Artificial Intelligence free essay sample

If one does research on artificial intelligence (AI), they will find themselves inundated with futuristic robots and android like expectations. A more realistic camp that is working on technology that can benefit the consumer or society in the relatively near future will exist in the next 30 to 250 years. We believe the strength of AI lies somewhere in the middle of these extreme boundaries. Without futurists and dreamers, where would the world be today? The commercial airliner, putting a man on the moon, and a network of railroads all would have been thought impossible at some point in history. Inventors, entrepreneurs, and investors put pen to paper, paper to plans, and prepared these plans to realize their dreams. It’s important to dream about the future to help us contemplate how we are going to get there. We learned from the dot com bust that technology needs have some economic viability or technology will very hard to sustain. We will write a custom essay sample on Artificial Intelligence or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Most companies have learned this tough lesson and future AI research will no doubt follow this trend to develop more intelligent objects and expert systems that truly benefits society. No discussion about AI would be complete without expounding upon the social impacts of AI. The human physic has an insatiable desire to conquer and control nature, land, and people. Technology has decreased hardships and suffering by raising standards of living through improved health and increased literacy throughout the industrialized world. Any discipline with the power that AI can wield needs to have a balance to fight against the abuse of its uses and protect those with less knowledge power that are recipients of the benefits this technology offers. The current state of our society is already seeing the impact of increasing obesity, a digital divide between those who have and have not, and people who create their own virtual world isolating themselves from communities. Thesis Scientists working on Artificial Intelligence research should not aim at replicating human intellect and consciousness in machines; rather they should work on creating highly specialized and intelligent machines with immense transaction processing agility and expert decision support systems. What is Artificial Intelligence There are many definitions to AI and not anyone is the standard but we will use this one to guide us through our project. â€Å"The attempt to understand the nature of intelligence and produce new classes of intelligent machines through programming computers to perform tasks, which require reasoning, and perception† (Adams 60). This is a two-pronged attempt in which we use AI as a research tool to understand how the human psyche works and then use this merging of psychology and computer science to build machines that think (Adams 60). It’s this second prong that has sparked much debate about how this technology can threaten humanity as we know it. Many AI researchers are not computer scientist anymore, but psychologist (Adams 60). One theorist states objects man made or in nature have two environments, an inner and outer environment. A cars outer environment would be how it behaves on the road but the inner environment would be the engine and other systems. Sometimes outer environments are shared and can be relatively easy to understand, manipulate, or control. It is understanding the inner environment that has perplexed many (Adams 60). History of Artificial Intelligence One could argue that the search for AI began as 1834 when scientists began to envision analytical engines, but our discussion will mainly focus on a timeline from 1956 through 2050, and beyond. The history of AI has been though many phases and some projected phases are on the horizon. There has been a roller coaster of booms and busts in early AI history that would resemble a bell curve. A success in a particular method or technique would bring a flock of investors and disciples to study them. The predictions fail to materialize and even though there were modest accomplishments it was always overshadowed by a newer fad (Bainbridge 1). The Romantic Period in AI research from 1856 to 1965 ignores what is going on in behavior sciences. Early AI research focused on computation techniques that provided general problem solving techniques. This was much buzz and excitement with the success of this so-called intelligent activity (Bohumir 2). AI was over billed and sold and on how easy it would be to eventually create a machine with human consciousness. To do this seemed like a natural progression (Adams 61). This is followed by a relative Ice Age (1965-1975) when most lost respect for it as a scientific discipline (Bohumir 2). There were several reasons that early pioneers over billed the short term potential of AI research. First was the rapid early success of computation techniques. The human brain was considered by some to be rather simple and would be easy to replicate. Computers are much better at rapid calculations than humans and it seemed only natural they could be programmed to be smarter than us. AI was not yet a professional discipline and lacked social norms within the community to reign in itself thus promoting hustlers who were not afraid to take risk. Journalists loved to talk about AI and futuristic robots. Finally, as we learned from the dot com bust in any fast moving field, short-term potential is usually overestimated (Bainbridge 1). A new optimism set in from 1970-1975 as researchers realized smaller yet more constrained problems could be solved with AI computational techniques and a commercial usage could be reached with in ten years (Adams 61). Then, from 1975-1980, AI began merging computer science research with other psychologist and linguist disciplines (Adams 61). Then, the Application Age began in 1980 and has lasted until the present day. The financial industry now realizes a new sector is open for investment and a more entrepreneurial age has spawned. Most research is spun off to university labs and AI products are marketed to military, industrial, medicine, and other services. (Adams pg. 61) The Ages of Artificial Intelligence The next three ages are futuristic expectations of how AI might change our society over the next forty years. Although there will be exponential growth, we believe the timeline from Adams is much too aggressive and it will be many more years before we can match a human’s intellect, if this is even possible to do so. The Age of Merging takes place during the years of 2010-2020. The United States, Japan, and China are leaders in research and development for AI. Intelligent computers and telecommunications networks finally merge phones, medical care, 3-D Internet, radio, television, and the education system. Direct human-Internet communication is made possible with implanted chips (Bohumir 3). The scientific disciplines of biotechnologies and nanotechnologies have exponential growth and merge together during this age. New discoveries are made to DNA computers and low levels of intelligence (Bohumir 3). Legislative bodies use AI-based expert systems to enact laws. Many new laws are needed to govern and protect a new intelligent environment. Some areas of concern are electromagnetic smog, the use of robots, protecting data, and the protection of liberal arts (Bohumir 3). This leads to the Age of Self-Reliance which will span the years 2020-2030. Intelligent computers and telecommunications networks manage and do their own repairs, research, and operations. New material enables higher levels of intelligence. Direct communications between humans and computers becomes available with implanted chips and then later without chips. AI is used to improve the atmosphere to prolong the earth’s environment. Computers will match the processing power and memory of the human brain (Bohumir 3). This then brings us to the Non-Mysterious Age of 2030-2040. Our natural living environments are much more holographic and data is mined from the environments. This enables new explanations for phenomena such as extrasensory perception, energy fields, bioenergy, and psychotronics (Bohumir 3). Finally, the moment we have been waiting for, and an exact copy of a humans intellect can be created. Laws quickly follow governing the use of human intellectual property (Bohumir 3). Three Main Barriers to Artificial Intelligence There have been three significant barriers that have plagued AI research and need to be resolved. The first is understanding natural language. Computers can understand short choppy words, but phrases and sentences like inquiries pose a more complicated issue. Once computers can understand spoken language and turn it into editable screen text, there will no longer be a need for a keyboard (Adams 61). Secondly comes the manipulation of objects. Industrial robots can perform very primitive tasks like lifting, welding, and painting, but they perform them much more efficiently. For a robot to do things that a consumer would consider