NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT - Essay Example ject is dependent on the markets expectations and changing preferences, to introduce a new idea, the company should look at time as a scarce resource. What the new product development manager can do is to look at the whole process and see what to cut down without compromising the quality of the product. For instance, if the new product entails smaller risk, the test marketing can be done on a smaller and shorter scale so as to cut down on time to deliver the product to the market without cutting down on the value that will be provided to the consumer. Also, the new product development manager can utilize simultaneous product development which utilized cross-functional planning. This will cut down on the time it takes to pass on from one process to another because all the involved functions will be part of the planning process. The new product development manager can significantly cut down on time it takes from idea generation to launching the product to the market. For new product development, financial budget is one of the crucial factors that can determine the success of a new project. As new projects in terms of overall research throughout the process can be costly, not enough budget is one of the challenges that a new product development manager can experience. It is very usual that the whole project has an initial budget as included by the company. However, since these are new projects that are supported by new technology, those budgets are usually the best estimates of those who are involved. Midway through the project, the new product development manager will learn that the costs are significantly different from the estimates, and that the budget that has initially been set, usually by the top management is insufficient. Due to certain management policies and corporate politics, revision and application for a new budget to be approved is usually a problem. Thus, a new product manager could be left with what was initially planned, and decide to pursue or

The Difference Between Morals and Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Difference Between Morals and Ethics - Essay Example It is a systematic evaluation and reasoning of how we ought to perform depending on various contexts. As Desnoyers defines, â€Å"ethics is the body of principles that decide what behaviors are right, good, and proper.† (Desnoyers). Such attitudes do not always state a single â€Å"moral† course of action, but facilitate measures to evaluate and decide among competing options. It is all about putting these principles into action. It is a matter of honesty to observe uniformity between what we say, we value, and what our deeds say we value. Ethics motivates a person to follow certain standards or codes of behavior desired by the society in which the individual is a part. Ethics in its wider sense can be national ethics, social ethics, company ethics, or professional ethics. On the other hand, morals promote a demanding set of duties that requires a person to overcome his natural desires, in way to follow his moral law. On comparing the differences between ethics and mora ls, we find that ethics is the guidelines, for choosing proper conduct, while morality is the parameters for behavior that exist at some point of time. The ethical principles undergo very little changes while on the other hand, morality endures more changes repeatedly. Morality can be depicted as a snapshot taken of an unstable object. However, since ethics has got more essential and established principles, it is bigger than morality in its function. An example of a criminal defense lawyer may be apt to understand the terms of moral and ethics in its practical sense. The lawyer’s personal moral code may consider the murder immoral and culpable. On the other hand, the ethics demands the lawyer to defend his client as strongly as possible, even when he is aware of the fact that the accused is guilty and freeing the defendant would eventually lead to more crimes. In such case, the legal ethics as well as his professional ethics must override personal morals in order to uphold th e justice system where the accused is given a fair chance. In the same way, ethics and morals may clash at the workplace where the company ethics supersede personal morality. Corporate insatiability that often crosses its own ethical lines fastened with perverse demands on time may force employee to select from a traumatic, challenging, and unbearable work ethics considering his/her family responsibilities as moral commitment to next of kin. Ethical decision making is carried out by the logical and systematical application of one’s ethical principles and does not take place by random likelihood. An individual often feels lost at sea when facing with a situation where he needs to apply ethical principles. In a critical decision making condition, an individual can apply ethical principles by choosing a course of action. George Desnoyers brings out a set of clear rules that can be applied in advance to enhance an individual to lead an ethical life. They are; I will think before I act; will clarify and constantly review my goals. I will try to consider the consequences of my actins and omissions. I will monitor and review the results of my actions. I will be honest in all my business dealing. (Source: Desnoyers, n.d). Moral certainty can be referred to as a concept of instinctive probability, where a high degree of probability occurs that is adequate for the action but not sufficient for absolute certainty.

North America Essay Example for Free

North America Essay Canada is located in the northern side of North America and it borders Arctic Ocean and North Pacific Ocean. According to the CIA World Fact Book, Canada had an estimated population growth of approximately 33,212,696 as at July 2008. The highest population in terms of age structure was between 16-64 years with males recording a higher margin by 246,716. The population growth rate was estimated to be 0. 83% while the birth rate and death rates were 10. 29/1000 population and 7. 61/1000 population respectively. The ethnic groups living in Canada include those from the British Isles who form about 28% of the total population. Those with a French origin constitute a tune of 23% of the total population, 15% is made of American Indians, 6% are Arabs while approximately 26% are from a mixture of races or ethnic backgrounds. (CIA, 2008). Canada’s capital city is Ottawa and the government is a constitutional monarchy. One of the most distinguishing features in Canada is its multicultural diversity as well as an immigration policy that is very friendly to immigrants especially those with skills that can allow them fit well in labor market. This paper will focus on Canada’s multicultural diversity, immigration policy and her economy. In analyzing an economy, one addresses issues or features like the level of consumer spending, the exchange rate, the GDP, the GDP per capita, the GNP, the national debt, interest rates, level of inflation as well as the balance of payment. Sectors of an economy for instance primary like in agriculture, secondary like the manufacturing industries or even tertiary or the service sectors are also assessed. Canada’s economy according to the CIA is a market economy whose industrial development has overtime replaced the rural agrarian economy. Trade plays a very significant role in as far as Canada’s economy is concerned. CIA estimates that it contributes 1/3 of the total GDP. Canada is endowed with natural resources especially oil and gas as well as electrical power which places it at a better edge in terms of potential economic advancement. 2007 estimates have it that the GDP in terms of the purchasing power parity was $1. 271 trillion but on using the official exchange rates the figure rose to $1. 432 trillion. The real GDP growth rate was estimated to be 2. 7% while the per capita income was at $38000 in the same year. The service industry was the sector that contributed the highest in as far as GDP was concerned. (CIA, 2008). Agriculture contributed the least at 2. 1%. Other important economic indicators like unemployment rate stood at 6% as at 2007. The US was the greatest export partner as at 2007 and it stood at 79. 3%. Canada’s exchange rate was at 1. 0724 in 2007 in terms of Canadian dollars per the US dollar. 2007 statistics also had it that Canada’s external debt was $758. 6 billion; the public debt was 64. 2% of the country’s GDP while the current account balance stood at $12. 