Social Networks in Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Social Networks in Marketing - Essay Example In turn, the relationship between consumers and branding is arguably paramount in determining the centre of how value should be marketed to retain and persuade new customers (Merz, He & Vargo 2009). Therefore, the increase of consumer power arguably forces organisations to undertake a more lateral approach to marketing as opposed to merely focusing on competitors (Avlonitis & Indounas, 2007). This argument is reinforced by the proposition of Weinberg et al that organisations shouldn’t assume what the customers want, but that it is imperative for organisations to add value in addressing consumer needs to survive in the multi-channel marketplace particularly in light of the growing influence of social networking on consumer choice (2007). With regard the contemporary business environment the application of CRM is also impacted by the increase of online business and in particular social networking (Cova, 2006). The ecommerce business model has dramatically reshaped consumer consu mption and the classic bricks and mortar business mantra of â€Å"location, location, location† (Chaffey, 2006). ... Therefore it is important for businesses to understand the internet medium to apply CRM effectively in the current retail climate with reference to the power of social networking. This is particularly important in light of the strategic driver of the internet medium being information sharing and increased knowledge as highlighted by the social networking phenomenon (Cova, 2006). For example, the incoming of the second media age and multiple digital platforms has created new societal trends and business opportunities through the multimedia business model, which has challenged pre-existing methods of information dissemination (Volmer & Precourt, 2008). On one side of the spectrum this has led to increasing commercialisation of the customer, which is further reflected by changing consumer habits and multi-chain retail strategy (Volmer & Precourt, 2008). On the other side of the spectrum, the digital era has redefined how the people interact with each other, thereby marking a shift in so cietal relationships and trends, which in turn informs cultural norms and enables innovation in building consumer/business relationships where the objective of marketing strategy should be to ensure that consumers are at the core (Beckett & Nayak, 2008). This paper critically evaluates the impact of social networking on marketing strategy. It is submitted at the outset that whilst increase of consumer control has been acknowledged in academic discourse, there has been some debate as to the role of social networking and its inclusion in marketing strategy to reflect increased consume power (Saren, 2007). For example, Brown (1992) had argued that the postmodern socio-economic paradigm has led to an increased focus on marketing

Modern Life Essay Example for Free

Modern Life Essay As beginning, human beings must assure that intelligence is the dominant factor on animals’ behaviors, attitude and conducts. Unfortunately, some people restrict animals’ level of cognition on same issues because of the fact that they are suggesting all attempts of animals shaped instinctively. People must become conscious to resign this kind of biases in that today’s studies on animals show us animals have more intellect, contrary to common belief. Additionally, according to a stunning experiment of a recognized institute in Japan, a chimpanzee knows the food is hidden under a stone and reach it effortless. Then, researches replace stone with a heaviest stone and the chimpanzee could not take the food alone. If two chimpanzees know about food, they work together. At first, they do not synchronize their collaboration in pulling the heaviest stone but eventually, they figure out reward of synchronizing to their pulling. Same experiment is again performed with a human and ultimately, chimpanzee appeals for help from the human partner. What is more, observers behold exciting indications which is related to chimpanzees’ attitudes such as looking up at human partner’s face, vocalizing, and taking the partner’s hand for soliciting (Hirata, S. Fuwa, K. , Chimpanzees learn to act with other individuals in a cooperative task, p. 13). These evidences also indicate that chimpanzees learn coordinate through trial and error method like a child or a dog. Meanwhile, there have been a lot of same studies and results on dogs which is mainly discussed in this paper as well. After all, people have to be convinced of animals’ intelligent and cognition skills. In the meantime, some people still have an idea whose children, old persons or disabled people should not be left alone even with trained animals. To deal with this lack of confidence, such people must realize the bare facts in real life experiences with guide animals. Related to this, the dog that may have done the most to shape the popular conception of dogs and their intelligence was a character born in a short story written by Eric Knight in 1938, Lassie. Lassie, the world’s best known collie, was not only affectionate and courageous dog but nearly was a human in her intelligence and understanding, doubtlessly. According to Stanley Coren, the author of The Intelligence of Dogs, reports that â€Å"We believed that this dog (thus, by extrapolation, all dogs) could think, plan, sympathize, feel pain, have emotions of sorrow and joy, remember complex facts, and even plan acts of retribution† (Stanley Coren, p. 10, paragraph 2). Most of the scenes people watched in the Lassie series, like when Lassie crawled under gunfire, sneaked through a tortuous maze of fallen electrical wires, jumped out windows or leapt through the air to knock a criminal down, actually can be seen in relationships between people who are in desperate straits and their own dogs under some special situations. Many of us know about Jack London and are familiar with his wolf like sled dogs. In all these kind of novels, the dogs had feelings, reasoning ability and intelligence. As an illustration, there is a memorable case which is an epic score in White Teeth; Shep recognizes that his protector is in a danger situation. He must find help immediately while seriously wounded Dan lies on the snow. After that, he remembers an old trapper who had the shack in the valley. He recalls the old trapper had been kind to him before. Then, he gives the same bark which he is always using to tell Dan he is ready to work and starts across the snow to find the closest possibility of help. As it can be seen through these kinds of stories, having a friendly canine in the land of living can mean two indications. They are a true blue friend and a survivor at owners’ emergency too. In addition to social benefits of having assistance dogs, there are considerable amount of advantageous for disabled people in wheelchairs. Having a disability often results in many soul-destroying statements most particularly if someone is obliged to live on a wheelchair. Imagine such a person; he or she always suffers from lack of confidence, social interaction with people in everyday life and also limiting independency. Then, regrettably this can go from bad to worse together leading depression, loneliness and isolated from society. Eileen Hobson who has a limiting of movement emphasizes the social benefits of having guide dog: â€Å"Because of him I have made many friends in the various parks that we go to. He is a great icebreaker, and now, wherever we go, people always want to stop and talk to me to ask about him† (Jenny Moir, p. 331). Furthermore, considering a person with mobility impairment, it is not difficult to estimate the complexity of overcoming daily backsets for them. For instance, dropping a key or a remote control on the floor, bending down to take a pair of slipper those are serious troubles for whom having paresis. At this point, trained dogs become guardian angel of people with wheelchair and kind of impairments. They can pick up the objects, open the doors and even, empty or fill the dishwashers. Additionally, Claire Graham who faced with developed paralysis following a seemingly simple virus summarize her life before the dog partner, Ulli, and after by â€Å"My disability gradually got worse and I had to stop work† and then she adds; â€Å"Since Ulli has been with me, not only has my physical health improved, but also emotionally I feel more positive, confident and not alone any more as I have Ulli with me every day† (Jenny Moir, p. 332). Therefore, people must understand the importance of dogs and their inherent ability to make fundamental changes in our lives, as Jenny Moir, the researcher of relationships between canine partners, says in her article Assistance Dogs and Independent Living for Disabled People; â€Å"A canine partner or assistance dog can put the ‘able’ back into the lives of people living with disabilities, and can quite literally opens doors that would otherwise have been closed† (Jenny Moir, p. 33). Although guide dogs for visually impaired people have long been accepted by the general public, there are some people who stand up for using robotic service dogs. They assert that service dog robots are more advantageous than guide dogs. According to a survey in Japan, rate of visually handicapped persons which take guide dogs is at too low percentage of % 10 nationwide (Development of a Guide-Dog Robot: Leading and Recognizing a Visually-Handicapped Person using a LRF, p. 193). At the this point, such people claim that it is less possible to improve the repletion rate of guide dogs for handicapped persons in a short time period due to required long training period in obtaining guide dogs (Development of a Guide-Dog Robot: Leading and Recognizing a Visually-Handicapped Person using a LRF, p. 94). This is actually insufficient occasion because kind of robotic guide dogs are programmed generally under some particular circumstances such as leading users with consideration of user’s walking speed and detecting obstacles and dangers for its user. Hence, those programming issues not only need huge amount of variants owing to disabled level or age interval of handicapped persons but also need high price. In addition to that guide dogs cost about 70 thousand dollars (Tom Ladyman, Can a robot be a safe and alternative to guide dogs? , videoscript). Moreover, there is some doubt for the guide dog robots in alerting and distinguishing between a stand still thief and a family heirloom urn. On the other hand, the program of leading users with consideration of user’s walking speed with the help of an autonomous maneuvering algorithm system integrated into robotic dogs has to vary from user to user and also off-roading and uneven surfaces . Additionally, if people consider battery life of robotics, a guide dog requires one meal a day and will keep working without it. Regarding memory, guide dogs quickly memorize all people normal routes and will take handicapped persons along them effortlessly. Therefore, it would be ridiculous replacing a super technological heap of microchips and sensors which are also deprived of emotion and affection with a dog. As a result, it clearly makes nonsense replacing modern guide dog robots with obliging dogs.