viable in our daily lives like wash dishes or take out the trash, it has to be able to perceive and understand its environment. More than likely, this would be accomplished through sensory devises similar to our eyesight with optics. It needs to understand positions like foreground, background, shadow, edge, beside, and underneath. As humans, we take these and many other sensory skills for granted (Adams 61). Finally, expert systems that replicate human decision making evolve. Expert systems are constructed differently than conventional software. Past software has served us well with programs requiring transactions or general computations. Expert systems have two parts. One part is the knowledge base which contains a database and rules to allow the database to be manipulated. The other is the inference engine. It is independent of the knowledge base and can carry out logical inferences. Expert systems are one of the first commercially usable products of AI. These systems have been used in high payoff situations like oil exploration, logistics, and medical diagnoses. If these systems can be completely perfected, they could rival manager and administrator positions (Adams 61). Applications of Artificial Intelligence The true measure of any society is not what it knows, but what it does with what it knows. Warren Bennis, â€Å"Why Leaders Cant Lead† Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is widespread and extends to almost every field of technology and human endeavor. â€Å"AI is no longer a bleeding-edge technology hyped by its proponents and mistrusted by the ainstream. In the 21st century, AI is not necessarily amazing. Rather, it’s often routine†Ã¢â‚¬Å" (Menzies 18). Areas as diverse as military applications and entertainment use AI technology to enhance their potential. Raymond Kurzweil defines the goal and scope of AI as â€Å"†¦the art of creating machines that perform functions that require intelligence when performed by people† (Kurzweil 14). Since computers are the most â€Å"intelligent† of modern day machines, it is no wonder that AI research found a natural ally in computers. AI can be broadly classified into two areas – learning and non-learning systems. Learning systems adapt and learn from their environment, and apply the additional information gained in its future operations. An example of a learning-system is the â€Å"Deep Blue† computer program and the IBM Supercomputer that defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov in six games in 1997 (Menzies 22). Non-learning systems are relatively simple automatons that perform a complex task by manipulating the instructions given to it. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle One of the exciting applications of AI with potential for both military as well as space exploration is in the area of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) control. In both areas of military capacity and space exploration, their full potential remains unrealized because of the limitations of mortal humans. Space exploration requires travel to distant objects, separated from the earth by billions of miles. The current speed of today’s travel would prohibit humans from reaching some of these objects in their entire lifetimes. However, a UAC controlled by AI, uninhibited by human mortality, can travel long distances over long spans of time. Similarly, in the military realm, intelligence gathering of enemy positions and tactics using reconnaissance aircraft is a routine practice. However, such surveillance flights are fraught with danger, putting the life of the pilot in harms way. A UAV controlled by AI could do the same job without putting human life in jeopardy. â€Å"The attempt of man to fly UAC’s has been going on for a long time. Use of UAV’s can be traced back to use in World War I†¦The UAV can be described as any platform that is operated without on board human occupation. Systems, which exist today, include helicopters, airplanes, balloons, blimps, and even satellites. Their autonomy varies from human interaction from a remote console to full autonomous takeoff and landing† (Dufrene). AI controlled UAV research is an effort to creating an Expert System that can control an aircraft. However, a fully autonomous UAV is still in the future. â€Å"Some of the problems that still exist today include the fact that an expert pilot’s decision-making process is difficult to imitate with computers. The dynamic environment and dynamic conditions affecting the aircraft are areas that have to be adapted to such an Expert System† (Dufrene). Decision Support System Another application of AI is in the realm of Decision Support Systems (DSS). AI enhanced decision support systems can be found anywhere from a doctor’s consulting room to an executive’s boardroom. One of the critical areas of DSS with ramifications for human lives remains in the military with the Landing Signal Officer (LSO) on an Aircraft carrier. Due to the tight confines of the aircraft carrier, landing a fighter jet on the carrier is a grueling task, especially so during rough weather conditions. â€Å"In addition to operating what may be termed as an extremely busy airport, aircraft carrier landing operations are affected by a number of variables not associated with a normal airport. Of these, the most critical are fleet tactical considerations, flight deck space constraints, aircraft carrier maneuvering space (sea room), flight deck motion (pitch and roll) †¦ airborne aircraft fuel status, aircraft ordinance†¦above all, time constraints† (Richard). The last seconds before the aircraft lands is the most critical phase in the process, where the LSO is required to make a decision on the aircraft landing safety in the final four seconds. Any error in judgment at this stage could lead to fatal consequences. Due to better computational and processing capacity, computers running AI enhanced DSS can help the LSOs avoid human-error and make accurate calls to either land or abort landing. Computer games According to the Interactive Digital Software Association, computer and video games is a $6. 35 billion industry annually (Cass 41). Though not at the cutting edge of AI research, the gaming industry was one of the early adopters of this technology. The average computer game player does not like to play against a mediocre foe; he or she prefers to take on a worthy opponent. AI has the perfect application in this situation. Using neural networks, which attempt to model how neurons behave in the brain and genetic algorithms, which use digital evolution and selection to develop a solution to a problem by trial and error, games can be empowered to outwit human players (Cass 41). However, since the gaming industry lacks independent research and development into AI, most of the techniques used in the gaming industry are borrowed from the successes of other industries. Natural language processing and vision One of the most difficult tasks for any AI system is the ability to understand human language with all of its complexities and variations. Yet, researchers at IBM and other institutions are making progress in enabling computers to understand speech and written text. Understanding vision is another emerging technology with implications for AI. â€Å"Intelligent vision requires the ability to understand the image that a camera or other sensory device produces. This requires providing the computer with a representation that it can manipulate, along with the background knowledge, context, and computational and inferential methods that it needs to understand the image† (Apte et al). As computers and computing devices become ubiquitous in the everyday world, applications need to become easier for non-technical users to use. User-friendly applications often need to understand and anticipate the needs of the users and thus, in some sense, must behave intelligently. AI, therefore, has become an integral part of the information revolution. Economic considerations When someone says â€Å"I want a programming language in which I need only say what I wish done,† give him a lollipop. Alan Perlis, â€Å"Epigrams on Programming† The use of AI to make Robots more â€Å"intelligent† is a laudable goal in itself. Such robots can be put to use where the environment is too dangerous for humans to operate in such as the inside of a nuclear reactor or a chemical spill cleanup. Smart robots can perform jobs that are too repetitive and mundane for humans. AI enhanced robots have thus been put to use in several car manufacturing facilities in Japan, Europe and the Americas. Some visionaries have visualized a world in the future where robots perform all the work, thus freeing humans to cater to the more â€Å"natural† human activities like relationships, the arts, and invention. Together, with the undeniable economic benefits potential, AI unfortunately also can have negative impacts for the world economy. Industrial robots, the kind that work in car manufacturing units, have already displaced a multitude of factory workers. â€Å"Industrial robots are now being joined by service robots, of which there are more