67 billion. (CIA, 2008). Factors that trigger immigration include globalization of markets, technological advancement especially in the communication sectors, affordable transport, safer and stable environments in terms of political, social as well as economic conditions. Canada embraces the talents and expertise that the immigrants bring to her which stirs her economic growth and advancement. The improved standards of living can be attributed to immigration. (Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 2008). Immigrants also place Canada at a better edge socially as her intervention is sought when addressing issues related to the protection of the disadvantaged for instance the refugees. (Dolin B and Young M, 2004) History has it that the immigrant friendly policies were encouraged by the government officials with the aim of increasing the countries population and consequently standing a better position economic wise. (Westhues A, 2006). The reduced population growth could be blamed on the decline in women’s fertility rates as they joined the labor force. Another reason behind the immigration policies was that with the increased standards of living, the life expectancy rates had risen sharply and the aged, a dependent population was increasing. The aged increases or rather raise a country’s dependency ratio and they are not economically productive. Immigrants are encouraged to provide a skilled work force to boost the economic growth. Others were encouraged and allowed to live in Canada due to family reunions. Unlike the US which applies harsh policies on immigrants within its jurisdiction Canada embraces or rather welcomes immigrants and statistics have it that to a tune of 13. 4 immigrants have been welcomed in a span of a decade. In 2001, it was estimated that approximately 18. 4% of the total population were not born in Canada. (Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 2008). The immigrants only work to enrich culture in Canada. It is estimated that Canada attracts a tune of 200 000 immigrants annually from across the globe. All institutions in Canada for instance the legal institutions are expected to treat all the citizens equally. According to the Ministry of Public Works and Government services, Canada treats all her citizens equally. It embraces multiculturalism. This way her citizens are proud of their origin without fear or shame as no race or ethnic group is considered as being superior to the other. Canadians are encouraged to live in harmony with each other regardless their racial background or origin. This arrangement allows all Canadians to have an equal stand in as far as the running of social, political as well as economic issues is concerned. The Canadian multiculturalism history dates back to the year 1971 when the multiculturalism act was officiated. (Minister of Public Works and Government Services, 2007). Since then, Canada has witnessed the positive effects like reduced conflicts or violence, reduced discrimination while encouraging harmony and unity among her citizens. Since assimilation is not a problem for most immigrants, it enables them to easily fit in Canada while retaining or rather maintaining their identities. An all inclusive and accommodative approach would boost a country’s democracy and consequently pave way for development in all aspects. Diversity is embraced with the mentality that it will boost a better Canada both socially as well as economically. It is argued that diversity precipitates innovation, teamwork and creativity which are important factors to consider for growth to be realized. However Canada is still faced by some challenges that affect its economic growth and development. The issue of inequality is too significant to be ignored. The Aboriginal people continue to lag behind in as far as health, poverty, education, unemployment as well as suicide rates are concerned. (Minister of Public Works and Government Services, 2007). The immigration policy in Canada faces much criticism from those who argue that it leads to the increased taxes on the incumbent citizen’s side. Statistics have it that recent immigrants will generally register lower wages as opposed to other citizens. This precipitates the need to put them on welfare schemes. The impact of immigrants on the local citizen’s wages is significant and cannot be ignored. Critics propose a reform in the selection of immigrants who are to live in Canada so that the burden in form of taxes is done away with. In his article ‘Immigration and the Welfare State in Canada: Growing Conflicts, Constructive Solutions’ Herbert Grubel pointed out that in 2000 the government spent a tune of $1. 4 billion while the figure rose to approximately $18. 3 billion in 2003 in form of immigrants welfare. A reform can ensure that immigrants are given temporary visas until they access the jobs they are skilled in instead of first gaining citizenship before they can secure jobs. Impose high taxes on incumbent citizens would reduce their disposable incomes and consequently reducing their purchasing power. Most refuges who make Canada their home or shelter are without the skills to make them competent in the job market and thus the need for government intervention in form of welfare. (Grubel H, 2005). In her article’ The potential impacts of immigration on productivity in Canada’ Alice Nakamura noted that the new immigrants are a potential threat to the country’s productivity levels. These fears arose due to the fact that newer immigrants registered reduced wages probably as an indication that they were less attractive to their employees. This could be blamed on the quality of their work. (Nakamura A, 2003). Concerns raised here were that by lowering the productivity levels the standards of living were also likely to dwindle. This paper has by and large explained the economic characteristics of Canada and it suffices to say that she has been doing well like other developed countries. The high standards of living are a clear indication of a successful economy. However the issues of inequalities need to be addressed such that no race lags behind in terms of economic welfare as well as the accessibility of social amenities. It is clear that the multiculturalism in Canada ensures freedom in participation of various sectors like in politics. The immigration policy is also to the country’s advantage but it is vital that effective measures are carried out such that the incumbent citizens are not taxed heavily to finance immigrant’s welfare. References: Alice Nakamura. 2003. The potential impacts of immigration on productivity in Canada. Anne Westhues. 2006. Canadian Social Policy: Issues and Perspectives. Wilfrid Laurier University Press, Benjamin Dolin and Margaret Young. 2004. Canada’s immigration program. Retrieved on 23rd October 2008 from http://www. parl. gc. ca/information/library/PRBpubs/bp190-e. htm CIA. 2008. The world Fact Book. Canada. Retrieved on 23rd October 2008 from https://www. cia. gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ca. html Citizenship and Immigration Canada. 2008. Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration, 2005. Canadian Immigration: Building Canada’s Future. A Vision for Building Canada’s Future. Retrieved on 23rd October 2008 from http://www. cic. gc. ca/English/resources/publications/annual-report2005/section1. asp

Negative Impact Of The Bauxite Mining Industry Environmental Sciences Essay

Negative Impact Of The Bauxite Mining Industry Environmental Sciences Essay This study is an investigation into the negative impact of the bauxite mining industry on the community of Myersville, St. Elizabeth. The research will entail: What are the negative impacts that the mining industry has on the community of Myersville? What are the effects of the negative impacts that the community is faced with? How can the negative impacts be alleviated? LITERATURE REVIEW According to Effects of Pollution by Scott Foresman, pollution is defined as the addition of any substance or form of energy to the environment at a rate faster than the environment can accommodate it by dispersion, decomposition, recycling, or storage in some harmless form. The processing of alumina at ALPART generates dust thus emitting caustic soda and other waste products such as red mud trailing and gases. Mr. Williams, personnel from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) office in St. Elizabeth explained that certain tests have been conducted on crops in which they have ruled out diseases and insects and have pointed to the dust emanating from the bauxite mining plant located in Nain, St. Elizabeth, as the main cause of the problems affecting residents crops. Mc Farlene O.A (2000), a draft author on the internet, said the major environment problem caused by the industry is the disposal of the tailing, which forms an alkaline mud. These red mud lakes resulted in the percololation of caustic residues (sodium) into the underground aquifers in local areas. The environmental impact of Jamaicas bauxite mining symbolizes the majority of mining or heavy industrial operation. Bauxite mining, which is considered as surface mining, is land extensive, noisy and dusty. Mining pits are often interspersed within small rural communities, therefore requiring companies to relocate the people and or to monetarily compensate them. An increasing concern is the loss of