Forecasting the manpower needs of Ya Kun Essay

Question-1: How would you forecast the manpower needs of Ya Kun? There are few ways by which we can forecast the manpower needs of Ya Kun Kaya. They are: * Trend analysis * Ratio analysis * Scatter plot and * Computerized system Based on trend analysis, we can find new recruit by studying the variation of their past employment levels which means that they can provide an initial estimate of future staffing needs, but employment levels rarely depend just on the passage of time. They looked their past performance of sales, productivity and so on to estimate their employee also because if their performance goes beyond their expectation like Ya kun that have many outlets throughout the world, they may required more employee either full time or part-time. Other forecasting method that we can use to forecast their manpower is ratio analysis. In this method, the forecasting would be based on the historical ratio between some causal factor (like sales volume) and the number of employee required such salespeople. In this case, Ya Kun need more employee because they need more salespeople to run the business in each of their outlets. The sales volume for Ya Kun also one of the factor that Ya Kun need to recruit employee. Compared to trend analysis, ratio analysis assumes that productivity remains about the same. Another method we can use is scatter plot to forecast their manpower. In this method, the personnel may use two related variables to indicate the relation between the two such as sales volume and number of employee. If these two factors are related, then the points will tend to fall along straight line then the personnel can forecast the need of new recruitment. Computerized forecasting also is one way that can be used to forecast their need of manpower. With programs like these, employers can more accurately estimate how many employee that they need to projected productivity and sales. Question-2: What are the advantages and disadvantages of Ya Kun’s hiring part-time workers? Advantages of hiring part-time workers include: * Flexibility in scheduling as they help to fill in the gaps when the full-time workers go on leave or are taken ill. * Part-timers will complement the full-time workers. * Allows Ya Kun to tap into a larger available pool of job applicants as many more people may be willing and able to work part-time as opposed to full-time. * They may be deployed strategically during peak hours. Disadvantages include: * They may be less committed to the company. * It may be more difficult to integrate them as they only work occasionally. * Having too many part-time workers may affect teamwork. Question-3: A good attitude and commitment are two important attributes that Ya Kun looks for in its job applicants. Is a job interview an effective method to assess these two attributes? What else can Ya Kun do to get reliable information on these two attributes? A job interview may not be the most effective method to assess these two attributes as they are not directly observable during the interview process. In order to obtain reliable information on these two attributes, managers of Ya Kun may: * Ask the job applicants for referrals in the application pack, and contact the referrals to obtain information regarding these two attributes. * Use critical incidence interviews to test if the job applicants have past examples of these attributes. * Provide job applicants with a realistic job preview by telling them about all the challenges and worst case scenarios that their staff faces. This allows the applicants to have a better idea of the job and make a better-informed choice of whether to take up the job or not. * Use role-playing exercises where the applicants play the role of the staff, and the managers the customers, so that the managers may observe how the applicants may potentially react when they are actually working for Ya Kun. Question-4: What suggestions would you make to Ya Kun to improve its recruiting processes? Ya Kun’s low turnover rate and large pool of hardworking committed workers indicates that its recruitment processes are working well. However, to improve their recruiting process, Ya Kun’s managers may choose to: * Use more internal referrals as employees know what kinds of applicants will fit well with the prevalent company culture. * Hire a larger ratio of part-timers to full-timers as this allows them greater flexibility in scheduling. * Convert part-timers to full-timers if they perform well and if they are open to the switch. * Maintain contact with those employees who have left the company so that they can be informed of any new positions in the company. Q1. Ya Kun can forecast the manpower needs by using ratio analysis to conduct a quantitative analysis of information in a company’s financial statements. Ratios are calculated from current year numbers and are then compared to previous years, other companies, the industry, or even the economy to judge the performance of the company. Based on the analysis, Ya Kun could increase their salesperson to run the business in their outlet. Ya Kun can even use trend analysis as an aspect of technical analysis that tries to predict the future movement of a stock based on past data. Trend analysis is based on the idea that what has happened in the past gives traders an idea of what will happen in the future. Based on trend analysis, Ya Kun can find new recruit by using their past experienced by estimating the number of staffs needed in future. The organization could either recruit full- timers or part timers. YaKun also can use computerized system to predict the manpower needs for their organization. The employer could estimate the number of staffs needed to increase their sales. Q3. A job interview is not really an effective way to assess these attributes. It is because a job interview is only a process in which a potential employee  is evaluated by an employer. During this process, the employer hopes to determine whether or not the applicant is suitable for the job by looking at their experience and academy level. If Ya Kun is looking for an employee with a good attitude and commitment they could use behavioral interview questions. Through this way the employer could ask questions related on what they did in past jobs or life situations that are relevant to the particular job and skills. The answers given by the applicant can be used to predict their future performance in similar situations. Ya Kun could also use situational interview questions. During the question and answer session the applicant will be ask to imagine a situation and respond base on it. Based on the answers given, the employer could predict the commitment level of the applicant. Ya Kun could use the two weeks training period to study more about the applicant because it is difficult to judge the attitude and commitment level during theinterview. Usually commitment level and attitude will be only revealed after acertain period of time.

Importance of Learning Languages Essay

Nowadays, multilingualism has become more than just ‘important’. Knowing a foreign language different from your mother tongue has evolved/become/turn_out to be extremely beneficial. Whether viewed from the financial or social aspect, being able to communicate in a foreign language helps to make ‘real’ connection with people and provides a better understanding of your language. Why should you learn a foreign language? 1. To begin with, the first advange is that Learning a foreign language open up employment opportunities. * For businesses, It is better achievable if they can understand the psychology and the language of their foreign clients. * Most companies therefore, look for candidates with foreign language skills. * If you are already working, knowing a foreign language may lead to special recognitions or promotions. * As an employer, it will help encourage staff performance, improve customer services, and increase revenue for your company. 2. Apart from the financial gains learning a foreign dialect can offer a unique experience to travellers. * People, who love to explore different parts of the world, know about diverse cultures, places, and lifestyle, knowing the local language can offer a life changing experience. * You can easily find the places, ask for directions, and even order food. * Speaking a language gives you a better understanding of the country’s culture. You can interact with people more freely providing a greater scope(range) of meeting new people, making new friends, more fun, and enjoyment. 3. Another reason why you should learn a foreign language is that the knowledge of a foreign language improves your mental skills abilities. Learning a foreign language is tough and involves a lot of brain exercise. 4. On the individual level, it improves personality and increases your sense of self worth. The need of language faculties has increased due to the growing interest in students to learn foreign languages. People associated with social services need to work with diverse groups from several countries. Ability to speak in a foreign language enables them to communicate and serve people better. The next important decision is to choose from the number of foreign languages – French, Spanish, German, or Italian- to be learnt. Whether you learn a language for a specific reason or you are out of interest, learning a foreign language will lead to long-term success. It will open up new avenues before you. The more language you know, the better you can express yourself.

Choose a book that includes a person with a recognisable psychological Essay

Choose a book that includes a person with a recognisable psychological difficulty (schizophrenia). How can we understand the experience of the character that you have chosen Provide a critical discussion - Essay Example The author is a research psychiatrist specifying in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. He is a professor of psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Maryland (Torrey, 2006). The male patient exhibited symptoms of schizophrenia with a first incident of psychosis that was difficult for the individual to manage. It also presented significant difficulties to the patient’s family as his behavior was highly unpredictable, changing within a relatively short time span. In some instances, the patient would develop anxiety and anger with every person around him. In the family member’s view, the individual looked confused and apprehensive of family members and friends who are well known to him without any justified reason. The major problem was that it was difficult to convince the person to seek the help of a physician since he did not think that he had a mental health problem. As the problem escalated, the individual continued to develop negative symptoms that deviated from the normal functioning of a healthy person’s mind. He appeared unresponsive to the surrounding nonchalant and apathetic (Torrey, 2006). The first severe episode of psychosis was followed by reduced symptoms that were not easily noticeable. However, the person continued to be socially withdrawn and also began losing awareness of personal hygiene, which kept away friends and many of his relatives. The person lost interest in communal activities in the society and also lacked motivation in life. His lack of interest in family affairs including matrimonial issues broke up his two-year marriage. He could not concentrate on important aspects concerning the living environment and could easily be run over by vehicles as he did not reflect on any potential danger while crossing the road. At times the person would not leave the house and also extended his sleep in an unusual manner. He could

Development of Miami city Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Development of Miami city - Research Paper Example The president did not like the controller tower to be destroyed, so it was left till now in the campus compound. This tower was later star as Florida international ivory tower. With an increase in number of students who wanted to pursue education, it called for the establishment growth in terms of facilities and structures. Presently, Florida international university is considered to be among the first and largest university in United States of America. However. This was characteristic to as far as it was able to produce good students who were experience to work. FIU produced elite who was able to meet the demands of employers.The group looked or worked to meet the demands of its client (students); therefore, spirits of entrepreneur were born in the institution, this lead to the establishment of some new technique that related to management and business. The school was officially opened in 1972 with five thousand six hundred and sixty seven students. The institution provided a variet y of faculties both full time and part time.Later in 1976, Hartod Crosby was elected to be the next president, accepting to benefit the basis for three year period interim. During his leadership, the company expanded and opened a north campus. The president made numerous progresses to the university, such as implementing new programs that made individual students perform better. In addition, some courses within the hospital were looked into, for example, the program the president made with the Latin America and Caribbean.

