Age and Second Language Acquisition Essay

For over sixty years scientists and linguists have been doing the researches about the second language acquisition and bilingualism among children. It has been discovered that second language acquisition is a parallel of the first language acquisition but also there are a lot of differences. At the beginning it must be said what the bilingualism and second language acquisition are. SLA (Second Language Acquisition) refers to the process by which people learn second language that means that they know one language and then start learning the other one. On the other hand, bilingualism refers to the ability to use two languages with equal fluency. But some scientists believes that even though those abilities are nearly equal, one language will always dominate above the other. There are three types of bilingualism: * Simultaneous: learning both languages as the first one. So a new born child who does not speak any languages goes directly to the phase that it speaks two languages; * Receptive: it means that children are able to understand two languages but express themselves only in one; * Sequential: refers to the acquisition of the second language after establishing the first one. As for the second language acquisition, there is main theory elaborated by the psycholinguist, Stephen Krashen, which consist of the five hypothesis: 1. The Acquisition-learning hypothesis. There are two independent systems: the acquired system and the learning system. Acquisition is the product of subconscious process, needs natural conversation in which speaker is focused on the communicative act, not on the form. It can be compared with the acquisition of the mother tongue by the child. Learning, on the other hand, is the product of formal instructions, so it is the conscious process. This is represented by the norms grammar, vocabulary and so on. It demands effort and attention. Krashen emphasizes that acquisition is more important than learning. 2. The Monitor hypothesis. This hypothesis explains the relation between acquisition and learning. As the acquisition is the initiator of the utterance, the learning is the editor. The function of monitor is, according to Krashen, to correct â€Å"deviations from normal speech and to give speech a more polished appearance†. 3. The Natural Order hypothesis. It is based on the claim that the acquisition of grammatical structures follows a natural order that can be predictable. It is also said that some grammatical structures are learnt earlier and some later and they seem to be depended on the learner’s age. 4. The Input hypothesis. This hypothesis explains, according to Krashen, how the second language is acquired. It explains only the acquisition not learning. This hypothesis shows that the learner processes along the natural order when one receives second language input that is beyond one’s current stage of linguistic competence. 5. The Affective Filter hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, there are some affective variables that are facilitative in second language acquisition. These are for example motivation, anxiety and self-confidence. It was claimed that learners with high motivation and self-confidence and low level of the anxiety are better â€Å"equipped† for success in second language acquisition. From the beginning of life, babies acquire their first language due to the same pattern. All children go through the same phases. These are: * bubbling, * one-word utterance, * two-word phrases, * full sentences, * complex grammar. As it is generally said, children acquire second language faster than adults. Children who are younger than 6 years old learn two languages as one. As one of the Harvard professors, Patton Tabors, in his book One Child, Two Languages: A guide for Preschool Educators of Children Learning English as a Second Language (1997, p. 12) noticed that â€Å"For these children, then, second-language acquisition is not a process of discovering what language is, but rather of discovering what this language is†. It means that all new elements of the language are developed as the acquisition of the first language. In the age of 6-7 children start to recognize and separate two languages. They learn the second language rather than acquire due to the way that the language is taught. Also it is worth noticing that some of the sounds of second language can be weird for child and not always he or she is capable to pronounce words properly. It results with foreign accent. According to Stephen Krashen, child acquires a second language by receiving input in the target language which is a little bit above their current level of acquired understanding. What is more, according to Krashen’s Affective Filter hypothesis, high motivation, self-confidence, a good self-image, and a low level of anxiety play great role in the second language acquisition among children. Children learn also by the imitation of adults. What is more SLA depends on the quantity of input, so the quantity of the parents speech. The more child hears, the more efficiently and faster he or she acquires. As I have mentioned, the second language acquisition makes a parallel of the first language acquisition but is slightly different. In 1983, Stephen Krashen and Tracy Terrell in their book The Natural Approach: Language Acquisition in the classroom (1983) distinguished five stages of second language acquisition among children. Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory in United States organized them and listed. These are: 1. The Silent/Receptive or Preproduction Stage: The stage lasts from 10 hours to six months. During this time students know up to 500 words which they understand but do not feel comfortable to use them. This period is often called as silent because students may not speak but respond with simple gesture or with the simple answers like â€Å"yes† or â€Å"no†. In this stage they can also understand new words that are made comprehensible to them. 2. The Early Production Stage: this stage can last more less six months until students learn approximately 1000 which they can understand and use. This stage is similar to the phases of one-word utterance and two-word phrases. Students are able to ask some Wh-questions and use simple negatives and of course â€Å"yes† and â€Å"no† answers. 3. The Speech Emergence Stage: this stage lasts another year. There are over 3000 words developed. In this stage students are able to use simple sentences, dialogues and they can ask simple questions and answer them. Longer sentences are produced but often with grammatical mistakes. 4. The Intermediate Language Proficiency Stage: it is next year after the speech emergence. Students developed up to 6000 words and make clear and correct statements. They can share their opinions and thoughts and speak at greater length. 5. The Advanced Language Proficiency Stage: it takes about five to seven years to speak second language fluently and without any grammar mistakes. By this stage students have developed some specialized vocabulary which is more less the same level as native speakers. Of course, the case of each student is different. Some can acquire second language faster and do not feel â€Å"blocked† from speaking. It all depends on the student’s will and involvement. It is said that adults are not able to acquire second language as quick as children but it can be misleading. Firstly, it has to be noticed that if children acquire second language it is mostly in the natural setting where they have natural contact with the language and can acquire all aspects of language and it is not only to say about grammar rules but also proverbs, phrasal verbs, vulgarisms and slang. On the other hand, adults mostly learn second language in classroom with other beginners and level of given lessons is adjusted to the student with the lowest level. In such conditions it is obvious that the second language acquisition takes more time than the SLA among children. In adult age, even though we understood and we are able to use correctly grammar rules, it is hard to acquire natural way of talking, it is the authentic, native-speaker pronunciation, which often determines the level of second language acquisitio n. It can be said that adults can exceed children in all aspects of SLA except the accent. For example, it is said that adults who learn Chinese or any other Far-East language will not ever acquire the language pronunciation properly. Of course any children who learn those language will acquire it not only properly but also without any traces of foreign accent. It happens because children can â€Å"shape† their vocal cords to pronounce words properly and it is impossible for adults whose vocal cords are already shaped. There are several linguists that had been doing the researches on the adult and children second language acquisition. I would like to present some of the results of those researches. Cartherine Snow, Bradford Marshall and Stefka Marinova-Todd say that the age does not constrict the acquisition of second language to achieve the native-speaker level. They argue that the speed of language acquisition and misattribution of age are the generalized misconceptions. On the other hand, Jean-Marc Dewaele demonstrates the need for the inclusion of emotional comm unication factor. He says that the competence will help learners in faster second language acquisition. However, other linguist, David Singleton, believes that only learners who are exposed to the second language early in life have chance to acquire completely second language. Children easily acquire the language and reach high level of success, while adults become fossilized on account of neurobiological assumptions. What is more, the wrong interpretation of the children’s acquisition speed misled to belief that children can absorb a language within months. Researches made in 70’s proved the opposite. Adults in the first stages were more efficient and absorbed language faster than children. It was explained by the neuroscientist who indicated that the localization of the languages in children’s and adults’ brain is different. Results made in 1990’s showed that two adjacent centers of activation in Broca’s area, which is responsible for the speech, were activated in adult learners whereas in children’s brains there was no separation of t his area. Although, the others scientists argue that brain is plastic and â€Å"flexible† so children can acquire more. With puberty people lose it. It leads us to the Critical Period Hypothesis which was presented by the American linguist, Eric Lanneberg. He argued that if the second language is not absorbed completely before the certain age, its total acquisition will not ever be possible. In so called critical period we can absorb second language by means of the Language Acquisition Device which includes the rules of the common grammar. According to other linguist, Noam Chomsky, all languages in the world have the same common grammar rules and what is more they are inborn and do not have to taught. It can be illustrated by the example of Genie, a feral girl, who in her early years, until she was 13, was tortured by her father and isolated from the society. Scientists could observe in which way she was absorbing the language. And as a result, she never acquired language completely. On the other hand, the world is full of people who acquired second language perfectly after the critical period. For example pope John Paul II who spoke eight languages fluently or Ioannis Ikonomou, who works in European Commission, who speaks fluently in thirty two languages. Summing up, there is the great disagreement between scientist if the early ages helps or rather slows down the second language acquisition. Also the arguments about Genie, who could not absorb any language completely due to the vanished language acquisition device or about Ioannis Ikonomou who fluently speaks thirty two languages do not help to prove it completely. It all depends on personal ability of each person. References: 1. Genesee Fred, Neuropsychology and Second Language Acquisition, New York, 1988. 2. Gitsaki Christina, Second Language Acquisition Theories: Overview and Evaluation, Journal of Communication and International Studies, volume 4, 1998, p. 89-98, retrieved from Internet at http://espace.uq.edu.au/eserv/UQ:9550/L2-theories.htm, last revised on November 27th 2012. 3. Grisel Aloin, Child-Adult differences in Second Language Acquisition. Part 1, 2010, retrived from Internet at http://www.examiner.com/review/child-adult-differences-second-language-acquisition-part-1, last revised on December 1st 2012. 4. Grisel Aloin, Child-Adult differences in Second Language Acquisition. Part 2, 2010, retrived from Internet at http://www.examiner.com/review/child-adult-differences-second-language-acquisition-part-2, last revised on December 1st 2012. 5. Krashen Stephen and Terrell Tracy, The Natural Approach: Language Acquisition in the classroom, Michigan, 1983. 6. Schà ¼tz Ricardo, Stephen Krashen’s Theory of Second Language Acquisition, retrieved from Internet at http://www.sk.com.br/sk-krash.html, last revised on November 28th 2012. 7. Tabors Patton, One child, two languages, Baltimore, 1997, p. 12. 8. Website of the European Commission, retrieved from Internet at http://ec.europa.eu/languages/orphans/faq_pl.htm, last revised on December 2nd 2012.

