Ultrasound is simply sound Essay Example for Free

Ultrasound is simply sound Essay Ultrasound is simply sound pitched above human hearing. Ultrasound is the part of the sonic spectrum which ranges from about 20 kHz to 10 MHz and can be roughly subdivided in three main regions: (A) low frequency, high power ultrasound (20-100 kHz), (B) high frequency, medium power ultrasound (100 kHz-1 MHz), (C) and high frequency, low power ultrasound (1-10 MHz). The frequency level is inversely proportional to the power output. High power, low frequency ultrasound does alter the state of the medium and is the type of ultrasound typically used for sonochmical applications. Table A shows the application of ultrasound (1). 2. 3. 2 Theory Two theories exist to explain the chemical effects due to cavitation: hot-spot theory (2) and the electrical theory (3 4). Hot spot theory has been experimentally shown that the cavitational collapse creates drastic conditions inside the medium for an extremely short time: temperatures of 2000-5000 K and pressures up to 1800 atm inside the collapsing cavity. A remarkable event during the cavitation collapse is the emission light under certain conditions (sonoluminescence). Furthermore, the collapse causes a couple of strong physical effects outside the bubble: shear forces, jets and shock waves. The electrical theory postulates that an electrical charge is created on the surface of a cavitation bubble, forming enormous electrical field gradients across the bubble which are capable of bond breakage upon collapse. 2. 3. 3 Sonochemistry in Aqueous Solution The reactive species formed during the sonolysis of water are similar to those observed radiolysis (Table B). Among the most extensively studies species are OH radical and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), produced by the thermolysis of water molecules in the gas phase of the bubble, and recombination of the resulting free radicals H2O2 is formed in the cooler interfacial area of the cavitation bubble (5). 2. 3. 3. 1 Kinetic Analysis The chemical transformation which occur during sonolysis may occur in several different regions of the cavitation bubble (Fig C). Three regions of sonochemical activity in sonicated systems (6). Attack by oxidizing species such as hydroxyl radical (OH) or oxygen atom or thermolysis of chemical bonds within the substrate can occur in either the gas phase or interfacial region. OH is most concentrated in the gas phase of the cavitation bubble. It is presumed that aromatic substrates are attacked by addition of OH whereas non-aromatic molecules are attach by hydrogen atom abstraction (7) due to much stronger C-H bond in aromatic system. 2. 3. 4 Acoustic cavitation Bubble collapse in liquids results in an enormous concentration of energy from the conversion of the kinetic energy of liquid motion into heating of the contents of the bubble. The high local temperatures and pressures, combined with extraordinarily rapid cooling, provide a unique means for driving chemical reactions under extreme conditions. The origin of sonochemical effects in liquids is the phenomenon of acoustic cavitation. Ultrasonic waves traveling through a solution impose upon the liquid a sinusoidal pressure variation, alternately compressing the liquid molecules or pulling them apart by overcoming the intermolecular forces. As an ultrasonic frequency of 20 kHz, the liquid will be compressed and rarefied each second. Therefore, the distance among the molecules vary as the molecules oscillate around their mean position. If the intensity of ultrasound in a liquid is increased, a point is reached at which the intramolecular forces are not able to hold the molecular structure intact. Consequently, it breaks down and a cavity is formed. This cavity is called cavitation bubble as this process is called cavitation and the point where it starts cavitation threshold. A bubble responds to the sound field in the liquid by expanding and contracting, i. e. it is excited by a time-varying pressure (1 4). Two forms of cavitation are known: stable and transient. Stable cavities oscillate for several acoustic cycles before collapsing, or never collapse at all. Transient cavities, conversely, exist for only a few acoustic cycles (10). 2. 3. 5 Sonoluminescence (SL) During the acoustic cavitations, the emission of light was referred by the SL. During the underwater exposure of photographic plates, it was first observed, when these plates were irradiated with ultrasound in the solutions (11). Generally, the Hot Spot theory explains the origin of the sono-luminescence and sono-chemistry, which is widely accepted by the scholars. It simplifies the expansion of potential energy of a bubble, when it is concerntrated into the core of a heated gas, and which makes the implosion of that bubble. Sono-luminescence has been divided into two forms; single-bubble SL (12 13) and the multi-bubble SL (14), through which the information is gathered regarding the conditions during the implosion of the cavitation bubbles. Commonly, shock waves are the usually proposed mechanisms that are used in the SL during the implosion of the bubbles. Through this, the bubbles are converged at the center by these mechanisms (15). Hydroxyl radical is another mentioned that is being used in the SL, which produces the emission from the chemical species during their excited state (16). However, small changes in bulk parameters can bring significant influences in the nature of the emissions. The moment, at which the air bubbles glow in the water was observed by the first researchers and was then, known as the multiple-bubble sono-luminescence (MBSL). However, it is advised to observe this glowing condition in a darkened room due to the fainting characteristic of these bubbles. In 1990, two researchers; Crum and Gaitan observed the SBSL in its perfect conditions (17). Placing of a single bubble of gas was done in the liquid, in order to create SBSL. In this regard, an air bubble was injected in the liquid, which created the SBSL. Normally, the bubble was arisen after in the center of the cylindrical flask after its injection. However, the sound waves were bombarded that kept it in its place. Nowadays, elaborate setups are available and practiced by the researchers in their labs. Sono-luminescence requires around 100 decibels of sound waves, which can cause deafness in a normal person. Another factor that is imperative for the SL is the frequency of sound, which a human hearing cannot reach in its range. During the acoustic cavitations, the SL referred the release of light waves. Sono-luminescence is divided into two forms; single-bubble SL (12 13) and the multi-bubble SL (14), through which the information is gathered about the conditions during the implosion of the air bubbles. Commonly, shock waves are the regularly proposed methods that are used in the SL during this process. Through this, the bubbles meet at the center by these methods (15). The moment, at which the air bubbles glow in the water was observed by the first researchers and was then, known as the multiple-bubble sono-luminescence (MBSL). In 1990, two researchers; Crum and Gaitan observed the SBSL in its perfect conditions (17). A single bubble of gas was placed in the liquid to create SBSL. In this regard, an air bubble was inserted in the liquid, which created the SBSL. Sono-luminescence requires around 100 decibels of sound waves, which can also cause deafness in a normal person. 