Conversation and Community Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Conversation and Community - Essay Example A topic may initiate a hot debate in vehicle, but one may realize that not all the passengers contribute majorly to it. This scenario bring up a question that, ‘what might be making them feel out of place?’. A person may feel excluded from the conversation because some reasons one of them being the person’s topic interests. Different people have different likes and dislike when it comes to topics. People who like politics, for example, enjoy reading local newspaper editorials and political journals so as to gain procedural knowledge on the subject. This helps them to argue with facts and with much passion on the topic. Level of know how may be another cause of exclusion from a conversation. In many instances, an undergraduate may not easily break in a conversation among professors discussing a topic in their academic field. This may be due to his/her conceptual knowledge and may feel that he will have nothing to contribute. Again the issue of procedural knowledge between the two may not rhyme and as a result, one will feel excluded. Other possible causes of exclusions from conversations may be the age factor, moods, environment, and time amongst others. As Burke (1973) argues in his book, when one wants to break into a conversation, he/she will have to wait for some time as well as paying attention to where he/she can start coming through. Addressing the general audience about the issue, I would emphasize much on various background information they need to set things right. Time and patience are the major issues. Before contributing in a conversation, one should take time and observe where to interrupt. Again, simple language to explain every detail in the subject will help different people grasp what’s going on in the conversation. Yes I have. I was recently almost being unable to catch the drift an in-progress conversation amongst my classmates. Though the topic was interesting, I had

Why we get a brain freeze Essay Example for Free

Why we get a brain freeze Essay Brain freeze occurs when something extremely cold touches the upper-palate (roof of the mouth). It normally happens when the weather is very hot, and the individual consumes something too fast. We all love Icey cold foods, especially on a ht summer day, but too much of it too fast can give us a real headache. Who hasnt had a bout of brain freeze immediately after they throw that blizzard back too fast. Brain freeze is something which most people have heard of, but which they actually know very little about. Generally it is the term given to the feeling you get after eating or drinking something extremely cold. It tends to occur when these foods and drinks are consumed fairly quickly and it is definitely not a very nice experience! So just what is it and why does it occur? What Happens What you may not know is that the pain actually occurs from the cold food and drink touching the roof of the mouth. It is the warming, afterwards, of the hard palate that causes the pain rather than the cold as what many people mistakenly think. So just why does it occur? Well the body is designed to keep as much heat in as possible, especially on a cold day. So when you breathe through your mouth for example, the body reduces the blood flow in the mouth in order to preserve heat. The way in which blood flow is reduced is that the diameter of the blood vessels is reduced. This is known as Vasoconstriction and once it has occurred, the blood vessels then return to normal which results in the dilation of the arteries within the palate. It is the nerves within the palate that translate the dilation as pain and that is why you experience brain freeze.Usually brain freeze only lasts a few seconds but it is possible that it could last for a minute or two. It is extremely rare for the pain to last any longer than that. Dealing with Brain Freeze When you experience it, it can be a really horrible experience. However, there are some things that you can do which are thought to help to relieve the pain. One of these things is to move your tongue to the roof of your mouth. This helps to warm the palate and similarly you could also try to drink water that has been left at room temperature. One thing to remember is that the temperature within the mouth does tend to heat up fairly quickly. So by covering your nose and your mouth while breathing, it could really help to speed up the warming process. The cold air that you breathe in will only make the condition worse. About Brain Freeze Studies have been carried out to see if there is a link between brain freeze and its sufferers. Not everybody experiences the condition; it is thought that only roughly 30% of the population suffers from brain freeze. Usually it is brought on after eating something such as ice cream or drinking a slurpee drink. There is also a theory that people who suffer from migraines may be more likely to suffer from brain freeze than anybody else. Slow Down Brain freeze is that little extra you get when you eat or drink your favorite cold foods. If you have been susceptible to brain freeze in the past, be careful when consuming these goodies, take your time and enjoy them. This way you can thoroughly enjoy that icey treat and avoid that icey headache. My Summary I did my summary on brain freeze’s. You can get a brain freeze by ice cream. You can also get a brain freeze by water ice or something that you ate that was cold. A brain freeze often occurs when something cold touches the top of your mouth.

The Signs and Effects of Autism Essay -- Autism Autistic Disorders Ess

The Signs and Effects of Autism Autism is a rare disease that has been noticed for centuries. The purest form of autism (high IQ and almost normal behavior yet still self-contained) occurs in about â€Å"one in 2,000 people†. When the many other forms of autism are added in, the ratio is â€Å"one in 750†. Autism is found in every race, ethnic group, nation, and social standing, although â€Å"males outnumber females by four or five times† (â€Å"Autistic Disorder† – 2). Autism is a broad range of disorders that stretch from mild to severe. There are many theories on the cause of autism, but no definite solution. Because of the broadness of the disease, there are many types and categories. The effects of autism are frustrating, and hard to live with. Since the causes remain unknown, there are no specific treatments that can cure autism. The first signs of autism are shown within the first three years of life. As an infant, parents will notice that the child is distant and does not respond to many things. The baby usually doesn’t develop any bonds with his/her mother or caretaker. When parents go to pick up an autistic child, he/she will seem rigid, limp, and will not do normal things like reach out for the parent. Another symptom is little to no eye contact. As with autism at any age, the child is obsessed with sameness and routines. For example, a child will want to eat the same foods every day at the same time. Inanimate objects also fascinate autistic children, though they do not use them as they are intended. They will play with a single toy for hours at a time. Autism was once thought to be the result of cold and distant parents. If the mother disliked or did not want the baby, it was thought that the baby knew this and would enclose itself in its own world. That theory has now been disproven and ma ny scientists now believe autism is caused by -1- genetics and/or illnesses. There are many stated genetic and biological causes but none seem unique to autism. Likewise, no specific gene has been targeted to cause autism. New evidence reveals that â€Å"the serotonin-transpoter gene† (Rapin, Isabelle – 101) may be related to the cause of this disease. Complications in birth are also taken into consideration. â€Å"Prenatal factors are intrauterine rubella, tuberous selerosis, chromosomal abnormalities, and brain abnormalities. Perinatal factors have little to no ... ...â€Å"Autistic Disorder† – 4). Another way of helping an autistic individual have a somewhat successful adult life is to develop his/her communication skills by age five. With the knowledge of communication he/she will likely improve. Yet, most will still need some sort of help from one or more adults. In conclusion, the broad range of disorders, known as autism, can’t be cured, but they can be helped in many ways. Many autistic people receive help from family and relatives. In an autistic person’s life, all he/she needs is love and understanding. -4- Although they may seem mentally challenged, many are very bright. Many have a higher IQ then what is usual. Autism can be a devastating disorder but to the affected individual, it is his/her normal world. BIBLIOGRAPHY â€Å"Autistic Disorder† McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. CD-ROM. 1998 ed. Campbell, Robert. The Enigma of the Mind. New York: Time-Life Books. 1976 Rapin, Isabelle. â€Å"Autism.† The New England Journal of Medicine 10 July 1997: 97 Wing, John. Reasoning About Madness. New York: Oxford University Press. 1987. Wing, Lorna. â€Å"The Autistic Spectrum.† The Lancet 13 July 1997: 1761-66.

The Importance of Interpersonal Communications in a Friendship Essay

I don’t know where I would be without my best friend. The person who keeps me sane when my family is driving me crazy, or the person who will stay up with me all night to support me when I have a last minute paper due in a class; I don’t know where I would be without that support. I found this support in my best friend, my sister from another father, Regina. Regina is an eccentric, overbearing, lover of all things natural type of girl. She lives life to the fullest and never backs down from a challenge. She is funny, full of whit and sharper than a tack fresh out of the box. Although it hasn’t always been a smooth road for us we still remain friends to this day. Regina and I were neighbors for several years and in that time our friendship strengthened and didn’t seem like anything could break it. It was in our getting older and need for exploration that slowly initiated the fissure in our friendship. We began not seeing eye-to-eye on subjects that we used to agree on when we first met. I would find myself looking for companionship in other friends instead of relying on her for support; and that was wearing thin. It was in our return home that we really started to waiver and greatly changed our relationship to something that I could not recognize. When I began to comprehend the faults within our relationship, I knew it was time to act. Focusing on the Struggle Spectrum by the National Communication Association, I noticed that we were repeatedly climbing the struggle ladder and falling off the edge only to repeat it again. My younger, less educated version of myself would never have seen the problems but now, after years of college and my Interpersonal Communications class, I could see what needed to be done. I b... ...has changed me for the better and I now know that Regina is ready to complete this journey with me. â€Å"The friends that listen to us are the ones we move toward, and we want to sit in their radius† (Karl Meninger). I am greatly pleased with the outcome of this challenge and look forward to what comes next. The profound meaning of my friendship with Regina and what we’ve been through over the past 11 years constantly reminds me that of all the moments we’ve shared, arguments we’ve had, and time spent apart. I appreciate that nothing—absolutely nothing is more uplifting and inspiring than enduring the challenges of life with someone who knows you like the back of your hand. â€Å"It is by chance that we met, by choice that we became friends, Henri Nouwen. Works Cited Beebe S., Beebe S., Redmond M. (2011, 2008, 2005) Allyn & Bacon by Pearson Education, Inc.

Professional Coaching

The integration of adult development and learning is a representation of a new era of conceptualization and study. Consequently, development and learning revolve around the vortex of environmental adaptation which consistently changes, hence giving ample potential to an individual in several quantitative distinctive ways which then enables one to become rather prepared and tough enough for the challenges that may possibly arise in the years of progression and in employment—so to speak with the perception of realism.The dynamic interaction between macro-level social change and micro-level individual change bears recognition why the need of constant development with regard to the individual in an organization is formidably a pre-requisite as a constituent and as a working member as well.Irrespective of future changes in the â€Å"battlefield† of humans, the more inclined with growth possibilities as well as with the reciprocal nature of development and learning in adultho od, the better that certain individual is able to intervene in the support of enhanced positive adaptations for the intrinsic and extrinsic demands of the societal changes that which as a matter of fact renders an immense influence in the person’s holistic character and role in the community (Hoare, 2006).Synthesis The idea of getting one’s self equipped with the flying colors of adult development does not only tackle on the perception of â€Å"literacy† but within the orbiting factor of â€Å"competence. † Undeniably, for individuals who are vested with the â€Å"responsibility† of the whole organization is but an asset to the individual’s own consumption and sense of character.Given the fact that adult development is emerging as a particularly powerful factor in explaining professional competence, the expertise and the practice will indulge into an inter-related verity of advantage for the organization to be able to meet the established go als and standards laid on the table of â€Å"hopes† for the success and the attainment of proficient organizational forecasting methods set beforehand.Nevertheless, the power of developmental learning lies in the pervasiveness of â€Å"higher† change thus establishing a professional mental framework for the organization in a cross-situational, cross-domain impact. For such reason, it points out the idea that it is crossing beyond the domains of emotions, morality, humor, intimacy, spirituality and of course—work. In the light, if development has such power, then developmental learning becomes a goal for professional education and training—a positive feature for any kind of organization.Application Given with the aforementioned perceptions on adult development, it shall serve of great help in executive coaching in the broadest sense of â€Å"the individual factor† itself. Come to think of an organization with a manager armed with the essentialities of ‘development’—leading its constituents in the most intellectual yet efficient way—it will harmoniously provide an effective state of ‘leading’ for the reason that the manager, being the ‘head’ of the organization is being able to run its members â€Å"professionally† and â€Å"rationally.† With all these in mind, the attainment of the established goals and standards of the organization will be easier to achieve and impose. There will be a harmonious collaboration of ideas from both the leader and its members. Conflicts will most likely be minimized, and the connection between parties will be enhanced into a whole new dimension of cooperation—all aims focused on the success of the organization.Moreover, there will be higher education curricula, workplace training, government programs, foundation initiatives and even the choice of the individuals will surface on clear waters. References: Hoare, C. H. (2006). Handbook of Adult Development and Learning. New York: New York Oxford University Press (US). Manville, B. , & Ober, J. (2003). A Company of Citizens. New York: Harvard Business School Press. Stober, D. R. , & Grant, A. M. (2006). Evidence Based Coaching Handbook: Putting Best Practices to Work for Your Clients. New York: Wiley.

