The Guardian but left out of the Mirror Essay Example for Free

The withstander but left out of the Mirror EssayThe Guardian has re on the wholey included as much information as it can on this story. The content is detailed and more(prenominal) involved than that which is in the Mirror, so that the reader gets a cle ber and broader view of what is going on. There is now a debate over whether it a draft of the weapons report should be released to the Congress over the next fortnight, as has been widely expected, is an example of a fact which has been included in the Guardian but left out of the Mirror. If all you need to know is that the government know failed to find any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, then you solitary(prenominal) need to read the Mirror which outlines all the major aspects of the story in an accessible manner. But if you argon rattling interested or involved with the upshot of the war in Iraq, then the Guardian is more informative. Both reports are generally geared towards a disapproving or mocking none towar ds the British and American governments because of the claims that they have made and not been able to back up.The Mirror is less strong about this, but they both imply that Tony Blair has been given a run for his money over the question of whether we went to war with Iraq on false assumptions, which it now appears the government were just using as an excuse to back up their actions. The Guardian uses a quote from David Albright, a former UN weapons inspector Its clear that the US and British governments wildly exaggerated the case for going to war Im not surprised, given how incompetent this search has been.Theyve had bad relations with the Iraqi scientists from the start because they treated them all as criminals. Because the article in the Mirror is shorter and contains less information, there are fewer quotes or facts which make the report seem biased. The political opinion of the paper is less obvious in the text. Apart from the WMD-Ometer joke, which is ricketyly fun-poking rather than politically expressive, the article is only mildly opinionated and generally just gives the reader the necessary facts.It would appear that the reporter was writing for a paper which did not have a very strong political view on the matter and did not want to force an opinion onto its readers either, expect for the inevitable general feeling of disappointment and irony. The Mirror does not expect its readers to formulate political and philosophical arguments and opinions by reading the article. They want to give the reader basic facts and concentrate more on the emotional and funny side of things.Political bias in the Guardian is present but subtle, so that it does not appear to be persuade its audience but merely informing them from a certain angle. It is now very easy to see how different newspapers handle their stories differently according to the readership at which they are aiming. While some people want to be able to pick up a cheap, attention grabbing newspaper f or an easy read, crews of light human interest stories and minimal heavy news, some people prefer a paper which goes into more detail about the more controversial issues in the news and doesnt bother with gossipy, irrelevant stories.Of course it also depends on your mood, and when and where you are going to be reading the paper. People usually prefer to have bank bill papers like the Guardian delivered to them or to buy it from a local shop, so that they can sit and read it at home over a meal or when they have nothing else to do. Smaller more accessible newspapers like the Mirror are more suitable for reading on the set off or early in the morning on the way to work or school while you are really not in a mood for mind-consuming activities such as reading a difficult and in-depth article.The Metro, a free tabloid paper available every morning from any capital of the United Kingdom Underground station, is a perfect example of this. It is mass produced every day and issued out for free, so it is made sure that the Metro is readable for absolutely anyone who is travelling on the Underground and has nothing else to read. It is also provided as a way to occupy the travellers so that they dont have to look at to each one other, as sociable harmony on the Tube is not exactly very comfortable.The Guardian is more expensive so you would only really buy it if you were intending to read all or most of it, whereas with the cheaper tabloid papers you can flick through them as a way of occupying yourself when you have nothing better to do, and you want immediate impact for less time, money and concentration. Information in the larger, more expensive papers is more thorough, but slowly assimilated. Tabloids tend to contain more assumption and exaggeration to make the story seem more extreme and therefore more exciting for the reader.Language is fairly simple but expressive verbs are used to make the events seem more real. Usually tabloids focus more on the human elemen t of their stories, in order to draw emotions from the reader and relieve them interested. Although the language used and the structure and presentation of broadsheet newspapers seems to be aimed at more intelligent people and vice versa, it probably isnt entirely fair or accurate to say that more intelligent people read the Guardian and stupid, dumb people read the Mirror.Obviously this is true in a lot of cases, but the two papers are written for different purposes and occasions, and not necessarily just for different types of people. You ordain find that a lot of very intelligent people read tabloids for convenience and enjoyment, and similarly some less intelligent people who do not especially enjoy reading will read a broadsheet if there is an issue going on which they are particularly concerned with and want to follow in more depth.Also, although (we blaspheme that) facts in newspapers are accurate, and quotations and statistics are genuine the ways in which they are dealt with depend very much on the newspapers own viewpoint. Especially with broadsheet papers, each one tends to support a certain political party, and the angles that they take on their stories are biased towards this.Papers cannot be objective, even if they try to be, because all the articles are written and put together by people, who have their own feelings and opinions about whatever they are writing about. People who buy newspapers regularly get into the vesture of reading the one whose attitude is most similar to their own. This is why there is sometimes jokey controversy between readers of differently opinionated newspapers, and papers are classify according to which political party they are biased towards.There are many different ways in which the media can convey news and pastime to the public, and you can see this very clearly in the different types of newspapers and news articles that people write. Just like any other piece of writing, newspapers are not just written to in form but to persuade, to entertain, to advertise, to advise, and, in varying degrees of subtlety, to instruct. It is very important to be able to consider carefully the type of newspaper you are reading from and be aware of how it is aiming to affect its readers.