than 5,000 units in operation world-wide† (Pelaez and Krux). International Federation of Robotics defines service robots as â€Å"A robot which operates semi or fully autonomously to perform services useful to the well being of humans and equipment, excluding manufacturing operations† (Pelaez and Krux). The entry of AI empowered robots in both industrial and service sectors can only spell doom for human employment. â€Å"In 1997, a Study Group on Social Trends (SGST) carried out a survey comparing the main innovations in robotics provided by previous Delphi Studies conducted in Germany, England, France, Spain and Japan†¦ Drawing on the results of this research a new Delphi Study took place in 1998 †¦This is the first Delphi Study to have systematically addressed a wide variety of issues related to the change in working patterns and company organization as a results of the impact of advanced Robotics. The forecasts made by the experts involved are summarized in Table 1† (Pelaez and Krux). The results of this study indicate that the entry of AI enhanced robots in every conceivable work setting will only lead to widespread human unemployment. Unless future generations redefine the concept of work, unemployment will lead to unease and instability in society. If intelligent machines will eventually replace humans in the workplace, then ensuring the adequate provision for the livelihood and sustenance of human society should become a priority. In such an environment, a socialistic system of equal wealth distribution for all humanity will be the clear winner. Table 1. Main effect of robotics and advanced automation (year 2010) Technological developmentChanges in workWorking dayCompany Organization The cost of purchase, programming and maintenance of robots will come within reach of small and medium sized companies. 80% of industrial jobs will require a medium-high level of qualification. In the services sector, 50% of jobs will require a medium- high level of qualification. In most companies in the industrial sector with a high level of automation, work will be in shifts and working hours will be flexible. Reduction in middle managers and less possibilities for making a career in the company. 50% of tasks in many industrial sectors will be undertaken by robots. The rate of temporary jobs will reach 40% in the manufacturing sector and 50% in services. In most companies in the services sector with a high level of automation, work will be in shifts and working hours will be flexible. This will take place more slowly than in the manufacturing sector, but will depend on the specific activity carried out. Labor relationships in working groups will become more individualized. Expansion of robotics in services sector. Manufacturing employment will fall over the next ten years. Employment in the services sector will increase. Working hours will be shortened, though not significantly before year 2010. Reduction in occupational accidents. Strong investment in robotics in OECD countries. Salaries will be kept at the present level. There will be an increase in functional mobility, saturation levels, number of tasks and duties to be undertaken, greater intensity and job enhancement. Reduction in labor disputes. Greater employment nstability in both industry and services. Strengthening of the core management of the company and growing precariousness for the rest of the employees. Source: Antonio Lopez Pelaez, Impactos de la Robotica y la Automatizacion Avanzada en el trabajo. Estudio Delphi, Sistema, Madrid 2000. Benefits and Detriments to Society- Socially and Culturally Hear the rest, and you will marvel even more at the crafts and resources I contrived†¦. It was I who made visible to men’s eyes the flaming signs of that were before dim†¦ One brief word will tell the whole story: all arts that mortals have come from Prometheus. -Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound Prometheus speaks of the fruits of his transgression against the gods of Olympus: his purpose was not merely to steal fire for the human race, but also enlighten humanity through the gift of intelligence or ‘nous’, the rational mind†. The intelligence forms the foundation for all of human technology and ultimately all of human civilization. The work of the classical Greek dramatist illustrates a deep and ancient awareness of the extraordinary power of knowledge. Artificial intelligence, in its very direct concern for Prometheus’s gift, has been applied to all the areas of his legacy—medicine, psychology, biology, astronomy, geology—and many areas of scientific endeavor that Aeschylus could not have imagined (Luger 13). Though Prometheus’s action freed humanity from the sickness of ignorance, it also earned him the wrath of Zeus. Outraged over this theft of knowledge that previously only belonged to the gods of Olympus, Zeus commanded that Prometheus be changed to a barren rock to suffer the ravages of the elements for all eternity. The notion that human efforts in knowledge constitute a transgression against the laws of God or nature is deeply ingrained in Western thought. It is the basis of the story of Eden and appears in the work of Dante and Milton. Both Shakespeare’s and the ancient Greek tragedians portrayed intellectual ambition as the cause of disaster. The belief that the desire for knowledge must ultimately lead to disaster is evident throughout history as witnessed by the Renaissance, the age of enlightenment, and even the scientific and philosophical advances of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Thus, we should not be surprised that artificial intelligence inspires so much controversy in both academic and popular circles. (Luger 14) Indeed, rather than dispelling this ancient fear of the consequences of intellectual ambition, modern technology has only made the consequences seem likely, even imminent. The legends of Prometheus, Eve, and Faustus have been retold in the language of technological society. The technological society is a human network rather than a physical entity in the traditional sense. Its members are not bound by any constitution. They work together because they share a common belief in enabling people to share new technology appropriate to their working and living environments. Human centered issues of diversity, human purpose, participation, equality, social responsibility, ethics, and creativity are no longer peripheral issues as they are central to the social and economic progress of all societies, especially the advanced technological societies. Much of the faith that information technology provides technical solution to work life and living environments is increasingly becoming none suspect and unsustainable. Growing research interest in societal issues such as work and organizational cultures, creativity and innovation, cooperation and participation, and culture and communication among AI and information technology communities shows a sign of hope for future human centered perspectives of research and applications. However, we must always be vigilant about the seductive nature of the technical solution of human problems and the narrowness of the culture of ‘short termism’ (Duffy 21). Several philosophers have argued on philosophical grounds against the feasibility of building human-link consciousness or intelligence in a disembodied machine. Philosophers argue that consciousness cannot be captured by rule or logic-based systems or by systems that are not attached to a physical body, but leaves open the possibility that a robotic system using neural networks or a similar mechanism might achieve artificial intelligence. Some observers foresee the development of systems that are far more intelligent and complex than anything currently known. One name for these hypothetical systems is artilect. Artilects are artificial intellects. With the introduction of artificially intelligent, non-deterministic systems, many ethnical issues will arise. Many of these issues have never been encountered by humanity. The accepted definition of artificial intelligence is put forth by John McCarthy in 1955. â€Å"Making a machine behaves in ways that would be intelligent if a human were so behaving. † Since that time, several distinct types of artificial intelligence have been elucidated. Strong Artificial Intelligence Strong artificial intelligence deals with the creation of some form of computer-based artificial intelligence that can truly reason and solve problems; it is a strong form of AI that is said to be sentient, or self-aware. In theory, there are two types of AI: †¢Human- like AI in which the computer program thinks and reasons much like a human mind. †¢Non- human- like AI in which the computer program develops a totally non- human sentience and a non- human way of thinking and reasoning. Weak Artificial Intelligence Weak artificial intelligence deals with the creation of some form of computer- based artificial intelligence that cannot truly reason and solve problems; such a machine would, in some ways, act as if it were intelligent, but it would not possess true intelligence or sentience.

