especially on my personal life. I will need to get a trustworthy person who I can delegate to some of my duties that do not require my immediate attention. This will enable me to focus on more tasks that require my full attention. This will also help me in both school and career since I will have plenty of time to focus on more, salient school and career issues. Since time is of the essence, delegation will avail more time for me to concentrate on more urgent matters. Part of this time can be used for my online studies and career development, which is truly paramount (Harris, 2008). After completing the Flash Activity, some of the unanticipated events and obligations that will occur in my life include emergencies, which could arise due to unavoidable circumstances. Some of these emergencies include falling sick unexpectedly, additional work either in school or at work, a pressing family emergency and an external factor that I would not have control. The only way I can plan for these events are by being flexible and to be adequately prepared for them in advance. This will enable me to handle the emergencies with ease since am prepared and flexible. I will also set an emergency fund to cater for any financial obligation that may arise from these events (Mancini, 2007). Using Prime Times, the strategy I would use for planning, managing time, and studying effectively will be the SMART strategy. The SMART strategy states that my time management goals should be set in line with the strategy. This means that my goals

Oppression Remedy vs Derivative Action Essay Example for Free

Oppression Remedy vs Derivative Action Essay Many people from different corporations are engaged in many legal cases, mostly people uses their influence to win cases which leads to the minority being harmed in the process since they have no options of retaliating. For example, directors of corporation can engage in wrongdoing by taking some of the profits of the corporation for themselves. The corporation can therefore sue the directors like a normal person (Smyth et al. 628). The minorities that get harmed are the board members of minority shareholders. There are two remedies that minorities can use in protecting themselves from the power of the majority which include the Oppression Remedy and the Derivative Action. The two remedies that are used by the minorities are similar but defer slightly and therefore people need to understand when to use the different remedies. Oppression Remedy is used by shareholders in bringing actions against the companies that conduct unfair practices towards the shareholders. In cases of oppression remedy, the court is allowed to makes a judgment that is fair and suitable regarding the situation where that complainant has been oppressively and unfairly treated (Smyth et al. 629). The Derivative action is used by the shareholders in taking actions on behalf of the corporation against the top managements of the corporation. When a director of corporation has done any wrong such as violating duties that are fiduciary to the shareholders, the shareholders can take actions by suing the directors of the corporation (Smyth et al. 28). The oppression remedy are usually used when the minority have been frozen out or deadlocked. The oppression remedy is also used when the relationship between majority shareholder and minority shareholder has broken down. The shareholders that own shares in corporation are empowered by the oppression remedy to sue the corporations in cases where the corporations have oppressed and prejudiced unfairly the shareholders interests as stated by Goddard in the article â€Å"Canada: Ontario: The Relationship between the Oppression Remedy and Derivative Action. Minority have also been affected in the corporations that are run by the rules of the majority since the minorities have fewer contributions to the corporations’ business practices and direction. In this case, many corporations have been found be taken over by the majorities’ shareholder. The majorities also make the decisions of the companies leading to oppression of the minorities. Oppression remedies are used to bring justices in the case where the majorities hand over the company to their children leading to oppression to the minorities. The oppression remedy is widely used in places such as Canada (Ellyn 15). The real life cases that will be discussed in this paper include the case of Waxman et al. v. Waxman et al. Others cases that will be discussed include the cases of Alizadeh et al. v. Akhavan et al. , Deluce Holdings Inc. v. Air Canada, Knudstrup v. Superior Court, McRedmond v. Est. of Marianelli, Ford v. OMERS and Foss v Harbottle. Definition of terms of Oppression Remedy and Derivative Action Oppressive conducts are conducts that are committed by the majority to the minority shareholders that lead to the use of the oppression remedy. Court Ordered meetings as stated by the section 106(1) of the Ontario Business Corporations Act are meetings which the court orders to be held as the courts direct when the shareholders have been allowed to be part of the corporation meetings. In the derivative action, a complainant as defined by section 245 of the OBCA is a person such as the director, officer, registered holder who makes the application of bringing the action to court on behalf of the corporation (Ellyn 9). Good faith is a term that has not been defined in the statutes of the corporate law since cases are analyzed on terms of bad faith indications. Costs are defined according to the Canadian common law as the court power to award the legal expenses of the successful party that are paid by the losing party (Ellyn 11). In the oppression remedy, a complainant according to the section 245 of the OBCA is defined as a person who applies an action that has been conducted by the corporation to the court (Ellyn 15). Investigations are effective exercises that are conducted in case of the oppression to find out the relevant information of the case. It is provided by section 161(2) of the OBCA that investigations are ordered by the court when corporations have been engaged in unlawful business practices (Ellyn 22). Appraisal remedy is the shareholders’ appraisal right for the company to purchase the shares of the shareholder at a fair value under some circumstances like when the shareholder is holding 10% or less of the shares that are outstanding (Ellyn 24). Winding-up is courts order under the just and equitable doctrines to dissolute the corporation under certain circumstances of the oppression of the minority shareholders (Ellyn 25). Examples of Oppression Remedy v.  Derivative Action that have succeeded or failed One of the cases where the oppression remedy succeeded was the case of Waxman et al. v. Waxman et al. In this case the minority, Morris Waxman recovered around $50 million from the case after he was dismissed and excluded from the family business by the majorities his brother Chester Waxman and others (Ellyn 15). Another case in which the oppression remedy succeeded is the case of Deluce Holdings Inc. v. Air Canada. In this case, Deluce Holdings the minority shareholder was terminated as the CEO by the Air Canada who was the majority shareholder. The representatives of Air Canada wanted the postponement of the arbitration proceedings of the case but Justice Blair of the Ontario Superior Court ensured that the remedy action was preceded (Ellyn 21). The case in which the oppression remedy failed is the case of Alizadeh et al. v. Akhavan et al. In this case, the minority shareholder was awarded the oppression remedy since the judge of the Ontario Superior Court had restored the management fees payments without making conclusions of the oppression allegations merits (Ellyn 19). The case of the derivative action that has failed is the case of Knudstrup v. Superior Court. In this case, the minority shareholder was not granted the remedy since the case was brought on behalf of the defendant. One of the cases of the derivative action that succeeded is the case of McRedmond v. Est. of Marianelli. In this case the plaintiff was awarded the verdict. One of the cases of the derivative action that failed is the case of Ford v. OMERS. In this case, the supreme court of Canada rejected the motion to appeal (Koehnen 1). Lastly, the case of the oppression remedy that failed is the case of Foss v Harbottle as stated by Griggs in the article â€Å"He Statutory Derivative Action: Lessons That May Be Learnt from Its Past! Analysis of the Results of Aforementioned Examples In the case of Waxman et al. v. Waxman et al. the minority, Morris Waxman recovered around $50 million from the case after he was dismissed and excluded from the family business by the majorities his brother Chester Waxman and others. In this case, the verdict was fair since even though the minority was oppressed, he ended up being compensated for the oppression since he was awarded the oppression remedy (Ellyn 15). In the case of Deluce Holdings Inc. v. Air Canada, Deluce Holdings the minority shareholder was terminated as the CEO by the Air Canada who was the majority shareholder. The representatives of Air Canada wanted the postponement of the arbitration proceedings of the case but Justice Blair of the Ontario Superior Court ensured that the remedy action was preceded. In this case, the verdict was also fair and just to the minority due to the fact the minority was awarded the oppression remedy after being oppressed by the majority Air Canada (Ellyn 21). In the case that the oppression remedy failed which is the case of Alizadeh et al. v. Akhavan et al. the minority shareholder was awarded the oppression remedy. The judge of the Ontario Superior Court had restored the management fees payments without making conclusions of the oppression allegations merits (Ellyn 19). The case of the derivative action that has failed is the case of Knudstrup v. Superior Court. In this case, the minority shareholder was not granted the remedy since the case was brought on behalf of the defendant. One of the cases of the derivative action that succeeded is the case of McRedmond v. Est. of Marianelli. In this case the plaintiff was awarded the verdict. Another case relating to derivative action that failed is the case of Ford v.  