Video game industry

Video spirited industrySony Computer Entertainment Ltd. Versus Nintendo Ltd.For many years, video game industry has played a key role in the growth of economicals of some counties. Both Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) and Nintendo argon two representatives of this industry and they also are the main competitors in this fierce market. previous(prenominal) research has shown that SCE had dominated the video game console market since Playstation2 launched with 138 one thousand million unit sales (Plunkett, 2009). Nintendo however occupy much marketing share after their new generation game console Wii and Nintendo Dual Screen (NDS) succeeded in this industry. This essay will compare and contrast SCE and Nintendo in several aspects and this paper which found on secondary resources without exclusive information. Therefore, it will begin via discussing the characteristics of point of intersection produced by these two companies, subsequently a discussion concerning price factors bet ween the products of two corporations, for examples the emergence cost and price of software. Finally, this essay will focus on the marketing share and sales.Nintendo is a multinational corporation founded on 23 September, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi which producing handsewn hanafuda cards. Then the family had tried several small businesses before they developed into a video game company, for example as a cab company and love hotel (Nintendo, 2009a). Consequently, Takenaka (2007) points out Nintendo became lacquers third most valuable listed company by developing game console and software, with a market value of over 85 billion USD. Nintendo on the other hand is the majority owner of the Seattle Mariners, a Major League Baseball team. Unlike Nintendo, SCE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony which was established on 16 November, 1993 for handling the Research and Development, production and sales of both hardware and software for Playstation (SCE, 2009). SCE currently has three ma in headquarters around the world Japan which controls operations in Asia USA and UK response to control operation in North America and Europe one by one.SCE and Nintendo have their own way to innovating for making their product attractive in order to surviving in the competitive market. Therefore, according to the announcements about new consoles of SCE in 2004 and 2006, Playstation Portable (PSP) and Playstation3 has launched in 12 December 2004 and 11 November 2006 respectively. People were amazed about the high technology in the hardware of the two consoles, for instance, PS3 has built-in Blu-Ray Disc (BD) player and cell processor, and PSP has UMD disc player and 3D image processor. BD is the new standard of disc which has enough space to save the high definition media files. As a result, the software launched for PS3 and PSP, particularly video games evolved by fantastic screen. Unlike SCE, Nintendo did not invest much to develop disruptive technology in order to improving the hardware but creating new game style. The product features of Wii are the motion sensitive remote and NDS with touch screen and internal microphone. Therefore, most of software launched on Nintendo console has bring the features in to the full play. For instance, the Wii Fit is the education program about Yoga and it is suitable for people who want learn yoga at home, especially ladies. Furthermore, My Word Coach DS and SekainoGohan Shaberu DS are the software for teaching user language and cooking respectively.While, Nintendos product no matter consoles and software are considerably cheaper than SCEs. The significant brand image of SONY and the pricy latest technology for consoles determine SCEs product is expensive. There were two hardware configurations announced for PS3 in E3 2006 a 20GB model and a 60GB model, initially priced at 499 USD and 599 USD respectively (IGN, 2006). Furthermore, PSP is the low venture of SCE in the pocket game console market with price skimming stra tegy too. The price of the base model in first announcement of it was 19800 yen about 181 USD in 2004 (IGN, 2004). Then, in accordance with appendix 1(Curmudgeon Gamer, 2007), the table reveals the comparison of the average game price between DS and PSP in Mid-Nov 2006 and Mid-Apr 2007 respectively. The trends of average game price for PSP and DS both were experienced a decreased during that period of time. Besides, the average game price of PSP is more expensive than DS by 2-3 USD per game. However the price of Nintendos consoles wii and NDS are much lower than PS3 and PSP. Compared with PS3, the Wii launched in United States in November 2006 at 249.99 USD nearly half of PS3 (Sanders and Casamassina, 2006). Moreover, according to Harris (2004) Nintendo announced the NDS would be released in North America in November, 2004 for 149.99 USD.Nintendo already had occupied much more marketing share than SCE with the successful strategy and the attractive features of consoles. Although SCE had invested significant financial backing of money for developing their new generation game console.Sony released its life-to-date sales for the PS3 and PSP. As of June 30, 2009, the high-powered and relatively high-priced console had sold 23.8 million units worldwide since its November 2006 launce.(Thorsen, 2009 no page)Thorsen (2009), also cited in the Game Spot, The PSP, which launched in 2004 (Japan) and 2005 (all other territories), had sold 55.9 million units as of the end of Sonys last fiscal quarter. On the contrary, Nintendo (2009b, pp9) reported NDS and Wii had sold 107.75 million units and 52.62.million units since it launched to the June, 09 respectively. Moreover, appendix 2 illustrates the sales of the four game consoles in the three main markets (Japan, United Kingdom and United States). To sum up, the purpose of this essay is to shine up some main differences and similarities between SCE and Nintendo, it has been seen that even though SCE and Nintendo produce the same types of products, they have the different way on designing their products and expanding their business. In terms of evaluating the considerateness of the two corporations it has emerged from the discussion above that Nintendo occupied much more market share and it is in a stronger financial position than SCE. Given the current economic climate, Nintendo therefore is the video game development company which would suffer the least economic loss.ReferencesBrightman.J (2008) Wii U.S. installed base now leads Xbox 360 by almost 2 million (Online) Retrieved from http//www.gamedaily.com/articles/ intelligence informationworthiness/wii-us-installed-base-now-leads-xbox-360-by-almost-2-million Assessed 24 October 2009Curmudgeon Gamer (2007) Nintendo DS vs. Sony PSP game pricing update (Online) Retrieved from http//curmudgeongamer.com/2007/04/nintendo-ds-vs-sony-psp-game-pricing.html Assessed 22 October 2009Famistu (2009) Revenue of Japan video game industry was almost 582.61 billion yens (In Japanese) (Online) Retrieved from http//www.famitsu.com/game/news/1221045_1124.html Assessed 24 October 2009Harris.C (2004) Official Nintendo DS launch details (Online) Retrieved from http//uk.ds.ign.com/articles/549/549919p1.html Assessed 23 October 2009IGN (2004) Japanese price and date set (Online) Retrieved from http//uk.psp.ign.com/articles/560/560947p1.html Assessed 22 October 2009IGN (2006) E3 2006 The final word on playstation (Online) Retrieved from http//uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/709/709973p1.html Assessed 22 October 