2. 3. 6 Heterogeneous systems: liquid liquid interface Ultrasound forms very fine emulsions in systems with two immiscible liquids, which is very beneficial when working with biphasic systems or phase transfer catalyzed. When very fine emulsions are formed, the surface area available for reaction between the two phases is significantly increased, enhance the mass transfer in the interfacial region, thus increasing the rate of the reaction. Ultrasound cavitation creates reactive intermediates that shorten the reaction time (18). 2. 3. 7 Ultrasonic System Types Generally 3 types: Ultrasonic bath, Probe system and Planar Transducers. 2. 3. 7. 1 Ultrasonic Bath Ultrasonic bath: originally manufactured for cleaning purposes (1). Fig Y shows the bath that has transducers attached to the bottom. The reaction vessel is typically immersed in the coupling fluid contained in the bath. When indirect sonication is used, the ultrasonic power which reaches the reaction vessel is relatively low as compare to other ultrasonic systems, such as a probe. In addition, obtaining reproducible results may be difficult because the amount of power reaching the reaction mixture is highly dependent upon the placement of the sample in the bath. 2. 3. 7. 2 Probe System Probe systems are being more frequently used for sonochemical research in the laboratory. This may be because manufactures are aware that this type of research is increasing and are providing equipment to meet the demand (19). Probe sytems are capable of delivering large amounts of power directly to the reaction mixture which can be regulated b varying the amplitude delivered to the transducer. Disadvantages in using a probe system include erosion and pitting of the probe tip, which may contaminate the reaction solution. Figure Z shows the probe type sonoreactor. 2. 9. 7. 3 Planar transducers This type of setup is typically made in the laboratory and consists of a planar transducer connected to a vessel which contains either the reaction mixture (direct sonication) or a coupling fluid (indirect sonication) into which the reaction vessel is immersed. Planar transducers capable of delivering higher powers than ultrasonic bath systems (1). However, they are difficult to scale-up.

Does Oedipus fall due to fate or due to flaw of his character Essay Example for Free

Does Oedipus fall due to fate or due to flaw of his character Essay In the play, Oedipus the King, it was portrayed that Oedipus, the main protagonist, was destined to slay his father and go to bed with his mother as foreseen by the Oracle of Delphi. Although Oedipus did unknowingly kill his own father, Laius, and marry and slept with his own mother, Jocasta, it was the flaws in his character and attitude, and not fate entirely that led to his downfall. In short, even though he was fated to do what he did in the story, he had the option to avoid that fate. However, his very nature prevented him from doing so. In the story, Oedipus was illustrated as a wise and very good ruler. He was sympathetic and compassionate towards his people. However, like most classical Greek tragic heroes, Oedipus also has flaws that eventually led to his downfall. Possibly his most notable flaws include his impulsiveness, rashness, stubbornness, and his tendency to make lapses or errors in judgment. These flaws were shown in several parts of the play, particularly during the time when he was in the process of discovering the truth about his past. When he recounts to his wife and mother, Jocasta, how he killed a group of travelers, one of which was later revealed to be his biological father, Laius, on a crossroad, Oedipus showed that he is highly capable of being rash and short-tempered. Although he was merely defending himself, he could have simply run away and avoided killing the travelers. By doing so, he could have avoided killing his true father while also disproving the prophecy of the Oracle of Delphi. It was also during this scene in the play that Oedipus was portrayed as a man who moves greatly based on impulse and does not think first before acting. Moreover, his rashness was also shown when Tiresias, the blind prophet, refused to tell Oedipus of the truth about the murderer of Laius. Although the prophet warned him that the truth would be bring him only pain and suffering, Oedipus still insisted and even threatened to accuse him of the murdering the fallen king himself. This forces Tiresias to reveal that it was Oedipus who killed Laius. Due to his short-temper, he accused the prophet of conspiring against him, which further showed how foolish he was. In addition, this also showed how blind Oedipus was because even though the truth was already being presented to him, he still refused to acknowledge it. Furthermore, it was his stubbornness and his desire to seek the truth that eventually led to his downfall. When he was still prince of the kingdom of Corinth, he overheard in a banquet that he was not the true child of the king and queen. He immediately sought the truth from the Oracle of Delphi, who simply told him that he would murder his own father and sleep with his own mother. This forced him to flee his home and it was during this time that he met the group of travelers whom he would all kill. After some time, he saved the kingdom of Thebes from the curse of the Sphinx by answering its riddle. This led to this coronation as the king of Thebes and also led to his marriage to Jocasta, whom he did not know to be his biological mother at the time. Finally, when he became king he then sought out to find the murderer of Laius, which set forth the chain of events that brought about his downfall. In other words, in his intense desire to seek the truth and avoid his fate, Oedipus became blinded and unwittingly fulfilled the prophecy of the oracle. Had he not left Corinth, he most probably would have not fulfilled the prophecy and avoided his doomed fate. In short, although it appeared that Oedipus was destined to fall, it was his very nature and lapses in judgment that sparked consequences which, he was not initially aware of. Moreover, it was his fatal flaws such as his arrogance and impulsiveness led him to kills his own father and marry his own mother. It can then be deduced that fate was greatly assisted by Oedipus nature and actions and did not act on its own.

