hepatitis C essays

hepatitis C essays Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus enters the liver cells, uses the cell's inner genetic machinery to make copies of itself, which then infect more cells. In about 15% of cases, hepatitis C infection is cleared spontaneously by the body and there are no long-term consequences. Unfortunately, in the majority 85%, of cases the infection becomes chronic and slowly damages the liver over many years. Over time, this liver damage can lead to scarring of the liver, end-stage liver disease, and liver cancer. Hepatitis C is spread through exposure to HCV-infected blood this may occur through IV drug use, a transfusion with HCV infected blood, contaminated hemodialysis equipment, unprotected sex, needlestick injuries, and contaminated tattooing or body piercing equipment. People with hepatitis C infection usually do not have characteristic disease symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may be vague and include tiredness, stomach pain, and rash. Because HCV infection often has no symptoms, many people do not know they have hepatitis C and may be infecting others. The only way to know whether you have hepatitis C is to get a blood test for hepatitis C. It is estimated that about 4 million people in the United States are infected with hepatitis C, which is about 2% of the population. This makes hepatitis C much more common than HIV infection. About 2.7 million Americans had chronic hepatitis C infection in the early 1990s, which means they could not clear the virus on their own. This number is expected to increase to 10.8 million in the next 10 to 12 years. Each year, there are about 35,000 cases of acute hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis C infection is more common in certain groups, such as the homeless, Vietnam War veterans, the prison population, and hemophiliacs. The incidence is high in these groups because they are more likely to have the hepatitis C risk factors. The hig...

Why Cow’s Milk is a Human Health Risk

Why Cow’s Milk is a Human Health Risk Except for animals under human influence and Western gulls who steal milk from lactating seals, humans are the only known species that drinks the breast milk of another species, and the only known species that continues to drink breast milk into adulthood. Don’t We Need Milk? Milk from a cow is as necessary as milk from a pig or a horse or a giraffe. Human breast milk is the perfect food for human babies, while cow’s milk is the perfect food for baby cows. Cow’s milk naturally contains the large amount of hormones and protein needed to turn a 80-pound calf into a 1,000 pound cow in one year. That amount of protein and hormones is not only unnecessary but unhealthy for humans. Because they occur naturally, these hormones are even found in organically produced milk. The Harvard School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School are downright critical of the USDAs recommendation of dairy products at every meal. Harvard states, there is little evidence that high dairy intake protects against osteoporosis but substantial evidence that high intake can be harmful. If dairy is so bad, why does the USDA recommend so much dairy? Harvard blames industry influences, stating that their recommended diet is based exclusively on the best available science and was not subjected to political and commercial pressures from food industry lobbyists. The American Dietetic Association supports a dairy-free, vegan diet: It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Besides containing saturated fats, cholesterol, hormones and too much protein, milk is also linked to testicular cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Fat, Cholesterol and Protein Many dairy products tend to be high in saturated fats and cholesterol, which have been linked to heart disease. The American Dietetic Association states: Features of a vegetarian diet that may reduce risk of chronic disease include lower intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol and higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, soy products, fiber, and phytochemicals. Milk protein is also a concern, and the protein in milk has been linked coronary deaths and to hardened, narrowed arteries. Hormones, and Cancer In 2006, a researcher from the Harvard School of Public Health found a strong link between dairy consumption and hormone-dependent cancers – testes, breast, and prostate. Scientist/physician Ganmaa Davaasambuu believes that the naturally occurring hormones in a pregnant cow’s milk increase the risks for these types of cancer. Milk from cows contains â€Å"considerable amounts of female sex hormones,† accounting for 60-80% of estrogens consumed by humans. Although the research focused on dairy, Ganmaa’s findings implicated a variety of animal products, as well as dairy: Butter, meat, eggs, milk, and cheese are implicated in higher rates of hormone-dependent cancers in general, she said. Breast cancer has been linked particularly to consumption of milk and cheese. Ganmaa’s findings are not unique. According to dietician George Eisman, in the US, one in six men gets prostate cancer. Only one in 200,000 men gets prostate cancer in China, where dairy is not regularly consumed. Also according to Eisman, breast cancer is highest in the countries with the highest dairy consumption. A study in England found that even within England, the counties with the highest dairy consumption had the highest rates of breast cancer. Eisman states that consuming dairy is â€Å"the most abnormal, crazy thing that we do.† Contaminants in Milk Contaminants in milk are another serious concern. American milk is banned in the European Union because of added recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH). When administered to cows, rBGH causes the cows to produce up to 20% more milk, but also causes the cows to produce more Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). According to the Organic Consumers Association, some of the rBGH given to cows ends up in the milk. The Cancer Prevention Coalition (CPC) states: It is highly likely that IGF-1 promotes transformation of normal breast cells to breast cancers. In addition, IGF-1 maintains the malignancy of human breast cancer cells, including their invasiveness and ability to spread to distant organs. RBGH also increases the risk of mastitis, which sometimes leads to pus, bacteria and blood getting into the milk. Federal law in the US allows up to 50 million pus cells per cup of milk. If rBGH is so dangerous and is banned in the EU, why is it legal in the US? The CPC believes that, â€Å"Monsanto Co., the manufacturer of rBGH, has influenced U. S. product safety laws permitting the sale of unlabeled rBGH milk.† Another contaminant found in cow’s milk is pesticide residues. Residues are fat soluble, which means they become concentrated in the milk and tissues of animals. What About Calcium? While cow’s milk is high in calcium, it is also high in protein. Excess protein in our diets causes calcium to leach out of our bones. Dr. Kerrie Saunders states, â€Å"North America has one of the highest consumptions of dairy products, and also the highest incidence of osteoporosis.â€Å" To combat osteoporosis, Saunders recommends exercise and â€Å"beans and greens† for a source of calcium that is not excessively high in protein. Ganmaa also recommends getting calcium from green leafy vegetables. Furthermore, calcium intake may be less important for bone health than we’ve been led to believe. A study by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health published in 1997 found that increased consumption of milk and other calcium-rich foods by adult women did not reduce the risk of osteoporotic bone fractures. Calcium retention is also important for preventing osteoporosis. Sodium, smoking, caffeine and physical inactivity can all cause us to lose calcium. While animal rights advocates are vegan for ethical reasons, it’s important to know that cow’s milk is not necessary for human health and foregoing dairy may have health benefits.