2009Kiyoshi Takenaka (2007) UPDATE 2-Nintendo sets $85 bln high score, thanks to Wii, DS (Online) Retrieved from http//www.reuters.com/article/companyNewsAndPR/idUST30751820071015 Assessed 10 November 2009Martin, M (2009) Console installed base reaches 22m in UK (Online) Retrieved from http//www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/console-installed-base-reaches-22m-in-uk Assessed 24 October 2009Nintendo (2009a) Company History (In Japanese) (Online) Retrieved fr om http//www.nintendo.co.jp/ somatic/outline/index.html Assessed 21 October 2009Nintendo (2009b) Consolidated Financial Highlights pp9 (Online) Retrieved from http//www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2009/090730e.pdfpage=23 Assessed 24 October 2009Plunkett, L (2009) Sony talks Playstation lifetime sales, PSN revenue (Online) Retrieved from http//kotaku.com/5340392/sony-talk-playstation-lifetime-sales-psn-revenue Assessed 21 October 2009Sanders, K and Casamassina, M (2006) US Wii price, launch date revealed (Online) Retrieved from http//uk.wii.ign.com/articles/732/732669p1.html Assessed 23 October 2009SCE (2009) Company Profile (Online) Retrieve from http//www.scei.co.jp/corporate/index_e.html Assessed 21 October 2009SCE (2004) PSP enters the market on December 12, 2004 at 19,800 Yen in Japan (Online) Retrieved from http//www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/041027ae.pdf Assessed 22 October 2009SCE (2006) Playstation3 Launches on November 11, 2006 in Japan (Online) Retrieved from http//www.sc ei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/060509ae.pdf Assessed 22 October 2009Thorsen.T (2009) PS3 sales almost 24 million, PSP near 56 million (Online) Retrieved from http//uk.gamespot.com/news/6214693.html?om_act=convertom_clk=newstoptag=newstoptitle5 Assessed 24 October 2009

Plant and Animal Interactions in the Tropical Rainforest

Plant and Animal Interactions in the Tropical RainforestWhy argon animal- do interactions considered important in the establishment and maintenance of in high spirits biodiversity in tropical rain forests? Include specific examples in your answer.The study of plant-animal interactions has been a key eccentric in development of ecology hence it has been carried step to the fore for a long date. They ar also key constituents of biodiversity, which is termed as a variation of life diverseness in a particular ecosystem. Hence, with no diversity of antagonistic, mutualistic, comensalistic, and amensalistic interactions, ecosystems would simply stop functioning. Energy would not run between trophic levels, primary productiveness would not be able to become secondary productivity, and inorganic nutrients would not rotate. Because species interactions argon thought to be at the heart of many speciation events, they generate taxonomic and transmitted diversity with tight and diffuse co -evolution (Waser and Ollerton cc6).Biodiversity is described as a response to dynamic processes such as ecological, evolutionary and physical, enamourd by constant changes in time and space. Those changes consider species richness and their composition where the scale of them dissolve take a variety of forms. They tolerate be large such as changes in geologic time of tectonic plates (Crame 2001), variable such as global climate change or small such as topical anestheticized disturbance or heterogeneity (Jansen 1997). At each of these scales, biodiversity may be considered as a process that responses to biotic and abiotic factors rather than to static characteristics of a particular location. Biotic factors spate singly or in combination, directly or indirectly change biological diversity in tropical ecosystems. Using different examples across plant and animal taxa I will highlight plant- animal interactions that cause changes, as well as establish and maintain biodiversity within a rainforest.While studies concentrating on ecology and evolution atomic number 18 thought of dynamic processes, their impact into effects of biodiversity conservation has been dis mould case to debate. In normal, many conservation attempts open concentrated on protecting particular areas, habitats and hotspots. For instance, biodiversity in Yellowstone National Park varies keenly because of re-introduction of wolves. On the separate hand, the conservation of the park from location and/or habitat point of spatial relation has not altered. This suggests that (1) biotic interactions are the main reason for biological diversity (2) biotic interactions may be direct or indirect (Letourneau and Dyer 2005) and (3) biodiversity and biotic interactions may result in a variety of causes and effects.For centuries, scientists have studied the functions of top-down (predator-dependent) and bottom-up (resource-dependent) regulations in structuring biological communities. The concep t of trophic cascades engages indirect outcomes of top-down and bottom-up regulations, i.e. an alteration across one trophic level which indicates an alteration on a remote trophic level. Indirect outcomes involve modifications in biomass, abundance, qualification or biotic diversity. Trophic cascade hypothesis was first described by Hairston et al. (1960) who tell that the world is green due to predation which regulates herbivores, hence, making productivity of higher plants found in the community more efficient. Even though first research concentrated on community structures across terrestrial habitation, other studies are driven toward establishing freshwater and marine ecosystems constituents and cascade outcomes found in there (Brett and Goldman 1996). A study work outed by van Bael et al. (2003), which concentrated on a terrestrial habitat, illustrated that bird predation protected rainforest trees from arthropod foraging in the rearopy where floral productivity was high. The above findings may be a great indicator of high diversity occurring in the tropics nonetheless(prenominal)(prenominal), the hatefuling of how important top-down and bottom-up trophic cascades are is still a subject of a debate.Nowadays research have concentrated on the way top-down and bottom-up trophic cascades bottom function in botheration to structure community, change all over space, time and taxa, influence mechanisms and constituents of complex food webs and maintain heterogeneity and biodiversity in complex ecosystems (Letourneau and Dyer 2005). Any fluctuations in tropics biodiversity can be well-kept by a variety of direct trophic interactions. For instance, the species diversity of birds as predators can be dependent on food availableness for their course e.g. plants (German and Chacon de Ulloa 1997), or diversity of predatory arthropods can be shaped by herbivore diversity, which in turn is caused by plant abundance and diversity in a given habitat (Saiz et al. 2000).All ecosystems are retained by the interactions of various factors such as climatic changes, vegetation growth and the animals activities. Seed spreading is one of the most significant processes, influencing the structure and dynamics of the entire plant and animal communities. Biotic interactions in relation to beginning dissemination and associated with it species are succeeding(a) to be discussed.Many organisms contribute and provide a unique seed dispersal service in rain forests among which hierarchs, birds, crop roughened, mammalian carnivores and ground-dwelling large herbivores play a crucial consumption. Primates may contribute in multiple ways to the ecology of tropical rain forests. One of it, as mentioned above, is macrocosm a seed dispersal agent, hence being