Current methods for Cancer Stem Cell characterisation and isolation Essay

Current methods for Cancer Stem Cell characterisation and isolation - Essay Example Apart from achieving a 40-98% enrichment, this technique also produced spheres with enhanced tumorigenicity in immune-compromised mice [Ponti et.al. 2005]. Such a methodology has also been adopted for the enrichment of CSCs from brain [Singh et. al. 2003], bone sarcomas [Gibbs et.al. 2005], pancreas [Gou et. al. 2007], melanomas [Fang et. al. 2005] and colon [Ricci-Vitiani et. al. 2007]. The spheres produced in all these instances had a high level of surface markers that belong to the respective tumor initiators, namely CSCs. The exploitation of the sphere forming properties of CSCs for their enrichment in culture is considerably more preferable than using surface markers or SPs. In spite of its utility, the process of isolation of CSCs based on sphere formation has significant limitations, the biggest one of which is that they are a heterogeneous population, wherein, only a few cells undergo self-renewal [Ponti et. al. 2005]. Furthermore, upon immunofluorescence analysis of spheres obtained in prostrate cell lines, it has been found that these are heterogenous for CSC surface markers [Patrawala et. al. 2006]. Moreover, variation in sphere size, culture medium and the differences in employed techniques for enrichment also limit the success of the process, as shown in neurosphere cultures [Jensen & Parmar 2006]. The ALDH enzyme plays an important role in the conversion of aldehydes into weak acids. This reaction is vital for the generation of biologically active substances. The ALDEFLUOR assay is based on an enzymatic reaction that measures aldhehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH 1) activity. The detoxifying enzyme, ALDH 1, is responsible for the formation retinoic acid, a biologically active substance, from the oxidation of retinol. The enzyme ALDH1 is abundant in primitive hematopoietic cells and is expressed in the early

