Private Limited Companies Advantages and Disadvantages

Private Limited Companies Advantages and Disadvantages Financial Accounting Is the information to make decisions related to the organizations, it begins with the principles, concepts, and applications of financial accounting. Financial Accounting follows a set of rules and legislation known as accounting concepts, accounting policies, and procedures like the entity and prepayments. Financial Accounting explains for us what are the financial statements, tells us what are the rules of legislation while they are getting prepared, shows us how the financial accounts are prepared, helps us to understand how the various fields of business work together. It also keeps tracks of companys financial business like the cash flow and cash inflow. It provides stakeholders with official information like for Example: balance sheet account, profit and loss account, trading account. Sole Trader: It is owned by only one person, that has no exact legislation and has one or more employees, their main aim is to make profit. Sole Trader Advantages: They can make decisions easily and quickly Owner can control anything. Less legal formalities. It is simple to set up Sole Trader Disadvantages: Lack of capital. They have to work and think hard because For Example: If the owner is sick, they will not be able to work. Unlimited liability. Partnership: is between 2 to 20 partners or shareholders that works together and easy to setup, the owners share with each other the profits or losses of their business, and their main aim is to make profit. Advantages of a Partnership: It is easy to setup by the deed of partnership More capital is available. There are few paper to work on Disadvantages of a Partnership: Lack of goals to be achieved Unlimited liability Profits have to be divided between the partners Private Limited Company: Is known as ( LTD), it must have one or more director, they do not need a trading diploma, and it offers limited liability to its shareholders but it places certain limits on its ownership. Advantages of Private Limited Company: Limited liability. More serious than the status of a sole trader. Disadvantages of Private Limited Company: The corporation tax has to be paid. Cannot sell shares to public. Public Limited Company: Is known as PLC , its a company whose shares may be purchased by the public and whose share capital is not less than a statutory minimum, and must have minimum 2 directors. Advantages of a Public Limited Company: greater borrowing power the shareholders have limited liability shareholders can sell their shares freely to public Disadvantages of A Public Limited Company: The personal touch may be lost Published accounts have to be prepared Difficult to control and manage Too many legal formalities Clubs: It is the business that is connected from two or more people that has the same goal that they want to achieve. Their main objective is to provide services to the community Charities: It is known as the charities that we know for foundation like Dubai cares. Their main objective is to help other peoples or countries that are unable to pay for their needs and wants. The Advantages of being a Charity The Charity task can provide advice and information to assist a charity administration. Charities are not liable to pay Corporation Tax which is charged on clubs, societies and voluntary organisations. The Disadvantages of Being a Charity Limited rules that are carried on by charities. Trustees are not generally allowed to benefit financially from the charity. Companies Act ( 1985 ) Is the act of the congress of the UK, which will help the companies to register and to set responsibilities of the companies, their secretaries and directors. The act was the instance of consolidation of many other pieces of company legislation, and was one constituent part of the rules governing companies, it was governed by its own articles of relationship. The act is applied only to companies that will form into a legal corporation under it, or under older companys acts. In the act limited liability partnerships, sole traders, and partnerships were not governed by it. Companies Act (1989) Is an act to amend the law relating to the accounts of company, to make new provisions, to amend the companies act 1985 with respect of powers to get information, to create new provision with respect to the registration of charges in the company and to modify the law related to companies, to rephrase the fair trading act 1973, to allow provision to be made. Partnership Act (1890) Its the relation which exists between persons holding on a business in common with the view of profit. No interest is to be charged on drawings. Profits and losses are shared equally among partners. The relation between members of any company like: It is not a partnership within the meaning of this act Registered as a company under the companies act 1862 Rules for Determining Existence of Partnership To determine whether a partnership does or does not exist, you should follow the rules: Joint property, Joint tenancy, tenancy in common, common property, or part ownership does not of itself create a partnership, whether the owners do or do not share any profits made by the use The sharing of gross does not create a partnership, whether the persons sharing returns have or have not a common right or interest in any property Accounting Concepts Business Entity Concepts: It is a separated business and completely different from the owner at that business. It also can be applied to limited business like the charities. The owners personal spending is not recorded in the books at the business. The owners personal transaction appear in the book is when the introductions capital or makes drawings. Materiality: It is a rule which applies to the materials that are not always included in accounting rule; its applied to sole traders, partnership, limited companies, clubs and charities. Going Concern Concepts: It is the statement that business will continue operating in the future except if there a strong evidence or if there a weak evidence, the value is not taken from their break-up value which is the amount that they can sell it in a slow way. In final accounts of a business one of them prepares on the basis that there is no intension to close down the business. Accruals (Matching) Concepts: It is the income that will be received in some trading, lost profit and loss accounts. They should be given out from time to time to be paid. It also allows some people to go against other accounts if the amounts were so small that will be misled, in another words its when we have use something in a period of time. E.g.: bill phone, gas bill, and water bill. Prudence Concepts: It states that the inventory and the profits should not be expected but also included in the profit and loss account. This concept is known as conservation, If we applied this concept ensures that the account present a practical pictures of the state of the business. This concept is applied for making provisions for reduction of debts and stock valuation. Consistency Concepts: It is a way that accounting method uses it to there business, and the business has to keep on using it from time to another. In some areas of accounting a choice of method is available, and when it will be chosen, then they should apply it consistently from years to years. Money Measurement Concepts: It shows the transactions that can be used in monetary terms and in using measuring unit for financial reports. The account at a business only records the information which can be expressed in monetary terms. The value of a good manager that contains loyal work force, high stall morale, will make great benefits to the business. Historical Cost Concepts: It is the account that asset the price and the balance sheet that is based