a frugivore. According to Chapman and Onderdonk (1998), the eventual loss of a particular plant species (large, with large seeds and thick, inedible hunks which can be only removed using hands or te eth) may be associated with the decline or topical anaesthetic extinction of primates. A typical seed dispersal make by primates involves dropping, spitting out or defecating seeds. Because seeds are generally hard to break and usually toxic, there is a tiny nonage of primates that is able to destroy them completely. From a seed point of view it is not a good idea to end up directly under(a) the fruiting tree where it has to compete with its siblings and parent. Also the accumulation of pests and diseases in there is higher. This is when primates, yet again, serve as helpers by dropping or spitting out seeds in different locations. There are numerous factors contributing and subtracting to seed dispersal when consider primates defecation. In overall, the main ones include attractiveness of primate faeces to seed-predating rodents and the abundance of faeces-burying dung beetles (Andresen 2002 Feer and Forget 2002).Whereas primates are very important seed dispersal agents for larg e plants, birds play a significant role in dispersal of plants with small fruits. Birds seem to be especially important in New Guinea and Australia (Jones and Crome 1990) where a lack of frugivorous mammals is the main threat. In general birds are not for long in the fruiting tree. Before they void the seed they usually move to another tree hence they disperse the seed effectively (Green 1993). For this reason they are considered to be one of the most important seed dispersal agents across tropics. Furthermore, fruit-eating birds may be divided depending on their diet. The more generalist feeders visit more trees. They have, therefore, the potential to be capable of wider dispersal (Green 1993). The cassowary is perhaps one of the crucial seed disperser of local rainforests. Until recently, over 200 rainforest plants have been find to be eaten by this bird (Kroon and Westcott 2001). One study discovered 78 species in cassowary faeces, with at least 70 of them being viable (Stocker and Irvine 1983). Many of the seeds appear undamaged and many of these are too large for other animals to disperse (Stocker and Irvine 1983). Although the bird itself is hard to see, its faeces can be common and prominent, and can have up to 1 kg of seeds (Stocker and Irvine 1983). Also, as a large animal, it has the potential to be efficient seed dispersal agents over larger distances. Thanks to radio-telemetry it was possible to show that cassowaries cover vast territories, sometimes of several kilometres, which may be done in one day (Kroon and Westcott 2001). Additionally, seeds can take more than 10 hours to pass the digestive system (Stocker and Irvine 1983), hence seeds are likely to be dispersed quite widely.Primates and large birds are great seed dispersal agents. As a result of that spatial distribution trees may increase greatly. A research suggests that tree distribution in the tropics depends on species methods of seed dispersal. The study by Seidler and Plotkin (2006) was done on 561 tree species in a lowland tropical forest in Malaysia. It was observed that trees with smaller fruit were less dispersed than trees with larger fruit. This may suggest that larger-bodied mammals and birds transmit the seeds of these tree species over larger distances.Bats are thought of less important but still meaningful seed dispersers. It could be said, they are wasteful as seed dispersal agents, because of depositing most seeds from the fruits they eat right heartfelt the angiosperms. Hence, the most successful seeds, in this case, would be the smallest ones as they can be swallowed and defecated or dropped during the flight. On the other hand, cockamamy are crucial for the pioneer shrubs and trees that are abundant in natural or human-made clearings, mainly localised in Neotropics. Recent studies by Melo and colleagues (2009) suggests that small-bodied bats (Artibeus watsoni) inhabiting Neotropics are assumed to play a trifling role in the dispersal of large-s eeded plants. They recorded at least 43 seed species around bat roosts and also suggested the pattern of species-specific abundance of seeds which influences seedling recruitment. These small frugivorous bats are especially important in regions where populations of large-bodied seed dispersers have been reduced or exterminated by hunting (Melo et al. 2009). some other example is a fruit bat (Chiroptera Pteropodidae) localised in a lowland Malayan rain forest. The study performed by Hodgkison and colleagues (2003) suggests that fruit bats did not have negative influence on seed viability. Further, they found that in 1 ha of old-growth forest 13.7 percent of trees at least in part depended on fruit bats for seed dispersal and/or pollination (Hodgkison 2003).Rat-kangaroos (Hypsiprymnodon moschatus) studied by Dennis (2003) are believed to be good seed dispersal agents in Australians tropical forests. They were found to perform similar behaviour to agoutis, acouchies and squirrels foun d elsewhere. Even they are the smallest cognize marsupials they are still able to disperse large numbers if fruits and seeds which can be done in two unique ways 1) by scatter-hoarding or 2) by dropping elsewhere.Another important factor influencing great biodiversity in tropics is pollination. It has been known for a very long time and firstly was described by Sprengel in 1793. Rain forest pollination, on the other hand, was first studied in the Neotropics (Roubik 1978 Bawa et al. 1985) where the most important pollinators were found to be bees, diverse insects and hummingbirds. They are excellent pollinators and a vast part of angiosperm diversity can be a result of their co-evolution. However, species such as bats, wasps, lemurs and even lizards are also vital pollinators. Studies performed by Corlett (2003) in the Oriental (Indomalayan) region suggests that, although these lowland forests are much less studied and known, they still express similar pattern as Neotropics. He foun d out that large solitary bees, moths, butterflies and vertebrates are less meaningful as pollinators than extremely social bees (especially Trigona and Apis species) and beetles (most likely to be the next crucial multitude).A study performed by Goulson and Derwent (2004), however, indicates that to be a pollinator it does not necessary mean to be beneficial to the ecosystem. They illustrated an example of an exotic weed, Lantana camara, and associated with it an exotic honeybee, Apis mellifera, inhabiting Queensland, Australia. This interaction, even though causing higher biodiversity across tropics, may equally bring losses and milieual degradation. Goulson and Derwent (2004) also pointed out that A. mellifera are possibly pollinators of many other weeds, both in Australia and elsewhere.Muchhala and colleagues (2009) studied impact of bats and birds on a roseola plant, Aphelandra acanthus, and its pollination. They observed that hummingbirds and bats could be compared in a ca se of pollination quantity whilst bats were the most effective in a case of quality. It was suggested that nearly 70 percent of A. acanthus was pollinated by bats themselves and since there is known 170 species of this genus the result is pretty impressive. This indicates that these angiosperms depend on bats pollination to a high degree.Another study carried out by Roubik (2000) shows that African honeybees, Apis mellifera, were the first exotic bees to