Analysis Of Basf Chemical Company Commerce Essay

Analysis Of Basf Chemical Company Commerce Essay Here is background of BASF Company. BASF is leading chemical company on the world market. It has four production market departments: Europe, North America, South America and Asia. Moreover, the production of the company is separate in sex different segments: Chemicals, Plastics, Performance Products, Functional Solution, Agricultural Solution and Oil Gas. The department located in Germany is oriented in production of personal care products, so called Performance Products. BASF does not sell product to the final customer. Its products are intermediates like catalysts, molecules and raw materials, which are used from other manufacture companies. The main mission of the company is to produce products for sustainable future. The report objective is to analyzing the external and internal environment of BASF Company. This is useful for understanding the company`s current situation. Based on these analysis, this report gives recommendations to the company, how to keep its position on the market and to use on the best way its opportunities. Research information was collected in the fallowing way. Firstly, was done the secondary research. For it the main source was internet. Secondly, the primary research was done by conducting an interview with Mrs. Sengel, who is member of Executive Board of the company. Finally, based on collected information the company`s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats was analyzed with used of SWOT analysis. Based on the analyzed information, research results are as fallow. BASF is leading company on chemicals market. One of the company`s strength are so called Verbund sides perfect conglomerates between different departments of the company. Every product produced in the company is used in the most efficient way. BASF has opportunity to rising commodity chemicals market in regions like Africa, Asia Pacific and Middle East. The company is negative influenced by some economical factors like increasing energy prices and current credit crisis. Moreover, the negative political factors which influence the company are different laws and regulars in European Union about Genno modified products and some kind of molecules. The threat for the company is raising competition. In conclusion, BASF is leading company with a lot of strengths and opportunities. There are some external threats, which influence the company. Nevertheless, if the company use its own potentialities and hold on external negative factors, it can develop its market positions and to expect its great future. Recommendations are as fallow. Firstly, the most important thing for the company is to make innovations. This gives opportunity to BASF to be better than competitors. The company can develop the business if it is oriented to the market place in new development countries like Asia and Middle East. Secondly, internal environment of BASF will be better if there are more common and strictly rules for the employees of every department. Moreover, the company has to hold the good communication within the different departments. Finally, if company makes more researches it will know better the customers needs and demands. To close, BASF has to do everything possible to create products for sustainable future. III. Preface Here is the framework within which this report has been written. This report functions as a final output of PLA1-Project Organisation of Business. During this project, we worked in a group of students. Our purpose was to analyze a chemistry company BASF located in Dusseldorf, Germany. This is how we made our purpose, reality. During lectures, we studied theories of primary and secondary research, useful for analysis of a company. After that, we did secondary research into BASF`s internal organization. Furthermore, we did interview with Mrs. Sengel, who is member of Executive Board of the company. All of this data, our group prepared a group file. Finally, the collected information was analyzed. Based on this analysis, the individual report was written, that now lies before you. In this report, I address the fallowing audience. My primary audience is my lecture M.Sc. M.Hajjoubi, who will graduate my report. My secondary audience is every person who works in BASF Company and who is interested in read it. I would like to express my gratitude to the fallowing people. First, I would like to thank to my group members Simon Braun, Muzzeyen Gundoghu, Anna Wolter, Ivet Mladenova, Mo Vania and Radu. It was pleasure and really useful experience to work together with you as a team. Secondly, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for our PLA1`s lecture M.Sc. M. Hajjoubi, whose consultations, guidance, understanding and patience support us from our fist week till the end of this project. Thirdly, special thanks are due to Miss. C. Jacobs, for her efforts and guidance to improve our language skills. Last but not least, I proffer my heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Sengel with who we made our interview. Without contribution of these people, this analysis would not have been possible. Place: Venlo, the Netherlands 11th November, 2012 Eleonora Georgieva Table of contents PLA1 report Title page à Ã¢â‚¬   Summary à Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬   Preface à Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬   Table of contents à Ã¢â‚¬  V Glossary V 1. Introduction 1 2. Company description 2 2.1 General company description 2 2.2 Product description 2 3. Project description 3 3.1 Project description 3 3.2 Project aim 3 3.3 Research approach 3 4. Theoretical framework 4 4.1 External analysis 4 4.2 Internal analysis 5 4.3 SWOT overview 6 5. External analysis 7 5.1 Political factors 7 5.2 Economic factors 7 5.3 Social factors 7 5.4 Technological factors 7 6. Internal analysis 8 6.1 McKinsey 7S framework 8 6.2 Interconnection of the 7s 9 7. SWOT overview 11 8. Conclusion 12 9. Recommendation 13 10. Critical appraisal 14 Reference list Appendix 1 15 V. Glossary PEST Analysis Political, Economical, Social and Technological factors which are analyzed SWOT Analysis Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analysis R D Research and Development department 1. Introduction To start, here is the macro perspective on BASF Chemical Company. BASF is one of the leading chemical companies in the world, like this BASF is influenced by many political and economical factors. Different laws and regulations determine the production of the company. Moreover, the technological factor has hardly influence in this area of chemical production, where the innovations are leading force. In addition, the main mission of the company is to create chemistry for the sustainable future. Consequently, BASF Company has a lot of strategic methods to achieve its goals. This report has some objectives. To start, one of the main objectives of the report is to analyze BASF Company. To show the strengths and opportunities of the company`s future development. On the other hand, this report presents the weaknesses and threats of the company, for which it gives advice to make BASF more successful. In other words, this report aims to gives advice to BASF Company how to improve its internal and external situation. The following information was collected for this report. For collecting of information were used two main research methodologies. First, secondary research was done on micro and macro environment of BASF Company, for which the main source was used internet. Second, the primary research was done by conducting an interview with Mrs. Sengel, who is member of Executive Board of the company. The report has the fallowing structure. In chapter two, BASF Company and its product line are shown. In chapter three, the project`s description and aim are explained. Chapter four of the report is the Theoretical Framework of the report, in which the McKinsey`s seven S model, PEST analysis and SWOT analysis are theoretically described. In chapter five and six, PEST analysis and McKinsey`s seven S model are attached to collected information. PEST analysis is used to analyze BASF`s eternal environment, while the McKinsey`s model is used to analyze BASF`s internal organization. In chapter seven, is shown SWOT analysis based on the collected information. In chapter eight the conclusions based on the analyses are drawn. In chapter nine, recommendations for company improvement are given. In chapter ten, this report is critically appraised. 