A Study in Changing Policy and Education

This paper is traveling to discourse the early old ages policy within instruction today. It acknowledges the new authorities that has come in topographic point believe the Foundation Stage model is no longer the statutory demand to be used in schools today ( DfE, 2010 ) . However, some of the cardinal arguments in the policy and the quandary practicians have faced. The principle for to analyze the early old ages policy relates to the purpose of the policy. Throughout the old ages at that place have been many alterations within the early old ages policy although there are still some facets which remain the same. Boyle and Bragg ( 2006 ) argue that many facets of old policies such as a ‘target driven curricular theoretical account ‘ remain present today although some of them are ‘grotesquely inappropriate ‘ today ( Moss, 2003 ) . Palaiologou ( 2010 ) research suggested the demand for raising farther policy and course of study development within early old ages. H owever, alterations in early old ages proviso began as a manner to cut down poorness and to assist kids to hold better chances in life. The conservative authorities aimed to supply a better start in life for disadvantaged kids, utilizing instruction as a tool. The authorities gave instruction as a manner of assisting kids break the ‘cycle of want ‘ ( Baldock et al. , 2009 ) . However, Cohen et Al. ( 2004 ) found there was a split duty between public assistance and instruction in early old ages services. Therefore, it can be criticised that there would a large different between the quality of proviso. As a consequence, this split effected support, the construction of proviso and different degrees of work force ( Cohen et al. 2004 ) . Then Labours ( 1997 ) motto of ‘Education, Education, Education ‘ brought upon the foundation phase model. There will be treatments on past early old ages policies every bit good as the principle for following the foundation phase model and it affects on instruction. Subsequently there will be a critical integrating of the policy, which may conflict with other policies. Play-based acquisition is an issue this paper wishes to analyze. A cardinal constitution of the foundation phase refers to the importance of play-based acquisition. There contrasting positions related to this portion of the policy who believe drama based acquisition to be ‘ absurd ‘ ( Hofkins, 2008 ) . There will besides be a critical treatment related to some cardinal contractions the policy nowadayss. There are inquiries raised based on some of the cardinal subjects and rules. For illustration, a cardinal purpose of the foundation phase is puting the criterions for all kids can be criticised as an issue related to the criterions docket ( Alexander, 2010 ) . The purposes to do certain all kids are doing advancement so improve attainment. There is farther treatment of other equivocal facets of the policy. There will besides be treatments related to international positi ons of early old ages policy compared to the foundation phase. For illustration, the Reggio Emilia attack take a socio cultural position on instruction ( Bennet, 2001 ) , which take a more child-centred attack to acquisition ( Soler and Miller, 2003 ) . Therefore, this paper aims to detect the true value and effects of the foundation phase has on all kids. However, the undermentioned subdivision will first analyze the principle for the policy.Changing times: Early old agesThe authorities was determined to implement alterations. The socio-constructive attack to acquisition has helped authorities draws attending to understand how pupils engage within the course of study puting. Solar and Miller province: ‘this gave addition concerns with how kids interact within the scene and how kids speak and interact with other students, artifacts, and the instructor ‘ ( 2003:59 ) . The foundations for early old ages should be on understanding the rational, emotional, societal, and phys ical demands of kids ( Woodhead, 2000 ) . Research has shown the positive effects of ‘high quality proviso ‘ on kids ‘s development in all countries mention above ( Sammons et al. , 2002, Sylva et al. , 2004 ) and besides make fix them for formal schooling. However, local governments believed they could non use these in pattern. Hargreaves and Hopper ( 2006 ) support this claim and believe it gave a ‘low position ‘ perceptual experience of early old ages instructors ( p.1 ) . However, kids bring their experiences into their scene and the early acquisition ends account for this assortment. This implies that steps of student larning through proving will non expose the quality of experiences kids have in the early old ages. However, it can be criticised that the authorities have made premises about where the degrees begin and end for all kids. It is concurred by Miller et Al ( 2003 ) that argue the authorities assume it is clear what exact accomplishments and cognition can be learnt in the scene. Those people who do non work with kids ‘s experiences alongside the procedure of instructor have framed the counsel for early old ages. These policy shapers are more concerned about what instruction is for instead than what the experience of instruction might affect ( Miller et al. , 2003 ) . The shapers of the foundation phase have attempted to look at the holistic kids through Every Child Matters ( ECM ) ( Palaiologou, 2010 ) . However, they lack the apprehension of the importance of kids ‘s experiences due to their ain deficiency of experience in the schoolroom ( Maybin and Woodhead, 2003 ) . This suggests practicians every bit good as instruction philosophers should make the preparation of the instruction policy. Alternatively, practicians with high quality experience would be better organizing policies because they are able to understand that acquisition should be based on student experiences, background, and demands ( Solar , 2003 ) . Harmonizing to these policy shapers attainment and accomplishing good academic results seems to be the cardinal importance of instruction. In the foundation phase, the early acquisition ends help kids to achieve a clear set of results ( DfES, 2008 ) . It is argued that the ends provide a shelters base for good accomplishment. Staggs ( 2000 ) believes these ends give kids an first-class start to future acquisition and fix the kids with the ideal ‘knowledge, accomplishments, and apprehensions ‘ ( Solar and Miller, 2003, p. 5 ) which will be needed for better employment as they grow into maturity. However, in contrast, opposing trusters view this perceptual experience as an sole environment because the early acquisition ends aim to concentrate on the importance of economic well-being instead than kids ‘s larning experience ( Kelly, 1994 ) . Anning and Edwards ( 1999 ) besides strongly knock this attack to be about the well-being of the economic system and fight. Theref ore, it can be argued that it is non an inclusive course of study because it fails to admit that non all kids will be capable of employment. For illustration, some kids with terrible particular educational demand ( SEN ) will non be capable of employment ; hence, the policy fails to provide for the demands of all kids ( Staggs, 2000 ) . It maintains the impression to force the kids who are able to be successful and reach attainment marks instead than concentrate on the importance of kids as persons ( Potter, 2007 ) . To reason, this subdivision of the paper has acknowledged the cardinal purpose for the policy is to drive economic well-being. Despite the impression of the holistic kid, the purpose for the authorities is to drive these kids to accomplish the best possible results. It suggests the policy tends to belie itself because it fails to admit kids with SEN. Therefore, it is questionable to inquire is at that place a important difference in the foundation phase compared to old policies. Therefore, the undermentioned subdivision of this paper will analyze the quality of proviso to old old ages. In add-on, examine the different reading of a high quality proviso within the policy.High quality provisoThe foundation phase underscore the importance of high quality proviso, which can better cognitive, linguistic communication and societal development ( DfES, 2008 ) . Labour ( 1997 ) felt the foundation phase would assist disfavor kids through high quality proviso. It would let giving these kids a good start in instruction and perchance extinguishing the ‘cycle of want ‘ ( Baldock et al. , 2009 ) . However, before analyzing the effects of high quality proviso the word ‘quality ‘ demands to crucially incorporate. High quality proviso related to many facets. The importance of practician ‘s degree of making and pedagogical accomplishments is the cardinal portion of high quality proviso. Sylva and Pugh ( 2005 ) strongly agree that instru ctors and staff that are good qualified can do the proviso more valuable for kids. Practitioners are able to understand the importance of a schoolroom puting that will provide for all kids ‘s demands, through print rich environment ( DfES, 2008 ) . However, it is questionable how Ofsted would believe high quality proviso to be outstanding. Practitioners have to follow the reading of high quality proviso harmonizing to Ofsted which is authorities based, despite holding contrasting position. Merely a few developments of intercession have shown betterments in cognitive development. Research has revealed that kids societal accomplishments ( National Audit Office, 2004 ) . It suggest that kids and improved in the quality of larning and less outlooks of kids traveling through intercession programmes. Again, it is debateable that the importance of high quality proviso to take kids from neglecting in schools and better their development for better readying for the grownup universe of economic well-being ( Sammons et al. , 2002 ) . Although research has pointed out that high quality of proviso has increased success in employment ( National Audit Office, 2004 ) . Phillips et Al. ( 2001 ) found that higher quality proviso led to kids higher degree of equal drama and higher degrees of self-awareness and competency. There is grounds to propose that there are benefits of high quality pre-school educational proviso to a scope of different results ( Sylva et al. , 2003a, 2003b ) . Melhuish ( 2004 ) states that high quality child care can bring forth benefits for cognitive, linguistic communication and societal development. Again, this paper has discovered the concluding behind high quality of proviso is once more related back to the importance of good attainment and advancement for the benefit of economic well-being. It is get downing to go clear that the purpose of the foundation phase is non concentrating on the importance of kids but to fix them for the hereafter of wining. The undermentioned subdivision will critically incorporate some mojor cardinal facets within the policy.Play-based acquisitionThis paper will research drama based acquisition and its importance in immature kids ‘s acquisition. Play performs an of import map in immature kids ‘s lives and enables them to experiment in a safe environment ( Broadhead, 2004 ) . It allows kids to research and develop their cognition, apprehension, and accomplishments. Learning through child-initiated activities is cardinal to any early old ages puting. Structured and unstructured drama Sessionss develop societal and physical accomplishments and careful mediated intercession, kids ‘s nature wonder can be enhanced and their apprehension of their universe challenged ( DfE 2008 ; Harrison and Howard, 2009 ; Siraj-Blatchford et al. , 2004 ) . Play has held a major function in early childhood development. The benefit of drama based acquisition has stimulate and involvement kids into ac quisition ( Russell, 2010 ) . Symbolic actions and representations are believed to be the ways in which kids learn to do sense of their milieus and their ideas. Vygotsky states that ‘children work out practical undertakings with the aid of their address every bit good as their eyes and custodies ‘ . Claxton ( 2008 ) goes on to state that, play-based acquisition instils a desire to larn and leads to greater accomplishment throughout life. He supports this with grounds from European experiences leting for play-based larning up to age seven, beyond the age that most UK schools encourage it. However, there have been many critics of the impression of play-based acquisition as House ( 2008 ) states that ‘to Teach kids through drama ‘ compactly sums up all that ‘s incorrect with it ‘ . This suggests that instruction is about developing kids ‘s larning through didactic attacks. Critics believe that the thought of play-based acquisition allows kids to inquire aimlessly as practicians look after them. House ( 2010 ) goes on to state that this thought of play-based acquisition is ‘absurd ‘ . It is believed to represents an inappropriate thought of a school political orientation for kids ( Hofkins 2008 ) . The BERA-SIG reappraisal ( 2003 ) besides raised a figure of troubles with drama as a manner of larning. It may propose that the foundation phase will non be taken earnestly as a portion of instruction kids but instead looking after kids until they are ready for formal acquisition. Sutton-Smith ( 1997 ) argues that drama is progressive and can assist develop kids ‘s. However besides he besides believes that it is non the lone manner of acquisition of larning. This paper acknowledges contrasting positions of drama based larning but believes that elusive undertakings and activities can assist to supply kids with rich larning experience prior to that they have been embedded decently by practicians ( Bennett et al. , 1997 ) . The undermentioned sub-section will look at some of the cardinal contradiction in the policy.A alone kid?The foundation phase is intended to play a cardinal function in assisting kids achieve the five results enshrined within the overarching ECM model ( DfES, 2004 ) . However, it is argued to knock with the national course of study ( Cambridge reexamine 2009 ) . As reference earlier, the foundation phase aims to look at the holistic kids. In contrast, the state course of study is based on more topics based acquisition. Therefore, the contrasting policies make it hard for practicians. Polic y shapers need to take into consideration the difference in policy. Critics can oppugn the ground for contrasting policies. It can be suggested that there should be one policy for all kids in primary. This paper believes there should be one policy that practicians should follow because the foundation phase does non see those kids who may be exceeded and besides the national course of study does non grok those kids who are accomplishing believe the national outlooks. This can be hard for practician who have non received efficient sum of preparation in within that policy. The National Union of Teachers ( NUT ) remarks on the deficiency of sufficient kid development within the EYFS papers: The papers should take to widen and enrich practicians ‘ cognition and apprehension of this, through explicit and elaborate counsel within the papers itself and besides by signposting practicians to where more information could be found, to supply the evidence-base and the underpinning rules for the EYFS ‘s design. ( NUT, 2006, p. 7 ) . Others have expressed concern at the continuance of an overly normative attack to what is to be offered to immature kids. The deficiency of elaborate counsel in the foundation phase makes it hard for practicians to understand what they need to make Locke et Al. ( 2002 ) particularly in linguistic communication and communicating. As most deprived kids enter the foundation phase with low degrees of linguistic communication. Therefore, the foundation phase is non able to assist practician to get the better of these barriers even thought the purpose of the policy is to assist take kids from deprived and disadvantaged backgrounds. It does non state the practician how to accomplish this. This paper believes there are some contradictions within the policy as it let the practician the purpose but fails to assist to accomplish the purpose sufficiently. It can besides be argued to be a sole course of study despite trying to be inclusive to those kids. The undermentioned subjugation will lookin g at the recommendation brand by Alexander ( 2010 ) in relation the foundation phase.Alexander ReviewAlexander ( 2010 ) argues the foundation phase period needs to re-considered. Presently the foundation phase is till the age of 5 old ages. However, Alexander argues that kids should remain within the foundation phase till the age of 6. An illustration of this type of policy is in Reggio Emilia schools where kids start formal schooling at the age of 6 old ages ( Miller et al. 2005 ) . Research has shown that the longer age in play-based scene has had a better impact on kids ‘s development Carr and May, 2000 ) . As the kids are able to travel off from the type of larning to formalised learning when they enter formal lessons they are able to hold on the construct much easier and better. Widening it to age six so it will give kids the best possible foundation for oracy, literacy, numeracy ( Cambridge Review, 2010 ) . Therefore, this recommendation is of import to see because there is research back uping the thought. Passage is a challenge in all schools ( Sylva and Pugh, 2005 ) . Therefore, if this recommendation is taken to consideration so it could assist to ease the force per unit area of passages and let kids to ease their manner into formal acquisition. This suggest that it will assist the kids to accomplish better once they are in that formal scene as they will be older and aware of what is expected from them. Tickell ( 2010 ) will describe the thought of widening the foundation phase for deprived biennial olds. Again, this suggests that it is all about undertaking those deprived kids in society. This manner those kids can accomplish better results for themselves and forestall them from underachievement because they are non able to acquire the support needed. However, issues with policy and the media have besides effected the perceptual experience of widening the foundation phase. As the media are able to pull strings study to provide for their demands and so impact the ideas of spectator ‘s perceptual experience of instruction. For illustration, the Cambridge reappraisal ( 2009 ) mentions the proposal of widening the foundation phase down to age two and up to age six. However, the media have portrayed this as the authorities of desiring to maintain kids off from instruction until age six. Therefore, is it questionable that the media are seeking to demo the foundation phase as a manner of kids being looked after instead than a manner of kids larning before formal acquisition. It is problematic that the media have a negative deceptive perceptual experience of the foundation phase and proposing portraying to households that the authorities are taking kids from instruction. However, they fail to understand the contrasting position that the foundation phase will assist those deprived kids from a immature age and aid to fix all kids from the passage to formal acquisition. This paper believes that the extension the foundation phase should be considered as seen in ascertained pattern, kids have found it hard to travel from a free low manner of larning to an hr of literacy and mathematics. Therefore, an extension will let the practician aid kids to see longer formal acquisition in that extension period. The concluding subdivision of this paper will discourse some international perceptive on early old ages instruction and compare it to the foundation phase in England.International positionsCarr ( 2000 ) argues that the early childhood course of study can be conceived of as a cultural site affecting the building of societal world, which leads to the building of communicative interactions between instructors and pupils ( Smith, 1999, p. 6 ) . This model have been based on socio-constructivist theories. The Reggio Emilia attack does non utilize a policy framewotk. Alternatively it uses a kids centred attack to larning. This context enables the Reggio Emilia attack expression at the sociocultural positions of kids instead than the importance of effectual pegeagody and force per unit areas from a stiff course of study. The kids are seen to ease their ain acquisition and who are able to larn efficaciously they manner they wish to. However, there is tenseness towards this attack as there is excessively much accent given to the socio-constructivist model of larning. As opposing theoreticians argue that kids learn in set ways and grownups need to supply kids with enabling environments instead than puting kids to larn what they feel. However, the impression of the ‘spider web ‘ in the Te Whariki course of study is the key to understanding the linking of a child-centred acquisition which underpins this course of study ( Carr and May, 2000 ) . Early old ages pedagogues should accept the thought that larning is related to kids ‘s experience. As reference earlier kids use their experiences to develop further and retrieve what they have learnt antecedently. This implies that kids larning through proving are non able to derive and accomplish positive experience that will assist them in their acquisition. Therefore, the importance for high quality proviso and exciting and manus on environments allows kids to derive more memorable experience that they are able to take away with them to utilize in the hereafter. However, Bertram and Pascal ( 2002 ) believe there are issues in early old ages proviso in Hong Kong. They argue that there is an addition between the addition development western manner of acquisition and the traditional manner of larning. It is believed that instructors are ‘transmitters ‘ so that kids focus on a more didactiv manner of larning instead than concentrating on the child-centred attack ( P ascal, 2002 ) . In contrast, there are some schools which are get downing to take the socio constructive manner of larning to consideration in their schools. Kwon ( 2003 ) critics the early old ages proviso in Hang Kong to pattern in England. He argues that the importance of independency in early acquisition reflects the English values kids to single rights and freedom to make what they feel is appropriate to them. However, the political manner in Hang Kong differs to the political relations in England ; hence, there is bound to be tenseness between the contrasting ways of acquisition. However, despite the contrasting positions within these states, they all suggest a holistic position of acquisition.DecisionThe EPPE undertaking ( 2003 ) suggested that effectual pattern needed non merely pedagogical apprehension of early old ages larning but besides an appropriate environment of proviso. Bowman et Al ( 2000 ) argues the contractions of the policy and debating the state that the purpo se of the policy towards economic factors, drama based acquisition or adult-child relationships fails to admit the importance of the function of the practician. Through the practicians, involved kids are able to derive high quality experiences. In add-on, although there are critics against the policy, it is of import to retrieve that it attempts to lend to the holistic attack of kids and non merely the topic based acquisition. Policy, societal and economic positions are the cardinal factors that can impact the outlooks of early old ages instruction. AS this paper has realized many facets of the policy is to take to add to future economic affairs and economic loads. Most significantly the purpose of the foundation phase is to fix kids for formal school and prevent hereafter attainment failure ( Heckman & A ; Masterov, 2004 ; National Audit Office, 2004 ) . Therefore, this paper has discovered the purpose of the foundation phase is to take kids from that ‘cycle of want ‘ and assist disadvantaged kids ( Ball and Vincent, 2005, Sylva, 2000 ) . The statement is that the intent of foundation phase is to fix kids for another phase of instruction ( Moss and Petrie, 2002 ; Bertram and Pascal, 2002 ) . Therefore, this paper feels it still fails to provide for all kids as non all kids will travel off from the foundation phase. As there is such a strong perceptual experience that the foundation phase is to fix, it fails to admit kids with SEN that have nil to fix for. Children with SEN, may non be able to achievement the academic success as most kids. Therefore, it is arguable the foundation phase is sole to kids with terrible SEN and is providing for a norm society to better the economic system. It seems that the whole intent of the policy is to profit the economic system and train kids and bring forth ideal people who will suit into a society to be successful. However, with the current recession in society even the most academic and deeply successful grownups are at hazard from losing their occupations. It is hard to understand that the foundation phase will forestall economic devastation taking topographic point.