Omers. In this case, the supreme court of Canada rejected the motion to appeal (Koehnen 1). Lastly, the case of the oppression remedy that failed is the case of Foss v Harbottle as stated by Griggs in the article â€Å"He Statutory Derivative Action: Lessons That May Be Learnt from Its Past! † Preference of Oppressive Remedy Oppressive remedy intends to correct the anomaly that occurs when minority shareholders are unable to exercise control of a corporation due to nature of these organizations to adopt decisions based on majority shareholder. It allows the minority shareholders to undertake legal action against the company to correct discriminatory practices (Ellyn 15). The minority shareholders must provide evidence to the court presiding over the arbitration that injustice has been done on them through, discrimination, unfair treatment or isolation from decisions of running the corporation (Smyth et al 629). The court exercise great authority on the matter of oppressive remedy at it own discretion once there is evidence that oppression occurred to the minority party as provided by acts specified in oppressive remedy law. The court also allows and presides over oppressive conduct that were committed long before this law was adopted and come into force. Additionally, it provides no time limit on which to file a case after it occurs, thereby eliminating loopholes within the act (Ellyn 15). To this effect, a court in addressing oppression in minority has power to overrule the decision and transaction undertaken by the company, and among other things enforce acts as contained in oppressive law remedy . However the complainant as pertains to oppressive remedy must be able to provide sufficient evidence that proves the company directives or its subsidiaries and affiliates resulted in its oppression, or in the manner in which directors of the company exercised their power (Ellyn 15). The court in oppressive remedy arbitration has the only mandate to determine if oppression occurred to minority party, in so doing; it will disregard actions done in good faith by management in implementing decisions, which can be used as mitigation by the accused. This leeway forms the hallmark in oppressive remedy cases arbitration (Ellyn 15). The court requires that the plaintiff express reasonable expectations while instigating cases, what it calls legitimate expectation of a shareholder in line with oppressive remedy act. Legitimate expectation in this case refers to valid expected outcomes as provided in the company acts and provisions, and based on general trends of the company. This means while instituting a case the claimant should without prejudice seek to address valid issues as contained in companies statutes and memorandum of understanding, which is left for the court to decide. This in essence limits the arbitration redress that is sought to what the court consider legitimate expectations (Ellyn 17). However, unlike derivative action, oppressive remedy provides broad spectrum of ruling that might be sought by plaintiff under this act to include such actions like order to seek an appointment of receiver manager, amendment of company act, appointment of addition directors, orders to seek closure of a company, or suspend company transactions. The court can also award payment and provision of legal fees to the plaintiff if it is sought in the dispute (Ellyn 17). Oppression remedy like, in derivative action provides for proper person to seek a court redress from a company where injustice is committed against. Such circumstances are provided for in the oppression remedy act whereby a creditor or employees sue as proper person. This is allowed when it is shown that the directors of a company engage in illegal activities through the company or where there is contravention of rights to a person by the company (Ellyn 17). Preference of Derivative Action  According to Griggs in the article Statutory Derivative Action, The corporations Act 2001, explains that Derivative action provides shareholders with an avenue to seek redress against company directors based on contravention of companies act and existing memorandum between corporation and shareholders. It allows the plaintiff to seek legal intervention on any company transactions. The underlying conditions of this act require that the plaintiff be able to prove to the court that the management has no freewill to institute any proceedings on itself. The issue under arbitration must be shown to be in the best interest of the company at large and done out of good faith by the plaintiff. The characteristic feature of derivative action as discussed in Griggs work, Statutory Derivative Action, is that it can cause a third party that has no vested interests to cause legal intercept on behalf of a second party that is disadvantaged by lack of will of corporation to act in favour of the second party. Therefore the derivative action provides counter measures of regulating the company’s managerial decisions that are deemed excessive. In the same article by Griggs, derivative action acts provides circumstances under which a suit related to it can be instigated. Unlike in oppressive remedy, the conditions which allow a suit to occur are limited in order to protect the independence of corporation to carry out their mandate and prevent unnecessary litigations. The derivative action is especially relevant when the subjects of the suit are board of directors that are found to be in contravention of a company policy. It is obvious the directors cannot have free will to institute litigation upon themselves. In total, derivative action litigation require the plaintiff to prove that management actions constitutes a fraud to the company or the minority, or there is intrusion on shareholder rights, or an action done by management is deemed as ultra vires in the company acts. Victory Rates of Oppressive Remedy In execution of oppressive remedy arbitration, the court only purpose is to analyze evidence and determine if actually any oppression took place to the minority party, while disregarding purported or otherwise good faith of the management in implementing decisions, which can be used as mitigation by the accused. This leeway forms the hallmark in oppressive remedy cases arbitration and largely determines the victory of a law suit (Ellyn 15). The litigations brought on oppressive remedy require the claimant to provide the court with just sufficient indication that there was cause for oppression to occur. This provides the plaintiff with an edge of favourable ruling over the defender since the burden of proof required is minimal. This characteristic should be a consideration when instituting litigation which requires high burden of proof for achieving conviction (Ellyn 22). Finally suit brought about in oppressive remedy must conform to the general requirements of this act as provided in this law.

Reading Adornos Thoughts On Brave New World Philosophy Essay

Reading Adornos Thoughts On Brave New World Philosophy Essay Theodore W. Adorno, sociologist, philosopher and musicologist collected the most fundamental problems of the 20th century in his writings, which serve as a useful guide to understand and decipher not only the historical events of the last century, but modern literature as well. Adorno was a prominent member of the Frankfurt School, a school of Neo-Marxist interdisciplinary social theory. Other well-known thinkers of the age as Marx Horkheimer, Walter Benjamin, Herbert Marcuse and Jà ¼rgen Habermas were and are also widely read members of this group. Adornos collection of essays, Prisms, published in 1967, includes studies in contemporary German social thought, besides, it touches upon Huxleys Brave New World, works by Walter Benjamin, Proust and Kafka. Although his essay, Aldous Huxley and Utopia shows a strong sociological approach, I find that he highlights several aspects of the novel hidden or not fully fleshed for scholars of literature. The essay sets out from a diagnosis claiming a shock of the individual. The promise of the New Land (Americas) turns out to be a sugar-coated slogan, where opposingly one does not prevail but perish with some exaggeration. Immigrants no longer seek prosperity, but only wish to pull through. They have to adjust to the new system, where has arisen a civilization which absorbs all of life in its system, without allowing the unregimented mind even those loopholes which European laxness left open into the epoch of the great business concerns( Adorno, p97). The intellectual needs to eradicate himself to integrate into the new world of commercialism to survive. This realization results in panic, which according to Adorno, manifests itself in Huxleys novel. The act of dehumanization is obvious in Brave New World, but Adorno proceeds claiming that the individuals literally cease to exist. Men are no longer merely purchasers of the concerns mass-produced consumption goods but rather appear themselves to be the deindividualized products of the corporations absolute power (Adorno, p98). The Fordian world succeeds in the fusion of the self into the system itself. The satirical alteration of the motto of the French Revolution: Community, Identity, and Stability magnifies the fundamental principles of the system. Everyone is unconditionally subordinate to the functioning of the whole (Adorno, p99). One particularly shivering example of this is the recycling of the dead. Identity is a witty choice, since it implies two absolutely conflicting meanings. The first association can be the identity of an individual, referring to ones possession of a set of unique traits; meanwhile identity also signifies the state of being identical with the surround ings. The Fordian system has precisely done the latter by not only manipulating the psyche of the individuals, but pre-conditioning them biologically. Stability indicates the achieved harmony by the aforementioned; however, it also results in a lack of progress. It is unspoken still indicated that the ultimate goal of the system lies within itself, that is, merely to uphold the system. This coincides with Adornos observation as well, since he later states that the blame rests with the substitution of means for all ends( Adorno, p100). The lack of purpose is hidden behind the fancy celebration; the hollow cult of the devices. This is a result of the objectification of the modern era. Adorno explains in The Dialects of the Enlightenment that the Age of Enlightenment declared knowledge as the ultimate goal banishing God in order for man to reach a god-like, omniscient position. With the gained knowledge man subordinated his surroundings. Things are present or re-formed in the world to suit and serve humans. As a result of this desire, things are represented by their mere functions. They no longer possess an aura as Walter Benjamin put it in his essay The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. In the capitalistic settings of the modern era, everything is looked at as a piece of merchandise. Civilians are defined by what they purchase. Huxley extends this line of thought, objectifying the individual itself into a product. Due to the several stages of conditioning, Adorno says that the Fordian people surrender to the system; abandon their desires, without even being aware of their sacrifice. This reveals the systems strike of genius. Adorno raises a lot of thought provoking questions concerning Huxleys utopia, but I wish to concentrate rather on his