Investigation of factors affecting the distribution of Chironomus larvae in Nant Iago

Method: Biotic Data 1. The stream was split into 14 sections and groups of 3 were each assigned to work at different sections of the stream, which began at the beginning, right at the top, and ended further down stream. 2. The method we used for our experiment was Disturbance Sampling. This was accomplished with the aid of a Surber Sampler which we used in one riffle and one pool in our section. The Surber Sampler consisted of a net which had a 1.0mm2 mesh at the end where all the samples were collected and a quadrat which was placed over a part of the riffle or pool and gave us our area of sampling. 3. By laying the quadrat flat on the bed, I disturbed the stream bed and washed any lying organisms into the mesh. I then washed the water through the mesh to collect any samples in the water. 4. Once this was done the invertebrates were identified, counted and recorded Physical Data: 1. To accomplish my physical data, I measured the pH of the water, the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), the dissolved oxygen, the depth and the temperature. 2. All were measured using specialised probes which were placed in the water of the riffles or the pool. The probes gave us readings of whichever piece of data we were trying to achieve after 30 seconds. The readings were then recorded. 3. The amount of detritus was estimated using estimation by eye, recorded and measured using a scale of 1-4: 1. None 2. Little 3. Some 4. Abundant The pool was 4 and the riffles was 2. 4. The substrate was also identified as to what matter was present, i.e. Riffles: gravel's and pebbles. Pools: twigs, soil, leaves, detritus. Null Hypothesis: There will be no difference in the numbers of Chironomus between pools and riffles. Alternative Hypothesis: There will be a significantly higher number of Chironomus in the pools than in the riffles. Which statistical test? I am going to use the chi square test because we do not know the normal distribution of the data and because I only have a small data sample of 14. A chi square test is used to see if observe values are different from expected values. X2 = ? (O-E)2 o = observed E E = expected POOL RIFFLE OBSERVED (o) 285 15 EXPECTED (e) 300 = 150 300 = 15 O – E 285 – 150 = 135 15 – 150 = -135 (O – E) 2 (285- 150)2 = 18,225 (15-150)2 = 18,225 ( O-E)2 E 18225 = 121.5 150 18225 = 121.5 150 ? (O-E)2 E 121.5 + 121.5 = 243 My chi square value from the experiment was 243. The critical value from the table at 95% confidence showed to be 3.84 at 1 degree of freedom. Because my experimental chi- square value is of a much greater value than my calculated value, it leaves me with a result indicating that my Null Hypothesis is incorrect. I am 99.9% confident that it is wrong as the critical value at this point is 10.8 and my calculated critical value is 243 which is an extremely larger figure. Therefore I will in turn accept my alternative hypothesis which states that there will be a significantly larger number of Chironomus in pools than in the riffles. After my statistical analysis, I can see that there was significantly more Chironomus found in the pool. As my density data shows the maximum abundance of Chironomus is 800m2 in the pool, whereas the maximum number of Chironomus found in the riffles is 50m2. Interpretation Our aim was to investigate the distribution of freshwater Macroinvertebrates in two microhabitats in an upland stream. A stream is formed due to gravity causing overland flow in water and there are many individual factors which affect the stream and the abundance of its inhabitants. The two different types of factors are Abiotic and Biotic. Abiotic The Abiotic factors, which would affect the stream and its inhabitants, are: The current in the riffles, which is significantly stronger compared to the current in the pools. It would suggest that there are either not as many organisms living in the riffles or that if there are, then they would be specially adapted organisms. Examples of this would be an organism, which is highly streamlined. This would help it be prevented from being washed off the rock. It is also adapted to living in the riffles with its ‘claws' that help it grip and cling onto the rock to prevent it from being washed away. In comparison, there is evidence to indicate that there is none or very little current in the pools. This will affect the organisms living in the pools, because there is very little chance for them to be washed away, resulting in there being a higher population of organisms in the pools than there is in the riffles. The low ratings of current mean that there is also a lot of small substrate particles. This means that many other different types of organisms will inhabit the pools as there will be more prey for predators, and in turn, those which are the predators, will attract organisms which hunt for them themselves. These new predators will also inhabit the pools to consume their prey. The substratum levels and content of them also affects the stream and its organisms. In the pools, there are mostly high levels of detritus as the current is extremely low and so the sediment is allowed to settle on the streambed and be built up. There are, however, lower numbers of detritus, twigs and leaves in the riffles because there is a high current running here and anything which settles here will get washed away. Therefore, there is a layer of gravel and pebbles. Temperature also affects the distribution of organisms. When there are high temperatures or when the temperatures rise, the respiration of the organism will also rise, affecting where they must live due to the fact that if they are respiring at a higher rate, then there will need to be more oxygen available to them. By living in the pools, this large amount of oxygen is unavailable to them because of the slow flow rate and low dissolved oxygen percentage. If there is a drastic change in the temperature of the water, then the enzymes in most organisms will become denatured and they will die. This is also the case if the temperature becomes too cold. The organisms will not be able to live in those conditions and so will die. The percentage of dissolved oxygen affects the stream and the distribution of its organisms. When there is a low percentage of dissolved oxygen, there will be a high number of organisms, which are specially adapted to living in these kinds of conditions, such as the Chironomus. This organism has haemoglobin in its body to help it survive in such low levels of dissolved oxygen when it is burrowed in the stream bed. Where there are high levels of oxygen, you will find that there are riffles. This means that there will be very little number of organisms present as they will just be washed away. Biotic Biotic factors affecting the distribution and abundance of the stream and its organisms include: * Food Availability –> for example,the prey or food particles of the correct size/type * Predation –>The probability of prey surviving plummets when predator densities increase. * Competition –>Competition from organisms with similar ecological niches * Disease There are 2 microhabitats in the Nant Iago; the pool, and the riffle. I am now going to describe in more detail the differences the characteristics of the two microhabitats and compare them to assist me in describing the factors affecting the distribution of organisms in Nant Iago Nr. Abergevanny, S. Wales. Characteristics Of A Pool To begin, the substrate in the pool mainly consists of small particles such as sand, mud, detritus and twigs. Detritus is dead decaying organic matter. This build up is due to the low flow rate of 0.05m/s in the stream which prevents the substrate from being washed away. The effect is that the substrate settles and is deposited on the streambed as there is not enough force to wash it away and becomes a habitat for many organisms which can be established in the stream. It has made the detritus rating 3.7 which is abundant. The percentage of dissolved oxygen in the stream is 63.6% which is low. This low amount of dissolved oxygen is due to the fact that bacteria feed on the large amounts of settled detritus. These decomposing bacteria are high in numbers and aerobically respire extensively as they feed on the detritus. In order to respire, oxygen is needed; therefore oxygen levels are exceptionally low and plummet in pools due to the mass of bacteria respiring. This leaves a low ventilation of fresh oxygen in water. The low level of fresh oxygen is also due to the substrate on the streambed accumulating and being so condensed, that the water particles are restricted from moving through it. This, together with the low current, means that the oxygen is not able to be replaced and conditions in pool sediments may become anoxic. Characteristics Of A Riffle In a riffle the number of small substrate particles recorded was lower than that of the pool, and this is due to the much faster