Air Pollution Essay Example for Free

Air Pollution Essay BEIJING — Outdoor air pollution contributed to 1.2 million premature deaths in China in 2010, nearly 40 percent of the global total, according to a new summary of data from a scientific study on leading causes of death worldwide. Figured another way, the researchers said, China’s toll from pollution was the loss of 25 million healthy years of life from the population. The data on which the analysis is based was first presented in the ambitious 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study, which was published in December in The Lancet, a British medical journal. The authors decided to break out numbers for specific countries and present the findings at international conferences. The China statistics were offered at a forum in Beijing on Sunday. â€Å"We have been rolling out the India- and China-specific numbers, as they speak more directly to national leaders than regional numbers,† said Robert O’Keefe, the vice president of the Health Effects Institute, a research organization that is helping to present the study. The organization is partly financed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the global motor vehicle industry. What the researchers called â€Å"ambient particulate matter pollution† was the fourth-leading risk factor for deaths in China in 2010, behind dietary risks, high blood pressure and smoking. Air pollution ranked seventh on the worldwide list of risk factors, contributing to 3.2 million deaths in 2010. By comparison with China, India, which also has densely populated cities grappling with similar levels of pollution, had 620,000 premature deaths in 2010 because of outdoor air pollution, the study found. That was deemed to be the sixth most common killer in South Asia. The study was led by an institute at the University of Washington and several partner universities and institutions, including the World Health Organization. Calculations of premature deaths because of outdoor air pollution are politically threatening in the eyes of some Chinese officials . According to news reports, Chinese officials cut out sections of a 2007 report called â€Å"Cost of Pollution in China† that discussed premature deaths. The report’s authors had concluded that 350,000 to 400,000 people die prematurely in China each  year because of outdoor air pollution. The study was done by the World Bank in cooperation with the Chinese State Environmental Protection Administration, the precursor to the Ministry of Environmental Protection. There have been other estimates of premature deaths because of air pollution. In 2011, the World Health Organization estimated that there were 1.3 million premature deaths in cities worldwide because of outdoor air pollution. Last month, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, based in Paris, warned that â€Å"urban air pollution is set to become the top environmental cause of mortality worldwide by 2050, ahead of dirty water and lack of sanitation.† It estimated that up to 3.6 million people could end up dying prematurely from air pollution each year, mostly in China and India. There has been growing outrage in Chinese cities over what many say are untenable levels of air pollution. Cities across the north hit record levels in January, and official Chinese newspapers ran front-page articles on the surge — what some foreigners call the â€Å"airpocalypse† — despite earlier limits on such discussion by propaganda officials. In February, the State Council, China’s cabinet, announced a timeline for introducing new fuel standards, but state-owned oil and power companies are known to block or ignore environmental policies to save on costs. A study released on Thursday said the growth rate of disclosure of pollution information in 113 Chinese cities had slowed. The groups doing the study, the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, based in Beijing, and the Natural Resources Defense Council, based in Washington, said that â€Å"faced with the current situation of severe air, water and soil pollution, we must make changes to pollution source information disclosure so that information is no longer patchy, out of date and difficult to o btain.† Chinese officials have made some progress in disclosing crucial air pollution statistics. Official news reports have said 74 cities are now required to release data on levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller, which penetrate the body’s tissues most deeply. For years, Chinese officials had been collecting the data but refusing to release it, until they came under pressure from Chinese who saw that the United States Embassy in Beijing was measuring the levels hourly and posting the data in a Twitter feed, @BeijingAir. Last week, an official Chinese news report said the cost of environmental degradation in China was about $230 billion in 2010, or 3.5  percent of the gross domestic product. The estimate, said to be partial, came from a research institute under the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and was three times the amount in 2004, in local currency terms. It was unclear to what extent those numbers took into account the costs of health care and premature deaths because of pollution. National Park Service Air Pollution Its Nature, Sources, and Effects http://www.nps.gov/shen/naturescience/airpollution.htm Last Updated: 04/09/2014 Summer View, mountains in the distance from Skyline Drive. John F. Mitchell NPS Volunteer Introduction Air pollution occurs in many forms but can generally be thought of as gaseous and particulate contaminants that are present in the earths atmosphere. Gaseous pollutants include sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydrogen fluoride (HF), and various gaseous forms of metals. These pollutants are emitted from large stationary sources such as fossil fuel fired power plants, smelters, industrial boilers, petroleum refineries, and manufacturing facilities as well as from area and mobile sources. They are corrosive to various materials which causes damage to cultural resources, can cause injury to ecosystems and organisms, aggravate respiratory diseases, and reduce visibility. Particulates come in both large and small or fine solid forms. Large particulates include substances such as dust, asbestos fibers, and lead. Fine particulates include sulfates (SO4) and nitrates (NO3). Important sourc es of particulates are power plants, smelters, mining operations, and automobiles. Asbestos and lead affect organisms, while sulfates and nitrates not only cause health problems, but also contribute to acid rain or acid deposition and a reduction in visibility. Particulate matter, a term sometimes used instead of particulates, refers to the mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Toxic air pollutants are a class of chemicals which may  potentially cause health problems in a significant way. The sources of toxic air pollutants include power plants, industries, pesticide application, and contaminated windblown dust. Persistent toxic pollutants, such as mercury, are of particular concern because of their global mobility and ability to accumulate in the food chain. More research is needed to fully understand the fate and effects of mercury and the many other toxic pollutants. Primary pollutants are those that are emitted directly into the air from pollution sources. Secondary pollutants are formed when primary pollutants undergo chemical changes in the atmosphere. Ozone is an example of a secondary pollutant. It is formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are mixed and warmed by sunlight. Ozone (O3) is a major component of what is often referred to as smog. The ozone which is present in the troposphere, or the atmosphere that is close to the ground, should not be confused with beneficial ozone that is located in the stratosphere or upper atmosphere. This beneficial ozone in the stratosphere helps protect the earth from harmful ultraviolet light from the sun. Sources of Air Pollution Stationary and Area Sources A stationary source of air pollution refers to an emission source that does not move, also known as a point source. Stationary sources include factories, power plants, dry cleaners and degreasing operations. The term area source is used to describe many small sources of air pollution located together whose individual emissions may be below thresholds of concern, but whose collective emissions can be significant. Residential wood burners are a good example of a small source, but when combined with many other small sources, they can contribute to local and regional air pollution levels. Area sources can also be thought of as non-point sources, such as construction of housing developments, dry lake beds, and landfills. Mobile Sources A mobile source of air pollution refers to a source that is capable of moving under its own power. In general, mobile sources imply on-road transportation, which includes vehicles such as cars, sport utility vehicles, and buses. In addition, there is also a non-road or off-road  category that includes gas-powered lawn tools and mowers, farm and construction equipment, recreational vehicles, boats, planes, and trains. Agricultural Sources Agricultural operations, those that raise animals and grow crops, can generate emissions of gases and particulate matter. For example, animals confined to a barn or restricted area (rather than field grazing), produce large amounts of manure. Manure emits various gases, particularly ammonia into the air. This ammonia can be emitted from the animal houses, manure storage areas, or from the land after the manure is applied. In crop production, the misapplication of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides can potentially result in aerial drift of these materials and harm may be caused. Natural Sources Although industrialization and the use of motor vehicles are overwhelmingly the most significant contributors to air pollution, there are important natural sources of pollution as well. Wildland fires, dust storms, and volcanic activity also contribute gases and particulates to our atmosphere. Unlike the above mentioned sources of air pollution, natural air pollution is not caused by people or their activities. An erupting volcano emits particulate matter and gases; forest and prairie fires can emit large quantities of pollutants; plants and trees naturally emit VOCs which are oxidized and form aerosols that can cause a natural blue haze; and dust storms can create large amounts of particulate matter. Wild animals in their natural habitat are also considered natural sources of pollution. The National Park Service recognizes that each of these sources emits gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere but we regard these as constituents resulting from natural processes. Air Pollution at Shenandoah Sources of air pollution that affect Shenandoah National Park are largely outside of the park. These include industrial facilities located throughout the mid-Atlantic region and the Ohio River Valley as well as urban centers in this same region. Because most areas adjacent to the park are rural and agricultural, it is clear that transport of pollutants from distant  locations is an important element upon which park air quality hinges. Even some agricultural activities, such as ammonia from the poultry industry and pesticides that are applied to adjacent fields, may contribute to air pollution in the park. In-park emission sources are relatively small, but do include motor vehicles, maintenance equipment, small boilers and generators. The relative contribution from the in-park sources is very small compared to other sources. In a July 2002 report describing an emissions inventory for Shenandoah National Park, it was determined that less than 1% of emissions were produced from in-par k sources. How does air pollution move? Air transport is the term used to describe the mechanism by which air pollution moves from an emissions source to a receptor. A source is a location (i.e., smokestack, chimney, exhaust pipe) from which the pollutant emanates and a receptor is the place (i.e., soil, vegetation, waterbodies, human lungs) where the pollutant is deposited. The atmosphere itself is the transporter of pollutants from sources to receptors. If the wind carries the plume of pollution high enough in the air, it may travel for hundreds of miles before being brought to earth. This is known as long-range or long-distance transport. Air Pollution Effects The air is an important component of the natural system of a park in its own right. The presence of pollution in the atmosphere results directly in air quality degradation. Air pollution is also a critical factor affecting the quality of other environmental resources as well as the human-made structures and facilities in the area. Polluted air can and has harmed park resources in a variety of ways depending upon the chemistry of the pollutant, weather and environmental conditions, and the nature or sensitivity of park resources. Examples of this harm include vegetative discoloration and growth disruption from ozone, loss of aquatic species from stream acidification, shifts in nutrient availability from acid deposition, and erosion of building surfaces and rock formations. Air pollution impairs visibility and contributes to climate change. Air pollution can also be detrimental to human health. Shchooltoday Your Cool Facts and Tips on Air Pollution What causes air pollution? Air pollution can result from both human and natural actions. Natural events that pollute the air include forest fires, volcanic eruptions, wind erosion, pollen dispersal, evaporation of organic compounds and natural radioactivity. Pollution from natural occurrences are not very often. Human activities that result in air pollution include: 1. Emissions from industries and manufacturing activities Have you seen a manufacturing company before? You will notice that there are long tubes (called chimneys) erected high into the air, with lots of smoke and fumes coming out of it. Waste incinerators, manufacturing industries and power plants emit high levels of carbon monoxide, organic compounds, and chemicals into the air. This happens almost everywhere that people live. Petroleum refineries also release lots of hydrocarbons into the air. 2. Burning Fossil Fuels After the industrial age, transportation has become a key part of our lives. Cars and heavy duty trucks, trains, shipping vessels and airplanes all burn lots of fossil fuels to work. Emissions from automobile engines contain both primary and secondary pollutants. This is a major cause of pollution, and one that is very difficult to manage. This is because humans rely heavily on vehicles and engines for transporting people, good and services. Fumes from car exhauts contain dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons and particulates. On their own, they cause great harm to people who breath them. Additionally, they react with environmental gases to create further toxic gases. Click here to see the effects 3. Household and Farming Chemicals Crop dusting, fumigating homes, household cleaning products or painting supplies, over the counter insect/pest killers, fertilizer dust emit harmful chemicals into the air and cause pollution. In many case, when we use these chemicals at home or offices with no or little ventilation, we may fall ill if we breathe them. What are the common air pollutants around? Carbon Monoxide (CO) Fuel combustion from vehicles and engines. Reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the body’s organs and tissues; aggravates heart disease, resulting in chest pain and other symptoms. Ground-level Ozone (O3)  Secondary pollutant formed by chemical reaction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and NOx in the presence of sunlight. Decreases lung function and causes respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath, and also makes asthma and other lung diseases get worse. More on Ground Level Ozone Here Lead (Pb) Smelters (metal refineries) and other metal industries; combustion of leaded gasoline in piston engine aircraft; waste incinerators (waste burners), and battery manufacturing. Damages the developing nervous system, resulting in IQ loss and impacts on learning, memory, and behavior in children. Cardiovascular and renal effects in adults and early effects related to anaemia. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Fuel combustion (electric utilities, big industrial boilers, vehicles) and wood burning. Worsens lung diseases leading to respiratory symptoms, increased susceptibility to respiratory infection. Particulate Matter (PM) This is formed through chemical reactions, fuel combustion (e.g., burning coal, wood, diesel), industrial processes, farming (plowing, field burning), and unpaved roads or during road constructions. Short-term exposures can worsen heart or lung diseases and cause respiratory problems. Long-term exposures can cause heart or lung disease and sometimes premature deaths. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) SO2 come from fuel combustion (especially high-sulfur coal); electric utilities and industrial processes as well as and natural occurances like volcanoes. Aggravates asthma and makes breathing difficult.It also contributes to particle formation with associated health effects. What are the effects of air pollution? Acidification: Chemical reactions involving air pollutants can create acidic compounds which can cause harm to vegetation and buildings. Sometimes, when an air pollutant, such as sulfuric acid combines with the water droplets that make up clouds, the water droplets become acidic, forming acid rain. When acid rain falls over an area, it can kill trees and harm animals, fish, and other wildlife. Acid rain destroys the leaves of plants. When acid rain infiltrates into soils, it changes the chemistry of the soil making it unfit for many living things that rely on soil as a habitat or for nutrition. Acid rain also changes the chemistry of the lakes and streams that the rainwater flows into, harming fish and other aquatic life. Eutrophication: Rain can carry and deposit the Nitrogen in some pollutants on rivers and soils. This will adversely affect the nutrients in the soil and water bodies. This can result in algae growth in lakes and water bodies, and make conditions for other living organism harmful. Ground-level ozone: Chemical reactions involving air pollutants create a poisonous gas ozone (O3). Gas Ozone can affect people’s health and can damage vegetation types and some animal life too. Particulate matter:  Air pollutants can be in the form of particulate matter which can be very harmful to our health. The level of effect usually depends on the length of time of exposure, as well the kind and concentration of chemicals and particles exposed to. Short-term effects include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and  pneumonia. Others include headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions. Short-term air pollution can aggravate the medical conditions of individuals with asthma and emphysema. Long-term health effects can include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys. Continual exposure to air pollution affects the lungs of growing children and may aggravate or compli cate medical conditions in the elderly. Air pollution prevention, monitoring and solution. Solution efforts on pollution is always a big problem. This is why prevention interventions are always a better way of controlling air pollution. These prevention methods can either come from government (laws) or by individual actions. In many big cities, monitoring equipment have been installed at many points in the city. Authorities read them regularly to check the quality of air. Lets see more below: Government (or community) level prevention Governments throughout the world have already taken action against air pollution by introducing green energy. Some governments are investing in wind energy and solar energy, as well as other renewable energy, to minimize burning of fossil fuels, which cause heavy air pollution. Governments are also forcing companies to be more responsible with their manufacturing activities, so that even though they still cause pollution, they are a lot controlled. Companies are also building more energy efficient cars, which pollute less than before. Individual Level Prevention Encourage your family to use the bus, train or bike when commuting. If we all do this, there will be less cars on road and less fumes. Use energy (light, water, boiler, kettle and fire woods) wisely. This is because lots of fossil fuels are burned to generate electricity, and so if we can cut down the use, we will also cut down the amount of pollution we create. Recycle and re-use things. This will minimize the dependence of producing new things. Remember manufacturing industries create a lot of pollution, so if we can re-use things like shopping plastic bags, clothing, paper and bottles, it can help. Basic Air Pollution Facts Below are some random facts and info on environmental pollution. Air pollutants (dangerous things that make the air unclean)come in the form of gases or particles. In March 2011, a very powerful earthquake in the sea (tsunami) hit the Japan coast. The sea level rose and water came into the land, damaging 4 of the 6 reactors in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. World Health Organisation (WHO) experts confirm that there is slight increased risk of some cancer types for some people who were exposed to the radiation. These included people living in that area and some workers at the plant. Below is a peice of the information given on BBC website: The biggest lifetime risks were seen in those exposed as infants, compared with children or adults. For girls exposed to radiation from the accident as infants, the report found a 4% increase above the lifetime expected risk of solid tumours and a 6% increase above that expected for breast cancer. Boys exposed as infants are expected to have a 7% increased risk of leukaemia above that expected in the normal population. The biggest risk was seen in thyroid cancer, which for infant girls could be up to 70% higher than expected over their lifetime. BBC Website: /news/health-21614722 It is estimated that you breathe 20,000 liters of air each day. This means the more polluted the air is, the more we breathe into our lungs dangerous chemicals. Air can be polluted both indoors and outdoors. Tobacco and other kinds of smoking are examples of indoor air pollution. Sick Building Syndrome is a health condition related to pesticides, insecticides and chemicals we use at home and offices. In the great Smog Disaster in London in 1952, four thousand people died in a few days due to the high concentrations of pollution. Air pollution affects kids more than adults  because, for their body size, kids breathe more air and spend more time playing outside. More hazardous pollutants are discharged into the air each year than are released to surface water, ground water, and land, combined. Motor vehicles produce more air pollution than any other single human activity. One full commuter bus can mean 40 less cars going through your neighborhood. In America, vehicle exhaust contributes roughly 60% of all carbon monoxide emissions nationwide, and up to 95% in cities. Indoor air pollution and health Around 3 billion people cook and heat their homes using open fires and leaky stoves burning biomass (wood, animal dung and crop waste) and coal. Nearly 2 million people die prematurely from illness attributable to indoor air pollution from household solid fuel use. Nearly 50% of pneumonia deaths among children under five are due to particulate matter inhaled from indoor air pollution. More than 1 million people a year die from chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) that develop due to exposure to such indoor air pollution. Both women and men exposed to heavy indoor smoke are 2-3 times more likely to develop COPD Source: WHO Ozone Depletion: Losing Earth’s Protective Layer National Geographic The ozone layer is a belt of naturally occurring ozone gas that sits 9.3 to 18.6 miles (15 to 30 kilometers) above Earth and serves as a shield from the harmful ultraviolet B radiation emitted by the sun. Ozone is a highly reactive molecule that contains three oxygen atoms. It is constantly being formed and broken down in the high atmosphere, 6.2 to 31 miles (10 to 50 kilometers) above Earth, in the region called the stratosphere. Today, there is widespread concern that the ozone layer is deteriorating due to the release of pollution containing the chemicals chlorine and bromine. Such deterioration allows large amounts of ultraviolet B rays to reach Earth, which can cause skin cancer and cataracts in humans and harm animals as  well. Extra ultraviolet B radiation reaching Earth also inhibits the reproductive cycle of phytoplankton, single-celled organisms such as algae that make up the bottom rung of the food chain. Biologists fear that reductions in phytoplankton populations will in turn lower the populations of other animals. Researchers also have documented changes in the reproductive rates of young fish, shrimp, and crabs as well as frogs and salamanders exposed to excess ultraviolet B. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chemicals found mainly in spray aerosols heavily used by industrialized nations for much of the past 50 years, are the primary culprits in ozone layer breakdown. When CFCs reach the upper atmosphere, they are exposed to ultraviolet rays, which causes them to break down into substances that include chlorine. The chlorine reacts with the oxygen atoms in ozone and rips apart the ozone molecule. One atom of chlorine can destroy more than a hundred thousand ozone molecules, according to the the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The ozone layer above the Antarctic has been particularly impacted by pollution since the mid-1980s. This region’s low temperatures speed up the conversion of CFCs to chlorine. In the southern spring and summer, when the sun shines for long periods of the day, chlorine reacts with ultraviolet rays, destroying ozone on a massive scale, up to 65 percent. This is what some people erroneously refer to as the ozone hole. In other regions, the ozone layer has deteriorated by about 20 percent. About 90 percent of CFCs currently in the atmosphere were emitted by industrialized countries in the Northern Hemisphere, including the United States and Europe. These countries banned CFCs by 1996, and the amount of chlorine in the atmosphere is falling now. But scientists estimate it will take another 50 years for chlorine levels to return to their natural levels. Clean Air Kids The Earth is wrapped in a blanket of air called the atmosphere, which is made up of several layers. About 19-30 kilometres above the Earth is a layer of gas called ozone, which is a form of oxygen. Ozone is produced naturally in the atmosphere. WHY DO WE HAVE AN OZONE LAYER? The ozone layer is very important because it stops too many of the suns ultra-violet rays (UV rays) getting through to the Earth these are the rays that cause our skin to tan. Too much UV can cause skin cancer and will also harm all plants and animals. Life on Earth could not exist without the protective shield of the ozone layer. WHAT IS THE OZONE HOLE? Every spring, a hole as big as the USA develops in the ozone layer over Antarctica, in the South Pole. A smaller hole develops each year over the Arctic, at the North Pole. And there are signs that the ozone layer is getting thinner all over the planet. Scientists have discovered that the ozone hole over Antarctica started in 1979, and that the ozone layer generally started to get thin in the early 1980s. The loss of the ozone layer occurs when more ozone is being destroyed than nature is creating. WHAT CAUSES THE OZONE HOLE? One group of gases is particularly likely to damage the ozone layer. These gases are called CFCs, Chloro-Fluoro-Carbons. CFCs are used in some spray cans to force the contents out of the can. They are also used in refrigerators, air conditioning systems and some fire extinguishers. They are used because they are not poisonous and do not catch fire. Most countries have now stopped using new CFCs that can be released into the atmosphere, but many scientists believe we must stop using old ones as well. THE OZONE HOLE AND OUR HEALTH The ozone layer is like a sunscreen, and a thinning of it would mean that more ultra-violet rays would be reaching us. Too many UV rays would cause more sunburn, and because sunburn causes skin cancer, this too would increase deaths. These UV rays are also dangerous for our eyes and could cause an increase in people becoming blind. That is why sun cream and sunglasses are very important. THE OZONE HOLE ON ANIMALS AND PLANTS UV rays can go through water and end up killing small water animals or  plants, called plankton which form the base of the food chain in oceans and seas. Whales and other fishes have plankton as their main food, and if plankton die because of these UV rays, whales will start dying too, because they will not have anything to eat. Large amounts of UV rays could damage all green plants. If the ozone layer keeps getting thinner, there could be fewer and fewer plants on Earth, then there would be less food in the whole world. THE TWO-FACED OZONE GAS Ozone found between 19 and 30 kilometres high in the atmosphere is one of the reasons why we are alive on Earth. But when the gas ozone is found lower down where we can breathe it in, it becomes very dangerous for our health. This ozone is caused by a reaction between air pollution and sunlight and can cause modern-day smog. This is different to the smog that formed in the early 20th century from smoke and fog. What can you do: There are many things we can do to help reduce air pollution and global warming. Use buses and trains instead of cars, as they can carry a lot more people in one journey. This cuts down the amount of pollution produced. Walking or cycling whenever you can will be even better, as it does not create any pollution. It will also be good for your body, as regular exercise will keep you fit and healthy. If your parents must use the car, ask them to avoid using it for very short journeys if possible, as this creates unnecessary pollution. Try to encourage them to share their journeys with other people, for example when they go to work or go shopping. Also encourage them to drive more slowly as this produces less pollution and less carbon dioxide. Energy is produced to generate electricity and to keep us warm. Most energy is produced by the burning of fossil fuels, like coal, oil and gas, which release carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Fuel burnt in our cars also releases carbon dioxide. As an individual, you do not have a lot of control on how your energy is produced. However, you can control the way in which you use that energy. Using less energy means less of it needs to be produced. So less carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. We can also help prevent pollution from our own homes which may contribute to acid rain and poor air quality, and increases emissions of carbon dioxide in the  atmosphere. Turning off lights when they are not needed and not wasting electricity will reduce the demand for energy. Less electricity will need to be produced and so less coal, oil and gas will have to be burnt in power stations, which means less air pollution and less carbon dioxide! Pollution formed indoors can be reduced by ensuring that all gas appliances are working correctly. Good ventilation will improve indoor air quality by dispersing biological pollutants like dust mite, and other pollutants such as cigarette smoke. Most of the rubbish we throw away can be recycled, such as glass bottles and jars, steel and aluminium cans, plastic bottles and waste paper. Recycling used materials uses less energy than making new ones. Composting fruit and vegetable waste reduces the amount of rubbish buried at rubbish dumps. What are the Governments doing? Governments throughout the world have already taken action for these different environmental problems (i.e. Acid Rain, Air Quality, Ozone Hole, Global Warming). In their plans they hope to reduce the amount of emissions of greenhouse gases produced by man. About half of the greenhouse effect is caused by our use of energy, especially from fossil fuels. Other sources of energy could be used which do not emit carbon dioxide, e.g. wind power, solar (sun power) and wave power. In the home and at school, we must learn to use energy efficiently and not waste it. Rain is very important for life. All living things need water to live, even people. Rain brings us the water we need. But in many places in the world even where you live, rain has become a menace. Because of pollution in the air, acid gases from factories, cars and homes, the rain is becoming dangerous for the life of every living creature. This rain is known as acid rain. WHAT IS ACID RAIN? Acid gases are produced when fossil fuels like coal and oil are burned in power stations, factories and in our own homes. Most of these acid gases are blown into the sky, and when they mix with the clouds it can cause rain or snow, sleet, fog, mist or hail to become more acidic. The opposites of  acid are alkalis; for example, toothpaste and baking powder are both alkalis. Strong alkalis can also be dangerous, such as ammonia and bleach. Lemon juice, vinegar and cola are all acidic. Rain is naturally acidic, but acid gases make it even more acidic, sometimes as acid as lemon! Nature can also produce acid gases, such as volcanoes. When they erupt, the smoke that comes out of the crater is also full of acid gases. HOW DO WE MEASURE ACIDITY? There is a special scale called the pH scale that measures the strength of acids and alkalis. A low pH number means something is acid. A high number means something is alkali. And something in the middle is called neutral. Acidity can be tested using litmus paper. Usually rain is a little acidic, and has pH of about 5.5, if the pH of rainfall is less than 5.5, then the rain is probably polluted by acid gases. Acids turn litmus paper red, and alkalis turn it blue. With a special paper called universal indicator, you can test levels of acidity. WHAT ARE THE MAIN GASES THAT CAUSE ACID RAIN? When we burn fuels, chemicals called sulphur and nitrogen are released into the air. Once in the air, they mix with water in the air rain, snow, etc and are transformed into different chemicals called sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can be very dangerous for plants, animals and people. Most of the sulphur comes from power stations, which make electricity, and also from volcanoes. Most of the nitrogen oxides come from car and truck exhausts. We call air pollution the bad gases that we produce and release in the air. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are the most important causes of acid rain. A PROBLEM ALL OVER THE WORLD Air pollution can be carried over long distances. When acid gases are released, they go high up in the sky, and then they are pushed by strong winds towards other countries. The acid rain in Sweden is caused by air pollution in Britain and other countries of Europe. The pollution produced in Britain ends up mostly in Scandinavia countries in northern Europe  including Sweden, Norway and Denmark. In the USA, the winds blow the air pollution to certain areas in Canada. HOW BAD IS ACID RAIN? When rain is acidic, it affects what it falls on: trees, lakes, buildings and farmland. Sometimes rain is not very acidic and does not cause a lot of problems, but when it is acidic, it can be very harmful to the environment. TREES AND PLANTS Acid rain can have terrible effects on a forest. The acid takes away important minerals from the leaves and the soil. Minerals are like vitamins for trees and plants. Without them, trees and plants cannot grow properly. They lose their leaves and become very weak. They are no longer strong enough to fight against illnesses and frost. They become very ill and can even die. Some soils are alkaline, when acid rain falls on them the acid becomes neutral. Plants and trees living on these soils are not in any big danger.. LAKES AND WATER LIFE Acid rain has a terrible effect on water life. Even if the acid rain does not fall straight into the lake, for example, it may enter from rivers and streams. Some of the life in the lake such as fish and plants may end up dying, because they cannot survive in acidic lakes. Thousands of lakes in Scandinavia have no more life in them. They have received so much acid rain for so many years, because of the winds pushing the acid gases, that nothing can survive. You can recognise a lake dead from acid rain by its clean and crystal clear water. But they look clean because there is very little living in them anymore. Tiny plants and animals are mostly unable to survive.. OUR HEALTH Particulates very small particles of debris found in some of the air pollution are one of the main causes of health problems. In towns and cities, these are released mainly by diesel engines from cars and trucks. When we breathe in air pollution, these very fine particulates can easily enter our body, where they can cause breathing problems, and over time even  cause cancer. Water we drink from taps can be contaminated by acid rain, which can damage the brain.. BUILDINGS Acid rain can also ruin buildings because the acid eats into metal and stone. It also damages stained glass and plastics. Some types of building materials are softer than others, and it is the softer ones which are most affected by acid rain. Sandstone and limestone are examples of stone which are fairly soft and are damaged easily. Granite is an example of a harder stone that can resist the effects of acid rain. In many places in the world, ancient and famous buildings and monuments are affected by acid rain. For example, the Statue of Liberty in New York, USA, has had to be restored because of acid rain damage. Buildings are naturally eroded by rain, wind, frost and the sun, but when acidic gases are present, it speeds up the erosion.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Essay -- International Economics

