Computerized System Essay Example for Free

Computerized System Essay 7.1 Architectural Design 7.1.1 Entity-Relationship Diagram Fig. 7.1.1 Database model On the figure above, the table â€Å"item_description† contains information about the items in the inventory. This is where the data for new items will be stored and updating of information of existing items takes place. Notice that, the table â€Å"critical_items† has only two attribute which is â€Å"status† that identifies the critical item if it is low or not. The â€Å"transaction† table is where the system stores data regarding individual transaction while â€Å"item_trans† table focuses on list of items and its total price. 7.2 System Function 7.2.1 Physical Data Flow Diagram Fig. 7.2.1 Physical DFD The system mainly consists of functions for sales and inventory management. A customer orders an item and the system checks the inventory by accessing the master item table. New items can be added by the management and the master item record is updated as such. A process computes the total price for the items ordered by using the input from the customer and data(prices) from the inventory master table. After the transaction, receipt will be given to the customer and both the inventory record and sales record are updated. If the system detects any item to be at critical level, a notification will be sent to the management. 7.2.2 User Interface Fig. 7.2.2.1 Main Menu This is the interface where the user has access to all function of the system (Fig. 7.2.2.1). The first thing that will show up when the user runs the system is the button with a text of â€Å"V†. When the user clicks the â€Å"V† button the five buttons and upon clicking the inventory and report button their sub items will also appear and when the user clicks one of these buttons (Point of Sale, View Inventory, Update Inventory, Add Inventory, Critical Items, View Sales Report, and View Inventory report) the visibility of all buttons will be disabled and then the desired form of the user will appear on the gray space. The sub buttons of Inventory is where the user viewing of inventory and critical items ( if there’s any ), update, and adding of inventory. The sub buttons of reports is where the user views the sales and inventory report of the system, the help button mainly focuses on how to use it or what we call â€Å"user manual† and about the system. Fig. 7.2.2.2 Point of Sale Lastly, this form is where the transaction between the manager and the customer takes place. First thing that the user will do is choose an item code and then the quantity for the item and it will automatically compute for the price after that, he will have to click the add item button then the item will appear on the white space on the right side and then a message will prompt if he want to add another or not if he doesn’t want to add another item the uwser will require to input the customer’s payment and clicking the complete transaction button will prompt another message if the user is sure about the transaction. And then if the user is sure, the system will prompt another message if he want to print the receipt or not.

Compensation Plan - University of Phoenix - HRM Essay Example for Free

Compensation Plan University of Phoenix HRM Essay A good compensation plan must include both aspects, financial and nonfinancial of a rewarding system where financial rewards, or a pay system, assign a monetary value to each job in the organization (a base rate) and an orderly procedure for increasing the base rate (e.g., based on merit, inflation, or some combination of the two) (Cascio, 2005, p. 425). Also, a properly designed Pay for Performance (PFP) Program enables companies to reduce their cost of labor while increasing the average take home pay of their workforce (Jensen, 2009). On the other hand we also will offer nonfinancial systems that will cover indirect aspects such as benefits, professional and personal development. We want to give our sales staff a reason to get out there and sell, sell, sell (Ward). Rewards bridge the gap between organizational objectives and individual expectations and aspirations. To be effective, organizational reward systems should provide four things: (1) a sufficient level of rewards to fulfill basic needs, (2) equity with the external labor market, (3) equity within the organization, and (4) treatment of each member of the organization in terms of his or her individual needs (Cascio, 2005, p. 419). New compensation planPay systems are designed to attract, retain, and motivate employees (Cascio, 2005, p. 419)The new compensation plan will be based in a performance system. If business takes off, more pay goes to workers. If it doesnt, the company is not locked into high fixed costs of labor. 417 This system was chosen since meets the company strategy of growth and objectives and such variable-pay systems almost guarantee cost control. 417 (Cascio, 2005, p. 417) and a well planed recognition system adds to the compensation plan to offset a higher level of discouragement found in a competitive selling environment and also can be used to express gratitude, admiration, and to inspire to greater sales and greater sales initiative (FB Publications, 2005). Our new compensation plan will adopt a combination of base salary plus commission and bonus based on the overall performance. Perhaps the most important objective of any pay system is fairness or equity (Cascio, 2005, p. 419). To ensure the correctness of our plan, a committee has been created  to evaluate each employee performance, keep our compensation plan current and provide support and training at any time needed. We are also taking in consideration that our payment plan should include a three-tier approach of immediate recognition for a job well done, short-term rewards for performance over a month or quarter, and long-term rewards for being a loyal employee over the years (Schoeffler, 2005). -Salary: a monthly salary will be based on the job description of each position and it has the possibility of be