Introduced Species and Biodiversity

Introduction Biodiversity refers to the sum total of species, ecosystems and genes in a certain location. The term encompasses all spheres of biological systems such as the genetic or molecular sphere, the population sphere, the species, ecosystem and organ spheres, as well. Conversely, an introduced species is one that exists in an area outside of its native region. Usually, humans may bring them into a certain location either intentionally or accidentally.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Introduced Species and Biodiversity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Sometimes introduced species may turn invasive and thus cause harm to the native population. The question of introduced species’ effects on biodiversity is a complex one as there is no single consequence of these organisms. Consequently, one must analyse both sides of the debate thoroughly before one can assert that introduced species either are harmful to biodiversity. How introduced species harm biodiversity Conservationists are deeply concerned about introduced species because they threaten the existence of native species. At times, this may occur through direct interactions with the introduced species or through the dependence of other species on the threatened one. When other species depend on the replaced one, then they may loose their habitat, source of food, or mode of reproduction. Eventually, they may also become extinct or endangered. The danger posed by introduced species may occur through various pathways: competition, predation or parasitism, disease, hybridisation, modification of the habitat as well as herbivory. When these phenomena manifest, then they eventually lead to the loss of biodiversity. Studies indicate that introduced species come second to habitat destruction with regard to their threat on native biodiversity. Usually, certain barriers exist in natural environments to allow species to evolve on their o wn. Few of these barriers include mountains, deserts, rivers and ocean. If these barriers did not exist, then it would be quite easy for species to enter new niches and minimise biodiversity in that area. Human beings have contributed adversely to circumvention of these barriers by bringing species, from other areas, for food or commercial purposes. Introduction of species, therefore, accelerates the amount of time needed to broaden a species’ range (Cohen Carlton 1998). The most direct and serious way of reducing biodiversity by introduced species is competition. Non native populations will compete for the same space, nutrients, polluting insects or light as the native ones. In certain circumstances, the introduced species may be better equipped to fight for these resources than the local ones thus outcompeting them. This may lead to the decline of species in such locations. One scenario was the Australian paperback tree, which invaded the US in Florida. The tree had a spon gy bark and flammable leaves that made it better able to utilise resources in its foreign location; this caused adverse competition for numerous native plants. As the Australian paperback kept spreading, more local plants kept reducing. Even other mammals and birds that had adapted to the native plants started declining.Advertising Looking for essay on biology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, competition causes biodiversity loss by eliminating organisms that directly compete with the invasive species, and reducing the ones that depend on the first variety. Other examples of introduced plants that have outcompeted local ones include the Australian Caulerpa, which steeled in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the South American water hyacinth. The North American gray squirrel, which came from Italy and Britain, has a better way of getting nuts than local ones. These indigenous squirrels have less access to resources an d thus fewer chances of survival (Moritz 1999). Sometimes introduced species can become predators or parasites on native populations. These organisms may be too strong for the local ones thus perpetuating their extinction. One such instance was the case of the pacific black rat. It was introduced into Hawaii and attacked the eggs of honeycreepers, which were local Hawaiian birds (Johnson 2003). In fact, several bird species that live in islands have no way of protecting themselves against introduced hunters like the Pacific black rat. The brown tree snake is also a commonly cited example. This species emanated from Admiralty Islands, and was responsible for the eradication of 11 bird types in Guam. The Nile perch has predated upon cichlid fish in East Africa’s Lake Victoria. Approximately 100 species of these organisms have disappeared as a direct result of the Nile Perch’s predatory activities. An example of how introduced species can become parasites is the case of t he Asian chestnut fungus. This species used American chestnut trees as hosts and eventually led to their elimination from most parts of eastern US. Approximately 180 million acres of land lost this species biodiversity. Additionally, almost a dozen moth species depended on the American chestnut trees, so they also became extinct or endangered. Certain introduced species can breed with native organisms and alter the gene pool in the species. Hybridisation affects indigenous populations by creating an offspring that is better adapted to its environment than the local one. As such, the introduced species as well as the hybrid displace the local species into extinction because they have a genetic advantage.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Introduced Species and Biodiversity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This form of invasion occurs over a relatively long period of time thus making them seem less dangerous. Rhymer and Simberloff (1996) explain that the seriousness of the phenomenon may not be very evident from direct observation of the morphological traits of the species. Therefore, the scientists used molecular technology in order to study the extent of hybridisation among various species. They argued that gene flow occurs naturally in various settings. However, when hybridisation takes place, then more genes are lost, and at a faster rate than in cases where no introduced species exist. Such foreign species threaten rare species particularly because their gene pools are delicate. This is a process called genetic pollution; other experts called it genetic erosion. When human beings manipulate organisms’ genes for increased yields in agriculture, they eventually, make wild and domestic varieties less common (Wilson 1992). Genetic erosion is a danger to environmental diversity because it minimises the prevalence of rare genotypes. The native Hawaiian duck is adversely affected by intro duced species such as mallards because it has bred with them. Now the duck’s gene pool is bearing more resemblance to the invader; in other words, it has evolved. Another case was hybridisation of the Texas fish with genes from the mosquito fish. Now the Texas fish is regarded as an extinct species whose contribution to biodiversity