habitat for Jamaicas unique plant and animal species; also bauxite mining severely affects the water retention capability of the soil. The Jamaica mining act of 1947 requires mines to remove top soil before mining, and restore it as part of the reclamation process. Two other environmental impact s of great concern is dust and caustic soda contamination. During a visit to ALPART port facility, economic officials observed a considerable amount of alumina spilled on the pier and a cloud of dust being carried downwind from loading equipment. It has been argued that the dust is chemically inert; however, it adversely affects the respiratory system, pollutes the residential cistern, and defaces property. The degradation of Jamaicas delicate coral reefs along its south coast is as a result of alumina spilling during ship loading. An article titled Tailing wash-out result in death in Jamaica (2005, September 7) stated that a remediate mine tailing area in Myersville, Jamaica became a water grave for five people on July 16,2005, when heavy rain from hurricane Emily washed their car off a road and over a precipice. According to Lance Neita, ALPARTs public relation manager, the bauxite mine which was dugged thirty years ago belongs to ALPART and had been restored, rehabilitated and certified. Jamaica National Work Agency (NWA) spokesman Stephen Shaw, said that erosion had taken place at the site and guard rails should have been installed. The author of the report concludes that the ALPART tradition has been to mute local protest rather than to eliminate the source of the environmental problem. There has been ongoing protest in Jamaica about the health and environment costs of the bauxite and alumina operation. The writer Rampersad Ramsawak ( 2005) states that industries pollute water in a variety of ways and that in the first instance chemical plants such as oil refining, ammonia and urea plants release waste such as sulphur oxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere. When it rains, the water becomes polluted with these chemicals thus forming acid rain. Acid rain contributes to fishes being killed in rivers and lakes; also the soil becomes acid and this stultifies the growth of plants and accelerates the corrosion of metalwork on buildings. Rampersad also said that noise pollution can be alleviated by the implementation of legislations which prohibits noise levels over 80 decibels in residential areas and also that persons should be educated on the effects of noise pollution. DATA COLLECTION Myersville is a developed community that has approximately two hundred (200) house holders. In order to collect accurate data for the survey, the researcher decided to use primary and secondary sources of data collection in the form of questionnaires, interviews, textbooks and newspaper articles. The issuing of questionnaires was one of the most suitable form of data collection because they require little time to be completed; responses are gathered in a standardized way; information can be collected from a large portion of a group; also respondents feel confident in disseminating information because confidentiality is guaranteed and last but not least questionnaires can be completed at the convenience of the respondents in a relatively quick way. In order to receive accurate information, it was calculated that approximately twenty (20) citizens inputs would be ideal. And these twenty (20) persons would account for 10% of the population of the two hundred (200) household members (10% of 200=20). These citizens were selected randomly by placing thirty (30) names in a box after which the box was energetically shaken and the twenty (20) names ascertained. Twenty three (23) questionnaires were prepared and handed out to residents, with three (3) being additional in case all were not completed. Upon the distribution of the questionnaires, residents were given a time frame of one (1) week in which to complete the questionnaires. However, at the end of the time frame given to residents, the researcher only needed twenty (20) out of the twenty three (23) that were issued. Alongside the questionnaires, interviews were conducted with some of the citizens who did not receive a questionnaire. The carrying out of interviews with the residents proved useful as the researcher was able to adapt the questions as necessary, clarify doubt, and ensure that the responses are properly understood by rephrasing and repeating the questions. The researcher could also pick up non verbal cues in detecting any form of discomfort, stress and problems that the respondent is experiencing. PRESENTATION OF DATA Figure 1: Column Bar chart showing that seventy five percent (75%) of the respondents live within 1 5 miles from the mining industry, ten percent (10%) live within 6 10, five percent (5%) live within 11- 15 and five percent (5%) live within16 miles and over. TYPES OF POLLUTION AFFECTING THE RESIDENTS Type of pollution Percentage of respondents Air pollution 15% Water Pollution 15% Land Pollution 10% Total 100% Noise Pollution 60% Table 1: Table showing that sixty percent (60%) of the respondents are affected by noise pollution, fifteen percent (15%) respectively is affected by air and water pollution and the remaining ten percent (10%) is affected by land pollution. Figure 2: Pyramid showing that sixty percent (60%) of the respondents are affected by pollution everyday, thirty-five percent (35%) is affected periodically and five percent (5%) is not affected any at all. Figure 3: The above pie chart depicts damages caused by pollution. Thirty five (35%) said it causes poor crop yield and infertile soil, thirty (30%) respectively said the water gets contaminated and animals are affected and five percent (5%) said it causes acid rain. Figure 4: Donut showing compensations received toward physical. Thirty five percent (35%) of the respondents say that the company refills the tank with clean water, twenty five (25%) said that the company replaces their roofing material twenty percent (20%) said that the company leases lands for farming, fifteen (15%) said that there is payment for property damage and five percent (5%) that there is no compensation. Table showing compensations received towards health Compensations Percentage of respondents Provide health cards 45% Ask citizens to bring medical bill to company 30% Relocate citizens 25% Deny responsibilities 0% Table 2 shows that the compensations received towards health are that the citizens are provided with health cards and a total of forty five percent (45%) said this, 30% said that the citizens are asked to bring the medical bill to the company; twenty five percent (25%) said that they relocate citizens and 0% said that they deny responsibilities. Figure 5: Pie chart showing that 100% of the respondents said that an anti-pollution method has been implemented. INTERPRETATION OF DATA This survey is to find out what are the negative impacts that the mining industry(ALPART) has on the citizens of Myersville, the effects of these negative impacts and how these negative impacts can be alleviated. Figure 1 illustrates that 15 out of 20 respondents live between 1 to 5 miles from the industry, two (2) live within 6-10 miles and 11 15 miles and one (1) live within 16 miles and over. Persons living within one to five (1 -5) miles may be as a result of the availability of resources such as fertile soil for farming. These persons who choose to live there because of the fertile soil for farming may be one that grows and sells food items for a living. Also, a persons job may have caused them to live within such a close proximity to the industry as it is easier for them to get to work from there as it more economical for them. Those who live within six to ten (6 10) miles may be because of inheritance and often times when lands are inherited persons do not bother to relocate, instead they live there and try to make themselves and their family members happy. The person living within eleven to fifteen (11 15) miles and sixteen (16) miles and over may be because they had no choice; tha t person not having any choice could be because they were in search of a plot of land on which to settle and build their house and this plot of land that they came upon was of a reasonable price so the person just went ahead and bought it. Not having any choice could also be that that person was brought up in that community and when they came of age in which they could move out, they did not have the necessary resources such as money to move out and get on with their life. The types of pollution were depicted by figure 2. Noise pollution, having the most percentage, a total of sixty percent (60%) results from the heavy duty machines when they are extracting bauxite from the earth. Very loud noises accompany these machines when they are in use and noise can be very disturbing whether you are near or far away from it. Noise most times poses as a hindrance in one getting enough rest; hence, this