Edge Habitats

Edge Habitats Across the globe, human development has fragmented once-continuous landscapes and ecosystems into isolated patches of natural habitat. Roads, towns, fences, canals, reservoirs, and farms are all examples of human artifacts that alter the pattern of the landscape. At the edges of developed areas, where natural habitats meet encroaching human habitats, animals are forced to adapt quickly to their new circumstancesand a closer look at the fate of these so-called edge species can give us sobering insights into the quality of the wild lands that remain. The health of any natural ecosystem depends significantly on two factors: the overall size of the habitat, and what is happening along its edges. For example, when human development cuts into an old-growth forest, the newly exposed edges are subjected to a series of microclimatic changes, including increases in sunlight, temperature, relative humidity, and exposure to wind. Plantlife and Microclimate Create New Habitats Plants are the first living organisms to respond to these changes, usually with increased leaf-fall, elevated tree mortality, and an influx of secondary-successional species. In turn, the combined changes in plant life and microclimate create new habitats for animals. More-reclusive bird species move to the interior of the remaining woodland, while birds better adapted to edge environments develop strongholds on the periphery. Populations of larger mammals like deer or big cats, which require large areas of undisturbed forest to support their numbers, often decrease in size. If their established territories have been destroyed, these mammals must adjust their social structure to accommodate the closer quarters of the remaining forest. Fragmented Forests Resemble Islands Researchers have found that fragmented forests resemble nothing so much as islands. The human development that surrounds a forest island acts as a barrier to animal migration, dispersal, and interbreeding (its very difficult for any animals, even relatively smart ones, to cross a busy highway!) In these island-like communities, species diversity is governed largely by the size of the remaining intact forest. In a way, this is not all bad news; the imposition of artificial constraints can be a major driver of evolution and the flourishing of better-adapted species. The problem is that evolution is a long-term process, unfolding over thousands or millions of years, while a given animal population may disappear in as little as a decade (or even a single year or month) if its ecosystem has been wrecked beyond repair. The changes in animal distribution and population that result from fragmentation and the creation of edge habitats illustrate how dynamic a cut-off ecosystem can be. It would be ideal if- when the bulldozers have disappeared- the environmental damages subsided; unfortunately, this is rarely the case. The animals and wildlife left behind must begin a complex process of adaptation and a long search for a new natural balance. Edited on February 8, 2017, by Bob Strauss

Four successful careers for the hopeless romantic

Four successful careers for the hopeless romantic This is the time of year when people tend to have romance on the brain. Flowers! Jewelry commercials! Ads for upscale restaurants! If you’re a hopeless romantic, it’s kind of like the Super Bowl. But what if you want to turn those lovey-dovey feelings into a career, something you can build professionally? Believe it or not, there are options out there for you. 4 careers for people who love romance1. Wedding/special event photographerIf you have a knack with a camera, being a wedding photographer gives you a front-row seat to some of the happiest days of people’s lives. Everyone’s dressed up, people are (usually) on their best behavior, and your goal is to capture the romance for posterity. Plus, being a photographer has the advantage of being a flexible career, or side business, with many weddings and special events happening outside of standard business hours.What you’ll need: High-quality cameras and related equipment, plus training on how to use it. Courses on professional photography are highly recommended.What it pays: The median salary is $32,490 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.2. FloristFlorists and floral designers are usually the go-to retailers for romantic life events, with busy seasons around holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, etc. Floral designers are there for the good, the bad, and the celebratory, providing flowers and delivery to a range of customers.What you’ll need: Workers in a retail floral shop will need the basics (a high school degree and   customer service skills). If you’re looking to become a floral designer, you’ll likely need vocational courses and on-the-job training. Creativity and artistic flair are very helpful, as are good customer service skills to help your customers find the right way to say it with flowers.What it pays: The median salary for floral designers is $26,350 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.3. Chocolatier/CandymakerIf you’re more interested in food service than flower service, you may want to consider becoming a chocolatier. This is not the most common path in food service, but what’s more romantic than high-quality chocolates to go with those flowers and gifts? Chocolatiers are artisans who create edible masterpieces, playing with flavors and structures to create the perfect bite.What you’ll need: To become a chocolatier, you’ll need a solid base in the culinary world, and may need to complete a pasty chef course. You’ll also need to meet your state’s licensing and food handling regulations, so be sure to check what your state requires.What it pays: The median salary for chocolatiers is $21,000 per year, but experienced pastry chefs can make more.4. Marriage counselorSometimes love needs a little help, and marriage counselors are licensed health care professionals who can help couples work on their relationships. This is not a job for the starry-eyed romantic who thinks all relationships are a romcom-ending away from happiness, but rather a practical career for someone who believes that therapy and hard work together can overcome challenges in love and life. Plus, health care careers are a very stable, practical bet for long-term career longevity.Marriage and family therapy in particular is a field that’s growing- the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of jobs in this area will grow more than 23% by 2026.What you’ll need: Marriage and family therapists typically have a master’s degree or higher, plus complete an internship or residency. Licensing requirements may vary by state, so be sure to check your own state’s requirements.What it pays: The median salary for marriage and family therapists is $48,790, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.If you love the very idea of love, there are ways to live that out in your professional life as well. Choosing a career that helps make other people happy can be a key to long-term career satisfaction. If you have the skills and the inclination to work in one of these service fields, you may find yourself with even more love to go around.

