Sources, Biological Effects and its Control Essay Example for Free

Sources, Biological Effects and its Control Essay Noise pollution is a major problem confronting the environment and it people. The problem has existed since years, however, in the recent decades urbanization combined with development of transport and industry has begun to severely plague the society. In most developed countries noise pollution is omnipresent, though much emphasis in not given towards its effect and control. Across the globe, urban population is greatly affected due to noise pollution, with the rates especially higher for the metropolitan cities. Some of the predominant sources of noise pollution are road traffic, jet planes, garbage trucks, construction equipment, manufacturing processes, and lawn mowers (Birgitta and Lindvall, 1995). The roar of the aircraft, thunder of heavily laden trucks and thumps and whines of industry broadcast these noisy and unwanted sounds into the air (WHO, 2001). Such unwanted noise is not only annoying or disturbing but also pose health hazard and are hampering economic development. Noise pollution is problem faced by developed and developing countries alike. According to Kapoor and Singh (1995), the effects of noise are so annoying and worrisome that in certain countries it considered next to crime. In China, till third century B. C. , noise has been used for torturing and punishing criminals with dangerous crime record. Bond, (1996) estimates that 16% of people in Europe are exposed to 40 dB or more of traffic noise in their bedrooms accounting for disrupted sleep. Initiative steps have been taken by various countries to keep the noise level under control. In the United States an initiative has been taken to create sites where human-caused noise pollution will not be tolerated (Geary, 1996). The laws of Netherlands do not permit construction of houses in areas where 24-hour average noise levels exceed 50dB. According to the Noise Act in Great Britain, the local authorities are empowered to confiscate any equipment that can cause excess noise. In addition, people who create excess noise at night are also fined heavily. Very recently, many countries are looking towards ‘porous asphalt’ technology as a good strategy to curtail traffic noise by up to 5dB (Singh and Davar, 2004). Impact on Health The response of the human ear to sound depends both on the sound frequency (measured in Hertz, Hz) and the sound pressure, measured in decibels (dB). A normal ear in a hale and healthy young person can sense sounds with frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz and speech frequency ranges from 100 to 6000 Hz (WHO, 2001). Noise pollution is a deliberate and restrained killer which has become a hazard to quality of life. Even moderately low levels of noise negatively affect human health, causing hypertension, disrupt sleep and hinder cognitive development in children. According to Bond (1999) excessive noise could result in permanent impairment of memory or a psychiatric disorder. Haphazard use of vehicle horn and widespread use of loud speakers in Indian social and religious ceremonies cause various health hazards in urban populations. Associated problems are deafness, nervous breakdown, mental disorder, heart troubles and high blood pressure, head-aches, dizziness, inefficiency and insomnia (Bhargawa, 2001). Singh (1984) observed that the workers exposed to elevated noise levels have a greater frequency of circulatory problems, cardiac diseases, hypertension, peptic ulcers, and neurosensory and motor impairment. WHO (2001) estimates that about 120 million people worldwide are estimated to have disabling hearing difficulties. The reports also that estimates more than half citizens of Europe reside in noisy environment and in the USA the number of people exposed to occupations noise level above 85 dB increased from 9 million in 1981 to 30 million in 1990. In Germany and other developed countries as many as 4 to 5 million working people are exposed to noise levels of 85 dB or more (WHO, 2001). This has resulted in noise-related hearing impairment. Risks of permanent medical conditions, such as hypertension and ischemic heart disease are also higher in communities exposed to noise pollution for an extended period. In adults and in children it adversely affects reading, memory, attentiveness and problem solving performances. Noise above 80 dB may increase aggressive behavior provoke annoyance responses and changes in social behavior (WHO, 2001). Sources of Noise Pollution Community noise High volumes of sound coming from open-air concerts, discotheques, motor sports events etc are non-industrial sources and are categorized as community noise. This is also termed as environmental, residential or domestic noise. The major indoor sources are ventilation systems, office