Genetically Modified Foods Essay Example for Free

Genetically Modified Foods Essay Technology has been responsible for bringing about some of the most noteworthy accomplishments of recent generations. Medical cures for deadly diseases, the World Wide Web, faster and more efficient travel options, and advanced irrigation systems are just a few of the recent successes which have all resulted from better technology. Like anything, though, technology can be problematic at best and detrimental at worst if not employed properly. One recent use of technology which leaves many conscientious people uncomfortable is genetically modified foods (GMF). These new food sources are derived from genetically modified organisms (GMO) that have undergone a molecular level change to their DNA by genetically engineering techniques (Gaskill et al. , 1999). Not everyone is convinced that GMF are a positive use of technology. In fact, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) encouraged all physicians to educate their patients, the medical community, and the public to avoid GM foods when possible and provide educational materials concerning GM foods and health risks† (Edwards, 2013). Many skeptics are concerned with the product’s health risks and environmental impact, along with the repercussions for local farmers, particularly those operating in developing countries. Nearly everyone is affected by GMF in one way or another, but some groups of people are more directly affected than others. They include local farmers, food manufacturers, food purchasers, environmentalists/ conservationists, and government agencies. Due to insufficient scientific data concerning the safety of GMF, and the possible catastrophic consequences resulting from the development and use of this product, they should be highly monitored by government agencies and immediately banned in order to protect the public at large. James P Collins CS 300T 9/30/2013 4 Some studies have shown that GMF are potentially hazardous to consumers, especially children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Many scientists and healthcare professionals argue that GMF are a major contributor to the deteriorating health of people worldwide and possibly even a carcinogen (Edwards, 2013). An increase in blood pressure and heart disease is linked to the consumption of GMF, although these food products are too recent for most researches to be able to conclude anything decisive regarding their long-term effects. Dr. Stanley Ewen, a homeopathic physician, argues that a cauliflower virus oftentimes used in GMF could potentially increase the risk of both colon and stomach cancers. Even if one is able to completely avoid GMF, they are still not safe from the harmful effects. Water sources near crops of GMF are often contaminated by the runoff from the soil. Dr. Ewen maintains that this amount of exposure alone may hasten the growth of malignant tumors (Edwards, 2013). Other studies suggest that animals fed GMF suffer from severe illnesses and die faster than expected. In India, animals that grazed on genetically modified cotton plants died almost immediately. Cows in Germany that ate genetically modified corn products experienced the same fate. Scientists are attributing this phenomenon to GMF’s tendency to produce toxins and suppress the immune system (Kuiper et al, 2001). The Institute for Responsible Technology listed 65 health risks associated with GMF. Rats fed genetically modified potatoes developed precancerous cells in the digestive tract. These rats also showed signs of inhibited development of the brain, liver, and testicles, along with atrophy of the liver and immune system damage. Another study indicated that rats fed Monsanto’s genetically modified corn showed significant changes in their blood cells, livers, and kidneys. Not surprisingly, this mega-company denied James P Collins CS 300T 9/30/2013 5 these findings and refused to conduct follow-up studies to confirm the safety of their food products (65 Health Risks, 2013). A second major drawback of GMF is their negative impact on the environment. As already stated, genetically modified crops pollute soil and water systems. This, in turn, causes adverse consequences on plants and animals (to include humans) that rely on these two natural resources. Insects that live in the soil are oftentimes negatively impacted and die due to chemical changes in the soil composition. The damage to the water affects nearly all animals, as most animals obtain their water from runoff systems (Dill, 2010). Additionally, GMF produce unnatural chemicals that give plants a new way to defend themselves and insects and animals that naturally consume these organisms die. Spiders, caterpillars, and other small insects are particularly vulnerable to these engineered chemicals. Unfortunately, many species are becoming endangered or threatened. Due to cross pollination, crops that are not genetically modified are becoming contaminated. Some scientists are concerned that if this trend is not halted, unaltered food species will become severely compromised and may even go extinct (Kuiper et al, 2001). One noteworthy example is North Dakota’s genetically modified canola plants. Scientists took thousands of random seed samples from across the whole state. Nearly every sample – whether wild or domesticated – contained genetically modified seeds. Further studies identified genetically modified canola seeds in locations as far-reaching as Japan and Ireland. Researchers interpret this data as suggestive of cross-pollination in the wild (Biello, 2010). Furthermore, scientists