Features of population genetics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Features of population genetics - Essay Example Consequently, the species is more likely to become extinct if environmental conditions change, even minimally. One such virus that can induce genetic changes is the West Nile virus (WNv), and it has the capacity to change the genetic sequencing of animal species, predominantly birds. WNv can be passed to humans and other mammals via mosquitoes and causes mild to severe illness, and in some cases death. The investigators presented data that supported a phylogenetic conclusion that the MNv epidemic of North America already reached an epidemiological plateau. The conclusion that peak prevalence has been passed was based on the decline in the population growth of WNv in recent months. Snapinn et al.'s method of trying to quantify the emergence of MNv in the USA contrasts with that of previous research, such as Hull et al. (2006) and Naugle et al. (2004) who observed antibody rates of birds to identify the prevalence of WNv infection. The results for Hull's study showed that antibodies to WNv were found across all raptor groups across two geographical regions. This supports the conclusion that many of the wild raptors had survived a WNv infection. In contrast, Naugle and colleagues observed that their sage-grouse sample did not exhibit WNv antibodies, suggesting that the species lacks resistance to infection. For both studies it appears that the summer months are times of increased infections, perhaps due to the increase in mosquito populations. These conclusions were drawn from evidence of statically different antibody rates across summer and winter regions used in each sample. Method Statistical methods were used to track the WNv population, estimating a set of parameters; rate of evolutionary change; sequences divergence time; and rate of viral population growth. These factors were based on the changes observed in gene sequence data. This method of modeling estimates the level of new infections across all species that can be host to WNv. This is a reasonable conclusion given that a virus leaves an epidemiological 'history' on gene sequences.The limitation of this study was that the statistical estimates used a viral sample from only one species - birds (corvids and raptors), and from only one geographical region - northeastern USA. It may be that species differences affect the lifespan of the virus, and that such a narrow geographical sample does not reflect random sampling of the entire population (which exists across the entire nation), and so is not representative. There may be confounding variables such as climate, pesticides, food availability or predators that impact on the health of the birds in this region that make them more resistant to MNv. Such a case would be of interest in developing a vaccine to the virus, but does not illuminate the true state of affairs with regard to the population growth, stagnation or decrease of MNv.Hull's study drew plasma specimens from Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), Red-shouldered Hawks (B. lineatus), and Cooper's Hawks (Accipiter cooperii) was Whilst Naugle and colleagues collected the serum of 112 radio-marked sage grouse (Centrocercus

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Essay Example for Free

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Essay The Lottery written by Shirley Jackson tells such a story: There is an ancient traditional annual event held in a small town in America. Anyone who wins the â€Å"lottery† will be stoned to death for harvest. Tessie is the new unluckier this time, who has to suffer this cruel and inhumane punishment. Seen deeply, females’ inferior position is showed elaborately in this novel. First, the appellation to females shows that they are in subordination to males. â€Å"Mrs. Hutchinson came hurriedly along the path to the square† (Jackson, 2), â€Å"she said to Mrs.   Delacroix† (Jackson, 2), â€Å"Mrs. Dunbar said regretfully† (Jackson, 3). Here â€Å"Mrs. Delacroix†, â€Å"Mrs. Hutchinson† and â€Å"Mrs. Dunbar† all suggest that one female cannot be an individual being after her marriage, since she has to be a part of her husband by calling her â€Å"Mrs†. When Tessie comes lately, the villager’s addresses that â€Å"Here comes your Missus, Hutchinson† (Jackson, 2) instead of calling her own name also shows that she has become a subordinate object for her husband. Just like Lakoff says in his book Language and Womans Place, â€Å"It is with Mrs, Miss, and Mr.  Since a significant part of the opinion one normally forms about a womans character and social station depends on her marital status as is not the case with men† (Lakoff, 73). This phenomenon is common all over the world. Why don’t males change their appellations like female do? Actually, the marriage cannot change anything but the couple’s new relationship and family lifestyle. So does a female have to compromise to become her husband’s stooge? Perhaps only when she makes accomplishment can she be introduced as an independent individual. Those who are satisfied with their status quo are likely to accept the new subsidiary address. Thus, females’ subordinated appellations gradually become accustomed. Second, the role of being a housewife unconsciously influences a female’s equal right to fulfill her own accomplishment. In the novel, â€Å"Mrs. Hutchinson came hurriedly along the path to the square, her sweater thrown over her shoulders†¦ â€Å"Clean forgot what day it was,† she said to Mrs. Delacroix†¦She dried her hands on her apron†¦Wouldnt have me leave mdishes in the sink, now, would you, Joe? † (Jackson, 3) Tessie’s words and the act of â€Å"drying her hands on her apron† suggest the female’s low social position at that time. Obviously, if she does not â€Å"win the lottery†, her next work is to rush home and serve meals for the family, since the traditional allocation of family roles has subsided into an established social norm: once a woman is married, she will give up her career and play the role of a housewife, heart and soul. So how can a female have more time to do something more prominent fulfillment since she has been limited into such situation? It’s no wonder that females do not share the equal position to do something more meaningful to some extent. Just like Journalist Ruth Franklin subtitled her 2010 piece in The New Republic: â€Å"On Shirley Jackson and the challenge of being both a mother and a writer† (p. 1). She says, â€Å"In the 1950s, just as much as now, women can only write when the baby naps, or while the children are at school, or after the dishes are done and the lunches are packed