in the area has been undermined (Naylor et al. 2001). Even the Gula and Apache trout have hybridized with several species in their areas of introduction. In Europe, the white-headed duck has become an endangered species because of hybridisation with the ruddy duck from North America. The white-headed duck is regarded as one of the rarest ducks in the world, yet the ruddy duck’s continual expansions into Europe ruined this (Eildredge 1998). Introduced species can modify habitats as well. They often make their new environments unfavourable to indigenous species, which struggle to adapt and eventually die out. One classic case is the zebra mus sel; the organism had a way of filtering large quantities of water that led to the reduction of planktons in the water. Additionally, because the zebra mussel spreads so quickly, it became so difficult for indigenous populations to survive in these environments. Almost thirty species of freshwater species face extinction in areas inhabited by the zebra mussel. The introduction of Prunus spinosa into Western Europe has substantially altered habitats for the Thecla betulae butterfly. The introduced species came from Eastern Europe, and leafs much faster than the local plants. Not only did the Prunus spinosa endanger the local plants, but also modified the indigenous butterfly’s habitat thus threatening its contribution to biodiversity too (Pimentel et al. 1999).Advertising Looking for essay on biology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Non native species can also spread diseases that harm indigenous populations. A typical scenario was the introduction of a European parasite that led to the prevalence of whirling disease among rainbow trout in the US, Pennsylvania. They disease spread to other regions of the country and diminished rainbow trout in most parts. On occasion, introduced species may not be parasitic or predatory; they may be herbivorous. In this regard, these animals will consume native plant species and thus lead to their elimination. Although many individuals rarely think about these particular animals, the goat has been one of the most threatening organisms to native plant species. When goats came to the Atlantic Island during the 16th century, they ate plenty of local plant species. As a result, 50% of these organisms were lost. Perhaps it is the beneficiary effects of the goats to the human being that make it appear non invasive. However, when one studies this issue from the perspective of the plan t species, then one realises that herbivory can indeed be detrimental to biodiversity (Spicer 2006). How introduced species may not harm biodiversity Bartomeus et al. (2008) carried out research on the effects of invasive plants on the pollinating patterns of the population. Their results contradicted what most conservationists say about introduced species. The scientists found that it was not just the invading population that benefitted, but the local population, as well. Invasive plants may sometimes increase the number of pollinating agents that visit a particular ecosystem. The agents under consideration in this research were insects. It was affirmed that, unlike what floral market analysts claim, more insects increased in that population. Since the introduction of foreign plants in the area of study did not occur in a simple manner, then it was necessary to analyse the competition structure of the respective ecosystem. In this analysis, there were two invasive plants: the prick ly pear type called Opuntia stricata and the balsam or Carpobrotus affine acinaciformis. They both have very attractive flowers that attract more insects than the native populations. Furthermore, because those flowers are also rich in pollen, then more pollinating agents can visit them. The prickly pear type received 30.9% visits from insects while the balsam received 43.4%. The researchers concluded that whenever pollinating resources increase in a community of plants, then more insects will visit the area. Approximately 23 pollinating insects visited the Carpobrotus. Unlike the other invading species, which was an exclusive feeder, this particular insect visited other plant types, including the local ones. Balsma plants can alter reproduction processes in native species because they change reproduction patters in these new areas. Local plants have a better chance of increasing their population when such species enter their niches. This study indicates that not all invasive species are detrimental to the existence of local populations. Some of them can increase the rate at which indigenous organisms reproduce and exist. Some introduced species can also fight pollution when the concerned location becomes unfavourable for other organisms; the Asian oyster is one such example. When introduced into water bodies, it was able to filter out more water pollutants than the native oysters. This was quite beneficial because the water quality in Chesapeake Bay, US had deteriorated adversely. The oyster made the water more habitable for other species by minimising pollution. Even the notorious zebra mussel has some positive effects on water quality. Studies illustrate that water clarity has increase by five or six times in Lake Erie, where the zebra mussel exists. Greater water clarity has emanated from the zebra mussel’s feeding habits; it consumes fertiliser runoff as well as algae. As a result, more light penetrates into the lake thus providing the underground p lants with access to ultraviolet rays needed for survival. Therefore, microphyte beds have returned to the lake in times when they had previously been missing. Part of the reason for their scarcity was the pollution in the lake. The microphyte beds also provide new species of fish with nurseries, which nurture their re-emergence. In line with the above argument is the issue of modifying environment in favour of local populations. The common gorse came into New Zealand from Scotland. It easily adapted to its environment, and fitted in well with the rest of the population. However, it threatened many native plants through competition. In the long run, after eradicating some native plant species, it started providing nurseries for their reestablishment. Introduced species may not necessarily lead to the minimisation of biodiversity if other species enter the ecosystems too (Newcomb 2001). In this regard, when local species are destroyed, then other species may come in to fill the void. This interchange of species can sometimes lead to a greater level of biodiversity in some areas than had existed prior to the extinction of certain species. Nonetheless, the occurrence of this phenomenon has not been explored in as much detail as the reverse phenomenon; that it, extinction of species. In fact some individuals argue that researchers have a tendency to stop at the immediate losses that occur in a certain location. Many of them do not look into the long term implications of invasive species on diversity. Sometimes a certain population may be burdened by invasive species. Consequently, humans may introduce other species as a means of biological control. Here, introduced species may remedy the effects of