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) International Monetary Fund (IMF), international economic organization whose purpose is to promote international monetary cooperation to facilitate the expansion of international trade. The IMF operates as a United Nations specialized agency and is a permanent forum for consideration of issues of international payments, in which member nations are encouraged to maintain an orderly pattern of exchange rates and to avoid restrictive exchange practices. The IMF was established along with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development The IMF's Main Business: Macroeconomic and Financial Sector Policies In its oversight of member countries' economic policies, the IMF looks mainly at the performance of an economy as a whole—often referred to as its macroeconomic performance. This comprises total spending (and its major components like consumer spending and business investment), output, employment, and inflation, as well as the country's balance of payments—that is, the balance of a country's transactions with the rest of the world. The IMF focuses mainly on a country's macroeconomic policies—that is, policies relating to the government's budget, the management of money and credit, and the exchange rate—and financial sector policies, including the regulation and supervision of banks and other financial institutions. In addition, the IMF pays due attention to structural policies that affect macroeconomic performance—including labor market policies that affect employment and wage behavior. The IMF advises each member on how its policies in these areas may be improved to allow the more effective pursuit of goals such as high employment, low inflation, and sustainable economic growth—that is, growth that can be sustained without leading to such difficulties as inflation and balance of payments problems. The IMF's Purposes The purposes of the International Monetary Fund are: i. To promote international monetary cooperation through a permanent institution which provides the machinery for consultation and collaboration on international monetary problems. ii. To facilitate the expansion and balanced growth of international trade, and to contribute thereby to the promotion and maintenance of high levels of employment and real income and to the development of the productive resources of al... ...the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility pay a concessional fixed interest rate of  ½ percent a year. ï‚ · To strengthen safeguards on members' use of IMF resources, in March 2000 the IMF began requiring assessments of central banks' compliance with desirable practices for internal control procedures, financial reporting, and audit mechanisms. At the same time, the Executive Board decided to broaden the application, and make more systematic use, of the available tools to deal with countries that borrow from the IMF on the basis of erroneous information. ï‚ · In most cases, the IMF, when it lends, provides only a small portion of a country's external financing requirements. But because the approval of IMF lending signals that a country's economic policies are on the right track, it reassures investors and the official community and helps generate additional financing from these sources. Thus, IMF financing can act as an important lever, or catalyst, for attracting other funds. The IMF's ability to perform this catalytic role is based on the confidence that other lenders have in its operations and especially in the credibility of the policy conditionality attached to its lending.

