Solid Waste Generation

Solid waste generation is an inevitable consequence of production and consumption activities in any economy (Bennagen, M. E., 2002). Dumping of solid wastes in unauthorized places such as roadside, drains, and undeveloped piece of land leads to accumulation of solid wastes in the environment. Agricultural wastes are solid wastes that contribute to the amount of accumulated solid wastes in many parts of the world. The Philippines, which is considered as an agricultural country, contributes a large percentage of agricultural wastes in the world. The country contributes more than 10,000 tons of solid wastes per day (Bennagen, M. E., 2002).  This large amount of accumulated solid wastes contributes to problems such as flooding in urban areas, uncollected garbage, and inadequate disposal sites. The effects of accumulated solid wastes in the environment are becoming one of the major concerns of the country and worldwide.In the field of civil engineering, the effects of solid wastes on the hydration process of concrete have been investigated and the studies provided promising results (Okonkwo, 2012). Attempts have been made by various researchers to convert solid wastes to beneficial applications with high level of success in helping to reduce solid waste. Therefore, identifying analogous material from the waste products and using for beneficial application is an idea worth embracing.Eggshell is an agricultural waste that litters the environment. It is a common waste product in fast food, restaurants, and other food-related business establishments. This waste material was found out to be mainly composed of compounds of calcium. Eggshells are composed of 93.70% calcium carbonate, 4.20% organic matter, 1.30% magnesium carbonate, and 0.80% calcium phosphate (Rabiu A. and Mtallib M., 2009). Eggshell is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which is the primary raw material in producing cement. This compound, which is naturally occurring and abundantly found in the Earth's crust, can also be found in bones, marbles, stalactites, and stalagmites. On the basis of the common compositional characteristics of cement and eggshells, heating or incineration of eggshells to produce eggshell ash and adding controlled amounts would significantly affect the properties of cement in its application to concrete.

Gun control should be enforeced Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Gun control should be enforeced - Essay Example This amendment was based on and greatly influenced by the right to keep and bear arms that was exemplified in the English common-law. In recent times the Second Amendment has been subject to renewed judicial and academic interest. In the District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) court case, the court ruled out expressly that the amendment protects individuals to keep fire arms. When initially adopted in 1791, the Second Amendment aimed to protect and promote the safety of American citizens. In the experiences prior to the constitution, the early English settlers in the United States viewed the rights to keep and bear arms as important for reasons such as: It served to enable people to form organised militias, it was viewed to help people to participate in law enforcement, it was presumed to repel invasion and generally facilitating the natural right to self-defence. Over the years, there have been numerous debates and arguments as to whether people should own guns and the reasons support ing each argument. There have been several reasons proposed as t why Americans should own guns but there are a few major reasons that really make a difference. The core reason as to why Americans should own guns is for protection and safety purposes. ... B. National Rifle Association The National Rifle Association (NRA) was formed in 1871 with the aim of promoting firearm competency, safety and ownership. It also catered for police training in the use of firearms, marksmanship and self-defence programs in the United States (National Rifle Association, 1989). In essence, the NRA is one of the largest endorsing organisations for firearm possession and safety in the fields involving police training, recreational use and child firearm safety. The National Rifle Association also supports gun rights in the United States. Though there have been different reactions as pertains to the NRA supporting gun rights; it does so in a bid to ensure that American citizens can feel ‘safe’ and protected when they carry or possess a firearm but the use of them being regulated subject to standard conditions. The NRA believe that by creating and developing a standard to which both manufacturers retailers and civilians who possess guns can adhe re to, the safety standards of the individual Americans would improve. II. Gun Control does not violate the Constitution A. The differences between 17th and 21st Century Every individual in the society has a personal opinion as pertains to gun ownership and control. The society as a whole as evolved from the 17th century to date in terms of the perception of gun control. In the 17th century, there was no a clear guidance or regulation in place to govern and control the use of fire arms and the constitution did not provide for the possession of fire arms. During this period, not many civilians owned fire arms and hence it was not a pertinent need as compared to the current trends. In the 21st century, the presence of

Discussion--Political and Legal Environment Essay

Discussion--Political and Legal Environment - Essay Example A strong legal framework is necessary to protect the intellectual property of businesses. In places such as China companies are subject to theft of intellectual property due to piracy and counterfeit products. The political environment of a country is as important as the economic environment. It is hard for companies to negotiate incentives and governmental help in places were the governments do not have good relations with corporations. â€Å"The political environment is a key component of the business environment that dictates greatly on the success of your home business† (Bluntpolitics). The regulations of governments can impose barriers that increase the cost of doing business in a country. In the United States the tough environmental regulations are forcing companies in certain industries to leave the country in search for locations with more relax environmental regulations. Labor laws also influence the profitability of a company. Countries with low minimum wages are att ractive for companies that have labor intensive operations. The moral conduct of a country affects the operations of a corporation. In many parts of the world bribing a governmental official is part of doing business. I am completely opposed to bribing others. Bribes are an unethical event that should always be avoided at all costs. Whenever a company gives a bribe to another person or governmental official they will enter into an unpleasant arrangement that could backfire because the person that bribes them might continue to pressure the company for more money. The sub-Saharan African region is the place with the greatest incidence of bribery worldwide (Google). Companies must also protect their intellectual property whenever they are going business outside the United States. It takes a lot of money in research and development to create new products. In the pharmaceutical industry companies spend an average of $359 million to develop a new drug (Ca-biomed). I fully support

