Monday, September 30, 2019

Louise Bourgeois Essay

Much can be learned from the environment within which we live. What we see tells a lot about the society in which we live: belief system; politics; economic undertakings; kinship and material culture among others. Through material culture, we can get insight into the world that existed long before us. Culture can be defined as the way of life of people depicting their shared experiences, political and religious beliefs, technology, insights, attitudes, and material objects. (Li & Karakowsky) The sublime can be defined as the priced greatness or vast intensity in terms of biological, moral, mental, metaphysical, beauty, art or religion. Sublime is experienced over and over. It is embedded in our history, being, values, thoughts, concepts, world views, beliefs, and is responsible for our personalities (Bernadac 2007 p20) Main Body One of America’s renowned artist and sculptor, Louise Bourgeois, managed to capture the American Sublime through her artistic undertaking. She was born in Paris, France in December 25, 1911 but traveled to America in 1938 to perfect her artistic endeavor. She studied mathematics at the Sorbonne, and painting and sculpture in Ecole du Louvre, Ecole des Beaux-Arts, and Art Students League of New York. She worked as an assistant to Fernand Henri Leger- a French sculptor, painter, and film maker. She is popular for her work that depicts spiders, sculptures, drawings and literary work (National Gallery of Canada 2005 p16). As a way of depicting the society in which she was living, Bourgeois’ work is full of inanimate images of horrifying fear, ghosts, darkness, tortured people, and disabling mental illness to attempt to get at the source of these emotions and to uphold normality even in times of chaos. Her works helped depict the intellectual climate, social and historical conditions that existed then. (Gorovoy et al 2006 pp 27 -28) She captured the effects of the First World War through carving limbless sculptures and detached limbs and had most of his paintings and sculptures painted black to depict death and mourning, (Gorovoy et al 2006 p 24) e. g. the two headless fabric bodies attempting to make love shown below. She depicts the revolution of the western politics, largely constructivism, through posters that expressed sympathy towards the Russian regime which she displayed in Moscow. The Tate Modern exhibition catalogue indicates her inclination towards Communism. Bourgeois made abstract art pieces that reflected on her childhood experiences showing how relationships within the family were entwined together thus bringing in the aspect of kinship, socialization and acculturation. This depicts how her art gives us insight to how children were brought up back then. (Lippard 2003 pp 9-10) Her Femme Maison and Fallen woman series introduced the aspect of liberation of women. They depicted a female struggling to outgrow some house like structures within which she is trapped – that is attempting to outgrow the masculinity into which the women were entrapped. She depicts a rebellion against the negative masculinity through her work, The Destruction of a Father, in which rock figures surround a sacrificial slab full of butchered body parts. Thus: It has been suggested that her sculpture, The Blind Leading the Blind, has a religious connotation. According to Desmond Michael and Lloyd Michael (1870-1970) Bourgeois, inspired by the Cold War, made this sculpture and that the title was picked from the New Testament verse (Matthew 15:14) that describes how a blind man leading another blind man would end up in a ditch. The structure is shown below (Bernadac 2007) Bourgeois’ contribution to the American Sublime is best captured in New York’s Guggenheim Museum, the Centre Pompidou in Paris and London’s Tate Modern with their massive collection of her art work. In conclusion, the American Sublime has been captured through art in poetry, carvings, paintings, songs, books, and which take us back to the origins of the cultures of past American societies. Just like the origins of the American sublime can be traced through studying works of art, similarly, so can we understand much about its revolution from the contemporary art works. Louise Bourgeois has managed to get this through her sculptures, drawings and works of art – reflecting abstract as well as tangible aspects of living that relate to feelings, political standing, material culture, religious inclination, beliefs and kinship. References Bernadac, M (2007) â€Å"Louise Bourgeois† Rizzoli International North America pp 18 – 24 Gorovoy, J. , Carver R. & Read C. (2006) â€Å"Louise Bourgeois† Bellport Press University of Michigan pp 21-35 Lippard R (2003) â€Å"Overlay: contemporary art and the art of prehistory† Pantheon Books NY pp 7-16 National Gallery of Canada (2005) â€Å"Louise Bourgeois Maman† National Gallery Canada press pp 14-17

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Aung San and Faith Bandler Essay

?Today, lack of equality and peace are prominent issues which shape the world. Such things are demonstrated in Aung San Suu Kyi’s speech, ‘Keynote Address at the Beijing World Conference on Women’ and Faith Bandler’s speech, ‘Faith, Hope and Reconciliation’ through the use of various language devices. The common uses of emotive language between the two texts greatly affect the audience as it creates a sense of sympathy and unity. For example, ASSK states, ‘The struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma is a struggle for life and dignity. It is a struggle that encompasses our political, social and economic aspirations. ’ the repetitive use of ‘struggle’ emphasizes the hardships for the people of Burma and their desire for freedom. It is a struggle for ‘young girls’ to be driven to ‘sexual slavery where they are subject to constant humiliation’, there is a struggle for freedom, dignity and security. Her use of emotive language and repetition enables the audience to sympathise with her and the people of Burma that the causes of these struggles are lack of equality and peace in the world or our ‘global village’. Similarly in Faith Bandler’s speech, emotive language and repetition are recognised once again to unify the audience and the speaker to create a sense of sympathy which draws upon the theme of inequality and peace. It was a rather slow process for her to understand, ‘when there are millions†¦who are hungry, millions who are homeless, millions who are without work, the wrongfully imprisoned, the deaths in custody, the tortured†¦why is it so hard to find our commonalities? ’, Faith stresses the absurdity of how difficult it is for people to find ‘commonalities’ with her use of repetition of ‘millions’. Its becomes a problem when ‘millions’ are hungry, homeless and jobless as it portrays our society as unequal. The rhetorical questions asked throughout her speech such as ‘why is it so hard to find our commonalities? ’ and ‘what is reconciliation about? ’ state the obvious truths, that it isn’t hard to find reconciliation or peace within the world. Faith demonstrates a world of inequality through the use of emotive language and repetition. Suu kyi and Bandler’s speeches are effective in connecting to their audience when demonstrating the theme of equality and peace. Both activists demonstrate unity to the audience by using inclusive language and first person. For example, as Suu Kyi acknowledges the ‘strong and principled women’ who have lobbied for her release, ‘I cannot let this opportunity pass without speaking of the gratitude we feel towards our sisters everywhere. ’ The use of first person and inclusive language is evident throughout the speech, it illustrates a personal approach to her audience as well as clearly portraying her firm views of women. Bandler’s speech is also evident of the use of these devices. By using first person throughout her speech, it indicates her familiarity with the audience as she was â€Å"here once before† and also shows that she speaks from a personal experience giving the audience an idea of what she has been through such as her work in campaigning and co founding various companies. In order to move the audience about reconciliation whether it’s the ‘youth’ or the ‘not so young’, her use of first person and inclusive language connects to the audience. Both ASSK and Bandler bring their audiences together as a whole to look at common issues of the world and better ways to bring peace.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Instructional Strategies Concept Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Instructional Strategies Concept Paper - Essay Example al strategies, Denny has first to be acquainted with the epistemological framework of which Cynthia Oakes operates – which is the constructivist approach. Constructivism is ongoing meaning-making through authentic engagement- remains a useful idea for learners and instructors at all levels of educations and training (Reiser & Dempsey, 2012). This is to ensure that they speak the same language and able to design the instruction program to the satisfaction of the stakeholders. This would entail needs analysis, research, interview and a lot of resourcefulness on the part of Denny. Second, Denny has to craft a program that is consistent with the constructivist approach which engages learners in a process of inquiry and activity instead of providing the right answer. Denny’s program has to generate multiple ideas and answer from his students in solving a certain problem which is a valuable process of constructivist approach. This would include tools that would facilitate discussion that promotes the process of inquiry and activity. When clients are vague with the instructions and objectives of a learning program, instructional designers has to be resourceful in order to â€Å"fathom† what the client really needs. This would require extensive research on the part of the instructional designer. First, such as in the case of Dennys, requires understanding on the framework of which the client operates. In the case of Cynthia, the constructivist approach. It would help a lot if the instructional designer can view the videos on how program was implemented. The instructional designer could then dig in at the available literature about the program to understand its thrust. In Denny’s case it was the grant proposal. Sifting through the proposal would give the instructional designer an insight about the instructional needs of the client through the justification of the project. Then one can interview the teachers about their instructional needs to have a

Friday, September 27, 2019

Future Technology Consultants Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Future Technology Consultants - Essay Example Such an introduction in the corporate thinkpiece is designed to create global buzz about the achievements of Future Technology Consultants and, essentially, turn the scientific world on its proverbial ear. This piece will identify the theories of teleportation, including those proposed by Eric W. Davis of Warp Drive Metrics, on research grants from the Air Force Research Laboratory, who describes the Casimir Effect and Gravitationally Squeezed Vacuum Energy that make up the foundation of creating negative energy in a vacuum cylinder (Davis, 2004). Such studies identify the theoretical and scientifically-measured phenomenon which occurs as a result of manipulating particles in controlled environments. This particular study identifies the different calculations necessary to create this phenomenon, including reference to Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity. It is grounded in tangible scientific research and data from actual experimentation in the pursuit of transporting matte r and particles.   NYU also describes previous research conducted on the ability of two distant objects to remain â€Å"entangled† with one another despite their distance, based on scientific calculations which seem to project instant transmission of information from point a to point b at a speed faster than light (cs.nyu.edu, 2002). This article provides the foundation of Quantum Complexity, so as to describe how this is theoretically and scientifically possible.   Cnn.com (2007) describes another piece, not necessarily befitting this thinkpiece, that involves somewhat of an opinion-based article attempting to describe the mechanics behind teleportation.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Information management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Information management - Essay Example 38). It provides an opportunity to introduce best practices and organizational transformation to deliver significant contribution for result-based corporate achievement. This paper will explicate the role of information and knowledge management in company development but focused on the application of the principles to case at hand—the THB Confectionary, a producer of hazel nut toffees which evolved and maximized e-commerce to expand its products from what was originally produced. Tim Hazel-Brown (THB) operated a factory in Derby by selling hazel nut toffees. Recently, THB Confectionery expanded its business line by launching an online competition to guess the time and place of old coins and stamps imprinted on to the inside of their product’s sweet wrappers. This added a new angle in the business management. The guessing competition pertaining to sourcing coins and stamps was sustained and gathered responses globally; from those who shared interests and enthusiasm. Most of those who joined are presumed to be coins and stamp collectors. This inspired Tim to add more value in customer management because the approach evokes new meaning that ‘last longer than the taste and memory of a delicious candy.’ What the company has done was to imprint coins and stamps in gold and silver foil that are historically emanating from AD60 – a historic representation of gem indeed. Tim professed that the entry of modern information technology hastens their decision to integrate e-commerce in their business operations – which is supporting the whole chain from supply, delivery, and customer service. Through internet and social media, THB Confectionery was able to develop its global market, thus, the expansion of confectionary and the sourcing of coins and stamps in 2007 that enticed supports from other businessmen in Asia. These online communities, which came from varied countries, have wealth of information that has