machines, home appliances and neighbors. Other typical sources of neighborhood noise are restaurants, cafeterias, live or recorded music, sports, playgrounds, car parks, barking dogs. In the recent decades there has been a continued growth in transport systems such as highways, airports and railways. This has further accelerated the generation of more noise. Road traffic is another key source of noise in metros. Nagi et al. (1993) observed that household equipment and appliances produce noise level that sometimes reaches up to 97 dB which is more than double the acceptable (45dB) noise level. Several countries have policies on community noise arising from rail, road, construction sites and industrial plants. These policies are based on emission standards. However, very few regulations are available on neighborhood community noise. This is perhaps due to difficulties with its classification, measurement and control strategies. Ultimately lack of sufficient knowledge of noise pollution effects on people prevents further action to prevent and control this environmental problem. Occupational noise Noise is a common occupational hazard in several workplaces. The major sources of noise that damages hearing are impact processes, material handling and industrial jets. Air jets widely used, for example, for cleaning, drying, power tools and steam valves can generate sound levels of 105 dB. Sources of noises in industrial machinery and processes are multi-various. These include: rotors, gears, turbulent fluid flow, impact processes, electrical machines, internal combustion engines, pneumatic equipment, drilling, crushing, blasting, pumps and compressors (WHO, 2001). In addition, the emitted sounds are reflected from floors, ceiling and equipment. Exposure rate is also another parameter to be greatly considered. WHO (2001) estimates that in a cigarette factory in Brazil workers involved in compressed air cleaning were exposed to sound levels equivalent to 92 dB for 8 hours. The sound levels of saws can be as high as 106 dB in the woodworking industry. In industries such as foundries, shipyards, breweries, weaving factories, paper and saw mills average sound level ranges between 92 and 96 dB. The recorded peak values were between 117 and 136 dB (WHO, 2001). Occupational exposure limits spells out the utmost tolerable sound pressure levels and exposure duration times to which workers may be repetitively exposed without undesirable effect or impairment on hearing and their ability to comprehend normal speech. WHO (2001) estimates that an occupational exposure limit of 85 dB for 8 hours should defend the majority of people against a permanent hearing mutilation induced by noise after 40 years of occupational exposure. Control Noise-induced hearing impairment is certainly avoidable. This is possible by protection against perilous noise exposure by means proper hazard prevention and control programs in residential communities and occupation places as well. Noise pollution can be effectively management by several strategies. Firstly, the design and technology of industrial machinery and equipments could be changed to minimize the noise levels. Noise emission levels should be declared on the machineries. This would permit prospective buyers to select the least hazardous equipment and also to calculate the noise impact at workplaces and to further help with noise-control planning (WHO, 2001). When the cost is worked, making noise-generating processed quieter is 10 times less expensive than to make a barrier to screen the noise. The dangers of noise should be recognized upfront, even before workers start complaining of hearing impairments. Secondly, noise levels can be lessened by the use of noise-control enclosures such as absorbers, silencers and baffles and by the use of personal protective equipment, such as earmuffs. Use of noise barriers may help control noise. The third strategy is to defend receptors of sound by protective shields. This can be done by proper insulation of buildings, body and window planes made sound proof. Nevertheless, where technical processes are inadequate, noise exposure may be lowered by putting-off the time spent in noisy environment or alternatively by scheduling noisy operations outside normal shifts or at remote and distant locations. Apart from these strategies, it is quite necessary for the worker to have a clear understanding and knowledge on the machineries and the way to handle them. Noise pollution being a social problem, educating the public proves to be a good alternative. Singh and Davar (2004) suggest that sheer ignorance about the deleterious effects of noise pollution emerges to be a prime factor hindering to reduce and control its levels. Hence an essential element of noise control programs should include education and training of the workers and local public.