maintain the genetically modified crops greatly increase the amount of herbicide used. Farmers know that their crops are resistant to most herbicides. Therefore, they tend to use these toxic chemicals more liberally. Since genetically modified James P Collins CS 300T 9/30/2013 6 crops are also modified to produce their own herbicides and pesticides, the end result is that even more toxins are added to the food supply, causing even more contamination (Dill, 2011). A final reason to ban GMF is the negative economic impact these food sources have on small farmers. Many local farmers, who pride themselves on naturally growing their products, are forced out of business due to rising food costs. They cannot compete with large farms that use genetically modified seeds and pesticides on their crops. As more and more organic farmers close their doors, the available unmodified, natural food sources decrease steadily. This, in turn, drives up the prices for consumers, making it harder for the average person to afford healthy alternatives. Local farmers oftentimes have their fields completely destroyed or are forced to forfeit their harvests due to cross pollination. Large seed companies, (such as Monsanto), patent their seeds. If these seeds contaminate the local farmers’ crops, then the mega-companies are legally permitted to confiscate the produce and destroy what remains. This is particularly problematic in developing countries. According to the Center for Food Safety, big seed companies attack and target any farmer who wants to save their seeds. This plan of attack consists of three stages: â€Å"investigations; coerced settlements; and, if that fails, litigation† (Lo, 2013). In the United States alone, Monsanto has sued 410 independent farmers and 56 small business owners for violations of seed patents (Lo, 2013). Unfortunately, this mega-company won every case to date. This resulted in their receiving over $24 million from small time farmers and businesses. Countless other businesses have been forced to close their doors due to threats from Monsanto and other mega-seed corporations (Lo, 2013). Presently, many companies are working to produce even more genetically modified plants and food sources that are even more resilient to predators. Also, many large companies James P Collins CS 300T 9/30/2013 7 are lobbying policy makers in order to have stricter laws and regulations enacted to protect their modified products (Lo, 2013). If these companies are allowed to continue with their agenda, there will be dire consequences. More people will develop horrific illnesses and diseases, the environment will suffer terribly, and local farmers will be forced out of business. The Union of Concerned Scientists (2013) has proposed five ways to prevent these hazardous products from further contaminating consumers’ food supply. First, they suggest that research funding for public crop breeding programs be expanded to help subsidize the cost of producing unaltered, natural food products. Second, they advocate public research funding to develop agro-ecologically based systems of farming. Third, they propose changing patent laws to allow independent companies to experiment on GMF without legal repercussions. Fourth, they maintain that stricter controls should be placed on GMF so that these products do not come to market until scientists and private researchers can better understand their health risks. Lastly, they support food labeling laws that mandate all GMF be labeled appropriately. In conclusion, GMF are detrimental to society as a whole. They are extremely unsafe for human consumption, pose huge risks to the natural environment, and place unfair and unnecessary stressors on local farmers. Due to the numerous uncertainties associated with GMF and the data that supports their harmful side effects, these products should be heavily monitored by government agencies and banned from the public market. It would be wise for the government to adopt the five suggestions put forth by the Union of Concerned Scientists in order to better protect its people. Unfortunately, mega-seed companies have substantially more disposable income than non-profit health and welfare organizations; therefore, they can afford to buy lobbyists to petition lawmakers to make rules and decisions profitable to their agendas. James P Collins CS 300T 9/30/2013 8. Works Cited Biello, D. (2010). Genetically modified crop on the loose and evolving in U. S. Midwest. Scientific American. http://www. scientificamerican. com/article. cfm? id=genetically modified-crop Dill, J. (2010). The dangers of GMOs: Know the environmental hazards. Natural News. http://www. naturalnews. com/029869_GMOs_dangers. html Edwards, R. (2013). GM expert warns of cancer risk from crops. Sunday Herald. 16 February 2013. Gaskill, G. , Bauer, M. , Durant, J. , Allum, N. C. (1999). Worlds apart? The reception of genetically modified foods in Europe and the U. S. Science, 285 (5426): 384-387. Kuiper, H. A. , Kleter, G. A. , Hub P. J. , Noteborn, J. M. , Kok, E. J. (2001). Assessment of the food safety issues related to genetically modified foods. Plant Journal, 27 (6): 503-528. Lo, P. (2013). Monsanto bullies small farmers over planting harvested GMO seeds. British Broadcast Channel. 14 April 2013. N. A. (2013). 65 health risks of genetically modified foods. Institute for Responsible Technology. http://www. responsibletechnology. org/gmo-dangers/65-health-risks/1notes N. A. (2013). Genetic engineering in agriculture. Union of Concerned Scientists. http://www. ucsusa. org/food_and_agriculture/our-failing-food-system/genetic engine ering.