complimented and enhanced depending of the employee performance. -Commission: a percentage of the profit will be used to increase the monthly employee compensation. -Bonus: bonuses will be given based on the performance of the sales individual each three months. Percentages will be given according to the goals met, or exceeded, so sales reps will rely on their individual performance. -Team incentives: Team incentives provide an opportunity for each team member to receive a bonus based on the output of the team as a whole (Cascio, 2005, p. 443). Sales personnel will have participation on this incentive to promote a teamwork environment. These events will happen at the end of the year. -On spot bonus: This is going to be granted for exceptional behavior regarding to teamwork efforts, customer satisfaction or any attitude that can be used as an example to the other workers. We may reward the worker with a one-time bonus of $50, $100, or $500 shortly after the noteworthy actions (Cascio, 2005, p. 441). -Incentives When it comes to performance incentives, the possibilities are endless (Cascio, 2005, p. 436), and we plan to use nonfinancial reward system that will include anything an employee values and desires that an  employer is able and willing to offer in exchange for employee contributions (Cascio, 2005, p. 418). Based on the answers compiled from the questionnaire we created, we will develop some entertaining activities such as trips, restaurants, theaters and any other approved selection available in our committee that will be available each three months and also at the end of the year. In our committee we will also make available the following benefits that our employees can choose to participate on:-Employee stock ownership plans As the company grows we will offer participation in the stocks of our company and a limited amount of them available to each employee for purchase. It helps to fulfill a philosophical belief in employee ownership 447. ESOPs do promote an increase in employee willingness to participate in company decisions. Companies that take advantage of that willingness can harness employees energy and creativity (Cascio, 2005, p. 447). -Recognition is a non financial reward and helps to enhance a workers sense of self-respect and esteem by others (Cascio, 2005, p. 418). These recognitions will be done in the yearly meetings where all employees are going to be together and have the opportunity to see their colleagues performance is rewarded. Recognition amongst their peers is still the quintessential motivator, whether theres an incentive program or not (Shearstone)Recent data indicates that people are more attached and committed to organizations that offer family-friendly policies, regardless of the extent to which they benefit personally from the policies (Cascio, 2005, p. 489), therefore our plan also cover other benefits that will be extend to all employees regardless merit or performance. Once you have great employees on board, how do you keep them from jumping ship? One way is by offering a good benefits package. (Entrepreneur Media, Inc, n.d.)†¢Tuition aid†¢Auto insurance†¢Fitness and wellness programs†¢Counseling Service†¢Child adoption†¢Child care Social activities†¢Elder care Referral awards†¢Charter flights Family leaves†¢Flexible work arrangementsWe also developed some benefits options that will  integrate salary and benefits into a package that will encourage the achievement of an organizations goals (Cascio, 2005, p. 470). They will be available to all employees and they can choose among them all. †¢Life insurance†¢Disability insurance†¢Healthy insurance†¢Other medical coverage†¢Sick leave†¢Pension plans†¢Unemployment insurance†¢401KEvidence indicates that the perceived value of benefits rises when employers introduce choice through a flexible benefits package (Cascio, 2005, p. 466). For that reason we expect that this pay system will bring excitement to our workforce since the opportunities are vary. This pay system should also increase motivation of our employees and deepens commitment with our customer to bring success to both the individual and the company. Following are pointed some reason that we expect to succeed with this new plan. -The final compensation at the end of the month has the opportunity to be largely increased according to the employee performance, but yet, the base salary is high enough to give the employees some breathing in order to meet the essential financial obligations. -Commissions, bonuses and team incentives. -Variety of employee services and benefits. -Friendly and family environmentBefore our pay system is implemented training will be given to all employees to ensure understanding of it. A website will be available to answer most common questions and our committee will also be available for further explanation and training as needed. References Cascio, W. F. (2005). Managing Human Resources (7th ed.). : The McGraw−Hill Companies. Entrepreneur Media, Inc (n.d.). The Basics of Employee Benefits. Retrieved April 20, 2009, from http://www.entrepreneur.com/FB Publications (2005). Sale Incentive Ideas Motivating Your Sales Team. Retrieved April 17, 2009, from http://www.associatedcontent.com/Jensen, M. L. (2009). 9 Key Aspects For Successful Pay For Performance Systems. EzineArticles.com. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/Schoeffler, B. (2005). Employee Incentive Plans: Make Them Worthwhile. Insurance Journal. Retrieved from http://www.insurancejournal.com/Shearstone, P. (). Creating Sales Incentive Programs That Work. About.com, 2. Retrieved from http://sbinfocanada.about.com/Ward, S. (). 6 Sure Ways to Increase Sales. About.com. Retrieved from http://sbinfocanada.about.com/

The Problems Of The Red Tide Environmental Sciences Essay