results in frustration. Fifteen percent (15%) of the respondents are affected by air pollution, this may be so because of the dust that is uprooted during the processing of the bauxite; dust would be one of the main causes of air pollution. Water pollution is affected by fifteen percent (15%) of the respondents. This can be as a result of the chemical and dust that is in the air. In addition, it also results from oil spillage from ships that are docking in the harbor. Only ten percent (10%) stated that they are affected by land pollution. Land pollution is caused by debris that is washed on to the land and by negligent people who dispose of their garbage inappropriately. Also, in open cast mining, huge holes are dug in the ground and these form dangerously deep mining pools. A lot of mining waste is left behind and these waste often contain several poisonous substances that seep into underground water. Sixty percent (60%) of the respondents said that they are affected every day. This is so because of the close proximity that they live to the mining industry. This would be within the distance range of one to five (1 5) miles. Thirty-five percent (35%) stated that they are affected periodically; this means that they are affected occasionally. In addition, these residents who are affected may be live within the range of six to fifteen (6- 15) miles. And this distance is much further away from the industry so the residents would not be affected as often as those who live at a closer proximity to the industry. Five (5%) percent is not affected any at all. These residents who are not affected would be those who are living sixteen (16) miles and over. Thirty five percent (35%) from figure 4 suggested that poor crop yield was one of the major damages caused by pollution; this would be due to the fact that there is a removal of the topsoil during the extraction of bauxite. The topsoil contains all the essential nutrients needed for plant growth. Also, acid rain washes away nutrients from the topsoil, thus making it infertile. Residents say that animals are affected and there is a contamination of water. These responses account for thirty percent (30%) of the respondents respectively. Water becomes contaminated by the excessive dust and other impurities that are in the atmosphere and when consumed can cause great harm to the body. The contamination of water, removal of trees and pastures contributes to the loss of biodiversity. Acid rain being five percent (5%) affects residents infrastructure by corroding metals, burning up plants, affecting animals and contaminating drinking water. There was some compensation that the Myersville community members receive towards physical damages. Among these compensations, the refilling of water tanks with clean water was the highest, having a total of thirty five percent (35%). This is so because the water is contaminated by acid rain and other impurities that are in the air and knowing that water is one of the basic necessities for survival, the industry therefore ensures that the residents have clean water for consumption. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the residents says that the industry replaces roofing materials. Here it can be seen that the industry takes responsibility for damages done to residents roofing materials. These damages done to roof is said to have been caused by acid rain. Another compensation that the industry offers is paying for property damage, as was said by fifteen (15%) of the respondents. Property damages could also have been caused by acid rain, as it causes the paint on buildings to strip. Five perc ent (5%) said that no compensation was given; this could be as a result of them not having any evidence to prove to the industry that the industry affects them in some way. These persons could also have been those who live at a far distance away from the industry. Not only is compensation given towards physical damages but also it is given towards residents health. A number of health problems that residents face are asthma attacks, lung cancer, allergies, difficulty breathing. Furthermore, a resident that was interviewed gave the response that the administration of the industry causes sinus irritation and bronchitis. As a result of these ailments, forty five percent (45%) of the respondents said that they are given health cards as a means of reducing the cost of medications. Thirty percent (30%) of the respondents said that they are asked to bring their medical prescription to the company. This serves as a means of proving that the industry does have a negative impact on residents health. Another compensation offered towards residents health is that the company relocates them. This would be for residents who are vulnerable to the negative impacts that the administration of the industry poses on their health (mainly the elderly). Residents neve r gave a response to the industry denying their responsibilities. This goes to show that the company is aware of different health issues that persons experience overtime due to the production process that is undertaken by the industry. One hundred percent (100%) of the respondents including those from the interview said that there has been an implementation of an anti-pollution method. One of the interviewee said that this may take the form of the industry reducing working hours, oiling and wetting the roads to reduce excess dust; also the company relocates residents that are at risk of being affected by the running of the company. FINDINGS After receiving the responses from the questionnaire and interview, it can be seen that pollution is a major problem although the industry is trying to alleviate it. Myersville is affected by pollution resulting from the Alpart mining industry. The researcher found out that there are three (3) major types of pollution affecting the residents, namely: noise, air, and water with noise being the most unbearable one as stated by sixty percent (60%) of the residents in table 1. It was also found out that residents that live relatively close to the industry are affected every day. Discovery was made that damages caused by the pollution are as follows: infertile soil, contaminated water and animals are affected with infertile soil being the highest, a total of 35%. This is evident in figure 3. Compensations are given towards physical damages in the form of replacing of roofing materials, refilling of water tanks with clean water, and leasing lands for farming. However, refilling tanks with clean water accounts for the highest percentage (35%) and this can be seen in figure 4. Not only there are compensations given towards physical damages but also towards health. These compensations include provision of health cards and asking the residents to bring medical bills to the company. But out of the two, the provision of the health cards is the highest with a percentage of (45%) as can be seen in table 2. Upon the completion of the project, the researcher found out that there has been an implementation of an anti-pollution method. The smoke and dust that is emitted from the industry during the production process causing air and water pollution. The noise and the poor disposal of solid waste have also caused land and noise pollution, these pollution have caused infrastructural, agricultural, environmental and health problems to citizens on a regular basis. Before the company takes responsibility for the effects that the company has on residents, they investigate to get proof that the damage was really caused by the industry. RECOMMENDATONS During the investigation, the researcher found out that the industry is trying to alleviate the problem; however, the researcher would recommend the following measures; Before the commencing of work on a daily basis the road should be wet or oiled so as to reduce excess dust; this should also be done on days when there is no work in progress. The company should practice afforestation and reafforestation; this will help to reduce noise pollution and soil erosion. The company could provide residents with reservoirs that is free from pollutants and is properly covered; the aim behind this is to ensure that resident always have a clean supply for consumption. Residents could be provided with ear protectors and dust masks so as to dampen the level of noise and lessen the harmful effect it poses on ones hearing ability and to lessen their intake of dust. Also, the industry could contribute to the development of the community in education by establishing an early childhood institution and also community centers; also they can assist school children with financial assistance. The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is responsible for the implementation of programmes to ensure that air pollution is controlled. Therefore, what they could do is to monitor Alparts operation in order to ensure that excess dust is not being emitted from the industry that poses as a threat to ones health.