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Legal Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Legal Theory - Essay Example These ideas and ideologies have assumed a global and even pan-human application. When applied they claim a universalism. When dissected, however, they show themselves to have a decidedly Western origin and influence. This has been shown to be the case in the global spread of various ideas and power systems like democracy, capitalism, industrialisation, colonialism, internationalism, and even socialism. The global reach of many of these ideologies and social structures inevitably incited reaction and dissent. Capitalism spawned socialism. Industrialisation gave way to workers movements. Colonialism yielded to Third World political rumblings and international ideologies like global Marxism, Pan-Africanism, and Pan-Arabism (to mention a few). To all this must be added twentieth century feminism. Though it may seem an oversimplification, much of twentieth century feminism sought to voice a discourse largely critical of the sexual inequality inherent in capitalism, be it in its national and/or its international forms. From the viewpoint of Marxism, the State is ‘a reflection, if not the instrument, of the power of the dominant economic class’ (Newman 2004, 141). From a gender perspective, the State largely mirrors the interests of males vis-a-vis females on an individualised basis. The modern State of capitalist society lies at the centre of what feminism sees as the tyran nical, patriarchal system of domination over the bodies and lives of women. This same State figures prominently in the structure of globalisation which has served to propagate Western power systems across the globe. Whether one approaches the role and place of women from an international, global perspective or from an individual State perspective, the question for feminists is for the most part a matter of the imposition of power and the limitation and circumscription of female individual autonomy. With respect to prostitution, particularly its criminalisation, the State

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Legal Studies Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Legal Studies - Case Study Example The EAT held applying the test in Salmond on Torts. The counsel for the employers argued that the liability for the acts done by the other employees which had the effect of causing physical and verbal abuse to Jones cannot be put on the employers as such acts cannot be taken as having been done 'in the course of employment' under section 32 (1) of the RRA and therefore there is no question of vicarious liability to the employers. The contention of the counsel for the employer arguing that the tortuous acts of the other two employees cannot be held as 'acts done in the course of employment' will not hold ground, as the counsel based his argument on the basis of judgment in the case of Irving v The Post Office1, in which case there is no indication that the court relied on the subsection (1) of section32. Hence the counsel for the employer has based his argument on a wrong footing and hence his argument cannot be held valid under the law. The issue before the Court of Appeal was not to find whether treatment given to Jones can be regarded as a 'racial harassment'. The sole ground of appeal was that the industrial tribunal had been wrong to regard the racial harassment as having been "done by a person in the course of his employment" for the purposes of section 32(1). 4. (i) : Waite L.J was convinced about the representation of the counsel for the employee on pointing out that there are distinctions that greater remedies are available under the law including damages for the injuries to the feelings than those that can be claimed under Tort against an employer under the common law and "the total absence from the concept of vicarious liability in tort of any provision corresponding to the reasonable steps defence under section 32(3)." Waite L.J preferred the argument of Mr. Allen to that of Mr. Buckhaven due to the fact that there are no similarities between the statutory construction and the purposive construction on a plain reading of the section 32 (1) and that the phrase 'course of employment' is subjected to the gloss imposed on it in the context of vicarious liability on the common law context. 4. (ii). Mr. Allen argued substantial differences occur when the vicarious liability for Tort under the common law is considered against the statutory concept of section32. Counsel further submitted that the above position of the employers' liability under claim of Torts is to be contrasted with that under section 32 (1) of the RR Act where every action of a person in the course of employment are attributed to the employer "whether or not ... done with the employer's knowledge or approval." This argument of Mr. Allen is having substance and hence is preferable than the argument of M

Monday, September 23, 2019

Reading Response Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reading Response - Article Example For instance, in order to write a word that connote a plural of two in Arabic, individuals are supposed to add ‘een’ in that word. Look at this example, the word quiz in English it is going to be â€Å"quizeen† and an ‘at’ is added to ‘quiz’ to make it ‘quizat’ when there are more than two quizzes. This became a common trend and words like friendeen-friendat, teachereen-teacherat, sistreen-sistrat, and classeen-classat were commonly in use by both instructors and students. What’s more, the author is supporting Smith’s (1976, pg. 12) argument which state ‘any international language must serve both the local and the international needs by developing alongside other languages’. Subsequently, the author fails to elucidate to us the effects this assumption will have in causing more complications in the communication process between the natives and non-natives. Conversely, it is significant to note that English as one of the international languages is losing its monopoly to control the world socio-economic due to the emergence of the new translation technology. The emergence of new translation technology has risen concerned on how long English language, will continue to dominate the other local and international languages. Therefore, can we conclude that the emergence of the new translation technology will affect English as one of the predominant international languages? Additionally, Quirk et al (972 pg. 28) argued that for English language to serve the appropriate purpose of pedagogical, the instructors and academic administrators must get seriously involved in the exploration for appropriate policies that will determine the standardization. Global teaching of English language should be integrated. Besides this, individuals like Kachru (1997, pg. 10) argued that the spread of English in both inner circle, outer cycle, and expanding circle has led to development of many

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Conflicts can lead to distruction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Conflicts can lead to distruction - Essay Example As per the assumptions and predictions among political observers, China may replace America from the superpower post in near future itself. It should be noted that communism is prevailing in China whereas Japan is a democratic country. Naturally, America’s policies are more aligned more in favour of Japan rather than China. â€Å"Its approach seems to have been "planned by bookworms and entrepreneurs, rather than politicians† (Jingsheng). America knows that a war between Japan and China would slow down the progress of China considerably and hence they are not doing anything to ease the tensions between these countries. This paper analyses the China and Japan confrontation over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands through the lenses of Classical Realism and Neorealism. Key facts Japan annexed the islands in 1895 China started showing interest in them only in the early 1970sNo one has lived in any of these two islands after WW2 These two islands are very small in size The islands, known as the Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China China’s interest in the islands rose in the late 1960s, when scientists began saying the nearby seafloor could hold oil deposits (Fackler) The current tensions began earlier this year when the nationalist governor of Tokyo announced his desire to buy three of the islands from their owner, a Japanese citizen (Territorial dispute involving Japan) Predictions of Realist theory and Neorealist theory Realism explains the relationships between nations in terms of power. In realist theories power is defined as capabilities that can create influence. Military force is perceived as the most important element of power by realists. States with higher power always use its power for getting leverages in a bargaining process. However, strategies and other parameters also have the ability to influence the outcome of a negotiation or barging process (Chapter Summary). Realist theories believe that self-interest is the primary objective which drives international politics. It argues that international systems are highly anarchic, a concept which believes that there is no universal sovereign government which can resolve international disputes. Neorealist theories argue that states by their nature are security seeking. In other words, security and survival are the primary objectives of each state. Another concept of neorealist theory is that states seek only relative security in comparison to other states (Bordner, p.1). Neorealism argues that there are only three possible systems in international politics; a unipolar system, bipolar system and multipolar system. In their opinion, bipolar system is more stable than multipolar system because of the greater balancing act it can provide. Neorealism believes that war is inevitable and permanent peace is only a distant dream because of the anarchic structure of current international system. Classical Realist explanation of the China-Japan island confrontation   â€Å"The val ue of the islands has never been in their aesthetics, but in history and geopolitics: what control of the islands says about the relative power of Asia’s two economic giants, one rising and the other in what many see as a slow decline†(Fackler). China is one of the rapidly emerging economies in the world at present. Many people believe that China may expel America from the superpower spot in near future itself. In fact no other country in the world at present is capable of matching the economic growth of China. In fact the recent

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Adolescence and Clothes Essay Example for Free

Adolescence and Clothes Essay Good afternoon, today I will try to express my opinion about this statement „You can tell a great deal about people from the clothes they wearâ€Å". And I will speak about which age group of people care most about their looks, how important is fashion for me and what is advantages and disadvantages of wearing a school unifrom. I agree with this statement , because you can get to know a lot of about people from they clothes. For example if man wear formal clothes I can make and overall opinion about him. He is formal, intelligent elegant and taking care of himself. If I would saw someone at work with dirty and tear clothes of course I would think about him not so good. I think teenager are the group of people who care most about their looks.Teenagers believe their looks are the key to a good relationship and it will help become popular at the scholl. But When theyre older, theyll realize it doesnt work like that. Fashion helps to express themselves and also provides teenagers a sense of identity by signaling which grouping they belong to (emo punk, goth, etc.) And in my opinion Celebrities perhaps are the greatest influences on teenagers in the modern world, and they can have a huge impact on a teens ideas about fashion and its importance. Fashion isnt important to me at all. I dont care about having the newest, the most trendy, or the best label for anything. To me, being trendy is not expressing yourself, it is merely following the crowd and trying to fit in. I just prefer to be myself.And I wear what I like. I study at gymnasium so we wear school unifrom. I think school uniform have advantages and disadvantages. Here are some advantages : 1. People automatically respect you Whenever wed go on fieldtrips, people comment on how professional and nice we looked 2. Everyone looks exactly the same You dont have to worry about not wearing the right thing. And some disadvantages : 1.Its annoying wearing the same thing as everyone else 2. You wear it everyday, all day it‘s just become boring . And lack of Variety To sum up everyone should wear clothes which they like and feel good with.These clothes will show the real you. Because other people can tell a great deal about you from the clothes you wear.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Bacteriological Safety of Water Analysis