The Problems Of The Red Tide Environmental Sciences Essay The term red tide is a misnomer as it does not associated with tides. It is used to described as a phenomenon microalgal species growing very fast or bloom and is caused by the growth and accumulation of microscopic algae (single-celled marine plants) called phytoplankton (Anton, A. et al, 1998). These algal blooms become so numerous that they can discolour coastal waters.To the scientists they prefer to call them as algal blooms or HABs These algal bloom may cause oxygen depletion in the waters and/or release toxins that may cause illness in humans and other animals. Red tide is a global phenomenon. Since 1980s harmful red tide events have become more frequent and widespread. The major factors influencing red tide events include warm ocean surface temperatures, low salinity, high nutrient content, calm seas, and rain followed by sunny days during the summer months. In addition, algaerelated to red tide can spread or be carried long distances by winds, currents, storms, or ships. Red tide has affected my countries all over the world including South East Asia and Sabah in Malaysia. The first report of HABs and shellfish toxicity in Malaysia was in 1976 when the marine dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense var. Compressum bloomed in Brunei Bay on the west coast of Sabah (Roy 1977). The study by Anton, A. et al (2000) found 11 species in both the West and East Coast of Sabah and all the species densities were below 100 cells/L which is far below the densities to consider to be a bloom, which values are more than 103 cells/L. This is because too many blooms are unhealthy for coastlines because an over abundance of blooms can lead to suffocating low-oxygen conditions for fish, and increased diseases in seafood. Below shows the distribution of PSP toxin in the world between 1970 and 2006. Figure 1: Comparison of PSP Toxin distribution in the world between 1970 and 2006 2.0 The problem of red tide Since there are many factors influencing the events of red tide, it has caused a lot of concern and problems to sicientists especially the marine biologists. A lot of research has been carried out such as Harmful Algal Blooms in Malaysia: Revisiting Kimanis Bay by Anton A.et al (2000); Lipid and DNA features of Gonyaulax fragilis (Dinophyceae) as potential biomarkers in mucilage genesis by M. Riccardi et al. available online on 25 January 2010; Effects of temperature, salinity and irradiance on growth of the novel red tide glagellate Chattonella 1 ovata (Raphidophyceae) by a group of scientics lead by Haruo Yamaguchi et.al. Available online on 13 February 2010 and many others has being carried out. The presence of red tide impose a severe burden on the affected country (Gires U. et al, 2002). The problem is compounded by wide adoption of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) protocols which require that seafood is certified as safe and wholesome for consumption by monitoring the natural toxins. Red tide has also caused mass mortalities of wild and farm fish and shellfish, human illness and death from contaminated shellfish or fish, death of marine mammals, seabirds, and other animals, and alterring the marine habitats or trophic structure. In 1972, Massachusetts has declared a state of emergency because of red tide bloom. (Esterbrook, J. 2005). It has caused the shellfish industry about $3 million per week. Although until today there are nothing much marine biologist can do to eliminate red tide problems, however, with the technological advancement such as satellite imagery have enable the scientist to better track and monitor the harmful algal booms. By tracking and monitoring these blooms has helps to reduce harmful effects of the algae by providing early warnings against eating infected shellfish and against swimming in infected water. Sophitiscated instruments to test for the presence of red tide algae in coastal waters have been developd by the Sarasota Operations Coastal Oceans Observation Laboratory. NASA Earth Observatory has develop programmes such as SeaWiFS (Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor) and MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instruments to detect harmful algal bloom from space. Autonomus underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with temperature and salinity meters as well as a Breve-Buster, which is an instrument that collects water samples and determines the levels of red-tide causing algae by shining a light through the sample and noting the light absorbing characteristics within the sample (indicative of these algae) is also used in the research of red tide. Although red tide events can be avoided, reseachers are attempting to develop an antidote to the red tide toxins. Interestingly, while developing such anti-toxins, researchers have found a possible treatment for cystic fibrosis. 3 Methods used to collect samples Traditionally, light microscope is used to estimate the population of zooplankton in the water. An example of the equipment used is as shown in Fig.2 below. Figure 2. A representation of the volume of water being sampled by a plankton net from a depth of 3 meters. The amount of water sampled and how to properly enumerate the organisms in the sample is important. This is because the amount of water sampled can be considered equalto the amount of water that passes through the plankton net. Since the opening of the plankton net is circular, the amount of water that passes through the net from a specific depth to the surface would be similar in shape to the cylinder. Therefore, the formula for the volume of a cylinder is, V= Ã‚ °R2 x H. By applying this formula the amount of water sampled through the plankton net can be calculated. Once the plankton has been captured in the filter canister at the bottom of the plankton net, small volume (1ml) sub-samples can be placed under the microscope so that each plankton organism can be counted. Finally, the total number of plankton within the sampled water can be calculated by extrapolation. This number can then be extrapolated so that the total number of plankton in the seawater can be estimated. Figure 3. Custom-fabricated pucks for the 2G ESP shown L to R as sample collection and filtration, array processing, and