invade Neotropics, where they interacted directly with approximately one-fourth of the floral population. These findings indicate that honeybees are a great indicator of a biodiversity formation and maintenance. By interacting with so many plants it can be predicted that the diversity of plant species may be slow preserved and upheld.Since plants and their pollinators are often in co-evolutionary mutualism, many research suggest that some insect species are associated and restricted to a particular plant species. Hence, there is y et another line of reasoning demonstrating that the biodiversity in tropics must be high in order to preserve all the co-evolving organisms. For this reason, some organisms relay on their mutualistic partners in order to survive. On the other hand, research proposed by Novotny and Basset (2005) suggests that a majority of species in herbivore populations found within tropics do not feed on a single species of plants when alternative hosts are accessible. Consequently, limits of host plants are likely to match with those of plant genera, rather than species or taxa. This illustrates an example that any way rain forests express high biodiversity and the way it is established.Another aspect shaping biodiversity across tropics arises when pitcher plants (Nepenthes gracilis) and their interactions with infauna are taken into consideration. The aquatic environment created by pitchers is very beneficial for organisms inhabiting it such as aquatic insects including mosquito or fly larvae. The inhabitants of the pitchers were split by Thienemann (1932) into three separate groups depending on their appearance inwardly pitchers i.e. 1) occasional visitors which originally belong to a different place 2) occasional visitors which may change environments continuously and 3) native inhabitants. Therefore, since the pitchers are, in general, only partly alter with liquid i.e. up to the waxy zone, there is a terrestrial fauna as well as an aquatic fauna (Lloyd 1942). Spiders, for instance, may take an returns of pitchers by building nets above or nearby the plants therefore foraging at the expense of the pitchers. For aquatic infauna including protozoa, desmids and diatoms, rotatoria, crustaceae and various larvae of Diptera inhabiting the pitchers means food put up because they feed on animal detritus found in there (Lloyd 1942). Further, the pitchers interior environment is beneficial for many forms of Diptera larvae since they lay their eggs inside. In the fluid (alwa ys diluted by rain) the larvae grow to maturity (Bradshaw and Lounibos 1977). Alas, the environment may not be totally beneficial for these organisms since it is also inhabited by ants which in a case of absence of crucial nutrients tend to feed upon mosquito larvae (Clarke and Kitching 1995). Occurrence of ants as inhabitants of tropical pitchers may be, in turn, beneficial for both organisms. This thesis is back up by a study proposed by Clarke and Kitching (1995). They revised ant-pitcher interactions in Borneo and concluded that pitchers habitat was great for ants to live in. The ants nested in the tendrils of the plant, and fed on the large prey items caught by the pitchers. Further, this relationship was also advantageous to pitchers because ants were removing an excess of prey which was accumulating inside the plant. This accumulation, if not removed, could lead to putrefaction of the contents and disruption of the pitchers digestive system (Clarke and Kitching 1995).Another study performed by Mogi and Yong (1991) proposed that aquatic arthropods, Diptera in particular, are able of coexistence in a single pitcher. Further, they stated that species belonging to the same trophic group commonly shared the same pitcher, because of the high occurrence probabilities of dominant species and positive associations between some taxa (mainly due to similar occupancies by pitcher age) (Mogi and Yong 1991). All these arguments may be a reasonable explanation why the abundance of species in pitchers followed by tropics is high.Yet another mechanism that drives biodiversity in tropics is maintained by herbivores and the impact they have on plant diversity. So far, at least five hypotheses have been proposed. First thesis was suggested by Janzen (1970) and Connell (1971) who have stated that richness of plant species might be established by herbivores feeding on postdispersal seeds and seedlings near adult plants and lower level far away. With such a pattern, any plan t species becoming abundant would be predated avoiding agonistic extermination. Second theory was proposed by McNaughton in 1985. He hypothesized that ungulates that grazed on the canopy scab species in the Serengeti could reduce plant species competition. Follow this idea, they would supply poorer competitors from the subcanopy with more sources, and, at the same time, they would diminish the loss of species through competitive elimination. Connell and Lowman (1989), who were authors of the third hypothesis, stated that inferior of herbivore predation on the abundant species might lead to monospecific tropical forests. Langenheim and Stubblebine (1983) introduced the forth thesis. They believed that in a case when herbivores would predate on certain conspecific chemical substance phenotypes seedling within this plant species might maintain nearby parent plants if they adequately vary in chemical profiles from their parent. In this way, predation could speed up competitive elimi nation in spite of Janzen-Connell idea about seed predation. On the other hand, it could also direct development of high genetic diversity within the aimed plant species. Fifth theory was announced by Connell in 1971. He stated that natural-enemy force (herbivores in this case) would be most successful. Also competitive elimination between plant species would be least expected in habitats with extremes of temperature and rainfall during the year i.e. lowland wet forests.In all above examples, herbivores control local plant diversity by decreasing the possibility of species loss through competitive elimination. It is vital, however, to think about the herbivores influence in a broader context. Mechanisms by which they can manipulate plant diversity in rainforests are worth to consider. Herbivores and their influence on competitive interaction is just one such mechanism. As an alternative, herbivores can have a direct impact on the existence of a plant species in a particular site by diminishing its local richness or completely removing it, independent of its competitive capability. More-indirect outcomes contain three pathways. First, herbivores might establish if a species appears at a given location by having an impact on its dispersal ability, and hence the possibility that it might emerge there. Second, once a seed has emerged at a given location, herbivores can have an influence on the physiological ability of the plant to determine, nurture and breed regarding the abiotic effects occurring in there. Third, herbivores might have an impact on emergence of species in a given site by decreasing its competitive capability.All in all, I believe I managed to introduce, explain and answer the topic motility broadly. By introducing a selection of different examples I tried to cover many plant-animal interactions. That is why I can conclude that the tropical forests are a great habitat and environment for a variety of different species to coexist and co-evolve. Fu rther, its favourable, warm, moisturised climate creates perfect developmental conditions for organisms to be able to persist and survive. However, one argument must not be omitted stating that tropical ecosystems may not be as biodiverse as previously thought (Novotny and Basset 2005). Hence, many comparisons between worldly and tropical zones should be taken into consideration to fully prove the idea. Nonetheless, from the number of organisms occurring within the tropics and their interactions it is easy to conclude that plant-animal interactions are tremendously important in order to preserve live in there. Moreover, because of different trophic cascades and food webs biodiversity has to be maintained at an extremely high level so all organisms appearing in tropics will be able to stay alive.Word count 3,289 words