The Forgotten Group Member

Case Study 7: The Forgotten Group Member Developed by Franklin Ramsoomair, Wilfred Laurier University The group is in storming stage right now. Every member of the group is in tension. Unannounced meeting shows that they are forming cliques. They could have easily informed every member of the group to discuss the project. Christine, the leader of the group could have managed the team in a better way. Group in this stage need more communication, training, supervision, and controlling. But she did not provide any of it. Knowing the stages of group development was also an issue within Christine’s team. The team never went through the forming stage. They never got to know one another. Clear expectations were not set amongst the group. Frankly, Christine probably wasn’t a good pick for the team lead because of the ongoing distractions she was experiencing with her grades in school. That was more important to her, not the team’s success. Janet or Steve would have been a better choice for the team’s leader. Basically, this group never got passed the storming stage. Christine never took the time to evaluate the situation. She just preceded status quo. The group is facing many problems. The main problem is, Christine is not an effective leader for the group. She didn’t assign work to the team or we can say the team never went through the forming stage. They never got to know each other. Even Christine did not know her team very well and did not take any steps to improve it. No clear work was assigned to the team members, no meeting were set in advance. Christine failed to cater to everyone’s need within the group which was evident because necessary steps weren’t taken to ensure Mike would be able to join the team for meetings. Christine failed to pack them in. Had she paired Mike up with Janet whose more reliable and always over achieve when it comes to the group Mike would not have felt excluded from the group. She could have even paired Mike with Steve who’s more businesslike being that he ensures that things are on point and according to plan for the teams meetings. She failed to promote creativity and definitely lacked communication within the group. With the latest technology, other means of communication should have been used as a resource. She could have suggested or used video conferencing, teleconference, or simply resulted to a simple email or chat to delegate tasks for the group’s project which ties into the constant communication with the group. Communication can make or break any relationship, especially in the workplace. The failed communication was evident when members didn’t know the team was meeting. Everyone should have been informed of all upcoming meetings well in advance so they would have been prepared to be in attendance and effectively contribute to the team’s project during the meetings. This could have promoted creativity, innovation, and initiative amongst all group members which would have resulted in group motivation. Christine did more managing tasks and not leading the group. A good leader would do things somewhat differently when compared to a manager. I'd prefer a leader when picking someone to build a team for this task based on my thread earlier. I personally think that leaders have more motivational traits versus managers. I have been in both shoes. To summarize the difference between Christine’s traits versus that of an effective leader I have provided a useful table that will help summarize the differences and really drive home what it takes to be an effective leader. Upon reviewing the characteristics below of a leader versus a manager by subject matter you will get a clearer picture. This is a very useful table that I came across while researching this topic for our class discussion threads. Based on this information, managers tend to have more demotivating traits while leaders have more motivating traits. I would rather have a leader! The Forgotten Group Member Case Study 7: The Forgotten Group Member Developed by Franklin Ramsoomair, Wilfred Laurier University The group is in storming stage right now. Every member of the group is in tension. Unannounced meeting shows that they are forming cliques. They could have easily informed every member of the group to discuss the project. Christine, the leader of the group could have managed the team in a better way. Group in this stage need more communication, training, supervision, and controlling. But she did not provide any of it. Knowing the stages of group development was also an issue within Christine’s team. The team never went through the forming stage. They never got to know one another. Clear expectations were not set amongst the group. Frankly, Christine probably wasn’t a good pick for the team lead because of the ongoing distractions she was experiencing with her grades in school. That was more important to her, not the team’s success. Janet or Steve would have been a better choice for the team’s leader. Basically, this group never got passed the storming stage. Christine never took the time to evaluate the situation. She just preceded status quo. The group is facing many problems. The main problem is, Christine is not an effective leader for the group. She didn’t assign work to the team or we can say the team never went through the forming stage. They never got to know each other. Even Christine did not know her team very well and did not take any steps to improve it. No clear work was assigned to the team members, no meeting were set in advance. Christine failed to cater to everyone’s need within the group which was evident because necessary steps weren’t taken to ensure Mike would be able to join the team for meetings. Christine failed to pack them in. Had she paired Mike up with Janet whose more reliable and always over achieve when it comes to the group Mike would not have felt excluded from the group. She could have even paired Mike with Steve who’s more businesslike being that he ensures that things are on point and according to plan for the teams meetings. She failed to promote creativity and definitely lacked communication within the group. With the latest technology, other means of communication should have been used as a resource. She could have suggested or used video conferencing, teleconference, or simply resulted to a simple email or chat to delegate tasks for the group’s project which ties into the constant communication with the group. Communication can make or break any relationship, especially in the workplace. The failed communication was evident when members didn’t know the team was meeting. Everyone should have been informed of all upcoming meetings well in advance so they would have been prepared to be in attendance and effectively contribute to the team’s project during the meetings. This could have promoted creativity, innovation, and initiative amongst all group members which would have resulted in group motivation. Christine did more managing tasks and not leading the group. A good leader would do things somewhat differently when compared to a manager. I'd prefer a leader when picking someone to build a team for this task based on my thread earlier. I personally think that leaders have more motivational traits versus managers. I have been in both shoes. To summarize the difference between Christine’s traits versus that of an effective leader I have provided a useful table that will help summarize the differences and really drive home what it takes to be an effective leader. Upon reviewing the characteristics below of a leader versus a manager by subject matter you will get a clearer picture. This is a very useful table that I came across while researching this topic for our class discussion threads. Based on this information, managers tend to have more demotivating traits while leaders have more motivating traits. I would rather have a leader!

Its features and importance Essay

   Picture Gear Studio, DVgate Plus, Sonic Stage Other Giga Pocket PVR hardware and software with TV tuner card with remote control Support Policy One-year parts and labor warranty; 24-hour weekday toll-free support during warranty period. $19. 95 fee for phone support after 1-year warranty. Where is it available? What is its price? The SONY RS530G is available at any high end computer shop and also in the internet. Ordering this Desktop PC through the internet at eBay. com or PCExpress. com would come out cheaper than buying it here in the Philippines. Its price is $ 1850. 00 which leaves me with a total of $150. 00. The excess money I could use for extra accessories for the computer like other software’s may it be for leisure or education. III. Systems Ruled Out Obviously Workstations, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), Mainframes, Mini-Computers and Super Computers were out of the question while choosing my preferred computer system. I don’t need a very powerful PC that is used for Computer Aided Design (CAD) nor Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). I don’t need a computer that would serve up to 70 users because most probably the maximum users that will be using my computer would be 3. Definitely minicomputers are out of my list for one thing they’re phased out. I don’t need a computer that would serve hundred of users at a time; I’m only a student and not a business so mainframes are crossed out of my list too. Besides mainframes are too complicated to handle as it is. Super computers on the other hand are used by businesses for task demanding extreme computing power especially in establishments for science like meteorology and finding out more on enzymes. PDA’s are too small plus it’s not practical for a student like me to buy a PDA just to set my schedule straight in school and take notes. I need a computer that would aid me in my studies just like a Micro computer. Micro computers hold floppy disk drives and CD-ROM drive or even a DVD drive that would help me in storing data need for my classes, reports and papers. It’s the most practical thing to get as of now because if I think of leaving within three years for the UK technology improves quickly and by then if ever I buy a laptop it would be phased out and it would be harder to up grade not like a desktop pc. IV. Conclusion I therefore conclude that at this time, as a student, it would be more practical for me to buy a Desktop PC that would help me in school work and at the same time entertain me for my free time. Laptops are doubled the price of a Desktop PC and is harder to upgrade unlike a Desktop PC. Usually Laptops are used by professionals who are on the go and need computers most of the time to make use of their time. References   Charles S Parker, Understanding Computers: Today & Tomorrow: 200 edition, Harcourt College Publishers www. villman. com   www. Amazon. com   www. eBay. com Note from taken from class   and gathered data from different stores :   PC Express   Stores in Greenhills Shopping Mall   Stores in Cybermall.

War Occurs Because There Is Nothing to Prevent It Essay

War Occurs Because There Is Nothing to Prevent It - Essay Example According to the realist theory, the international system operates on checks and balances method that is flawed to a certain extent given the ethnic and cultural dissimilarities between the peoples of the world. Samuel Huntington’s â€Å"The Clash of Civilizations† argues that the fault lines between civilizations lead to war. This has proved in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks against the US. Other commentators like Robert Kagan have pointed to the resurgence of Russia and the recent conflict in the Caucasus between Russia and Georgia as an example of how â€Å"history returns† whenever certain nations fall from pre-eminence and then assert themselves to regain the lost glory. In his recent work, â€Å"The Return of History and the End of dreams†, Keegan forcefully makes the point about how the 21st century might look like when it comes to international relations. The realist perspective seems a good prism to look at the complex dynamics shaping war. Thi s can be seen from the fact that in the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Collapse of Communism, the then US president George Bush Sr. made a case for a â€Å"New World Order† and proclaimed that â€Å"we are at the threshold of a new era that has been dreamed by generations of men but has always eluded them†. However, the euphoria was short lived as Iraq, under Saddam Hussein attacked Kuwait and subsequently this led to American intervention and the first Gulf war. Thus, we have history repeating itself in 2008 when Russia asserted itself in South Ossetia.