Many of Enrons independent directors were affiliated with Essay

Many of Enrons independent directors were affiliated with organizations that benefited directly from Enrons operations. How would you address this clear conflict of interest - Essay Example The directors’ affiliation with organizations that stood to benefit from the operations undertaken by Enron gave them an opportunity to reap benefits from two sides. To address the underlying conflict of interest, the need to mainstream management is vital. Before directors are installed, there it would be essential to evaluate their relations with other organizations. The establishment of direct links between potential directors and other organizations should disqualify their installation. Investors should also undertake independent evaluations and assessments that relate to their preferred companies. In so doing, they can choose to uphold or ignore the recommendations made by auditors, business analysts, business consultants, or stockbrokers (Dharan & Bufkins, 2004). Directors, auditors, business analysts, business consultants, and stockbrokers work to the best interest of both the shareholders and the organizations that award them service contracts. In the process, the realization of conflict of interest is relatively high. While employees, lenders, and investors could independently and personally influence the extent to which organizational conflict of interest is realized, securities and exchange regulators, in a bid to address the organizational conflict of interest, could oversee the activities undertaken by directors, auditors, business analysts, business consultants, and stockbrokers (Healy & Krishna,

International Advertising - US Harley Davidson Motorcycles Advertised Essay

International Advertising - US Harley Davidson Motorcycles Advertised to Japanese Market - Essay Example Eventually, the most effective communication method will be provided together with the rationale behind choosing each method. Prior to conclusion, a theme will be created in order to make the advertising of Harley Davidson motorcycle successful in Japan. The Japanese government has a significant role over the advertising regulation in Japan. Specifically the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) is the national governmental agency that monitors the advertising regulation in Japan. Basically, the main role of FTC is to promote a â€Å"fair and free market competition† in the Japanese market (JFTC, 2009a). Strictly enforced by FTC, the basic advertising laws in Japan include the Anti-Monopoly Law and the Premium and Representation Control Law (Cooper-Chen & Kodama, 1991: p. 182; JFTC, 2009b). Basically, the Anti-Monopoly Act (1995) gives the local and foreign advertisers a general framework on how advertisements in Japan are being controlled. Aiming to protect the benefits and welfare of the consumers, this particular advertising law prohibits actions that can be detrimental to market competition (JFTC, 1995). On the other hand, the Premium and Representation Control Law was developed and implemented in order to â€Å"prevent exorbitant giveaways and unfair labelling of products as a way of promoting fair competition† (p. 182). Similar to JFTC, Japan Advertising Agencies Association (JAAA) enhances the advertising practices in Japan. Aside from ensuring that the consumers fully understand the local advertisements in Japan (JAAA, 2009b); JAAA is also responsible in ensuring that the standards of advertising in Japan are met by the advertisers. (JAAA, 2009a) In general, advertisements in Japan follow a code of ethics which includes the following: (1) advertisements should use clear communication method to present the truth about a product and service; (2) comply with the

