Author: chris

Cyber warfare: Are we too reliant on technology?

Cyber warfare is the actions or a form of information politically motivated by a certain sovereign country and sent to other computers of different countries for the purposes of causing distraction. Different methods of attack are used such as sabotage, espionage and electrical power grid. Cyber attacks have increased especially on significant infrastructure companies and they are designed to damage the systems. The industrial companies are being targeted but most companies nowadays are rushing to adopt new technologies instead of protecting their systems (Amoroso, 45). Therefore, we are becoming too reliant on technology because we use it to make calculations easier, communicate across the organizations and perform other tasks but the system is susceptible to our infrastructure systems.

The most targeted cyber attacks in many nations are infrastructure, government and financial systems. Since history, human beings have created significant tools and that is what has been termed as technology. Humankind is a creature that can create a problem and solve it hence differentiating them from animals. What is upsetting is that we have been so reliant on technology and yet we cannot repair or re-create some technological systems easily. We create problems to technological systems and when our memory fails to remember, we become unable to solve these issues (Carr and Lewis 56). We are in a generation where technology is ever increasing and the rate of dependence is ever increasing everyday. This has created changes in the economy and many associated cost of living because the society relies on technology in every aspect.

We are becoming too reliant on technology and most of us cannot do without technology especially in performing different tasks. We use technology in different areas and we have become lazy because we depend on technology to perform various tasks on our behalf. Many of us cannot even spell words correctly hence use software for spell checking. Consequently, people have already forgotten to calculate overhead. Thus, we use technology to make calculations easier even if it is a simple calculation; we rely on technology to give us correct figures of calculations (Amoroso, 78). However, technology itself is not bad but the people of the 20th century have started misusing technology. This system has helped us but we have become inactive thereby causing problems to our health.

Technology has made us lazy because we cannot do things for ourselves without relying on it. Many people cannot even walk for a short distance without boarding vehicles while others cannot do simple mathematics overhead without using calculators. Consequently, some people cannot play from out side but rather sit indoors and play games using their computers. All these have been caused by advancement in technology thus people have become too dependent on technology in every duty they perform. In schools, students carry out their research using technology and they use it to get every information they want thus forget about using their books. This has contributed to diseases such as obesity and some people have developed with problems of eye diseases because of too much sitting in front of the computer screens. We can conclude that technology is not bad but it is the way is being used that makes it to appear bad (Janczewski and Andrew 61).

We have relied on technology until cases of unemployment had risen because machines have now replaced human activities. The generation we are living in has become destructive because of technology. Human beings can no longer perform a lot of work like the way the machines can do. We have become reluctant and expecting the technology to perform every duty even if it is the household cores. For instance, girls nowadays can no longer carry even heavy buckets of water and cannot do washing without a machine wash. In hospitals, physicians cannot determine the patient’ conditions without use of technology to diagnose patients (Apple, 2011). Many people have forgotten to perform their duties because of technologies. This has led to job shortages in the country because technology is now used in many working area such as industries to carry out duties, which could have otherwise been done incase technology was absent.

We cannot argue that the technology has changed our lives better but some people may perhaps support it. It is not a surprise to communicate through the Internet or use of phones and receive information around the world within a short period. Nevertheless, our government and many organizations have dependent on infrastructure systems. It is true that communication has become easier especially information is passed across the organizations within a minute. However, how sure are we that we are receiving the correct information? Many software viruses are sent to technological infrastructure and people in the organizations are receiving false information without their notice. This is a clear indication that technology is being misused because people have become dependent on it too much until they end up misusing it rather than using it in a rightful way (Janczewski and Andrew 52).

Our infrastructure systems are susceptible to cyber attacks because many infrastructure companies are experiencing this problem everyday. The companies are aware of cyber warfare but instead of protecting their system, they are running to new technological ideas hence posing a threat to industrial economy. From the news report of July 2010, it was reported that cyber attacks has greatly risen on significant infrastructure companies with an effort to sabotage systems (Carr and Lewis 126). For instance, Stuxnet is a system of window that was discovered last year in July; it was used by other sovereignty countries. Its main target was on industrial equipment and software systems. It is a malware system, which spies on infrastructural system and threatens the industrial operation systems.

In addition, Stuxnet was the first technique used to infect windows-based control computers in the industries and it targeted different equipment of the Siemens Corporation. The aim was to cause damage of uranium centrifuge array by speeding it up repeatedly (Apple, 2011). Consequently, it started sending wrong in formation to the software system and it was reported that the United States and Israel sent the Stuxnet computer virus to damage the nuclear program of Iran. According to the interview carried out, chief technology of McAfee sector revealed that susceptible cyber attacks are directly developed with an aim of damaging physical infrastructure.

Many significant infrastructure organizations such as chemical, pharmaceuticals, oil energy sectors usually encounter the problems of cyber welfare. According to information report from the web security, these sectors experiences web malware and cases of data-theft was experienced in 2009 because of sending false information through the website. The annual global report indicated that, the oil and energy industries mostly experienced cases of data-theft unlike the other sectors. Those in chemical and pharmaceuticals areas encountered cases of data misinterpretations and stealing malware too (Apple, 2011). However much people can say that technology is good, it can impose threats to our economy. For instance, cases of theft is carried out through use of technology and wrong figures can be obtained especially when carrying out  financial analysis because people believes technology gives clear analysis of figures.

Consequently, extortion is another trend affecting the infrastructure organizations. Extortion through cyber attacks threatens the welfare of the organizations. This threat is increasing for a bout 25 percent yearly and the most affected places are particularly Mexico and India (Janczewski and Colarik 73). The research report indicates clearly that despite high rate of cyber attacks, many critical infrastructure organizations have failed to beef up web security in order to protect their computers form this problems. Organizations are required to implement web security in order to curb the problems of cyber warfare through hiring Internet security experts who are well trained. They should increase on the information technological skills and use introduces high technological training programs that can enable the organizations to be overcome issues of cyber warfare (Amoroso 46).

We are using the technology in a wrong way because we do not meet face to face. For instance, cases of cyber bullying are rampant because we have now become idle thus misusing technology. Human beings nowadays do not have many tasks to perform since much work is done with the help of the technology. Therefore, this has contributed to cases of cyber bullying because most people spend much of their time in the Internet bullying others (Janczewski and Colarik 23). Nevertheless, culture has eroded because the language used is changing every time. Accents and slang keeps on changing because technology allows us to keep changing and creating new ones.

However, not all people who depend on technology especially those residing in remote areas. Thus, they can still do without them comparing to people living in urban areas. Thus, in conclusion, technology has done more harm than good because of too much dependent on it. Cases of unemployment have risen because of technology, which can perform many duties within a short period. Cyber bullying is rampant, theft and false information across the organizations sectors have increased because of this system (Gorman, 6). Technology itself is not bad but the way it is being misused by people especially sending of computer viruses to other computers to damage the system. We cannot argue that the technology has changed our lives better but some people may perhaps support it because of the way it makes work easier especially when doing calculations and research work. However, people have relied on it too much thus have ended up causing problems such as diseases, erosion of language and culture.

Works Cited

Amoroso, Edward. Cyber Attacks: Protecting National Infrastructure. Burlington, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2011. Print.

Apple, Tan. “Majority of Critical Infrastructure Companies Are Susceptible To Cyber Attacks But Are Not Doing Eno”. Release news. 30 Apr. 2011. Wed. Jun. 3, 2011. <http://www.release-news.com/index.php/technology/97240>

Carr, Jeffrey and Lewis Shepherd. Inside Cyber Warfare. Sebastopol, Calif: O’Reilly Media, Inc, 2010. Print.