Superstition vs Religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Superstition vs Religion - Essay Example In previous times, culture was often seen in terms of opposition to nature. However, more recently the field of anthropology has tended to hold the view that in fact culture is nature. Therefore anthropologists have begun to shift their attentions away from an etic type comparison (an outsider's view) of cultures - in search of some kind of universal rule of cultural development - towards a more emic type (an insider's view) of approach that focuses on understanding aspects of culture in that particular culture's own terms. In other words, their focus is on a kind of 'cultural relativism' (1). Therefore, during the first part of this essay I will concentrate on an emic view of superstition and religion whilst examining examples of each. I will then go on to attempt an outline of the differences and similarities between the two before drawing conclusions on their continued importance to today's world. Superstition can be loosely defined as the belief in ideas that are not founded in e ither knowledge or reason. From an outsider's position, the term is often used in a somewhat derogative manner, referring to it in terms such as 'old wives tales'. Nonetheless, many superstitious practices date back to a pre-religious era and many people from various cultures still firmly believe that events can be predicted, often 2 based on the outcomes of previous events. For cultures steeped in superstitional practice, nothing has a 'natural cause' as such. Indeed every event was the work of spirits. These spirits could punish or reward, ruin or save the individuals of peoples. Let us take the example of the ritual practices and beliefs of the Azande tribe. If we were to study these practices from an etic standpoint, using techniques of ethnography for example, we could effectively explain every outcome in terms that would be outside the understanding of this tribe, but to us would effectively prove that the rain dance this tribe performs had no effect on the rain. However, at t he same time the peoples of this tribe could also effectively show that, if carried out correctly, this ritual could indeed affect the outcome of the rain. Here we have an example of cultural relativism. The practice of astrology is another area that falls into the category of superstition, simply because despite practitioners' attempts to tie the practice to precise mathematical formulas, it is not strictly based on scientific truths. However, proponents of astrology – including the areas of horoscope and Tarot readings – would claim the validity of the practice simply because of its long history. In fact, the use of horoscopes was first recorded in Ancient Mesopotamia where they were used to predict affairs of the state, while they became more individual-focused in Ancient Greece. So that is a basic outline of superstition, let us now take a closer look at religion. Religion has, in fact, historically been defined in various different (and often overlapping) ways. Mo reover, some definitions appear to be relatively broad whilst 3 others are somewhat narrower. For Example, the American theologian, Vergilius Ferm spoke of religion in terms of " effecting in some way†¦a vital adjustment to whatever is reacted to or regarded implicitly or explicitly as worthy of serious and ulterior concern" (qtd in Sweetman 4). More morally minded was the philosopher William James who spoke of religion as "a belief there is an unseen order, and that our supreme good lies in harmoniously adjusting ourselves thereto" (qtd in Sweetman 5). Thus, we see it is difficult to define religion in precise terms; however, we

Movie Review Essay An Inconvient Truth (with Al Gore)

Movie Review An Inconvient Truth (with Al Gore) - Essay Example The main attraction, however, is the beautiful blend of awesome digital animation, and personal reflections from Gore that add a very nice human element to the film. The way the film mixes the autobiographical elements: from Gore in a classroom in 1968, listening with rapt attention to the great geochemist Roger Revelle explaining the first few years of data on carbon dioxide increases in the atmosphere to the Al Gore on the family farm, talking about his father's tobacco business, and how he shut it down when his daughter (Al Gore's sister) got lung cancer: is simply phenomenal. The natural elan with which Gore carries off his acting makes us realise that here is a man who he is clearly in his element here, talking about something he has cared deeply about for over thirty years. What was most heart warming to notice was the efficient manner in which the film handles science, including reference to some of the very latest research that is going on in contemporary times. Not only are discussions of recent changes in Antarctica and Greenland expertly laid out, but Al Gore also does a very good job in talking about the relationship between sea surface temperature and hurricane intensity.

Conditional Fee or Contingent Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Conditional Fee or Contingent - Essay Example The essay "Conditional Fee or Contingent" talks about the conditional fee which is in the United States or in other words, a contingent fee in the United Kingdom is a fee system which provides services where the fee is only to be paid if a constructive result is shown. This system is also known as ‘no win no fee’ system. No win no fee system, in general, is an English legal system which refers to a conditional fee contract amid a customer and a law. The process of this agreement is that a lawyer will take the authority of this law or case, by knowing the fact that if lost than he or she will not be rewarded or paid. But if the case is won by the solicitor, he or she will be paid on hourly basis. As a contrast with the US, the triumph fee is much greater than the normal fee in the UK. Conditional fee system is usually found in countries such as in England, Canada, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, France, Greece, Japan, the Dominican Republic, B razil and in the US. Conditional fees permitted for a limited series of cases such as personal injury, insolvency etc. cases in 1999. But in 2000, legal aid was not obtainable for injuries, fatal accidents, business matters or law for partnerships. Legal aid got banned due to the more appropriate proceedings because of conditional fees. There are many advantages of conditional fee agreement as it provides admittance to the courts for the people who do not have enough money to pay the fees of lawyers and the overheads of civil court cases.

Workers and the Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Workers and the Economy - Essay Example Leaders of trade unions bargain with the employers and negotiate on the labor contracts on behalf of the members. For Trade unions to be strong and effective, they must attain certain modes of equality, democracy, and even ecological sustainability to ensure fair shares of resources (Coulter, 2014). Trade unions should enhance democracy through union democracy. Union democracy is the governance of any trade unions. Union democracy should ensure equality during elections and also quality and fair elections. Union democracy should also ensure that the executives of that union are representing the interests of the members accurately. Trade unions should, therefore, aspire to create a democratic society because it helps build an independent civil society. An independent society helps the people and members of the union make decisions on the leaders they want (Coulter, 2014). Democracy also helps the leaders to represent the members’ interests, needs and wants. Union democracy is also very important since it aids and trains people on how they should speak for themselves and also express confidence in their communities. A democratic union makes its members free to talk to their leaders about their needs and interests. It helps the members to have a voice in the leadership of t heir unions because they can challenge any authority. Since democracy is a system of ruling that is based on a government of the people, by the people and for the people, it protects the people’s freedom and interests. Democracy is also very crucial as it helps to control the leaders of the trade unions. Democracy prevents the leaders from abusing the power that is bestowed on them and using the leadership positions for their gains. Trade unions should embrace democracy as it avoids autocratic leadership and encourages popular participation (Coulter, 2014). All the members of the union, therefore, have equal opportunities to become informed and are

Internal Memorandum of law for negeligent supervision(the Tuttles) and Assignment

Internal Memorandum of law for negeligent supervision(the Tuttles) and negeligence( the Jone's) - Assignment Example Owen and Dolly Jones, who own and operate the campground, dont have any security on the premises because they are a "mom and pop" operation, and many of the campers come back year after year. They posted a sign out front that says, "Everyones family at the O & D Family Campground!" Tamaras family has been looking for a summer spot to which they can return year after year, so they gave the O & D Family Campground a try this year. The first morning after arriving, the two 10 year-old girls hit the pool at about 9:30, even though a sign posted at the pool entrance states that the pool is not supposed to open for another half hour, at 10:00 am. Tamara dove into the pool, and said, "Ow! Its shallow here, but it is warm! Come on in!" Shayla yelled, "What?" and dove in right next to Tamara, but she hit bottom and broke her arm. Tamara saved Shayla from drowning by pulling her to the side of the pool, and then helping her out to the pool deck. The girls yelled for Tamaras parents, who came out and immediately called an ambulance. Owen and Dolly returned from breakfast in town, and rushed into the pool area before the ambulance even arrived. Tamaras mom wondered why the pool was not marked as shallow on that end, but Dolly says they put up the signs every morning when they get ready to officially open the pool, plus the pool is sand bottom and relatively soft anyway. First: The Americans with Disabilities Act and other jurisprudence protects Shayla. Even though she is dyslexic, that does not mean that she is any more responsible or that the campground is any less responsible. Second: A business has some defense against negligence if what occurred happened outside normal business hours. However, this defense is not ironclad: If a company has an employee do an errand and the employee gets into a crash while carrying a company-issued cell phone or pager or is a non-designated driver, the company can be liable even outside of normal operating hours (FindLaw,

Sweet Desdemona Essay Example for Free

Sweet Desdemona Essay Iago strategically arouses Othello’s jealousy by allowing Othello to come to the conclusion that Desdemona is carrying on an illicit affair with Cassio. Iago states in a barely audible voice, as though he didnt really mean to say anything, Ha! I like not that (3. 3. 35). Othello asks him what he said, and Iago brushes him off and replies that it was nothing. After Othello inquires whether it was Cassio they had just seen, Iago replies, Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it, / That he would steal away so guilty-like, / Seeing you coming (3. 3. 38-40). In these statements, Iago is already laying the groundwork for his scheme. He has pretended to be reluctant to discuss Cassio with Othello, and he has not explicitly accused Cassio of anything, but he has depicted Cassio in a manner that would cause Othello to be suspicious. While Desdemona is speaking to Othello, Iago remains silent. However, when Desdemona leaves, Iago asks Othello if Cassio knew of Othello’s affection for Desdemona during their courtship. Othello answers that yes, and then wants to know why Iago asked. Iago replies, But for a satisfaction of my thought; / No further harm (3. 3. 97-98). Iagos use of the words further harm reassures Othello that he was merely wondering, but does so in such a way that shows he has already had harmful thoughts. Iago’s feigned reluctance to discuss the topic makes him seem more credible as he is not outright attacking or doubting Desdemona’s character or loyalty. His seemingly harmless comments were made to incite Othello’s suspicion. Throughout the act, Iago’s continued reluctance only makes Othello more curios and paranoid. Iago seems credible because he pretends to have Othello’s best interests at heart. He even warns Othello against jealously. Because Iago is an old friend, Othello believes him to be honest and trusts him. In order to convince Othello of Desdemona’s disloyalty, Iago concocts a story about a dream. After claiming the only reason he is telling Othello is because he loves him, Iago says that when he was sleeping with Cassio, Cassio said in his sleep, Sweet Desdemona, / Let us be wary, let us hide our loves (3. 3. 419-420). When Othello doubts Iago’s tale, Iago once again disarms Othello by pretending to share the same doubts. Iago finally convinces Othello by telling him that Cassio wiped his beard with Desdemona’s handkerchief. Iago’s statement convinced Othello because it was not a direct accusation. Iago did not directly attack Desdemona or Cassio. He merely lied and stated that he saw Cassio wipe his beard with Desdemona’s handkerchief. Iago planted seeds of doubt with regards to the loyalties of Desdemona and Cassio by asking Othello seemingly innocent questions and pretending to be reluctant to discuss the matter. In reality, Iago’s comments and questions prayed on Othello’s insecurities and aroused his emotions to jealousy.