Frigg Field Case Study

Frigg house Case StudyCUTTING AND REMOVAL OF syllabus FOUNDATIONSCallum Toole 201662274Antonios Poulis 201685557Marinos Mavroulis 201667892Abraham Ejiro Ibodje 2016531571.1 NORTH SEASince the first steel stoold jacket foundation (SPJF) was installed in the nitrogen Sea in 1967 there has been a total of 556 installed and 52 rush been decom commissioninged after operational use. The operational irrigate deepness of the coupling Sea varies as SPJF atomic number 18 split into small and large categories. Of the original 556 foundations 392 were installed in water depths of less than 55m leaving 164 foundations fliping to depths of 190m (Oil assail UK, 2012) (Offshore-mag, 2000).With oil and gas reserves depleting in this area more and more adeptnesss are applying for cease of production (CoP) to stick the decommissioning cycle. It has been estimated that over the next 25 years there pass on be 35bn spent on decommissioning activity in the North Sea alone (Decom North Sea, 2 014).1.2 CASE STUDY FRIGG FIELDThe Frigg Field is situated in the North Sea with 6 differing fixed foundation social organizations spread over UK and Norwegian blocks 10/1 and 25/1 respectively. These fixed foundations are a mixture of SPJF and Gravity Based Structures (GBS). For the remainder of this assignment the Frigg Field case study will only consider the doting and re relocation of DP2 an 8 leg SJPF which supported a drilling and production platform Figure 2, (Total, 2003).Key aspects of the Frigg Field DP2 to be considered areWater depth 98m (321.5ft)Production depth 1850m (6070ft)24 wells drilled in total for production20 original steel pile foundations (4 external at each corner leg and 4 internal at inner legs) (T Gram, 2011) at 60 diameter (Total, 2003)Jacket recovery via re-float proficiency after successful installation of perkiness and cutting of foundationsIn the North Sea, the selection of the ROV placement is vital to its success of the cutting and removal o f the DP2 jacket foundations. This is out-of-pocket to the ever-changing dynamic onshore environment that effect cutting, lifting and removal of subsea infrastructure.2.1 ROV UNITThe Oceaneering Millennium Plus (OMP) 220hp heavy work class ROV was selected for the cutting and removal of the Frigg DP2 foundations cod to its operational capabilities. The ROVs working class design allows for front assembled three-fold manipulators to be interactive with the task in hand. Weighing in at 4,000kg the OMPs dimensions are 3.31.71.9m (LxWxH) (Oceaneering, 2017).The depth capabilities of the ROV exceed the depth needed to fully operate in the North Sea conditions at the Frigg site as it is rated for up to depths of 3,000m. A main condition of the OMP is its station care abilities and dual hydraulic units of 110hp kinging 4 vectored horizontal and 4 vertical propulsion units. This allows for 2,000lbs of thrust to be utilise in the lateral, forward and void directions with a vertical t hrust of 2,800lbs.2.2 VISIBILITY TOOL INTERACTIONAnother main consideration of the ROV selected is its ability to interact clearly with tooling and structures at the water depth. This is do possible by the dual manipulators having 5 degrees of function which is powered by a 24V DC and 110V AC power supply on board. To successfully clear, cut and remove the 20 pile foundations the OMP is versatile enough to interact with heavy duty tools to do the jobs of dredging, cutting and use its manipulators to fit buoyancy backs within 15 mm tolerance for removal trading operations (Oceaneering, 2017) (Total, 2011).The OMP will be interacting with a standalone subsea hale and an External Cutting Tool when at operational depths. But similarly has the ability to be fitted with various skid pans if needed. The electroconvulsive therapy selected for the cutting operations of the pile foundations is an abrasive water jet cutting approach payable to its multi-dimensional fix configurations t hat allow for various diameters form 16 72 pipe to be cut.This is made possible by 8 fully mounted 250W high mass LED lighting units meet the front facing operating area working in conjunction with visuals. The visual output of the OMP comes from cameras which can each be standard, high or 3D high definition (HD) - 3D HD is preferred for the operations imputable to enhanced visuals allowing for a safer more efficient operation.2.3 NAVIGATION reflexive tells for the OMP are used via fly by wire systems that allow for station keeping regarding depth, pitch, altitude and automatic pre-programmed headings. To allow for the altitude and headings to be correct a surveying grade gyro and backup fluxgate compass is available on board the ROV. Depth of the ROV unit is vital due to the foundations being at sea bottom level and to avoid collisions with the seabed and/or cuttings pilings in the area (Oceaneering, 2017).2.4 lay down AND RECOVERY SYSTEM (LARS)The adaptability of the OMP wi th regards to different LARS allows it to be used with multiple possible vessels when on site. There are various options available for the OMP heavy weather over boarding, A-frame, cursor and heavy lift winching.To safely and successfully launch and recover the OMP an A-frame system was selected. This is due to its simplicity, lifting capabilities and cost reduction during mobilisation at a new site or location.2.5 TETHER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (TMS)During under water operations the OMP can work either free swimming or via a TMS. Free swimming operations are directly connected to the ROV transmitting galvanizing power, mechanical payloads and optical signal by means of a tether during operations. A TMS configuration includes the use of a side entry garage or a Top-hat connection where the topside umbilical is connected and then redistributes the power and signals to the ROV via a tethered connection.During this operation at the Frigg Field a Top-hat TMS would be used to guide, control a nd position the OMP throughout its cutting and removal operations. This is due to strong advantages such as providing protection to the OMP as it is securely connected during launch and recovery, secure fix reduces complications at splash zone interaction, the addition of the Top-hat TMS allows for a further working radius from the garage rather than free swimming operations and allowing for greater preciseness on deployment to the work site.A typical mission for the OMP varies depending on the level of cutting and removal of foundations during decommissioning operations. Regarding the case study adopted for the Frigg Field the typical mission expected would be as followsEnvironmental checks would be carried out on the vessel to determine there is safe working conditions for the OMP to operateOMP and top-hat configuration would be connected and moved to launch platform of the A-frameFinal checks of OMP before