A Diploma is not a Degree

A Diploma is not a Degree A Diploma is not a Degree A Diploma is not a Degree By Maeve Maddox The word degree has many meanings, but in academic terms, it refers to a certification awarded at the university level. The B.A. degree (Bachelor of Arts), for example, is awarded upon completion of a four-year program of study requiring a specified minimum of credits. An M.A. degree (Master of Arts) requires two or more years of study beyond the B.A. and carries with it the passing of certain examinations and, usually, the completion of a thesis or other research project. The Ph.D. degree (Doctor of Philosophy) requires several more years of study, examinations, and research projects beyond the M.A. In addition to the degrees awarded by four-year institutions of higher learning, community colleges offer the Associate Degree upon completion of two years of study beyond high school. A diploma, on the other hand, is a document testifying to the completion of a course of study. Any graduate, whether of a university, a high school, or a six-week course in Spanish, will receive a diploma. High schools issue diplomas and certificates of attendance, but they do not award degrees. To describe a person as having a high school degree is an error of fact as well as one of diction. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:75 Contronyms (Words with Contradictory Meanings)Top 11 Writing Apps for iOS (iPhone and iPad)50 Plain-Language Substitutions for Wordy Phrases

Why people Join An Insurgency Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Why people Join An Insurgency - Essay Example Individuals join insurgencies in order to attain a better status, in order to seek revenge and because these individuals belong to weak socioeconomic backgrounds. One of the reasons due to which individuals join insurgencies is that they perceive that by joining insurgencies they can gain a better status within the society. Individuals belonging to a community may join the insurgency in order to prove that he/she is someone who should be respected as compared to other members of the community. Due to this desire to prove them, various individuals join insurgencies. Canter has cited a research in a textbook that has identified various advantages of joining an insurgency. The research suggests that joining in a violent revolt may help an individual in gaining respect through the fear they may inflict in his/her society and this is why individuals become a part of insurgency (Canter 24). Revenge and or retribution have become a highly known motive due to which individuals may join an insurgency. An individual may have never indulged in violent rebellions but he/she may be forced to do so due to his/her desire to seek revenge against those who he believes have done wrong to him. In recent years many individuals have joined the insurgent group Taliban and one of the reason that have motivated them to do so is because of the anti-US sentiments they have developed because of the drones attack in which people who had no connection with terrorists were killed (Greenfield 1). Socioeconomic background of insurgents is a major reason that pushes them into becoming a part of an insurgent group. Individual belonging to weak socio economic backgrounds fail to attain proper education and they do not have well developed cognition to differentiate between pro-social and anti-social behavior. Due to this these individuals face a higher risk of being brainwashed into thinking that joining an insurgent group is a pro-social

Marketing Plan Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 3

Marketing Plan - Research Paper Example Other areas of specialization in which the company invests in are beverages, which are used worldwide. Besides the operations of the company within the UK market, the company has major markets within the US, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain as well as in France. GlaxoSmithKline Plc as a trading company has a statement of mission, which is ‘provision and development of immunotherapeutic, as well as vaccines that are necessary for improvement of human health globally’. The company has made strategic milestones in the field over years and is credited for having great and contributions towards the global health as it is today. The company’s profile reveals that the formation of the company as it is today has involved merger efforts with many companies and thus would have a history from the early years of 20th century. The existence of the corporate identity of GlaxoSmithKline plc is not that old s it dates from the time of merger of SmithKline Beecham and Glaxo Wellcome in December 1999 (Addison & Lawson, 2012). GSK has special attention on such fundamental areas as realizing sustainable growth, improving long-term financial performances as well as reducing risks. It realizes these goals through embracing diversification, developing and delivering high-value products as well as adoption of simplified business models. The recent developments have seen the company adopt generic branded manufacturing to add to the previously existing patented strategies in order to command higher influence and relevance in the modern day market. Addison and Lawson through a recent discourse analysis study concerning the strategic development move of generic branding found out that this was necessary and very effective in lowering the associated performance risks as well as in increasing the range of products being traded on. The shift in production models into the incorporation of generic manufacturing has greatly revolutionized the industry through lowering

