College Science Fair Projects by Topic

It can be a challenge to come up with a science fair project idea. There is fierce competition to come up with the coolest idea, plus you need a topic that is considered appropriate for your educational level.   A well-designed project at the college level can open the door to future educational and career opportunities, so it pays to put some thought and effort into your topic. A good project will answer a question and test a hypothesis. Planning and Research College students usually have a semester to complete their project, so they have some time to plan and conduct research. The goal at this level is to find an original topic. It doesnt have to be something complicated or time-consuming. Also, appearances count. Aim for professional-quality images and presentation. Handwritten work and drawings wont work as well as a printed report or poster with photographs. Possible ideas, divided by topic, include: Plants and Seeds Does the presence of detergent in water affect plant growth? In what ways? What is the implication regarding water pollution?Does magnetism affect the growth of plants? In what way?Is a seed affected by its size? Do different size seeds have different germination rates? Does seed size affect the growth rate or final size of a plant?How close does a plant have to be to a pesticide for the pesticide to work? What factors influence the effectiveness of a pesticide, such as rain, light or wind? How much can you dilute a pesticide while retaining its effectiveness? How effective are natural pest deterrents?What is the effect of a chemical on a plant? You can look at natural pollutants—such as motor oil or runoff from a busy street—or unusual substances, for example, orange juice or baking soda. Factors that you can measure include rate of plant growth, leaf size, life/death of the plant, the color of the plant, and ability to flower/bear fruit.How does cold storage affect th e germination of seeds? Factors you can control include the type of seeds, length of storage and the temperature of storage, light, and humidity. Food How does the shape of an ice cube affect how quickly it melts?Do the same types of mold grow on all types of bread? Are certain preservatives better at inhibiting dangerous molds than others?Is the nutritional content of different brands of a vegetable (such as canned peas) the same? How much variation is there in any given product? Miscellaneous What forms of recycling are available to students? If college students participated in these recycling programs, what would be the effect on cost, the environment?Do consumers prefer bleached paper products or natural-color paper products? What factors affect the preference? Age? Socioeconomic status? Gender?Solve a problem. For example, can you design a better type of street intersection?

Americ The Land Of The Free - 1707 Words

America is often referred as the â€Å"the land of the free.† It’s a nation of diversity because of the open-door policy that has been implanted. The open-door policy accepts any foreigner that is pursuing the American Dream. Every year, thousands of immigrants, illegal and legal, come to the United States. Many immigrants have different reasons why they feel the need to leave their country behind and start a new life elsewhere. Those reasons may be: fleeing from a war, bettering their perspectives, living in a better environment, or simply deciding that you like the concept of the American Dream. For instance, in the 1990’s my father, grandfather and uncles decided enough was enough as thousands of other Shia’s did. Saddam Hussein started bombing Shia villages, particularly Najaf and Karbala. It was horrific. Men, women, children, and elderly people were killed. Not by the hundreds but by the thousands. My family decided to uprise with the other families against Saddam Hussein. Saddam Hussein didn’t not take kindly to the up rise. They had no other choice but to flee. But not everyone was as lucky as they were. Many people believe that America is the best place to start over because they are guaranteed more freedom, benefits, and protection, just as did my parents. What’s your opinion on immigration? Many people look down upon immigrates, it’s making the daily headlines due to the debates that politicians have argued. Some politicians believe that the immigrants will drive theShow MoreRelatedAmeric The Land Of The Free1637 Words   |  7 PagesThe United States of America is known as the â€Å"land of the free†. But as most know â€Å"free† always comes with a price. Luckily, the price is worth a lifetime of opportunities and freedoms that other countries will never get to experience. America has immigrants naturalized every year. People from these countries come to America to pursue the â€Å"land of the free†. In fact, in 2014, â€Å"654,949 people were naturalized.†1 America is also known around the world as the country that practices democracy. TheRead MoreAmeric The Land Of The Free1879 Words   |  8 Pages They call America â€Å"The land of the Free,† yet its own people experience obstructions to their freedom. Politicians receive the people’s votes and the people’s money, and then they rob these people of their rights. This election is the American citizen’s opportunity to fight. It is his opportunity to fight for himself and his fellow citizens, to fight for justice, to fight for equality, to fight for deliverance from poverty. Now is the time for the American to demand protection from gunsRead MoreAmeric The Land Of The Free928 Words   |  4 PagesAmerica: The Land of the Free America, â€Å"The Land of the Free,† or so I thought. As an American, I have always believed that everyone has a right to free speech, free thinking, and a life without racism. I thought that I was lucky to be growing up in this century, where slavery had been abolished almost completely and racism on a steady decline. I was beyond proud of all of the accomplishments that our country had made in the past thousands of years; that was until I read â€Å"Whither NowRead MoreAmeric Land Of The Free, And Home1411 Words   |  6 PagesAmerica: land of the free, and home of the brave. People have often traveled long and far to live in a safe, and esteemed environment, when in reality the core values of America change as time goes by. Even though Americans often value individualism, patriotism, nationalism, and individual liberty, history has proven otherwise. Wars, social norms, rights restrictions, expectations and peer pressure have gotten in the way of the values th at many believed highlighted America. The saying, ‘history repeatsRead MoreThe Immigration Of Americ The Land Of The Free1611 Words   |  7 Pagesocean in hope of a new life and future in what is known as â€Å"The Land of the Free.† Just like much of the eastern side of the country, the immigration of Europeans to America played a very important role in the history of Michigan as well. It is through these immigrants that the religion, culture, and economics was changed entirely throughout the state of Michigan. Before Europeans came to present day America, Natives populated the land, and had for at least 14,000 years before the Europeans arrivedRead MoreAmeric Land Of The Free And Home1076 Words   |  5 PagesAmerica: Land of the Free and Home of the Dumb ? Michael Moore, author of the essay Idiot Nation, is as anti-Republican as they come and not at all afraid to express his beliefs with overflowing passion. Over the past 20 years, both Moore’s popularity and notoriety have boomed to new heights as a film maker, writer, and social critic. From winning Oscars and Academy Awards for his films and documentaries to co-writing 8 renowned books, Moore has not stopped producing ways of expressing his thoughtsRead MoreAmeric The Free, Land Of The Brave936 Words   |  4 PagesAmerica; home of the free, land of the brave. The only, true, free country in the world. We have fought, died, bled, and sacrificed for the greatness of this country. From the first pilgrim to step on this land to the modern American we strive for the freedoms, liberties, and wealth we have. Foreigners from every part of the world come to this country for a fresh start, a new life, a better life. They fulfill their dreams, gain wealth, and have a better life. ther e is always that one question, howRead MoreAmeric The Land Of The Free, And Full Of Opportunity1277 Words   |  6 PagesAmerica is generally a country of immigrants. America is the land of the free, and full of opportunity for every American and others who came from different countries. In Florida, the first arrivals were European, beginning with Spanish explorer ponce de Leon who explored the land in 1513, following French and Spanish settlement during the 16th century. Many Asian Indians struggle as Indian immigrant in America. India is an area with second largest population in the world with 1.2 billion peopleRead MoreThe Issue Of A White Lie1186 Words   |  5 Pagesmanufacture, or sale of military decorations and medals that were not earned. The purpose of the site is to criminalize profiting by falsely claiming to have received a military medal. If anyone falsely claimed to have received a military medal, it could land them in jail. While the act was not upheld in United St ates v. Alvarez, a website was created that publicly provides records of medal recipients. The Stolen Valor Act of 2014 was signed by Barack Obama in 2013 and considers fraudulently claiming toRead MoreHistorical Anyalysis Essay2125 Words   |  9 Pagesparty. These laws angered the colonists and advocated revolution. The Civil war also had multiple causalities starting with the recently acquired territory from the war with Mexico. The issue of slavery arose and the concern for an unequal amount of free and slave states led to the Kansas Nebraska act, fugitive slave act and Bleeding Kansas. Ellis points out that the improbable nature of the American Revolution has become perceived as inevitable today. The revolution could not have occurred if