BP's Africa Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

BP's Africa Strategy - Essay Example BP is a multi-million multinational oil and gas company with regional branches in almost every part of the world. The company has a head office in the United Kingdom. According to the latest version of Forbes magazine, the company is ranked in the third largest among the energy companies, while it falls in the fourth position among the largest companies in the entire globe (Monasa, 2008). The company has ventured in almost all major process in the energy sector; this includes exploration, refining, production as well as marketing and distribution among other processes. Currently, the company has its branches in about 85 nations. This work focuses on the BP analysis in Africa. BP has an established brand name, and this can be indicated by its fast growth rate. The company has its branches in several nations in Africa, but the African branch is headquartered in South Africa. The company has its billboards in major parts of Africa, this is a good indication that the company is still on the move to brand itself further. BP Africa is facing stiff business competition from other oil and gas companies like SNEPCO, Gulf Oil Company, sea petroleum and gas group of companies, Teresols Oil & Gas, The Hydra group and PetroSA among others. The company has adopted some business strategies to remain on top of the business among its competitors. These strategies are meant to attract and maintain more customers. The company has been on a business growing trend since the Africa Company was established. BP Africa ventures on oil and gas as its main products (Mark, 2007). These products are termed as global products since they are important in any part of the government. Oil is a very important commodity in the current generation where the automobile is part and parcel of human life. Gas on the other hand is another commodity current generation can hardly do with. Gas is majorly used as a source of fuel. BP Africa has adopted some business strategies to beat its competitors. The f irst move advantage is applied in several ways of the company’s operations. First Bp was among the first oil and Gas Company in the continent. This provided a humble ground for its marketing. The company reports indicate that little resources were used to market or advertise the company products. This is because very few related companies were already in the market. It took several years before African countries could establish their own oil and gas companies like PetroSA , Oil Libya and National oil among others. The pioneers in a certain business would always the overall control of the sector, since it sticks to the memory of majority for quite a long time despite the competitors (Schmenner, 2004). BP Africa created a business monopoly or emperor which would take a long time to be broken. The company has however advanced its operations to maintain the customers it captured when it came to Africa. The company also enjoys the fact that the majority of auto-mobile owners like to maintain fuel from a specific company. Using oil from different companies interferes with the efficient operations of engines. Advantage of first move The company took advantage of emerging first in the market by purchasing large amount of oil and gas from African companies at more subsidized price then repackage and sell at a more favorable prices to attract more customers but make profit in

Financial Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Financial Resource Management - Essay Example Headquartered at Hertfordshire, Tesco plc is the grocery market leader of UK with over 30 % of the total market share. The company is also having its presence at Malaysia, Republic of Ireland and at Thailand. With around 2318 stores worldwide Tesco operates in 1878 stores within UK. Tesco was established with the amalgamation of T. E. Stockwell and Cohen with the success of the self-service grocery store and then it started expanding its business from small stores to large supermarkets. At a very fast pace it became a popular name on the mind of the households with the launch of the household goods and apparels. Then Tesco entered into the business of petrol stations selling fuels for competitive prices. With gradual revenue earning the company expanded even bigger with various other sectors like in Banking, Financial products and services (Data monitor, 2004, p.4). With the belief of a sustainable growth and well governed business the investors of the Tesco plc wants competitive ret urns of their investments or shareholdings. Transparency of the company’s operation plays a vital role in gaining the trust of the stakeholders and they expect the implementation of the robust strategies of the firm for a long-term progress. The major share holders of the company are Blackrock Inc who own 5.48% of the issued share capital and few others like Legal & General Investment Management Limited who owns 3.99 % and Berkshire Hathaway with 3.02 % of the total issued share capital of Tesco (Tesco Annual Report and Financial Statements 2011, 2011, p. 58). With the rapid growth of the company the company need to build its brand value by benefiting the stakeholders which includes its customers, staffs and shareholders. Tesco believe in maintaining its sustainable position in the market with quality service and increased customer value. The strong product line and the pillar brand name is the key to the success of the firm which help the company to differentiate itself with the competitors and helps the firm to meet the demand of the growing need of the customers. The gained trust by the company helps to understand the values of the firm by the customers which in turn help the company to diversify into new areas of services. The company is also involved in different benefiting community programs to attract more and more stakeholders being a responsible retailer. Tesco with a very responsible track record for its great values and customer services acts as the catalyst for the growth of the company. The brand building capability of and its increased emotional as well as the functional loyalty from the customers, staffs and shareholders contributed to a great extent for the profitability and the sustainable growth of the firm in the long run. The investments of the shareholders and other peoples provide a lot of support for building the opportunities and develop the brand which in turn allows the company to diversify for the benefits of the stakeholders (Tesco Annual Report and Financial Statements 2011, 2011, p. 40). Managing the stakeholders is one of the vital activities of the company that should be carried out to maintain a strong relation with the customers and other shareholders of the organization. Survey of the market situation and the present position of the firm are required to be carried out by the company for the sustainable growth of the firm. Engagement with the stakeholder helps the firm to identify the risk and opportunities that the firm could face in future.