Impact of Cultural Revolution on China

Impact of Cultural Revolution on China What effects did the Cultural Revolution have on life in rural China? Introduction In 1966, China’s Communist leader Mao Zedong launched a movement in which became to be known as the Cultural Revolution in order to reassert his authority over the Chinese government. Mao called on the nation’s youth which formed the Red Guard and was Mao’s personal army to purge the impure elements of Chinese society. The Cultural Revolution continued for a decade until Mao’s death in 1976. The Cultural Revolution had such a tormented and violent legacy that it still resided in Chinese politics during the post-revolution era. The Cultural Revolution was a great political movement that took place in the People’s Republic of China in 1966. Mao Zedong was the in charge of starting this movement as he wanted to enforce communism more on the country by trying to remove capitalist and certain elements from the current Chinese society that were affecting his party negatively. This revolution helped Mao Zedong back into power even after the failed five year plan of the ‘Great Leap Forward’. This movement significantly affected China economically and socially which in turn had heavy negative effects on China’s position politically. Many of the youths of China started to from the Red Guard groups as an appeal to Mao to help bring more control and spreading of his influence. These groups conducted a mass purge even on senior officers who were so called accused of being more in favour to the capitalist side rather than following the road of communism that Mao Zedong wants all of China to follow. This group grew significantly and rapidly as more youths were influenced to join the cause in helping Mao and his movement. â€Å"During this turbulent decade, many events happened in China with the most notably the Red Guard movement, nationwide revolutionary rebels and great chaos, the fall of Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping, the Lin Biao affair and the movement of millions of youths and intellectuals to the rural country sides. During the different events and stages of the Cultural Revolution, millions of people were killed or who have suffered unspeakable hardships both physically and psychologically.† (Chang, 1999) Context The Cultural Revolution affected the Chinese system as a whole which resulted in many consequences. In the short run, political instability and the economy produced a slower economic growth which resulted in a significant decline in government expenditure and services. Although there were many problems in the main city’s the rural and countryside areas life prospered during the Cultural Revolution as many educated youths who joined Mao’s movement and became a Red Guard moved to the rural areas. â€Å"This first generation of educated rural youth helped village production brigades begin to mechanize agriculture, develop irrigation on a large scale, introduce chemical fertilizer, and experiment with new seeds, crops, and methods, and they also staffed the more than 2,500 small factories and other enterprises set up by Jimo villages during the Cultural Revolution decade.† (Han, 2008) During the Cultural Revolution, Mao who is in charge of the Communist Party implemented a policy which was known as the Down to the Countryside Movement, which was to move the educated youths from the urban areas down to the rural and countryside areas to live and learn. These youths were educated by farmers in understanding a greater role in agrarian labor. These educated youths which were mostly the Red Guards were moved out of the urban areas so that there would be less social disruption than in the urban areas during this conflict. Each individual youth learned the many ways of agrarian labor and were inducted into this new society. As the Cultural Revolution continued on there were a large number of experienced health personnel that were deployed to the countryside. Farmers were given the opportunity of medical training and the building of health centers was established in the countryside to help further improvement of life in the rural areas. This process led to a high improvement in health and life expectancy of the general population in rural areas. â€Å"There were massive expansion of rural middle schools and the development of rural-oriented vocational education during the Cultural Revolution decade.† (Han, 2008) â€Å"Agricultural production began to substantially improve and rural industry took off in Jimo County. The expansion of rural schools and especially the new vocational education programs provided village youth with the training required to modernize agriculture and develop small factories.† (Han, 2008) By June of 1966 many schools and universities all over China had closed down due to the majority of students spending all their time joining the Cultural Revolution movement and becoming a Red Guard for Mao. Millions of these youths were ordered to take part in attacking other citizens and high elite personal that are not wanting or following the movement’s ideologies. Many of the rural villages start to rise up and challenged village officials face to face with public debates, posters and mass meetings. In the first time ever in China, farmers were able to stand up and fight against the government and criticize them for all their faults especially during the Great Leap Forward years. The government officials in charge of the villages were significantly outnumbered and succumbed to the new communes of farmers. Government officials and leaders had lost all of their power and influence during the Cultural Revolution. â€Å"Enthusiastic urban youths in middle schools and colleges formed Red Guard organizations and served as Mao’s crusading army against the traditional party and state establishment before all 17 million in total were sent to the countryside to receive reeducation from local peasants. Deprived of regular school education in their formative years, most members of this cultural revolution generation were at a loss in the competiti on for employment in the post-Revolution reform era.† (Guo, Song Zhou, 2006) Government officials had no choice but to either leave back to the city or reform to the movement’s ways and activities. Many of them did reform and started new life’s and worked as farmers. They had to follow the rules implemented by the farmer’s communes and their new democratic culture which was now being heavily implemented by all villages in the rural areas during the Cultural Revolution period. As time passed on during the Cultural Revolution period, ordinary farmers were empowered and were given more control in the management of the affairs of production teams and brigades. During the revolution years the farmers started many committees which were democratically election. This helped provide the farmers with fair and equal election. With the elected leaders of each committee, production plans and budgets were greatly improved thus improving economic activities and providing a higher growth rate. This improved life greatly in the rural areas during the Cultural Revolution. â€Å"Hence Mao’s idea of a spiral of growth in the villages beginning from simple, labor-intensive, nil-gestation investment and leading on to the modernization of rural China.† (Gray, 2006) Conclusion In conclusion life during the Cultural Revolution period in China for the rural areas was quite successful. With a high number of youths that moved to the rural areas during the down to the countryside movement, the rural areas had a significant increase in overall production and economic growth as new societies were created and increase in infrastructure and services most notably agricultural factories were built. Although this revolution had terrible consequences during the short term such as millions of people suffering or being killed the revolution proved beneficial in its long term as it impacted the entire country for decades to come. â€Å"The Cultural Revolution involved virtually all Chinese people and indirectly many other countries in the world. During the Cultural Revolution, revolutionary art, music and dramas were pursued and major reforms in education, factory management, economic planning, medical care and other areas of Chinese life were carried out. Many of these actually brought bitterness and injury to the Chinese people. During this turbulent decade, China also encountered difficulties, setbacks and isolation in the international relations area in the late 1960s and only made some efforts to try and improve its relations with other countries and expand its diplomatic base in the 1970s.† (Chang, 1999) â€Å"This 10 yearlong class struggle on a massive scale caused unprecedented damage to traditional culture and to the nation’s economy. To a great extent, it was the disaster of the Cultural Revolution that prompted post-Mao Chinese communist leaders ahead of their soviet counterparts to implement pragmatic economic reforms. Major policies that the post-Mao government has adopted, even today may still be best understood as a reaction to the racial politics of the Cultural Revolution. â€Å"(Guo, Song Zhou, 2006) Word Count: 1447 Bibliography Chang, T. (1999). China during the Cultural Revolution, 1966-1976 (1st Ed.). Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press. Depts.washington.edu. (2014). Cultural Revolution. Retrieved 19 April 2014, from https://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/graph/9wenge.htm Gray, J. (1990). Rebellions and revolutions (1st Ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. Gray, J. (2006). Remembering Jack Gray (1st Ed.). Guo, J., Song, Y., Zhou, Y. (2006). Historical dictionary of the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1st Ed.). Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press. Guo, J., Song, Y., Zhou, Y., Guo, J. (2009). The A to Z of the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1st Ed.). Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press. Han, D. (2001). Impact of the Cultural Revolution on Rural Education and Economic Development. Modern China, 27(1), 5990. Han, D. (2008). The unknown cultural revolution (1st Ed.). New York: Monthly Review Press. HISTORY.com. (2014). Cultural Revolution Facts Summary HISTORY.com. Retrieved 19 April 2014, from http://www.history.com/topics/cultural-revolution HsuÃÅ'ˆ, I. (1970). The rise of modern China (1st Ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. Kissinger, H. (2011). On China (1st Ed.). New York: Penguin Press. Potter, S. (1988). The cultural construction of emotion in rural Chinese social life. Ethos, 16(2), 181208. Singhal, D. (1972). A year in upper felicity: life in a Chinese village during the Cultural Revolution (1st Ed.). Englewood Cliffs, N. J.: Prentice-Hall. Zhou, X., Hou, L. (1999). Children of the Cultural Revolution: The state and the life course in the Peoples Republic of China. American Sociological Review, 1236