Research Paper on Retail Industry

Research Paper on Retail Industry ABSTRACT In this research paper, we take a peek into the organized retail sector of India. It started making its presence felt nearly a decade after the first lot of entrepreneurs set up shop. A brief introduction and evolution shows how the organized retailing changed its gears over the period from Panwala dhukan to chain stores across the length and breadth of India. The market size and related details gives a statistical view of increasing market in a few major areas of retailing. The major market players who enlivened the present caricature of retail sector are presented briefly along with statistics. The changing scenarios of Indian consumers give a proof to the potential opportunity in the retailing arena. SWOT and its subheads take you to the crux of analysis into retail industry. Out of which we formulated the future prospects. One major lifesaver of the Indian retailing is the advertising and promotional strategies; which comes out with innovative ways to win consumers over and keep them permanently happy. FDI in retail has been contentious issue and may face resistance, given the perceived political scenario. FDI will be a defining moment for Indian retail and how government policies effect the retail industry is given briefly to the end. INTRODUCTION AND EVOLUTION The word ‘Retailing’ refers to any activity that involves the direct sale to an individual customer or end user. Retailing has been the most active and attractive sector of the last decade. While the retailing industry itself has been present through out the history in our country, it is only the recent past that has witnessed so much dynamism. Retailing arena today is very different. It’s the latest bandwagon that has been witnessing hordes of players leaping onto it. While international retail store chains have caught the fancy of many travelers abroad, the action was missing from the Indian business scene, at least till recently. The emergence of organized retailing in India has more to do with the increasing purchasing power of buyers, specially post liberalization, increase in product variety, and the increasing economics of scale, with the aid of modern supply and distribution management solutions. The current retailing revolution has been provided impetus from multiple sources. These revolutionaries include many: Conventional stores upgrading themselves to modern retailing. Companies in competitive environments entering the market directly to ensure exclusive visibility for their products. Professional chain stores coming up to meet the need of the manufacturers who do not fall into either of the above categories. Attractiveness, accessibility and affordability seem to be the key offerings of the retailing chain. In our presentation, we shall be restricting ourselves to the Organized Retailing Sector. Organized retailing mainly comprises of Malls, Branded Stores, Specialty Stores, Departmental Stores, and Discount Stores etc. Evolution: The world first saw the emergence of retailing in the pre 1850s when the Yankee Peddlers, Bartering, Trading Posts and General stores were in place. The first departmental store was established in 1851 by the name of F R Lazarus Company in the U.S. Between 1860 and 1910, chain stores and early general stores dominated the scene. In 1932, the first super market was established in New Jersey (Big Bear). In India the retail market is as old as in the global context. However, the concept organized retailing is comparatively new. Retailing has been one of the prominent driving forces in business in India. Traditionally it has been dominated to a large extent by the unorganized sector. But the growth of the organized sector has been steadily increasing especially after liberalization of the Indian economy. The process started with the establishment of the Shopper’s Stop outlet at Andheri, Mumbai in 1991.Then, other organized retailing stores like Kids Kemp, Crossroads, RPG’s Music world, Pyramids etc followed the trend. CHANGING WAVES The change that organized retail has brought about is evident from how it has transformed the neighborhood grocery or ‘kirana’ store. Gone are the dust-coated shelves and cluttered displays and in place are neat rows of the latest products and spruced up appearance and attentive staff. Organized retail accounts for merely 2% of total retail market. The pace of development is, of course, still below the desired level but the phased growth has been strong enough to ensure that retail does not go the way some of the other ‘sunrise’ industries did following over-investment. While big retailers like Shopper’s Stop, Pantaloon, Subhishka, Food World do get some preferential treatment from large suppliers the relationship between the tow is tense to say the least. Retailers need to get the customer to spend more at their outlets before they can turn the tables on manufacturers. With mere 2% share there is precious little that organized retailing can do to get better terms from manufacturers. International retailers too have evinced interest in India’s retail market. The latest entry is that of supermarket giant from South Africa, tied up with mall developer Nirmal Lifestyle in Mulund. MORE ARE BETTER OFF Indian consumer markets Structure of Indian consumer market (2001-2002) Annual income (Rs) Classification Number of house holds (in millions) URBAN RURAL TOTAL 16,000 Destitutes 5.3 27.7 33.0 16,000-22,000 Aspirants 7.1 36.9 44.0 22,001-45,000 Climbers 16.8 37.3 54.1 45,001-215,000 Consumers 16.6 15.9 32.5 215,000 The rich 0.8 0.4FF 1.2 Total no. Of households 46.6 118.2 164.8 Source: ORG-Marg, ETIG Estimates MARKET SIZE: 2001-02 2007 CAGR (%) Large Segments 8,850 23,109 21 Other Segments 6,050 12,169 15 Non-store Retailing 1,100 1,939 12 Total Organized Retail 16,000 37,216 18 3 Large Segments FOOD Chain Stores 1,500 6,726 35 Single Large Stores others 300 746 20 1800 7,473 33 CLOTHING Manufacturing Retailers 1,350 2,715 15 Chain Stores 1,450 3,919 22 Single Large Stores others 2,150 3,789 12 4,950 10,423 16 CONSUMER DURABLES Manufacturer Retailers 650 1,307 15 Chain Stores 450 1,373 25 Single Large Stores 550 1,106 15 1,650 3,787 18 (Rs Cr) Source: ORG-Marg, ETIG Estimates ETIG has estimated the size of the organized retail industry at about Rs 16,000 crore in 2001-02. Food retailing has shown very rapid growth compared to other sectors. This sector has doubled during the last two years and is expected to grow to more than 30 percent in the next five years. No major national players has emerged in this industry yet and south still remains home to three of the largest players in the industry – Food world, subhiksha and Margin free. Apparel retailing takes a major share of Pie. This will be driven by more sales through multi-brand outlets (MBO’s) and popularity of private labels. One shop selling also saves time. Consumer durables is still in fragmented state. However large format stores are appealing to people. In the south, organized retail has a strong foothold. Vijay Sales and Akbarallys are the main players in Mumbai. A new trend has been sale of BigBazaar. Shoppers Stop too has added consumer durables to its portfolio in certain outlets. Raymond the clothing major has announced a proposed investment of Rs15 crores in a venture that will undertake consumer durables retailing. These developments may mark the beginning of a new era in consumer durables retailing but only time will tell if organized retail can capture a larger share of the durable retailing market. Manufacturer retailer stores form the largest category followed by chain stores. Single large stores will continue to be the key players though their growth rates may not be as high. The following is the list of major players in major cities in India: MAJOR PLAYERS THEIR MARKET SHARE (2001-2002) No of Stores Turn over (Rs Cr) Sales(Rs. Cr) MUMBAI Shoppers Stop 13 256 6,250 Crossword 13 35 7,807 Globus 3 57 7,000 Pantaloon 13 149 10,000 Westside 7 93 6,786 Piramyd 2 55 11,000 Kbn 1 22 10,950 Apna bazaar 75 126 11,111 DELHI Ebony+Wordsworth 10 109 8,462 Wills Sport 29 38 6,333 Sabka bazaar 5 16 8,000 CHENNAI LifeStyle 3 76 6,522 Subhiksha 112 201 16,000 Jainsons 17 57 6,588 Food world 275 363 10,286 OTHERS Big Bazaar 3 67 12,500 Dev’s Super market 1 14 14,000 Adani Ravji 6 16 10,000 PRIORITY LIST Changing consumer behaviour: More discerning demanding lifestyle Indian household income is on the rise (Ref) Lavish life style More priority to eating out (ref) Changing priorities for consumer durables goods as per ages (Ref) Youth is emerging as a core target customer for ‘Look good feel good’ Top Six Categories Preference 1999 2000 2001 Grocery Grocery Grocery Eating out Eating out Eating out Personal care Books Music Personal care Consumer durables Personal care Books Music Clothing Clothing Consumer durables Books Music Consumer durables Clothing Source: KSA Consumer Outlook 2002 This change in purchasing power of consumer and most welcoming trends in buying behavior of consumer gave several cues to existing retailers regarding promotional activities. The potential opportunity in the retail sector can be evident from the shift in the figures over years (Ref) SPENDING ACROSS MAJOR SEGMENTS 1999 2001 2002 Grocery 47.8 48.0 42.1 Personal Care items 7.5 7.1 8.8 Home appliances 0.7 2.0 5 Savings investments 6.1 6.4 5.2 Clothing 6.5 4.7 10.5 Consumer/durables 4.8 5.5 5 * Figures indicated in the tables are in percentages. SWOT Analysis The Strength-Weakness-Opportunities-Threat analysis of the Retail industry can be done as follows: Strengths: Eliminates links in the purchasing chain (direct manufacturer-retailer-customer chain). Technology driven (hence less error prone) Consultative selling Presence of big industry houses (Tatas, Rahejas etc.) which can absorb loses. Consumer service. Variety of products under one roof. Authentic products with Guarantee (some cases) Pleasant shopping ambience. Research driven plus competent manpower. Weaknesses: Lowest per capita space in the world with 2 sq.ft/1000 (congestion) Prices more as compared to specialized shops (in India). Reluctance of people (Middle and lower class) Non-availability of huge land spaces at prime slots (especially in the metros) High overhead and labor costs. Opportunities: Lifestyle changes or status consciousness (NRS Survey) Ready availability of real estate in smaller towns. Improved sourcing options. Increasing time pressure for Indian woman. Focus on more quality, variety and easy availability under one roof. Increase in disposable income (NRS Survey) Feel and touch shopping. No foreign competition. Increasing media exposure to brand. Threats: Roadside bargains. Other retail outlets (organized and unorganized) Personal and homely attention at smaller Shops Availability of credit at other retail (unorganized) outlets. Competition from unorganized sector. Government policies. Problems Paucity of expert management and trained staff. Ban on FDI. Political considerations. Lack of recognization of importance of retailing as a driver of economic growth. High cost of real estate at ‘hot locations’. Complex regulatory regime. Population with diverse cultural background. Fragmented makeup of the consuming market, complex geographical culture structure. Poor infrastructural linkages. Ease of Entry and Exit by players Complex business that requires substantial skills in areas like logistics 2P’s-Property and Personnel are the biggest problems to venture into retailing, since huge area (approx. 1,00,000 square feet) is required for setting up a high-class retailing outlet. Also there’s a dearth of skilled personnel in retailing since it is still thought of a low-class, low paying jobs. Huge marketing required after setting up an organized retailing shop (full-line stores) since competition is with local retailers (unorganized) who are well acquainted with local needs. Huge infrastructure required for setting up an organized retailing shop (Power, logistics systems etc.) GROWTH DRIVERS FOR RETAILING SECTOR Organized retailing is spreading and making its present felt in different parts of the country. Several growth drivers are responsible for this boom of retail industry. There has been an increase in the presence of MNCs. The industrial boom has led to the emergence of new residential areas with aggregation of professionals as well as rapid increase in the number of ‘double-income’ households and growth of the rich/upper middle class with increased purchasing power. This has been combined with the increasing need for touch and feel shopping, especially for the large migrant population. All these factors have together acted favorably in nurturing the industry. One of the main influences in the growth of retail industry is the consumer pull. In fact this seems to be the most important driving factor behind the sustenance of the industry. With the increase in double-income households, working women, there is an increasing pressure on time with very little time available for leisure. So under these circumstances people are preferring the convenience of one stop shopping. They are also seeking speed and efficiency in processing, as a result. Being more aware, consumers are on the lookout for more information, better quality, hygiene and as well as increased customer service. These changes in consumer behavior also augur well for the retail industry. ADVERTISING PROMOTIONAL STRATEGIES Retail, today is a combination of revolution and evolution. The retail industry will continue to evolve and change. With increasing interest in non-store retailing (catalogue shopping, online shopping, home delivery), companies will have to redefine and plan new shopping environments that make shopping experience as enjoyable as possible. While unique displays add flavor to the stores interior, merchandising displays help the customer learn about a product and to promote an impulse purchase. The present study further confirms that displays play a very significant role in increasing sales. MERCHANDISING: Successful retailers today have found that they can dramatically increase their sales by merchandising items in a way that creates good impression. The term merchandising can be defined as â€Å"the promotion of a product by developing strategies for packaging and displaying it. Effective merchandising can help generate more customer traffic, amplify repeat business, increase no of customers who make purchases and increase the size of the purchases that take place- all leading to increase sales. In-store merchandising is no longer a commodities-driven method of organizing a product at retail, but rather the last three feet of any comprehensive and integrated marketing plan. Merchandising plays a crucial role in leveraging brands, since it talks to the