“Cat in the Rain” by Ernest Hemingway

â€Å"Cat in the Rain† by Ernest Hemingway The story under the title â€Å"Cat in the Rain† was written by Ernest Hemingway, one of the most favourite American novelists, short-story writer and essayist, whose deceptively simple prose style has influenced wide range of writers. So, the story begins with the description of the hotel where two Americans stopped. It was raining, that’s why the couple stayed in and just a cat in the rain attracted the young woman’s attention. She wanted to get the cat inside but failed and was brought another cat.The problem of the story lies very deeply and we are to uncover it. The story is written in one mood which constantly and directly increases. It starts from the beginning where it’s created by a persistent and repeated use of the â€Å"rain† with a number of phrases associating it, such as puddles, deserted square, glistening war monument. Repetition is one of the widely used and favourite stylistic devi ces of Hemingway. Here he applies it to reveal the relationship of the protagonist to the old hotel owner (she liked †¦ , she liked†¦ ).As the verb â€Å"to like† is not used to characterize relations of the wife to her husband, this contrast is full of the concealed but easily read meaning. Though the cases of repetition in the story may seem a bit obtrusive, their modifications enter into the core of the narration very organically. They carry emotional character, however penetrating the story the deep sorrow becomes evident gradually. We realize that little, as if meaningless, capricious wishes of a young woman reveal the drama of her fate, the absence of comfort in her life, comparable with the cat in the rain.The title of the story anticipates this confrontation and the fact that the cat’s image makes great play twice – just increases the total effect. In fact, the young woman pines for love, for home, for her family. And the purring cat sheâ€℠¢d like to have and to stroke is a traditional symbol of home and comfort she lacks so much. She wants warmth, attention, care, joy, happiness; however she is brought the cat – a pitiful substitution of that, what she, a young, beautiful woman needs incredibly. This is the main problem of the novel we tried to uncover.Perhaps the hotel owner didn’t get the reason of her yearnings and took her wish for whim. But dignity, deference and respectfulness of the old man are confronted to egoism and carelessness of George not occasionally. The war monument is also mentioned deliberately. The world George and his wife belong to – is uncomfortable, homeless after-war world, where the fates of young people joined with such hardships and troubles. If to speak about the text itself, it is told in the 3rd person narrative. he description is interlaced with descriptive passages and dialogues of the personages. The author makes extensive use of repetitions to render the story m ore vivid, convincing, more real and emotional. The author's style is remarkable for its powerful sweep, brilliant illustrations and deep psychological analysis. Everything he touches seems to reflect the feelings of the heroes. The story reveals the author's great knowledge of man's inner world. He penetrates into the subtlest windings of the human heart.