The Role of America at the End of World War II Free Essays

The role of America at the end of World War II was where the origins of policing the world originate. America had been engaged in a very costly war in terms of dollars as well as lives. But, despite the expense the United States came out of World War II better than any other nation that was involved. We will write a custom essay sample on The Role of America at the End of World War II or any similar topic only for you Order Now The Second World War was a battle between the Allied and Axis Powers. The Allied Powers consisted of the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, China, and France. This war was seen as the fight against Nazi Germany, and therefore resulted in a majority of the battles fought on German and Russian soil. The aftermath left the Soviet Union in bad shape. Close to twenty million Russians had died fighting the war, which accounted for about eight percent of their population. Conversely, none of the fighting was done on American soil, and while the United States suffered in terms of casualties it was nothing compared to the loss Russia had endured. Because the war would not end ! until the Axis Powers fully surrendered to the Allied Powers, the United States was forced to use the first atomic warfare in history. The atom bomb would later serve as America’s greatest possession. Stalin, the Premier of the Soviet Union had always distrusted the American and English intentions. Because of Stalin’s aggression and attitude pertaining to Soviet influence on Europe, the postwar stance on Russia had turned into a standoff. This became the origin of the Cold War. The Cold War, seen as a battle between communism and capitalism, was â€Å"in reality a more complex struggle over a broad range of ideological, economic, and strategic issues. † (Henretta, 868) Over the next several years the United States would spend more money on military and defense than ever before. Several measures were taken to ensure that the same mistakes at the end of World War I would not be repeated. The first in a series of measures was a postwar conference involving President Truman and the Soviet Foreign Minister, V. M. Molokov, where Truman controlled the entire meeting and basically scolded the Soviet’s for not honoring agreements on Poland. Truman â€Å"told the Russians just where the got off and generally bossed the whole meeting. † (Henretta, p. 869) This symbolized America’s strong-arm stance against communism and signified the position we would hold throughout the Cold War. The next step in Truman’s agenda was to work with Congress to pass the National Security Act of 1947, which was designed to strengthen defense operations. This act created a single Department of Defense, and created the Central Intelligence Agency, or CIA. These two new agencies acted as the first step in atomic warfare management. Continuing to act as police of the world and leader of capitalism, Truman drafted the Marshall Plan. The Marshall Plan, which complemented the Truman Doctrine, â€Å"was a program of large scale economic and military aid to Europe. † (Heretta, p. 71) Considered by some, this was the most â€Å"innovative piece of foreign policy in American History. Where over the next four years the United States contributed over $12 billion to a highly successful recovery effort. † (Heretta, p. 874) The Soviet Union stilled commanded a blockade on highway, rail, and river traffic to West Berlin. As a result, the United States responded by entering into a peacetime military alliance; this being the first time since the American Revolution. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) a project costing $1. 3 billion, enabled the basing of all four United States Army divisions into Western Europe. Twelve nations agreed to sign this pact that stated â€Å"an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all. † (Henretta, p. 875) Consequently, a few months later, Stalin â€Å"lifted the blockade which had made the city a symbol of resistance to communism. † (Henretta, p. 875) Between the creation of NATO, the National Security Act and CIA, and the Marshall Plan, America was dictating their position with Russia and communism. These measures made it possible for Americans to become more comfortable with the Cold War. While all of these governmental policies were being put into action, Americans were settling back into the ideology of family and free enterprise. The post-war period became one of the most exciting in American history. With the rising economy and feeling of consumerism, Americans were rebounding from their efforts in World War II. Capitalism was on the rise and the â€Å"Apple Pie† portrait of middle class suburban families was shaping the country. America was now the wealthiest country in the world and Americans had â€Å"accumulated savings of $140 billion† in 1945. Over the next two decades the gross national product more than tripled,† (Henretta, p. 904) signifying prosperity. Between 1945 and 1960, the gross national product would grow from $213 billion to more than $500 billion, while real income would rise 25 percent. Included in these figures was the percent of American families owning homes, which grew from 43 percent to over 60 percent in this same time period; this created the suburban explosion. This suburban lifestyle was intended to symbolize the superiority of capitalism over communism and imply that the American way of life would win the Cold War. (Henretta, p. 903) Americans were again beginning to see the capitalist society they fought for, and the confidence level of the country continued to rise throughout the 1960’s. The people cannot create a great nation themselves; great leaders must direct them. Besides the three Presidents who led America throughout the end of World War II and through the Cold War, there were many influential voices that helped to shape the views of the public. Among these influential people was a man named George F. Kennan. He was a member of the United States embassy to the Soviet Union and author of the â€Å"long telegram† which was sent to the heads of state in Washington D. C. In his telegram, Kennan described the Soviets as insecure, inferior, and less advanced than Americans. â€Å"As Russia came into contact with the economically advanced West, fear of more competent, more powerful, more highly organized societies,† (Gorn, p. 229) was the general message Kennan was trying to get across. Because he saw the country from the inside Kennan also believed the United Sates should † pursue a policy of firm containment†¦ t every point where the Soviets show signs of encroaching upon the interest of a peaceful and stable world. † (Henretta, p. 870) This opinion and idea of the relationship between the United States and Russia should have been widely accepted by Americans. They backed this idea of aggressive behavior, rather than a passive approach to the Cold War. Conversely, postwar liberal such as Henry Wallace, â€Å"a Progressive Party leader, continued to seek cooperation with the Soviet Union and defended the participation of Communists in their organizations. (Henretta, p. 885) These ideals were quickly silenced. The American majority, being extremely anti-communist, felt relations with the Soviet Union should be harsh and firm. This period introduced American dominance in foreign policy. The ideals of personal freedom and opportunity were the driving forces behind Western philosophy throughout the Cold War. Not only were these principles showcased, they were set as the benchmark of equality for the human race. How to cite The Role of America at the End of World War II, Essay examples

Guide Wavelength Measurements free essay sample

The relationship between the wavelength in free space and the guide wavelength. Furthermore, this experiment will be a way in which to gain experience in using different types of laboratory communications equipment. Introduction What is wavelength? Wavelength of a sinusoidal wave is the distance between identical points in the adjacent cycles of a waveform signal. Wavelength is commonly designated by the Greek letter lambda (? )Wavelength is inversely correlated to frequency (figure 1. 1), therefore the higher the frequency of the signal, the shorter the wavelength. vp Is the phase velocity f is the frequency vp Is the phase velocity f is the frequency ?=vpf Figure 1. 1 What is a wave guide? Figure 1. 2 A waveguide is a special form of transmission line consisting of a rectangular (figure 1. 2) or cylindrical metal tube or pipe, through which electromagnetic waves are propagated in microwave and RF communications. It s commonly used in microwave communications, broadcasting, and radar installations. A waveguide must have a certain minimum diameter relative to the wavelength of the signal and therefore are practical only for signals of extremely high frequency. Consequently below such frequencies, waveguides are useless as electrical transmission lines. â€Å"An electromagnetic field can propagate along a waveguide in various ways. Two common modes are known as transverse-magnetic (TM) and transverse-electric (TE). In TM mode, the magnetic lines of flux are perpendicular to the axis of the waveguide. In TE mode, the electric lines of flux are perpendicular to the axis of the waveguide. Either mode can provide low loss and high efficiency as long as the interior of the waveguide is kept clean and dry. † Some disadvantages are: * The high cost, since the material used is special alloy (copper and silver). * It is not possible to pass DC currents along with your RF signal. * The volume and mass particularly are at lower frequencies. Although there is quite a few disadvantages the fact that you can transmit extremely high peak powers and very low loss outweighs it. Furthermore the Silver plating used on the inside walls of the waveguide decreases the resistance loss making the copper and aluminium waveguides even more efficient. Experimental notes The experiment needs to be conducted to obtain the value of the guide wavelength and thereafter calculate the wave dimension and observe whether it matches the initial result that was measured. The initial result measured was the value. Cut-off wavelength for the wave guide mode being propagate ? o = Wavelength in free space g = Guide wavelength, known as delta g The equation to measure ? o is already present as it is given by free-space. Although the cut-off wavelength can be calculated by rearranging the formula in figure 1. 1, the experiment will be used to further confirm this mathematical formula. What we will acquire is a range of guide wavelengths throughout the experiment in order to find the Cut-off wavelength. Where is the cut-off wavelength for the waveguide mode being propagated? The dominant mode is being propagated in the rectangular waveguide (figure 1. 2) which means where (a) is the internal broad dimension of the rectangular waveguide. Block diagram Microwave signal source Isolator Preset attenuator Wave meter Short circuit Calibrated attenuator Tuned SWR amplifier + meter Standing wave detector Microwave signal source Isolator Preset attenuator Wave meter Short circuit Calibrated attenuator Tuned SWR amplifier + meter Standing wave detector Microwave signal source This device is the signal generator where you get 8 to 12 GHz. It is extremely expensive equipment and costs in the region of ? 20,000. This is due to the fact that we are dealing with high frequency signals and not with normal radio waves. Isolator By terminating one port, a circulator becomes an isolator, which contains the property for energy to flow in one direction only. It samples some of the forward wave power and couples it to a calibrated cavity wave meter for measuring the oscillator frequency. Preset attenuator â€Å"Attenuators are essential building blocks when developing test stations for applications† Attenuators are devices used to adjust signal levels which helps to stop the reflected power from reaching the oscillator, control impedance mismatch and to isolate circuit stages. Wave meter Any device for measuring the free-space wavelengths (or frequencies) of microwaves; usually made of a cavity resonator whose dimensions can be varied until resonance with the microwaves is achieved. The determination is often made indirectly, by measuring the frequency of the wave. Calibrated attenuator The calibrator changes the value if it gets too high. Attenuators are manufactured with high-accuracy calibration, and for utmost precision. They available in standard waveguide were each attenuator is calibrated at the frequency specified at the time of order. Standing wave detector Standing wave detector detects radio frequency signals along a transmission line or in a waveguide and changes it into a DC voltage for the reason that the waveguide cannot transmit DC currents along with the RF signal. Tuned SWR amplifier + meter The  standing wave ratio  meter  measures the  SWR (standing-wave-ratio)  which is the ratio of the amplitude of a partial standing wave at a maximum to the amplitude at a minimum in a transmission line. This is an item of  radio  equipment used to check the quality of the match between the  antenna  and the  transmission line. Procedure 1. Set up the microwave bench, as indicated. 2. Read the basic instructions for the microwave bench and then obtain oscillations at 8. 5 GHz from the microwave signal source. 3. If it is possible, maximize the deflection on the SWR-meter by using the method outlined in the basic instructions. 4. Measure the frequency, f, using the wave meter. Calculate the free space wavelength, ? o , by using ? o = c/f where c = 2. 997? 1010 cm s-1. 5. Move the standing wave detector (SWD) probe along the slotted line and watch the SWR-meter.