FISH archival. Quarter shown for size. However, recently there is a shift from using traditional ligh microscopy to molecular approaches for identifying and quantifying marine harmful algal bloom (HAB) species has been driven by the need to expedite sample processing for both research and monitoring purposes (Anderson 1995; Scholin et al. 1996). In addition, light microscopy has limitation to sufficient resolution to discern species when compared to electron microscopy. Some methods used to accurately identify HABs in a fast manner are fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) (Lim et al. 1993), fluorescently labeled antibodies and lectins (Sako et al. 1996), sandwich hybridization (Scholin et al. 1996), probe arrays (Loy et al. 2002), environmental sample processor (ESP) (Scholin et al. 2001) and a variety of nucleic acid amplification methods that target specific signature sequences. However, most of these techniques require ccess to shore-based laboratories for sample processing and analysis, which can be both time and labour intensive. Most of the methods mentioned above are very technical and require researchers who are well verse in handling the equipment and also thoroughly understand the methods used. It takes time to prepare, process and image analysing of the samples collected, and interpreting the results. An example of the equipment used in ESP is the puck as shown below. 4. Application and implications of biology Implications of red tide Environmental implication There are many species of red tide that release harmful toxins. Among the harmful species found in the United States are: Alexandrium fundyense found along the Atlantic coast from the Canadian maritimes to southern New England Alexandrium catenella found along the Pacific coast from California to Alaska Karenia brevis found in the Gulf of Mexico along the west coast of Florida Alexandrium species Dinophysis species Macroalgal Blooms Figure 4: Different species of red tide Although red tide algae make potent natural toxins but it is unknown why these toxin are created, but some can be hazadous to larger organisms through the processess of biomagnification and bioaccumulation. Grazers such as fish and krill are unaffected by the toxins, so when they eat the algae to toxins are concentrated and accumulated to a level that is poisonous to other aquatic lives such as bigger fish that feed on them. Then when mammals such as birds, man, etc. consume these fish they will either contracted diseases or they can cause death. Diseases that may affect humans include: 1. Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) This disease is caused by the production of saxitoxin by the Alexandrium species and they are common along the Atlantic and Pacific Coast in the US and Canada (Monica Bruckner, Montana State University). Poisoning occurs when on ingests shellfish contaminated with PSP toxins causing disruption of nerve function and paralysis. In extreme cases it may result in death due to asphyxiation. 2. Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) This disease is caused by the Dinophysis species. It generally occurs in Japan and Europe, but it has been found in other countries such as Canada, the US, Chile, New Zealand, and Thailand. Symptoms of DSP include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and cramps. However, DSP is generally not fatal. 3. Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) Amnesic shellfish poisoning has been found along the eastern Canadian coast. It is caused by domoic acid producing planktonic and benthic algae, including Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries and Amphora coffaeformis. It can also found in soft shell clams and blue mussels infected by Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima. It causes gastricand neurological symptoms including dizziness, disorientation and memory loss. ASP Domoic Acid and Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning DSP Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning PSP Saxitoxin and Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Figure 5: Different types of poisoning caused by red tide Red tide has also caused substantial impact to the ecosystem that include a reduction in light penetration, a reduction in the extent of seagrass beds and a reduction in the growth rates of hard clams. Further, red tide caused mass mortalities of mussel populations in Rhode Island and in Long Island waters, Recurrent blooms have had severe impact on bay scallops, affecting more than 80% of New Yorks commercially valuable harvest. Acute or chronic exposure to red tide and their toxins either directly or through the food web, puts the affected population at increased risk (Anderson, D. 2007). Economic implication In 2005, the massive red tide outbreak in New England has caused the shellfish industry to lose $3 million per week and forcing the Massachusetts to declare a state of emergency. This has lead to the shellfisherman to raise their prices especially for the shellfish industry. The 2009 paralytic shellfish poisoning (red tide) occuring in Maine, Portsmouth, New England has caused devastating economic impact where Maine authority estimates that there were 89,000 acres of productive shellfish in the state waters and at that time more than 97% of these resources were closed due to red tide (Anderson, D. (2007). Further, there had been unusual reports of mortality events of both short-nose sturgeon and eider ducks which were suspected to be caused by the transfer of red tide toxicity through the food web to these larger animals. The first paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) case recorded in Sabah in 1976 where 202 victims were reported to be suffering from PSP and 7 deaths. (Roy 1977). This event has caused significant economic losses to fishermen because the public are afraid to consume all types of seafood during the bloom event which lasted two to three weeks. Then in 1991, three people were taken ill after consuming green mussel (Perna viridis) cultured at a newly established mussel form in Sebatu Malacca (Gires, U. et al 2002). Symptoms suggested that of intoxication due to algal toxins were confirmed by testing the extracts from mussles collected during the event confirmed the presence of toxins caused by dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamiyavanichi. Further, in September 2001, six people were taken ill after consuming lokan (Polymesoda sp.) collected from a coastal lagoon (Sungai Ubi) in Tumpat Kelantan and one of the victim died with symptom suggested intoxication due to algal toxins (Usup et al. 2000). Picture 4: A spectacular red tide bloom (non-toxic) of Noctiluca scintillans in New Zealand NSP Brevetoxins and Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning PSP Saxitoxin and Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Figure 6: The economic loss due to the effect of red tide Societal Implication Although the impact of red tide (algal blooms) events are more associated to the environmental impact as well as economic impact, however, the presence to these events have also affected the recreation, tourism and local aesthetics by diminishing the qualities of the environment (Anderson, A. 2007). This can manifest in a variety of ways in different regions of the country. Some examples are: Massive fish mortalities that result in fish accumulating on beaches Clossure of receational fisheries Respiratory ailments experienced by beachgoers from aerosolized toxins Unsightly and noxious piles of macroalgae that accumulate and decompose on beaches Discolouration of water Mortalities of protected species and modification of their habitats Working patterns can also be disrupted when fisherman seek alternative occupations or sources of income and restaurants seek alternate suppliers for their seafood. Boat charter reservations and pier attendance for recreational activities will be disrupted, vacations ruined and some may never visit an impacted region again. In addition to that, people who have retired to coastal or lake shore homes may find their property values adversely affected when red tide or harmful algal blooms (HABs) frequently occur. Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects from the National Centre for Environmental Health, Communicable Disease Control (CDC), Atlanta is also very concern with the frequent occurrence of red tide (HABs) events all over the world. This has lead them to work with investigators from local, state, and federal health agencies of the country concerned to assess the respiratory effects of: Recreational exposure to red tide toxins dispersed in the air. For example, in 2003, CDC completed and reported a pilot study oftwo separate red tide events in Florida. Occupational exposure to red tide toxins dispersed in the air. For example, CDC has collected respiratory-function data from Flrida lifeguards who worked during a red tide event. Red algae bloom at Leigh, near Cape Rodney. This massive red tide of the dinoflagellate Noctiluca stretched for more than 20 miles along the southern California coast. Non-toxic blooms such as these can cause extensive mortalities of plants and animals in shallow waters when the bloom biomass decays, stripping oxygen from the water. Figure 7: Red Tide occurrence 5.0 Benefits and risk to humans, other organisms and environment The site of seeing red tide at the beach indicate that there is something unusual has occurred in the sea especially at the site of the event. As discussed in details above, red tide occurrence has been widespread all over the world. They have caused many implications to the environment, ecosystem and the living organisms that depended on the equatic lives to live. Among the risk to humans are not only man are not able swim in the beaches, lost in tourism but by the exposure to these events can cause harmful effect to the health of the population living nearby. Besides, the toxins produced by the harmful algal blooms have caused extensive mortalities to plants and animals when the bloom biomass decays, stripping oxygen from the water. It has also cause shellfish fisherman to loose million of dollars in income because of the fear to consume shellfish during red tide seasons. However, with many research being carried out from time to time on red tides or harmful algal blooms (HABs), man has learn a lot about the causes to the occurrence of these events. Sophisticated instruments have been designed and built such as SeaWiFS (Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor) and MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instruments to detect harmful algal bloom from space. Autonomus underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with temperature and salinity meters as well as a Breve-Buster, which is an instrument that collects water samples and determines the levels of red-tide causing algae by shining a light through the sample and noting the light absorbing characteristics within the sample (indicative of these algae) is also used in the research of red tide. All these instruments are used to track and monitor these blooms and have help to reduce harmful effects of the algae by providing early warnings against eating infected shellfish and against swimming in infe cted water. Research carried out by Peterson, J. 2004 with red tide toxin yields potential therapies for cystic firbosis. In the research, experiments conducted with both the compounds; ÃŽÂ ²-Naphthoyl-bevetoxin and brevenal (a natural compound produced by red tide) in sheep revealed that both the compounds were able to block the effects of the red tide toxin on the respiratory system. While conducting the experiments an even more important discovery prevailed the anti-toxins behaved much like drugs used to treat cystic fibrosis because these compounds helps to speed up the clearance of mucus from the lungs. According to Danial Baden, Ph.D., director of University of North Carolina in Wilmingtons Centre of Marine Science and director of the project, mucociliary clearance is one of the most important defense systems in the lungs, protecting the airways from bacteria and pollutants. Tests conducted in sheeps also showed that these compounds to be effective at doses 1 million times lower than t he current medications used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis and they have no side effects. 