critical judgements regarding the shortcomings of the book. He claims that the orgy-porgy sessions, the prescribed short-term change of sexual partners give witness to the interchangeability of the individuals. Its highest moral principle, supposedly, is that everyone belongs to everyone, an absolute interchangeability that extinguishes man as an individual being, liquidates as mythology his claim to exist for his own sake, and defines him as existing merely for the sake of others and thus in Huxleys mind, worthless (Adorno, p104-105). I agree with his remark on people being created in order to serve others as one of the main reasons of the loss of identity. However, Adorno also argues that if the people are as exchangeable, then the totalitarian authority of the Fordian world has no stable grounding to gain support from. Domination may be defined as the disposition of one over others but not as the complete disposition all over all, which cannot be reconciled with the totalitarian order (Adorno, p105). I am rather certain Adorno was more acquainted with the philosophy of totalitarianism; nevertheless, I find the interchangeability of the people an efficient tool to control the masses. Although the civilians often have sexual intercourses, they lack any personal relationships as their simplistic and shallow dialogues also reflect. Still, the archaic desire of man, namely, to belong and to love is present in the Fordian people, only they are given the mystified concept of Ford and society, both designed to be incomp rehensible to love and serve. Their cramped insistence on the system is due to their conditioning, and the impossibility of belonging to anyone else. No wonder the Fordian system banished the concept of family to the realm of the uncivilized. Adorno is correct on the one hand that there is a disposition of all over all, but this will the civilians possess is ironically vague and meaningless since they dont get true joy out of personal intercourses. They are a herd of sheep waiting for the shepherds orders. With the abolition of the self, the Fordian Controllers achieved creating a mass wishing to actually belong to and melt into the greater being that is society. The Controllers do not have to manipulate the minds of the individuals but one unconscious mind of billions. Another one of Adornos curious instances is Huxleys use of rigid opposites. The erotic collision of Lenina and John is for some reason seen as the scene à ¡ faire by Adorno mirroring the clash between the two worlds. He regards Johns surrender to Leninas preconditioned charm to ease the tension between the world of the conventional and the natural. With John, who is associated with Shakespeare, evoking the values of the lost world Huxley had banished culture to barbarianism. Johns falling for Lenina does not symbolise conventions conquering nature, but Johns natural inability to overcome the new world. John is rather the already mentioned modern intellectual who realizes his possibilities and panics without reaching an alternative solution. Adorno, however, claims that the opposing extremes are in accordance with the utopian tradition. Huxley cannot understand the humane promise of civilization because he forgets that humanity includes reification as well as its oppositeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦subjective are realized, but only by being objectified. All the categories examined by the novel, family, parents, the individual and his property, are already products of reification (Adorno, p106). The objectification of such concepts is indisputable still they evoke personal experiences and derive from subjective perceptions. Such archaic notions possess a past of their own; they carry their own myths and how they evolved. What Huxley wishes to do is to highlight the fundamental human values represented by these concepts. Adorno criticises the depiction of the Savage as neurotic and states that the novel ceases to be a social criticism with the fall of John. Adorno rather enhances the importance of Bernard Marx. He claims Bernards organic inferiority and inevitable inferiority complexà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ [and] moral cowardice (Adorno, p106) to be his most dominant traits due to the Jewish pattern; however, he sees Bernards character as the voice of social critic. The rebellious behaviour of Bernard expires with the satisfaction of his sexual needs by the desired women. He abandons his opposing views when he ceases to be an outcast. Bernards character turns rather into the emblem of arrogance. The same happens when innocent leaders become intoxicated with power. The depiction of the Savage to say the least of it is imperfect. Still his reactions are in a cause and effect relation. His actions do result in a comical end due to his self-sacrifice was in vain. Another interesting point in Adornos essay is the objectification of happiness. In the Fordian world happiness derives from the satisfaction of peoples artificial needs. Adorno recalls a scene from the novel in which Lenina and the Savage watch a Fordian circumscribed movie. This episode shows the retarded perception of happiness. He [Huxley] believes that by demonstrating the worthlessness of subjective happiness according to the criteria of traditional culture he has shown that happiness as such is worthless. Its place is to be taken by ontology distilled from traditional religion and philosophy, according to which happiness and the objective good are irreconcilable (Adorno, p111) Considering subjective happiness, it can only exist when there is subjectivity, namely, individuals and their own personal desires. However, in the case of the Fordian world we cannot speak about true individuals, or subjective happiness. Therefore, what we encounter is broadly speaking objective happiness with its preconditioned uniformity however retarded it is. Although they achieve objective happiness it does not coincide with the objective good from the past ideologies. It rather draws a retarded good with it, that is, a constant satisfaction transforms into an animal status quo. The aforementioned film amplifies uselessness and pointlessness of this retarded happiness which is subjectively perfect though objectively meaningless. Adorno quotes what Mond answers to Johns accusation regarding the degradation of man. Mond claims that a set of postulates always have to be chosen, in order for a community to function. Huxley contrasts Johns conscious choice of suffering and Monds som aic problem solving technique. The reader is given two choices according to Adorno: the choice is between the barbarism of happiness and culture as the objectively higher condition that entails unhappiness (Adorno, p112). Adorno makes another thought provoking observation concerning the extreme ideology of individualism in the modern era as the counterpoint of totalitarian rule. He notes this ideology in Huxleys novel as an unreflective individualism asserts itself as though the horror which transfixes the novel were not itself the monstrous offspring of individualist society (Adorno, p115). In my research so far, no other author has stressed this aspect of the book. The Fordian system is so dehumanized that the reader does not linger on the thought of who has actually thought up this world of utter control. The Controllers seem only the executives of power as if the main authority lied elsewhere. The power of the system and this does not come as a surprise by now, lies within the system itself. The mystification of Fords person, the conditioned minds of the people and the fragmented knowledge scattered around the Alphas, Betas and Epsilons create a world of blurry water, in which the strong current o f the system keeps the particles in motion. There is a constant circulation without any individual development. This is the reason why Fordian people are never left in peace to meditate; they are conditioned to remain active, so their awakening of consciousness is prohibited in more than one way. But let us return to Adornos line of thought, For Huxley, in the authentic bourgeois spirit, the individual is both everything because once upon a time he was the basis of a system of property rights and nothing, because, as a mere property owner, he is replaceable (Adorno, p115). Once again, Adorno draws a strong parallel between the capitalistic world of commerce and the social world, due to which the individuals and their relations to the outside world are dramatically transformed. Adorno finds the vanity aspect of the book, on one hand appropriate, but on the other, a bit too reactionary. He claims this approach to root from the impotence of presumption (Adorno, p116). Futility does dominate Huxleys novels regarding all characters. Bernard is paralysed by his own inferiority, and criticises the system until he is no longer an outcast. But at the moment of recognition from his cast, he willingly gives up his views, since all his conditioned desires are met to. Johns character dissolves into a meaningless figure, since his actions lack any result. Even Mustapha Mond, a superior figure compared to the two above mentioned symbolizes vanity. His private collection of books and all the knowledge he had gained from them have little importance. He has made the sacrifice of banning his own interests for the sake of humanity (according to the Fords dictionary). Although he values them fascinating, he holds them to be a memorial of the old civilization. Adorno most strongly criticizes Huxley for giving humanity simply two alternatives. Humanity must not only choose between totalitarian world state and extreme individualism (Adorno, p107). In excuse of Huxley, the author himself stated in Brave New World Revisited that he repented proposing only two alternatives in his novel. Maybe this book simply serves as a mirror to the sinister transformations of the modern age, although I doubt it has no other thought provoking ideas. Still Adorno is right, although his own essay lacks any momentum of this sort. What would be a possible solution to tear ourselves out of these tendencies, have remained unsaid by both authors. In Adornos essay, scholars can benefit from his ideas concerning the death of the individual; the interchangeability of subjects; Huxleys rigid opposites; objectification of self and happiness; individualism taken to extremes; vanity and reduced alternatives. Some may find my interpretation of his ideas too simplistic, but my aim was to transpose his ideas into the interpretation of Brave New World as a piece of literary work. My objections concerning a few of his observations are game-like, in order for other readers to feel free to take the field against famous scholars. But with all my respect, I find Adornos writings brilliant, well argued texts, which should be quoted a lot more often in literature studies.