and the house is, at last, quiet. This sort of logistics has always worked with efficiency, once the woman understands that no matter how smoothly the thoughts are flowing, they will have to stop when the school bus comes. It works as a resignation to frustration† (FRANKLIN, 2010). It’s easy to perceive that Shirley Jackson’s writing career is somewhat influenced demonstrably because of her female identity. Being both as a mother and a wife, she has to regard her career—writing as the secondary mission to the family. The embarrassing situation she faced is linked with any females at that time. Thus, the role of being a housewife unconsciously influences a female’s equal right to fulfill her own accomplishment. Third, females don’t have the power to make decisions. As it is showed in the novel, males govern all the affairs, â€Å"The lottery was conducted by Mr. Summers; The postmaster, Mr. Graves carried a three- legged stool; Mr. Martin†¦ came forward to hold the box steady on the stool† (Jackson, 1). Three most powerful men dominate the whole village politically and financially. â€Å"There were the lists to make up of heads of families, heads of households in each family† (Jackson 2), which suggests the male’s dominant position in a family. Moreover, â€Å"Dunbar’s wife substituted him to draw the lottery because he had broken his leg, but Mr.  Summers asked whether she had a grown boy to do it† (Jackson, 2) also shows that the unusuality of a female to do such an essencial and decisive thing. In the end, Tessie’s death is another evidence to show that female is not only inferior, but a victim in that lamentable social circumstance. Having no rights to make decisions, females doom to be decided instead of deciding. Thus, the female’s inferior position has formed. In a world, females’ inferior position is shown elaborately in The Lottery. Their appellations, their family division of the labor and their no power to make decisions all display the inferior position of females.

Cruelty in animal testing Essay Example for Free

Cruelty in animal testing Essay Hobbes, the cat, has been under experimentation for most of his life. This is probably the last time that he will ever have to be experimented on again. Why? Because he is probably not going to make it through this time. The makers of Herbal Essences are about to force shampoo down his throat to see what happens to its organs. Even if the cat lives through the process, they will have to kill it to see which organs were affected by the toxic chemicals. If this was an actual human going through this deadly experiment, people would be in shock. Animal testing started numerous years ago to help provide humans with information. The process of animal testing is of great importance to scientists that work in testing for toxicity, in most cosmetics and personal care products that are made every year and are put into the market after being tested on animals. Animals in Product Testing stated, these products have gone through a long and complex testing process that leaves millions of animals mutilated, burned, poisoned and gassed in outmoded and unnecessary tests. From these different experiments, animals are often left with different diseases like Syphilis, Herpes, or AIDS (Animal Rights: Animal Testing). Manufacturers of these different products say that they are performing these tests to assure our safety for these products. They want to make sure that humans are not in any amount of danger (Animals in Product Testing). Animal testing is an unethical process, most of the testing is invasive and unnecessarily cruel torture to an innocent animal does that make us inherently evil even though many say we do the experiments for the greater good? Inflicting pain purposely is considered wrong in society and people are punished if caught. How can we justify the killing of an animal no matter how small and insignificant, in the larger scheme is there an alternative that we can use that will not cause pain and suffering and even save costs. Yes there are several different ways we can eliminate the use of animals in testing. There are certain types of animals that scientists use for certain types of experimentation. Some well-known animals that they use for testing are: cats, dogs, mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, sheep, llamas, cattle, owls, deer, monkeys and other primates. These are not, by any means, all of the animals that they use. These are just the most common (Animal Rights: Animal Testing). For example, the Draize Test is used on white albino rabbits (S. , Jeremy). They use white albino rabbits because of their sensitive eyes and also because the formation of their tear ducts stops tears from draining away all of the foreign substance (Animal Rights: Test ). In this process, scientists rub shampoo, soap, toothpaste, oven cleaner, lipstick, or lawn products into their gorgeous, red eyes. From this point, scientists record the damage that they observed. This test can last up to eighteen days with their eyelids held open with a clip. Many of the rabbits end up breaking their necks trying to escape from the horrifying pain. First of all, it is pointless to keep the product in their eyes for that long of a period. There is no way that even a child would have something like that in his/her eye for very long. The second reason this is unnecessary to do to a rabbit is that the eye tissue of a rabbit is completely different from humans. (S. , Jeremy). Instead of using the Draize test we can use these alternative that provide better results and less cost from the government and private companies. Nearly 50 different alternative methods and testing strategies have been developed, validated and/or accepted by international regulatory authorities. Using blood from human volunteers to test for the presence of fever-causing contaminants in intravenous medicines can save hundreds of thousands of rabbits each year from traditional pyrogen tests. EpiSkinâ„ ¢, EpiDermâ„ ¢ and SkinEthic—each composed of artificial human skin—can save thousands of rabbits each year from painful skin corrosion and irritation tests. The Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability Test and Isolated Chicken Eye Test use eyes from animals slaughtered for the meat industry instead of live rabbits to detect chemicals and products that are severely irritating to the eyes. The 3T3 Neutral Red Uptake Phototoxicity Test can replace the use of mice and other animals in the testing of medicines and other products for their potential to cause sunlight induced photo-toxicity. The Reduced Local Lymph Node Assay for skin allergy testing makes it possible to