My Dream House Essay Example for Free

My Dream House Essay Good afternoon everyone. Does anybody have their own dream house? Well, I have. Nowadays, most people have their own houses. The house I want to be my won would make me feel comfortable with a big hall, my own bedroom and a front garden that is full of flowers. My dream house’s interior design will be carefully planned. I would like to have a spacious hall since it is the first place visitors will see as they come in through the front door. There would be unique art designed posters on the wall. On the left hand side of the hall there would be a glass cupboard with my collection of diamonds in it and on the right hand side of the hall there would be my photos during my childhood. At the end of the hall, there would be a staircase leading upstairs. One the next floor, there would be my own bedroom. My bedroom would reflect my inner world and privacy so it would be painted light purple. My view is that light purple is the colour that represents my feelings of harmony and peace. I can say that the interior design of my house is like my spiritual world so I’d decorate it in such a way that all the rooms will be painted in different colours would symbolize my true feelings. Light pink would make me feel happy and light blue would make me remember happy memories. An air-conditioned television room would be next to my bedroom. In the television room, there would be a big and soft sofa so that I can watch television comfortably after my activities. The outer design of my dream house should be attractive. I desire to have a magnificent front garden outside my house. The front garden should be full of flowers and fruit trees. I would plant orchids and roses. When I am in a bad mood or when I am angry of something, my anger will be lessen after looking at those beautiful flowers and smelling their fragrance. Place that we spend our life is very significant because our moods are affected by the design and the location. If we live in a place filled with noise and air pollution, our feelings would become negative. Staying in my dream house would make me live with peace of mind. Thank you.

AIDS :: Free AIDS Essays

AIDS is a serious (often fatal) disease of the immune system transmitted through blood products especially by sexual contact or contaminated needles. It is the most serious outcome of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. People with AIDS often suffer lung, brain, eye and other organ disease along with debilitating weight loss, diarrhea, candidacies, dementia, toxoplasmosis and a type of cancer called Kaposi's Sarcoma, and makes the immune system weak and therefore less able to fight certain infections and diseases. (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&oi=defmore&q=define:aids) AIDS is currently incurable, and is spread through the transfer of bodily fluids. According to WHO estimates, by end-1996, nearly 30 million people – including over 2.5 million children – had been infected with HIV since the start of the pandemic. Every day, more than 7000 adults and 500 babies are infected. More than 8 million people have developed AIDS. Of the 26.8 million adults wi th HIV infection – the global estimate in end-1996 – 14 million were in Sub-Saharan Africa and more than 3.5 million in Asia. Our region, that is South-East Asia, is likely to suffer the brunt of the pandemic - being home to over half the world’s population. Moreover, HIV/AIDS is now present in every continent and in every region of the world. (http://w3.whosea.org/en/Section10/Section18/Section349.htm) Founded in 1983, The National Association of People with AIDS advocates on behalf of all people living with HIV and AIDS in order to end the human suffering caused by HIV/AIDS. They are the oldest national AIDS organization in the United States and the oldest national network of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. Over 80% of their staff are people of color, and women living with HIV hold senior staff positions at NAPWA. The majority of their staff members are people living with HIV. Their Board of Directors is equally diverse, providing representation of the many communities impacted by the epidemic. The vast majority of Board Members are also HIV positive. These dedicated and hard working people make NAPWA unique among national AIDS organizations. They offer many programs, including important conferences and training sessions throughout the year, including the Leadership Training Institute, Helping Communities Build Leadership, the Ryan White National Youth Conference on HIV and AIDS, and Staying Alive, NAPWA's national conference for people living with AIDS and HIV. The target population for this group is anybody with AIDS, but also those at risk. Like stated before, nearly 30 million people, including over 2.