current flowing through this part of the stream. The flow rate here was 0.431 m/s. This means that it has a considerably higher kinetic energy in comparison to the pool and it results in the diminutive particles and detritus being swept away with ease. This is evidential through the data which I recorded where it demonstrates that the detritus count was 2.4 (little). Organisms which would need to be adapted to these kinds of speeds of water flow. Baetidae is an example. These organisms are extremely streamlined. This assists the organism greatly, as when it hangs onto the rocks, instead of the water taking the Baetidae with its current, the water will instead flow over due to its highly streamlined body. This is also helpful as when the water flows over the organism, the pressure from the flow causes the organism to be pressed against the rock even more, causing greater resistance to the organism being taken away with the current. The Baetidae also has adapted ‘claws' which are situated on the ends of its legs. These claws cling onto the rock to help give extra strength against being taken away with the current. The dissolved percentage of oxygen was read at 64.1%. This however may not entirely be correct as the reading is far too low than expected, which leads me to believe that the reader may have been defected as the value should be closer to 100%. The general trend is superior to that of the pools because there are large gaps between the large substrate particles in the riffles, which in turn results in higher ventilation and faster current/water flow through the sediment. I will now explain how and why Chironomus are found in pools and are able to live in anoxic conditions. As a female adult Midge deposits her eggs in water, the gelatinous mass hatches and each larvae which has hatched, burrows into the detritus on the bed of the pool. Once here, it develops a silken burrow to prevent the detritus from collapsing on it. The only time the detritivore Chironomus vaguely leaves this silken burrow is when it will pop its head out briefly to feed on the surrounding detritus. This benthic invertebrate is adapted to existing in anoxic conditions and has become acquired to them through several ways; psyological adaptations, behavioural adaptations and structural adaptations. * Structural Adaptations –> The Chironomus has diminutive gills at the end of its body which amplifies the large surface area to volume ratio. Therefore oxygen may diffuse in quickly and easily. Its slender cylinder shape means that it can burrow easily in the detritus found on the stream bed. * Behavioural Adaptations –> The Chironomus exists in silken burrows in the sediment. This means that there is a constrained quantity of oxygen obtainable to them. Therefore to make the oxygen accessible, they undulate their bodies to make water flow through the tube. This enables the haemoglobin in their bodies to become saturated with oxygen from the water in this ventilation current. * Psyological Adaptations –> Just like a mammalian, in order for oxygen to be transported around the body, it must combine with haemoglobin first. Chironomus has haemoglobin which is very similar to that of a mammal. It consists of 1 or 2 polypeptide chains of 136 to 151 amino acid length. Each polypeptide is folded into a tertiary structure and has a single haem group. This haemoglobin is, however, not found in cells, but is found in the body cavity in a fluid named haemolymph. The only main difference between the Chironomus haemoglobin and mammalian haemoglobin is that Chironomus haemoglobin has a much higher affinity for oxygen. This signifies that the oxygen will bind to the haem groups at extremely low partial pressures and will be released only when needed. This assists them when burrowing in anoxic conditions, in the sediment on the pool bed, where oxygen is very restricted. The haemoglobin act as an oxygen store and will this can be demonstrated on an oxygen dissociati on graph. As shown, the O2 dissociation curve for the Chironomus haemoglobin is to the left of the mammalian O2 dissociation curve. This means that it has a higher affinity and will bind oxygen at especially low partial pressures. The reason why the Chironomus dissociation curve is straight is due to the fact that it has only two polypeptides so it is extremely easy for the molecules to bind to the haem groups. The mammalian dissociation curve is s-shaped (sigmoid). This is because it has four polypeptides. With the first haem group, it is tough for the O2 molecule to bind to it, but once it has then this makes it easier for the second and third O2 molecule to bind to the haem groups. The reason why the curve lines off is due to the fact that it is harder for oxygen to bind to the fourth haem group. Benefits of living in anoxic sediments: Living in anoxic conditions requires special adaptations which can be found in Chironomus. Examples of why it may be beneficial for the Chironomus to live in anoxic conditions are that it helps them avoid predation from predators such as the stone fly nymphs; Perlodidae. It also helps Chironomus avoid competition such as interspecific competition from other organisms, for example, the shrimp (gammaridae) who are also detritivores. The shrimp will feed on the floating detritus but cannot enter the substrates and feed on any buried detritus as it does not have adaptations for anoxic conditions. The Chironomus, however, will feed on the detritus in the pool bed. It means that the shrimp cannot feed on the lower parts of detritus because of the low amounts of dissolved oxygen, they will not survive. This shows the different niches. Evaluation: Experimental Errors: Limitations in apparatus: The limitations in the apparatus equipment may have had an overall affect on my final results. By discussing the limitations with my apparatus, I can then relate it to the affect it had on my results. The first limitation was with the Surber Sampler we used. In the pools, there is not as much flow as there is originating in the riffles. This can be distinguished on my results table where it illustrates that the mean flow rate for the pools is 0.059m/s in contrast to 0.431m/s found in the riffles. Hence, this signifies that with a low flow rate in the pools, anything disturbed such as Chironomus or other invertebrates which did not get washed into the net could have swum away with ease. In comparison, the riffles had the advantage of having a high flow rate connotating that there was a high chance of invertebrates being washed into the mesh net. This affects the results because it means that there could have been an artificially lower count of Chironomus in the pools. there wasn't and where there should have been a lower, or perhaps a zero count, of Chironomus in the riffles, there were results that showed up to 5 Chironomus being found. The second constraint caused by the Surber Sampler we used was due to the net. The net mesh is 1mm2 and this may have been a problem. Chironomus goes through 8 instar stages where at each stage, they shed their skin and grow bigger. At the first instar stage, the Chironomus is especially minuscule, so when we disturbed the pool or riffle, the small Chironomus will have simply washed straight through the net. This brings us to a conclusion that we could only have possibly trapped Chironomus or other invertebrates exceeding the size of 1mm due to the fact that they would have been rinsed directly through the net if any smaller. This affects the results because it demonstrates that there may have been a significantly higher amount of Chironomus in both pools and riffles although they were not recorded as the net was unsuccessful in detaining them, reason being that their size was too diminutive. Nonetheless, this is not a very significant error as it has an equal effect in both the pool s and the riffles. A third limitation with the Surber Sampler was related to the substrate. More rocks can be found in the riffles, whereas in the pools, more sand and silt can be found. The rocks in the riffles prevented the Surber Sampler from lying flat as the rocks are, all, various sizes. As the Surber Sampler cannot lie flat, Chironomus may have been washed away, underneath the Surber Sampler where it failed to touch the stream bed. The way this has affected the results is obvious. Any Chironomus which failed to wash into the net swam away when disturbed, leaving the Chironomus results lower than they should have been in the riffles. This is an important error as it only effects the riffles. Limitations in method: The method we all took up comprised of each group being assigned to a certain part of the stream. The limitation of this is that when groups further up stepped into the stream; they would have disturbed the streambed. However, samples which they disturbed were not collected. Instead, the invertebrates which were disturbed could have been washed down stream and rinsed into a net belonging to another group downstream. This