Gorman, Siobhan. “Electricity Grid in U.S. Penetrated By Spies.” The Wall Street Journal. 8 Apr 2009. Web. 3 Jun. 2011. <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123914805204099085.html>

Janczewski, Lech, and Andrew Colarik. Cyber Warfare and Cyber Terrorism. Hershey:

Information Science Reference, 2008. Internet resource.

 

 

 

 

Outline  

Thesis: In the short stories, there are different ways in which the stylistic devises can be compared and contrasted in accordance with how the different authors have used them.

Introduction

• Literal devices are very important when it comes to writing the different works by the different authors.
• The different ways in which the authors have used literal devices matters a lot because they may add value and make it interesting for the readers.

Discussion

• A brief summary of the short story, “The lottery” by Shirley Jackson.
• A brief summary of the short story, “The rocking-horse winner” by D. H. Laurence.
• The similarities of how the authors have used the literal devices in the short stories.
• The similarities of how the theme of materialism has been used in the two short stories.
• The similarities of how the theme of love has not been used in the two short stories.
• The differences in the use of plot, by the authors of the two short stories
• The differences in the use of different types of short stories by the authors

Conclusion

• How the similarities in the use of stylistic devices by the two different authors of the short stories has made it possible for the readers to understand the short stories.
• The differences in the literal devices, which the authors of the short stories have used making it easy for the ready to distinguish the two short stories.
• How the use of drama and horror has been used in the two short stories by the different authors.

English

Introduction

Literature is used to express somebody’s feelings or to act as a teaching to the different readers. These feelings or teachings are demonstrated by the author in very many ways. In various stories, the different authors use very many stylistics devices to portray this different emotions and teachings. In the short stories, there are different ways in which the stylistic devises can be compared and contrasted in accordance with how the different authors have used them.

Discussion

“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson is a story about an unknown town in America where the people have this ritual of the lottery, which comes every year. Every body believes that this ritual is very important but nobody knows where this ritual came from and its purposes. Bill Hutchinson, one of the characters in the story, draws the paper with the black mark on it and puts them in the black as the heads of different families start to pick the papers. Tessie, another character in the story, picks the paper with the black mark and starts to protest that it is very unfair. People in the town refuse to hear her plea and later in the end, they decide to stone her to death with the pile of stone they had gathered (Kennedy & Gioia, 2009).

On the other hand, “The Rocking-Horse Winner” by D. H. Laurence is a story about a boy who is believed to have luck in betting on horses that could win. The boy comes from a family where they are perceived to be rich and yet they know well that “they need more money” (Kennedy & Gioia, 2009). The mother of the boy perceives that they are not rich because they are not lucky. This angers the boy and makes him drive his wooden horse in the quest to find luck. The boy collaborates with his uncle and one of their servants to make the bets on the different horses (Kennedy & Gioia, 2009). In the two stories, we can see that there is a lot of similarity and differences, which could be discussed.

One of the similarities in the two short stories is that the characters of the stories have certain beliefs. For instance, in the story by Jackson, the characters of the stories believe in the ritual of the black box, which only happens annually. This is shown when it comes at around June where everybody attends, from men and women to small children. Similarly, in the story by Laurence, the characters of the story tend to believe that in order for one to have money, you have to be lucky. The mother in the story explains to her son that it is better to have luck than to have money without luck because the money may be finished as compared to when you have luck. This is because when you have luck, you will always be getting more money.

Another similarity in the stories is that there is a lot of materialism in the two stories. The characters of the two stories believe in wealth. For instance, in the story by Jackson, the characters wait eagerly to see who will actually win the lottery. The reason why they are there is to win the lottery and become rich. Correspondingly, in the story by Laurence, the characters of the story believe in wealth even to the extent of the children (Kennedy & Gioia, 2009). Additionally, the author of the story has created the story in a wealthy setting. Therefore, the two stories have a lot of materialism in them since they believe in riches.

Another similarity in the two stories is that the authors of the two stories have shown that there is no love between the different characters of the stories. For example, in the story by Jackson, the characters have stoned one of the members of the town despite her plea. This shows that they do not love one another to the extent of killing each other. This is also true in the story by Laurence, where love has faded into thin air. The mother of the children does not love her children. Additionally, he does not love her husband who she thinks that he does not satisfy her needs as a husband (Kennedy & Gioia, 2009).

However, the two stories have also expressed some distinction in them. In the story by Jackson, it has the plot of a town where people believe in traditions. The ritual of the lottery, where the black box has become old and worn out, the people do not want to change it despite the fact that some people thought that it is better if the black box was changed. On the contrary, in the story by Laurence, the story is in a modern setting. The characters here believe in a modern life to be the best. The toys that the children play with are very modern as compared to the story by Jackson where the children play with stones as their toys as they are piling them up (Kennedy & Gioia, 2009).

Another difference in the two stories is that one is very horrific while the other is very dramatic. The story by Jackson is very horrific because of the cruelty that is involved in the story. The town people gather every year to select a person who they are going to persecute. After they have chosen the person, they stone him or her to death despite the fact that there are children present. On the other hand, the story by Lawrence is a very dramatic story of a family who do not have enough money and they are trying to survive to maintain their status or the status of people who are rich as perceived by the neighbors (Kennedy & Gioia, 2009).

The story by Jackson is more like a reality because they are real events, which often happened in the author’s life. The author is trying to tell the story of a town that he used to live; of how people were cruel to one another and how the power of the crowd used to work in the town. This story may actually be from real events, which happened in the author’s life. However, in the story by Lawrence, the story is more of a folk tale than reality because of the way the author is telling the story. The author of the story has used luck as a way of becoming rich. He has shown this in the story where he has used the mother to show that luck is the only way to get money when she is explaining this to her son (Kennedy & Gioia, 2009). In reality, luck does not get anyone money but hard work. Therefore, the stories differ because one is a fairy tale while the other is from actual events.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the two authors have used different stylistic devices in their stories to show the different similarities and differences in them. The authors have tried to show how different characters in the stories behave in the different situation. In similarities, the two authors have used materialism and lack of love for one another as one of their major themes in the stories. In contrast, the story by Jackson is more traditional and horrific as compared to the story by Laurence, which is modern and very dramatic.

 

Works Cited

Kennedy, Joe, & Dana Gioia. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing, Compact Interactive Edition. New York, NY: Pearson Publishers, 2009. Print.

Content Area Literacy Techniques

Pre/During/Post strategy design

Content Area: History

Objective of Lesson: The main objective of this lesson is to help the students to learn about the Chicago fire that burnt half of the city. After the lesson, the students should be able to identify the cause of the fire. Additionally, the students should be able to identify the extent of the damage that was caused by the fire. Since it is a fictional story, the students are expected to come up with a moral teaching from the story.

Pre-reading strategy

            Identification: Activate Prior Knowledge

Explanation: This is where the students may have some knowledge of the content they are about to read. In this case, “The Chicago fire.” In accordance to the title, the students are expected to discuss what they think about the title. The students will say what they think about the story. Answers like what caused the fire are expected. Moreover, the students are expected to come up with ideas of the extent of the damage, which was caused by the fire. Additionally, the students are supposed to come up with different theories of what they think is the moral teaching of the story (Burgan, 2008). It is worth noting that in this strategy, the teacher has to provide some background information so that the students can gain ideas.