RFID Tags and Invasion of Personal Privacy Essay -- Exploratory Essays

RFID Tags and Invasion of Personal Privacy Historically, the advent of innovative, influential technology has reformed our lives in post-industrial America, creating new amenities on hand, along with altering conventional laws governing this facet of modern living.   The revolutionary and global capability of telecommunications has shaped new means for dealing with information, and changed the role of a private citizen among this new technology.   Traditionally in America, private citizens have been separate from government or public involvement in personal matters such as identity, and unique characteristics defining that identity.   Lately, radio frequency identification (RFIDs) is an upcoming method for tracking objects or even people, representing a very useful yet personally invasive technology.   Considering this recent invention, RFIDs have the potential to be a major progression in information processing, and benefit life in public as a citizen.   Conversely, RFIDs confront the basic American right to privac y, and ones personal uniqueness.   Regardless of RFID benefits, legislation and citizen awareness will need to advance along with this technology in turn to protect themselves from invasion of their personal right to privacy. RFID tags essentially provide a way for a third party, such as a government agency or corporations, to track an object over enormous distances in order to convey the location of, or information about that object.   As a part of the new electronic product code (EPC), invented by the Auto I.D. Center at MIT, RFID tags were implemented to identify individual objects in a market setting, providing more efficient distribution and manufacturing logistics (Albright A8).   Common applications of these tags... ...tions resulting from application of RFID tags involves the widespread monitoring of objects, and in some cases an individual's identity, with or without their knowledge.   Legislation and civil rights interest groups reinforce public knowledge of RFID technology, whether in the market or a medical setting.   The public needs to be conscious of technology, to be able to defend themselves against inherent threats to their personal rights. Works Cited * Albright, Brian. "The need to know. " Frontline Solutions  1 Sep. 2003: A8-A10. * Anonymous. "RFID raises questions in SF, other libraries.  "  Newsletter On Intellectual Freedom  1  May2004: 91-92.   * Dipert, Brian. "READING BETWEEN THE LINES: RFIDs confront the venerable bar code.  "  Edn  14  Oct.  2004:   48-50,52,54,56,58. * Holland, Tom. "Shopping-Cart Spy Chips.  "  Far Eastern Economic Review 9  Sep.  2004:  36-39.

The Lively Earth: Important Features Make the Earth Unique

EASC 2112 Earth System The lively Earth: important features make the Earth unique Name: Leung Ho Nam, Banson UID: 2011712579 Introduction: The Earth is one of the eight planets in the solar system. The planet Earth is emphasized as â€Å"the rare Earth† in numerous literatures because of its unique physical conditions and the complicated interactions among all biotic and abiotic systems. Isotope dating indicates the earth was formed approximately from 4. 53 to 4. 568 Ga, according to isotope used (Allegre et. al. , 1995).Despite the precise formation time of the Earth, there is no exact planet formation model that is generally accepted except the minimum mass solar nebula model, MMSN (Canup, 2008). The MMSN model suggested the planetary accretion of the Earth and other terrestrial planets begins with a disc of hydrogen abundant gas and dust, circulating around the sun. Following by a series of collision, small particles combine and collapse repeatedly. The runaway growth slows down until reaching a certain mass (Canup, 2008). The formation process is crucial to the evolution of the Earth because it determines the source of materials which the Earth contains.The formation of the Earth, indeed, is not specific enough to comprise â€Å"the rare Earth† because all solar planets were grown within a circumsolar disc of gas and dust suggested by Canuo (2008). When we look at the solar system from the outer space, the Earth is probably the only shiny blue planet because of water surface reflection. 70 percent of the Earth surface is covered by the ocean. There is approximately 1. 4 billion km2 of liquid water by mass on Earth (Oak & Kanae, 2006). The existence of permanent liquid water responsible to create a mild temperature and a stable environment.Liquid water is an important element implicates the emergence and evolution of life on Earth after a few million years from the latest collision (Baross & Hoffman, 1985). The distinct blue colour of t he ocean and the green colour of the terrestrial land is obvious on the Earth surface. Nevertheless, it is hardly to observe the entire view of the surface because of the scattering effect (Adams, 1934) and screening effect of the cohesive cloud in the atmosphere. Differences between the earth’s atmosphere and other planetary atmosphere including the presence of oxygen and relatively low carbon dioxide concentration.The atmosphere is extremely important to the biosphere. Without atmosphere, organisms nowadays would probably remain in the simple form or single celled. Furthermore, the ozone layer in the atmosphere absorbs and reflects part of the solar radiation incoming from the sun. This reduction of solar radiation lowers down the atmospheric temperature dramatically which allows organisms to survive. The Earth would not be so unique among the solar system when missing either one of the systems. The Gaia hypothesis links this concept and indicates the Earth is a giant self- regulating system.The interactions of the organisms with their abiotic environments modified the condition of the Earth such as oxygen content and atmospheric temperature, making the Earth more habitable terrestrial planet (Lovelock, 1973). Evolution of the Earth: Allegre and the research team (1995) suggested that the Earth was formed 4. 53 to about 4. 7 Ga. The age range of the earth was estimated by means of a series of isotope dating so the results are relatively valid. The Earth queues the third planet from the sun and its average radius is 6371 km (Lide, 2000).Because of specific distance from the sun and the size, the Earth prevents some of the very light elements, such as hydrogen, from escaping, by gravitational force (Adams, 1934). Moreover, the Earth has a gravitational force of 10 g (Yoder, 1995). Gravitational force is an inconspicuous pull generated from the Earth core. The Earth self-spins once it is formed. The rotation period of the earth is 23 hours and 56 minutes (Gold, 1967). This spinning effect creates centrifugal force which differentiate substances by mass. Heavy metal tends to migrate toward the Earth core and leaving the light materials outside.When time passes, the surface of the earth cools and the first land formed. Although land also appears in other planets such as Mars, the crust of the Earth is different. Interestingly, unlike Mars, the Earth surface is not covered by a concrete sphere but a few tectonic plates. Since the Mars is much smaller than the Earth so the cooling effect of Mars is much faster than the Earth. By now, the crust of the Mars has not been renewed for a certain long period. The plate tectonic moves with three strategies, convergency, divergency and transformation. The movement of the plates driven by the underneath semisolid magma (Courteny, 2008).Surface morphology is determined by the way which the tectonic plates move and density of the plates. Tectonic activities, earthquake, mountain-building, volcanic eruption and subduction zone, are restricted along plate boundaries (Courtery, 2008). Volcanic activities and oceanic subduction are extremely important processes to deliver materials from the inner core and renew surface materials respectively. These recycling processes keep providing accessible resources for the living organisms. Atmosphere and ocean formation was also suggested to be related to volcanic activities (Morbidelli, 2000).Aforementioned that self-spinning of the Earth differentiate substances on Earth. Iron, as a metal that can be magnetized, and with accordingly high atomic mass, moves inward and forms the core. After 60 million years after the late Heavy Bombardment, the magnetic field was established (Staff, 2010). Studies from Karato (1993) implies the magnetic field may relate to the magnetizing properties of iron. No matter how the Earth’s magnetic field was formed, it â€Å"prevents the atmosphere being stripped away by the solar wind† (Staff, 2010 ). Atmosphere: The atmosphere is the outermost, thin layer enclosing the Earth.The composition of the atmosphere for example, oxygen, is imperative to the evolution of the Earth. The atmosphere of the Earth is comparable to the nearby terrestrial planet such as Mars and Venus. Given that the average distance and the size of Venus from the sun is 3/4 and 4/5 of the Earth, Venus has an atmosphere (Adams, 1934). Spectroscopic studies indicate that the atmosphere of Venus does not show any markings representing the presence of oxygen and water vapour, even if these elements, once, had been appearing on Venus, they were consumed by the crust.Another result in the same spectroscopic concluded that the Venus atmosphere contains a high concentration of carbon dioxide, triggering a sever greenhouse effect (Adams, 1934). In addition to Venus, the Mars with only one tenth by the mass of the Earth also has an atmosphere. Spectrograms studies raised significant markings on ? 