reduce animal use by up to 75 percent compared with traditional guinea pig and mouse tests. When testing to determine chemical concentrations that are deadly to fish and other aquatic life, use of the Fish Threshold Method can reduce the numbers of fish used by at least 70 percent compared with standard test methods. Why do companies even agree with animal experimentation? Some companies, like Clairol, demand that they do not use animal testing on their shampoo product, Herbal Essences. Even though they have cut down on animal testing, they have not eliminated the complete line of cosmetics and other products of animal experimentation (Consumer Companies Animals). There are also some companies, like Mothers Bath products, that do test on animals. The only difference is they shampoo their own dogs to see how it smells after being cleaned off with water. This type of procedure is not actual animal testing. The reason being is because it is not deathly and does not harm the animals in any way. Mothers Products inventor did mention, Beyond these happy volunteers WE DO NOT TEST ON ANIMALS. All other product testing is on ourselves, friends, family. This is the best type of testing to do, on real human beings (Mothers Cupboard Bath). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has different laws about the safety of human’s health. In other words, the FDA and the different laws agree with animal testing. The FDA supports two different acts, the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service Policy and Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Animal Testing). The Animal Welfare Act is to assure the health of humane care and the management of dogs, cats and other certain animals that are used for research and experimentation. As well as to make sure that humane treatment of animals during the transport to help protect the owners of the animals from theft (U. S. Fish ). The Public Health Service Policy and Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals is a law that assures animal care for farm animals, mice and rats (Public Health ). The FDA feels that if animals are used instead of actual human beings, then there is no risk of taking a humans life. If animals are put under experimentation, then the loss of an animal wouldnt be as devastating as an actual person. Other companies like: Arm Hammer, Gillette, Procter Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, SmithKline, Beecham, and Unilever still test their products on animals (S. , Jeremy). Another element why animal experimentation is wrong is because in multiple ways, it is pointless. The reason that companies even test their products on animals is because they are supposedly watching out for our safety. Most toxic products are tested on different animals. Some toxic products that are used are: soaps and detergents, oven cleaners, and toilet cleaner, etc. What is wrong with this picture? The internet site titled, Animals in Product Testing stated, no amount of animal testing can change the fact that many of these products are harmful if ingested or used in a way not intended by the manufacturer. In other words, there is no reason to force animals to swallow any toxic products, when no matter what, they would harm someone if they digested it (Animal in Product Testing). Also, many different types of drugs are very useful to human beings, but are very dangerous and deadly to animals. For example, Penicillin can help peoples lives, but actually kills guinea pigs. Another drug is Aspirin, which, in fact, causes birth defects in mice, monkeys, rats, cats, guinea pigs and dogs. Obviously, this is not a problem toward humans (Animal Rights: Animal Testing). There are many reasons why animal experimentation is meaningless, but, in many ways, it can be good according to Jack Botting and Adrian Morrison. Both of these scientist claim that animal experimentation is essential because that is the only way that cures can be invented for many diseases. Also, many other medicines have been developed through animal testing. Morrison and Botting feel that there is no difference between humans and animals. Experimenting on animals helps store precise information for humans (Botting, 78). Animal testing is also unnecessary because there is not a law saying that you have to test any product on animals (Stevens). The only product that is forced by the law, to test on animals, are certain types of chemicals and pharmaceutical products (S. , Jeremy). To think that people are so cruel against animals, and there is no reason for it. Karen Lee Stevens stated, Sophisticated alternatives to the use of animals in consumer product testing are readily available. So, from the Stevens statement, there are obviously many other ways, besides animal testing, which can be used to test different products. These different alternatives could possibly be more effective, be a better indicator for humans, have much quicker results, and it would not be involved in any kind of animal unkindness. So, why dont all companies realize that they dont have to do testing on innocent animals? There are two main reasons why it is so hard for manufacturers to use alternatives: the fright for human safety and the fright of product  assurance. The first company that changed their ways of animal testing was Revlon Cosmetics. In 1979, Revlon gave $750,000 to the Rockefeller University to research different alternatives to test their products. Different organizations such as the John Hopkins Center for the Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Toiletry and Fragrance Association, the Cosmetic, the International Foundation for Ethical Research, and the Soap and Detergent Association started their own research to develop different alternatives. While this research is going on, the amount of animal testing increases so that they can guarantee consistent results with the new alternatives (Stevens). The final reason why animal testing is so cruel is because innocent animals are being abused without reason. For example, many animals that are used in all of these experiments are animals that have either been stolen or are from different animals shelters. From there, they are taken to animal testing sites. All of these animal experimentation sites have been inspected, but just because the research centers are legalized, does not mean that animals arent being abused. According to Jeremy S. , A research scientist at Huntingdon Life Sciences was recently caught on videotape punching four puppies repeatedly in the face. This so-called scientist is trying to prevent humans from danger by punching puppies. The scientist tried to back up his crime by stating