Controlled Release Fertilizers And Nanotechnology Traces

Controlled Release Fertilizers And Nanotechnology Traces One of the most significant problems of crop fertilization by ordinary fertilizers is nutrient loss to environment which causes lots of environmental and human health problems besides decreasing the efficiency of crop nitrification. As a solution, controlled or slow release fertilizers have been developed to overcome drawbacks of traditional fertilizers. In this review common types of CRFs and some related concepts. Also, focusing on polymer coated CRFs, different preparation and different coating application methods will be studied. In addition, some features of nanotechnology and nano-materials in preparation of controlled release fertilizers in previous works will be reviewed. Introduction In general, plants must be supplied with nutrients during the whole vegetation period. In horticulture this is achieved by applying quickly soluble fertilizer once to twice a week, for example. This kind of fertilizer application is very labour-intensive and requires considerable specialist knowledge, so as to select the correct rate of application, appropriate time of application and correct composition for the particular plants to ensure optimum plant production. With the use of slow or controlled release fertilizers the full amount of nutrients necessary for the whole vegetation period can be applied at the time of planting or at the earliest stages of plant growth, in the form of a nutrient pool Also, about half of the applied fertilizers, depending on the method of application and soil condition, is lost to the environment, which results in the contamination of water [1].This kind of environmental concerns of feeding crops with traditional fertilizers has led to developing Slow Release Fertilizers (SRFs) or Controlled Release Fertilizers (CRFs). SRFs or CRFs are easy and safe to use. They reduce risk of incorrect fertilizer application. Also, they are labour saving and minimize nutrient losses by leaching or fixation. The idea of producing SRFs was developed since 1963 by encapsulation of fertilizers by waxes. After that, these products have been commercialized. There are lots of SRF and CRF brands. Some of these products are Scotts Professional with key brands such as Osmocote, Sierrablen and Osmoform. Aglukon and SunGro Company are also producing controlled release fertilizers. Like lots of scientific fields, agriculture industry has been over shadowed by nanotechnology. Applications of nanotechnology in agriculture includes agriculture crop improvement, nano-biotechnology analysis of gene expression and regulation soil management, plant disease diagnostics, efficient pesticides and fertilizers, water management, bioprocessing, post harvest technology, monitoring the identity and quality of agricultural produce and precision agriculture. Efficient pesticides and fertilizers are recently being developed in terms of nano-composite based slow or controlled release fertilizers.Using nanoparticles as reinforcing or cementing agent of polymer coatings and also as reservoir of fertilizers are features of nanoparticles which have been used in preparing slow release fertilizers [2-4]. Fertilizers Fertilizers are applied to soil to promote plant growth. They contain some beneficial nutrients including macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium which are added to soil in quantities from 0.2% to 4.0% (on a dry matter weight basis) and are more essential than micronutrients. Micronutrients are elements which are applied to soil in much smaller amounts, ranging from 5 to 200 ppm, or less than 0.02% dry weigh. These elements could be boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn)[5]. 2.2. Types of fertilizers Fertilizers would be categorized from source of production and also from release properties points of view. All fertilizers could be organic or synthetic from production source point of view. Organic fertilizers are naturally produced including seaweed, worm casting, manure, slurry, peat, humic acid, guano and brassin. They provide slow release of nutrient as they need soils bacteria to be broken down to needed elements. Also, they may improve the biodiversity of soil by supplying organic matters and micronutrients for organisms. Organic fertilizers are cheaper and safer than synthetic fertilizers. The main synthetic or mineral fertilizers which are the sources of nitrogen (N), potassium(K), phosphate (P) are urea, ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, phosphate rock, potassium chloride, super phosphates, calcium ammonium nitrate, potassium sulfate. Fertilizers could be in compound form (NP, PK, NPK).The most important drawback of synthetic fertilizer is their long term sustainability. Also, they are more expensive in contrast to organic fertilizers [5]. In addition, fertilizers can be categorized into ordinary and controlled release fertilizers from release properties points of view. Drawbacks of non-controlled release fertilizers Ordinary fertilizers leach to soil very quickly and most of them are not used by the plants. According to figures about 40-70% of nitrogen, 80-90% of phosphorous, and 50-70% of the applied normal fertilizer is lost to environment and cannot be used by plants [6]. This rapid leaching will cause burning of plants and growing in spurts. Also, the lost elements will cause some serious problems for environment. Eutrophication, blue baby syndrome, soil acidification, persistent organic pollutants, heavy metal accumulation, atmospheric effects are environmental concerns of ordinary fertilizers. Another result of quick leaching of fertilizer is repeating the application of fertilizers which will increase the cost [5]. Slow or controlled release fertilizers Slow release fertilizers or controlled release fertilizers are granules coated in a substance that reduce the releasing time of nutrients and eliminates need for constant fertilization and higher efficiency rate than soluble fertilizers [7]. Some of advantages of controlled release fertilizers are long availability of nutrients during growing-season, reduced loss of nutrients through leaching, reduced cost and labor outlay, better storage and handling of fertilizer, reduced immobilization reactions in soil, reduction of nitrification reaction and nitrogen loss through ammonia volatilization and denitrification, elimination of seed damage because of high concentration of salts, elimination of leaf burning from high rates of applied fertilizers, better seasonal growth distribution and better acclimatization in home or display environment [8]. Differences between slow and controlled release fertilizers Although there is not special difference between general function of CRF and the one for SRF, but it should be mentioned that they are manufactured by different materials and techniques with different properties. In slow release fertilizers elements are present in fertilizers in a chemical form, which is not available to plants and they will be converted by physiochemical effects or microorganisms activities into nutrient forms in the soil. But in controlled release fertilizers elements are packed in coated granules and are released through the coating over a certain period of time. Also, in SRFs nutrients available period is affected by a lot of factors such as water content of soil, pH, temperature, microorganisms activity and aeration. However, the longevity of CRF depends mostly on coating thickness and temperature of soil. Only coating method is effective in changing pattern of nutrients release and a fixed coating thickness control nutrients release. In CRFs declared release ti me refers to soil temperature of 20-21oC. Higher temperatures accelerate the element release and lower temperatures make it longer [9]. SRFs are fertilizers with a chemical structure which are inherently slow released. Some kinds of SRFs are Urea Aldehydes (UA) and Chelated Micronutrients (CM). Common type of UAs is urea formaldehyde which is high nitrogen fertilizer. Starting release rate of UAs is high but it dies off slowly for 3 years. This kind of fertilizer depends on microorganisms to break it down for plant use. CMs are substances that hold firmly together iron, manganese, zinc, and copper. They slowly releases over a long period of time [8]. 2.4.2. Types of CRFs 2.4.2.1. Sulfur Coated (SC) When elemental sulfur is oxidized to its sulfate form, the product would be one of the nutrients which is essential for some plants and is normally blended with other fertilizers. Using sulfur coating is also another way to provide sulfur while making slow release properties for a core granular fertilizer. As the sulfur containing materials like polysulfides or lingosulfonate are brittle and also give a low wetting of defects, they are normally mixed with waxes or plasticizers. Many formulas are available for SCs. Their release time is generally 3-4 months and the nutrient is released from SCs by microorganisms activity [10-14]. 