to an original cost when the company require it. Duality (Double Entry) Concepts: It is only one account that is joined together. For every transaction there is aspect in accounting that is made on the basis. A giving and a receiving is known as Dual Concept of all transaction. This is known as double entry. Principles of Relevance Concepts: It is a fact that is known to be gathered from one point of view and keep it. Reliability: It is a degree of person, measure, or object. It is important that profit is only recorded when it has actually been earned. Profits are not regarded as being earned when a customer places an order for goods. Profit is regarded as being earned at the time of goods or services pars to the customers. Comparability: It is the quality of the things that is used in business. Information in financial statements in a business can be more useful. it is compared with similar information about the same business for some other period of time or with other similar information about other business. Understand ability: Its how you understand the others and be able to talk and communicate to them. Information should not be omitted from the financial statements because it is believed it is too complex for users to understand financial statements must be capable of being understood by the users of those statements. Principles: They have two types in UK and US In US they have a lot of rules but when they prepare for their account they use the rule book and if it doesnt cover the rules, the rule book is approved to be used. In UK there is a general law applied to the accounting practice, but the only difference between US and UK that in UK they have an over riding requirements, the account has to be required it is called true and fair views Conventions: It is rules and procedures which are followed by all the organization it also guides the organization for the preparation of their accounts. Rules and Procedures Which Apply To Financial Statements: Financial statement shows only the business that can be given in a monetary terms. Depreciation: It is a company that has the free choice in choosing the company policies, procedures, and also it will affect on the reduction of the money amount that is used in your normal time in life. The organization has two methods to choose from: the straight line depreciation reducing balances Each method of them will result with a different amount of depreciation being charged against the profits. Bad Debts: The balance sheet reflects the amount of the money that the organizations owing it from sales, there is a lot of debtors that may not be able to pay the full amount. So The organizations need to allow a percentage of bad depts. The organization can choose what percentage they want and when to write the bad debts to make a provision, at the end it will affect the over all profit recorded. Provision for Doubtful Debts: It is a small amount that is set aside for something very expensive or something will happen later in the future (Debtors who may not pay their bills to the company) , they usual state the percentage of the great trade debtors. In future accounting, the profit periods would be twisted if the entity suffered a whole series of bad debts. So it seems cautious to allow for the chance that some debts may become bad. Accruals: It is an amount due for a service provided during a particular accounting period but still not paid for at the end of it. We should include them in our accounting before the year ends to show the true and fair views the organization need to ensure that this accounts is complying with accounting concepts. The addition will be included in the amount charged to the profit and loss account for the period as part of the cost of the service provided. Prepayments: It is an amount paid in cash during an accounting period for a provision that will be provided in a later period. Prepayments made will be deducted from the amount charged to the profit and loss account. Valuation of Stock: It should be valued at the lower cost and to be on the net value to observe with the conservative and caution concept. It has three main methods of valuing stock: FIFO LIFO AVCO Each will lead to different value and will affect the profit level. The Similarities and Differences of Sole Trader and Partnership Sole Traders: It is owned by only one person. One has to keep careful evidence if he is self-employed. If the business falters; his personal assets are likely to be liquidated. They dont need to divide there profit. Its easy to set up. Partnerships: Its owned by two or more people together. Profits are shared either equally or as per the terms given. If profits are to be shared, so are the liabilities too. Partners can profit from limited liability and collect tax advantages. Application of Accounting Conventions and Regulations We have in accounting a concept called true and fair view which help to ensure that accounting information is presented accurately and consistently. The most commonly encountered convention is the historical cost convention This requires transactions to be recorded at the price ruling at the time, and for assets to be valued at their original cost. Under the historical cost convention, therefore, no account is taken of changing prices in the economy. And there are other conventions in accounting we can summarize as follows: Monetary Measurement: Like workforce skill, morale, market leadership, brand recognition, quality of managementà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦And the accountants should not account for items unless they can be quantified in monetary terms. An important convention.. The concept of materiality is an important issue for auditors of financial accounts.

Good Use: What is it Good For? :: Teaching Writing Education

Good Use: What is it Good For? I sit here at my computer surrounded by writings about good use. They are beside me, in front of me, next to me. I have read them all many times and I still wonder if I have figured out an answer to "What is good use and what is it good for"? Good use is something that I feel is ingrained in us from kindergarten on. We are taught the proper way to write and the proper way to talk. It distinguishes the educated from the uneducated. Oh, we may try to say that good use does not matter, but we notice when 'bad use' is evident. We see words that are misspelled and sentences that make no sense at all. We hear words used totally out of context or mispronounced. We try not to be judgmental, but, in the back of our minds, there is a little gnome whispering little opinionated thoughts about the ignorance before us. Okay! Okay! I can see everyone getting defensive on that last comment. But if we are honest with ourselves, it is true. We talked in class about good use being a class distinction. There is no avoiding it. Of course, there are the extremes. The example of Niles from 'Frazier' is the utmost extreme in constant good use. Or is it? Maybe it is just an example of class. But Frazier would be of the same class as his brother and he does not speak in such extremes. This is very sad. Now I am arguing with myself in this paper. I think I have triggered an idea, though - Niles is not an example of good use. He is using a dialect that he is comfortable with, that is not common among us. It makes us think of good use because it is so formal. The dialect does consist of good use, but it is not the epitome of it. Frazier and even his Dad speak in ways that would constitute good use. You do not have to use formal english to be considered using good use. Now it may sound like I am getting away from the class distinction, but I don't think that I am. I think the class still shows up, especially in people who have not had a chance at an education. Then there is a definite lack of good use, as we know it.