Multiple Objects Tracking Via Collaborative Background Subtraction Computer Science Essay

Multiple Objects Tracking Via Collaborative Background Subtraction Computer Science Essay Multiple Objects Tracking Via Collaborative Background Subtraction. Object tracking system is a group of integrated modern technology working together to achieve certain of purpose like monitoring, tracking moving object such as vehicle. The main purpose of the object tracking is to achieve monitoring purpose such surveillance in restricted area, providing information about moving vehicle located at road to Intelligent Traffic System and traffic monitoring. This project discusses the development of the object tracking system and the idea of this system is based on vision system available on current market. For this object tracking system, user can monitor and track moving object such as vehicle where the vision system been placed. Software MATLAB is used to program algorithm like detecting and tracking moving object where the vision system is placed and display moving object image for user. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page TITLE DECLARATION i ABSTRACT ii ABSTRAK iii TABLE OF CONTENTS iv LIST OF TABLES vii LIST OF FIGURE viii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ix LIST OF TABLES Table No. Description Page Table 4.1: Summarize of three experiment conduct previously. 17 LIST OF FIGURES Page Figure 2.1: Example of Median Filtering, value of current pixel will replaced using new median value 5 Figure 2.2: Normal presentation of a straight line 7 Figure 3.1: Relationship between webcam, MATLAB and GUI 11 Figure 3.2: Flow of work for vehicle tracking system 12 Figure 4.1: Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000 Image 14 Figure 4.2: Image captured for YCbCr return color space 15 Figure 4.3: Image captured for grayscale return color space 16 Figure 4.4: Image captured for grayscale return color space 17 Figure 5.1: Example of frame differencing 23 Figure 5.2: Memory of cache been flush 24 Figure 5.3: GUI window layout design 25 Figure 6.1: Display figure when there is no moving object 28 Figure 6.2: Moving curtain cause by wind 28 Figure 6.3: Moving stand fan motion. Frame start from up to bottom and left to right. 31 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS CCD Charge-couple Device FPS Frames per Second GUI Graphical User Interface ID Identification Number USB Universal Serial Bus VGA Video Graphics Array CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Overview Object tracking system is defined as a real time vision system which is capable to perform desired surveillance task without human supervision (Nguyen, K. et al., 2002). Besides that, object tracking system is able to detect object which is moving in street such as vehicles or pedestrian without human assistance. Furthermore, an object tracking system may also send amount of vehicle which is moving in desire area to assist data collection for Intelligent Transportation System (R. Reulke et al., 2002). This tracking system may also have the abilities to resist with environmental changes such as shadow of surrounding building or even slow moving vehicles. Therefore, a quick response for vision fields such as real time street monitoring system which are able to perform moving object detection. In this project, the main purpose is to design an object detection mechanism for an object tracking system, from connecting a vision system to a computer. The target is to build an applicable obje ct tracking system. Object tracking system can distinguish between static background and moving objects by itself and able to display and tracking moving objects if any moving objects detected. Hence, it allow us to monitor a heavy load street which having high volume of usage. Furthermore, it can contribute data collection if those areas contain Intelligent Traffic System which can reduce time of waiting for vehicle located at traffic light. Since year 2000, plenty of fast response time or accurate object detection algorithm had been release such as background subtraction, mean shift, Kalmen filter, Markov Chain Monte Carlo, Kernel Density and others. Object Tracking System consists of two major systems which are vision system and moving object detection and tracking software system. The vision system is responsible to export video stream captured and send to tracking system. Meanwhile, the tracking system is to let user monitor and been inform if moving object detected. In this project, object tracking system will be design and developed to ensure it is capable to detect and tracking moving object such as vehicles moving in street. Due to this, it could not effectively detect fast moving object, surrounding light intensity is too low or shadow of building. As a result, the detection algorithm should fast enough to process each frame coming from vision system and can able to encounter problem stated before such as shadow surrounding and slow responding time by tracking system. Problem Statement The current real time object tracking systems developed usually cannot eliminate having slow respond during tracking object which will limit the robustness of object tracking. Hence, the algorithm that able to having less computation time is necessary to be developed. Background subtraction at the initial detection will save computation time for faster response to detect an object in real time. To obtain more accurate tracking result, a more precise detection and tracking algorithm will be carried out. It is believe to track the moving object using this algorithm will taking less time and providing more accurate result. Objective The aim of this project is to detect multiple moving objects through real time vision system. This projects aim can be realized by accomplishing the following sub-objectives. To study and identify practical parameters to track a moving object. To implement background subtraction for real time detection purpose. To enhance the developed algorithm for continuous tracking purpose. To ascertain and enhance performance of develop background subtraction based tracking system. 1.4 Scope of Work The main scope of this project is to build an object tracking system capable of detect and track moving object. The object tracking system includes a vision system and an image processing system. The image processing system will able to detect moving objects and tracking it continuously. MATLAB control m-file will be acts as core of the object tracking system, it will be use as detect and track moving vehicle in video supply by vision system. The vehicle tracking system will display in GUI window. Vision system will be use as a supplier to supply tracking system that video capture in desire area. This system should be small enough so that it can be easily set up or take away. Organization of the Report This report includes seven chapters, each chapter is properly divided and plan. Vision system and object tracking system will be discussed in each chapter. Chapter 2 discussed about review of object tracking and detecting method available nowadays. Chapter 3 explains about flow of work require for this tracking system, parameter require during tracking system is running, input and output prediction and concept how to build this tracking system using vision system available in market. Chapter 4 explains hardware and software setup before this tracking system was starting to run. This is to ensure vision system will supply appropriate video require for tracking system and MATLAB will provide suitable arrangement such as memory to process the video supply by vision system. Chapter 5 discuss about algorithm using in this project that is background subtraction using frame difference. In this chapter, an M-file will be constructing and including function requires establishing the tracking system. The tracking system should able running using hardware and software setup preparing at previous chapter together with this M-file. Chapter 6 show image output and result obtain during this tracking system is running. Firstly it will show successful background subtraction and secondly it will show distortion of surrounding such as shadow of object. Chapter 7 will summarizes and concludes the report by stating the limitations of the project as well as the future work of the project. CHAPTER 2 review of object tracking and detecting method 2.1 Overview In this chapter, review of existing method to detect and track object will be discussed. Algorithm that suitable for detect and tracking also will be studied. Several algorithms will be review by student. 2.2 Median Filter Median Filter, use to reduce small noise in an image is a commonly used technique (Al-amri, S.S et al., 2010). According research by Boyle, small noise normally appears very distinct and its having quite different value in grayscale within its neighbor pixel values. By changing its gray value to the median of neighboring pixel value, the noise can be eliminating using this technique. Using example in Figure 2.1, the value of neighboring pixels are 115, 119, 120,123, 124,125,126,127 and 150. By calculating median value using these neighbor pixels, we can obtain median value is 124. Replacing pixels in centre using median value will eliminate the noise. Figure 2.1: Example of Median Filtering, value of current pixel will be replaced using new median value In order to obtain more accurate median value, we should increasing number of neighbor which involve in median value calculating. This technique will become more and more complex when dealing with bigger image. Besides that, computation cost and time require is relatively high because it needs to sort all value in neighbor. 2.3 Canny Edge Detector Canny introduce a well-known technique using edge detection (Neoh, H.S et al., 2005). This method requires few steps to track an object. Remove small noise using smooth a image Two gradient images are generated on both vertical and horizontal direction using one of the gradient operators based on previous image. Result denoted as Gx (m,n) and Gy(m,n) where m and n are pixel coordinate. Calculate edge magnitude and direction images from previous two images. Edge magnitude, M (m,n) = Edge direction, Threshold the edge magnitude image M (m, n). Set pixel to zero if their value below a predefined threshold. Reduce edge breadth by non-maxima operation on MT (m, n) the non-zero pixels in MT (m, n) are set to zero if their value are not greater than their neighbors along the direction indicate by. Result is threshold using two identical thresholds: T1 and T2 where T1 Edge with a magnitude less than T1 will be removed and those greater than T2 are detect as real edge. Edges with magnitude between T1 and T2 also detected as edges if they connect to an edge pixel. 2.4 Hough Transform This technique detects object whose shape can be parameterized in a Hough parameter space (Gurbuz, A.C. et al., 2008).These objects include polynomials, straight line, circle and etc. The peaks detected in Hough parameter space is used to describe the object space. An example, line segment can be described using a parametric notion: Where r is length of a normal from origin to this line and ÃŽÂ ¸ is orientation of r with respect to x-axis. ÃŽÂ ¸ Figure 2.2: Normal presentation of a straight line Using this normal presentation, we can transform the points on the line to curve in a Hough parameter space whose coordinates represent the normal length and orientation. Points which are on the line generate curves intersecting at a common point (r, ÃŽÂ ¸). 2.5 CamShift CamShift or Continuosly Adaptive Mean Shift track objects based their color. This technique was developed and detects an object using centre and size of the object in a given image (Ganoun, A. et al., 2006). Step of tracking an object is as follows: Set the size of search window. Initialize location of searching window. Location of centroid within search window based on the 0th and first moment been computed. Search window is centered at the centroid. Step three and step for is repeated until it has move for distance lee then a preset threshold. In order to use this technique, an identical color of object must be use. Hence, one object with complex color is not suitable for this technique. 2.6 Kalman Filter This algorithm is a state estimation based on feedback control mechanism (Donald, J.S. et al., 1998). This filter will predict the process state and then obtains feedback from the measurement. Equation for Kalman filter is divided to two groups: Time update equation. Measurement update equations Time update equation is used to predict current state and error covariance. Output of these equations is a state of prediction for next time step. In the other hands, the measurement update equations incorporate a new measurement into their prior prediction. Output of this is an improved estimation compared to other estimation. However, Kalman Filter cannot detect fast moving object such as moving vehicle in Highway, this is because changes in speed, acceleration can be dramatic during two consecutive frames. The Kalman filter is not fast enough to respond to constant and sudden changes of system rate. Hence, it is not suitable for detection purpose which require less computation time. 2.7 Markov Chain Monte Carlo Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is a class of algorithm for sampling from probability distributions based on constructing a Markov Chain that has desired distribution as its equilibrium distribution. In order to construct a Markov chain Monte Carlo, it must contain three main stages (Jia, Y.Q. et al., 2009): Model Construction. Image is first pre-processed to retrieve its edge features. Models of roads and vehicle also been defined according for this method. Bayesian formulation. Since vehicle detection and segmentation problem is casted as Bayesian problem of finding a MAP solution, a corresponding formulations been defined. Prior probability and like hood of vehicles proposal are defined from which the form of the posterior probability is derived to evaluate different proposals. Detect a vehicle using MCMC. Construct a Markov chain to sample the proposal in the parameter space. Monte Carlo method with simulated annealing been used to search for the position and other related parameters that fixed actual vehicles most. 2.8 Background Subtraction In background subtraction, two image been captured in same location will be compared. Assume first image did not contain any moving object (empty background) and next image contain one moving object. Minus the second image with first image will contain moving object only since background of image been subtracted (Fukushima, H. et al., 1991). The image is read as array format in the image processing, which each pixels is represented by matrix coordinates (x,y). The intensity at position (x,y) is define by I (x,y). (4.1) From Equation 4.1 Where lc, Ib, Is are the contributions from the foreground objects and background objects respectively. In the image for the subtraction, the brightness is written as (4.2) The position adjustment between the two images is easily carried out by using the foreground objects. In order to obtain the foreground object, the first image is subtracted from the second one which contains the foreground object as show in Equation 4.2. CHAPTER 3 CONCEPTUAL DESIGN 3.1 Introduction Method of how to detect and track object will discuss in this chapter. The vision system will capture video in a desire area and send that video to MATLAB for processing. The MATLAB will process data coming from vision system and performing tracking action. Figure below show the mechanism for vision system and MATLAB. The vision system includes webcam which can connect to a computer using USB. The MATLAB will get data from vision system and processing the data. After that, A GUI window will show moving object if moving object exist capture by vision system. Webcam MATLAB GUI Figure 3.1: Relationship between webcam, MATLAB and GUI MATLAB been chosen as platform for detecting and tracking due to it contain powerful toolbox which can use to synchronize with webcam and can produce a simple detect and track vehicle tracking program. Besides that, it also can produce a GUI window which is requiring for the tracking system. 