Case Write-Up: The Investment Detective Essay

Case Summary The purpose of this case is to become a capital budgeting analyst and evaluate which set of free cash flows for 8 projects will result in the most effective investment for a firm’s capital. The objective given is to rank the four best that the company should accept. The case is broken down into three separate steps including the given information about estimated cash flows (inflows & outflows), determining the appropriate discount rate, and evaluating the cash flows using the IRR (Internal Rate of Return), MIRR (Modified Internal Rate of Return), NPV (Net Present Value), and other metrics. Each project is chosen solely on the basis of the quantitative analysis. Here are some factors to consider for this case: Each project has the same initial investment of $2 million; in addition, all are believed to be of the same risk class. The managers have determined that projects 7 and 8 are mutually exclusive. The issue is that the WACC has never been officially estimated and in the pas t the discount rate has been assumed at 10 percent (however, certain officers have asserted the discount rate to be higher). Ranking Projects Ranking projects simply through the inspection of cash flows is inadequate due to the time value of money and cost of capital of companies; the only piece of information that can be derived from looking at the cash flows is the amount of time it would take to be paid back (regular payback period). There are several capital budgeting tools that can be used, including IRR, MIRR, and NPV. These three can be used to see if a project exceeds the expected rate of return or the cost of capital for a company. We also refer to payback, discounted payback period, and a profitability index to help assist the decision-making process for which projects should start to commence. In addition, qualitative factors must be considered for any project given outside of this case, to cover the bases and have successful implementation. A company could find that having a negative NPV is acceptable due to the critical nature of the project. Experimenting in new markets to identify potential favorable businesses should be taken into consideration. Finally, cash flows are estimated in most projects so a  consideration has to be made for the quality of estimation. Therein lies one of the critical issues in capital budgeting; that there is a margin of error in the calculation of cash flows, whereas in the example above, the margin of error (typically larger with uncertain outcomes) could mean there would be a positive NPV for that critical project. Typically, NPV is the foremost choice for determining the investing worthiness of a specific project; NPV, determined by the sum of discounted cash flows compared against the cost of the investment. NPV allows anyone to see how much value above the initial investment. MIRR, would be the next best choice, as it is measures profitability of a project as a percentage (IRR does this as well). The reason MIRR is of higher significance is it has the extra part of assuming cash flows being reinvested at the WACC rate; additionally MIRR eliminates the problem of IRR having two potential rates. Quantitative Ranking Methods We ranked each project by the various methods stated above. Below, in Exhibit 1, are the metrics ranked by highest amount or percentage, except for payback and discounted payback periods which are ranked from low to high, signifying the shortest amount of time that the initial investment is recovered. The answer to determine which project is best to invest in is dependent on the variables and requirements that management deems necessary, meaning the qualitative content that is supplementary to the cash flow data. Typically, firms will decide to invest on the project that produces the highest NPV, and for this case if we are to rank by NPV, project #3 is the clear winner. Ranking by profitability index gives the same answer for each project number (it is indirectly related to NPV through the sum of discounted cash flow benefits). However when we look at the other values for project #3, it is  lower down the order. This is a result of the only cash flow being in the last (15th) year; due to the time value of money, this lowers the IRR and MIRR substantially, and obviously the payback period is the longest of all the projects. The next prosperous project based off of NPV but also ranked 2nd highest for IRR, MIRR, and PI, is project #4. At first glance, when considering the two mutually exclusive projects: project #7 and #8, the NPV and PI for project #8 is higher, while the IRR and MIRR are higher for project #7. Additionally the payback and discounted payback periods are shorter for project #7. This presents a dilemma in which it appears project #8 should be selected, yet #7 seems to be more favorable overall. There is a continuity of this dilemma as the cash flow streams are unequal for each project. To solve for this issue, we used a replacement chain analysis to determine which project between the two is the best investment decision. Below, in Exhibit 2, is an analysis of each project using replacement chaining. We excluded the last cash flow of $70 at T15, because for project #8’s last cash flow is after 7 years (project #7’s last cash flow is after 5 years), so we repeated that to T14. As shown above, when using the replacement chain method, we can see the change in outputs when the cash flows are repeated  through time. The decision between each project is now much clearer once the cash flows are repeated to the same* time-frame. Project #7 is the clear-cut investment decision when deciding between those two projects. Alternative Courses of Action There are always numerous ways to see a problem and decide how to react. The investor could choose any of the above mentioned methods (NPV, IRR, MIRR, payback, discounted payback, or Probability Index) to choose an investment project. Due to the mutual exclusivity of projects #7 and #8, the investor can choose whatever criteria method deemed most significant. Other factors for consideration include the project’s proposing manager’s track record for success, the proposing manager’s confidence in the project, the timing of the project’s cash flows, the project’s ability to protect market share, or the proposing division’s track record of success. Recommendation Based on these options, and the previously detailed analysis, we recommend that the project be selected based on the NPV ranking shown in Exhibit 1. With mutually exclusive projects, conflicts may arise in choosing between using the NPV, IRR, and MIRR. In this case, the NPV is the best choice for selection because it chooses the project that maximizes value for the firm. If managers are interested in the expected rate of return on the project, the MIRR or IRR will be more likely to demonstrate the rates that are actually earned if the project’s cash flows are reinvested in future projects, but this should be supplemental to the NPV during the decision process.

Australian Economy over the last two years Essay

Australian Economy over the last two years - Essay Example In the currently globalized world with maximum financial interconnectedness, problems in a particular country’s economy could arise mainly because of negative factors in the world economy. Thus, when the global recession started happening in United States in 2009-2009, it spread to various countries and its negative effects were felt all over the world including Australia. Although, Australia is geographically isolated, it is very much part of the world economy, and so economic recession in United States and Europe had ripple effects in Australia, necessitating the Australian government and the Australian Reserve Bank to initiate various measures. So, this paper will discuss how successful is the Australian Government and the Reserve Bank of Australia in running the Australian economy over the last two years in the immediate aftermath of the economic downturn, particularly focusing on the macro economic policies adopted by both the entities to avert the crisis and importantly to elevate the Australian economy. Australian economy is placed as a developed and modern market economy, with GDP running into more than one trillion dollars. It is also tagged as â€Å"one of the fastest growing advanced economies in the world† even in the times of recession and its aftermath. This can be viewed from the fact that â€Å"Australia is the 13th largest economy in the world according to nominal GDP (current prices) and the 17th largest according to GDP (PPP).† (economywatch.com 2010). The sector which dominates the Australian economy contributing maximum to its GDP is the services sector, around 68% of the GDP. It is followed by agricultural and mining sectors. Thus, it can be said that â€Å"Australia possesses a well-diversified economy boosted by the strength of its services and resources industries.† (economywatch.com 2010). Importantly, the economy grew optimally without slump from the last decade of the last century into the first decade of this 21st century. It grew in the positive figures in 2000’s until, break was placed in the form of global recession. â€Å"The Australian economy grew for 17 consecutive years before the global financial crisis.† (cia.gov 2011). So, in the aftermath of the financial recession, all the sectors had negative impacts, with these sectors particularly the mining sector losing sizable jobs. So, when the Australian economy witnessed a slump in the last two years as a result of global recession, after a continuous period of heightened growth, the government and the Reserve Bank of Australia swung into action, initiating key macro policies in the form of stimulus package and cutting of interest rates to historically low figures. â€Å"Rudd government introduced a fiscal stimulus package worth over US$50 billion to offset the effect of the slowing world economy, while the Reserve Bank of Australia cut interest rates to historic lows† (cia.gov 2011). When one focuses on th e last two years of the Australian economy, it coincided with the rule of Kevin Rudd government, as the regime was in power from 2007-2010. In addition, both the government and the RBI functioned in a coordinative manner regarding all the major decisions impacting the Australian economy. So, the role of the Australian government and RBI cannot be maximally bifurcated and