launchLaunching and lowering of the OMP (via A-frame) into the water thr ough the splash zone monitoring strain on the lineGrounding at operational level of 98mSubsea pressure and containment checks then release from top-hat configurationMovement towards and interaction with dredging equipment via manipulatorsDredging work carried out with standalone subsea dredge on completion the tooling would be removedInspection of pile surfaces to be cut via front mounted camerasInteraction with ECT cutting equipment via manipulatorsAttachment of ECT cutting equipment to initial foundations monitoring workload from visualsInteraction with buoyancy sections being used for re-float x4 interaction, manipulation, fastening and final checksFinal checks of whole system and foundation structure before final piles are cutAttachment of ECT cutting equipment for final cuts x4 carried outMonitoring the floating of the jacket structure and buoyancy module interaction via visualsFinal checks of the seabed environment and coverage of unburied foundationsRecovery operations via the top-hat configuration and return to surfaceChecks, assessment and maintenance of the ROV accountHaving selected the OMP for the decommissioning and removal of the DP2 SPJF there are various areas that may cause difficulties during the installation, operating and maintaining the OMP.4.1 SEA STATES WAVE AND CURRENTSIn the Frigg field, the average speed of wind between the spend months December to February is about 9.9 m/s. For this wind velocity, waves are most likely to confuse a maximum height of 2.5m. However, during severe winter storms which occur nigh once per decade in the area, there is a significant possibility of wave average heights from 12.1m and maximum height of 24m. Currents do fluctuate, reliant on the speed and direction of the winds (Total, 2003).With these environmental considerations in the North Sea it was necessary to choose an ROV with high performance thrusters to aid in station keeping whilst operating. The OMP permits this with four-spot powerfu l vectored horizontal and four vertical thrusters, which allow the system to move in four directions, vertical, lateral, roll and pitch comfortably with 2,000lbs of thrust available (Oceaneering, 2017).4.2 LAUNCH AND RECOVERY OPERATIONSDuring launch and recovery operations there are expected difficulties such asLarge waves and high winds can cause the OMP and Top-hat TMS to golf shot wildly potentially impacting the vessel and causing damage to equipmentDifficult deployment and recovery procedures when there a reduced deck space to accommodate the operationOn drilling rigs the proximity of the OMP and Top-hat to the vessels hull and thrusters during entry and exit into the splash zone can become complicatedDeployed extension cables can be required to reach satellite sites where it was not practical or possible to install via the Top-hat TMS4.3 OPERATIONAL CUTTINGSOperational drill cuttings can be problematic with the removal of platform foundations due to its chemical makeup and m ass surrounding the foundations at the sea bed. With the DP2 platform, 24 wells were drilled in total with an estimated upheaval of contained in an area of 80m x 120m at a maximum thickness of 20cm. Due to the low toxicity of the drilling mud used the cuttings can be removed and treated (Total, 2003). To charge this the OMP is capable of using a stand-alone 12 subsea dredge which can manipulate the suction nozzle aiding in the removal of drill cuttings and sediment surrounding the foundations before cutting operations (Oceaneering DTS, 2013).5.1 OIL GASThe OMP can be used for different operations in the oil gas industry such as inspection, maintenance and repair, installation, workover and control system (IWOCS), surveying, dredging, subsea tie-ins, flow assurance checks, assisting in the removal of subsea productions systems, mooring line servicing, cable laying operations, video servicing, acoustic placement and BOP intervention. Such operations like these can take place in t he deep-water environments up to 3,000m maximum operational depths of the OMP.With respect to maintenance, repair and installation operations, the OMP has the capacity of transferring hot tap fittings, pipeline clamps, misalignment ball connectors, swivel-ring flanges, breakaway joints, riser connections and other equipment for delivery, repair and installation.Trenching burial of pipes and cables are operations that are carried out by ROVs that have 200hp and above. The OMP can be considered for these types of laying and burial operations due to its classification and built in features (Oceaneering, 2017).One of the challenges facing operations in the shoreward wind farm environment is observation and maintenance of fixed foundation based, cable monitoring, structural integrity checks and seabed surveys, the OMP is well suited to address these issues due to its comprehensive build, mostly in winter and less visible conditions (UnderwaterVision, 2017).5.2 FRIGG FIELD VERSATILITYD uring the decommissioning operation of the DP2 jacket it became aware that extra preparation in cutting and removal of pile guides was needed to successfully fit and mount the buoyancy cans for removal. A resolvent to this was that a bespoke diamond wire tool and buoyancy solution was designed for operations to be carried out by ROV. With the OMP this could be successfully carried out due to its adaptability and tooling interaction (Proserv, 2017).5.3 OCEAN SCIENCEThe OMP can be used for scientific research under water such a sea animal and plants studies in natural environment, Arctic operations, if equipped with various sampling devices. Also, as it is equipped with 3D HD Camera (highly intensity LED) it can operate in extreme environments. Another strong versatile function is that it could be used for subsurface interactions documentaries, filmmaking, archaeology projects, e.g. Mystery Mardi Gras shipwreck (Landis, 2017).5.3 MILITARYThe Millennium Plus vehicle optional power/ data interfaces (Ethernet/optical fibre) and other features built in it can be used for naval/military operation, primarily for mine hunting and mine breaking. Neutralizing and retrieving of explosives, moored mines and also inspection tasks like meteorology, detection of environmental hazard, port security, mine countermeasure and maritime intelligence.5.4 FISHERIES AND AQUACULTUREThe over exploitation of the North Sea remains a highly-discussed topic to date to combat this there has been a growing market for inshore fish farms. A typical mission would involve the OMP to either help install or inspect and monitor fish inside, inspect netting/cages that have been used for containment. The manipulator operability would allow for heavy cages to be moved into place and fastened securely whilst clearly visual (R. D. Christ, 2014),The OMP can perform a general range of activities however there is still the possibility for improvements that may be considered for future development and improved efficiency.6.1 VISUALCurrently the OMP can be fitted with either Standard Definition (SD), High Definition (HD) or a 3D HD camera. For improved visibility during decommissioning operations and dredging procedures where the water conditions could be blurred due to sediment, an heighten to a 4K Ultra HD camera would be beneficial. The light sensitivity and quality of video produced would offer the OMP user a confidence even when the seabed conditions are not clear to operate. The upgraded camera can be fitted with some more technical specifications such as noise reduction, a wider area