Internal & External Economies in Mumbai Essay

The long run – increases in scale A firm’s efficiency is affected by its size. Large firms are often more efficient than small ones because they can gain from economies of scale, but firms can become too large and suffer from diseconomies of scale. As a firm expands its scale of operations, it is said to move into its long run. The benefits arising from expansion depend upon the effect of expansion on productive efficiency, which can be assessed by looking at changes in average costs at each stage of production. How does a firm expand? A firm can increase its scale of operations in two ways. 1. Internal growth, also called organic growth 2. External growth, also called integration – by merging with other firms, or by acquiring other firms By growing, a firm can expect to reduce its average costs and become more competitive. Long run costs The firm’s long run average cost shows what is happening to average cost when the firm expands, and is at a tangent to the series of short run average cost curves. Each short run average cost curve relates to a separate stage or phase of expansion. The reductions in cost associated with expansion are called economies of scale. Internal and external economies External economies External economies and diseconomies of scale are the benefits and costs associated with the expansion of a whole industry and result from external factors over which a single firm has little or no control. External economies of scale include the benefits of positive externalities enjoyed by firms as a result of the development of an industry or the whole economy. For example, as an industry developes in a particular region an infrastructure of transport of communications will develop, which all industry members can benefit from. Specialist suppliers may also enter the industry and existing firms may benefit from their proximity. Internal economies Internal economies and diseconomies of scale are associated with the expansion of a single firm. The long run cost curve for most firms is assumed to be ‘U’ shaped, because of the impact of internal economies and diseconomies of scale. However, economic theory suggests that average costs will eventually rise because of diseconomies of scale. Types of internal economy of scale 1. Technical economies are the cost savings a firm makes as it grows larger, and arise from the increased use of large scale mechanical processes and machinery. For example, a mass producer of motor vehicles can benefit from technical economies because it can employ mass production techniques and benefit from specialisation and a division of labour. 2. Purchasing economies are gained when larger firms buy in bulk and achieve purchasing discounts. For example, a large supermarket chain can buy its fresh fruit in much greater quantities than a small fruit and vegetable supplier. 3. Administrative savings can arise when large firms spread their administrative and management costs across all their plants, departments, divisions, or subsidiaries. For example, a large multi-national can employ one set of financial accountants for all its separate businesses. 4. Large firms can gain financial savings because they can usually borrow money more cheaply than small firms. This is because they usually have more valuable assets which can be used as security (collateral), and are seen to be a lower risk, especially in comparison with new businesses. In fact, many new businesses fail within their first few years because of cash-flow inadequacies. For example, for having a bank overdraft facility, a supermarket may be charged 2 or 3 % less than a small independent retailer. 5. Risk bearing economies are often derived by large firms who can bear business risks more effectively than smaller firms. For example, a large record company can more easily bear the risk of a ‘flop’ than a smaller record label. Economy of Mumbai Mumbai is the and entertainment capital of India, it is also one of the world’s top 10 centres of commerce in terms of global financial flow, generating 5% of India’s GDP, and accounting for 25% of industrial output, 70% of maritime trade in India ( &), and 70% of capital transactions to . The city houses important financial institutions such as the , the , the , the and the corporate of numerous and . It is also home to some of India’s premier scientific and nuclear institutes like , , ,, , , and the . The city also houses India’s () and . Mumbai’s business opportunities, as well as its potential to offer a higher , attract migrants from all over India and, in turn, make the city a of many communities and . Mumbai is India’s largest city (by population) and is the financial and commercial capital of the country as it generates 6.16% of the total GDP.16105137 It serves as an economic hub of India, contributing 10% of factory employment, 25% of industrial output, 33% of income taxcollections, 60% of customs duty collections, 20% of central excise tax collections, 40% of India’s foreign trade and 4000 crore (US$680 million) incorporate taxes.138 As of 2008, Mumbai’s GDP is 919600 crore (US$160 billion),139 and its per-capita (PPP) income in 2009 was 486,000 (US$8,200),10140 which is almost three times the national average.80 Its nominal per capita income is 125,000 (US$2,100),141 (US$2,094). Many of India’s numerous conglomerates (including Larsen and Toubro, State Bank of India, Life Insurance Corporation of India, Tata Group, Godrej and Reliance),105 and five of the Fortune Global 500 companies are based in Mumbai. 142 Many foreign banks and financial institutions also have branches in this area,105 with the World Trade Centre being the most prominent one.143 Until the 1970s, Mumbai owed its prosperity largely to textile mills and the seaport, but the local economy has since been diversified to include engineering, diamond-polishing, healthcare and information technology.144 As of 2008, the Globalization and World Cities Study Group (GaWC) has ranked Mumbai as an â€Å"Alpha world city†, third in its categories of Global cities.145 Mumbai is the 3rd most expensive office market in the world. Mumbai was ranked among the fastest cities in the country for business startup in 2009.146 State and central government employees make up a large percentage of the city’s workforce. Mumbai also has a large unskilled and semi-skilled self-employed population, who primarily earn their livelihood as hawkers, taxi drivers, mechanics and other such blue collar professions. The port and shipping ind ustry is well established, with Mumbai Port being one of the oldest and most significant ports in India. 147 In Dharavi, in central Mumbai, there is an increasingly large recycling industry, processing recyclable waste from other parts of the city; the district has an estimated 15,000 single-room factories.148 Most of India’s major television and satellite networks, as well as its major publishing houses, are headquartered in Mumbai. The centre of the Hindi movie industry, Bollywood, is the largest film producer in India and one of the largest in the world as well as centre of Marathi Film Industry.149150Along with the rest of India, Mumbai, its commercial capital, has witnessed an economic boom since the liberalisation of 1991, the finance boom in the mid-nineties and the IT, export, services and outsourcing boom in 2000s.151 Mumbai has been ranked 6th among top 10 global cities on billionaire count, ahead of Shanghai, Paris and Los Angeles.11 Mumbai has been ranked 48th on the Worldwide Centres of Commerce Index 2008.152 In April 2008, Mumbai was ranked seventh in the list of à ¢â‚¬Å"Top Ten Cities for Billionaires† by Forbes magazine,153 and first in terms of those billionaires’ average wealth.154 Mumbai is the world’s 38th largest city by GDP. Mumbai is India’s largest city, and is called the financial capital of the country. It serves as an important economic hub of the India, contributing 10% of all factory employment, 40% of all income tax collections, 60% of all customs duty collections, 20% of all central excise tax collections, 40% of India’s foreign trade and Rs. 40 billion (US$ 800 million) in corporate taxes. Mumbai’s per-capita income is Rs. 48,954 (US$ 980) which is almost three times the national average. Many of India’s numerous conglomerates (including State Bank of India, LIC, Tata Group, Godrej and Reliance), and five of the Fortune Global 500 companies are based in Mumbai. Many foreign banks and financial institutions also have branches in this area, the World Trade Centre (Mumbai) being the most prominent one. Until the 1980s, Mumbai owed its prosperity largely to textile mills and the seaport, but the local economy has sin ce been diversified to include engineering, diamond-polishing, healthcare and information technology.| | | | Mumbai is home to the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, and most of India’s specialized, technical industries, having a modern industrial infrastructure and vast, skilled human resources. Rising venture capital firms, start-ups and established brands work in aerospace, optical engineering, medical research, computers and electronic equipment of all varieties, shipbuilding and salvaging, and renewable energy and power.| State and central government employees make up a large percentage of the city’s workforce. Mumbai also has a large unskilled and semi-skilled self employed population, who primarily earn their livelihood as hawkers, taxi drivers, mechanics and other such blue collar professions. The port and shipping industry, too, employs many residents, directly or indirectly. In Dharavi, in central Mumbai, there is an increasingly large recycling industry, processing recyclable waste from other parts of the city; the district has an estimated 15,000 single-room factories. | | The media industry is another major employer in Mumbai. Most of India’s major television and satellite networks, as well as its major publishing houses, are headquartered here. The centre of the Hindi movie industry, Bollywood produces the largest number of films per year in the world; and the name Bollywood is a portmanteau of Bombay and Hollywood. Marathi television and Marathi film industry are also based in Mumbai.| Along with the rest of India, Mumbai, its commercial capital, has witnessed an economic boom since the liberalization of 1991, the finance boom in the mid-nineties and the IT, export, services and outsourcing boom in this decade. The middle class in Mumbai is the segment most impacted by this boom and is the driver behind the consequent consumer boom. Upward mobility among Mumbaikars has led to a direct increase in consumer spending. Mumbai has been ranked 48th on the Worldwide Centres of Commerce Index 2008. In April 2008, Mumbai was ranked seventh in the list of â€Å"Top Ten Cities for Billionaires† by Forbes magazine.| | | External and internal shocks serious setbacks to economic growth| Economic growth is likely to fall to 6 per cent this year as external and internal shocks are serious setbacks to the country’s economic growth.The Central Bank has not revised its economic growth forecast for the year, but current conditions suggest that economic growth would slip from 7.2 per cent that it estimated earlier this year to even below 6 per cent, if global demand for exports continues to be unfavourable and the prevailing drought conditions persist. The falling international oil prices are the one favourable development that could mitigate the economic slide.Global conditionsThe international economic downturn is widespread. Even China’s state capitalism has been unable to weather the global storm and the Chinese economy is expected to slow down this year. The Indian economy may experience a precipitous decline in its growth. India’s economic progress that had been impressive in the l ast decade has been halted and its first quarter economic growth dipped to just 5.3 per cent. India’s slower growth could affect the Sri Lankan economy in several ways. India is an important trading partner. About 5 per cent of our exports are to India. | Furthermore, foreign investors tend to view investment prospects regionally. India’s troubles could intensify foreign investor concerns on Sri Lanka as a destination for FDI. Moreover our long term economic expectations are linked to the fortunes of India.The most pertinent global developments for Sri Lanka in the short run is the instability of European economies that have slowed down and reduced their purchasing power of commodities exported by us. European countries and the US that accounted for 54 per cent of our exports last year is a sizeable one for industrial exports. The decrease in exports to Europe is being felt in the trade statistics this year. The American economy too has not recovered adequately, and this being an election year, is not expected to regain a growth momentum. With these two main markets affected, our industrial exports have faced a drop of 3.1 per cent in the fir st four months of the year.What is particularly disconcerting is that there is a trend of decreasing industrial exports, especially of garments. In March industrial exports declined by 10.2 per cent and in April it declined by 8.7 per cent, compared to the respective months of last year. Tea exports to the Middle East and Russia too have been adversely affected and in the first four months, tea exports decreased by 11.8 per cent, contributing heavily to the decline in agricultural exports by 11.7 per cent compared to the previous year’s first four months. Total exports declined by 3.1 per cent in the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year. Indications are that both industrial and agricultural exports would face adverse conditions and are not likely to recover.ImportsImports continue to make a serious dent in the trade balance. Although consumer imports declined by 3.3 per cent, intermediate and investment goods continued to increase. Imports were much higher than exports and resulted in a trade deficit of US$ 3.3 billion in the first four months. If this trend continues the trade deficit could be as much as US$ 10-11 billion. This would certainly strain the balance of payments as it is too large to be bridged by worker remittances, tourist earnings, other service earnings and capital inflows. The expectation of higher amounts of foreign direct investments is unlikely. Therefore once again there would be a drain on reserves or increased foreign borrowing to meet the trade deficit, as well as repay capital borrowed earlier and to service interest payments.Economic stabilityThe stabilisation of the economy is becoming an uphill task with exports declining and imports continuing to rise. Consequently the trade deficit is continuing to widen even though some imports are showing signs of decelerating. The exchange rate has depreciated as much as 17.5 per cent since Nov. 21, when the government devalued the rupee by 3 per cent. | Global conditions are no doubt at the root of the problem. The economic policies pursued in the recent past too were not modified to take into account the realities of the global situation and the unrealistic path of development that was pursued, without consideration of resource availability and balance of payments implications of the consumption-investment pattern.Internal shockAs if the external shocks are not enough, the country is in the throes of a severe drought. While the hopes are that the monsoon is a delayed one, the current expectations are that a severe drought is likely.This is likely to reduce paddy as well as other crop outputs in the main paddy growing areas. It is estimated that the Yala 2012 crop will decline by about 30 to 4 0 per cent. There may be a need to importing rice this year. If international rice prices increase then it would result in a further strain on the balance of payments.The impact of a drought on the capacity for hydro electricity generation is serious. Increased thermal generation would necessitate higher petroleum imports. The gains by the reduction of oil prices could be wiped out by increases in the amount of oil imports. Meanwhile in the first four months of this year import expenditure on oil increased by 34 per cent.Silver liningsThere are a few silver linings amidst these dark clouds. International oil prices are falling. Though, as usual, there is volatility in oil prices, they are hovering at a much lower level that in the early part of the year. Oil prices of around US$ 90 per barrel could be a significant boon. Complementing this is the US decision to exempt Sri Lanka from the ban on oil imports from Iran. This too could bring some relief with the possibility of importing Iran crude on concessional and differed payment terms.Worker remittances that are an important source of funding the trade deficit are continuing to increase. In the first four months remittances increased by 16 per cent compared to that of the comparab le period last. This is good news in a context when there was considerable uncertainty about remittances growing owing to the turmoil in the Middle East.Policy imperativesOnly about one half of the probable trade deficit of US$ 11 billion is likely to be offset by remittances. Tourist earnings that are increasing may finance about 10 per cent of the trade deficit. Therefore the current account deficit would have to be financed largely by either running down the reserves or through borrowings that are contingent liabilities. In this context every effort must be made to reduce imports through appropriate pricing policies, reduction of government expenditure and conservation measures. Reducing the price of petroleum products would be an inadvisable measure.|