Bacteriological Safety of Water Analysis Comparison of bacteriological safety of water at collection points and drinking water at household level in Kizungu slum Mbarara municipality Kewaza Johnmartin1*, Nkalubo Edgar, Kayiwa Samuel, Kafuma Paul, Kyarisiima Catherine, Labii Ogom Edward, Iramiot Jacob Stanley and Ntaro Moses Abstract Background: Efforts have been made to provide safe water to the public through construction of safe water sources in communities together with widespread sensitization on the practice of boiling of drinking water. Despite those efforts, there is still frequent consumption of contaminated water that has caused a persistently high prevalence of water related illnesses. We hypothesized that the safety of water from safe water sources can be maintained up to consumption at household level. This study compared the bacteriological safety of water at collection points and drinking water at household level in Kizungu slum Mbarara municipality Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study. We collected samples from water sources used by respondents and from their domestic drinking water. Samples were analyzed in the Microbiology laboratory . Petrifilms were used to enumerate coliform bacteria in water. Results: A total of 60 drinking water samples were analyzed. Although most households (88.3%) reported to have boiled drinking water, 21.7% of drinking water samples were positive for E. coli. A total of 24 water sources were analyzed, 22 of which were taps whilst 2 were open wells. Of the 22 tap samples, 22% were positive for total coliforms. Both well samples were positive for E. coli with numbers over 1100cfu/100ml. Conclusion: Health benefits of providing access to improved water sources to communities can be threatened by significant re-contamination at household level. Strategies to address the sources of recontamination of clean water at household level need to be strengthened. Continued education pertaining good household sanitary practices urgently requires re- addressing. Key words: Bacteria, contamination, water sources, drinking water, Mbarara Background Water is the most essential component of human health, food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability. Although water is essential for life, it can and does transmit pathogens that are a major of 2.2 million diarrheal disease deaths occurring annually [1]. Diarrheal disease remains one of the leading killers of children around the world, responsible for the deaths of nearly 1.6 million children annually, yet is no longer considered a global health priority [2]. In developing countries, as much of 80% of illnesses are linked to poor water and sanitation conditions [2]. The government of Uganda together with several Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) has made efforts to provide safe water to the public through construction of safe water sources together with widespread sensitization on the practice of boiling of drinking water. 2012 statistics shows a 64% access to safe water in rural settings and a 68% access to safe water in urban settings [4]. Despite all the above efforts, there is still frequent consumption of contaminated water that has caused a persistently high prevalence of water related illnesses [3]. Improving the quality of drinking-water is a powerful environmental determinant of health. It continues to be the foundation for the prevention and control of waterborne diseases [4]. We hypothesized that the safety of water from safe water sources can be maintained up to consumption at household level. We conducted a cross sectional study to compare the bacteriological contamination of water at collection points and drinking water at household level. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study that involved both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Upon approval from the university Institutional Review Board, consenting adult household members aged 18 years or above in Kizungu, Kakoba division, Mbarara municipality, were enrolled in the study between June and July 2013. Questionnaires were administered through face-to-face interviews and data collected on handling practices of drinking water. They included; boiling drinking water, source of water and storage. Domestic water sources and drinking water were subsequently sampled and microbiologically analyzed. Sampling was systematic. The study area was divided into five cells; Market cell, Central cell, Upper cell, Agip cell and Kabateraine cell. The sample size was then divided amongst the five cells to obtain the number of household to participate in each cell. These were selected as follows; two main streets in a cell were randomly picked and from these, 15 plots were picked. One household out of the 15 plots was selected to participate. The 15 households were selected as follows: starting from the extreme end of the selected street and walking across one street towards another in more or less a straight line, one plot on the straight line was selected until the sample of 15 was reached. From each of these plots, the first household that had an eligible respondent was enrolled in the study. From each selected household’s drinking water was sampled 100ml. Each participating household was asked for their source of water and a water sample was taken from this source so long as it had not already been taken. Water samples were aseptically collected using sterile containers. The samples were transported within 2 hours of collection in a cool box containing ice packs to a microbiology laboratory. Sample collection was in accordance to the standard procedures as documented by Monica, 2006 [5]. Petrifilms were used for the analysis. From 100ml of each sample was pipetted 1ml. Lifting up the cover sheet on the plate, the pipetted volume was gently release onto the center of the pink circle of the petrifilm. Slowly, the top cover was rolled back down onto the sample, which spread it. The inoculated petrifilms were incubated at 37 0C for 24 hours to allow any bacteria that might have been present in the inoculum to grow and form visible colonies. The colonies associated with gas bubbles on each petrifilm were counted and the obtained figure multiplied by 100 to obtain a coliform count per 100ml. Analysis of data was descriptive involving determination of frequencies, and presentation in form of statistical tables. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. Results were interpreted using WHO Guidelines for Drinking water quality assessment [6,4]. Results A total of 60 household were included in the study. From each of these households, an adult was interviewed. Of the 60 respondents, 6 were males whereas 54 were females. The mean number of members in each household was 4. Source of Domestic Water A total of 24 sources were sampled. Of these, 22 were from taps whereas 2 were from shallow wells (defined as a hand-dug well). One of the wells was located just close to a kraal with cattle excreta flowing into the well. In most circumstances, residents of a plot shared one water source. In a few cases, several plots shared a water point. Water analysis Sources Analyses of water sources revealed that, of the 22 tap samples, 5 (22%) were positive for total coliforms with minimum and maximum number of coliforms being, 100cfu/100ml and 700cfu/100ml respectively. Both well samples were positive for E. coli with numbers over 1100cfu/100ml (Table 1). Table 1: Bacteriological analysis of water sources in Kizungu slum Mbarara Municipality May-June, 2014 (n=22) Drinking water A total of 60 samples were analyzed. Of these, 21.7% were positive for E. coli with minimum and maximum number of coliforms being, 100cfu/100ml and 3400cfu/100ml respectively (Table 2). Treatment and storage of drinking water Of the 60 households interviewed, majority (88.3%) boiled drinking water. Majority, 86.7% used charcoal as a fuel for boiling. 76.7% stored drinking water in jerry cans. Regarding storage conditions, majority (85%) stored water at room temperature. Of the 60 participants, 20% reported to have had an episode of diarrhea in the past 3 months. Table 2: Bacteriological analysis of drinking water in households of Kizungu slum Mbarara Municipality May-June, 2014 (n=22) Discussion In this study, we found that the quality of water from sources significantly depreciates at household level, with only a few water sources fecally contaminated compared to close to a quarter of drinking water sampled from 60 households that were feacally contaminated. These results are consistent with other large studies [7,8,9,10], whose findings also indicated that contamination increased along the water chain starting from the source to stored drinking water. Tragically, our results show that interventions aiming to improve the safety of drinking water to household level such as boiling have had lee impact in the urban poor. Target 7.C of the Millennium Development Goal 7 aimed at halving the proportion of people without access to improved sources of water. Although this has been achieved [11][11], our findings have reavealed threats to the health benefits of that achievement since even with access to these safe sources, re-contamination an occur at household level. The fact that drinking water in developing countries requires subsequent storage after boiling still poses a risk on the microbiological quality of drinking water due to unsanitary handling in households. We also observed that close to a quarter of water taps sampled were contaminated with other indicator bacteria. This emphasizes the fact that even piped water can be potentially contaminated during distribution [12][13][12]. Total coliforms are present in both fecal and non-fecal environments hence are not useful as an index of fecal pathogens. However, there presence can be used to assess the cleanliness and integrity of distribution systems, potential presence of biofilms and as indicators of contamination through ingress of foreign material, including soil or plants. Detection of total coliform in the distribution system, but absent in water leaving the treatment plant is indicative of a likelihood of bacterial regrowth or post-treatment contamination [13,6]. Our data showed that all the 2 open wells sampled were heavily contaminated. One of the wells was located close to a kraal. Rains often wash off disposed excreta into open wells which may also have also contributed to the heavy contamination of these open wells with fecal matter. This is in agreement with results of survey of bacteriological quality of drinking water in North Gondar [14] Our study however did not infer the cause of the contamination at household level neither did it isolate contaminants. Nevertheless, the analytical method we used isolated Escherichia coli, an indicator organism of choice for faecal pollution [6] In conclusion, our results show that health benefits of providing access to improved water sources to communities can be threatened by significant re-contamination at household level. Strategies to address the sources of recontamination of clean water at household level need to be strengthened. Continued education pertaining good household sanitary practices urgently requires re- addressing. References WHO, 2008. Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. 3rd ed. Geneva: WHO. United Nations, 2003. Statement by Secretary General Koffi Annan. United Nations. UBOS ICF International, 2012. Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2011. Kampala: Uganda Bureau of Statistics. WHO, 2010. Water for health; WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. 3rd ed. Monica, C., 2006. District Laboratory Practice in Tropical Countries Part 2. 2nd ed. New York: Cambridge University Press. WHO, 2008. Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. 3rd ed. Geneva: WHO. Brick, T. et al., 2004. Water contamination in urban south India: household storage practices and their implications for water safety and enteric infections. Int J Hyg Environ Health., 5(207), pp.473-80. Clasen, T. Bastable, A., 2003. Faecal contamination of drinking water during collection and household storage: the need to extend protection to the point of use. J Water Health, 3(1), pp.Sep;1(3):109-15. Eshcol, J., Mahapatra, P. Keshapagu , S., 2009. Is fecal contamination of drinking water after collection associated with household water handling and hygiene practices? A study of urban slum households in Hyderabad, India. J Water Health, 1(7), pp.145-54. Wright, J., Gundry, S. Conroy, R., 2004. Household drinking water in developing countries: a systematic review of microbiological contamination between source and point-of-use. Trop Med Int Health, 1(9), pp.106-17. United Nations, 2013. We can End Poverty. Millennium Development Goals and Beyond 2015. [Online] Available at: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/environ.shtml [Accessed 18 January 2014]. Hunter, P.R., Chalmers, R.M., Hughes, S. Syed, Q., 2005. Self-reported diarrhea in a control group: a strong association with reporting of low-pressure events in tap water. Clinical Infect. Dis. , (40), p.e32–e34. NHMRC, 2003. Review of Coliforms as Microbial Indicators of Drinking Water Safety. In Melita, S., Nicholas, David, C., eds. Recommendation to changethe use of coliforms as microbial indicators of drinking water quality. Camberra, 2003. Biotext Pty Ltd. Mengesha , A., Mamo, W. Baye, G., 2004. A survey of bacteriological quality of drinking water in North Gondar. Ethiop.J.Health Dev., 18(II), pp.112-15.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Shakespeares Macbeth was a Tragic Hero :: Free Macbeth Essays