3.2 Flow Chart of Work In this section, flow of work requires detecting and tracking moving object will be further discussed. Frame differencing will be using to subtract the background and obtain the masking of moving object. In order to obtain more accurate result, a more accurate algorithm will be use to track moving object. Input Video Frame from camera Pre-processing Store the current frame as background Subtract the next frame with background image Save into memory Update current frame as background Display moving object and track it continuously. Figure 3.2: Flow of work for object tracking system 3.3 Discussion In this chapter, draft and prototype of tracking system been discussed. In order to achieve this objective, the tracking system will be build based on conceptual design discussed previously. In the following chapter, pre-processing will be elaborated and method to connect webcam with MATLAB will be show. Preparation configuration also will discuss in details. CHAPTER 4 Hardware and Software Setup 4.1 Overview Hardware and software setup is defined as a preparation before a simulation is set up in either hardware (tools or instrument) or software (simulation program, programming language) by designer. A setup describes a system will be perfectly connecting between hardware and software to achieve certain mission. Engineer use a tools or instrument that either ready in market or design it according to their requirement. In other way, software such as scientific program also available in market, all that engineer need to do is fully utilize the program by design an efficient flow which can achieve their expectation. Engineer can develop a surveillance system and by using a mathematical modeling to analyze and obtain object which is moving from view of camera. In this chapter, hardware and software setup is carried out for the design of a street monitoring system. It includes the connecting webcam to MATLAB which will let MATLAB ready to get real time video recording from webcam, M-file coding which contain algorithm to extract background which is static from object (vehicles or pedestrians) which is moving. Lastly, is to show image which is moving after process of background subtraction been executed in form of GUI. 4.2 Tools and Software In this section, tools and software using along this project will be describe in details of how they contribute in this project. Tools using in this project is a webcam which can connect to computer via USB 2.0 connection, it can either capture a static picture or even recording a video which can be treat as real time recording device. Software using in this project is MATLAB R2009a. In MATLAB R2009a, toolbox which will be use to develop this street surveillance system is Image Acquisition Toolbox and Image Processing Toolbox. Image Acquisition Toolbox will be use to establish a real time recording from webcam and delivered to MATLAB. In other hands, Image Processing Toolbox will be use to process continuous frames capture which is stored in MATLAB and show moving object which is process by using background subtraction. 4.2.1 Webcam In this project, student will use Webcam which is product of Logitech with model Logitech Quick Cam Pro 4000. Figure 4.1: Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000 Image Source: Logitech Software Support (2010) Logitech Quick Cam Pro is a webcam that able to capture video in 640 x 480 resolutions and able to snapshot a picture with 1280 x 960 resolutions. Besides that, it also contains a build in microphone which able to record sounds around that webcam been located and activated. Video capture from this webcam is using advance VGA CCD sensor and up to 30 fps. (Logitech, 2004) In order to try different video input format, student tried several video input format available for this vision system such as YCbCr, grayscale and RGB. These three return color space been chosen due to vision system using at here, Logitech Quick Cam Pro 4000 only support these three return color space. Three experiments will be performing to choose the suitable return color space from YCbCr, grayscale and RGB. In each experiment, three cases will be using to test different light intensity towards an object (battery) that is low, normal and high. For low light intensity, surrounding of image captured should be dark enough. Normal light intensity test will be performing at inner space with medium light intensity and camera should not point toward a direction with strong light source such as sun or spotlight. In the last case, camera will be capture image in direction towards strong light source such as torchlight. These experiments will be tested using webcam connect to MATLAB and executing command codes. Summarize of three experiment will be included in Table 4.1. Experiment 1: Using YCbCr as video input format and display as figure. After webcam is connecting to MATLAB, code as below will be executing to perform the test. vid = videoinput(winvideo,1); set(vid,ReturnedColorSpace,YCbCr); preview(vid) From Figure 4.2(a), image obtained almost in dark due to low intensity of light surrounding object. Image can be seeing using human eyes in clear view for Figure 4.2(b). For last case, object still can consider as clear although white spot cause by strong light source located at upside of Figure 4.2(c). (a) (b) (c) Figure 4.2: Image captured for YCbCr return color space (a) Low light intensity (b) Normal light intensity (c) High light intensity From this experiment, this return color space is potential to be used in this project. It does not lose color property and only having small changes of color during in high light intensity situation. Experiment 2: Using grayscale as video input format and display as figure. To perform this experiment, previous video object should delete from MATLAB workspace and executing following code. vid = videoinput(winvideo,1); set(vid,ReturnedColorSpace,YCbCr); preview(vid) From both Figure 4.3(b) and Figure 4.3(c), we can see that color property of object only left color, that is black and white. Furthermore, Figure 4.3(c) does not have problem of overexpose. Same as previous, object hard to see in Figure 4.3(a). (a) (b) (c) Figure 4.3: Image captured for grayscale return color space (a) Low light intensity (b) Normal light intensity (c) High light intensity Although performance in handling high light intensity is better, this return color will not consider at this moment since color property of decrease that will limit the improvement of algorithm that may need color property. Experiment 3: Using RGB as video input format and display as figure. (Default returned color space in MATLAB) Since default setting for this webcam is RGB, after delete video object built in previous experiment, a new video input is create and preview directly. No return color space should be set. vid = videoinput(winvideo,1); preview(vid) It is not possible to capture image in dark environment at Figure 4.4(a). Figure 4.4(b) can represent each color of object with details. Furthermore, this return color space did not show problem of overexpose, as in Figure 4.4(c). (a) (b) (c) Figure 4.4: Image captured for grayscale return color space (a) Low light intensity (b) Normal light intensity (c) High light intensity From this experiment, it is clear to show that this return color is most suitable for this project among three return color space. It does not lose color property and yet can encounter overexpose problem. Table 4.1: Summarize of three experiments conduct previously. Property YCbCr Grayscale RGB Able to detect object in low light intensity No No No Color Returned Multi color Black and white Multi color Able to encounter overexpose Partially No Yes From Table 4.1, we can conclude RGB is the most suitable since from human visual view, grayscale return color space will lose its color characteristic since it will threshold the figure into black and white, we will unable to further recognize an object exist in frame of view due its unique characteristic such as color. YCbCr can be defined as a way to encode RGB information, thus using RGB will keep original characteristic remain unchanged. Using RGB, we still can develop other usage of it. Since return color space using is RGB, which is default in toolbox. We can ignore the set return color space in MATLAB coding during import the video input object. Initially, an object will be created to get input from webcam using following MATLAB command, obj = videoinput(winvideo,1) where 1 is ID number of camera input. After this MATLAB command is executed, an object named as obj will be store in workspace of MATLAB. In order to let the video input object continuously acquire the data, student has to instruct MATLAB by command as following: triggerconfig(obj, manual); set(obj, Tag, appTitle, FramesAcquiredFcnCount, 1, TimealrFcn, @locFrameCallback, TimerPeriod, 0.01); 4.2.2 MATLAB M-file Initially, we have to associate object (video input object) with figure in GUI of MATLAB, if it is already existed, we will use it or else create a new one. ud = get(obj, UserData); if ~isempty(ud) isstruct(ud) isfield(ud, figureHandles) ishandle(ud.figureHandles.hFigure) appdata.figureHandles = ud.figureHandles; figure(appdata.figureHandles.hFigure) else appdata.figureHandles = localCreateFigure(obj, appTitle); end An empty array with unset dimension and value will be used to store what the video input object needs in terms of application data. appdata.background = []; obj.UserData = appdata; Function named as imaqmotion which contain MATLAB command will be compile together and compile to ensure no error detect. In order to execute this function, user can create a video input object and executed it by named of function follow by name of video input object in bracket. 4.2.3 Error Catching in M-file To prevent MATLAB contain an existing video input object is running, a stop instruction will be included in M-fie. stop(obj) This is to ensure that only one new desire video input object will be use to perform the monitoring process. Besides that, MATLAB will show a warning if frame import from webcam takes too long returning. This warning can be skipped by using: warning off imaq:peekdata:tooManyFramesRequested MATLAB will stop responding and quit improperly if error that unpredicted occur during the process. Thus, we have catch the error and only pop out a warning message to indicate user that error been occur and MATLAB can stop the execution of function gracefully. catch error(MATLAB:imaqmotion:error, sprintf(IMAQMOTION is unable to run properly.n%s, lasterr)) end 4.3 Discussion In this chapter, student demonstrates how a MATLAB connect with webcam and import real time recording to MATLAB. Follow by preparing an environment where declared video input object will be store in workspace of MATLAB, where this object can be use to start the core of project, subtract object from static background. Steps mention before is to ensure user can executed several step in one simple instruction which is store in MATLAB M-file. In the next chapter, student will show how two consecutive frames being compare and spot which is not belong to previous frame (declare as background of frame) in same location of matrices will be show in MATLAB GUI. CHAPTER 5 BACKGROUND SUBTRACTION USING FRAME DIFFERENCE 5.1 Overview To achieve objective of this project, detect object which is moving from the view of vision system, we need develop a monitoring system which able to distinguish moving object and static background. This can be done using writing an algorithm using different language such as C programming, Open CV or MATLAB. In this chapter, background subtraction using frame difference will be implementing along this project to subtract the background. Background subtraction is a general method where as frame difference is a subset of background subtraction which compare the current frame with previous frame and any pixel not belongs to previous frame is consider as moving object. This method been chosen due to its simple operation and can reduce time require to process those frames import from vision system. Frame use as background will be store as array with constant array which contain information of pixel. This array will use as reference, in another, as a background of image which will be compared with next frame capture by vision system in variable of array. After two frames are being compared by using differencing method, object which consider as moving should be show in a window. Due to simple subtraction method, delay in video processing can be reduced. Those functions contain above ability will be include in M-file. Those instructions will be include in different function so that it can be executed according to flow of project. These include localFrameCallback (a function to update image display by video input object), localUpdateFig (function that update GUI window using latest data), localCreateFigure (function that create and initialize figure), localCreateBar (function that create and initialize bar display). 5.2 Initialize and Creating a Background Image This section is basically disc