Discuss the drawback of the jury system as it is implemented in the UK

Introduction A jury in the UK generally consists of 12 randomly selected lay people that have been sworn conduct an impartial verdict as to whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty in a criminal trial. The objective of the jury system is to provide a just and fair outcome that could not otherwise be achieved by judges alone (Lesser, 2010: 12). It is believed that if judges acted alone, the decision would be a prejudicial, which would create unfairness. The human rights of the individual concerned would also be violated (Human Rights Act 1998, giving effect to the European Convention on Human Rights 1951). The most import concept of having a juror give a verdict is that juries may acquit a defendant in situations where a guilty verdict is demanded by the law (Elliott and Quinn, 2010: 233). An example of this can be seen in the case of R v Wang [2005] UKHL 9 where it was made clear by the House of Lords that a judge can never instruct a jury to convict a defendant. The jury system is therefore c onsidered an important part of the confidence society has in the criminal justice system. The Juries Act 1974 is the main governing legislation that regulates the jury system by signifying what persons are eligible for jury service as well as making provision for the right to challenge jurors. The Criminal Justice Act (CJA) 2003 is also capable of restricting the role of the jury by imposing further limitations on the eligibility criteria and by allowing trial by judge alone in certain circumstances. Whether these limitations are necessary is arguable, but it has been said that the jury is an outmoded institution that needs to be reformed. In light of this, the drawbacks to the jury system in the UK will be discussed in this study. Trial by Jury The jury system in the UK is highly controversial because on the one hand, juries are considered to provide important protection for citizens (Gastil et al; 2002: 585), whilst on the other they are considered to be costly, time consuming and unable to deal effectively with complex cases (Gastil and Weiser, 2006: 6). In addition, it has also been said that the jury system in the UK is outmoded and ineffective and that it should be abolished (Baksi, 2014: 1). Essentially, because juries are not being used as frequently as they once were, it is questionable whether they are in fact still needed (Zander, 2007: 157). In the majority of instances, a jury is not needed as a defendant will have submitted a guilty plea, yet in those instances where a not guilty plea has been entered, it has been said that juries are essential in ensuring that a fair trial is provided to the defendant under Article 6 of the ECHR and in the interests of justice. This was recognised by Thomas and Balmer when it was pointed out that; â€Å"there is an ancient right for an accused to be tried only by the lawful judgement of his equals or by the law of the land and even though there is no modern constitutional right to trial by jury in England and Wales, governments have found the public extremely unwilling to sanction further restrictions to jury trials† (2007: 1). This highlights the significance of jury trials and whilst there are many drawbacks, it is widely accepted that juries help to maintain justice. Conversely, it is believed by some that jury trials should be eradicated on the basis that they are largely ineffective on the basis that judges have a strong influence over the outcome of the trial (Stone and Dennis, 2003: 2). This was identified by Sanders and Young when it was evidenced that even though it is left to the jury to decide, beyond reasonable doubt, whether or not a defendant is guilty, â€Å"judges often exert a strong influence on the outcome and are far from being the passive impartial referee as depicted in adversarial theory†(2006; 496). Because of the influence judges exert over juries, it seems as though the jury system is a waste of time and expense. Furthermore, because juries do not have to give a reason for their decision, it is difficult to tell whether a just decision has been provided anyway as the decision may not be based upon their own findings and may instead be based on the judges influence. In view of this, the Auld Report found that; â€Å"many contributors have suggested that the system may not, as a matter of English law, withstand a challenge, that the unreasoned jury verdict violates article 6.† It is questionable whether this does violate article 6, ye t it was made clear in Condron v UK (2000) 31 EHRR 1 that it is not. Therefore, even though jurors do not have to provide a reason for decisions reached, it is said that a fair trial is still being provided. This does not seem fair, since a violation of Article 6 would be found if a judge failed to provide a reason, yet this is not the case for jurors. As stressed by Doran; â€Å"trial by jury occupies a pivotal yet paradoxical position at the centre of the English criminal justice system† (2002; 379). Arguably, it is clear from this that many do actually favour jury trials and are of the view that an effective justice system is being attained. However, because jury trials are not used in serious and complex fraud trials, it is arguable whether jurors are well equipped to deal with all other trials. The inability of jurors to deal with such cases was introduced by the CJA 2003 and emerged from the Jubilee Line Jurors [2007] Crim LR 255 case. Here. jurors suffered serious personal difficulties because of the complexity of the issues at hand (Lloyd-Bostock: 2007: 1). In cases such as this, it is more desirable for a judge-only trial to be conducted, yet it could be said that this should apply to all trials and not just those that have a complex nature. Moreover, the fact that trial by jury has been abandoned in other jurisdictions seems to demonstrate that the jury service is unworkable and ineffective. This has exemplified by Laville (2010: 1) who put forward that; â€Å"in the last 400 years, trials without juries have taken place in Northern Ireland, where the Diplock courts were set up to provide justice in the intimidat ing atmosphere of the Troubles.