that he was only trying to do the puppies a favor because the product that he just made them sniff was giving them terrible effects on the body (S. , Jeremy). There is no reason to do this to such young animals, or any animals for that manner. Today, many companies have turned from animal testing. They now feel that animal experimentation is a cruel process that leaves innocent animals dead for no apparent reason. Although many companies have agreed that it is an absurd process, animal testing still is a huge part of product testing (Animals in Product Testing). After all of the reasons of why animal testing is ridiculous, hopefully a law will stop the cruel process. Although, like stated in the previous paragraph, many companies have stopped these practices and tests, there are many that still practice this process. Hobbes, the cat, could still be alive today if it wasnt for the companies that still believe that it is okay to test animals with products. A question that is brought up in many peoples mind is, why would animal testing still be going on if there a Overall, animal testing is expensive, time-consuming, unpredictable, and not easily reproducible from one lab to another (i. e. , results lack reliability). Because of their expense, cumbersomeness, and scientific limitations, animal tests have not adequately addressed the vast number of chemicals already in commercial use, nor the estimated 700 new ones introduced every year. According to Dr. Thomas Hartung, director of the Johns Hopkins University Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, out of â€Å"some 100,000 chemicals in consumer products,†¦only about 5,000 have had significant testing so far because no one has the capacity for experiments using standard methods involving animals. †[7] While all new products must be tested for safety, using animals to assess human health risks is inefficient, unreliable, and has limited—if any—predictive value for what will happen in humans. Thankfully, private industry and a growing number of federal agencies are now acknowledging the superiority of alternative methods for safety testing. While alternative methods have not received the full scientific, industry, and government support that they deserve, progress is being made, as the development of alternative techniques becomes more widely recognized as a legitimate and important area of basic and applied scientific investigation. For example, one traditional criticism of in vitro replacement alternatives was their inability to mimic or reproduce the consequences of long-term, chronic human exposure to toxic substances. This is no longer the case. As cell culture technology has evolved, it is now possible to maintain in vitro systems for sufficiently longer periods of time—weeks or months. It is not necessary to maintain such cultures for years, as is done with some typical chronic animal tests. Long-term cell and tissue culture techniques can now allow in vitro studies of the effects of chronic, repeated exposure to toxic substances, as well as the recovery from such exposure in a shorter period of time.

Indias Handicraft Industry: Overview and Analysis

Indias Handicraft Industry: Overview and Analysis The industry chosen is the handicraft industry and the reasons for selecting the same are as follow: Indias art and craftsmanship is considered to be the best in the world. Abundant skilled labour in the industry (approximately 41 lakhs).   Raw materials for most arts and crafts are available locally. Possess a variety of crafts ranging from art metal ware to bamboo and jute products. Wave of oriental fashion Huge potential with large retail chains Tourism being seen as a vehicle of growth Owing to lack of or inadequate data and information on world production and import of handicrafts, it is difficult to make an exact assessment of the size of the global market for handicrafts. Handicrafts accounting for the world imports consist of both genuine handmade handicrafts and similar machine made substitutes. The handicrafts sector is dominated by the imports of works of art, carpets and wood wares followed by basket wares, embroidery and the base metal decorative articles. The Handicrafts sector is one of the star performers among the thrust products identified by the Government of India for export promotion and growth. As a result, exemption is given on sales tax and incentives are given on power connection etc. The business is to be located in Rajasthan. Business Opportunities in Rajasthan Rajasthan is the most preferred State for investments in certain sectors. Easy availability of raw resources and skilled labour, makes it the natural choice for handicraft based industries. Tourism is a thriving and vibrant industry in Rajasthan. The State attracts one third of the tourists coming into India. The flourishing tourism industry helps the development of handicraft industry simultaneously because of the variety and quality of products and the demand in the international and domestic market. This location has been selected due to the following reasons: Availability of raw materials and skilled labor in Rajasthan Land is cheap Water not required for manufacturing process. Abu road is an industrial area and is located close to Mount Abu which is a famous tourist destination Heavy influx of tourists every year at Mount Abu Has a lake called Nakki Lake which can fulfill the minimal water  requirements Elements of the marketing strategy The target market: The company plans to reach the middle class and the upper middle class of the society. Market segmentation: After identifying the target market the company will be manufacturing and developing products that appeal to that section of market. Mass production: The company will have a single marketing plan to mass-produce the products at the plant located in Rajasthan. The four Ps of marketing mix includes product, price, promotion and place. The following shows how the company is planning to use the marketing mix to promote and sell the products. a. Product mix Variety: There will be a lot of variety in the products in terms of design, colour etc. There will be items like bracelets, anklets, necklaces, rings etc. from which anything can be selected by the customer according to his or her choice or need. Quality: The quality of the products will be superior and of international standards as the company will also be exporting them. Design: There will be a variety of designs in each category of jewellery. Sizes: The products will be available in different sizes and shapes as per the specification of the clients and also according to the demand. Features: Guaranteed and unbreakable beads and