Mangroves and sea grasses in Florida Research Paper

Mangroves and sea grasses in Florida - Research Paper Example They usually form mangrove forest that is often inundated by tidal salt twice a day. Sea grasses are grass-like flowering plants that are totally submerged in estuarine and marine waters. These habitats occur throughout the coastal areas of Florida, however, most are found in Florida Bay, and the region between Tarpon Springs northward to Apalachee Bay. Types of Mangroves in Florida There are three species of Mangroves found along the coastal region of Florida: black mangrove, white mangrove, and red mangrove. Black mangroves survive in slightly higher elevations than red mangroves, while white mangrove grows upland more than black and red mangroves. Red mangrove grows along the water edge (Saenger 289). Red mangrove is identified by its branching and arching drop roots from branches, prop roots from trunk. Black mangrove is identified by its pencil-like roots that grow up through the soil. The white mangrove is identified by its more rounded leaves than the leaves of black and red m angrove (Saenger 289). Importance of Mangrove in the Ecosystem Mangrove ecosystems are essential habitat for fish production. They provide breeding and feeding grounds for shell fishes and many fishes. Besides fish, it also supports a variety of wildlife such as crocodile, snakes, birds, deer, insects and fishing cats (Saenger 289). The mangrove forests also protect the coast from floods, fury of cyclone, coastal erosion, UV-B radiation, wave actions and sea level rise. Mangroves act as sinks for nutrients, and traps for sediments (Saenger 289). How do Mangroves Reproduce? Mangroves are flowering and seed-producing plants. Their seeds are larger as compared to other seeds produced by other trees and plants, and they usually begin germinating while still attached to the main plant. When the seeds drop from the tree, they float on water for a short period, and then they sink to the bottom (Gleason 21). They float for a short period while being dispersed to areas where they can grow: t hey can only grow in tidal water. The rate of growth depends on mineral availability and climate. Health of Ecosystem Occupied by Mangrove These ecosystems are free from the deleterious impacts of UV-radiation. Mangrove trees produce flavonoids, which serve as UV-screen compounds. Shores and coastlines with mangrove forest are protected from cyclones with tremendous speed that severely disturbs and destroys coastal ecosystem. This makes it a potent nursery and breeding ground for many fishes and other wildlife (Gleason 21). The mangrove roots prevent erosion of the coast, and attract suspended sediments making these regions fertile grounds for cultivation. They also support the growth of planktons, which is a source of fish food (Gleason 22). How Mangrove deals with Salt in the Water Mangroves eliminate salt at the root level, and mangrove trees can tolerate high salt levels in their tissues more than normal plants. Most of the salts are eliminated at the root level through Ultra fi ltration process. Any salt that passes through the roots is stored in old and dry leaves, which are later shed (Gleason 42). A few mangroves can tolerate high salt levels in their tissues, and the excess salt is eliminated through specialized cells in their leaves. For example, Avecennia is the only tree that survives in hot and salty regions. Florida Laws that Protect Mangroves The Florida Legislature passed the Mangrove Trimming and Prevention Act to protect mangrove forests. The act

Analysis of Indias Advertising Industry

Analysis of Indias Advertising Industry Indian Advertising Industry: An  Introduction Introduction The Indian advertising industry has evolved from being a small-scaled business to a full-fledged industry. The advertising industry is projected to be the second fastest growing advertising market in Asia after China. It is estimated that by 2018, the share of ad spend in Indias Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be around 0.45 per cent. The Indian government has given tremendous support to the advertising and marketing industry. Advertising expenditure is likely to increase in the financial sector, driven by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) policies which could result in a more favourable business environment. Also, proposed licences for new banks and better market sentiments render the advertising and marketing industry in India a fertile space. Market  size Indias Advertising industry is expected to grow at a rate of 16.8 per cent year-on-year to Rs 51,365 crore (US$ 7.61 billion) in 2016, buoyed by positive industry sentiment and a strong GDP growth of 7 per cent and above. Indias digital advertising market has grown at a fast pace of 33 per cent annually between 2010 and 2015, while spending as a percentageà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ °of total advertising increased to 13 per cent or nearly US$ 1 billion in 2015. Print contributes a significant portion to the total advertising revenue, accounting for almost 41.2 per cent, whereas TV contributes 38.2 per cent, and digital contributes 11 per cent of the total revenue. Outdoor, Radio and Cinema make up the balance 10%. Of the current Rs 2,750 crore (US$ 407.66 million) digital advertisement market, search and display contribute the most search advertisements constitute 38 per cent of total advertisement spends followed by display advertisement at 29 per cent, as per the study. The Internets share in total advertising revenue is anticipated to grow twofold from eight per cent in 2013 to 16 per cent in 2018. Online advertising, which was estimated at Rs 2,900 crore (US$ 429.9 million) in 2013, could jump threefold to Rs 10,000 crore (US$ 1.48 billion) in five years, increasing at a compound annual rate of 28 per cent Advertising agencies in the country too have taken a leap. They have come a long way from being small and medium sized industries to becoming well known brands in the business. Mudra,OgilvyandMathew(OM),McCannEricsonn,Rediffussion,LeoBurnettare some of the top agencies of the country. Indian economy is on a boom and the market is on a continuous trail of expansion. With the market gaining grounds Indian advertising has every reason to celebrate. Businesses are looking up to advertising as a tool to cash in on lucrative business opportunities. Growth in business has lead to a consecutive boom in the advertising industry as well. The Indian advertising today handles both national and international projects. This is primarily because of the reason that the industry offers a host of functions to its clients that include everything from start to finish that include client servicing, media planning, media buying, creative conceptualization, pre and post campaign analysis, market research, marketing, branding, and public relation services. Keeping in mind the current pace at which the Indian advertising industry is moving the industry is expected to witness a major boom in the times ahead. If the experts are to be believed then the industry in the coming times will form a major contribution to the GDP. With al this there is definitely no looking back for the Indian advertising industry that is all set to win accolades from the world over. Advertisement  Spending  Sector  Wise Advertisement  Spending  Sector  Wise Introduction The issue of TV advertising and children has always been quite controversial. In past hundreds of studies have been conducted on this topic. Some of these studies are based on the observation of children in experimental situations. By their use of a non-verbal research method, these studies have the advantage of avoiding misrepresentation caused by some childrens verbal skills whenresponding to verbal tests. The disadvantage of this type of experimental research,however, is that the real-life validity of the results is sometimes quite low. Similarly, research data based on the actual questioning of children should be treated with caution, since younger children especially misunderstand the questions, lack the verbal techniques to provide an adequate answer, or are simply intimidated by the presence of the researcher. In this study, I chose a third method: to obtain evidence related to TV advertising and children by questioning childrens parents. Parental attitudes towards the issue of TV advertising and children are of utmost importance to this issue, given the role played by the parents in a great many aspects of their childrens lives. LITERATURE  SURVEY The marketers and advertisers have shown keen interest on the market segment of childrens product and services; conducted surveys on children television advertising containing trade publications. Involvement of Academicians on the research studies of children research during the period of 1980 was reduced to the amount of publication on the products of children.1 A little publication was done to the childrens television. Investigation had showed that animation which was used to the adult target audience, now using for the children programming especially in the commercials for games, toys, candies, cereals, etc. A study on the content analysis of television advertising of today children has focused on the change or growth in presentation of advertisements over the period. The findings concluded in the study were as: The male voice-over is still predominant in advertising 32 The advertisement which has focused on personal gain to fun and happiness of children, now focused on childrens product performance. In the study conducted on evaluation of research pertaining to children and advertising by Jeffry Gold Slain in four countries namely Sweden, Belgium, Netherlands and Britain; found little evidence to supporting the position that the children are vulnerable to advertising. He opined that the influence of mass media is more on children than on parents and playmates. The argument is that the commercial advertisement creates wants in children and bring pester power on their parents for the products advertisement. In fact, the parents succumb to their childrens demands assuming to be true despite paucity of support evidence. Jeffry Gold Slain believes that the influence of children has come by the advertisers from so many directions which have no critical examination. The Task-force of the American Psychological Association had conducted a study on children and observed that children under the age of 8 years are unable to comprehend critically the televised advertising messages and are prone to accept the advertised messages as truthful, accurate and unbiased. This can lead to unhealthy eating food-habits as evidenced by todays youth obesity epidemic. The Association sums up that advertising targeting children under the age of eight is to be restricted.4 When the cable culture was in rise in India, a study on the impact of television advertising on children in Delhi in 1992 by NamithaUnnikrisnan and ShailajaBajpai has found that: More than 70 per cent of children in the age group of 8 to 15 years want to own products advertised on television 33 Children favourite advertisements included airline advertisement Perception of children about television advertising is one of the most important influencers in childrens lives and watching television more than ever before. Advertisement is only likely to increase with time as television services extend their reach and offer greater viewing option Advertisement targeted children acts powerfully and promotes consumer culture and the values associated with it Advertisement, hence, is an investment for the future and the manufacturers expect high pay-off many times over   Ã‚  