† Consequently, it could be said that Northern Ireland are aware of the difficulties and uncertainties of jury trials and have therefore made the decision to abandoning them. Juries were also discarded in Germany on the 4th January 1924 when it became apparent that injustice frequently occurred as a result of jury trials. This was identified by Herzog when it was noted that; â€Å"since 1924 jury trials have been abolished in Germany and there are no signs of a renaissance of lay participation and jury trial in the German criminal justice system† (2012: 1). It is arguable whether this demonstrates the ineffectiveness of jury systems but it is evident that the Germans do not agree with them. Jury trials were also abandoned in India following the case of K.M. Nanavati v State of Maharashtra [1962] Suppl 1 SCR 567 where it became clear that juror’s decisions were capable of being influenced by the media and the public. As put by Debroy; â€Å"the Nanavati case was responsible for abolition of jury trials in India and it was the last trial by jury† (2009: 1). It was also identified by Debroy that there is a correlation in India between the abolishment of jury trials and the prolonging of cases (2009: 2). In view of this, it cannot be said that jury trials should be completely abolished in the UK as cases may actually be prolonged as a result and there are various safeguards that have been implemented so as to ensure juries are not being influenced by the media and the public (Rackstraw, 2008: 726). Therefore, whilst jury systems do create difficulties, it cannot be said that they should be completely discarded as a result as they are still considered a vital p art of the justice system. Furthermore, if jury trials were abolished it is likely that this would result in prolonged trials as is the case in India. Furthermore, judges would also be capable of producing prejudicial decisions, which would ultimately contravene Article 6 of the ECHR which provides for a defendants rights to a fair trial. In a study that was conducted by Sturcke, it was found that; two in three jurors did not fully understand the legal directions and that more than one in 10 jurors carried out their own investigations online about a case (2010: 1). This study was based on 69,000 cases over a two-year period, which highlights the injustices that can actually be caused by a jury trial. This seems to provide a strong argument as to why jury trials should be abolished, however problems will still be caused by judge alone trials. In effect, it appears as though there ought to be a balance so that juries do remain, yet where cases are likely to be prejudiced a judge alone trial should be conducted. Essentially, this is what seems to be happening at present as jury trials are being discarded in serious and complex fraud cases, yet whether this scope should be broadened to allow for their elimination in other cases is likely. This will ensure that juries are maintained, on the one hand, whilst also enabling them to be discarded in cases which would be difficult for them to cope with. Whether this means that there will be an effective jury system in place, is however arguable. Conclusion Overall, there are many underlying difficulties which emerge from a trial by jury, yet it cannot be said that they should be completely eradicated. This is because judge alone trials will also have many drawbacks, which demonstrates the need for the jury system to be maintained. In order to prevent unfair outcomes from being produced, it is therefore necessary that a balance is attained which could be achieved by removing juries from serious and complex cases and those which would have a damaging effect on their ability to cope. Referencing Baksi, C., (2014) ‘Bias has ‘significant’ effect on verdicts, jury research says’ The Law Society Gazette, Available [Online] at: http://www.lawgazette.co.uk/practice/bias-has-significant-effect-on-verdicts-jury-research-says/5039295.article [23 April, 2014]. Debroy, B. Nanavati and Jury Trials, Law Resource India, (2009), Available [Online] at: http://indialawyers.wordpress.com/2009/12/26/nanavati-and-jury-trials/ [23 April, 2014]. Doran, S; McConville, M. and Wilson, G. The Handbook of the Criminal Justice Process, OUP Oxford, 1st Edition, (2002), p. 379. Elliott, C. and Quinn, F. (2010) English Legal System, Longman, 11th Edition. Gastil, J., and Weiser, P., (2006) ‘Jury Service as an Invitation to Citizenship: Accessing the Civic Value of Institutionalised Deliberation’ Legal Studies Research Paper, 06-32. Gastil, J., Deess, E., and Weiser, P., (2002) ‘Civic Awakening in the Jury Room: A Test of the Connection between Jury Deliberation and Political Participation’ Journal of Politics, Volume 64, No. 2, 585-595. Herzog, F. Philosophical and Social View of the Jury: Could it Have a Renaissance in Germany(2012) Available [Online] at: www.cairn.info/load_pdf.php?ID_ARTICLE=RIDP_721_0553 [23 April, 2014]. Laville, S. Heathrow Robbery Trial Breaks with 400 Year Tradition of Trial by Jury, The Guardian, (10 January, 2010), Available [Online] at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jan/10/heathrow-robbery-trial-jury-twomey [23 April, 2014]. Lesser, M. A. (2010) The Historical Development of the Jury System, Kessinger Publishing: London. Lloyd-Bostock, S. The Jubilee Line Jurors: does their experience strengthen the argument for judge-only trial in long and complex fraud casesCriminal Law Review, Crim L.R. 255, (2007). Rackstraw, M., (2008) ‘In the Balance’ New Law Journal, Volume 158, Issue 7322. Sanders, A. and Young, R. Criminal Justice, OUP Oxford, 3rd Edition, (2006). Stone, J., and Dennis, R., (2003) ‘Race and Ethnicity’ Comparative and Theoretical Approaches, 1-7. Sturke, J. Jurors ‘struggle’ to understand judges, study finds, The Guardian, (17 February, 2010), Available [Online] at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/feb/17/jurors-judges-legal-advice-report [23 April, 2014]. The Auld Report, Review of the Criminal Courts of England and Wales, Chapter 5, Juries, Available [Online] at: http://www.criminal-courts-review.org.uk/ccr-05.htm [23 April, 2014]. Thomas, C. and Balmer, N. Diversity and Fairness in the Jury System, The Ministry of Justice Research Series 2/07, (June, 2007), Available [Online] at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/docs/JuriesReport2-07-webVersion.pdf [23 April, 2014]. Zander, M., (2007) ‘a Touch of Bias’ New Law Journal, Volume 157, Issue 7295. Cases Condron v UK (2000) 31 EHRR 1 Jubilee Line K.M. Nanavati v State of Maharashtra 1959