is called ‘invertebrate drift' and it is caused when a large number of people are sampling all at the same moment. When invertebrate drift takes place, the invertebrates are much more likely to settle in pools as they have a very low flow rate and this causes the Chironomus count to be higher than it should be which is called ‘over sampling'. It influences the results because it means that, theoretically, the Chironomus count which some groups collected is more elevated than supposed to. This is a major error source as its effect is limited to the downstr eam groups and mainly the pool regions. This is linked to the accuracy of our results being affected by the limitations in the method. Another aspect contributing to the accuracy of our results being affected by limitations in the method, is that there was no standard method of disturbing. Individuals, who disturbed for their group, will have done so in a different manner to another individual disturbing the streambed further upstream, or downstream. This affects the results because it means that some groups will have collected more data through unsettling the streambed more thoroughly than other groups. Hence, gives the connotation that more invertebrates and Chironomus were found in their sample, which is evident in the pools results where it shows that group 5 collected 80 Chironomus whereas group 11 only collected 3 Chironomus. This is not a major error source as its effect is likely to be equal in both of the pools and riffles. Anomalous Results: By analyzing my results, I have seen that there are several anomalous results which can be commented on. I will discuss and compare the anomalous results which have arisen in both the pools and riffles; Pools: In my results, by looking at Surber Number's 5 and 9, you can evidently distinguish that the recorded amount of Chironomus established in the pools is '80' and '70'. This is a particularly high amount, even for the pools and it may possibly have been caused by invertebrate drift, as explained above, which would affect the results because it means that the Chironomus was over sampled. This is in contrast to surber sampler's 7 and 8, where a recorded number of zero Chironomus can be recognized. The reason for this may be due to the detritus reading being ‘2' with surber sampler number 7. Chironomus feed and bury themselves underneath this detritus sediment which is possibly why there are no Chironomus found in surber sampler 7. This affects the results here, because it leaves us with a lower recording of Chironomus than we are meant to have. However, this does not explain the findings for surber sampler number 8. The detritus reading here is 4, which may lead us to believe that perhaps the low Chironomus reading is due to predation, being eaten by a fish of some kind preliminary to our sampling. Perhaps also the Chironomus was in its first instar stage, which would mean that they will not have been trapped by the mesh net. Alternatively, the Chironomus might have just developed into an adult midge, and would no longer be found in the water, but in the air. This would affect the results collected because it would leave us the impression that possibly, if we had sampled the stream on an earlier, or later date, then the Chironomus would be at a trappable larva stage. Riffles: Surber sampler's 7, 8 and 12 have high numbers of Chironomus readings despite of the fact that they are not usually found in this area. Possible reasons for this might be due to invertebrate drift from further upstream, or it could be due to the small particles of detritus being found in these riffles. The detritus could have been collected in sheltered areas such as behind large boulders. After being deposited there and this would have developed a micro habitat, with a mini pool being formed in a riffle, which would explain the high number's of Chironomus being found. Another anomalous result which was portrayed in both the riffle and pools results was the dissolved oxygen saturation readings. By observing both of the mean dissolved oxygen percentage saturations, we can see that in the pools it is 63.6% and in the riffles it is 64.1%. This is entirely incorrect due to the fact that in pools, there is supposed to be barely any dissolved oxygen saturated in the water, and in the riffles, there is supposed to be in the vicinity of 100% dissolved oxygen saturated in the water. These erroneous results are down to the oxygen meter being broken. It affected our whole experiment because it meant we were not able to carry out the trial accurately and record correct results which would assist us in our evaluation. Reliability: In my opinion, the 2 central error sources in my experiment were caused by the Surber Sampler and invertebrate drift. Invertebrate drift occurs when large numbers of people are sampling the equivalent lake/stream at the same period in time. It is incurred when someone (upstream) walking through the stream disturbs the streambed, but does not collect the samples with their mesh net, or in other cases it is caused when invertebrates sweep under/ through/ or to the side of the net. Hereafter, any invertebrates disturbed will flow along with the current and settle amid pools (mainly downstream) which affects results because it means that invertebrates and Chironomus have been over sampled. To prevent invertebrate drift, instead of all groups sampling the stream at the same time, we could allow the group furthest downstream (group 14) to do their experiment first, and then work our way upstream, only allowing groups to do their trial once the group further down has finished their experiment. E.g., group 14 will do their experiment initially and once complete, group 13 will do their experiment. Then once group 13 has completed their experiment, group 12 may carry out their experiment and so forth. This method of carrying out the experiments will completely avoid the matter of invertebrate drift which improve the accuracy of results achieved. Another way of shunning invertebrate drift would be to improve apparatus used, which brings me onto the second central error source within the experiment. The Surber Sampler's which we used composed only of a quadrat base and a mesh net attached to the end of the quadrat (see drawing). This basic surber sampler meant that when we positioned the quadrat onto the (riffles) streambed, it would not have been laid flat because of rocks being various contours and masses. This affects the results because it means that with the surber sampler lying at an awkward angle, when disturbing, invertebrates are highly likely to be swept underneath the mesh net, or the side, instead of into it. A way of recuperating this quandary is by utilizing a better surber sampler. One surber sampler which could be used consists of a bottomless box attached to the bottom of the quadrat. This will improve the experiment and results because not only will it avoid invertebrate drift through the way that nothing will be able to escape (because it will enclose everything within the desired sampling area right down to the streambed), but it will also improve accuracy, giving you a set volume of substrate. Another alternative to the surber sampler's which we used is a piece of apparatus called the ‘Eckman Grab'. These ‘grabs' do not have nets attached to the end of them, but instead act as a set of claws. After your sample has been picked up by these ‘grabs', you cleanly drop all of its contents into your tray where after, you can record the results. This will develop the results because one of the core setbacks with surber samplers is that the nets tend to lose samples (through or under), whereas with these ‘grabs' they do not have nets and so keeping all the samples within its hold will assure the results are more accurate and improved. Final Conclusion: As my final conclusion, I will articulate that the trial my group carried out had a quantity of inaccuracies, but not enough for me to completely reject the whole experiment. The results are reasonable as they reflect the way nature works, regardless of the main sources of error. Also, the statistics and chi squared number shows a highly significant difference in the number of Chironomus in the pools and riffles with more found in the pools. The experimental errors are not large enough to cause a 99.9% rejection of the null hypothesis. To determine the whole pattern of invertebrates and Chironomus along the stream, the experiments should have been carried out every month, instead of just one day. By doing the experiments on just one day we are left with results that are only able to give us a general idea and impression of the patterns of the distribution of invertebrates and Chironomus along the stream. I had to reject my null hypothesis, as I was 99.9% confident that there was a difference. In my opinion, if I was to repeat this experiment even with the improvements I have suggested, then the results obtained would still be the same.