Florida International University Essay -- Environment, Waste, Green Pr

Florida International University (FIU) is not only a standard in quality education as it is also a innovator in best practices especially those that have to do with the environment. The University’s commitment to ensuring that its community contributes to the preservation and protection of the environment has led it to pioneer innovations in solid waste management, in particular, in recycling; because the University clearly understands that recycling is more beneficial compared to waste disposal, it has established its own reputation in the proper and efficient management of solid waste. Florida International University recognizes its contribution to the accumulation of waste considering that it produces about seven million pounds of waste each year (Figueroa, 2010). Unlike other universities that still remain adamant in investing on green practices, FIU has, â€Å"governed by the State of Florida under Florida Statute 403.714 and The Florida Solid Waste Management Act of 1988† (FIU, 2011), established its own internal ‘green machine’ or solid waste and environmental protection system via the FIU Custodial Services Office. The university’s efforts in ensuring efficient solid waste management even â€Å"far exceeds the minimum standards† (FIU, 2011) required by law. What makes the solid waste management efforts of the university one-of-a kind is the establishment of a â€Å"single stream recycling program which means that all recyclable items can be placed into one bin and do not have to be sorted† (FIU, 2011). Nevertheles s, despite the use of single recycle bins, proper labeling has to accompany each bin to ensure that only materials that are recyclable are placed in the bins. There are also different sized of bins which are placed stra... ...g, however, costs only $35 per ton. The school also makes $10 for every ton of paper it recycles† (Figueroa, 2009). This means that apart from saving the environment, the university also earns and is able to cut down on expenses for certain things because of the use of recycled materials. Of course, the most important aspect of recycling in the university is awareness and with students who are currently seriously considering the way they manage their solid waste, the campaign and program becomes even more successful. To do this, the university has also joined the national FIU Recyclemania for two years now and had placed exceptionally well (FIU, 2011). It is very important in any environmental effort that the stakeholders are made aware of the benefits of the efforts so that the program earns propriety and becomes a culture instead of just an obligation.

Evaluate Articel Modern War Essay

Phillip Gervase is a Principal Lecturer in History at Manchester Metropolitan University.   He authored   The Anglo-Scots Wars 1513 – 1550. (33)   In his article, Was the American Civil War the first Modern War?, he refutes the commonly held belief that the American Civil War was the first modern war.   After the Second World War, many military historians concluded that the Confederacy’s crushing defeat at the hands of the Union   foretold the future of war. Phillips argues that the Civil war was more like the wars of the 19th century than those that followed it.   By the beginning of the war, the rifle could be fired as rapidly as a musket.   Many historians have used this observation to   prove that the rifle changed the way battles were fought. Artillery was now out ranged by infantry fire forcing gun crews to search for   cover in the field. (29) This argument for the rifle is dismissed by Phillips when he cites the research of Paddy Griffith and Brent Nosworthy.   These historians conclude that the rifle did not make an important change in war methodology   since many battle were fought at the close range of previous musket battles.   The entrenched fighting style, which many have compared to World War I, was also discussed as not being an earmark of a modern war.   Phillips notes that in 1815 Andrew Jackson defended New Orleans with this method. The technique was taught at West Point Military Academy where both Union and Confederate Generals were educated.   Phillips contends that the generals would use this technique to give their mostly volunteer force a sense of security on the battle field. (30) The fact that the horse was relied on more than the train is another draw back to the conclusion that this was a modern war. When Phillips compares the American Civil War to the Crimean War, the American Civil War lacks innovation.   The real change from previous wars is in the â€Å"apparent adoption of a new philosophy of conflict† the total war.(28) The American Civil War, Phillips decides , can be considered a total war because of the major changes in American society caused by its outcome.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The first leg of his argument is that the technological advances of the age did not have a significant impact on the American Civil War.   He begins with a discussion of the rifle. He points out that the rifle could be loaded and fired more often than the musket and the rifle drove men out of the formation style fighting and into trenches. He down plays this change in battlefield behavior by pointing out that the firefights were often at close range and the American soldiers were â€Å"unlikely to take kindly to the rigid, coercive discipline that underpinned the close order tactics of European conscripts.†(29) He uses the example of the second battle of Bull Run, where the opposing forces came within 20 meters of each other, to substantiate this fact.   When he notes that the soldiers of this war were different from past conflicts in that they were mostly volunteers, he dismisses the importance of this new battle technique. Yet the discussion of these elements shows that the American Civil War was fought in a different manner from previous wars.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Phillips briefly acknowledges the use of the railroad for moving troops during the American Civil War, but points out that horses were more important. Again surmising that this makes the   American Civil War less of a modern war. He then goes on to mention the ironclads, the Virginia and the Monitor. Since neither was a great warship, they couldn’t go far from the coast, Phillips asserts they didn’t revolutionize naval combat. Next, he mentions the submarine C.S.S. Hunley which, even though it sunk an enemy ship, is deemed an unimportant technological advance. Finally, he mentions the use of a single machine gun used to guard a fort in Charleston. Phillips dismiss the notion of the American Civil War being the first modern war because the use of these advances pales in comparison to those of the Crimean War. Phillips contends that the American Civil War is not a modern war at all. Although it may be true that the American Civil War was not known for its use of these technological innovations, they did exist, they were used, and they did have an impact on the outcome of the war. The fact that U.S. Navy went on to improve armored ships and submarines shows that the vessels used during the American Civil War were thought to be important and useful.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The second half of the article labels the American Civil War a Total War. A total war is â€Å"an unrestrained form of conflict †¦. and the enemy’s economic resources are targeted as readily as the military ones.† (28)   The argument is based on the Union’s war strategy. The Union shifted its concentration from the defeat of the rebel armies to the annihilation of the economic resources supporting the Southern war effort.   President Lincoln demanded the unconditional surrender of the Southern forces.   Union Generals Grant and Sherman threatened to slay Southern civilians.    General Sherman’s infamous march to the sea cut a sixty mile wide path of destruction through the South.   However, Phillips weakens his argument by cataloging   ways in which the American Civil War was not quite a total war.   He writes that enemies have always tried to cause each other economic hardships. President Lincoln’s demand for surrender was not as unconditional as presumed. The article makes the case that Lincoln was willing to negotiate nearly every issue except the continuation of the nation as a union. The strangest argument he makes is that the American Civil War was more cruel than other contemporary wars, but it is not as brutal when it is compared with later wars.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Phillips cites Arthur Marwick’s   idea that a total war acts as an agent of social change which the American Civil War definitely was.   It enlarged the federal government; allowing it to create national income tax, institute the draft, regulate the economy and suppress civil liberties.(33)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Many 20th century   historians considered the American Civil War to be the first modern war. Phillips disagrees and argues that the Civil War was not a modern war. He admits that it foreshadowed future war methods but he maintains that it did not make use of   technological advances. Phillips writes that the debate whether the civil war is modern should focus on the technology of the time and the philosophy of the war. The technology was not as significant to the outcome of the war.   The philosophy of â€Å"Total War† changed the way the war was fought.  Ã‚   He states that the rifle, the railroad and the naval achievements of the time were ineffectual in changing the outcome of the war. Although he concedes that labeling of the American Civil War as a â€Å"Total War† is a break from past conflicts.