Disposal of Toxic Waste

A waste is considered toxic or hazardous if it threatens the health of the people and the destruction of the environment. The waste may be in any form and may be considered toxic even upon its storage. A more distinct characteristic of a toxic waste is given by U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These are ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity and toxicity. Ignitability is characterized by the ability of the waste to create or catch fire. Not only is the waste needed to be able to start fire, but even to just catch it and spread it that it is considered to possess this characteristic.On the other hand, it fells under corrosive if it has the capacity to cause rusting to metal substances. Usually, these wastes are categorized to acids or bases. A substance with pH level with less than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 12. 5 is corrosive. Substances under this category are acids or bases that have the ability to harm the environment due to its high acidic and basic pro perties. Reactivity is described as instability under â€Å"normal† conditions. This means that without any special treatment or mixture with other substance, the waste has the tendency to explode or emit hazardous cyanide or sulfide gas.The last characteristic is proven when there is fatal consequence of its ingestion or absorption. A fatal consequence may be a severe illness, discomfort or even death. Depending on this consequence, the waste can be further classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic according to the EnviroFacts. If it caused the development of cancerous cells in the body of the victim, it is considered carcinogenic. On the other hand, if its ingestion results to damage in chromosome of the victim, it is considered mutagenic.Lastly, if the victim is an expectant mother and the contact with the toxic waste affected the baby even before its birth, then the waste is teratogenic. The procedure that is being used in identifying and determining the toxic ity of the substance (or what is known to as EPA) is Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). If the toxicity of the waste affects the plants or animals, it is bioaccumulative, that is, the plants or animals which are active parts of the food chain can infect other organisms.The characteristics above need not be fully applicable to the whole material for it to be considered a toxic waste. A small presence of toxic substance in a waste is enough for the latter to be toxic. Even if it is mixture or residue, it is still considered toxic waste. Hazardous wastes are usually by-products of different industries and commercial entities. Biological processes can also create a toxic waste. Even households can be held liable for the continuous increase of toxic wastes in the world. Hospitals also have its contribution, as well as the military. As such, the U. S.Environmental Protection Agency or EPA provides a categorization of toxic wastes based from the source. Differences in sourc e gives different kinds of wastes, and hence, treatments and means of disposal. According to the EPA website, hazardous wastes may belong to the F-list, K-list or P-list and U-list. The wastes belonging to the F-list are the most common among industries especially those engaging to manufacturing. Since there are numerous of this in a state, this list is also called the non-specific source wastes. These include solvents and other substances used for cleaning or degreasing purposes.If the industry that served as source for the waste is easily identifiable such as oil company or petroleum refining company, the wastes they produce belong to the K-list or the source-specific wastes. Lastly, discarded commercial chemical products belong to the P-list and U-list. Medicines and pesticides belong to this group. Toxic substances have the capacity to contaminate air, land and water. In effect, all organisms that interact or have contact with these can also be victims of the hazardous effects t hese substances bring.As such, government agencies and different organizations designed ways for these materials to be treated and disposed. According to the EnviroFacts site, there is really no completely safe way to treat these kinds of wastes. Land disposal, incineration and chemical or biological treatment were just the safe ways to solve the problem. Land disposal means dumping the waste in a selected area called landfills. These must be far from settlers, animals or humans alike and must be permanently sealed. Seals can either be plastic or clay. A concrete wall can also be built to enclose the garbage.However, these wastes can still penetrate the ground and eventually mix with the ground water. Some substances that oxidize can also affect the air causing illness or hazard to any organism. EnviroFacts also suggest incineration. This is burning the waste in either low or high temperature. In this process, the wastes are confined and are burned. This is highly preferred for hosp ital wastes. However, large caution must be taken in using this method. Several substances may produce highly toxic gases when burnt. For instance, lead or arsenic is released in the air when old painted surfaces are burned.Chlorinated hydrocarbons on the other hand produce hydrochloric acid and dioxins. Even solid by-products of this process that are left in the incinerators must be treated as hazardous as well. Lastly, certain chemicals or bacteria are added to the waste to lessen its toxins. Bacteria are believed to â€Å"eat† the toxins in the material, making it lesser hazardous. Water is used in the United States to treat hazardous wastes. Sulfuric acid wastes, if not recycled, can be treated with ammonia wastes from the same plant, forming ammonium sulfate, a fertilizer (Encarta Encyclopedia, 2007).Another treatment for the wastes is solidification. In this process, the waste is melted and then mixed with binder for it to huge solid mass. This process is widely used fo r radioactive wastes. Specific types of wastes require specific treatment. Lack of knowledge regarding this often leads to more trouble and danger. Caroline Black and Chris Stavroudis presented several ways for treatments and disposal of certain wastes and gave precautionary measures in dealing with them. In their article Hazardous Waste Disposal, they started with the solvents.These are highly corrosive materials that may include paints, oils or polymer residues. These must be kept in glass jars and not in metal containers to avoid rusting. If what is left to dispose is only a small amount, it can be allowed to evaporate. However, it must not be disposed on sinks and water pipes. This rule does not exempt water-soluble substances. When these accumulate in water pipe, it may cause fire or explosion. Since detergents are widely used in household, it is important to know that this is the only toxic substance allowed to be disposed of in the drain.Unlike solvents, there is no tendency to accumulate flammable vapors that pose threat of explosion in the detergents. However, the triethanolamine is exempted from this. This particular substance must be treated as a solvent (Black C. and C. Stavroudis). For alkali and acids, the first thing that has to be done before treating or disposing it is the presence of a heavy metal like mercury, copper, zinc or cadmium. If any of this is a component of the waste, it must be put in a container and be removed with the help of the authorities. It must not be disposed in the sewer system.Otherwise, the acid and alkali can be neutralized with the use of vinegar and baking soda, respectively. Then, they can be disposed in the drain with the aid of plenty of water. Ether, being a highly flammable substance must be treated with utmost care. It must be kept in a metal jar, not a glass one, to reduce the formation of peroxide. Upon using ether, there must be no fire that is near. Even a lit cigarette can ignite fire. If the ether was ke pt beyond three months, it must be surrendered to bomb squads because it has higher tendency of exploding (Black C.  and C. Stavroudis).While several chemicals can be used to neutralize and treat some toxic substances, there are some which can aggravate the problem than minimize it. For one, acids and alkalis must be kept separated, as well as solvents and known flammable substances(Black C. and C. Stavroudis). Because toxic waste disposal has been a long-running problem, countries have long tried different measures to address this problem. However, the process of treating and disposing the wastes are too costly and not to mention health-threatening.Even if there are ways to treat it in landfills or special sites, it is difficult to find a place where dumpsites could be established. And so, rich nations opt to bring them to the Third World nations in exchange for several billions of dollars or so. These Third World Nations, driven by their need for funds for their own development oftentimes accept these offers, discounting the threat it pose. This act increases the problem. The shipment of toxic wastes is usually by means of cargoes or ships. The tendency of spilling the wastes in its way to its destination is high.Also, the recipient nations do not usually have enough facilities and technologies to treat the wastes properly. This result to a larger threat for the people and the environment of the receiving nation. Also, landfills and dumpsites are usually inhabited by slums and squatters, ignoring the huge possibility of acquiring illness. Although several nations already realized the adverse effects of accepting wastes from other nations, still, there are some which continues to be the garbage bag of the richer nations. However, it is very essential to say that this act do not solve the problem.It just moves it. It is like passing the burden to the other. Through time, much legislation has been passed to address the issue of proper waste, especially toxic wastes, management. However, the main concern is their treatment and disposal. But the catch is there is no completely safe way to do this. One way or another, the waste would still affect the land, the water, and the air. And so, to really address this problem which started with the existence of these waste materials, the control must be put on the production and manufacturing of this highly toxic substances.The industries must find alternatives to their existing materials to find them less toxic. Further studies may also be concluded to improve the sewer system. Recycling and reusing had also been the longest running advice to minimize the waste. The problem on waste disposal must be addressed right down to its roots. It is not just the duty of the government officials, or the environmentalists, but rather, it is the duty of everyone. It might not be realized, but everyday is an opportunity to change the situation.