6.0 Alternatives views or solutions for implications of biology encountered One of the ways to control red tide or harmful algal blooms (HABs) is to reduce excess pollutants and key nutrients from being released into coastal ocean areas. From the environmental perspective, taking steps to reduce pollution would also reduce HAB occurrences. For HABs, reducing nitrogen release is especially important; however, this is also one of the most difficult pollutants to control as it comes from a wide range of widely used agriculture chemicals such as fertilizers and fossil fuels. Therefore, efficient and effective dissemination of useful information about HABs to the populations that live in the coastal areas is important. Subsequently, controlling harmful algal blooms (HABs) using chemicals, fine clay particles or biological agents should be studied further. Although the potential dangers of chemical or biological agents should be known, they also hold great promise in controlling unwanted toxic phytoplankton populations. Under some circumstances, dispersal of fine clay particles over a bloom has seen some sucess, as the clay aggregates with itself and with other particles in the water (including HAB cells) and pulls the harmful algae to bottom sediments. Control techniques in the context of risk assessments, similar to those applied in evaluating land-based agriculture, should be purseued with HABs. Better monitoring systems and detection methods on HABs need to be further developed. Government and multinational companies and philantrophies such be encouraged to fund monitoring programs and research. In addition, the medical community should be better informed and prepared to treat individuals suffering from HAB toxicity. Individuals visiting or living on the shore or consume seafood also need to be better informed about the risks. Overall, scientiests need to be encourage to investigate HAB controland mitigation strategies. This is because it is easier to pursue basic or fundamental science, rather than taking on the challenging and highly visible practical research that tries to control blooms. There are surely technologies that we have not even considered or explore yet that will be effective if scientists and engineers are given the resources and encouragement to pursue control and mitigation research. 7.0 Conclusion Red tides and harmful algal blooms is one of the important areas where the biologist can seriously undertake in their research. This is because there are many factors that can cause HABs or red tides. Once it occur, it will cause much harm to the environment, aquatic ecosystem, lost of income to the shellfish and fishery industries and the health of the populations exposed and staying in the coastal areas will be affected. Therefore, it needs a concerted multi-prong effort from not only the biologists but also the agencies involved; be it governmental or public, and last but not the least the affected populations and individuals at large to help find effective mitigation solutions to the problems at stake.

Essay --

Taylor and AJ, both now twenty years old, have known each other since they were in first grade. They spent the majority of their time during high school in a relationship with each other. In December of 2013, a year and a half out of high school, they were planning to get married until a surprise deployment was sending AJ to Afghanistan. Because time no longer allowed for a December wedding, they chose to take their vows just days before he was sent overseas. The couple made this life-long decision together, so upon AJ’s return from deployment, he would be able to arrive at an apartment that Taylor has already made a home for them. Taylor has gotten a fair amount of negative feedback about her marrying a military man at a young age from individuals who know her directly or indirectly. When asked how she feels about those comments and how, if at all, they affect her, she tells me that they have no effect on her at all. She explains that she understands that she is at a differen t level of her life than many people at her age and she just hopes that those people who are aiming negativity toward her get to one day experience the happiness that she has received from her relationship and marriage. Taylor is nothing but over joyed and happy with how her life has developed into one that she is able to share with her best friend until death do they part. Despite some of the negative comments that Taylor has experienced, the amount of support she receives from her family and other military wives and girlfriends is tremendous. She reveals to me that her mother has raised her alone and that she has been one of the most supportive people in this experience. The decisions she has made along the way to marry AJ was not revealed to have any negat... ... of our foreign affairs. It has been shown that families of service men or women begin to suffer more than in the past (Lamanna & Riedmann, 2012, p. 58). The fact that Taylor does not foresee any damages caused with her husband’s military career results in concern for her and her family’s future. The interview performed with Taylor has allowed another to see the success that young marriages and military relationships can have. Although not all relationships work out this way, it is very refreshing to see the happiness that has been brought to Taylor and AJ’s life. It was expressed that it is very difficult for Taylor to be away from AJ, but it’s all worth it because of love. One may believe that love is not always enough, but for this couple it is. They deserve all the support in the world for being so willing to be together at such a difficult time for our society.

