Investing For Retirement Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Investing For Retirement - Research Paper Example Investing For Retirement In the Family Finance section of Financial Post, there is an article entitled "Retirement Transition All About Expectations." This article is about a couple, Julius ,60, and Emma, 58, in Alberta, Canada who are both retirees, who's been worrying about how they can protect themselves financially if ever there would be a sudden change in the economy. According to Julius, "it might be difficult to make the transition from employment to retirement". Exposure to inflation is their main threat being a retiree. Don Forbes, head of Associates/Armstrong & Quaile gave them an advice on how they are going to utilize their financial plans to protect themselves against any threats. Forbes gave the couple a five year plan scenario on the pension plan they availed, stating what they should do, and explains its corresponding effects in the long run.. This article has been on the news because there are more other Julius and Emma who have been worrying the same thing once they are about to retire. Starting January 1, 2011, the Baby Boomers turned 65. These Baby Boomers are those generations in American history who were born between January 1, 1946 and December 31, 1964. This has been an issue for so many years and now it’s 2011, the Baby Boomers have reached their retirement age. People, especially in the U.S., were already in panic that for the next 19 years these Baby Boomers will push the national government into bankruptcy. This generation has been on a wrong timing since the economy until now is still on the verge of losing everything. (â€Å"In 2011 the baby boomers,† 2010). I chose this article because Canada is not an exception in this crisis. It is significant for the Canadian families because just like Julius and Emma, most of the retirees now are having lots of questions about the reliability of the government and other company pension plans to fund their necessary needs and other expenses in the future. 2. SCOPE OF CANADA PENSION PLAN Canada Pension Plan (CCP) is one of the retirement income systems in Canada that has been mentioned in the article. The CPP is a national pension plan that was established by the government in 1966. This program is a monthly national defined benefit pension plan that is paid to contributors who are at least 65 years old or between 60 and 64 years old who met the earnings and contributions requirements (Monk & Sass, 2009). It is an independent financial institution wherein no political strings attached; its obligations are not government obligations as well as with its a ssets. The governance structure of this pension plan lies in the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board Act. It has a disclosure policy in which all quarterly and annual financial statements report and its public portfolio holdings must be disclosed to the public in the CPPIB website. Furthermore, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board is an organization established to monitor and invest the funds held by the CPP. Independent from the government, the CPPIB was incorporated in 1997 as a federal Crown corporation by an Act of Parliament. In 1999, it made its first investment whose purpose is to maximize returns without undue risk of loss. Usually, the risks associated in applying a defined-benefit pension type of plan are funding risk and insolvency risk. In the first risk, members are concerned whether the employers can fulfill their promised benefits by assuring them adequate assets in the pension fund. On the report of Financial Services Commission of Ontario 2010, there had been a n increase of underfunded plans by 79% in 2009 from 76% in 2008 out of 1,539 defined-benefit plans (cited in Davis, 2011, p. 6). The concern related on the latter risk goes on the employer's insolvency, in which the business assets of the employer would serve as the ultimate guarantee of the pension promises (Davis, 2011, p. 7). Sponsoring employers should avoid being insolvent as possibly as they

Sustainability and the built environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sustainability and the built environment - Essay Example It therefore follows that sustainable community is a community that is able to persist over generations, one that is flexible, wise enough, and foresighted enough not to compromise either its social or physical systems of support. Discussion Until mid 1980s, economic growth was the major focus as a means of alleviating the conditions of humanity; however, it came to the attention of the international community that it was useless to focus on economic development if it compromises the community’s social and natural foundations. In the terms of Siranni and Friedland 2001, this view of the international community was based on the consideration that focus on economic development that is unrestricted would continuously pollute the world’s water, soil, and air not to mention that it can decimates natural resources as well as forests, thus creating overflowing landfills and toxic wastes to our environment. The desire to have a better life and also to increase the opportunities that accrues from economic growth stimulated the interest in sustainability for purposes of preserving the environment for both the present and future generations. As Davis 2007 argues, it would be worthless after all to have a strong economy and jobs yet we do not have a planet that is habitable to them. Communities facing the same predicament around the country have echoed sustainability. It is quite evident that various communities are facing negative predicaments from the conventional approaches to development of the built environment, economic growth, and transportation planning, yet these are efforts that are meant to alleviate the communities’ quality of life and opportunities. It has been argued that if the same approach is maintained, it would degrade the present quality of life and cause devastating environmental predicaments for the next generation (Huckle 1996). The need to design a workable approach to avoid and repair such problems should therefore be prioritiz ed (Girardet 1999). Sustainable development has proved to be an approach that that can effectively be able to counter such predicaments as it is a process that is ongoing. Through sustainable communities it is indeed possible to alleviate the community wellbeing and economic development in such a way that does not compromise the environment. There are several strategies that can be employed to achieve the balance between sustainable communities as well as maintain a healthy environment. Efficiency use of the available resources is one of the essential factors of achieving sustainability. As a matter of fact, environmental impacts may be reduced significantly if the communities embark on efficiently using the available water, energy, and the available resources. As echoed by Huckle 1996, using improved techniques of manufacturing may also go a long way in reducing waste, pollution, not to mention the reduction in the cost of production. These would in turn enhance economic developmen t with minimal environmental degradation. Energy efficiency for instance can be used as a means of reducing climate change, air pollution, smog, acid rain oil spill among other harms to the environment related to the

Analysis of Medicine Availability

Analysis of Medicine Availability 4. Results 4.1 Availability of Medicine Chart 4.1 Comparative Availability of Medicine in both public and private sector along with high priced and low priced generics Chart 4.1 shows the comparative availability of the surveyed medicines in public sector facilities (mean availability in all PHCs over the period of seven months) and in private sector at the time of visit. Findings show that out of the thirty (30) medicines surveyed, three (3) medicines; diethyl carbamazine, ampicillin and human premixed insulin are neither available in public nor in private. Nine (9) medicines; ampicillin, diethyl carbamazine, Enalapril, furosemide, human premixed insulin, mannitol, methyldopa, phenobarbitone and sodium valproate were not available in public sector at any point of time. Availability of seven (7) medicines was found to be less than 50 percent; isosorbide dinitrate (40%), metaclopromide (40%), metronidazole (40%), dextrose NaCl (30%) and dexamethasone, glyceryl trinitrate and beclomethasone with 10, 10 and 1.4% respectively. Availability of twelve (12) medicines; Albendazole, amoxicillin, ascorbic acid, ibuprofen, paracetamol, ranitidine, cotrimoxazo le, atenolol (70%), gentamicin (70%), glibenclamide (70%), salbutamol (70%), vitamin B complex (80%) was more than 50% with first seven medicines available at all times (100%). In the private sector, the availability of medicines assumed either all or none except for the low priced versions of cotrimoxazole (70%) and glibenclamide (90%). Low price generics of 13 medicines; amoxicillin, ampicillin, beclomethasone, chlorpheniramine, dexamethasone dextrose NaCl, diethyl carbamazine, human premixed insulin, isosorbide dinitrate, mannitol, metaclopromide, methyldopa and phenobarbitone and both versions of 6 medicines; ampicillin, beclomethasone, chlorpheniramine, diethyl carbamazine, human premixed insulin and isosorbide dinitrate were not available in any facility. Chart 4.2 Comparative availability of medicines in public sector among all the PHCs survey for the period of seven months Chart 4.2 shows the mean availability of the surveyed medicines across all the PHCs over the period of seven months. Availability ranged from forty percent (40%) to fifty seven percent (56.67%) with the mean availability at forty eight percent (47.57%). Chart 4.3 Comparative availability of Medicines in Private Sector Chart 4.3 shows the mean availability of surveyed basket of medicines in private sector for both high price and low price versions. Availability of high price generics was found to be eighty percent (80%) and for low price it was fifty two percent (52%). 4.2 Price Differentials Chart 4.4 Price Comparison of median prices of individual drugs of both high price and low price generics Chart 4.4 cont.†¦.. Chart 4.4 shows the median prices of all the surveyed medicines in Indian rupee per unit dose of the medicine except for gentamicin, dextrose NaCl and mannitol (price of full pack is considered). Table 4.1 Ratios of median prices of high price and low price generics Table 4.1 gives the information on the ratios of median prices of high and low price versions of medicines available. Values ranged from 6.44 for atenolol to 1.02 for ranitidine. Higher the ratio, higher is the price difference between the generic versions available. Table 4.2 Median Price Ratios of high priced and low priced generics in comparison with International Reference Prices Table 4.2 shows the median, percentile, minimum, and maximum values of median price ratios in the private sector for both versions of generics. Maximum MPR for high price version was found for diclofenac (18.84) and minimum for dexamethasone (0.22). Maximum and minimum MPR in the low price version were for vitamin B complex (8.43) and glyceryl trinitrate (0.18). 4.3 Affordability Table 4.3 Affordability of treatment for certain conditions in terms of daily wages Table 4.3 shows the information on cost of treatment regimen for few conditions using the surveyed medicines. Average wage/ salary earnings (Rs. 0.00) per day received by casual labours of age 15-59 years engaged in works other than public works in urban areas of Andhra Pradesh (INR 178.34) were considered (NSS 68th round). Cost of the treatment ranged from 6 days’ wages for treating Echinococcus infection with high price generic of Albendazole to 0.24 days’ wages for treating urinary tract infection using co-trimoxazole. 4.4 Prescription Audits Chart 4.5 Comparison of drugs prescribed by branded name, generic name and from essential medicines list among all the PHCs surveyed Chart 4.5 shows the percentage of drugs prescribed by generic name and branded name and as per the essential medicines list. It was found in seven PHCs the 100 percent of drugs were prescribed as per essential medicines list and in the rest it was more than eighty five percent. It was found around seventy percent of drugs were prescribed by generic name with a maximum of ninety four percent and minimum of sixty seven percent. Table 4.4 Table 4.4 shows the maximum, minimum and mean values analyzed in the prescription audits. Maximum and minimum drugs per prescription were six and one respectively with a mean of 2.75. Maximum and minimum drugs prescribed by generic name per prescription were four and zero with a mean of 2.15. Maximum and minimum drugs prescribed by branded name per prescription were three and zero with a mean of 0.6. Maximum and minimum drugs prescribed as per EML per prescription were six and zero with a mean of 2.7.