Freedom of Speech and Expression - Little Freedom in a Complex World

Little Freedom of Expression Freedom of expression, like the air we breathe, is a luxury that most people in western civilization take for granted. I know I certainly took it for granted when I was in the twelfth grade, and that presumption almost got me expelled. In Cornwall, Ontario this last December the idea of freedom of speech did more than get a young man expelled. He was forced to spend the better part of a month, including Christmas, New Year's Eve, and his sixteenth birthday in jail. Finally there is the case of the former mayor of Mukingo in Ruhengeri Prefecture, Juvenal Kejelijeli, who is desperately fighting deportation to face charges for his "freedom of expression," which helped ignite genocide in Rwanda. Free speech and freedom of expression must be protected, but the speakers and writers must also take responsibility for their actions. During the twelfth grade my belief in freedom of expression was put to the test. When I was given an assignment to write a short story for my grade twelve creative writing class on any subject I wanted; I made the mistake of doing what I was told. It was, admittedly, a disturbing story, filled with vengeful death, anti-religious sentiment and gross sexual abuse written by a confused young man. However, none of the characters had any basis in reality, and none of the violence could be associated with any specific people or institutions. This was purely a work of fiction and it almost got me kicked out of private school in England. Not only was I afraid of the reaction I was going to get from my father, but it also shook the very foundations of my beliefs in free speech and freedom of expression. A work of fiction, regardless of the content, is still just a work of fiction ... ...ther number of oppressed countries. Therefore these freedoms must be utilized with a certain degree of caution and responsibility. Once we start censoring it becomes difficult to decide when and where to draw the line. When the responsible use of these freedoms comes into question, we as a society are called upon to decide what constitutes responsible freedom of expression, and what punishments are merited when the lines are crossed. If the judge and jury react too harshly, as in the case of the Avonmore student, they themselves become guilty of a crime far more severe than alleged threats seemingly found in a work of fiction. However had the story included names of current students, or had it been a call to other bullied students to carry out the grim plot, then punishment would be in order. In the mean time let's nourish creativity and be alert for cries for help.