2. Company description 2.1 General Company Information Here is general information about BASF Company. BASF is the leading chemical company, which chemicals are used in almost all industries. The production of the company is separate in six different segments: Chemicals, Plastics, Performance Products, Functional Solution, Agricultural Solution and Oil Gas. BASF like an International company has 70 global and regional business units around the world. The department in Germany is thoroughly oriented in produce of Performance Products. BASF combine economic success, social responsibility and environment protection. The main mission of the company is to create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASFs 111, 141 employees, located all over the world, help the company to achieve its goals. BASF is market oriented in four main areas: Europe, North America, South America and Asia. In 2011, the most sales are made in Europe and company`s annual turnover amounted to 73, 5 billion Euros. 2.2 Product Description Germany`s department of BSAF has a broad range of products. The main segment is called Performance Products, which includes the fallowing product lines: Dispersions and Pigments, Care Chemicals, Nutrition and Health, Paper Chemicals and Performance Chemicals. The product portfolio of the company in this segment includes vitamins and foods additives, ingredients for pharmaceuticals and for hygiene, home and personal care items. Examples are products for hair care, sun and decorative care, body care, facial and oral care. The company does not offer products to the final client. BASF develop and sale molecules, catalysts and ingredients to the other companies which use this things for manufactures of products for final client. These things are not end- product; they are intermediate products which go to other steps of the production process. 3. Project description This chapter will give project description. The chapter will be separate in tree sub chapters, which will describe project description, project aim and research approach. 3.1 Project description This sub chapter will show the project description. To start, BASF is one of the leading chemical companies on the world market. In this market there is a big competition. Firstly, the future opportunity for the company is to create new products. Secondly, to find new market`s possibilities. Thirdly, one of the most important things in this branch is innovation. On the whole, to achieve its goals, BASF have to understand its own strengths and weaknesses. 3.2. Project aim The purpose of this sub chapter is to explain the project aim. For this project was collected information about external and internal environment of BASF Company. The aim of this project is to understand the company`s situation based on McKinsey 7S analysis, PEST and SWOT analysis and based on it to give recommendations about BASF`s future development. Furthermore, to show BASF`s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. In other words, these are most important factors which describe present situation and future possibilities for one organization. 3.3 Research approach To start, for analysis of BASF Company`s present situation are used two research methods. First, the primary research was done by conducting an interview with Mrs. Sengel, who is member of Executive Board of the company. This information is used for internal analysis of the company. Second, the external environment is analyzed by secondary research method. This includes McKinsey 7S analysis and PEST analysis. Thirdly, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are described with use of SWOT analysis. In conclusion, all of collected information is used to give recommendations of the company, about its future development. *The world can be seen in the Glossary 4. Theoretical framework The purpose of chapter four is to show the theoretical framework of internal and external analysis. Hence, the real companys situation will be shown. First, in sub-chapter 4.1 will be shown the internal analysis- McKinsey 7S model. The model include seven elements, which are separated in so called hard S`s Strategy, Structure and Systems and four so called soft S`s Shared Values, Skills, Staff and Style. Second, in 4.2 will be discusse the external PEST analysis. In other words, Political, Economic, Socio-cultural and Technological factors that influence the company will be include. Finally, in 4.3 SWOT- overview of the company will be given. 4.1 Internal analysis Figure 1: McKinsey 7S model 7S.gif Source: 7S strategy software In this paragraph will be shown the so called hard S`s of McKinsey 7S model. Firstly, Strategy describes actions and plans of an organization to achieve specific goals. The external environment influences the company and its strategy. Thus the enterprise prepares to adapt on changes and to determine the right place among customer and competitors. Secondly, Structure describes the hierarchy of the company. It shows the relationships between the people which work in the organization. It can be seen on the organization chart. It always depends from the business strategy, form the business internationalization, size and diversity. The third S from so called hard Ss is Systems. Systems are all procedures which company uses to operate every day. This includes internal and external procedures. Systems are directly related to the Structure and Strategy of the company, because they describe the main practices of the organization to achieve its goals (Cuypers 2010, 3-9). The soft S from McKinsey 7S model, which will be given in this paragraph includes Shared Values, Skills, Staff and Style. Peters and Watermans (1984) argued that shared Values in 7S analysis determine the core guiding principles of the company. Moreover, it refers to what an organization stands for and believes in. Understanding the Shared Values of the company is the easiest way to find the main ideas and goals of the enterprise. To achieve these goals helps Skills. Skills are the unique abilities of the company. Skills describe the capacity and quality of the company in contrast with the competitors. It refers to the learned capability of staff within the company. Very important here is quality of the products and services within the organization. These things are related with the Staff and Style of the company. Staff refers to the number and type of people employed by the company. However, staff describes the processes used to manage the careers of employees. It is related to the Style, because it is directly dependent on the human resources system that manage the way staff is encourage, reward and motivate. Style is the work culture. It is describe the main way in which senior managers run the organization. It is related to the system that influences the procedures in the company. The most important things that style describes are how managers allocated their time, beliefs and their leadership skills. The main factors are the size and the structure of the organization which determines how different departments inside of the company are managed (Spencer, 2011). 4.2 External analysis In the first place, every organization depends on the political factors. Political factors include government regulations and legal issues. The political factors define the structure of the company and the rules under which the company must operated. It depends on the structure, because in the different countries the trade restrictions, tariffs, tax policy and employment laws are not the same (Oxford University Press, 2004). The second factor which directly influences every kind of company or organisation is the economic factor. The economic environment consist different factors, for example income and income distribution, current and project economic growth, inflation and interest rate. This environment can offer to the company both opportunities and threats. Understanding of economic environment determined the company development (Oxford University Press, 2004). Thirdly, the company is influenced by social factors. This lifestyle trends and demographic changes determined the consumer behavior. The main purpose of every company is to understand which exactly are the consumers wants and needs. If social-cultural changes are clear, it is easier for the company to developing strategies and practices to achieve its goals (Oxford University Press, 2004). Finally, in these days, one of most important factors which influence the company is technological environment. This is the most dramatic and the fastest development factor. These are forces that create new technologies, products and market opportunities. In the world of technology, the company has to be open and prepare for new opportunities (Oxford University Press, 2004). 