Free College Essays - Symbolism in Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter :: Scarlet Letter essays

The Scarlet Letter  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Symbolism      Ã‚  The book The Scarlet Letter is all about symbolism.   People and objects are symbolic of events and thoughts.   Throughout the course of the book, Nathaniel Hawthorne uses Hester, Pearl, and Arthur Dimmesdale to signify Puritanic and Romantic philosophies.   Hester Prynne, through the eyes of the Puritans, is an extreme sinner; she has gone against the Puritan ways, committing adultery.   For this irrevocably harsh sin, she must wear a symbol of shame for the rest of her life.   However, the Romantic philosophies of Hawthorne put down the Puritanic beliefs.   She is a beautiful, young woman who has sinned, but is forgiven.   Hawthorne portrays Hester as "divine maternity" and she can do no wrong.   Not only Hester, but the physical scarlet letter, a Puritanical sign of disownment, is shown through the author's tone and diction as a beautiful, gold and colorful piece.   Pearl, Hester's child, is portrayed Puritanically, as a child of sin who should be treated as such, ugly, evil, and shamed.   The reader more evidently notices that Hawthorne carefully, and sometimes not subtly at all, places Pearl above the rest.   She wears colorful clothes, is extremely smart, pretty, and nice.   More often than not, she shows her intelligence and free thought, a trait of the Romantics.   One of Pearl's favorite activities is playing with flowers and trees.   (The reader will recall that anything affiliated with the forest was evil to Puritans.   To Hawthorne, however, the forest was beautiful and natural.)   "And she was gentler here [the forest] than in the grassy-margined streets of the settlement, or in her mother's cottage.   The flowers appeared to know it" (194) Pearl fit in with natural things.   Also, Pearl is always effervescent and joyous, which is definitely a negative to the Puritans.   Pearl is a virtual shouting match between the Puritanical views and the Romantic ways.   To most, but especially the Puritans, one of the most important members of a community is the religious leader; Arthur Dimmesdale is no exception.

Savage Beast

Importance of a good Elevator Pitch – While persistence and ingenuity were also important factors in getting Savage Beast's initial investment, the investor decided to invest after only ten minutes. This implies that Savage Beast had a strong elevator pitch that was both informative enough and interesting enough to hook an investor. 2. Defined roles – When everybody know what their role in the company entails, it akes for a well-oiled machine.When everybody has a Job to do and everybody is open and understanding of the Job decisions get made that are in the best interests of the company. 3. Sustainable plans – There are a lot of good ideas, but in order to be a successful company these ideas have to have long term footing. Without growth, the company will fail. For instance, if there is a music tool with a small music library, no one will invest. 4. Corporate decisions – It is important for everyone in upper management to be on the same page and to agree o n company decisions.When the ounders of a company are not in agreement the entire company suffers. In this case, I think one of them leaving was a good decision. 5. Redirection – Taking a step back and reassessing goals and options can be a huge turn around for a struggling company. There is no shame in stopping one failing strategy as long as the new strategy has purpose and direction. Section C – Discussion Questions 1 . Where exactly did Savage Beast go wrong? There was timing issues (the dot com crash), unsustainable goals, and corporate dissonance, but which were causes and which were effects?

Study on Infiltration and Soil Texture Under Banana and Maize Land Use Systems in Gatundu Catchment, Kiambu County, Kenya