How to answers Case Studies Essay

1. What are the inputs, processing, and outputs of UPS’s package tracking system? Inputs: The inputs include package information, customer signature, pickup, delivery, time-card data, current location (while en route), and billing and customer clearance documentation. Processing: The data are transmitted to a central computer and stored for retrieval. Data are also reorganized so that they can be tracked by customer account, date, driver, and other criteria. Outputs: The outputs include pickup and delivery times, location while en route, and package recipient. The outputs also include various reports, such as all packages for a specific account or a specific driver or route, as well as summary reports for management. 2. What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS’s business strategy? Technologies include handheld computers (DIADs), barcode scanning systems, wired and wireless communications networks, desktop computers, UPS‘s central computer (large mainframe computers), and storage technology for the package delivery data. UPS also uses telecommunication technologies for transmitting data through pagers and cellular phone networks. The company uses in-house software for tracking packages, calculating fees, maintaining customer accounts and managing logistics, as well as software to access the World Wide Web. UPS has used the same strategy for over 90 years. Its strategy is to provide the ―best service and lowest rates.â€â€" One of the most visible aspects of technology is the customer‘s ability to track his/her package via the UPS Web site. However, technology also enables data to seamlessly flow throughout UPS and helps streamline the workflow at UPS. Thus, the technology described in the scenario enables UPS to be more competitive, efficient, and profitable. The result is an information system solution to the business challenge of providing a high level service with low prices in the face of mounting competition. 3. What strategic business objectives do UPS’s information systems address? Some problems this information system solves relate directly to logistics and supply chain activities, not just for itself, but also for other companies. These services include supply chain design and management, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, mail services, multimodal transportation, and financial services, in addition to logistics services. Because of the advanced integration of its technology, UPS can provide these services cheaper and more efficient than most companies can create them in-house. 4. What would happen if these systems were not available? Arguably, UPS might not be able to compete effectively without technology. If the technology were not available, then UPS would, as it has through most of its history, attempt to provide that information to its customers, but at higher prices. From the customers‘ perspective, these technologies provide value because they help customers complete their tasks more efficiently. Customers view UPS‘s technology as value-added services as opposed to increasing the cost of sending packages.