Wal-Mart Marketing Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Wal-Mart Marketing - Case Study Example By this time Wal-Mart became famous as discount store and people did not have the notion that it can target specific groups. In order to counter this image Wal-Mart decided to open new stores targeting new markets in a different way. Their strategy to target six main group of African-Americans, the affluent, empty-nesters, Hispanics, suburbanites and rural residents made headlines as their attempt to change their image. As apart of this strategy new shops were opened in localities like Chicago. The change in Wal-Mart's strategy came to fore front when they tried to target the affluent demographics in America. They opened their store in Plano, Texas in the locality where there were more upscale stores targeting this particular segment. They tried to change the outlook of their stores and the assortment of items on sale accordingly. Items like microbrew beer, expensive wines, and high-end electronics that were not typically found in a Wal-Mart store was placed in this outlet designed in a different way with wooden floors, wider aisles, a sushi bar & a coffee/sandwich shop. Affluents are better educated and less affected by adverse economic conditions and prefer stores that introducing new merchandise to keep customers coming back. Wal-Mart knew that they were not doing enough business with the more affluent customers. It is not easy to gain social acceptance by the Wal-Mart where others have spent years and years of brand building efforts. The success for Wa-Mart in this par ticular demographic is not coming so easily as it is hard move from low-end to high-end. Targeting African Americans: Black or African Americans have their own peculiarities and tastes and require special attention as they are a sizable group among Americans. When Wal-Mart opens an outlet in areas where they are densely populated they have to focus their efforts on the needs and wants of this population. The shop that opened in Chicago is the link in this regard. The shop has exclusive offerings for the men and women belonging to this community. "When Wal-Mart Stores Inc. recently opened a new store here with a heavily African-American clientele, it stocked the men's apparel section with an exclusive line of clothes featuring baggy jeans and trendy sports jackets, made the department 30% larger than at typical stores and moved it to the front corner" (Zimmerman A1). Their strategy in targeting this particular segment is better than the other segments it is targeting. They have made available items of exclusive interest and have also given some focus on image building and community participation. For example, Wal-Mart has been celebrating Black History Month to relate to its African American market by hosting host a series of in-store events and activities. These kinds of efforts help making inroads in news segments of the market without which gelling in is not possible and giants like Wal-Mart will also face difficulties in surviving. Hispanics Hispanics or Latinos as they are commonly called are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States of America. "Roughly one in seven Americans is Hispanic. Hispanics constitute the largest minority group in the United States. As of July 1, 2004, Hispanics accounted for 14.1 % of the population, around 41.3 million people" ('Hispanic', Demographics section). Even though this group has assimilated in the mainstream, yet they have their peculiar culture, different

TD 1 MGT - 491 Strategic Importance of Human Resource Management Essay

TD 1 MGT - 491 Strategic Importance of Human Resource Management - Essay Example employees are made an elemental part in the operations, which is done to cultivate a working environment that promotes productivity, which is the ultimate goal. In comparison to the findings, the elemental role of strategic approach in organizations as per the module is coming up with the most practical designs that help the companies to meet their employees’ needs and at the same time promote the achievement of their business goals. Ideally, most organizations operate by following outlined strategies and to achieve them strategic human resource concepts must be integrated and balanced effectively in order to avoid conflicts and achieve the projected results. In addition, it requires advanced thinking and planning as well as the development of human capital, which is the case in many organizations (Deb, 2006). As a case example, human capital development has been made a key component to employees’ motivation and retention in SpartanNash in Michigan. Apart from being facilitators in human resource functions, the employees are strategic contributors to the company’s great success. This has been achieved by increasing and developing the value of human capital in the employees and preventing downsizing, which in turn has enabled the company to accrue distinct competitive advantages over other companies (Belasco & Horowitz,

Plastic Surgery and Women's Beauty Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Plastic Surgery and Women's Beauty - Essay Example The technique mold, reshape and reconstruct body tissues in order to bring the desired shape. (Ham, 2003) Although it has gained recognized use in the recent time, plastic surgery dates back to many years ago. As early as 1st BC the Romans are recorded to have been performing simple body procedures which were aimed at enhancing the beauty. They were mostly done on women. However with the coming modernization, plastic surgery has gained an increased use especially for aesthetic purpose. In the process there is use of skin tissue which is also known as skin grafting as one of the common procedure. In this cse it has been used for medial reconstruction purposes for patients who have experienced burns or other traumas. However, grafting of skin has also been used for aesthetic purposes. This reconstructive surgery plays a central role in the medical procedures for burns and traumatic injuries, or in remove of cancer or tumors. It also usually performed in order to improve the function and also to approximate the normal appearance of the organs. Reconstructive surgery has been successfully used by women in breast reconstruction in case they have mastectomy, in children or adults with cleft lip or palate lip, and in other contracture functions. (Adams, 1999) Unlike plastic surgery that is used for medical purposes, cosmetic surgery is used purpose for the enhancement of the appearance. It also uses medical procedure and medical techniques. Cosmetic surgery deals with the normal appearance and is usually carried out after plastic surgery in order to restore or to enhance the normal appearance of the person. It has gained worldwide use in the recent past as the world has been moving towards the enhancement of beauty. For example it is estimated that 11 million cosmetic surgeries were recorded to have been performed in the USA in 2006 alone. (Paolo, 2007) Plastic surgery and beauty The definition of the modern women takes into consideration many aspect but one of that h as to be beauty. Unlike in the past when women were defined by quality in many ways, this perception has changed and the body appeal of a woman has been increasingly used to define the modern woman. The beauty industry is definitely one of the rapidly growing industries in the world not only in the developed world but also in the developing world. Modern women are known to of to any extent in order to enhance their beauty. They will spend most of their time enhancing their look by using various make ups and other beauty apparatus. The modern technology has changed the social construction of a woman and has led to increased use of beauty enhancers. The standard of judging the beauty of a woman has been pegged not only on the make up that are used but also on the facial appearance. Therefore there has been increase use of plastic surgery in order toe enhance beauty. (Hainken, 1997) Beauty is not a construction of the modern society but it has been valued for along time in the world. During the time of Greek evolution, beauty was also valued and recommended for women. This has followed the history of the human kind and it can be traced to the cradle of human civilization. Aristotle once said that beauty

Legal Structures of British Government Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Legal Structures of British Government - Essay Example The overall law making authority is really diverse in the UK with no single authority has the power to make the laws in the country. Once the bill is approved by the Parliament i.e. the House of Lords, it is then sent to the Queen for Royal Assent and once it is signed by Queen, it becomes law. As such the overall law making authority in the UK rests with the Parliament, however, the overall law making also requires the approval of Queen to make them into a law. The Role of Queen, however, is considered as nominal as the final law making authority is Parliament. The Prime Minister of the country is considered as the Head of Her Majesty’s Government and the PM, along with the cabinet is accountable to the Monarch, to the Parliament, to their political party and ultimately to the public. It is also important to note that the position of PM in the country is not established under constitutional law in the country but it is created under the long established conventions in the cou ntry. Under the convention, it is held that the Monarch must appoint a Prime Minister in the country who can gain the confidence of the Parliament. It is also critical to note that the position of Prime Minister was not actually created under the law but evolved over the period of centuries. Prime Minister has both the legislative as well as executive powers and role and in the House of Commons, he has the mandate to make laws with the overall goal of enacting the legislative agenda of the political party to which he or she belongs to.