English 102 Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

English 102 Literature - Essay Example The chapter opens with Mill's rhetorical question of where should the line of control be drawn between "the authority of society" and individual "sovereignty". Mill provides the answer to this question in the very next sentence saying that what concerns the individuals should "belong" to them and society has a control on that part "which chiefly interests" it. Here, Mill does not, however, elaborate on what could be those areas of society's interest. After ruling out the possibility of the society being based on a 'contract', the author still thinks that the individuals owe the other members of the society "a return for the benefit" of the protection that the society provides. The individuals cannot be allowed to harm other people's interests. Rather they should play their part in protecting them against injury. If individuals act in a way that mars other people's welfare, even if they are not illegal, they may be "punished by opinion." Here, public opinion is suggested to be a subst itute for law when necessary. Mill writes, "These conditions society is justified in enforcing at all costs to those who endeavor to withhold fulfillment". When a person's conduct affects only his interests, however, Mill says, that person should be allowed "to do the action and stand the consequences". There is no justification for society's meddling. After setting After setting the boundary line for the society, Mill goes on to clear his standpoint by saying, "It would be a great misunderstanding of this doctrine to suppose that it is one of selfish indifference, which pretends that human beings have no business with each other's conduct in life, and that they should not concern themselves about the well-doing or well-being of one another" he declares that "It is equally the business of education to cultivate" in the students the feelings of compassion for the fellow human beings and the sense of responsibility to the society. Individuals are indebted to each other. They should help and encourage each other in bringing about the best of themselves. But no individual should dictate terms to another simply because "He is the person most interested in his own well-being" and also because he better understands his circumstances that make him behave in a certain way than anyone else or the society in general. Others can offer their a dvice and suggestions but cannot take any decision on behalf of the person. If the individual allows others to take his decisions, then that might cause greater harm than if he takes a decision against the popular belief. Next, Mill talks about the freedom of opinion. Suppression of public opinion by the government can only lead to concealment of truth. By this Mill does not mean that public opinion is never wrong or biased, but at least the opinions that are wrong can be challenged to arrive at the truth. Here, Mill uses an interesting adjective that is, "self-regarding" which means concerning solely the individual, and advocates that in these self-regarding matters the government or the society has no right to interfere. However, sensing attack against this viewpoint, Mill immediately clarifies saying that this should not stop a well wisher of an individual from warning him against the harm he might cause himself by behaving in certain way even if it is about the self-regarding affairs. Similarly, every individual has the right to and duty of cautioning any individual against the possible

CROSS CULTURAL MANAGEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

CROSS CULTURAL MANAGEMENT - Essay Example In this paper macro level facts of France would be evaluated, the business culture in France would be analysed, the challenges that the manager might face would be identified and probable recommendation would be put forward, so that the assignment turns out to be successful for the company. Macro level facts about Paris, France France is considered as one of the most contemporary countries of the world. It has a very influential role in United Nation Organisation. It is the largest country in Western Europe and has the 9th largest economy in Europe (CIA, 2013). Paris is the capital of France, which is situated in the north of France. It has a typical oceanic climate, which is mainly because of the influence of North Atlantic current. As far as the overall climate of the city is concern, it is moderately wet and mild throughout the year. In summer, the days are usually pleasant and warm, while winters are freezing. It rains throughout the year in Paris. The city is managed by the muni cipality and the since 1834, apart from the government and other governing bodies. The population of Paris in 2010 was around 2.25 million, which obviously has increase by now (CIA, 2013). The wages are quite high in Paris and media income in the city in 2011 was approximately â‚ ¬25,000, which signifies that the standard of living of Paris is comparatively high. The higher income people are mostly found in the western part of the city. Paris is considered to be one of the economic centres and the wealthiest area of the country. The GDP of the country is $2.609 trillion in 2012. Majority of national income of the country is generated by the service sector (79.2 percent). The currency of France is Euro and CFP Franc (CIA, 2013). Majority of people are French, but other ethnic groups such as North African, Latin, Indochinese, East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian, etc are also seen in France. French is the official language and spoken throughout the country. The population of the countr y on 2013, 65,951,611, in which majority of the population, that is around 38.9 percent are between of age of 25 to 54 years (CIA, 2013). Value Description – Hofstede Model In this segment, the French culture would be discussed with the help of Hofstede model, which will provide a view of the drivers of French culture. In addition to this, the Chinese culture would be simultaneously examined, so that a comparative analysis can be portrayed. The five elements of Hofstede model are: a) power distance, b) individualism, c) uncertainty avoidance, d) long term orientation and e) masculinity/ femininity. Figure 1: Hofstede Model: Comparison between France and China Source: (The Hofstede Centre, n. d.). Power distance: Both France and China has a high power distance score, which signifies that in both societies inequality is accepted. However, in China the inequality in the society is higher as the score is 80 in comparison to France, whose score is 68. So the superiors have the pri viledge, which in many cases are inaccessible for the inferior strata of the society. Individualism: The individualism score of France is 71, which means French prefer private and individual opinion and are more interested in taking care of themselves before their family. Individual recognition at

Medical Malpractice Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Medical Malpractice - Case Study Example Because we conclude that it is, we reverse and remand. A certain Doris Penrod filed an appeal to the court from a take nothing judgment in favor of David R. Schecter based from a medical malpractice claim. It was in August 2003 that she took her grandmother to a cataract surgery with Dr. Schecter. During the injection process, a small retrobullar hemorrhage occurred that can potentially cause damage to the optic nerve, if there is continued bleeding. After 15 minutes of observation, the RBH did not change; also, there were no swellings in the eyelids, no proptosis and eye discoloration. However, despite these, the surgery was cancelled to prevent any further complications. An eye patch was placed on the observed eye and the patient was discharged, yet after 25 minutes redness was observed around the patch and a large hemorrhage occurred around the eye. Immediately that afternoon, Jessica (Doris Penrod’s granddaughter) called Dr. Schecter (as advised by the doctor himself) but he refused to get the call and at the same time failed Tyenol 3 to the patient, otherwise Dr. Schecter could easily tell them to bring the patient to the hospital. The following day, a visit was paid by both Jessica and Penrod to Dr. Schecter and it was determined that the damaged eye have no vision, though it was able to perceive light. A week later, no vision was still present and the same situation continued until three weeks. Dr. Scheter advised them to see Dr. Roy Levit (a specialist) and it as found out that there was not muscular or retinal damage but a severe ischemic atrophy was diagnosed. Dr, Levit pointed out that the possible cause of this damage is the toxicity from the injection. The jury found out that the negligence of Dr. Schecter was not the proximate cause. Penrod on the other hand filed the complaint together with new and independent cause based that the proximate cause instructions was erroneous. Dr, Schecter pointed out that the error presented by the

The Relevance of Employee Engagement Indices as A Performance Research Paper

The Relevance of Employee Engagement Indices as A Performance - Research Paper Example Three articles have been chosen based on the following criterion: the relevance of these articles to the subject under examination. These articles are analyzed below focusing on their value for achieving the objectives of the proposed study. The first article is that of Siddhanta and Roy (2010). The specific article focuses on the relationship between employee engagement and productivity. The examination and the evaluation of this relationship is one of the study’s objectives. The article has been considered as important for the proposed study because of the following reasons: a) it helps to explore one of the study’s objectives, meaning especially the involvement of employee engagement in enhancing productivity in institutions; b) it presents a thorough analysis of the role of engagement within modern organizations. Also, engagement, as a concept, is explained in the context of its relationship with different aspects of the organization, such as ‘productivity, pr ofitability and customer satisfaction’ (Siddhanta and Roy, 2010, p. 172). The article of Siddhanta and Roy (2010) is based on literature review, meaning that no empirical research has been conducted for exploring the issues discussed in the article. The authors have used ‘integrative literature reviews’ (Siddhanta and Roy, 2010, p. 172) aiming to address all issues related to the subject under examination. At the same time, the findings of the literature review are presented using ‘a descriptive study manner’ (Siddhanta and Roy, 2010, p. 172). This technique helps to secure the credibility of assumptions produced through the findings of the literature. Furthermore, the findings of empirical research conducted by large firms such as Gallup and Hay Group (Siddhanta and Roy, 2010, p. 172) are presented and discussed in combination with the findings of the literature review. The specific practice further increases the credibility and the validity of the authors’ assumptions on the issue under examination. Under these terms, the study of Siddhanta and Roy (2010) is valuable for understanding the current position of engagement as a factor influencing organizational performance. The article of Bhatla (2011) focuses on the effect of employee engagement on employee performance. In this way, the impact of employee engagement on organizational productivity is verified especially since employee performance directly influences the performance of the organization, either in the short or the long term. The specific study is also related with one of the objectives of the proposed study. More specifically, as already explained, the proposed study aims to show the potential influence of employee engagement in increasing productivity in institutions. The study of Bhatla (2011) shows how employee engagement can affect employee performance; as a result, the role of employee engagement in organizational productivity is also made clear. One of the most important advantages of the article of Bhatla, compared to other studies related to the specific issue, is the following one: Bhatla has emphasized not only the theoretical but also on the practical aspects of employee engagement. More specifically, in the study of Bhatla, all aspects of employee engagement are explored using the literature published in this field. Moreover, a series

Accounting for leases is problematic and the current standard (IAS 17) Essay

Accounting for leases is problematic and the current standard (IAS 17) does not always reflect the substance of transactions - Essay Example These arrangements have become increasingly unique and complex, both as stand-alone arrangements (i.e., leases only) and as part of more complicated contracts (i.e., power purchase contracts). Such uniqueness and complexity place enormous pressure on companies to capture and report these arrangements in their financial statements in such a way that the financial statement users understand these transactions and their impact on the companies’ balances. With such a demand for transparency and complete financial reporting, the companies and the rest of the business world have focused their attention on the accounting standards for leases as such standards set the tone for how these leases should be accounted for in the financial statements. One such standard formulated for leases is International Accounting Standards 17. International Accounting Standards (IAS) 17, Leases, the accounting standard for leases, was formulated by the IAS Board or IASB to stipulate the proper accounting policies and disclosures applicable to leases. Paragraph 4 of IAS 17 describes a lease as an arrangement or a contract wherein the lessee is given the right by the lessor to use a certain property for a given period of time. In return, under the same arrangement, the lessee will pay the lessor for the use of such property. Lease accounting and the related disclosures, for both the lessor and the lessee, are covered by IAS 17. According to IAS 17, there are two kinds of leases: the finance lease and the operating lease. A finance lease, as defined by IAS 17, is a lease wherein majority of â€Å"all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the asset† being leased is transferred by the lessor to the lessee. The substance of this kind of leasing arrangement is that the lessee, according to Alexander, et. al., â€Å"would be in the same position, both economically and in terms of production and