8300 and ? 8700 reco gnizes the appearance of water and carbon dioxide respectively on the Mars atmosphere(Kaplan et. al. , 1964). The presence of water on Mars is obvious with the ice cap present in the polar region of Mars (Adams, 1934).Not surprisingly, oxygen absents in Mars atmosphere and was proofed by the light frequency relative to carbon dioxide was not absorbed by the Mars atmosphere (Kaplan et. al.. 1964). From the example of Venus and Mars, it clearly shows that containing such a high concentration of oxygen, 21%, with extraordinary low carbon dioxide concentration, 0. 03%, as the Earth’s atmosphere is uncommon in the solar system. The composition of the Earth atmosphere provides with evidences that it has been modified by some other factors. This modification, as we know, was conducted by plants.Plants inhale carbon dioxide and exhale free oxygen as a by-product through the process of photosynthesis, inorganic substances were also converted into organic substances during the process (Berkner & Marshall, 1965). Free oxygen facilitates the evolution of organisms because high oxygen concentration triggers aerobic respiration, without oxygen, organisms nowadays would probably remain simple (Fenchel & Finlay, 1994). Differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration not only limit on the requirement of oxygen, the oxidizing power and good electron accepting properties of oxygen boosts energy metabolism (Babcock, 1999).Babcock (1999) also stated that aerobic respiration releases much more ATPs than anaerobic respiration, ATP can be treated as the energy storage unit in organisms. In other words, organisms undergo aerobic respiration can perform more vigorous activities or prolong the duration of the activities. Furthermore, the ozone layer derived from the excess free oxygen incubated a habitable environment for living organisms. The ozone layer with related to energy budget and the effect on human was well examined in Norway (Adams, 1934; Henriksen, 1990) .The ozone layer prevents living organisms burnt to death by screening out part of the UV-radiation reaching to the Earth surface. Hydrosphere: By the time when Earth was just formed, water from asteroids,  proto-planets, and  comets was locked in the core. Volcanic extrusion and outgassing brings magma along with dissolved gas and water vapour to the surface respectively. Extruded gas and water vapour suspended in the atmosphere therefore atmospheric pressure continuously increases. Water condenses when the atmospheric vapour pressure is saturated.Water droplets fall onto the ground and ocean formed (Morbidelli, 2000). Liquid water is an advance heat reservior because of having an extremely high specific heat capacity, 4200J/kg/?. This significantly high specific heat capacity, in other words, a large sum of energy can only result in a small extent of changes in temperature of water. The high energy absorption ability combined with the ocean current makes the ocean a good vecto r for transporting absorbed solar energy and regulating global climate (Michon, 2006). Apart from an excellent thermal reservoir, liquid water is also a good solvent.Gases in the atmosphere and minerals from the hydorthermal vents can easily dissolve into the water. Dissolved gas and minerals has planted a seed to the extensive evolution of life throughout the geological time (Morris, 2007). Biosphere: As we discussed the geosphere, atmosphere and the hydrosphere above, these systems have one thing in common. All the systems are linked with the biosphere. Although other planets in the solar system exhibit either physical feature, mostly not more than two, with Earth. The true uniqueness of the Earth raised from the presents of life which cannot be found on other planets recently.The origin of life is still a hot arguing topic among groups of scientists. However, the hydothermal vent is the most commonly and recently acceptable concepts of the origin of life (Baross & Hoffman, 19 85). The origin of life via submarine hydrothermal vent hypothesis has not been disproved yet since it was published because there are no other environment on Earth can provide a thermo-stable habitat with abundant minerals supply, for example, nitrogen and sulphur, for life establishment (Baross & Hoffman, 1985). Photosynthesis is considered as a key issue of the origin of life (Hartman, 1996).Bacteria record found in western Australia, dated as 3. 5 billion years ago, stated that cyanobacteria may be the first autotrophic organism and responsible for the later atmospheric modification (Awranik, 1992). This key process opens the window of free oxygen, hence considerably boosted the evolution of organisms. The GAIA Hypothesis: Every system discussed above has its own features and contributions within the system boundaries. There is no doubt that every literatures when emphasizing the planet Earth, it can hardly find any paper just put the focus on a single system.The same situat ion can also be observed in this article. For example, in the discussion part of the origin and development of the atmosphere, the tectonic activities and outgassing processes were mentioned. Moreover, a similar case was obtained when investigating biosphere. Although the whole part is bias towards living organisms, the effect of atmosphere to the biosphere can hardly be eliminated. The above situation is not due to the habit of the authors or the regulations of the publishers but it is the real case of the Earth.All systems on the Earth, including geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere or even self-defined systems, are interdependent. These systems interact with each other to create a more habitable planey. This complex interaction has long been observed by James Lovelock (1973) and explained in the GAIA Hypothesis. GAIA hypothesis suggested early life form achieve some sort of ability to control the global climate and the effect is still active. Lovelock (1972) stated that once the life exist on Earth, the physical environment and the chemical states had resulted a dramatic change.For example, the solar radiation level had increased dramatically since life exists. The Earth surface temperature, nevertheless, has only changed for a few degrees, throughout billion of years, compared to the current temperature. More interestingly, the rate and the extent of temperature change during the past billion years is so slow and mild respectively that the environment always permit the persistence of living organisms or provide long enough time for organisms to adapt. Without life, the atmosphere of the Earth will be similar to that of Mars and Venus.The above example, therefore, proved that the atmosphere we are now breathing is â€Å"biological contrivance† (Lovelock, 1972). The terms â€Å"Spaceship Earth† (Lovelock, 1972) was used to represent the planet where we are living. When astronauts were sent into the space, all the requirements for survi val can only obtain from the storage in the spaceship. If either system in the spaceship fails, astronauts will probably die. Conclusion: Doubtlessly, the Earth has many physical environments that absent in other planets. For example, liquid water and living organisms.However, what really makes the Earth rare is the interaction between different functional systems with unknown complexity. These interactions connected to the terminology of the â€Å"Spaceship Earth† meaning the Earth has the ability to self-regulate to adjust its own environmental condition that result in a harmonious giant system. Reference: Awramik, S. M. (1992). The oldest records of photosynthesis. PhotosynthesisResearch 33 (2): 75-89 Claude J. Allegre,  Gerard Manhes,  Christa Gopel, (1995). The age of the Earth. David R. Lide. (2000). Various. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics  . 1 Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 59 (8):1445–1456 Gerald T Babcock. (1999). How oxygen is activated and reduced in respiration. PNAS. 96(23):12971-12973 Henriksen, Thormod, Dahlback, Arne, Larsen, Soren H. H. Moan, Johan. (1990). ULTRAVIOLET-RADIATION and SKIN CANCER. EFFECT OF AN OZONE LAYERDEPLETION. Photochemistry and Photobiology. 51 (5):579-582 Hyman Hartman. (1996). Photosynthesis and the origin of life. Origins of life andevolution of the biosphere. 28:515-521 James E. Lovelock, (1972). Chapter 25: GAIA as seen through the atmosphere.Atmospheric environment. 6 (8):579-580 James E. Lovelock, (1973). Atmospheric homeostasis by and for the biosphere: thegaia hypothesis. Tellus. 26 (1-2):2-10 John A. Baross & Sarah E. Hoffman. (1985). Submarine hydrothermal vents andassociated gradient environments as sites for the origin and evolution of life. Origin of life and evolution of the biosphere. 15 (4):327-345 L. V. Berkner & L. C. Marshall. (1965). On the origin and rise of oxygen concentrationin the earth’s atmosphere. Journal of the atmospheric science. 22(3):225-261 Lewis D. Kaplan, Guido Munch, Hyron Spinrad (1964). An analysis of the spectrum ofMars. The astrophysical journal. 139 (1): 1-15 Morbidelli, A. et al. (2000). Source regions and time scales for the delivery of waterto Earth. Meteoritics & Planetary Science  35  (6): 1309–1320 Morris, Ron M. (2007). Oceanic Processes. NASA Astrobiology Magazine. P. D. Moore. (1983). Plants and the palaeoatmosphere. Journal of the GeologicalSociety of London, 140(1):13-25 Robin M. Canup, (2008). Accretion of the Earth. Philosophical Transactions:Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences. 66:4061-4075 Scott, Michon (2007). Earth's Big heat Bucket. NASA Earth Observatory Seligman, Courtney (2008). The Structure of the Terrestrial Planets. OnlineAstronomy eText Table of Contents. URL: cseligman. com. Accessed: 6thNovermber,2012 Shun-ichiro Karato. (1993). Inner Core Anisotropy Due to the MagneticField—induced Preferred Orientation of Iron. Science,  262 (5140):1708-1711. Staff. (2010 ). Oldest measurement of Earth's magnetic field reveals battle betweenSun and Earth for our atmosphere. Physorgnt. news. T. Gold. (1967).Radio Method for the Precise Measurement of the Rotation Period ofthe Earth. Science. 21 (3786):302-304 Taikan Oki & Shinjiro Kanae, (2006). Global Hydrological Cycles and World WaterResources. Science 313 (1068. ) Tom Fenchel & Bland J. Finlay. (1994). The evolution of life without oxygen. Americanscientist. 82 (1):22-29 Walter S. Adams, (1934). The Planets and Their Atmospheres. The Scientific Monthly. 39 (1):5-19 Yoder, Charles F. (1995). Global Earth Physic. A Handbook of Physical Constants. Washington: American Geophysical Union. p. 12

Are human naturally violent? Essay

We are surrounded by violence. Kids take it in with their first mouthful of cereals. They will see eighteen thousand (18,000) violent deaths on television by the time they graduate from high school. They will watch physical brutality in prime-time sports and learn that â€Å"bullets and bombs† make gridiron heroes. They will hear our respected political leaders tell us why we need to start a new war. They will be spanked by their parents and learn that violence and love go hand-in-hand. If it is not biologically innate, then violence must be something people teach (Kaufman, 2002). Violence is basically an act of aggression. There are many definitions of violence, one of which is that violence is the use of strength – overt or hidden – with the objective of obtaining from an individual or a group something they do not want to consent to freely (Bandura, 1961). Further, it must be noted that there are different kinds of violence. One must distinguish between direct and indirect or structural violence: Direct violence equates to physical violence while indirect or structural violence involves poverty, exploitation, social injustice, no democracy, and the like. In a situation of violence, the parties involved in the conflict see their economic and social rights being violated as well as their civil and political rights. The short-term and long-term consequences of a violent conflict in terms of human rights violations are devastating and leave deep scars in societies. (Baumesiter, et al. 2004). Many of ideas about society and how it should be organized are based on the idea that men are born with aggressive instincts; human nature is violent and that war is inevitable. Much of our political, social, religious and scientific thinking starts with the premise that human beings are born-killers. So much a part of our consciousness has this idea that we rarely question it. In essence it has become a truth—conventional wisdom that carries with it no requirement to examine the facts with a critical eye (Baumesiter, et al. 2004). The opposing side of the debate asserts that aggressive tendencies are innate. Freud (e. g. , 1930) is one of the most famous proponents of this view, and he contended that the aggressive drive or â€Å"Todestrieb† is one of the two main foundations of all human motivation. In his view, the drive to aggress is deeply rooted in the psyche and hence independent of circumstances. As a result, people have an innate and recurring need to inflict harm or damage, and this desire needs to be satisfied periodically, one way or another. He regarded self-control (as embodied in his concept of superego) as a form of aggression, insofar as one deprives oneself of other satisfactions by restraining oneself. To Freud, this was an effective but costly way to satisfy the aggressive drive, which otherwise would manifest itself by harming or killing others or smashing property. There are several problems with Freud’s theory of innate aggression. First, of course, it does not disconfirm the importance of learning just as the findings about learned aggression do not disconfirm the hypothesis of innate tendencies. Second, there is no evidence that aggression is a need, in the sense that people who fail to act aggressively will routinely suffer impairments of health or well-being. In that sense, it is possible to accept the view of aggression as having some innate basis without agreeing that the need to aggress arises independently of circumstances. Many people are convinced that human beings are naturally violent and that consequently we cannot avoid wars, conflicts and general violence in our lives and our societies. Other specialists in this field claim that we can avoid thinking, feeling and acting violently. The Seville Statement on Violence elaborated in 1986 by a group of scholars and scientists from many countries, North and South, East and West, confirms this by stating that: â€Å"scientifically incorrect when people say that war cannot be ended because it is part of human nature. Arguments about human nature cannot prove anything because our human culture gives us the ability to shape and change our nature from one generation to another. It is true that the genes that are transmitted in egg and sperm from parents to children influence the way we act. But it is also true that we are influenced by the culture in which we grow up and that we can take responsibility for our own actions. † It further includes another proposition stating that â€Å"It is scientifically incorrect when people say that war is caused by ‘instinct’. Most scientists do not use the term ‘instinct’ anymore because none of our behavior is so determined that it cannot be changed by learning. Of course, we have emotions and motivations like fear, anger, sex, and hunger, but we are each responsible for the way we express them. In modern war, the decisions and actions of generals and soldiers are not usually emotional. Instead, they are doing their jobs the way they have been trained. When soldiers are trained for war and when people are trained to support a war, they are taught to hate and