Mental Models/Mindsets Essay

This paper will describe the four steps to change the mental models of Beadworks. The first step is to recognize the power and limits of the models. The second step is to test the relevance of the mental models against changing environment and to generate new models. The third step is to overcome inhibitors such as lack of information, lack of trust, desire to hold on to old patterns, and the expectations of the others. The final step is to implement the model, assess the model and continuously strengthen the model (Crook, Wind, Gunther, 2005, p. xxiv). Beadworks has taken strategic planning internally and implemented a big change recently. Beadworks purchased Austin Hamilton (a beads and jewelry making supplier) to maximize customer profiling. In addition, before and after purchasing Austin Hamilton (AH), Beadworks had to recognize the power and limits of a mental model for maximizing profits. â€Å"Mental models are representations in the mind of real or imaginary situations. Scientists sometimes use the term â€Å"mental model† as a synonym for â€Å"mental representation†, but it has a narrower referent in the case of the theory of thinking and reasoning† (Kenneth Craik, 1945). Taking the theory of thinking, the owner of Beadworks had a mental model of having access to more clientele through the Austin Hamilton purchase earlier in 2008. A mental model represents a possibility. Mental models can also be constructed by imagination, perception and knowledge of discovery. Beadworks recognized opportunity with AH and succeeded to make the most mental models and apply them to grasp the potential of the new products Beadworks can use. â€Å"Usability is strongly tied to the extent to which a user’s mental model matches and predicts the action of a system.† (Nielsen, 1993). Thus, a way to explain Beadworks’ idea to purchase AH prior to actually purchasing it, was determine the outcome. A true statement that would show Beadworks more benefits in the final outcomes of obtaining another business would be; more customers were accessible to see the products Beadworks offered. Moreover, new products were introduced with innovational designs. Not to mention, long-term goals were made short-term due to higher level of supply and demand. After becoming familiar with mental models, it is important to understand the  need of change and relevance. A mental model or mindset can be similar to a decision making process where it is crucial to formulate solutions and identify alternatives. In this case, it can be compared to the process where the relevance of mental models is compared to the changing environment. From this, the next step is to create new models and develop an integrated portfolio of mental models or mindsets. Such decisions can help Beadworks greatly by realizing that there can be countless solutions or approaches to the same situation. â€Å"All growth is a leap in the dark, a spontaneous, unpremeditated act without benefit of experience† (Miller, 1960). The desire for change of mental models or mindsets can help generate greater success in a customer-centric mindset. Testing new approaches will reduce anti-growth correcting the common mistake of being outdated and obsolete. Only recently has Beadworks felt the ongoing pressure to test new approaches of mental models. The realization for need of innovation and competitive advantage has given the initiative for Beadworks to try new things. Once the relevance of the mental models is tested against the external factors which obstruct change then the internal factors are required to be tested. There a various internal factors such as lack of information, lack of trust, the desire to hold on to old patterns and the expectations of the others (Crook, Wind, Gunther, 2005, p. xxiv). One of the biggest challenges for Beadworks is to gather information and stay current on fashion and trends. The lack of information about the continuous updating fashion can result in loss in sales and loss in market share for the organization. One of the best ways to stay in business is to promote fashion with available products in hand and being innovative. However, this is not possible if an organization carries the desire to hold on to the old patterns. The designs or patterns require continuous change to stay with market trends. Beadworks have built trust amongst its customers in last few years by offering new products year after year. The only challenge now is to keep up the trust for its customers and its employees. Beadwork was able to take the challenge by acquiring the Austin Hamilton and offering better service to its customers with an option of direct purchase. When Beadworks purchased Austin Hamilton, we soon realized that the business model was based on weekly specials only. Austin Hamilton would only generate sales if a weekly flyer was sent out promoting a certain product or a certain discount if a specific amount of goods are purchased. This model had to be changed from revenue generated by weekly sales and promotions to a more stable business model where revenue is generated on a regular basis. The previous model worked fairly well for previous owner but with the transition to new ownership, sales were not stable and Beadworks was not accustomed to weekly promotions. Austin Hamilton products were over priced and that is why there would be weekly promotions, so customers would feel that they are saving money each week. To slowly transition to a new model, Beadworks had to modify the model for Austin Hamilton and involved a lot of trial and error. This paper described the four steps to change the mental models in Beadworks. The four steps were recognize, test, overcome, and implement the mindset models. Beadworks followed the four steps as discussed above in the paper successfully. At the end, the developed model was implemented and tested for errors and trials. References Johnson-Laird, P., & Byrne, R. (May 2000). Mental models website: A gentle introduction. Retrieved December 3, 2008, from http://www.tcd.ie/Psychology/Ruth_Byrne/mental_models/index.htmlNielsen, J. (1993). Mental models and usability. Retrieved December 5, 2008, from http://www.lauradove.info/reports/mental%20models.htmMiller, Henry. The Wisdom of the Heart,  ©1960 by Henry Miller. Reprintedby permission of New Directions Publishing Corp. Yoram (Jerry ) Wind and Colin Crook, with Robert Gunther. The Power of Impossible Thinking: Transform the Business of Your Life and the Life of Your Business, Prentice-Hall, 2005

Nigeria And Keny Corruption Essay - 1546 Words

Throughout the last 10 years, Nigeria and Kenya have been partly free. Corruption is the greatest indicator among both for the lack of democracy. In Nigeria, corruption stems from the problem with oil, it leads to political violence, repression and unchecked government power. In Kenya, corruption arises from economic interests, causing political instability and hindering development. In addition to that, both experience electoral corruption. Conversely, civil societies active participation in the government propels each country towards a â€Å"thicker† democracy. Even though Nigeria and Kenya are thin democracies, their high levels of corruption in their government inhibits their ability of becoming free democracies. While both Kenya and Nigeria are partly free, historically, Kenya s freedom score is lower than Nigeria s. High levels of corruption are prevalent in both Nigeria and Kenya, however, the oil curse in Nigeria further stimulates corruption which impairs their countries democracy. Nigeria’s economy is the second largest in Africa and it continues to grow by 6% a year. This growth is dominated by the production of oil. Oil accounts for more than 98% of export revenues. Oil wealth is the main source of corruption in Nigeria, it encompasses political violence, and repression (Nigeria Freedom House). Diamond accounts that among the 23 countries dominated by oil today, none of them are democracies, he claims that democracy can begin to mature only when oil declines in a