How to Craft a Strong Death Penalty Research Paper

How to Craft a Strong Death Penalty Research Paper The investigation of the death penalty is probably one of the most nervous assignments to fulfill. The very theme is comprised of numerous aspects, and the writer should pay a large portion of attention while organizing a death penalty research paper. The society’s opinion is rather changeable when it comes to capital punishments, and there are two camps. The first one is represented by people who are strongly for the death penalty, and the second one consists of people who prefer more humanistic methods of punishment. Students of various profiles have to deal with this type of research writing. They might be doctors, jurisprudence students or sociologists. Each category of investigators has to study a particular point of the subject which correlates directly with the major. In order to develop a powerful text about the death penalty, it is strongly advisable to pay attention to the following aspects as they can greatly improve an overall performance of the text with the readers. What Should Be Attended to While Writing The investigation should be based on existing laws All accusations and verdicts are issued based on existing laws of the government, and it would be wise to cite them in the work to make it look more scientifically based. The description of some peculiar case with a death sentence cannot be presented without using the judicial basis according to which all the process was done. The numbers decide everything While presenting topics where an execution is either discussed or presented, it is recommended to appeal to numbers. The statistics are quite necessary, especially when the researcher undergoes some analysis of execution types, number of executed incarcerated people, etc. All the figures should be presented in either statistics or a diagram for a better level of apprehension. The precise data will help the reader to perceive the topic better and create a personal opinion regarding the analyzed situation. Direct appealing to the readers is advisable The description of such a delicate topic as death punishment cannot be performed without a light portion of personal involvement. Try to hold a dialogue with the readers through the paper and address their feelings and emotions. As a result, you will experience better feedback than if you simply presented the data with dry facts. Avoid one-sided position It is always easier to accuse someone and state that all terrible criminals should be executed. However, the scientist should be deprived of such prejudice. The investigation should be multi-aspectual with all points taken into consideration for building a clearer picture regarding the state of affairs. You wouldn’t like to miss any vital points while writing this type of a research project. Pay attention to the points above and write the paper according to the standard scientific project writing demands. If you manage to appeal to the readers’ hearts (with interesting topics or hooking facts), they will definitely hear your message and reward your work with either agreeing or disagreeing. Any result will be a positive one as it will be a reaction to the text of the scientist. All in all, if you need professional help with research paper on death penalty topics, dont hesitate to contact our writing service.

Why Bloggers Should Care About Audience Fragmentation

Why Bloggers Should Care About Audience Fragmentation Media and audience fragmentation has been a source of worry for television and traditional media. There was a time when everyone in the nation sat down to watch the same shows at the same time. But now,  instead of a few television networks with a handful of programs that large swaths of the country would be watching together, there are now hundreds and hundreds of television channels and programs. And lets not forget that streaming services like Hulu or Netflix. The audience is now fragmented. Were not all on the same page, consuming the same content, understanding the same references. Theres more choice, and sub-groups are created based on their preferred choices. There is no longer one huge audience. There are many, many audiences.Audience fragmentation is generally heralded as a Bad Thing for traditional media. Is it bad for content marketing, too? Audience Fragmentation And Blogging When blogging started back in the mid-1990s, it was a bit like early television. There were a few blogs, and most tended to cover broad this is my life topics. There werent too many niche blogs (though there were a few). WordPress arrived on the scene in 2003, along with something else that changed the direction of blogging: AdSense. With the arrival of AdSense came the opportunity to make money through blogging instead of just using it to share an online journal.  By 2005, there were 32 million Americans reading blogs,  meta blogs (blogs that talked about blogging) were exploding in popularity, and people began to focus more keenly on how to make money blogging. By 2010, there were 152 million blogs. The ability to make money off of a blog necessarily led to niche blogs. After all, you could make more money through a tightly focused audience than a broad, general one with waxing and waning interest. Niche blogs, like cable networks and streaming video, led to fragmentation in blog readers.  Blog readers learned they could look for specific content that they had an interest in. Most werent reading general or personality-based blogs that didnt at least have an identifiable niche topic. Dont Panic About Audience Fragmentation Media analyst and blogger  David Brennan has a  less negative take  on audience fragmentation for traditional media. While Brennan acknowledges that there is no longer a few huge audience groups consuming the same media, he argues that fragmentation has allowed people who normally wouldnt watch television to start watching. Using two specific examples of people who might not have watched much television before, he concludes   that this particular audience has a passion which fragmentation-era broadcast TV can now satisfy; which has quietly resulted in significantly increased hours of viewing from the most unlikely audiences. In other words, audience fragmentation shattered the big generic audiences, but also brought in new media consumers who werent part of any audience at all. It helped  grow  media consumers.  Big general audiences tend to exclude the fringe audiences. Once fragmented, those fragments found each other, and the fringe audiences had a place to go. Instead of one way to reach one audience, there are now many ways to reach many audiences. If you wanted to, you could look at it as a sum zero game.

Grammar and Writing Tips - Correlative Conjunctions Can You Both Have Your Cake and Eat it too

Grammar and Writing Tips - Correlative Conjunctions Can You Both Have Your Cake and Eat it too If you are writing a college essay, resume or cover letter, you will benefit from this grammar tip on structuring sentences using correlative conjunctions.   A correlative conjunction is a conjunction used with another conjunction that is necessary to complete the thought. Both/and is a popular correlative conjunction pair.   (Other common examples are either/or and not only/but also.)   The word â€Å"both,† when used as a correlative conjunction, is always paired with the word â€Å"and.† For example, â€Å"I like both John and his dad.† Here’s the tricky part of correlative conjunctions:   The objects or actions they refer to, i.e., the items that fall both before and after the second conjunction (in this case â€Å"and†) MUST be parallel in construction.   They must, for example, be two nouns or two verbs or two of the same SOMETHING. In the examples above, â€Å"John† and â€Å"his dad† are both nouns and are thus parallel; â€Å"before† and â€Å"after† are both prepositions and are thus parallel.   Here are some more correct ways to use both/and: CORRECT:   That day I saw both the sunrise and the sunset. [â€Å"the sunrise† is parallel to â€Å"the sunset.†] CORRECT:   That day I saw the sun both rise and set. [â€Å"rise† is parallel to â€Å"set.†] What people often do is to insert their conjunctions in the wrong place. Fix #1: INCORRECT:   Why is it so hard to accept that someone can both be a woman and a doctor? See how the phrase after â€Å"both† (â€Å"be a woman†) is not parallel to the phrase after â€Å"and† (â€Å"a doctor†)?   â€Å"Be a woman† is a verb phrase, but â€Å"a doctor† is a noun phrase. How can we fix it?   Just move the word â€Å"both†: CORRECT:   Why is it so hard to accept that someone can be both a woman and a doctor? [â€Å"a woman† is parallel to â€Å"a doctor.†] Fix #2: INCORRECT:   I was interrogated for hours both in Italian and English. [â€Å"in Italian† is not parallel to â€Å"English.†] CORRECT:   I was interrogated for countless hours in both Italian and English. [â€Å"Italian† is parallel to â€Å"English.†] Fix #3: INCORRECT:   I’ve always been committed to progress both in my knowledge and skills. [See the error?] CORRECT:   I’ve always been committed to progress in both my knowledge and my skills. [â€Å"my knowledge is parallel to â€Å"my skills.†] Fix #4 INCORRECT:   I realized I could use this skill both to help myself and the entire student body. CORRECT:   I realized I could use this skill to help both myself and the entire student body. These errors are often hard to catch in your own writing.   They are extremely common!   I recommend doing a search for the word â€Å"both† in your document. Did you use your correlative conjunctions correctly?   Let us know what you found! Need more writing help?   Contact The Essay Expert for a FREE 15 minute consultation.