Adult Students: Recruitment and Retention :: Education Learning Essays

Adult Students: Recruitment and Retention How to attract and retain adult students is an enduring question for providers of adult education. Adult students must juggle competing demands on their time from study, family, work, and other commitments; their learning goals are often different from those of educational institutions and providers; and their needs and aspirations may change during the education process, sometimes as a result of it. This Brief reviews recent research related to adult student recruitment and retention and provides guidelines for recruiting and retaining adult learners. Adult Students and Persistence Adult students' participation and persistence in educational activities ranging from adult literacy to doctoral programs is a complex phenomenon involving an array of factors. Adults are often affected by situational factors beyond their control—job, health problems, financial problems, legal problems, personal or family problems (Belzer 1998). Likewise, dispositional factors such as expectations, self-esteem, level of family support, and past educational experience, can be barriers to participation (Hubble 2000). Institutional factors such as red tape, program fees, scheduling, and procedures can either help or hinder participation (Quigley 1998). In fact, adult students who drop out are often actually "stopping out"—that is, interrupting their studies but planning to return (Frank and Gaye 1997)—or attending other institutions (Hoffman and Elias 1999). Recruitment Adult participation is shaped by access to program information; recruitment should be viewed as a multistep process of drawing people into programs rather than motivating them to sign up for a single course (Bond, Merrill, and Smith 1997). That process begins with promotional information to prompt participant contact; it continues with a prompt response to initial contacts, providing details by phone or print, and inviting potential participants to a local information session. Follow-up on initial contact is crucial; one study of adults who contacted literacy programs found that the most common reason for not enrolling was not getting a call back (Long 2001). Promotional materials should be inexpensive and eye-catching. They should provide basic information that speaks to potential participants--for example, "It's fun, it's free, it's local and there's assistance with child care" (Bond, Merrill, and Smith 1997, p. 9); and they should stress the nonschool nature of programs. Program information can also be provided in face-to-face contacts-knocking on doors in local neighborhoods or staffing an information booth at a community fair (Lankard, Nixon-Ponder, and Imel 1995), on the shop floor (Hellman 1995), or in neighborhood churches, unions, or human services agencies (Gerardi and Smirni 1996). Adult Students: Recruitment and Retention :: Education Learning Essays Adult Students: Recruitment and Retention How to attract and retain adult students is an enduring question for providers of adult education. Adult students must juggle competing demands on their time from study, family, work, and other commitments; their learning goals are often different from those of educational institutions and providers; and their needs and aspirations may change during the education process, sometimes as a result of it. This Brief reviews recent research related to adult student recruitment and retention and provides guidelines for recruiting and retaining adult learners. Adult Students and Persistence Adult students' participation and persistence in educational activities ranging from adult literacy to doctoral programs is a complex phenomenon involving an array of factors. Adults are often affected by situational factors beyond their control—job, health problems, financial problems, legal problems, personal or family problems (Belzer 1998). Likewise, dispositional factors such as expectations, self-esteem, level of family support, and past educational experience, can be barriers to participation (Hubble 2000). Institutional factors such as red tape, program fees, scheduling, and procedures can either help or hinder participation (Quigley 1998). In fact, adult students who drop out are often actually "stopping out"—that is, interrupting their studies but planning to return (Frank and Gaye 1997)—or attending other institutions (Hoffman and Elias 1999). Recruitment Adult participation is shaped by access to program information; recruitment should be viewed as a multistep process of drawing people into programs rather than motivating them to sign up for a single course (Bond, Merrill, and Smith 1997). That process begins with promotional information to prompt participant contact; it continues with a prompt response to initial contacts, providing details by phone or print, and inviting potential participants to a local information session. Follow-up on initial contact is crucial; one study of adults who contacted literacy programs found that the most common reason for not enrolling was not getting a call back (Long 2001). Promotional materials should be inexpensive and eye-catching. They should provide basic information that speaks to potential participants--for example, "It's fun, it's free, it's local and there's assistance with child care" (Bond, Merrill, and Smith 1997, p. 9); and they should stress the nonschool nature of programs. Program information can also be provided in face-to-face contacts-knocking on doors in local neighborhoods or staffing an information booth at a community fair (Lankard, Nixon-Ponder, and Imel 1995), on the shop floor (Hellman 1995), or in neighborhood churches, unions, or human services agencies (Gerardi and Smirni 1996).