other harmful species in the area. One such instance is the use of the South American caterpillar moth to control prickly pear cactus in Australia. The latter species came from the Americas, and invaded numerous Australian lands. They seriously affected the ability of l ocal plants to grow and thrive in these locations. It was necessary to introduce an enemy to the invasive species in order to restore biodiversity in the area. An example of such an experiment was the alligator weed in the US, which had come from South America. The weed was a danger to aquatic diversity in the state of Florida owing to its high rate of expansions. Scientists introduced the alligator weed flea beetle to control this population. As a result, the population of the weed radically reduced, and this enhanced biodiversity for other organisms that had been crowded out (Wiedenmann 2000). Nonetheless, for biological control to work, then the natural enemy of the invasive species needs to have a high degree of specificity. The conservationists must do a thorough research of the exclusivity of the species under consideration (Geerat 1991). If it is a general feeder, then it may become dangerous to the local population. The cane toad in Australia was one such example; it was int roduced in the continent as a method of biological control against the Greyback and French cane beetle. Unfortunately, the parties responsible for it did not know that it would feed on other insects in the area. They did not predict that the cane toad would also threaten other local frogs through competition and disease introduction. A number of other carnivorous animals also died from the poison in the cane toads’ parotid glands. The population of tiger snakes, crocodiles, quolls and dogs reduced dramatically when they ate this amphibian. A domino effect can occur when a biological agent’s full effect on the ecosystem s not well understood. Another scenario of biological control gone wrong is the Rhinocyllus conicus. This weevil was supposed to minimise the Canadian and Musk thistles. The latter introduced species had threatened local plant species extensively. The weevil turned on native plants that were an important source of food to local insects. Consequently, not only did the local plants face the threat of extinction, but so did other insects that depended on the thistles. Eventually, this has a negative effect on the biodiversity of the place. Introduced species can also improve biodiversity in an area when they are brought for conservation purposes. In such scenarios, a species may be in danger of extinction. Therefore, environmentalists may take it upon themselves to introduce those new species to the same locations that they existed before. Although introduction of the invasive species may have caused the problem in the past, it can also contribute to the prevalence of a higher native population of species. Cases of native restoration include the introduction of the Red Kite in Scotland and England. Wolves were also introduced in Yellowstone National Park within the US after their numbers were reduced dramatically. Additionally, some individuals take it upon themselves to plant trees in their personal properties that match the local po pulation. Reintroducing endangered species works by expanding the gene pool of threatened animals. Many of these genes may be highly concentrated in one area but not prevalent in another. It thus becomes necessary to translocate them to the depleted gene pool in order to restore their numbers. In other instances, the elimination of introduced species may be more of a political battle than an environmental one. In this case, it mirrors xenophobia or ethnic hatred. The attitude towards all things foreign is sometimes transplanted in botany or other areas of nature conservation. Well known writers, such as Nellie Doubleday, have reflected these ideologies in their writings about natural landscapes. He asserted that American plant life needed to reflect the racial temperament of the country. Therefore, styles of gardening inevitably demonstrate this perspective. Another landscaper called Jens Jensen explained that the landscape environment he was creating needed to reflect the racial tr aits of the US. They needed to be devoid of non American influences such a Latin or Oriental mixes. He claimed that plant types that borrowed from these influences were ruining the American character. Furthermore, he added that Latin elements were always spoilers (Simberloff 2003). While such attitudes were quite strong in the early twentieth century, their influences still exist today. Journalists, researchers and other stakeholders appear to be interested in causing mass hysteria regarding introduced species. For instance algae may be described as ‘killer algae’ while rats may be called ‘giants’. All these words create fear in the masses and propel the government to make laws that support xenophobic tendencies (Gobster 2005). Sometimes the focus is always on the commercial industries and few arguments dwell on indigenous biodiversity. Several stakeholders may assume that all introduced species are harmful unless proven others. Consequently, one can realis e that in certain circumstances intolerance to all things foreign determines people’s reaction to invasive species rather than their actual harm Conclusion An analysis of the issue illustrates that although introduced species have certain benefits, they appear to cause more harm than good to biodiversity. They cause competition and modify habitats for local species. Additionally, they may become parasitic or predatory on certain organisms. On top of that, some hybridize and cause diseases among indigenous species. The purported benefits of introduced species are questionable because when used as biological agents, they may turn on other vulnerable organisms. Additionally, those introduced species that fight pollution or modify habitats for the benefit of other organisms, also destroy it for others; the net outcome is negative. Therefore, introduced species may have a lot of commercial value, but their harmful effects on biodiversity are too much to ignore. References Bartomeu s, I Santamaria, L Vila, M 2008, ‘Contrasting effects of invasive plants in plant pollinator networks’, Oecologia Journal, vol. 155 no.4, pp. 761-770. Cohen, A Carlton, J 1998, ‘Accelerating invasion rate in a highly invaded estuary’, Science Journal, vol. 279 pp. 555-558. Geerat, V 1991, ‘When Biotas meet: Understanding biotic interchange’, Science Journal, vol. 253 no. 5024, pp. 69-99. Eildredge, N 1998, Life in the balance: Humanity and biodiversity crisis, Princeton University Press, Princeton. Gobster, P 2005, ‘Invasive species as ecological threat: Is restoration an alternative to fear-based resource management?’, Ecological Restoration Journal, vol. 23 no. 4, pp. 262-270 Johnson, T 2003, Invasive species, Burlington Free Press, New York. Moritz, C 1999, Conservation units and translocations: Strategies for conserving evolutionary processes’, Hereditas Journal, vol. 130, pp. 45-52. Naylor, R Williams, S Strong, D 20 01, ‘Aquaculture: A gateway for exotic species’, Science Journal, vol. 294, pp. 1655-1656. Newcomb, J 2001, ‘Alien species often fit in fine, some scientists contend’, The New York Times, 4 September, p. A8 Pimentel, D, Lach, L, Zuniga, R, Morrison, D. 1999. Environmental and economic costs associated with non-indigenous species in the United States, Cornell University Press, New York. Rhymer, J Simberloff, D 1996, ‘Extinction by hybridisation and introgression’, Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, vol. 27, pp. 83-109. Simberloff, D 2003, ‘Confronting introduced species: a form of xenophobia?’, Biological Invasions, vol. 5, pp. 179-192. Spicer. J 2006, Biodiversity: Oneworld Publications, Chicago. Wilson, E 1992, The Diversity of Life, Harvard University Press, Harvard. Wiedenmann, R 2000, Introduction to biological control, https://illinois.edu/ This essay on Introduced Species and Biodiversity was written and submitted by user Marcus U. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

