Greek mythology in western art and literature Essay

With the rediscovery of classical antiquity in Renaissance, the poetry of Ovid became a major influence on the imagination of poets and artists and remained a fundamental influence on the diffusion and perception of Greek mythology through subsequent centuries.[2] From the early years of Renaissance, artists portrayed subjects from Greek mythology alongside more conventional Christian themes. Among the best-known subjects of Italian artists are Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Pallas and the Centaur, the Ledas of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, and Raphael’s Galatea.[2] Through the medium of Latin and the works of Ovid, Greek myth influenced medieval and Renaissance poets such as Petrarch, Boccaccio and Dante in Italy.[1] In northern Europe, Greek mythology never took the same hold of the visual arts, but its effect was very obvious on literature. Both Latin and Greek classical texts were translated, so that stories of mythology became available. In England, Chaucer, the Elizabethans and John Milton were among those influenced by Greek myths; nearly all the major English poets from Shakespeare to Robert Bridges turned for inspiration to Greek mythology. Jean Racine in France and Goethe in Germany revived Greek drama.[2] Racine reworked the ancient myths — including those of Phaidra, Andromache, Oedipus and Iphigeneia — to new purpose.[3] The 18th century saw the philosophical revolution of the Enlightenment spread throughout Europe and accompanied by a certain reaction against Greek myth; there was a tendency to insist on the scientific and philosophical achievements of Greece and Rome. The myths, however, continued to provide an important source of raw material for dramatists, including those who wrote the libretti for Handel’s operas Admeto and Semele, Mozart’s Idomeneo and Gluck’s Iphigà ©nie en Aulide.[3] By the end of the century, Romanticism initiated a surge of enthusiam for all things Greek, including Greek mythology. In Britain, it was a great period for new translations of Greek tragedies and Homer, and these in turn inspired contemporary poets, such as Keats, Byron and Shelley.[4] The Hellenism of Queen’s Victoria poet laureate, Alfred Lord Tennyson, was such that even his portraits of the quintessentially English court of King Arthrur are suffused with echoes of the Homeric epics. The visual arts kept pace, stimulated by the purchase of the Parthenon marbles in 1816; many of the â€Å"Greek† paintings of Lord Leighton and Lawrence Alma-Tadema were seriously accepted as part of the transmission of the Hellenic ideal.[5] The German composer of the 18th century Christoph Gluck was also influenced by Greek mythology.[1] American authors of the 19th century, such as Thomas Bulfinch and Nathaniel Hawthorne, believed that myths should provide pleasure, and held that the study of the classical myths was essential to the understanding of English and Americal literature.[6] According to Bulfinch, â€Å"the so-called divinities of Olympus have not a single worshipper among living men; they belong now not to the department of theology, but to those of literature and taste†.[7] In more recent times, classical themes have been reinterpreted by such major dramatists as Jean Anouilh, Jean Cocteau, and Jean Giraudoux in France, Eugene O’Neill in America, and T. S. Eliot in England and by great novelists such as the Irish James Joyce and the French Andrà © Gide. Richard Strauss, Jacques Offenbach and many others have set Greek mythological themes to music.[1] References 1. ^ a b c d â€Å"Greek Mythology†. Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2002. 2. ^ a b c â€Å"Greek mythology†. Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2002. * L. Burn, Greek Myths, 75 3. ^ a b l. Burn, Greek Myths, 75 4. ^ l. Burn, Greek Myths, 75-76 5. ^ l. Burn, Greek Myths, 76 6. ^ Klatt-Brazouski, Ancient Greek and Roman Mythology, 4 7. ^ T. Bulfinch, Bulfinch’s Greek and Roman Mythology, 1

Starbucks 7ms

Internal According to Reza and Saudah, organization used 7Ms which are management, manpower, marketing, method, machine, material and money as company input and fully utilize these resources will improve firm’s performance. The fundamental truth that called ‘The Right’ which is the right quality, the right quantity, availability at the right time, the right place, the right costs and the right information, would eventually lead to the costs increase or decrease of the company’s profit. (Silviu Crisan, 2011) One of the 7Ms is materials, it is already known that they are indispensable for the industry activity.The material from a firm can consist a major importance, meaning they are irreplaceable. The quality of the coffee bean is the most important to have a good coffee. Once the coffee that have been freshly roasted and ground, good water and brewing equipment free of oil residues from the last brew and the quality of the coffee beans makes a huge different . Starbucks coffee beans Starbucks’ commitment is to become the highest quality coffee in the world. Starbucks take a holistic approach to ethically sourcing coffee through responsible purchasing practices, farmer loans and forest conservation programs.When Starbucks buy coffee by this way, it helps create a long term supply of the high quality beans they have been carefully blending, roasting and packing fresh for more than forty years. Starbucks ensures the quality of the beverage in taste, temperature and appearance. All coffee must meet Starbucks high quality standard. The finest coffees are always handpicked because the machines only can do a decent job of shaking ripe fruit off coffee trees, but they are not discriminating as humans. After harvesting, the coffee cherries must be processed to remove the pulpy fruit outside and retrieve the two sought after seeds inside.Coffee cherries approaching the peak of maturity Different producers use different processing protocols which can affect flavor greatly. There are three types which are dry, washed and semi washed method to process. First, in dry processing, after the outer pulp is removed mechanically, the whole cherries are sun dried for 10 days to three weeks. The coffee will tend to be fruitier, rounder, fuller bodied and more complex because the bean is in contact with the pulp longer. This type of coffee is known as unwashed or natural, such as Brazil Santos, Ethiopian Harrar or Yemen beans.An alternative method, the just harvested cherries are transported to a processor, who skins the fruit mechanically to expose the sweet, sticky pulp. The beans are left to ferment in tanks for 12 to 18 hours, a step that helps to soften the pulp, and then washed and dried. The coffee will retain the most acidity. This method is called washed coffee, also is the most common fine coffee in the world. For semi washed beans, a variation of the washed technique, the pulp is removed mechanically, omitting the ferm entation step.This technique saves water but do not allow the processor to enhance flavor through fermentation. The coffees are relatively richer and earthier flavor. Finally, the coffee beans will be sorted by size, density and color and then graded, then go to roaster. Starbucks is sticking with its rule which is hard to remember and will break down under the weight of their own complexity, they focus on just two drinks at a time to reduce possibility for errors, customers will have to wait longer for their drinks. Consequently, customers can get the high quality coffee every time but just need to wait longer.Besides, over the years Starbucks has launched several initiatives to decrease the environmental impact of its disposable cups. Since 2009, Starbucks hosted a Cup Summit to bring together all facets of its paper and plastic cup value chain to find agreement on criteria for a comprehensive recyclable cup solution. Recyclable cup Reducing the environmental impacts of cups depen ds on the success of two interrelated efforts. First is developing recyclable cup solutions and secondly dramatically increasing customers’ use of reusable cups such as umbler or mug. With environmental and marketing issues, Starbucks offer a 10 percent discount when customer use their own reusable mugs or tumblers for their beverage in stores in the US and Canada, RM2 discount in Malaysia. Starbucks tumbler and mug Furthermore, Starbucks offer Starbucks Card to earn free drinks and gifts such as Starbucks year planner. Starbucks grab its market share by customer loyalty through promotions such as discount and limited edition gifts. Starbucks Card Starbucks year dairy plannerAccording to Forbes 2012, Starbucks introduce single serve coffee machine which using Swiss engineered high pressure technology called Verismo to allow customers make their own lattes at home with real milk. Verismo features three different pod types which are espresso pod, coffee pods and milk pods that can be combined in a number of ways to make own custom drinks. The chief executive of Starbuck, Howard Schultz mentioned do not have any competitor can make a latte with fresh milk just similar quality with a single cup machine. Verismo one cup coffee machineStarbucks is trying to capitalize on the popularity of single cup coffee machines, Verismo that use K cups, sealed plastic cups that contain ground coffee in a single filter. The president for channel development and emerging brands at Starbucks, Jeff Hansberry stated in 2011, more than $8 billion of machines and cups were sold worldwide and every three coffee machines, more than one is single cup machine. The key element of an organization is not building or a set of policies and procedures but is made up of people and their relationship with one another.A firm exists when people interact with one another to perform indispensable functions that helps achieve goals. Management recognizes the significance of manpower with most ne w approaches plan to empower employees with better opportunities to learn and contribute as they work together toward universal goals. (Richard L. Daft, 2009) Starbuck treat its employees as partner. Starbucks have built a solid foundation on the direct and open relationship that they share with partners and their legacy of providing employees with a positive workplace. In addition, working at Starbucks is a lot like working with friends.Starbucks believes that keeping each other informed is understanding and respect each others, so the senior leader hold the open forum to answer the juniors questions regularly. The Starbucks total pay package is called ‘Your Special Blend’ because it is just for you as employee. This package include competitive pay, insurance, bonuses, paid time off, retirement savings plan, stock options and discounted stock purchase plan, adoption assistance, domestic partner benefits, emergency financial aid, referral and support resources for child and elder care, also a free pound of coffee each week and discounted merchandise at Starbucks.Moreover, there are various partner clubs and networks that help employees share interest and find life balance which include recreational athletic leagues, foreign language clubs and parenting resources. Due to the health care is important to the employees, Starbucks offers comprehensive benefits packages to eligible partners working at least 20 hours per week. Starbucks was named to FORTUNE’s ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ list for 14th time in 2012, from previous rank 98 move up to rank 73.The reason Starbucks was recognized as a great place to work for is they made treating their partners with respect and dignity one of its guiding principles. There are more than five hundred professionals working in the finance group at Starbucks, in fields such as accounting, business unit finance, corporate development, finance services, internal audit, investor relations, tax and customs, treasury and risk management and safety and security. Full year financial results in 2012Starbucks total net revenue increased 14% attaining a record $13. 3 billion. The company opened 1063 net new stores globally. Starbucks returned approximately $1. 1 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividend payments. Starbucks 2013 goals are open 1300 net new stores globally, representing 22% growth over fiscal 2012 and around 10-13% revenue growth. Starbucks Coffee Company has agreed to acquire Teavana Holdings in $620 million all cash acquisition.Starbucks and Teavana will jumpstart the next wave of growth in this dynamic category, leveraging Starbucks core competencies of real estate, design and store operations and intergrading these with Teavana’s world class tea authority, global sourcing capabilities, merchandising and best in class retail store unit economics. Furthermore, Startbucks plan to continue to grow and extend Teavana’s successful 200 mall based stores as well as add high profile neighborhood store concept that accelerate Teavana’s domestic and global footprint based on Starbucks existing infrastructure.Teavana Holding According to Gibbons, since 2008, Starbucks simplifying the complex structure it so that every job fell into one of the four basic supply chain functions which are plan, source, make and deliver. In planning sections involved its production planning, replenishment or new product launches. However, sourcing events were gathered by two areas which are coffee and non coffee procurement. For instances, Starbuck spends US$600 million on coffee every year and purchase non coffee procurement such as diary, furniture and paper goods US$2. billion annually. Furthermore, all manufacturing whether done in house or by contract manufacturers which are dispatched to be make functional unit. Finally, personnel working in distribution, transportation and customer service were appointed to the deliver gr oup. The chair, president and chief executive of Starbucks, Howard Schultz mention the management changes come less than a year after Starbucks reworked its leadership structure into three operating model that focuses on North and Latin America, Asia and Europe or Africa or the Middle East. Lisa Jennings, 2012) This rearrangement will let the company to better deliver on local relevancy and velocity of decision making. The leadership moves Starbucks announced that they more swiftly position themselves for the exciting opportunities ahead while never losing sight of the fact that they are a global brand with a rich heritage in coffee, long standing values and the responsibility to use their scale for good. Starbucks use 3-M framework which are Megaphone, Magnet and Monitor.Megaphone represents firm to customer communication, Magnet refers to customer to firm communication and the Monitor defined customer to customer interaction. (John G. and Sam R. , 2012) Starbucks had enhanced on t he business measures by excelling in operations management. The quality and taste of coffee, the people serving the coffee and the experience in the retail stores are the reasons customers loyal to Starbucks. Starbucks improve productivity and profitability, then regain its market share. Paryani, 2011) According to Xing Zheng, Starbucks attracts consumers and increases their loyalty through offering Starbucks experience satisfied in psychology and emotion and creates extraordinary coffee brand. Starbucks’ supply chain transformation had support from the very top. For Starbucks far flung supply chain, the creation of a single global logistic system is very vital. Generally Starbucks brings coffee beans from Latin America, Africa and Asia to United States and Europe in ocean containers. References Chris Barth, 2012.Starbucks’ New Verismo Machine Sinks Green Mountain. Will You Buy It? Forbes. http://www. forbes. com/sites/chrisbarth/2012/09/20/starbucks-new-verismo-machin e-sinks-green-mountain-will-you-buy-it/ [Accessed 1 November 2012] James A. Cooke. 2010. From bean to cup: How Starbucks transformed its supply chain. Supply Chain Procurement. Accessed through http://www. supplychainquarterly. com/topics/Procurement/scq201004starbucks [Accessed at 27th October 2012] John Gallaugher and Sam Ransbotham, 2012. Social Media and customer dialog management at Starbucks. Open Journal Systems. e-journal] MIS Quarterly Executive. [Accessed 3 November 2012] Li Ying Ming. Adjustment of Enterprise’s Marketing Strategy in the times of experience economics. Journal of Human Institute of Engineering. Accessed Through: http://en. cnki. com. cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-GCHS200504004. htm [Accessed 3 November 2012] Lisa Jennings, 2012. Starbucks makes major management changes. Restaurant News. Accessed Through: http://nrn. com/article/starbucks-makes-major-management-changes [Accessed 1 November 2012] Megan McArdle, 2012. Starbucks put quality over quantity. The