Key Developments in Total Quality Management Essay

Key Developments in Total Quality Management - Essay Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that total quality management (TQM) is a participative and systematic approach to the planning and implementation of process involving continuous improvement in an organisation   It is one of the most comprehensive approaches to performance improvement as it encompasses a whole range of concepts including business process management; change management; project management; supply chain management; supplier development; balanced scorecard; concepts relating to rewards and recognition; benchmarking; lean management systems; quality management systems; and management and employee transformation. The aim of TQM is to satisfy customers’ future and current needs, identify problems, build commitment, and promote the involvement of employees in decision-making. Juran described TQM in terms of a chain reaction as ‘the set of management processes and systems that create delighted customers through empowered employeesà ¢â‚¬â„¢ which leads to increased revenue and a reduction in cost. Since the 1940s there have been three distinct groups of quality gurus. The first group was the Americans who originated in the early 1950’s and took the messages relating to quality to Japan. There are four stages in the evolution of TQM – inspection, quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA) and total quality management (TQM). These stages correspond to various changes in business requirements. In the initial stages, the focus was on inspection after goods were manufactured in order to test for conformity with requirements. This test was not effective in solving problems in so far as it did not identify which supplier, process or worker caused the problem.

Summative Coursework Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Summative Coursework Assignment - Essay Example Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is dealing with various accounting principles and guidelines for undertaking the implementation of accounting practices. But on the other hand, financial accounting is also important for evaluating the profitability of the business entity. Accounting is a system used by the business entity to measure its financial performance. There are several branches of accounting are available, but among them both management and financial accounting is relevant. The main emphasis in management accounting is to establish the relationship between cause and effect of a particular activity. More over, it is multi disciplinary in nature, because it is a combination of several disciplines like financial accounting, cost accounting, statistics, etc. In this case, the net profit of the company is goes on increasing, but at the same time, the cash in hand is decreasing to certain extend. Cash is a critical asset, which plays an important role in business. Cash flow statement is a statement showing the change in cash position from one period to another. Because it is possible to identify the causes of changes in cash balance between the two balance sheet dates. While preparing cash flow statement mainly it is essential to consider both actual cash flows and notional cash flows. Cash Flow Statement For the year ended 2002 Particulars Amount (in m) Cash used in operation. Issue of shares. Cash generated Add: Opening cash balance Cash balance at the end (1) 6 5 4 9 Calculation of Cash from operation Particulars Amount (in m) Net profit Add: provision for taxation. Funds from operation. Add: decrease in debtors. Less: decrease in creditors. Cash used in operation. 4 6 10 8 18 (19) (1) Adjusted Profit and Loss Account Particulars Amount (in m) Particulars Amount (in m) Provision for taxation. Depreciation of FA (balancing figure) Closing balance 6 14 (6) Opening balance Funds from operation. 4 10 14 14 Workings:- Here, there is no disposal of assets takes place in the year 2001 and 2002, therefore the difference between the value of assets in both years are considered as the amount of depreciation, such as- [166_152] = 14m. Propose Dividend Account Particulars Amount (in m) Particulars Amount (in m) Cash (dividend paid) Closing balance 7 9 Opening balance. Balance transferred to Profit and loss account. 7 9 16 16 While preparing the cash flow statement of a business organization, it is possible to understand about the causes of changes in the cash flow position of a business unit. Through which, it is possible to identify that the reduction of cash balance inspite of increase in income or for increase of cash balance in spite of decrease in income. This statement consists of opening cash balance and all sources of cash and all applications of cash and ends with the closing balance of cash. More over, here the changes in current assets and current liabilities are adjusted in the amount of cash from operation. It is necessary for a firm to keep adequate amount of cash in hand for making immediate payments. The major responsibility of the financial manager is to plan cash and maintain adequate cash balance. A cash flow statement is considered as a summarized cash account. In addition to this,

History Women's History Museums Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

History Women's History Museums - Essay Example Consequently, museums have become forums for different voices and viewpoints to be heard.2 With this, a new space for determining what constitutes museum artifacts and displays has emerged in the late 20th century on to the 21st century where historical research, the communities which they are located and museum standards interact to give way to dynamic representations of objects, people and ideas. Nowhere has the impact of these developments originated and in turn continue to enrich and widen in scope than in the field of women's history. In taking advantage of the opportunities presented by museums to carry women's history (the Museum of Victoria for example is visited by one million people), Lisa Dale wrote that we should all be involved in how history is presented.3 Interpreting and presenting women's history however according to Dale should go beyond being an intellectual sport. Museum historians need to work hand in hand with academic historians and scholars to devise methods so as to present to the public complex historical realities. A case of such cooperation is seen in the current oral history project of the Museum and La Trobe Library where students of Women Studies will conduct interviews in South Melbourne covering the period from the 1920s to 1970.4 The application of feminist theory has largely driven the changes the way historical realities are portrayed in museums, not... Seeing history through the lens of feminism and feminist theory Treating museums as text, curator as author and visitors as readers has enabled historian Gaby Porter to critique the set-up of museums where the representation of objects in display take precedence over unraveling of historical truth. She takes off from poststructuralist theory and on to a feminist approach where the relations of women and women are analyzed in the context of museums. 5 In traditional museums, relative to men's representation which are active, highly developed, articulated - women's historical History-Women's History Museums contributions are passive, shallow, muted and undeveloped.6 When viewed from a feminist perspective, museums ought to go beyond the seeming objectivity of displays to subjective spaces of interaction between visitors and the museum space and all its underlying processes of selection and representation. The historical truth becomes less solid as meanings are never permanent and are negotiable. The scientific and the artistic disciplines tend to blend, and themes depart from strictly chronological orientation7. For example in the exhibition called Putting on the Style at the Geffrye Museum in London, the display of homes in the 1950s resonated more of the personal lives of those who lived there rather than of the people's respective social status.8 On the other hand, the Story of Hull and Its People, the permanent exhibition at Hull Museum traces history over the last two hundred years yet shows more notably the cyclical passage from birth to death of people who were relatively unknown. 9 An even more forward

Bradtech Limited Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Bradtech Limited Company - Essay Example Apart from this the balanced scorecard focuses on integrating the output or performance different departments and units of the organisation in order to generate more effective consolidated end result (Lawrie & Cobbold, 2004). In this case analysis, the initial process of balanced scorecard has been utilised i.e. the generation of the important performance measures and indicators for the company. If the organisation will review and monitor these performance indicators on regular basis then there will be better control over the overall output and profits of the organisation. Overview of the Company: Bradtech is a subsidiary of another manufacturing company. It is currently facing a very stiff environment. The company under capital constraint from the parent company needs to expand its current capacity. But to this decision are affecting further conditions also: one of the major products of the company is losing its utility and thereby is facing a shrinking market; the other product alt hough new has its own set of constraints. One major constraint is its ability to be customised which requires prior ordering before manufacturing; this entails a vibrant supply chain which unfortunately the company does not have. All these restraints are not allowing the company to operate or compete effectively. Key Factors which should be Considered by Bradtech: Bradtech should prepare counter measures for the shrinking market share of its flagship product (product A). Whereas for its other product (product B), which needs to be customised as per the buyers demand, the company should adopt a pull based strategy to avoid inventory holding cost (Northcott and Smith, 2011). For this it needs to restructure its supply chain and make it vibrant, sensitive and efficient. Other key factor which should be considered is: relationship build with customers; who demand on time delivery, honest technical advice, good quality and product reliability. The company should come up with some form of competitive advantage at the service level to gain customers and prevent getting engaged in price competition. The company should keep track of its processes and try to minimise cost to raise its profit margins. For product A, it can be assumed that no new competitor will enter the market, looking at the current market crisis, so Bradtech should offer some sort of price benefits to capture more market share. Bradtech also has to utilise its capacity optimally because it is highly unlikely that it would receive additional funds to expand its current capacity. In this endeavour the company needs to undergo stringent capacity and space planning. The company also need to keep its parent company interested in its operations because if the parent company starts to believe that the Strategic Business Unit (SBU) is creating more trouble than it could handle, than the parent company may start thinking about divesture. Other key factor to consider would be the rising buyers’ power and the buyers’ tactics to play one supplier against other. Since the product has no additional offering the company will keep facing this

Define term Strategic organization and Credibility in public speech Essay

Define term Strategic organization and Credibility in public speech - Essay Example Michelle Griffin in her video, â€Å"Strategic Organization Road Map† defined strategic organization as the development of organization’s objectives structured in a logical and systematic manner to achieve desired organization’s results. The best example of strategic organization can be of sharing the mission statement of the organization with stakeholders. The information structured in the report offers good amount of information on the organization’s mission and its long term objectives. The specific audience here is stakeholders and specific result is to attain future goal and objectives through shared ideas and strategies. Thus, it is very much clear that strategic organization is often perceived as the study of an organization’s strategies based on the management decisions. However, in public speech it is also perceived as putting ideas and information together in a manner that is easy to understand and deliver. It caters to the need of specific people in a systematic manner. It is a process that is developed through the understanding of internal and external environment to reap desired value and benefits. In literal sense, credibility is defined as the quality of being believable and trustworthy among others in the personal and professional world. Credibility needs trust and belief that differs from person to person and thus making the whole process of being trustworthy; a complicated one. However, this complexity is eliminated by being honest and clear with one’s ideas and perception along with having a compassionate nature embedded with convincing power and skills. It needs to be understood that people find it difficult to accept the credibility of an individual without assessing his talent and potential. The assessment of one’s skills and potentials offers belief and trust that redefines credibility in a contrasting manner. Tracy Goodwin in her video, â€Å"Persuasive Speaking Tips: Credibility in Persuasive