Rationale: The main reason for this strategy is to evaluate how long the student will take before they understand the context of the story. Additionally, it will provide the students with an idea of what to expect in the story; hence, it will help the students to understand it easily. It is because of this reason that the strategy is going to be used in the lesson.

During reading strategies

Identification: Guided Reading

Explanation: In this strategy, the students will read the story together with the teacher. The teacher will provide several instructions about what the students are expected to learn as they are reading. For instance, as the students are reading they will have to answer the different questions that they have learned in the pre-reading strategies. From the beginning of the story, the students will be guided through by a set of instructions where by the end of the lesson they should be able to give the course of the fire, the extent of the damage and the moral teaching of the story.

Rationale: The main reason for this strategy is to help the students through in the shortest time possible. Additionally, this strategy helps the students to concentrate on the important things and leave those things that are not important. Therefore, the students will be able to grasp the concepts that are there in the story and what is expected of them.

Post-reading strategies

            Identification: Interpretation

Explanation: After the students have read the story, they need to write what they have understood about the story. Using the objectives of the story as the guide, the students should write about the story answering the various questions that have been raised in the objectives of the lesson. For example, what caused the fire and who were the main key players? What is the moral teaching of the story? Additionally, the students will discuss their answers to see whether they have understood the story.

Rationale: The main reason for this strategy is to help the students learn what they have read. In most cases, after the students have read some thing, they usually tend to forget what they have learned due to lack of follow up by the teacher. Therefore, when the students are instructed by the teacher to write immediately what they have understood about the story, most likely they will not forget about the story.

 

References

Burgan, M. (2008). The Great Chicago Fire. Bloomington, MN: Capstone Press.

 

 

Why open-source software will soon dominate the field of database management tools

Introduction

Open-source software can be defined as a source code of a particular program. It is a program that contains a source code that is always available for investigation and modification by its users. According to studies, open-source software is free, although this is not always the case. It has been noted that the time when the concept of open-source software has to rise up and dominate the market (Ralph, 2009). Open-source software has been growing up steadily for the past few years in terms of technology where the internet and the web have been established through it. Therefore, it is obvious that open-source software will dominate the field of database management tools

Differences between open-source database management tools from proprietary database management tools

Open-source database management tool is always available for speculation and modification by the consumers, whereas, the proprietary database management tool is owned by a particular company and that company has not developed specifications that can permit or encourage other companies to copy the product (Mehdi, 1999). This means that, the proprietary database management tools are mainly under the ownership of one specific company that carefully monitors the information concerning the inner workings of the product. With the open-source software, the program is known to have an interface that is properly built together with technically enhanced features, and that contains the modifications of a huge community. For instance, Adobe Acrobat is a good example for the proprietary database management tool. Its portable document format files cannot be read by any other reader except with the Adobe Reader.

Open-source database management tools do not limit their users to be using it alone, whereas with the proprietary database management tools, the users’ choices are limited to only one technology or product. Therefore, because of these limitations in the use of the proprietary database management tools, the world is shifting from traditional ways terms to more modernized and improved technology that is the open-source software. This is because the open-source data management tools have a huge distribution of standards, and they are free or sometimes has a very low accessibility cost and thus very affordable by many users. A good example of the open-source database management tools includes the Linux operating system among others.

The major open-source database management sources (DBMS) and proprietary database management sources (DBMS) systems.

The main open-source database management sources include but not limited to the Apache HTTP server, the internet browser Mozilla Firefox among others. The open-source systems’ most successful database management source is known as the GNU/Linux operating systems, which is an open source Unix-like operating system. Studies show that open source software has no limitation thus Microsoft has joined it therefore leading to the Open document the Office Open XML format’s establishment.

The major proprietary database management sources (DBMS) systems include Oracle, which functions as the producer and the marketer for the Oracle database management system. This type of source is used by several database applications on a good number of computing platforms. Studies show that Oracle is among the top suppliers of software for the management of the information. Another system includes Microsoft SQL Server, which provides support to Microsoft’s version of structured query language.

Examples of organization’s adoption of open-source vs. proprietary database management systems

There are a good number of organizations that have adopted the use of open-source against proprietary database management systems. This is because in open source, the software is sometimes free and this provides organizations with opportunity to find solutions to their business. These organizations include health care institutions, financial services and insurance companies, industries, and telecommunication centers.

What are the costs –benefits of applying open-source DBMS verses proprietary DBSMS?

Open-source database management systems’ source code enables the user to modify the software, promotes improvements of the products of software. By the use of the open–source software, one is able to transfer the code to establish it to new hardware so that it can withstand the changing conditions, and to know how the whole system functions. It is also advantageous to apply open-source software over proprietary because open-source allows the users to use it in any way they wish. It provides the right to usage in any way the user pleases (Kirk, 2007). In open-source system, there is no restriction since nobody has permission to restrict the users in a retroactive manner. Whereas in using the proprietary software, in case there is need to upgrade some software products, the users will be forced to continue using the old version of the software. Open-source system has no entity on which is to depend on.

Conclusion

Open-source software is defined as a source code of a particular program. It is a program that contains a source code that is always available for investigation and modification by its users. This software allows a person to copy, study and make redistribution of the original program. The proprietary database management tool is owned by a particular company and that company does not develop specifications that can permit or encourage other companies to copy the product. The open-source database management system code enables the user to modify the software, promotes improvements of the products of software. By the use of the open –source software, one is able to transfer the code to establish it to new hardware so that it can withstand the changing conditions, and to know how the whole system functions

 

References

Kirk, A. (2007). Handbook of research on open source software: technological, economic, and social perspectives. New York, NY: Idea Group Inc (IGI).

Mehdi, K. (1999). Success and pitfalls of information technology management.
New York, NY: Idea Group Inc (IGI).

Ralph, G. (2009).Web-Based Application Development. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Labor-Management Relations

Introduction

In the advent of increasing employee rights, many companies try to avoid unionization because of the legal implications and economic costs associated with unionization. Many employees feel the need to unionize when they feel that they are being treated unfairly. The firm’s directors have the mandate to make all effort to ensure that the employees feel valued and respected. Its important in creating the most productive working atmosphere in an organization. The company can adopt the following measures to ensure that the employees do not feel the need to unionize.

Discussion

Some employees do not have any way of communicating to the management and they have no way of raising their grievances and concerns. The organization should adopt an open-door policy, where employees can communicate without a lot of bureaucracy. It should also hold regular meetings with the employees and adopt a friendly atmosphere where the employees feel free to talk. Another way of easing communication is by providing a system where employees can raise their concerns anonymously. This can be through the website or suggestion boxes. Management should respond to the complaints and grievances raised by the employees (McConnell, 2010).

Another effective strategy that the management can use to discourage employees from unionizing is providing favorable working conditions. The corporate leaders should ensure that employee benefits and wages are similar with those of other companies in the same industry. The company should aim at being the preferred employer by providing better working conditions than those provided by similar industries (McConnell, 2010). This may include changing things such the parental leave policy, increasing leave pay and offering other similar incentives. Some employees join labor unions for job security reasons. They fear that the employer can decide to dismiss them abruptly. Proper details and mechanisms about firing and demotions should be set up in place.