Secondary market research or customer analysis on Octopus Card (a Essay

Secondary market research or customer analysis on Octopus Card (a product from Hong Kong) - Essay Example e-payment gained momentum. Now a growing number of transactions are occurring via electronic payment systems that serve as alternative to cash. This growth in e-payment has been fueled largely by smart card technology. Smart Card technology evolved in the mid 80’s but initially it was not much in use. During the last decade of 20th century, there was rapid increase in its use for diverse activities. Nowadays people are recognizing the potential of smart card technology for e- payments and are becoming more dependent on smart cards for their transactions. â€Å"Nowadays, most popular payment methods are based on cards i.e. magnetic cards, smart cards, contactless cards† (Ondrus and Pigneur, 2). E-Payments experienced a compound annual growth rate of 12.3 % globally during 1999 to 2004 (Global Electronic Payments Market Study and Forecast, 7). Today consumers, banks, merchants and retailers prefer electronic transactions. In U.S. alone, e-payments accounted for more than two-thirds of non cash transactions in 2006. In U.S. the electronic payment methods including debit and credit cards are displacing paper checks and cash payments at an accelerating pace (Wall Street Journal). Electronic money transactions are carried out mainly by three methods: credit, debit and stored value prepaid cards. Credit Card: Credit cards are based on buy-now-pay-later strategy. Examples of credit-based payment are Visa, Master and American Express smartcards. Credit cards are most popular payment method in the U.S. Debit Cards: Debit cards have a similar cost structure as that of the credit cards. But unlike credit cards, the amount from the account of the consumer is debited immediately. Consumer needs to enter a PIN in debit card transactions that proves time consuming for micro payments. Contactless Stored Value Cards: Third type of e-payment method is stored value smart cards. The stored value smart cards may be single purposed cash cards, multi-purposed payment

Describe a domain name, and provide examples of domain names Essay

Describe a domain name, and provide examples of domain names - Essay Example The name is divided into two parts. The first part is a unique string selected by the owner of the name. The second part appears to the right of the last period (dot) and refers to the type of presence. For the second part, there are standard strings which define various types or groups, some of which are given below: .edu Educational institutions .gov Government .com Commercial organizations .org Non-profit organizations .net Network organizations The Internet is a web (and thus the name) of countless computer servers internetworked with each other through the IP communication protocol where each node has a unique IP address assigned to it. The domain names, described above, map to one or more IP addresses and help to create a friendlier, easy to remember layer on top of the IP numbers. The Domain Name Service accessible through every server helps to translate these names to IP addresses. In this way, it is easier to remember www.google.com rather than a string of numbers representi ng it. Some examples of domain names are: www.microsoft.com Microsoft www.apple.com Apple www.icann.org ICANN Finally, several countries have their own suffixes at the end of the domain name. For example, .au Australia .uk United Kingdom .mx Mexico References ICANN-Accredited Registrars. (2011, Jan 10). Retrieved from http://www.icann.org/en/registrars/accredited-list.html

Television programming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Television programming - Essay Example These questions are basic essence of my research conducted and ABC channel being my prime lab rodent to experiment upon. What programs they air, why they air them and what strategy they are implying to attract the maximum number of audience in the post-dinner time. TV Ratings Any guesses how the intelligent people sitting in the ABC production offices know, when to air what, when most people are tuned in and most importantly which slots to offer the highest advertisement rate to add agencies and commercial vendors. The answer to this question lies in the name â€Å"Nielsen ratings†. It is an audience measurement system developed by Nielsen media research to do exactly the magic described above. The program uses set-meters, small devices installed behind television sets to monitor the channel activity and record time data of TV programs being watched at what time. A further sophisticated method implies that what audience is watching what. This is done by the help of viewers inp ut in the very same device. The audience enters this survey voluntarily and is a big help to create a data base and analysis which helps in securing maximum advertisement rates for the prime time slot (Frank, 20). American Broadcasting Company The TV channel under research is ABC. Some of the basic questions mentioned in the start of the paper will be answered with the help of forensic research into the media world of today where people can choose to record there TV shows and watch them add-less. What are they trying to accomplish? The basic purpose of any television broadcast company, to earn maximum profits. For that purpose on Thursday nights ABC airs the program â€Å"wipeout† to kick-off the evening. This reality game show has fast gained popularity to an extent that it is the second most watched TV show in the American TV broadcasting. They follow it up with â€Å"Grey’s Anatomy†, a well renowned serial related to doctors practicing and their issues. A tru ly griping hi-paced drama of common people saving people’s lives and complicating their own in the process. This medical drama is followed by a follow-up medical drama named private practice which is a spin-off of grey’s anatomy. A wide variety of household people have a keen interest in every new upcoming episode that is being shown. The people targeted with this include adults and also the ones in the bracket of being grandparents. Do not bold, italicize or underline the subheading. What audiences are they targeting and how? If you compare the first hour of the prime time with other network channels being broadcasted, ABC has created a clever strategy by targeting the young and adult audience by broadcasting wipeout, a funny reality game show whereas the other channels are broadcasting one after the other serious genre serials which are not a huge attraction to children and young alike. After that, they target the sample of audience that is parents and grandparents b racket by airing similar set up medical dramas. Coming to the fact that how did they end up devising a clear edge among the top ranked broadcasters? The answer lies in the post writers strike era, when a new team was formed to sail them out of a storm without a lot of financial blocks crumbling over them and sailed they did. They indeed came out on top of the storm and ended up being the most watched channel according to the post wipeout season ratings. The team had a

WHAT IS NOT PHILOSOPHY Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

WHAT IS NOT PHILOSOPHY - Coursework Example However, philosophy does not seek such knowledge as a way of making man a better believer of God. Philosophy is not a quest for the supernatural (Vaughan, n.d.). It primarily deals with the search of knowledge for a better understanding and self-satisfaction. If it were a quest for supernatural, philosophy could focus on mystical issues such as magic, witchcraft, or even UFO sightings as a way of strengthening human believe in them. If a philosopher studies a mystical issue such as witchcraft, he does it primarily to answer whether witchcraft exists, how it feels to be bewitched, the power of bewitching, and what it takes to bewitch. However, the philosopher does not seek such knowledge as a way of doing witchcraft better or even proving that it exists. Philosophy is not a search for the meaning of life (Vaughan, n.d.). It does not attempt to explain why creatures live or their purpose in life. Philosophy tries to explain what life entails and how it differs from death. Philosophy tries to explain life in terms of existence, what it takes to exist, and how existence is ordered. Thus, philosophy does not attempt to provide the ultimate purpose of