Pulmonary Embolism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Pulmonary Embolism - Essay Example The clots can break free, travel to the lung, and block an artery. The condition can uncommonly be caused from fat escaping from fractured bone marrow or from amniotic fluid during childbirth. With a large clot, or many number of clots, pulmonary embolism can cause death. The process by which a pulmonary embolism forms, begins in the blood stream. Blood flows from the right side of the heart to the lungs where it picks up oxygen. The heart pumps this oxygen-rich blood through arteries delivering it to various parts of the body after which it enters another network of veins. The veins carry the now oxygen-poor blood back to the heart, which pumps the blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen again. A blood clot forming in a vein, commonly a deep vein in the leg, can travel with the blood flow back to the lungs and become lodge there.This leads to pulmonary embolism. When the lung arteries become blocked by a blood clot, high blood pressure in the lungs may occur. This results in the heart having to pump harder than usual. A continually overworked heart may enlarge and may eventually fail to function. A large pulmonary embolism can result in failure of both the lungs and heart. However, the sooner a physician can diagnose and treat the condition, increases the chances of surviving a pulmonary embolism. The symptoms of pulmonary embolism differ widel... The symptoms of pulmonary embolism differ widely and often resemble those of other conditions; the classic signs include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain and a cough that produces blood-streaked sputum. Breathing may be very rapid and breathing deeply may cause severe chest pains. Other symptoms include increased pulse rate, dizziness, and fainting. Pulmonary infarction may result if there is a lack of blood flow to the lungs causing some lung tissue to die. In addition the patient may also cough up blood-stained phlegm, have sharp chest pains, and fever. The skin may turn a bluish color from a lack of oxygen when the larger vessels of the lungs are blocked. Chronic pulmonary embolism, where small blood clots deposit themselves in the lungs repeatedly over time, will cause shortness of breath, swelling of the leg and all round weakness (MayoClinic 2006). Risk factors for a pulmonary embolus include: Prolonged bed rest or inactivity (including long trips in planes, cars, or trains), Oral contraceptive use, Surgery (especially pelvic surgery), Childbirth, Massive trauma, Burns, Cancer, Stroke, Heart attack, Heart surgery, Fractures of the hips or femur A blood clot is the first factor towards pulmonary embolism and one that forms in a vein is called a thrombus. A blood clot is a plug of platelets enmeshed in a group of red blood cells and fibrin. Blood clots usually develop to help stop bleeding an injury, but sometimes form without reason. A clot that develops in one part of the body and travels in the bloodstream to another part of the body is called an embolus. Sometimes other substances, such as pieces of a tumor, globules of fat from fractured bones or air bubbles, may enter the bloodstream and become an embolus that blocks arteries. A vein in the leg or

Climate change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Climate change - Essay Example e glacial formation, which results into movements of the tectonic plates, overwarming and shifting of the ocean beaches and levels (Wlicock, & Hudson 17). A number of catastrophic events have continued to occur because of the climate changes causing devastating damages in properties and lives across the world. These include the Katrina, the earthquakes in different parts of the world, the tsunamis along the beaches of Asian continent and among other events (Wlicock, & Hudson 17). These events have created an urgent need for different world bodies to develop frameworks to mitigate on the causes and develop approaches that can reduce its impacts across the globe. A number of protocols have been ratified by different conventions and most of these are geared towards pushing countries into adopting safe practices that reduces climate change. In this paper, the topic of climate change will be critically evaluated to develop a proper basis of the causes, the impacts and mitigation measures adopted across the world. The paper will also discuss the conventions ratified among them the Kyoto Protocol among others that have aimed to reduce the im pacts of climate change (Scafetta 6). Climate scientists as the major causes of climate change have advanced a number of activities and most of these events are attributed to carefree human activities. On s superficial analysis, climate change can be seen as a situation caused by increased solar energy and radiations from the sun reaching the biosphere and earth surface (Wlicock, & Hudson 17). The movement of such solar energy is dispersed across the globe by oceanic currents, monsoon winds among other means. Climate change causes have been categorized into two classes with the major contributing class being the human causes. The other category of climate change that has remained relatively above human control is the natural causes, mostly resulting from long lasting human activities (Wlicock, & Hudson 19). Greenhouse gas remains