Another strategy that the management can use is fairness in decision-making. This includes avoiding bias in all business practices such as promotions and demotions. The company’s leadership should also ensure that the disciplinary actions it chooses are fair and reasonable. It should avoid discriminatory practices such as disregarding minority groups. It should be sensitive to how it gives rewards to women, minority races and ethnic groups, and to those who have physical challenges. Company rules should be applicable to all people in the company. The organizational leadership should ensure that it does not discriminate against some people or favor a specific group of people or person (Gerson, 1998).

The company should ensure that it has developed unionization policies, and that all employees understand the contents. It should be able to answer all employee questions regarding these policies. The employers have a right to oppose unionization but they should consider the ethical aspects. They should not use suppressive means to discourage the employees from unionizing. They should instead spell out the negative implications of being in a union. The policy makes should convince the employees that unions do not always serve in their best interests (Deckop & Deckop, 2006). Top-level leadership can point out the costs involved of being in a union, which, apart from the fees required, will also include the time spent in meetings.

Conclusion

Like in most organizational predicaments, pro-activeness is required to reacting. The organization should strive to create channels devoid of bureaucratic hurdles for the employees to air their grievances. In addition, equipping top level and midlevel management of desirable human resource relations is pivotal in avoiding creation of unions. In the long run prevention of unions is both profitable to the organization as well as the employees considering the aspect of cost, relation and time.

 

References

Deckop, R. J., & Deckop, R. J. (2006). Human resource management ethics. Charlotte, NC: IAP

Gerson, E. H. (1998). Avoiding unionization: Tips for employers. Nursing Homes, 47 (5), 53-55

McConnell, R. C. (2010). The health care manager’s legal guide. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Impact of Religion and Culture on Traditional Food Usage and Dining Practices

Religion accords a notable, “set of guidelines, implicit or explicit, prescribing a specific manner to collect, select, prepare, consume, preserve, and store food,” (Cummings, Francis and Marvin, 28). In Buddhism, consumption and food selection practices are highly liberal, with directions only accorded for banquets and holiday periods. Rice is usually held as the traditional food in Buddhist communities and is therefore a constituent of the various diets that may be enforced in the belief system. Holiday periods in Buddhism that are associated with food practices are cultivation and harvesting periods where a fraction of the yields are dedicated to Buddha as a symbol of appreciation before consumption. Foods that are accorded such treatment include coconuts, sugar cane, rice, sesame germs, and peanuts. The focus is mainly directed to vegetables and legumes as Buddhist food deities are considered as vegans in their dietary practices.

Meat is only allowed in discriminative periods when greatly valued rituals towards a deity are to be accorded. Upon the dedication ceremonies, the food items are allocated amongst the Buddhist followers as blessed portions (Schmidt and Paul 27). Rice is a mandated item in this observance as it denotes affluence within farming activities. With regard to events like marriage ceremonies and birthdays, the food types are not limited by tradition. In funerals however, most Buddhists prepare puffed rice as a reflection of the demise. Food restrictions are majorly revealed within the monastery practices as related to the premise that sacrifice is a prerequisite to spiritual progression. Fasting is mandated in one or two instances within daily routines with the eating periods employed for mediation functions. In this, food is served in three separate articles, the first containing rice, the second bearing vegetables and the last holding soup. As the monks consume these food items, it should be on a reflective note in a bid to rid evil and substitute the same with good.

Greed and extravagant practices are condemned within the monks feeding practices. The populaces are charged by the Buddhist doctrine to accord food gifts towards the monks as this is projected to the famished phantoms of demised relatives or for individuals banished to hell. Rice helpings during normal meals should therefore be totally cleared to overcome the aspect of wastage while the serving items should be left with little food to reflect lack of greed. In Hindu religion, an individual bears the right of selection for three traditional food diet combinations, both under religious and cultural practices. The Sattva comprises of honey, milk and milk products, assorted nuts, fruits, vegetables, legumes, water, herbs and cereals amongst others (Schmidt and Paul 79). Used to denote poise within an individual’s life with regard to the mind status and therefore, the intensity of purity within the food items as dictated by the freshness and lack of manufacturing stabilizers or additional elements are considered as significant elements. The handling of the diet as concerned with cooking has to be maintained as at a very superior level to overcome the problem of infectivity.

Organic foodstuff is therefore proposed towards the preparation of the given diet. Additives like spices are excluded in this form of eating for purity purposes. The servings accorded to an individual are also restricted and hurried eating is condemned. Just like Buddhism, one is expected to consume the food items on a meditation aspect. Rajas on the other hand maintains the same food items but with high seasoning during the preparations to signify a zealous situation (Insel, Don, Kimberley and Melissa 9). Tamas is highly rejected by most Hindus and it has similar food products that are consumed in large levels that reflect a greedy lifestyle. Other food items like alcohol are also categorized in this diet. Food has also to be consumed in a clean environment as it is shared between individuals and deities. Before any food consumption, prayers have to be accorded with the water poured round the food utensils for cleansing. Additionally, some of the water is swallowed to sanitize the digestive system before consumption.

Fasting is observed in Hindu practices, and comprise of lack of food and water consumption for a specific period unlike in Buddhism where the observance involves dining. Within the Islamic religion, accords guidelines into feeding patterns as from then Koran. Permitted food items are referred to as the halal category that uses the measure of taste and goodness to accord food items as healthy for utilization (Schmidt and Paul 147). The haram category on the other hand denoted the prohibited food items that include blood, flesh acquired form a cadaver, flesh from an animal that has been killed by a wild animal, pork, and flesh that has been accorded for devotional purposes to foreign deities. Halal slaying practices have to observe the use of knives to kill an animal and bleed drying the animal before consumption. Consumption within the Islamic religion has to be performed with the right hand and this parallels Buddhist observances. This is because the left hand is categorized as impure within both sects. However, Muslims have to consume all their food items with hands while Buddhists only mandate it to food items like sticky rice, while the rest of the food items employ cutlery.

Fasting in Islam parallels Hindu practices, and the concepts of the halal and the haram rubric are infused in both religious and cultural instances. Within the Christian religion, all food items are considered as fit for feeding purposes, with the only limitation being the eating of blood (Schmidt and Paul 35). Fasting may be categorically placed by the observer as involving complete or partial self-denial with regard to one’s inclinations. In Judaism however, eating practices follow the Islamic pattern with the prohibited group termed as treifa and the permitted being the kosher. The kosher comprises of split-hoofed animals that must be ruminants, birds that do not feed on dead bodies and marine life that has fins and scales (Schmidt and Paul 189). The meat has to be cooked in separate rooms with dairy foodstuffs and the serving should be accorded the same treatment. Fasting regulations are congruent to Islamic observances.

Works Cited

Cummings, Pamela, Francis Kwansa and Marvin Sussman. The role of the hospitality industry in the lives of individuals and families. New York, NY: Routledge, 1998. Print.

Insel, Paul, Don Ross, Kimberley McMahon and Melissa Bernstein. Nutrition. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2010. Print.

Schmidt, Arno and Paul Fieldhouse. The World Religions Cookbook. Boston: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2007. Print.

 

 

 

 

 

Battery Efficiency

Abstract

Increasing energy efficiency in electrical devices has been a great obstacle to scientists. It has increased improvements according to some scientist, but to others, it has shown that it there is much to be done in terms of technological challenges. Therefore, this paper tries to look at the recent innovation in nanotechnology that could be used in a new era in the production of energy efficient batteries. The new batteries are very energy efficient, although the asked items need to be addressed. This is because the balance between high performance rate and the longer time for charging will continue to be an obstacle if these issues are not dealt with. Nevertheless, innovation by Braun is a fundamental step in the application of nanotechnology in solving the issues of energy inefficiency in batteries.