Methods of Refrigeration: Literature Review

Methods of Refrigeration: Literature Review REVIEW OF LITERATURE 2.1 Introduction In study of applied thermo dynamics all the while we have been observing heat transfer from a system at higher temperature to that at lower temperature. Now in the study of refrigeration we will be observing various methods of cooling the objects and maintaining the temperature of bodies at values lower than surrounding temperature. According to American society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHARE) â€Å"Refrigeration is the science of providing and maintaining temperature below that of the surrounding (ambient) temperature†. In the olden days around 2500 years B.C. Indians, Egyptians, etc., were producing ice by keeping water in the porous posts open to cold atmosphere during the night period. The evaporation of water in almost cool dry air accompanied with recitative heat transfer in the clear night caused the formation of ice even when the ambient temperature was above the freezing temperature. Further references are available which support the use of ice in China 1000 years BC. Nero, the emperor, was using ice for cooling beverages. Further, the East Indians were able to produce refrigeration by dissolving salt in water as early as 4th century A.D., of course, on very small scale. The use of evaporative cooling is another application of refrigeration used olden days. The cooling of water in earthen pots for drinking purpose; is the most common example where the evaporation for water through the pores of earthen pot is accompanied with cooling of water. The fore said methods of the production of cooling were not feasible for the commercial use due to very small amount of ice production. Availability of natural ice in limited regions and unavailability of good quality insulation confined the application of ice to those localities only. These all led to the development of artificial refrigeration side, a few would be presented here. Thomas Harris and John Long got the earliest British parent in 1790. Later on in 1834 Jacob Perkins developed hand operated refrigeration system using ether (volatile) as the working fluid. Ether vapor is sucked by the hand-operated compressor and then high temperature and pressure either vapor is condensed in the water cooled chamber (condenser). Liquid ether is finally throttled to the lower pressure, and thus evaporation of this liquid in chamber A lowers the temperature of water surrounding the vessel. Finally ice is formed. In this system, ether is used again and again in the cyclic process with negli gible wastage. In 1851, Dr. John Garrie of Florida, a physician obtained the first American patent of a cold air machine to produce ice in order to cure people suffering from the high fever. Instead of air or ether, sulphuric ether was used by Dr. James Harrison of Australia in 1860, the world’s first installation of refrigeration machine for brewery. The steam engine works as a power source which drives the compressor for the pressurization of sulphuric ether vapor, which is, in turn, condensed and is allowed to expand and evaporate in order to produce refrigeration. Dr. Alexander Kirk of England constructed a cold air machine is 1861 similar to that of Dr. Gorrie. The air was compressed by a reciprocating compressor driven by a steam engine running on coal. His actual machine consumed about 1 kg of coal to produce 4 kg of ice (approximately). In the 19th century, there was tremendous development of refrigeration systems to replace natural ice by artificial ice producing machines. Unfortunately steam engine, a very low speed power developing source, was used to drive the compressor, rendering very poor performance of the refrigeration system. Some Recent Advancements of in Refrigeration In the beginning of 20th century, large sized refrigeration machines were under progress. By 1904 about 450 ton cooling system for air conditioning the New York Stock Exchange was installed. In Germany people used air conditioning in theatre for comfort purposes. In around 1911 the compressor speed was raised between 100 to 300 rpm. The first two-stage modem compressor was brought under use in 1915. During the civil war there was an acute shortage of the supply of natural ice from the north. Hence, Ferdinand Care of the USA developed vapour-absorption refrigeration system ammonia as a refrigerant and water as a absorbent. The system consists of an evaporator, an absorber, a pump, a generator, a condenser and an expansion device. The evaporated vapor is absorbed by the weak ammonia-water mixture in the absorber yielding strong aqua ammonia. The pump delivers this strong solution into the generator where heat transfer from a burner separates ammonia vapor and the weak ammonia water returns to the absorber. On the other hand the ammonia vapor condenses in the condenser before being throttled. The throttled ammonia liquid enters the evaporator resulting in completion of the cyclic process. In the beginning of two decades of the twentieth century, the development in refrigeration system was confined to refinement in cold air machines and vapor compression thermoelectric, pulse tube refrigeration systems, etc. The developments are vortex tube, steam-jet refrigeration system, availability of materials of specific properties for thermoelectric materials. The possible use of waste heat or solar energy in case of vapor-absorption and thermoelectric systems has led to development of several commercial units these days especially due to the like hood of future energy crisis, the world is going to face. A condenser is a heat exchanger is which de-superheating of high temperature vapor changes the phase from vapor to liquid and sub cooling of condensate occurs. The condenser is an important device used in the high pressure side of a refrigeration system. Its function is to remove heat of hot vapor refrigerant discharged from the compressor. The hot vapor refrigerant consists of the heat absorbed by the evaporator and the heat of compression added by the mechanical energy of the compressor motor. The heat from the hot vapor refrigerant in a condenser is removed first by transferring it to the walls of the condenser tubes and then from the tubes to the condensing or cooling medium. The cooling medium may be air or water or a combination of the two. An air cooled condenser is one in which the removal of heat is done by air. It consists of steel or copper tubing through which the refrigerant flows. The size of tube usually ranges from 6mm to 18mm outside diameter, depending upon the size of the condenser. Generally copper tubes are used because of its excellent heat transfer ability. The condensers with steel tubes are used in ammonia refrigerating systems. Majority of the domestic refrigerators uses the natural convection air cooled condenser. The present work refrigerator uses the natural convection air cooled condenser. In natural convection air cooled condenser, the heat transfer from the condenser coils to the air is by natural convection. As the air comes in contact with the warm condenser tubes, it absorbs heat from the refrigerant and thus the temperature of air increases. The warm air being lighter, rises up and cold air from below rises to take away the heat from the condenser. This cycle continues in natural convection air cooled condensers. This work is an experimental approach to increase the heat to be rejected in the condenser as well as increase the performance of the system. If the condenser is having more fins spacing then the number of fins avail able at the condenser are less. Due to this surface area decreases. Therefore less heat transfer occurs. On the other hand if the condenser is having less fins spacing then the number of fins available at the Condensers are more. Therefore more heat rejection takes place in the condenser. Because of more heat rejection sub cooling occurs at the exit of the condenser which in turn increases the performance of the system. Decreasing energy consumption and increasing efficiency is one of the most important points in our era. Becoming a matter of primary importance in air conditioning, industrial and commercial cooling applications, supermarket cooling, blast freezing and process cooling applications, energy efficiency affects design of chillers (and its equipment such as condensers, compressors etc.) and urges manufacturers to develop high performance, energy-efficient, environment friendly, economic, and long life products. Becoming a matter of primary importance in air conditioning, industrial cooling, supermarket cooling, commercial cooling, blast freezing and process cooling applications, etc., energy efficiency affects the design of chillers that account for a significant ratio of the energy consumption in plants. Legal legislations that for the short run limit, and in the long run prohibit the use of fluids of high global warming potential, that are detrimental to the ozone layer are also influential on designs. Since air cooled condensers are among the essential components of cooling groups, efforts to improve their energy efficiency are made incessantly, the related national and international standards are upgraded and limitations on their energy consumptions are always increasing. Our statement will convey –in the light of the latest applicable standards- detailed and comparative information on applications aimed at improving the energy efficiency in air cooled condensers, highlighting the importance of energy efficiency in cooling installations. 2.2 The effect of condensation temperature on capacity The condensation temperature of the refrigerant is considered to be 6 °C – 20 °C above air inlet temperature for general purposes. The condensation temperature varies according to the ambient temperature in which the system will operate. This said, the condensation temperature for applications is commonly taken as 30-60 °C. Factors taken into consideration for determining the condensation temperature Ambient temperature, Thermo physical properties of the refrigerant, Properties of the selected compressor and The dimensions of the condenser. While providing the nominal condenser capacity in condensers as per the Euro vent Standard, the air inlet temperature and condensation temperature are taken as 25 °C and 40 °C respectively. In other words, T = 15  °C. A low value should be selected for the temperature differential T, in places of high ambient temperature. For instance, while designing for the conditions of Antalya the T value should be selected within the range of 7 ° 10 ° C. For systems that will operate in outdoor environments in conditions of Turkey, the temperature differential should be lowered as one goes from the north to the south and selections should be made accordingly. It must always be considered that High Compression Temperature creates a load on the compressor that reduces efficiency and shortens its useful life. It will be quite beneficial in the design for the condensation temperature to be specified as low as possible. However, in some conditions it is not possible to take a low value for the condensation temperature. For example in Middle East countries where the outdoor temperature is 50 °C-55 °C, high condenser temperature is unavoidable. The following example shows the compressor absorbed power at various condensation temperatures and the achieved cooling capacities for a semi-hermetic type HGX4/555-4 model compressor manufactured by BOCK, which uses R134A gas. The cooling gas selected for the example is R134A. As seen from the table, when the condensation temperature rises from 30 °C to 60 °C, the compressor draws 25% more power while the cooling capacity drops by 38.5%, the COP value decreases by 51% and the a unit that is 38.5% larger must be used to achieve the cooling capacity declared in the design. 2.3 Tried and True for Millennia Copper tubing has been in use by civilization for thousands of years, and it has been found present in the water lines of Ancient Egypt. Modern-day houses having copper pipes installed 70 years ago are still working well in the present day and require far less to fix and modify than alternative methods. Should you choose copper, you will have very little maintenance, whereas even stainless steel begins to rust over time, especially if it is not painted or coated. There are a great variety of uses for copper tubing. If you invest a high degree into copper, you may be able to easily reclaim your investment with high rates of return for reuse and recycling for example. Copper is a fantastic renewable resource because it is easily recycled. Beneficial Qualities of Copper Tubing Proven Longevity Comparably Lightweight Resistant to Corrosion Can Be Formed to Shape Largely Nontoxic and Non Carcinogenic 2.4 Copper Condenser Coils Condensers are one of the prominent uses of copper tubing. Changing gases into liquids occur at appropriate temperature dew point. Coppers fantastic heat transfer rates are one of the best choices for achieving this goal, exceeding other heat transfer tubing materials (such as aluminum in this case) by nearly 800% while maintaining a strong, lightweight structure. Having a higher heat transfer rate renders less total material necessary for a given space, allowing for more compact, lightweight, and simple condenser applications that minimize back pressure. CTCG builds condensers with copper tubing, aluminum tubing, and stainless steel tubing, to customer printsbut we highly recommend copper tubing for condenser applications. 2.5 All Designs Accepted for Review Whether your coil is, serpentine, coaxial, or completely customized, all designs are accepted for review. Both hard drawn and annealed, flexible copper tubing acceptable for forming and coiling. Easily outsource production runs of custom copper tubing coils or buy bulk loads of custom and non-custom length copper tubing, including level wound coils, water tubing and piping, refrigeration tubing, DWV and capillary tubing. Providing Tubing Coils for Most Industries Copper meets many industries highest standards for excellence; thus we recommend the use of copper for your applications in The Aerospace Industry, Construction Industry, Freon Recycling Industry, Medical Industry, and the AC Refrigeration Industry Most projects can be easily manufactured, including such items as gas turbines, artistic projects, diagnostic hardware, in one to four weeks (and sometimes faster). Check our present inventory to see what tube types can be serviced this month 2.6 Why Copper Copper tubing is the ideal material for many applications. Its strength, the ease with which it is fabricated and soldered, and its high conductivity to heat is invaluable in the process of building homes and industrial buildings, particularly for the refrigeration and air conditioning equipment installed. Tubing made from copper is one of the few naturally-sourced materials that are 100% recyclable, so no metal is lost in reclaiming copper from pipes no longer needed, making it a good choice for the future. Maori Trends and Paradigms: 1919 to Present Day Maori Trends and Paradigms: 1919 to Present Day Research hauora Maori trends and paradigms from 1919 to the present day Unit Standard 18414 Gilanne M. Natividad Identify the Region The TÄ maki Makaurau region stretches from the South Kaipara in the north to the southern reaches of the Manukau Harbour and covers more than 5,600 square kilometres. It is the smallest of the Te Puni KÄ kiri regions but contains the largest population of MÄ ori. Identify the Hauora Maori trends and paradigms Lung cancer Is a disease whereby, cells grow uncontrollably in the lung tissue usually beginning in the lining of the bronchi or bronchioles (small tubes in the lungs, through which air passes while breathing). As these tumours enlarge they can block off the bronchi and restrict the airflow into the lung. They commonly spread into the local lymph nodes and occasionally the chest wall. This reduces the airways capacity leading to shortness of breath and coughing. The growth may lead to metastasis, which is when the cancer spreads to other areas of the body. Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer and is attributed to approximately 85% of cases. Lung cancer in non-smokers is attributed to a combination of genetic factors, radon gas, asbestos and air pollution, including second-hand smoke. (Cancer NZ) Cervical Cancer Is cancer of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus or womb. Cervical cancer develops slowly over time, usually taking many years, when abnormal cells grow on the cervix. These abnormal cells are caused by infection with high-risk types of HPV. Abnormalities in the cells of the cervix can be detected by cervical screening and removed. Each year there are around 25,000 abnormal smear test results among New Zealand women. The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is persistent HPV infection. Other factors may contribute, including: Genetics: some women are more likely to get cancer than others (family history) Smoking: tobacco is a factor in causing many types of cancer, including cervical cancer. Women who smoke are twice as likely as non-smokers to develop cervical cancer Nutrition: women with a diet low in fruits and vegetables have an increased risk Number of sexual partners: the more sexual partners a person has, the higher their risk of contracting HPV Not having regular smear tests: this increases a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer. (Ministry of Health, 2014) Gynaecological cancers are not common cancers but they do take the lives of around 350 New Zealand women each year. Ovarian cancer causes around 190 of these deaths. For all the gynaecological cancers, like most cancers, the risk increases with age. For ovarian and endometrial (lining of the uterus) cancers the causes are not well understood. However it is known that; †¢ Women who have not had children †¢ Women who are overweight May have an increased risk for these cancers a cause of some cervical, vulval and vaginal cancers is a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). This is a common sexually transmitted virus. Most women are infected with it at some point in their lives. For most women it will never cause any problems. However, for a few women it causes cell changes that can lead to cancer. (Gynaecological Cancers Information for all Women, 2012) Colon Cancer or Bowel Cancer Bowel cancer is named according to where it is found: for example, cancer of the colon, cancer of the rectum or colorectal cancer. This cancer occurs when the cells in some part of the bowel grow abnormally and form a lump or tumour. Most cancers are in the large bowel. Cancer in the small bowel is less common. How common is bowel cancer? The latest provisional information available from the New Zealand Cancer Registry1 recorded 2,759 new cases of colorectal cancer in 2008. It is one of the most common cancers among both men and women in New Zealand. It may occur at any age, although 90 percent of cases are found in people over the age of 50. There are different risk factors in developing Bowel Cancer: Lifestyle A diet high in fat and protein and low in fruit and vegetables Alcohol consumption Weight gain, particularly around the waist Low rates of physical activity. Family History of Bowel Cancer Rare Genetic Conditions (Bowel Cancer Matepukupuku Puku Hamuti, 2009) Identify traditional approaches to Hauora Maori Models of health The Medical Wheel (Stamler, 2003) Purpose: effectiveness of healthcare for Maori by delivering quality service. 4 themes Mental Emotional Spiritual Physical Te Pae Mahutonga (Durie, 2011) Purpose: the star constellation focuses on modern health promotion 4 stars Mauriora – cultural identity Waiora – environmental protection Toiora – healthy lifestyle Te Oronga – participation in society Te Wheke (Pere, 1984) Purpose: this is to link between the mind, spirit, human connection with the whanau and the physical world. 10 components Te whÄ nau – the family Waiora – total wellbeing for the individual and family Wairuatanga – spirituality Hinengaro – the mind Taha tinana – physical wellbeing Whanaungatanga extended family Mauri – life force in people and objects Mana ake – unique identity of individuals and family HÄ  a koro ma, a kui ma – breath of life from forbearers Whatumanawa – the open and healthy expression of emotion Te Whare Tapa Wha (Durie, 1984) Purpose: is to set foundation for a holistic approach and to reflect on a way of being 4 components Wairua spiritual Hinengaro mind Tinana body Whanau – family Utilising of Maori medicine Rongoa MÄ ori – traditional MÄ ori medicine Rongoais the MÄ ori term for medicines that are produced from native plants in New Zealand. Use of these medicines prevented many sicknesses, and provided remedies for the sick. In traditional MÄ ori healing, diagnosis involved a holistic approach that included mind, body and spirit mauri(spark or life force),wairua(spirit), andtapu(natural law).Whakapapaor genealogy was also considered. Tohunga, the medical practitioners of the MÄ ori world, passed their knowledge down through the generations, and modern MÄ ori healers still use many of the concepts and practices.(100% New Zealand, 1999) Identify issues to primary and secondary health service Discrimination The role of discrimination and racism in harming health is not new but has received increasing attention over the past 20 years. Doctors have been shown to be less likely to advocate for preventive measures for Maori patients than for non-Maori patients, and Maoris may be less likely than non-Maoris to be referred for surgical care. (Lis Ellison-Loschmann, 2006) Accessibility Access has been defined in terms of both ‘access to’ and ‘access through’ health care, the latter concept taking into account the quality of the service being provided. Health care need and health care quality have been developed into framework for measuring disparities in access to care, a framework that includes broader environmental and societal factors like racism that may affect access. There is increasing evidence that Maoris and non-Maoris differ in terms of access to both primary and secondary health care services that Maoris are less likely to be referred for surgical care and specialist services, and that, given the disparities in mortality, they receive lower than expected levels of quality hospital care than non-Maoris. One survey showed that 38% of Maori adults reported problems in obtaining necessary care in their local area, as compared with 16% of non-Maoris. Maoris were almost twice as likely as non-Maoris (34% vs 18%) to have gone without health care in the past year because of the cost of such care. This adds to previous evidence that cost is a significant barrier to Maoris’ access to health services. (Lis Ellison-Loschmann, 2006) Affordability Many of the Maori people are unemployed due to lack of qualifications for they did not have a chance to study. This results to not being able to avail the health services offered in Tamaki Makau Rau whether it is primary or secondary health services. Instead of seeking professional help from the doctors or health workers, they tend to self-medicate by buying over the counter medicines to have a relief on whatever symptoms they are experiencing. The development of Maori health services At the beginning of the 20th century, Maori leadership played a key role in advancing health promotion and disease control activities within Maori communities.This approach was to be important throughout the century, and there are many examples of both national and local Maori-led initiatives committed to advancing Maori health. These initiatives occurred outside of the mainstream services being provided at the time, which made them vulnerable to changes in government and funding availability. An opportunity for the focused development of Maori provider services emerged with the introduction of the 1991 health reforms. However, this restructuring of health and social services also led to a widening gap in inequality, as evident in such key determinants of health as income, education, employment, and housing. Moreover, the reforms had direct effects on the health of Maoris, particularly that of children. What are the differences between health services provided by Maoris and those provided by non-Maoris? Crengle identified use of Maori models of health and promotion of positive Maori development as 2 key philosophies underpinning Maori primary health care services. Maori cultural processes used as a basis for developing and delivering contemporary health services that support self-sufficiency and Maori control are crucial to the success of these provider organizations. Maori provider services have specifically identified access issues as a key factor and have used a range of strategies to address these issues, including extensive mobile services and outreach clinics (alongside a health center service base), free or low-cost health care, employment of primarily Maori staff who are more likely to have access to Maori consumers in their communities,and active inclusion of the community in the planning and delivery of services. The number of Maori health providers increased from 13 in 1993 to 240 in 2004. However, these providers continue to face a number of difficulties. For example, a lack of good primary health data, such as ethnicity data, has limited the potential of many Maori health providers, and a small Maori health work-force has been quickly absorbed into the growing number of Maori provider organizations. Also, the short contract time frames in place require extensive renegotiations each year. In addition, because Maori providers work primarily with families at high levels of need in terms of health services, increased costs are inevitable if health gains are to be achieved, and funders must take this situation into account. Similar policy initiatives have recently been adopted in Canada and Australia to improve the health of indigenous peoples; however, the contractual environments in these countries lean toward single multiyear funding contracts for comprehensive primary health care, and there is early evidence that such systems are more efficient for providers and promote better outcomes among consumers. It is too soon to assess the effects that the Maori provider organizations are having on the health status of Maoris, and these organizations should be viewed as representing one of a package of necessary long-term measures. Although the evidence that such strategies are effective is not yet available, there is certainly evidence that the reverse is true; that is, health service provision with little Maori participation results in poor Maori outcomes. (Lis Ellison-Loschmann, 2006) Government Health Policy i.e Whanau Ora It is when the family is empowered as a whole in facing the health problems instead of focusing individually with the whanau members. It encourages the family to help one another in dealing with sickness or any ailments by giving them health lectures, brochures and pamphlets with regards to the disease. Explain the research methodology Result of consultation with local iwi and/or hapu Consultation helps develop a cooperative working relationship with local Iwi and Hapu. Te reo drives tikanga and kawa for each Iwi and Hapu. It is done usually before and during the research, for the researchers to advise them of the nature of the intended study and invite their comments and/ or involvement. Ethical and cultural considerations within a hauora context As a researcher, we should secure consent first. So that the subject will be aware on what is the scope of the research and on how he or she can participate. It is also given to secure his/her rights as a subject. The researcher should also consider his client’s cultural safety by not putting into risk his client’s cultural beliefs. The researcher should also work on establishing the relationship and set rapport or also known as whakapapa-kawakia. The researcher should allow his client to do their Karakia before and after their session. Data collection and tikanga Data is collected for this unit standard by using different available resources which involves the three trends namely Lung Cancer, Gynaecological Cacer and Bowel Cancer. These are by utilizing books, journals, websites and notes from our lectures with respect to the Tikanga of the subject. It I important to observe their Tikanga for they will uphold each other’s culture and beliefs. Describe the research methodology in accordance with research ethics and tikanga Maori, ensuring you cover the following areas: Complete literature review has been already submitted. Sourcing information References: Bowel Cancer Matepukupuku Puku Hamuti. (2009) Cancer Society: Understanding Cancer, 7-10. Gynaecological Cancers Information for All Women. (2012) Cancer Society, 1-2 Ministry of Health. (2014, January 23). Retrieved January 30,2014, from Ministry of Health, http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/condition-and-treatment/diseases-and-illnesses/cancer/cervical-cancer Te Puni Kokiri. (2012, March 6). Retrieved January 30, 2014, from Te Puni Kokiri: http://www.tpk.govt.nz/ Ministry of Health. (2010). Trends in Cancer Incidence by Ethics and Socioeconomic Group, New Zealand 1981-2004. Trends in Cancer Incidence by Ethics and Socioeconomic Group, New Zealand 1981-2004, 52-57 The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright  ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. The Free Dictionary. (n.d.) Retrieved January 30, 2014, from The Free Dictionary, http://www.thefreedictionary.com/auckland Procedures for recording and analysing information and presenting findings Assessment Task 2 Analyse research regarding hauora Maori trends and paradigms from 1919 to the present day The table above shows the cancer registration by tumour sites for Maori clients in year 2003-2006, Northern Region. There is a high significance rate which is 63% in Lung Cancer for Maori people. This is mainly because of the exposure to cigarette smoking and second hand smoke that the Maori people are experiencing. Next is, Colorectal Cancer with 18%, which mainly caused by not eating enough vegetables high in fibre. The diet of the Maori people has a major impact in the second leading cancer. Most of the Maori people eats meat and processed food which contributes in acquiring colorectal cancer. The next three types of cancer are under the umbrella of gynaecological cancer for women. These three has different contributing risk factors which are obesity, improper diet, number of pregnancy and genetics. It can be prevented by undergoing screening and regular check-up with their OB-Gyne. Most of the Maori women are getting pregnant with their first child at an early age which causes them to bear more children through their lifetime that may cause one of these cancers. Assessment Task 3 Present your findings and explain a present day health priority for Maori The leading five female cancer registrations were breast, colorectal, melanoma, lung and uterus in the Northern Region and nationally for the period 2003-2006, accounting for approximately 65% of all female cancers. The leading five male cancer registrations were cancers of the prostate, colorectal, melanoma, lung and non-Hodgkin’s cancer in the Northern Region and nationally for the period 2003-2006, accounting for approximately 65% of all male cancers. Uterine cancer was the second most common cancer (12%) amongst Pacific women, both nationally and in the Northern Region. Cervical cancer was among the five most common female cancers in Maori, Pacific and Asian women but not in European/Other women in the Northern Region. Nationally, cervical cancer was in the top five female cancers for Asian women only. In the early years, Maori people don’t have the enough knowledge with Cancer and they seek help with their local village doctor and instructed to take herbal medicines to relieve whatever symptoms they were experiencing that moment. And later on will be deceased due to different complications without knowing the real cause. The present day health priority for Maori is early screening for cancers. For female Maoris, they can undergo mammography for breast cancer screening, and Pap smear for cervical cancer screening. For male Maoris, they can undergo Digital Rectal Examination to check if there are any tenderness and lumps in their prostate. Early prevention is important for there are many treatments that can be used like surgical removal of lumps or undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments. The chance of survival is high when the cancer is diagnosed at the early stage. Proper health education and having Maori representatives in public health care services is important for the Maori, for they will feel that they are safe and secured if they will speak to their co-Maori people in regards with their health concerns. The partnership of the Maori with The Crown will help the Maori people to avail the different health services offered by The Ministry of Health with respect to their culture and beliefs.