Facility & Equipment Injuries Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Facility & Equipment Injuries - Essay Example Backboard cables can be any hazard for injury. Dunking is a frequent occurrence in the game of basketball. Therefore use of poorly constructed rims that do not break on hard impact pose risk to the hands of basketball players (Borkowski, 2004). Improperly designed basketball rims can also be a hazard for basketball players, when they dunk the basketball (Kidman & Hanrahan, 2004). Debris, or dirt, or playing floors and missing or raised floor plates can also cause injuries to players (Borkowski, 2004). To prevent injuries from collusions with objects outside the playing area, I will create buffer zones providing a minimum of three feet space from the playing area; preferably I would like to have buffer zones of ten feet. I will regularly check the backboard cables to ensure that they do pose any hazard to the players. I will report any faulty rims and backboards to the authorities, and will not allow the players to use them till they are replaced. I will regularly ensure that dirt, debris, and wet spots from the playing floors. In the case of raised floor plates I will report it to the authorities, and the relevant playing area will not be used till the defects are addressed. In this manner I hope to reduce injuries to basket ball players from facilities and equipment (Borkowski,

Advanced Practice Nurse and United Kingdom Essay Example for Free

Advanced Practice Nurse and United Kingdom Essay Introduction The roles of the APRN are continuously evolving. From the early 1960s to present day, advanced practice nurses continue to rise to meet the needs of our communities and abroad. As the number of nurse practitioner-advanced practice nurses (NP-APNs) on a steady incline, the various barriers in defining their roles in the US as well as internationally has limited their ability to function at their full potential. As discussed in An International Survey on Advanced Practice Nursing Education, Practice, and Regulation (Pulcini, Jelic, Gul Loke, 2009), NP-APN nomenclature, scope of practice and education are factors in the development of the roles of APRNs internationally. NP-APN Nomenclature The United States and United Kingdom both utilize the title of nurse practitioner; however, other countries, such as South Korea, Singapore, and Switzerland continue to use the title advanced practice nurse (Pulcini, Jelic, Gul Loke, 2009). This can lead to confusion on the part of the patient and family member who may not be familiar with the role of the advanced practice nurse in the clinical setting. Also, the authors’ state that the United Kingdom uses the terms specialist and NP interchangeably. According to Pulcini et al (2009), â€Å"This interchange of terms most often occurs when the nurse who has specialized knowledge in a certain area has a advanced practice title (p. 32).† Scope of Practice As mentioned by Joel (2009), â€Å"The degree of autonomy afforded to APNs varies from country to country, and even within the country (p.76)†. The NP-APN scope of practice includes advanced health assessment, diagnosis, disease management, health education and promotion, referral ability, prescribing diagnostic procedures, medications and treatment plans, admitting and discharging privileges, patient caseload management, collaborative practice, evaluation of healthcare services, and research (Pulcini, Jelic, Gul Loke, 2009). The United Kingdom and United States have similarities in their origins. Both were established to help meet the needs of the rural and underserved areas as well as the overall population. In the United Kingdom, NPs were utilized as the first level of care for patient triage and in primary care (Pulcini, Jelic, Gul Loke, 2009). Another similarity is their prescriptive rights in both the US and the UK. According to Joel, â€Å"The move, originating in England, to enable nurses to undergo a specified nonmedical prescribing program has resulted in over 10,000 nurses who are now classed as independent prescribers, and as a consequence, can prescribe almost everything from the British National Formulary (p.90)†. Educational Requirements As in many professions, education is the key element to being successful and productive. The standard educational requirement for NPs in the United States in a master’s level degree; however in the United Kingdom is still trying to adopt a master’s level program. According to Pulcini et al (2009), â€Å"While the Royal College of nursing in the United Kingdom has developed a master’s curriculum for NP education, universities are not obliged to adopt it (p.33).† Furthermore, NP courses are both offered at the baccalaureate and master’s level in the UK. Conclusion The United States and United Kingdom have numerous similarities and differences in the roles of the APRNs. In the future, these roles will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the community.

Of Mice and Men Essay Example for Free

Of Mice and Men Essay Two Itinerant migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Smalls, are best friends, they have a unique relationship, almost one of father and son opposed to two adults, George looks after and cares for Lennie due to his limited metal abilities, which is often getting them into trouble, hence the reason they were chased out of town from their previous employment, They find work in a ranch in Northern California where they hope to save enough money to settle down and own a piece of land to attain the ‘American Dream’, which suggests that America is the land of prosperity and opportunity but as easy as dreams are made these dreams can also be easily shattered. At the ranch the atmosphere appears to be dangerous, when they are confronted with the bosses’ son Curley whom takes an instant disliking to Lennie, as he feels inferior to larger men, Curley’s Wife also opposes a problem, as she is very flirtatious. As they begin to settle in the ranch, their dream begin to take shape, when two other ranch hands are enticed and would like to be a part of it, the pair are overwhelmed that their dream is slowly turning into a reality. But the story turns when Lennie is left alone, and his love to stroke things ends up with him killing Curley’s Wife, the story then takes an emotional twist, when George is then faced with the dilemma to take his friends life, to save him from the lynch mob sent by Curley. Setting In the opening of the book during the first two pages it describes the tranquil peaceful surrounding of Northern California, â€Å"hillside bank runs deep and green† (pg18) this portrays the beautiful surrounding which is the disturbed by the arrival of two characters. The writer, John Steinbeck shows this by â€Å"rabbits hurried noiselessly for cover† (pg19) suggests the arrival of these two characters has disturbed the tranquil setting; this gives the reader the message that these characters bring trouble. At the end of the book, when both characters George and Lennie are sitting by the river bank, Steinbeck gives the reader the sense of panic by the quotations he uses, as Curley’s mob draw nearer, the writer first describes the atmosphere as â€Å"Shadow in the valley, blue and soft†(pg 144), this suggests that there is a calm before the storm. As more time passes the atmosphere around these two characters gets intense, â€Å"evening breeze blew over the clearing†, (pg 145), the atmosphere is changing around them, Steinbeck is creating a build up, causing a suspense that something is going to happen. When George shoots Lennie the atmosphere then is described as â€Å"the brush seemed filled with cries†, (pg 148) which symbolizes the loss of George, As this is such a great loss for him, losing his best friend, shows the love of their friendship was so strong that George could not let Lennie, die at the hands of Curley’s mob, You get the feel of their friendship, when both men are having a conversation about the dream, before Lennie is shot, â€Å"For the rabbit George†,(pg146), this suggests that George put Lennie is a false sense of security, so that he was in a happy place before he died, this shows how strong their friendship is. Characters George and Lennie George and Lennie are the two main characters, George is described as a small intelligent but uneducated man, George is ambitious who has big dreams in life. Lennie is a large man of statue with great strength and a big heart but his limited mental abilities, means he relies on George for his survival, he is a calm character and like a child he likes to hear stories from George, he doesn’t understand the consequences of his strength, resulting with him often getting the pair in serious trouble. George and Lennie have a unique relationship, you get a contrast of the love hate relationship between the two, There are quotes in the book where George suggests that he could get along better without Lennie, â€Å"I could get along easy and so nice if I didn’t have you on my tail†(pg24), this suggests that George feels that Lennie holds him back in life, but then in another quote when George is speaking to another character, he becomes defensive this shows that he cares about what people think of Lennie †what’s funny about it† and â€Å"He ain’t no cuckoo†(pg67) , this shows the contrast that on the one hand George believes Lennie slows him down in life, but then he feels that he has to care and protect Lennie. Narrative There is the use of slang and non Standard English throughout the book, the dialect used, is that of the slang used by an Itinerant workers at that time, this is effective because it helps to add to the realism of the story and creates a strong impact upon the readers. In book the narrative changes from third person to first person requently this is effective because you get both views and makes the story seem more believable and for the reader to sympathize with the characters. The use of figurative language in ‘Of Mice and Men’ creates the atmosphere of reality. In the beginning of the book the Narrative is in third person style, Lennie is described as â€Å"Sloping shoulders†(pg19) And George is described as â€Å"Strong features†,(pg19) this is effective because, it makes the reader visualize what these characters look like, instead of having a bias view from a first person account. The first person accounts are effective because, In a first person account you can believe the passion of that person for example† He’s dumb as hell†, (pg 65) this is more genuine as it makes the reader believe what the characters views are.