Battery Efficiency

The problem of raising energy efficiency in electrical devices has been an obstacle to scientists for a very long time. It has enhanced improvements according to some scientist, but to others, it has shown that there is much to be done in terms of technological challenges. Therefore, this paper tries to look at the recent innovation in nanotechnology that could roll out a new era in the production of energy efficient batteries. However, even though there have some innovations, there are some issues or obstacles, which need to be overcome.

According to the research carried from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Professor Paul Braun established batteries that are similar to others although with inherent capabilities that cannot be surpassed by others. The professor and his team developed a three dimensional (3D) nanostructures for creating battery cathodes which facilitates faster charging or discharging without interfering with the stored energy. The results of research were published on 20 March in the journal articles in Nature Nanotechnology online version. Despite of using these batteries in various electronics, they have the capability to release energy first enough and to be recharged in few second. These types of batteries are extremely suitable to be used in medical devices, electric mobiles, military, and laser applications. It is noted that this type of innovation could be of great value in making phones that charge in few seconds or laptops that take minutes to charge.

There are varieties of sentiments that have been recognized by a good number of stakeholders from the innovation of the efficiency batteries. Professor Braun who specializes in material science commented that the system presented to us provides capacitor-like power with battery –like-energy. He says further that the efficiency of energy storage in capacitors is low. They dissipate the energy fast and while holding is not proportional. The universal rule of batteries are they realease energy fast but not proportionally in charging.

As away of acknowledging the level of innovation that has been offered by Braun’s team, distinguishing between the charging capacity of the new invention and that of a normal battery would be a great step. Although capacitors are easier to charge and discharge, they cannot be used reliably in supplying larger amounts of power since their charges are only held on the surface metallic plates, which provide limited storage. On the contrary, batteries have a greater storage capacity within them in their cathodes made of oxides of phosphate compounds. However, given the fact that these compounds are not good conductors of electricity, charging or discharging a battery is time consuming. “Typical nickel metal hydride (Name) or Lithium ion( Li-ion) rechargeable batteries exhibit significant degradation of performance following constant charging and discharging” (Zhang, Yu & Braun,2011). Batteries that contain lithium ion are very significant in our current generation because these types of batteries are energy efficiency over those with (NiMH) lower discharge rates. This means that they take a long period before loosing being charged again. Although there are invention and innovations over the new technology on batteries, it is also becoming extremely dangerous to pack a large quantity of energy into a very small space. For instance, this could lead to exploding of the batteries or of the devices where the batteries are being used on like laptops.

Studies have tried for many years to solve this obstacle by integrating electric conductors in the cathode compounds. Nevertheless, this limits the capacity of the battery by reducing the volume of the materials used. Paul Braun, a material scientist at the University of Illinois had a novel idea of going round this problem according to the studies published in March’s nature Nanotechnology. They came up with nano metallic structure, which had very many tiny cervices that could allow refilling with materials for storing charges. They later realized that it reduces the distance taken by electrons to reach the metallic plates for external conduction (Cartridge, 2011).

The batteries electrodes were made with the use of minute polystyrene spheres applied on the surface 100 nanometers across. These spheres were later packed into a rectangular structure containing gaps between them, laced with nickel, and then dipped in polystyrene. Lastly, a structure of a 3D metal device had to be remolded to increase its metallic component to six percent of the volume used. The polystyrene spheres automatically set themselves in place, despite the fact that trying to set up a uniform lattice structure through other strategies is quite hard and tiresome.

This type of technique was used in making cathodes for metal hydride batteries, in particular those having lithium or nickel ions used in a number of appliances like laptops and cell phones. Because of their greater electric potential, there is high possibility of these batteries to be used in electrical automobiles. It is noted that a good number of electric automobiles are limited by the battery’s short life and recharging time. For example, traveling over long distance journeys requires constant recharging for long hours to enable the battery last for at least 100 miles (Cartlidge, 2011).

According to Braun’s observation, if a person had the choice of charging the battery the same time it takes to fuel a car, they would take that option (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagn, 2011, par.8.). The research emphasizes the durability and potency of the Lithium-ion battery than any device in the current market. This is evidenced in the hundred fold charging and discharging ability of the battery. It is more spacious in terms of energy storage in that it can store and extra fifth. This has been an incentive to developers and researchers to incorporate the technology into commercial production of batteries.

Upgrading the manufacturing technology in batteries is necessary to incorporate the required increase in size from the conventional watch-size (Cartlidge, 2011). There still exists a vacuum in the chemical technology need to develop such a battery to make it universal. To support the notion, Braun emphasizes the technology is not new but rather an improvement of the subsequent technologies. (University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, 2011, par 14).

Braun’s innovation was welcomed with criticism from different researchers such as Yury Gogotsi a material scientist at the Drexel University Philadelphia. Braun’s innovation was a great stepping-stone in the use of available resources. However, the batteries` ability to withstand charging and discharging from time to time is still questionable (Besenhard, 1999).Yury Gogotsi also criticizes the idea of scaling up because the new battery is most likely to be advantageous for high rate performance, therefore, efforts should be summed up in creating a 3D electrodes. Another challenge according to Yury concerning Braun’s new concept is idea of charging equation, since it needs a lot of carrying capacity of amperes in order for it to be conducted through reduction of cable mass and increase of charging time. Where longer charging time will assist in reducing the mass of the cables used (Cartildge, 2011).

It is true to say that the new batteries are very energy conserving and efficient, but the question asked by the critics needs to addressed. The balance between high performance rate and the longer time for charging will continue to be an obstacle if these issues are not dealt with. Nevertheless, innovation by Braun is a fundamental step in the application of nanotechnology in solving the issues of energy inefficiency in batteries.

The problem of raising energy efficiency in electrical devices has been an obstacle to scientists for a very long time. It has enhanced improvements according to some scientist, but to others, it has shown that it there is much to be done in terms of technological challenges. Therefore, this paper tries to look at the recent innovation in nanotechnology that could roll out a new era in the production of energy efficient batteries. However, even though there have some innovations, there are some issues or obstacle, which needs to be overcome. For instance, although there are invention and innovations over the new technology on batteries, it is very dangerous to pack a large quantity of energy into a very small space. It is advisable that when choosing a battery to make comparison before taking. For instance, larger, and heavy batteries provides a greater watt-hour rating. Therefore, for mobile users, it is to a great advantage to have batteries that can last for more than five hours without recharging in between. This can be great especially when traveling long distances.

 

 

 

References

Besenhard, J. (1999).Handbook of battery materials. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons.

Cartlidge, E. (2011). A Battery That Charges in Seconds. Science Now. Retrieved from http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2011/03/a-battery-that-charges-in-

second.html?ref=hp

Evans, R. (2007).Fueling our future: an introduction to sustainable energy. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

Lenk, D. (1996). Simplified design of micropower and battery circuits. New York, NY: Newnes.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. (2011, March 21). Batteries charge quickly and retain capacity, thanks to new structure. Science Daily. Retrieved from http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:PstlIecxE34J:www.sciencedaily.com

Zhang,H., Yu, X., & Braun, P.(2011). Three-dimensional bicontinuous ultrafast-charge and discharge bulk battery electrodes. Nature Nanotechnology, 5 (3), 4-45.