If Only I Had Been More Careful free essay sample

Write a story with the ending, If only I had been more careful, that wouldnt have happened. Your story should not be less than 350 words. Tonight was a cold and stormy night. The doors slammed shut as the rustling sound of the leaves could be heared. The storm had been like this for the past three days. I sat on my bed thinking if I had upset the Gods above in heaven. As I lay my head down soft and gently on my comfy pillow, I wondered if mom and dad were ok. They had gone for a vacation to the bahamas and I had to stay back because of my exams. I wasnt worried about it as Ive stayed alone many times. Suddenly, the lights went out. My heart raced in agony as the storm got worse. I could see lightning lashing onto my gate and the roaring sound of thunder that came along. We will write a custom essay sample on If Only I Had Been More Careful or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I pulled myself together and realised I needed to light some candles. So I headed downstairs with my trusty torchlight and worked my way to the storage room. I found the candles and begun to light them all over the house. I couldnt stand the fact that the darkness was playing games with my mind. An hour had passed till I realised something wasnt right. I felt as if something else besides me was in the house. I panicked. My mind filled with fear but I had to be sure I was right. So, I searched all the rooms on the same floor and found nothing. So I carefully walked down staircase. As I was walking, I realised all the candles that I had lit were put out. I was surprised but aware that there could be someone else in the house. My mind pondered as to how i was going to sneak around without alerting the possibly dangerous stranger. Then, it happened. As I hid behind one of the rooms doors. I saw someone walk by me. He was a huge muscular guy who wore a beard and had hair that was so curly a fly could get stuck if it went through it. I was puzzled. Why would someone want to break into my house, I asked myself. I noticed the man had a huge revolver on his belt. The same one the cops used. I didnt want to stick around and aak questions. I had to call the cops. So I crept towards the phone and thank God it was still working. I made a distressed call and the cops said they would be at my house in five minutes. As I crept back upstairs, I accidently knocked over a small lamp and it broke. By this time I knew the stranger had been alerted. I was scared and feared for my life. My fears turned into my worst nightmare as I heard a loud noise. I was shot in the chest. I could feel blood oozing all over my shirt. The stranger walked towards me while mumbling words I just coulnt understand. I thought I was a dead man. Then a miracle happened just as the stranger was about to finish me off. I heard a second gunshot and the stranger was down. It was the cops who had arrived. I was rushed to the hospital and the doctors commenced emergency surgery on me to remove the bullet. I was then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit(ICU) as the bullet had hit my lungs and I was unable to breathe properly. My parents rushed back as soon as they got the news. I was lucky to be alive. The doctor had explained that if the bullet had hit me a bit more to the left , it would have hit my heart and I would be dead. Nobody knew who the stranger was or what he wanted. If only I had been more careful, that wouldnt have happened.

United States Antimony Acetate Market Research Report 2017 Essays

United States Antimony Acetate Market Research Report 2017 Essays United States Antimony Acetate Market Research Report 2017 Paper United States Antimony Acetate Market Research Report 2017 Paper This report studies sales (consumption) of Antimony Acetate in the United States market, focuses on the top players, with sales, price, revenue, and market share for each player, covering Gelest Huachang Antimony Industry Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc. Haihang Industry Co., Ltd. Hangzhou Dayangchem Co. Ltd. Amadis Chemical Co., Ltd. Gihi Chemicals Co., Limited Leap Labchem Co., Ltd Market Segment by States, covering California Texas New York Florida Illinois Split by product types, with sales, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided into Type I Type II Split by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Antimony Acetate in each application, can be divided into Application 1 Application 2 Report Summary The United States Antimony Acetate Industry 2017 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Antimony Acetate industry. The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Antimony Acetate market analysis is provided for the United States markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status. Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and Bill of Materials cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins. The report focuses on the United States major leading industry players providing information such as company profiles, product picture, and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis are also carried out. The Antimony Acetate industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered. Table of Contentsï ¼Å¡ 1 Antimony Acetate Market Overview 2 United States Antimony Acetate Market Competition by Manufacturers 3 United States Antimony Acetate Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (2011-2016) 4 United States Antimony Acetate Sales (Volume) by Application (2011-2016) 5 United States Antimony Acetate Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis 6 Antimony Acetate Manufacturing Cost Analysis 7 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers 8 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders 9 Market Effect Factors Analysis 10 United States Antimony Acetate Market Forecast (2016-2021) 11 United States Antimony Acetate Market Forecast (2016-2021) The main chapter showed: Antimony Acetate Manufacturing Cost Analysis 6.1 Antimony Acetate Key Raw Materials Analysis 6.1.1 Key Raw Materials 6.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials 6.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials 6.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials 6.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure 6.2.1 Raw Materials 6.2.2 Labor Cost 6.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses 6.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Antimony Acetate 7 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers 7.1 Antimony Acetate Industrial Chain Analysis 7.2 Upstream Raw Materials Sourcing 7.3 Raw Materials Sources of Antimony Acetate Major Manufacturers in 2015 7.4 Downstream Buyers 8 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders 8.1 Marketing Channel 8.1.1 Direct Marketing 8.1.2 Indirect Marketing 8.1.3 Marketing Channel Development Trend 8.2 Market Positioning 8.2.1 Pricing Strategy 8.2.2 Brand Strategy 8.2.3 Target Client 8.3 Distributors/Traders List

Process Critique of Application Theory in Practice Essay

Process Critique of Application Theory in Practice - Essay Example As a result, knowledge of best practices did not necessarily mean the adoption of these best practices (Hoque & Noon, 2001). One of the plausible explanations given with this gap is lack of knowledge. The necessity of the transfer of knowledge to line managers for application may have been important but often a neglected issue. Study showed that while Industrial and Organizational psychologists â€Å"are informed about HR research findings than HR practitioners† (Carless et al., 2009:110) this does not translate into practice. It is already a given in human resource management that for a business enterprise to achieve optimum productivity, it should hire the best people. It is also a common knowledge to a point of being a slogan among companies that human resource or its people are its most important assets. Being the most important asset, human resource should be taken cared of so that they will be more motivated to perform and will stay in the organization. This notion however tends to be neglected and overlooked in practice when realities set in the organization. When the issue of competitiveness set in where companies have to lower cost to increase its profit, it tends to shortchange its employees. Shortchanging employees takes in many forms and is not limited to offering lowest pay possible. It includes compressing multiple job functions into a single role to save cost and to optimize the labor of such employee. If the human resource has already been optimized to the hilt, companies will tend to outsource other functions where they can lower labor cost and without any responsibilities to the outsourced employee. In the recent financial crisis of late 2008 to 2010, human resource was among the first casualty when companies employed cost saving measures to cope with the crisis. Employees felt that they are not

Summarizing an Article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Summarizing an Article - Essay Example Three different research questions were taken into consideration. In the first hypothesis, the authors made an assumption that the acceptance from partner was due to different reasons and had an association with some elements either positive or negative; Either the fact relates positively with the effectiveness of the participants weight management communication or secondly the participant’s satisfaction is positively associated with their conversations regarding weight management. In another assumption a negative association was predicted with the participant’s conflict regarding weight management. While the second last and last assumption had a positive relationship with the participant’s healthy eating habits and their amount of exercise (Dailey, Romo and Thompson). In the second hypothesis the challenge from partner was considered (1) to have a positive relationship with the effectiveness of participant’s weight management communication, (2) to be posi tively associated with participant’s satisfactions regarding conversations on weight management, (3) to have a negative relationship with participant’s conflict regarding management of weight, (4) to be positively associated with healthy eating habits of participants, and (5) to have a positive association with the amount of exercise participants perform (Dailey, Romo and Thompson). ... agement conflict, (4) healthy eating habits, and (5) duration of exercise in a way that it should illustrate the relationship between one element and its results which will rise with raised levels of second element (Dailey, Romo and Thompson). All the three hypothesis assumed three different questions however, all three were aligned with each other. B- Methodology / Approach / Sampling: For this research methodology the researchers have adopted the quantitative method. The researchers have selected a normative sample of 200 adults. The sample was adequately divided into 50% males and 50% females. The 100 couples were selected through proper recruitment approach in a Southwestern area of United States. The recruitment was done through proper advertisements in websites, and through flyers at gyms, coffee shops, and local health clubs. Questionnaires were given to the couples and a duration of 60 – 65 minutes were given to them to complete the survey. The data was collected throu gh conversations between the couples regarding health and weight management. The data gathered through the conversations were assessed through a measure adapted from Hecht. However, 7- points Likert scale was also used to assess the elements of research. There are two controlled variables used in the research by the researchers; how often the partners have had conversations regarding weight management and to what extent they wanted to stay healthy and how significant was health to them (Dailey, Romo and Thompson). C- Results / Findings: The results obtained were tested through APIM. The method was used to answer the degree of interdependence between partners in couples regarding weight management. However, multi-level modeling was also used to assess the results. However, MLM were significantly

Three projects selection Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Three projects selection - Term Paper Example The first example will focus on a project that needs the application of computer engineering and information technology. It will need the use of wireless transmission. Ideas that are available for the project include the following: The project is a about getting an iOS device talk to a Bluetooth low energy shield. Requirements include an iphone, an Adriano, BLE, 4 or 5 LEDs, some wire, a momentary push switch and photo shield or bead board. The hard ware connection and arrangement will be quite simple. 4 LEDs will be connected to some pins of the PMW on the Arduino. Another LED will be used for indication of connectivity to iPhone, as well as a push button, which will trigger action on the iPhone (instructables, 2014). Pin 8 and 9 should be left alone since the BLE shield makes use of them to perform. Positive terminals from the LEDs will go to pin 3, pin 5, pin 6, and pin 10. Negative terminals will head to some common ground. To minimize cost, no use of resistors. They have been substituted by the type of LEDs. One LED on the prototype shield is connected to the pin number 4 on the Arduino is used to show connectivity on the handset, as well as one of those toggle switches connected to the pin number seven ( instructables, 2014). The speaker now will be fixed in a plastic structure at the side which represents the plane. This is the pain reliever for individuals who feel like it is painful to carry around bike helmets. This idea came up as a result of seeing most people who biked without helmets since they are bulk. Then if this idea can be worked upon successfully, then lives will be saved. The helmet will reduce a common helmet height by 50%. It gets to solve the problem to of helmet storage at a time when it is not in use. The idea is to come up with something very light and that can fold to be stored easily in a backpack or any bag. Its structure will be made of an expanded polypropylene high density with impact absorption