4.3 SWOT According to Berry, the SWOT analysis is an extremely useful tool for understanding and decision-making for all sorts of situations in business and organizations. SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (Berry, 2012). Strengths are internal capabilities that may help the company to reach its objectives; in contrast weaknesses may interfere for that. This includes understanding of the internal environment or the situation inside of the company or organisation. The factors which determined the straightness and weaknesses of the company are tend to be in the present. Factors are relating to products, pricing, quality, staff and processes within the company. With understanding of these factors the company may understand the unique selling proposition and how to improve it (Berry, 2012). Opportunities and threats are related with the external environment which shows the situation outside of the company or organisation. Here, the factors tend have to be in future. Factors here are relating with markets opportunities fashions, trends, seasonability, politics, society, competitors and every other external factor which influence the company. With understanding of opportunities company is able to exploit the external factors to its advantage. Threats are negative factors that may challenge the company`s performance (Berry, 2012). 5. External analysis This chapter explains the external environment analysis PEST. The chapter is divided into four sub charters. Firstly, sub chapter 5.1 will give the Political factors, which influence the BASF Company. Secondly, 5.2 illustrate Economic factors. Thirdly, 5.3 show Social factors. Finally, sub chapter 5.4 analyzes Technological factors which influence the company. 5.1 Political factors There are some political factors, which influence BASF Chemical Company. One of these factors is a common initiative for a sustainable chemicals industry has launched by European Union in 2005 year. This factor has a positive effect on BASF, because the mission of the company is to create chemicals for sustainable future. This political factor gives opportunity to the company to make more innovations with collaboration on European Union. The negative political factor for the company is unfavorable political environment. In European Union there are different laws and regulations about Genno- modified products and some molecule products. For these reason USA is more favorable market for these kinds of products (Thomas, 2005). 5.2 Economical factors One of the results from present credit crisis is reduced consumption of customers. This is strong factor, which influence BASF Company. It makes the future more unstable and precariously. Only the best companies with the best products could keep their market`s place. The second economic factor which influences BASF is increasing energy prices. It is negative because it could damage chemicals industry competitiveness further. On the other hand, there is increasing competition from new economic powers, such as China. To avoid these negative factors, BASF Company could orientate to different markets, such as Africa and Middle East (Thomas, 2005). 5.3 Social factors In chemical`s industry is very complicated to find new well educated faces. The reason is the fact that young people choose other careers in different branch. Young talents in chemical`s branch, which are well educated require very high remuneration and good working conditions. BASF Company is working to improve matters. Flexible working time is one of decisions of the problem. On this way could be attached qualified labour (Thomas, 2005). 5.4 Technological factors For BASF Company the technological innovations are very important. The main reason is that technological innovations gives opportunity to the company to make products better, and to add new products in company`s portfolio. The company is focus of solutions for sustainable future, and definitely innovations are the key point for it. At all, the global technology platforms act as partners in product development (Thomas, 2005). 6. Internal analysis 6.1 McKinsey seven S framework To start, for BASF like as world`s leading chemistry company is very important to strengthen its position on the market. To achieve this goal, company has to focus their business on customer`s needs and demands. In chemistry market, and for company, which do not produce product for the final consumer is required to focus on innovation, to create new products and functionalized materials, and to find new solutions for more sustainable future. These things are very important too, for the other aim of the company, which is to increase year`s profit with average four percent per year, and to grow two percentage points faster than global chemical production (Interview, Appendix 1) (BASF, 2012). The structure of BASF Company is a Matrix structure. The Matrix organizational structure divides authority both by functional area and project area. In BASF there is Board of Executive Directors which consist eight members. They are responsible for the management of the company. The Board of Executive Directors regularly reports to The Supervisory Board. Supervisory Board consist 12 members, six shareholders representative elected by the Annual meeting and six members appointed by the representative body of the employees. Every country and every different department in BASF Company has a chief, who are supervise from the Chairman of the management board Kurt Bock (Interview, Appendix 1) (BASF, 2012). The company systems are very important for the business and for good done work. BASF has an own marketing department in every country where the company is located. In addition, they have supporting marketing agency outside the company, which helps them to develop the motives and the way BASF wants to present itself to the customers. Like a chemicals company, BASF use only trait media for advertising home personal care magazines or euro- cosmetic magazine, which are special magazines for cosmetic market. To exist and to be successful a big company like BASF is necessary to have fixed rules and good communication between different departments. Primary method within the company to discuss the problems and development in the market are manager`s meetings. The complicated structure of the company determined the need from daily meetings of the leader figures in the organization, much that the other companies (Interview, Appendix 1) (BASF, 2012). One of BASF`s goals is to make rules and system more common in the different countries. The leader style in the company allows to employees to share their ideas about innovations. Every idea on issue placed by some of employees is consider, but the main decision is always taken by The Supervisory Board. In the same time, the management style is people oriented, one of the most important things for the company is to understand consumer needs, and to create values for them (Interview, Appendix 1) (BASF, 2012). BASF is company with almost 200  000 employees. Every day in Germany for BASF works 54  000 employees. They work in different departments but the responsibility for their work is taken by managers of every department. There are a lot of frameworks and guides which are coming from the central department, and which are common for every employee. The employees have to respect the rules and framework given by the main department. Rewards and warnings in the company depend from Human Resource Department. There is not something special within the company, they fallow the legal system. Every employee has a set of target which is called employee dialogue. This makes management style in the company open for ideas from employees. Employee dialogue gives opportunity to employees to talk about the goals which they are achieving in the year and to share new