 

 

The Cyclops

The Cyclops is a Greek play that is majorly satirical. It is a unique play as it has survived antiquity. The book contains numerous comedies just like one that is recorded in the Homer’s Odyssey. The setting of the play in Sicily, Italy and particularly around the great Mount Aetna gives the play the touch of expertise that makes it even more memorable than any other play. The play has few characters with a fixed geographical setting. This makes the play to be easily understood unlike the case where the setting was ever changing. Euripides has shown high level of maturity in the unveilings of the play The Cyclops. In this paper, I shall demonstrate that Euripides’ satyr play “The Cyclops” must have been written and performed around the year 431-416 BCE. I have chosen this date because history has it that Euripides lived in the period between 480-406 BC. To support my position, I shall draw primarily upon known historical events as well as other evidence in Euripides’ plays Alcestis, Andromache, The Bacchae among others and in Aristophanes’ plays Acharnians, Knights, Clouds, Wasps among many others.

In a deep study of the history of Italy and the geographical setting of the play has it that people believed so much in gods. This is well brought out in the play where gods are revered. This point to us that Euripides lived during the time when Greece was subjected to numerous wars. The most significant war was the Peloponnesian war, fought between Athens and the Peloponnesian league of the Spartans. This explains why war and conflict is incorporated in the play. We get the Odyssey who is from war and gets lost around Mount Aetna, 40 miles south of Greece (Euripides & Roche, 1998, p. 223).

The original version of the play was written on papyrus. This takes us back to the ancient Greek time when papyruses were commonly used for documentation. By the time the play was written and performed, scrolls were not being used but instead inscriptions and writings were written of papyrus. Scrolls started being used in the region about 30 years after the death of Euripides. This is a clear indication that this play was actually written and played at around 431 -416BC. Apart from The Cyclops, all the other works of Euripides were also played and written on papyrus for demonstration (Homer, 2000, p. 148).

One of the most vocal themes brought out by this play is revenge. Revenge was a characteristic of the Peloponnesian war. In fact, the war was initially not a war of supremacy but that of revenge in attacks. It is until 123 that the war between the Spartans and the Athenians turned out to be a war a supremacy war with both the Athenians and the Spartans wanting to take over leadership of the region. The beginning of the war was just maneuvers and out maneuvers with most being based on revenge. Perhaps this is what Euripides tries to incorporate in the pay when the Odyssey has his men eaten up and works all his way out to revenge. This is brought out by the various schemes hatched by both sides composed of the Odyssey and the Cyclops. The Cyclops gets the Odyssey and his men into the cave and eats some of them. The Odyssey escapes narrowly and plans retaliatory attacks. This results in the Cyclops losing his eyes after he made drunk and poked in the eyes. The setting at mount Aetna was vital in sinking the point home by making the audience to believe that this is actually the home to the Cyclops. It is more reasonable to have caves existing in mountainous areas than on the plains. This terrain makes it easier for operation of the Cyclops. This gave the Cyclops a competitive advantage that saw Odysseys men being trampled upon and eaten.

Euripides has incorporated Cyclops in the play with a given reason. This is to bring out the inhuman nature of the wars and how ruthless the warring groups were. This is a clear depiction of the Peloponnesian war where the Spartans and the Athenians were very ruthless that they with is killed. The features given to the Cyclops warrant the character that displays in the play. His anguish voice that is commanding in nature is meant to bring out his cannibalizing nature. It is no wonder that he ends up eating some of the men that came with the king. The speed with which the Cyclops eats is so terrifying that within a short period, a good number of the Odysseys men were long gone. Even after feeding on these men, the Cyclops is seen to be still strong and goes about everything with ease. This is opposed to the human nature where we expect that feeding too much would require that one rest for sometime before going about their business. For the Cyclops, he looks so normal that he is lured by the Odyssey into drinking wine. This was how ruthless the Spartans were whenever they fought against their opponents. For instance, in year 423, the Spartans captured 32 Athenians where some were burnt and others buried alive.

The play starts on a good note when Odysseus the king loses his way after the Trojan War. After being lost, they found themselves in the land of Cyclops in Sicily and on mount Aetna. Trojan is revered for fighting with other states in the years between 426-412 BC. This is where all the main actions in the play take place. It is satirical that the Odyssey and his crew could tolerate such an unfriendly company and start conversing with them with no much ado. It is scary to have Silenus testify that they, the Cyclops rejoice in eating sheep meat. Milk, cheese and human food yet invite the Odyssey and his crew to get into the cave and see the Cyclops. The play has featured the use of wine and how it is cherished. This is to bring about a resemblance to the biblical happenings where wine was used always after meals by the Jews. All these characterize the Peloponnesian war that had many fighters feeding on cheese and taking of wine. Food was at times in the Peloponnesian war used as a war tactic, which is used in the play, the Cyclops. The Cyclops drinks of wine, gets drunk and has his eyes chopped off. After tasting the wine, the Cyclops comments that the wine is sweeter than the one he is used to. This reminds us Athenian and Spartans culture during the wars.

Being a satyr, the play presents characters with various unique features that combine those of animals and those of human beings. The Cyclops acknowledges to be feeding on cheese, sheep meat and human meat. Having only one, eye is a clear indication of unique feature, that that is possessed by a satyr n the ancient Greek times. History had it that they (Greeks) believed so much in the existence of imaginary features. This is why the incorporation of the Cyclops is very relevant to that time. The Greek by this period lasting between the year 431-406BC would more comfortably believe in the existence of such features. This was very common as it represented a greater component of the plains of that time. This presents a unique situation, one that has to balance between the ordinary worlds that Odyssey lives in and one that the unique features live in. The Odyssey boasts of wining battles and happens to be from a war, which he sees to be a confirmation of his might. However, it is worth noting that in this other world, they are not meaning with their equals but rather Cyclops that have different features. It is funny to note that the Cyclops and his compatriots live in the caves.

The Geographical setting of the play is a clear depiction of what was happening in the land of the Greeks at the time. By the year 406BC, Mount Aetna, which was in Sicily, was uninhabited and was only having animals and other features on it. This makes it very relevant to the audience of the time when it is explained that Cyclops inhabited the Mountain. This is also boosted by the fact that the Peloponnesian war was mainly fought on mountains. This was because it was easy for warring parties to sport opponents and launch surprise attacks. This was used to make the pay more believable to the audience at the time. The geographical location was very relevant to the audience of the time who knew what a mountain means to them when it comes to war (Euripides & Roche, 1998, p. 111-137).

The play has incorporated allot of religious beliefs and Principles. This is demonstrated by the numerous uses of gods such as Dionysus. When the Cyclops comes out of his cave, he enters into conversation with the Odyssey and his men. The first thing he says is that there is no presence of the god Dionysus. This is probably to invoke some religious belief common in both the modern and the ancient times where God’s presence was revered always whenever people met. It invokes the biblical principle of where two or three people are gathered. This cements the fact that there was little belief in God as Jesus was yet to come on earth. History has it that this region, Rome is as religious as they do believe in the trinity, God the son, the father and Holy Spirit. However, in the ancient times, Gods the son, who is Jesus had not come on earth. Many believed in gods such as the Dionysus (Homer, 2000, p. 113).

The play tries to balance between the life or realty and that of fiction. Cyclops is definitely an imaginary figure that might have never existed. However, Euripides tries to make it seem more of a reality by linking it to the geographical setting of mount Aetna in Sicily. The fact that Cyclops is able to talk to normal Humans such as Odyssey, the King of Ithaca is a show of how creative Euripides is in terms of using personification. The use of the Cyclops could have been avoided but it would have been difficult for him to make it believable that human beings are feeding on fellow humans (Aristophanes & Hadas, 1962, p. 159).