Phase Interpolator Pll In Simulink Computer Science Essay

Phase Interpolator Pll In Simulink Computer Science Essay Phase Locked Loops (PLLs) is a negative feedback system that matches the output frequency to the input frequency. Many applications utilize PLLs such as: frequency synthesizers, skew cancellation, reference clean-up, and clock-data recovery [1]. For frequency synthesizers, the goal is to generate a clock at a higher speed to that of a slower reference clock. For example, generating a 1 GHz signal from a 100 MHz reference signal. This is a common goal for many optical applications. For example, current work performed by AOSense, a leading research and development company in atomic-level sensing requires clock frequencies well into the hundreds of megahertz and even into the gigahertz range. For this reasons, PLLs, such as the HMC698LP5 from Hittite Microwave are commonly used in their designs. standard pll design A basic PLL consist of four main building blocks; Phase Frequency Detector (PFD), Charge Pump (CP), Low Pass Filter (LPF), and Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO). Figure 1 is a block diagram of a basic PLL. http://madfeekree.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/basic-pll-block1.png?w=614 Figure 1. Basic PLL Block Diagram [2] The PFD detects any differences in phase and frequency of the reference and feedback signals and generates an appropriate Up or Down signal. These signals are then passed to the CP, in which, the CP sources current into the loop filter (Up signals) or sinks current from the loop filter (Down signals). The LPF converts the signal into an analog voltage for the VCO, in which the VCO outputs a clock at either a higher faster or slower frequency based on the UP DOWN signals generated by the PD. This process is repeated until the output frequency of the VCO properly matches that of the reference frequency. These blocks were constructed and simulated in MATLAB R2112a Simulink. A. Phase Frequency Detector As previously stated, PFD are devices that measures the difference between the reference and feedback clocks. There are two commonly used phase detectors: linear and binary. A linear phase detectors output is a pulse signal with a varying width. When the feedback signal is severely out of phase with the reference signal, the pulse width is larger compared to when the two signals are close to being similar. In contrast, a binary (bang-bang) phase detectors output is a fixed pulse width. This binary output signifies if the feedback signal arrived early or late compared to the reference signal. In this design, a modified version of a linear phase frequency detector was implemented in Simulink, as depicted in figure 2. This PFD generates a logic high for the UP signal when the feedback signals rising edge arrives ahead of the reference signals rising edge for the length of the difference. Similarly, when the feedback singals rising edge arrives after the reference signals rising edge, a logic high is given for the DOWN signal for the duration of the difference. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 2 PFD.png Figure 2. Phase Frequency Detector Model Applying a test signal to both the reference and variable (feedback) inputs and adjusting the feedback signal with some delay, demonstrates the proper functionality of the PFD. This is illustrated in figure 3. The plot is as given from the top down: UP, DOWN, Reference, and Variable CLK. The UP and DOWN signals are then fed to the charge pump, which directs the loop filter to increase or decrease in voltage, signifying an increase or decrease of the VCO output signal. But first, a discussion on the charge pump and its modelling is in order. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 3 PFD Test.pngFigure 3. PFD Test Results B. Charge Pump The charge pump block in figure 1 is designed to convert the UP and DOWN signals into current for the loop filter. When the UP signal is logic high, the charge pump will source current to the loop filter and when the DOWN signal is logic high, the charge pump will since current from the loop filter. A circuit representation of a charge pump is given in figure 4 below. From this representation, several key design challenges are noticed. Such as proper current matching from both I1 and I2, parasitic capacitance from the two current sources, and leakage current into and out of the loop filter. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 4 CP.png Figure 4. Charge Pump Circuit A Simulink model of a charge pump is given in figure 5. Notice how the DOWN signal is subtracted from the UP signal and then fed into a gain of 0.001. This gain value represents the current of the two current sources. The delay representsrepresents the current of the two current sources. The delay represents the capacitor, Cp, in figure 4. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 5 CP Block.png Figure 5. Charge Pump Model Simulating the charge pump model should show a slowly increasing value as long as the UP signal is high more often than the DOWN signal. Figure 6 below shows such a scenario as the CP_Out signal slowly ramps up. This signifies that the VCO will speed up to force the reference signal to catch up to the data signal. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 6 CP Test.png Figure 6. CP Test Results C. Loop Filter A loop filter is an entirely passive component device and consist of two capacitors and a resistors as illustrated in figure 7. The loop filter has two branches, the integral path and the proportional path. The integral path is the C2 branch, while the proportional path is the C1 and R branch. As the name implies, the loop filter filters high frequency noise spurs caused by sampling, but this also adds a pole at 1/RC2 [1]. A resistor in the loop filter provides an isolation phase correction from frequency correction. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 7 Loop Filter Circuit.png Figure 7. Loop Filter Circuit A simulink model of a loop filter is given in figure 8 below. The input to the loop filter is connected to the output of the charge pump. The purpose of the loop filter is to take a current and convert it into a voltage, called the control voltage of the VCO. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 8 Loop Filter Block.png Figure 8. Loop Filter Model Simulating the loop filter in Simulink gave the plot in figure 9. Re-examining this figure, there may be a an error in the loop filters output as its a sawtooth waveform. This will be compared to the VCO output plot for proper functionality in the next section. Figure 9. Loop Filter Test Results D. VCO The final block in figure 1 is the VCO block. Theres a slight modification to the VCO block compared to that in figure 1 due to the future use of phase interpolation. Due to this, a phase generator block was required. This phase generator block is given in figure 10. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 10 Phase Generator Block.png Figure 10. Phase Generator Model The purpose of the phase generator block is to allow various phases for the phase interpolation PLL in the forthcoming section. For this, the signal is limited to 360 degrees and various phases are generated as illustrated in figure 11. This is the final design of the VCO. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 11 VCO Block.png Figure 11. VCO Model A common VCO has a single output, known here as CLK_0. However, due to the use of phase interpolation in the second half of this PLL design, 3 other phases were generated. Each phase separated by 90 degrees. The feedback to the PDF is derived from CLK_0 signal that is passed through a relay that generates a clock signal from a sinusoidal signal. The final PLL design for the first potion is given in figure 12. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 12 PLL Block.png Figure 12. PLL Design Phase 1 Testing of the pll Testing of the PLL consisted of a pulse generator at the reference clock input. This signal was set to 50 Hz is mentioned in [3]. Figure 13 is a plot of the VCO output (CLK_0). The plot shows that in the beginning, the VCO is attempting to lock and after about 30 seconds, the system locks onto the frequency. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 13- PLL Test Results.png Figure 13. PLL Phase 1 Test Results phase interpolator design A. Theory Behind Phase Interpolators Phase Interpolators (PI) is a modified version of a PLL. PIs function by taking a weighted values and multiplying and adding them to two signals shifted in phase at the same frequency. These weighted values are call alpha and beta. Beta equals 1 minus alpha as given in equation (1) (1) Where, B. Binary Phase Detector The phase detector used in the PI loop has been modified to act as a bang-bang phase detector instead of a linear phase detector. A modified version of the bang-bang phase detector [4] was used. This modified bang-bang phase detector is given in figure 13i. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 13i- BBPD Block.png Figure 13i. Modified Bang-Bang Phase Detector A bang-bang phase detector is different from a linear phase detector since the output signals are fixed pulses and they signify if the feedback clocks rising edge is early or late. Those early and late signals are then fed into a charge pump, which tells the VCO (by means of a loop filter) to go faster or to slow down. Simulating this modified version of a phase detector was performed in Simulink. The feedback (reference) signal was delayed compared to the DATA clock. This implies that the phase detector outputs a logic high for the LATE signal, in which it does. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 13ii- BBPD Test.png Figure 13ii. Bang-Bang Phase Detector Test Results D. Quadrature Clocks Quadrature Clocks are clocks that are separated by 90 degrees. The model to accomplish this was given in figure 11 of the VCO. Testing this with a simple pulse generator input signal provided the plots in figure 14. These plots show four signals that are 90 degrees out of phase with one another. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 14- Quad Phases.png Figure 14. Quadrate Phases Reading from the top of figure 14 to the bottom, the phases are as follows: 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees. E. Counter To ensure the entire 360 degrees of phases are covered, as given in the VCO, a counter was implemented. For this simulation, an 8-bit counter was used. This implies that for 360 degrees and an 8-bit counter, each degree represents 1.41 degrees of resolution. The importance of this is related to the unit circle. For a count from 0-255, each 64 counts represents a phase shift of 90 degrees. A simple counter was constructed in Simulink using a just three blocks as shown in figure 15. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 15- Counter.png Figure 15. Counter Model F. Alpha, Beta, and MUX Values To determine the alpha, beta, and the MUX values, a model was created in Simulink. From section C, an 8-bit counter was created. Of these 8-bits, bits 0-5 represent the alpha bits and bits 6-7 represent the MUX bits. These bits were extracted and then the alpha and the beta values were obtained as mentioned in section A and equation (1). A Simulink model is given in figure 16. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 16- Alpha Beta Mux.png Figure 16. Alpha, Beta, and MUX Extractor Testing the model in figure 16 revealed an interesting note. This model was taken directly from [3] and when a simple test of this block was performed, the MUX bits appeared to be out of the ordinary. It was expected that the MUX values would range from 0-4 as two bits were extracted, giving a four step ramp. However, the four step ramp ranged from 0-192. This is shown in figure 17. The next section discusses the MUX switching and this is why the issue was noticed. Because of this, this discussion will take place in the next section. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 17- Alpha Beta Mux Test.png Figure 17. Alpha, Beta, and MUX Test Results G. MUX Model Since a PI requires the use of two different phases simultaneously, a MUX is required to give the proper signals. In Simulink, a MUX was generated using multiport switch components. The model is given in figure 18 below. As there are four inputs, the select line is required to be a value of 1, 2, 3, or 4 in order to properly select the desired line. The select line is driven by the 2-bit MUX value that was obtained in the previous section, F. This implies that the MUX values should be a 1, 2, 3, or 4 value and not the values that are shown in figure 17. The four steps are correct, but further work is need to properly generate the appropriate select lines. Due to the MUX select lines not functioning properly, the final PI PLL design was unable to be properly tested. A solution to this problem is to write a piece of code that reads the MUX line and then determines the proper, 1, 2, 3, or 4 value. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 18- MUX Model.png Figure 18. MUX Model H. Finall PLL Block and Testing The final design of the complete PLL with the phase interpolator PLL is given in figure 19. As stated in MUX Model section, the MUX line had a critical error that prevented the PLL from being properly simulated. This error was due to the MUX select lines not being of the proper value. If given more time, code would be implemented to resolve this problem or the use of Simulink blocks to generate the proper values for the select lines. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 19- Final PLL Block.png Figure 19. Final PLL Design with PI For simplicity do to time constraints, a simple test was performed on the final design. Since the MUX select lines are not function properly, a constant value was fed into the select lines to manually pick the phases. When the select line was set to 1 for both, the graph in figure 20 was generated. M:SJSUEE 227ProjectReport PicturesFigure 20- Final PLL Test MUX 11.png Figure 20 PI Output/Feedback Pre Relay Figure 20 shows that the PLL is working to a degree. Unfortunately, it fails to be properly tested. Conclusion PLLs are commonly used devices in a wide range of applications. In this design, a phase interpolator version of a PLL was examined. Although the complete model was successfully constructed in Simulink, the final design was unable to be properly tested. This was due to the malfunction of the MUX select lines that prohibited the simulation to run. A quick work around was implemented, which meant the manual adjustment of the MUX select lines.