Role of the Military in Post-colonial Politics

Role of the Military in Post-colonial Politics How do you explain the prominent role of the military in political life in the post-colonial Middle East? The role of the military in the political spectrum in the Middle East is becoming more significant by the day. Over the last few years, several Middle Eastern countries have experienced governmental changes during which the military played a part, most notably is Egypt. Yet this is not a modern trend; throughout the past century, the military has taken a high position in the society of various Middle Eastern countries, particularly since the fall of colonisation. (Cronin, 2013) Through this essay one will attempt to examine the reasons behind the power that the military has been given by investigating these countries throughout their colonisation as well as the immediate time following the fall of colonisation. It will also be important to determine the role that this has in modern day Middle Eastern politics by scrutinising how the military and politicians interact with each other. Through these topics, one will be able to explain why the military plays such a prominent role in the post-colonial Middle East. When examining the Middle East, it is imperative that we study the role of democracy in states in which the military plays a prominent part. The majority of Middle Eastern countries are Islamic. (Khadduri, 1953) The role Islam plays in how society operates in these countries is impossible to ignore and it in turns influences the regions politics. Everything in an Islamic democracy comes under the influence and jurisdiction of God. (Khadduri, 1953) This is far from democratic yet the people who live in these regions accept the system because of their moral convictions. By accepting and living with the system they are living with God and accepting his rules as laid out through the Islamic penal codes. The Middle East experienced many problems in the early 20th century following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the colonisation of many states in the region by European powers. Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, countries in the region carried over some characteristics to their new successor states, particularly praetorianism and patrimonialism. (Cronin, 2013) The colonising states were therefore forced to introduce reforms to stem the excessive power from previous regimes. These reforms were introduced to correct the abuses, forcing the army to establish a European model. (Cronin, 2013) The Army officials were now absorbed into European ideals of nationalism, constitutionalism and socialism, allowing them to become the most radicalised group in society. (Khadduri, 1953) The military officers for the most part operate upon their own morals, and if the politicians fail, the military will overthrow them; effectively giving all the power to the military. (Khadduri, 1953 ) Economically, countries like Egypt suffered under colonisation and this led to an increase in Military power in the region. The thriving Egyptian textile industry was abandoned and the raw materials were shipped to the United Kingdom where they were fashioned into finished products and then exported back to the Middle Eastern Market for resale. (Khadduri, 1953) This created a need for employment, which led to increased members of the lower classes joining the military (removing people from the prospect of productive labour). Politically, colonisation played a fundamental part in the make-up of the modern day Middle East. The creation of Jordan as an independent state in 1946 stemmed from the Palestinian War. (Sela, 1992) The British were forced into the creation of state in which the boundaries were drawn on a map in London. This created a state that had opposing social groups and ideologies and no majority assembly creating political tension. (Sela, 1992) Similar actions occurred throughout the Middle East, as European powers attempted to redraw state lines and move different social and religious groups into new countries in an attempt to cut out future rebellions. (Sela, 1992) These newly founded societies relied heavily on the role of the military in an effort to maintain the peace as different political leaders came and went. Following the collapse of the British Empire and the independence gained by former French colonies, the Middle East became a deeply unstable region. (Khadduri, 1953) As many countries throughout the world were experimenting and introducing new political ideas and platforms, the Middle East was being restricted by its religious ideology. (Khadduri, 1953) The failure to gain a platform that appealed to the masses during this time as well as the vulnerability and highly conservative nature of the Middle Eastern regimes made the army the main power in these Islamic states. (Khadduri, 1953)This power derived from a failure on the part of the politicians, who never addressed the problems that derived from a society whom did not accept a democracy. (Cronin, 2013) The control of government by the military was therefore indicative both of serious defeats in the democratic processes in the Middle East and the eagerness with which the Middle Eastern political leaders sought to pursue a high pol itical life. Our assessment of the role the military has in Middle East politics is largely formed around the history of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s in the region. (Rubin, 2001) Throughout these decades military coups were frequent in the Arab world. The armed forces during this time were highly politicised, and the publically elected rulers generally failed to control them. Also during this period, the military was seen as the most effective national institutions and in some cases, the only effective one. (Rubin, 2001) Military officers during this period believed that politics was too important to be just left to the politicians, whom they alleged were incompetent and corrupt individuals. (Rubin, 1987) The 1948 Palestinian defeat along with the failure to gain Arab unity was perceived by military officers as subservience to Western states. (Sela, 1992) The failure by the politicians to modernise and develop the economies in the region was also among the criticisms that motivated officers to seek power. The military coups could also be interpreted due to the various ethnic, religious, social-class, and regional groups that were represented in the military at the time, those who were in fact, largely excused from the political and social elites. (Rubin, 1987) These coups were therefore social revolutions which occurred with the assistance of the military. The current era of Middle Eastern politics was shaped by these military regimes and the elected rulers who learned how to stem the threat. These officials who survived the age of military coups were determined to prevent military officers from staging any fresh coups and had substantial success in preventing their armies from intervening in politics. (Rubin, 2001)The rulers also were able to build a loyal military that could successfully maintain internal order. (De Atkine, 2000) However the price of this loyalty damaged their ability to function as actual armed forces during wars, as their much of their training was gained whilst stemming revolts. (De Atkine, 2000) The failure to gain a political platform that was accepted by the majority of society forced Middle Eastern countries to resort to the conservative authority seen in the region before colonisation. This conventional power derives from a monarch through the clergy and the army; the two most influential fields in a modern Middle Eastern state. (Rubin, 1987) Following the inception of independence in the region, the government sought to secure the future of the state through these two fields. Islam would become the focal point of law in the region while a large army would consolidate independence. (Khadduri, 1953) The army became synonymous with providing its members with a good education; these educated officials became the most trusted members of society and were publically backed to work within the public service. (Khadduri, 1953) Subsequently it was assumed that the military would be able to enforce a united society amongst the various communities within the Middle Eastern States. (Kleber Naumann, 2013) The military would become the catalyst in modernising the society. The military officers inadvertently became expected to set up; state-controlled economies, introduce a just distribution of wealth, and encourage a new national responsibility based on egalitarianism and political participation. (Kleber Naumann, 2013) However, it should be noted that the military’s loyalty lies with the regime rather than the consensus of the general population, the democratic system in place, or the state as a concept. There are exceptions however such as Turkey (where the armies are the guardians of the republic) and of course Israel. The program of most Arab governments over the last few decades has been to cut this power that the military has. In some Middle Eastern countries however, the military is at the centre of the social order and the governmental ideology; for example, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps main aim is to support radical Islamic rule and this is mainly due to Islamic tradition. (Bazargan, 1997) In the 1950s, the radical military officers who sought to gain power always had their views tied to secularist beliefs. Moreover, the armed forces had more influence from foreign ideas and personnel than any other institution in Middle Eastern society. (Bazargan, 1997) Perhaps the loyalty of the military is merely down to a pragmatic and patriotic attitude which discouraged traditional the Islamic devotion. Even Israel’s army was traditionally dominated by secularists. Judaism may now more than ever be becoming an important factor in the Israeli Army but they are still quite low in the higher ranking positions. (Cohen, 1997) Also the Turkish army is explicitly secular, believing it to be one of the Turkish republic’s most important values. (Ozcan, 2001) Israel and Turkey however are relatively unique, in that they ‘explicitly stress the military’s role in national integration: bringing people from different areas, backgrounds, and social levels together to forge them into a single nation.’ (Ozcan, 2001) These two countries have a very broad draft policy in their conscription and put a relatively large proportion of their citizens through some experience of military service. (Rubin, 2001) The armed forces can also play an important socio-economic role. They can absorb any excess labour, which might otherwise result in unemployment and therefore be politically disruptive; Egypt’s previous regime was a good example of this. As noted above, though, as economies develop the armed forces can be a drain on the workforce, removing people from potentially productive employment. (Kleber Naumann, 2013) The armed forces can also be used for development projects, and Egypt also furnishes a good example in this respect. (Rubin Kearney, 2001) The increased numbers has not improved the power the military has however. As governments in the Middle East have been deemed by Political Scientists to have successfully stemmed the power of the Military by forcing their political exclusion. (Rubin Kearney, 2001) Political scientists believe that the role of the armed forces in the region has been decreasing significantly in the last 30 years. (Rubin Kearney, 2001) This could be mainly due to the attempts by these countries to build and have access to weapons of mass destruction. At first glance, it would seem that the access to these weapons would only enhance the strength of the regions military. However, it should be noted that these governments control these weapons very closely and only allow certain military personal know about them. (Rubin Kearney, 2001) This would seem that the governments want to place more importance on these weapons than their own regular armed forces. In part, these countries attaining these weapons are attempts to deter the perceived deadlock between them and the military, and shifting the balance of power to their side. Clearly, these weapons of mass destruction add a new dimension to the doctrine and strategy of Middle East armed forces, as decisions can be directly enforced by those who give the order, the government. (Rubin Kearney, 2001) These weapons have already been used in the Iran-Iraq war–with both sides firing missiles at the others’ cities and using, especially in Iraq’s case, chemical weapons with great effectiveness in battlefield situations. (Bazargan, 1997) This has significantly lowered the power that the regular armed forces have, as the regular citizen may no longer see them as the guardians of the Arab state and instead shift the allegiance they had to these weapons. Israel has had nuclear capability for a long time however these weapons have had very little impact on its policy making o r military structure. It should be emphasized, that even the presence of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle Eastern region does not render the existing regular armies irrelevant. On the contrary, if such armaments break the existing deterrence deadlock they could make the armed forces a more important tool for power projection for the governments. (Rubin Kearney, 2001) This in turn will shift the power the government believed it has gained right back to the military. In recent years, the attempt to consolidate power by the governments in place has failed. The recent uprisings in the Middle East region have brought two major patterns to the attention of the public and Political scientists. Firstly, the politicization and mobilization of larger parts of the civilian population has called into question the belief that the Islamic/Arab societies are unable to engage in collective action as they are beset with political apathy. (Albrecht, 2012) A perspective on the uprisings in Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Bahrain, Libya and Yemen with minor revolts in Jordan, Oman, and Morocco would have to make political scientists rethink that these societies are unable to mobilise. (Albrecht, 2012) Secondly, due to the increased importance put on military exclusion from Politics by the governments many Political Scientists came to believe that the armed forces had come to accept their role as protectors of the internal peace. (Albrecht, 2012) Yet this is not the case as it is evident that the military has played a part in the course of the recent uprisings. Therefore it is clear that the political engagement of the military in the region is at a much higher degree than first estimated, based on the research in the last thirty years. Throughout the last thirty years, attempts have been made to combat the power the military had in the Middle East by their respective governments. During the previous decades the rulers in place feared the possibility of a military coup at any time and in turn this led to any military officer believe they could rise up and gain power. Attempts have been made to deter the military from political interaction yet this seems to be a failed attempt as the armed forces play such a vital role in maintaining order in a very conservative region. It is hard to see this power ever fading either; as the people in the region place a high emphasis on the role of the military and will side with them over the democratic process. It is clear that colonisation played a large part in the public support for the military as throughout their colonisation and in the immediate period after the people regarded the armed forces as the keepers of peace and the guardians of independence. And with the Middle Eas t being as unstable as ever, it is difficult to see the heroic standing the military has in society fading any time soon. à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ · Bibliography Albrecht, H., 2012. Military Engagement in Mobilizing Societies in the Middle East. [Online] Available at: http://www.eui.eu/DepartmentsAndCentres/RobertSchumanCentre/Research/InternationalTransnationalRelations/MediterraneanProgramme/MRM/MRM2013/ws02.aspx [Accessed 22 MArch 2014]. Bazargan, D., 1997. Iran: Politics, The Military and Gulf Security. MERIA, 1(3). Cohen, S., 1997. Portrait of the New Israeli Soldier. MERIA, 1(4). Cronin, S., 2013. Armies and State Building in the Modern Middle East: Politics, Nationalism and Military Reform. Oxford: I.B.Tauris Co Ltd. De Atkine, N., 2000. Why Arabs Lose Wars. MERIA, 4(1). Khadduri, M., 1953. The Role of the Military in Middle East Politics. The American Political Science Review, 47(2), pp. 511-524. Kleber, V. Naumann, N., 2013. Power struggles define the Middle East in 2013. DW, 28 December. Ozcan, G., 2001. The Turkish Foreign Policymaking Process and the Influence of the Military. In: B. Rubin K. Kirisci, eds. Turkey in World Politics: An Emerging Multi-Regional Power. London: Boulder Co. Rubin, B., 1987. Modern Dictators: Third World Coupmakers, Strongmen, and Populist Tyrants. New York: s.n. Rubin, B., 2001. The Military in Contemporary Middle East Politics. [Online] Available at: http://www.gloria-center.org/2001/03/rubin-2001-03-04/ [Accessed 21 March 2014]. Rubin, B. Kearney, T., 2001. Armed Forces in the Middle East. London: s.n. Sela, A., 1992. Transjordan, Israel and the 1948 War: Myth, Historiography and Reality. Middle Eastern Studies, 28(4), pp. 623-688. 12449538Page 1