2.4.2.2. Wax coated (WC) One of the methods of reducing fertilizer release rate is dispersing granular fertilizers with molten wax and then cooling the mixture below the melting point of the wax [15]. Paraffin is one of the most used waxes as a coating for fertilizers. Paraffin  wax   is a white, tasteless, odorless solid, with a typical melting point between about 47  °C and 64  °[16]. Other types of waxes are synthetic oil based, petroleum or mineral waxes. Waxes are normally used by an additive or a tackifier to make good sealing properties [17,18] 2.4.2.3. Polymer Coated (PC) Polymer-coated fertilizers (PCF) represent the most technically advanced controlled released fertilizers. They include a water-soluble fertilizer core and one or more than one layers of polymer. There are large varieties of polymers to coat the core fertilizer also the coatings layer could be the same one or different. In PC fertilizers release of nutrients will happen by diffusion through a semi permeable polymer membrane. Water penetrates the coating and dissolves the core. Release rate can be controlled by varying the composition and thickness of the coating. In addition, pressure builds up can cause cracks to form, from which fertilizer passes into the soil [8]. 2.5. Review of different types of polymer coated CRFs 2.5.1. Sole Polymer coated CRFs One type of polymer coated CRFs is the one that the fertilizer core which could be N, P, K or compound fertilizer, is just coated with one or more than one layer of polymer coating. In this case the polymer could be solvent based or water-based. The application process starts with dissolving the polymer in an organic solvent or water. After dissolving, the coating will be sprayed onto the fertilizer in a coating drum or fluid bed [19]. Polymer coated fertilizers have some. One of them is that uniform and defect free coating will surround fertilize. The other is that the coating will be very tough and durable which is resistant against mechanical breakdown. Also, polymer coatings are biologically inactive so they will not breakdown by soil microbes. In most cases except for degradable polymers release of fertilizers will occur by diffusion through the polymer coat rather than through defects. In some other coated fertilizers like sulfur coatings there should be a flaw in coating to cause releasing of fertilizer. There are lots of examples for polymers which have been used in the literatures as coating for fertilizers. Some of them include dicyclopentadien [20], urea and urethane based [21-26], epoxy based [27-29], polyvinylidene chloride-based latex [19] carboxyl-carrying ethylene polymers [30], biodegradable starch based [31], urea formaldehyde [32]. However, polymer coated fertilizers have some week points. About solvent-based coatings using large amount of organic solvents like toluene or xylene will lead to environmental concerns. These solvents are volatile and releasing them to environment makes some hazards for human health. Also, polymer coatings are more expensive than sulfur coatings because not only polymer materials are more expensive but also process and equipments which are used for production of polymer coated fertilizers are also more complex than equipments used for other coatings. 2.5.2. Sulfur-polymer coated CRFs One of most common coated fertilizers are the ones in which core fertilizer is covered by a layer of sulfur coating and a layer of polymer. Polymer layer can be the primer or outer layer. It means that sulfur layer in some researches has been the first layer and in some others the outer layer. Using polymers as coating is suggested method to remove drawbacks of sulfur coated CRFs. One of these drawbacks is very fast release of sulfur coated fertilizer in first few days after application. The other one is brittleness of sulfur coatings which may lead to some fractures during handling or storage and losing the fertilizer. Another problem is that sulfur coatings have a high surface tension with water and cannot provide enough wetting for a good diffusion [11, 13, 19, 28]. The most common method for applying the sulfur coating is by spraying. Molten sulfur compound will be sprayed over a pre-polymer coated fertilizer granule [28,33]. 2.5.3. Wax-polymer coated CRFs There are lots of researches focusing on making controlled release fertilizers using wax-polymer coatings. A wax layer has three major benefits. One is that they are applied over the polymer layer for decreasing the fracture probability of coating and the other one is for decreasing the amount of polymer and avoiding consuming lots of polymers to make the process cost effective. Also, they can eliminate imperfection of granules surface to make a good surface coating. Most common waxes which have been used in state of the art are C30 alpha-olefin and paraffin. Other petroleum products like lubricants and bitumen or natural products like canola oil, soybean oil, coconut oil and palm oil, also have been used. After melting the wax it will be applied by just mechanical mixing with polymer coated granules. Normally the polymer is thermoset to avoid any damages of polymer by the waxs high temperature in its melting point. The wax normally should have drop melting point from 50 to 120 °C. Wax is normally about 0.2% to 10 % by weight of fertilizer [17, 28, 34, 35]. 2.5.4. Filler-polymer coated CRFs As mentioned before, despite lots of advantages of polymer coating to make slow release properties when such polymers are used as a sole coating material the ultimate product would be expensive as you have to consume large amounts of polymer. Using mineral or organic fillers is one way to avoid using large amount of polymer. Also, in some researches fillers play the role of detackifier, to prevent adherence of coated granules to each other. In addition they are strengthening agent of coatings [36]. Fillers may be used either as a mixture with polymer to make a nano-composite polymer [37] or as a separate layer. The most common method is the latter in which the filler will be added by mixing with polymer coated granules before drying the granules. Most common used fillers are some very fine(less than 20 microns) inert inorganic materials like clay, diatomaceous earth, bentonite, kaolin, gypsum powdered limestone, talc, barium sulfate. Some other fillers like waste cellulosic materials also have used as filler in combination with polymer [37-41]. 2.6. Techniques of applying polymer coating According to previous studies have been done, encapsulation methods of fertilizers can be divided into three methods including in-situ, spraying and mixing. 2.6.1. In situ This method includes formation of fluid dispersion of the soluble fertilizer in a solvent and mixing the prepared solution with monomers of a polymer coating. Polymerization will happen and depending on the method, granules or particles of fertilizers will form. Ni et al [42] have developed a double-coated urea fertilizer. For preparation of poly (N-vinyl-pyrrolidone) hydrogels containing urea (PCU), the monomer and a solution of urea in N-vinyl-pyrrolidone were mixed together. The polymerization was carried out at 65-C for 3 h. The resulting samples were vacuum-dried, milled, screened and stored. After that first coating was dried, sample and some amounts of urea were mixed with sodium alginate (SA) solution. Mixed solution was then added drop wise into 5% (w/w) CaCl2 aqueous solution and stirred constantly. The drops immediately turned into granules (about 4mm in diameter) because the SA in the drop was crosslinked by Ca2+ at once. The granules were filtered and dried in oven at 70- C. Then the granules were added to ethylcellulose ethanol solution. Multiple ethylcellulose (EC) coatings were prepared by immersion of the previously coated granules into the ethylcellulose solution repeatedly. Thus, EC-coated urea granules with different coa ting thickness were obtained. Hanafi et al [43], have coated a compound fertilizer by polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylamide (PA), natural rubber (NR), and polylactic acid (PLA) using in situ method. For encapsulation of compound fertilizer with polyacrylamide the granules were added to the solution mixture of monomers. Then the polymerization reaction will start in existence of fertilizers. The thickness of the coating layer on the compound fertilizer granules, determined by SEM(Fig.2), gave PVC compound coated fertilizer the highest value of 3.04 lm, and the lowest was obtained by PA (2.04  µm). Variation in the characteristics of the polymers would be utilized in producing CR compound fertilizer that fit the requirements of growing plants. Hudson et al [28] used epoxy to coat the fertilizer. In this research the urea granules were charged to a pan and warmed to 95 °C. Then the hydrogenated tallaw amine, 2-amino ethyl peperazine and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether were mixed and were added to the granules. Meanwhile polymerization happened and prepared mixture was agitated till the fertilizer granules dried. 