Factors That Influence Household And Individual Food Consumption Economics Essay

Factors That Influence Household And Individual Food Consumption Economics Essay This paper identifies the factors that influence the household and individual food consumption. Since food is the most important item of the consumption basket, an analysis of the changes in food consumption pattern over time has a special significance which is the most important component for low and middle income groups. Food expenditure pattern is an excellent indicator of economic well being of people. Economic Development is not only brings about significant changes in the socio-economic and cultural life of a habitant population but it also influences the levels of living in the long run. India, a rapid developing and agrarian dominant economy has been bringing many changes in the socio economic life of her population since independence. Keyword -Expenditure, Consumption Patterns, Food Consumption and Household Consumer Expenditure, Factors affecting food consumption pattern. Introduction: The analysis of changing food consumption pattern over time would help in designing appropriate policies related to food production and distribution .Increasing number of working women, rise in per capita income, changing lifestyles and increasing level of affluence in the middle income group have also brought about changes in food habits. Rapid urbanization and sociological changes like the desire on the part of the housewives to spend less time in kitchen, the increased value for leisure, weakening of family ties, increased impact of television and its advertisement as well as changing life styles of the families, have brought about the changes in food consumption pattern. Since food is the most important item of the consumption basket, an analysis of the changes in food consumption pattern over time has a special significance which is the most important component for low and middle income groups. Food expenditure pattern is an excellent indicator of economic well being of people. If the society is wealthy proportionately high expenditure will be made on secondary necessities, comfort, luxury products and conspicuous consumption. On the other, if the society is at subsistence level, people will spend proportionately more on food. Engels law also states that the poorer the family, the greater is the proportion of its total income devoted to provision of food. Economic Development is not only brings about significant changes in the socio-economic and cultural life of a habitant population but it also influences the levels of living in the long run. India, a rapid developing and agrarian dominant economy has been bringing many changes in the socio economic life of her population since independence. Due to variations in natural resources endowments; physical and climatic conditions; economic factors like income, prices and the extent of magnetization; demographic factors like household size and degree of urbanization and cultural factors are likely to influence consumption expenditure pattern. Such diverse socio-economic, demographic and cultural factors are reflected in the inequality in the distribution of consumption expenditure as it is revealed by the national sample survey organization data on consumption expenditure in India. Food consumption has been a subject of research all over the world. It is especially meaningful in developing countries where food expenditure accounts for a relatively large share of household income. Studies on food consumption shed light on food related nutritional policies. They provide estimates of how food consumption is affected by change in prices, income and taxation policies ( Dune and Edkins 2005) The studies on food consumption pattern or expenditure pattern are very important as it is related to poverty and standard of our society. Food being the foremost basic need gets the priority in the expenditure of people, especially the poor classes. It is necessary to study the change in food consumption pattern under the changing situation of liberalization, privatization and globalization. After liberalization began in 1991, though much attention has been paid to the reduction in head count ratio, less priority have been accorded to the magnitude and pattern of food consumption. Ray and Lancaster (2005) have recently shown that the link had weakened to the extent that the official poverty line in India today is quite out of step with that based on the household minimum calorie requirements. This necessitates an analysis on the magnitude and trend in food consumption, especially cereals, over the reform period in India, in view of their strong implications for food and nutrition securities. This study provides evidence on the magnitude and patterns in food consumption status of both rural and urban population. There is a strong indication that improvement in the levels of living might not have been distributed well and certain pockets of the states might have remained impoverished in spite of their overall growth. While studies abound on the consumption expenditure among rural and urban households for various expenditure classes at macro level, very few studies have been done at micro level to explain the rural urban differences in the consumption pattern. Per capita income and food consumption both are the indicators of human development but food consumption is a better indicator of human welfare. Indias faster economic growth over 1990s has raised per capita income (expenditure) and has significantly impacted its food consumption patterns by causing a change in the structure of food consumption patterns observed earlier during pre-reforms period. This raises the relevance of looking at the composition of Indias food consumption basket. Changes in the composition of food consumption expenditure during the 1990s, including the shift from cereals to non-cereal items against the background of a decline in food expenditure share, occurred right across the growth spectrum and raise the issue of the nutritional implications of food items particularly during post-reforms period. Purpose: The purpose of this study of the literature was to determine which factors influence household and individual food consumption. Literature Review: Numerous studies have been made in recent years on the trends of poverty, inequality and level of living in Indian states during the 1990s. Some have highlighted the reduction in poverty (Sundaram and Tendulkar 2003; Bhanumurthy and Mitra 2004), while some others have expressed anguish over the rising economic inequality (Deaton and Dreze, 2002; Sen and Himanshu, 2004; Krishna, 2004).There is a common feeling that although there has been some overall improvement in the average levels of living of people across the majority of states, those who were already on a better footing could reap the advantages of the economic reforms in the 90à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸s and experience faster growth, while there was no tangible improvement for the poorest few. Again, the rural -urban expenditure gap, believed to have widened overtime, needs meticulous scrutiny. Campbell (1960) conducted a survey and had given a comparison between older persons and younger persons at identical income level. Younger people, at all income level, spend more on clothing, furniture and miscellaneous items than older people but less on medical care. David (1962) studies revealed that the size of the family and frequency of purchasing durables, kinds of durable purchased and the substitution of durables for commercial services hampers the consumption pattern of households. Chatterjee (1962) on the basis on NSS consumption expenditure data for rural and urban areas and six zones has been estimated for elasticities on expenditures on food. Gupta(1968) has compared the differences in overall consumption patterns in the