Music the ultimate mood fix

Just Like a roller-coaster there are ups and downs. Sometimes this can be overwhelming. We all need a safe zone, that place where we go when we need comfort, motivation, or Just some company. For many of us, that safe zone is music. To get further insight into how music affects people, we invited members of the public to share their experiences and the variety of ways music plays Into their dally lives and mood. Certain songs make you ponder over what kind of person you want o be, type of role or purpose you have In this world, or what kind of an effect you have on others around you,† said Prohibit Kuris, a 22-year-old college student reflecting on the self-analyzing effects of music. Speaking on her deep dependence on music, 26-year-old HRS executive, Invasion, had this to say, â€Å"You may have heard people say that they cannot live without music. However, when I say that It Is Impossible for me to live without music, I truly mean It! According to Nava, â€Å"Classical and instrumental music allows me to truly immerse myself in tradition and pulls me into the vibe and mood that the song is projecting allowing me to escape the pressures of daily life,† she said. â€Å"Music definitely impacts my mood. Some people allow their music to dictate their mood, like listening to sad songs and then becoming sadder because of it. While for others, their mood determines their music, choosing a happy song to suit their happy mood.As for me, personally my music follows my mood,† said Shown Were, a 25-year-old PR Manager. Commenting on the inherent ability of music to change moods, Useful Suzan, a 24- year-old student said, ‘For me whenever I am stressed and rushing to complete an assignment on time, I always turn to ballads and love songs as it helps me relax and focus. † â€Å"I'm addicted to music! No matter what, I always find ways to satisfy my craving. If I go too long without music I tend to get depressed,† said Hafiz Gaffer, a 21 -year-old student.In line with her energetic lifestyle, Hafiz says she only listens to up-tempo Ran and dance music, â€Å"My music must suit my life. I'm happy-go-lucky and always on the go, so my music must be the same. † Going against the grain however, George Kong, a 19-year-old Engineering student said, â€Å"For me personally, USIA has no effect on my mood. If I am happy, I'm happy and if I'm sad, I'm sad; music doesn't have any impact on it. † Seeking a historical perspective, we spoke to Kola' Rant, a 42-year-old music teacher. Historically speaking, music has always been Intrinsically connected to emotions. Many of my students have varying tastes In music but the one thing that remains the same is that music holds a deep emotional connection to them,† she said. â€Å"Music psychology is a recognized and very much growing field of psychology. From what I know, every human being possesses a base deed to connect to something and music is one simple ou tlet for connection that we have.That Is why so many of us turn to music to satisfy ourselves In times of depression or frustration,† said Mark Km a psychology lecturer speaking on why Shown said, â€Å"Music is the soundtrack of your life, no matter if you are feeling depressed or ecstatic, music is what we all turn to. † Through these opinions it is clear that while people have different taste in music, the one thing that they all have in common is that music plays a vital part in each and every one of their lives whether they are feeling happy or sad. 2 3 4

A journey to banish evil essays

A journey to banish evil essays A long, taxing journey awaits an unknowing hobbit, who is destined to destroy the one ring of power. In the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring directed by Peter Jackson, the main character is Frodo Baggins, an young hobbit, who is interested in adventure, and ready to go with his favorite hobbit, Bilbo on all of his adventures. The movie is based on a certain ring, which happens to be the ring that controls the 19 other rings. This one ring is known as the ring of power. When the original owner was killed the ring was lost for many years. The ring wants to be returned to its owner. When the ring is given to Frodo by Bilbo, he embarks upon a quest to return the ring to its home, where it was created, so it can be destroyed. Frodo goes on this quest and completes many small cycles of leave and return, just getting to the main belly of the beast. In Peter Jacksons The Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo goes on an archetypal mythic journey by accepting the quest, separating from home, and descending into the underworld, or the unknown to show that any person out of a crowd could banish evil. Frodo strates bravery when he accepts the quest of taking the ring to Rivendale. Frodo shows this bravery by leaving his hobbit hole. Frodo does not really know what he is getting himself into, but he sticks with the quest even though he is hesitant. Frodo is willing to sacrifice anything to complete his quest. Frodo accepts another quest when, in Rivendale, he steps up to take the ring the rest of the way. Frodo sees the eye, and knows that has taken on a great quest, but still agrees to complete the quest. This is one way Frodo completes the archetypal story circle. Frodo separates from the Shire when him and Sam walk into the farmland. This is not too hard on him, and he shows that he is spiritually strong, by continuing on. Later, another separation occurs when Sam and Frodo fall into the forest. This coul...

Top 5 Best Pieces of Advice from Elon Musk

Top 5 Best Pieces of Advice from Elon Musk Elon Musk is a man of the future. Born in South Africa, he’s an inventor, entrepreneur, investor, and visionary- now a hugely successful businessman and leader. You’d hardly think to look at him that he was bullied in school, a product of divorce, and raised thousands of miles away from centers of global commerce. His computer skills and interests, however, took him to college in Canada, and then towards the founding of a software company called Zip2 with his brother Kimbal. Musk used the profits from that sale to co-found X.com, which, together with Confinity, would later become PayPal.Since then, he’s founded SpaceX to advance rocket technology for future space travel. This company has only grown while NASA has been stymied with budget cuts. In 2008, he took over leadership of Tesla Motors, which is now a leading automotive innovator. He also is responsible for Solar City, in an effort to combat global warming by reducing emissions through solar energy innovati on.He’s worth over $12.5 billion and still isn’t done. Remember, this is the guy who taught himself to code in only three days. What can you learn from him for your own career inspiration?1. Have a goal.Don’t just make your goal to â€Å"make a lot of money† or â€Å"get promoted to X.† Have a goal that’s both compelling and meaningful. Figure out how to make things better, or to do something significant. If the company or product doesn’t exist yet, be on the forefront of making it real.2. Seek criticism.Don’t be delusional and think you and your ideas are infallible. Get as much feedback as you possibly can from people you trust. Make sure you keep examining yourself to make sure you truly believe in your ideals and aren’t just after some unrealistic dream for the wrong reasons. Be gracious when someone tells you to rethink one aspect of your plans.3. Don’t spread yourself too thin.Don’t try to run multipl e empires or companies. Concentrate on doing one thing, or building one company at a time, and giving that project your all. On the other hand, you should be working harder and longer than everybody else. That’s how you get more done in less time, and how you get ahead.4. Don’t fear failure.Failure is a normal part of the innovation process. Make friends with this. If you think something is probably going to end up in failure, but it’s important enough to try, make sure you go for it. Failure is generative. Failure is a necessary component of innovation.5. Choose to be extraordinary.According to Musk, â€Å"people can choose to be ordinary.† Choose the opposite. Challenge and question norms. Do the unexpected. Strive always for greater goals and deeds.

American Minorities and Sports Essay Example for Free

American Minorities and Sports Essay Sports have always had an enormous impact on American society and culture. People use sports at all levels, whether it’s youth, high school, college or professional, to help build an identity, connect with others and grow as individuals. Even though American is a diverse country made up of different races, nationalities and ethnicities, discrimination has been in issue throughout America’s history. Sports took on an even greater meaning for some minorities during the 20th Century, especially Europeans and blacks. They used sports as a means of vertical mobility in order to advance themselves socially in America. The idea of social mobility was one concept that originally drew many immigrants to the country. Between 1880 and 1915, around 26 million immigrants moved to the United States, and about half came from several areas of Europe (Moore, 2011a). America offered the chance for people to better themselves and someone from any background could become successful and rise above their parents. During this time, Americans were already viewing sports as an important and democratic part of life, because it judged people on their talent and skill alone (Reiss, 1980). Competition was an opportunity to prove and show off your â€Å"manliness† and power. Sports were also seen as a way to gain vertical mobility, and for Europeans, it was a way to become more accepted into the American culture. Although they received more respect than blacks, they mostly were not considered truly â€Å"American† (Moore, 2011a). Boxing was a popular sport among young immigrants. Boxing was a sport that proved â€Å"manliness† and toughness, and turning professional meant chances to earn prize money. Most immigrants from Europe lived on the East Coast in cities that quickly became crowded and poor, and fighting was a functional skill to learn while living in the ghetto neighborhoods (Reiss, 1980). Boxing became a social ladder for ethnic groups since one group seemed to dominate until another group became better. Whoever were better boxers at the time were viewed as the tougher race. In the 1800’s and early 1900’s the Irish held most of the Heavyweight Championship titles, with boxers like John L. Sullivan, Jack Kilrain and Gene Tunney (Sowell, 1983). In the 1920’s and 30’s Jews began to have success in the ring, with 1913 being the only year in since the start of the century that there was no Jewish champion. In the two decade span they held 18 titles (Moore, 2011a). These champions were important to the Jewish in proving their worth to the country and countering the discrimination that the Nazis in Germany were trying to spread. Boxing for European ethnic minorities served as a way to prove their race’s toughness, and prizefighting was a way to leave the poor ghettos and make a decent life for themselves. Italians were slower than other groups in their involvement with sports. Between 1899 and 1924 about 4 million immigrated to the United States and settled in the crowded East Coast cities (Reiss, 1980). The Progressive movement was gaining popularity at the time, but because of their past in Italy, many Italians mistrusted governments telling them what to do and what their children should do (Moore, 2011a). However, 2nd generation Italian-American children were given opportunities to play sports through the creation of the Public School Athletic League. In 1905 historian Camillo Cianfarra tracked the Italian youth development in sports and observed: â€Å"In our public elementary school competitions, our children are not inferior to the children of other nationalities, in the lists of gymnastic [track and field] winners the Italian names appear quite frequently as they appear in the rosters of teams involved in inter-high school competition† (Reiss, 1980). Baseball soon became a popular sport with the Italians, and they became very successful with the sport. By the time of the Depression, Italians were becoming a majority in the Major Leagues (Moore, 2011a). Italians success in baseball gave them social mobility, but they were also still discriminated against. Some of the best players in the league in the 1930’s were Joe DiMaggio, Tony Lazzeri, Frank Crosetti and Ernie Lombardi (Baldassaro, 2005). Joe DiMaggio helped Italians gain more exposure and respect when he became the best player in the league and an American celebrity (Moore, 2011a). Blacks in the United States had similar involvement as the Europeans with ports and social mobility, although they faced much more discrimination and rejection than the other minorities. Blacks used sports as a main way to try and prove their equality to the rest of the country. They viewed successful black athletes as heroes and passionately supported them, and used them as a more subtle channel to showcase their fight against the discrimination and hate that they faced daily. Boxing featured several black champions and was a popular sport, just like it was with the European minorities. One of the earliest black champions was Peter Jackson, an Australian who won the Heavyweight Championship over there in 1886. He traveled to America in 1988 to fight John L. Sullivan, who held the Heavyweight Title, but Sullivan refused to fight him because he was black. Besides that setback, he was considered one of the best boxers of the time, and blacks loved him because he was a respectable man and proved black equality with his victories. Frederick Douglass at the time said, â€Å"Peter is doing a great deal with his fist to solve the Negro question† (Moore, 2011b). He was also respected within the white community because he never bragged or belittled an opponent (Moore, 2011b). People around the country of any race looked up to him as a role model. Although Peter Jackson helped gain some respect for blacks in white America, it wasn’t until Joe Louis that Americans found a black athlete that was embraced as an American hero. Louis was born in Alabama in 1914 as the son a sharecropper and great grandson of a slave. His family moved to Detroit in 1924 where he soon took up boxing. After ten years of hard work he won the Golden Gloves as a light heavyweight and his career took off from there. One of his biggest victories was against former heavyweight champion Primo Carnera in front of a crowd of 62,000 at Yankee Stadium (Official Site, n. d. ). Louis’s symbol as an American hero though didn’t fully happen until he avenged his loss against German champion Max Schmeling with a first-round knockout in 1938, during the time of the Nazi’s dominance in Europe. It was this victory that caused the American people to see him not as just another black fighter, but as an American hero. It helped to counter the impression of successful black athletes that Jack Johnson, the previous black heavyweight champion, had left, and in a way almost transcended his race (Schwartz, n. d. ). â€Å"What my father did was enable white America to think of him as an American, not as a black,† said his son, Joe Louis Jr. â€Å"By winning, he became America’s first black hero† (Schwartz, n. d. ). In the 1960’s, black athletes used the world’s biggest sporting stage to fight racism and show their protest against the discrimination that they were still facing. In October 1967 the Olympic Project for Human Rights was established by sociologist Harry Edwards and others, mainly athletes. The goal of the organization was to protest segregation and racism in sport and society. A boycott of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics was suggested but never happened, yet several members still used the Games as an opportunity for the organization. Many on the US Track and Field team wore black socks as support of the black community, or badges of the OPHR (Henderson, n. d. ). The most famous act of protest however was from sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who finished 1st and 3rd in the 200m final. On the medal podium, they each raised a fist while wearing a black glove. The act led to the International Olympic Committee president, Avery Brundage, suspending them from the rest of the competition and forcing them to leave (Moore, 1991). Although the protest had negative consequences for the sprinters, it was another key moment in sports that showed how the black community rallied around its athletes and used sports as a way to come together and fight for civil rights. Sports and competition were important in minorities efforts to advance in 20th century America through vertical mobility, although the reasons were different for each race. Europeans struggled with adjusting to a new country and culture, and sports helped serve as a way to assimilate more with the American culture and be accepted. Because of the large numbers of immigrants in the late 1800‘s and early 1900‘s, most lived in poor, crowded urban areas. Being successful in sports meant a chance to become professional, leave behind poverty, and make a life for yourself. It was essentially the â€Å"American Dream. † Sports had a slightly different meaning for black Americans. The United States was still a country of discrimination and oppression, and black society used their successful athletes to empower and unite them. Through heroes like Joe Louis, they fought against the discrimination and tried to prove their equality to whites. Both minorities in the 20th century viewed sports as a key tool in their struggle for acceptance in American society. American Minorities and Sports. (2017, Jan 08).