2.6.2. Spraying method This method is most common method for coating application on fertilizer granules in state of the art. Usually, the solution of polymer in a suitable solvent is sprayed on the granule of fertilizer and then the granules are dried to remove the solvent through evaporation. The treatment is repeated as often as necessary until the desired coating percentage is reached. Tomaszewska et al [44] have used spray technique for encapsulation of fertilizers. In order to improve the properties of coatings, the granules of previously coated fertilizer (wet method) were sprayed with a polymer solution or pure solvent (N,N dimethylformamide). Concentration of the polymer in solutions used for spraying was in the range of 13-17 wt%. Measurements of thickness, porosity of prepared coatings and microphotographic observation of the coatings were taken. Fig.3 shows the cross section of double coated fertilizer. Ma et al [45] have developed a method for encapsulation of fertilizer with a self assembled coating. The fertilizer granules were heated in a rotary drum to 75 °C for 10 minutes. Then the self assembling amphiphilic molecules (N,N-bisaminoethyl eleostearate) were sprayed over the fertilizer. After 20 minutes aliphatic isocyanates were sprayed over fertilizer. This process was repeated once again. The fertilizer kept for drying in the 75 °C for 20 minutes. Dai et al [46] also, have developed a controlled release fertilizer using a water soluble resin as a coating. The granular compound fertilizer was coated in fluidized bed. Lan et al [47], prepared a double-coated slow-release NPK fertilizer with superabsorbent and water-retention properties (DSFSW), whose inner coating was chitosan (CTS), and the outer coating was crosslinked poly (acrylic acid)/diatomite-containing urea (PAADU). This prepared product not only has slow-release property but also could absorb a large amount of water and preserve the soil moisture at the same time. In addition, the outer coating (PAADU) could protect the inner coating (CTS) from mechanical damage. These were significant advantages over the normal slow release or controlled-release fertilizers, which generally have only a slow-release property. The results indicated that the DSFSW could be found an application in agriculture and horticulture, especially in drought-prone regions where the availability of water is insufficient. At first, the outer coating containing urea diatomite (PAADU) was prepared. The NPK compound fertilizer granule was placed into a rotary drum, and th e chitosan powder was stuck on the granules by means of epoxy dissolved in acetone. The adhesive was applied by spraying at regular time intervals. The process was finished until compact and homogeneous coating formed on fertilizer granule. The coated granules were dried to a constant mass at room temperature for 6 h. Then the CTS-coated NPK compound fertilizer granules were obtained. CTS-coated fertilizer granules were dipped in water and then were immediately placed on PAADU powder and shaken. In this manner, PAADU could adhere to the surface of CTS-coated NPK compound fertilizer and form the outer coating. The surface of the product was crosslinked by spraying methanol solution of epoxy chloropropane and then dried in a 70  °C oven to obtain the final product which is a double-coated slow-release fertilizer with superabsorbent and water-retention properties. Hansen et al [26], encapsulate the granular fertilizer with the epoxy resin using spray method. In this research not coated fertilizer was placed in a rotating drum and pre heated to 250 ° F. A rapid drying solution of copolymers dicyclopentadiene and a modified vegetable oil were applied over fertilizer using spray in a thin stream of resin. Simultaneously hot air was passed through drum. Next monomers of second resin including a mixture of epoxidized soybean oil and polyester curing agent were applied over prepared granules. The solvent was a mixture of xylene and Cellosolve acetate. Hansen et al [29] also have used the above mentioned method for encapsulation of fertilizer with polyurethane. First of all the preheated fertilizer was coated by a synthetic drying oil. After drying the coating for a few minutes fertilizer were dusted by clay. Then urethane solution in xylene and Cellosolve acetate was applied using spray. 2.6.3. Mixing In this method granules are simply mixed with the coating at its melting point or with a solution of polymer in a suitable solvent. Tomaszewska et al [48] used this method for coating the granular NPK fertilizer with polysulfone (PSF), cellulose acetate (CA) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The coating solutions were prepared by the dissolution of the solid polymer in adequate solvent. The NPK fertilizer was successively added to adequate polymer solution, and was covered by a thin layer of the solution. Subsequently, granules were dropped into water, where the gelation process takes place. The coated granules were removed from the precipitation bath and then dried to a constant mass. The multiple coatings were prepared by immersion of the single coated fertilizer into adequate polymer solution, then into water and drying. Hon [37] has prepared the coated granules by mixing method. After melting the thermoplastic polymer by heating, the cellulosic additive has been added to melt resin. Then after allowing the temperature to drop, for avoiding the fertilizer damage, the granules or powder fertilizer has been mixed with the prepared mixture using a Brabender Mixer. Markusch et al [49] just has mixed the fertilizer pellets with at first, a diluted polyol and then with a diluted isocyantae to make a polyurethane coating. Then the feretilizer were placed in oven for drying. 2.7. Polymers used as coating for CRFs A broad range of polymers has been used in fertilizer coating. These polymers could be thermoset, thermoplastic or biodegradable. Some of common thermoset polymers are urethane resin, epoxy resin, alkyd resin, unsaturated polyester resin, phenol resin, urea resin, melamine resin, phenol resin, silicon resin. Among them, urethane resin urethane is very common used [26,50]. Thermoplastic resins are not very common used in art because of some problems. As mentioned before a very preferable method of applying polymers is spraying the dissolved polymer over granules. Either some of thermoplastic resins are not soluble in a solvent or make a very viscose solution which is not suitable for spraying. Polyolefine is used in art for coating the fertilizer granules [37, 51]. Biopolymers, dispose in bioactive environments, degrade by the enzymatic action of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae and their polymer chains may also be broken down by non enzymatic processes such as chemical hydrolysis. Non-biodegradable polymers are not environmental friendly. Due to environmental concerns there are some trends of replacing non-bio with bio degradable polymers as coating material from 1970s. But it should be mentioned that they are expensive yet and not very cost effective. Also, in production process durability of polymer should be adjusted with release time of fertilizer. Among natural and synthetic biopolymers starch and cellulose based polymers, chitosan (a linear  polysaccharide), poly lactic acid and poly(ÃŽ µ-caprolactone) due to low cost and abundance are some of used biopolymers in fertilizer industry[31,42,47,52-58] Generally, polymer coatings are applied in a thickness which is suitable to make a desired controlled release property. Thickness could be related to characteristic of polymer and also it depends on existed porosity of polymer surface. If water vapor transmission rate of coating material is 0.01 to 20, coating thickness would be 1 to 100 microns. Preferred coating thickness is 1 to 50 microns. Coating process could be repeated more than one layer to get desired nutrient release [39]. Typical physical method for encapsulating fertilizers are spray coating, spray drying, pan coating, rotary disk atomization. Special equipments for these methods are rotary drum, pan or ribbon or paddle mixer and fluidized bed [59, 60] 2.8. Investigation of release behavior of CRFs Release mechanism of nutrients for different coatings is different. Thick encapsulated granules like sulfur coating will allow the nutrient to release when a flaw or rupture appears on the coating surface. In this case, rupture will happen because of permeation of water into coating and inside osmotic pressure. Also, biodegradable polymers will release nutrients while destroying by soil microbes activity. In polymer coatings or combination of different coatings release will happen by diffusion of water through walls porosities. In this case release rate can be controlled by the particle size of coated granules, thickness of coating and permeability of coating surface. Also, changing the chemical composition of fertilizer core and also the coating will change permeability of coating. This means that even basic or acidic environment will change the permeability. In some researches when the coating has been starch-vinyl, increasing size of encapsulated granules has led to slowing down the nutrient release [61,62]. There are some standard test methods for measurement of controlled release properties. According To European standard the standard release time of N during 24 h should be 15% of total core nutrient. Also, release rate for 15 day should be 75% of total nutrients. Also American and Japanese standards say that the initial release shouldnt be more than 40% of total nutrient. According to European standards for measuring the release rate encapsulated fertilizer should be immersed in pure water at 25  °C (room temperature) in incubated state [63, 64]. For example Detrick et all [33] have investigated the release behavior of their product by immersion of 20 g of encapsulated granules for 8 h in water. After filtration of solid they dried the solid. Evaporation of water was done at 100  °C for 8 hours. Also, Ma et all [21] placed 14 g of granules in wire mesh holder and then placed it into a jar with 300 ml water at 23  °C and agitated it by an orbital shaker. Then, adequate water was taken for elemental analysis. Locquenghien et al [30] for investigation the slow release effect of fertilizer extracted some amounts of fertilizer continuously with water. For this purpose the granules were arranged in layer in a cylindrical vessel field with water. Water was passed through this layer and its nitrogen content was analyzed. 