stones of different colours, different sizes and shapes for all occasions and for all age groups will be one of the companys USPs. Brand name: The brand name of our company is Fine Jewels collection Packaging: The jewellery will be given in small velvet pouches with the brand name on it. This will be given in case of rings, bracelets etc. In case of necklaces and in case of big items, velvet boxes will be given. Services: Services like after sales services will be provided to the clients and if there is any defect or fault in the product it would be repaired or replaced free of cost. b. Price mix List price: The prices of are products will be given on the list .i.e. is when they are sold directly to the retail outlet they are priced according to the list price. Discounts: Special cash discounts will be given to our clients and also discounts for bulk purchases to retailers. Payments: Cheque, credit cards as well as cash payment will be the accepted modes of payment. Credit cards will be useful in case of international transactions. Credit terms: Credit facility of 15 days will be given on purchases only to our retailers. c. Promotion mix Advertising: Product advertisements will be given in local newspapers, distribution of pamphlets and through word-of-mouth awareness. Advertisements will also be given on radio but after one or two years. Sales focus: Sales focus will be on all age groups and towards the middle class and the upper middle class of the society. Direct market: Some of the products will directly be sold to the market. Our main outlets will be in Mumbai and Rajasthan. d. Place mix Channels: The different channels which will be used by the company are retail outlets and through different distributors and also by export. The products will also be displayed in exhibitions. Coverage: The coverage area would be mainly exporting outside India to different countries, as well as Mumbai and Rajasthan. Location: The location will be two outlets in Mumbai, one outlet in Rajasthan. And others will be exported to different countries. Handicrafts are exported to more than 100 countries. There is a great gap between demand and supply in countries like USA, Singapore and Malaysia. Hence, there is always a need for new entrants to fill this gap. The reasons for the outlet at Mumbai are as follows: Mumbai is the fashion capital of India. The target market for our product is the upper middle class and middle class. Products are designed keeping the target customer in mind. Mumbai has the highest number of shoppers in India Competitor Analysis Competition is generally from developing nations like Indonesia and China. The major competition is from Far Eastern countries. In such countries, competitors generally resort to mass producing goods in order to cut costs. Countries like China also resort to dumping of cheap goods into economies. This leads to serious losses for Indian small scale industries are such cheap mass-market goods eat into the still dormant domestic market of handicrafts in India. There are also issues like use of child labour in India and strict labour laws abroad which might restrict exports to some countries. However, Fine Jewels will ensure theses things are considered before going into production. Organisation Structure The business as mentioned earlier will have six partners. The structure will be a flat one. They will be equal partners who will bring in the capital necessary for the starting of business. The financial projections are already given above regarding the use of the initial capital. The partners will look and run the business in equal measure. Financial Projections Amount of Capital Required The initial investment of the firm is proposed to be Rs. 22 lacs. The company being involved in the handicraft products has no investment to make in plant and machinery.   Generation of Capital The required capital is being partly brought in by six partners and partly being arranged from the bank. The partners contribution is Rs 2,00,000 each that is in all RS. 12,00,000 are brought by the partners. The remaining 10,00,000 is taken from the bank as Working Capital loan. Utilization of Capital The capital will be utilized in the following ways: Investment in Land Building admeasuring 1200 Sq ft (3040) is Rs 11,00,000/- Investment in Furniture Fixture Rs 2,00,000/- Tools Equipments Rs 5,000/- Working Capital Rs 8,95,000/- Finance Charges Interest will be paid at the rate of 10% p.a., to the bank, i.e. 1,00,000 p.a., as finance charges. No interest is given to the partners for their capital investment in the Company. Since we produce 1660 units per month we can achieve Break Even Point in 8.33 month (1660 x 8.33 = 13831 units). This is because by that time we will have reached the necessary target of production for the break even Key Workers: Affordable Housing Challenges Key Workers: Affordable Housing Challenges Abstract Affordable housing in London is an issue which affects many individuals and the problem of affordable housing in London is particularly of concern to poorer sectors within London and those in low paid employment (Greater London Authority (2005) 1) (Pacione, M. (1997) 8) and (Greater London Authority (2006) 1). This is a situation which remains unchanged by the fact that there are schemes in place which purport to ameliorate the problems relating to affordable housing experienced by many people living and working in London (Rugg, R. (1999) 19-20). Schemes such as the Key Worker Living scheme which is administered through the offices of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Teachers Housing Association Scheme and London Strategic Housing have been targeted specifically at key workers who experience housing needs in London. However, although the government have made many housing provisions for London based key workers, the problem remains that these provisions arguably do not extend far enough . Specifically, it may be argued that the definition of what a key worker is is perhaps too narrow. It may also be argued that those who fall outside the definition of key worker, but nevertheless experience housing problems are being let down by the government, principally because many of them simply do not qualify for the schemes which have been mentioned above. These arguments will be put forward and evaluated in this paper. The paper will also consider the definition of what a key worker is and how it may not be an adequate definition, given that it is arguably not wide enough. The discussion on the definition of what a key worker is will lead the writer into a wider discussion of whether there is any real need to continue to have a ‘key worker requirement’ to trigger the assistance which is available to those in need of housing support within London. The paper will therefore consider wider economic, sociological and political factors in the analysis of what the gov ernment is doing to help those people who do not qualify as key workers but still cannot afford to live in London and will employ a qualitative, evaluative methodology in doing so. What is the definition of a Key Worker? It is useful to define what is meant by a key worker as this will indirectly provide an indication of the categories of people who fall outside the definition, and assist the writer in determining what the government is doing to help those people who do not qualify as key workers but still cannot afford to live in London. A key worker is a difficult concept to define, since different schemes and housing provisions have differing interpretations of what a key worker may be. Therefore, what may be a key worker within one sphere of housing provision may not be considered a key worker within another. In light of this therefore, how may one go about defining what a key worker actually is? To define the concept of a key worker requires an analysis of all the schemes open to key workers and an analysis of exactly who is eligible for the schemes and why. An extrapolation of this analysis will provide clues as to the best way to approach the problem of defining what a key worker is. Therefore the best way to approach defining what a key worker is, is to identify tenets which are present within all the various interpretations of what a key worker actually is. It is arguable that there are three main tenets which one may identify as being ‘central’ to the concept of what a key worker is. These are as follows: that the worker is employed by the public sector; that the worker is in a frontline position performing a crucial public service and that the worker is in a sector where it is difficult to recruit and retain workers (Department of Communities and Local Housing (2006) 1). Who is included within the definition? The people to whom the status of key worker is attributed to therefore must firstly be employed in the public sector dispensing essential services in a sector where there are problems with recruiting staff and retaining their services. Categorises of people who fulfil this criteria are: clinical staff employed by the NHS, for example nurses (doctors and dentists are excluded); teachers working in maintained primary and secondary educational institutions; police officers, community support officers and prison staff; uniformed staff in the fire and rescue services; probation officers and local authority employed staff (for example educational psychologists) (Department of Communities and Local Housing (2006) 1). Perhaps it is also wise to comment on which workers may not fall within the definition. These sectors may include cleaning staff and support staff within teaching institutions and within other professions. Why assistance is particularly tied to the Key Worker Sector; and What is being done to assist those who are not Key Workers? The rationale behind tying housing assistance to key workers is built upon much common sense. It is sensible to ensure that workers who provide key services are encouraged to stay within key occupations that provide useful services to the general public. Perhaps the need for such a rationale can be brought more sharply into focus by considering what may occur if essential workers were ‘priced out of the market’. A scenario like this will deplete the services which are available to the entire population within a given area and would perhaps impact hospitals and schools in particular. It is plain to see therefore why housing assistance in terms of affordable housing is targeted at these sectors which may be described as containing key workers. However, there is also an argument to be made that these provisions are not enough, and that they fail to acknowledge the wider issue which is that affordable housing affects many individuals who fall outside the definition of a key worker (http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr//2/hi/programmes/moneybox/3572353.stm >>). The reality is that the problem of affordable housing is a pervasive one, and that most low income people living in London are affected by the problem of affordable housing. However, as we have seen explained above, the definition of key worker is quite a narrow construction. Therefore professions such as cleaners and some categories of support staff typically have low incomes but do not meet the criteria which are prescribed to give them key worker housing assistance. The services which these groups provide are indeed essential; they help to support the day to day running of essential services and are therefore crucial to the lives of all of those living in London. It seems logical therefore that such individuals should be given the same levels of support that key workers are given when it comes to the issue of affordable housing. As we have seen explained above, the reality is very different, and critics of the fact that just key workers qualify for many schemes to provide housing support point to the actual need experienced by the individuals involved; not just to the wider usefulness that housing support schemes may afford the general public (which is the justification for the linkage between some housing support and just key workers). However, is it the case whereby the government simply ignore the needs of those who do not qualify for housing assistance as they are not key workers? Clearly this is not the case. The government operate housing associations and special needs facilities for those individuals who have needs due to disability or poverty. Those who are on low incomes may qualify for the new tax credits schemes and indeed for rates relief or housing benefit to help lessen the effects of the affordable housing problem. In terms of specific housing provision, non key workers may take advantage of some Social Registered Landlord Schemes[1] which include Home Exchange and Right to Acquire Schemes. Other schemes include the Seaside and Country Homes initiative which involves the allocation of homes to those considered deserving (not necessarily key workers); the Homefinder Direct scheme which is similar to the Seaside and Country Homes scheme and the LAWN project which makes homes available to ethnic minoriti es (www.cityoflondon.gov.uk). These schemes are intended to assist all those in need of housing assistance and not always just key workers. Also, on a macro and political level the government have attempted to make better use of the space