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Marriages In Frankenstein Jane Eyre English Literature Essay Though feminists have long questioned the institution  of marriage by claiming that it has been a fundamental site of womens oppression, it is not until the 19th century that organized feminist movements began to emerge and feminist voices grew louder and stronger. Meanwhile, in the 19th century British literature, both some women writers and men writers began to focus on the well-being of women, their social position, and women and men relationship in their literary works; one of the crucial issues they are concerned with is the issue of marriage. This paper is dedicated to the analysis of marriages in three 19th century British novels-Frankenstein, Jane Eyre and The Odd Women in order to offer a general idea of the feminist progress in the 19th century Women in the 19th Century First of all, a general picture is given to showcase womens status in the institution of marriage through the 19th century Briton. 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Women did not exist as legal beings in their own right; in a marriage, women did not possess any property (anything a woman earned or inherited became her mans property, and her earnings were paid directly to him), and even the children belonged only to the husband; husbands legally had rights to beat their wives, provided the stick was not thicker than his thumb; even under the husbands violence, a woman had no rights to sue for divorce  [4]  . Through the 19th century, womens virtue was to be the Angle in the House who was expected to be devoted and submissive to her husband  [5]  . This name seems to redefine a womans role in a marriage, giving her glory and dignity. However, the so-called angel is more a yoke than a crown, because the Angel must be passive and powerless, meek, charming, graceful, sympathetic, self-sacrificing, pious, and above all-pure  [6]  . Under the requirement of being pure, womens sexuality must be repressed. 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Frankenstein: the Death of Obedient Women in a Patriarchal Institution The marriage between Victor and Elizabeth  is short and bloody. Their wedding room became a tomb for Elizabeth, for on the wedding night, the bride was killed by the monster, Victors own creation. Shelly seems to make the death of Elizabeth, to some degree, quite unreasonable.   How can victor fail to figure out the monsters intention to kill his lover after its numerous killings of his beloved ones- his bother, his sister, and his best friend? Isnt it obvious that the monster aims to make Victor suffer instead of kill him directly? Anyway, Shelly does not believe Elizabeth  can escape death. Elizabeth belongs to Victor since the day she was accepted in the family. She was a pretty present  [7]  that Victors mother gave him, and that, luckily, won Victors protection and love. As was said by Victor, since till death she was to be mine only  [8]  . 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It is reasonable to believe that she would have been an Angel in the House if her  marriage with Victor had not been disturbed by the monster. Ironically, the monster is her mans creation.  In this sense, Elizabeths death embodies the womens sacrifice in a patriarchal marriage. As is known, Marry Shelly is the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft (author of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman) who is considered to be one of the major figures of first wave feminism. Influenced by her mother, Shelly also highlights the inequalities between the sexes. In Frankenstein, as an embodiment of subservient women, Elizabeths death is inescapable. Jane Eyre: Pursuit of Gender Equality in a Marriage Jane and Rochester are from different classes. One is the master, while the other is a governess; one is rich,  while the other is poor. Rochester with his good blood and fortune is thought by the hierarchical system to deserve a beautiful and graceful lady like Ingram. Even though there is this huge gap between Jane and Rochester, Charlotte Bronte deliberately plotted a happy marriage between them which exhibits gender equality. To gain this gender equality, Jane must be subversive to social oppression on women, and meanwhile, Rochester has to reconcile himself to the demands of gender equality. Different from social and religious norms of women-to be obedient, Jane is a subversive woman. She is blessed by Charlotte Bronte with her wish of a woman, that is, to have minds and independence, and deserve a good man who cherishes a woman for her mind instead of outward beauty and material wealth and who regards her as an equal companion. All these blessings require Jane Eyre to be subversive against both class and gender inequalities in the contemporary society. Janes left from Rochester and her refusal to St John is her struggle to get away from being chained by gender inequalities. St John is a typical patriarchal man who also embodies the religious oppression on women. In his eyes, Janes virtue is to marry him and accompany him to fulfill his mission. He expects Jane to obey him, to satisfy him, and to please him, because he is in the name of Gods clergyman. However, this god refuses Jane to be like St John and to do the same things. What the god wants from Jane is to ask her to fulfill a wifes duty, and its church gives St John more power than Jane. Janes own identity is threatened in his realm. I felt daily more and more that I must disown half of my nature, stifle half my faculties, wrest my tastes from their original bent, force myself to the adoption of pursuit for which I had no natural vocation  [10]  . Janes refusal to St John is her struggle against outward oppression, while her left from Rochester is her struggle against her own weakness. Rochester and Jane see each other as soul mate. They determined to get married regardless of the gap between their statuses. However, Rochesters mad wife became an invincible obstacle that made their marriage impossible. Jane was confronted with two choices: to be Rochesters mistress, or to leave Rochester forever. Although Jane loves Rochester and would like to accompany