Hydro Electric Power Example

Hydro Electric Power Example Hydro Electric Power – Article Example Full [March 13, Hydro electric Power Hydro electric power or simply hydropower is a way of generating electrical energy through the use of the force and energy of falling water. It is a clean and environmentally friendly source of energy creation. As petroleum and other fossil fuels become scarcer being non renewable sources of energy, hydroelectricity is becoming a much more convenient and secure resource.Hydro electric power plants use the conventional phenomenon of the water wheel to produce electricity. This wheel was first introduced in 1882 and till date hydroelectricity continues to be a major source of energy amounting up to 24% of the world’s electricity.Hydro power plants use simple mechanics to convert the gravitational force of water into electricity. Such a plant is set up on basic components such as a dam, turbines, generators and of course water falling with great force.All hydro power plants consist of a dam which is used as to hold water. When the gates of the dam open, water forces its way with great pressure which rotates the large blades of the turbines. As the turbines spin, so does the magnets inside the generators which are directly connected to the turbines. There is a network of copper coils that work along with the magnets to produce alternating current. This current is then passed to the transformer which then converts it into high voltage current and supplies it to various places through power lines (Sherman & Josepha, 2004). With the increased popularity of hydro electric plants as a clean and renewable source of energy, environmental concerns regarding floods associated with the building of large dams for such plants are also increasing.ReferenceSherman, Josepha.  Hydroelectric Power. Mankato, Minn: Capstone Press, 2004. Print.