2.9. Tracing nano-technology features in fertilizer industry Reviewing literature shows that researches which have used nano-technology features in fertilizer industry are very rare. Nano-Clay is the most common nano-particle which have been used to produce CRFs. The main benefits of nano-clay particles in these researches are using them as reservoir of urea or as filler for polymer coating. 2.9.1. Nano-clay as carrier of urea The layered clays like montmorillonite and kaolinite are made of high aspect ratio nano layers. Large surface areas and reactivity of nanolayers is much greater than that of micrometer size materials. Also, their surfaces and interfaces provide an active substrate for physical, chemical, and biological reactions [65]. Because of these features nanolayers could be a suitable carrier or reservoir of fertilizers. Mechanisms which are involved in interaction between clay and organic materials depends on some factors like clay type, functional groups of organic material and physical or chemical properties of organic material. For example basic molecules bond strongly to montmorillonite but anionic molecules show much weaker interaction bands. Also, for instance benzoic acid or anionic species are adsorbed on the edge face of clay or cationic( crystal violet) are adsorbed on the basal plane. According to table 1 which shows different interaction of organic compound with clay, interaction between clay and urea could be through cation exchange, cation bridging and hydrogen bonding [66]. Table 1 Interactions between clay minerals and organic compounds [66] Mechanism Mineral examples Organic functional groups involved Hydrophobic interactions (van der Waals) Any clay with neutral sites (e.g., kaolinite, smectites) Uncharged, non polar (e.g., aromatic, alkyl C) Hydrogen bonding Any clay with oxygen surfaces (e.g., kaolinite) Amines, carbonyl, carboxyl, phenylhydroxyl, heterocycle N Protonation Alumino silicate edge sites, Fe and Al oxides, allophane, imogolite Amines, heterocycle N, carbonyl, carboxylate, Ligand exchange Aluminosilicate edge sites, Fe and Al oxides, allophane, imogolite Carboxylate, Phenolate Cation exchange (permanent charge sites) Smectite, vermiculite, illite Amines, ring NH, heterocyclic N pH-dependent charge sites (anion exchange usually, cation exchange rarely) Aluminosilicate edge sites, Fe and Al oxides, allophane, imogolite Carboxylate for anion exchange, amines, ring NH, heterocyclic N for cation exchange Cation bridging Smectite, vermiculite, illite Carboxylate, amines, carbonyl, alcoholic OH Water bridging Reviewing

Internet Censorship Essay - Internet AccessShould be Restricted to Prot

Access to the Internet Should be Restricted to Protect Children      Ã‚  Ã‚   We are now entering an age of computers where people have almost unlimited access to information. There are entire books and encyclopedias that can be purchased for use on personal computers. Information such as stock prices to computer-aided design programs to entire business operations is being used and accessed through the power of the computer. This information is obtained through the thousands of computer programs out on the market, but most importantly, it is obtained by access to what is called the "Internet." The Internet is the term for the ten thousand plus interconnected computer networks throughout the world that enable us to gather and dispense any type of information almost instantly. For the 1.5 million computers and the 10 million plus users, the Internet gathers information easily and quickly by means of messages, newsgroups, discussion groups, and conferences (rmuir, '94). Anyone who owns a computer and has the necessary software and hardware can have a ccess to this infinite amount of information.    This, of course, can include children. Right now children at the age of seven are speeeding down the "information superhighway," accessing an almost unlimited amount of information. In fact, there are schools on the Internet with their own World Wide Web homepages already. Unfortunately, some of this information isn't geared for children and can even be strictly for adults. Just as inappropriate material in books and magazines is regulated, there too should be some form of Internet regulation and ethics because children of secondary schools have access to any and all information including that information which is objectionable and ev... ...p://www.eff.org:80/CAF/cafuiuc.html rmuir@chs.cusd.claremont.edu FYI, RFC#1578 -Schools and Internet, February 22,1994, http://chs.cusd.claremont.edu:80/www/people/rmuir/rfc1578.html Abrahams, Janice. Janice's k12 Cyberspace OUTPOST. October 1,1994. http://k12.cnidr.org/janice_k12/schools.html, http://k12.cnidr.org/janice_k12/menu.html The Family Resource Center in Santa Clara, California, Parents Helping Parents. October 25, 1994, http://www.portal.com:80/~cbntmkr/php.html Gore, Albert. Speech at Royce Hall, UCLA Los Angeles, CA. January 11, 1994. http://sunsite.unc.edu:80/icky/speech2.html Morrison, Michael. Computer Writing and Research Center. University of Texas at Austin. Personal Interview. December 3,1994. Hoker, Delia. Computer Writing and Research Center. University of Texas at Austin. Personal Interview. December 3,1994.   

The Most Important Event of World War Two Essay -- World War Two Japan

The Most Important Event of World War Two   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It was quite probably the most important event of World War II. Its consequences were greater than those of any other event of the war. On the morning of August 6, 1945, a B-29 bomber named Enola Gay flew over the Japanese industrial city of Hiroshima and dropped the first atomic bomb through its hatches. The city went up in a fireball, causing destruction unlike anything the world had ever seen. The fact that it killed one hundred thousand people instantly made the atomic bomb known as an instrument of terrible destruction, the fact that it helped bring about the Japanese surrender and thus ended the Pacific war made the bomb an effective deterrent of war. Even now, after almost fifty years since the â€Å"nightmare,† one only remembers the devastation after the A-bomb exploded, forgetting all the hard work it took to bring the remarkable weapon to life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story began when on August 2, 1939, a month before World War II began in Europe, Albert Einstein signed a letter addressed to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Concede in careful terms, the letter stated that recent nuclear research indicated extremely powerful bombs of a new type, based on Uranium, might soon be possible. Einstein warned that the secret work with Uranium was going on in Nazi Germany. He urged that similar American research be accelerated. Roosevelt filled with fear that Nazi Germany would develop the bomb first, marked Einstein’s letter for action. Eleven days after President Roosevelt authorized the go-ahead for the Manhattan project, the Japanese, too, without American knowledge, entered the race to develop an atomic bomb.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As the research for the first atomic bomb started, the military began its own preparation to use the atomic bomb. On Tuesday, August 29, 1944, General Barney Giles, assistant Chief of Air staff, decided that a well-respected Lieutenant Colonel Paul Tibbet should be awarded the honor of flying the first atomic mission. General Ent formally assigned the 393rd Heavy Bombardment Squadron, based in Nebraska, to Colonel Tibbet. Its fifteen bomber crews would provide the world’s first atomic strike force capable of delivering nuclear bombs on Germany and Japan. Their training base was at Wendover, Utah and the code name this project was named â€Å"Silverplate.† Tibbet was warned to commit as little as possible on pape... ...ing in its path. Hiroshima along with the crew of 509th composite group at that historic point guaranteed a page for themselves in the history books.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On August 9, another nuclear bomb was dropped, but this time on the port city of Nagasaki. Many more bombs were being readied, but President Truman gave orders to halt the attacks, saying he didn’t like the killings of â€Å"all those kids.† In the face of die-hard military opposition at home, Emperor Hirohita forced the issue of surrender and acceptance of the terms of the Potsdam Declaration. â€Å"I cannot bear to see my innocent people suffer any longer,† he said, â€Å"ending the war is the only way to relieve the nation from the terrible distress with which it is burdened†¦The time has come when we must bear the unbearable.† (Thomas 323) The war was over. American celebrated August 14 as Victory over Japan day (VJ-Day), church bells rang, jubilant crowds danced in the streets, fireworks filled the skies, and war weary citizens from New York to San Francisco greeted the peace with flourish of uncorked energy. As Americans celebrated, the Japanese grieved for a nation defeated in war and for two cities sacrificed for the cause of peace.