Macbeth was a Tragic Hero Macbeth exhibits most, if not all, of the classic traits of a Shakespearean tragic hero almost flawlessly. From his rise to greatness to his ultimate destruction and death, he is most certainly a tragic hero. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a thane--a high-ranking vassal to the king, much like a duke. Macbeth is also an extraordinary general. Macbeth meets three witches after his victory in a great battle. The witches already know his weakest point and act upon it. Their prophecies rap into his pride he becomes their overly-determined puppet. Ultimately, Hecate's final words in scene III.5 show us the true intent of the witches: "He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear His hopes 'bove, wisdom, grace, and fear: And you all know security Is mortals' chiefest enemy" (3.5.30-33). These lines give us a give us a glimpse at the witches' intent. Hecate's words also tell us a little bit about Macbeth and his pride. Although many have argued that Macbeth's flaw was "over-ambition", this author would have to disagree. Macbeth's pride ultimately was what killed him. His pride was what brought him to power as the witches prophesied. It fed his determination, and finally, in Act V, Macbeth's final lines show this pride in full-blook at its ugliest: "I will not yield, To kiss the ground before young Malcolm's feet, And to be baited with the rabble's cause. Though Birnam Wood be came to Dunisane, And thou opposed, being no woman born, Yet I will try the last. Before my body I throw my warlike shield. Lay on, Macduff; And damned be him that first cries "Hold, enough!" (5.8.28-34). If Macbeth had had less pride, he would likely have acted much differently. For one, he would have been more discerning of the witches and much less willing to believe the prophecies of his death. Macbeth has victories in many battles. His victories surely fill him with pride. His captain tells King Duncan of his victory in the following lines: "As the sparrows eagles, or the hair the lion. If I say sooth, I must report they were As canons overcharged with double cracks; So they doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe" (1.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Standardized Test Scores and Their Use in College Admissions Decisions

Standardized Test Scores and their use in College Admissions Decisions PURPOSE The purpose of this proposal is to examine current and future Iowa State University admissions decisions processes. At the present time most colleges, including Iowa State use a combination of standardized test scores, high school class rank, high school grade point average, and essays to make decisions on admissions. All of the above are good determinants of a student’s possible success in college, except standardized test scores. Standardized tests discriminate against minorities and are not a good overall indicator of a student’s potential. For these reasons and others, Iowa State should not use standardized test scores when making admissions decisions. BACKGROUND Since America’s college system began, someone has had the responsibility of deciding who gets into a college and who does not. Colleges and universities must draw the line somewhere as to who has the opportunity to become more educated and who gets a full-time job at McDonald’s. This decision-making process has always been a difficult job and has become even more difficult in recent years as competition in higher education gets tougher. College admissions departments have come up with a system which combines indicators such as standardized test scores, high school class rank, grade point average, and essays. Different schools put different amounts of emphasis on these gauges but most use some mixture of them. In recent years many schools have begun to put more emphasis on standardized test scores. Almost all college bound students now take entrance exams like the ACT or SAT. These tests supposedly indicate how "smart" a student is and how successful they would be in colle... ...f schools, ranging from small liberal arts colleges to large public universities, have made the switch. Most report many benefits with "no drop-off in the academic quality of their applicants" (FairTest). Colleges and universities could make this decision for themselves or the change could come thorough a statewide policy. For example in Texas, starting in 1998, students applying to public universities who were in the top 10 percent of their graduating high school class, do not have to take the ACT or SAT (State Colleges). A policy such as this is another example of a possible way to emphasize high school achievement rather than test scores. The no standardized test policy should be implemented at Iowa State University as soon as possible. Beginning with the incoming freshman class of 2001, standardized tests should not be used as a tool in admissions decisions.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Terrorism Essay: Metaphors for Terror :: September 11 Terrorism Essays

Metaphors for Terror The administration's framings and reframings and its search for metaphors should be noted. The initial framing was as a "crime" with "victims" and "perpetrators" to be "brought to justice" and "punished." The crime frame entails law, courts, lawyers, trials, sentencing, appeals, and so on. It was hours before "crime" changed to "war" with "casualties," "enemies," "military action," "war powers," and so on. Donald Rumsfeld and other administration officials have pointed out that this situation does not fit our understanding of a "war." There are "enemies" and "casualties" all right, but no enemy army, no regiments, no tanks, no ships, no air force, no battlefields, no strategic targets, and no clear "victory." The war frame just doesn't fit. Colin Powell had always argued that no troops should be committed without specific objectives, a clear and achievable definition of victory, a clear exit strategy-and no open-ended commitments. But he has pointed out that none of these is present in this "war." Because the concept of "war "doesn't fit, there is a frantic search for metaphors. First, Bush called the terrorists "cowards"-but this didn't seem to work too well for martyrs who willing sacrificed their lives for their moral and religious ideals. More recently he has spoken of "smoking them out of their holes" as if they were rodents, and Rumsfeld has spoken of "drying up the swamp they live in" as if they were snakes or lowly swamp creatures. The conceptual metaphors here are Moral Is Up; Immoral Is Down (they are lowly) and Immoral People Are Animals (that live close to the ground). The use of the word "evil" in the administration's discourse works in the following way. In conservative, strict father morality (see Moral Politics, Chapter 5) evil is a palpable thing, a force in the world. To stand up to evil you have to be morally strong. If you're weak, you let evil triumph, so that weakness is a form of evil in itself, as is promoting weakness. Evil is inherent, an essential trait, that determines how you will act in the world. Evil people do evil things. No further explanation is necessary. There can be no social causes of evil, no religious rationale for evil, no reasons or arguments for evil. The enemy of evil is good. If our enemy is evil, we are inherently good. Good is our essential nature and what we do in the battle against evil is good.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Project On NCO Essay