consumer when money, product and willingness to buy converge at the retail outlet. The KSA consumer outlook study (2000) in India established that 75% of consumers look out for attractive display in a store. The other important attribu tes were Satisfaction with stores Attributes % Of respondents looking out for this attribute in a retail outlet. Polite courteous sales people 86.1 Quality of products 85.9 Non-intrusive sales people 76.2 Value for money 75.1 Attractive displays 75.0 Range of products 65.8 Schemes promotions 48.8 Exchange/ return policy 44.1 A trial room 32.0 Acceptance of credit cards 25.1 An entertainment center for children 10.0 The price is the most important influencer. It is almost doubly important than retailer suggestion (push). There is a very thin line between schemes and brand name. This means even a new brand backed by good schemes and reasonable price can find favor with the customer. Also providing incentives to the retailer to push the brand may not be a sound strategy after all. Displays scored better than retailer suggestion. This implies eye-catching displays can do wonders to brand sales. Key success factors for a display are: Sales force must be aware of the objective of the display and the retailer must share the same. The retail outlet must fit the profile for the display strategy. All key elements of design and merchandising must be coordinated to get the right effect. Sales force must scan the surrounding environment to gauge the effect of climate as well as competition on proposed place of display. The height of display must be such that it meets the eye level of customer. Above all displays must be eye catching. Hence some time must be spent to maintain the display on repeat visits by sales force. Currently, domestic discount formats within the organized retail market include The Home Stores Sabka Bazaar, Giant, Big Bazaar and the Tirupati Group-owned Hum Sabka Dilli Bazaar and each of them is bang on course. Mr. Sanjeev Kapoor, Managing Director of the recently-set-up Dilli Bazaar, for example, intends to sell FMCG products at anywhere between 3-30 per cent below MRP. Offering flat rates on specific days is also becoming common at discount stores such as these. According to Mr Kapoor, Bulk buying directly from the company cuts down on the distribution and dealer margins significantly, which makes such discounting possible. In order to survive in todays tough retail climate, companies must continually innovate in ways to create stronger, more direct links with their customers. At the same time retailers must focus on the most demanding customers who want customization, value and service. New store designs must assault the consumers sense of sight, sound, Taste, touch and smell-preferably all at the same time. In this environment, merchandising and esp. displays is more important than ever, as being top-of-mind will keep the brand growing. Impact of retail sector in India: In India, the retail sector is the second largest employer after agriculture. The retail industry in India is estimated to employ about 10% of the total labor force. The retail industry in India is enjoying boom time and job opportunities in retailing have been increasing. In fact, retailing has emerged as a new stream of management curriculum, providing new areas of employment. The retailing sector in India is highly fragmented and predominantly consists of small independent, owner-managed shops. Given the size, and the geographical, cultural and socio-economic diversity of India, there is no role model for Indian suppliers and retailers to adapt or expand in the Indian context. Consumer perspective: Consumer response to supermarkets has been moderate because most do not have access to transportation to a supermarket and are still in the habit of buying fresh produce daily from local stores. This is mostly due to the proximity to homes and personal service of local stores. Self-serve supermarkets are a more recent phenomenon in India. These self-service stores stock a wide range of groceries, snacks, processed foods, confectionery items, and cleaning and personal care products. Many shoppers also have the perception that prices are higher at supermarkets because they are large, brightly lit, and air-conditioned. Higher-income consumers focus more on convenience and quality. In urban India, families are experiencing growth in income and dearth of time. More and more women are also turning to corporate jobs, which is adding to the family income but making lifestyles extremely busy. Rising incomes has led to increasing demand for better quality products while lack of time has led a demand for convenience and service. Government Policies Government of India (or for that matter, any of the State Governments) do not even consider this sector worthy of being deemed as an industry status or to formulate any strategy or directive to support or nurture it. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the retailing sector is not permitted yet, in order to protect the interests of the small retailers. There is a strong lobby of small traders that has been vocal on the issue of not permitting FDI into retail. The lobby is based on the premise that modern retail will impact the livelihood of millions of small family-run businesses. Since 1997, the government has barred foreign participation in the retail sector, except for the cash-and-carry wholesale route where wholesalers cannot open retail shops to sell to consumers directly, 100 percent foreign ownership is permitted, and for franchising. However, the Commerce Department is considering a proposal to allow 100% FDI in department stores and 5-star shopping arcades, as these would not compete with small retailers. Major Regulations and Licenses Required: Shop and establishment license NOC from Fire Brigade regarding fire safety norms Conforming to Labour Laws License for fabrics, yarn and other inflammables like cosmetics IPRS, PPL CONCLUSION The task lying ahead of Indian retail is an onerous one. After grappling against the wild tides of the past decade, a few perseverant players have evolved into mature players and are confident of the way ahead. Plenty of opportunity exists and the formidable task is to tap this opportunity, in a unique country like India. The huge potential can be tapped if the following three aspects are stressed: What does it take to make a customer walk into your store and buy products How many such outlets can we open across the country to achieve national status and more importantly economies of scale. There should be a clear-cut vision and perseverance to dig in their heels and wait for the returns that will kick in only a few years later. The retail industry in India is witnessing a high level of organized business activity CRM, supply chain management, visual merchandising customer loyalty programs are now buzzwords in the industry. No where is this transformation more evident than in the organized retail segment for apparel and lifestyle products which is expected to grow at more than 25% to reach Rs12850 crores by 2005. Retail may soon see FDI coming in. After an initial set back, the Indian retailers are now coping up in a phased manner. The backend front end are equally geared up. The key players in the market have learnt to live up with the existing problems and find innovative solution to work around them and the day is not far-off when organized retailing becomes the primary way of selling. Future Prospects  · The size of the industry is estimated at 16,000 crore and is growing at the rate of 18-20 percent per annum. ETIG (Economic times estimate guide) estimates that the retailing industry will cross the 37,000 crore sales mark by the year 2007 and could even exceed this level if the flow of investment in the sector accelerate.  · Departmental stores are coming up in most cities and many more are planned to be opening in the coming years.  · An increase in purchasing power (NRS survey) of the urban population is leading to a higher demand for better lifestyle which is leading to a need for better shopping ambience, superior quality products and improved service. All these factors form the basis for organized retailing.  · With the advent of modern technology, Indian retailers have been spending more on setting up IT systems, which augurs well for the retail industry.  · If FDI is allowed into organized retail, it will be a defining moment into Indian retail as it will allow more foreign players into organized retail, which will lead to increased competition and hence improvement in performance and quality. Rural Market: Indian retailing is currently largely urban and based on models emulated from the US. What is missing is a clear connection to Indian realities. There is a huge untapped potential in the rural market for retailing. India’s rural market stated as a percentage of world population is 12.2 percent. Rural households in India form about 72 percent of the total households- a huge market. Even the current consumption of certain durables and non- durables by rural customers is more than that of urban consumers. Also literacy rates in villages have increased considerably, thus bringing about a shift in consumer tastes. The Hariyali Kisan Bazar (HKB), initiated by the Delhi-based DCM Shriram Consolidated Ltd, is one model catering to retailing in rural areas. It is located at a place close to Shahjahanpur, 167km from Lucknow. It is a retail store that specifically caters to rural people. It has targeted the farmers supplying sugarcane to the sugar mill next door as the main customer. In addition to providing functional products, it also provides farmers with certain other value added services like computerized transactions, touch-screen info kiosk, technical advisory services. Thus, whoever would follow their footsteps and go for retailing in the rural areas stand to gain a lot. The time to shift the gears and accelerate the pace of retail development has arrived and it is up to retailers and potential investors to get their show on the roads. Some retailers are doing this and have massive expansion plans in place. WE NEED MORE LIKE THEM. PROFILE OF SOME MAJOR MARKET PLAYERS SHOPPERS STOP Shoppers Stop, a K. Raheja Group company, started its operations in 1991 with a mega retail store in Andheri, Mumbai. It is one of the major retailers in India with 13 stores across the country out of which 5 are operational in Mumbai. Its main area of business consists of apparel and accessories. One of the executives of Shoppers Stop Mr. Rajesh Shetty, Department Manager of Chembur outlet provided valuable information about the organization. Competitors: Lifestyle Big Bazaar Pantaloons Target segment: It is has been its strategy to target â€Å"higher income group† consumers. Although it has been quite a smaller group in India but they target the entire share of the consumer’s wallet. Customer Policy: The USP of Shoppers Stop is customer service. It focuses on customer loyalty and tries to promote shopping as an experience. Shoppers Stop boasts of being Third in the country in terms of loyal customer base with 3.5 lac customers to its credit. As it is, 60% of its sales are through loyalty programme called First Citizen Club. HR Policies: Shoppers Stop generally recruits undergraduates for its floor operations. Like any other retail business they also suffer from higher attrition rate. It organizes meets and get-togethers for its employees. Future Plans: Shoppers Stop strategy about future expansion is that it intends to exploit the cosmopolitan cities in India to the fullest. In the next phase it would be expanding to the other major Indian cities. Keeping this objective in mind it is planning to increase its store line from 13 to 38 in the next year. In addition, it also plans to open its outlet in Dubai. WILLS LIFESTYLE Beginning with its initial offering of Wills Sport premium relaxed wear from the first store at South Extension, New Delhi in July 2000, ITC has in a short span of time expanded its basket of offerings to the formal segment with Wills Classic formal wear and to the social evening segment with Wills Clublife, evening wear. There are currently 48 stores in 38 cities across the length and breadth of the country and these have established themselves as preferred shopping destinations in the prime shopping districts. At the Images Fashion Awards 2001, ‘Wills Lifestyle’ was declared Most Admired Exclusive Retail Chain of the year†. Wills Classic formal wear, launched in November 2002, is positioned as the brand for New Age Leaders, who encourage teamwork, innovation and enterprise, breaking the shackles of hierarchy and domination. ITC launched Wills Clublife in May 2003 in the growing eveningwear segment, thereby strengthening its portfolio in the premium segment. ITC l aunched its brand of men’s apparel in the popular segment, ‘John Players’, in December 2002. TRENT STORES Introduction: Trent Ltd.’s Westside stores promise customers an international shopping experience and value-for-money. High quality, contemporary designs and a plethora of products have been successfully balanced to create the ultimate shopping experience. Location: What began as just one store at Bangalore has now expanded to other cities, such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, New Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, Nagpur and Ahmedabad. The Westside stores have several departments to meet the varied shopping needs of customers. These include the menswear, womenswear, lingerie, kidswear, household accessories, cosmetics and perfumes sections. Complementing the shopping ambience is a coffee shop, CafÐ ¹ West, managed by the Taj Group. Strategy: Trent has primarily focused on garments and accessories. It has decided to build in-store brands rather than stock established brands. This would be beneficial for the company over long term, as margins earned on own brands will be higher. Customer Policy: Trent has positioned its products in the value for money segment by offering premium quality products at affordable prices. The company proposes to start 12 stores all over the country in the next 2 years. The companys business can be categorized into two divisions, namely, Apparels division and other products division. During FY 2000 the companys apparels division contributed 98% of the total sales of Rs336mn. (of the total turnover of Rs495mn Rs336 came from sales of goods and rest form income from current investments) rest 2% came from other products division. During the year FY00 the company sold 1.23mn units of apparels at an average realization of Rs267 per unit. The realizations increased by 26% over that of previous year. During the year of the total sales 85.4% were finished goods purchases and rest was in-house manufacturing.