Kant’s Philosophy Essay

Introduction Kant’s moral philosophy is also known as Kantian ethics. It is a type of a deontological theory, which is based on ethics. Immanuel Kant founded this deontological theory. Kant’s theory developed as a culmination to the enlightenment rationalism. The basic central idea of this theory is that the good will is the intrinsic quality of nature. Hence, if the action is morally good, maxim, it acts as the theory behind the duty to the moral law. Kant’s moral law gave birth to the idea of categorical imperative. According to the theory of Kant, it is an idea, which acts as a  moral law applicable to all people, irrespective of what their wishes, and interests are. â€Å"Act only to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. † (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2008). Kant’s theory has the unique quality of Kant’s formulation of moral law in the categorical imperative. The basic universal idea of Kant’s ethics reveal that in order to have permission to any action, the action needs to be applicable to all mankind without any disagreement. Moreover, this ethical theory states that human beings are not defined as beings who talks of an end but  rather are an autonomous end in themselves. The theory formulation also deals with the autonomy which results in saying that rational agents are willfully restricted to the moral law. Kant says that the idea of the Kingdom of Ends is about the establishment of the idea based on hypothetical kingdom, which is assumed by the people to be created by their actions (Pomerleau, 2013). In addition, Kant’s theory also portrays the idea of imperfect and perfect duties. In light of this view, the idea that human beings should not lie, is the perfect duty and it hold the truth in its centre. While charity, is an imperfect duty, which is applicable in specific moments and times. PHILOSOPHY 3 Many philosophers, such as Louis Pojman and Jean-Jacques Rousseau cited the Kant’s ethical theory for their debate for rationalism and empiricism. These debates state about Kant’s ethical theoretical development lead to the development of the natural law. Philosopher also believes that Kant’s teacher Martin Knutzen gave him the inspiration for his ethical theory. Other philosophers like Jacques Lacan, John Rawls and Jurgen Schopenhauer were also influenced by the ethical theory of Kant. However, philosophers like G. W. F Hegel criticized  Kant’s ethical theory as being short of providing enough prove for the decision making and the denial of human nature. Another philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer also criticized Kant’s ethical theory as being perspective by saying that it does not only define the human behavior and characteristic but define a specific perspective. In addition, Michael Stocker argued that Kant’s moral theory says people committing the perfect and imperfect duties will eventually end up neglecting the other ethical motivations such as love and friendship. Discussion The basic concept of Kant’s moral philosophy is the ground work which is based on the  concept to seek out. Kant formulated these ideas by linking the common sense concept with the general morality ethics and duties of human beings. This Groundwork is based on the concept of seeking ou, from the basis of moral of metaphysics. His initial idea was to assign a statement to the principles of morality and judgment. These judgments would concern a normal/sane human being. The judgments should also be based on something which a human mind can possibly accept. In this sense, Kant did not give the judgment that would please the other philosophers for being directly linked with either the religion or science.

Animal Mitochondrial Genome

One of the most essential organelles in the animal cell is the mitochondrion, as it is not only the center of ATP production, it also have a phylogenetic value that reveals taxonomic relationships among organisms. These are rod-shaped organelles convert oxygen and glucose into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), otherwise known as the chemical energy â€Å"currency† of the cell that powers the cell's metabolic activities. This kind of respiration is termed aerobic and it supplies energy to most cellular activities.This mode of respiration is more efficient than in the absence of oxygen as anaerobic respiration can only produce two ATPs, as opposed to the 36-38 ATPs produced by the aerobic mode. This is why higher life forms are adapted to utilize oxygen for their ATP production (Davidson, 2004). Mitochondria are hypothesized by scientist to have evolved from a symbiotic relationship between aerobic bacteria and primordial eukaryotic cells (Wallace, 2005), otherwise known as the endo symbiont theory. It functions in common physiological processes such as metabolism, apoptosis, disease, and aging. Being the primary site where oxidative phosphorylation occurs, these double-membrane organelles are efficient in aerobic respiration which allows eukaryotic cells to generate the necessary amount of ATP (Chan, 2006).The mitochondrion maintains its own set of genes although most of its proteins (about 900) are synthesized within and imported from the nuclear genome necessary for its respiratory function (Wallace, 2005).The genome contained by this subcellular organelle separate from the nuclear chromatin is otherwise referred to as the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Particularly in animals, mtDNAs commonly have a closed-circular molecule, with the exception of certain classes containing linear mtDNA chromosomes (Boore, 1998).These extrachromosomal genomes contain 37 genes composed of 13 protein subunits for enzymes coding for oxidative phosphorylation, two ribosomal RNAs of mitochondrial ribosome, and 22 tRNAs for protein translation. Together with proteins and RNAS synthesized in the cytoplasm, products of these 37 genes allow the mitochondrion to possess its own system facilitating DNA transcription, translation, mRNA processing and protein translation. This circular genome is comprised of a mixture of covalently closed circular monomers and different amounts of concatenated dimers and higher oligomers (Burger et al., 2002).Genes contained in the animal mitochondrion are usually encoded on both strands. The H-strand, or the heavy strand, and the L-strand, or the light strand, are these two mentioned strands that comprise the genome. Their names are derived from their molecular weight differences caused by their varying base compositions. 