state of UP and Tamil Nadu for the reason of their known and distinct economic , social and cultural differences .The study has concluded that there exist significant differences in consumer expenditure on various categories of item in those states in general as well as also between rural and urban regions in each of two states. Kwang (1972) had analyzed the effect of income as well as other economic and social demographic characteristics on households consumption expenditure significantly among different groups. Chatterjee Bhattacharya(1972) have constructed indices of consumer price differential between the rural areas of different states of India with NSS 18th round data. Rao(1977), in her study has tried to identify some measures at development in order to identify backward regions and subsequently to examine the trends in inter regional and inter sectoral disparities in India. The study by Sarkar(1983) based on NSS consumer expenditure data for 13,16,21 28 rounds supports the hypothesis that level of living and expenditure pattern differs over the states. Kumar and Aggarwal (2004) determined the extent of poverty in Delhi slums through consumption patterns, employment and educational status of the slum population. FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE FOOD CONSUMPTION: Income: Income is an important means of widening the range of consumption options, especially as economies around the world become increasingly monetized. Income gives people the ability to buy diverse, nutritious foods instead of eating only their own crops, to pay for motorized transport instead of walking, to pay for health care and education for their families, to pay for water from a tap instead of walking for many hours to collect it from a well. The increasing dependence of much consumption on private income means that changes in income have a dominant influence on changes · in consumption. When incomes rise steadily consumption rises for most of the population. But for the same reason, when incomes decline, consumption also falls sharply, with devastating consequences for human well being. Demographic Characteristics: The demographic characteristics have an important bearing on the level of income, consumption expenditure and saving of the society. Features like rate of growth of population, educational level of the head of the household and other members, the age of the members of the household, the size of the family are some of the factors which have a direct effect on the saving of the community, especially in the rural areas. According to Leff (1969) this factor as a determinant of saving had been left out because, this hypothesis had not been validated by extensive empirical testing Level of Education: The level of education of the head of the household and that of other members of the family determines the nature of occupation they are involved in, the level of income that they get and the motivations for saving. Also the level of education of the female members of the community is likely to have a positive influence on the saving rate Size and Pattern of Assets: For any economic unit wealth reflects the net result of accumulated saving, revaluation of assgets and capital transfers ever since the unit came into existence. The size and pattern of assets held by the households determine the income enjoyed by the household as also the amount of income saved and the pattern of investment of saving. Time use: Opportunities to consume can be severely limited by lack of time. Women, spend many hours a day meeting the households needs and have no time left for education, better health care or community activities. Similarly, overworked labourers may receive an adequate wage. but they often work long hours and are denied the opportunity of regular leave. Information: Information is the key to raising awareness of the range of consumption options available and enabling the consumer to decide which choices are best. Without information. there is no way of knowing what goods and services are available in the market. and what services are being provided by the state and are. By right, available to all. Advertising and public information campaigns play an important role in this respect. Social barriers: Income cannot always remove barriers to access to opportunities. This is particularly so when considerations of gender, class or ethnicity limit peoples freedom to consume the goods and services they want. For example, people belonging to certain ethnic groups might be denied equal access to education, employment and other basic social services by the state, regardless of how much they earn. The household- decision-making and upbringing: Much analysis of consumer decision-making assumes that the person making the decision is the one who will directly benefit from the consumption. This is far from the truth in many cases. A great deal of household consumption decision making is in the hands of one person-often the mother or the father of the family. Although this may lead to good outcomes, it can also be a source of inequity within the family- Household values has a wider effect on the consumption options of individual members. The education and upbringing given to children early in life play a critical part in establishing their ability to make good use of the options available for living a full and fulfilling life. The remarkable expansion and diversification in consumption options have made it more difficult for consumers to make informed choices. Globalization and Consumption: As a result of increased purchasing power and opportunity to purchase, a change was manifest in the activity of consumption. The definition of what constitutes a necessity is changing, and the distinctions between luxuries and necessities are blurring. Globalization is integrating not just trade, investment and financial markets; it is also integrating consumer markets around the world and opening opportunities. This has two effects i.e. economic and social. Economic integration has accelerated the opening of consumer markets with a constant flow of new products. There is fierce competition to sell to consumers worldwide, with increasingly aggressive advertising. On the social side local and national boundaries are breaking down in the setting of social standards and aspirations in consumption. Technological Advancement: Another important factor that has changed the rural consumption pattern in recent years is the technological advancement in agriculture which has in turn raised the income of the rural population. The increased income is likely to be used for consuming more of the items which are already in their commodity basket. This may increase their choices of falling on goods with sensory appeal such as sweets, tobacco, drugs and intoxicants and also those goods and services associated with prestige and status. Summary and Conclusion: This study shows that food plays a central part in the culture, traditions . Important events such as weddings, funerals, and religious celebrations are all accompanied by food specifically prepared for the occasion. Consumption of traditional food is largely associated with poverty and consequently, as people move to the city, they change their diet to a typical westernised diet with a high fat content and low carbohydrate intake (Bourne et al., 1996). Our study found that this population associated meat with high socio-economic standing and therefore tried to consume it on daily basis. Our findings are confirmed by those of Wong et al. (1984) who examined a relationship between household income, level and expense and consumption of food in urban marginal areas of Mexico. The authors found a marked tendency to increase consumption of high protein foods as family income increased. It emphasizes the critical importance of taking these factors into consideration in developing strategie s for modifying eating practices.