Self-mutilation Essay -- essays research papers

There are many different definitions for self-mutilations, also known as self-injury, self-harm, or self-inflicted violence. One definition of self-mutilation is that is any self-directed, repetitive behavior that causes physical injury. Another definition is that self-mutilation is self-inflicted physical harm severe enough to cause tissue damage done without suicidal intent. This is just one example of the blurriness of the boundaries of self-mutilation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is very hard to pin point exactly who or why people self-mutilate, however there are known risk factors. The known risk factors are: the female gender, of adolescence and college age, involved in substance abuse, having a personality disorder, and having a history of self-mutilation. This does not limit the occurrence of self-mutilation within other genders or other ages. For example it is not very common that elderly people will self-injure, but there are clinical reports of it occurring in this age group before. The occurrence of self-injury can not be defined to one particular group of people. People who self-mutilate can be survivors of abuse, people who have eating disorders, or people who suffer from substance abuse. It can also occur in homes where there is violence with an inhibition of verbally expressing their emotions, or in a home that loses a parent do to death or divorce. However you can not limit this illness to people who are more susceptible, i t also occurs in teachers, medical professionals, lawyers, engineers, and high-achieving high-school students.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  People most commonly use self-injury as a coping mechanism; to relieve the tension or distress. People say that self-mutilating lets them â€Å"forget† about any feelings that they want to free themselves from. If the person uses the cutting self-mutilation they may feel that seeing the blood gives them a sense of well-being and strength. This would give them a feeling of empowerment, and they feel in control by enduring the pain that they inflict on themselves. Along with the feeling of releasing their tension and frustration there are other factors that can lead to self-injury. One of these factors is the lack or a role model, or the feeling of invalidation. Most people who self injure were chronically invalidated as a child, which led them to having a feeling of worthlessness. I... ...in other impulse control disorders and help to control the impulse of people who self-mutilate. There are also psychotherapeutic approaches, such as psychodynamic psychotherapy. This is the most common form of individual therapy. This therapy teaches self-mutilators more healthy ways to deal with negative things. Another psychotherapeutic approach would be dialectical behavior therapy; this therapy combines cognitive, behavioral, and supportive interventions. Self-mutilation is an unfortunate issue that people have to deal with, but with support from their families and friends, it can be resolved. One important thing to remember is that self-mutilation is not a failed suicide attempt. Also, people who self-injure are not bad people; they are just people that have to deal with some overwhelming issues that they don’t know how to deal with otherwise. Sources: Fong, Timothy. â€Å"Self-mutilation: Impulsive traits suggest new drug therapies.† Self-mutilation. Feb. 2003. Dec. 15, 2004 . Martisnson, Deb. â€Å"Self Injury Fact Sheet.† Self Injury Fact Sheet. 1999. Dec. 15, 2004 . â€Å"Self-mutilation: the truth behind the shame.† Over view of self-injury, self-mutilation. 2000. Dec. 15, 2004 .