Mountains Essays - Plate Tectonics, Volcanology, Igneous Petrology

Mountains Essays - Plate Tectonics, Volcanology, Igneous Petrology Mountains I. INTRODUCTION A mountain is an elevated land mass usually higher than its surroundings. Some are isolated, but they usually appear in ranges(MsBs95W32). "A group of ranges closely related in form, origin, and alignment is a mountain system; an elongated group of systems is a chain; and a complex of ranges, systems, and chains continental in extent is a cordillera, zone, or belt."(MsBs95W32). Some mountains are remains of plateaus, mesas, and buttes, through erosion(Summerfield). Others are cones of volcanoes formed with igneous rock. Fault-block mountains occur where blocks of the earth's surface are raised relative to other neighboring blocks. Most of the great mountains are either fold mountains or complex structures formed by many different natural activities. The ultimate cause of mountain building is only theoretical and abstract. Although, the plate tectonics is the first reasonable theory, stating that the crust of the earth breaks into several parts that eventually collide with another. Where they collide, stresses cause deformation and uplift of the land, which forms folded and/or faulted mountain chains. The highest point on earth, Mt. Everest, is also believed to have been formed by folding when the Australian-Indian plate collided with the Eurasian plate. II.TABLE OF CONTENTS IINTRODUCTION IITABLE OF CONTENTS III.TYPES OF MOUNTAINS 1. VOLCANOES 2. FOLDING & FAULTING 3. RESIDUAL MOUNTAINS IV.VOLCANO FORMATION 1. TYPES & NOMENCLATURE 2. PROCESS 3. EXAMPLE V.FOLDING AND FAULTING 1. PROCESS 2. EXAMPLE VI.PLATEAUS TO MOUNTAINS 1. TYPE 2. EXAMPLE VII.CONCLUSION VIII.BIBLIOGRAPHY III.TYPES OF MOUNTAINS M ountains can be created in many different ways. Two very well-known and quite common ones are volcanic mountains and folded mountains. Other important ones include residual mountain formation in which a plateau is eroded away into a mountain. 1. Volcanoes Volcanoes are formed when the magma reserves underground erupts. Also There are many different types of eruptions that the Geologists have classified into, according to their location, style, and other features. These variations contribute to the different and distinct shapes of each volcanoes. 2. Folding & Faulting According to the Microsoft Office Bookshelf 1995, the earth is changing its shape constantly every year by a few centimeters. This caused the earth to move from one huge continent called Pangea to what it looks like now in almost 200 million years(30 Boehm). When the giant pieces of landmasses move around, they tend to bump into each other some day. When they collide, they create a fold, and if the fold gets too much pressure, it breaks and becomes a fault. Fold and Fault mountains are ubiquitous throughout the world. 3. Residual Mountains Due to the weathering, parts of the world change frequently, but slowly. This can also happen to a plateau. If a small plateau?s edges are washed away by rain and wind, it forms a new mountain-like structure, which we call residual mountain, meaning that it became a mountain from the remainders of many erosions. VI.VOLCANO FORMATION V olcanoes are one of the "fastest of all the processes making the Earth?s relief features"(quoted from 2 Scarth). While some eruptions are quick and powerful, others can be very slow and continue for over hundreds of thousands of years.(2 Scarth). Two thirds of the volcanoes can be found in the Pacific ring of fire(14 Scarth). Most others are usually submerged undersea, or makes up an island with cooled igneous rocks; Hawaii rises 9000m above the sea floor. Magma, which is what igneous rocks were to begin with, is formed from molten parts of asthenosphere(150-650km under ground) which is a part of the upper mantle(60-650km u.g.)(p20-21 Scarth). A. Types & Nomenclature The volcanoes are classified by its eruptive style and by the type of magma it ejects(32 Scarth). There is almost an infinite number of kinds of volcanoes possible, but most geologists divide them into four main groups: Hawaiian, Vulcanian, Strombolian, and Pelean(33 Scarth). These names all come from famous volcanoes around the world, but not all other volcanoes always exactly fit in to one group, and there are other minor groups such as Flood basalt, Surtseyan, Plinian, Debris-avalanche(34 Scarth). Here is a table about some volcanoes and their features. B. Process Every volcano has a different style just as they have different names. They sometimes look similar, but most of the times, they are very distinct from the other. The usual process volcanoes go through are, although, quite similar. The lower part of the upper mantle and the transition zone between

5 Tips for Writing the Michigan State Admissions Essay

5 Tips for Writing the Michigan State Admissions Essay SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips So you’ve decided to apply to Michigan State University. You’ve made a great choice- not only is it one of the top public universities in the nation, 95% of undergraduates land jobs or go onto graduate school after graduation! Additionally, 25 of its undergraduate programs are ranked in the top 20 nationally, including the best supply chain management and logistics program in the country. And like most top schools, the MSU application requires you to submit an application essay. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about writing and submitting the Michigan State admissions essay, including: A discussion of the Michigan State admissions standards, Where to find the Michigan State application, and Five tips to write a Michigan State admissions essay that will get you in. So let’s get started! What Is the Michigan State Admissions Essay? The Michigan State essay is a required (and important!) element of your Michigan State application. The essay is basically a personal statement designed to help admissions counselors get to know you better. Sure, they’ll see your transcript and test scores, but Michigan State also wants to know who you are beyond the data, too. The essay is also important because Michigan State is a moderately competitive school that has an acceptance rate of 66%, which means that 66 out of 100 students who apply to MSU are admitted each year. That means your essay is a key part of an admissions counselor’s decision-making process. (If you’re not familiar with the school’s admissions requirements, be sure to check out this comprehensive guide on Michigan State’s admittance policies.) As we mentioned earlier, you’ll submit one finished essay as part of your complete Michigan State application packet. As of 2018, Michigan State requires prospective students to submit all their application materials- including the MSU essay- via the Common App or the Coalition App, which are online platforms that let you fill out one application and submit it to multiple universities. Luckily for you, Michigan State doesn’t require you to fill out an additional application supplement. In other words, the Michigan State admissions essay is the same essay you’ll fill out for either the Common App or the Coalition App! But that also means that you only have one chance to help MSU’s admissions counselors determine whether you’re a good fit for the university. Now that you have a general idea about what the Michigan State admissions essay is and how to submit it, here are three final, important things to keep in mind: #1: MSU doesn’t favor one application over the other. They treat Common App and Coalition App submissions equally in their decision-making process. (If you’re still not sure which application to use, here’s a comprehensive guide that helps you choose the right one for you!) #2: You can only submit one application per academic year. So if you have both applications filled out, send one or the other- not both. Sending two applications can cause errors in the admissions system and lead to your application getting rejected. #3: The Common App and the Coalition App have different prompts. Each application asks slightly different questions, so it’s important to pick the application that allows you to write the strongest essay. Now it’s time to take a closer look at the different Common App and Coalition App prompts and give you some general tips for picking the best MSU essay prompt for you. The Common App Essay Prompts 1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? 3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? 4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. 5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. 6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? 7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. For the Common App, you’re given seven essay prompts and asked to answer one. The prompts themselves fall into a few general categories: Overcoming a challenge Solving a problem Showing personal growth Sharing your interests and personality This list gives you a general sense for what admissions counselors expect to see in your essay. You will likely only discuss one or two of these in a prompt, so don’t worry about having to address every single category in your response. Having to choose just one prompt can be pretty overwhelming- it’s hard to know where to start! Here are some things you can do to make picking a topic easier. Read through this guide that explains each prompt. Getting an expert explanation on each prompt can help you pick one that works for you. Eliminate the prompts you don’t like- or don’t understand. Go with your gut...as long as your gut doesn’t make you cross every option off your list. Consider the categories. Take a look at the general categories we have listed above, and think back to the essays you did well on in school. Is there a category you feel most comfortable writing about? If so, pick a prompt that aligns with that topic. Keep in mind that no matter the topic you choose, the Common App limits your response to 250 to 650 words. It’s harder to write shorter responses, so make sure you plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to write a great essay. The Coalition App Essay Prompts Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it. Describe a time when you made a meaningful contribution to others in which the greater good was your focus. Discuss the challenges and rewards of making your contribution. Has there been a time when you’ve had a long-cherished or accepted belief challenged? How did you respond? How did the challenge affect your beliefs? What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What’s the best part? What advice would you give a younger sibling or friend (assuming they would listen to you)? Submit an essay on a topic of your choice. As you can see, the Common App and Coalition App provide slightly different essay prompts. You’ll still submit one essay, though the Coalition App gives you two fewer prompts to choose from. Like the Common App, the Coalition App prompts fall into a few general categories: Sharing your interests or personality Helping others and/or your community Facing challenges Experiencing personal growth So not only are the essay prompts themselves differ from the Common App, the Coalition App’s response categories are also a little different. (Here’s another helpful tip: looking at the response categories and comparing them to the Common App’s can be a good way of helping you to decide which application is right for you.) So now that you’ve seen the Coalition App prompts, how do you choose one? Here are some tips for picking the best Coalition App prompt for you: Make a list of life’s meaningful moments. What are the top ten life-changing experiences of your life? Jot these down. Keep in mind they don’t have to be huge- sometimes the smallest things make the biggest impact. Now look at the list. Do any of those stories fit with a prompt? Do a timed writing. Write down each topic on a separate sheet of paper. Set a timer and give yourself five minutes to write whatever comes to mind about each prompt. When you’ve done that for all five prompts, look to see if one topic inspired you more than the others. Read a walk-through of each essay topic. A little bit of expert guidance can help you better understand how to answer each prompt. No matter which prompt you choose, you’ll have limited space for your response. Unlike the Common App, the Coalition Application does not give a firm word count, though their website recommends you limit your essay length to 500 to 550 words. That’s slightly shorter than the maximum limit for the Common App essays, so keep that in mind if you struggle with essay length. Image courtesy of Joel Dinda 5 Tips for Writing a Killer Michigan State Admissions Essay By now you’ve had a chance to consider- and hopefully choose!- the perfect MSU essay prompt. Here are our top five tips for writing a Michigan State University essay that makes you stand out from the crowd! Be authentic. Jim Cotter, the Director of Undergraduate Admissions for Michigan State University, says being authentic is the most important element of a strong Michigan State essay. He explains, â€Å"We don’t want a student to create something that they’re not. We want them to tell us who they are, what their real experiences are, and how they’ve developed as an individual because of those experiences.† In other words, tell the truth...and be yourself! Tell a story. To write a stand-out MSU essay examples are key. That’s why it’s important to use storytelling to help answer the prompt! For example, if you want to talk about a time you gave back to the community, tell a story about a specific event (like shaving your head for charity)! Be descriptive. This ties into our â€Å"tell a story† tip above. Details are what make a story come alive! If you’re writing about a challenging time in your life, do more than just tell the reader what happened. Show them where you were, what you saw, and how you felt by using descriptive language. Write long, edit short. Staying within word limits can be hard. That’s why we recommend you don’t worry about essay length when you write your first draft. Just focus on getting your answer down on paper even if you go hundreds of words over the maximum length. Then you can focus on whittling your essay down until you land in the word count sweet spot. Embrace the 3 R’s. Re-read, revise, and review. Never, ever submit the first draft of your essay! Even the best writers in the world revise their work multiple times. Also, don’t be afraid to ask your parents and teachers to give you feedback on your work. They’ll be able to give you a new, fresh perspective on your work! Your Next Steps If you’re looking to beef up your rà ©sumà © to make sure you’re one of MSU’s ideal candidates, try fitting some community service into your schedule. Here’s a list of the nine best places to do community service, and here’s a discussion of how volunteering benefits both your college application and your life!One key piece of your application are letters of recommendation, so you need to ask for those as soon as possible. Check out this guide that goes over how- and when!- to ask for letters of recommendation. Now that you’re ready to write your essays, get the skinny on how to write the perfect application essay introduction. Want to write the perfect college application essay? Get professional help from PrepScholar. Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We'll learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay that you'll proudly submit to your top choice colleges. Don't leave your college application to chance. Find out more about PrepScholar Admissions now:

Gun Control Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Gun Control - Assignment Example The constitution provides for the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment (Lott, 2013). However, this should not be used as a gateway to allow the public to run out of control in regard to ownership and use of guns. Regulation and monitoring of guns is essential to ensure that the right to bear arms does not jeopardize personal and public security. Uncontrolled gun ownership and use could extend to encompass national threats, an aspect that the legal structure should address. Enforcing gun laws does not constitute any measures, processes, or practices that infringe the Second Amendment. Personally, I feel that gun control will promote responsible handling of guns. For instance, as much as the constitution allows the people to bear arms, it does not condone criminal acts like the shooting which occurred at Sandy Hook School. In this respect, gun control is important in ensuring coherent interactions and relations between members of the public (Fisanick,

Compare young peoples expectations for marriage and the reality of Essay

Compare young peoples expectations for marriage and the reality of married life - Essay Example Nevertheless, compromising is not an easy issue as presumed by the young people. Married couples always have many challenges that they find it hard to compromise, instead they fight and argue over many things such as income, sex, personality and children handling which may even lead to divorce or separation (Bhalla 56-60). Additionally, many young people expect to have their leisure time which they would spend together by going on picnics, dating on weekends. Unfortunately, there is always a lot of work to do at home such as cleaning especially on weekends which denies the couple ample time to enjoy leisure. Also there are always events to attend on weekends such as weddings and birthdays as well as inadequate vacation time that deny them pleasurable time (Bhalla 56-60). Moreover, young people normally expect to have enough money that would help them buy big houses and nice cars but the reality is that money is never enough. There are lots of things whose budgets are assumed such as groceries and electronics that impose financial constrains to the already hiking prices of homes. It is therefore apparent that more money is always required in marriage than what is normally expected by young people (Bhalla 56-60). For many youths expecting too much than marriage offers, it is important to learn about the differences between expectations and reality. Knowing and understanding reality in marriage may make young couples live an ideal life in

The Engineers Concern about the Overhead Rate Going Up and Up in Assignment

The Engineers Concern about the Overhead Rate Going Up and Up in Managerial Accounting - Assignment Example A single hour of the labor carries an additional burden amount of $1,500 (Wagener, 2010). Moreover, the underlying labor cost contributes up to five percent of the prevailing cost of the product thus making it the main propeller of the all the cost of Fabricator Inc. Since one cost is utilized as the main pricing standard and in the case of the Fabricator Inc they use labor, their main concern that the underlying set standard might be cumbersome to accomplish (Warren, Reeve, Duchac, & Warren, 2012). Therefore, lost labor in its entity is inadequacies as an example is depicted by the prevailing management as either poor pricing or production (Warren, Reeve, Duchac, & Warren, 2012). Even though overhead is fundamental and normally demanded the production process, bid pricing that is mainly driven by labor as the standard would eventually be more expensive. The most effective means would be utilizing activity-based costing because Fabricator Inc mainly specializes in executing underlying customer orders and every order is unique and possesses different requirement. Utilizing single overhead rate is thus not acceptable (Wagener, 2010). The engineer has also mentioned that the standard was being worked around by the corresponding design engineering thus rendering the prevailing standard utilized by Fabricator Inc unreliable (Kaplan & Anderson, 2007). The engineer meant that high job cost standard for the project biding might infrequent the prevailing project managers mandated by pricing a job forbid when he said that a relatively large overhead rate is a disadvantage to the company in terms of placing bids and seeking new business (Lal & Srivastava, 2009). Any errors in the estimate for the labor hours would definitely possess massive implications in the operation of the company (Warren, Reeve, Duchac, & Warren, 2012). Moreover, miscalculation or rather a failure by few hours  could definitely imply that the company would either be losing the bid or correspondingly be losing money in case the job is acquired.  

Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Report - Essay Example A couple of mails recently received from the customers read that they are highly unsatisfied with our contact services. Some of them have complained in very harsh words that their calls were not picked. The problem is reported to have persisted 24 hours and they were never replied. Due to the malfunction of the helpline, many customers have incurred exaggerated telephone bills. Some of them have even personally visited the office and complained about the same quite rudely. This has upset the whole administration. â€Å"big screen† mobiles and many have related it to the unusual design of the sets. One of the customers has mentioned that all purchasers of this particular model have found same deficiency in the performance of this mobile. He wants the company to return his money in place of the mobile. prolonged use of mobiles that has exposed their ears to microwave radiations. Customers who have experienced headache after prolonged usage of the mobiles asked for modification in the design of the mobiles that would reduce ears’ exposure to microwave radiations. maintain the company’s reputation. Instant replacement of helpline with an efficient system is advised. Customers have strongly recommended that the company should seriously think over the development of a 24 hour live chat system in which customers can address their issues without having to make expensive calls to the administration. design of the mobile does not allow the use of suitable battery. It is strongly recommended to reconsider the design of the mobile to eliminate this issue. The director is advised to forward his immediate response to the customers’ queries about the mobile return and payback, since the mobiles were initially issued without a payback guarantee. The above mentioned issues have had considerable adverse effects on the affection of the customers with our

Working with and Leading People Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Working with and Leading People - Essay Example Leadership is all about leading some followers. Management is much more focused towards managing people in organizations. Leadership has the concept of followers but management has the concept of subordinates. For leadership, vision is very much important but for management achieving different goals are important. Leadership is generally transformational, but management in general transactional. Leadership is very much focus towards transforming lives of followers. It believes indecisive changes in the lives of followers but on the other hand, managers are much more concerned with assigned tasks. They are not that much interested in subordinate’s lives. Leadership brings innovation into the system but managers, administer and govern those systems. Leadership develops different new things but management maintains those things. Leadership inspires people but management believes on controlling people. Leadership has a long-range view but management has a short-range view. Leaders hip does the right thing but management does the thing in right ways. Leadership creates but management imitate those creations. Leadership is a very vast concept but management is less vast concept than leadership. Leadership is all about leading from the front in case of management performance is the ultimate thing.Late Steve Jobs the founder of Apple computers is the example of the leaders who developed the idea of Apple computers. Indra Nooyi current CEO of PepsiCo is a good example of management personality.

Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Report - Essay Example A couple of mails recently received from the customers read that they are highly unsatisfied with our contact services. Some of them have complained in very harsh words that their calls were not picked. The problem is reported to have persisted 24 hours and they were never replied. Due to the malfunction of the helpline, many customers have incurred exaggerated telephone bills. Some of them have even personally visited the office and complained about the same quite rudely. This has upset the whole administration. â€Å"big screen† mobiles and many have related it to the unusual design of the sets. One of the customers has mentioned that all purchasers of this particular model have found same deficiency in the performance of this mobile. He wants the company to return his money in place of the mobile. prolonged use of mobiles that has exposed their ears to microwave radiations. Customers who have experienced headache after prolonged usage of the mobiles asked for modification in the design of the mobiles that would reduce ears’ exposure to microwave radiations. maintain the company’s reputation. Instant replacement of helpline with an efficient system is advised. Customers have strongly recommended that the company should seriously think over the development of a 24 hour live chat system in which customers can address their issues without having to make expensive calls to the administration. design of the mobile does not allow the use of suitable battery. It is strongly recommended to reconsider the design of the mobile to eliminate this issue. The director is advised to forward his immediate response to the customers’ queries about the mobile return and payback, since the mobiles were initially issued without a payback guarantee. The above mentioned issues have had considerable adverse effects on the affection of the customers with our

With reference to acid-base balance explore the role of the Essay

With reference to acid-base balance explore the role of the respiratory system in maintaining blood pH - Essay Example The instruction of acid-base equilibrium remains overseen by three critical processes, namely: buffer system, respiratory, and renal methods. The paper investigates the role of the lungs in overseeing stabilization of blood pH. Carbon dioxide (CO2) derives from typical body metabolic processes. Disturbances in the processes impacts on CO2 intensities and HCO3- are expected to produce acid-base disparities (Raymond 2010, p.244). An outstanding system through which the body exploits to direct pH entails the discharge of CO2 from the lungs. The brain adjusts the magnitude of CO2 exhaled by guiding the pace and intensity of breathing. This forces the lungs to either augment or lessen the tempo and intensity of ventilation until the appropriate quantity of carbon dioxide has been re-instituted. The magnitude of CO2 released influences the pH of the blood, which heightens as breathing, turns out to be fast, and profound (Chatterjea and Shinde 2012, p.713). In adjusting, the pace and deepne ss of breathing, the brain plus the lungs direct the blood pH. The Respiratory (Lungs) Buffer Response Usually, blood pH ranges in the region of 7.4 (slightly alkaline). In the event that pH levels drop to 7.6, then body cells are likely to cease functioning. It is obvious that blood pH levels 7.9 are lethal even if they last for a short time, which renders it essential to gain equilibrium in pH levels (Sherwood 2007, p.11). The competence of the body to handle every pH adjustment is steered by three indispensable factors, namely: the lungs, the kidneys, and buffers. In the event that a strong acid manifest, the bicarbonate-carbonic acid, which yields an overall rise of carbonic acid that dissociates into CO2 and H2O. An augmentation of H+ within the blood triggers the medulla to augment the respiratory tempo that assists CO2 eradication (Brown et al. 2011, p.323). In the event that pH stays high relative to an augmentation in HCO3-, the respiratory centre holds back, and consequent ly the respiratory tempo lessens (Raymond 2010, p.245). This enhances CO2 retention in which it becomes accessible to form carbonic acid that cushions the surplus bicarbonate. The respiratory system consequently balances the registered alterations within pH transmitted to metabolic disorders by regulating Pco2 that alters the bicarbonate carbonic acid proportion. Nonetheless, the respiratory system cannot orchestrate any loss or an augmentation of hydrogen ions. Buffers direct molecules that admit or discharge ions in order to maintain the H+ ion absorption at a certain level. Buffers facilitate to saturate up additional H+ ions with the majority buffer entailing a fusion of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate ion (HCO3). CO2 derives carbonic acid (H2CO3) when is liquefies in water and operates as an acid releasing hydrogen ions (H+) when necessitated (Lew 2010, p.31). The respiratory system pursues sustenance of appropriate blood pH, in the event that the bicarbonate/carbonic acid buffe r system fails to react quick enough to stabilize the registered pH interferences, processes such as hyper/hypoventilation can be induced to direct the amount of carbonic acid contained in the blood (Rhoades and Bell 2013, p.454). The respiratory centre reacts by varying levels of H2CO3- within the blood. Hyperventilation makes the body to breathe out and remove CO2 from the bloodstream, through the lungs. The expulsion of carbon dioxide diminishes acidity within the blood pH. The reverse method transpires in cases of hypoventilation that leads to the withholding of CO2 within the blood (Lew 2010, p.32). The CO2 becomes carbonic acid when it dwells within the blood and combines with water. In the event that

Dolphins as Persons Essay Example for Free

Dolphins as Persons Essay Dolphins are toothed sea mammals which closely resemble whales. There are over forty kinds of dolphins in the world and are said to be friendly to humans unlike many marine creatures. They are the most intelligent of all sea creatures and the trained ones are able to understand or decode human messages. There are cases where lost travelers have been guided by dolphins and also in other instances where some drowning victims have been saved by them. Many people have argued that dolphins should be considered as persons something that has elicited a lot of mixed reactions with some backing this argument while others strongly refute it. This paper is going to take a stand and support the claim that dolphins should be considered as persons. The first incident that left many questioning themselves as to whether dolphins should be treated as animals or persons was when two bottle-nosed dolphins from the University of Hawaiis Marine Biology department meant for experimentation were released back to the waters by La Vasseur who from a human perspective considered capturing of dolphins and keeping them in an isolated place from the rest, rationing their food and denying them the environmental conditions they enjoyed in the sea considered it as mistreatment and unethical. His argument was that these animals should be accorded some rights so as to protect them from being mistreated and he even went to an extent of asking if the Thirteen Amendment human rights could be extended to them. The ruling in this case to some extent closed the doors for dolphins to be accorded the rights they deserve by refusing the case to take a moral perspective when judge Doi termed it as pure theft (Miller and Williams, 1983; 365). There are many facts about dolphin that go unexplored or if this is not the case, they are simply ignored. If these facts are given the attention they deserve then one would be in a better position to comprehend why these animals should be treated as persons. One thing that should be known is that just like human beings, dolphins have a sense of humor. According to Blackstock (2003), dolphins try to joke by surprising unsuspecting pelicans by grabbing some feathers from its tail or inching stealthily to unsuspecting fish and grab its tail. In other cases, dolphins would be seen tricking some turtles where it would make it roll a number of times. Still in another incident, a dolphin was seen trying to bait a fish only to snatch the bait before it could be eaten thereby leaving the fish puzzled. This is indicative of possession of high intelligence as it only human beings and other primates that possess a sense of humor. Dolphins like human beings have a way of communicating. Their bodies are designed in such a manner such that they produce whistles and clicks as they swim using their nasal passages. This communication keeps them away from any danger for example, they whistle as they swim in the sea to ensure they are together. Apart from this, they maintain body contact by swimming close to one another where they can rub and hit each other with their pectoral fins. They also use their pectoral fins to greet each other just like humans use their hands and shoulders to hug one another. This is said to happen when two different dolphins come together and touch each other with their pectoral fins something that is interpreted to mean greetings (Robins Island. org. 2009). To detect whether there are dangers ahead, dolphins send ‘clicks’ into the water which if they hit a solid object such as rocks, boats, logs and other sea animals are rebuffed. By using their complex means of detecting the echo, they estimate the distance at which these objects could be located depending on the strength of the echo. Also dolphins are capable of producing whistles with different emotional tones that send specific emotional messages. A study that was done shown that when this sound was produced, other dolphins responded and behaved in a particular way. Just like a human mind which through experience acquires or gains knowledge, dolphins too can acquire knowledge. Studies that were done shown that trained dolphins have been able to mimic certain human sounds or perform some spectacular tricks that one would imagine could only be done by a human being like somersaulting in water. Having realized the level of intelligence these animals possess, the United States navy had at one time thought of training them so that they would help them in their undersea operations but it was later realized that they if they were trained, they would interfere with nuclear submarine operations. The truth is that if trained these animals are able to survey the security of the area and give the feedback before any naval operation is conducted just like humans do. The only difference between these animals is that it is their nature to stay in water and thus they are better adapted to swimming in the sea than human beings. They are able to relate well with human beings and because they are able to communicate and work with human beings in various marine operations, they should be treated as a non-human person and not like animals as this show that they think and reason just like human beings. For example, according to the Science Daily (2003), the US navies used dolphins in 2003 to detect the bombs that might have been planted by Iraq troops in the sea channel where ships carrying hospital and other war materials would pass through. The only notable difference between humans and dolphins is that one is a sea mammal while the other is a primate and thus there would no good reason as to why these animals should not be protected and accorded the rights they deserve. Using its intelligence, bottle-nosed dolphin seems to understand the value of human life and that it is why it saves swimmers from being attacked by sharks. This is something that was attested by Howe who according to New Zealand Press went to swim with his daughter and was about to be attacked by a three meter shark before he was saved by a herd of dolphins who kept it at bay (Jones, 2004). This shows that just like how human beings protect their pets, dolphins also value humans and thus treat them as their best friends. This shows that their level of intelligence is close to that of humans and thus people should awaken to the role they play in their lives and treat them like other humans. Indeed, dolphins should be treated and categorized as persons. Their level of intelligence is much close to that of human beings and they seem to understand human beings as humans do and that is why they save swimmers who are at danger of being eaten by sharks. Dolphins in some cases have worked closely with humans for example during the transportation of hospital aid to Iraq where they were used in detecting bombs set in the sea by Iraq rogues soldiers. Most of the characteristics that dolphins possess are like those of human beings for example they have a way of communicating, system of danger detection, emotion appeal or aspect and they are social animals as they stay in herds or in pairs. For these reasons dolphins’ rights should be treated and protected just like human rights are protected by the constitution. References: Blackstock, Regina. 2004, Dolphins and Man equals. Available at http://www. littletownmart. com/dolphins/ Jones, S. November 24, 2004. Dolphins save swimmers from shark. Retrieved from http://www. guardian. co. uk/science/2004/nov/24/internationalnews Miller, H. B. and Williams, W. H. 1983. Ethics and Animals. Humana Press. Robins Island. org. 2009. Facts and Information about Dolphins. Accessed from http://www. robins-island. org/dolphins_facts. php Science Daily. 3rd July, 2003. Men, Mammals, And Machines: Underwater Drone Works With Men And Dolphins. Accessed from http://www. sciencedaily. com/releases/2003/07/030701224407. htm