Carlito's Way by Edwin Torres Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Carlito's Way by Edwin Torres - Term Paper Example According to these sentiments, success is never an absolute factor but a variable factor that depends on personal point and according to the views of an observer. The book Carlito’s way tells a thrilling story of a gang superstar by the name Carlito Brigante. According to the author, this character has gone through all dimensions in the life of a true gangster. The writer describes the life of Carlito through a series of conflicts that are inspired by his life in Harlem and the lives of his colleagues. Carlito goes through a series of trouble with law enforcers and his fellow gang members. The writer uses these conflicts and events to portray the life of an ordinary hustler in the USA. This paper provides a criminological-forensic and psychological assessment of the book in relation to the life of the main character and the author’s position. According the author’s account on the life of Carlito, it is evident that he is a psychopath. According to Cohen, psychopa th is a personality disorder (1965). The criminologist adds that psychopaths are emotionless criminals who have no feelings for other people. In addition, psychopaths have no any respect for social laws. Being emotionless also indicates that psychopaths are fearless persons who get involved in crime without considering the possible outcomes or punishment. Such individuals are satisfied by causing pain and suffering on their victims. According to the author’s chronological account of Carlito, it is evident that he was a psychopath. Carlito fits in all categories of psychopaths according to criminology literature. Firstly, Carlito is a primary psychopath; this is because he does not respond positively to punishment. According to the book, Carlito was a jailbird. He did not respond to any form of punishment accorded to him by the law enforcers. Carlito was in and out of prisons for cases related to drug trafficking assault and robbery (Torres, 1994). The numerous times he was ar rested did not alter his involvement with crime. Carlito cannot only be considered as a primary psychopath but also a secondary psychopath. This is demonstrated by his ability to take risks in crime. According to the author, Carlito was a true risk taker. He lived a lavish life that required him to have a lot of money. The main reason for his continued involvement with crime was to support his lavish lifestyle financially. The risk taking aspect is demonstrated by the fact that his determination was not hindered by possible risks such as arrest, or being killed by a member of a rival gang. Finally, Carlito can be described as a charismatic psychopath, this aspect is demonstrated by his influence among members of his gang and other people that he dealt with. Carlito was an irresistible person who was an attractive and a charming liar. He used these characters to influence and manipulate his victims for his personal gains. His manipulative attitude is demonstrated by the fact that he was a popular pimp. Most readers who have previously read the book usually have opposing views concerning factors that influenced Carlito into crime. However, an objective analysis of the book proves that there were three main reasons that influenced Carlito into crime. Firstly, Carlito engaged into crime for economic reasons. His involvement with crime was to provide finances required to support his lavish lifestyle. Secondly, Carlito had an irresistible urge to commit crime for self-satisfaction. This explains why he was rearrested five hours for assault just a few hours of being released from a five-year prison sentence. Carlito also had a rebel attitude that inspired him to commit crime. This attitude made him to be always against the law and the country’

Child developmental Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Child developmental Psychology - Essay Example One glass was tall and skinny and the other was short and fat. I filled both glasses with chocolate milk, pouring more milk into the short fat glass. Then I gave the tall skinny glass to Christopher and placed the short fat glass in front of myself. Before allowing him to drink, I asked him, "Who has more milk, you or me" He eyed the glasses and then confidently said, "I do," referring to his tall skinny glass of milk, whose height of milk was taller than that seen in my short fat glass. I urged him to take a second look at the glasses of milk by asking, "Are you sure" He furrowed his brow and eyed the glasses once again. "Well," he said, "maybe there's more in your glass, since it's wider." I continued with the lesson by placing another short fat glass on the table and asked Christopher to pour his tall skinny glass of milk into the empty glass to find out who really does have more chocolate milk. He slowly poured his glass of milk into the empty short fat glass. Once he was done pouring, he bent down so he was at eye level with the milk levels of the glasses. His eyes widened and he said, "Your glass had more than mine!" Christopher showed classic signs of Piaget's pre-operational stage of cognitive development.