Salem Witch Trials Essay -- Essays Papers

Salem Witch Trials The Salem Witch Trials was probably considered the darkest time for the New England Colony. This was a mass murder of women and a few men that were supposed witches. All of this started from two little girls and a bacteria in the bread that affected the brain. This all started on January 20,1692 when nine-year-old Elizabeth Parris and eleven-year-old Abigail Williams started to exhibit strange behavior. Blasphemous screaming, Seizures, Trance-like states and Mysterious spells. After this was noticed other young girls from around Salem began acting the same way. By February No one was able to find any physical causes that could explain why this was happening. So when no physical ailment was determined the physicians they determined that the girls were under the influence of Satan. Reverend Samuel Parris held prayer Services and fasting in hopes of relieving the evil forces that plagued them. In an effort to expose Witches John Indian baked a witch cake made with rye meal and the affected girls’ urine. This was, in theory, to be a counter-magic to reveal the identities of the witches to the affected girls. Under pressure to identify the sources of affliction, the girls’ named three women Tituba, Parris’ Carib Indian slave, Sarah Good and Sarah Osborne. On the 29 of February arrest warrants went out and the women were arrested. On March 1 magistrates John Hothorne and Jonathan Corwin examined them. Osborne and Good maintained their innocence while Tituba confessed that she saw the devil in the forms of a hog and dog. Yet the thing that started the whole witch-hunt was the comment that she made saying that there was a conspiracy of witches at work in Salem. Over the following months towns folk ca... ...e yet on the 25 of November a Superior Court was founded to finish off the last few witch trails and clear this subject. All those in these trials were proven innocent and released thus ending the Salem Witch Trials. Though the Trials ended in Salem the fire was spreading all over the New England states and thus the trials and deaths went on till those too died down. Yet even after that, the idea of witches never died as they are still with us today and they are most predominate in Salem, where it all began. Works Cited Salem Witch Trials Chronology, Salem Offices of Tourism and Cultural Affairs available at http://www.salemweb.com/memorialAccessed March 1,1999 Salem Witch Trials, Salem Witch Museum, available at http://salemwitchmuseum.com/learn2.html Levack, Brian P. Witchcraft in Colonial America. New York, Garlend Pub., 1992

Applications of Nanocellulose

an overview of the recent research on the fundamental and applied properties of nanoparticles extracted from cellulose, the most abundant polymer on the planet and an essential renewable resource. Given the rapid advancements in the field and the high level of interest within the scientific and industrial communities, pioneered the use of cellulose nanoparticles (cellulose nanocrystals or whiskers and cellulose microfibrils) in nanocomposite applications. n the life sciences and bio-based applications, biological, chemical and agricultural engineering, organic chemistry and materials science. Cellulose has great potential as a nanomaterial as it's abundant, renewable and biodegradable. It can be used in paper for its superior strength properties and can also be used as a wet-end additive to enhance retention in coating and packaging applications. Nanocellulose can form transparent films with excellent barrier properties, allowing it to be competitive with petroleum-based plastics in food packaging. Due to its reinforcing properties, nanocellulose can also be used in bio-composites and other matrix materials. 6. 9 Concluding remarks Natural fibres, cellulose and other constituents of natural fibres are very promising materials for the future, having the capability to replace current synthetic materials. ith the rapid developments in nanotechnology, nanocellulose brings many new insights to the materials world, such as its modulus value of 160 GPa, which is much greater than metallic materials. Considerim the challenges mentioned earlier, it is rational to predict that immediate applications of nanocellulosic materials can be formulated from water-based polymer matrices, like polyvinyl alcohol, starch/polyvinyl alcohol blends and latexes, by which two major problems can be eliminated. Here, the dispersion is done in the aqueous phase, so the additional step of drying can be omitted and the hydrophobic modification of the nanocellulose materials is not required. However, the main limitation is that this will give a product that can be used only tinder dry condition like This paper provides an overview of recent progress made in the area of cellulose nanofibre-based nanocomposites. An introduction into the methods used to isolate cellulose nanofibres (nanowhiskers, nanofibrils) is given, with details of their structure. Following this, the article is split into sections dealing with processing and characterisation of cellulose nanocomposites and new developments in the area, with particular emphasis on applications. The types of cellulose nanofibres covered are those extracted from plants by acid hydrolysis (nanowhiskers), mechanical treatment and those that occur naturally (tunicate nanowhiskers) or under culturing conditions (bacterial cellulose nanofibrils). Research highlighted in the article are the use of cellulose nanowhiskers for shape memory nanocomposites, analysis of the interfacial properties of cellulose nanowhisker and nanofibril-based composites using Raman spectroscopy, switchable interfaces that mimic sea cucumbers, polymerisation from the surface of cellulose nanowhiskers by atom transfer radical polymerisation and ring opening polymerisation, and methods to analyse the dispersion of nanowhiskers. The applications and new advances covered in this review are the use of cellulose nanofibres to reinforce adhesives, to make optically transparent paper for electronic displays, to create DNA-hybrid materials, to generate hierarchical composites and for use in foams, aerogels and starch nanocomposites and the use of all-cellulose nanocomposites for enhanced coupling between matrix and fibre. A comprehensive coverage of the literature is given and some suggestions on where the field is likely to advance in the future are discussed.