On a specific documentary called Two Towns of Jasper - Image Ethics Essay

On a specific documentary called Two Towns of Jasper - Image Ethics - Essay Example The film has however tried to bridge the gap by displaying images to illustrate the widening difference and discrimination between blacks and whites. This paper therefore seeks to explore the image ethics that emerge in Two Towns of Jasper. The paper will also illustrate how the film makers approach and understand their various obligations and responsibilities to their viewers, to those who are featured in the film, to their profession as well as to themselves. Reference is made to the Moral Rights of Subjects in Photographs, Film, and Television by Katz, Gross and Ruby via analyzing Two Towns of Jasper, a documentary film. There are significant ethical issues and concerns that are provoked by the William and Whitney in the film â€Å"Two Towns of Jasper.† These issues arose where the white and black subjects used in the film were affected by the nature of the images displayed to the viewers. Therefore the two filmmakers made ethical considerations that took care of the rights of the subjects as well as those of the viewers of the film or television. The film, â€Å"Two Towns of Jasper,† observes the moral rights of those appearing in it as the subjects. However, the film has been criticized that it presents fake images of the subjects that are somehow embarrassing and intrusive to both the viewers and the film subjects. Some of the image ethics that raise concerns in the â€Å"Two Towns of Jasper† and the documentary include the situation in which the subjects were portrayed in a false light. It appears to the viewers that the subjects may have failed to secure a consent that is completely informed and therefore their images were appropriated. In this film, â€Å"Two Towns of Jasper,† the groups of minority and individuals were represented accurately and fairly. Williams and Whitney observed the peculiar moral obligations of the subjects in the film. This is a clear indication that the filmmakers understand their obligations and res ponsibilities to the subjects as well as to their viewers. By respecting the moral rights and observing image ethics when making the film, it shows that the filmmakers clearly understand well the role of their profession. From my review of the film, â€Å"Two Towns of Jasper,† the concerns and issues of image ethics that are exhibited is the journalistic integrity threat that is probably posed by the software visual editing used by the filmmakers. The type of images displayed in the film also raises concern as they appear so uncertain to the viewers. The minority group is also not presented in an appealing manner which may raise ethical questions among the viewers. It also appears in the film that there has been an erosion of civility and privacy of the minority group, the blacks, in the film. However, the book, â€Å"Moral Rights of Subjects in Photographs, Film, and Television† by Katz, Gross and Ruby, has elaborated these ethical concerns as a breach to the privacy and rights of the subjects. The mentioned authors have also amplified the qualms of image ethics as mistakes committed in darkroom of electronics. The issues of image ethics in the film add to the continuous visual development studies. The anthology in the film, â€Å"Two Towns of Jasper,† has reached into perspectives and discipline beyond any criticism and considers the dilemmas in the visual presentations. Additionally, the filmmakers, Williams and Whitney, have taken into consideration the challenge of observing, to

MRSA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

MRSA - Essay Example MRSA leads to fatal illness resulting from bacteriemia (Rotas et al, 2007). Staphylococcus aureus is a gram – positive cocci forming grapelike clusters. They have the capacity to cause skin lesions such as boils, carbuncles, impetigo, scalded skin as well as pharyngitis, pneumonia, endocarditis, food poisoning, and toxic shock syndrome (Robbins et al, 335). Moreover, Staphyloccus aureus is considered as the major microorganism causing severe burns and surgical wounds. Next to Escherichi coli, Staphyloccus aureus is the second cause of hospital – acquired infection (Robbins, et al, 335). Robbins, et al, added that this microorganism is remarkable for its local destructiveness. MRSA, otherwise known as methicillin resistant Staphloccus areus is an organism that are resistant to the commonly used antibiotics, methicillin (MRSA, 2004). Methicillin was initially used as antibiotics to manage patients against Staphyloccus aureus infection. However, Methicillin was overused and misused and consequently resulted to a certain situation where MRSA bacterium was no longer sensitive to this particular antibiotic. As a result, methicillin was never used as antibiotics but was only intended to identify this particular type of antibiotic resistance (MRSA 2004; Stryer 2006). Stà ¶ppler (2008) stated that MRSA can be found all over the world and brings about a relatively short history. Stà ¶ppler noted that MRSA existed as long as humanity existed. In 1961, MRSA was first noted. This was approximately two years following the usage of methicillin as an antibiotic to treat the microorganisms Staphyloccocus aureus and other infectious microorganisms. During this time, it was found out that methicillin resistance was caused by a certain penicillin - binding protein that was coded for by a mobile genetic element called as methicillin resistant gene or mecA. Stà ¶ppler (2008) added that this gene continued to evolve in such a way that the strains of MRSA are resistant to other

A Worn Path Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

A Worn Path - Essay Example The setting of the story as written by the author is based on the Natchez Trace as well as the town of Natchez. Phoenix who is the protagonist in the video is an elderly Black American woman who subsequently goes on a heroic quest to rightly procure medicine for her beloved ill grandson. Throughout the story, the author uses different literary devices in order to make the story interesting. The Video also delivers the unforgettable character in the Black American woman, who does not even know when she was born. From the video, critics are well evident throughout the storyline. The various literary devices that are highly used in the video include allusion, metaphor, imagery, Simile and alteration. Allusion is a literary device that is used in the main character of the story, Phoenix. The name of phoenix is the similar to the mythical bird that subsequently raises the air and eventually bursts into flames. This bird is consumed by fire and when it gets burnt, a new phoenix spring emerges from the ashes. The old black woman is also old to walk in the difficult on her way to Natchez to get the medicine for her grandson. However, her age does not matter as the only thing that she believes in is that she has to have his medicine or die while trying. Metaphor is another literary device that is used in the video. From the video, it is quoted that the black woman walked slowly, a little side to side with a well-balanced heaviness, and with the lightness of the pendulum in the grandfather clock. Through such use of literary device, the author makes the character as well as the story to come into life. The Black old woman ambles in the cold, while she walks on the path multiple times for the sake of her grandson. However, due to his old age, her footing is quite unsure and she is seen to waver from side to side while walking. Imagery is also evident in the video. Throughout the

Do corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports provide shareholders Essay - 1