The existence of Monarchies in Greece and the regions around was during the 430’s to around 416 BC. This gives a rough estimate as to when this play was developed and performed. After the Peloponnesian war, most of the existing kingdoms were trampled upon and destroyed as the Spartans and Athenians fought. Most small kingdoms had to unite for unity of purpose… Euripides has it in the play that Odyssey is a king who happens to get lost after fighting war with an enemy. This reduces the levels of reality and ability to make the play believable. Though it is unavoidable, it is common that in normal circumstances, a stranger especially with funny characters would be treated with caution. We do not see this in the interaction between the Cyclops and the Odyssey. The Odyssey himself presents a war like atmosphere when he brags of fighting and winning wars. It is of no coincidence that he had just finished fighting another war before reaching the land of the Cyclops (Homer, 2000, p. 123).

The Cyclops represents an artistic work that is well researched and designed. Use of humor and other styles in the plain has given the play a good background through which its themes are given to the audience. The various scenes in the play have captivating actions that would leave the audience to have the urge of watching the play repeatedly. This is probably the reason as to why it is the only play still existing from the ancient antic times. Euripides is until today revered for the good touch he gave to this pl\y. It is definite that The Cyclops would remain to be one of the most significant plays now and in the times to come. Euripides is remembered for his works as it depicted the real happenings of the time. War was well brought out in a show of the situation in the land of the Greek people.

Euripides works are credited for having represented the society in terms of what was really happening in the society. All that was included in plays by Euripides was a reflection of whatever was happening in the society at that time. Through analysis of the play, one would clearly indicate that it was written and performed around 431-406 BC. This is based on historical facts that relate to all the happenings and the setting of the play.

 

 

References

Aristophanes, H. (1962). The complete plays of Aristophanes. New York, NY: Bantam books

Euripides, R. (1998). Ten plays, A Signet Classic. Rome, Italy: Signet Classic

Homer (2000). Iliad and the Odyssey. New York, NY: Wordsworth Editions

 

Abstract

Government reports are used when writing reports and essays. Government reports can be found with or without reading lists. It explains how one can navigate the web when searching for web resources. It describes the various search engines that one can use and the major topics on the internet. It shows how one can limit the results of the subject searched via the internet when looking for specific information. It also explains how one can find credible sources on the internet by giving guidelines such as knowing the institution responsible for the site and the sources used to write the articles.

 

Research Paper

A

1. Global climate change
2. E-Books

Ansolk, Pinkse, J 2009, International business and global climate change, Routledge, New York

Dessler, EA & Parson, AE 2010, The science and politics of global climate change: a guide to the debate, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

Hertel, WT, Rose, KS & Tol, SJR 2009, Economic analysis of land use in global climate change policy, Routledge, New York

Strom, R 2007, Hot house: global climate change and the human condition, Copernicus Books, New York

3. Journal Articles

Arent, DJ, Wise, A, Gelman, R 2011 ‘The status and prospects of renewable energy for combating global warming’, Energy Economics vol. 33, no. 4, pp. 584-593

Bellamy, R & Hulme, M 2011, ‘Beyond the tipping point: understanding perceptions of abrupt climate change and their implications’, Weather Climate & Society, vol. 3, no.1, pp. 48-60

Rubbelke D T G 2011, ‘International support of climate change policies in developing countries: strategic, moral and fairness aspects’, Ecological Economics vol. 70, no. 8, pp. 1470-1480

Shannon, H, Terre, S & Hadi, D 2010, ‘Climate change impacts, conservation and protected values: understanding promotion, ambivalence and resistance to policy change at the world

4. Websites

http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/climate/GCclimate1.html

http://www.exploratorium.edu/climate/primer/

5. Search for Materials

I first visited the university’s library website, which I located at http://deakin.edu.au/library/ and I accessed different sections of the website. I began by locating the E-books. To search for the books, I used the “keywords” and “subject heading” buttons to search for the e-books. I typed in the words of the topic I was researching and clicked on the search button. I first searched for the books using the entire collection, to see if there were any materials, which I could add to my research. This contained a mixture of e-books, journal articles and other texts. I then narrowed the focus to e-books and selected the books I thought were more relevant to the topic. I limited and sorted the search since the results were many. I noted the bibliographical details as they had been provided. I had to check whether the books were available or on loan.

Locating the journal articles was a bit tedious than locating the e-books. To find the journal articles, I accessed the university study guides, which gave me access to ‘articles via database.’ From here, I was able to access many databases that had the topic I was covering. The webpage provided many browsing options. I chose to browse by subject using the subject guides. I found the journals by typing in the first word of the subject of my research. I chose the guide “Environmental management” and I chose to use the articles that were provided through that database. Although the databases provided had many topics, regarding the environment, not all of them contained the subject of my research. Some of the databases could not open through the university’s website and I had to access them directly. I narrowed down the databases and I chose two of them, which I thought were most relevant. I had to login using my username and password to locate the specific journals. I selected SCOPUS and The Environment Complete, which is part of the EBSCOhost databases. I then browsed through the hundreds of articles, which had been provided. I had to choose between scholarly articles and other available articles such as newspapers. I then choose two journal articles from each database.

Looking for credible websites was not as tedious since it did not require many processes. However, it was tricky and it required keen observation since there were many websites, which contained articles that seemed of a high quality. However, when I read the articles, I realized that they could not be verified and I could not use them as academic sources. I clicked on the search engine Google, and I did a subject directory search by typing the title of my research. I then located the websites, which were credible enough. I especially looked for websites of well-known environmental agencies and organizations, and those that were affiliated to particular academic institutions. After establishing the websites I wanted to use, I read the content to make sure that they contained all the information I wanted. (498 words)

1. Reference List

Arent, DJ, Wise, A, Gelman, R 2011 ‘The status and prospects of renewable energy for combating global warming’, Energy Economics vol. 33, no. 4, pp. 584-593

Ansolk, Pinkse, J 2009, International business and global climate change, Routledge, New York

Bellamy, R & Hulme, M 2011, ‘Beyond the tipping point: understanding perceptions of abrupt climate change and their implications’, Weather Climate & Society, vol. 3, no.1, pp. 48-60

Dessler, EA & Parson, AE 2010, The science and politics of global climate change: a guide to the debate, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

Hertel, WT, Rose, KS & Tol, SJR 2009, Economic analysis of land use in global climate change policy, Routledge, New York

McDonald, H, Humphrey, T, Miller, KM, Tobias, Z, Tessler, P & Matz, M 2002, Overview of climate change research, viewed 8 June, 2011, <http://www.exploratorium.edu/climate/primer/>

Rubbelke D T G 2011, ‘International support of climate change policies in developing countries: strategic, moral and fairness aspects’, Ecological Economics vol. 70, no. 8, pp. 1470-1480

Shannon, H, Terre, S & Hadi, D 2010, ‘Climate change impacts, conservation and protected values: understanding promotion, ambivalence and resistance to policy change at the world

Strom, R 2007, Hot house: global climate change and the human condition, Copernicus Books, New York

Wheeling Jesuit University 2004, Global climate change, Center for Educational Technologies, viewed 8 June, 2011, <http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/climate/GCclimate1.html>

C: Abstract of Chapter 8-Government Reports

This chapter focuses on how to use government reports when writing reports and essays. It covers topics such as how to find government reports with or without reading lists. It explains how one can navigate the web when searching for web resources. It describes the various search engines that one can use and the major topics on the internet. It shows how one can limit the results of the subject searched via the internet when looking for specific information. It also explains how one can find credible sources on the internet by giving guidelines such as knowing the institution responsible for the site and the sources used to write the articles (111 words)

D: Review of Good Study

Good Study is a book aimed at helping the students to develop better skills in their academic work. In this book, Burdess covers a wide range of topics such as what the students need to do to get adapt to the university’s way of life. The author advises students on what to do before and during lectures and tutorials. The author has taken the time to explain how the students should prepare before making presentations. Students will find the information on exams useful, since the author has covered information such as the different types of exams, which students should expect, and how they should conduct themselves when taking the exams. One of the most important topics covered in the book concerns the sources that one should use in their academic writing. It covers sources such as books, journal articles, government reports and web resources. Students will find information on general writing useful. Another useful topic covered in the book is how to write and structure essays and business reports.