Placoid Scales on Sharks and Rays

Placoid Scales on Sharks and Rays Placoid scales are the tiny tough scales that cover the skin of sharks, rays, and other elasmobranchs. Even though placoid scales are similar to the scales of bony fish, they are modified teeth and are covered with hard enamel. They grow out of the dermis layer and this is why they are called dermal denticles. Placoid scales are packed tightly together, supported by spines, and grow with their tips facing backward. This gives the fishs skin a rough feel. The function of these scales is for protection against predators. In some sharks, they may also have a hydrodynamic function, helping them swim more efficiently and quietly. The placoid scales are shaped such that little vortices form, reducing friction as the shark swims. They also direct the water around the fish. The Structure of Placoid Scales The placoid scales grow out of the dermis, with the flat rectangular base plate embedded in the skin of the fish. Like our teeth, placoid scales have an inner core of pulp made up of connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. Like the pulp cavity of a tooth, it is nursed by a layer of odontoblast cells that secrete dentine. This hard, calcified material forms the next layer. The dentine is covered by enamel-like vitrodentine, which is produced by the ectoderm. Once the scale erupts through the epidermis, no more enamel can be deposited on that portion of the scale. Different species have different kinds of spines develop to support the scales. The spines give the scales their rough texture. It is so rough that it has been used as sandpaper by various cultures form many centuries. The species of fish can be identified by the shape of the scales and spines. On some sharks, they are shaped like a duck foot. Scales in bony fish grow as the fish gets larger, but placoid scales stop growing after they reach a certain size, and then more scales are added as the fish grows. Shark Skin Leather The tough nature of the placoid scales makes shark rawhide leather, called shagreen. The scales are ground down so the surface is rough with rounded protrusions. It can take on dye colors or be left white. It was used in Japan to cover sword hilts, where its rough nature was appreciated to help form a good grip. Other Types of Fish Scales Ctenoid scales are another kind of toothed scales, but the teeth are only along the outer edge of the scale. They are found on fish such as perch that have spiny fin rays. Cycloid scales have a smooth texture and they are found on fish with soft fin rays, including salmon and carp. They are rounded and show growth rings as they grow with the animal. Ganoid scales are diamond-shaped and they do not overlap, but they fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. They are seen on gars, bichirs, and reedfishes, and they act like armor plates.

Internal Combustion Engine

Internal Combustion Engine There are various internal combustion engines in existence. These engines are usually categorized according to their physical layout (inline/ straight, flat/ boxer, V, and W), the number of cylinders they contain (single, twin/ two, four, six, eight, ten, twelve, and sixteen), and the type of fuel they use (petrol/ gasoline, gas, and diesel).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Internal Combustion Engine specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More So for example, one may come across a ‘V12 petrol engine’ or a ‘four cylinder diesel engine. As can be seen from the two examples aforementioned, all the defining aspects/ attributes of the engines have been captured in their names. Due to the different characteristics (e.g., weight, size, number of cylinders) and working principles (e.g. magneto, coil, number of strokes per cycle, fuel injection or carburetor systems) of internal combustion engines, the different engi ne types are used for a varied number of applications. The following is a small summery of the five most common engine types according to the type of fuel that they use. Gasoline Engines They are also referred to as petrol engines, and as the name suggests, run on petrol. They are commonly used to propel small and medium sized motor vehicles, motorcycles, aircraft, motorboats, lawn mowers, portable electricity generators, and chainsaws. These engines have several advantages which include: -are cheaper to produce and acquire compared to their diesel equivalents -they are not as noisy as diesel engines -their spare parts are cheaper to buyAdvertising Looking for report on other technology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The disadvantages on the other hand include: -they are less efficient over longer journeys -they usually have a lower resale value -heavier petrol engine vehicles need to be driven harder to enable ove rtaking maneuvers. This leads to increased fuel consumption. b) Gas Engine (Spark Ignition) The term ‘spark ignition’ refers to the use of electric sparks to ignite/ cause fuel to combust. These sparks are developed when a high voltage current is forced to ‘jump’ across a small gap. The phrase ‘Gas Engine’ however, is an ambiguous term which could imply/ refer to an internal combustion engine which runs on either petrol, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), hydrogen, bio-ethanol, methanol, ethanol, or nitro-methane. The advantages and disadvantages of these engines vary slightly from one fuel type to the other, but some common similarities do exist, i.e.:Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Internal Combustion Engine specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Advantages -are cheaper to produce and acquire compared to their diesel equivalents -they are not as noisy as di esel engines -their spare parts are cheaper to buy The disadvantages on the other hand include: -they are less efficient over longer journeys -they usually have a lower resale valueAdvertising Looking for report on other technology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More -heavier spark ignition engine vehicles need to be driven harder to enable overtaking maneuvers. This leads to increased fuel consumption. c) Oil Burning Diesel Engines These are basically just normal diesel engines that can be found on an ordinary vehicle. However, instead of running them purely on diesel, the owners of such engines usually add a small amount of used engine oil to the fuel (diesel). This process is commonly done to ships, big/ heavy duty trucks, and tractors. Such engines have various advantages like: -they help in reducing wastage by recycling used engine oil -they are cheaper to run as they use oil which most people have no use for and thus attach no value to them. -they are more flexible as they can run on either diesel or petrol, or even a blend of the two. The disadvantages are that: -they produce a lot of smoke which contributes to environmental pollution -they require special care due to the possibility of damage which might be caused by metal particles in t he recycled oil. d) Gas Diesel Engines The idea of such an engine was necessitated by the need for a fuel efficient engine with minimal resulting harmful emissions. This led scientists to develop an internal combustion engine that incorporated the highly fuel efficient technologies found in diesel engines but ran on the more environmentally friendly petrol. The result is a ‘gas-powered diesel engine’ that is about twice as economical as a petrol engine and cleaner than a diesel engine (Nguyen, 2011). This engine is not commonly used commercially as the technology behind it is still in the research and development phase. The advantages of these engines are that; -it is almost twice as economical as a petrol engine -it has much few carbon emissions than a diesel engine. The disadvantage is that: -it is about twenty five percent less powerful than a regular gas/ petrol or diesel engine at full throttle. e) Dual-fuel diesel Engines, Dual-fuel is a device/ gadget that have b een developed by ‘Clean Air Power’ to work with the standard original equipment manufacturers of standard diesel engines. Dual-fuel works by injecting a mixture of natural gas and air into the combustion chamber of the diesel engine. This mixture cannot ignite spontaneously like diesel under compression by the cylinder; therefore, a small charge (about 10 percent of the total energy of the fuel) of diesel is injected to the main mixture of gas and air to act like a multitude of microscopic spark-plugs that ignites the mixture (Richard, 2010). This technology has been confirmed to work on DAF’s and Mercedes’ heavy duty diesel truck engines. Advantages of these engines are: -they have fewer carbon emissions than standard diesel engines -they can run entirely on diesel alone -they can run on gas -they are more efficient than diesel engines Despite all the differences in working principles of the above mentioned engine types, they all share a significant numbe r of key elements and components. The most obvious element shared by internal combustion engines is the aspect of compression and ignition of a fuel charge. Although the processes involved may vary for different engine configurations (e.g. in a four stroke engine this process occurs over a 720 degree revolution of the crankshaft, where you have the ‘intake stroke’, followed by the ‘compression stroke’, next is the ‘power stroke’, and finally you have the ‘exhaust stroke’, with each engine stroke taking place over a 180 degree revolution of the crank shaft. In contrast to this, in a two stroke engine this process occurs over a 360 degree rotation of the crankshaft, owing to the lack of dedicated ‘intake’ and ‘exhaust strokes’.), these two elements exist over all engine configurations and fuel types. The most important parts of internal combustion engines (all engines) are the crankcase/ engine block, the pi stons, connecting rods, cylinders, and crankshaft. The crankcase is usually cast or drilled from a light-metal material (usually iron pr aluminum) in order to keep the overall weight of the engine down hence increasing its efficiency. The crankcase, in addition to housing and protecting the crank shaft and connecting rods, also serves as an oil container and a rigid structure for connecting the transmission to the engine (John, 2004). A piston is a part of the engine that moves in a reciprocating manner inside the cylinder/ combustion chamber. It is responsible for the transfer of power produced by the exploding gases in the combustion chamber, to the crankshaft through a connecting rod that is usually attached to it. It also acts as an intake and exhaust valve in a two-stroke internal combustion engine. Earlier pistons were made from cast iron, but the need for lighter engine components resulted to the adoption of cast aluminum alloys (Nazrul, 2013). The cylinder is the top hollow part of the engine block. It is mostly cast from aluminum and iron to minimize on weight. The cylinder in an internal combustion engine acts as a housing for the piston. It also guides the movement of the piston during the various engine strokes, and it is where the combustion of fuel charges takes place. The other component is the crankshaft. It spins in a circular motion in correspondence to the connecting rods’ movements. They also normally act as the output shaft in a reciprocating internal combustion engine, and either be connected to a gearbox/ transmission or be bolted on directly to whatever device that needs to be driven. Crankshafts are usually either forged or cast from iron and steel (McFarland, 2009). With the information that has been highlighted in the foregoing documentation, it suffices to explain how internal combustion engines work. First off is the ‘four-stroke petrol engine. When the piston (the yellow part of the image) moves downwards, a vacuum i s created inside the cylinder, the intake valve opens (the blue part of the image), and a charge of petrol mixed with air is injected into the cylinder. This is called the ‘intake-stroke’. After reaching the Bottom Dead Center (BDC), the intake valve closes and the piston starts to ascend, thereby compressing the air-fuel mixture in the process. This is the ‘compression stroke’. At Top Dead Center (TDC), a spark is introduced by the spark-plug and the fuel charge is ignited. This results to expansion of gases inside the cylinder, thereby pushing the piston downwards. This is represents the ‘power stroke’. The piston then begins to ascend, aping the compression stroke. The exhaust valves (the red part of the diagram) open during this stroke to allow the expulsion of burnt gases from the cylinder. This is called the ‘exhaust stroke’. These engine strokes occur over a 720 degree revolution of the crankshaft (the purple part). A four-s troke diesel engine works in the same manner, the only difference being that during the intake stroke, only air is injected into the cylinder. The air heats-up during the compression stroke, and at TDC diesel is injected into the cylinder and spontaneously combusts when it comes into contact with the hot air. This is the reason why diesel engines do not have spark-plugs. For a two-stroke petrol engine, the previously mentioned processes of intake, compression, ignition, and exhaustion are accomplished with only two revolutions of the crankshaft. During the intake stroke (which is also the power stroke), a vacuum is created inside the cylinder and this forces a mixture of petrol and air to rush in to occupy the empty cylinder as shown by the arrow on the above diagram. The mixture is compressed during the compression stroke (which also serves as the exhaust stroke). At TDC, a spark is introduced and the charge is ignited. The two-stroke diesel engine works in a similar manner, the di fference being that only air is injected into the cylinder during the intake stroke, and that instead of a spark being introduced at TDC, diesel is injected into the cylinder leading to spontaneous combustion of the fuel charge. A fundamental component of the internal combustion engine is the fueling/ fuel system. For a diesel engine, it comprises of a fuel tank, injection pump, and injection nozzles. The injection pump is responsible for delivering highly pressurized fuel to the injection nozzles, which atomize the fuel before injecting it into the combustion chamber. The basic fueling system of a petrol engine employs the use of a carburetor like the one shown below. Air rushes in through the air intake manifold creating a region of low pressure when the throttle is opened. The pressure difference forces a fine jet of atomized petrol to flow from the float chamber, and mix with the incoming air. This mixture then flows into the cylinder where it is ignited by a spark to produce power. The spark is produced by the ignition system which usually consists of a source of electric current (either a battery or a magneto), a condenser, and a spark plug as shown below. The coil draws and amplifies current and the passes it to the condenser which further amplifies it to about 25000 volts before it is sent to the spark plug. References John, K. (2004, ). FPO IP Research Communities.  Crankcase for an internal combustion engine DaimlerChrysler AG. Web. McFarland, J. (2009, February). Crankshaft Tech Let’s Torque About Crankshafts.  CIRCLE TRACK. Web. Nazrul, I. (2013, ). Academia.edu Share research.  Design and construction of a piston for four stroke single cylinder S.I. engine by die-casting | AKM Nazrul Islam -Academia.edu. Web. Nguyen, T. (2011, 23). SmartPlanet Innovative Ideas That Impact Your World.  Gas powered diesel engine may double fuel efficiency | SmartPlanet. Web. Richard, H. (2010,). Clean Air Power dual fuel technology natural ga s components.  DUAL-FUEL TECHNOLOGY. Web.