Automobile Industry China Essay Example for Free

Automobile Industry China Essay ? China became the world’s largest automobile producer and market in 2009 with annual sales of nearly 14 million vehicles. The market continues to expand in 2010. In the first nine months of 2010, automobile production reached 13. 08 million units, a 36. 1 percent increase from a year ago. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) raised its forecast for annual sales to reach a record 17 million this year, matching the highest annual total ever reached in the United States. Industry growth has been primarily driven by rising domestic demand stemming from rising incomes, a growing middle class, and by supportive industry policies from the Chinese government. The Chinese automotive industry remains very fragmented. In addition, Chinese central government officials fear that unchecked expansion of Chinas auto industry encouraged by local authorities could harm the wider economy, and that excess capacity must be stopped. Hence, the central government continues to push for mergers and acquisitions (MA) in the automotive industry which will support the emergence of a few leading national companies. China’s weak RD, domestic innovation and design capabilities are key challenges to its international competitiveness. With the government’s encouragement, domestic firms have opted for strategic partnerships with foreign players, aiming to facilitate technology transfer and improve domestic design and engineering capabilities. The Chinese government has implemented a number of tax adjustments and subsidies for automobile purchases to encourage hybrid electric vehicles, pure electric vehicles and traditional vehicles of small engine displacement. Beijing has gradually introduced higher automobile emission standards for new vehicles. Plans to develop hybrid electric and pure electric vehicle production capabilities are part of a broader, environmentally friendly strategy to develop the auto industry. Market opportunities exist especially in the following areas: o Developing domestic innovation capabilities (e.g. vehicle design and engineering, hybrid electric and pure electric engines, electric motors and electric controls) o Productivity and quality upgrade (e. g. engines, transmissions, electronic control systems and safety systems) o Mergers and acquisitions (both in China and in Israel) o Clean transportation technologies 3 China’s Automotive Sector Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) ? ? ? ? ? ? o Advanced manufacturing technologies o Supply of essential automotive components/systems to OEMs (e. g.electronic control systems and safety systems) ? The following automotive segments in China are considered to be highly competitive and it will likely be difficult for Israeli firms to penetrate the market unless they have an extreme competitive advantage: Fabric for seats/interiors, seat covers, floor mats, curtains, aluminum die casting, rubber bumpers, electronic harness cables, antennae, speakers, electric starters, vehicle cleaning products, window films, A/C compressors, fuel and oil and air filters. 1. MARKET OVERVIEW ? ? China’s automotive market has the most growth potential in the world; per capita car ownership is still remarkably low at 4. 78% and is expected to grow significantly. Domestic whole-vehicle manufacturers and automotive suppliers are still extremely fragmented (government-supported consolidation is imminent in the near future); challenges remain for domestic RD and design. With government subsidies and tax incentives, China is aiming to establish an early footing in the production of low-emission and environmentally friendly automobiles. Component imports surged by 130% in the first half of 2010; 60% of imported components were drivetrains, engines or automotive body components. ? ? 1. 1 GENERAL OVERVIEW Market Growth Primarily fueled by domestic and partly by foreign demand, China’s rapidly expanding automotive industry has outpaced the nation’s already impressive GDP growth rates in recent years. Domestically, rising incomes and encouragement from the Chinese government for the urban population to obtain drivers licenses have spurred the demand for passenger vehicles. The booming passenger vehicle market has led to a soaring demand for automotive components. Internationally, automotive manufacturers faced with decreasing margins and profitability have sought out more affordable supply chain solutions, looking to China as a potential source for lower cost automotive components. Unlike developed markets for passenger vehicles, where growth in demand has been largely stagnant, China’s domestic demand for new automobiles has skyrocketed in the past years. Strong car sales in China in 2009 pushed the auto market to the largest in the world, and 2010 is set follow the positive trend. 4 China’s Automotive Sector Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009). Source: China Association of Automotive Manufacturers (CAAM) In the first nine months of 2010, automobile sales reached 13. 08 million units, up 36. 1% from a year ago. Over 9 million of the total sales were passenger cars and 3. 24 million were commercial vehicles. CAAM predicted that the 2010 annual sales will reach a record of 17 million units. It is widely believed that China’s automotive market currently has the most growth potential in the world. China’s 2009 per capita private car ownership was 4. 78%, far less than the 40% average of developed countries, and even less than other emerging markets such as Russia, Brazil and India. This is a strong indication that China’s domestic market is far from being overly saturated. According to CAAM predictions, growth in the auto industry will remain strong until 2020 with annual growth expected to consistently range from 13 to 15 percent. The total number of vehicles will jump from 67 to 150 million. Sales in larger tierone and tier-two cities as well as rural areas should keep growing at a rapid pace over the next few years and high growth areas will move from eastern China to the central and western regions. Market Players There are currently more than 100 whole-vehicle manufacturers and nearly 8,000 automotive parts manufacturers in China, located primarily in Southern, Eastern, and Northeastern and central China (see the map on the right). Together, the top ten passenger vehicle manufacturers (seven of which are joint ventures (JVs) make up almost 90% of China’s market share (see the table below). Nearly every major global vehicle manufacturer has established JV operations in China. 5 China’s Automotive Sector Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009). Top 10 Passenger Vehicle Manufacturers in China (2009) Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Source: CAAM Company SAIC1 FAW2 Dongfeng Chana (incl. Hafei) Beijing Auto Guangzhou Auto Chery BYD Brilliance Geely Others HQ Shanghai Changchun Wuhan Chongqing Beijing Guangzhou Hefei Shenzhen Shenyang Taizhou JV Partner GM, VW VW, Toyota, Mazda PSA, Nissan, Honda Ford, Mazda, Suzuki Hyundai Daimler Honda, Toyota, Isuzu, Fiat N/A N/A BMW, Toyota N/A Sales (Unit) 2,705. 5K 1,944. 6K 1,897. 7K 1,869. 8K 1,243. 0K 606. 6K 500. 3K 448. 4K 348. 3K 329. 1K 1,750K Market Share 19. 83% 14. 25% 13. 91% 13. 70% 9. 11% 4. 45% 3. 67% 3. 29% 2. 55% 2. 41% 12. 84% Import Positive demand growth for automobiles and components has not only caused domestic industry development, but has led to increased attention from leading foreign automotive manufacturers eager to expand into the rapidly growing market. Foreign automotive manufacturers have also been encouraged by lower import tariffs, which have been lowered for whole vehicles from 70-80% to 25% since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). Import tariffs on Semi-Knocked-Downs (SKDs) and Complete-Knocked-Downs (CKDs) have dropped from 50% to 25%, while import tariffs on vehicle components have dropped from 15% to 10%. 1 2 Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation First Auto Works 6 China’s Automotive Sector Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) China’s automotive import growth was slowed due to weaker demand caused by the global economic crisis of 2009. Annual total import were USD 33. 1 billion in 2009, representing a year-onyear increase of only 5. 34%. Assisted by government incentive programs and China’s economic recovery, China’s auto import total bounced back from a sluggish 2009, surging by 130% to USD 27. 22 billion in the first half of 2010. Imported European luxury cars had a remarkable 237. 2% increase in 2010 compared to the same period the previous year. China’s automotive component imports grew to USD 12. 7 billion in the first half of 2010, a 90% increase over the same period of 2009. Drivetrain, engine and automotive body components accounted for over 60% of the total component imports (see chart). More than 80% of the imported components came from Japan, German, Korea, and the United States. The main groups of imported automotive components to China can be divided into three categories: ? Japanese and Korean OEMs and Tier I suppliers: Generally these companies tend to only use suppliers from their country of origin. For example, Toyota typically sources components from Japanese JVs or Wholly Owned Foreign Enterprises (WFOEs) on the mainland, or directly imports from Japan. Such practice tends to result from strict quality requirements, cultural compatibility and logistical concerns. German OEMs and Tier I suppliers: These companies typically import components in the areas where Chinese suppliers are weak (e. g. safety systems for high-end passenger cars). The US and French OEMs operating in China have not increased their automotive component imports as much as their peers for different reasons. US OEMs have steadily increased their sourcing from local Chinese suppliers for vehicles manufactured in China to stay competitive, and French OEMs are facing a shrinking market share in China. ? ? Chinese OEMs are emerging buyers of imported automotive components, especially in the segments of hybrid and electric vehicles and Chinese-brand luxury vehicles. 7 China’s Automotive Sector Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) Export The impact of the economic crisis in 2008-2009 forced many multinational companies to reduce their sourcing of automotive vehicles and components from China. According to CAAM, China exported a total of 369,600 units in 2009 worth USD 5. 19 billion, which was down by 46% from 2008. China’s auto exports rebounded as the global market recovered in 2010, with 250,100 vehicles exported in the first six months (up 55. 93% year-on-year). Passenger vehicle exports surged 115. 93% to 116,500 units, while commercial vehicle exports increased 25. 50% to 133,900 units. Algeria, Vietnam and Egypt were the major whole-vehicle export destinations in the first half of 2010. The auto component’s export growth has witnessed even more impressive growth than whole-vehicles. Exports increased 54. 11% to reach USD 18 billion in the first half year of 2010, with drive system components exceeding 50% of the total by value. More than 50% of the components were exported to the USA, Japan, South Korea, Germany and the United Kingdom. 1. 2 MARKET STRUCTURE Supplier Landscape The automotive supplier landscape in China is extremely fragmented. According to CAAM, there are approximately 8,000 automotive enterprises scattered across various segments including full vehicle manufacturing, vehicle refitting, motorcycle production, engine production and automotive parts manufacturing. Most of these companies specialize in lower-end parts and lack the capital needed to invest in production of higher quality products. Seven of Chinas ten largest components manufacturers are foreign companies, and about 70% of the countrys USD 160 billion auto supply market is occupied by foreign companies or joint ventures. There are approximately 120 OEMs in total, 40% of which produce passenger vehicles. One of the key contributors to the fragmentation of the automotive market as a whole is that Chinese suppliers serve a large amount of separate OEMs. The world’s leading automotive companies are all well-established in China. OEMs are represented by Ford, General Motors (GM), Volkswagen (VW), Daimler, BMW, PSA, Mazda, Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, and tier-one international companies including Bosch, Delphi, Denso, Johnson Controls, Lear, Magna, Visteon, Yazaki, ZF, Arvin Meritor and TRW. 8 China’s Automotive Sector Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) Most of the international automaker and component manufactures have invested heavily in China in attempts to gain a competitive edge. For example, GM, Ford and Jaguar Land Rover have established their Asia Pacific headquarters in China. GM, VW and Honda have also opened China RD centers and have begun to design car models specifically for the Chinese consumer. International automotive components companies have also expanded their presence in China. For instance, BorgWarner recently opened a China Technical Center. ZF announced the establishment of its Asia Pacific headquarters in Shanghai as well as a new Shanghai RD center. Eaton’s Asia Pacific headquarters is in Shanghai. Rapid expansion from international firms has let to foreign-invested automotive components suppliers holding 70% of the Chinese market share. Most of the top Chinese automotive parts manufacturers are wholly owned domestic companies such as ASIMCO, Wanxiang, Hongteo, Fuyao, Dicastal, Wanfeng and others. These companies could be potential competitors or partners for Israeli companies. In response to the soaring domestic demand, Chinese automotive component manufacturers have ramped up their production capacities significantly, but this has also led to an increase in quality complaints. Key Challenges for the Domestic Industry Chinese suppliers are now looking beyond the domestic market and improving their production process to emerge as true global competitors. However, further investment in RD is still required before Chinese manufacturers can truly compete globally, as the industry still lacks technological capability and suffers from quality issues. China’s Automotive Sector Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) Flagship Domestic Automotive Companies Chery Automotive (Chery) ? Founded in 1997 and now has an annual production capacity of 650,000 vehicles, 400,000 engines, and 400,000 sets of gearboxes. ? Continues to expand into the overseas market and has established plants in 16 countries becoming the biggest Chinese vehicle exporter for seven consecutive years. ? Chery Automobile Test Technology Center opened in July 2010, which became the largest auto lab in Asia. The company will invest RMB 2. 4 billion in 2010 to accelerate its new model development. ? Chery now owns a full set of manufacturing and RD facilities, including four car plants, two engine plants, a gearbox plant, an automobile engineering research institute, an automobile planning and design institute and an automobile test technology center. ? Have extensive technological and business relationships with overseas auto companies. Chery signed an agreement with Chrysler to produce Chery made cars under the Chrysler brand to be sold in the United States and Mexico. ? Chery Quantum Auto. Ltd is a joint venture between Chery and Quantum LLC under an Israeli Group. They aimed to invest USD 334 million in 2010 to develop high-end cars and SUVs for the overseas market. 