which is available to build affordable housing within London. This has involved the conversions of abandoned commercial sites for use as housing sites (Greater London Authority (2005) Section 5.4). This is intended to ensure that available space within London is used sensibly to help lessen the effects of shortages in housing building sites. Clearly this will be of long term assistance to both key workers and non key workers. On a macro level another example of the government’s efforts in this area is their current emphasis on building ‘sustainable urban environments’, an emphasis which is of benefit to all of those affected by the affordable housing problem, not just those considered to be key workers. The government has also conducted many research initiatives into identifying the root causes of affordable housing problems and aiming to eliminate them. Although these initiatives only address the needs of those affected by the affordable housing problem in an indirect sense, it is clear that the government’s efforts on a macro scale (Karn, V. and Wolman, H. (1992) Ch 1) are intended to help those key workers and those non key workers who are all affected by the affordable housing problem. The problem remains however, that non key workers simply do not get the levels of support that key workers may qualify for, in spite of the fact that perhaps both sectors are equally deserving. Therefore, would the problem of affordable housing be more fairly approached by simply abolishing the requirement for workers to qualify as key workers in order to qualify for housing support within London? Another approach would be to make it easier to fall within the definition of what a key worker is. The answer to these two suggestions is that perhaps there is an argument for this to be the case, but it must be counterbalanced against the fact that resources within this area are limited. It is inevitable that there will be a deserving case to be made for many third parties who do not fall within the current definition of what a key worker is and of course, it is the case that it is desirable for all of those who are in need to receive housing support. As we have seen explained above however, there is a cogent rationale for why support is targeted at the key worker sector in particular. Key workers provide valuable services to the entire community and to neglect them would be detrimental to the levels of available services which all those resident in London often depend upon. The reality is that limited resources have to be dissipated in ways that are prescriptive and designed to exclude some categories of people. This exclusion does not point to an idea that the excluded person is undeserving; instead it points to the fact that there are limited resources which have to be expended in a frugal manner. Bibliography Articles and Reports Department of Communities and Local Housing (2006) Key Worker Eligibility. Publisher: Wandsworth Council. Place of Publication: UK. Greater London Authority (2005) Housing in London: the London Housing Strategy Evidence Base 2005. Publisher: Greater London Authority. Place of Publication: London. Greater London Authority. (2006) London Futures. Publisher: Greater London Authority. Place of Publication: London. Books Karn, V. and Wolman, H. (1992) Comparing Housing Systems: Housing Performance and Housing Policy in the United States and Britain. Publisher: Oxford University. Place of Publication: Oxford. Pacione, M. (1997) Britains Cities: Geographies of Division in Urban Britain. Publisher: Routledge. Place of Publication: London. Rugg, R. (1999) Young People, Housing and Social Policy. Publisher: Routledge. Place of Publication: London. Websites http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/programmes/moneybox/3572353.stm http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/our_services/residents_housing/housing_services/housing_advice_options/council_tenant/ct_fresh_start.htm 1 Footnotes [1] Also known as SRL schemes.

Brigham Young University and The Mountain Meadows Massacre by Juanita B

Brigham Young University and The Mountain Meadows Massacre by Juanita Brooks The Mountain Meadows Massacre by Juanita Brooks recounts a tragic historical event in a manner that can teach important lessons. The book is well researched and well written and reflects the great historical significance of the massacre. In addition, students learn religious lessons studying the book and its subject. Although some members of the Church and a few of Brigham Young University's faculty doubt the wisdom of teaching The Mountain Meadows Massacre, this book should be taught at BYU. The Mountain Meadows Massacre is an important book written by an important author. Some justifiably argue that Brooks's book is invalid because she is excessively defensive of John D. Lee-thus, they reason, the book is too subjective to take seriously as a historical work. Despite this shortcoming, the book is, overall, an excellent piece of critical writing. Brooks bases her book on primary sources displaying various opinions about the massacre. Even if the book is not completely objective, students can learn from bad examples as well as good ones. Studying The Mountain Meadows Massacre, especially under the direction of a competent teacher, can teach students to think critically about literature and avoid errors in their own writing. In addition to its literary merits, the book is a prime example of how authors can have a significant influence on the public. After Brooks's book was published, members of the Church began to research and discuss the Massacre more openly. One Mormon h istorian states: "Beginning with the landmark work of Juanita Brooks and proceeding at an increased pace during the past dozen years a spirit of openness, reconciliation, and hea... ...ssence, BYU students are bright, spiritually experienced, and ready for the challenge of studying The Mountain Meadows Massacre. By studying Brooks's book, students will learn to correctly address perplexing gospel issues. They will hone their critical reading and writing skills and become familiar with a crucial part of their history. If the administrators of BYU want their students to go forth as effective representatives of the Church, they must recognize the benefits of teaching Juanita Brooks's The Mountain Meadows Massacre. Works Cited Bushman, Richard L. Personal Interview. 19 November 2002. Leonard, Glenn M. "In Pursuit of Answers to Difficult Questions." The Journal of Mormon History, 28 (Fall 2002): 14. Snyder, Eric. "True Confession: I love BYU." Why Write? Provo: Brigham Young University Department of Undergraduate Education, 2002. 244.