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PURE AND APPLIED SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY STUDY ON INFILTRATION AND SOIL TEXTURE UNDER BANANA AND MAIZE LAND USE SYSTEMS IN GATUNDU CATCHMENT, KIAMBU COUNTY,KENYA KAKAIRE JOEL I56EA/20023/2012 ICEDUNA MARION I56EA/20021/2012 MWM714: FIELD MAPPING AND LABORATORY TECHQNIUES FIELD REPORT COURSE INSTRUCTOR: DR. MAKOKHA GEORGE TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENTS PAGES 1. 0 Introduction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 1 1. Significance of the study †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 2 1. 2 Objectives †¦Ã ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 2 1. 2. 1 Specific Objectives †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 2 2. 0 METHODS AND MATERIALS †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 3 2. INTRODUCTION†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3 2. 2 Study area †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3 2. 3 Research design†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 6 2. 4 Data collection procedures and laboratory analysis †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 6 2. 4. Soil Texture †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 6 2. 4. 2 Infiltration †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 7 3. 0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 8 3. 1 Soil Infiltration Measurements †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â ‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 8 4. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 13 5. 0 REFERENCES†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 15 APPENDIX †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 17 Appendix 1: Data sheet for Infiltration for Banana and Maize Fields †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 17 ii LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: I nfiltration Curve of Banana field †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 0 Figure 2: Cumulative Infiltration of Banana Field †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 10 Figure 3: Infiltration curve of Maize Field †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 11 Figure 4: Cumulative infiltration of Maize Field†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 11 iii LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Description of infiltration sites †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 8 Table 2.Summary of the soil texture report from the test sites †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 12 LIST OF PLATES Plate 1: Infiltration in Banana and Maize field respectively †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 7 iv v 1. 0 Introduction Water is one of the most important factors limiting the growth of plants in all Agricultural systems. In this respect, good water management is necessary in order to solve water related problems such as irrigation and erosion control. Infiltration is the process by which water arriving at the soil surface enters the soil.This process affects surface runoff, soil erosion, and groundwater recharge (Gregory et al. , 2005). The rate at which it occurs is known as infiltration rate which mainly depends on the characteristics of the soil. ( Saxton, 1986) reported that, the major soil and water characteristics affecting infiltration rates are: the initial moisture content, condition of the surface, hydraulic conductivity of the soil profile, texture, porosity, degree of swelling of soil colloids, organic matter, vegetative cover and duration of irrigation or rainfall and of these, soil texture is predominant.Therefore the measurement of water infiltration into the soil is an important indication in regard to the efficiency of irrigation and drainage, optimizing the availability of water for plants, improving the yield of crops, minimizing erosion and describing the soil permeability. Land use and land cover changes among other factors have also been reported to infuluence the infiltration rate of soil. According to (Suresh, 2008), for a given soil, the land use pattern plays a vital role in determining i ts infiltration characteristics.Different land use practices affect infiltration rates in different ways. (Taylor et al, 2009), observed that intensified land use results primarily in a change in soil structure rather than soil compaction. When land is put to certain uses, there is an accompanying change in the properties of the soil and this alters the hydrological balance of the soil. According to (Osuji, 2010) infiltration rates in tropical forests under bush fallow were found to be high compared to arable crop land. In addition, Majaliwa et al. 2010) explains that the change from natural forest cover to tea and Eucalyptus induces changes in top soil properties like exchangeable Magnesium and Calcium, available Phosphorus, soil organic matter, soil pH, and soil structure of sub soil. Furthermore, Land use/type cover influences soil organic matter evolution which is a vital indicator of soil quality and it has implications on soil properties like aggregate stability/soil structure , infiltration and aeration rates, microbial activity and nutrient release (Boye and 1Albrect, 2001). Additionally a soil’s water retention characteristic, is affected by soil organic matter (SOM) content and porosity, which are significantly influenced by land use type (Zhou et al. , 2008). Gatundu catchment is one of the catchments in Kenya which have experienced soil degradation due to conversion of natural forest to crop land mainly banana, maize and Coffee. This has been fastened by the increasing population in the catchment leaving most of the natural forest cover cleared and replaced by crop land.The result has been massive soil degradation, through loss of plant nutrients and organic matter, soil erosion, river bank degradation; build up of salinity, and damage to soil structure (Bekunda et al. , 2010). Therefore this study aims to determine the degree of relationship between infiltration rates and the land use types in two selected sites under Banana and Maize croppi ng systems in Gatundu sub catchment. 1. 1 Significance of the study The knowledge of water retention capacity and land use effects is important for efficient soil and water management.Upon conversion of natural lands to cultivated fields, water retention capacity is strongly influenced (Schwartz et al. , 2000; Bormann and Klaassen, 2008; Zhou et al. , 2008). Thus, infiltration rate is an important factor in sustainable agriculture, effective watershed management, surface runoff, and retaining water and soil resources. Properly designed and constructed infiltration facilities can be one of the most effective flow control (and water quality treatment) storm water control practices, and should be encouraged where conditions are appropriate (Ecology, 2005) 1. Objectives The objective of the study is to determine the effect of banana and Maize land use practices on water infiltration into the soil in Gatundu catchment 1. 2. 1 Specific Objectives 2 1. 2. Describe how different soil types influence water flow through the soil Compare Water movements through the soil at two different sites (Banana and Maize fields) 3. To find out how soil texture influences water infiltration into the soil 2. 0 METHODS AND MATERIALS 2. INTRODUCTION This section covers the methods and materials used in the study which include description of the study area, experimental design, field data collection procedures for soil samples and data analysis procedures; laboratory and statistical data analysis using Microsoft office package. 2. 2 Study area Gatundu district is one of the districts located in central province of Kenya at 1 ° 1†² 0†³ South, 36 ° 56†² 0†³ East; covering an area of 481. 1 km2 and borders Thika district to the East and North and Kiambu East to the South and West (Figure 5).The population density varies from 370 persons per Km2 in Chania and Mangu divisions to 636 persons per Km2 in Gatundu division on the 2008 population projections. Gatundu divisi on is the most densely populated division with 636 persons per square Km. The population over the plan period is expected to increase marginally thereby increasing demand and competition for the available resources like water and land resources (Gatundu District Development plan, 2008 -2012). 3 ` Figure 5: Map of Gatundu south Topography features of Gatundu district Gatundu district is located about 1520 m ASL at the lowest point and 2280 m ASL at the highest point.There are several permanent rivers and streams that traverse the landscape and these include Ndaruga, Thiririka, and Kahuga. All these rivers flow from the Aberdare ranges to the west and towards the southeast joining River Tana thus forming part of Tana and Athi river 4 drainage system. The train is conducive for gravity system of irrigation (Gatundu District Development plan, 2008 -2012). Terrain Gatundu district is characterized by a ragged terrain, which has had both the negative and positive impacts on the developmen t of the district.The steep slopes and valleys characteristic of the most part of the district, coupled with intensive crop cultivation render most of these areas susceptible to soil erosion making it necessary for farmers to practice terracing which is costly. The conducive environment in the district favour the cultivation of tea and coffee however, other crops like cereals, horticultural crops such as pineapple, mangoes, avocadoes and vegetables plus bananas (Gatundu District Development plan, 2008 -2012). Soils Gatundu district has soils that correspond entirely with typical Aberdare Humic Andosols and Nitosols.These Nitosols have great agricultural potential coupled with the relatively high rainfall regime in the region. Production of tea, coffee, tropical fruits and food crops such as maize, beans and potatoes are the most common sources of income to the households. The hilly terrain of the district has had profound effect on the soils, resulting into low and moderate fertilit y levels (Gatundu District Development plan, 2008 -2012). Climate The rainfall pattern is bi-modal with two distinct rainy seasons, long rains falling in March and May while short rains between October and November.The amount received varies with altitude ranging from 800 mm to 2000 mm with the highest rainfall being experienced in the tea zones. The mean temperature is 200 C with coldest months being June, July and August. The hottest months are February, March and April. Temperatures vary from 80C minimum to 300 C maximum during the year. (Gatundu District Development plan, 2008 -2012) 5 2. 3 Research design A completely randomized block design was used for the study. Two treatments were considered (Banana and Maize land uses) and the blocking was landscape position. For Each land use type, only one experiment was carried out because of time. . 4 Data collection procedures and laboratory analysis 2. 4. 1 Soil Texture Five (5) soil samples from both Banana and Maize land uses at di fferent landscape positions were collected. The sampling was done at depth of 0 -15 cm and were collected using a 50 mm diameter auger using a Random sampling Technique as explained by Haghighi et al. (2010) . The 0-15cm depth was considered because it’s the major agricultural layer and root zone for most of the crops. The five soil samples from each land use were thoroughly mixed to obtain composite soil samples which were taken to Makerere University Laboratory for Analysis.Soil texture was determined using the hydrometer method described by Bouyoucos (1962) and results presented in percentages of mineral proportions. The samples were passed through an electric shaker for 30 minutes and then the sample was treated with sodium hexametaphosphate to complex Ca++, Al3+, Fe3+, and other cations that bind clay and silt particles into aggregates. The density of the soil suspension was determined with a hydrometer which was calibrated to read in grams of solids per liter after the sand settled out and again after the silt settled. Corrections were made for the density and temperature of the dispersing solutions.The percentages of mineral fractions were calculated as below; Percent clay: % clay = corrected hydrometer reading at 6 hrs, 52 min. x 100/ wt. of sample Percent silt: % silt = corrected hydrometer reading at 40 sec. x 100/ wt. of sample – % clay Percent sand: 6 % sand = 100% – % silt – % clay Results were reported as percentages of the mineral fraction, % sand, % silt, and % clay. Soil texture was based on the USDA textural triangle. 2. 4. 2 Infiltration The infiltration rate was determined using double-ring infiltrometer as described by American Society for Testing and Materials (1994).It consists of two concentric metal rings. The rings were driven into the ground and filled with water. The outer ring helped to prevent divergent flow. The drop-in water level or volume in the inner ring was used to calculate the infiltration rate . Clock time was recorded when the test began and noted the water level on the ruler at different time intervals as seen in Appendix 1, recorded the drop in water level in the inner ring on the ruler and kept adding water to bring the level back to approximately the original level.The tests were conducted for a period of one to two hours, until the infiltration rate became constant. The infiltration rate was calculated from the rate of fall of the water level in the inner ring as seen in Appendix 1 in the tenth minutes in both the banana field and maize fields. The data was analyzed by drawing graphs of infiltration rate and cumulative infiltration. In both cases, curves were obtained. Plate 1: Infiltration in Banana and Maize field respectively 7 3. 0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 3. Soil Infiltration Measurements Soil infiltration measurements were made at 2 sites in Gatundu sub catchment (Plate 1 above). The two sites have the same soil characteristics, therefore they have been classif ied by the different land uses and land scape positions coupled by other field observations. Sites were selected based on land use, proximity to water source, site accessibility, and soil type. Table 1: Description of infiltration sites Site Location Banana Site Observed and use and field observations Site with Banana plantations, Has some mounds, some trees adjacent to the field, it’s on a higher elevation Maize Site Site with Maize, The site is close to a trench used for moving water, Its close to the road , It’s on a lower elevation Figure 1(Banana land use) and Figure 3(Maize land use) shows that the water infiltrates at a very high rate at the beginning with 1800 mm/hr and 720mm/hr respectively; because the hydraulic gradient is high and then keeps declining with time until it becomes fairly steady after the soils become saturated, which is termed as basic infiltration rate.This is also emphasized by Horton (1940) where he asserts that infiltration becomes constan t with time as the soil column reaches fully saturated conditions which occurred at 40th and 49th minute time intervals in Banana and Maize Land use Systems as seen in appendix 1. Rubin and Steinhardt (1963) also showed that the final infiltration rate reached under these conditions is equal to the vertical hydraulic conductivity of a saturated soil. 8 The steady state in Maize was attained earlier than in banana land use corresponding to 204mm/hr and 450mm/hr respectively.This can be associated to soil disturbances during ploughing and land preparation season after season for annual crops like maize compared to banana field (Perennial) which have less soil disturbances. The scenario under maize land use may lead to soil compaction as a result of continuous cultivation. This is emphasized by Pitt et al. , 2002 and 2008; Pitt et al. , (1999b) who found substantial reductions in infiltration rates due to soil compaction. The implication is that beyond the steady point (saturation poin t), if more water is applied to the soil, it results into surface water runoff.Infiltration depends upon physical and hydraulic properties of the soil moisture content, previous wetting history, structural changes in the layers and air entrapment. The basic infiltration rate of maize land use is lower than that of Banana land use system as seen in Appendix 1; this can be associated to a number of factors although not conclusive for the attained results; 1. The Initial moisture content; the study was carried out in a rainy season, therefore for saturated soils, the infiltration falls to the aturated hydraulic conductivity almost instantaneously. 2. Considering the type of land use in each of the sites; Soils under Perennials (Banana Land use) are subjected to less interferences in terms of land preparations compared to land under annuals (Maize Land use) which correlates with the obtained results of 450mm/hr and 204mm/hr respectively 3. The surrounding of the site; the Maize field is on a lower elevation and near a trench which collects water, therefore it’s possible that the soils could easily reach saturation 9 Infiltration rate mm/hr 000 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Infiltration rate,mm/hr infiltration rate mm/hr Time(minutes) Figure 1: Infiltration Curve of Banana field Cummulative infiltration cummulative infiltration,mm 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Cummulative infiltration Time,hrs Figure 2: Cumulative Infiltration of Banana Field In Banana land use, Infiltration was recorded at time intervals of 1, 5 and 10 minutes and in Maize land use it was at 3, 6 and 10 minutes time intervals (Appendix 1) 10Infiltration rate/hr 800 Infiltration rate mm/hr 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Infiltration rate/hr Time,hrs Figure 3: Infiltration curve of Maize Field Cummulative infiltration Cummulative infiltration,mm 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Cummu lative infiltration Time,hrs Figure 4: Cumulative infiltration of Maize Field 11 Table 2 below compares the infiltration rates of two sites, classified according to the texture of the soil profiles in Banana and Maize land use systems.In each set of measurements, the infiltration rate of the Banana field belonging to the sandy clay loam was much higher than Maize field belonging to clay loam because of the variation in the physical properties of the two textural classes. In the banana field, basic infiltration rate was attained at 450mm/hr which is higher than that of maize field, 204mm/hr and this explains the relationship between soil texture, structure and infiltration which was obtained in our results where the Banana field with sandy clay loams having larger pores allowed in more water to infiltrate compared to clay loam with relatively smaller pores.From our results, The banana field reached saturation earlier (40th minute) than the Maize field (49th minute) which deviates fro m the assumption that the field at lower elevation reaches saturation earlier than the other on the higher elevation, and this case the maize field was on a lower elevation. As it is not possible to vary soil texture independently of other characteristics it is not inferred that the infiltration rates are caused by texture.Table 2 Summary of the soil texture report from the test sites Sample Percentage % Sand Banana Field Maize Field 50 40 Silt 26 26 Clay 24 34 Sand clay loam Clay loam Textural Class 12 4. 0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Generally from the findings, the two sites registered high basic infiltration rates with banana and maize land use having 405mm/hr and 204mm/hr respectively. The two sites as well reached saturation easily because of the amount of water that was held within the soil because of the rainy season.Several factors influenced the test; measuring rapidly changing water levels was difficult especially for one minute time intervals and therefore subject to i naccuracy and the local site features, challenges in elevation and the soils being too soft which kept altering the position of the ruler and varying the depth thus may have affected individual test results. Therefore the study required more data collection and time to be able to sample many sites at different time intervals. For this study, tests were conducted during a rainy period in December, 2012, where the water table was expected to be above most soil layers.However, Infiltration is a key parameter in Watershed management therefore Properly designed and constructed infiltration facilities can be one of the most effective flow control (and water quality treatment) , and should be encouraged where conditions are appropriate (Ecology, 2005). Additionally infiltration separates water into two major components surface runoff and subsurface recharge, therefore assessment and Evaluation of runoff risk has assumed an increased importance because of concerns about associated pollution hazards in which pollutants are likely to be transferred from soil to rivers and lakes.The speed of irrigation of fields is based on infiltration tests and data; in surface irrigation, infiltration changes dramatically throughout the irrigation season. The water movements alter the surface structure and geometry which in turn affect infiltration rates; therefore accurate determination of infiltration rates is essential for reliable prediction of surface runoff. As environmental impact assessments are concerned with long-term effects, it is essential that the 13 infiltration data on which they are based should be reasonably stable. For planning purposes it is essential to know the stability of infiltration data. 4 5. 0 REFERENCES American Society for Testing and Materials, 1994, Standard test method for infiltration rate of soils in field using double-ring infiltrometer: ASTM Publication D-3385-94, 7 p. Bouyoucos, G. J. 1962. Hydrometer method improved for making particle size analy sis of soils. Agron. J. 54:464-465. Ecology (2005) Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington; Olympia, WA. Washington State Department of Ecology Water Quality Program. Publication Numbers 05-10-029 through 05-10-033. http://www. ecy. wa. gov/pubs/0510029. pdf Gregory, J. H. , Dukes, M. D. , Miller, G. L. , and Jones P.H. (2005) Analysis of double-ring infiltration techniques and development of a simple automatic water delivery system. Applied Turfgrass Science. Haghighi. F. , & Gorjiz, M. & Shorafa M. (2010). Effects of Land Use Change on Important Soil Properties. Land Degrad. Develop. 21, 496–502. Horton, R. E. , 1940, An approach towards a physical interpretation of infiltration capacity: Soils Science Society of America Proceedings, v. 5, p. 399-417. Osuji, G. E,Okon M. A; Chukwuma and Nwaire (2010): Infiltration characteristics of soils under selected landuse practices in Oweri, Southern Nigeria.World journal of Agricultural Sciences 6(3): 322 – 326 Pit t, R. ; J. Lantrip; R. Harrison; C. Henry, and D. Hue (1999b) Infiltration through Disturbed Urban Soils and Compost-Amended Soil Effects on Runoff Quality and Quantity; EPA 600-R-00-016. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. National Risk Management Research Laboratory. Office of Research and Development. Cincinnati, OH: 231 pp. Pitt, R; Chen, S. -E; Clark, S. E (2002) Compacted Urban Soils Effects on Infiltration and Bioretention Stormwater Control Designs; Proc. , 9th Int. Conf. on Urban Drainage (9ICUD).Portland, Oregon. Pitt, R; Chen, S-E; Clark, S; Swenson, J. , and Ong, C. K (2008) Compaction’s Impacts on Urban Storm-Water Infiltration; J. Irrig. and Drain. Engrg. , 134(5), 652-658. Rubin, J. , and Steinhardt, R. , 1963, Soils water relations during rain infiltration; Part I–Theory: Soils Science Society of America Proceedings, v. 27, p. 246-251 Saxton, K. E. , W. L. Rawls, J. S. Rosenberger and R. I Papendick, 1986. Estimating generalized soil water characteri stics from texture. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. J. , 50: 1031-1036 15 Schwartz, R. C. , Unger, P. W. Evett S. R. , 2000. â€Å"Land use effects on soil hydraulicproperties. † Suresh, D. (2008). Land and Water Management Principles: New Delhi, Shansi Publishers Taylor, M. , M. Mulholland and D. Thornburrow,2009. Infiltration Characteristics of Soils Under forestry and Agriculture in the Upper Waikato Catchment. Report: TR/18 http:// www. ew. govt. nz/publications/ Technical-Reports/ TR-200918/ Zhou, X. , Lin, H. S. , White, E. A. , 2008. â€Å"Surface soil hydraulic properties in four soil series under different land uses and their temporal changes. † Catena. 73, 180-188. 16APPENDIX Appendix 1: Data sheet for Infiltration for Banana and Maize Fields Banana Field Time Reading clock on difference, Cumulative min time, min Infiltration Water Level, Infiltration, Infiltratio rate cm cm n, mm mm/min Infiltration rate mm/hr Cumulative infiltration, mm 12:32 12:33 12:34 12:35 12:36 1 2:37 12:42 12:47 12:52 12:57 13:02 13:07 1 1 1 1 1 5 5 5 5 5 10 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 20 25 30 40 12. 0 13. 5 13. 8 14. 0 14. 3 9. 4 12. 8 11. 0 12. 0 12. 7 9. 8 15. 0 15. 0 15. 0 15. 0 15. 0 15. 0 15. 0 15. 0 17. 0 17. 3 17. 3 17. 5 3. 0 1. 5 1. 2 1. 0 0. 7 5. 6 2. 2 4. 0 5. 0 4. 6 7. 5 17 30 15 12 10 7 56 22 40 50 46 75