9 RD capability Chinese automotive component manufacturers are able to manufacture products when they are provided with designs and specifications, however most of them lack design, engineering and RD capabilities. Owing to weak RD and engineering capabilities, many local suppliers have opted to enter into technical collaborations or JVs with leading international suppliers with the goal of facilitating the transfer of technology and improve basic product engineering capabilities. A growing number of Chinese auto parts suppliers have begun to invest in and acquire western firms. Domestic RD capabilities of Chinese automotive part manufacturers have historically been limited due to the small-scale of most operations and a shortage of investment in laboratory facilities in comparison to international firms. Taking steps to remedy the situation, the Chinese government has continued to encourage investment in RD for core systems, such as engines, transmission systems, steering systems, brake systems and driving control systems. Safety and reputational issues Incidents and product recalls have raised questions about the quality and safety standards of Chinese manufactured automotive components. According to the 2009 China Automotive Product Quality After Service Quality report, among the 9359 complaints documented about Chinese made cars, 19. 5% were related to engine problems; 10. 5% to steering systems; 10. 7% to braking systems; 18. 5% to automobile accessories and electronics; and the remaining 40. 8% related to the gearbox, clutch, front and rear axles, suspension systems and air conditioning systems. As a result of complaints and recalls, as well as other non-automotive related manufacturing scandals in China including melamine milk, contaminated pet food, and anti-freeze laced toothpaste, Chinese manufactures are facing serious issues about their reputation. This is a problem local manufacturers will have to overcome if they want to increase their competitiveness on the global stage. The drivers are in place for Chinese domestic manufacturers to move to the forefront of the global automotive industry, but substantial domestic investment in RD and improvements on quality and reputation are a necessary prerequisite. 1. 3 EMERGING INDUSTRY TRENDS Industry Drivers The rapid expansion of the Chinese automotive industry has been largely attributed to the growth in domestic demand for passenger vehicles and international demand for affordable automotive components. The Chinese government also continues to play an important role in encouraging the growth of the industry. 10 China’s Automotive Sector Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) Tier II and Tier III cities emerge as market growth engines In 2010, most multinational automakers have included a focus on Central and Western China markets into their strategies in order to capture future growth opportunities. For example, Volkswagen is ramping up capacity of its Chengdu plant more than doubling its production of Sagitars and Jettas from 150,000 to 350,000. GAIC Toyota (a JV between Guangzhou Automobile Industry Corporation and Toyota) is considering building a small and price-competitive car to target the lower end of the market. The JV also announced plans to expand its dealership network across central and Western China. Central and western China have emerged as the main growth engine of the automotive market. According to CAAM, automobile sales in second and third-tier cities in the first nine months of 2009 surged 41 percent and 51 percent respectively, while sales in the firsttier cities increased by 34 percent. Domestic demand has been fueled by rising incomes and a growing middle class creating a larger consumer culture. The purchase of an automobile is increasingly becoming a symbol of financial success. In the past, the focus has been on coastal cities. Since 2009, tier II and tier III cities have emerged as the strongest market growth engines (see more details on your left) Even though large cities in China are facing serious traffic congestion issues, Chinese have not been deterred about making new automobile purchases. China overtook the U. S. as the world’s number one automotive market in January 2009. The positive developments in the passenger vehicle industry have benefitted both domestic auto manufacturers (which are emerging from their infancy stages and developing competitive capabilities) and major international automotive giants (which have increased investment into China to expand their presence). However, with per capita car ownership was still only 4. 78% in 2009, still far below the 40% average in developed countries. This is a strong sign that domestic demand for passenger vehicles will remain high in years to come. The domestic aftermarket for automotive components is increasingly becoming an important driver of the industry. More than thirteen million cars are sold annually in China which is leading to a growing market for automobile repairs and further stimulating domestic demand for automotive components. International demand for automotive components has also increased as international automotive firms face pressures to reduce costs and take advantage of more economical alternatives abroad. China’s inexpensive labor force presents an attractive option for producing lower-cost automotive components, which were initially primarily for the international aftermarket but are increasingly being used by international OEMs. The majority of leading international automobile OEMs have established global sourcing offices, RD centers as well as regional headquarters in China. 11 China’s Automotive Sector Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) Finally, the Chinese government continues to play an important role in driving the industry. Post-WTO accession concessions have resulted in lower import tariffs, giving international automotive firms more access to the domestic market. Beijing has actively encouraged the establishment of JV RD centers with preferential tax policies designed to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology. The government has pledged substantial funds towards automotive technology innovation, upgrades, and the RD of alternative-fuel automobiles and components. They are also setting restrictions and quotas requiring all vehicles that are used for government use to be produced domestically. Industry Consolidation China is determined to restructure its automotive industry, with the hopes of changing the market from many fragmented manufactures to two or three dominant domestic firms. According to the State Council’s regulations released in early September 2010 which called for greater industrial consolidation, the automobile industry was at the top of the list of targeted sectors. The State Council set the goal of reducing the number of major automakers who are responsible for 90% of domestic sales output, from 14 to 10. Under the plan two or three companies would dominate the industry, responsible for producing more than three million vehicles annually, while four others would have annual output capacity of 1. 5 million units. The State Council named the following four groups as potential industry heavyweights, urging them to take advantage of consolidation opportunities: FAW; Dongfeng; China’s Automotive Sector Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) Flagship Domestic Automotive Companies Shanghai Automotive (Group) Corp (SAIC) Industry ? Headquartered in Shanghai, it is one of the top three auto groups in China. ? Mainly engaged in the manufacturing, sales and RD for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and auto components. ? The company is ranked 223 of the Fortune 500 companies with consolidated revenue of US$33. 6 billion in 2009. ? Sold over 2. 7 million vehicles in 2009, making up almost 20% of China’s market. ? SAIC invested over 10 billion RMB on new model development in the past 3 years, and will launch hybrid and electric vehicles in 2010 and 2012. ? Acquired Nanjing Automotive (Group) Corp (NAC) in 2007 and became the largest manufacturer in China with a consolidated annual production of 2 million units. ? SAIC has opened branches in the USA, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea. It has established a long-term cooperation with GM and Volkswagen. SAIC and GM formed Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in 1997 and launched 8 additional China joint ventures, including SAIC-GM-Wuling, GMAC-SAIC Automotive Finance Company, and General Motors SAIC Investment Limited. ? Shanghai Volkswagen (a joint venture between SAIC and Volkswagen AG) recently announced it will build a fifth assembly plant in Jiangsu. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles and start operation by the end of 2012. 12 SAIC and Chang’an. Additionally, it named four regional leaders that it encouraged to consider regional consolidation: Beijing Automobile; Guangzhou Automobile; Cherry and Sinotruck. All of these companies are passenger vehicle manufacturers with the exception of Sinotruck which manufactures heavy-duty trucks (sales of over 125,000 units in 2009). Industry analysts predict that the coming wave of MAs within the automotive sector could see a deal that breaks the USD 1 billion mark, more than doubling the largest deal to date which was the USD 450 million purchase of General Motors. Nexteer steering components unit by a joint venture established by Beijings Tempo Group and the Beijing government. Global Expansion As the leading automotive market, China automakers are accelerating global transformation to increase their presence in the overseas market. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (one of China’s largest independent carmakers) recently completed its acquisition of Ford Motor’s Volvo brand for USD 1. 5 billion. This is an indication that Chinese automakers have begun to recognize the power of strong brand reputation. Geely’s Volvo bid is the largest takeover in Chinese auto industry and will provide a pattern for Chinese carmakers to expand aboard and acquire companies with a strong reputation. Beiqi Foton, China’s leading commercial automaker followed Geely’s step and announced its global expansion plan. This includes setting up a production base in Russia by 2012 with an annual capacity of 100, 000 vehicles and building five other plants in Brazil, India, Russia, Mexico and Thailand before 2015. New Energy Vehicle: Focus of Future Development High oil prices, air pollution, and China’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions have led the automotive industry to explore alternative energies. The Chinese government has launched policies and incentives to stimulate the development of new energy vehicles, including electric (hybrid, plug-in and battery), fuel cell, and hydrogen-powered. China has identified new energy vehicle as one of the seven emerging strategic industries. Many estimate China will become the world’s largest new energy vehicle market by 2020. The Energy Saving and New Energy Vehicle Development Plan (2011-2020) and the Automotive Industry 12th Five-year Plan (2011-2015), two of the key policies expected to guide the development of new energy vehicle industry, are expected to come out by the end of 2010. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is the principal drafter of these plans which are later submitted to the State Council for approval. The plans set the following key targets for the new energy vehicle industry by the end of 2020: ? In the following five years China will aggressively support the development of key components of energy efficient and new energy automobiles. For electric motors and 13 China’s Automotive Sector Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) ? ? batteries manufacturers, China hopes that three to five â€Å"backbone† enterprises will emerge with their combined market share exceeding 60%. China will produce 5 million new energy vehicles and become the number one producer of new energy vehicles in the world by 2020; Average fuel economy of passenger vehicles will be 4. 5 L/100 kilometers by 2020, the same as European standards. The plans will become the backbone policy for the entire new energy vehicle industry, as it provides direction for public funding, sector focus and industry structuring. Most important to pay attention to is that Chinese companies are likely to reap the most benefits from these structured strategies. To support indigenous innovation, the Chinese government has stated that the two or three key new energy vehicle component manufacturers will most likely be domestic companies, either state-owned or private. 2 REGULATORY OVERVIEW ? Government tariffs on automotive imports are in compliance with WTO rules, but minimum capital barriers still exist for foreign investors. The government has created some incentives to spur RD partnership, and regulations for foreign distributers have been eased somewhat. The government has plans to implement higher auto emissions standards for new cars in China. So far four regions have implemented â€Å"China IV† emission standards (Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing and Guangdong Province). The Chinese government views the development of the new energy vehicle industry in China as a top priority and has introduced a wide range of subsidies and policies in its favor. ? ? China’s automotive industry supply chain is very broad with many components such as import and export, manufacturing, environmental protection, technology upgrades and quality control. As such, the industry is regulated by a range of government organs, both at the national and sub-national level. The below chart illustrates the key central level regulators of the automotive industry, and their relevant responsibilities. 14 China’s Automotive Sector Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) The automotive industry is subject to a number of laws and regulations. The key regulations that are relevant to Israeli companies are addressed below. 2. 1 FOREIGN ACCESS TO THE CHINESE AUTOMOTIVE MARKET Trade The Chinese auto sector is competitive and has a well-developed supply chain. Imports of foreign-made auto parts will likely decrease as OEMs continue to increase their local capacities. At the same time, higher quality Chinese auto parts are increasingly being integrated into the global supply chain. Currently the import tariff for whole vehicles is 25% and for automotive components is 10%. 15 China’s Automotive Sector Prepared for IEICI Updated November 2010 (Original April 2009) Investment Foreign businesses must meet a number of requirements in order to access China’s automotive market. The Chinese government has set requirements for minimum registered capital when a firm wants to establish an automotive facility which is RMB 500 million (USD 75 million3) for automobile financing, RMB 500 million (USD 75 million) for engine production and RMB 10 million (USD 1. 5 million) for an RD center. All projects are subject to government approval. Foreign firms looking to produce passenger vehicles cannot set up WOFEs, but must partner with a local Chinese firm in the form of a JV, with the foreign partner’s stake limited to 50%. On the other hand, China offers fiscal and financial incentives to attract foreign investment in RD strategies as part of the central government’s strategy to speed up the transfer of international technology. China currently provides tax incentives for enterprises engaged in research and development activities, allowing RD enterprises to deduct 50% of RD expenses. Suppliers are most often required to localize or invest in China and Israeli companies interested in tapping into the vast Chinese market will need to consider establishing a local presence. IPR Issues in China While the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) remains a contentious issue for companies in China, the country’s laws and regulations have progressed considerably in recent years, with the large majority now compliant with requirements of the WTO’s TRIPS agreement. The main challenge surrounding IPR protection in China is the lack of effective enforcement of the existing regulations. Enforcement issues arise from a range of root causes, including the relatively recent introduction of IPR legislation and concept of intellectual property in general, the absence of a fully independent judicial system, and provincial officials’ often protective attitude towards local job creating counterfeiting industries. While most foreign companies considering business operations in China may have to accept an unavoidable degree of IPR infringement, there are nevertheless a number of actions that a company can take in order to limit their IPR-related risk: ? ? ? Ensure to register your patents, copyrights, or trademarks with the relevant bureaus Ensure that your trade or other.