The International Debt Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The International Debt Crisis - Essay Example After World War 2, the Bretton Woods system was established and followed by many nations for years till is a collapse in 1971. The Bretton Woods system was related to fixed exchange rate; linked to the reserve of gold held by the country. The system operated as the value of the dollar was kept almost constant and any fluctuation in the exchange rates between the dollar and other currencies was accordingly countered by the central banks of the related countries.   If the dollar experienced a decrease in value, the central bank of the country would act so as to counter the effects of this fall in value by selling more of its own currency to decrease its value and maintain the value of the dollar to its previous level. This system functioned because of the willingness and ability of other nations to help maintain the value of the dollar. However, in 1971 when the United States experienced a fall in the value of the dollar the countries did not act to maintain the value of the dollar. ...  Finally, the Bretton Woods system was abolished in 1971 and the floating exchange rate system was introduced where the value of the dollar was allowed to fluctuate in the money market.   THE OIL PRICE HIKE AND ITS EFFECTS  The increase in the prices oil in the 1970s was massive enough to create a ruffle in the economies of many countries throughout the world. The oil-exporting nations experienced a huge capital inflow due to the increase in prices whereas the oil-importing countries (which included many developing nations) experienced noticeable capital outflow and oil inflation in their respective economies.

Meaning of Life and Socrates Essay Example for Free

Meaning of Life and Socrates Essay Socrates was considered by many to be the wisest man in ancient Greece. While he was eventually condemned for his wisdom, his spoken words are still listened to and followed today. When, during his trial, Socrates stated that, the unexamined life is not worth living (Plato 45), people began to question his theory. They began to wonder what Socrates meant with his statement, why he would feel that a life would not be worth living. To them, life was above all else, and choosing to give up life would be out of the picture. They did not understand how one would choose not to live life just because he would be unable to examine it. Socrates felt that if he was unable to examine life, he would not be really living. To Socrates, living meant being able to question the world around him. Examining life gives one freedom. Once one examines himself and understands who he is, he can take control of his life. Socrates believed that the ability to ask, to examine, and to understand would make a life whole. He believed that the purpose of life was to grow, both physically and spiritually. Being able to explore and understand would lead to a deeper understanding of the world around us as well as a deeper understanding of ourselves. (Plato 46) Socrates felt that, above all, one should be a good citizen and always do the right thing (Plato 18). However, many in his time did not worry about doing what was correct. Socrates realized this, and understood that they did not care to look into their actions and beliefs. Their first thoughts were on the goals that they had, such as money and pleasure, rather than the thought of whether or not the goals they held were actually what should have been considered important and right (Plato 26). Socrates knew that, unless they took the time to question their lifestyles, they would never do the right thing. By living a life that was being examined, the citizens would be living a life that was, for the most part, also right. Socrates Personally, I have found great value in examining the wisdom of many acts in my life, yet there are many types of people in this world, and if some do not ponder the wisdom of their actions much at all, must we (or particularly they) conclude their life is less worth living? It seems awfully condescending. The people who don’t examine their lives much probably aren’t examining Socrates statement. If they did, they might object to the interpretation with which it is adopted by philosophers. The live in which I let other people tell me what the questions of life are, the life in which I let other people give me their answers without my thinking through to my own answers, is the unexamined life. Socrates is saying that the life in which I ask my own questions and answer them for myself in a reasonable manner is a more valuable life than the unexamined life. The examined life is so much better than an unexamined life that Socrates is willing to die for that value. Through out generations, mankind has been asking themselves what is the purpose of life. And obviously, it would not easy for one alone to answer or explain what the meaning of life is. Nevertheless, ones life is monotonous if it is meaningless, and it is not monotonous if it has a purpose, a target to go. Thus, the question here is how one knows that his life is worth living or not? Socrates, the father of ancient philosophy, once stated, An unexamined life is not worth living. In order to make one life becomes worth to live, this famous statement strongly addresses that one must exanimate himself first and then others in the society to find the meaning and happiness of life. After reading Platos account of Socrates defense, the Apology, I was completely blown away by the power of Socrates words and ideas. The reading left me thinking about how I felt regarding what he had said about virtue, truth and the quest for both. In class, we discussed Socrates search for virtue and we touched on the topic of this paper: the reasons Socrates believed that the unexamined life is not worth living for man. It is my opinion that he is correct in that view and in this paper I intend to show you why. Like many philosophers alive in his time, it was Socrates belief that virtue could only be attained through examination. Only through exploration can you really understand what virtue is, and begin to act virtuously. Understanding, as well as sharing, this information was very important goal to Socrates. The significance of examining and understanding our lives is far greater than one might think. Understanding and comprehending the behavior of friends, as well as of ourselves, enables us to have empathy and compassion for them. And, allows us not to stand in judgment, which, in turn, allows us to live the moral, noble lives that Socrates spoke of. As one analyzes the â€Å"Apology† by Plato, one is able to analyze and contrast and most people would agree with Socrates when he claims that â€Å"†¦the unexamined life is not worth living†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . From a more personal standpoint I would completely agree with Socrates point of view, due to the fact most of us in society have chosen to live the â€Å"unexamined life† for centuries and as a result we live in a society where one has to live segregated from our freewill as human beings as well as a society that is restrained by rules and other types of social â€Å"walls†. When one reads and is able to contrast Plato’s â€Å"Allegory of the Cave† it clearly shows a great and perhaps the most clear example of the point that Socrates was attempting to make to the jury, in the â€Å"Apology†. For example in Plato’s â€Å"Allegory of the Cave†, Plato makes the reader visualize a cave where there are a great number of prisoners who are restrained and are faced staring at the wall where all they can see is shadow movements that are projected from a fire that is placed right behind these prisoners, and this fire is displaying false images from what appears to be images of the outside world. As the story proceeds, one of the prisoners manages to pe the cave and he walks outside into the real world and is able to see a completely different view of the real world and this prisoner is able to see a completely different image of the outside world, different from the images that the shadows inside the cave were exposing to the prisoners. What Socrates is implying is that if one decides not to discover thyself and attempts to focus more on material interest and the acquisition of personal power, one is capable of abusing this power to an extent where it may result in havoc and possibly the destruction of those who occupy the state, either emotionally or physically and all as a result of decisions that were not taken into consideration before being applied. What I was able to grasp from this quote that Socrates phrased is that one has the wisdom to accomplish anything in ones personal life, but one should able to find our soul and locate the wisdom that one contains inside the mind before one attempts to reach personal obstacles in life. the greatest good of all man is daily to converse about virtue. When the time for the exam came along I decided not cheat in the exam simply because I was going to have to live with a guilty conscious for quite sometime and although cheating on the exam appeared tempting at the time I still needed some time to myself and ponder about the decision that I had to make that was probably going to damage my personal morality as an individual. The part of the phrase that really caught my attention is when Socrates says . What Socrates is trying to make us see is that the more one speaks about virtue the more a person is able to learn about the virtues of ones personal life, or in other words we are able to acquire more knowledge of the human mind and its capabilities. I did not go where I could do no good to you or to myself; but where I could do the greatest good privately to everyone of you , thither I went, and sought to persuade every man among you that he must look to himself , and seek virtue and wisdom before he looks to his private interests, and look to the state before he looks to the interests of the state; and that this should be the order which he observes in all his actions. In my third semester in Santa Monica College I was taking a math class and during the first month of the semester I had already taken two exams and had failed on both, as a result before the day of the third exam arrived I was feeling somewhat nervous due to the fact that I was not prepared to take this exam. So as the moment was arriving for this exam, I began to ponder about idea of cheating in order for the results to go my way. When the escaped prisoner decides to go into the cave and attempts to explain to the other prisoners about what is really occurring in the outside world, the other prisoners decide to gain up on the liberated prisoner, because they were not prepared to see reality for what it really is, so they decided to chose to somewhat live the life of a social slave and not the life of a person who lives a life of freedom nor freewill. Another quote that Socrates applies in this story is when he quotes . The same thing goes for the unexamined life, sometimes we as a human being attempt to achieve a certain level of success in life and sometimes at the expense of others and although we may acquire success, we will always live with the conscious of such guilt that later on in life it is going to comeback and hunt us. The unexamined life is not worth living. (Apology, p. 41) Socrates held him self up to this standard by allowing the courts to take his life because they would not allow him to continue his quest set forth by the Oracle. An unexamined life would be just coasting through and not making any decisions or asking any questions. Socrates could not see a point in living if you were unable to ask questions and challenge your way of thinking. An examined life would be trying to understand your purpose and the current state of things. By examining your life, therefor understanding yourself, you will not be subject to actions motivated by passion or instinct. Socrates demonstrated this when Crito arrived at his jail cell with news that he could help Socrates escape. This was an event where they had to act quickly, however Socrates said Let us examine the question together, my dear friend, and if you can make any objection while I am speaking, make it and I will listen to you, but if you have no objection to make, my dear Crito, then stop now from saying the same thing so often, that I must leave here against the will of the Athenians. I think it important to persuade you before I act, and not to act against your wishes. See whether the start of our enquiry is adequately stated, and try to answer what I ask you in the way you think best. (Crito, p. 51) Socrates examines the situation with Crito instead of acting hastily. This example displays how dedicated Socrates was to his way of thinking, and helps explain Socrates actions in court. Meletus was the catalyst of this case brought against Socrates. Meletuss affidavit said Socrates is guilty of wrongdoing in that he busies himself studying things in the sky and below the earth; he makes the worse into the stronger argument, and he teaches these same things to others. (Apology, p. 25) Socrates says all these claims are false and challenges anyone in the court to speak up if they are true. Socrates was also accused of corrupting the young and of not believing in the gods the city believed in but believing in his own gods. Socrates attacked each of these accusations point by point. To disprove the accusation that he corrupts the young he says They say: That man Socrates is a pestilential fellow who corrupts the young. If one ask them what he does and what he teaches to corrupt them, they are silent, as they do not know. (Apology, p. 29) To disprove the statement that he does not believe in the gods the city believes in, he starts to question the jury. Socrates states Does any man, Meletus, believe in human activities who does not believe in humans? Or in flue-playing activities but not in flute-players? (Apology, p. 32) Socrates sets up these analogies so he can compare them to the statements that he does not believe in any gods. Socrates then applies this analogy to himself by saying. Then since I do believe in spirits, as you admit, if spirits are gods, this is what I mean when I say you speak in riddles and in jest, as you state that I do not believe in gods and then again that I do, since I do believe in spirits. (Apology, p. 32) Socrates in his defense is trying to prove that Meletuss charges are blown out of proportion and they are wasting the courts time. Socrates is posed with the question Are you not ashamed, Socrates, to have followed the kind of occupation that has led to your being now in danger of death? (Apology, p. 33) Socrates replies Whenever a man has taken a position that he believes to be best, or has been placed by his commander, there he must I think remain and face danger, without a thought for death or anything else, rather than disgrace. (Apology, p. 33) Socrates is saying when you dedicate your life or you strongly believe in a belief or subject no matter what the danger, you should still stand behind your beliefs. By doing this, you live an examined life. In Socrates case, if he were to accept the punishment of never practicing philosophy he would be living an unexamined life because he could just set aside his beliefs and move on through life. Socrates explains his passion for philosophy by saying Gentlemen of the jury, I am grateful and I am your friend, but I will obey the god rather than you, and as long as I draw breath and am able, I shall not cease to practise philosophy, to exhort you and in my usual way to point out to any one of you whom I happen to meet. (Apology, p. 34) The way Socrates explains himself to the jury, I see a man who truly believes in what he preaches. He demonstrates that he has lived an examined life, and even with the threat of death and an opportunity to escape death, he sticks with what he truly believes is right. He questions everything and will not accept ignorance. However I feel that since Socrates was at the age of 70 his fear of death was dramatically reduced. I think if he were younger he would have taken the opportunity Crito presented to escape, so he could continue his quest. Now the hour to part has come. I go to die, you go to live. Which of us goes to the better lot is know to no one, except the god. (Apology, p. 44).