Capital Punishment †The Debate Continues :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

As the war on crime continues, two truths hold steady: eliminating all crime is impossible, and controlling it is a must. The main weapon used to control crime in this war is deterrence. The government's deterrent for committing murder is the death penalty. The fear of death will not deter every person who contemplates murder from doing it. Whether it is for religious reasons and the hope of salvation or something else, stopping some people is not possible (Cohen 48). The intent is not to stop those people, but instead every other would-be killer. Capital Punishment has been in the national spotlight for many years and the center of the debate still remains whether it actually deters would be offenders. Does this age-old penalty for the ultimate sin achieve its goal? There are many lofty and rational arguments on both sides of this issue. Advocates of the death penalty claim that the primary reason for this harsh punishment is that the fear of death discourages people from committing murder. The main ways in which they support this theory are: the severity of the punishment, various polls of citizens and prisoners, and two in particular studies. The most obvious deterring justification is the severity of punishment (Calebresi 19). This means, put simply, to punish for a crime in a way that the punishment outweighs the crime. If the punishment for robbing a bank is to spend one day in jail, then bank robbing would become a daily occurance. On the same note, if there is a reward for a lost item of jewelry and the reward is less than the selling price for that jewelry, the finder has no reason to bring it back. On the other hand, if the reward exceeds the value of the jewelry, the new owner will bring it back very promptly. In the case of capital punishment, if a person wants someone dead badly enough, and the punishment for murder is a short stay in prison, what will possibly keep that person from doing the unthinkable (Van Den Haag 68). If a person is afraid for their life, then the stakes for their actions are much higher, probably even too high for most people. Many psychologists believe that these "stakes" do not even have to be in conscious thought for them to work. The theory is that a person's conscience weighs out many factors in all instances. While a would-be offender might be contemplating the deed, the death penalty imbeds itself into that person's subconscience as a possible consequence of their actions, and thus the

Landscape, Spirit, and Music Essay

Anne Boyd’s â€Å"Landscape, Spirit, and Music: An Australian Story† is a substantive view on the integration of the landscape of a distinct culture represented by aboriginal beliefs and traditions to Australia’s inimitable non-Indigenous music industry. Boyd said, â€Å"it is possible to see something of the significance of music in constructing an ‘inspirited’ relationship with landscape as part of a possible process of ‘aboriginalization’ which is slowly affecting all of Australia’s non-indigenous inhabitants. † Boyd sought to prove her assumptions by presenting various evidences in the works of famous Australian composers such as Ross Edwards, Peter Sculthorpe, and David Lumsdaine, including the artistry of Tommy Barrtjap as a musician. The landscape that Boyd was referring to with regards to the influences of some non-Indigenous Australian composers encompasses the history of Australia, the culture of its indigenous people, as well as the physical landscape or environment that makes the country matchless in beauty and whereiwthal. The history of Australia serves as the backdrop or milieu from which the composers were able to structure their unique, meaningful, and poignant music. Furthermore, the culture of Australia’s indigenous peoples becomes the inspiration for musicians or composers to create something exclusive and distinctive. Thus, the musicians and composers that Boyd mentioned in her discussions were able to create a kind of music that channels mysticism, spirituality, and the metaphysical, representative of Australia’s indigenous culture. Boyd said that â€Å"All three composers [Ross, Edwards & Schulthorpe] have drawn upon birdsong, not literally, but in a mythical and ritual sense; birds thus become spiritual messengers linking human music and landscape. † The great influence of Australia’s history and the indigenous culture of its native inhabitants is expected, as argued by Schultz . Schultz said that the emergence of a unique and distinctive music is most likely, particularly in Australia because â€Å"the existence of diverse immigrant population, a sense of real or imagined isolation, insecurity about the presence of a national character†¦ unique natural features such as climate, geography and flora and fauna, a pre-existing and extant culture with a strong and individual civilization, high standards of education with concomitant levels of artistic self-awareness, and substantial government subsidization of artistic activity† are dynamic and influential factors that would encourage such devotion and revolution in making and producing music for the sake of art. Furthermore, Lim believes that the growing interest of non-Indigenous Australian musicians to the history of Australia and culture of its Indigenous peoples as landscapes to developing music has something to do with the stipulation of these composers to develop a unique kind of music and a pe rsonal identity as a musician or composer. Lim said â€Å"Aboriginal cultures continue to be used by artists as a marker of authenticity in the construction of an Australian identity of sense of nationality. † By and large, Boyd’s discussions as supported by the narratives and arguments presented by Schultz and Lim explicate the great weight or importance of Indigenous culture in Australia as well as its history in helping musicians and composers create music that represents nationalism and establish a unique and inimitable identity. Works Cited Boyd, Anne. 2007. â€Å"Landscape, Spirit and Music,† in The Soundscapes of Australia: Music, Place and Spiritually. Richards, Fiona (Burlington, VT: Ashgate), pp. 11-18. Lim, Liza. â€Å"Crossing Cultural Boundaries and Ecstatic Transformation,† Sounds Australian 26 (2006), 10-11. Schultz, Andrew. â€Å"Other Places, Whose Music? : Some Introductory Comments on Appropriation and Tradition,† Sounds Australian 20 (1991): 8-9.