Environment and Climate Change in Panama Essays -- Weather Panama Envi

Environment and Climate Change in Panama Home to vast tropical rainforests, an immense variety of animal and plant species and the seaway that connects the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Pacific Ocean, Panama relies heavily on all these resources for its economy. However, environmental challenges threaten the sustainability of these assets and therefore create a significant problem for the country. This paper will examine the effect of weather and climate change on Panama coupled with a specific focus on the Panama Canal. It concentrates largely on the effects of deforestation, coupled with the effect of El-Nino, and examines how this has had significant economic and social consequences. Panama has a tropical maritime climate, which provides the country with a long, rainy season between May and January and a short, dry season between January and May. Average temperatures are usually high and humidity levels almost never drop below 80%. The country’s carbon emissions are not significant to account for a percentage of the world emissions and they have relatively stayed the same during the period 1995-2000.[i] Forest area stood at 38.6% on 2002, with nationally protected areas at 21.7% of total area.[ii] In general, data has shown an increase in highly â€Å"unusual extreme weather events† since 1992 in the Latin America region and has predicted that these phenomena will become more frequent. These unusual events, coupled with local social and demographic factors, have created emergency conditions in Panama. One of the most significant challenges to Panama’s environment today is deforestation. Forest area has decreased from 45.6% in 1995 to 38.6% ... ....† Retrieved on 11/09/2007 from: Fonseca, Gustavo A.B. â€Å"No Forest Left Behind.† PLOS Biology. 08/14/2007. Retrieved on 11/10/2007 from: United Nations Environment Programme. â€Å"Climate Change Hits Hard on Latin America and the Caribbean.† Press Release. 2007. Retrieved on 12/13/2007 from: University Corporation of Atmospheric Research. Reducing the Impact of Environmental Emergencies Through Early Warning and Preparedness. â€Å"Panama Canal Case Study: Impacts and Responses to the 1997-98 El Nino Event.† Retrieved on 11/10/2007 from:

Lincoln, Labor and Liberation Essay example -- United States History L

Lincoln, Labor and Liberation The free labor ideology of the nineteenth century was grounded in the beliefs that Northern free labor was superior to Southern slave labor. The key factor that made this system unique was â€Å"the opportunity it offers wage earners to rise to property-owning independence.† [1] It was this free labor ideology and not the republicanism of the Revolutionary War era that caused slavery to be problematic by the time of the Civil War. This ideology was comprehensive—it had economic, social, moral, and political aspects. All facets of the theory need to be explored in order to fully understand how and why slavery became such an important issue. Free labor became the center of the Republican ideology in 1852, with the foundation of the Republican Party. It was the result of the economically expanding, enterprising, and competitive society of the early nineteenth century. The word â€Å"labor† had slowly begun to take on new meaning. Previously, it meant only those who were involved in the production of goods. Society was strictly divided into two main groups, those who worked and those who profited from the work of others. By the 1840s, the wage-earning labor class was defined as the entire North. It was made up of those men who owned their own farms, worked their own soil, were educated, and most importantly, were independent. Free labor ideology drew few distinctions between classes. A laborer was a craftsman, a merchant, a small businessman, or a farmer. Northern society offered opportunities to all who sought them, and enabled most to achieve independence and property. Northerners believed this economy would lead to a more equal distribution of wealth, rather than aid the development of a... ...onville, â€Å"The Abolitionists†, December 3, 2001 [10] Foner, 111 [11] Foner, 235 [12] Richard D. Brown, Major Problems in the Era of the American Revolution, 1760-1791 (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2000), 409 [13] Brown, 410 [14] Joseph J. Ellis, Founding Brothers: the Revolutionary Generation (New York: Alfred A. Knoph, Publisher, 2000) 158 [15] Kevin Tanner, â€Å"Sectionalism: 1850s†, lecture given at Binghamton University December 5, 2001 [16] Brown, 274 [17] Brown, 281 [18] Brown, 282 [19] Ellis, 81 [20] Ellis, 158 [21] McConville, â€Å"Slavery From Rebellion to Revolution†, November 5, 2001 [22] McConville, â€Å"From Jacksonian Democracy to Sectional Conflict†, November 28, 2001 [23] James M. McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom: the Civil War Era (New York: Ballantine Books, 1988), 28 [24] Foner, 309