Effects of Technology Essays -- essays research papers fc

Advancement in technology has affected many people in many ways. New technology has altered peoples' consciousness, language, and the way society views the world. Technological advancements have made the world smaller, and have made things easier. Computers have been the inventions that have advanced so much since they were developed and have had such a big impact on humanity. Computers were originally developed to use for doing calculations and have come to the point that people cannot function normally without them. "Humans were once considered to be superior to all other creatures of the Earth. The reason for human supremacy was the ability to think, process data, store information, and perform calculations"(Silver, 5). Until the second half of the twentieth century, nothing could perform these tasks faster and more accurately than the human mind. Use of Computers "Computers first became available in the early 1950s to be used as "super calculators" for processing numbers. Since then, computers have evolved into something far superior" (Silver, 10). Much of the reason for the rapid growth and popularity of computers was an increase in paperwork in business and government. "More forms, letters, memos, reports, correspondence, and documents are generated in one day today than were produced in the entire nineteenth century"(Silver, 13). People came to realize that the computer is the best, most efficient, timesaving tool to control information. In 1950 there were only a dozen or so large-scale computers in the United States. By 1975 the number had grown to 155,000. Soon after came the invention of minicomputers, microprocessors, and desktop computers. By the 1990s, a personal computer had grown to become a necessity in almost every home and business. In less than three decades, the computer has become indispensable to business, industry, government, in school, and home. Computer literacy is now considered as vital as learning to read and is to be taught to everyone. The influence of computer technology is evident in many aspects of society. Whether it is to help space exploration or processing checks or producing mailing labels, computers are used. Applications of computers in society influence each typical person. Some recognition of the role of computers results from the way computers... ...oblems like cyberhate arise. Whether we like it or not, computer technology has advanced to the point of becoming a major part of our lives. Each time we use a credit card or register for a class on campus, we are all affected by computers. Computers influence our activities, attitudes, and the way we think. The influence of computers will continue to expand in the future, but people have to learn not to revolve their lives around computers. Works Cited 1. Farina, Stephen. The Wired Neighborhood. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1996 2. Gay, Martin K. The New Information Revolution. California: ABC-CLIO, 1996 3. Mathews, Walter M. ed. Monster or Messiah? :The Computer's Impact on Society. Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, 1980 4. Moore, Dinty W. The Emperor's Virtual Clothes: the naked truth about the internet culture. North Carolina: Algonquin Books, 1995 5. Rheingold, Howard. The Virtual Community. Massachusetts: Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., 1993 6. Silver, Gerald A. The Social Impact of Computers. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Inc. 1979 7. Conte, Christopher. "Networking the Classroom." Congressional Quarterly Researcher Oct. 1995