ideas. The incentive system in the company is connected with reward as money bonuses for well done job (Interview, Appendix 1) (BASF, 201 2). BASF Company, as company which do not produce product for the final customers, it is very important to makes products better, healthier and safer than competitors. The reason is that the end consumer never seen and could not understand that BASF Company is better than competitors, and cannot contrast them. The most important thing for the company are innovations, this is the only way that company can be unique and distinctive from competitors. The Company spending a lot of money every year to make research, which helps to find new opportunities for development. In the same time, the company makes everything possible to have products which are already developed and to make them successful on the market. The main question for BASF is to understand better than competitors what are exactly consumer`s needs and to be ready to satisfy these needs on time (Interview, Appendix 1) (BASF, 2012). The core value of BASF is to create chemistry for sustainable future. To achieve its goals BASF tries to be a company with innovative products, intelligent solution of problems and good service departments. The company strives to be the world most widespread supplier in the chemical industry and to generate high return of its assets. It wants to reach these intentions without harming the environment and nature (Interview, Appendix 1) (BASF, 2012). 6.2 Interconnection of the seven S To start, for BASF like as world`s leading chemistry company is very important to strengthen its position on the market. For achieve its goal for the Company is necessary to make its products better than competition and to has high quality of its services. For this helps The Matrix organisational structure and the management style of BASF, which is people oriented oriented to understand customers needs. The company is focus on innovations and every decision for a new idea is taken by The Supervisory Board. For the company`s success is important to have good communication between the different departments and to have fixed rules. In BASF this is achieve with regular meetings of The Board of Executive Directors. The company strives to be the world most widespread supplier in the chemical industry and to generate high return of its assets. For these goals, company has to employ highly qualified staff. Moreover, the leader system of the company is focuses to encourage the employees to share their new ideas. For this, the company use so called Employee dialogue. On the other hand, the company has to invest in researches. The RD department is responsible to find new market opportunities for BASF. The main mission of BASF is to create chemicals for sustainable future. For this goal helps the good organisation structure, cooperation between departments. On the other hand, very important are employees and the way they are managed. Very important are innovations and the style of the company. All of these things determined the current situation of the company and its future position and development of the market. 7. SWOT overview First, BASF Company is one of the leading chemicals company in the world. This factor gives chance to the company, to manage the big part of the market and to have hard influence on smaller chemicals companies. Moreover, as so international and big company BASF has a lot of production sides around the world. One of the company`s strengths are production sides, so called Verbund sides. These sides have really good conglomerates of the production. This conglomeration allows, every kind of product produced within the company, to be used in the most efficient way. Different materials produced in one department of the company, can be used in another one, which means that the BASF Company produce raw materials which use in its own production. Besides, this allows to the company, to produce a lot of different materials and products, to make innovations in this sector and to create more value for the customers than competitors (YouSigma 2011). Second, BASF Company has a huge profit in the last year. Nevertheless, in the last few years is observed declining earnings in several business segments, which is one of the company`s weakness. There are several reasons about this fact. The firs reason, is one of the company threats, is the Economic slowdown in the European Union Region, which is due of the present credit crisis. The credit crisis in these days covers and influence, both small and in the same way huge companies like BASF. The other reason is that people in European Union have possibility to choose between hundred different products. Here the competition is really strong and the market in Europe is developed till maximum. One of company opportunities is to rising commodity chemicals market in regions like Africa, Asia Pacific and Middle East. These are the growth regions of the future, for almost every kind of industry, because the growth rate of profit in future in European countries would not be so high. The other o pportunity for the company is always to develop new products and new ideas (YouSigma 2011). Figure 2: SWOT analysis table Location of factor Favorable Unfavorable Internal Strengths Leading chemical company Concept of Verbund Variety of products Weaknesses Decrease earning in some countries Less expenditure for RD External Opportunities Product innovations Expand the business in Africa, Asia and Middle East Threats Laws and regulations Economic slowdown in European Union 8. Conclusion BASF is international company, which is leader in chemical market. The company production is separated in six different departments and its market is oriented in f

Essay --

Plato: Republic: By Allan Bloom In the Plato’s Republic mainly discuses the idea of what justice is. The answer to this question has a variety of answers according to the Republic, which makes it very interesting. Throughout this book, you will be driven in many directions of what justice is. Some may the answer is to primarily is doing the right thing. The main issue comes from about is whether to try and be just at the expense of staying poor, or lie, or even use the very unjust means to get what one wants in life. The main point of the book is a man who tries to be very just, may spend life wandering in the streets in search for money, while the man who lies to get their way, will be rich. This essay looks at the Thrasymachus’s concept of and the Socrates’s concept of justice. The essay also looks at the author thinks that the unjust man will be happier that the just man. It explores the reasons why the concepts are right or wrong. In book one, Thrasymachus definition of justice is, â€Å"the advantage of the stronger† (341d). His view on justice that justice always gives more authority and rule to people who are already in power. The argument that Thrasymachus makes is difficult to understand. His statement may make one believe that the people who are being ruled are considered to act right when their actions are going towards benefiting the rulers. You can also make an interpretation that the ruling class acts fairly by doing things that will benefit them. The confusion comes because Thrasymachus expresses his belief that, when the ruling classes do things that is geared towards benefiting them, they are acting unfairly. In his quote he says â€Å"advantage to the stronger†, which means Thrasymachus is arguing the concerns of justice... ...ons of the people. Socrates brings out the argument that the leaders do whatever they do for the interests of the people. The leaders are stronger than the citizens, the leaders should consider the people as their bosses and work for them. This explains why Socrates accepts that everything the leaders say or do. They do things with the interests of the others. As Socrates argues, leaders are not in power to benefit them. They are in power to serve the interests of the people who put them to those positions. In conclusion, the concept of justice defined by Thrasymachus and Socrates has opposing views. Thrasymachus views justice as making one unhappy. He says that lying and stealing is a way out. On the contrary, Socrates brings out justice as a pure of the soul. Socrates reflects the wishes of the society while Thrasymachus reflects a society that has rotten values.