The Character of Mrs. Sommers in Chopin’s A Pair of Silk Stockings Essa

The Character of Mrs. Sommers in Chopin’s A Pair of Silk Stockings  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      The attempt to escaping reality proves to be a timeless act in "A Pair of Silk Stockings" by Kate Chopin. The wishful Mrs. Sommers surprisingly finds herself with a sum of money unusually large for her circumstances and in her relishing and spending it reveals herself to be truly a woman of good intentions but who is weak for the intensity of the moment. Chopin has developed a character in Mrs. Sommers who plays out the fantasy of all people, rich or poor: to be someone they are not and for a day live someone else's life. Mrs. Sommers demonstrates characteristics of a prized knight such as chivalry and frugality yet confirms her mere humanity by indulging herself in the world's material pleasures.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mrs. Sommers is a diligent homemaker who is chivalrous to her children's needs. When coming upon this grand sum of money and contemplating how to use the funds, her first thoughts are of her children's needs and not her own. Her mind wonders not to ways she may spoil herself but rather to ways in which she could improve her children's belongings creating for them a better life than for herself. "The vision of her little brood looking fresh and dainty and new for once in their lives excited her" (194). Chopin brings Mrs. Sommers pure intentions into clear view and with this snippet of information about her lets the reader realize that Mrs. Sommers has her priorities in line and bears a humble heart. Also in telling of Mrs. Sommers desires for her children, Chopin makes known of this mother's hard working attitude toward her position in life. As Mrs. Sommers considers the new apparel she may buy her family, she thinks over the duties that fil... ...rment. In this way Mrs. Sommers characterizes all women in that she appreciates the simple material pleasures, and through her, the reader can have an insight into the souls of women.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The characteristics displayed in Mrs. Sommers are those of a valiant woman who simply needs a lapse from the usual happenings of her life. She displays qualities of an ideal mother in that she puts her children before herself, the ideal wife because she is prudent with money, and she attempts the ideal fantasy - to escape reality. Her standards are high but reachable. Mrs. Sommers is an identifiable mannerism to any woman. Kate Chopin created a magnificent female character in Mrs. Sommers, which gives hope to women and maybe a little clarification to men. Works Cited Chopin, Kate.   The Awakening and Selected Stories.   New York: Viking Penguin/Penguin, 1984. 262-66.

Health Campaign Essay

Part I of this paper examined childhood obesity as a public health issues that faces the state of Texas. Further, the paper dwelt on the importance of addressing this public health issues because it has an impact on the lives of the children at the community, state, and national levels. Moreover, the paper also identified the models and systems that have found use in the determination and of childhood obesity, along with the associated vital statistics involved, and management care. The research paper revealed how prevalence in childhood obesity in the state of Texas increased from 5. % to 10. 9% for children between the ages of 7 to 12 between 1970 and 1995. In an effort to address this public health issues, community organizations, the state of Texas as well as the federal government have also played a pivotal role in taking initiatives to help address this epidemic. At the community level, local agencies including health clinics and community centers have all been actively involved in the fight against childhood obesity. Parents, schools, and the community are all charged with the responsibility of creating awareness about the childhood obesity epidemic. State agencies that are dealing with obesity in Texas include the Texas Obesity Research Center and the Health and Human Commission. At the national level, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Childhood Obesity Foundation has been instrumental in the fight against childhood obesity. At the national level, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has provided two yardsticks with which to divide children above the age of 2 years who are also overweight. In the first category, those children who are above the 85th quartile of obesity are often identified as being within the at-risk level. In the second category, those who are above the 95th quartile are categorized as being in the severe level. Perhaps we need to ponder on the question of why there are more overweight children in the state of Texas in comparison with the national average. The main reason behind this could be the fact that compared with the larger United States, Texas is by and large more ethnically diverse. African Americans and Hispanic children have been seen to present a higher prevalence of obesity in comparison with the other children, such as the Whites or Caucasians. Although the number of African Americans in the population of Texas is a reflection of the national percentage (in this case, the African Americans in the Texas population are 11. 5% while at the national level, the figure is 12. 3%), however, there are more Hispanics in the state of Texas in comparison with the national average (that is, 32% vs. 12. 5%). Nearly 40% of the children in the various public schools in Texas are of Hispanic descent, with the White children and the African Americans accounting for a further 43% and 14% respectively. Target Population Accroding to the research findigns undertaken by the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) between 2007 and 2008, 17 percent of children along with adolescents who were of the ages between 2 and 19 years were categorized as being obese. Further, the study revealed that obesity prevalence among this target group was also seen to rise between 1976 and 1980. Again, a similar trend was observed between 1999 and 2000 (CDC 2010). On the other hand, a survey undertaken among high school students in Texas indicated that nearly a third of them (28. 7 %) were either bese, or overweight ((Burns, Nyberg & Parker, 2007). In addition, the January 2009 state demographer of Texas indicates that by 2040, there shall be 15 million obese individuals in the state if at all no preventive measures are undertaken. This represents a threefold increase of the current population of obese individuals. Barclay (2010) contends that in 2007, the national prevalence rate of obesity among children in the US stood at 16. 4 %. What this appears to suggest is that the prevalence of obesity among children in the state of Texas is nearly double the national figure. Accordingly, a child in Texas is more likely to be obese that the average child in the United States. This could be attributed to the issue of race. For example, Texas has a higher percentage of African Americans and Hispanics than the national average. The two races have been shown to be more pre-disposed to obesity than any other race, and so the apparent variation in obesity rates in the state of Texas. The national infant mortality rate in the United States as of 2007 stood at 6. 3 deaths for every 1000 live births, according to statistics released by CDC (2007). On the other hand, in the same year, the infant mortality rates in the state of Texas stood at 6. 2 deaths for every 1000 live births (Texas Department of Health Services, 2007). There is the need for adopting sustainable intervention measures in as far as the issue of child obesity in the state of Texas at the community level if at all the prevalence rates of this epidemic are to reduce. One such intervention is the FFV (Fresh Fruit and Vegetable) Program. The aim of the FFVP is to ensure that school-age children have access to free vegetables and fruits all day long, while at school. The target group is therefore children of school-going age. They are normally encouraged to adopt healthy eating habits. In addition, the schools that takes part in the project avails a controlled setting in which the manipulation of the environment is possible. At the national level, the FFVP program is usually administered by the Food and Nutrition Service of the USDA. On the other hand, the Department of Agriculture in Texas is charged with the responsibility of administering this program at the state level (Jeffers, 2003). In Texas, the program administrator of the FFVP is responsible for managing and overseeing this program. The determination of the success of the FFVP program would be a reduction in plate waste amounts and increase in the consumption of vegetables and fruits. Intervention As a community-based response to the issue, including community-based planning, needs assessments, and selection of locally identified objectives, the community considered created a Get Out and Race in Racing campaign in order to increase physical activity in the community and respond the issue of obesity. There are economic factors and funding intervention strategies to address these issues. Each year the state spends in excess of $337 million on obesity-directly related diseases and conditions (Nevada State Health Division Bureau for Community Health, 2006). Campaigns will help the community members become aware of these costs and how these funds could be better used to promote health. Statewide partnerships with community and business members will be formed to seek ways to increase funds needed for the program. Funding interventions will include community, business, and school-held events to raise capital to include moneys and volunteers to assist with the program development and implementation, and ongoing evaluation. Schools will send home flyers asking for parent participation and contributions. Students will become involved in all efforts to raise conscious awareness of the problem, proposed solution, and needs for funding. Social marketing will have an important role in promoting public health related to the chosen issue of obesity. Social marketing will be needed to ensure parent and community awareness of the problems and proposed solutions. To assist with marketing agendas, meetings with parents and teachers will be held at the schools to ensure that parents are provided with information about health, obesity prevention, and physical exercise. These meetings will take place regularly to market the program while providing information. Efforts are designed to facilitate economic support as well as a commitment to adhering to the program (Elsawy & Higgins, 2010). At the institutional levels also, the school heads are called upon to ensure that they incorporate physical exercise in the school’s curricula as another strategy to facilitate in the reduction of obesity among children. In addition, churches and community centers in Texas could also be involved in the fight against obesity by way of forming educational programs aimed at creating awareness on the incidence, prevalence, and dangers of this epidemic, with the children and their parents as the target group. Lepard (2010) has underscored the need to make use of video games in school and at community centers with a view to helping reduce childhood obesity in the state of Texas. In addition, such educational programs also require incorporating behavioral change, such as exercise and the adoption of healthy eating habits (Cole et al, 2000). For purposes of sustainability of such programs as the FFVP, there is the need to ensure that a reliable source of funding has been identified. In this case, the USDA and the CDC are good examples of government agencies that are in support of such programs. Conclusion Obesity in Texas and United States is an important aspect of today’s health and it continues to rise. Awareness is being pushed through the state, local and national level to help fight this disease. Having the community, schools and family involved with ways to prevent and cure obesity can help fight the disease. Following the proper nutritional guide and exercise can have the start of a health life style.