Impact of Cyanobacteria Toxins

Impact of Cyanobacteria Toxins Introduction Cyanobacteria, or also known as blue-green algae is one of the bacteria phylum. It was classified as blue-green algae because it resembles eukaryotic green algae. Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotes which have the ability to synthesize chlorophyll a. Chlorophyll a primarily absorbs most red and blue light, which allow cyanobacteria to obtain energy. This energy was then used to synthesize carbohydrate from carbon dioxide and water. Water is used as electron donor during the photosynthesis process and produces oxygen as a byproduct. Thus, the ability of cyanobacteria underwent the process of photosynthesis leading to the evolution of oxygen as they play an important role in increasing the amount of oxygen in Earth. Besides, cyanobacteria also called blue-green algae because of its ability to form the phycobilin pigment (phycocyanin). Phycocyanin is an accessory pigment where it works in conjunction with chlorophyll a. Phycocyanin pigment is the one that give bluish colour to cyanobacteria. According to Dittmann and Wiegand (2006), the lyses of a cyanobacterial bloom leads to release of high amounts of blue pigmented. However, the colour can degrade under condition of high exposure to light and heat (Jespersen et al., 2005). Because cyanobacteria are prokaryote, it is usually small and unicellular. Usually individual cyanobacteria are round, oval, globular or string-like in shape. However, cyanobacteria often growth in colonies and, thus are large and easily to view. These colonies are built of many layers and can form filaments, sheets or even hallow ball depend on its species and environmental condition. Cyanobacteria have been classified into five groups based on their morphologies. There are chrooccales (I), pleurocapsales (II), oscillatoriales (III), nostacales (IV) and stigonematales (V). Group l is unicellular cyanobacteria that divide by binary fusion or budding, while group II is unicellular form that divide by multiple fission. Then, group III is filamentous colonies that reproduce by trichome breakage (Henson, 2002). However, only groups IV and V are supported by phylogenetic studies and make up the heterocystous cyanobacteria. They have the ability to fix Nitrogen such as genera of Anabaena, Nostoc, and etc. Cyanobacteria are extremely successful organism that can adapt in any condition depend on its species. The fossil record shows their existence since 3.5 billion years ago and it are still around. According to Hitzfeld et al. (2000), the cyanobacteria inhabitants vary from hot springs to temporary frozen ponds in Antarctica. Cyanobacteria are gram negative that has cell wall made up of peptidoglycan and lipopolysaccharide layers that surrounded by gelatinous and mucilaginous sheath. The presence of the gelatinous sheath may help in survival of cyanobacteria during extreme conditions and desiccation (Duy et al., 2000). Cyanobacteria mostly found in brackish, freshwater, rivers, lakes, ponds and some reservoirs. They commonly live in such condition to get access of water and sunlight, as they do the photosynthesis process. The high accumulation of cyanobacteria is due to nutrient enrichment (eutrophication). The eutrophication is the process of water bodies gets the excess of nutrient a nd this promotes extremely growth of cyanobacteria. This nutrient may come from many sources, such as fertilizers applied to agriculture, erosion of soil containing nutrients and etc. The excess of nutrient lead to massive population of cyanobacteria, include the blooms, scums, and mats and biofilms (Codd et al., 2005). The existence of cyanobacteria bloom can reduce dissolved oxygen in water and may cause other aquatic organisms died. Alperdoorn et al. (2007) suggest that complex interaction of high concentration of nutrients, sunlight, warm temperature, turbidity, pH, conductivity, salinity, carbon availability and slow-flowing stagnant water are involved in production of blooms. Besides, the bloom of cyanobacteria is related with toxins released. Purpose of study The purpose of study is to analyze the type of toxins produced by bloom of cyanobacterial. Growth of cyanobacteria bloom is favored by nutrient enrichment. The increase of mass population of cyanobacteria will lead to high amount of toxin produced. Then, relate how these toxins act in order to affect humans and animals health. Objectives of study Production and mode of action of cyanobacteria Occurrence of cyanobacterial toxins in affects humans and animals -example case Routes of exposure Diseases in Humans and Animals Conclusion further work Production and mode of action of cyanobacteria toxins Properties of cyanobacterial toxins There are around 150 genera with about 2000 species of cyanobacteria has been recognized, as according to the current taxonomy. However, out of them, only 40 genera have been identified to produce toxins (Hitzfeld et al., 2000). The toxins produced by bloom of cyanobacteria are sometimes called cyanotoxins. The genera that release toxins from cyanobacteria bloom are include Microcystis, Anabaena, Anabaenopsis, Plankthothrix, Aphanizomenon, Cylindrospermopsis, Raphidiopsis and Nodularia (Codd et al., 2005). Cyanotoxins are classified into two grouped, where one is based on their modes of toxin affect the animals cells or cell system, and the other one is based on their chemical composition and structure (Codd et al.,1999). The first grouped are divided into four types, which are hepatotoxins, neurotoxins, cytotoxin and irritant toxins (Codd et al., 2005). However, the second grouped is classify into three different chemical structure which are cyclic peptides, alkaloids and lipopolysa ccharides (LPS) (Sivonen Jones 1999). The production of cyanotoxin are highly variable depends on time and an individual bloom itself. Besides, the arrangement of the genes and their expression under certain environmental condition also contribute in released the toxins. Hepatotoxins-cyclic peptides Hepatotoxins class has the chemical structure of cyclic peptides. These kinds of toxins are released by bloom of cyanobacteria that ranging from freshwater to oceans. Among the common hepatotoxins produced are mycrocystins and nodularins. Microcystin is first found in the early 1980 and isolated from Microcystis aeruginosa. Thus, the toxins were named as microcystin (Sivonen Jones 1999). Then, it was identified that microcystins also have been produced from the genera of Anabaena, Microcystis, Planktothrix, Nostoc and Anabaenopsis (Hitzfeld et al., 2000). Differ from microcystins, where nodularins only produced by the genera of Nodularia and were names as nodularins after its producer, Nodularia spumigena (Falconer 1998). Both are widespread cyanotoxins because the presence of gas vesicle that provides buoyancy. Gas vesicles enable them to float up or sink in order to get sunlight and reach the site of nutrient-rich layers (Dittmann Wiegand 2006). Enough of nutrient and sunlight en able the cyanobacteria to undergo the photosynthesis process and lead to excess growth. Therefore, the cyanotoxins of microcystins and nodularins could be produce enormously and can disturb the ecosystems Microcystins are difference from nodularins based on their chemical structure of cyclic peptides. The chemical structures of microcystins have been identified as cyclic heptapeptides, while nodularins has chemical structure of cyclic pentapeptides (Codd et al., 1999). Cyclic heptapeptides refer to microcystins that contain seven peptide-linked amino acids. There are five common amino acids and another two L-amino acids are varied (Park et al., 1993). The five common amino acids are D-erythro-ÃŽ ²-methylaspartic acid, D-alanine, N-methyldehydroalanine, D-glutamate and Adda-3-amino-9-methoxy-2, 6, 8-trimethyl- 10-phenyldeca-4, 6-dienoic acid. The variable L amino acids are located at position 2 and 4. The variable of L amino acids increased the variations in microcsytins structure and so far there are about 70 structural variables have been identified (Codd et al., 2005). Besides that, demethylation of D-erythro-ÃŽ ²-methylaspartic acid and N-methyldehydroalanine amino acids also give variation in microcystin structure. In contrast, only about 6 variant of nodularins structure have been recognized (Codd et al. 1999). Both microcystins and nodularins only release from cyanobacteria bloom once it was lyses. These toxins are potent inhibitors of eukaryotic protein phosphotases activity (Park et al., 1993). According to Codd et al, (2005), this inhibition can change the membrane integrity and causing tumor production and liver damage. Liver is the main targeting organ in this action of toxins. Neurotoxin-alkaloids Neurotoxins contain the chemical structure of alkaloids. Alkaloids are chemical compound that contains any basic nitrogen atoms and produced by cyanobacteria. It cause toxic that act on nerve cell (neuron). So far, three known families of neurotoxins are anatoxin-a, anatoxin-a(S) and saxitoxins. Anatoxin-a acts by mimic acetylcholine, while anatoxin-a(S) inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Next, saxitoxins which relatively associated with paralytic shellfish poisons (PSP) are works by block the sodium channels. These toxins have been reported found mostly in area of North America, Europe and Australia (Sivonen Jones 1999). Devlin et al. (1977), identified anatoxins-a as a secondary amine 2-acetyl-9-azabicyclo (4-2-1)non-2-ene. Anatoxin-a is usually released by Anabaena flos-aquae, Anabaena spp, Anabaena planktonica, Oscillatoria, Aphanizomenon and Cylindrospermum (Sivonen and Jones, 1999). This toxins cause symptoms such as fasciculation, gasping and convulsion, when infection occurred in animals (Mazur et al., 2003). In contrast, Anatoxin-a(S) is guanidine methyl phosphate ester and produced by Anabaena flos-aquae and Anabaena lemmermannii (Codd et al., 2005). However, its structure still h as not been recognized. Sanitoxins are group of carbonate alkaloids and about 20 of structural variations has been recognized (Codd et al., 2005). Sanitoxins are produced by species of Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Cylindrospermopsis, Lyngbya, Planktothrix and Trichodesmium (Carmichael et al., 2001) Cytotoxin-alkaloids Cylindrospermopsin is the example of cytotoxin released and has been found in tropical and subtropical water such as in lakes, rivers and water supply reservoir (Falconer 1998). According to Hitzfeld et al (2000) and Codd et al (1999), cylindrospermopsin could also be categorized as hepatotoxins because it affects liver damage. However, Codd et al (2005) and Falconer (1998) have categorized it under cytotoxin class because its action as an inhibitor of protein synthesis. This inhibition cause damage to tissue that rapidly synthesize protein such as pituitary gland, epithelia including gut lining, the pancreas, lymphoid tissue and the prostate gland, as well as the kidneys and liver (Falconer 1998). This toxin is also genotoxic, which can cause loss of chromosome and break of DNA strand (Humpage et al 2000). Cylindrospermopsin is a cyclic guanidine alkaloid and has been isolated mainly from cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and also from Aphanizomenon ovalisporum, Umezakia natans, Aphani zomenon flosaquae and Raphidiopsis curvata (Falconer and Humpage, 2006). Irritant toxins Irritant toxins are usually related with skin irritant (dermatoxin). Aplysiatoxin and lyngbyatoxin is alkaloid structure and both are the most toxins that cause skin irritation. Aplysiatoxin is produced by genera of Lyngbya, Oscillatoria and Schizothrix whereas Lyngbyatoxin is produced by Lyngbya (Codd et al 1999). Aplysiatoxin also is potent tumour promoters and Lyngbyatoxin also caused severe oral and gastrointestinal inflammation (Sivonen and Jones, 1999). LPS endotoxin released by cyanobacteria is less potent than released by bacteria, such as Salmonella (Codd et al 1999). LPS is localized at outer membrane wall of cyanobacteria and contain lipid A that responsible for much of toxicity of cyanobacteria. LPS endotoxin in cyanobacteria is produced by Microcystis, Oscillatoria and Anabaena (Codd et al 1999). The signs and symptoms of this toxin are fever, rigors, headache, nausea, mild amnesia and diarrhea (Stewart et al., 2006). According to Codd et al (2005), it may contribute to inflammatory and gastrointestinal incidents. Toxin Chemical structure Producer Genera Primary target organ Hepatotoxins Microcystins Cyclic heptapeptides Microcystis, Anabaena, Planktothrix, Nostoc Anabaenopsis Liver Nodularins Cyclic pentaptides Nodularia Liver Neurotoxins Anatoxin-a Alkaloids Anabaena, Oscillatoria and Aphanizomenon, Cylindrospermum Microcystis Nerve synapse Anatoxin-a(s) Alkaloids Anabaena Nerve synapse Saxitoxins Alkaloids Aphanizomenon, Anabaena, Lyngbya Cylindrospermopsis Nerve axon Cytotoxins Cylindrospermosin Cyclic guanidine alkaloids Cylindrospermopsis, Aphanizomenon, Umezakia Rhapidiopsis Tissue damage include liver and kidney Irritant toxins Lyngbyatoxin Alkaloids Lyngbya Skin, GI tract Aplysiatoxin Alkaloids Lyngbya, Oscillatoria Schizothrix Skin Endotoxins LPS Microcystis, Oscillatoria Anabaena Potential irritant affect any exposed tissues Table 1: Updated from Codd et al. (1999) and Sivonen Jones (1999). This shows the summaries of general features of cyanotoxins. Occurrence of cyanobacterial toxins The cases of cyanotoxins affect humans and animals have been reported occurred throughout the world. This include part of Europe (such as Belgium, France, Germany, UK, etc), America (at least 27 states), Middle East and Asia (such as Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Thailand), Australasia (such as Australia, New Zealand), Africa (Botswana, Morocco) and also Marine Atlantic Ocean (Baltic Sea, Caribbean sea) and Antarctica (McMurdo Ice Shelf) (Codd et al., 2005). From the case reported, cyanatoxins affect animals, include wild and domestic mammals, birds, amphibians and fish, while human cases ranging from acute to chronic (Hitzfeld et al., 2000). The first case of cyanotoxins occurred in animals was the death of cattle, sheep, dogs, horses and pigs. This took placed in Lake Alexandrina, Australia in 1878. The death of these animals was due to drink the water that contains a scum of Nodularia spumigena (Francis, 1878) . After this case, numerous cases have been reported and most commonly involved death of farm animals after drinking the contaminated water with cyanobacterial bloom (Hitzfeld et al., 2000). For example, in 1991 the death of sheep has been recorded in Darling River, Australia. This death occurred after drinking from a farm dam contaminated with saxitoxins, released by Anabaena circinalis (Goodman et al., 1999). Besides, the cases of dog deaths after swimming in, or eating, cyanobacteria also occurred. In 1992, death of dogs at Loch Insh, Scotland happened after swimming was due to release of Anatoxin-a by Oscillatoria sp. into the water (Edwards et al., 1992). Among the earliest reported cases involving acute effect in humans was a series of town along the Ohio River, US in 1931. It start when the water of a side branch of the river develop a cyanobacteria bloom because of low rainfall. This water was then washed into the main river and caused a series of gastroenteritis once it moves downstream (Tisdale 1931). However, the toxins caused this outbreak is unknown and the organism that released this toxins was unspecified. Then, another case involving the same diseased, (gastroenteritis) was reported in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1966. This time Microcystis aeruginosa was the one that has been identified responsible in this case, but the toxins released was still not known (Hitzfeld et al., 2000). Children living in this area developed gastroenteritis each year as they use the water reservoir which contains a natural bloom of Microcystis (Zilberg 1966). The case of chronic effects in humans may be present due to short exposure to toxins (Goodman et al., 1999). The incidence in China, 1995 due to microcystins have lead to chronic of liver injury, hepatocellular carcinoma. This is primary cancer of the liver and most are secondary to hepatitis B infection. From the case analyzed, cyanobacteria are abundant in surface waters of south east China, where the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma is highest. Thus, it has been concluded that microcystins in the drinking water are responsible for the increased of liver cancer (Falconer 1998). Compare to all cyanotoxins, cyclic peptides (mostly microcystins) has high risk because of their potential to develop diseases in long term time, even when exposed to low concentration of cyanotoxins. This was confirmed after examined all the cases reported, where the major injury is hepatotoxicosis, cause liver damage. In contrast, neurotoxin mostly shows acute effect in mammals (Goddman et al., 1999). Routes of exposure There are many ways where humans and animals can be exposed to cyanotoxins. From the cases reported, animals usually infected by cyanotoxins orally via drinking contaminated water. For instance, the case reported of cattle deaths in Alpine Lakes, Switzerland (1974-1994). The cattle died because of liver damage after drinking the water which contains bloom of cyanobacteria (Hitzfeld et al., 2000). Besides, human can get infection of cyanotoxins during the recreational activity involving direct contact with water such as swimming, canoeing and paddling (Apeldoorn et al., 2007). In 1989, UK, some of army recruits showed symptoms of infected by cyanotoxins after swimming and canoes training in water with dense bloom of Mocrocystis. The signs of symptoms were vomiting, diarrhea, blistering of the lips, sore throat and central abdominal pain (Turner et al., 1990). The person that worked in the area of water such as boatmen and environmental scientists are also easily to get infection. Acco rding to Dittmann and Wiegand (2006), the consumption of blue green algae containing food and dietary supplements, such as pills or capsules, also can lead to gain the toxicity of cyanobacteria. According to Codd et al (1999), there are four routes of exposure where human can get infection of cyanotoxins (Table 2). The first one is via oral routes, taken by ingestion during recreational activity, drinking water, food and dietary supplements that contain dried cyanotoxins. The oral route has caused the outbreak of many diseased, such as gastroenteritis and hepatoenteritis after drinking water (Codd et al 1999). Infection by pulmonary route occurs either by inhalation of cyanobacteria bloom during recreational activity or work practices in industrial spray water (Codd et al., 1999). Next, dermal route is associated with skin or mucosal contact the contaminated water. This can lead to skin irritation and allergic reaction. Lastly, haemodialysis route can occurred via water used in haemodialysis treatment. Among the cases of this route, is the case of major fatal incident at haemodialysis clinic in Caruaru, Brazil. This case happened in 1996, where the patients with dialysis tre atment were treated with water from local reservoir. All patients experienced symptoms of nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and painful hepatomegaly. Then, these patients developed acute liver failure and acute neurotoxicity signs. From all the treated patients, 60 have been recorded as dead. Microcystins released by Aphanizomenon and Oscillatoria have been recognized as the toxins that responsible for this death (Codd et al., 1999). Exposure route Exposure medium Oral (ingestion) drinking water, recreational water, food (shellfish, finfish if toxin if toxin accumulation has occurred during production), dietary supplements (pills, capsules) if contains dried cyanobacterial cells with toxins. Pulmonary (inhalation, aspiration) water: aerosols, spray during recreation, work, showering Dermal water during recreation, work, showering (skin, mucosal contact) Haemodialysis water used for haemodialysis Table 2: Taken from Codd et al., 2005. This figure summaries the human exposure route and exposure medium for cyanotoxins. Diseases in Animals and Humans Hepatoenteritis Liver damage Hepatoenteritis is described as hepatitis-like illness, where associated with liver problem. This diseased can infect both human and animals. The outbreak of hepatoenteritis disease was reported in 1979 and occurred in Palm Island of the Queensland, Australia. Thus, this case also name as â€Å"Palm Island Mystery Disease† because the water drinking is supply from Palm Island reservoir (Ohtani et al., 1992). Investigation have shown that the reservoir contain the bloom of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii. This species released cylindrospermopsin and responsible for developed of severe hepatoenteritis among the 140 children and 10 adults. The common symptoms of this disease are malaise, anorexia, vomiting, painful liver enlargement, dehydration and bloody diarrhea. This toxin is very water soluble and infect into body by oral route via drinking water. According to Falconer and Humpage (2006), the mechanism of action for cylindrospermopsin is relatively slow. It work by inhibit pr otein synthesis at ribosome during the peptide chain elongation step. Besides, the toxins also released CYP450 oxidation that work to inhibit the glutathione synthesis. Both inhibitions caused major changes in liver, particularly hepatocytes. First, accumulation of ribosomes in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and followed by membrane proliferation. Next, the accumulation of lipid in the central portion of hepatic lobules and all this lead to severe liver necrosis (Duy et al., 2000). Kidney, lung, heart, spleen and thymus also might be affects. The toxins of microcystins are majorly involved in liver damage. Most of microcystins types are hydrophilic and thus, not able to penetrate vertebrate cell membrane. It only can uptake into cell membrane via transporter. Once the microcystins are uptake by mammals, it is transport into the blood from the ileum via bile acid type transporter, that present in hepatocytes (Apeldoorn et al 2007). As a result, the present of microcystins is higher in liver due to active uptake by hepatocytes. Once inside the hepatocytes, microcystins act as potent inhibitor of eukaryotic protein phosphatases 1 and 2A. These inhibitions cause changes in cytoskeletal proteins, and thus results in deformation of hepatocytes. The liver may undergo changes in term of a disruption of hepatocytes structure due to damage of cytoskeleton, loss of sinusoidal structure, increased in liver weight because of intrahepatic haemorrhage, heart failure and death. Gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, where involved stomach and intestine. This diseased can be cause by infection from cyanobacteria bloom of Microcystis sp and Anabaena sp. Acording to Hitzfeld et al (2000), the cases of gastroenteritis that have been recorded due to cyanobacteria bloom were occured in Ohio River, US (1931), Harare, Zimbabwe (1966) and Itaparica Dam, Brazil (1993). However, the toxins that responsible for this diseased still remain unknown because lack of available toxin analysis method and knowledge of candidate toxins at the time (Codd et al., 1999). Recently, there is case where LPS endotoxin is responsible for gastroenteritis incidents (Codd et al., 2005). Gastroenteritis is categorized under acute effect and mostly results in diarrhea. Besides, the symptoms shows are nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, headaches and abnormal pain. Respiratory problem Neurotoxins effects can lead to progressive paralysis and death because of respiratory failure. The case of livestock death in Europe and the US have been reported due to anatoxin-a, released from the genera of Oscillatoria, Aphanizomenon and Anabaena (Falconer, 1998). Anatoxin-a acts as a potent postsynaptic depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent, where it binds to neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of neuromuscular junction (Goodman et al., 1999) .This cause postsynaptic sodium channel of neuron is remain open and lead to continuous stimulation of sodium ion influx and continuously generates action potential. Consequently, the muscle contraction is over react and might be followed by fatigue and respiratory failure (Dittmann and Wiegand, 2006). This toxin can cause rapidly death depending on the species and amount of toxin ingested. The clinical sign of this infection are muscle fasciculation, decreased movement, abdominal breathing, cyanosis, and death by respiratory fa ilure. Saxitoxins are another type of neurotoxins that can infect both human and animals. As mention before, the case of Darling River in Australia (1990-1991) involved the deaths of sheep and cattle due to saxitoxins. Then, in human, saxitoxins have been the cause of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). Saxitoxins acts as a blocking agent of sodium channel in nerve axons. In mammals, this induces muscle paralyzed (respiratory muscle) and can follow by death due to respiratory failure (Apeldoorn et al., 2007). Skin irritation and allergic Lyngbya majuscula is one of the cyanobacteria that released aplysiatoxin and lyngbyatoxin. These toxins act as potent skin tumour promoters. Both toxins, especially aplysiatoxin, cause skin irritation after contact with bloom of Lyngbya majuscula. Swimmers of Hawaii and Okinawa got acute dermatitis (causing itch), erythematous wheals and desquamation after contact with Lyngbya majuscule (Codd et al., 1999). Besides, symptoms have included rashes, blisters, allergic reaction, asthma, conjunctivitis, and eye irritation. Conclusion The development of cyanobacterial bloom tends to be favored by nutrient enrichment (eutrophication). Therefore, enough nutrients will provide extremely growth of cyanobacteria bloom and thus, lead to high production of cyanotoxins once it is lyses. The most clearly study of toxins is microcystins due to widespread of its production among the cyanobacteria blooms. Besides, their existences that usually can be found in lakes, rivers and water supply reservoirs also lead to increased the chance to affect humans and animals health compare to the other toxins. As mention above, there are four routes where infection of cyanotoxins could occurs, which are by oral route, dermal route, pulmonary route and lastly via haemodialysis route. Once the toxins get inside humans and animals, they will start reacts and disturb the system inside the body according to its modes of actions. Therefore, it leads to outbreak of many diseased such as hepatoenteritis, gastroenteritis, respiratory problem and s kin irritation and allergic. However, till now there are some mechanism of toxins that still not understood, such as lyngbyatoxins (Goodman et al., 1999).Then, further work also need to be done in order to solve the cases of unknown toxic affect humans and animals that have been recorded. For example, the case of the outbreak of gastroenteritis diseased occurred in Ohio River, US (1931), Harare, Zimbabwe (1966) and Itaparica, Dam, Brazil (1993), where no actual toxins have been identified (Hitzfeld et al., 2000). 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