Global Nursing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Global Nursing - Research Paper Example   Ã‚   In an attempt to explain global nursing, Sister Roy gives metatheory and philosophical perspectives. Several discussions were held on the nature of the knowledge applied or required of a nurse. Issues such epistemology and the nature of both the person and nursing were debated upon and Roy realized that the major developments undertaken by the nurses were not captured in the journals and thus major issues affecting the nurses were not attended to (Roy & Jones, 2007).   Sister Roy states that knowledge has been reflected as covering a larger part of the human the health relation between humans and environmental from the beginning of the century as it is stated in the concepts explained in theoretical nursing (Roy & Jones, 2007). The need that nursing should be understood in the perspective of the practice of the nature of nursing took root in the 20th century. Since 1970 there have been several approaches that are influencing the development of nursing knowledge. Several au thors and theoreticians have done several other publications regarding the various developments of knowledge in the field of nursing (Meleis, 2011).  Ã‚  A global definition of the position of nursing paradigm is given by sister Roy. This tends to address the knowledge that is supposed to be known in the nursing field. Paradigmatic refers to the nursing literature. Several other theorists were arguing about the risks incurred by emphasizing the same approach. Paradigmatic resulted to distinguishing several sectors of knowledge required by nurses.

The Subprime Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Subprime Crisis - Essay Example Starting in February with the biggest bank in Europe HSBC reporting a loss of $880 million through its US subprime unit Decision One Mortgage, the list extends to US subprime lender New Century Financial Corp, Citigroup, Wachovia Corp, Merrill Lynch, and Countrywide in the U.S., the German Banks IKB and the state bank Sachsen L B, the French bank BNP Paribas, the Dutch Bank NIBC, the British mortgage lender Northern Rock, and the largest Japanese bank Mitsubishi UFH Financial Group, INC. The strong Swiss Banking sector was also hit through Credit Suisse and UBS (FACT BOX: Subprime crisis affects banks worldwide). The breaching of the dependable string defenses of the Swiss Financial sector, by the subprime market crisis, causing a downswing in 2007 in the fortunes of what could otherwise be considered as a successful year for the Swiss economy, is an indicator that the Swiss economy will not be spared from the worldwide impact of the subprime market crisis in 2008. However, the Swiss economy can be expected to weather the storm of the subprime market crisis and restrict the consequences. (Allen, 2008). The reasons for this optimism stems from the strengthening of the Swiss franc in the third quarter of 2007, against the U.S. dollar by as much as 6.7 percent. In addition the forecast for the GDP growth of 2.5 percent for 2007 is suggestive that the Swiss economy continues to remain robust. This was the result of the reaction of the Swiss National Bank to immediately inject liquidity, when a liquidity pinch was felt in August 2007 as a result of the subprime market crisis (Swiss Franc Outlook: Will Weakness Continue). These moves of the Swiss National Bank saw the watch making and luxury goods manufacturing sectors performing well supported by the pharmaceutical and food product. Another factor weighing in is the domestic consumer strength of Switzerland. The Swiss economy can be expected to grow in 2008, but at slower rate due to the impact of the subprime market