Enter Golden Gator Essay Example for Free

Enter Golden Gator Essay One evening, zoo officials and animal experts alike captured a 3-foot alligator at the Presidios Mountain Lake. With the help of an expert alligator trapper, they were able to snare the 2-year old alligator by rod, reel, and hook. However, it did elude them a lot of times over. Many wondered how he even got to the lake on the first place. Some assumed that someone may have left him there, or was able to seek refuge and survive by eating fish, frogs, tadpoles, and insects. The little alligator found a new home at the San Francisco zoo, according to the zoos general curator, David Robinett. He added that the gator will be quarantined for 30 days. Furthermore, mice will be added on his diet during that said time period. The presence of the gator at the Bay area, especially on the mountain lake, aroused the curiosity of the people. It seems that gators tend to be more adaptive to colder conditions as opposed to their tropical cousins, the crocodiles. In a Name the Gator contest sponsored by the San Francisco Examiner

Cultural Differences and Switching of In-Group Sharing

Cultural Differences and Switching of In-Group Sharing Nuchelle Atkinson, M.A. Research Article Critique Qiu, L., Lin, H., Leung, A. K. (2013). Cultural Differences and Switching of In-Group Sharing  Behavior between an American (Facebook) and a Chinese (Renren)  Social Networking Site. Cross-Cultural Psychology, 44(1), 106-121. Emma J. Barnes Abstract Culture is often mirrored by or perceived through shared practices in a community. The different shared practice on users’ national culture represents their host cultures. Facebook is the main social network site (SNS) in Singapore, thus, the partakers was considered bicultural online users, because of the widespread experiences to two culturally different online environments. The authors studied cultural differences and behavioral switching in the context of the fast emerging, naturally occurring online social networking, using both self-report measures and content analyses of online activities on two highly popular platforms; Facebook and Renren (the â€Å"Facebook of China†). Furthermore, the study considered indications of the extent to which characteristics described perceived cultures. These results set the stage for further investigations on flexible switching of actual sharing behaviors. The results also provided the basis that users’ behavioral differenc es in online sharing are due to their culturally shared practice as opposed to differences in technical capabilities. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to achieve two objectives; to seek to identify cross-cultural differences between technologically similar SNS platforms; Facebook and Renren (the â€Å"Facebook of China†). Second, to demonstrate cultural frame switching in online environments. The study also sought to establish that Renren and Facebook are two technically similar platforms in terms of system performance, security, and user-friendliness of in-group sharing functions. This would eliminate the possibility that behavioral differences in the two online communities are attributable to technical differences between the two platforms. Methodology: . The study was conducted using a 5-Point Likert-type scale event on the News Feed page of the participants’ accounts. Participants completed a set of questionnaires on perceived characteristics and various technical capabilities of Facebook and Renren. We created a survey to examine the perceived cultures of Facebook and Renren using characteristics that are related to either a collectivistic or an individualistic orientation in the context of online social networking. We used the scale developed by Tuunainen, Pitkanen,and Hovi (2009) to assess user perception of information security on Facebook and Renren. Website Analysis and Measurement Inventory (WAMMI). WAMMI (www.wammi. com) is a measure widely used in industry for assessing the overall system performance Results: The present article fills this gap by studying the practice of in-group sharing, a highly common online behavior afforded by many SNSs. Our findings demonstrated for the first time that users with extensive experiences with two culturally distinctive SNS communities can flexibility switch their online behaviors to match the shared practice on those SNSs. Conclusions: first, our studies demonstrate that SNSs are interesting cultural environments on their own. our research suggests that SNS users can actively participate in multiple online cultures and acquire multicultural experiences through social interactions in the virtual world. Culture is often mirrored by or perceived through shared practices in a community. The different shared practice on users’ national culture represents their host cultures. Online culture has been considered as a knowledge system formed by constellations of shared practices, expectations, and structures that members choose to follow with the help of networked computer technology (Fuchs, 2008). However, little work has been approached from a cultural psychological perspective; there is a need to examine the emergence of online culture. Studying different online cultures will expand the possibility of cultural psychology by providing new evidence to support existing cultural theories or challenge established ones. Thus, it becomes increasingly important to understand the behavioral ramifications of exposure to multiple online cultures. The problem and statement of importance is clearly stated. The purpose of the study is to achieve two objectives; to seek to identify cross-cultural differences between technologically similar SNS platforms; Facebook and Renren (the â€Å"Facebook of China†) and to demonstrate cultural frame switching in online environments. The study also sought to establish that Renren and Facebook are two technically similar platforms in terms of system performance, security, and user-friendliness of in-group sharing functions. The authors hypothesized that Renren (vs. Facebook) culture is relatively more collectivistic, whereas Facebook (vs. Renren) culture is relatively more individualistic. The second hypothesis is that Renren and Facebook differ in their cultural orientations, with Renren being more collectivistic and Facebook being more individualistic. The authors hypothesize that in-group sharing is a shared practice more prevalent on Renren than on Facebook. All key terms are well d efined. The literature review is very comprehensive in that it covers all of the mechanisms associated with the current study. The authors identify different forms and interpretations of this study. The review concludes with a brief summary of relevant literature and the reasoning for this study. The author intent of the study was explained with words that reflect higher order thinking skills. The participants are mentioned, the setting of the study is explained and words are well chosen; free of jargon and no unnecessary words are used. Thus the purpose was clearly stated. The hypothesis was provided in the literature review and logical. The justification of why the study is important was stated and convincing. It explained the purpose of the study and provided a compelling foundation, enabling the work to be set in the context of both existing evidence and its practical applications. All of the references are pertinent to the problem and help to inform the reader of the study’s purpose. The author used a systematic methodology involving the construction of theory through the analysis of data. The study was conducted using a scale developed by Tuunainen, Pitkanen and Hovi (2009), Website Analysis and Measurement Inventory (WAMMI), and a 5-Point Likert-type scale event. Participants completed a set of questionnaires on perceived characteristics and various technical capabilities of Facebook and Renren. The authors created a survey to examine the perceived cultures of Facebook and Renren using characteristics that are related to either a collectivistic or an individualistic orientation in the context of online social networking. This was an original study as the authors seek to step further in examining if similar cultural switching behavior would occur in natural online environments.Previous research has shown that attributes such as sharing-oriented (Berry et al., 1997; Triandis, 1995), conformity-oriented (Bond Smith, 1996), hierarchical (Triandis, 1995), and supportive (Miller, 1997) pertain to collectivistic cultural characteristics, and attributes such as self-expressive (Kim Sherman, 2007), assertive (Church Lonner, 1998), egalitarian (Triandis, 1995), and competitive (Triandis, 1993) pertain to individualistic cultural characteristics. What are the variables? Participants completed a set of questionnaires’ in Chinese, the participants’ native language. In this study, the authors counterbalanced the order of questionnaires that asked about Facebook and Renren. The present article fills this gap by studying the practice of in-group sharing, a highly common online behavior afforded by many SNSs. The study demonstrated for the first time that users with extensive experiences with two culturally distinctive SNS communities can flexibility switch their online behaviors to match the shared practice on those SNSs. With online social networks becoming a highly viable research tool, the current research offers an example of utilizing online data to study an emerging sociocultural phenomenon. Study 1 confirmed that system performance, security, and the usability of sharing functions are similar across Facebook and Renren, the two SNSs differ in their language medium. Facebook’s user interface is in English, whereas Renren’s is in Chinese (although users can communicate in Chinese on Facebook and English on Renren). From the author’s viewpoint, language is part of the cultural systems on SNSs. Indeed, considerable evidence suggests that language constitutes a part of the larger culture such that the use of Chinese can activate the Chinese cultural system and the use of English can activate the Western cultural system (as sited in Bond, 1983; Trafimow, Silverman, Fan, Law, 1997). Thus, it is reasonable not to consider the effect of language as a rival explanation of the current finding, but to view language as an important element of the online culture in which the users are participating. Another alternative account concerns how different degrees of closeness of friendship on the two SNSs might have affected individuals’ sharing behaviors. Our participants joined the Renren community when they were in China, and later became Facebook users after they arrived in Singapore. One might argue that these friends’ online activities constitute only a small sample of activities that may not accurately represent what other users generally do and therefore the shared practices of the SNS cultures. We contend that, however, it is the practices and activities nominally engaged by their friends that are most likely to reflect the immediate cultural environment in which the participants are actively involved. Conclusions and Implications (2-3 paragraphs)3 points Are the conclusions of the study related to the  original purpose? The present article fills this gap by studying the practice of in-group sharing, a highly common online behavior afforded by many SNSs. The study demonstrated for the first time that users with extensive experiences with two culturally distinctive SNS communities can flexibility switch their online behaviors to match the shared practice on those SNSs. With online social networks becoming a highly viable research tool, the current research offers an example of utilizing online data to study an emerging sociocultural phenomenon. We highly encourage other researchers to capitalize on this valuable resource and study the cultural dynamics of their own interest. The conclusion of the present study is related to the original purpose. The purpose of the study is to achieve two objectives; to seek to identify cross-cultural differences between technologically similar SNS platforms; Facebook and Renren (the â€Å"Facebook of China†). Second, to demonstrate cultural frame switching in online environments. The study also sought to establish that Renren and Facebook are two technically similar platforms in terms of system performance, security, and user-friendliness of in-group sharing functions. Were the implications discussed? The current findings have important implications, both theoretically and methodologically. In  terms of theoretical significance, first, our studies demonstrate that SNSs are interesting cultural environments on their own. Their technological capabilities enable them to afford new norms and practices that are not previously observed offline. For example, instant in-group sharing of information such as videos and pictures can be easily done online but not offline. Nevertheless,  the use of new media may not alter the fundamental essence of a culture—the newly emerged  norms and practices online may evolve from and later reinforce the shared norms and imperatives prevalent in the culture where the online community is hosted. Thus, SNS practices could be important manifestations of cultural products that contribute to a sense of â€Å"cultural consensus† (Lamoreaux Morling, in press). Second, our research suggests that SNS users can actively participate in multiple online cultures and acquire multicultural experiences through social interactions in the virtual world. Whom the results and conclusions will effect? With millions of people engaging in online communities What recommendations were make at the conclusion? SNS communities can flexibility switch their online behaviors to match the shared practice With online social networks becoming a highly viable research tool, the current research offers an example of utilizing online data to study an emerging sociocultural phenomenon. We highly encourage other researchers to capitalize on this valuable resource and studythe cultural dynamics of their own interest.

What Science Can Do :: Science Scientific Papers

What Science Can Do I argue that 'we' the public of the United States of America, do not have an exaggerated view of what science can do. To support this claim I have compared and contrasted two articles: Enemies of Promise and The Hazards of Science. Both articles cover the topic of scientific research. Both authors are accredited scientists in their own right, and are excellent examples to cite for my thesis which I believe very strongly in. Although, I disagree with some of the conclusions made in the articles, I neverless hold both authors in very high regard. Professor of microbiology and Nobel Prize winner, J. Michael Bishop continually makes the statement in his article, Enemies of Promise, that the public has exaggerated and unrealistic expectations as to what science can do; Just as physician-author Lewis Thomas asks in his article, The Hazards of Science, "are there some things in science we should not be learning about?" (238). These men both have relevant opinions about science today. I can not say that they agree with each other because their articles are structured differently. Bishop makes arguments for science while stating it's limitations; and Thomas highlights some of sciences' achievements while questioning how far science should go. In discussing the topic of science, albeit from different frameworks, they touch upon some of the same topics. Bishop alleges that, "Science, is not the exclusive source of knowledge about human existence." (256). Then sites Thomas as saying that science is "the best way to learn how the world works." As Bishop cites Thomas to make his point, they both obviously agree with this statement. However, Thomas questions the lengths that science should go to while Bishop does not. Lewis Thomas asks the central question, "are there some kinds of information leading to some sorts of knowledge that human beings are really better off not having? Is there a limit to scientific inquiry not set by what is knowable but by what we ought to be knowing? Should we stop short of learning about some things, for fear of what we, or someone, will do with the knowledge?" (237). The author then answers his own questions: No, but he qualifies his answer by stating that it is an intuitive response that he is incapable of reasoning through. I too believe that we should not place limitations on science, while admitting that it is also an intuitive response.

The Sun Never Sets on the English Language Essay -- Language

English has evolved in the last hundred years from being a fragment of the old Latin world to being widely spoken around the new world. Despite living in America, we see international meetings where leaders of many countries all speak English to communicate with each other. Is it possible that English has become the lingua franca and will continue into the future to be the global language? There are many sources that indicate that future can only hold English as its selected language. In the future we will have a variety of â€Å"Englishes† that will dominate global communication, and this will occur because the dominance of English is believed to be ‘inevitable’, practical to foreign nations, and finally it appeals to a multicultural perspective for a cosmopolitan society. Everywhere you look around the world you can find the English language. In The Mother Tongue: English & How it got that Way, Bill Bryson explains, â€Å"In Yugoslavia they speak five languages. In not one of them does the word stop exist, yet every stop sign in the country says just that† (Bryson 179). Around the world we see examples of countries that don’t natively speak English but use English as a marketing scheme. Further Bryson mentions, â€Å"†¦On the bottom of the eraser is a further message: ‘We are ecologically minded. This package will self-destruct in Mother Earth’. It is a product that was made in Japan solely for Japanese consumers, yet there is not a word of Japanese on it† (Bryson 180). We can see the rise in world distributors producing ‘English’ products as the world looking for a common language; it’s seen as trendy, and obviously something that the people want. With the history of English starting at relat ively the same time as the romance languages, it’s ... ... at Essex Conference." Essex Chronicle [Chelmsford] 15 Mar. 2012, News sec.: 34. Proquest. Web. 20 Mar. 2012. http://search.proquest.com.accarcproxy.mnpals.net/docview/928036123/1359728E7DD36B71E65/5?accountid=48834 Liston, Enjoli. "Say Hello to a New Language." The Independent [London] 18 Jan. 2012: 40. Proquest. Web. 20 Mar. 2012. http://search.proquest.com.accarcproxy.mnpals.net/docview/916426138/13597240297686A7755/5?accountid=48834 Zhang, Xiaohong, and Margaret Zeegers. "Redefining The Role Of English As A Foreign Language In The Curriculum In The Global Context." Changing English: Studies In Culture & Education 17.2 (2010): 177-187. Academic Search Premier. Web. 20 Mar. 2012. http://web.ebscohost.com.accarcproxy.mnpals.net/ehost/detail?sid=9cea4021-16db-43c9-96b8-6c68973bc7ad%40sessionmgr14&vid=1&hid=18&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=51624034