European Union Environmental Business Law Essay Example for Free

European Union Environmental Business Law Essay The Treaty of Rome which established the European Economic Community in 1958, did not originally included any provisions for the safeguard of the environment It was not until 1985 that the Single European Act inserted Title VII containing articles 130r to 130t in the Treaty of Rome that made environmental protection a lawful objective of the Commission and laid down the core principles upon which the environmental policy was based (Poostchi 83). The core principles as stated by Poostchi are â€Å"the principles that preventative action should be taken, that the polluter should pay and that environmental damage should be rectified at source. These legal principles as given by the Single European Act were further refined by The Maastricht Treaty which enhanced the scope of the environmental policy of the European Union. Today the European Union has over 200 directives (legal texts) with environmental policies under the broad classifications of Air, Biotechnology, Chemicals, Civil Protections and Environmental Accidents, Climate Change, Land Use, Noise, Ozone Layer Protection, Soil, Waste and Water as well as issues like public participation in environmental decision making and public access to environmental information. Development and Implementation of Environmental Law The EU has the option of adopting environmental legislation by way of three primary legal instruments: (i) directives, (ii) regulations, and (iii) decisions. Regulations and decisions are binding in their entirety and are directly applicable within Member States; directives, are binding as to the result to be achieved, but leave to the Member States the choice of form and method, which means that member states have the power to enact local legislation based on a directive to further the cause of initiating it in the first place (Goodrich). The branch of law dealing with the environment has the same system of development and enforcement as other laws developed by the commission. The primary responsibility of EU is to develop environmental laws, while the duty of implementation and enforcement rests in the hands of the 25 member states. Herein lays the strength and weakness of the system. The strength lays in the fact that member states have greater power of enforcement than a council of 25 states, but at the same time member states enjoy considerable flexibility in enforcement which often leads to delays or avoidance of implementation, thereby frustrating the purpose of the law itself. The Legislative Process The Commission is responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental laws. By undertaking its own assessments, through complaints by EU parliament and petitions by EU citizens, the commission monitors the degree of compliance. If after review there is evidence of a breach of law, the EU initiates the infringement proceedings against the violating state. There are three categories of breaches 1) Non-communication cases, in which a member state fails to, inform EU about the adoption of national legislation implementing a directive after the deadline for implementation has passed. 2) Non-conformity cases, in which a member state implements a directive incorrectly. 3) Bad-application cases, in which a member state has failing to correctly apply community law in a particular case. The infringement procedure contains several steps which are outlined in Article 226 of the Treaty. The Commission usually upon receiving a case, issues a formal notice to the government, after which it can issue a reasoned opinion. If the member state still refuses to comply the commission refers the case to the European Court of Justice, for a ruling. Non-compliance with a ruling can lead to the imposition of a fine or lump-sump penalty on the member state. In April 2004 environmental liability directive was issued by the EC with the aim of preventing and remedying environmental damage. According to the directive (which is to be adopted by member states over a period of 3 years) Environmental damage can be remedied in several ways depending on the type of damage: For damage affecting the land, the Directive requires that the land concerned be decontaminated until there is no longer any serious risk of negative impact on human health; For damage affecting water or protected species and natural habitats, the Directive is aimed at restoring the environment to how it was before it was damaged. Another development in the environmental law front is the possibility (proposal for a directive) of criminal action against serious negligence and intentional damage. According to a press release by the EC (Brussels, February 2007) the law would apply to both natural and legal persons. The proposal lays down the maximum penalty, and allows member states to impose more stringent measures. The motivation to introduce criminal action is because although EC Environmental law has existed for 30 years, there are still many cases of severe non- observance of Community environmental law. According the Seventh Annual Survey on the implementation and enforcement of Community environmental law 2005 (Commission Staff working paper Brussels, 2006) there has been a significant reduction in the number of open cases at the end of the year 2005 (798 cases) as opposed to 2004 (1220 cases). However the Environment sector, still accounts for one-fourth of all open cases concerning non-compliance with Community Law under investigation by the Commission. EU Environmental Law and International environmental law Over the past 30 years EU had made tremendous impact on environmental law legislation by enforcing very stringent environmental standards across its member nations. Environmental laws are discriminatory by nature, as they favor countries with developed infrastructures, wealthy industries and higher per capita incomes. For EU to expect all its trading partners (irrespective of their national income and stage of development) to comply with its strict Environmental laws, means that it will seek to eliminate any advantage that they might have in terms of lower prices. Environmental laws can serve as a form of non-tariff trade barrier. As in the case if Shrimp-Turtle case (USA banned the import of shrimp from countries which in the process of shrimp trawling accidentally caused the death of sea turtles. These countries were expected to install US made Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), so that the shrimp trawling would become environmentally friendly again) (Schaffer et al. 628). The net effect was to increase the sales of a US industry (the industry making TEDs), and possibly raise the price of imported shrimp products. (Schaffer et al. 623) United States ran into trouble with the WTO on the ban on shrimp products, because it was declared uncompetitive and unfair. Subsequently USA had to redefine its guidelines, so that exporting countries which employed a programme similar to that of the USA for turtle protection were given a certification to export again. Impact on FDI and International Businesses EU’s has emerged as the leading incubator for environmental rules and regulations, and this has major implications for all businesses hoping to work with the European market. This includes businesses within and outside the European Union. This is mainly because of two reasons. Businesses must comply with EU regulations if they wish to continue supply and demand to the region. Secondly like all highest forms of legislation (and constructive action in general) the EU legislation set the benchmark for environmental regulation and there may come a time when they will be followed and implemented across the globe. Recently the Commission enacted 3 new laws, which will have a significant effect on businesses trading in EU. The three regulations are REACH (Registration, Evaluation, and Assessment of Chemical Hazards); RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances); and WEEE (the directive on Waste Electronic and Electric Equipment). All three are complex pieces of legislation that will affect a vast range of products, chiefly electronics that are made, sold, used, and disposed of across 25 EU member countries. (Elkington) The first legislation will make mandatory testing of over 30,000 chemical substances for human safety. This will put the fate of several chemical companies in jeopardy. RoHS seeks to ban six substances out of the E. U. economy: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). This will make it nearly impossible to manufacture semiconductors for electronic items. The third legislation (WEEE) will affect manufacturers of products like TVs, refrigerators, or cars. This take-back legislation will force companies to take the responsibility of recycling packaging material of their product and also ensure recycling of discarded products (end of life accountability). This legislation takes root from the concept of recycling all waste material so that some of it can be re-absorbed (re-claimed) in the productive process, instead of going unutilized into landfills. These legislations will have a number of implications for local and foreign countries in Europe. Firstly they will have to invest in take-back and recycling infrastructure. It is generally observed that big companies adopt the law, in fear of retaliation from NGO’s, and because they refused to be driven out of markets because of these de-facto trade barriers. Korean and Japanese countries demonstrated this when they took a lead in adopting the ISO 14000 standards, so that they cannot be discriminated in the European Market. The rate of adoption of companies from these countries was faster than that of EU companies themselves. The possible impact of stringent environmental laws is felt on domestic companies as well. During a period of economic downturn and business slowdown, most businesses are reluctant to enforce environmental legislation. Also the cost of monitoring the legal environment for businesses increases. EU is actively taking notice of breach in compliance with environmental laws and the process of pursuing legislative action at the European court is a time wasting and expensive affair. According to the OECD report on FDI, the 2003 FDI inflows to European countries were 23 per cent lower than in 2002. But according to data available with UNCTAD, for the period 2004-2006 FDI picked up again and the EU countries recorded a growth of 30% . Thus it cannot be determined to a conclusive level whether the changes in FDI have resulted because of the enactment and enforcement of environmental laws. It may be noted that European Union’s proactive behavior in enacting environmental legislation could be because they had a smaller land mass and learned the importance of conservation before other bigger countries like US. Whatever the case maybe, it remains to be seen whether the extensive array of laws will improve the environment to any noticeable degree. Given the number of years it takes for degradation to become noticeable any fruits of improvement will take time to manifest themselves. Till then both foreign and domestic businesses will find themselves facing a host of challenges, ranging from legislative action, forced compliance, rising environmental compliance cost and the like. However it will also open opportunities for businesses to develop eco-friendly products, and maintain a positive image in the minds of consumers.