The effects of Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women The WritePass Journal

The effects of Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women 1. INTRODUCTION The effects of Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women ).   This shall be considered by undertaking an empirical study into whether or not 10 micrograms of Vitamin D should be taken by women during pregnancy. 2. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY This study shall be completed by undertaking an empirical study.   This will seek to ascertain if pregnant patients that take the recommended dosage of 10 micrograms attain the benefits, which are stated by the National Health Service (NHS, 2013).   This could help to identify if the recent research, which has been published by the University of Bristol and the University of East Anglia, is correct.   The ‘Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) which is also known as Children of the 90s is a long-term health research project.   More than 14,000 mothers enrolled during pregnancy in 1991 and 1992, and the health and development of their children has been followed in great detail ever since ‘ (ALSPAC, 2013). 3. PROBLEM STATEMENT During pregnancy, many women have been told by medical practitioners that they should take the recommended dosage of 10 micrograms of Vitamin D to ensure that their unborn chid develops strong bones and does not develop rickets (NHS, 2013).   However, results from the ALSPAC longitudinal study shows that the benefits from taking Vitamin D at the recommended dosage of 10 micrograms during pregnancy may not be so beneficial (Lawlor, Wills and Fraser, 2013).   This research seeks to ascertain if these claims are correct and whether or not the recommended dosage of Vitamin D needs to be changed for pregnant women. 4. RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES In conjunction with the problem statement above, the following aims have been formulated: To use available and relevant data, to investigate whether the recommended dosage of 10 micrograms for pregnant women is correct To use the findings from the above aim to make recommendations for how the dosage needs to be altered for pregnant women. Additionally, the following objectives have been developed: To evaluate how a dosage of 10 micrograms of Vitamin D benefits pregnant women. To evaluate how changing the dosage of Vitamin D benefits pregnant women. To make recommendations for the appropriate dosage of Vitamin D which should be taken by pregnant women? 5. PROPOSAL STRUCTURE The proposed outline of the dissertation is described in the next section. 6.LITERATURE REVIEW To date, in the United Kingdom the National Health Service has recommended that the effects of a 10 microgram dose of vitamin D is essential to ensure that unborn children develop healthy bones. This is also supported by evidence in the existing academic literature (see as an example: Dror, 2013; Kovacs, 2008; Stephenson, 2006).   Therefore, medical practitioners have advised all pregnant women that this is how what they should take during pregnancy (Bui Christin-Maitre, 2011; NHS, 2013).   However, recent research, which was published in March 2013, has contradicted this information (ALSPAC, 2013: Lawlor, Wills and Fraser, 2013).  Ã‚   These findings need to be explored further as many other research studies have not reached these conclusions.   Therefore, to seek to ensure that the correct advice is given to women who are pregnant, it is important that this study is undertaken. 6.1. RESEARCH QUESTIONS In line with the findings from the literature review above, provisionally, the following research questions have been developed. How does a dosage of 10 micrograms of Vitamin D benefits pregnant women How does changing the dosage of Vitamin D benefit pregnant women? What is the appropriate dosage of Vitamin D, which should be taken by pregnant women? 6.2. METHODOLOGY This study shall be based on a number of patient records, which shall be chosen at random.   In examining the records, it is hoped that a comparison between these pregnant women that took a 10-microgram dosage, those that took other amounts and those that took nothing may be compared.   Form here it will be possible to seek to understand how much Vitamin D pregnant women should be taking during their pregnancy so that new recommendations may be made if necessary. 6.3. RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY The research philosophy, which has been adopted for this study is positivism.   This will allow the empirical investigation to be undertaken and it will be derived from a critical and objective based method (Sundars, 2003). 6.4. RESEARCH APPROACH The research approach, which has chosen for this study is quantitative in nature, as it will be based on a review of existing patient records and undertaking statistical analyses. This will allow the researcher to explore the problem, which was outlined above and to see if any new recommendations should be made to pregnant women. 6.5. RESEARCH STRATEGY The research strategy, which has been chosen for this study is a review of existing patient records.   Therefore, a documentation review shall be undertaken. 6.6. DATA COLLECTION The review of patient records shall be undertaken by contacting medical practitioners and patients to seek to attain permission to their records, once this has been achieved, a number of records shall be chosen at random these shall be used to collect information to investigate the research problem. 6.7. DATA ANALYSIS All analyses shall be based on the patient records, which are used during the data collection phase of this study.   Statistical tools such as, SPSS shall be utilised to undertake analyses of the results from these patient records. 6.8. ACCESS Access to this these records shall be established by contacting medical practitioners and patients, to identify patients who have been pregnant who are willing to take part in tis research. 6.9. RELIABILITY, VALIDITY, AND GENERALISABILITY The findings from this study should be reliable and repeatable, as patient records shall be chosen at random and empirically analysed.   This will ensure that the parameters of the study are net and that the results can be generalised to wider populaces. 6.10. ETHICAL ISSUES Issues such as, patient confidentiality and privacy shall be considered during the design and implementation of this research to seek to ensure that all participants’ details remain confidential and that they are all fully aware of the nature of the research and why it is being conducted. 6.11. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS As this research is based on secondary sources, the data, which is available, may limit the findings.   However, if this is the case then the parameters of the study shall be re-examined to seek to ensure that these limitations are minimised where possible. 7 CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study shall be undertaken by seeking to identify and critically evaluate a number of patient records.   This will enable the researcher to understand how much vitamin D pregnant women should take to help to ensure that their unborn child has healthy bones. Then a number of recommendations may be made where this is appropriate. 8 TIME CHART Tasks Task Lead Start End Literature Review Researcher 01/08/2013 29/01/2013 Write Up Results Researcher 29/08/2013 30/09/2013 Write Methodology Researcher 21/09/2013 21/10/2013 Contact Subjects Researcher 21/10/2013 21/01/2014 Collate Data Researcher 21/01/2014 21/10/2014 Examine Data Researcher 21/10/2014 21/12/2014 Write up results Researcher 21/12/2014 21/02/2015 Write discussion Researcher 21/02/2015 21/04/2015 Write conclusions Researcher 21/04/2015 21/08/2015 REFERENCES ALSPAC (2013). Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.   Available from bristol.ac.uk/alspac/ (Accessed 01/08/2013) Bui, T., Christin-Maitre, S. (2011, October). Vitamin D and pregnancy]. In Annales dendocrinologie (Vol. 72, p. S23). Dror, D. (2013). Vitamin D in pregnancy. In Handbook of vitamin D in human health (pp. 670-691). Wageningen Academic Publishers. Kovacs, C. S. (2008). Vitamin D in pregnancy and lactation: maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes from human and animal studies. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 88(2), 520S-528S. Lawlor DA, Wills AK, Fraser A, (2013) Association of maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy with bone-mineral content in offspring: a prospective cohort study. The Lancet. Published online March 19 2013. NHS (2013) Doubt cast on the benefit of Vitamin D during Pregnancy.   Available from nhs.uk/news/2013/03March/Pages/doubt-cast-on-benefit-of-vitamin-D-in-pregnancy.aspx Accessed (01/08/2013) NICE (2013) Vitamin D and pregnancy. Available from nice.org.uk Accessed 01/08/2013 Saunders, M. (2003) Research Methods for Business Students.   South Africa: Pearson Education. Stephenson, J. (2006). Vitamin D and Pregnancy. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 295(7), 748-748.