Definition and Examples of Body Language

Definition and Examples of Body Language Body language is a type of nonverbal communication that relies on body movements (such as gestures, posture, and facial expressions) to convey messages. Body language may be used consciously or unconsciously. It may accompany a verbal message or serve as a substitute for speech. Examples and Observations Pamela listened dumbly, her posture informing him that she wouldnt be offering any counter-arguments, that whatever he wanted was okay: making amends with body language.(Salman Rushdie, The Satanic Verses. Viking, 1988)The fun part is the process of, of getting to know a girl. Its like, its like flirting in code. Its using body language and laughing at the right jokes and, and looking into her eyes and knowing shes still whispering to you, even when shes not saying a word. And that sense that if you can just touch her, just once, everything will be okay for both of you. Thats how you can tell.(Iyari Limon as Potential Slayer Kennedy, The Killer in Me. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 2003) Shakespeare on Body Language Speechless complainer, I will learn thy thought;In thy dumb action will I be as perfectAs begging hermits in their holy prayers:Thou shalt not sigh, nor hold thy stumps to heaven,Nor wink, nor nod, nor kneel, nor make a sign,But I of these will wrest an alphabetAnd by still practice learn to know thy meaning.(William Shakespeare, Titus Andronicus, Act III, Scene 2) Clusters of Nonverbal Cues [A] reason to pay close attention to body language is that it is often more believable than verbal communication. For example, you ask your mother, Whats wrong? She shrugs her shoulders, frowns, turns away from you, and mutters, Oh . . . nothing, I guess. Im just fine. You dont believe her words. You believe her dejected body language, and you press on to find out whats bothering her.The key to nonverbal communication is congruence. Nonverbal cues usually occur in congruent clustersgroups of gestures and movements that have roughly the same meaning and agree with the meaning of the words that accompany them. In the example above, your mothers shrug, frown, and turning away are congruent among themselves. They could all mean Im depressed or Im worried. However, the nonverbal cues are not congruent with her words. As an astute listener, you recognize this incongruency as a signal to ask again and dig deeper.(Matthew McKay, Martha Davis, and Patrick Fanning, Messages: The Communication Skills Book, 3rd ed. New Harbinger, 2009) An Illusion of Insight Most people think liars give themselves away by averting their eyes or making nervous gestures, and many law-enforcement officers have been trained to look for specific tics, like gazing upward in a certain manner. But in scientific experiments, people do a lousy job of spotting liars. Law-enforcement officers and other presumed experts are not consistently better at it than ordinary people even though they’re more confident in their abilities.There’s an illusion of insight that comes from looking at a person’s body, says Nicholas Epley, a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago. Body language speaks to us, but only in whispers. . . .The common-sense notion that liars betray themselves through body language appears to be little more than a cultural fiction, says Maria Hartwig, a psychologist at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. Researchers have found that the best clues to deceit are verballiars tend to be less forthcomin g and tell less compelling storiesbut even these differences are usually too subtle to be discerned reliably.(John Tierney, At Airports, a Misplaced Faith in Body Language. The New York Times, March 23, 2014) Body Language in Literature For the purpose of literary analysis, the terms non-verbal communication and body language refer to the forms of non-verbal behaviour exhibited by characters within the fictional situation. This behaviour can be either conscious or unconscious on the part of the fictional character; the character can use it with an intention to convey a message, or it can be unintentional; it can take place within or outside of an interaction; it can be accompanied by speech or independent of speech. From the perspective of a fictional receiver, it can be decoded correctly, incorrectly, or not at all. (Barbara Korte, Body Language in Literature. University of Toronto Press, 1997) Robert Louis Stevenson on Groans and Tears, Looks and Gestures For life, though largely, is not entirely carried on by literature. We are subject to physical passions and contortions; the voice breaks and changes, and speaks by unconscious and winning inflections, we have legible countenances, like an open book; things that cannot be said look eloquently through the eyes; and the soul, not locked into the body as a dungeon, dwells ever on the threshold with appealing signals. Groans and tears, looks and gestures, a flush or a paleness, are often the most clear reporters of the heart, and speak more directly to the hearts of others. The message flies by these interpreters in the least space of time, and the misunderstanding is averted in the moment of its birth. To explain in words takes time and a just and patient hearing; and in the critical epochs of a close relation, patience and justice are not qualities on which we can rely. But the look or the gesture explains things in a breath; they tell their message without ambiguity; unlike speech, th ey cannot stumble, by the way, on a reproach or an illusion that should steel your friend against the truth; and then they have a higher authority, for they are the direct expression of the heart, not yet transmitted through the unfaithful and sophisticating brain.(Robert Louis Stevenson, Truth of Intercourse, 1879)

Your Inner Reptile Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Your Inner Reptile - Essay Example This layer has been demonstrated in humans. However, glands on the skin of humans produce a lubricant, making the skin of a human soft to the touch and moisturized.In South Africa, a species named Mammal-like reptiles were discovered fossilized. They were reptiles with mammal-like features. Reptiles have sharp teeth, but these mammal-like animals had started to have differentiation of teeth. Their teeth were designed for better carnivore diet, but the differentiation came with it matching of teeth as strategy, to get a bite, and strengthened them with more teeth roots. Mass extinction eliminated most, but some survived with new better opportunity. During this time, some species were completely wiped off, but the ones that survived had better chances of survival. Among them were the mammal-like reptiles. They had resorted for underground homes to survive the extreme heat. In these surroundings, whiskers may have developed then as sensory organs to lead them in the underground tunnels. Years later, they started using the body hair for another purpose; for warmth. Hair from ancestors after the aftermath of the great extinction then became part of the mammalian body. Lab study of a developing lab tooth shows skin fold and form the tooth. This is not a new phenomenon of skin folding to form some vital connective tissues such as hair and glands. The E.D.A gene controls the formation of these organs from the skin. Abnormality of this gene leads to conditions such as the inability to dissipate internal high temperatures.