Horizontal Gene Transfer In Prokaryotes Biology Essay

Horizontal Gene Transfer In Prokaryotes Biology Essay Horizontal gene transfer is also known as lateral gene transfer and it is the phenomenon of gene transferring between prokaryotic organisms like bacteria, virus etc. HGT is a general gene transfer method among bacteria-like microorganisms (Archaea). Bacteria and Archaea possess a primitive nucleus hence they named as prokaryotes and differentiated from a eukaryote cells by lacking a perfect nuclei. In horizontal gene transfer process, an organism acquiring genetic material from other organism and do not producing the offspring of that organism. This process is different from vertical gene transfer (mainly occurring between eukaryotes) in which the incorporate gene of one organism produces offspring of the donor organism. Even distantly related bacteria can achieve a genetic feature from other bacteria by horizontal gene transfer mechanism. For example, the increased drug resistance capability of different bacterial strains. Horizontal gene transfer is occurred through three different mechanisms. Transformation, transduction and bacterial conjugation are the three mechanisms for genetic transfer in prokaryotes. Among them bacterial conjugation allows bacterial gene transfer by cell to cell contact. Transduction process can be achieved by moving DNA from one bacterium to a different one by using bacteriophages. Laboratory experiments followed by a issue in Vietnam (in 1996) due to the antibiotic chloramphenicol resistance threatening of a pathogenic bacteria called Meningococcus exhibited the chloramphenicol resistance genes similarities with a previously identified genes (Tn4451) of Clostridium perfringens. Meningococci is an entirely different bacteria from Clostridium which is a Gram positive and anaerobic one. HGT also occurs in eukaryotic protist organisms and is a major characteristic of microbial evolution. DNA sequence analysis of different prokaryotic cell genomes has revealed that such genomes usually include conserved resolved genes which are liable to disruption by DNA islands. Such DNA islands can alter comparatively during prokaryote evolution by incorporating foreign DNA due to insertion, deletion incidents. Studies about resistance genes to antibiotics make available convincing proof for wide inheritability of genes between taxonomically different microbial strains. Horizontal gene transfer can lead to the generation of new antibiotic resistant pathogens strains. This shows, gene transfer and recombination processes creating another pathogenic strains and it is an example for prokaryotic evolution by transferring genes horizontally. Antibiotic resistance is achieved through horizontal transfer process. It has proved experimentally in transformation competent bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae . Plasmid and transposon exchange of resistant acquired bacterial cell can alter the genomes of recipient organism through recombination of new resistant genes via insertion process. Insertion of the new gene in to a main chromosome is carried out by some mechanisms directed by these transposons. Role of horizontal gene transfer in bacterial evolution The researches of Joshua Lederberg about the natural evolution of pathogenic flora of the gut bacterium (E.coli K-12 strain) in 1948 afford a better understanding of prokaryotic evolution and the importance of horizontal gene transfer in evolutionary studies of bacteria. DNA transformation has been demonstrated in different bacterial species consisting Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Bacillus, Cyanobacteria and Rhizobium species. Transmissible plasmids in microorganisms Lambda and fertility factor based studies in bacteriophages by Lead Francois Jacob et al in 1958 has shown that the insertion of various genetic structures -episome of DNA- into bacterial chromosomes could alter modes of existence within the cell. Study of these aspect exhibited several occurrences of mobile DNA in a vast range of microorganisms (jumping genes) which permit F plasmid insertion and distributed horizontal gene transfer implying by bacteriophage, plasmids and mobile DNA. Conserved DNA genome sequences shows E. coli like bacteria have genomes which bears conserved backbone genes altered by foreign DNA inserts acquired during evolution by addition of genes gradually. Genomic researches propose that the past natural events of horizontal gene transfer acclaims interpretation of previous events in evolution of cells and the nature of the common ancestor of life. Lateral gene transfer between prokaryotes and multi-cellular eukaryotes The elaborated genome sequencing studies and researches have produced proof for lateral transfer of genes between prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. As mentioned earlier, lateral gene transfer (LGT) has an important role in the evolution of prokaryotes and unicellular eukaryotes. Lateral gene transfer between prokaryotes and multicellular eukaryotic organisms show a contradiction from the above statement. This is more arguable nowadays. Evidence has gathered up for bacterial symbiotic origin within genomes of eukaryotes. For example, roughly complete copies of bacterial symbiont Wolbachia genome in the host nuclear genome. Anyway, there is no proof available to understand whether the transferred copies of the genes are functional in the eukaryotic genome or not. For instance, some minute manifestations have been found for some transferred genes. Their inclination seems to be identical to that of recently transferred mitochondrial genes to the nucleus. Lack of function of such genes may lead to their degradation. Recent researches have given a better understanding about the transferred prokaryotic genes function and their expression in the eukaryotic recipient. Studies of Nikoh and Nakabachi demonstrate that the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum prone to have achieved two genes from bacterial strains. These give rise to probably been acquired without help commencing facultative derived symbionts: one on or after Wolbachia or a definite relative, the additional starting an undescribed bacterium. The authors broaden operate to facilitate these genes are both extremely articulated in the bacteriocytes, expert cells that cherish the aphids oblige core symbiont Buchnera aphidicola. Buchnera, which has a strappingly shortned genome, lacks these two genes, while other bacteriae, counting Buchneras similar free-living relatives, acquire these genes. Such two genes may be functionally indispensable to uphold Buchnera creating the nuclear inserted replicate a biting contender for existence functionally active. In addition, functionality is indirect by the opinion with the purpose of the bacterial basis is not currently offer in the aphid implying with the purpose of the assign is not recent and pseudogenization may be predictable in the absence of clear mixture for function. The aphid review is one of numerous fresh identification recitations on the side pass on in symbiosis. Rumpho et al. create substantiation for LGT amid two eukaryotes, the alga Vaucheria litorea and its predator, the sea slug Elysia chlorotica by consuming on V. Litorea. E. chlorotica obtains the algal plastids, which remain to photosynthesize for months in the sea slug. This is surprising, for the reason that the bulk of proteins required for photosynthesis are encoded on the algal nuclear genome. Rumpho et al. now speculate with the purpose of the sea slug capacity effectively assert photosynthesizing chloroplasts since it has acquired vital genes by LGT beginning the algal genome, and they grant proof for LGT of a nuclear RNA from prey to predator. They whats more exhibitions to the genetic material is articulated in the sea slug. Two additional researches pass on to an earliest LGT occurrence between mosquitoes and the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis. The concerns of exchange genes encoding salivary gland come out (SGS) proteins of mosquitoes, which possess a position in insect-Plasmodium interactions. Same genes have identified in two of the six sequenced Wolbachia genomes. The mechanism and role of the DNA in Wolbachia is unfamiliar, but it has diverged substantially on or after its mosquito equivalent, is not pseudogenized and is expressed. No equivalents in new prokaryotic or eukaryotic arrangement databases obtain been found. The guidance of transport (from bacterium to mosquito or commencing mosquito to bacterium) relics uncleared. Accumulating prokaryotic DNA and genome sequences expose with the aim of the swap of genetic details via together homology-dependent recombination and horizontal (lateral) RNA transport (HGT) is far new important, in magnitude and value as until that time imagined. The accepted view, with the intention of prokaryotic evolution can be tacit primarily in provisos of clonal departure and periodic selection, be obliged to be greater than before to support genetic material talk as a creative force, itself reliable for to a large extent of the copy of similarities and differences concerning prokaryotic microbes. Instead the replacement of periodic variety on genetic diversity, RNA loss and chromosomal alterations can be considered as crucial players in adaptive evolution. Role of homologous recombination The evolutionary significance of recombination measures would depend on the probability to the yield of DNA replacement proffer selective advantages. If recombination has introduced maladaptive changes, eliminated niche-specific information, or disrupted co-adapted alleles, after that recombinant adolescent want be counter selected. Therefore, ecological delineation may oblige a selective control on simplistic genetic swap in the deficiency of any mechanistic barriers forced by the inequality adjustment system. Horizontal, or lateral, RNA transport (HGT) is dissimilar equally in method and in impact. Barriers to homologous recombination do not stop its occurrence-even connecting same distinctly allied organisms-because plentiful dishonest resources existing for integrating foreign DNA addicted to the genome (Ochman, Lawrence, and Groisman 2000). HGT can occur concerning still extremely evenly connected organisms, e.g., among bacteria and plants or fungi (Heinemann and Sprague 1989; Garcia-Vallve, Romeu, and Palau 2000). The bearing of such horizontal transmission is to molecular phylogenies calculated for unlike molecules commencing the similar set of species, although regularly like-minded in broad outline (e.g., Ludwig et al. 1998 ), are no more than rarely wholly harmonizing (Gogarten et al. 1992; Gogarten 1995). A decade ago, evolutionary biologists were undecided to invoke HGT as an rationalization for these discrepancies. Now, fulfilled genome sequences submit a load of proof for HGT and highlight its perplexing sound effects in reconstructing the story of organismal evolution (Koonin et al.2001). Detection of Horizontal Gene transfering Methods for collecting signal of capability RNA replacement procedures normally trip over keen on two catagories. Phylogenetic methods seem for out of the usual run of things distributions of genes diagonally organisms and may enter the identification of genes by means of very confidential distributions, submit in cut off taxa but deffecient from directly interconnected species (Olendzenski et al. 2000; Lawrence 2001). Phylogeny-independent methods take to make something stand out genes with the intention of look as if anomalous in their present genomic context, liable sparkly long-term evolution in genomes in the corporation of dissimilar mutational biases. These methods assay nucleotide and dinucleotide frequencies (Karlin and Burge 1995; Lawrence and Ochman 1997), codon procedure bias (Mrazek et al, 2000), or patterns descented by Markov shackle analyses (Hayes and Borodovsky 1998). One strength think about the risk so as to molecular phylogenies file particularly thermophilic bacteria as the oldest bacterial lineages as they dwell in an background wherever a good number of the accessible genes are beginning Archaea and wherever they can participate a lesser amount of in HGT by way of new bacteria. Biochemical and physiological changes can and escort to genetic isolation and so alter an organisms seeming stance in grass based on DNA satisfied or sequence. For instance, may be the narrative transcriptional apparatus of the Archaea may perhaps tolerate prepared it excluding expected for them to incorporate genes on or after organisms via bacterial dictation machinery. The progression of a bacteriophage-type RNA polymerase role and its mechanisms in mitochondria provides a paradigm to demonstrate so as to strong replacements in the record machinery can take place (Cermakian et al. 1997 ; Rousvoal et al. 1998 ). As the occurrence of HGT is not doubted, present is seeming controversy in assessing its influence in microbial evolution, as well as opinions ranging commencing acute concerns not far off from its bewildering sound effects on phylogenetics (Doolittle 1999) to grave reviews which downplay any key impact (Kurland 2000 ). If one chooses a set of strongly allied bacteria (e.g., the enterobacteria) and examines phylogenies of genes pool along with them, scores of sundry genes may re-create the consistent phylogeny of species. Similarly, estimates of HGT based on uncommon gene content mean so as to an alternative of genes have reached in to these genomes just by Horizontal transferring of genes (Perna et al. 2001). Such consequences are not unbalanced by HGT having a dominant effect on the evolution of prokaryotic genomes in the elongated term. Transfers up past to the diversification of a set such as the enterobacteria can simply be detected in better phylogenetic reconstructions (Woese et al. 2000). Similarly, surveys which test phylogenetic clash as brim as nonconforming genetic material sequences as an catalog of HGT in a genome consistantly turn up a better quantity of genes with the aim of gain been issue to replacement of gene sequences (Ragan 2001; Lawrence et al. 2002) since methods identifying out of the ordinary sequences are imperfect to detecting simply contemporary transfers. HGT confounds evolutionary relationships as a rule firmly on broad timescales. Vertical inheritance-propagating mutational changes, DNA rearrangements, and added intragenomic alterations-and DNA trade by homologous recombination dominate concluded the condensed term. Moreover, HGT probable affects discrete li neages in several fashions, possibly illustrated the largest part dramatically by the least payment of HGT in the evolution of intracellular paracites undergoing genome saving (Andersson and Andersson 1999; Wernegreen et al. 2000). Conserning range and scale can perform as in effect arbiters what time merging statistics collected on or after diverse systems. Dykhuizen and Green (1991) anticipated with the purpose of homologous recombination provided taxonomic reason amongst groups of strains. Recurrent RNA exchange by homologous recombination fallout in strains in a species so as to resemble all extra supplementary than they resemble strains out of the species. HGT can afford phylogenetic reason at top taxonomic levels. In equally cases, genes in the groups are supposed to put under somebodys nose incongruent phylogenies, though the groups themselves stay behind monophyletic for a large amount genes. HGT and its impact on DNA Trees and rRNA Phylogenies A number of groups experience secondary organismal phylogeny by means of so-called gene-content vegetation (Fitz-Gibbon and bungalow 1999; Snel, Bork, and Huynen 1999; Tekaia, Lazcano, and Dujon 1999). This draw near uses the sheer existence of a gene as a character, and original dendrograms formed this way do explain the substantial analogy in the corporation of customary 16S rRNA phylogenies, reproducing the three-domain partition and the connection of the genomes starting