Subdivisions and American Agriculture Essay -- Geography USA Essays Pa

Subdivisions and American Agriculture Across Wyoming and the West, you can see miles and miles of undeveloped land. However, in the next 100 years will that be true? This once-frontier land has had massive growths in population. For retired people, the West and Midwest are becoming more attractive due to the cheap land that is less populated. Subdivisions are moving farther and farther out into the country. From 1990 to 1995, the counties in the Rocky Mountain region increased three times faster than the rest of the United States (Theobald, Miller, and Hobbs 26). Due to this increase, other areas in the environment have been negatively affected. Numerous problems have surfaced as a result of 5 acre plots. Wildlife habitats have been disturbed through construction. In conjunction with the disturbance of wildlife, plant population and landscape have also been removed and disturbed. The recent building increases have also sparked arguments over water rights and ground water. From â€Å"Ranching the View: Subdivisions versus Agriculture,† the authors suggest subdivisions can have profound impacts on rural areas. This is primarily due to the organization of the subdivisions to gain the most housing sites possible, the subdivisions have been arranged into small plots. The houses then take up a large amount of acreage and are compacted. However, separately each individual plot is around 5 acres. And this is especially relevant if the subdivisions are located near protected areas. With an increase in human population more housing is needed. Valuable farmland, range land, and grassland have been constructed into subdivisions. Besides the subdivision layout problem, subdivisions also bring roads, fences, wells, lawns, and buildings. Ano... ...tion biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology 9.2 (1995): 459-461. Agricola. 29 March 2007. http://search.ebscohost.com. Radeloff, Volker C., Hammer, Roger B., and Susan I. Stewart. "Rural and Suburban Sprawl in the U.S. Midwest from 1940 to 2000 and Its Relation to Forest Fragmentation." Conservation Biology 19.3 (2005): 793-805. Academic Search Premier. 28 March 2007. http://search.ebscohost.com. Theobald, D.M., Miller, J.R., and N.T. Hobbs. â€Å"Estimating the cumulative effects of development on wildlife habitat.† Landscape and Urban Planning 39 (1997): 25-36. 29 March 2007. http://search.ebscohost.com. Veech, Joseph A. "A Comparison of Landscapes Occupied by Increasing and Decreasing Populations of Grassland Birds." Conservation Biology 20.5 (2006): 1422-1432. Academic Search Premier. 29 March 2007. http://search.ebscohost.com.

Free Essay on Symbols and Symbolism in The Scarlet Letter - The Symbolic Letter :: Scarlet Letter essays

The Highly Symbolic Scarlet Letter Hyatt Waggoner, a noted Hawthorne scholar, says, "The Scarlet Letter is Hawthorne's most widely read and admired novel and is also the one that has inspired the most inconclusive debate . . ." (Waggoner 118). Much of the trouble in interpreting The Scarlet Letter stems from the fact that the story is highly symbolic. The Scarlet Letter opens with the stark image of the throng of people surrounding the prison door. Hawthorne creates a mood by using the, "sadcolored," garment and, "gray, steeplecrowned hats," to give the reader a feeling a gloom and sadness. Among these dark, sad images Hawthorne interjects the wild red rose. As Hawthorne puts it, "to symbolize some sweet moral blossom, that may be found along the track, or relieve the darkening close of a tale of human frailty and sorrow" (McMichael, 1033). The prison is symbolic of moral evil which would be sin and the cemetery is a symbol of natural evil which would be death. It is commonly agreed that the colors are used extensivly in The Scarlet Letter as symbols. This is illustrated by the scene by the prison door, but the use and importance of the symbol grows as the book moves along. Pearl, is often identified with the color red, which Waggoner identifies as evil. Pearl is not an evil child in the true sense of the word, but she is a reflection of her parent's immorality and their love. The color red, along with images of bright glow show Pearl to be the product of a moment of passion between Hester and Dimmesdale. Just like the red rose at the start of the story, Pearl is meant to relieve the sorrow and misery. The most famous symbol is of course the scarlet letter itself. Called, "The Elaborate Sign," by Waggoner, the letter A exhibits itself a number of times and in a number of ways throughout the story. The A may appear on Dimmesdale's chest, it appears as Pearl, in the sky as a huge letter formed by a comet; in the mirror at the Governor's mansion; and on Hester's tombstone (McMichael 1150). The letter itself is red, which at first glance would seem to confirm Mr. Waggoner's theory that red in the story is a representation of evil. A case can be made, however, that even in the letter A that red is symbolic of hope and spirit.

Life on the planet Essay

Water is a vital element for the survival of life on the planet. In human beings, water comprises fifty to seventy percent of an adult’s body weight. In humans the abstinence from water results in death in a few days. Water is lost from the human body loses due to urination, sweating and respiration. The body’s water content has to be maintained by regular intake of water and people who fail to consume sufficient water become dehydrated. They develop headaches, tiredness and loss of concentration. Persistent dehydration results in serious health problems such as constipation and gall bladder stones (Hicks, 2005). The human body gets water from water in the pure form and beverages, solid foods such as fruits and vegetables and through the chemical processes in the body. According to the British Dietetic Association, an average adult must consume at least two and half liters of water per day. Of this, nearly two liters should be through beverages. During summer the intake of water has to be increased. Physical activities also require the consumption of more water. It is the major ingredient of all juices and carbonated drinks contain sixty five percent, diluted squashes eighty six percent and fruit juices ninety percent water. However, drinking plain water is the most effective means of compensating for depleted body fluids (Hicks, 2005). Water is the chief element of human body and its essential nutrient. In fact, a human being can survive without food for a considerable period of time but cannot survive for more than a week without water. Water is essential for breathing as it bedews oxygen and supplies it to every cell in the body. Water makes the skin more shiny and supple. It controls the body temperature and discards toxins and other waste material from the body. It distributes important nutrients throughout the body and helps in removing waste materials from the kidneys and the large intestine. The digestive mechanism is enhanced by water and it is essential for the development and maintenance of good muscle tone. It protects and cushions vital organs and acts like a lubricant for the joints by contributing to the special fluids which protect bones from friction and erosion. Water increases the activity of the brain and improves mental quickness in reflex responses (Dr. Susan Kleiner Ph. D. ). Water is a vital nutrient which contributes to every function of the body. It acts as a vehicle in transporting essential nutrients to the cells and waste material out of them. Water is necessary for the functions of digestion, absorption, circulation and excretion and for the absorption of water – soluble vitamins. It is essential for regulating the body temperature (Functions of Water in the Human Body). The water in saliva allows foods to slide smoothly