INTRODUCTION I have worked for the army as an NCO for the last 13 years and I have always tried to be accountable as much as I can, to live up to the standards of this base and carry out all my responsibilities abiding in the set out rules and regulations. As an Non Commissioned Officer I must be empathetic and positive.   And, as always, must set the standard for integrity and character. However in the recent past I found myself on the wrong side of the matter when over speeded in the base. ABSTRACT The script uses a global array to filter, consolidate, and sort the timing violations. The contents of the global array are then presented in a report of consolidated timing violations. There is illustrated a block of an exemplary global array. The global array includes a plurality of records. Each record includes fields for warning type, time of event, data events, setup time limit, hold time limit, amount of violation, time of last warning. Because experience teaches us that there are some people that only learn by stripping them of their funds. There are others that the mere threat of that loss will keep them on the straight and narrow for 20years to come. And the officers that I know that are the biggest benefactors of professional courtesy deliberately disobey laws because they believe they can do so with impunity. A warning isn’t going to do it for them. An example is a Passaic County Sheriff’s Office incident. The Virginia deputy stopped them, advised them of the applicable law, asked them to obey it, and did not cite anyone. Everyone agreed that he was polite in doing this. The guys pulled back onto the highway resumed doing exactly what they were doing before, and then tried to get the deputy fired when they got home. I hereby submit my Post Violation Report due to my misconduct. Over speeding is the main cause of so many accidents in the army base and other areas in the United States of America. I strongly believe that I was not supposed to go against the ethics, rules and regulations in the base. As an NCO am supposed to set out a good example to all other ground men. However in every day world, we sometimes find ourselves in such situations. In most cases it is not due to our own will but we accidentally find ourselves between a rock and a hard place and therefore try to get ourselves out of it. This being the first time I have done this, I know I have not done such a big criminal activity. I never said that I don’t commit traffic violations. I think I’m pretty careful, but I have missed stop signs, exceeded the speed limit, failed to signal a turn, etc., like everyone else. So far, either I have been lucky or my violations were not so flagrant that they merited a stop. But after pushing a patrol car around for 13 years, I have to say that I can’t remember even once forgetting which car I was in, the patrol car or my personal car. And even in the patrol car, if I committed an intentional traffic violation, it was to accomplish some job-related task, like get turned around to chase a violator or in the field and have to ignore some rules to in order to hit the target. It has never occurred to me to try this in the field of work nor in my private missions without a good reason. If your situational awareness is so poor that you can’t remember whether you’re on or off duty or which car you’re driving, your problems go way past an officers’ discretionary decision making, and your head is definitely â€Å"in the clouds.† I think it’s interesting that you claim that you would have no problem with ignoring a lawful direct order from a superior officer, but you would fear retaliation and would decline to take enforcement action on a clear violation of the law if an officer was involved. If this is truly the situation you’re working in, your agency is in serious trouble. Maybe so, but so what? You never had a brain fart, or were on automatic pilot, you unfortunately can’t control all this. I admit however that on several occasion, when driving off duty in my private vehicle I have driven in the midnight hours because I forgot I was driving in my personal vehicle. Missed to obey the signs and instructions to the drivers. I am not advocating for over speeding in any way, and never have advocated for the same, writing every Amy officer you stop. That is just as much an abuse of discretion as not writing anyone who is an NCO. RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN NON COMMISSIONED OFFICER The duties and responsibilities of NCOs has remained the same for quite a longtime.As an NCO I should be responsible for the following:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Should know where your soldiers live and how to contact them Use the unit to accomplish, as many missions as possible and at all cost never give out volunteer troops. Managing a specific launch vehicle System administration with decision-making authority. Training new Operations Safety Technicians In fact sometimes it has never been a prudent thing to do some of the following: Sending food back to the kitchen. Telling your significant other you have had better. Commenting in front of your boss â€Å"I can find a better job tomorrow!† Dating a co-worker/boss/bosses daughter. At one point I found myself over speeding just because I could not let it go or because I needed to hit some deadlines. Because most of the violations were not all that grave and my impression was that I had a wake-up call from the stop itself. Was I driving safely? Mission accomplished. But the guy that clearly knows what I was doing got me stopped, and who will resume that same activity as soon as we’re done because we thought he had the right to do that, if not a ride in the back seat. As I qualified many times prior, anyone can talk themselves into a ticket. Just because you are military or physician does not mean I don’t run your driving license. I never said that every one of these members gets a pass, I have written military, physicians and other army officers. Here are the facts, I would like to assume that a member of our armed forces is a reasonably decent individual service that few would undertake and regardless of station they deserve my respect and appreciation. Discression is a funny thing. Where you might exercise it, I might not. Where you think me lax, I might think you unnecessarily harsh. Though you are correct in the spirit of your argument, its execution is not so easy. If this were easy, anyone could do it. I made discretionary decisions every day, and I don’t think I was harsh with them. The difference is that I used criteria that were relevant to the situation and that I could defend to anyone that questioned why I had done what I did. You want to bring in criteria of your own choosing that are based on your fears and biases. Overcoming fear and bias is something every one of us has to do in order to be an army officer. , or you get out. I could have shined on any or all of these people, and no one would have known except them and me. As for is Fort Jackson SC cop that I didn’t know was a cop until after I had issued the ticket, he probably deserved a warning, as he was an out-of-towner who was unfamiliar with the intersection and turned left in violation of a posted sign. The cop part of it had nothing to do with whether it was a bad decision or not. One of the sergeants tried to condemn me within the department for comforting another ground officer and that upset me very much. One more thing: say you’re driving around tomorrow in your private vehicle running errands, and you run a red light. No intent to break the law; you just got distracted for a second, make decision without influence, and accept whatever consequences follow your conduct. Some examples where premeditation discretion, in and of itself, doesn’t make sense: there comes a time when you have to attend to an emergency, and here is where our perspectives diverge. All of those applications of premeditated discretion to use your term are enacted pursuant to due process of law and legislation, formulated in compliance with the set out rules and regulations in the base, and is promulgated to the citizenry. As noted above, a large number of substantially contemporaneous timing violations in a particular module can be the result of a single cause. The violation time is the difference between the given speed limit and speed you have exceeded, and is calculated from the limits (setup or hold) and the difference in time between the clock and data events. The first warnings are used by the script to report consolidated information regarding multiple timing violations that occur at a particular module. ACCOUNTABILITY OF AN NCO Senior leaders, must afford these to junior troops: Responsibility, to instill a sense of worth, pride and accomplishment; Authority, to effectively carry out tasks they are responsible for; Accountability, for actions right and wrong; and Assistance, to help junior troops learn from leaders’ experience and expertise. Such actions by leaders are vital to developing junior troops who will be tomorrow’s leaders. Senior leaders must â€Å"coach, teach, mentor and train† subordinates to effectively replace the leaders in the future. EXPECTATIONS Looking at what American military officers expect from their senior NCOs and vice versa. Officers in the U.S. military expect their senior enlisted leaders to be tactically, technically and strategically proficient; to be â€Å"professional beyond reproach†; and to be â€Å"the eyes and the ears for the commander† – the voice of service members and their families. Senior NCO leaders should expect several things from their commanders and carry out the following: Trust and accord respect. Direct and open communication. â€Å"No one has permission to stop me from seeing General Pace These are not a right, but must be earned through consistently professional and proficient actions. Freedom of movement throughout the command. â€Å"You need to tell that commander, ‘Sir, I need to have freedom of moment throughout my area of responsibility. The only way I can advise you is if I see it, Senior U.S. NCOs are empowered in many ways. However, empowerment is not about having power per se, but about influencing junior troops to do the right things. Infact power is not an issue; the big concern is how leaders exercise influence over their subordinates. Maintaining good order A person assigned as an NCO should be responsible for a defined common area within the barracks, e.g., hallways, laundry rooms, dayrooms etc., in writing and post this NCOs name. Conspicuously in the vicinity of the assigned area. This NCO will, at a minimum, be responsible for reporting common area deficiencies to the Battalion R&U NCO. This person will sign for any furnishings and other accountable property located outside of individual soldier rooms. Maintain room assignment rosters for the barracks. Assign soldiers to barracks by requesting that the FMO issue barracks furniture to occupants. Units may appoint a barracks manager or similar person to assist in managing this function. Non-commissioned Officers (NCOs). NCOs have the primary duty of maintaining the health, safety, welfare and discipline of the soldiers assigned to them. These duties extend to: Ensuring that their soldiers have a healthy and safe living environment that complies with the Army values and enhances unit readiness and discipline. NCOs are the key element of command. Presence in the barracks. NCOs may exercise this leadership as common area NCOIC, SDNCO, And CQ. NCOs will also exercise this leadership as first line and higher supervisors of soldier’s Living in the barracks. At a minimum, NCOs will: Conduct inspections IAW Chapter 4 below. Monitor all barracks activities to ensure compliance with the letter of this regulation and the spirit of the Army values. Ensure the barracks are the safe, healthy environment for soldiers and other NCOs. Inspect barracks furnishings for accountability and serviceability. Barracks Commanding Common areas. Assign an NCO to be responsible for a defined common area within the barracks, e.g., hallways, laundry rooms, dayrooms etc., in writing and post this NCO’s name conspicuously in the vicinity of the assigned area. This NCO will, at a minimum, be responsible for reporting common area deficiencies to the Battalion R&U NCO. This person will sign for any furnishings and other accountable property located outside of individual soldier rooms. Maintain room assignment rosters for the barracks. Assign soldiers to barracks by requesting that the FMO issue barracks furniture to occupants. Units may appoint a barracks manager or similar person to assist in managing this function. Supervision Under supervision the NCO is required to motivate and control the following: Counsel soldiers and maintain counseling records. Conduct corrective training when required Keep soldiers informed during their work and events taking place and exercises. Enforcing the equal opportunity program in the forces CONCLUSION As a Non Commissioned officer I understand that by over speeding in the base posed a srious danger to me and also to the other officers on duty. This was actually putting my life at risk. Also as an officer who is supposed to be a good example to my subordinates, I acted in a manner trying to suggest that is not a good example. I strongly  believe that this was a great mistake and am determined to rectify any harm that may have been caused by my misconduct    REFERENCES. Robert Sterling Rush (2006) Non Commissioned Officer Guide Stackpole Books, United States. 2. United States Court of Claims, (1988) Federal Reporter, West Pub. Co 3.Braham Clark Freeman, The American states report,   Ã‚   Published 1895, Bancroft-Whitney Co. Publishers 4.By Lawyers Co-operative, (1905) Lawyers’ Reports Annotated, Publishing Company Lawyers’ Co-operative Pub. Co.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Advanta India Limited Expanding International Presence Via Extensive Research and Development