George Washington Essay Example for Free

George Washington Essay The shift of power in the late 1790’s by the Federalists can be attributed to different factor that had caused such incidents. In understanding this loss, the fall from power does not revolve around the hold of the government. Rather, it is the shift of ideas and reshaping of new interests that had led to the split of views among the American public and the rise of a new group who had a different view with the dominant Federalists. These changes began to manifest itself during George Washington’s tenure as president. Under his control, he had established a capable cabinet to address the current hurdles and obstacles surrounding American society during that time (Intelecom, n.d.). On one side, we can see Alexander Hamilton who seeks to redefine America’s policies and improve on the economy. On the other hand, his secretary of State; Thomas Jefferson, sees these scenarios as too much for central control. There are several issues surrounding this debate between Jefferson and Hamilton. Since the impeding issues of economic problems surrounding the country, there is now an argument surrounding creating a centralized bank that will facilitate these economic issues. However, this was hindered by Jefferson because such creation can undermine the overall capacity of the state to act on these problems (Intelcom, n.d.). At the same time, there is the issue surrounding national debt. Again, there are contrasting views surrounding its resolution. For the part of Jefferson, it is essential that the state pay off these debts and restart with policies that are debt-free which can in turn benefit the whole of the people. On the other hand, for Hamilton he believes that these debts should be hold on by the government. After this, he thinks to centralize these debt systems which shall be facilitated by the national treasury (Intelcom, n.d.). Though there were several arguments that have made a split in Washington’s cabinet, there was one important consolidation among the actors involved. This was choosing the appropriate capital for the central government. In here, it can be argued that Jefferson advocated the transfer of the central office to now Washington D.C. so as to prevent too much control of Federalists in a specific location. That is why choosing a neutral ground is an outcome that both parties especially Jefferson wanted (Intelcom, n.d.). Seeing these developments during the tenure of George Washington, the decline of Federalists power became evident during the formation of individuals who sought to control the level of centralization among other groups. Thus, this started the formation of the Republican Party and showcased a new wave towards redefining views concerning society, politics, and the economy (Intelcom, n.d.). This rise of the Republican party manifested itself after the presidency of George Washington in 1897.Though the head of office was gained by the Federalists, the vice-presidential position was attained by a member of the Republican party; Thomas Jefferson. Seeing this development, the country then saw for the first time two leaders who share opposing views concerning running a country. Such split is one indication of the end of the Federalists grasp of American politics. In the end, the loss of power and control of the Federalist Party resulted in different and contrasting views concerning political and economic politics. With the development of the Republican Party, it allowed the American public to have a choice on important and vital issues surrounding policies on domestic and foreign policy. Such idea catapulted a new wave of how politics and issues are addressed and administered by members of the government. Reference Intelecom (n.d.) Power Struggle Between Federalists and Republicans. Retrieved March 7, 2009 from, http://www.intelecomonline.net/VideoPlayer.aspx?Code=BDEF3032E99ACF2BD2D23910C9607455152966AE3C779225DA277C7DE3E7D3745F9D9FA44321A1B5C3BC82D441AC0566# Intelecom (n.d.) The Presidential Election of 1976. Retrieved March 7, 2009 from, http://www.intelecomonline.net/VideoPlayer.aspx?Code=BDEF3032E99ACF2BD2D23910C96074553A771997888BD3CE172D9718409283795AA3E4F7FDA67740E47B365B657B11DF#

Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen Essay -- Lies Teacher Told Loe