An Analysis of the Evolution of the E-Business in America Essay Example for Free

An Analysis of the Evolution of the E-Business in America Essay Economic transactions have taken a toll of revolutions and evolutions from the most historic barter deals to currency minting to bank-to-bank transactions, and finally, electronic business. Undeniably, the phenomenal effect of information technology to the lives of common man has caught the complexities of all branches of science and economics in a single matrix. Similarly, it has extinguished spatial boundaries in the business arena. Upon the advent of the accessibility of the internet or the World Wide Web to the public in 2004, it has been deemed that e-commerce will shortly follow through. So thus soothsayers and journalists manifest into the world this forecast. Company websites and internet servers sprouted like wild mushrooms here and there, flooding the virtual world with what’s it’s’ people cannot usually find for themselves. A unique gadget which can be found nowhere at a shopping mall is now easy to find at Ebay or Amazon. om, or shopping for clothes can also be done via ordering online, and sending emails or conversing with another entity half an earth away through instant messengers now became a common activity to the technologically savvy. A worldwide acknowledgment of this phenomenon has now slowly shifted every human paradigm there is. This evolutionary way of business ‘anytime-anywhere scheme’ or transacting across the planet in only a matter of seconds has put leverage to the face of business vis-a-vis human technology. E-business or e-commerce, also known as EC, has now penetrated all elements of life, particularly the world of commerce and economics. Today, e-business is now the most preferred way of dealing with and between firms. In the fields of traveling, media, logistics, telecommunication, and manufacturing, as identified by Horsti, Tolonen and Brannback (2003) in their study of five electronic business models, it showed that operating a business backed by ecommerce and proper management of personnel skills and customer relationships is a critical success factor (CSF) and always has a direct correlation to business success. This gives light to the logic as to why bankers and corporations alike have resorted to sending orders and invoices via internet instead of sending messengers or bulky packages to each other and wait for days before the same arrives at each other’s doorstep. On an individual basis, transacting with another online instead of going to a bank and undergoing the tedious process of lining-up and filling out slips and various withdrawal or deposit forms has been the hip. Online credit card transactions has also been the trend nowadays especially to the technologically savvy. As Moslein (2001) would argue, the rise of ecommerce has extinguished traditional boundaries and spatial constraints of conducting business. So what really is it behind e-business and what makes everyone indubitably caught up with this intertwining net of transactions? In this paper, the aforementioned is put to a limelight along with a detailed analysis of the e-business phenomenon. A projection as to how e-business in America will perform in the short-run is also forecasted. Pros and cons of doing e-business as well as important dissections of it are also included herein. The first part of this paper shall serve as a guideline as to how discussion will flow and what models and methods were used in shedding light to the subject matter at hand. It also serves as briefer to the latter portions which delve deeper to the subject matter. The latter portions shall plainly consist of the author’s own views with regard to the topic, however, with sources to buttress proof of claims. The summary and conclusions are second to the last parts before providing a list of references used in this research. Statement of the Issues/Problems The dawning of the internet and the birth of ecommerce in which e-business arose forthwith has also given birth to online corporations and rebirth to traditional enterprises. However, the new age technology has also given birth to various risks and opportunities for misers to tamper with the gifts of technology to the disadvantage of those who are faithful in their dealings. In this regard, the primary thrust of this paper is to analyze the gradual paradigm shift of business in America to the modern e-business taking into consideration the management decisions of enterprises vis-a-vis the costs and risks in engaging into e-business. Further, this paper rests with the issue on how ecommerce evolved to what it is today. Given these matters, the ultimate question this paper aims to answer is: Why do businesses continue to prefer to do e-business despite online security threats and risks? Hypothesis E-business is a response of various industries to the market forces affecting it, and amidst costs and risks, the benefits of e-business to enterprises prove to shape corporate success, help industries maximize benefits and positively affect the entire business industry as a whole. Methodology This paper is a result of a collaboration, compilation, corroboration and interpretation from various sources of information gathered mostly through the internet. Various theories in economics and business management are also used to prove certain stands pertinent to the subject matter. The author has also included newspaper articles and opinions from renowned columnists all of which can also be accessed through the internet. The said sources were streamlined for this purpose of incorporating into this subject matter all indispensable elements of e-business. It is important to highlight that this paper is not to measure e-business per se because of the very volatility and fast speed of growth and advancement of the e-business itself. As stated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), measuring e-business and quantifying the elements of convenience and easy access to information is impossible given the current fast-changing nature of the market (OECD, 1998). Hence, this paper has enumerated the costs and benefits instead and weighed both in the light of the evolution of e-business to the stage. Degree of Reliance of Statistical Data/Literature Search The author has chosen only those sources which are strongly correlated and are very pertinent to e-business. For statistical data, there is an interim degree of reliance from high to medium degree, since statistics were conducted by professional research institutions and quoted from high grade literature. With regard to articles and sources, most of the studies consulted where products of doctorate and master’s degree holders who are expert in this field notwithstanding those who gave garnered distinctions (i. e. Nobel Prize, Pulitzer, etc. in the field of economics. Therefore, there is a high level of reliance on their studies. A Description of the Research Design This paper is purely research based and one which does not involve interpretation of raw statistical data. Due to the broad and constantly changing nature of e-business, a survey of the entire America is implausible. Thus, it is best to resort to data that have been gathered by reliable research institutions concentrating on the same subject matter. The literatures used herein are mostly second-hand ones and are retroactive in its nature such that theories used are identified as paradigms. Despite being cited and further cited in various citations, the theory is not eroded. Thus, citations of the same coming from other citations, or a chain of citations in one citation, are valid. It is also important to note that despite the varying nature of the sources used in this paper, the discussion shall not be deprived of important knowledge as regards the subject matter. Models Followed The paper follows three specific models in economics: the law on supply and demand, the model on cost-benefit analysis (CBA) and the game theory. This is because these three easy-to-understand theories are also the primary considerations of CEOs in choosing management decisions and doing other management strategies. In accordance with the objectives of this paper, various researches shall also be inculcated herein to give various theories and conceptions an equal footing as regards the topic. As a clarification, there are no current researchers who have analyzed the nature of e-business extensively and collaboratively using the aforementioned theories. Therefore, literature reviews are primarily based on historical findings on the evolution of e-business, analyses of various researchers on the nature of economics vis-a-vis ecommerce and not on concurrent ecommerce theories. This is also because majority of ecommerce theories are offspring of the theories on economics. Moreover, ecommerce theories may be relevant to the subject matter but are not directly connected to the topic such that answers to the research questions as aforementioned were more founded by basic economic theories rather than the specialized ecommerce theories on web-hosting and online selling. An Analysis of the Evolution of the E-Business in America. (2017, Jan 27). We have essays on the following topics that may be of interest to you