Ethical Issue on Do Not Resuscitate/Do Not Intubate Essay

In cases of cardiac or respiratory arrest, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals conduct resuscitation, which is a medical procedure meant to restore cardiac function in such cases (The Cleveland Clinic Department of Bioethics, 2005). DNR, or â€Å"do not resuscitate† is an order that prohibits resuscitation to individuals who gave the order (The Cleveland Clinic Department of Bioethics, 2005). DNR orders are often executed by patients, whether in a hospital or nursing home (NYS Department of Health). Wherever a patient may be, the DNR order prohibits medical practitioners from performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR to attempt to restore the heartbeat and breathing of a patient whose heart has stopped beating (NYS Department of Health). Similar to a DNR order is a DNI order, or a â€Å"do not intubate† order. This is a separate order because essentially, resuscitation is different from intubation (WebMD, Inc. , 2007). Intubation involves the insertion of a tube through the nose or mouth to into the trachea so that the patient can breathe (WebMD, Inc. 2007). Intubation could prevent respiratory arrest or heart attack (Caring Connections & National Alliance for Hispanic Health). A person’s need for either intubation or resuscitation may differ depending on the circumstances, and it is possible that a person gets difficulty breathing even though his heart functions well (WebMD, Inc. , 2007). Thus, a DNR order does not always include a DNI order, and vice versa. All adults can execute or ask for a DNR order (NYS Department of Health). In certain instances, family members, friends, or representatives may also execute the DNR in behalf of the patient (NYS Department of Health). The main consideration for having a DNR ready is the fear or possibility of the failure of CPR or intubation (NYS Department of Health). The success or failure of CPR or intubation depends on many factors, including the general state of health and age of the patient (NYS Department of Health). Less healthy and ageing patients may have other conditions and frailties that could hinder the success of CPR or intubation (NYS Department of Health). Cardiac arrest can sometimes signal the shutting down process of the body, and CPR or intubation could only serve to interrupt such natural process (Caring Connections & National Alliance for Hispanic Health). Therefore, a failed resuscitation or intubation could lead to worse cases, such as brain damage (NYS Department of Health), dependency on a ventilator, or broken bones from the compression of the chest (Caring Connections & National Alliance for Hispanic Health). Thus, patients, particularly the older ones, prefer to die in relative peace rather than undergo aggressive resuscitation or intubation procedures. DNR/DNI orders are widely accepted as ethical practice (NYS Department of Health). Thus, healthcare professionals are mandated to respect such orders and refrain from giving treatment even though they feel CPR or intubation could still save the patient’s life. Thus, healthcare professionals, nurses, and doctors are left with few options when they face the dilemma between honoring a DNR/DNI order or his medical instinct (NYS Department of Health). First, he must follow the DNR/DNI order. Second, if he cannot follow the order, he must transfer the patient’s care to another doctor who would do so. Lastly, he could try to settle the dispute the soonest possible time (NYS Department of Health). There are many ethical issues relating to the execution of DNR/DNI orders. Working in acute health care setting as a nurse, this issue is an ever-present one that needs resolution. Ethical issues on this aspect revolve around the question of the right or authority to decide whether to discontinue life or prolong it. The justifications for the favorable ethical standing of DNR/DNI orders lie in the medical possibilities that are present in the given circumstances. Given the above-discussed considerations relating to health and old age, there are medical cases where CPR or intubation becomes an unwise option. The possibility of a fate worse than death, such as permanent brain damage, may not be worth pursuing, and the case might just be nature’s way of ending a person’s life (NYS Department of Health). Another justification for DNR/DNI orders from the ethical standpoint is freedom of choice. Pursuant to Kantian philosophy that gives premium on human reason and free will, the ultimate choice and control over a person’s life lies in himself alone, except in certain cases where he is no longer equipped with the necessary faculties to make such decisions on his own. Nursing care is directly involved with the ethical issues on this respect because they are the ones who are often faced with the dilemma between honoring a patient’s DNR/DNI order or following the medically justified path. Given the existing laws and rules on the matter, nurses can do nothing but follow protocol, and respect such orders when present. Ultimately, the law and the rules do not place the decision in their hands, but on the patient’s.

Open-Book paper Essay

Alpha and beta decay are two types of naturally occurring radioactive decay. In alpha decay, an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle (? ), a particle made up of two protons and two neutrons. For example:1 2 In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton and a beta particle (i ), an electron. Specifically, as protons and neutrons are both made of quarks, i -decay converts an up quark into a down quark; releasing a i -particle and an antineutrino (an antineutrino has no charge or mass, so does not affect the chemistry of i -decay). This occurs by the weak nuclear force. 3 For example:4 This table shows some of the differences between ? -decay and i -decay emissions:5 ?-decay i -decay Particle emitted helium nucleus electron Relative charge +2 -1 Relative mass 4 0. 00055 Range in air < 10cm < 10m Stopped by Paper Aluminium foil Deflection by electrical field Low High The fundamental difference between radioactive decay and nuclear fission is that, whereas radioactive decay is spontaneous, nuclear fission must be induced. In nuclear fission, when an unstable nucleus absorbs a neutron, it splits, emitting more neutrons and setting off a continuous chain reaction. This leads to products with nuclear masses around half those of the initial nuclei, whereas in radioactive decay, the initial and final nuclear masses are relatively close together. The other major difference is that fission releases considerably more energy than decay. This energy comes from mass lost in fission, according to the equation E = mc2, where E is energy, m is mass and c is the speed of light. Synthesis of Elements in Stars Stars produce their energy from nuclear fusion, in which nuclei join together to make larger nuclei. Hydrogen is used in normal-sized stars:(e+ represents a positively charged electron, and ? e is a neutrino). This process requires temperatures of around 13 million K and pressures of around 300 billion atmospheres. 6 When almost all of the hydrogen has fused, the helium nuclei can collide to make nuclei such as beryllium:7 This leads to the creation of further nuclei containing four nucleons: carbon, oxygen, neon and magnesium. Once all the helium has fused, further collisions take place between the created nuclei. This leads to the production of small amounts of hydrogen and helium, producing most of the first 18 elements, such as lithium:8. Lithium can also be produced by the collision of a Beryllium-7 nucleus and an electron. The nuclear process that takes place here is electron capture, in which an atom captures an electron, turning a proton into a neutron and releasing a neutrino. This happens by the weak interaction, like i -decay:9 Smaller amounts of lithium can also be produced in the fission of some nuclei by cosmic rays and in supernovae, when heavy stars become unstable and explode. 10 Producing Energy through Nuclear Fission and Fusion. In nuclear fission, an unstable nucleus absorbs a neutron, exciting the nucleus, causing it to oscillate and split into two smaller nuclei. This process releases more neutrons, causing more nuclei to split, and so on. This is shown in Fig. 211 with Uranium-235. The energy produced by nuclear fission, by E = mc2, is 3. 2Ãâ€"10-11 J per fission. 12 Uranium-235 is used to produce energy by fission – see Fig. 313. Controlling this reaction:   Uranium-238 is mixed with uranium-235. Uranium-238 nuclei absorb neutrons but do not react by fission, breaking the chain in the reaction. Graphite moderators placed in between the uranium rods reduce the kinetic energy of the neutrons produced so they can induce fission.   Boron-coated steel control rods absorb neutrons, and can be moved in and out of the reactor. If they are fully in, the reaction stops. Nuclear fusion takes place when, under certain conditions, two nuclei fuse together. For example, with deuterium and tritium:14 The energy produced comes from the mass lost – 3. 17Ãâ€"10-29 kg 15 16. By E = mc2, this gives out 2. 86Ãâ€"10-12 J per fusion. On earth, for this to happen the nuclei must be in ionised plasma at temperatures of 15Ãâ€"108 i C. The problem with this is that it must be kept away from the walls of the container to minimise heat loss. To do this, a tokamak is used. This uses magnetic currents to keep the plasma from touching the walls (see Fig. 417). The walls are made of graphite, which is not harmed by the temperature. Both fission and fusion have several advantages and disadvantages for use in producing electricity: Advantages Disadvantages Fission Uranium-235 produces 3. 7 million times the energy per unit mass as coal18   Uranium-235 will not run out on the same timescale as fossil fuels19. It produces no gases that directly cause global warming   Fission produces waste radioactive actinides, which are dangerous for thousands of years   Fission has led to disasters such as Chernobyl in 1986, which caused over 4000 deaths20 Fusion The fuel – hydrogen – is abundant   The radioactive waste products have half-lives hundreds of years less than those of fission   Fusion is safer than fission, as only small amounts of products are used   It produces no gases that directly cause global warming   The conditions required for fission are hard to produce. The process used to produce energy by fusion is not yet perfect – see below Challenges Facing the Development of Fusion Power Stations The major problem with fusion is generating and containing the conditions required for the reaction. As detailed above, a tokamak is used, this has some problems. The plasma still touches the bottom of the chamber, and where it does this; hydrogen reacts with the walls forming hydrocarbon radicals. These can form a film, which flakes away into the plasma, affecting performance21. Possible solutions include removing the film with lasers22 or using tungsten walls, which would not erode23. A probable source of a solution is the International Tokamak Experimental Researcher, currently being built in France. It will be used as a prototype to test the reaction on the necessary levels required. Fusion should be available to produce commercial power by 2040. References Used throughout the report:   Chemistry Review: Lise Meitner: Radiochemist, physicist and co-discoverer of nuclear fission, Gordon Woods, Volume 16 Number 1, September 2006 (Article 1); Fusion, Powering the future? , Chris Warrick, Volume 16 Number 1, September 2006; and Lithium, Chris Ennis, Volume 15 Number 31, February 2006 (Article 2). Salters Advanced Chemistry Chemical Ideas, George Burton et al, Heinemann Educational Publishers, Halley Court, Jordan Hill, Oxford, OX2 8EJ, ISBN 0-435-63129-9, first edition 1994, second edition 2000 1 Equation copied from page 3, Lise Meitner: Radiochemist, physicist and co-discoverer of nuclear fission; see above 2 Fig. 1 copied manually from Page 487, The exchange nature of forces, Advanced Physics, Tom Duncan, John Murray (Publishers) Ltd, 50 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BD, first edition 1972, ISBN 0-7195-7669-5, fifth edition 2000, reprinted 2002 3http://www. chemie. de/lexikon/e/Beta_decay, Beta Decay, (c) 1997-2008 Chemie.de Information Service 4 Equation copied from page 3, Lise Meitner. Radiochemist, physicist and co-discoverer of nuclear fission; see above 5 Table adapted from Page 20, Nuclear Reactions, Salters Advanced Chemistry Chemical Ideas; see above 6Where did the chemical elements come from? , Page 131, The Universe: A Biography, John Gribbin; published by Penguin Books Ltd, 80 Strand, London, WC2R ORL, ISBN 978-0-1410-2147-8, 2006 7Equation copied from Box 1: Nucleogenesis. Page 21, Lithium, Chris Ennis; see above 8Equation copied from Box 1: Nucleogenesis, Page 21, Lithium, Chris Ennis; see above.9 http://www. britannica. com/nobelprize/article-48278, electron capture with a Beryllium-7 nucleus, from the Encyclopaedia Britannica’s Guide to the Nobel Prizes, (c) 2008 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. 10. Where do the chemical elements come from? , Page 10, Salters Advanced Chemistry Chemical Storylines, George Burton et al, Heinemann Educational Publishers, Halley Court, Jordan Hill, Oxford, OX2 8EJ, ISBN 0-435-63119-5 first edition 1994, second edition 2000 11 Fig. 2 taken from http://www. astro. bas. bg/~petrov/herter00. html, lecture notes for astronomy. Bulgarian Institute of Astronomy http://www.astro. bas. bg/ 12 http://www. lancs. ac. uk/ug/bloomer/nuclearpower/theory. htm, Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion, from the University of Lancaster, www. lancs. ac. uk 13 Fig. 3 copied manually from Box 2, Article 1 (see above); adapted from Chemistry Today, (c) E. Henderson, Macmillan Publishers Ltd, 1977. 14 Equation copied from Box 2, Fusion, powering the future? , Chris Warrick; see above 15 Mass of reactants and products given in proton masses in Box 2, Fusion, powering the future? Chris Warrick; see above 16 Proton masses converted to kilograms using the mass of one proton as 1.67Ãâ€"10-27 kg, from Data Sheet, Page 3, AQA GCE AS Physics A Unit 1, January 2007 17 Fig. 4 taken from http://www. jet. efda. org/pages/fusion-basics/fusion3. html, Fusion Basics, (c) EFDA-JET 18 http://www. virtualnucleartourist. com/basics/reasons1. htm, a website â€Å"intended to provide you basic information about the different types of plants and their principle of operation†, (c) 2006. The Virtual Nuclear Tourist 19 http://www. abc. net. au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2007/2080110. htm, an interview with Professor Martin Sevior from the University of Melbourne by the Australian Broadcasting. Corporation20 http://www. who. nt/ionizing_radiation/chernobyl/who_chernobyl_report_2006. pdf, the World Health Organisation’s report on Chernobyl 21 Chemistry Review: Fusion, powering the future? , Chris Warrick; see above 22 http://www. lasers. org. uk/paperstore/Cleaning14. pdf, Dust Removal from Next Generation Tokamaks by Laser and Flashlamp Cleaning, K. G. Watkins et al, Lasers and Laser Engineering, University of Liverpool, 2001 23 http://www. jet. efda. org/documents/articles/samm. pdf, Controlled thermonuclear fusion enters with ITER into a new era, Page 12; Ulrich Samm, EFDA-JET, 2003.