Do corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports provide shareholders and stakeholders with useful information on corporate soci - Essay Example Emphasizing on the corporate social responsibility has become a core part of the public policies for development of private sectors within the framework of the international cooperation development. It is considered a deliberate choice for an enterprise to give back to the community and to respond the environment crises while maintaining relations with the shareholders and stakeholders based on dialogue and transparency (Godfrey, Merrill & Hansen 2009). A CSR report, therefore, consists of all activities that the company has taken part. This includes the whole of their chain of value and it considers the effects on ecological, economic, and social parameters in dialogue with the shareholders and stakeholders. The report conveys the following information to the public and to the stakeholders: consumer interest, environmental care, air operating practices such as corruption and bribery, involvement to the community and firm’s governance. A company will therefore, use the report to reach to its consumers, shareholders, and stakeholders. Corporate managers and leaders have taken the initiative to call upon the government, as a stakeholder, to recognize their CSR participation and achievements. The companies can only achieve that by creating a CSR report that communicates to the society on its CSR activities. The government has gone ahead to encourage, support and to enforce Corporate Social Responsibility behavior of firms (Turker 2009). This has therefore resulted to multiple rationales, such as deregulation and competitiveness in companies by including their CSR reports in their annual reports. However, the legal standards and frameworks have been put in place in order to ensure the companies include the appropriate information. This is because some of the stakeholders and shareholders are non-profit agencies which require in knowing the benefit of the company to the community before investing in it. The government also requires knowing how the company res ponds to environmental issues such as pollution and global warming. It is important to note that most stakeholders including investors, community, markets, NGOs and the government need to know the role of a company to the society and their role in ensuring the environment is maintained. For instance, the mentioned groups expect organizations to put efforts in fighting global warming and feeding the poor. It is humble call for a company to do that, but it has a great effect to the consumers and to the investors. Consumers want to be associated with a company that understand their needs and which cares for their future. As well, investor will invest in a company that has responsible management and that which takes part in CSR activities. Background information Since the early years of 1990, an increase in the environmental awareness and development of sustainable economic growth redirected firms into environmental sensitivity. The recent economic events have resulted to a greater emph asis on the Corporate Social Responsibility in redefining the future of the society. Whereas companies and business organizations are responsible of creating wealth for the shareholders and driving company’ progress, they are directed and guided by regulations and governments, green consumer pressure and society pressure groups (Henriques & Sadorsky1999). A balance between needs of the society and economic growth attracts

Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Finance - Essay Example Then it will be followed by a literature review of 5000 words to extend the direction of my topic either in theoretical, methodical, or analytical manner pertaining to the promotion of Islamic banking. I am going to write 5000 words in the research stage for primary and a secondary research of published studies and reports. The data collection will be followed by an analysis and discussion for 2500 words in which I am going to establish an understanding of the data and say what it means. The final stage of the plan is the concluding chapter (1000 words) in which I am going to answer all raised questions and draw all the details together into a whole. The last is the 500 words recommendation based on my analysis that includes the steps that should be done, needed resources, and feasibility of the proposal. Action Plan: 1. The principles of Islamic banking can be fully promoted among Muslims and non-Muslims by investing heavily on academic discipline, and research and development (R&D) . The Islamic Foundation in UK had established the Markfield Institute of Higher Education (MIHE) just like the Islamic Financial Services Programs (IFSPS) in Australia, and Islamic Finance Professional Certificate (IFPC) in Malaysia. 2. Encourage different countries to capitalise Islamic banking and finance by giving seminars, workshops, trainings, etc. to their people. In fact, international orientation and conferences has been positively accepted in all parts of the world such as Europe, U.S., Africa, and Asia. â€Å"The main aim of these programmes is to provide a central platform and communication channel for researchers, academicians, business leaders, and financial industry practitioners to meet and discuss critical issues and ideas relating to Islamic banking and finance† (Ahsan, n.d., p. 118). Banks That Will Be Going to Research: Banks that can be considered for research are those that offered Islamic financial services in Saudi such as Al Rajihi Banking & Investmen t Corp, Islamic Development Bank, and Saudi British Bank, and in UK such as the Islamic Bank of Britain, HSBC Amanah Bank, and Lloyd TSB. To prove that promoting Islamic banking in the banking sector is worthy then comparing these banks with some of the conventional banks in Saudi Arabia like The National Commercial Bank (NCB), Saudi American Bank and Saudi Investment Bank, and major UK-based banks like Standard Chartered, Barclays, and Royal Bank of Scotland Group are helpful. Islamic banks are growing rapidly at a rate of 10-15 percent annually (FSA, 2006). Procedure: As education elevates financial literacy on Islamic banking and conventional banks, the plan needs considerable amount of capital for financial institutions might think twice of this trial and error means because of the ongoing recession. Profit is also uncertain brought by the reality that Islamic banks have incurred lucrative losses when they entered the real economy as they are more prone to risk. The challenges f or conventional and Islamic banks are the same as both of them are expected to implement new ways of improving their financial performance at a higher rate. However, they differ in principles considering that Islamic banks operate in accordance with Shariah which is to promote profit-and-loss in line with the

A Worn Path Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

A Worn Path - Essay Example The setting of the story as written by the author is based on the Natchez Trace as well as the town of Natchez. Phoenix who is the protagonist in the video is an elderly Black American woman who subsequently goes on a heroic quest to rightly procure medicine for her beloved ill grandson. Throughout the story, the author uses different literary devices in order to make the story interesting. The Video also delivers the unforgettable character in the Black American woman, who does not even know when she was born. From the video, critics are well evident throughout the storyline. The various literary devices that are highly used in the video include allusion, metaphor, imagery, Simile and alteration. Allusion is a literary device that is used in the main character of the story, Phoenix. The name of phoenix is the similar to the mythical bird that subsequently raises the air and eventually bursts into flames. This bird is consumed by fire and when it gets burnt, a new phoenix spring emerges from the ashes. The old black woman is also old to walk in the difficult on her way to Natchez to get the medicine for her grandson. However, her age does not matter as the only thing that she believes in is that she has to have his medicine or die while trying. Metaphor is another literary device that is used in the video. From the video, it is quoted that the black woman walked slowly, a little side to side with a well-balanced heaviness, and with the lightness of the pendulum in the grandfather clock. Through such use of literary device, the author makes the character as well as the story to come into life. The Black old woman ambles in the cold, while she walks on the path multiple times for the sake of her grandson. However, due to his old age, her footing is quite unsure and she is seen to waver from side to side while walking. Imagery is also evident in the video. Throughout the

Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Finance - Essay Example Then it will be followed by a literature review of 5000 words to extend the direction of my topic either in theoretical, methodical, or analytical manner pertaining to the promotion of Islamic banking. I am going to write 5000 words in the research stage for primary and a secondary research of published studies and reports. The data collection will be followed by an analysis and discussion for 2500 words in which I am going to establish an understanding of the data and say what it means. The final stage of the plan is the concluding chapter (1000 words) in which I am going to answer all raised questions and draw all the details together into a whole. The last is the 500 words recommendation based on my analysis that includes the steps that should be done, needed resources, and feasibility of the proposal. Action Plan: 1. The principles of Islamic banking can be fully promoted among Muslims and non-Muslims by investing heavily on academic discipline, and research and development (R&D) . The Islamic Foundation in UK had established the Markfield Institute of Higher Education (MIHE) just like the Islamic Financial Services Programs (IFSPS) in Australia, and Islamic Finance Professional Certificate (IFPC) in Malaysia. 2. Encourage different countries to capitalise Islamic banking and finance by giving seminars, workshops, trainings, etc. to their people. In fact, international orientation and conferences has been positively accepted in all parts of the world such as Europe, U.S., Africa, and Asia. â€Å"The main aim of these programmes is to provide a central platform and communication channel for researchers, academicians, business leaders, and financial industry practitioners to meet and discuss critical issues and ideas relating to Islamic banking and finance† (Ahsan, n.d., p. 118). Banks That Will Be Going to Research: Banks that can be considered for research are those that offered Islamic financial services in Saudi such as Al Rajihi Banking & Investmen t Corp, Islamic Development Bank, and Saudi British Bank, and in UK such as the Islamic Bank of Britain, HSBC Amanah Bank, and Lloyd TSB. To prove that promoting Islamic banking in the banking sector is worthy then comparing these banks with some of the conventional banks in Saudi Arabia like The National Commercial Bank (NCB), Saudi American Bank and Saudi Investment Bank, and major UK-based banks like Standard Chartered, Barclays, and Royal Bank of Scotland Group are helpful. Islamic banks are growing rapidly at a rate of 10-15 percent annually (FSA, 2006). Procedure: As education elevates financial literacy on Islamic banking and conventional banks, the plan needs considerable amount of capital for financial institutions might think twice of this trial and error means because of the ongoing recession. Profit is also uncertain brought by the reality that Islamic banks have incurred lucrative losses when they entered the real economy as they are more prone to risk. The challenges f or conventional and Islamic banks are the same as both of them are expected to implement new ways of improving their financial performance at a higher rate. However, they differ in principles considering that Islamic banks operate in accordance with Shariah which is to promote profit-and-loss in line with the

Virtue - Ontology Essay Example for Free

Virtue Ontology Essay Many people associate Plato with a few central doctrines that are advocated in his writings: The world that appears to our senses is in some way defective and filled with error, but there is a more real and perfect realm, populated by entities (called â€Å"forms† or â€Å"ideas†) that are eternal, changeless, and in some sense paradigmatic for the structure and character of the world presented to our senses. Among the most important of these abstract objects (as they are now called, because they are not located in space or time) are goodness, beauty, equality, bigness, likeness, unity, being, sameness, difference, change, and changelessness. (These terms—â€Å"goodness†, â€Å"beauty†, and so on—are often capitalized by those who write about Plato, in order to call attention to their exalted status; similarly for â€Å"Forms† and â€Å"Ideas. †) The most fundamental distinction in Platos philosophy is between the many observable objects that appear beautiful (good, just, unified, equal, big) and the one object that is what beauty (goodness, justice, unity) really is, from which those many beautiful (good, just, unified, equal, big) things receive their names and their corresponding characteristics. Nearly every major work of Plato is, in some way, devoted to or dependent on this distinction. Many of them explore the ethical and practical consequences of conceiving of reality in this bifurcated way. We are urged to transform our values by taking to heart the greater reality of the forms and the defectiveness of the corporeal world. We must recognize that the soul is a different sort of object from the body—so much so that it does not depend on the existence of the body for its functioning, and can in fact grasp the nature of the forms far more easily when it is not encumbered by its attachment to anything corporeal. In a few of Platos works, we are told that the soul always retains the ability to recollect what it once grasped of the forms, when it was disembodied prior to its possessors birth (see especially Meno), and that the lives we lead are to some extent a punishment or reward for choices we made in a previous existence (see especially the final pages of Republic). But in many of Platos writings, it is asserted or assumed that true philosophers—those who recognize how important it is to distinguish the one (the one thing that goodness is, or virtue is, or courage is) from the many (the many things that are called good or virtuous or courageous )—are in a position to become ethically superior to unenlightened human beings, because of the greater degree of insight they can acquire. To understand which things are good and why they are good (and if we are not interested in such questions, how can we become good? ), we must investigate the form of good.