The true effect of human resource management on an organizational Dissertation

The true effect of human resource management on an organizational performance - Dissertation Example This paper will begin with a brief background study on the topic of human resource management and then a brief overview of McDonald's. This paper will spell out the research problem and thereafter the objectives of the study as well as the research questions. Lastly, this essay will state the significance of the study and the scope that it will cover. The roots of human resource management can be traced back to the industrial revolution whereby companies started engaging in mass production for commercial purposes and therefore, there was an urgent need of hiring more employees to the extent that even children were introduced into the working life at a young age. During this particular time when human resources provided to be a critical part of an organization, there was little known about effective human resource management and this contributed to the widespread violation of employees’ rights since this labor sector had not been fully formalized and regulated. Stewart and Brow n stated that the numerous industrial strikes that characterized this area were necessitated by the widespread violation of employees’ rights that was going on in nearly all of the manufacturing companies. Employees’ plight during this era was denoted by low wages and poor working conditions. The industrial strikes led to the emergence of human resource management whereby the welfare of the employees received more focus from the management of the companies in order to avoid future strikes, which had proved detrimental to the companies that were affected. Factors that marked the emergence of effective human resource management included the abolishment of child labour, development of labor unions, strategic recruitment, and selection of workers. DeGraff (2010) further added that the studies by Fredrick Taylor on lean manufacturing sparked an interest on the actual contribution of the workforce on an organisation’s productivity and this contributed to human resourc es been acknowledge as a significant part in the productivity of an organisation. In the present world, human resource management is a source for organisation’s competitiveness meaning that it directly affects the performance of organisations. 1.3 McDonald’s Corporation According to Warwick (2013), McDonald Corporation is largest public traded hamburger fast food restaurant chain in the world, which serves averagely 60 million customers in over 115 countries across the world on a daily basis. The McDonald brothers originally started the company in 1940 but it was fully acquired by Ray Kroc who joined the company as a franchise agent in 1955. The McDonald’s restaurants offer a wide menu to their customers, which consist of French fries, hamburgers, chicken, cheeseburgers, soft drinks, breakfast items, desserts, milkshakes, fruits, smoothies, wraps, salads, and fish. Presently, the company boosts of total assets worth over $32 billion and total revenue of over $27 billion and a net income of over $ 5 billion in the past financial year. 1.4 Statement of the problem There are numerous studies, which have focused on the impact of human resource management but there is no or very little comprehensive studies that focuses on the relationship between human resource management functions such as selection and training, among others and how

Efficient Markets Hypothesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Efficient Markets Hypothesis - Essay Example The essence of the efficient markets hypothesis evolved from an earlier capital assetpricing model or CAPM based on investors’ unobservable beliefs about future returns. The CAPM predicts a linear relationship between the expected rate of return on an asset and that asset’s systematic risk, often termed â€Å"beta.† The CAPM model in turn led to the arbitrage pricing theory which is more general than the CAPM by including a set of unspecified factors which influence capital valuations. The CAPM in turn has been expanded into a broader format including such factors as the size of the company and the ratio of book value to market value; this version has gained wider support over the past ten years (Negakis, page 3). The efficient market hypothesis, as defined by Fama going back to 1970, â€Å"defines an Efficient Market as the one in which ‘security prices fully reflect all available information’†. Fama, in 1970, identified three forms of Market Efficiency. In the weak form, no investor can expect to gain from analyzing historical data as that data would already be reflected in capital asset prices. In the semi-strong form, no investor can expect to gain from analyzing publicly available information for the same reason. In the strong form, no investor can expect to gain from analyzing information from any source (Negakis, page 3). The efficient market hypothesis requires the existence of a highly-competitive market. with a large number of very-well-informed traders and in which transactions are costless. It would then not matter how many shares or other capital assets a trader sells - the price would remain unaffected by his actions as the market would already have taken them into account. The market would already reflect all available information, which would be included automatically in the price of the shares or other assets under consideration. The advent of portfolio theory has strengthened the efficient market hypothesis by focusing 3 on the valuation of an entire portfolio of many securities rather than on each one's value. In a fully-diversified portfolio, the trader or investor need not be as concerned over each security or capital asset but rather on the risk and return of the total range of those assets. According to Fama, the strong version of the efficient mar

How my life would be if I was white men Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

How my life would be if I was white men - Essay Example I can also turn on the television or open to the front page of the paper and see people of my race widely represented. And when I am told about our national heritage or about "civilization," I am shown that people of my color made it what it is. Another privilege is I can be sure that my children will be given curricular materials that testify to the existence of their race. I can be pretty sure of having my voice heard in a group in which I am the only member of my race. Â  I can also travel alone or with my spouse without expecting embarrassment or hostility in those who deal with us. And there’s so much more to be enumerated. Some people say that racism in USA doesn’t exist anymore and that they obtained a color blind society. But as I experience, the so called white privileges is still very visible. I will never be a white man indeed, but still I’m hoping that someday, the so called white privileges will also be enjoyed by black man like me.

Deborah Moggach uses humour to address social issues consider how she does this, paying particular attention to her use of language Essay Example for Free

Deborah Moggach uses humour to address social issues consider how she does this, paying particular attention to her use of language Essay n this essay I will look at how Deborah Moggach uses humour to address social issues. I will give my own opinion and I will also pay particular attention to her use of language. In this essay I will focus on ‘fool for love’ by Deborah Moggach, she addresses the social issues of older women having a relationship with younger men. In this story there is a middle age mother with two teenagers and she found a 26 year old man for a relationship through her day time job in a dispatch room. Deborah Moggach uses humour to address a social issue a number of times throughout the story. The first time we see this is when Deborah Moggach the 26 year old man ask Esther out, ‘want to help me buy a Christmas present for my mum’. This is used as a social issue as he is asking to spend time with her. However the humour comes in later when Deborah Moggach says ‘but did he just want the advice of mature woman’. This makes the audience think and brings reality into the story and reminds us of Esther’s age. We are reminded by the young man’s age later on in the story through humour when Esther is telling him about the state of her son’s bedroom until she realise he is young himself ‘you couldn’t complain about adolescents to somebody who was practically one himself’. This humour is shown as it is as if Esther is relating the young man of her dreams to her son. Deborah Moggach then uses humour when she gets into how Esther feels about how long it had been since she had fallen in ‘love again’ and ‘Since she had shaved her legs every single day’. This humour is shown to emphasis what it is like to fall in love and what ladies do on a daily bases to show that they care top their man. This is also linked to a social issue as it is the reason she is ‘shaving her legs on a daily bases’ for the social aspect of seeing the man. In the sixth paragraph of ‘fool for love’, Deborah Moggach uses humour by saying ‘she had lent him  £10-he never had any money-and he still paid her back’. This is used in a social issue as they are socialising together more carefully now as the story goes on. This is also humours’ as people can relate towards it and it shows that he cares for his feelings and cares for her. ‘Fool for love’ by Deborah Moggach is a story that people are able to relate to well. It seems to be that everyone has fallen in love and had ups and downs, whether they would die to be with them for the rest of their lives or be with them for a period of time. ‘Fool for love’ emphasises just how strong love can be and how powerful it is to some people and this is how people are able to relate towards the story. Humour for a social issues is used a lot of the time throughout the story as a mature woman with a younger man does happen it is not too common which gives Deborah Moggach the perfect chance to play with the writing and ass humour into the story. ‘Fool for love’ is all about social issues with Esther meeting a new young man at work to meeting her son from the airport. I lot of the things that Esther does is because of a social issue and how she wants to come across to people when being social able.