Astronomy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Astronomy - Research Paper Example The moon allows and sustains life on Earth, affects its tides daily and though not a mystery to the same degree as it had been throughout all of history, it continues to inspire the imagination and much remains to be learned of Earth’s closest celestial neighbor. Today, people more or less look upon the moon as ‘eye candy’ and pay little attention to its cycles. This was not the case for our ancestors who carefully monitored its movements. Several calendars of ancient civilizations were based on the cycles of the moon and some are currently such as the Islamic calendar. The date of the Chinese New Year is set by the cycle of the moon. The Sun was used by man until relatively recently to measure short intervals of time but the moon was judged more reliable for longer time measurements. What is commonly known as a month is based on the 29-day cycle of the moon. The term ‘month’ is derived from the term ‘moonth.’ â€Å"Without the moon†™s cycle we might have ended up with a very different way of keeping track of time, and we most probably would have called it something other than a month† (Miles & Peters, 2001). The Christian celebration of Easter is calculated by determining the first Sunday following the first occurrence of a ‘full’ moon subsequent to the beginning of the Spring Equinox. The reason for this is that Christians had traditionally used the light of the ‘full’ moon to aid in their pilgrimage to their holy lands for Easter. Though the moon is the closest object to Earth and has been explored by man, questions remain regarding its exact origins and whether or not life ever existed on or within it or if it could sustain life. It was discovered more than a century ago that the moon’s density is less then Earth’s. Galileo noticed craters on the moon’s surface through the use of the telescope in the 1600’s. Currently, more is known about the moo n than any other celestial body, knowledge that was inconceivable until recent times (Hamilton, 2005). Prior to the common use of telescopes, when the moon was viewed unaided, all that could be discerned were two distinct kinds of topography, dark and bright areas configured in a way that produced the illusion of the ‘Man in the Moon.’ This myth was likely known as just that to most persons of the world but before recent times it was not known that the dark areas were produced by the violent impacts of asteroids hitting the moon many hundreds of million years ago. These primordial impacts on the lunar surface played a large part in reshaping the moon’s appearance and could explain why there are two large protrusions on the surface of the moon. â€Å"New analysis reveals that shock waves from some of the moon’s early asteroid impacts traveled through the lunar interior, triggering volcanic eruptions on the moon’s opposite side. Molten magma spewed o ut from the deep interior and flooded the lunar landscape† (Than, 2006). The cooled magma created the familiar dark areas which are termed ‘lunar seas.’ These dark areas unite to form the ‘face’ of the moon. The Man in the Moon’s eyes have been labeled â€Å"’Mare Imbrium’ and ‘Mare Serenitatis’. The nose, ‘Sinus Aestuum’ and the mouth, which appears to be smiling, is a combination of the ‘Mare Cognitum’ and ‘Mare Nubium’† (Heiken et al, 1991). The Earth’s sky appears to be blue because its atmosphere diffracts light in such a way that produces this

Making A BusinessCase Talent Management Case Study

Making A BusinessCase Talent Management - Case Study Example hin the current context of the university, and means by which other universities are utilizing talent management as a way to define their human resource capabilities to the highest possible extent. Firstly, with regards to what talent management necessarily engenders, it is a practice that fits hand in glove with the university’s stated mission of providing excellence in education and research both to its students, faculty, the community at large, and various other shareholders. Furthermore, talent management is a way to seek to develop some of the existing resources that the university may hold and be completely unaware of. In this way of consideration, one should also consider the potential savings that could be realized through implementing a thorough and well defined talent management policy. For instance, the economic realities of the current system indicate that the cost of new hires is on average several percentage points above the salaries of existing employees that the university retains. Using simple logic, one can quickly infer that merely developing some of the talent potential that exists within the university itself can be a means of greatly reducing the c osts of potential new hires. However, such a means of implementation will not work unless the employees in question are retained. This is another unique factor that talent management offers the firm or organization that seeks to put it into practice. Whereas a lack of a talent management process necessarily leads to a rather high turnover rate, a well established talent management policy allows for the human resources of the university to be appreciated and developed in a way that only encourages their continued employment with the organization. This win-win situation is one in which costs are held law, turnover is reduced, and employees are able to develop a sense of accomplishment and appreciation within the system itself. Similarly, a litany of studies, to include one performed by the

Uniting heavens and earth Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Uniting heavens and earth - Research Paper Example With the increase of scientific knowledge as it accumulates over time, there is more understanding of the natural world. Matters arising from politics, religion, ethics and esthetical judgments are in a general way away from science. Scientific knowledge is uncertain, that which is scientifically known only has some level of confidence backing it: a certain degree of probability. A lot of scientific ideas have gone through tests and have shown their reliability. These have been the closest to facts as any idea could be yet some are just hunches that are pending testing that will finally prove their probability. Yet there also exists the in betweens at every level. Science has the ability of being done poorly and being misused. There exist all forms of quackery, wrong advertisements, and forms of pseudoscience that have unconfirmed information being used as facts to prove or disapprove a huge range of mysterious phenomenon. The process of science is social as it is done by people work ing together in collaboration. The procedure, outcomes and analysis must be shared among the scientific community, and the public in conferences and other review platforms. In such forums, fraud, errors and oversights get exposed and true findings can be affirmed and confirmed. Due to the fact that it is being done by people, it also has its biases that can be addressed by the fact that it is open (Indiana.edu 2014). Isaac Newton’s work changed how humanity understands the universe in a manner simplified in three laws.

Globalization and the Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Globalization and the Environment - Essay Example There is also an element of double standards because most of the global corporations operating in developing countries belong to the west (Kwong 21). The author recognizes the positive impact of globalization as far as environmental development is concerned. Globalization promotes free trade. In an environment of free trade, a country is free to choose a trading partner and the best ways of exploiting her resources. Globalization promotes development of institutions that advocate efficiency in production. Such institutions design laws that protect environment in a business world. Globalization promotes competition amongst global firms, which invest in innovation and efficiency in production. Efficient technology promotes environmental conservation and sustainable growth. The curve is U-shaped and shows a positive affiliation between economic expansion and environmental dilapidation, for example, pollution, before the curve’s turning point. From the turning point, there is a negative relationship between pollution and economic growth and development. The curve is important because it shows the important of globalization as far as environmental development is concerned. I support the author’s arguments. This is because they explain the real situation in the global economy. For example, in the developing countries, economic growth increases with the increase in pollution. On the other hand, pollution within developed countries decreases as the level of development increases. This is because companies adopt innovative technology in production, which enhances environmental