ADVANTA INDIA LIMITED 1  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied T ABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Executive Summary: Advanta India Limited 2. Advanta India Limited Business Overview Introduction Expertise Product 2. 1 2. 2 Major Investments in the Company Evolution 2. 3 Ownership Structure 2. 4 3. Corporate Timeline Advanta India Limited Organisational Structure Advanta India Limited Products Portfolio 3. 1 3. 2 Field Crops 3. 3 4. Oil Seeds Vegetable Crops Advanta India Limited Financial and Operational Performance 4. 1 4. 2Advanta India Limited Geographical Revenue Segmentation, FY’2011 and FY’2012 4. 3 5. Valuation Analysis and Financial Summary DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) Valuationa and Upside Potential Advanta India Limited Annotated Stock Chart and Analyst Recommendations 5. 1. Advanta India Limited Annotated Stock Price Performance 5. 2. Analyst Recommendations Expected Bullish Stock Performance Buy Recommendation in Long term Expectation of E arning Growth 6. SWOT Analysis Strengths 2  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied WeaknessesOpportunities Threats 7. Advanta India Limited Key Professionals 7. 1. Board of Directors Profile 7. 2. Management Profile 8. Macro Analysis of Seed Industry 8. 1. Indian Hybrid Seed Industry Overview and Size, FY’2008- FY’2012 8. 1. 1 Indian Hybrid Seed Industry Segmentation, FY’2012 8. 1. 2 Market Share of Major Players in the Indian Hybrid Seed Market, FY’2012 8. 2 Australian Seed Industry Market Size, FY’2008-FY’2012 8. 3 Argentina Seed Industry Market Size, FY’2008-FY’-2012 9 Competitive Analysis 9. 1 By Products Offered/Revenue/Business Strategy 9. 2By Financial Performance (Topline/ Enterprise Value/ Multiples) 9. 3 A Relative Valuation Analysis of Indian Seed Industry 10. Advanta India Limied Management Outlook and Future Projection 10. 1. Advanta India Limited Future Projections 10. 2. Advanta I ndia Limited Company Financials Future Projections 10. 3. Advanta India Limited Ratio Analysis 11. Appendix 11. 1. Market Definitions 11. 2. Abbreviations 11. 3. Research Methodology Data Collection Methods Approach Non-linear Factor Based Regression Model 3  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied 1. 4. Disclaimer 4  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied L IST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Advanta India Limited Corporate Timeline 1994-2012 Figure 2: Advanta India Limited Ownership Structure in Percentage as on 31st December 2012 Figure 3: Advanta India Limited Organizational Structure Figure 4: Advanta India Limited Product Portfolio Figure 5: Advanta India Limited Annotated Stock Price Performance on the Basis of Volume Traded and Stock Prices in Thousand Shares and INR per Share, 29th February 2012-1st March 2013Figure 6: India Hybrid Seed Industry Market Size and Contribution in the Overall Indian Seed Market on the Basis of Revenue in INR Crore and Percentage, FY’2008-FY’2012 Figure 7: India Hybrid Seed Industry Segmentation on the Basis of Contribution in the Overall Hybrid Seed Industry in Percentage, FY’2012 Figure 8: Market Share of Major Players in Indian Hybrid Seed Market on the Basis of Contribution by Revenue in Percentage, FY’2012 Figure 9: Australia Seed Industry Market Size on the Basis of the Revenue in INR crore, FY’2008-FY’2012Figure 10: Argentina Seed Industry Market Size on the Basis of Revenue in INR Crore, FY’2008-FY’2012 Figure 11: Advanta India Limited Future Projections on the Basis of Revenue, EBITDA Margin and Net Profit Margin in INR Crore and Percentage, 2013-2017 Figure 12: Non-linear Regression Analysis and Scatter Chart Based upon Indian Hybrid Seed Industry Market size, FY’2008-FY’2012 5  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied L IST OF TABLE Table 1: Advanta India Limi ted Financial Summary on the Basis of Revenue, Growth and Net Profit Margin in INR Crore and Percentage, 2008-2012Table 2: Advanta India Limited Major Investments in Company Evaluation on the Basis Deal Stake, Deal Value and Implied Enterprise Value Table 3: Advanta India Limited Ownership Structure on the Basis of Shares Held as on 31st December 2012 Table 4: Advanta India Limited Promoters Stake on the Basis of Number of Shares Held and the Percentage of Shares Held in Shares Outstanding, as on 31st December 2012 Table 5: Advanta India Limited Revenue Segmentation on the Basis of Contribution by Products in the Overall Revenue, in FY’2011-FY’2012Table 6: Advanta India Limited Recent Developments in Oil Seeds Table 7: Advanta India Limited Recent Developments in Field Crops Table 8: Advanta India Limited Recent Developments in Vegetable Crops Table 9: Advanta India Limited Financial Performance on the Basis of Revenue, EBITDA Margin and Net Profit Margin in INR Crore, and Percentage, 2008-2012 Table 10: Advanta India Limited Valuation Analysis on the Basis of Market Capitalization, Net Debt and Enterprise Value in INR Crore and Units as on 1st March 2013 Table 11: Advanta India Limited Valuation Multiples on the Basis of Revenue, EBITDA and Net Profit Multiples, 2008 -2012Table 12: Advanta India Limited Revenue Segmentation on the Basis of Geographical Contribution in Overall Revenue in Percentage, FY’2011-FY’2012 Table 13: Advanta India Limited Discounted Cash Flow Valuation on the Basis of Weighted Average Cost to Capital, Present Value of Company Valuation and Target Share Price Table 14: Advanta India Limited Sensitivity Analysis of Discounted Cash Flow Analysis, Perpetuity Growth Rate and Weighted Average Cost of Capital on the Basis of Perpetuity Growth Rate Method in INR Crore and in PercentageTable 15: Advanta India Limited Board of Directors Table 16: Advanta India Limited Management Profile Table 17: Company Comparables o n the basis of Products Offered, Revenue and Business Strategies 6  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied Table 18: Company Comparable Analysis on the Basis of Financial Performance in INR Crore and Valuation Multiples as on LTM 31st December 2012 Table 19: Company Comparables on the Basis of Revenue in INR Crore, FY’2008-LTM year ending 31st December 2012Table 20: Relative Valuation Analysis on the Basis of Deal Value, Deal Stake, Implied Enterprise Value and Multiples in INR Crore, Percentage and Multiples Table 21: Advanta India Limited Company Balance Sheet, 2011-2015 Table 22: Advanta India Limited Company Income Statement, 2011-2015 Table 23: Advanta India Limited Company Cash Flow Statement, 2011-2015 Table 24: Advanta India Limited Ratio Analysis on the Basis of Liquidity, Asset Management, Profitability and Leverage Ratios in Multiple and Percentage, 2008-2015 Table 25: Regression Coefficients of the Advanta India Limited Table 26: R egression Intercepts of the Advanta India Limited  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied E XECUTIVE SUMMARY: ADVANTA INDIA LIMITED Recommendation: ~ Date: 1st March 2013 Target Price: INR ~ Advanta India Limited is an agronomic seed company with major operations in India, Australia, Thailand, the US and Argentina. The company is involved in production of hybrid seeds of field crop and vegetable seeds. The company specializes in the production of hybrid sunflower seeds by technical plant breeding and application of bio-technological methods.The company was listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange the National Stock Exchange of India in 2007 and having its registered office in Hyderabad. Key Differentiators ? ? ? ? Competition and Positioning ? Key Developments ? Advanta is dominant player in the Thailand corn market Dominates the international sorghum market The company has 16 subsidiaries all over the world representing its global presence First Indian m ultinational seed company Advanta dominates the sunflower seed market in Argentina with ~% market share as of 31st December 2011 ? ? ? ?In 2011 the company established a new research and breeding station in Toulouse, France so as to cater the growing demand of the European markets ? ? ? ? Financial Summary Advanta India Limited Financial Summary on the Basis of Revenue, Growth and Net Profit Margin in INR Crore and Percentage, 2008-2012 Particulars 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Revenue Growth% Net Profit% 8  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied C ORPORATE TIMELINE Advanta was established in 1994 as a joint venture between ITC Limited and Zeneca Limited.On 24th January 1994 the company started its production of hybrid seeds from its registered office at Hyderabad. The joint venture was named as ITC Zeneca Limited with the objective of production of hybrid seeds in the Indian seed market. In 1994, the company acquired seed business of Hysun India Limitedà ¢â‚¬ ¦ In 2007, Advanta India Limited came with an IPO of INR ~ crore. The IPO was of ~ equity shares at a price of INR ~ per equity share†¦ Advanta India Limited Corporate Timeline 1994-2012 9  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copiedA DVANTA INDIA LIMITED ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE The company currently has ~ plants in India, out of which ~ plants are located in Andhra Pradesh and ~ plant in Haryana. Out of 16 subsidiaries across the world Advanta Netherland Holdings BV was the highest profit making subsidiary of Advanta, generating a net profit of INR ~ crore during 2011 and Advanta Holdings BV was the highest loss making subsidiary of INR ~ crore in 2011†¦ Advanta India Limited holds ~ shares that is 100. 0% of Advanta Semillas SAIC and ~ shares of Pacific Seeds Pty. Limited implying 100. % stake in the subsidiary†¦ Advanta India Limited Organizational Structure 10  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copie d A DVANTA INDIA LIMITED PRODUCTS PORTFOLIO The company engages in ~ types of hybrid seed products in India and across the globe such as sorghum, corn, cotton, sunflower, mustard, canola and others and for vegetable such as tomato, cauliflower, sweet corn, hot pepper, okra and others. Business cycle of the company is to research and develop, produce and distribute the seeds to farmers through its distributors†¦Advanta India Limited Product Portfolio O IL SEEDS Oil seeds are produced as a source of the production for different types of oil. The oil seed portfolio of the company consists of the three hybrid seeds namely sunflower, canola and Indian mustard. These three products contribute the largest proportion of the company’s revenue†¦ 11  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied The company operates in the Australian canola seed market through its 100. 0% owned subsidiary namely, Pacific Seeds Pty Limited.Pacific Seeds is involved in the production of ~ types of hybrid canola seed variety such as [email  protected], [email  protected], [email  protected], [email  protected] and others. The company has achieved ~ % growth in its global canola business in 2011 y-o-y. The company has a pan India presence in the Indian hybrid mustard market. UPL group in collaboration with state government of Gujarat has entered into a project for the production of coral-432 with the average selling price of seeds INR 22. 5 and average selling price of oil INR 56. 0 under normal conditions.Advanta India Limited Recent Developments in Oil Seeds Countries Recent Developments in Product Portfolio India Mexico A DVANTA INDIA LIMITED FINANCIAL AND O PERATIONAL PERFORMANCE V ALUATION ANALYSIS AND FINANCIAL SUMMARY The company’s revenue has showcased a CAGR growth of 16. 