him, she finally chose to leave Thornfield. Jane realized that there was still distance between Rochester and her. She is the paid subordinate who was less beautiful than Rochesters other mistresses. Moreover, she remembers Rochesters degradation of his other mistresses. Hiring a mistress is the next worse thing to buying a slave: both are often by nature, and always by position, inferior; to live familiarly with inferior is degrading  [11]  . Jane would prefer to earn thirty pounds a year as a governess than be hired as a mistress or brought as a slave. Jane rejected Rochester and left; this way , she could main mentally equal with Rochester. Charlotte believes Jane deserves to be together with Rochester, but their union can be possible only when Jane and Rochester are totally equal. To win this equality, the  stronger one shall be weakened, while the weaker one shall be made better. As it turned out, on their way to be together, Jane becomes stronger both in terms of her mind and economic power; while Rochester becomes less strong due to  the burn down of Thornfield and his loss of eyesight. The Odd Women: Willing to Be the Odd and New Women Rhoda in The Odd Women by Gorge Gissing is another subversive woman. Different from Jane, she finally refused marriage.  Rhodas refusal to marriage embodies a huge step that women take in protecting their rights. As was in the 19th century Briton, the unmarried women were considered odd which means abnormal, strange and eccentric  [12]  . Being odd is marked with radical and agony by the patriarchal society. In The Odd Women, Rhoda does not believe Everard (or any other man) can give her an independent and free life after marriage. Her determination to refuse marriage is made gradually. At first, Rhoda thought she had chosen the single life for a life time with conviction. She scorns marriage as well as those weak women who regard marriage and men as indispensable. However, Rhoda, in some part of her heart, still is weak. After she and Everard fell in love, she forced Everard to propose to her. Rhodas decision to refuse marriage is eventually consolidated after her witness of M onicas experience. Monica, afraid of being odd and poor, married Widdowson. Soon after their marriage, Widdowson was overwhelmed with jealousy and possessiveness which symbol the stifling patriarchal values, and Monica fell in love with another man which embodies womens failed flee. Their marriage ended in Monicas death for childbirth. After Monicas death, Rhoda eventually made her determination to refuse Everard. Rhoda, after her refusal of Everard, with Miss Barfoot belongs to the new women who are willing to be odd. They ignore the spell of being odd, and work to alleviate the social plight in which women find themselves by training them to be fit for positions  [13]  . Gorge Gissing, like Charlotte Bronte, also gives the feminism blessings. The end of marriages (Monica and Widdowson, Rhoda and Everard), the new born girl in Rhodas arm, and the flourishing of Miss Barfoots work (like a green bay-tree) promise the bright future of the new women like Rhoda and Miss Barfoot. To sum up the above mentioned marriages in the novels, through the death of Elizabeth in her marriage with Victor, Shelly highlights the sacrifice of the obedient women in the patriarchal institution of marriage; Jane Eyres marriage with Rochester shows her pursuit of gender equality; Rhoda Nunns refusal to marry Everard marks the emergence of the new women. Charlotte Bronte and Gorge Gissing conveyed their support of feminist awakening by describing subversive characters in their novels. Overall, the 19th century British literature exhibits the contemporary feminist voices, that is, women are awaking and asking for greater freedoms, more social opportunities, and equal status with men. Citations: Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. London: Thomas Nelson and Sons, Ltd. 1937. David, Deirdre. Ideologies of Patriarchy, Feminism, and Fiction in The Odd Women'. Feminist Studies, Vol. 10, No. 1 (Spring, 1984), p 117. Lesser, Wendy. Even-Handed Oddness: George Gissings The Odd Women . The Hudson Review. Vol. 37, No. 2 (Summer, 1984), pp. 211. Nadelhaft, Jerome. The English Womans Sexual Civil War: Feminisn Attitudes Towards Men, Women, and Marriage 1650-1740. Journal of the History of Ideas. Vol. 43, No 4 (Oct. Dec., 1982). Shelly, Mary. Frankenstein. London: Penguin Books. 1978.

A Jungian Analysis of the Epic of Gilgamesh Essay -- Epic Gilgamesh es

A Jungian Analysis of the Epic of Gilgamesh   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This paper will provide a unique, psychological perspective on a timeless story that is alive with mythological and religious splendor. I must state clearly that this is not the first time that Gilgamesh has been viewed in the light of the philosophy of Jung.   One of two Jung essays I happened upon while preparing my research was the Psychology of Religion. Although I initially felt that this source would provide little help with my paper, I was very mistaken. On the seventeenth page, I have discovered Jung directly referencing Gilgamesh himself. While researching, I consulted the many translations of Gilgamesh found on the web. It seemed that the more sources I sought, the greater the amount of differing opinions and convoluted versions I uncovered. In an effort to remain true to the epic, I will mainly be referring to the book, World Mythology, written by Donna Rosenberg with a few inclusions from Kovacs' translations. Although Rosenberg's version lacks the flair of the latter, it provides a simple doorway opening to a complicated, yet profound, tale of the first great epic that brings time, mortality, and the anguish of humanity into a world of personal destiny basically related to our own (Campbell, OM, p. 87-90). The essay is written with the understanding that the reader has prior knowledge of the main subject matter, Dr. Carl Jung's theories of the unconscious, and Joseph Campbell's idea that myths are synchronistically reproduced across time. Archaeologists and historians feel confident that Gilgamesh was originally written by the Sumerians and later adapted by the Babylonians who kept the identities of Sumer's original gods and goddesses. According to Mauree... .... (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1989) Jackson, Danny P.,ed. The Epic of Gilgamesh. Wauconda, IL: Bolchazy-Carducci, 1992. Maier, John ed. Gilgamesh. A Reader. Wauconda, IL: Bolchazy-Carducci, 1997. Mason, Herbert. Gilgamesh. A Verse Narrative. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1970. Sandars, Nancy K. The Epic of Gilgamesh. Harmmondsworth, UK: Penguin Books, 1968, 1971. Temple, Robert, He Who Saw Everything: A Verse Version of the Epic of Gilgamesh. London: Rider, 1991 Thompson, R. Campbell. Gilgamesh: Text, Translation, and Notes. Oxford: Clarendon, 1930. Campbell, Joseph. The Masks of God: Creative Mythology. New York: Penguin Books, 1968, pp. 4-14, 78-79. Campbell, Joseph. The Masks of God: Occidental Mythology. New York: Penguin Books, 1964, pp. 9-10, 87-92.   Woolley, C. Leonard. THE SUMERIANS. New York: AMS PRESS, INC., 1970, p. 22.   