Hamlet :: essays research papers

Select one of Hamlet soliloquies (preferably not "To be or not to be. . .") and by a detailed attention to the poetry discuss the nature of Hamlet's feelings as they reveal themselves in this speech. What insights might this speech provide into the prince's elusive character? Confine your attention strictly to the soliloquy you have selected. 2. Discuss Hamlet's treatment of and ideas about women. How might these help to clarify some of the interpretative issues of the play? You might want to consider carefully the way he talks about sexuality. 3. Discuss the importance in Hamlet of one of the following: (a) Ophelia, (b) Rozencrantz and Guildenstern, (c) the ghost of Hamlet senior, (d) Polonius, (e) Fortinbras, (f) Gertrude. Do not just write about what these people do. Discuss how an attention to them illuminates issues of central importance to the play as a whole (i.e., deal with matters of importance to the thematic or character development in the play, not with matters of the plot). 4. Discuss the importance of appearance and reality in Hamlet (strong hint: Why is Hamlet so interested in the players?). 5. Hamlet and Orestes (in the Oresteia) have similar challenges, and their stories are, in many respects, quite alike. In what ways are the heroes significantly different? 6. Is something rotten in the state of Denmark? If so, what precisely is it? Is anyone in particular responsible or is the rottenness simply a condition of life? 7. Select a particular scene in Hamlet (preferably a short one) and discuss its importance in the play. How does this particular part of the action contribute significantly to our response to what is going on?

U.S. Drug Policy Versus Drug Reality Essay examples -- Argumentative P

If the United States is serious about winning the war on drugs, it will have to face some hard facts about the failure of its drug policy to date. Since Reagan introduced the war on drugs in the early 1980s, the focus of anti-drug legislation has been on incarceration and eradication, not on drug education and treatment. Drug use is viewed as a crimethe same way that burglary and murder are viewed as crimeswithout examining the social and economic causes behind drug use. This categorization of drug use as criminal misrepresents the nature of addiction. Drug addicts do not abuse drugs because they are deviant or even because they consciously desire to cause harm to themselves or to those around them, they abuse drugs because they are physically dependent on those substances for survival. The only effective way to break that cycle of dependency is through extensive detoxification and treatment programs. Not all advocates of reshaping Americas drug policy are in favor of legalization or complete decriminalizaton of drug use, though such steps are being increasingly entertained as a possible solution to Americas drug problem. On the contrary, a growing number of doctors and scientists are coming out in favor of a shift in Americas policies from hard-line law enforcement to rehabilitation and education-based deterrence. The need for such a shift in policy becomes more apparent when one weighs the magnitude of government outlays on drug-related law enforcement against the ineffectiveness of the war on drugs to date. A few basic statistics on federal allocation of anti-drug funds and on federal prison records illustrate the extent to which American drug policy is focused on the blunt tool of punishment. In 1997, the federal budget f... ... their ability to impair a persons judgment, etc. The government should realize that drug users are not criminals. They should establish more government treatment facilities in low income areas so that treatment would be an option available not only to wealthy actors and models but to the anonymous mass of low-income addicts. The free distribution of sterile needles is needed to combat the transmission of AIDSnot as a tacit advocacy of drug use. At an international meeting of the United Nations Drug Control Program in 1994, the United States refused to sign any statement mentioning the phrase harm reduction, as such a stance was seen as taking a soft-line on drugs. It is time for the United States government to wake up to the reality that the future of the War on Drugs lies with doctors, educators and sociologists and not with law enforcement agents and politicians.

Cause and Effects of Watching Too Much Television Essay

Cause and effects of watching too much television Discoveries and invention of devices are always welcome till we, humans, find a way to abuse its benefits and be adversely affected by it. This was the case when Wilhelm Roentgen discovered x-ray and within five years, the British Army was using a mobile x-ray unit to locate bullets and shrapnel in wounded soldiers in the Sudan. Television was also invented with positive thoughts in mind – there would be no national borders, education and communication would be worldwide, etc. However, we are now trying to overcome its physiological and psychological adverse effects on human beings. People mainly watch television for entertainment especially when they are bored or â€Å"have nothing to do†. It is also used for relaxing, as most people like to sit and back and relax while watching their favourite television show. Watching the television however, may become addictive and a hard habit to break. There are many effects of watching too much television. One of the physiological effects of watching television in excessive amounts is eye-strain. It is true that there are specifications for watching television; television should be 5 m. away from the eye, the room should be adequately lit, television should be placed at the same height with our eyes, etc. However, these do not prevent our eyes from getting tired if we keep watching television for a long time. Another effect is obesity, which is widely observed in people who like watching television and eating snacks everyday (there is even a term â€Å"television snacks† to refer to fast food that is suitable for eating in front of the television). Television is such a powerful machine that people cannot get away from it – it is addictive. Apart from the physiological effects, television also causes psychological effects. One is a result of being exposed to violence. After seeing so many violent scenes on television, people start considering violent actions normal and they lose their sensitivity to their environment. Partly connected to this effect, the interpersonal communication among people decreases. Being insensitive to the suffering of other people causes people to become alienated. Also, after coming home from work people seek to relax n front of the television, and generally people prefer watching television to talking to each other. This issue is very important since lack of interpersonal relationships mostly end with divorces. Shortly, inventions are meant to be beneficial for human beings, if we know how to benefit from them. Television is one of such inventions that need to be used for the right purpose only – being educated and entertained for a reasonable (according to age) period of time. We may, then, be safe from or at least reduce the adverse physiological and psychological effects of watching too much television.

Competition in an Oligopolistic Market

Competition in an Oligopolistic Market Oligopoly is a market system that is intermediate between monopoly and perfect competition. It is a type of market that is dominated by only a number of firms. These firms control the prices of the commodities they sell and the industry they dominate is characterized by significant barriers to entry.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Competition in an Oligopolistic Market specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Oligopolistic markets are also characterized by similarities of the products they sell and thus the firms practicing oligopoly are normally interdependent in terms of policy formulation and competition strategies. The competition strategies are normally meant to make the minor differences in their products attractive to their customers so that the particular firm may have a competitive edge. Examples of oligopoly markets here in the United States are the automobile and the steel industry (Friedman 11 14). Since oligop oly is characterized by a few numbers of firms in the industry, each individual firm must predict the response of rival firms before it formulates output or pricing strategies. This leads to the aforementioned interdependence and thus the firms are forced to engage in what is termed as non-price competition. This kind of competition involves differentiation of virtually similar products by using means that are not price-based for fear of price wars. Therefore, companies achieve their competitive advantage by investing in promotions, improvement of the quality of their goods and services, offering of special services like delivery, provision of their goods/services at locations that are convenient for the consumers etc (Hannaford 1). Firms in oligopoly markets also practice price discrimination to maximize on their profits or win a larger proportion of the customer base. As mentioned earlier, the firms in oligopoly engage in the manufacture and/or sale of goods that are not easy to m anufacture. The goods may be difficult to manufacture due to large capital requirement like in the automobile industry, unavailability of raw materials like in the steel industry, etc. The above stated reasons act as barriers to entry together with a number of other factors. Since the products are normally of high value, the industry is characterized with a high elasticity of demand. It is this elasticity of demand that makes price discrimination possible in these markets. For instance, different people pay different amounts of money for the same car depending on the amount they are willing to pay for the car and their skills in bargaining. The above described price discrimination is one of three possible price discrimination strategies. It is known as first degree price discrimination. The other price discrimination strategies used by oligopoly markets are second and third degree price discrimination.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Second degree price discrimination involves charging of higher prices for larger quantities of goods while third degree price discrimination is the most common and it depends on the firm’s understanding of its market. The latter takes many different forms and it is the one commonly used for achievement of competitive advantage by oligopolies (Pietersz 1). Some of the possible forms it may take include the ranking of customers into groups depending on their income and selling goods to different groups at different prices. The competitive strategies used by oligopoly markets have a lot of effects on the industry. For instance, price discrimination leads to the reduction of consumer surplus and thus it negatively affects the welfare of the consumer. On the other hand, the extraction of consumer surplus makes the firms make supernormal profits which are in the interests of the firms. Such price discrimination is, therefore, advantageous to the firms since the primary concern of any business enterprise is profit maximization. Some firms may also set prices below cost for some customers in a bid to have a competitive edge in terms of market share. This kind of price discrimination will be advantageous to the consumers and disadvantageous to the suppliers. Similarly, non-price competition has a lot of influence on consumer behavior in an oligopoly market. Consumers tend to prefer goods that have been promoted and those that are convenient in terms of delivery or those goods, whose minor details, like color, match the preferences of the consumers. Non-corporative strategic behavior also has numerous effects on the industry. It mostly results to unhealthy competition between the involved firms and tends o be advantageous to the consumers (Friedman 19). As evidenced in the discussion above, oligopolistic firms have a major challenge in laying down competitive strategies and policies. This is b ecause price competition in this industry is disastrous and can, possibly, drive all the firms out of business. The firms also sell virtually identical products and this magnifies the difficulty that they face in achieving a competitive edge. As mentioned earlier, the firms settle for competition strategies like non-price competition, non-corporative strategic behavior etc. This is normally due to the interdependence of the firms. These competition strategies have the aforementioned injurious and beneficial effects on the consumers and the suppliers. It is therefore of, essence, that oligopolistic firms set policies and competitive strategies that are beneficial to both the firms and their consumers. Friedman, James. Oligopoly Theory. New York. Barnes Noble.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Competition in an Oligopolistic Market specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Hannaford, Steve. â€Å"Oligopoly Watch.† 2007- May 10, 2010. Web. Pietersz, Graeme. â€Å"Oligopoly.† 2006- May 10, 2010, https://moneyterms.co.uk/oligopoly/