My Family Movie Analysis Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

My Family Analysis - Movie Review Example Even before Chucho was born, his parents considered him a special child. However, when he grew up, he became an intermediate gangster. Besides engaging in street fights, he was also involved in illegal activities. One day Jose got really upset because he found out from the police that his own son had been earning money by selling drugs. When Chucho came home, his father could not contain the anger and kicked him out of the house. Later, like anybody else, after pondering on what he did, he felt ashamed of his rash actions. Jose wanted to ask forgiveness and forgive his son, but was too proud to do it. He suffered a lot from the guilt and wanted to have his son back, but was not able to share his feelings, because Chucho was found and killed by the police. Chucho, at the time he left father’s home, was very upset and did not want to see his father any more. The pride kept the son and father separated. But Chucho honestly did not hold a grudge against his father. When Chucho was hiding after he accidentally killed another man, he was talking with his younger brother Jimmy and he wanted to tell his father something. The movie did not specify what it was, but by the tone of Chucho’s voice, it may be interpreted that he wanted to tell his father that he loved him. A lack of forgiveness sets an invisible wall between people. They cannot reach out to each other. By holding on to a grudge, the anger can be turned into a new experience. It may wrap a heart up in the anger so tight that it will not be possible to realize what is going on in the world around. Life will start to lose its meaning and purpose. Most people are depressed during this period of time. Forgiveness is a psychological decision to change and doing all you can to reach that goal. Once you forgive someone, you will start feeling compassionate and understanding. It is not something that can be expected from others.0 Forgiveness is a personal decision. Another example of forgiveness in the movie is Jose and Maria forgiving Toni. It was shocking news for them to find out she wanted to become a nun, but them her mother was very proud of her daughter for making such a decision. From then on her parents expected her to serve God. But things did not turn out the way they expected and, in a way, Toni disappointed them. She married a priest. It was such an unusual thing in the day that Maria fainted. Her parents could have easily gotten upset with their daughter and sent her away, but Jose said â€Å"If that’s what God wants – then its fine with me†. Jose learned through his life, that anger and a lack of forgiveness may have a price that is too high. Sometime’s in life, we are the ones that need to ask for forgiveness. Like little Carlitos needed to forgive his father Jimmy. Jimmy had been in prison and had not been around when the young boy needed him most. When his father came back, Jimmy tried to settle things between them and make them a fami ly again. Carlitos would always brush Jimmy off by breaking expensive gifts from his father, not going for outings with him and even doing his best to avoid Jimmy if it was at all possible. If the father ever needed to talk to his son, Carlitos would only respond in cursing. Jimmy almost lost hope in gaining his son’s love, but then he realized, he himself was held in the prison of anger for too long to forgive those who, he had thought, wronged him, to forgive Carlitos for his mother’

Carrie Fisher - Bipolar Disorder Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Carrie Fisher - Bipolar Disorder - Research Paper Example Bipolar Disorder is one that has been affecting so many lives until now. To be able to understand this better, Bipolar Disorder is commonly known as manic-depressive illness which is one kind of brain disorder that causes one to have an extreme change of mood, energy, and activity levels that prevents one to carry out a day to day task. Though the symptoms are not easily seen as a mental disorder, it is usually severe (NIMH Â · Bipolar Disorder., n.d.). As opposed to mood swings that could be affected by menstrual cycle, a sudden change or turnaround of circumstances, bipolar disorder is a continuous cycle that cannot be controlled. It can result to inconsistency, poor performance at work, or even suicide. However, what is great to know is that this can be cured through a series of rehabilitation programs. One of the most famous cases of Bipolar disorder would be that of Carrie Fisher. She is an American actress, novelist, and a screen writer that no doubt put most of her life in th e spotlight. However, things started getting a bit blurry when Carrie started not being able to sleep or stop talking which she thought was just part of being in Hollywood. According to one article, she immediately resorted to trips to rehabilitation centers as she abruptly realized it was nothing but depression that was causing her to act a certain way (Carrie Fisher and her life with Bipolar Disorder | bphope., n.d.). This presentation of Bipolar Disorder is inconsistent as this certain disorder is believed through study and experience as one that is not easily spotted when it starts. The symptoms are always considered as the effects of another problem and never considered the main problem. For a lot of people, they suffer for years first before they realize they are suffering from bipolar disorder. In the article I am citing on Carrie Fisher’s battle with Bipolar Disorder, the author pointed out that Carrie started acting out extreme emotions when she was in her adult year s, while she was on top of her game. Well, this is a consistent fact about Bipolar Disorder as it is one that usually develops in one’s late teens or early adult years though almost half of all cases start before the age 25 (NIMH Â · Bipolar Disorder., n.d.). Another interesting fact about how the author foretold the case of Carrie is that, finally, when Carrie Fisher was able to learn about her Bipolar disease, she did not hide it from the public or seen it as something that needed hiding. Instead, she chose to make her battle against it part of her public persona by even speaking about it in public to help others who are suffering from the same illness overcome it. This is consistent with the reality of the disease as Bipolar Disorder is a long-term illness that cannot be cured by one time intake of medicine but is something that could be defeated through a step by step effort everyday, all throughout a person’s life. With this inspiring story that is shared to us u ntil today through the life of Carrie Fisher, we all must know that mental diseases are something that we must take seriously. This is because of the number of families today that cease to

Executive Summary Expedia vs Priceline Essay Example for Free

Executive Summary Expedia vs Priceline Essay Expedia and Priceline are the leading competitors of the online travel service. With travel being one of the Internets hottest commodities, these two companies have been in competition for the top spot. Both businesses offer great deals on hotels, car rentals, and most importantly travel accommodations. The financial post online interviewed Expedia’s managing director Sean Shannon about how he keeps the online travel superstore unique. He noted that they â€Å"invest a lot in technology and software writers and coders, who work to make the shopping experience better and figure out ways to stay ahead of the curve (Ovsey, 2001). † With both companies reaching new heights of Internet success, the need to be informed of each other’s business policies and ideas is very important. Many customers of both Expedia and Priceline already had a combined travel agency that would normally have taken care of their travel plans. When the Internet boom exploded, companies such as Microsoft jumped on the idea of having a travel agency online. The Wall Street Journal Online Edition confirms this need for technology by reporting on the company’s participation in J.P. Morgan’s annual telecom conference. The Wall Street Journal agrees, â€Å"Expedia, Inc. is the largest online travel company in the world, with an extensive brand portfolio that includes some of the worlds leading online travel brands (Expedia, inc. to, 2013).† This would enable a new customer base that would promote Internet sales, and an easier way of life for frequent travelers. Selling points for both of these companies is extremely important, as the transition from a brick and mortar company to a web based company was a hard shift. These companies have not only been in competition for over 10 years, but they have boosted profits every year. The Atlantic Online posted an opinion about Priceline in 2010 regarding the success of the online travel company compared to that of Expedia. They stated, â€Å"Pricelines stock price is up almost 90 percent, while its competitors have flat lined (Expedia) (Madrigal, 2010).† This shows the customer, that even though these companies are in competition, they have done well enough to withstand many economic ups and downs over the years. The importance of stability and growth over the years is very important to a consumer who deserves quality in purchasing potentially high dollar items. The following report specifics the financial reports from the last three years for both companies. This provides established proof that both companies are thriving in what they do.