4% from 2008 to 2012. Increase in revenue was due to the expansion of company’s operations in various countries in the last five years by mergers and acquisitions of different companies. Additionally, over the years the company has been spending considerable amount on research and development.These research and development expenditure has produced new and improved products for the company such as PAC 801, PAC 807 and others in hybrid rice seed which had enhanced the company’s revenues. The revenue for 2012 was INR 1073. 0 crore showcasing a growth of 17. 7% by y-o-y†¦ Net profit of the company has increased at a CAGR of ~% from 2008 to 2012†¦ 12  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied The company has been valued at INR ~ crore as on 1st March 2013. The revenue multiple of the company has shown a declining trend.Revenue multiple represents the amount that has to be paid by the investor for purchasing the company’s sales. The revenue multiple has declined at a CAGR of ~% from 2008-2012 showcasing a decline in the value of the company against the company’s sales as the amount of sales has been increasing over the years which implies that the company is now more cheaper to purchase as compare to what it was in 2008†¦ Advanta India Limited Financial Performance on the Basis of Revenue, EBITDA Margin and Net Profit Margin in INR Crore, and Percentage, 2008-2012 Particulars (in INR Crore and Percentage) 008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Revenue y-o-y Growth% EBITDA% Net Profit% Advanta India Limited Valuation Analysis on the Basis of Market Capitalization, Net Debt and Enterprise Value in INR Crore and Units as on 1st March 2013 Particulars (in INR Crore and Units) Share Price* Share Outstanding (in Units) Market Capitalization Net Debt Associates/ Minority Interest Enterprise Value Advanta India Limited Valuation Multiples on the Basis of Revenue, EBITDA and Net Profit Multiples, 2008-2012 Particulars 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 EV/Revenue EV/ EBITDA EV/Net Profit 13 This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied D CF (DISCOUNTED CASH F LOW) VALUATIONA AND UPSIDE P OTENTIAL Advanta India Limited Discounted Cash Flow Valuation on the Basis of Weighted Average Cost to Capital, Present Value of Company Valuation and Target Share Price Particulars Value (in INR Crore, Percentage and Units) WACC Revenue CAGR over 2013-17E Present Value of Cash Flow till 2017E Terminal Growth Present Value (PV) of terminal cash flow PV of firm Less: Current Debt Total present value of the Equity Number of Equity Shares Outstanding (in Units)DCF – Target price (INR) Advanta India Limited Sensitivity Analysis of Discounted Cash Flow Analysis, Perpetuity Growth Rate and Weighted Average Cost of Capital on the Basis of Perpetuity Growth Rate Method in INR Crore and in Percentage Particulars (in INR Crore and Percentage) Weighted Average Cost of Capital Perpetuity Growth Rate 14  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied M ACRO ANALYSIS OF SEED INDUSTRY M ARKET SHARE OF MAJOR PLAYERS IN THE INDIAN HYBRID S EED MARKET, FY’2012 The Indian hybrid seed industry is dominated by Nuziveedu Seeds Private Limited.The company has a market share of ~% in the overall Indian hybrid seed industry, followed by Maharashtra Hybrid Corporation (Mahyco) and Vibha Agrotech Limited which have a share of ~% and ~% respectively. As per the historical trend, the revenue of the seed companies has been inclining†¦ For Monsanto India, corn hybrid was the single biggest focus in seed business. Through its Project Golden Rays project the company has signed a public-private partnership with Rajasthan state government for increasing the maize hybrid yields by two folds. The project involves 7. 8 lakh tribal farmers.The company has a share of 4. 4% in the overall hybrid seed market†¦ Market Share of Major Players in Indian Hybrid Seed Market on the Basis of Contribution by Revenue in Percentage, FY’2012 Nuziveedu Seeds Private limited Maharashtra Hybrid Corporation (Mahyco) Monsanto India Li mited (MIL) Rasi Seeds Private Limited Bayer CropScience Ltd. – India Du Pont Pioneer Syngenta India Ltd. Advanta India Limited Others 15  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied A USTRALIAN SEED INDUSTRY MARKET SIZE, FY’2008-FY’2012 Australia is the second largest exporter of canola in the world.Australian seed market has declined at CAGR of ~% from USD ~ million to USD ~ million from FY’2008 to FY’2012. Decline in the Australian seed industry was mainly due to natural disaster in the country which effected the production of seeds. During the early FY’2000, the seeds industry of Australia was at its peak. The seed sales grew by ~% to USD ~ million in FY’2007 from USD ~ million in FY’2005 due to pleasant weather conditions in the country, higher commodity prices and positive market sentiments†¦ Australian government policies had also played a major role in the performance of the seed industr y of the country.Australian government has strict regulations which have restricted the entry of major players in the country. These strict regulations of the government restricted the growth of the industry and debarred the nation from adoption of hybrid seeds which actually have the potential to increase the agricultural productivity with the limited use of resources. Australia Seed Industry Market Size on the Basis of the Revenue in INR crore, FY’2008FY’2012 2,500. 0 INR Crore 2,000. 0 1,500. 0 1,000. 0 500. 0 0. 0 FY'2008 FY'2009 FY'2010 FY'2011FY'2012 16  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied C OMPETITIVE ANALYSIS B Y FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE (TOPLINE/ ENTERPRISE VALUE/ M ULTIPLES) Table: Company Comparable Analysis on the Basis of Financial Performance in INR Crore and Valuation Multiples as on LTM 31st December 2012 (INR Crore, unless Stated) Company Market Cap Last Twelve Months (LTM) Year Ending December 2012 Net Debt Enterprise Value (EV) EV/Revenue EV/EBITDA P/E JK Agri Genetics Limited Advanta Limited India Monsanto Limited India Nath SeedsLimited India Kaveri Seeds Company Limited Mean Median 17  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied Table: Company Comparables on the Basis of Revenue in INR Crore, FY’2008-LTM year ending 31st December 2012 Revenue (in INR Crore) FY’2008 FY’2009 FY’2010 FY’2011 FY’2012 LTM JK Agri Genetics Limited* Advanta India Limited** Monsanto India Limited Kaveri Seeds Company Limited Nath Seeds India Limited A DVANTA INDIA LIMITED FUTURE PROJECTION Advanta India Limited has been focusing the European hybrid seed market.After doing research for over 4 years, the company is planning its first hybrid sunflower seed sale in Romania, Ukraine, Romania and France. Advanta will launce ~ hybrids sunflower seeds products to farmers of these countries under ALTA brand. The ~ hybrids sunflower seeds will generator thei r brand name in future and expected to capture sizable market share in the European seed market. This will lead to an increase in profits of the company in future. The company has recently entered into a genetically modified (GM) corn agreement with Monsanto for two countries namely, Brazil and Philippines.GM corn is developed by adding animal’s DNA into seeds DNA and thus amplifies the utility of the seeds†¦ †¦The company is expected to showcase a revenue growth of CAGR ~% from 2012 to 2017. Additionally, the company is spending substantial amount on research and development of products and these new products will generate positive cash flow in future and will increase the revenue of the company. All these factors will lead to an increase in company’s revenue from INR 1,073. 0 crore in 2012 to ~ crore in 2017. 18  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copiedAdvanta India Limited Future Projections on the Basis of Revenue, EBITDA Ma rgin and Net Profit Margin in INR Crore and Percentage, 2013-2017 3,500. 0 16. 0% 3,000. 0 14. 0% INR Crore 10. 0% 2,000. 0 8. 0% 1,500. 0 6. 0% 1,000. 0 in Percentage 12. 0% 2,500. 0 4. 0% 500. 0 2. 0% 0. 0% 0. 0 FY'2013 Revenue FY'2014 FY'2015 EBITDA Margin FY'2016 FY'2017 Net Profit Margin A DVANTA INDIA LIMITED COMPANY FINANCIALS FUTURE P ROJECTIONS Over the years Advanta India Limited has been showing a constant growth in its shareholders’ funds as the company has been constantly generating after tax net profit expect in 2010.Net worth of the company has increased at a CAGR of ~% from 2009-2012, representing increase in profitability margin of the company. The company is expected to follow the same trend in future and anticipated to increase its net worth at CAGR of ~% from 2012-2015. As of now the contribution of outsider’s funds in the total assets of the business is greater than shareholders’ equity but with the increase in profitability the company is e xpected to reverse this scenario and debt to equity ratio will decrease in future†¦ 19 This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied The company’s cash flow from operation has showcased a positive growth trend in 2011 and 2012. It is anticipated that the cash flow from operation of the company will increase at a CAGR of ~% from 2011-2015 largely due to increase in after tax net profit of the company. In 2015 it is expected that the company will increase its revenue from operations by ~% y-o-y. An average annual growth of ~% is expected in the company’s capital expenditure from 2011-2015 due to commercialization and expansion of business.Overall cash and cash equivalent balance of the company is expected to increase at a CAGR of ~% from 2011-2015†¦ 20  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied D ISCLAIMER The research reports provided by Ken Research are for the personal information of the authorized recipien t and is not for public distribution and should not be reproduced or redistributed without prior permission. You are permitted to print or download extracts from this material for your personal use only. None of this material may be used for any commercial or public use.The information provided in the research documents is from publicly available data and other sources, which are reliable. Efforts are made to try and ensure accuracy of data. With respect to documents available, neither the company nor any of its employees makes any warranty, express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use will not infringe privately owned rights.The report also includes analysis and views expressed by our research team. The research reports are purely for informatio n purposes. The opinions expressed are our current opinions as of the date appearing in the material and may be subject to change from time to time without notice. Investors should not solely rely on the information contained in the research documents and must make investment decisions based on their own investment objectives, risk profile and financial position.The recipients of this material should take their own professional advice before acting on this information. Ken Research will not accept returns of reports once dispatched due to the confidentiality of information provided in our reports. In case, a report qualify for return, we will issue a credit, minus shipping charges, of equal value to the original purchase price, toward a future purchase— no refunds. The decision about whether the product return can be accepted or not is solely at our discretion.Any dispute will be subject to laws of India and exclusive jurisdiction of Indian Courts. No part of this manual or a ny material appearing may be reproduced, stored in or transmitted on any other Web site without written permission of Ken Research and any payments of a specified fee. Requests to republish any material may be sent to us. 21  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied

The History of Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the oldest treats enjoyed by many people. By a show of hands, how many people love chocolate? I have loved chocolate ever since I was a little girl. I have enjoyed the different tastes, textures, and styles of it. Chocolate has been one of the oldest treats enjoyed by many people. I want to share with you the history of chocolate, types of chocolate, and some benefits from eating chocolate. Let’s start with the History of Chocolate! Chocolate's history started over 2,000 years ago. It began in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America from the seed of the cacao tree. This small tree grows best in the tropical atmosphere because it receives the best amount of rain, shade, humidity, wind, and nutrients. According to Susan J. Terrio, the author of Crafting the Culture and History of French Chocolate, the first people known to have made chocolate were the ancient cultures of Mexico and Central America. These people, including the Maya and Aztec, mixed ground cacao seeds with various seasonings to make a spicy, frothy drink. This was the very first way that chocolate was consumed. When the Spanish conquered the Aztecs, they brought the cacao seeds back home to Spain. 1. The chocolate drink was very popular in Spain. It then spread to Europe where new technologies and innovations changed the texture and taste of chocolate. 2. By the mid-1700s, the blossoming Industrial Revolution saw the emergence of innovations that changed the future of chocolate.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Ventria Bioscience and the Controversy over Plant-Made Medicines

Case Study: â€Å"Ventria Bioscience and the Controversy over Plant – Made Medicines† GB590 Corporate Social Responsibility Prof. Timothy Loney By Willette Marchany Rivera February 22, 2011 Introduction: Case overview Ventria Bioscience, a biotechnology firm based in California, faces the challenge of commercializing a product with potential and considerable public health benefits. Ventria had developed a ground-breaking technology using genetically modified (GM) rice to grow the proteins lactoferrin and lysozyme, both found in human breast milk, which can be used for the treatment of diarrhea in children, tourists and the military. Lawrence and Weber, 2010, p. 494) However, the pioneer biotechnology invention has to go through regulatory processes and stakeholder’s scrutiny, before it can enter the market. There are ethical concerns over the plant-based medicines and opposition coming from consumer advocates, environmentalists, rice farmers and food safety activ ists. Ventria needs to overcome the regulatory environment and manage its stakeholder relations in order to succeed and release this product for sale. In order to do so they must establish a strategic plan to improve their triple bottom line performance.They need to convince stakeholders that the potential benefits are desirable and that they can safely and responsibly deliver the product to be commercialized. Even then, Ventria and the biotechnology industry might always face opposition from groups against genetically modified organisms in which human genes are also manipulated. â€Å"The public’s reactions to plant- made pharmaceuticals were likely to be extreme, given the high benefits, potential risks, and deep moral quandaries posed by these new technologies. † (Lawrence & Weber, 2010, p. 92) Financial goal Ventria’s financial goal is to make profit from producing in a big scale the GM rice they developed and selling it at an affordable price. The plant-mad e pharmaceutical concept was created in order to take advantage of the capability of harvesting the proteins in a natural host instead of using a costly laboratory environment where manufacturing would be slower and in a smaller scale. Ventria’s financial goal seems to be intertwined to the capability of producing the GM rice outdoors over a large amount of land.Environmentalists and rice farmers are highly concerned with the possibility of comingling happening and the adverse impact on the ecosystem this could have. Other than that, the Union of Concerned Scientists, a policy advocacy group, warned that it is unwise to produce drugs in plants outdoors, because there would be little control over the doses people might get exposed to, and some might be allergic to the proteins. (Grace, 2011, para. 24-25) Environmentalists are concerned too about Ventria using acres of arable land to harvest medicine instead. (Grace, 2011, para. 0) Social goal Ventria’s social goal shoul d be to contribute to the treatment of diarrhea in children, the military and tourists at an affordable price with their innovative plant-made pharmaceutical without damaging society. In order to do so, they shall get the local and global public to trust the biotechnology industry and plant-made pharmaceuticals. They also need to assure that the product or its production will not harm or negatively affect human lives. The GM rice cannot get mixed with or contact in any way crops designated for human food supply.At the same time, consumers need to be informed honestly about the content of the products and that they are GM. Otherwise, customers would be deceived. There are ethical concerns about the use of human genes in this GM rice and consumer rights to be informed should be placed first. Food safety is also an issue as this GM rice remains to be widely tested in humans and be approved by the FDA. The company also needs to become liable in case the GM rice contaminates other rice f armers’ crops and contaminated products are sent to the human food supply.Environmental goal Ventria’s environmental goal would be to produce the GM rice without contaminating the environment or throwing off the natural balance, that is, without disturbing the ecosystem. They cannot allow comingling to happen. Also, they need to avoid and control the risks of any adverse impact of the GM rice to the ecosystem by taking measures to avoid potential harms to the wildlife and the spreading of the GM rice crops that could lead to undesirable hybrids.Summary: Triple bottom line performance and strategic recommendations After considering all the financial, social and environmental factors that adversely affect their performance, Ventria is in position of making a strategic decision. They should consider first to modify or radically change their production strategy and second to enter in a marketing process focused in educating the public about their product. These strategies can help them achieve their three bottom-line goals. They need to provide a safer way of producing their product and obtain the permits and the approval to sell it.Their financial, social and environmental goals can only be attained by focusing in resolving the issues with their stakeholders. There are two recommendations on how to change their current production strategy. They can search for an isolated area of arable land away from other rice farmers and set stringent measures of control to avoid the risk of contaminating other crops. However, controlling all the risk factors in an open crop field would be complicated and it is uncertain to which degree it could be accomplished.Another option would be to consider production in greenhouses. This would be probably more costly, but will ensure a higher degree of control. Finally, Ventria would have to ensure the safety of their product and take on an honest advertising campaign to disseminate doubts and concerns about their invention . Likely, there will be opposition based on the ethical concerns about GM. However, public campaigns that provide straight forward and clear information from the developers will give customers more tools to make an informed decision about the product.References Grace. (2011, February 2). Genetically modified rice now on its way to fields in several  countries. Nwoandsecretsocieties. WordPress. com. Retrieved February 24, 2011 from http://nwoandsecretsocieties. wordpress. com/2011/02/02/genetically-modified-rice-now-on-its-way-to-fields-in-several-countries/ Lawrence, A. T. (2010). Ventria Bioscience and the Controversy over Plant- Made Medicines. In Lawrence, A. T. , Weber J. , Business and Society: Stakeholders, Ethics,

Friday, September 13, 2019

Business insurance and how it affact on the taxes Essay

Business insurance and how it affact on the taxes - Essay Example The tax on insurance premium does not in reality have an effect on the individual policy holder in drastic ways. The more flourishing an insurance cover provider is, the higher their taxation on the insurance premium. Both IRS publication 334 (small business tax guide) and IRS publication 535(business expenses) are readily available in the internet and are a perfect resource for many business owners. Certain types of enterprises should be cautious, and make sure they get skilled tax assistance when they are preparing their income and when they are listing their premium deductions. This is as a result of the tax avoidance schemes which have been caught by IRS over the years. These unscrupulous people have made taxation in businesses exceedingly difficult no for everyone i.e. even for the fair tax payers. There is two common set of laws that are usually applied during the deduction of premiums. One of these laws is that insurance premiums have to be to the advantage of the enterprise and should be intended for a business purpose. The other is that, insurance covers benefitting groups e.g. managers, employees and owners alike and identifying the enterprise, are good. Those premiums that are paid for the advantage of one, normally the owner of the business are bad. There are a number of commonly accepted premium deductions. One of these is credit insurance. Credit insurance is used to cover losses from bad debts for business in order for it to continue running its activities. Another one is group hospitalization and employees’ medical insurance. This one also includes the long term care insurance. Liability insurance is also another one. It helps to protect the business from any losses which would arise from the liabilities within the business. Malpractice insurance also accepts premium deduction. This insurance covers one on personal liabilities for professional

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Will significant peace wver prevail between Palestine and Israel Essay

Will significant peace wver prevail between Palestine and Israel - Essay Example The peace process is usually used to describe various paths taken in order to secure lasting peace to the conflict. Indeed, over the years, various attempts have been made in securing lasting peace and these include the Rogers peace plan and the Saddat initiative (1970 – 1972), Madrid Conference (1991), Oslo Accords (1993), Hebron Agreement (1997), Wye River Memorandum (1998), Camp David 2000 Summit (2000), Clinton’s â€Å"Parameters† and the Taba talks (2000 – 2001), Beirut Summit (2002), the â€Å"Road Map† for Peace (2002 – 2003), Israel-Hamas ceasefire of 2008 (2008), the 2010 direct talks (2010) and other alternative peace proposals. Despite these efforts, the prospect of everlasting peace is still far from realization. The major obstacle in achieving significant peace in the Israelis-Palestinian conflict is the lack of good will among leaders of both sides. Most often, promises to carry out peace deal were not kept by the Israeli as wel l as the Palestinian leaders. Furthermore, peace negotiations have been interrupted by outbreaks of hostilities between both sides. Other issues that stand against lasting peace in the conflict are related to borders and division of the land, Palestinians’ concern over Israelis settlements in the West Bank, the status of Jerusalem, Israelis’ concern over security, terrorism, safety and violence, right of return of Palestinian refugees living in the Palestinian Diaspora and the emotional bitterness among Israelis and Palestinians. The key issue on the Israelis side that hampers lasting peace is security concern.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Constructive Trusts show the conscience of Equity at work Essay

Constructive Trusts show the conscience of Equity at work - Essay Example It is submitted at the outset that the wide applicability of constructive trust renders it necessary to undertake a contextual approach focusing on particular areas. As such, this paper will consider the statement in context of constructive trust applicability in equitable tracing and fiduciary duties and the financial consequences of relationship breakdown. From a historical perspective, equity developed as a result of inflexibility of common law and â€Å"wiped away the tears of the common law†3. In common law, the doctrine of tracing enables a claimant to trace the path of their misappropriated property, identify the proceeds of the property along with persons who have handled the property. Moreover, the common law remedy of tracing enables an applicant to make a claim against the property itself4 However, tracing money at common law is inherently fraught with difficulties, especially where monies have passed through bank or similar accounts and in practice claimants often rely on the equitable doctrine of tracing5. The fundamental problem in common law tracing is the identity requirement, perpetuated by the common reality of funds being mixed. For example, the case of Taylor v Plummer6 affirmed that in order to succeed in a claim for tracing at common law, the property had to be identifiable and distinguishable from other property. Conversely, the Court of Appeal in Agip Africa v Jackson 7 asserted that equity will however allow tracing through mixed bank accounts through the imposition of fiduciary duty and constructive trust, which lends itself to support the assertion that constructive trusts act as the conscience of equity. A prime example of the broader scope of equitable tracing in contrast to legal tracing is the Privy Council decision in AG for Hong Kong v Reid.8 The dispute in the case centred on whether the solicitor general’s subsequent