fear an enemy (UNESCO, 1986). † Hence, â€Å"it is scientifically incorrect to say that we have inherited a tendency to make war from our animal ancestors. Warfare is a solely human phenomenon and does not occur in other animals†¦. ;† second, â€Å"there are cultures that have not engaged in war for centuries and there are cultures which have engaged in war frequently at some times and not at others†¦. ;† third, â€Å"it is scientifically incorrect to say that war or any other violent behavior is genetically programmed into our human nature†¦. ;† and lastly, that â€Å" it is scientifically incorrect to say that humans have a â€Å"violent brain†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ how we act is shaped by how we have been conditioned and socialized†¦ (UNESCO, 1986). † Humans are condemned to violence not because of our biology or human nature. For if humans are naturally violent, we would expect to find the most extreme and frequent expressions of violence in the cultures that are least socialized, most â€Å"primitive†. As a matter of fact, the opposite is true — those cultures that are most â€Å"civilized† and have the most complex social systems are the most violent. Further, while it is true that natural processes include death as well as life, it is very rare that one can find a case of what we could call real violence in any species other than human excluding involuntary biological reactions such as the need to eat, and cases of mothers protecting their young from harm, and you will find little remains other than occasional alpha male fights in wolves and primates. Therefore if humans are violent, it has less to do with nature than with nurture. There is really no evidence that people have an innate need to be aggressive periodically, in the sense that the need is independent of context (Baumeister and Bushman, 2004). If, as Freud proposed, the aggressive instinct comes from within and demands to be satisfied in one way or another, then failing to satisfy this need should be harmful, in the way that failing to eat or breathe or form social bonds is harmful to the person. But there is no sign that people who fail to perform violent acts suffer adverse consequences. Aggression is not a need, contrary to Freud, because a person could live a happy, healthy life without ever performing violent acts – provided, perhaps, that the person always got what he or she wanted. Aggression may likewise not even be a want. But it may be a response tendency. When one’s desire are thwarted, and other people stand in the way of one’s goal satisfactions, aggressive impulses arise as one way of trying to remove the thwarting and get what you want. ( Baumesiter & Bushman 2004) There are many strategies for influencing people, and these vary widely in how acceptable and how effective they are. Aggression is one strategy that does sometimes succeed (e. g. , Tedeschi & Felson, 1994). Violent activity, or even the credible threat of violence, is one way to get other people to do what you want. Ultimately, people can use aggression to further their innate goals of survival and reproduction, along with a host of other goals such as maintaining a sense of superiority over others, getting money, and intimidating others who might interfere with your desires. (Giberson). Aggression may be a last or near-last resort for most. Culture allows people many pathways to get what they want from other people. In today’s United States, the most favored way of getting what you want from other people is to pay them money. Cooperation, reciprocation, persuasion, even simple charm are often effective, and the culture approves of them much more than it approves of aggression. Still, when those fail and the person is faced with the prospect of not being able to satisfy his or her desires, aggression may present itself as a way of influencing others and obtaining satisfaction. Aggression thus helps the organism satisfy its biological needs, by way of operating on others. (Giberson). Humans are not â€Å"hard-wired† like insects or hawks, where a given stimulus results in a fixed response. Unlike most animals, we have a large cerebral cortex that allows for reasoning, consideration, creativity and culture. The instinct-controlling part of our brain is relatively insignificant in comparison to the cortex, and can be superseded by will and thought. It is this â€Å"flexible response† capability that enabled humans to survive and rise above the rest of the animal kingdom. Many anthropologists feel it was our ability to cooperate, not our ability to fight or compete, that was our evolutionary survival trait. Because of our ability to reflect and consciously choose the values we instill in our children, as a species we can be whatever we want to be. It can almost be said that there is no such thing as human nature, that almost all our traits and tendencies are culturally defined. This is not as obvious as it should be, because most of us are only exposed to one culture—a culture where everyone pretty much thinks and acts the same—and it is easy to get the impression that the way we are is the only way we can be. It is not instinct that drives us to commit atrocities, but our culture. Culture is a human creation. Our culture was molded by men who crave power and the domination of others. ( Tedeschi, & Felson 1994). In conclusion, most humans are conditioned to react aggressively and violently by our environments. We learn to think, feel and act aggressively and in some cases violently. Wherever we live, we are submitted to a social and cultural pressure that conditions us to read about violence, watch violence, and hear about violence almost constantly. Television programmes, advertisements, newspapers, video games and the movie and music industries contribute largely to this situation. Before reaching adolescence, a child has seen thousands of murders and violent acts just by watching television. If human nature is indeed violent and war is inevitable, then we need large strong states with central governments. We need powerful rulers with mighty armies and brutal security forces. We need repressive laws to protect us from each other. We need guidance from our churches on how to keep our destructive instincts under control. Of course, when we are constantly told that we are born to be killers, we have an excuse to act like killers. Violence becomes part of our culture, so we act violently. The fallacy perpetrates itself, and the irony comes full circle: our belief in the inevitability of human aggression, sold to us by the ruling elites, creates a world that makes ruling elites necessary. A person’s behavior is largely determined by his social environment such as the influence of the media, weapon availability, human relations, poverty, and the like. Individuals share the responsibility for their actions with the social forces around them. If a person is not exposed to negative social forces, he will not be prone to evil behavior. He â€Å"naturally† has â€Å"good† desires and therefore â€Å"good† behavior. To eliminate bad or evil behavior, one must focus on changing the social forces rather than on an individual’s actions. References Bandura, A. , Ross, R. , & Ross, S. (1961). Transmission of aggression through imitation of aggressive models. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 63, 575-582. Baumesiter, R. F.and Bushman, B. J. (2004) Human Nature and Aggressive Motivation: Why do Cultural Animals turn violent? RIPS / IRSP, 17 (2), 205-220, Presses Universitaires de Grenoble Baumeister, R. F. (1997). Evil: Inside human violence and cruelty. New York: W. H. Freeman. de Waal, F. B. M. (2001). The Ape and the Sushi Master. New York: Basic Books. Eisler, Riane. (1988). The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future. New York: Harper Collins. Giberson, K. Blessed Are the Peacemakers. Science and Spirit. Retrieved Nov. 10, 2006 http://www. science-spirit. org/matrix.html Kaufman, M. (2002) Men must abandon the notion they are violent by nature. Retrieved Nov. 10, 2006 at: < http://www. michaelkaufman. com/articles/menmust. html> Slife, Brent (March 1996). Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Psychological Issues. William C. Brown, 9th edition, Tedeschi, J. T. , & Felson, R. B. (1994). Violence, aggression, and coercive actions. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. UNESCO. (1986) The Seville Statement on Violence. Spain. Retrieved Nov. 10, 2006 at: .