Taxonomy and Biogeography of the Genus Colura

Taxonomy and Biogeography of the Genus Colura Jiroat Sanngrattanaprasert   English: Taxonomy and biogeography of the genus Colura (Dumort.) Dumort. (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta) in Tropical East Asia Introduction Colura (Dumort.) Dumort. was coined by Dumortier (1835) in Recueil dObservations sur les Jungermanniacà ©es and C. calyptrifolia (Hook.) Dumort. was used as a holotype. This genus belongs to Lejeuneaceae, which is the largest family of the liverworts (Gradstein, 2013). The Colura was found in all Floristic regions except USA (Fig. 1), comprising 76 taxa, of which 39 endemic taxa are also reported. Tropical East Asia is the region where Pà ³cs (1996) had reported the highest number, both total and endemic, of taxa in the area. Species of Colura are typically recognized by their leaf morphology; the presence of lobules forming an apical sac with an aperture mechanism consisting of a valve and a hinge. This sac varies greatly in sizes and shapes, and may function a water retention and in some species as zoophagy (Barthlott et al., 2000). Most species of Colura can be considered being epiphyllous, but many of them can occur likewise on small twigs. Colura species grow in well-illuminated sites from the lowlands to about 4,000 m above sea level. A few species (e.g. C. ornithocephala) of this genus, especially those from high montane habitats, were never observed on leaves, but seem to inhabit exclusively on thin twigs or sometimes on the bark of thicker tree trunks. (Pà ³cs, 1996; Heinrichs et al., 2012). Two critically endangered Colura species (C. heimii Jovet-Ast and C. obesa Jovet-Ast) found in Rà ©union Island, where is the largest island of the Mascarene Archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, were listed in IUCN Red List (Ah-Peng et al., 2012). In addition, Gradstein, Raeymaekers and Churchill (2000) reported common taxa such C. clavigera be as an indicator of undisturbed rainforest in Tropical America (including Mexico). Tropical East Asia region consists Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, Western Indonesia, Southern China (north to 30 °N), plus the Ryukyu Islands of Japan and the Andaman as well as Nicobar Islands of India. (Corlett, 2009) Fig. 1. Floristic regions where epiphyllous bryophyte occur. USA: The SE part of United States. MEA: Mesoamerica from Mexico to Panama. ANT: The Antilles. GUI: Guyanas, including the Venezuelan and Brasilian parts of Guyana Highlands. LSA: Amazonia and other lowland parts of South America, such as Choco and the Orinoco basin. SBR: The southeastern highlands of Brazil, with Paraguay and the Province Misiones in Argentina. AND: The Andes. TSA: Temperate South America. MAC: Macaronesia (excluding Cape Verde Islands). WAF: West Afirica from Guinea to the Congo. CAF: Central Africa including Zaire, Rwanda and Burundi. EAF: East Africa from Ethiopia to Mozambique. SAF: South Africa. MAD: Madagascar and the Seychelles, Comoro and Mascarene Islands. IND: India with the Himalayas, Khasia Hills (but excluding Andaman and Nicobar Islands) and lowland Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. OAS: East Asia including China, Taiwan, South Korea and Southern Japan with the Ryukyu Islands. ICH: Indochina from Chit tagong Hills of Bangladesh to Vietnam. MAL: The Malesian Archipelago including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Malay Peninsula but excluding West Irian. MEL: Malanesia, including the whole New Guinea, New Britain, the Bismarck and Solomon Islands, New Hebrides and New Caledonia. AUA: Australasia, including Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand and the neighboring islands. OCE: Oceania, the Pacific from Volcano and the Carolines to Hawaiian Islands and from Fiji to Easter Islands (Pà ³cs, 1996). The Hypothesis of Work How many species of the genus Colura (Dumort.) Dumort. are there in Tropical East Asia? This Present Work Mainly Aims 1. To investigate morphology, ecology and distribution of all taxa of the genus Colura on Tropical East Asia 2. To enumerate taxa account and accepted names of Colura in Tropical East Asia Expect Results 1. The description, ecological data and distribution patterns of all taxa of the genus Colura on Tropical East Asia will be provided. 2. The synoptic account of Colura species will be enumerated. Literature review Checklists in Asia Herzog (1921) investigated liverworts in Moluccan Island, Indomalaya. Two Colura species was found, viz. C. brevistyla Herz. and C. javanica Steph., the first one was the new to science. Mizutani (1961) revision studied of Lejeuneaceae in Japan, Colura tenuicornis and C. meijeri were found. Description, key to species and illustration were added. Kitagawa (1969) collected hepatic plants from Penang, Malaysia. Two species of Colura was reported, viz. C. acutifolia Jovet-Ast and C. corynephora (Nees) Trev. Pà ³cs and Ninh (2005) collected the hepatic plants from Vu Quang Nature Reserve in central Vietnam and found Colura brevistyla Herz. as be as a new record to Indochina, furthermore, C. corynephora (Nees) Trev. as well was listed in this record. Zhu (2006) reported a checklist of liverwort, hornwort and takakiophytes from China, of which seven taxa of Colura (C. acroloba, C. ari, C. conica, C. corynephora, C. inuii, C. karstenii and C. tenuicornis) were listed. Lai, Zhu and Chantanaorrapint (2008) reported an updated checklist of liverwort and hornwort in Thailand. Among the account there are 6 species of Colura, viz. C. acroloba (Mont. ex Steph.) Ast, C. conica (Sande Lac.) K.I. Goebel, C. corynephora (Nees et al.) Trevis., C. siamensis Jovet-Ast, C. superba and C. tixieri. Sà ¶derstrà ¶m, Gradstein and Hagborg (2010) reported 15 taxa of Colura in Java, including 12 taxa that be a good species or accepted except 3 taxa (C. denticulata Jovet-Ast, C. imperfecta Steph. and C. junghuhniana (Steph.) Steph.) that be probably a good species. Chuah-Petiot (2011) listed the account and phytogeographical data of liverworts and hornworts of all states in Malaysia. Seventeen species of Colura were found and enumerated. Wang, Lai and Zhu (2011) updated checklist and floristic accounts of liverworts as well as hornworts in Taiwan. The present list contains 512 species of liverwort belonging to 116 genera in 52 families, including three taxa of Colura (viz. C. acroloba (Mont. ex Steph.) Jovet-Ast, C. inuii Horik. and C. tenuicornis (Evans) Steph.) Dey Singh (2012) investigated epiphyllous liverworts of Eastern Himalaya, which Colura tenuicornis was reported in this study. Pà ³cs (2012) have small collected epiphyllous liverworts from Laos, which Colura tenuicornis (Evans) Steph. was reported with this list. Pà ³cs and Ninh (2012) reported epiphyllous liverworts from Cà ¡t Tià ªn National Park of Southern Vietnam. They found 21 species including two species of Colura, viz. C. conica (Sande Lac.) Goebel and C. ornata Goebel, the latter was a new to Vietnam. Pà ³cs (2013) investigated the genus Colura in New Guinea and in neighboring areas. This paper based on the collection made in 1981 by a joint expedition of the University of Helsinki and the Humboldt State University of Arcata and on other collections, there are 25 species present. The phytogeographical evaluation of all species was provided. The description and illustration of four new to science species (C. koponenii, C. medusa, C. mizu-tanii and C. norrisii) were equipped. Furthermore, he as well treated C. simplicior Jovet-Ast (1983) to be a synonym of C. denticulata. Jovet-Ast (1954). Pà ³cs, Luong and Ho (2013) examined epiphyllous liverworts in Bidoup-Nà ºi Bà   National Park, Vietnam. Among the 125 samples containing 43 species belong to Lejeunea-ceae, both Colura acroloba (Mont. ex Steph.) and C. superba (Mont.) were found. These two species distribute particularly in Giang Ly station, where the altitude is 1481-1500 m a.s.l. Checklists in Oceania Thiers (1987) reported ten taxa of Colura in Australia, viz. C. acroloba (Mont.) Steph., C. ari Steph., C. australiensis Jovest-Ast, C. bisvoluta Herz. et Jovet-Ast, C. conica (Sande Lac.) Goeb., C. crispiloba Jovest-Ast, C. pulcherrima var. bartlettii Jovet-Ast, C. queenslandica B. Thiers, C. saccophylla Hodgs. et Herz. and C. simplicior Jovet-Ast. Among them, three species (C. acroloba, C. ari and C. conica) were first reportedly seen according to this investi-gation, especially C. queenslandica sp. nov. was new to science. A key to all ten taxa was provided. Moreover she additionally validate Colura sect. Lingua Jovet-Ast ex Thiers. Pà ³cs and Streimann (2006) collected five taxa of Colura, viz. C. apiculata (Schiffn.) Steph., C. leratii (Steph.) Steph., C. crispiloba Jovet-Ast, C. ornata Goebel and C. queenslan-dica Thiers in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria states as well as the Austral Capital Territory. Pà ³cs and Eggers (2007) investigated ten species of Colura from the Fiji archipelago. Three new to Fiji (C. crispiloba Jovet-Ast, C. cristata Jovet-Ast and C. queenslandica Thiers) as well as C. vitiensis Pà ³cs et Eggers which was a new to science were added in this paper. The photograph and illustration of some species and together with dichotomous key to all species were provided. Pà ³cs et al. (2011) reported Colura brevistyla Herz. and C. tenuicornis (Evans) Staph. be as new record taxa for the Fiji Islands. C. acroloba also was listed in extended distribution records from new islands within Fiji. Sà ¶derstrà ¶m et al. (2011) accounted the checklist of liverworts and hornworts of Fiji, including the islands Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kadavu, Ovalau and surrounding smaller islands. The checklist of 14 species which belong to genus Colura were provided; furthermore the synonymous