Genetically Modified Organisms In Agriculture Environmental Sciences Essay

Genetically Modified Organisms In Agriculture Environmental Sciences Essay important environmental benefits with little or no risk. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been the subject of debate for many years, with many people either completely for or completely against their mass production and sale. But what exactly is a GMO? It is defined as an organism whose characteristics have been altered by the insertion of a gene from another organism using genetic engineering techniques, usually to give the recipient more desirable traits for human exploitation. In agriculture, this is most often increased pest or herbicide resistance in genetically modified (GM) crops. The question of risk associated with GM crops has divided opinion amongst both experts and the public; however there still does not seem to be any conclusive evidence for either benefits or risks on the environment where these organisms are cultivated. This essay will address some of the popular issues raised with regard to environmental benefits and risks and try to weigh up the pros and cons of GMOs in agriculture. With the ever-increasing human population, our planet is being put under more and more pressure as we try to keep up with the demands for resources. It is estimated that food production will have to increase by 70% by 2050 to provide the predicted 9.1 billion people with enough food (Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 2009). But with the continued expansion of human populations, we shall also see a further shortage of land suitable for agriculture. The answer to these problems came when genetic engineering allowed us to customise an organismà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s characteristics to our desires; increasing crop yield, or reducing damage by pests, thereby allowing a greater quantity of crop to be harvested from the same amount of land. One of the main characteristics desired in a cultivated crop plant is a resistance to pests such as insects and weeds. Since their introduction in 1947, there has been a steady increase in the use of synthetic pesticides to reduce crop losses caused by insects, weeds and diseases (Phipps and Park, 2002). However, an estimated 43% of total world production of the major crops is lost each year, with a further 10% lost after harvesting (Oerke et al. 1995). The use of pesticides has been linked to negative effects in the environment; the loss of UK farmland biodiversity such as insects and bird species and the change in food sources of farmland birds (Ewald and Aebischer, 1999). In GM crops, insect resistance is achieved within the plant DNA itself, so the need for the spraying of pesticides is much reduced. The most common gene selected for insect resistance is extracted from a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis because it produces toxins which are sensitive to a specific group of insects including the European corn borer, corn earworm, south-western corn borer and corn rootworm (Schuler et al. 1998). Plants containing this gene are called Bt varieties. In 2000, out of a global total of 5.3 million hectares of cotton grown, 3.2 million hectares were Bt varieties (James, 2000). China is one of the largest producers of cotton, with cotton farmers relying heavily on pesticides, however, in a survey conducted during 1999 and 2000, pesticide use on cotton plants was reduced on average from 55kg (on non-Bt varieties) to 16kg (on Bt varieties) per hectare, and the number of times sprayed was reduced from 20 to 7. Also, the survey reported that the use of toxic organochlorines and organophosphates was almost completely stopped (Huang et al. 2001). This evidence is supportive of the use of insect resistant GM crops because there is less need for the use of pesticides which have a negative effect on the biodiversity of the environment. However, this method may result i n the evolution of resistant pests, which would make the GM crop redundant and therefore re-establish the need for stronger pesticides until a substitute is found for the Bt gene (Hails, 2000). Furthermore, an Australian study has discovered that Bt toxin is found in the roots of modified plants at similar concentrations found in the leaves. This means that the toxins can pass into the soil easily, not only from degrading leaf matter, but also directly from the roots and could potentially lead to an accumulation of toxin in the soil or in the organisms which digest it; insect larvae and microbes. In this way, GM crops could have an indirect impact on biodiversity of insects (and their predators), non-target plants and the soil environment about which we still have only limited knowledge (Vadakattu and Watson, 2004). Alongside pesticide resistance, the other main desired trait of engineered crops is a tolerance to herbicides. 63.7% of GM crops grown in 2005 were engineered with herbicide tolerance (James, 2005). The plants are modified to be resistant to one powerful herbicide called glyphosate, which means that farmers can grow the crop and spray it with one application of glyphosate herbicide to kill any weeds, but the crop itself will not be affected. This is advantageous because it reduces the cost to the farmer and also reduces the run-off of sprayed herbicides into the surrounding ecosystem (Whitman, 2000). The average reduction in herbicide use on GM soybeans in the USA when studied proved to be around 10%, and although it made 16 herbicides redundant, the usage of glyphosate increased 5-fold (Phipps and Park, 2002). The biggest risk associated with herbicide resistance comes from potential gene transfer across species to close relatives, thereby creating an unregulated hybrid of a GM plan t. If this relative is considered a weed, resistance to the herbicide will result in a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"super weedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢, where it cannot be killed using glyphosate and farmers must revert back to physical processes such as tilling, which in turn accelerates soil erosion and nutrient leeching (Hail, 2000). Yet there is remarkable evidence from canola oil seed farmers in Canada of the positive effects of growing the herbicide tolerant (Ht) variety; in 2000, when 55% of all canola grown was Ht, the total amount of herbicide used was reduced by 6 million kg, 31.2 million litres of diesel fuel were saved which in turn saved Canadian $13.1 million and 110,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere (Canola Council of Canada, 2000). The report also described how farmers have adopted a zero or minimal tillage strategy to control weeds, which has the environmental benefits of less soil erosion and less carbon released into the atmosphere; it is estimated that 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide are no longer released, so one could say that GM crops may help reduce the rate of global climate change. At present, it appears that there are important benefits and disadvantages of herbicide tolerance, but that more research into the probability of hybridisation with non-desired species should be carried out in order to establish a balanced argument. Currently, the advantages seem to outweigh the disadvantages, but this situation may change in the future if resistance spreads to other species. The question of hybridisation has always surrounded GM crops, but the risk of a hybrid plant surviving in the natural environment and establishing a population has always been considered extremely small. The potential for a crop to hybridise with a weed is dependent on numerous factors: the relatedness of the species, geographical location and sexual compatibility to name a few. However, even if a GM crop were to hybridise with a weed relative, the resulting cross would be dependent on a different set of factors in order to be successful and reproduce; it must overcome all normal plant limiting factors such as competition, nutrients, light etc. but also be able to reproduce itself and survive over many generations. The likelihood of a hybrid surviving in the wild is extremely small, yet it is important to remember that the risk does exist and that such a plant would have a higher fitness, be potentially more invasive and likely out compete its relatives, resulting in extinction throu gh hybridisation (Conner et al. 2003). In fact, extinction caused by the introduction of GM crops is a larger problem than originally anticipated. Farmers all over the world are favouring high-yield, Ht and pest resistant crops which gain more profit than their natural relatives, resulting in uniform monocultures. Currently, 1350 traditional crop species face extinction, with an average of 2 species being lost every week, because they are being replaced with engineered versions of themselves (FAO, 2003). Genetic engineering does not stop with crops. There exist today GM trees designed for better quality timber or ease of paper production, and GM plants used in biofuels. Much research is being done on GM animals for use as a food source and use in medicine, although none have yet been licensed to be sold. From an environmental point of view, one of the most interesting applications of GM comes in the form of phytoremediation. Scientists have genetically engineered bacteria to clean polluted and contaminated soil, and plants which can take up heavy metal residues from the soil (Meagher, 2006). Conclusion There has been and still is much debate over the safety of GMOs, with particular emphasis on GM crops because they have the potential to alter ecosystems, and because they ultimately end up on our plates. While the effects on human health are substantially risky, they are beyond the topic of this essay. The cultivation of GM crops has become more widespread since their introduction, with 25 countries now growing them commercially and many more growing them on a trial basis (James, 2008). With continuing research into genes, it seems inevitable that genetic engineering of crops will continue in order to produce the best, most desirable crop possible, while also minimising the environmental impacts. There is evidence for both sides of the argument concerning benefits and risks to the environment, however, not all GM plants behave the same way. The advantages of Ht canola in Canada are obvious, yet in other species the tolerance is not so great and additional spraying is still required. This may be down to geographical location, soil type or farming practise, but it is important to remember that there is no uniform behaviour of GM crops. The environmental benefit of pest resistance is a reduced use of pesticides thereby increasing biodiversity by only targeting specific problem pests instead of killing all the insects in the vicinity. However, this is met with many potential risks such as; accumulation of Bt toxin in the soil which may reduce soil biodiversity, possible evolution of resistance in target pest species and the need to stack genes for resistance to pests which are not affected by the Bt toxin. The environmental benefits of Ht crops include reduced spraying of herbici des which in turn will reduce run off and contamination of water sources, reduced tilling of soil which decreases soil erosion and requires less mechanical management of fields, which means less carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere to contribute to global warming. The main risk of Ht crops is the potential for hybridisation and invasion of a resistant weed species. From this analysis, we can see that one modified crop may have more advantages than disadvantages, yet for another gene there are more disadvantages than advantages. It is difficult to know what to think about the situation. While we still do not know the impacts these crops may have on the environment and the ecosystems they exist in, some may say that we should not grow them until we know more, but will we ever know how they will behave in the natural environment if we only experiment with them in a laboratory? To conclude with my own opinion, looking at the bigger picture, GM crops will not offer us any environmental benefits because ultimately they are grown for human consumption, meaning the human population will continue increasing because food is not a limiting factor. More food will result in more people, which will lead to the continued exploitation and destruction of our planet. As a species, we have overcome the forces of natural selection through the development of medicine and with the expanding use of GM crops, it looks like we are set to overcome the limiting factor of food availability.