12 out of the 13 protein coding genes comprise the H-strand while only the single gene left belongs to the L-strand. The genome also contains noncoding regions which are restricted to certain areas known as the D-Loo p (Shadel and Clayton 1997).These two strands, the H-strand and the L-strand, originated within the D-Loop, or the displacement loop, region and within a cluster of five tRNA genes respectively. The entire replication process only commences in the initiation of the H-strand synthesis, while the L-strand lags behind. The L-strand synthesis can only begin when two-thirds of the H-strand synthesis across the circular genome is already completed. Therefore, only in the intiation of H-strand synthesis can mtDNA start replicating. Aside from its mentioned function, the D-Loop region is also the location of two transcriptional promoters (HSP and LSP), one for each strand of mtDNA. Synthesis of polycistronic transcripts for the expression of the majority or all of the genes encoded in each strand are directed by these promoters (Chang and Clayton, 1985).Scientists have speculated that the mitochondria are derived from eubacterial endosymbionts. This is due to the possession of mitochondria their own genetic material (DNA) and their own system for genetic expression. Although mitochondria are contained in species belognoing to different kingdoms, they offer considerable differences and even reveal phylogenetic relationships and distances.There are characteristic variations among the three major kingdoms Animalia, Eukaryomycota, and Plantae (including protests). Among animals, their mitochondrial genome is relatively small, having an approximate measurement between 16 and 19 kb, and are compactly arranged as they lack introns or spacer regions. Fungal mtDNAs are considerably larger that animal mtDNAs. Their size is within the range of 17-176 kb and they encode more gene sequences than those of animals.It can be observed that the size range is quite vast, reflecting great variations in genome size. This is not due to coding capacities, instead it can be attributed to the presence of varying sizes of introns and spacer regions. In the case of plants, the genome size range is even more variable as it spans 16 to 2400 kb. Its mtDNA is distinctly characterized by a wide variety of gene content and molecular structure, and the variation of the length of spacer regions and introns (Ohta et al., 1998).One of the most extensively studied group are those of the protists. Their mtDNAs are considered intermediate in size with a measurement range of 6 to 77 kb. Most of protist genomes are compact having little or no non-coding regions. Although present, intergenic spacers are sparse and are generally small, with some coding regions overlapping. There is an general high concentration of Adenine and Thymine that are particularly elevated in non-coding intergenic regions (Gray et al., 1997).Mitochondrial genome composition in vertebrates predominantly includes a standard set of genes coding for 13 inner mitochondrial membrane proteins for electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation functions. Included genes for this function are nad1-6 and 4L, cob, cox1-3 an d atp6 and 8. Genes for both large subunit (LSU) and small subunit (SSU) rRNAs are also contained within the animal mitochondrial genome.The mentioned set of mtDNA-encoded genes (plus atp9) is also found in fungal organisms such as Allomyces macrogynus mtDNAs. However, particular ascomycete fungi such as Schizosaccharomyces pombe lack all nad genes. Both animal and fungal mtDNAs do not encode a 5S rRNA nor, with the exception of rps3 in A. macrogynus mtDNA, do they carry any ribosomal protein genes. Terrestrial plants contain mitochondrial genomes with a few extra respiratory chain protein genes such as nad9 and atp1 in M.polymorpha. But the most distinct variation of the plant mtDNA from the animal and fungal mtDNAs is the presence of both the 5S rRNA (Gray et al., 1997).Animal mtDNA sequences are found to evolve rapidly however they maintain their genetic arrangements for long periods of evolutionary time. A notable example is the identical arrangement of humans and trouts. Althou gh there are few exceptions, gene arrangements are considered stable within major taxonomic groups but are variable between them. We can potentially utilize these data comparisons in reconciling phylogenetic conflicts. Greater differences would entail divergence among the taxa. Comparisons of mitochondrial gene arrangements have provided convincing phylogenies in several cases where all other data were equivocal, including the relationships among major groups of echinoderms and arthropods (Burger et al., 2002).Although studies in mitochondrial genomes of different taxonomic groups are still inconclusive, it still holds a large potential in revolutionizing the taxonomic field. It has opened avenue for prospective discoveries on the currently unknown areas of biological sciences. Therefore, mitochondrial genome research studies are yet to reach their pinnacle and would surely still be an essential focus of phylogenetic sciences.BibliographyBoore, J.L. (1998) Animal Mitochondrial Genom es. Nucleic Acids Research. 