Essay --

1. (Table A & B) A 1 turn loop is pulled out of a 2.0 T field at a velocity of 1.5 m/s to the right. A. Compute the induced emf in the loop and find the direction of the induced current. 75 points 15 points 15 points 10 points 15 points ï ¿ ¼B. A 25 turn loop extends 0.1 m into a uniform field that is decreasing at -3 T/s. Compute the induced emf in the loop and find the direction of the induced current. 2. (Tables C & D) A rod with a mass of 0.720 kg and a radius of 6.00 cm rests on two parallel rails (see the figure below) that are d = 12.0 cm apart and L=45.0 cm long. The rod carries a current of I = 48.0 A in the direction shown and slides along the rail. If it starts from rest, what is the speed of the rod as it leaves the rails if a uniform magnetic of 0.240 T is directed perpendicular to the rod and the rails? 3. (Tables E & F) A proton enters a region with a uniform magnetic field after being accelerated across a potential of 5000 Volts. The proton moves in a circle due to the magnetic force. If the ï ¿ ¼Ã¯ ¿ ¼ strength of the magnetic field is 2.5 T, what is the period of the proton's ci...

The Injustice of Female Genital Mutilation :: essays research papers fc

The horror of female genital mutilation is a global issue, and it is also one surprising foreign to Americans although an estimated ten thousand girls in the United States are currently at risk of this operation (Sarkis par. 1). This is a cultural practice that is both unethical and incredibly detrimental to its victims besides obviously being in direct violation of basic human rights. In order to attain a broader view of this issue the following will be examined: basic information about this practice, organizations fighting it, current news pertaining to it, recent academic articles evaluating it, and the question of how it can be stopped. FGM has recently been receiving growing media attention due to the controversy surrounding it, but the newfound attention is also in hopes that widespread awareness will bring about change. Female genital mutilation, or FGM when abbreviated, is also known as female circumcision, but this practice is far more drastic than male circumcision and is actually more comparable to a surgery in males where the entire penis is removed (Sarkis par. 4). FGM is classified into three different categories based on the extent of the procedure, but it usually entails the removal or the clitoris and/or the adjacent labia. The third degree of FGM is so severe that the female must be cut open to engage in sexual intercourse from that point on (Sarkis par. 5). This surgery is commonly performed in unsanitary conditions with unclean sharp tools like razor blades, kitchen knives, scissors, and pieces of glass (Sarkis par. 6). Female children usually undergo this procedure at three years of age (Sarkis par. 10). Sarkis also states, â€Å"Besides the obvious initial pains of the operations, FGM has long-term physiological, sexual, and psychological effects† (par. 7). It is done for a number of reasons ranging from the prevention of marital infidelity to using it as a cultural rite of passage, but more numerous than the reasons behind it are the countries that partake in it. FGM is most common in Middle Eastern countries and throughout Africa (Sarkis par. 2). FGM is by no means a one-dimensional problem or something that can be recovered from. It is, most significantly, a life-altering procedure. One of the major groups fighting FGM is The Female Genital Mutilation Education and Networking Project. It focuses primarily on the â€Å"knowledge is power† aspect, meaning that it concentrates more on educating the population of FGM in an effort to bring reform instead of direct actions.

How Do William Golding and Williams Shakespeare Present Disturbed Characters? Essay

How do William Golding and William Shakespeare present disturbed characters? In Lord of the Flies Golding presents disturbed characters as savage and blood-thirsty. After his own experience in world war two, he seems to believe everybody has a savage personality and thriving which is brought out through an extreme situation. Golding uses the technique of evoking emotion from the reader through the use of innocent children committing unthinkable actions. He conveys his views through the ever growing savage characters of Jack and Roger, whereas Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth as a mentally disturbed character consumed with an obsession of becoming a part of the hierarchy within society. In the first chapter of Lord of the Flies Golding uses the Island as an allegorical object, presenting the general overview of society and civilisation. The Island can be represented as the Garden of Eden; an innate place of perfection to be undisturbed and civil. It seems to be an idyllic place for some time with rules and order throughout, this is up until it is corrupted and nature is changed by the boys’ savage intentions. This relates to biblical themes of the Garden of Eden once corrupted by mankind (Adam & Eve). We also see a use of pathetic fallacy, the Island in this sense is more important than anything, it foreshadows the events which are beginning to unfold. Throughout both pieces of Literature Shakespeare and Golding use religious beliefs and values; in Macbeth the uses of supernatural creatures like the witches represent a devil like figure. The strong Christian themes in the play and during Elizabethan times made them even more evil, Shakespeare conveys Lady Macbeth as the total opposite of what a women ‘should be’. She knows as a female she is limited because of her gender, she asked to be filled with cruelty which is ironic because she created the plan to kill the King. This point is significant in the quote â€Å"unsex me here†. Similarly you could argue the ‘beast’ brought to the attention of the boys by a ‘littlun’ is equally as important. Simon proposes the beast is only the boys imagination itself, although they laugh off his idea, Simon is central to the novel; he links to Golding’s point of innate human evil which exists. He is the first boy to acknowledge that the ‘beast’ is an external force of human nature. Lady Macbeth is first introduced to us as Macbeth’s loving wife, she seems thrilled to hear of her husband’s progression in social status. Her first reaction is to concoct a plan to kill the king; we are equally as shocked as Macbeth when she â€Å"pours her spirits in thine ear†. This leads us to believe she is a somewhat calculating character. Lady Macbeth then begins to develop into manipulating Macbeth, she uses blackmail such as