3 Best Consumer Products Essay

There, without a doubt, have been amny amazing inventions throughout the past century. As a frequent user of many of these, including the television, personal computer, and DVD player, it took me a while to narrow it down to the three best. With that, I have concluded what I believe to be the three best consumer products of the past one-hundred years. Being the music fanatic that I am, I believe the CD, or compact disk, to be my favorite of the inventions. To begin with, the CD is much smaller, slimmer, and easier to store and carry than previous music devices, such as records and cassette tapes. Also, CDs are able to store so much music; up to ninety minutes on some disks. There are a few disadvantages to the CD as well. They must be handled very carefully so they are not scratched. Another disadvantage is that they are more costly than a cassette or record. The compact disk has become a major staple in most households today. Next would have to be the dishwasher. One of the things I love about the dishwasher is the immense amount of time it saves. Many dishes can be washed at once in the amount of time it would usually take to wash much less by hand. A disadvantage of the dishwasher would include pre-washing. Usually the dirty dishes need to be rinsed off thoroughly before being placed in the dishwasher, as sometimes it does not clean the dishes completely. Overall, I still consider the dishwasher to be a great product due to the busy, hectic lives of people of the twenty and twenty-first centuries. Lastly, as I am sure most would agree, would the be the cell phone. Cell phones are now so small and compact that they are able to fit most anywhere. They are a great thing to have in case of emergencies, as well. In the past few years, cell phones have evolved in so many ways to include such features as text messaging, cameras, and even the internet. With all of these features also comes expense. Cell phones can cost anywhere from thirty to thousands of dollars. Another downside cell phones would be that they are not always reliable. Depending on one’s location, cell phones are capable of losing service, which can be quite irritating. Despite the few disadvantages, I would still consider it to be the third greatest consumer product of the past century. Though all of the products I have listed could use a little improvement in some areas, I belive most would agree that the compact disk, dishwasher, and cell phone are three very wonderful products that have changed the lives of many. I believe those to be the three best consumer products of the past one-hundred years.

Project Management and Internal Function Essay

The HRIS project is necessitated by two factors which support our business needs. One of these factors is the need to keep up with the demand for our product within the marketplace. The second factor is actualizing a business that works as hard for its employees as hard as the employees have worked for the business. Our business has increased by two fold in the last 18 months, which means that we must create a new way of doing business. As a result of this growth, we had to revamp the financial system, which has actualized its contribution through showing up as time savings achieved through automation. As a result of implementing the financial system, we received our return on investment six months earlier than anticipated. How does it get any better than that? It is with the same dedication that the HRIS project is being given life and endorsed by the stakeholders, which support this project. Description As a result of this growth, we have just completed the transition of incorporating the financial system and it has been a smashing success. This new growth demands of us that we do business a little differently now. It is our intent through this project to improve the employees’ workplace and space in addition to addressing the changes that come about from expansion. There has been a marked and appreciable demand for our products over the last two years. As a result of this growth, we now require a better way of doing business. The HRIS project will take an outside and inside approach in order to create the space for transition and a better way of doing business. The approximate savings through this project would be actualized within the two quarters alone. Objective The objective for this project supports our goal of achieving a more robust production environment for our customers in addition to providing a better environment for future growth for our employees. It is our intent to support this project in the following ways: 1. Payroll will be automated and this will produce a faster and easier way for the employees to be reimbursed or to make changes to the auto pay options. 2. Our employees will be in a better position to pursue and create a career track for them that aligns with their own goals. 3. The HRIS process will allow for more transparency in hiring for those on the outside. 4. Potential employees will be able to see and apply for open positions. 5. Management will be in a better position to ensure that the potential applicants are well-qualified. 6. Additional funding now available from the implementation of the financial system can fund more research and projects to improve the workplace. Success Criteria or Expected Benefits The success criteria came from the various stakeholders and sponsors. The CEO of the company, Rory Genhardt, commissioned a project manager to spearhead the HRIS project. The project manager conducted several interviews of various stakeholders and sponsors in order to obtain measurable project objectives. The reports disseminated will include information gathered from the individual SMEs. It is this information that was used to present information to the stakeholders, sponsors and participants through reports, presentations, written, verbal and oral communications. The expert judgment provided by these various individuals was invaluable. They are outlined for the HRIS project as targets. Specifically identified from the various stakeholders of the expected benefits of the implementation of this project are the â€Å"recruiting capabilities† and â€Å"succession planning† for the CEO. Per the HR Director, â€Å"vacation and sick time and sick leave linked to attendance instead of years of services†, in addition to â€Å"tracking of certification and education requirements† would be a benefit from the implementation. The VP of Marketing would receive benefit from the â€Å"employee database and the e-forms†. The VP of Finance would be appreciative of the â€Å"payroll capabilities†. The most beneficial aspects for the VP of Manufacturing would be the â€Å"performance review management and compensation capabilities†. â€Å"Position control† and the â€Å"recruiting capabilities† would be beneficial to the Plant Managers. Funding Some of the funding available for this project was generated per the information contained in the GenScoop newsletter. The CEO of GenRays states, â€Å"extra savings will fuel additional growth and expansion to the company, as we are able to fund more research and projects to improve our workplace.† In addition to the growth experienced from the total sales in the last quarter, GenRay is in a solid position to support funding for this project as stated by the VP of Finance with a contribution of $103,000. Should additional funding be required for this project, the Information Technology Director will be sought out as they have approximately $360,000 available for hardware and software upgrades in addition to technical staff being available for assistance. Major Deliverables The following deliverables contained in this project charter were derived from interviews with the stakeholders who said: âÅ"â€" The CEO requires that commencement of the project is to begin after the W2s are issued per a request from the CEO as time is critical for the introduction of this project. The actualization of this project will create more â€Å"research and projects to improve our workplace.