members of the unchanged phylum. Even if other current analyses conclude so as to HGT has played a considerable function in decisive DNA matter (Snel, Bork, and Huynen 2002), these consequences dissimilarity along with a good number resolved phylogenies of specific protein-coding genes, which performance dramatic conflicts to mutually the 16S rRNA and genome satisfied trees. As the on the whole correspondence concerning gene-content trees based on entire genome sequences and 16S rRNA phylogenies would give the im pression to argue that HGT has played a some degree of part in shaping the evolution of microbial lineages. (Snel et al, 2002). Nearby is an added doable clarification for analogy involving gene-content vegetation and phylogenies based on rRNA. rRNA phylogenies force grant by gene-content analyses since rRNA genes are themselves variety and in cooperation phylogenies cogitate large-scale genetic material transfer. Intragenic recombination has been experimental in various genes, and gene-conversion procedures care for to elect copies of duplicated genes extra comparable to one any more (Gogarten and Olendzenski 1999). Acknowledgment of RNA reassignment surrounded by and in the middle of lineages restructures microbial evolution in further conduct than submission new interpretations of the imitate of microbial phylogeny. Fixed models of microbial evolution by mutational processes, pooled through the measurement of environmental tolerances in laboratory environments, imparts a regard of ecological niches as somewhat static domains, inside which organisms evolve unsurprisingly on the road to maximal fitness. For example, it is possible to calculate the organisms improve in suitability after mature for thousands of generations in glucose-limited surroundings (Papadopoulos et al. 1999). Bacteria may confined to chemostats can challenge campaign for them, inventing new niches. For example, bacterial strains which opted for glucose in take could generate microbial strains specializing in the scavenging of acetate ravage materials (Treves, Manning, and Adams 1998). Accepting evolution by HGT as a method of niche acquisition quite than alternation of place exploitation has unexpected implications. For instance, a mesophilic heterotroph force benefit door to a to hand substrate-rich but too-warm location used by moderately thermophilic autotrophs, finished acquisition commencing them of genes encoding extra thermostable versions of proteins whose labilities establish its better cyst temperature. Conceivably, the newly acquired genes are enormously poorly adapted to the heterotrophs additional cellular machinery, so with the aim of increase time in moreover milieu is dreadfully sluggish and organisms comportment these new genes cannot compete in the unique environment. They would nonetheless be the just heterotrophs at the greater temparature and can stretch to dominate there. Thus, niche acquisition can mid with the intention of scores of organisms are lucrative as of the distinctiveness of the niches they discovered recently slightly than for th e reason that of fine-tuning of their cellular machinery in relation to the utilization of to niche. The niches produced by genetic material turn over proceedings diverge extensively in their stability or novelty. selected events, reminiscent of the acquisition of an antibiotic resistance gene, let for transient exploration of a new environment, but this line may not persist finished evolutionary phase (that is, this experience desire probable not establish a clad of antibiotic-resistant bacteria distinguished by their joint aptitude to be strong to a distinct antibiotic). Additional actions are correlated in the company of the long-standing exploration of new niches, approximating the acquisition of the lac operon by E. coli or pathogenicity islands by Salmonella. Rarely, a genetic material transfer occasion may make available for the formation of radically diverse organisms so as to inhabit niches totally inaccessible by organisms relying on mutational processes isolated to explore environments. Examples of such lineages embrace the untrained plants (acquiring chloroplast by endos ymbiosis [Bonen and Doolittle 1975), methanotrophs (gaining the knack to make unfavorable cofactors by acquiring genes beginning methanogenic archaea [Chistoserdova et al. 1998), cyanobacteria, and bacteria utilizing halorhodopsin homologues as light-driven proton pumps (Beja et al. 2001). A classic replica for adaptation has been the Shifting set of scales conjecture (Wright 1982). Adaptive changes may suggest itself over and done with sequential variety of mutations, and maybe round about genome-specific, thing genes are the harvest of such characteristically Darwinian processes. But intragenic recombination can facilitate express exploration of this adaptive landscape for the reason that the valleys of low health require by no means be crossed (Bogarad and consider 1999). Variant alleles among near-optimal finesses may be recombined to bring in compound changes simultaneously, in that way avoiding the formation of suboptimal intermediate states. HGT offers a delayed scope to these models, which present finally with the intention of recombination between accessible variants, offers root to fitness peaks. Although fitness peaks may not at all be explored if they ought to be reached one genetic material at a time, many genes may be secured as bacterial operons and RNA clusters (Lawrence et al. 2001). As of an evolutionary perspective, extraction diversification is frequently viewed as an instant event, a peak afterward which genes in two groups of organisms are no longer in genetic communication. Recombination stuck between populations at such loci may give a reduced amount of fit offspring to facilitate would be counter selected. Homologous recombination can altercation alleles stuck between such populations at loci uninvolved in opening ecological delineation (Lawrence 2002). It is fine with the intention of a RNA is duplicated all age a small room divides. In undo organisms, genes are uncontrolled to evolve manifest biochemical functions. Moreover the functional coverage of the genetic material result may inflate to involve supplementary actions or selected of the DNA goods unusual functions may be spellbound if functions are not grave in this organism. If genes are not at all reintroduced keen on the matching cytoplasm and their ecological role never been recognized then, orthologous genes persist in unattached cytoplasmic contexts. If the genes are reunited in the equal cytoplasm, they are obliged to control achieved physiological uniqueness for in cooperation to persist. Reintroduction of genes interested in the equal genome is mediated by DNA transfer, with equally homologous recombination through mismatched crossing-over-here, a merodiploid strain is fashioned at the preliminary indicate of DNA exchange, and HGT, which is the a large amount dramatic way of allowing genetic material hand over to establish paralogous genes interested in the unchanged cell. In the evolutionary-theoretical approaching horizontal transfer, above all as it occurs between eukaryotes and bacteria, is an affidavit to the remarkable unity of molecular-biological mechanisms in all types of cells to consequence in the compatibility of eukaryotic and bacterial proteins with the purpose of bear evolved in their noticeable milieu for billions of years. While co-adaptation of proteins in the evolution force hold up horizontal transport of particular types of genes, workings of a lot of functional systems act to be entirely compatible. One may possibly think this bring up direct set the eukaryotic proteins expression in bacteria routinely exploited in the laboratory. This is outstandingly significant for xenologous genetic material dislocation for the reason that in these cases, the transferred, heterologous types of a gene must at once turn out to be superior, starting the standpoint of selection, to the unique type usual of the recipient species. In one case, with the purpose of eukaryotic isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase displacing the imaginative DNA in a number of bacteria, this has been convincingly explained by acquisition of antibiotic resistance. It seems apt with the purpose of these observations give common implications for xenologous genetic material displacement. In round about suitcases of acquisition of new genes, the environment of the selective gain whats more appears clear, such as for the ATP/ADP translocases acquired by intracellular scrounging bacteria, Chlamydia and Rickettsia. In largely instances, however, comparative genomics can lone place to the genes with the purpose of own maybe entered the particular genome by horizontal transfer. The biological impact of horizontal genetic material transmission choice insists on turn tentative studies by means of these genes. Dramatic differences in DNA repertoires similar in the middle of bacteria with the purpose of are in the right place to the equal evolutionary lineage, such as E. coli and Haemophilus influenzae, indicated with the aim of genome evolution possibly will not be plausibly described in vertical tumble alone. It is see-through that to a large extent of the disparity was attributable to differential genetic material loss, outstandingly in parasites, but horizontal RNA relocate is the new foremost evolutionary thing with the intention of may possibly avoid give explanation the emerging complex photo of prokaryotic genomes. The archaeal genomes accessible a chiefly stunning genomescape solidly redolent of vast horizontal RNA transfer. In arrangement and the before indications commencing phylogenetic studies, but now on the whole-genome scale, it has suit release so as to archaeal proteins divide hooked on persons genes with the purpose of were a large amount alike to their bacterial homologs and so as to looked eukaryotic. around exceptions notwithstanding, the bacterial and eukaryotic proteins in archaea were neatly on bad terms beside functional lines, by way of persons drawn in in in a row handing out screening the eukaryotic affinity, and metabolic enzymes, structural components, and a category of un-characterized proteins so as to appeared to be bacterial. for the reason that the informational workings commonly arrive on the scene to be a reduced amount of issue to horizontal DNA convey and in harmony plus the paradigm exemplar of the first part of evolution whereby eukaryotes let somebody in on a communal ancestor along with archaea, these observations boast been tentatively explained by colossal DNA replacement among archaea and bacteria. This survey has been advance supported while the genomes of two hyperthermophilic bacteria, Aquifex aeolicus and Thermotoga maritima, were sequenced. both of these genomes controlled a appreciably larger portion of archaeal gen es than any of the further bacterial genomes, establishing a plausible association amid the similarity in the lifestyles of evolutionarily distant organisms and the obvious esteem of horizontal DNA swap linking them. Also, these findings emphasized the hand out of the adaptive versus opportunistic makeup of horizontal RNA transfer. The judgment so as to the gifts of horizontal DNA remove and lineage-specific DNA debit to the DNA repertoire of prokaryotes was equivalent to with the intention of vertical crash amounted to a most important reallocate in our compassion of evolution. Indeed, it became ostensible that, in scores of cases, phylogenetic plants for distinct genes were incongruent not for the reason that of artifacts inherent in tree-construction methods but for the reason that of authentic differences in the evolutionary histories of these genes brought just about by horizontal transfer. Horizontal genetic material assign proceedings can be classified hooked on at smallest amount three marked categories along with obey to the relationships concerning the horizontally acquired RNA and homologous genes pre-existing in the recipient lineage. Acquisition of eukaryotic genes by bacteria is potentially of exacting fascination since of the probable job of such horizontally transferred genes in bacterial pathogenicity. Chlamydiae and their kins had a protracted account of parasitic or symbiotic relationships by means of eukaryotes and at a number of stages of their evolution may perhaps come up with been parasites of plants or their relatives. Summary Comparative analyses of genetic material and genome sequences point toward with the intention of chat of genetic in rank surrounded by and amid prokaryotic species, in spite of this defined, is far added hang around and all-purpose than before we thought. While homologous recombination is partial by classification disagreement and must lessen clearly including phylogenetic distance, switch over by the diverse dishonest recombination processes jointly designated HGT is not so controlled. New pact of in cooperation phenomena and their promise interaction suggests with the purpose of accepted models for prokaryotic evolution based on clonality and periodic assortment is too little to portray the manner of prokaryotic evolution at the species equal height and to tree like phylogenies are ineffective to act for the mold of prokaryotic evolution at any level. At this time an elaborated new deal to confirm with the aim of a coherent replica for prokaryotic evolution which invokes DNA or RNA handing over as its rule explanatory impose is sufficient and would encompass countless profit for diversification and adaptation. In particular, we can possibly resolve the species problem rise the valid differences in cadence and manner connecting prokaryote and higher eukaryote evolution, let straightening out of the convoluted histories of genes and genomes supersede the quest for one authentic organismal phylogeny, expound new models for distinguition of prokaryotic niches and description of adaptedness, and, at the aim of the gene, put forward new scenarios for evolution of different function. Workings of this new scrutinize as it relates to species and adaptation give by now been evidently articulated, particularly by Maynard Smith, Spratt, and Levin and their collaborators (Levin and Bergstrom 2000; Maynard Smith, Feil, and Smith 2000; Feil et al. 2001). Phylogenetic implications hold whats more been explored by Martin (1999) and Woese (2000), with others. Taking on DNA rem ove and refit promises a broad and radical revision of the prokaryotic evolutionary paradigm. This command take place as of a fusion of population genetics, molecular genetics, epidemiological and environmental genomics, microbial ecology, and molecular phylogeny, fields with the aim of be inflicted with industrial customarily in isolation beginning both other. Even though the new look at as if it were opposing to established understandings of prokaryotic evolution, in the extended run can give an approval to a synthesis with the intention of wish acknowledge DNA replace and clonality, weblike and treelike manners and adjustments and the evolution of new work by loads of modes. finding out whether frequencies of within- and between-lineage DNA switch support a classical be partial to so as to depicted in or whether vertical deterioration residue the most excellent descriptor of the description of a large amount genes larger than evolutionary time. little here are hang-up issues of m easurement and focus to overcome, promptly accumulating genome sequences make available no famine of data. Acquisition of eukaryotic genes by bacterial genomes, chiefly parasites, and symbionts, and, to a less important extent, by archaeal genomes, is one of the eminent directions of latteral genetic material flow. Apparent horizontal RNA handing over has been detected in different functional module of genes, though it is chiefly characteristic of definite categories, such as aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and unusual sign transduction systems.