â€Å"break this enterprise to me? † she weakens Macbeth â€Å"you were a man† implies she does not think of him as being worthy to be called a man. To some extent Lady Macbeth is to blame, as soon as she hears of Macbeth’s news her character is blinded by ambition. Similarly the three witches give Macbeth prophesies leading to the evil plan which is soon presented. The first significant change in their relationship comes when she creates a description of juxtaposition, turning a pure and natural thing into a horrific image; saying she would have â€Å"dash’d the brains out† of their unborn child. Using this hypothetic situation Macbeth is beginning to consider the consequences, she uses pronouns ‘you and I’ implying they are equally as involved and together through all of it. Golding presents the character of Jack as a developing character of savagery throughout the novel. He compares the deterioration of Jack’s civilized and well brought up mind with his lust and instinct to hunt. This is shown when the boys try and outline order on ‘their’ island. Jacks reaction to this is aggressive and intolerant- â€Å"bollocks to the rules! We’re strong- we hunt! †. Here we see that he seems manipulative towards the other characters trying to control them into following him as the leader. When the group of boys head up the mountain our perception as to Jack’s cruelty is further developed. This is shown when Jack is seen to â€Å"snatch the glasses from Piggy’s face†; â€Å"His specs- use them as burning glasses†. Golding uses this cruel streak in Jack so the reader feels sympathetic to lesser characters such as Piggy. The deterioration of civilization on the island first begins with the breaking of the conch, in the novel the conch symbolises rules, like a school bell when the noise sounds it enforces a sense of regulation and order. Secondly the fire symbolises a feeling of hope, it is the one thing that could save them and mean rescue. Contrastingly it represents destruction and corruption, it destroys the idyllic feel of the island first presented to us by Golding. Identity is a main theme in both Lord of the flies and Macbeth, Golding uses the technique of theriomorphism to give Jack animalistic qualities. For example Golding says â€Å"he passed his tongue across his dry lips and scanned the uncommunicative forest† conveying Jack as a primitive character. In other words Golding is beginning to show Jack’s impulsive and has a compulsion to kill, giving the reader an impression of his savage streak emerging. He also uses the word â€Å"uncommunicative† which literally is telling the reader the island is abandoned but foreshadows what is to come. This is an effective word choice because it gives an insight to the communication which causes their downfall. Our understanding of what is to come differs from the previous text ‘Coral Island’ the wildness of the surroundings influences changes in characters such as Jack to take natural animalistic instincts; contradicting the theme of ‘happy endings’ as conveyed in Coral Island. A link between both Lord of the Flies and Macbeth is that both involve a sense of changing identity and deterioration of characters. During Elizabethan times when Shakespeare wrote Macbeth, the ‘social-scale’ of class and stature was called the ‘divine right of kings’. External factors of society such as religion and the threat of war makes the actions of a simple Elizabethan wife seem unthinkable. From the beginning of the play onwards, the relationship of Macbeth and his wife is one of equality. Straight away we are aware that Lady Macbeth is highly respected by her husband; â€Å"my dearest partner of greatness† is how he addresses her in the letter. A change of identity is suggested to Macbeth, Lady Macbeth says â€Å"Your hand, your tongue: look like the innocent flower But be the serpent under’t† She is controlling him, telling him to convey a normal front yet be the killer you know you are beneath. Contrastingly Jack uses paint to cover his face in Lord of the Flies, this is a primitive, tribal act in which he can cover his identity and be the hunter he insists upon. As we come to the final scenes of the play, not only can we see a mental deterioration but Shakespeare’s use of iambic pentameter conveying her as physically and mentally disturbed. During such times ‘mental illness’ was not understood and looked upon as being ‘mad’. In act 3 scene 4 she has changed completely, a doctor and gentle-women observe her as she has clearly become mentally out of control. Lady Macbeth even imagines herself with hands covered with blood, there is a stream of guilt as she shows her fragmented speech reflecting her thoughts and soliloquy â€Å"out, damned spot! I say! †

Managerial Finance Closing Essay

The company announces that it is not expanding, what do you think will happen to the price of the bonds? What will happen to the price of the bonds if the company does expand? I believe if the company announces that it is not expanding then the prices of the bonds would not change, however if the company decides to expand then the prices of the bonds would increase due to the increase in the value of the company and the return would be greater. 5. If the company opts not to expand, what are the implications for the companies future borrowing needs? What are the implications if the company does expand? If the company decides not to expand, I do not believe that the implication for the companies future borrowing needs would differ too much from if they decided to expand. However one variation is if the company decides to expand they will receive more equity as shown above by the calculations. If the company has an increase of equity, they have the opportunity for an increase of borrowing, if they needed. However, if the company opts not to expand, they can still borrow in the future, however, their equity will remain the same, which would give them less variation in regards to borrowing. 6. Because of the bond covenant, the expansion would have to be financed with equity. How would it affect your answer if the expansion were financed with cash on hand instead of new equity? From my perspective, I do not see an issue with the expansion being financed with equity rather than â€Å"cash on hand†. I believe it would be an easier wait to keep track of the finances. I thought the primary reason some companies use equity to finance new projects is because they do not have the â€Å"cash on hand† to begin with, and although they have equity, it would be far too much trouble to convert it over to cash. So, they would rather use equity to finance.