† âÅ"â€" Per the executive sponsors and the CEO, there is a request to complete the project with all the system elements being functional before the year-end closing as the anticipated savings will provide company additional funding for R&D projects on the horizon. This is an internal function of the project outcome and a desired product to the end user. âÅ"â€" In order to keep the project on schedule, incorporating compatible team members during the performing stage will help to keep the project running smoothly and decrease down time. This is an internal function of the project outcome. This deliverable creates a stable foundation for the commencement of the project. âÅ"â€" The VP of Manufacturing requires integration of the searchable performance feature so that managers can review potential candidates who can be selected for the management program. This is an internal function of the project outcome and a desired product to the end user. The phase in the project allows for the HR, Plant Manager, VP of Finance and Marketing to have access to and use this information. âÅ"â€" The Director of Human Resources requires an awareness of which team members require additional time to move through the forming, storming and norming stages. This is an internal function of the project outcome. âÅ"â€" The CEO requires that the software has recruiting capabilities. The information derived will screen qualified candidates who are applying for positions. This is an internal function of the project outcome and a desired product to the end user. The phase in the project allows for management to have access to and use this information. âÅ"â€" The CEO also requires an integrated computerized system, which tracks the performance review information, to include certifications, experience and educational requirements which can be used for succession planning. This is an internal function of the project outcome and a desired product to the end user. The phase in the project allows for the HR, Plant Manager, VP of Finance and Marketing to have access to and use this information. âÅ"â€" The Plant Manager from Manufacturing Site 1 requires a self-serve employee database which will track and update the information on each employee. This is an internal function of the project outcome. The phase in the project allows for management to have access to and use this information. âÅ"â€" The VP of Marketing requires the implementation of business forms which populate E-forms for the ease of inter-commerce for more standardized processes among the organization. This is an internal function of the project outcome and a desired product to the end user. âÅ"â€" The VP of Finance requires an automated self-service payroll in order to save time and money. This is an internal function of the project outcome. âÅ"â€" The Plant Manager from Manufacturing Site 1 requires analyzation of the position control of the data entered by salary, grade and job title so as to provide equitable compensation to the employees throughout the site. This is an internal function of the project outcome and a desired product to the end user. âÅ"â€" The Director of Human Resources requires a capability which mines the data contained within performance review data and training records in order to ensure that the proper candidate is matched with most compatible candidate. This is an internal function of the project outcome and a desired product to the end user. The phase in the project allows for management to have access to and use this information. âÅ"â€" The Director of Human Resources requires the capability of self-service of employee’s information, which is then used and approved by their management in order to streamline the hiring process. This is an internal function of the project outcome and a desired product to the end user. The phase in the project allows for management to have access to and use this information. âÅ"â€" The Director of Human Resources requires migration of the older databases in addition to streamlining the information received into a consolidated database to include financial, employee, vacation, benefits, training, education and certification. This is an internal function of the project outcome and a desired product to the end user. Acceptance Criteria Per the CEO of GenRays, the major acceptance criteria is, â€Å"The project must be complete with all system elements functional before year-end closing.† In addition to that the following criteria are: âÅ"â€" The CEO’s acceptance is that the actualization of this project will create more â€Å"research and projects to improve our workplace.† âÅ"â€" Per the executive sponsors and the CEO, the acceptance criteria for them is having all the system elements be functional so that the company will have additional funding for R&D projects on the horizon. âÅ"â€" The CEO requires that the software have recruiting capabilities, the phase in the project allows for management to have access to and use of this information. âÅ"â€" The CEO also requires an integrated computerized system, which tracks the performance review information. This phase in the project allows for the HR, Plant Manager, VP of Finance and Marketing to have access to and use this information. âÅ"â€" HR requires incorporating compatible team members. This criteria creates a stable foundation for the commencement of the project. âÅ"â€" The Director of HR’s acceptance requires an awareness of which team members require additional time to move through the forming, storming and norming stages. This is an internal function of the project outcome. This phase ensures completion of the project without personnel complications. âÅ"â€" The VP of Manufacturing’s acceptance requires a searchable performance feature which allows for the HR, Plant Manager, VP of Finance and Marketing to have access to and use this information. âÅ"â€" The VP of Marketing’s acceptance requires the implementation of business forms. This is an internal function of the project outcome and a desired product to the end user. âÅ"â€" The VP of Finance requires an automated self-service payroll in order to save time and money. This is an internal function of the project outcome. âÅ"â€" The Plant Manager from Manufacturing Site 1 requires a self-serve employee database. The phase in the project allows for management to have access to and use this information. âÅ"â€" The Plant Manager from Manufacturing Site 1 requires analyzation of the position control of the data entered by salary, grade and job title. This is an internal function of the project outcome and a desired product to the end user. âÅ"â€" The Director of Human Resources requires a capability which mines the data. This is an internal function of the project outcome and a desired product to the end user. The phase in the project allows for management to have access to and use this information. âÅ"â€" The Director of Human Resources requires the capability of self-service of employee’s information. The phase in the project allows for management to have access to and use this information. âÅ"â€" The Director of Human Resources requires migration of the older databases. This is an internal function of the project outcome and a desired product to the end user.