Sample Code of API’s Controls in Written Javascript

Sample Code of API’s Controls in Written Javascript use strict //function to load Facebook JavaScript. var loadFacebookJS = function () { blockUI(); if (!$(#modalWindowDivControl #FacebookDivision).contents().find(.fb-share-button).attr(data-href)) { unBlockUI(); (function () { var e = document.createElement(script); e.type = text/javascript; e.src = document.location.protocol + //connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1appId=297301533752770; e.async = true; document.getElementById(fb-root).appendChild(e); } ()); } else { setTimeout(loadFacebookJS, 200); } } // freez the screen until the whole page loads function blockUI(controllerId, message) { controllerId = controllerId || ctl00_gridDiv; message = message || Processing Please Wait; message = + message + ; if ($(#blockMessage).length == 0) { $(# + controllerId).append($( ).attr(id, blockMessage).css(display, none).html(message)); } else { $(#blockMessage).html(message); var controller = $(# + controllerId).data(); if (controller != undefined controller != null controller[blockUI.isBlocked] != undefined controller[blockUI.isBlocked] != null controller[blockUI.isBlocked] == 1) return; } $(# + controllerId).block({ message: $(#blockMessage), css: { border: none, padding: 15px, backgroundColor: #eee, -webkit-border-radius: 10px, border-radius: 10px, opacity: .9, color: #444, display: inline, width: 35% } }); } function unBlockUI(controllerId) { controllerId = controllerId || ctl00_gridDiv; $(# + controllerId).unblock(); } LinedIn Js file use strict // funtion to check and load linkedin JS. var LoadLinkedinJS = function () { blockUI(); if (!$(#modalWindowDivControl #LinkedinFrame).contents().find(#LinkedinButton).attr(data-url)) { unBlockUI(); $.getScript(http://platform.linkedin.com/in.js); } else { setTimeout(LoadLinkedinJS, 200); } } // freez the screen until the whole page loads function blockUI(controllerId, message) { controllerId = controllerId || ctl00_gridDiv; message = message || Processing Please Wait; message = + message + ; if ($(#blockMessage).length == 0) { $(# + controllerId).append($( ).attr(id, blockMessage).css(display, none).html(message)); } else { $(#blockMessage).html(message); var controller = $(# + controllerId).data(); if (controller != undefined controller != null controller[blockUI.isBlocked] != undefined controller[blockUI.isBlocked] != null controller[blockUI.isBlocked] == 1) return; } $(# + controllerId).block({ message: $(#blockMessage), css: { border: none, padding: 15px, backgroundColor: #eee, -webkit-border-radius: 10px, border-radius: 10px, opacity: .9, color: #444, display: inline, width: 35% } }); } function unBlockUI(controllerId) { controllerId = controllerId || ctl00_gridDiv; $(# + controllerId).unblock(); } Job Share Modal window use strict //This JavaScript is Main script for all Social Networks Connections and Communication. //Created on 03/04/2014 //Created by Devank Agarwal var SocialNetworkingJavaScript = function () { var jobApplicationUrl = ; //function return the JobApplicationUrl this.CreateJobApplicationURl = function (JobId) { jobApplicationUrl = jobURL(JobId); // Alert to check the shared url. //alert(jobApplicationUrl); return jobApplicationUrl; } //function that creates dynamic url including tenant,source,user and job id. function jobURL(JobId) { var host = location.host; var URL = ; // Just a dummy url to make the it run on localhost. if (host.indexOf(ams.hirepro.in) != -1||host.indexOf(db1.hirepro.in)!=-1) { URL = getLiveUrl(); } else { URL = http://d.ams.hirepro.in/amserdemo/public/JobApplication/Default.aspx/?; URL += getTenantUserAndJobIDEncryption(); } //alert(URL); return URL; } //function to get all the values for queryString. var escapedURL = function () { var alias = getTenantAdamInfo().TenantAlias; var SourceId = getSourceId(); var UserId = readCookie(userId); var EncrpytedJobId = $(#control_Use_It_For_Setting_Attributes).attr(RecentlyEncryptedJobId); //alert to check the values //return (alias%3D + alias + %25userid%3D + UserId + %25sourceid%3D + SourceId + %25jobid%3D + JobId); return (alias= + alias + userid= + UserId + sourceid= + SourceId + jobid= + EncrpytedJobId); } // function to fect virtual path of that hosting dynamically. var fetchVirtualDirectoryName = function () { var arrayOfPathName = location.pathname.split(/); return arrayOfPathName[1]; } // function to get encrypted source id from the hidden field. var getSourceId = function () { return $(# + GetClientId(hfEncryptedSourceId)).val(); } // function to escape the url but presently not used. var getTenantUserAndJobIDEncryption = function () { var URL = escapedURL(); //return escape(URL); return URL; } // function to get the live url dynamically. var getLiveUrl = function () { var protocol = location.protocol; var hostName = location.hostname; var host = location.host; var liveURL = ; liveURL += protocol + // + host + /; liveURL += (host.indexOf(:) == -1) ? fetchVirtualDirectoryName() : ; liveURL += /public/JobApplication/?; liveURL += getTenantUserAndJobIDEncryption(); return liveURL; } } HTML code for Share job Modal window Email Direct Hi, I would like to announce a new job opening in our organization. A complete job description is available on the link provided below. Eligible individuals interested in applying for this position may submit an application on the link below Social Media style=border-style: none; border-color: inherit; border-width: medium; overflow: hidden; scrolling=no> frameborder=0 style=border-style: none; height: 350px; width: 100%; border-color: inherit; border-width: medium; overflow: hidden;>