The treatment of male comradeship in Henry V and The Rover Essay Example

The treatment of male comradeship in Henry V and The Rover Essay Example The treatment of male comradeship in Henry V and The Rover Essay The treatment of male comradeship in Henry V and The Rover Essay Essay Topic: Literature Comradeship is a familiarity or sociability (typically between men) with a person who shares ones interests and activities including political persuasion. In this assignment I shall examine the treatment of male comradeship in relation to William Shakespeares Henry V and The Rover written by Aphra Behn, with comparative analysis of the two texts. Henry V was written during the Renaissance period against a backdrop of the military campaign against the Irish. Through his portrayal of Henry as a victorious King, Shakespeare not only appealed to the audiences national patriotism but appeased the existing monarch Elizabeth I. This epic historical play provides an ironic insight into the price of being King through a contrast of Henrys misspent youth: riots, banquets and sports (Penguin p63) and his new world as court politician, military leader and upholder of Christian values. The opening scene provides the plays first example of comradeship. It begins mid-conversation between the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of Ely. Shakespeare uses this device to stimulate the audiences interest, as they become party to a private conversation. His use of religious leaders would have created an initial sense of trust in the action and messages conveyed. However, as the scene unfolds, their shared conspiracy, encouraging Henry to war with France in order to shift focus from a law expropriating church property would have been considered shocking. Act II.1 to II.3 presents a fascinating juxtaposition of comradeship. In II.1 we are reintroduced to Prince Hals unlettered, rude and shallow (Penguin p63) friends. Unsurprisingly the scene opens with Pistol and Nym exchanging strong insults and drawing swords. There is no regard for friendship. Only after Bandolph intercedes does Pistol relent And friendship shall combine, and brotherhood (Penguin p80). However, even this truce lacks sincerity as Pistols underlying motive is to have his friends accompany him to France. News of Falstaffs ill health is also reported in which Nym cites the King as the cause and Pistol comments that Henry has broken Falstaffs heart. Here Shakespeare reminds reader and audience that comradeship can be superficial both amongst common men and indeed royalty. The following scene depicts the comradeship of Scroop, Cambridge and Grey, in their shared treachery toward the King. Shakespeare heightens their falsehood through using language displaying excessive loyalty. Scroops speech no service shall with steeled sinews toil (Penguin p82) and its alliteration of the letter s, which would have signified feelings of mistrust to the audience. Henry then delivers a long rhetorical and emotional speech. His anguish at Scroops betrayal, the friend who knewst the very bottom of my soul (Penguin p84), coupled with the length, use of language and symbolism clearly signifies the importance Henry places on loyalty, friendship and Christian morality, which he finds lacking in the traitors. Act II.3 reports the news of Falstaffs death. The genuine feelings of grief shared by Pistol, Nym and Bandolph are soon replaced by a mutual plan to go to France, not to fight for Henry and England but like horse-leeches (Penguin p89), to pillage the dead. In this sense the comradeship that exists represents to the audience, an honour amongst thieves. Shakespeare deliberately clusters the scenes of Henry distancing himself from his boyhood friendships and his treatment of the conspirators to build an image of Henry the King, strong, ruthless but just. Even as a King-in-waiting, Henry knew that a time would come when he would cast-off his companions in order to show himself worthy of the crown (Henry IV: Part 1, I.2). Later in the play (Act III.7) we see the final vestige of his past alliances in his decision to hang Bandolph for theft. All previous bonds of friendship are now severed in place of unfeeling authority. Act III.1 recounts Henrys military attack on Harfluer. His rallying cry Once more unto the breach dear friends, once more (Penguin p96) is synonymous to a trumpet call. The reference to dear friends signifies to the audience that Henry considers himself, his nobles and troops to be comrades-in-arms. Moreover this powerful and dramatic speech incorporates imagery and metaphor action of the tiger (Penguin p96), under a premise of honour and victory, before finally culminating in the climatic words Cry, God for Harry, England, and Saint George!,(Penguin p96). In speaking directly to his men they believe he is taking a personal interest in them. He appeals to their nationalism and in turn expects their support. In Act IV.I Henry dons a disguise and roams amongst his troops at night in order (similar to Germanicus, Penguin p13) to test their morale. His argument with Court, Bates and Williams is telling as despite of his speech at Harfluer Henrys soldiers question the Kings fears and honour. Here again Shakespeare creates a sense of comradeship through the Kings use of prose, the language of the troops and the common man in trying to answer their questions. At Agincourt (Act IV.3), Henry turns Westmorlands despair to his advantage, stirring his men into battle with the infamous and passionate rhetorical alliterative speech of power, honour, courage and fellowship We few, we happy few, we band of brothers (Penguin p134). Shakespeares specific image of the King as one with his men again evokes the same effect as Harfluer in lifting the troops morale, they believe honour awaits them. The audience would undoubtedly appreciate Henrys emotional patriotic speech which is still revered today. Aphra Behns The Rover, written during the Restoration period depicts a post-puritan backlash apparent through its rudeness and crudity. Moreover, The Rover, is more focussed on a carnival celebration of wine, women and frivolity than Shakespeares celebration of national patriotism, war and military victory. Assessment however of male comradeship within this play will take into consideration examples which both exist and are absent in Henry V. Act I.2 takes place in Naples and introduces Colonel Belvile and Fredrick (soldiers of fortune), their friend Ned Blunt and Willmore (The Rover). Willmore initially seeks to create through his bravado a sense of camaraderie between the men, Love and mirth are my business in Naples (Apl p270). The subsequent street performance reiterates this masculine environment and point of view, with the women dressed as courtesans offering their bodies for sale. Act I.2 introduces the concept of money and status against comradeship. Belvile and Fredricks apparent friendship with Blunt masks a political resentment and contempt of him not being a cavalier and his upbringing. The cavaliers having lost their estates, money and status, are now using Blunt to support them. Behind his back Belvile says hes our banker (Apl p274). Indeed money is reiterated once more as the four men discuss about a prized courtesan, Angelica. Although they have different opinions of prostitution in moral terms, ultimately they share a common desire and a generic masculine identity in their fascination with sexuality, price and a woman as a commodity. Following Willmores conquest of Angelica in Act III.1, the men stereotypically converge to discuss his exploits over a drink. Within Act III.6 we see the duplicity of male comradeship. Wilmore having attempted to rape Belviles love Florinda, uses alcohol and mistaken-identity as an excuse for his behaviour, Fredrick begs forgiveness on behalf of Willmore, which is reminiscent of Pistols defence of Bandolph. Initially Belvile losing his patience says Draw or Ill kill you (Apl p295), however later in the scene he rushes to Willmores defence saying Pray heaven the rogue is safe (Apl p296). This might indicate to the reader that honour amongst men supersedes Belviles loyalty to Florinda. Unfortunately, his honour is misplaced, Willmore escapes and Belvile is arrested. This contrast between the two male protagonists: one honest and upright whilst the other an extravagant rake (Apl p161), interestingly mirrors the change we witness in Henrys progression from Prince to King. Act IV.1 opens with Belviles soliloquy regarding recent events and his imminent death at the hands of Antonio. This speech echoes in part Henrys soliloquy on the eve of Agincourt in its angst and introspection. Belviles language alters as his captor Antonio enters the scene, as he recognises the man-seems of quality (Apl p297). This dual identity of Belviles public and private faces is again reminiscent of Henry V. In the subsequent discussion there appears to be a mutual respect and appreciation of a gentlemans code of honour. This representation of comradeship is superficial as Antonio only releases Belvile from his custody on the understanding that he will represent him at a duel. This scene shows that although masculine codes of honour are an external sign of social conduct they are open to corruption and misrepresentation. Indeed in Act IV.2 we witness Hellena donning a male disguise in order to gain respect and manipulate Angelica into releasing Willmore. Similarly Henry V also disguises himself in order to walk and talk freely amongst his troops. Following the foiled rape attempt in Act III.6, Florinda later escapes a similar fate at the hands of Blunt and Fredrick in Act IV.5. In this following scene however the men (now including Willmore, Belvile and Pedro) believing the woman locked in the adjoining room to be a prostitute (Florinda), decide to draw lots (swords). The male characters are thus involved in a contest of masculine power (symbolised through the sword as phallus) in which rape of the woman is the prize. This perceived show of male unity and propensity for violence presented by Behn is shocking and is similarly mirrored by Henry V who takes Katherine the King of Frances daughter as a trophy/spoil of war. In conclusion both Henry V and The Rover present varying degrees of male comradeship. What is apparent in both plays is the contrast between the public and private appearance of male characters who adjust their behaviour and alliances to suit their own needs, sometimes with shocking outcomes. Aphra Behns play demonstrates that honour, friendship and decency can be disregarded within a single moment without remorse, in times of peace. Whilst in contrast within Henry V these codes are for all intensive purposes upheld in the interest of the common good.