Most of the information covered in this book is found in other study skills book as well. In the book, book “Studying and Learning at University: Vital Skills for Success in Your Degree” Alan Pritchard has added topics such as how one should approach learning and how to apply active reading techniques when writing. This is in addition to the common topics such as using the internet to find sources and writing assignments and reports. One of the most important points that Pritchard rises in his book is that students learn differently and he offers suggestions on how teachers can use role-play when teaching. He offers a detailed explanation on how drama can be used effectively. Students will find lesson plans useful and they can use them to plan their studies as well.

Although Burdess makes a point of noting the credible institutions, Pritchard makes a point of highlighting the main domain names such as academic institutions, education institutions, government organizations and other bodies. He also advices against using online encyclopedias, since most of them do not have an academic basis. This information is unfortunately lacking in the Good Study book. Pritchard offers more information on how to use the library and this information is conspicuously absent in the Good Study books. Some authors assume that students know how to use the library well but this is not the case. Some do not know how to use the library for their own benefit and they end up losing since they are not sure who they should ask for information.

Schumm and Shawn cover similar topics in their book, Executive Learning: Successful Strategies for College Reading and Studying. They have started the book by first challenging and enabling the students to know who they are. They have also included details on how the students can know about their universities. This is an important point and it is one great way of laying the foundation for the book. It ensures that the students know their worth and that the book is there to give them the assistance they need. Unfortunately, many authors do not acknowledge the students by showing an interest in their lives. They have included sample chapters on stress and management, the body’s defense mechanism, the politics of righteousness, and musical instruments. This provides a practical example for students and it is one of the strengths in this book. The book also shows the students how to take notes during lectures, and how to extract notes from textbooks.

One of the strengths and advantages of Good Study that is not available in the other two books concerns students conduct during examinations. The book covers information about the different types of exams, which include multiple-choice, short answer and different kinds of essays. Students do not usually understand why they have to take exams. Burdess has considered this and he has given the reasons why exams are important. Burdess has included information that many authors take for granted. He has given several tips on how to relax before, during and after an exam. This information is especially useful since some students do not know the importance of relaxation. Perhaps one of the weaknesses and limitations in this book is the fact that it does not contain practical examples in some of the relevant topics. Schumm and Shawn have managed to overcome this by including sample chapters on music, psychology, biology and history (739 words).

References

Pritchard, A 2008, Studying and Learning at University: Vital Skills for Success in Your Degree, Sage Publications Ltd, London

Schumm, Jeanne, S 1997, Executive learning: successful strategies for college reading and studying, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River

Childhood Learning

1. How is play defined?

Play refers to any pleasurable activities that result in positive change in the life of an individual. In the post modern world play doers not really mean a literal game or activity that results in literal gain in but one that main not be open but the participant would at the end gain positive change in behavior. Play has all to do with making choices, as these choices are the ones that will determine if one is declared a winner or a loser.

 

2. What are the main differences between modern and postmodern theories of play? From a critical perspective, what is a critique(s) of play?

As opposed to the modern society, the post-modern society looks at play in terms of life gains rather than just literal enjoyments. From a post-modern perspective, play refers to an activity that positively results in transformation of life. Play is also looked at in the modern perspective as an avenue through which human beings are able to learn various life issues and particularly making of life choices. From various options, such individuals are able to make choices after thorough situational analysis.

A critique of play refers to a deep analysis of play and what play has to offer for the development of a child. Critique of play refers to an objective look at play rather than a subjective one. A critique on play would include looking at both the advantages and disadvantages of play as a learning platform. A critique of play would involve analysis of play from both the parents and the child’s sides and their contributions. In the modern society, play is about happiness while in the post-modern society, play is more about getting new ideas through a positive enablement.

 

3. What are some points from the research that inform understanding of the links between play and cognitive development, language and literacy development and development?

Play provides an avenue through which there is social development and enhancement. Through play, a child is able to interact with various [people in the society. They would therefore be able to learn the natural rules of existence. Through play, children would be able to learn and understand the boundaries between a child and an adult. They would be able to understand the role they have to play in the society. Through play, the child would get a taste of what life has in store for them rather than making it uncertain.

Through play, children are able to grow and expand there thinking capacity. Play presents an avenue through which children are able to open up their brains and come up with things that they earlier own did not know. Play makes them to discover many other options in life after they have critically analyzed various life issue and come up with possible solutions. Through play, children are able to develop and learn to use a certain language. Given that children are born without having mastered any language, play gives them an avenue through which they can be able to learn to speak, listen and internalize life issues and conversations in a given language. This they will get through other players in the process of play that have already mastered the language.

Cognitive development and rate will be determined by the environment within which the child grows in. Through play the child will get an avenue through which fast rate of development is provided, Play is virtually a conducive environment through which the child is able to make sober decisions. Unlike in cases where everybody may seem to be too busy for the child, during playtime, the child will have their questions answered. Through this, they will be able to learn and gain more knowledge than in ordinary circumstances.

 

4. How can you explain the importance of play in early education to a parent?

Play in early education is very important to the parents. Through play, a parent finds an avenue through which they can evaluate and understand their child as they grow. Play will give the parent a picture of whatever their children are growing towards. This will give them an opportunity to participate in the shaping of the character of the child. Play is the CCTV of the parent where he or she can be able to follow whatever is happening with their child in terms of learning new things and development.

Play is an important platform for training to children at early age. Through play, parents can be able to teach their children on issues to do with decision-making. The various decisions that a child makes during playtime will determine how they make choices in future. This will be in terms of the decision to either take or leave a given set of decision. Child would take or leave a certain decision depending on the parent’s approval or rebuke of the decision taken. Through this, children get to learn on what is good and what is bad.

Children are born without any experience on life and what role they have to play about in life. Through play, children are given a glimpse of whatever awaits them in life. This is demonstrated by the various options they are provided with. Through play, children get to discover that they have potential to do something on their own. This provides an initiative through which children get to discover talents on their own and own the talents. This would be different if parents were jus6t to verbally tell them that they have a spotted a talent in them.

Parents use play as an avenue through which they get to understand more their children. Given that children are able to make rational and sober decisions at playtime, parents would be able to get a clear picture of whatever their little ones stand for and are growing up into. Through this, they will be able to note the deficiencies and the positivity that their children possess. Through play, parents would be able to bring out clearly to the attention of the r child of their roles as parents and boundaries between the child and the parents.