Definition of Marine Biology

Marine Biology also refers to Biological Sciences or Biological Oceanography. Marine Science is the general term for research conducted in oceans and coastal or inland waters connected to the sea. This particular field is probably the best known to the public. Marine Biology deals with the study of micro and living organisms such as plants, animals, viruses, and bacteria in oceans, estuaries, and other bodies of salt water. In the feild of Marine Biology you plan, participate in, and administer research programs for government experiment stations such as private research centers, manufactoring irms, and medical service industries. Tools and equipment for this career includes lab animals, X-Ray and other lab equipment, computers, spectrophotometers, collections of specimens, and a Starting no later than high school, a Marine Biologist should obtain a solid education in as many basic sciences as possible including chemistry, physics, and biology. Mathematics is essential. Plane geometry, trigonometry, solid geometry, and two years of algebra are recommended. Good English is no less important, for both written and oral reports are a big part of Marine Biology. The tudy of a foreign language, especially French, German, or Russian should begin early. Degrees in this study are offered only to college graduate students. Most entry level jobs minimally require a Bachelors degree in a natural science from an accredited college or university. Doctoral degree holders face competition for independent research positions. Those with a Bachelors degree or Masters degree in biological sciences can expect better opportunities for nonresearch In order to be a Marine Biologist or in any line of work, you have to be really dedicated to your job. This is the job I have always wanted ever since I was a little girl. I always loved the water especially the ocean. I think there is so much to discover about it and there are so many marine animals yet to be revealed. If I ever do become a Marine Biologist I either want to work in the laboratory or work in the field. I think it would be interesting to travel to different parts of oceans and discover what kind of plants and animals hide beneath the deep blue waters. Laboratory technicians and testers can acquire more education experience. They can work their way up through research ositions and may reach administrative posts in government or industry. As a rule, high paying postions of prestige go to those with a Ph. D degree and a history of successful research. C. Earnings and Working Conditions Marine Biologists may work in a laboratory, classroom, museum and industrial setting, a botanical garden or zoo, or in a field. They may either work alone or with engineers, technicians, and other scientists at various stages of research or product development. Working conditions vary with the kind of work they do. Indoor work areas may be quiet, well lighted, and air-conditioned. Those who work in laboratories or industrial settings must keep work areas very clean. Ventilation systems generally provide protection from dust, fumes, and odors. Special precautions are taken to protect those scientists who work with infectuous creatures or poisonous chemicals. While working in the field some Marine Biologists travel to coral reefs in tropical seas and ocean waters in cooler climates having to work a The earnings of a Marine Biologist are complicated. Most of these researchers recieve a salary directly from an employer. They write roposals in order to have their research ideas funded by private and government agencies. The quality of their results often determines whether they recieve money for future efforts, and consequently, whether they work and for how long. The salaries of a Marine Biologist comes down to each persons education, experience, and At the present time the profession of Marine Biology is one of the least crowded of the science fields. There are only a few thousand Marine Biologists in research, with less than three thousand graduates working and teaching in the United States. Since there is a limited umber, opportunities in research are few and competition is stiff. It is said that by the year of 2006 employment in biological sciences will grow by 25. 1 percent, that is an increase of 20,000 positions. According to the 1990 Census, 48. 8 percent of this particular occupation were female, 5. 8 percent were black, and 3. 7 percent were Asian and Pacific Islanders. Employment opportunities will be good for scientists with advanced degrees. Those with lesser degrees may experience competition for available jobs in the future. Marine Scientits work in a surprising variety of disciplines. Some xamples are Archaeology which is the study of prehistoric and of ancient periods of history, based on the examination of their physical remains. Another is Anthropology which studies man both as an animal and as living in society , his origins, development, distribution, social habits, culture, etc. Sociology is the study of the origin, the history and the structure of the human society and its institutions. Engineering which is the science applying knowledge of the properties of matter and the natural sources of energy to the practical problems of industry, and other studies of human relationships with the sea. There are many advantages and disadvantages in becoming a Marine Biologis. If you do not like to work long hours or do hands on experiments than working a the field is not for you. An advantage to that is you can do indoor work, which would be in laboratories or classrooms. They are usually quiet and work with chemicals and radioactive substances. These are only a few of the advantages and disadvantages in the field of Marine Biology. The services have about 500 scientists. On an average they need 30 new life scientists each year. Newly comissioned life scientists are ormally assigned to a lab, while they conduct research under the direction of more experienced scientists. Summer and part-time employment may be available in industry, college programs in biological science or projects museums, zoos, and other institutions employing Biological Scientists. The Department of Agriculture participates in the cooperative education program, a federally sponsored program provideing work experiences and income. There are a variety of School to Work opportunities which include: informal apprenticeships, mentorships, job shadowing experiences or touring a local biological scientist.

Free Essays on High Performance Work Systems

High Performance Work Systems In recent years, Boeing has adopted one or more innovative work practices. These include quality circles, flexible job classifications, cross-functional training, and various forms of employee involvement. However, none have had the success that high-performance work system has achieved. The key characteristic of a high performance work system is extensive worker participation in all aspects of the company, including understanding core business strategic objectives. This, as a by-product, has pushed Boeing employees to understand all charts and graphs that concern their work area. As a frontline worker can attest nine panels charts have gained a new appreciation. Nine panel charts include perato charts, histograms that meticulously records major influences of each team. In the past Boeing has already practiced some form of worker participation, from suggestion boxes, surveys and quality circles. Now High Performance Work Teams have a deep admiration for the information that Nine Panels provide them. Without this team orientated focus countless challenges would never had been resolved much less noticed by the people who directly influence each chart. Studies indicate that most forms of worker involvement are an improvement over the traditional mass producti! on approach, in which workers perform manual tasks that require little thought and provide them with few opportunities to improve the process. Boeing has found that employee participation, when sustained over time and integrated with other organizational policies and practices, results in positive economic gains. Boeing has concluded that the extensive participation of workers led to significant improvements in return on investment, return on assets, and productivity. Another plus that Boeing has revealed shows that deep worker involvement is also essential to corporate flexibility and quick customer response, in today's volatile product markets... Free Essays on High Performance Work Systems Free Essays on High Performance Work Systems High Performance Work Systems In recent years, Boeing has adopted one or more innovative work practices. These include quality circles, flexible job classifications, cross-functional training, and various forms of employee involvement. However, none have had the success that high-performance work system has achieved. The key characteristic of a high performance work system is extensive worker participation in all aspects of the company, including understanding core business strategic objectives. This, as a by-product, has pushed Boeing employees to understand all charts and graphs that concern their work area. As a frontline worker can attest nine panels charts have gained a new appreciation. Nine panel charts include perato charts, histograms that meticulously records major influences of each team. In the past Boeing has already practiced some form of worker participation, from suggestion boxes, surveys and quality circles. Now High Performance Work Teams have a deep admiration for the information that Nine Panels provide them. Without this team orientated focus countless challenges would never had been resolved much less noticed by the people who directly influence each chart. Studies indicate that most forms of worker involvement are an improvement over the traditional mass producti! on approach, in which workers perform manual tasks that require little thought and provide them with few opportunities to improve the process. Boeing has found that employee participation, when sustained over time and integrated with other organizational policies and practices, results in positive economic gains. Boeing has concluded that the extensive participation of workers led to significant improvements in return on investment, return on assets, and productivity. Another plus that Boeing has revealed shows that deep worker involvement is also essential to corporate flexibility and quick customer response, in today's volatile product markets...