down the esophagus and the watery fluids dissolve enzymes, hormones and coenzymes. Water acts as a solvent for waste materials like urea, carbon dioxide and other electrolytes in the body. It plays a major role in Hydrolysis in which water molecules divide into hydrogen H+ and hydroxyl OH- ions. This chemical process forms the basis for the reaction of substances in the human body. For instance, sucrose is hydrolyzed into fructose and glucose. Moreover, water serves as a catalyst in intercellular reactions and maintains the electrolyte balance in the body (Water in the Body). Insufficient water results in dehydration, formation of kidney stones and particularly in women, urinary tract infections. Its scarcity affects physical and mental performance and the function of the salivary glands. Dehydration causes kidney function disorders, harmful changes in hormonal levels, chronic illness and limited mobility (Dehydration). Electrolytes are obtained from food and are absorbed in the intestines. The kidneys maintain the required electrolyte levels in the body. These electrolyte levels are affected by diseases and dehydration. Potassium, the chief cation in the intracellular fluid, plays an important role in activating enzymes and processing and retaining carbohydrates. It acts as medium for transmitting nerve impulses to the heart and skeletal muscles. Its deficiency leads to major health problems. Its depletion is caused by the use of diuretics like thiazides that are used in the treatment of hypertension and heart ailments, excessive perspiration, repeated enemas, trauma, diabetes, diseases of the intestinal tract and disease of the kidney due to the use of tetracycline and excessive intake of licorice. The loss of potassium causes weak pulse, faint heart sounds, low blood pressure and fatigue. Loss of large amounts of potassium results in death (Hecht, 1986). Magnesium is another electrolyte that is present in the intracellular fluid. It helps in muscle contraction, nerve transmission and acts as catalyst for enzymes. Deficiency of magnesium results from an improper diet, diarrhea, steatorrhea, alcoholism, diabetes, pancreatitis, damage of kidneys and diuretics. Functional disorder of kidneys raises the magnesium levels of the body and persons with kidney ailments have to avoid laxatives and antacids, which contain magnesium. This is due to the fact that excessive levels of magnesium lead to depressed reflexes, paralysis of muscles and decreased respiration (Hecht, 1986). Sodium is another important cation in the extracellular fluids, whose main function is to maintain the body’s fluid balances. Low sodium body levels result from dehydration, sweating, the use of diuretics and diarrhea, which result in muscular weakness, anxiety and convulsions. Inadequate water intake and malfunction of the kidneys increases the sodium concentration. Depletion of sodium levels in the body result in dry mucous membranes, flushed skin, rise in body temperature, dry eyes and un – sated thirst (Hecht, 1986). Chloride is the major anion of the extracellular fluid. It is important for muscle contraction, balancing the fluid levels in the cells and maintaining the acid – base balance of extracellular fluid. In order to prevent the accumulation of bicarbonate, there should be a sufficient supply of chloride ions (Hecht, 1986). Calcium is present in the extracellular fluid and is important for nerve impulse transmission, contraction of muscles and the clotting of blood. It mainly exists in the body in the non – ionized state in the bones and the teeth. Pancreatitis, chronic kidney disorders and the surgical removal of the parathyroid tissue decrease the ionized calcium levels. Insufficient calcium levels cause abdominal and muscle cramps, tingling of the finger tips, numbness and overactive reflexes. Excessive calcium levels in the body cause a significant loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, kidney stones and body pains (Hecht, 1986). Alcohol induces water loss by suppressing the production of the anti – diuretic hormone vasopressin, which works on kidneys to concentrate urine by increasing the reabsorption of water and electrolytes into the body. Suppression of this hormone results in the increased loss of body fluid through urination leading to dehydration. Alcohol – induced loss of water also results in the loss of magnesium, potassium, calcium and zinc, which are essential for maintaining the fluid balance of the body and muscular activity. Researchers in the UK studied the effect of alcohol on hydration and electrolyte balance after exercise – induced dehydration. They found that the volume of urine produced in the consequent six hours of rehydration had increased on par with the intake of alcohol. However, the rate of increase of the blood plasma during rehydration was considerably slower (Hamilton). Coffee and tea are rich in caffeine or trimethyl xanthine. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. It blocks the binding of adenosine with the nerve cells, which enhances nerve activity and leads to the release of epinephrine. It also increases the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The ergogenic properties of caffeine promote lesser muscle activity by reducing glycogen thereby allowing more calcium into muscle cells, which would enhance the power of muscle activity. Caffeine is a diuretic and in higher doses results in heavy water loss through urination. It also increases the blood flow to the kidneys and reduces the reabsorption of sodium by the body (Hamilton). Dehydration is prevented by drinking eight glasses of water per day and abstaining from caffeinated drinks and alcoholic beverages. The common cause of dehydration is due to the loss of fluids from body as a result of gastrointestinal ailments, diarrhea and vomiting. In order to compensate for the lost fluids large amounts of water and fruit juices have to be consumed. Wearing loose fitting clothes keeps the body cool and prevents sweating. Those who participate in sports, have to drink water and fruit juices at regular intervals. Moreover, people should avoid the consumption of coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages, because they act like diuretics (Gavin, 2006). In the absence of adequate hydration, true health remains a chimera. The minimum daily intake of water has been stated to be half as many ounces as there are pounds in one’s body weight. The reason for this is that in order to function properly and optimally, every organ in the body requires water to a major extent. A human being’s body consists mostly of water and in its absence life is not possible. References Dehydration. (n. d. ). Retrieved June 30, 2007, from http://www. betterhealth. vic. gov. au/bhcv2/bhcarticles. nsf/pages/Water_a_vital_nutrient? open Dr. Susan Kleiner Ph. D. , R. (n. d. ). Health & Hydration . Retrieved June 30, 2007, from http://www. calistogawater. com/health/ Functions of Water in the Human Body. (n. d. ). Retrieved June 30, 2007, from http://www. resultsproject. net/water_functions. html Gavin, M. L. (2006, January). Dehydration. Retrieved June 30, 2007, from http://www. kidshealth. org/teen/safety/first_aid/dehydration. html Hamilton, A. (n. d. ). Caffeine dehydration : Caffeine and alcohol – just how dehydrating are they? Retrieved June 30, 2007, from http://www. pponline. co. uk/encyc/caffeine-dehydration. htm Hecht, A. (1986, January 1). ELECTROLYTES. Retrieved June 30, 2007, from Electrolytes; the charge in the body’s power system. : http://www. encyclopedia. com/doc/1G1-4293240. html Hicks, R. (2005, September). Why do we need water? Retrieved June 30, 2007, from bbc. co. uk: http://www. bbc. co. uk/health/healthy_living/nutrition/drinks_water. shtml Water in the Body. (n. d. ). Retrieved June 30, 2007, from http://www. dehlgroup. com/wbody. html