Thomas Paine and Common Sense :: essays research papers

Common Sense Published anonymously by Thomas Paine in January of 1776, Common Sense was an instant best-seller, both in the colonies and in Europe. It went through several editions in Philadelphia, and was republished in all parts of United America. Because of it, Paine became internationally famous. "A Covenanted People" called Common Sense "by far the most influential tract of the American Revolution....it remains one of the most brilliant pamphlets ever written in the English language." Paine's political pamphlet brought the rising revolutionary feeling into sharp focus by placing blame for the suffering of the colonies directly on the reigning British monarch, George III. First and foremost, Common Sense advocated an immediate declaration of independence, putting forward a special moral duty of America to the rest of the world. Not long after publication, the spirit of Paine's argument found importance in the American Declaration of Independence. Written at t he beginning of the Revolution, Common Sense became the leaven for the ferment of the times. It stirred the colonists to strengthen their resolve, resulting in the first successful anticolonial action in modern history. Little did Paine realize that his writings would set fire to a movement that had seldom if ever been worked out in the Old World: sovereignty of the people and written constitutions, together with effective checks and balances in government. Paine has been described as a professional radical and a revolutionary propagandist without peer. Born in England, he was dismissed as an excise officer while lobbying for higher wages. Impressed by Paine, Benjamin Franklin sponsored Paine's emigration to America in 1774. In Philadelphia Paine became a journalist and essayist, contributing articles on all subjects to The Pennsylvania Magazine.