Bradtech Limited Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Bradtech Limited Company - Essay Example Apart from this the balanced scorecard focuses on integrating the output or performance different departments and units of the organisation in order to generate more effective consolidated end result (Lawrie & Cobbold, 2004). In this case analysis, the initial process of balanced scorecard has been utilised i.e. the generation of the important performance measures and indicators for the company. If the organisation will review and monitor these performance indicators on regular basis then there will be better control over the overall output and profits of the organisation. Overview of the Company: Bradtech is a subsidiary of another manufacturing company. It is currently facing a very stiff environment. The company under capital constraint from the parent company needs to expand its current capacity. But to this decision are affecting further conditions also: one of the major products of the company is losing its utility and thereby is facing a shrinking market; the other product alt hough new has its own set of constraints. One major constraint is its ability to be customised which requires prior ordering before manufacturing; this entails a vibrant supply chain which unfortunately the company does not have. All these restraints are not allowing the company to operate or compete effectively. Key Factors which should be Considered by Bradtech: Bradtech should prepare counter measures for the shrinking market share of its flagship product (product A). Whereas for its other product (product B), which needs to be customised as per the buyers demand, the company should adopt a pull based strategy to avoid inventory holding cost (Northcott and Smith, 2011). For this it needs to restructure its supply chain and make it vibrant, sensitive and efficient. Other key factor which should be considered is: relationship build with customers; who demand on time delivery, honest technical advice, good quality and product reliability. The company should come up with some form of competitive advantage at the service level to gain customers and prevent getting engaged in price competition. The company should keep track of its processes and try to minimise cost to raise its profit margins. For product A, it can be assumed that no new competitor will enter the market, looking at the current market crisis, so Bradtech should offer some sort of price benefits to capture more market share. Bradtech also has to utilise its capacity optimally because it is highly unlikely that it would receive additional funds to expand its current capacity. In this endeavour the company needs to undergo stringent capacity and space planning. The company also need to keep its parent company interested in its operations because if the parent company starts to believe that the Strategic Business Unit (SBU) is creating more trouble than it could handle, than the parent company may start thinking about divesture. Other key factor to consider would be the rising buyers’ power and the buyers’ tactics to play one supplier against other. Since the product has no additional offering the company will keep facing this

Economy assignment ( apply econmoinc rational for health services) Essay

Economy assignment ( apply econmoinc rational for health services) - Essay Example Empowering the public through provision of goods includes provisions for vaccines and other preventive tools that the public can use, independently or with the help of care personnel, to reduce chances of infections. Similarly, the government can employ services to educate the public on possible self-base care that reduces prevalence of disease and infections towards a healthy society. All these initiatives involve economic concepts of generation of goods and services, their transfer and a final application to ensure achievement of healthcare goals. The most applicable economic tools that identify significance of the government’s role and how such a role should be played are scarcity of resources, and monopoly as a market structure (Folland, Goodman and Stano, 2012). Scarcity that defines limited supply of resources relative to demand is a universal factor among resources. The sensitivity of healthcare however demands that such a scarcity be overcome by ensuring that necessary resources are put in place for a healthy society. Consequently, the government should use its capacity to ensure availability of resources for healthcare preventive measures, resources that would otherwise be very scarce if left in the hands of the private sector. The necessary goods and services for educating and empowering the public would therefore be expensive due to market forces of demand and supply. The scarcity of healthcare resources and necessity of such needs therefore demands that the government provides the required goods and services, directly or indirectly, to ensure that the resources are available and are affordable for preventive measures (Folland, Goodman and Stano, 2012). Even though monopoly ensures quality, the lack of competition may lead to delays in supply. As a result, the government should promote a competitive market for the supply of intellectual services and goods for

Research resources Essay Example for Free

Research resources Essay There are many resources that a student of accounting can refer to enrich his accounting knowledge and arm him/her with useful and practical experience in the accounting field. These materials are available both online and offline both subscribed and unsubscribed. These are online and offline libraries. Questia, an online library of books and journal available at http://www. questia. com/index. jsp, is a site that provides an opportunity to access books, journal and materials for all subjects and topics ranging from arts to science, and from arts to law. These materials are available to an individual upon subscription. They are accessed through the keying of the title or the required article or any phrase in that text. Athens and Amazon. com are other resources that contains rich informative and educative materials. The amazon. com, the site that allows access to useful textbooks and journals is available online at http://www. amazon. com/books-used-books-textbook/b? ie=UTF88node=283155. It is an online company that sells books. Athens is also available online at http://www. athens. ac. uk. Accounting information will be accessed by keying in the relevant topics. The Google scholar too will provide easy access to accounting materials on any trouble-some topic. There are also many textbooks and journals available in the library. New Vistas in Accounting – Vol 1, 2003, a book authored by D. G Prasuna is a textbook that provides a general outline on the major concepts in accounting and their usefulness on understanding the accounting practices and activities. Accountants handbook, volume 1, financial accounting and general topics, 11th edition, edited by D. R. Carmidiael (2007) among other scholars is a conglomeration of witty and remarkable tips on the basics of accounting, the standards an regulations as well the basics of reporting statement. Specific Sources In this research discussion Scofield Barbara (1994) in his article published by the national public accountant, titled:Full Disclosure of Interest Capitalization Decisions, he provides useful insights on the GAAPS standards on interest capitalization, shedding the light on the confusions arising from the requirements in the standards, their appropriateness and their shortcoming. This information is available online at http://www. allbusiness. com/accounting/436577-1html. The IASC foundation education website available at http://www. lasb. org/NR/rdon/yres/189CA297-4D7Epdf has a summary of the IAS regulations. In this case they were specifically touching on borrowing costs then definition and what they generally encompass. www. arthurconsulting. com/financialspecial6. htm, website by the Arthur consulting, Inc on financial analysis, gives useful tips on accounting for the impairment of long lived assets. It gives circumstance and events that are indicators that an asset has impairment as well as the criterion for impairment recognition. An international accounting journal by authors; Street D. L, Nicholas N. B, Gray S. J, titled: Assessing the Acceptability of International Accounting Standards in the U. S. An Empirical Study of the Materiality of U. S GAAP Reconciliations by Non-US companies complying with IASC standards (2000), from this page 22-63 gives a summary of GAAP standards in comparison with other international standards on accounting. It provides information that can help understand accounting standards and practices better. Domestic Accounting Standards,Iinternational Accounting Standards and the Predictability of Earnings (2001), an accounting research journal by Ashbough, Hollis, Pinces and Morton (2001) examines the variations of the various international standards and the accuracy associated with reporting using each standard. Ann Tarca (2004), in the Journal of International Financial Management and Accounting, article titled: International Convergence of Accounting Practices, Choosing between IAS and US GAAP. She samples different reporting by accountants using the different standards: GAPP and IAS and how specific firms prefer one standard over another. William Dorms (2003) in his book Finance and Accounting for Non Financial Managers. He provides all the basics you need to know. He provides an insightful outline of the basics in accounting in the different topics of intermediate accounting focusing especially on financial management and financial statement analysis. Essentials of Managerial Finance: Principle and Practice (1981). It is a large book of 807 pages authored by Steven E. Bolten and Robert Lawrence conn. It gives useful knowledge on the most troublesome on accounting. All the above source although not enough will arm a student with almost all information that he or she requires to gain basic knowledge on principles and practices of accounting. Recommendations A fresh student of intermediate accounting would need to take a glance at reading materials that provide information on the basics of accounting. This will arm him/her with information that will aid in understanding the basic concepts and accounting practices. These books and journals are available on the internet and in our library. Students will need to take detailed notes on these topics they find relevant to their studies. Having a look at the sample and published financial statements by the various firms and multinationals will give a practical hint on the application of this theoretical knowledge and affirm the need for accuracy and consistency in accounting. On specific cases for discussion, a student should ensure that they have conducted enough research for the specific topics. Keying in the title of these topics on the authoritative websites such as Google scholar and Questia will provide vital linkages to a wealth of sources and information. Many students at the introductory stage of accounting have come to me for assistance. I have assisted them by giving them the above information as well as demonstrating to them physically on how to search for information from our library as well as from the electronic journals and libraries. References Scofield Bartara, April 1st 1994. Full disclosure of interest capitalization decisions. The national public accountant. Pg. 1. Accessed on 21/08/07. Available online at http://www/allbusiness. com/accounting/436577. 1html IAS Borrowing Costs. Technical Summary. IASC foundation education. Accessed on 21/08/07. Available online at http://www. iasb. org. NR/rdonlyres/189CA297-4d7E-4826-80bc-3876874AS44/0/1as23pdf Financial analysis, 2002. Accounting for the impairment of long-lived assets. Arthur consulting group, Inc. Accessed on 21/08/07. Available online at http://www. arthurconsulting. com/financialspecial6. htm Ash Baugh, Hollis, Pincees, Morton, Dec. 2001. Domestic accounting standards, international accounting standards, and the predictability of earnings. Journals of accounting research. Blackwell publishing. Financial accounting standards board. Accessed on 21/08/07. Available online at http://www. fash. org.