data were enumerated. Checklists in Amarica Engel (1978) had taxonomically and phytogeographically studied of Hepaticae and Anthocerotae in Brunswick Peninsula, Chile. Reportedly, three species of Colura were found, viz. C. calyptrifolia (Hook.) Dumort., C. naumannii (Schiffn.) Steph. and C. patagonica Jovet-Ast. Dauphin et al. (1998) reported Colura verdoornii Herz. et Jovet-Ast as new to Costa Rica, Tropical America. This species was previously known from Malaysia and Borneo, but it probably has a pantropical distribution, but not been reported from Africa. Checklists in Africa Jones and Harrington (1983) reported phytogeographical data of hepatic plant in Sierra Leone and Ghana, of those taxa, three species of Colura (C. digitaris (Mitten) Steph., C. dusenii (Steph.) Steph. and C. tenuicornis (Evans) Steph.) were included. Pà ³cs (1993) found new Colura from Comoro Archipelago and coin it as C. hattoriana Pà ³cs in this paper, including description, type specimens, illustration and note. Fischer (1999) reported five species of Colura from Aberdare mountain, Kenya, viz. C. berghenii Jovet-Ast, C. calyptri-folia (Hook.) Dumort., C. hedbergiana Pà ³cs, C. tenuicornis (Evans) Steph. and C. zoophaga Fischer, the latter species was a new to science. Wigginton (2001) investigated about habitat and location for 64 taxa that belong to Leajeuneaceae in Mulanje Mountain, Malawi. There are four Colura spp. which was reported in this investigation, viz. C. calyptrifolia , C. digitalis, C. tenuicornis and C. usambarica. Chuah-Petiot and Pà ³cs (2003) treated Colura zoophaga Fischer (1999) to be a synonym of C. kilimanjarica Pà ³cs et Jovet-Ast which they was found in same place, Aber-dare Mountain, Kenya and in addition they grew together on the twig of Cliffortia nitidula (Chuah-Petiot and Pà ³cs, 2003; Fischer, 1999). Mà ¼ller and Pà ³cs (2007) investigated epiphyllous bryophyte of Bioko Island (Equatorial Guinea), biogeography of three species of Colura (viz. C. calderae Pà ³cs, C. digitalis (Mitt.) Steph. and C. hattoriana Pà ³cs, which the first one was a new to science) were provided. Wigginton (2009) investigated liverworts and hornworts of sub-Saharan Africa, including the East African Islands. There are 22 taxa of Colura were reported; moreover, synonymous taxa as well were enumerated. Hylander, Pà ³cs and Nemomissa (2010) reported Colura digitalis (Mitt.) Steph. and C. tenuicornis (Mitt.) Steph. from southwest Ethiopian montane forests, in addition, ecological and biogeography were included. Pà ³cs (2010) reported new bryophyte taxa in Mayotte Island, among them, Colura heimii Jovet-Ast was included. Pà ³cs (2011) reported four species of Colura, viz. C. calderae Pà ³cs, C. digitalis (Mitten) Steph., C. tenuicornis (Evan) Steph. and C. thomeensis Pà ³cs in Sà £o Tomà © island. Among them, C. calderae was a new to Sà £o Tomà © and C. thomeensis was a new to science. Morphological characters Pà ³cs (2012) investigated morphological character of leafy liverworts and found endogenous gemma in Cololejeunea bifalcata Pà ³cs, C. crateris Pà ³cs, Colura calderae Pà ³cs and Co. vitiensis Pà ³cs et J. Eggers Research Method 1. Literature to which the previous investigations releveant will be revised. 2. Morphological study based on field trip specimens and herbarium specimens, description concerning vegetative part and reproductive part will be investigated in Bryology laboratory, PSU Herbarium, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University. 3. Illustrations of each taxa found in this investigation will be provided. 4. Hard copy format will be publicized. The Research Period Three years in the Ph.D. course period. References Ah-Peng, C., Bardat, J., Pà ³cs, T., Sà ¶derstrà ¶m, L., Stamà ©noff, P. and Strasberg, D. 2012. Red List of liverworts and hornworts for Rà ©union (Mascarene archipelago). Phytotaxa 68: 1-23. Barthlott, W., Fischer, E., Frahm, J.-P. and Seine, R. 2000. First experimental evidence for zoophagy in the hepatic Colura. Plant Biology 2 (1): 93-97. Chuah-Petiot, M.S. 2011. A checklist of hepaticae and anthocerotae of Malaysia. Polish Botanical Journal 56 (1): 1-44. Chuah-Petiot, M.S. and Pà ³cs, T. 2003. East African Bryophytes XIX. a contribution to the Bryflora of Kenya. Acta Botanica Hungarica 45 (1-2): 53-64. Corlett, R.T. 2010. The Ecology of Tropical Asia. Oxford University Press Inc., New York. Dauphin, G., Gradstein, S.Rob., Bernecker-Là ¼cking, A. and Morales, M.I. 1998. Additions to the hepatic flora of Costa Rica II. Lindbergia 23: 74-80. Dey, M. and Singh, D.K. 2012. Epiphyllous Liverworts of Eastern Himalaya. St. Joseph’s Press, Triruvananthapuram. Dumortier, B.C. 1835. Jungermanniacà ©es: Fascicule I.- Rà ©vision des genres. Imprimerie de J.-A. Blanquart., Tournay. Engel, J.J. 1978. A taxonomic and phytogeographic study of Brunswick Peninsula (Strait of Magellan) Hepaticeae and Anthocerotae. Fieldiana Botany 41: 247-248. Fischer, E. 1999. A new soecies of Colura (Lejeuneaceae) from the Aberdare Mountains/ Kenya. Tropical Bryology 16: 205-208. Gradstein, S.R. 2013. A classification of Lejeuneaceae (Marchantiophyta) based on molecular and morphological evidence. Phytotaxa 100 (1): 6-20. Heinrichs, J., Dong, S., Yu, Y., Schà ¤fer-Verwimp, A., Pà ³cs, T, Feldberg, K., Hentschel, J., Schmidt, A.R. and Schneider, H. 2012. A 150 year-old mystery solved: Transfer of the rheophytic endemic liverwort Myriocolea irrorata to Colura. Phytotaxa 66: 55-64. Herzog, Th. 1921. Die Lebermoose der 2 Freiburger Molukkenexpeditionen und einige neue Arten der engeren Indomalaya. In: Botanischen Centralblatt. G. Regierungsrat. pp. 318-332. Verlag von C. Heinrieh Dresden N. Hylander, K., Pà ³cs, T. and Nemomissa, S. 2010. Liveworts of southwest Ethiopian montane forests: ecological and biogeographical notes. Journal of Bryology 32: 92-100. Jones, E.W. and Harrington, A.J. 1983. The Hepatics of Sierra Leone and Ghana. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 11 (3): 215-289. Kitagawa, N. 1969. A small collection of Hepaticae from Penang, Malaysia. Bulletin of Nara University of Education 18 (2): 27-43. Lai, M.J., Zhu, R.L. and Chantanaorrapint, S. 2008. Liverworts and horworts of Thailand: an updated checklist and bryofloristic accounts. Annales Botanici Fennici 45: 321-341. Mizutani, M. 1961. A revision of Japanese Lejeuneaceae. Journal of the Hattori Botanical Laboratory: Devoted to Bryology 24: 235-237. Mà ¼ller, F. and Pà ³cs, T. 2007. A contribution to the knowledge of epiphyllous bryophytes of Bioko Island (Equatorial Guinea), including additional remarks on non-epiphyllous species. Journal of Bryology 29: 81-94. Pà ³cs, T. 1993. New or little known epiphyllous liverworts, IV. two new Cololejeuneoideae from the Comoro Archipelago. Journal of the Hattori Botanical Laboratory 74: 45-57. Pà ³cs, T. 1996. Epiphyllous liverwort diversity at worldwide level and its threat and conservation. Anales del Instituto de Biologia de la Universidad Nacional Autà ³noma de Mà ©xico, Serie Botanica 67 (1): 109-127. Pà ³cs, T. 2010. East African bryophytes, XXVI. new records from Mayotte (Maore) Island (French Comoro). Acta Bryologica Asiatica 3: 105-114. Pà ³cs, T. 2011. New or little known epiphyllous liverworts, XIV. the genus Colura (Lejeuneaceae) in Sà £o Tomà © Island, with the description of Colura thomeensis sp. nov. The Bryologist 114 (2): 362-366. Pà ³cs, T. 2012. Endogenous gemmae in certain Lejeuneaceae (Marchaniophyta). The International Journal of Plant Reproductive Biology 4 (2): 101-105. Pà ³cs, T. 2012. New or little known epiphyllous liverworts, XVI. a small collection from Laos. Acta Biologica Plantarum Agriensis 2: 5-10. Pà ³cs, T. 2013. The genus Colura (Lejeuneaceae) in New Guinea and in the neighboring areas. Chenia 11: 12-38. Pà ³cs, T. and Eggers, J. 2007. Bryophytes from the Fiji Island, II. an account of the genus Colura, with a description of C. vitiensis sp. nov. Polish Botanical Journal 52(2): 81-92. Pà ³cs, T. and Ninh, T. 2012. New or little known epiphyllous liverworts, XVII. records from the Cà ¡t Tià ªn National Park, Southern Vietnam. Acta Biologica Plantarum Agriensis 2: 11-19. Pà ³cs, T. and Ninh, T. Contribution to the Bryoflora of Vietnam, VI. on the liverwort flora of Vu Quang Nature Reserve. Acta Botanica Hungarica 47 (1-2): 151-171. Pà ³cs, T. and Streimann, H. 2006. Contributios to the Bryoflora of Australia, I. Tropical Bryology 27: 19-24. Pà ³cs, T., Luong, T.T. and Ho, B.C. 2013. New of little known epiphyllous liverworts, XVIII. records from the Bidoup-Nà ºi Bà   National Park, Vietnam, with the description of Drepanolejeunea bidoupensis, sp. nov. Cryptogamie, Bryologie 34 (3): 287-298. Pà ³cs, T., Sass-Gyarmati, A., Naikatini, A., Tuiwawa, M., Braggins, J., Pà ³cs, S. and von Konrat, M. 2011. New liverwort (Marchantiophyta) recods for the Fiji Islands. Telopea 13 (3): 455-494. Sà ¶derstrà ¶m, L., Gradstrin, S. and Hagborg, A. 2010. Checklist of the hornworts and liverworts of Java. Phytotaxa 9: 53-149. Sà ¶derstrà ¶m, L., Hagborg, A., Pà ³cs, T., Sass-Gyarmati, A. Brown, E., von Konrat, M. and Renner, M. 2011. Checklist of hornworts and liverworts of Fiji. Telopea 13 (3): 405-454. Thiers, B.M. 1987. A preliminary accout of Colura (Hepaticae, Lejeuneaceae) in Australia. Brittonia 39 (2): 175-179. Wigginton, M. 2009. Checklist and distribution of the liverworts and hornworts of sub-Saharan Africa, including the East African Islands. Tropical Bryology Research Reports 8: 1-116. Wigginton, M.J. 2001. British Bryological Society expedition to Mulanje Mountain, Malawi. 15. Lejeuneaceae, and the occurrence and frequency of foliicolous taxa. Tropical Bryology 20: 83-94. Zhu, R.L. 2006. New checklist of Chinese liverworts, hornworts, and takakiophytes. (PDF file). Bryological Laboratory, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai.