White Tigers essays

White Tigers essays White tigers are an endangered species and it is said that less than a dozen have been seen in India in about a hundred years. In fact no sightings have been reported since 1951. This may be caused by the fact that the Royal Bengal tiger population has dropped from 40,000 to 1,800 in the past ten years and as few as one in every 10,000 tigers is white (www.cranes.org/whitetiger). White tigers are neither albinos nor a special species. They differ from the normally colored tigers by having blue eyes, a pink nose, and creamy white fur with black stripes. If they were albinos they would have pink eyes and a lighter nose color. A tigers stripes are just like human fingerprints meaning that no two tigers have the same pattern of stripes. White tigers aren't necessarily born from other white tigers. White tigers get their color by a double recessive allele. A Bengal tiger with two normal alleles or one normal and one white allele is colored orange. Only a double dose of the mutant allele results in white tigers (www.cranes.org/whitetiger). In fact it is even normal to find normal colored cubs in a litter of white tigers (www.5tigers.org.com). The scientific name for a tiger is Panthera Tigris Tigris. It was initially felis tigris but the genus was changed to panthera because of the tiger's characteristic round pupils (www.geocities.com). The largest of the big cats may grow to over 12 feet long from its head to the tip of its tail, and weigh as much as 660 pounds (Cavendish,696). The white tiger has long been the focus of human fear and respect for years because of its powerful muscular body, loud roar, and frightening snarl revealing large, sharp teeth. Tigers spend all of their time alone which is very unusual (Thapar,115). Each tiger has its own territory, which it marks by scratching the barks of trees, spraying urine, and leaving piles of feces (Cavendish,696). Males are particularly aggressive toward other males...

Textual analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Textual analysis - Assignment Example Turkle effectively used the analytical structure to convey her ethos and logos-based evidence on the transformation happening to machines and its human users, but she lacks a conversational writing style that can engage lay people into taking her caution against humans behaving more like machines. In examining the emerging landscape of computer-mediated communication, Turkle used an analytical structure to layout the relevance and evidence of her arguments. She began with an introduction that generalizes human nature, according to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s diary entry in 1832. Turkle (1995) cited and agreed with Emerson’s prophecy that â€Å"dreams and beasts† are â€Å"keys† to human nature (p. 36). She expanded Emerson’s human nature assessment by adding computers. The introduction effectively prepares the audience regarding the essay’s insights on the effects of interactions between machines and humans on human nature. Furthermore, the succeed ing paragraphs explain Turkle’s evidence. ... Her conclusion, for instance, is based on the implications of using computers to live another life and to perform work and social roles, where she asked: â€Å"Are we living life on the screen or in the screen?† (Turkle, 1995, p. 39). The conclusion is effective in compelling readers to look into their own computer interactions and how it shapes their identities. The structure of the article helps readers understand the connection between what dreams and beasts can do then and what computers do now to human nature. In order to support the analytical structure and to provide evidence, Turkle employed ethos and logos. Before further discussing her claims about machines and human users, Turkle explained the ethos of her analysis. She described that she has interviewed more than a thousand computer users for the past ten years, in order to understand how people use computers and how computers interact with users (Turkle, 1995, p. 36). By providing her work experience, Turkle estab lished her ethos that can make her a convincing expert on analyzing computer-mediated communication. Aside from ethos, Turkle relied on pathos to emphasize her inferential analysis. She provided examples of how computers mimicked people successfully enough to pass as humans. A case in illustration is Julia, a â€Å"bot† that computer scientist Michel L. Mauldin of Carnegie Mellon University created. Turkle (1995) described the wide range of activities that Julia can perform, which made it seem more like human than machine, because Julia can â€Å"chat about hockey, keep track of players’ whereabouts, gossip and flirt† (p. 37). Julia presents strong evidence that machines are humanized through its ability to

Advanced research methods in business Dissertation

Advanced research methods in business - Dissertation Example An intensive analysis of the concept of cross-cultural training is done using the works of different people including academicians, researchers etc. The aim of the research is identified to be to examine the different methods of cross-cultural training; to evaluate and find out the effect of CCT on the performance of foreign employees recruited by US company in China; to identify the problems faced and adjustment made by the foreign employees in China; and to identify the best method of cross-cultural training. The research will employ a quantitative method to achieve the objectives. The techniques that will be used include a quantitative performance appraisal and adjustment questionnaire that will be sending to participants via email. The participants will include 200 foreign employees- either US citizens or foreigners- who will be divided into group A and group B. Both the groups will be given different cross-cultural training. The research will be done as a comparative research an d for this the performance appraisal and adjustment made by the participants will be taken twice- before and after training. Thesis Statement: To analyze the impact of two different forms of cross-cultural trainings on the overall performance and adjustment of foreigner employees in an American multi-national company that has opened a new subsidiary in China. Introduction: Cross-cultural training is an important concept and activity adopted in almost every international business in the present world. Cross-cultural training is always included in the business plan while entering an international market. The cross-cultural training is often given to a foreigner who is being recruited to the country where the business is started by the organization. The cross-cultural training includes different types of training which makes the employee eligible to work in the host country. In this world of globalization and liberalization, the scope for international business have raised and touched the sky thereby making room for more extensive cross-cultural training programs together with the increase in expatriate recruitment. The business corporate when extend their business at international level they face the problem of efficient and qualified employees. As a solution to this problem expatriate recruitment was adopted. The need for cross-cultural training has been identified since the inception of the process of expatriate recruitment. The cross-cultural training helps the employees to understand the cultural differences and to develop the ability to deal and interact effectively according to the culture and environment of the host country. Thus the cross-cultural training as a concept includes a variety of training programs which are a classified under various heads. All the training programs or training courses have the similar aim of developing awareness among the employees about the culture of the host country. The training is given according to the nature or culture of the country. The cross-cultural training which possess an important place in the business world is been interpreted variously by various people. â€Å"Cross-cultural training is defined as any planned intervention designed to increase the knowledge and skills of expatriates to live and work effectively and achieve general life satisfaction in an unfamiliar host culture (Wil Harzing & Ruysseveldt, 2004, p. 284). Paula Caligiuri et. al had identified the objectives of cross-cultural training from the works of different people like Brewster & Pickard, Black & Mendenhall, Kealey &