27 (8), 1999, pp.1767-1780.Burger, G., Forget, L., Zhu, Y., Gray, M.W., and Lang, B.F. (2002) Uniquemitochondrial genome architecture in unicellular relatives of animals. PNAS, 100 (3), 04 February, pp. 892-897.Chan, D.C. (2006) Mitochondria: Dynamic Organelles in Disease, Aging, and Development.Cell. No. 125, 30 June, pp. 1241-1252.Chang, D. and Clayton, D. (1985) Priming of human mitochondrial DNA replication occursat the light-strand promoter. Biochemistry. Vol. 82, January, pp. 351-355.Davidson, M. (2004) Mitochondria [Internet], Florida State University. Available from:;http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/mitochondria/mitochondria.html;Gray, M., Lang, B.F., Cedergren, R., Golding, G.B.,Lemieux, Sankoff, C.D., Turmel, M., Brossard, N., Delage, E.,Littlejohn, T.G., Plante, I., Rioux, P., Saint-Louis, D., Zhu, Y. andBurger, G. (1997) Genome structure and gene content in protest mitochondrial DNAs. Nucleic Acids Research. 26 (4), 1998, pp. 865-878.Ohta, N. , Sato, N., and Kuroiwa, T. (1998) Structure and Organization fo the MitochondrialGenome of the Unicellular Red Alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae Deduced from the Complete Nucleotide Sequence. Nucleic Acids Research. 26 (22), 24 September, pp. 5190-5198.Shadel, G. S., and D. A. Clayton. (1997) Mitochondrial DNA maintenance in vertebrates.Annu. Rev. Biochem. 66:409–435.Wallace, D.C. (2005). A mitochondrial paradigm of metabolic and degenerative diseases,  aging, and cancer: A dawn for evolutionary medicine. Annu Rev Genet. 39, pp. 359–407

Automobile Pollution Essay

Automobiles can cause many different kinds of pollution in the environment. Air, health and groundwater pollution are of the most common. The reasons for these problems can be contributed to exhaust systems and light switches that are standard equipment on most cars today. Older and newer cars alike are equipped with a catalytic converter system. Which are supposed to convert hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into harmless materials emitted from the automobiles engine. According to Robert Harley, when nitrogen oxide from the engines exhaust is â€Å"over- reduced,† a complex chemical reaction ensues. Ammonia gas (NH3) forms in the catalytic converter, which is then emitted from the vehicles tailpipe and released into the air. These ammonia gasses are the cause of haze and may also cause serious health problems. The catalytic converter not only hurts but also helps the environment. Automobiles that have this system on them produce close to 50% less hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and other gasses. (Converters 1) Which in the long run helps the ozone from depleting even more than it has already. Another problem we face is having vehicles with mercury light switches in the trunk and hood. Mercury is a fluid metallic element that is toxic and can cause various health problems, air and groundwater pollution also. Ford is one of the automobile companies that still use mercury in light switches and certain antilock brake components. The mercury becomes a problem only after vehicles containing it are taken to a junkyard and destroyed. When these vehicles are destroyed the mercury seeps out into the environment and is absorbed into the ground eventually to make its way in to our water supplies. While in the water it can contaminate the fish that in turn we end up eating. Another way the mercury makes it way into the environment is during the process of melting the vehicles in steel furnaces where the mercury vaporizes into the air. (Mercury 1) These particles then can act as a contribution to global warming. Ford has been urged to remove these mercury switches and replace them with a ball bearing switch that costs about 38 cents in all vehicles that are brought in for service, repair, or recall. As of right now Ford has no plans of removing these mercury switches in any of its serviced vehicles. But Ford is currently working with the Alliance of Automobile Manufactures and the Association of International Automobile Manufactures and waste-management directors to eliminate and replace the switches containing mercury in their upcoming vehicles. (Mercury 2) If Ford and other car companies that use mercury switches decide to do this it can eliminate up to 2. 5 tons of mercury from our environment. The problems of automobile pollution mentioned above are only a small portion of the pollution problems we face from automobiles. Many people wonder how these and many other problems that automobiles cause can be fixed, and many have come up with possible solutions. But only a few of the solutions are actually practical. I think we should abolish gas burning engines and start using electrical vehicles. This would eliminate all of the pollution problems. Electric vehicles were once thought to only be a futuristic fantasy, but recently have become a reality. These vehicles are a very environmentally friendly replacement for older gas burning automobiles. Electric vehicles do not require tune-ups or oil changes. These vehicles also don’t emit any ozone depleting gasses and or fumes. Making them a perfect remedy for the already hurting environment. As of right now the idea of an electric car is still in it works and the common gas burning automobile will be around for many more years to come. All we can do is hope that one day that someone will come with a vehicle that is environmentally safe and can help eliminate these problems that automobiles cause today.