Biography of Frederick I Barbarossa, Holy Roman Emperor

Biography of Frederick I Barbarossa, Holy Roman Emperor Fast Facts: Frederick I (Barbarossa) Known For: Holy Roman Emperor and Warrior KingAlso Known As: Frederick Hohenstaufen, Frederick Barbarossa, Emperor Frederick I of the Holy Roman Empire  Born: Exact date unknown; circa 1123, birthplace thought to be SwabiaParents:  Frederick II, Duke of Swabia, Judith, the daughter of Henry IX, Duke of Bavaria, known also as Henry the Black.  Died: June 10, 1190 near Saleph  River,  Cilician ArmeniaSpouse(s): Adelheid of Vohburg, Beatrice I, Countess of BurgundyChildren: Beatrice, Frederick V, Duke of Swabia, Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor,  Conrad, later renamed  Frederick VI, Duke of Swabia, Gisela, Otto I, Count of Burgundy, Conrad II, Duke of Swabia  and Rothenburg, Renaud, William, Philip of Swabia, AgnesNotable Quote: It is not for the people to give laws to the prince, but to obey his mandate. (attributed) Early Life Frederick I Barbarossa was born in 1122 to Frederick II, Duke of Swabia, and his wife Judith. Barbarossas parents were members of the Hohenstaufen dynasty and House of Welf, respectively. This provided him with strong family and dynastic ties that would aid him later in life. At the age of 25, he became the Duke of Swabia following his fathers death. Later that year, he accompanied his uncle Conrad III, King of Germany, on the Second Crusade. Though the crusade was a tremendous failure, Barbarossa acquitted himself well and earned the respect and trust of his uncle. King of Germany Returning to Germany in 1149, Barbarossa remained close to Conrad and in 1152, he was summoned by the king as he lay on his deathbed. As Conrad neared death, he presented Barbarossa with the Imperial seal and stated that the 30-year-old duke should succeed him as king. This conversation was witnessed by the Prince-Bishop of Bamberg, who later stated that Conrad was in full possession of his mental powers when he named Barbarossa his successor. Moving quickly, Barbarossa garnered the support of the prince-electors and was named king on March 4, 1152. As Conrads 6-year-old son had been prevented from taking his fathers place, Barbarossa named him Duke of Swabia. Ascending to the throne, Barbarossa wished to restore Germany and the Holy Roman Empire to the glory it had achieved under Charlemagne. Traveling through Germany, Barbarossa met with the local princes and worked to end the sectional strife. Using an even hand, he united the princes interests while gently reasserting the power of the king. Though Barbarossa was King of Germany, he had not yet been crowned Holy Roman Emperor by the pope. Marching to Italy In 1153, there was a general feeling of dissatisfaction with the papal administration of the Church in Germany. Moving south with his army, Barbarossa sought to calm these tensions and concluded the Treaty of Constance with Pope Adrian IV in March 1153. By the terms of the treaty, Barbarossa agreed to aid the pope in fighting his Norman enemies in Italy in exchange for being crowned Holy Roman Emperor. After suppressing a commune led by Arnold of Brescia, Barbarossa was crowned by the Pope on June 18, 1155. Returning home that fall, Barbarossa encountered renewed bickering among the German princes. To calm affairs in Germany, Barbarossa gave the Duchy of Bavaria to his younger cousin Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony. On June 9, 1156, at Wà ¼rzburg, Barbarossa married Beatrice of Burgundy. Next, he intervened in a Danish civil war between Sweyn III and Valdemar I the following year. In June 1158, Barbarossa prepared a large expedition to Italy. In the years since he was crowned, a growing rift had opened between the emperor and the pope. While Barbarossa believed that the pope should be subject to the emperor, Adrian, at the Diet of Besanà §on, claimed the opposite. Marching into Italy, Barbarossa sought to reassert his imperial sovereignty. Sweeping through the northern part of the country, he conquered city after city and occupied Milan on September 7, 1158. As tensions grew, Adrian considered excommunicating the emperor; he died before taking any action. In September 1159, Pope Alexander III was elected and immediately moved to claim papal supremacy over the empire. In response to Alexanders actions and his excommunication, Barbarossa began supporting a series of antipopes beginning with Victor IV. Traveling back to Germany in late 1162, to quell unrest caused by Henry the Lion, he returned to Italy the following year with the goal of conquering Sicily. These plans quickly changed when he was required to suppress uprisings in northern Italy. In 1166, Barbarossa attacked toward Rome at won a decisive victory at the Battle of Monte Porzio. His success proved short-lived, however, as disease ravaged his army and he was forced to retreat back to Germany. Remaining in his realm for six years, he worked to improve diplomatic relations with England, France, and the Byzantine Empire. Lombard League During this time, several of the German clergy had taken up the cause of Pope Alexander. Despite this unrest at home, Barbarossa again formed a large army and crossed the mountains into Italy. Here, he met the united forces of the Lombard League, an alliance of northern Italian cities fighting in support of the pope. After winning several victories, Barbarossa requested that Henry the Lion join him with reinforcements. Hoping to increase his power through the possible defeat of his uncle, Henry refused to come south. On May 29, 1176, Barbarossa and a detachment of his army were badly defeated at Legnano, with the emperor believed killed in the fighting. With his hold over Lombardy broken, Barbarossa made peace with Alexander at Venice on July 24, 1177. Recognizing Alexander as pope, his excommunication was lifted and he was reinstated into the Church. With peace declared, the emperor and his army marched north. Arriving in Germany, Barbarossa found Henry the Lion in open rebellion of his authority. Invading Saxony and Bavaria, Barbarossa captured Henrys lands and forced him into exile. Third Crusade Though Barbarossa had reconciled with the pope, he continued to take actions to strengthen his position in Italy. In 1183, he signed a treaty with the Lombard League, separating them from the pope. Also, his son Henry married Constance, the Norman princess of Sicily, and was proclaimed King of Italy in 1186. While these maneuvers led to increased tension with Rome, it did not prevent Barbarossa answering the call for the Third Crusade in 1189. Death Working in conjunction with Richard I of England and Philip II of France, Barbarossa formed an immense army with the goal of retaking Jerusalem from Saladin. While the English and French kings traveled by sea to the Holy Land with their forces, Barbarossas army was too large and was forced to march overland. Moving through Hungary, Serbia, and the Byzantine Empire, they crossed the Bosporus into Anatolia. After fighting two battles, they arrived at the Saleph River in southeast Anatolia. While stories vary, it is known that Barbarossa died on June 10, 1190, while jumping into or crossing the river. His death led to chaos within the army and only a small fraction of the original force, led by his son Frederick VI of Swabia, reached Acre. Legacy Over the centuries following his death, Barbarossa became a symbol for German unity. During the 14th century, there was a belief that he would rise from the imperial castle of Kyffhuser. During World War II, the Germans launched a massive attack against Russia, which they dubbed Operation Barbarossa in honor of the medieval emperor.