Thomas Malthus :: essays papers

Thomas Malthus Two hundred years ago, Thomas Robert Malthus wrote â€Å"An Essay on the principle of population† in which he argued that the world population would increase faster than the food supply. This would cause disastrous results for the general human welfare. A world population of 250 million at the time has now gone up to about 6 billion. This is in spite of wars, plagues, famine, and epidemics. World food production has been keeping pace with population growth until recently. If the world food supply had been distributed equally to each member of society in the mid 1980’s, with a population of 4.7 billion people, each person would have gotten a weekly diet of 11 ponds. This included meat, grains, and fish. In today’s society, the population has increased over one billion and the food supply has gone down to about 10 pounds per person per week. A world population of 10 to 11 billion by mid century would leave each person with only 6 to 7 pounds per week. This is the same as the diet that people living in poverty get in our present day society. However, by trying to help poverty, we are (according to Malthus) making the situation worse. IN the short run, there seems to be an improvement because those poor people are better off and can do well. This situation would lead to a larger population than before. This in turn would lead to more people becoming impoverished due to lack of food supply. Malthus believed that if people left poverty alone, it would take care of itself. At the start of the 21st Century, it is very easy to debunk his starting point that population grows â€Å"geometrically† while food supply only â€Å"arithmetically†. This will lead to a widening gap between population and food supply. However, by saying that, he was mistaken, the improving technology has meant that food supply has also increased geometrically. If we were to take a mathematical approach to this, population, food production, energy use, industrial production, waste production, etc. are all increasing under mechanisms that can shown on an exponential curve like a parabola, then all will be approaching a vertical asymptote.

Do Ufos Exist? :: essays research papers

Do UFOs Exist? I have gathered many sources and have come to the conclusion that UFOs do exist. Sightings of unusual aerial phenomena date back to ancient times, but only after 1947, have UFOs been widely discussed because of publication world wide. Many things support this concept such as sightings, crop circles, encounters, and abductions. At least 90% of UFO sightings can be identified as conventional objects, Although time consuming investigations are necessary for such identification. The objects most often mistaken for UFOs are bright planets and stars, peculiar clouds, birds, aircraft, balloons, kites, aerial flares, meteors and satellites. Between 1647 to 1969 at total of 12,618 reports have been received concerning unidentified flying objects, of which 701 of the reports (5.6 percent) were listed as unexplained. Some people claim that they have been abducted by extraterrestrials. A Harvard professor has taken these "abductees" and puts them in a hypnotic trans. Under hypnosis, sometimes weeping and shouting with agony and terror, they recover buried memories of alien encounters. There has never been physical proof of any abduction yet to be provided. The Roswell incident is now generally regarded as one of the most important UFO events in history, an extensive review of the UFO literature of the 1950s finds no mention of it beyond the first press accounts in early July 1947. The only know reference to it as a UFO crash was in a 1955 lecture by broadcaster and UFO enthusiast Frank Edward. Even in the 1960s the UFO literature mentioned it only three times, twice in both brief instances, in the latter rather vaguely. A widely published story reported that personnel from Roswell Field had a "flying disk" in their possession. When the material was flown to Fort Worth, Texas, the commander told the press that the "disk" was really just a weather balloon and produced balloon remains to "prove" it. Pictures were taken, there were chuckles all around and the press fell victim to a lie and a cover up it was able to maintain without challenge for over three decades. Crop circls Have been found to occur mainly in corn and wheat, but have also been found in other crops such as barky, oats, canola, grass, flowers, trees, and even snow. Crop circles have appeared on every continent and have been reported in over 70 countries around the world. Only countries in mainland China and South Africa haven't reported any crop circles at all. A lot of then have appeared in the former Czech Republic . Most crop circles have been formed in the center of fields with none of the surrounding crops disturbed. Do Ufos Exist? :: essays research papers Do UFOs Exist? I have gathered many sources and have come to the conclusion that UFOs do exist. Sightings of unusual aerial phenomena date back to ancient times, but only after 1947, have UFOs been widely discussed because of publication world wide. Many things support this concept such as sightings, crop circles, encounters, and abductions. At least 90% of UFO sightings can be identified as conventional objects, Although time consuming investigations are necessary for such identification. The objects most often mistaken for UFOs are bright planets and stars, peculiar clouds, birds, aircraft, balloons, kites, aerial flares, meteors and satellites. Between 1647 to 1969 at total of 12,618 reports have been received concerning unidentified flying objects, of which 701 of the reports (5.6 percent) were listed as unexplained. Some people claim that they have been abducted by extraterrestrials. A Harvard professor has taken these "abductees" and puts them in a hypnotic trans. Under hypnosis, sometimes weeping and shouting with agony and terror, they recover buried memories of alien encounters. There has never been physical proof of any abduction yet to be provided. The Roswell incident is now generally regarded as one of the most important UFO events in history, an extensive review of the UFO literature of the 1950s finds no mention of it beyond the first press accounts in early July 1947. The only know reference to it as a UFO crash was in a 1955 lecture by broadcaster and UFO enthusiast Frank Edward. Even in the 1960s the UFO literature mentioned it only three times, twice in both brief instances, in the latter rather vaguely. A widely published story reported that personnel from Roswell Field had a "flying disk" in their possession. When the material was flown to Fort Worth, Texas, the commander told the press that the "disk" was really just a weather balloon and produced balloon remains to "prove" it. Pictures were taken, there were chuckles all around and the press fell victim to a lie and a cover up it was able to maintain without challenge for over three decades. Crop circls Have been found to occur mainly in corn and wheat, but have also been found in other crops such as barky, oats, canola, grass, flowers, trees, and even snow. Crop circles have appeared on every continent and have been reported in over 70 countries around the world. Only countries in mainland China and South Africa haven't reported any crop circles at all. A lot of then have appeared in the former Czech Republic . Most crop circles have been formed in the center of fields with none of the surrounding crops disturbed.