Economic Reform in Russia Essay -- Economics History USSR Essays

Economic Reform in Russia Formerly the preeminent republic of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Russia has been an independent nation since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Because of its great size, its natural resources, and its political domination, the Russian Federation played a leading role in the economy of the Soviet Union. In the years preceding the disintegration of the union in 1991, the economy of Russia and the union as a whole was in decline. In 1992, immediately after the separation, the Russian government implemented a series of radical reforms. Price controls were abolished as the beginning of a transition from a centrally controlled economy to a market economy. An immediate series of sharp price increases caused extreme hardships for the Russian people. Inventor of the fictional five-year plan, the fake harvest, Russia introduced another novel economic concept in 1996. It was a society modeled after the capitalist society. High expectations of economic growth even with â€Å"shock therapy†--unemployment, social discontent and opportunities for corruption; influence of western politicians and the U.S. policy; and failing to completely reform the communistic system were some factors to why some became rich but led many to misery and an early death. Despite the huge infusions of Western money, millions of ordinary Russians struggled to survive in an economy neither capitalist nor communist, but something brand new and strange, which ultimately led to the failure of economic reform in Russia. In the fall of 1996, Boris Yeltsin won the presidential election in Russia. He was viewed as the personification of reform in Russia.... who had vanquished the Communist dragon during the hard-line coup attempt of August 1991 -- and the leader best placed to introduce democratic, market-oriented reforms. In the same year Yeltsin became the President of Russia, the U.S. ambassador to Russia, Thomas R. Pickering, predicted by the fall of 1999, Russia would be one of America’s top trading partners. But in fact, three years after Pickering addressed his farewell speech to the American Chamber of commerce in Moscow, Russia ranked thirtieth in the list of American trading partners. In 1998, Russia’s gross national product plummeted by nearly fifty percent over the last decade. More than sixty million Russians, which is nearly half... ...d the International Monetary Fund assistance but the attempt at capitalist society was not successful. To the beleaguered people of Russia, certainties of old-style communism seemed attractive. A joke on the streets of Moscow, according to World Bank staffer John Nellis, was: "Everything the Communists told us about communism was a complete and utter lie. Unfortunately, everything the Communists told us about capitalism turned out to be true." The establishment of a free-market may require decades to accomplish since this quick attempt was not successful. The economy of Russia did not improve as speculated. Due to years of practicing communism, the Russian people experienced â€Å"shock therapy† when a free-market was in action. Another explanation was: because of constant U.S. influence, Russia was never at a state where they decided on the major decisions until the end. And finally, capitalism never worked in Russia because they did not fully let go of communism. After experiencing many hardships, the Russian people are confused as to what will work in their country full of resources yet lack of economic stability. Maybe the answer is a return to state controlled industries.