How to Make Pure Sand

How to Make Pure Sand Sand that you find on a beach or a playground is a mixture of minerals and organic matter. Pure sand, which is silicon dioxide or silica, is a chemical you may not encounter. However, you can make pure sand yourself quite easily: Ingredients for Sand sodium silicate (make it yourself)sodium bisulfatewater Make Sand Mix together 5 ml sodium silicate solution and 5 ml water.In a separate container, stir 3.5 grams sodium bisulfate into 10 mL of water. Keep stirring until the sodium bisulfate dissolves.Mix the two solutions together. The resulting gel that forms at the bottom of the liquid is orthosilicic acid.Place the orthosilicic acid into a heat-safe glass or porcelain dish and heat it over a burner flame for about 5 minutes. The orthosilicic acid dries to form silicon dioxide, SiO2, which is your sand. Sand is non-toxic, but it presents an inhalation hazard since the small particles could become trapped in your lungs if inhaled. Therefore, enjoy your sand, but dont play with it like you might with natural sand. White Sand Beach

Comparitive political systems questions on the government and Essay

Comparitive political systems questions on the government and constitutions of chile - Essay Example tries and four cabinet level agencies that serve exclusively at the presidents discretion.1,2 The president is responsible for maintaining public order, assuring external national security, and serving as commander in chief of the armed forces.3 In addition, the president has the sole authority to appoint Supreme Court judges, Army commanders, and diplomats without the confirmation of the legislature.4 Many of these broad presidential powers were granted by the constitution adopted in 1980.5 The Chilean legislature is a bicameral structure known collectively as the National Congress. It is composed of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, which co-legislate and share oversight responsibilities.6 These branches are noted as the lower and upper house. The Chilean legislature has a committee system that writes legislation and approves bills for voting. In addition, there is an amendment process that allows legislators and sometimes the presidential branch to offer amendments to bills before coming to a vote.7 The National Congress is presided over by the President of the Senate who is elected by the body of senators. In addition to the senators elected by public vote, groups such as former ministers of the Supreme Court, former Comptroller General, former Commanders in Chief of the Army, Navy and Air Force, and former Presidents of the Republic are also represented in the Senate.8 The executive branch may at times act as a legislature with the power to introduce bills, m ake amendments, and submit constitutional amendments.9 Chiles constitution, adopted in 1980, discusses at length the electoral system for the President as well as the National Congress. In addition, it determines the requirements of age and citizenship required to run for office. The Presidency requires that the candidate get an absolute majority of the popular vote, which may require a runoff election if there are more than two candidates.10 The legislature is also elected by direct ballot from

Descriptive essay of favorite room Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Descriptive of favorite room - Essay Example My eyes are bleary from focusing on the bright computer screen, and my mind numb from all the battering it has taken in creating a segment of the computer program I am working on. I need to break for a while. My eyes lift up from the computer screen, and I see the door through which I come and go. There is the desire to walk through it. I turn my eyes away from it, only to confront the information board with its intimidating schedules and deadlines, and the calendar as a reminder of the passage of time. I swivel on my chair and my eyes fall on a large picture on the right. A waterfall gushes over, creating a mist over the green canopy of trees on either side of it. I feel the roar in my ears, sense the mist on my body, and my eyes feast on the soothing green of the trees. My benumbed mind awakens and I feel a sense of revival. I swivel further to the shelf and see the disarranged books and compact discs, but my eyes do not focus on them. They search in between this disarray of books and compact discs till they fall on the baseball bat and fielding gloves sticking out. I have only eyes for them. My mind races back to my school days and the gay abandon of that age. I can see myself, baseball bat in hand waiting for the next ball to be delivered. The howls and hoots echo in my ear, as I miss and I am out, but who cares. The joy of just being part of the game is the thrill. A host of faces of my boyhood friends parade in front of me. Those days have gone and will never come back, except in the mind’s eye to refresh me from time to time. I swivel again to the right and my eyes hit another picture. This time it is a picture of a lazy river winding itself among a splash of green and yellow – a field of daffodils. The poem my English teacher made me learn races through my mind and the words gently fall out of my lips, as I picture myself on stage, reciting it. â€Å"I WANDER’D lonely as a