The Advance of Technology and Pollution

Here is a quote that I believe tells the entire story of mankind†s existence: â€Å"Man's long adventure with knowledge has, to a very marked degree, been a climb up the heat ladder†¦. Today the flames grow hotter in the furnaces†¦. The creature that crept furred through the glitter of blue glacial nights lives surrounded by the hiss of steam, the roar of engines, and the bubbling of vats†¦. And he is himself a flame — a great, roaring, wasteful furnace devouring irreplaceable substances of the earth.† –Loren Eiseley, anthropologist and essayist (1907-1977), Man the Firemaker As this quote from Loren Eisely suggests the relationship between the advancement of technology and the increase in pollution has gone hand in hand throughout the ages of mankind. Humans are very much responsible for their actions and have and will continue to feel the impact of the carelessness that they have shown toward mother earth. Studies of temperature records preserved deep in the underground rocks show that the Earth has been gradually warming over at least the last 500 years. These studies, done by scientists in the US and Canada, show that the trend of the increase in climate has increased on an increasing pace during the 20th century, which was the warmest of the past five centuries. Since 1500, the Earth†s temperature has increased by about one degree Celsius, with eighty percent of that increase during the last century. In the northern hemisphere, the five-century long change has been 1.1 degrees, with 0.6 occurring since 1900. There have been numerous extreme changes in the climate throughout the world that have had astonishing effects on the people, wildlife, and environment. Many of these events have led to people having to vastly change their lifestyle or have to move out the area due to the fact that living conditions are unsafe. In the summer of 1998, Dallas, Texas recorded a deadly heat wave. Heat claimed more than 100 lives in the region, as temperatures were over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 straight days. Waimea Bay, Hawaii is has also seen its share of misfortune. Along with costal development, sea levels have risen contributing to considerable beach loss over the past 90 years. In October of 1998, Hurricane Mitch dumped between three and six feet of rain within 48 hours over most of Central America. Mitch killed more than 10,000 people in mudslides and floods, triggered a cholera epidemic, and virtually wiped out the economies of Honduras and Nicaragua. Several days after the horrendous hurricane in Central America, a large meeting in Buenos Aires met at the fourth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Many at the conference pointed to Hurricane Mitch as an example of the catastrophes that will await our world if we do not act immediately to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and other so called greenhouse gasses. Various experts blame many different sources of technological change and events for this vast change in temperature throughout the world. The fact is, not just one major event or area is the sole cause of this. Fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide when burned, are used to generate electricity, heat and light homes and workplaces, power factories and run cars. Experts suggest that unless we reduce population growth and use of fossil fuels, the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will double by sometime in the middle of the next century. Starting in the mid-1700s, human activities began to alter the composition of the atmosphere. Vast supplies of charcoal, and later coal and oil, fed the growing fires of the Industrial Revolution. The carbon stored in these fuels was released to the air as carbon dioxide, which is a gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. Today, for every one of the more than 5.8 billion people on Earth, nearly six tons of carbon dioxide are spewed into the air annually. As a result of our activities, the atmospheric concentration of this heat-trapping gas has risen by more than 30 percent in the last 250 years. The future of Earth's climate will depend partly on the buildup of heat-trapping gases, primarily carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. One of the major problems of global warming is that it exists as an environmental issue only because of science. People can†t directly sense global warming, the way they can see a clear-cut forest or inhale the urban smog in their lungs. This is an enormous issue to overcome if anything is going to be done. New information is now being presented to the public†s eye everyday, giving them new and more accurate facts on such issues. People are starting to become aware of the consequences of their actions. However, even though the facts are present, very little is being done. Only in the most affected areas are people trying to fix the problem. It seems like no one really cares about it, until it happens to them. To me this seems like it could be the largest feat for us as humans to overcome in the prevention of man-made global warming. What sort of astronomical disaster must happen to get us to pay attention to what we are doing in our lives? Is it going to take a major flood across the US that destroys numerous states? What about miles of coastline to be taken by rising sea levels? These are the issues that scare me the most. I truly believe that something must be done, and it must be done now. Another large area of pollution due to technological advancement is water pollution. This pollution takes place by three different types of activities: agricultural, municipal, and industrial. The worst part of this pollution is the fact the actual pollution is a form called non-point source pollution. This is where the source of the actual pollution may be hard to identify and it possibly doesn†t even affect the areas around the point, but possibly downstream or scattered over a wide area. Due to this it makes the pollution extremely hard to regulate. The advancement in agricultural activities of the US and other developed countries, such as new and stronger types insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, along with the large-scale cattle and hog lots provide large amounts run-off. This run-off contains a high content of fertilizers, animal wastes, and silt which go in to the surface waters. This results in an increase in the nutrients in the water called eutrophication. Eutrophication causes rapid growth in algae and bacteria in the water. This is tragic to the fish and other things because the algae use up all of the oxygen in the water and the fish suffocate. The run-off of the silt causes water to become very unattractive for recreation and also covers up fish spawning sites. Many theories and ideas have been developed in an effort to help control the major productive source of these agricultural activities. The success or failure of any agricultural non-point source pollution control project depends on the participation of the many landowners and farm operators. These producers must install or utilize land-based treatments, or best management practices (BMPs), that minimize the movement of agricultural pollutants such as sediments, nutrients, and pesticides to water resources. One of such is organic farming. Organic farming avoids the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Another is to avoid large concentrations of animals, which can reduce nutrient pollution, and their waste can be used as fertilizer for crops. Also, other certain cropping methods can reduce the erosion of sediment from the land. As our municipal wants and needs advance, more, and more municipal pollution occurs. The salt from snow removal activities increases the cost of purification. As we consume more, we also throw more away, as the increase in landfills needed throughout the country has been rapidly increasing. These landfills allow large amounts of chemicals to enter into the ground water, which in turn also increases the cost of purification. Inadequate sewer water treatment facilities lead to the possible outbreak of enteric diseases. The last source of water pollution is that of the industrial activities. As the times change, so do that of the modern industry. Companies are always trying to find ways to decrease their costs, in turn to increase their profit margins. Many times these costs are converted into the pollution of water. Industrial pollution of water comes in many different shapes and forms. The chemicals that industries use get into the water supply by various means. These chemicals increase the existence of numerous diseases and the cost of the purification of the water for drinking. One of the sources of water pollution one rarely thinks of, as pollution, is one called thermal pollution. Thermal pollution is from the warm water discharges that an industry emits into various bodies of water. This kills coldwater fish and also increases the costs of water treatment. Overall, there is much to be done in this world in an effort to help control the increased pollution by technological advancement. In my opinion, I believe that the answers to the prevention in pollution are ironically a part of our technological advancement. As we learn of what types of things are really making a significant impact on the environment, we will be able to develop steps to counter the effects of the harmful pollutants that we are causing.