Impact of Technology on Family Life Essay example -- Sociology Essays

Impact of Technology on Family Life I think that technology has had both positively and negatively impacted the family life in our society. But I think the positive effects out way the negative ones. In this term paper I will focus on how cell phones, internet, and home security systems. These are only a few of the technology that has affected family life. I will first talk about the positive effects then I will explain the negative effects. Communication has had a big impact on family life in our society. Cell phones have become very popular in the past few years. One big cell phone that has been very popular with younger generations is the Nextel cell phones. One reason for this is because the Nextel phone has two way radios built into them. This makes it very easy for someone to talk to another person, you don’t have to dial up their number you just find their name and then push the button and then talk to them. Everyone in my family owns a Nextel phone. My parents got my brother’s and me phones so that they could get a hold of us easier when we went away. When I was in high school they were nice because I could call my parents and tell them where I was going and let them know when I was going to be home. Since cell phones are made smaller these days they are easier to carry around and much more convenient then trying to find a pay phone and then worrying if you have money for the pay phone. The internet has a positive impact much like cell phones. By this I am mainly talking about email and instant messenger. Email has had a huge impact on family life because it allows families to write each other that might not be able to talk to each other very often. Most email are free this is ... ...lso many other sites on the internet that are dangerous such as online gambling sites that say you can win lots of money. With these types of sites and many other sites that want you to give up personal information such as credit cards numbers, pin numbers, or social security number you have to be very careful and make sure that the site is a creditable site. There really isn’t too many things that I can say are negative about having a home security system because it will keep your family safe. The only ones that I can think of would be maybe the headache of insulting it. Another one is that it now a days people have to get home security systems. These are just a few ways technology has affected the family life in our society, but there are many more then the one that I have told you about in this paper. And there are many more to come in the future. Impact of Technology on Family Life Essay example -- Sociology Essays Impact of Technology on Family Life I think that technology has had both positively and negatively impacted the family life in our society. But I think the positive effects out way the negative ones. In this term paper I will focus on how cell phones, internet, and home security systems. These are only a few of the technology that has affected family life. I will first talk about the positive effects then I will explain the negative effects. Communication has had a big impact on family life in our society. Cell phones have become very popular in the past few years. One big cell phone that has been very popular with younger generations is the Nextel cell phones. One reason for this is because the Nextel phone has two way radios built into them. This makes it very easy for someone to talk to another person, you don’t have to dial up their number you just find their name and then push the button and then talk to them. Everyone in my family owns a Nextel phone. My parents got my brother’s and me phones so that they could get a hold of us easier when we went away. When I was in high school they were nice because I could call my parents and tell them where I was going and let them know when I was going to be home. Since cell phones are made smaller these days they are easier to carry around and much more convenient then trying to find a pay phone and then worrying if you have money for the pay phone. The internet has a positive impact much like cell phones. By this I am mainly talking about email and instant messenger. Email has had a huge impact on family life because it allows families to write each other that might not be able to talk to each other very often. Most email are free this is ... ...lso many other sites on the internet that are dangerous such as online gambling sites that say you can win lots of money. With these types of sites and many other sites that want you to give up personal information such as credit cards numbers, pin numbers, or social security number you have to be very careful and make sure that the site is a creditable site. There really isn’t too many things that I can say are negative about having a home security system because it will keep your family safe. The only ones that I can think of would be maybe the headache of insulting it. Another one is that it now a days people have to get home security systems. These are just a few ways technology has affected the family life in our society, but there are many more then the one that I have told you about in this paper. And there are many more to come in the future.

Niche Bakeries Essay

Niche bakeries are becoming more popular though the last few years. These types of bakeries specialize in a certain type of baked goods and showcase them for their customers as well as having other types of more common baked goods available. This is the type of business that I would create. My niche bakery would specialize in individual cupcakes and pies as well as baking larger cakes and pies to order. Local customers will consist of area residents, business owners and students that can easily walk over to the bakeries location while on lunch break or after school and work to purchase what they want, and with the Internet available, I can expand my consumer base and ship my goods all over the United States. Customers can place their orders online, and I will be able to ship the product to their door. The area in which I reside does not have a type of bakery like this. We currently have a Wal-Mart and a Kroger’s Grocery if we want to purchase baked goods. While they are both good and they are also cheap considering their product, my bakery would offer a fresh home baked quality of product that could offer them some competition. I would say in this area, my niche bakery would be a monopoly market as that it would be the only one in this location. I would be able to set the prices for my product but would still need to keep in mind that if the price is too high, my potential customers will go back to purchasing their goods from the grocery chain bakeries. Looking at a broader area as with the Internet, I could say that I am in a monopolistic competition. Each niche bakery that sells baked goods such as this have relatively the same pricing, no one business sets the price for the other businesses. It is still a smaller industry but there are others in which I must compete for business. So advertising and a well made website will figure prominently in showcasing the goods I am selling in the best possible light. Elasticity of demand in a bakery is very important to know. If the price of ingredients goes up, the bakery owner must adjust for this increase. The higher the price elasticity of the product the less volume of the product that will be output, if for instance the demand for the product was highly elastic, then it wouldn’t make sense to increase the price of the product. The company would lose business because of this. Below in figures 1A and 1B is data that has been taken from the Bureau of Economic analysis from three different industries that are related to the niche bakery business. Between the years of 2007 to 2011, there shows a decrease in the earlier years but an increase within the year of 2011of growth in the food service and food and beverage industries. The retail industry has show a sharp increase and decrease in these years. Taking into consideration the growth in each of the food industries though, I can make the assumption that this is a business that could flourish and grow with the right type of marketing, promotion, and sales products. In looking at this type of business for my area, I have talked to some of the local residents and have found that they were amenable to a new specialty bakery in the area. This impromptu survey showed that the residents in the area expressed an interest in purchasing baked goods that were of homemade quality rather than mass produced market products. Increasing Revenue In order to increase revenue in this business, there are several things that would be necessary. Below are charts and tables regarding costs and revenues showing where breakeven points are and where profits can be made. However, one way to increase revenue, is to offer something the bigger superstores in the area are not. Make the product stand out by creating those special items like fruit compote filled cupcakes, special flavors not normally offered by the larger stores like Orange flavored cupcakes. Even offering some gluten free and vegan types of baked goods can bring in increased  revenue. Another way to increase revenue is to offer free samples; welcome customers in with a smile and offer them a free sample of some of the products available. By doing this, the customer can get an idea and a taste of the product and if they like it they may turn into a return customer and bring others with them. Also, offering a loyalty program can help to keep repeat customers coming in. Using a stamp card that offers a free product after so many purchases is one such loyalty program that other bakeries have used in the past that have worked. And in a small town region such as the one I live in, being a part of the community can go a long way to getting the name of my business out there and creating a customer base that can increase my revenue. People are more apt to purchase products from someone they know in order to help support businesses in the community. Profit maximizing Determining the profit maximizing quantity shows the incremental changes in profit for a company’s product. In calculating the profit maximizing quantity I will need the sales and expense reports for my proposed business. From this is can gather the profits at each level of sales. These numbers can then be calculated to show the marginal profit for each incremental change in profit. The marginal profit is defined as the change in profit for each additional unit sold. We can then use this information to determine the maximizing quantity. This is the amount that can be sold before the marginal profit starts to recede into the negative. By doing this I can figure out how much of a discount I could give on my products if they were bought in a bulk batch. For example if someone wanted a several dozens of cupcakes or miniature pies for a party. Marginal Costs and Marginal Revenue Marginal costs and revenues are used to find out how much it will cost to product additional units of goods for a company. I could use this as a way to figure out my total costs I would need to produce a product in my bakery. For instance below in Figure 1C I have created a chart to calculate the total revenue, marginal revenue, marginal cost and profit of different quantities of one type of cupcake. For this data I used a fictional total cost of 0.91 cents. This is what I figured it would cost to make just one  cupcake. From there I was able to calculate each of the columns using the formulas in Figure 1D. Figures 1E shows the startup costs and the estimated monthly costs of running a niche bakery of this kind. Figure 1F and 1G show the total fixed costs, total variable costs, the total cost and total revenue as well as the profits to be made in a table and a graph. The chart and graph also show the breakeven point. This is the point where that the production of a certain quantity of cupcakes will allow me to break even and then after that be able to show a profit. The breakeven point for the quantity of cupcakes is 6.5 cupcakes which means a profit will start showing at 7 cupcakes with a profit of 31 cents. Pricing and Non-pricing Strategies Pricing strategies that I could use for my bakery would be to offer lower prices on my website to customers that I will be shipping my product to, in location I can keep my prices competitive with other bakeries that are in larger cities. As a way of keeping waste to a minimum I can offer goods that are left over to the next day at half the original price. This was something I saw as a child at a local doughnut shop. The proprietor offered the day old goods at a fraction of a price. He was still making a profit,  but also there was less unnecessary waste because people would buy these up quickly. For non-pricing strategies I would rely on advertising of my product as one that is made with quality ingredients. As well as letting the customer base know that each of the goods available are made from scratch. I do not believe that a barrier can be created or increased because the bakery business has been in the market for a number of years. Also, because it is a niche bakery, it is a branch off the traditional type of bakery. Product Differentiation Some ways to introduce product differentiation would be to make my product with seasonal items and local produce. Where I live we have raspberry and strawberry farms as well as apple, and other fruits. It would be easy to have the produce shipped to the store when it was in season from the local farms, or even picked up to create fillings, jellies, and other sundry items that I could sell in my bakery to the local residents. Cost Minimization Cost minimization would be hard to do in this instance, because I want to retain a quality product from good quality ingredients. I could minimize cost by purchasing my ingredients in bulk. This would give me a lower price per unit of measure. I could also purchase lower end products. However, if I were to purchase lower end products like margarine instead of real butter, this would be a significant drop in cost; however it would also be a significant drop in quality. I believe minimizing cost may not be feasible given the quality of the product. Conclusion Creating a business is a large endeavor not to be thought on lightly. There are many avenues to pursue in order to figure out and find the data needed to find out if the business a person wants to create is the right one for their location and meets the needs of their community. If they do create a business, there are different ways to figure out how to keep revenue coming in and finding ways to create more revenue. Each of the sections of this proposal allowed me to take a better look at the type of business I would consider opening. References Bureau of Economic Analysis. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.bea.gov/iTable/iTable.cfm?ReqID=5&step=1 Gaines, M. (2012). Guide to the Bakery Business. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/guide bakery-business-2400.html Isidro, I. (2009). Starting a Bakery: Success in the Niche Food Business. Retrieved from http://www.powerhomebiz.com/blog/2009/10/starting-a-bakery-success-in-the-niche-food-business/ Kimmons, R. (2012). Pricing Vs. Nonpricing Strategies. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/pricing-vs-nonpricing-strategies-14166.html moffatt, M. (2012). Marginal Revenue and Marginal Cost Practice Question. Retrieved fro http://economics.about.com/od/coststructure/ss/revenue_costs.htm