Auditing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Auditing - Essay Example As the financial statements are the representation of management, it becomes very important to maintain the reliability and authenticity of these statements in order to avoid fraudulent activities in their preparation. The auditors have the responsibility of expressing their views related to the maintenance of fairness by the management. They are authorized with the responsibility of assessing the financial statements for testing the fairness and transparency of the information available in those statements. They collect evidences for assuring the fact that figures which are mentioned in the information does not involve material misstatement. The credibility of the financial statements is increased through the audit process conducted by the auditors. The report provided by the auditors has high influence on the decision making of bankers, creditors, investors or other stakeholders. Issues affecting the credibility of auditors and increasing the need of their rotation The present econ omy is struggling to recover from the turbulent period that is filled with various corporate scandals and also lacks investor confidence. Nowadays, greater emphasis is laid on the improvement of transparency, credibility, accountability and trust related to the information available in the financial statements. ... The major question which arises is that whether these types of activities affect the real performance of the auditors. In reality, it actually affects the auditor’s performances and reduces the accuracy or authenticity of the information available in their reports (Cooper and Neu, 2006). The auditors change the figures in the financial statements for earning high incentives. This has turned out to be one of the most highlighted issues that require immediate attention. Real evidences of material misstatements increasing the need of rotation of the auditors 1. In 2003, HealthSouth Corporation was accused by SEC for violating the civil law (Turner and The Staff of Vault, 2005). According to SEC, the chairman of the company Mr. Richard M. Scrushy has inflated the actual earnings of the company by an amount of $1.4 billion by 1999. SEC states that this fraudulent activity has been done in order to satisfy Wall Street’s demands and expectations. HealthSouth Corporation has ma nipulated the actual figures in the financial statement for satisfying its stakeholders by hiding the real performance. Scrushy along with Don Siegleman (the previous Alabama Governor) have been accused for a series of activities, such as racketeering, bribery, laundering and various other illegal activities. There were other executives involved in the criminal activity of displaying fake company earnings in the financial statement in order to increase its reputation. SEC has reported after detailed analysis that the real earnings of HealthSouth Corporation fell short of Wall Street analyst’s expectations. Thus, the ultimate solution found by Scrushy and his team was fixing the difference amount by overstating the profit figure. Frieswick (2003) argued that there were

International Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

International Relations - Essay Example After the death of Muhammad the Muslims named their leaders Caliphs. Caliph means the deputy messenger of Allah. Between 632 to 750 A. D, the Muslims had conquered of the known world. They controlled North Africa to India and western China. They reached into Europe to Spain and France. During the dark ages in Europe, Islam claimed many first in medicine. For example, they first time uses anesthesia in surgery. (Vertovec, and Peach, 1997, 44) In the same way, the Muslims introduced cauterization of wounds for the first time. Besides this, the Muslims discovered first among others that epidemics are caused by contagion through touch and air. As far as health services are concerned, there are also traces that prove that first ambulatory hospitals were introduced by the Muslims. These hospitals were carried on camel's backs. First time, the Muslims introduced prescription, and thus the separation of pharmacology from medicine. Islam is growing very fast in all five continents. There are over 1.2 billion Muslims today. They represent 22% of the world's population. And Christianity is 33% of the population in the world, at the rate that Islam is growing is expected to become the most popular religion in the globe in 2023. Islam is growing at the rate of 2.9% per year. (Al Sayyad, et. al. 2002, 56) Islam has multidimensional effects on Europe which changed Europe in all respects. The gigantic change was introduced in Spain while the Muslims were ruling this part of Europe. (Rath, and Buijs, 2003, 66) It remained the pioneer for all types of changes in Europe. Socially, Muslims have had a profound affect on Europe. The Muslims brought with them much of their lifestyle, such as their art. They resurrected mosques and unique types of architecture two these two continents. The most noticeable architectural influence was the introduction of the dome, pillar, and minaret. Furthermore, Muslims influenced African and European art through their geometric designs. Islam believe s that depicting human figures in art is idolatrous, so they only used geometric designs. (Haddad, 2002, 13) Thus, they changed the traditional art forms to their new modern ones. Additionally, Islam also changed the daily life of Europeans. Men could now have four wives at any given time instead of just one. New laws were also created about marriage and several other issues. For example, divorces had several set regulations on the ability to remarry. Women would have to wait several months after the divorce in order to relax and determine the paternity of the child if a pregnancy were involved. Finally, the social scale was destroyed as a result of the incorporation of Islam into one's daily life, for the Koran preaches that everyone is of the same value and status level. The Koran also improved the economy and way of thought, for everyone gave to the poor and thus prevented a depression. Muslims has also influenced European scientific thought and knowledge. First of all, the Musli ms made great strides in astronomy. They created the astrolabe, which measured distances and determined the circumference of the earth. They also invented the sextant, which allowed one to navigate and determine their precise location just by looking at the stars. (Hiro, 1989, 209) Furthermore, mathematically, Muslims introduced geometry and algebra. This tremendously increased mathematical thought, for problems were now easy to solve using the newfound knowledge. Intriguingly, they also

Ethics Should hospitality and tourism companies always demonstrate Essay

Ethics Should hospitality and tourism companies always demonstrate corporate social responsibility Discuss the costs and benefits of such an approach - Essay Example The area of social responsibility extends not to the society in general but it is now focused on the workers, the investors, customers, and suppliers. Corporate social responsibility or CSR is an industry in itself. Over the past decade, this has grown exponentially. The employee volunteering has now emerged as the CSR. Companies like Accenture and Whitbread term this as Corporate Citizenship (Carrington, 2005) where they take up working with the sick children and the local schools. Most of the staff gets involved in some voluntary service or donation. The tourism and hospitality companies bring about a transformation in the area they operate but all of the changes may not be desirable. They need to maintain ethics and discharge social responsibility but the question remains whether they should always demonstrate corporate social responsibility. Today ethics determine the success of an organization. Demands of the shareholders, stakeholders and investors are forcing industries to maintain a high morality in how companies conduct business. Any deviation can adversely affect the brand image, customer retention, and overall business. A certain group of investors in Europe have decided to invest only in companies who are conscious of their social responsibility. Post (2000) contends that an organization’s global corporate citizenship is shaped by internal and external factors. How a company deals with past public issues, stakeholder issues and community concerns determines the employees’ perception of the importance of citizenship matters. Many are of the opinion that since the goal of the public corporation is to maximize shareholder wealth, management should take any action necessary to achieve this goal so long as no law is violated. The rationale for ethics in business stems from the fact that when corporations collapse the society in general loses – the shareholders lose, the customers, the employees, the community, the creditors, the family

Evaluation of Three Different Types of Spectroscopy Lab Report

Evaluation of Three Different Types of Spectroscopy - Lab Report Example The sample is then heated via flame, plasma or electricity; this causes desolvation, liquefaction, vaporization and finally atomization (Sagi & Rathnam, 2013). Components include; a) The light source which is usually a hollow cathode lamp. Atoms of different elements absorb specific wavelengths of light therefore in order to analyse a sample for a specific element, the light source used must correspond to the wavelength of that element. b) A compartment in which samples are atomised via (flame, graphite furnace, MHS cell, FIAS cell, FIMS cell). c) A monochromator that disperses the light. d) A detector, which measures the light intensity and amplifies the Signal. e) A display that shows the reading. AAS has various uses such as analysis of bodily fluids like blood and urine for heavy metal poisoning and monitoring of the environment by measuring levels of certain elements in lakes, food like fish and the air (Karabegov, 2011). Fluorescence is a photon emission process. Absorption of light by some molecules causes movement of electrons from the ground state to an excited state. This excited molecule will return to a lower energy level by dispersing part of its energy. It will then return to the ground state by emission of a photon (fluorescence). As a result of this loss of energy, stokes shift is observed. Stokes shift is when there is a difference in wavelength of the absorption and emission spectra (Ge, et al., 2010) Only molecules containing a functional group which has the ability to absorb energy of a certain wavelength and re-emit it at a different but specific wavelength (fluorophore) will exhibit fluorescence (Ge, et al., 2010) a) The light source, an example of the first type used is the tungsten-halogen lamp and later on, mercury lamps were used. However, now xenon lamps are mainly used. b) A Monochromator used to select both the excitation and emission wavelength. c) Sample holders, the cuvette is placed in

How could leadership be effective Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

How could leadership be effective - Assignment Example The importance of communication cannot be avoided in cases when there is team work and multiple units involved in the progress and project. Lack of communication can cause havoc and failure of the entire project. The goals achievement was made possible through reliable, and in time communication. Delay in communication or slight miss communication can cause serious disturbances in the entire process and project. Communication is the back bone of any project and process. They can either halt the progress or initiate absolute progress and wonders in the project. The secret to success of any project is its level of communication. In this case the success can also be attributed to the good level of communication. Path and task clarity allowed providing clear direction. Implementing it enables practical demonstration of work that will work as an example and hence help the followers and team mostly achieving the objectives. Only knowing where to go ahead can lead us to destination, going a t random with no specific direction in might and sight leads the unit, the project and individuals nowhere. It is the utmost priority of the leader to ensure that the path is determined, and so are the members aware of the path. IN case of leader member exchange, productivity and creativity is highly probable since this theory and concept of work is loosely based on exchange of ideas between the top head, which is the leader himself and the members who work underneath the leader but for same purpose. Hence leader member exchange method was also of great use in the entire process. For the principle of leadership ethics, it is the element of morality introduction inside the working unit. This helps enabling the workers to work on pure professional lines, with utmost honesty and sincerity. Leaders lead by example in every discipline of the team and task, most important of them all is the ethical aspect. Ethical aspect fulfillment helps keeping the entire accounts and details in check a s well as ensuring good practices in the unit. Team leadership is a collective approach. Using this helps in many ways, firstly each of the member holds equal responsibility, if not equal at least some proportion of responsibility and answering at the end of the project and task. Transformational leadership involves incremental progress. Adopting it in an organization requires time because the leaders try to bring the best out of individuals in an ascending manner. †¢ Describe how your view of leadership evolved as a result: Leadership is a developmental process. No one can become a leader in a fortnight; instead these qualities creep into an individual with time. There is a concept of born leaders, however in modern times this trend and concept is slightly modified. With so many developmental processes, mechanical approaches and industrial frame works, there is always a need for nurturing, training and guiding. Leadership is a interesting journey and a challenge in its own. Be ing in the shoes of leader brings about many responsibilities with itself as well as perks and privileges. The sense of leading, followed by delivering the goals is one of those special feelings that an individual can experience. The entire process gave an insight into the concept of leadership and the personality of leader. Though not singly but leader is highly responsible for the success and failure of the project. A good leader can bring the project out of nowhere and make it a success, while an average leader or one