of view and higher(prenominal) contrast. With these camera upgrades, the user will have less misrepresentations and even better situation and spatial awareness.6.2 POWER OUTPUT THRUST CAPABILITIESImproving the hydraulic power units on board to 2 x 125hp would allow for an increase in 300lbs of thrust in the vertical, lateral, forward and reverse directions this would allow for the OMP to imp rove its station keeping abilities, be quicker during launch and recovery, manoeuvre heavier standalone tools and extra up thrust would allow the OMP to return to the surface with heavier loads more efficiently.6.3 MANIPULATORSIncreasing the manipulators range of motion would allow for more detailed technical operations to be carried out and improve the pilot/ROV interaction. This could be made possible by improving the dual manipulators to have 7 degrees of function and mounting a wrist camera assembly to improve visibility (Oceaneering, 2017). A manipulator that could be considered could be the hulk 4 with its 7 degrees of motion, titanium material characteristics to reduce weight and titanium wrist mounted camera to increase visibility (FMC Technologies, 2017).Decom North Sea, 2014. Decommissioning in the North Sea Review of Decommissioning Capacity, s.l. Decom North Sea.FMC Technologies, 2017. http//www.f-e-t.com. Online Available at http//www.f-e-t.com/images/uploads/Schillin g_Titan_4_with_Spares_Kit.pdfAccessed 4 March 2017.Landis, N., 2017. Naultilus Productions. Online Available at http//nautilusproductions.com/projects/mystery-mardi-gras-shipwreck-documentaryAccessed 4 March 2017.Oceaneering DTS, 2013. DTS Tooling. Online Available at http//www.oceaneering.com/oceandocuments/brochures/subseaproducts/Oceaneering-DTS-Catalog-2013.pdfAccessed 4 March 2017.Oceaneering, 2017. http//www.oceaneering.com. Online Available at http//www.oceaneering.com/oceandocuments/brochures/rov/ROV%20-%20Nexxus.pdfAccessed 4 March 2017.Oceaneering, 2017. Millennium Plus 220hp heavy work class ROV. Online Available at http//www.oceaneering.com/oceandocuments/brochures/rov/ROV%20-%20Millennium%20Plus.pdf Accessed 4 March 2017.offshore Energy Today, 2012. http//www.offshoreenergytoday.com. Online Available at http//www.offshoreenergytoday.com/tag/ocean-installer/page/2/Accessed 10 March 2017.Offshore-mag, 2000. Offshore-mag.com. Online Available at http//www.offshore-mag.com /articles/print/volume-60/issue-8/news/two-part-kvitebjoslashrn-jacket-will-break-north-sea-water-depth-record.htmlAccessed 19 Feb 2017.Oil Gas UK, 2012. Oil Gas UK The Decommissioning of Steel Piled Jackets In the North Sea Region, s.l. Oil Gas UK.Proserv, 2017. http//www.proserv.com. Online Available at http//www.proserv.com/media/case-studies/decommissioning/frigg-field/Accessed 4 March 2017.R. D. Christ, R. L. W., 2014. The ROV Manual A drug user Guide for Remotely Operated Vehicles. 2nd ed. Waltham Elsevier.stevo6187, 2017. imagala.com. Online Available at http//www.imagala.com/post/1X5SEdD4ZDAccessed 4 March 2017.T Gram, R. K. J. K. M. J. E. K. C. H. A. S., 2011. Decommissioning of Frigg and MCP01 A Contractor View. Offshore Technology Conference, Volume 21708.Total, 2003. Frigg Field Cessation Plan, Stravanger Total.Total, 2011. Frigg Field Cessation Plan Close Out Report, s.l. Total.UnderwaterVision, 2017. Underwater Vision. Online Available at http//www.underwatervis ion.co.uk/services/wind-farms-and-offshore/Accessed 4 March 2017.

Invasive plants Essay -- Native Plant Species, Environment

Since we are accustomed to a life full of modern conveniences, it is eventful to remember that human extract still depends on the planets natural diversity. Pennsylvania has 25,000 species of botanys and animals, with more than 2,100 being inborn (IConserve, 2007). It is critical to appreciate the sustainable physical exertion of these natural resources that influence our beautiful put ins economic health and quality of life of all Pennsylvanians. Yet many threats to our homes biodiversity are present. One significant threat is trespassing(a) plant species that are eliminating native plant species. Invasive plants are plants which grow aggressively, spreading and displacing other plants (Ball, 2002). Whether it is intentional or not, they are often introduced by humans. On the other hand, native plants are pants that existed within Pennsylvania before European settlement. Because they are meant to grow here, they are quite beneficial to the environment as well as people (Fell 1995). In order to preserve Pennsylvanias health and natural beauty, it is essential to control the growth of invasive plant species while supporting the growth of native plant species. When Pennsylvania was first settled in the 1600s by William Penn, abundant plants covered about 90% of the state (IConserve 2007). All of these plants are considered to be natives because they existed in the area before human settlement. Unfortunately, due to human interactions with nature, the landscape has changed significantly over time. Many plants that formerly defined Pennsylvania have been lost however, this problem can be reversed to some extent. By 2000, five percent of Pennsylvanias native plant species had been lost and another twenty-five percent were in danger o... ...s that are invasive and controlling or destroying any invasive species. These plants are convertible and grow well under a wide range of conditions and therefore have a much better chance of thriving. I t is also important to use fertilizers in moderation because high nitrogen often stimulates the aggressive growth of plants (Fell, 1995). Planning land management is also important. Weekly mowing is important for the maintenance of lawns and weeding is important for gardens. Pennsylvanias meadows should be mowed annually and woodlands should be monitored for the need to remove invasive plant species (Ball, 2001). Unfortunately, invasive plants are causing problems not only in Pennsylvania, but all across the country (Invasive Plants Silent Invaders, 2004). It is essential that efforts are made in order to keep this plant crisis from deteriorating further.

Censorship Essay -- essays research papers

Families all over America spend evenings unitedly watching t.v. This seems to be one of Americas favorite pastimes. But with all the fury that is involved with television programs the question arises on weither or non network television should be censored. It seems unlogical for theses censoring to put forward place. Network television should not be censored because of our immunity of speech rights, more violence is on cable, and it is the parents responsibility to monitor what children are viewing not the networks.I do not favor security review and I am jealous of my First Amendment Rights, Eron pg 617 To evoke censorship onto network television would most definitely take away our first amendment right. We as Americans deserve the right to freedom of speech. Many people fought long and hard so that we, as Americans, have such rights as they are stated in the Bill of Rights. To start censorship on Network television may seem like a small threat to our rights, but will become s o much more. With censorship television shows and producers would not be able to freely show what they want their viewers to see. It in turn is the exact same as telling mortal they can not say something they wish to say. Censorship may stop our children from seeing violent acts on t.v., but in return will take away one of our most precious rights as Americans.In addition to loss of one of our basic rights, it seems unlogical to censor network t...