Singapore Flyer

Introduction Our group’s choice of attraction is the Singapore Flyer (FIG. 1). Endorsed by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and opened on 25th April 2008, the Flyer stands at 165m in height and was built at a cost of S$240 million. It is ranked #19 out of 276 attractions in Singapore on TripAdvisor and is one of the attractions that make up the â€Å"See Singapore Pass†. A General Assessment of the Singapore FlyerWith reference to Butler’s Tourism Area Cycle of Evolution theory (1980), the Flyer is likely to be at the development stage (third stage) as it has established itself as a well-known paid tourist attraction with sharp planning and strategies designed to attract tourists. Visitor arrivals in 2010 were 30% higher than in 2009, largely due to the Flyer’s $10 million master plan that included the launch of the Singapore Food Trail and the Journey of Dreams interactive gallery[1]. However, it has also faced much criticism for its perceived lack of au thenticity and dilution of local culture.For example, the Singapore Food Trail (FIG. 2) can be considered a form of constructed authenticity[2] – it has a themed interior design and setting from the past as well as makeshift stalls along the roadside, all of which brings back the nostalgic feel and charm of Singapore in the 1960s. This shows how the Flyer has sought to keep up with â€Å"The Tourist† who demands authenticity and associated feelings of nostalgia for the â€Å"natural past† (GE2218 Lecture 5, 2013) There are multiple reasons to explain why this attraction was opened.Firstly, the Flyer is one of a few vantage points that offer both locals and tourists a 360o panoramic view of the cityscape. Secondly, it was to be a revenue-generating attraction for the government as 50% of visitors were expected to be tourists with S$94 million in tourism receipts generated in its opening year. Third, as the Flyer is similarly styled to the London Eye (London being an Alpha++ city[3]), opening it could be viewed as a political and economic gesture to the rest of the world that not only is Singapore a leading world city, it is also an attractive place for foreign investment.According to Ms Patsy Ong[4], â€Å"the opening of Singapore Flyer herald[s] a new age for tourism in Singapore†¦ the unique and exhilarating top-of-the-world experience makes Singapore Flyer a must-see and compelling visitor destination in Asia. † Fourth, the Flyer provides Singapore with an iconic landmark that can be recognized internationally, more so when set amidst a necklace of attractions such as the iconic Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort next door.The Flyer serves those who wish to take in Singapore’s cityscape from an aerial view as well as those who want to eat and shop before or after taking the attraction. It tries to cater to a range of age groups, socio-economic back grounds and nationalities. Examples include having student discounts on certain days, family packages, infrastructure that support wheelchair users, multiple restaurants and shops as well as a recreated Rainforest garden (FIG. 3) that provides visitors with a lush tropical feel.However, despite trying to stay inclusive by catering to the mainstream crowd, many still feel the Flyer tickets are too expensive[5] – it is therefore highly likely that people from lower-income groups are priced out and excluded[6]. The Flyer attracts a range of visitors although the majority of people there were tourists[7]. According to one of the staff at XD Experiential Ride, visitors to the Flyer comprise largely of tourist families and couples. Couples normally visit at night while the weekends see mostly families.Generally, the complex was observed to be largely empty on a weekday afternoon (FIG. 4). Times of day as well as weather has a great influence on when people visit – most visitors prefer to view the cityscape at night while bad weather limits maxi mum enjoyment of the ride. Numerous people such as retail and F&B staff, maintenance staff and security staff work at the Flyer with majority of them involved in the security department. SWOT Analysis Chart The SWOT analysis chart (FIG. 5) will be used to evaluate the  Strengths,  Weaknesses,  Opportunities and  Threats involved in the Singapore Flyer.Identification of the Flyer’s SWOTs are essential as they inform later steps in achieving its ultimate objective – to attract more tourists and to increase tourist revenues. Strengths The Singapore Flyer claims the title as the world’s largest observation wheel – it is a landscape of spectacle[8] by virtue of its sheer size and distinction and is also visually effective and stimulating. Its air-conditioned capsules make it suitable for tourists who are unaccustomed to Singapore’s tropical heat.Through branding, the Flyer sets itself apart as a world-class lifestyle destination of choice for vi sitors, offering the best views and fabulous dining[9] all within the same complex (FIG. 6). Joint promotions with retail shops located within the complex are also carried out (FIG. 7). The Flyer is highly accessible by public transport, a necessity as it is likely to be the main mode of transport for tourists. The attraction is directly linked to Promenade MRT station while free shuttle buses operate every half hour to and from City Hall MRT station.Coach bays for tour buses are also available (FIG. 8). The Flyer also capitalizes on its good Chi or fengshui with its Signature Auspicious Trail that â€Å"promises to harness the right Chi or the cohesive flow of position energy that guarantees prosperity, good fortune and longevity. †[10] This makes it more attractive to the Asian tourist market where many remain auspicious and who believe in collecting good fengshui. In addition, the Flyer actively markets itself to a global audience through link-ups with tour agencies, Singa pore Airlines, and schools. WeaknessesThe Flyer lacks originality with some viewing it as a â€Å"copycat version† of the London Eye. â€Å"Staged authenticity† (Edensor, 2009) is evident in the Flyer’s offerings of bite-sized and packaged â€Å"Singaporean† facets – an appropriated artificial â€Å"Food Trail† and â€Å"Rainforest Discovery† – that reduce and dilute the authenticity of Singapore’s culture and identity to an engineered landscape[11] that may not go down well with locals. Locally however, there has been little or no national awareness about the attraction as little publicity and hype is generated apart from special occasions.Many locals also have the mindset that the Flyer is a â€Å"tourist attraction†, hence they subconsciously exclude themselves from participating in this activity. Opportunities With reference to the consumer/social factor, the Flyer should capitalize on Singapore’s growi ng popularity as a tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. This growing popularity could very well be a result of our perceived Orientalism/exoticism[12] (Morgan