James Loewen wrote the book ?Lies My Teacher Told ME? to help the students of the United States become aware of their true history. This book attempts to show how and why American history has been taught the way it has without regard for the truth. Mr. Loewen had compared twelve different history textbooks they are: The Great Republic, The American Way, Land of Promise, Rise of the American Nation, Challenge of Freedom, American Adventures, Discovering American History, The American Tradition, Life and Liberty, The United States ? A History of the Republic, Triumph of the American Nation and The American Pageant. Loewen has argued his cases for Heroification, Euorcentrism and the first settlers, and Racism in our history. He has done this knowing fully that most people do not want to know the harsh realities of our nations past. The United States has tried to maintain a positive image throughout history. Unfortunately, it has many skeletons in its closet that need to come out to heal this great nation on many levels. If the public at large new the real role of racism in our nations infancy and how men tried to pursue their way of thinking as opposed to what is good for the country they would be ashamed at what the United States has stood for in the past. Heroification is a degenerative process that makes people into heroes regardless of any type of character flaw they may possess. It appears that Mr. Loewen?s greatest concern about heroification does not revolve around who gets chosen for the history books but what actually happens to them after they do. He cites two examples of people that had led colored lives but in our textbooks show them as people we should strive to become like. These two people are Helen Keller and President Woodrow Wilson. (Lies?19) Mr. Loewen feels that heroification has distorted the lives of Keller and Wilson and that we can no longer think straight about them. He does not just think this of these two but many other people throughout history. When it comes to Keller we think of someone who, throughout her entire life has struggled to overcome her disabilities. I feel that no one would dispute this but in reality Miss Keller was a radical Socialist for most of her life. This in itself is not so bad but her condemnation of the country into which she was born to and lived in could be considered treasonous. (Lies?20) President W... ...ime of the author rather then accurate historical facts. (Lies?293) Textbooks are being written this way and history is being taught this way to show people how they should act and strive to be. This relays to the student what is deemed acceptable to everyone and what is not. When it comes to a student remembering historical lessons they normally do not remember what is being taught to them unless they are moved by it. (Lies?301) So what is the result to a society where our students are being taught this way? The number one result is that students do not know the true history of their country nor do they remember what they were taught in class. This is a sad conclusion but Mr. Loewen feels it is an accurate one given responses to questions he has asked his students throughout the years. What can we do to change this and reeducate the people out there? Sadly I feel nothing can be done for those of us out there who are not truly aware of this misinformed way of teaching. But, our c hildren need not be sheltered from our true history, rather they should learn all that has happened so we can prevent the atrocities from reoccurring again. (Lies My Teacher Told Me ? James Loewen)

Formats of Income Statement and Balance Sheet Essay

Income statement: In the case of sole proprietary and partnership concerns there are no prescribed forms of the income statement and balance sheet. Their preparation is also desirable but not compulsory. However, they are generally prepared. In the case of trading concern, a trading account and in the case of a manufacturing concern, a manufacturing account and a trading account can also be prepared. In such a case, the account heading is mentioned as follows: Manufacturing/trading and profit and loss account. In the case of joint stock companies’ preparation of the profit and loss account and balance sheet every year is compulsory. There is no prescribed form (except in the case of banking and insurance companies) of the income statement or profit and loss account. The account is titled as â€Å"Profit and loss account† The results of manufacturing and trading activities may; however, be shown separately in the account. The profit and loss account is usually prepared in a T shape. In the case of joint stock company, the manufacturing, trading and profit and loss account is prepared in the above format except with three modifications: I.The heading given is only â€Å"Profit and loss account† for taxation in the profit and loss account; II.The net profit is shown after making provisions for taxation in the profit and loss account; III.Figures, for the previous period, if any, have also to be given. Profit and loss appropriation account: In the case of joint stock companies, a profit and loss appropriation account is also prepared. It explains as to how the profit earned during the period has been distributed. Balance sheet: There is no prescribed form of balance sheet for a sole proprietary or a partnership concern. However, the assets and liabilities may be shown in any of the following orders: I.Liquidity order II.Permanency Order In case the concern adopts liquidity order, the assets which are more readily convertible into cash are taken into account initially and those which are not so readily convertible are taken into account subsequently. Similarly those liabilities which are payable first are taken into account initially and those payable later on are taken into account subsequently and so on. In the case of permanency order, the reverse order is followed. As per the law applicable to some governments, every balance sheet of a company shall give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year. Similarly, every profit and loss account of a company shall give a true and fair view of the profit or loss account of the company for the financial year.