The Himba of Southwestern Africa and the Implications of the Nation State :: Essays Papers

The Himba of Southwestern Africa and the Implications of the Nation State For over five centuries, the Himba people have breathed the â€Å"hot and filmy† air of the Earth’s oldest desert, raising fat, prosperous herds of livestock in a shrewd network of grazing lands, and honoring their ancestors through ancient sacred fires and venerated grave sites (Crandall). Anthropologists suppose â€Å"the Himba's [ancestral] firelight has been flickering . . . since the 1600s, when they arrived as part of the great Bantu migrations from the north† (Salopek). Unbeknownst to them, the arid and volatile beauty of Southwestern Africa has provided the Himba the world’s best cultural haven from violent confrontation and influence of foreign power (Salopek). However, this desert haven is no longer a refuge from racial discrimination and environmental destruction: in an ironic twist of history, the Himba are now threatened, not by European colonists, but by their own Independent nation state governments. In the past, foreign wars and encroaching Western colonists left the Himba relatively untouched. However, globalization has wrought a new government mind in Namibia and Angola: progress is profit at all cost, which translates to extensive tourism and unquestioned governmental river and land exploitation through hasty damming projects. As both independent governments now urgently move towards Western ideals of ruthless progress, the international community must respond to Southwest Afrcia’s government proposals for Angola’s Iona National Park and Namibia’s Epupa Falls Dam. 25,000 semi-nomadic Himba â€Å"peasants†, divided between Southern Angola and Northern Namibia boarders, now fight for their rights to choose the way of their future. In the struggle for Himba sovereignty, these two cases stand out as blaring war cries of Himba cultural and political rights under attack. Smeared with otjize, a blend of butterfat and powered iron ochre for protection against the arid climate and blistering sun, the Himba are physically distinguishable as the â€Å"Red People† on the gold and brown landscape of Southwestern Africa ( Crandall). â€Å" In scattered encampments [or homesteads] of 20 to 30 people† the Himba â€Å"drift with the seasons to new [settlements] in search of water and grazing lands† (Bensman). Tending to semi-permanent gardens of maize, pumpkins, and melons, the Himba primarily live off the yogurt and butter fat of their livestock (Ezzell). As animals are sacred to the Himba, the passing of an elder is the only momentous occasion for cattle to be slaughtered. By transferring ancestral fire to the exact place of burial, community life is physically and internally centered on the fire.

Comparing Hegel and Kants Views on Reason Essay -- Philosophy

Comparing Hegel and Kant's Views on Reason That "the idea pays the ransom of existence and transience—not out of its own pocket, but with the passions of individuals" is an idea with categorizes what Hegel calls "the Cunning of Reason" (35). It is in this way that Hegel describes universal Reason, a force which ensures the end of history in its own self-consciousness. Like Kant, Hegel develops a teleological history which moves toward a specific end, and similar to Kant, this end involves the actualization of Reason within human events. However, the path that history takes, according to the two, differs greatly. While both men envision a dichotomous struggle, Kant finds the struggle within mankind while Hegel sees it everyone, even within Reason itself. The Kantian struggle between man's sensuous and rational sides seems almost pacific compared to the divided kingdom of Hegel's. The "cunning of reason" is simply the representation of one of those dichotomies—between human intention and human outcome. "[Me n] fulfill their own interests, but something further is thereby bro... Comparing Hegel and Kant's Views on Reason Essay -- Philosophy Comparing Hegel and Kant's Views on Reason That "the idea pays the ransom of existence and transience—not out of its own pocket, but with the passions of individuals" is an idea with categorizes what Hegel calls "the Cunning of Reason" (35). It is in this way that Hegel describes universal Reason, a force which ensures the end of history in its own self-consciousness. Like Kant, Hegel develops a teleological history which moves toward a specific end, and similar to Kant, this end involves the actualization of Reason within human events. However, the path that history takes, according to the two, differs greatly. While both men envision a dichotomous struggle, Kant finds the struggle within mankind while Hegel sees it everyone, even within Reason itself. The Kantian struggle between man's sensuous and rational sides seems almost pacific compared to the divided kingdom of Hegel's. The "cunning of reason" is simply the representation of one of those dichotomies—between human intention and human outcome. "[Me n] fulfill their own interests, but something further is thereby bro...

Education Reform Essay

It is undeniably clear that we have serious problems with our education system. Talk to any teacher and you will hear the same complaints; overcrowded classrooms, lack of supplies and text books, unfairness of the grading system, discipline issues, drugs, underpaid teachers and the list goes on and on. The result; our children can’t read, spell or solve basic math problems without a calculator. Many students can not even find their own country on a map. In the midst of debates going on in many different levels, the big question is how can we fix these problems? The National Commission on Excellence in Education delivered a devastating assessment of American education in 1983. According to the commission’s findings; 23 million American adults were illiterate by the simplest tests of reading and writing. Almost 13 percent of all 17 year olds in the United States were functionally illiterate. Illiteracy among minority young was a scaring 40 percent. Scholastic Aptitude tests ( SAT ) showed that average verbal scores fell over 50 points and mathematics scores dropped 40 points from 1963 to 1980. International comparisons of student achievement revealed that on 19 academic tests  American students were never first or second and compared to the other industrialized nations, were last seven times. ( http://www. ed. gov/pubs/NatAtRisk/risk. html (3 of 10 ,2005 ). These findings alarmed the nation and in 1989, an education summit involving all fifty state governors and president George H. W. Bush resulted in the adoption of national education goals for the year 2000. The same year, National Council of Teachers Of Mathematics published the Curriculum and evaluation Standards for School Mathematics, a standards based document. ( Schwardz, 2000 ). Standards based  school reform has become a predominant issue facing public schools. In the 1990’s , The Standards-based National Education Goals were set by the U. S. Congress. This movement resulted in the famous No child Left Behind Act of 2001 which is still an active nation wide mandate in the United States ( Schwardz 2000 ). A standards-based system measures each student against the concrete standard, instead of measuring how well the student performed compared to others. The main goal of this reform is that no student by virtue of poverty, age, race, gender, cultural or ethnic background,  disabilities or family situation will be exempt from learning the required material. ( Robinson,2000 ). The school income from property taxes and the federal funds are based on the student attendance. Every public school is required to take attendance every day so the budget can be given to the state accounting department and the money made available. If a child stays home even for one day, the attendance shows less need for money. Because of this system, we have overcrowded classrooms. The government legislators should realize that fewer students means better classroom management and better education. The fight for the control of public schools also contribute to the problems we are facing with our education system. In the United States, schools are regulated by laws and regulations at the district, county, state and federal levels. The most of day to day activities have been influenced by district level government usually by a district bureaucracy led by a superintended and controlled by a locally elected or appointed school board. ( Smith, 2001 ). State and federal governments often mandate programs and reforms or prohibit certain activities by criminalizing them through legislation or court  precedent or restricting state and federal funds to schools which are not in compliance. ( Robinson, 2000 ). In the early days of our nation, our constitution left education matters Mostly in the hands of states. In those days founding fathers did not want the federal government running education. But times have changed. Now we have a mobile society, new technology, and a global economy which has erased district, county and states lines that once had meaning. Nowadays, whether raised in California, Florida, Colorado or Virginia, all children in America need the same knowledge and skills that will help them  compete in both national and the international marketplace of jobs. Tight local control of public education under the influence of provincial attitudes and ideologies can leave our children ill prepared to survive in this very challenging global environment. Federal government leads the way in important areas such as food, drug, product, financial and environmental regulations and policies. Should not education, one of the most essential contributors to the success and well being of our nation, be naturally included in that list? The violation of the separation of church and state issue has also been an ongoing  debate in our public schools. In our constitution, the first amendment states â€Å"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, this indicates that a person is free to study any form of religion and that the government will not adopt any religion as the official religion of the state or nation nor will they favor any religion above another ( First Amendment to the United States Constitution, retrieved June 29, 2010 ). There are conflicts over school praying and most people agree that allowing some  groups of children to pray inside the classrooms could offend other children with different religious backgrounds or the children with atheist parents. Author Randall Eberts ( 2007 ) states that if we take a look at any humanities course, we will find religion somewhere. He also states that religion is in science, literature and art. The battle of evolution vs. creationism vs. intelligent design never stops. Science teachers can teach about the planets, stars and galaxies but they have no answer regarding how it all started. They can come up with several theories but it is difficult to satisfy many students with  various religious background. In art classes, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel are among the greatest pieces of artistry which are both religious in nature. In order for a student to be able to analyze these types of artwork, they must be able to refer to the religious themes portrayed in the pieces. In literature, Dante’s Inferno is a good example of how religion is approached in a high school literature class. In the text, Dante has established series of rings of hell and categorized which sins would banish a soul to that region for eternity. Since not all students believe in heaven and hell, teachers must be extra careful how to approach this topic so it won’t appear as if they are trying to enforce their viewpoints on the topic. There has to be a fine line between teaching religion and teaching about religion. According to a study by Christian Smith, ( Smith, 2002 ) religion affects students many ways including the following: Religious students are more likely to be involved in community work. Religious students are less likely to be suspended or expelled. Religious students are more likely to be involved in student government. Religious 12th graders are less likely to misbehave at school. Religious 12th graders are less likely to skip school without permission. There is a positive correlation between religious students and their involvement in extracurricular activities. Researchers mark Regnerus and Glen Elder ( Regnerus, 2003 ) conducted a research and found out that â€Å"when youth from low-income neighborhoods attend church, their academic performance improves primarily due to social influences of the church. It seems like most problems in the schools are the result of inability to make important decisions about the future of education in America. Valuable time is wasted by infighting and indecision. We seem powerless to fix the problems. All parties involved should have a common agreement about what some of the basic needs of students are. Our culture and the state of society is rapidly changing. In the light of these changes, new ideas about education can be useful to improve our education system. But they should be investigated for their effectiveness. The key to our future depends on highly educated students who are prepared for the 21st century. Our economic future and ability to compete in the world marketplace depends on it.