et al, 2012:245) where tourists view Singapore as the â€Å"Exotic East†[13] (Jandt, 2004:404).Moreover, we appeal directly to the tourist who wish to explore South-East Asia but are turned off by many of the other less-developed S. E. A countries – in this way, Singapore could act as the â€Å"gateway† to these other countries. Through their transit here, it is highly probable that tourists would want to explore Singapore as well, and hence the Flyer could capitalize on this aspect by marketing itself vigorously as a â€Å"must-see destination† for these global tourists.Economically, opportunities for the Flyer will increase as there is currently huge potential for our MICE sector to grow even more, particularly with the opening of the MBS Convention Centre located right beside the Singapore Flyer. As Chandran Nair, general manager of Singex puts it, â€Å"MICE has a strong multiplier effect for the economy. You see major trade shows coming into the countries, and you see hotels, stand contractors, freight forwarders and shops benefit. â€Å"[14] This is directly linked to tourism because as the number of MICE conventions held increase, visitor arrivals numbers will definitely grow together in tandem.As visitors to Singapore increase, they are likely to go sight-seeing and with the Flyer in such close proximity to the MBS Convention Centre, it is hence extremely convenient for visitors to make their way there, thereby boosting visitor arrivals and revenue for the Flyer. Opportunities further arise as the everyday tourist experiences a rise in income and quality of life due to strong domestic growth in their home countries. The Flyer could provide associated services that appeal to these people, thereby capturing a portion of the wealth they are prepared to spend[15].As reported by ICAEW[16], Singapore’s tourism industry is predicted to benefit from strong domestic growth in countries in the region like Indonesia, where newly rich Indonesians are more able to travel abroad and who are prepared to spend top dollar in their destination countries. Threats A threat could be the increasing number of similar attractions around the world. As countries compete for the tourist dollar, it is vital to note if the Flyer has a competitive edge over any of these other attractions.Not only does the Flyer have to fight with similar existing attractions (e. g. Ferris Wheel in Taipei[17] and the Menara Tower in Kuala Lumpur[18]), many similar new attractions have also been planned such as the proposed Dubai Eye, The New York Wheel and the Eye on Malaysia. Another threat is the possibility of being overshadowed by newer buildings that offer the same panoramic view of Singapore such as the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, Sky on 57 and 1-Altitude. Ano ther related point is that as tourists spend an average of just 3. days in Singapore[19], they might choose to visit the more popular and well-known attractions like Sentosa, Singapore Zoo and the Orchard Road shopping district while giving the Flyer a miss. Additionally, the Flyer is extremely vulnerable to adverse weather conditions (e. g. thunderstorms) in which it has no control over. In 2010, lightning struck the Flyer and caused a malfunction in the air-conditioning system; the attraction had to be closed for two days before it was certified safe to re-open.This shows how attractions that capitalize on offering spectacular scenic views are extremely vulnerable to weather conditions, and further illustrates how tourist attractions are constantly evolving as they seek to adapt to different circumstances every day. Conclusion As the aforementioned analysis has demonstrated, the Singapore Flyer is a tourist site that has ample strengths and opportunities that can be tapped on and further enhanced for the generation of revenue. These however, have to be carefully negotiated with the opportunity costs that may be incurred.One should be cautious therefore that capital maximisation through the presentation of bite-sized touristy images is in fact an inauthentic re-appropriation of the â€Å"Singapore culture†. Such a phenomena, in the name of profit maximisation, threatens authenticity, where models of a real are without origin or reality: a hyperreal that sees the precession of simulacra(http://www. stanford. edu/class/history34q/readings/Baudrillard/Baudrillard_Simulacra. html), and an eventual threat to our identity as Singaporeans as we know it.As consultants for the Singaporean tourism company in pursuit for profits, we therefore identify the strengths and opportunities of the Singapore Flyer. However, we also seek to highlight the weaknesses and threats that may impinge on the very authenticity and character of the Singaporean culture and identity. Appendix FIG. 1 – Singapore Flyer signage [pic] FIG. 2 – Recreated tropical rainforest [pic] FIG. 3 – Singapore Food Trail [pic] (Obtained from: http://www. singaporeflyer. com/wp-content/header-images/food-trail. jpg) FIG. 4 – Flyer on a weekday afternoon [pic] FIG. 5 – SWOT Chart LOCATION |TYPE OF FACTOR | |OF FACTOR | | | |Favourable |Unfavourable | |Internal |Strengths |Weaknesses | |Offerings |Offers spectacular view of cityscape |Lacks originality | | |Air-conditioned capsules |Reduces and dilutes Singapore’s cultural authenticity | | |Easily accessible | | | |Combines F&B, shopping and sightseeing all in one | | | |complex | | |Marketing |Excellent branding strategies |Little/no local awareness of promotional activities | |External |Opportunities |Threats | |Consumer/social |Gateway to rest of Southeast Asia |Tourists bypass Flyer for more popular attractions | | | Vulnerable to weather conditions | |Economic |Rise of the well-heel ed global tourist |Increasing number of similar existing/new attractions | | |Huge growth potential in the MICE sector |globally | | | |Overshadowed by other buildings that offer the same | | | |view | FIG. 6 – â€Å"Play, Shop & Dine† all in one complex [pic] FIG. 7 – Joint promotion held with Nankai, a retail shop located within the Flyer complex [pic] FIG. 8 – Coach bays [pic][pic] ———————– [1] http://www. asiaone. com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20110407-272181. html 2] An authenticity projected onto toured objects by tourists or tourist producers in terms of their imagery, expectations, preferences, beliefs and powers (Wang, 1999:352) [3] http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Global_city [4] Managing director of Adval Brand Group Pte Ltd, the exclusive sales, marketing and ticket distribution agent of the Flyer [5] S$21 for a child; S$33 for an adult (Singapore Flyer, 2013) [6] Supporte d by our survey results where majority of survey respondents regarded themselves as belonging to the middle and upper-middle income strata. [7] Our survey results showed that visitors to the Flyer were mostly overseas tourists who hailed from places like India, England, New Zealand, China and Korea. [8]