War on Terrorism and Popular Culture on Media Essay

War on Terrorism and Popular Culture on Media - Essay Example Various media platforms have been exploded with context more or less associated with the war on terrorism, 9/11 incident giving an added hype to the issue. Also, owing much to the hype about war on terrorism, Middle East has become the interest of many authors and producers alike to engage the audience into unveiling perspectives of terrorism, generating interest of the people into the media products. The paper aims at discussing various media forums, i.e. books, TV (Prime time) and even Hollywood to analyze the popular culture on media in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks and in the wake on the war on terrorism. Prior to the extensive engagements of the great powers of the world into war against terrorism, the media platforms depicted a completely distinct picture of the world around us. The cold war period for instance contributed towards the popularity of media products revolving around this subject, also pop culture hit the media platforms back in 1960`s. However, once terrorism beca me the most pressing issue of the time, media products started focusing on these aspects as the audience was looking for answers to their queries regarding the subjects. A lot of contradictions and conspiracy theories surrounded mass audience due to which the media products focusing on the war on terrorism gained immense popularity, and the companies conceiving such products generated high amounts of revenues (Birkenstein, Anna & Karen 2010). Thus, to come up with valid conclusions it is crucial to analyze all mediums one-by-one and comment on them separately to draw pattern regarding media popular culture in reference to the war on terrorism. Starting off with the discussion over the influence of the war on terrorism over literature, the books are filled with various perspectives over the war on terrorism. In addition to the various textbooks, other social sciences literature was also focused immensely on this topic, relating terrorism to social aspects of life, journalism, anthrop ological accounts etc. The research over politics was also merely driven by the war on terrorism, as every student of politics was interested in studying about the impact of the war over politics. Since religion was associated with terrorism, books after books started being published on Islam, for instance â€Å"Suicide Bombers: Allah`s new Martyrs† by Farhad was one of the bestsellers of that time (Birkenstein, Anna & Karen 2010).. Similarly, other similar texts include Fundamentalism: the search of its meanings, Bad Faith: The Danger of Religious Extremism etc. Samuel P. Huntington`s clash of civilizations was however the most impactful publication which went viral throughout the world. The war on terrorism which led towards further segregation of the civilization owing to the cultures and religions was reflected in this publication circulated worldwide. Also, since Middle East became the subject of sole significance especially after the Iraq war, most of the literature was now focusing on this region. Since the impact of publications is restricted and the influence is not as widespread as that of broadcast media, the focus should now be shifted towards television. The prime time television also saw a shift towards content regarding the war on terrorism (Birkenstein, Anna & Karen 2010).. For instance, the first impact of the declaration of war on terrorism required loyalty and high regard for

How could leadership be effective Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

How could leadership be effective - Assignment Example The importance of communication cannot be avoided in cases when there is team work and multiple units involved in the progress and project. Lack of communication can cause havoc and failure of the entire project. The goals achievement was made possible through reliable, and in time communication. Delay in communication or slight miss communication can cause serious disturbances in the entire process and project. Communication is the back bone of any project and process. They can either halt the progress or initiate absolute progress and wonders in the project. The secret to success of any project is its level of communication. In this case the success can also be attributed to the good level of communication. Path and task clarity allowed providing clear direction. Implementing it enables practical demonstration of work that will work as an example and hence help the followers and team mostly achieving the objectives. Only knowing where to go ahead can lead us to destination, going a t random with no specific direction in might and sight leads the unit, the project and individuals nowhere. It is the utmost priority of the leader to ensure that the path is determined, and so are the members aware of the path. IN case of leader member exchange, productivity and creativity is highly probable since this theory and concept of work is loosely based on exchange of ideas between the top head, which is the leader himself and the members who work underneath the leader but for same purpose. Hence leader member exchange method was also of great use in the entire process. For the principle of leadership ethics, it is the element of morality introduction inside the working unit. This helps enabling the workers to work on pure professional lines, with utmost honesty and sincerity. Leaders lead by example in every discipline of the team and task, most important of them all is the ethical aspect. Ethical aspect fulfillment helps keeping the entire accounts and details in check a s well as ensuring good practices in the unit. Team leadership is a collective approach. Using this helps in many ways, firstly each of the member holds equal responsibility, if not equal at least some proportion of responsibility and answering at the end of the project and task. Transformational leadership involves incremental progress. Adopting it in an organization requires time because the leaders try to bring the best out of individuals in an ascending manner. †¢ Describe how your view of leadership evolved as a result: Leadership is a developmental process. No one can become a leader in a fortnight; instead these qualities creep into an individual with time. There is a concept of born leaders, however in modern times this trend and concept is slightly modified. With so many developmental processes, mechanical approaches and industrial frame works, there is always a need for nurturing, training and guiding. Leadership is a interesting journey and a challenge in its own. Be ing in the shoes of leader brings about many responsibilities with itself as well as perks and privileges. The sense of leading, followed by delivering the goals is one of those special feelings that an individual can experience. The entire process gave an insight into the concept of leadership and the personality of leader. Though not singly but leader is highly responsible for the success and failure of the project. A good leader can bring the project out of nowhere and make it a success, while an average leader or one

European Colonization of the Caribbean Essay Example for Free

European Colonization of the Caribbean Essay The Spanish conquests in the Americas encouraged other European countries to expand their domains in the New World. In the latter half of the 16th century, Portugal conquered Brazil in the hope of upsetting Spain in South America. Between 1690 and 1650, the French, Dutch, and English made unsuccessful attempts to occupy the northern coasts of Brazil and the neighboring islands of St. Kitts and the Leeward Islands. However, with the onset of the Thirty Years War, Spain began to weaken. His colonial possessions in the Caribbean were occupied by the English, French, and the Dutch. Spanish and Portugal Conquests Checked Generally, the arrival of other European countries in the New World (with the thought of conquest) forced Spain and Portugal to limit their conquest. For example, in 1621, the Dutch attacked several Spanish colonies in the Caribbean and succeeded in occupying the islands of Curacao, St. Martin, and Araya. The acquisition of vast mount of gold by the Spaniards in the New World attracted the attention of other powers. To their minds, God does not wish the world to be divided only between Spain and Portugal (Treaty of Tordesillas). They wanted a significant share in the wealth of the Americas. The Political and Economic System in Europe The Thirty Years War (to which Spain was heavily involved) forced Spain to cut expenditures at home and raise taxes and quotas in the Caribbean (Cuba, Puerto Rico). In addition, the Spaniards began to implement the plantation system to increase revenues (to finance her wars in Europe). Trade was limited to Spain and he American colonies. The reason is clear: if trade was opened to other European countries, the prospect of a unidirectional prosperity would be prevented (other nations would benefit from the trade). This system is called the ‘mercantilist system. ’ Impact of Mercantilism in the Caribbean and the Outcome Precious metals (gold, silver) became the basis of the mercantilist system. It served as the medium of exchange between the colonies and the mother country. Mines were established all throughout the Caribbean in order to maintain the flow of metals to the mother country. To fasten the procurement of precious metals, the Spaniards (and other Europeans) utilize slave labor (African slaves). In some sense, Spanish wealth (based on precious metals and product quotas) was essentially created by slave labor (which was very oppressive and unchristian). The wealth Spain accumulated from the New World also attracted the attention of pirates. They were of two types: buccaneer and marooner. Buccaneer is a group of pirates that had bases in the Caribbean (in a sense, they were considered the most powerful type of pirate). Marooner is a generic term applied to Spaniards who deserted the Spanish Navy to harass Spanish shipping lines in the Caribbean. The Caribbean Society and European Influences Caribbean society was modeled after European society. Some of the influences are as follows: 1) adoption of Catholicism as the main religion (in the case of Spain), 2) Baroque and Gothic architecture, 3) European city planning, and 4) the plantation system. At the top of the plantation system was the landowner. The manager (usually a relative of the owner) was in the middle position. At the bottom were the slaves and the serfs (local population serving in the plantation). The slaves were often treated harshly by the Europeans. They perceived them as members of an inferior race destined to serve white men’s greed. The same case (though not as oppressive as that of slaves) could be said about women. Women were confined to households, serving their masters with much dedication (by force) as that of serfs. Racial Hierarchy in the Caribbean Race played an important role in Caribbean society. Race served as the determining factor of administration; a form of societal control. The Europeans were at the top of the racial hierarchy. At the bottom were the slaves, the local population, and Chinese traders (which were seen with contempt by the Europeans). The European themselves were racially categorized. The peninsulares were Europeans born in their mother countries. The insulares were pure Europeans born in the colonies. The mestizos were of European and Indian descent. Women played a minor role in Caribbean society. They were confined to household chores (like cooking and child rearing). Maroonage strained Spain’s resources in the New World. The revenues derived by Spain from plantations (the same case with other Europeans) were taken by the maroons (on the way to Spain). The oppressive policies of the Spaniards in Cuba led to the Ten Years War. The slaves and the local population rose in arms against Spanish rule. Reference Toynbee, Arnold. 1989. History of the World. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company.