Dynastic Egypt Timeline - The Rule of Egyptian Pharaohs

Government Intervention in Economic Welfare Essay - 537 Words

In pure market economy, price has been set by price mechanism where it coordinates the interaction between demand and supply resulting in a price changes. According to an economist Adam Smith (1776), in his book â€Å"The Wealth of Nations†, price mechanism is likened to be an â€Å"invisible hand† which will coordinates the decision made by consumers and suppliers while the economic system are working automatically. However, the theory of â€Å"invisible hand† is not absolute. The market economies requires institution such as government to implement policies and making decisions to maintain market and avoid market failure like monopoly and negative externalities. Therefore, government interventions are clearly crucial in the economy to maintain the†¦show more content†¦Based on the Horticulture Director General Achmad Dimyati (2010) statement, Indonesia have a low level consumption of fruits and vegetables. Food and Agriculture Organization (2010) state d that consumption of fruit and vegetables are recommended to be average of 65 kilograms and 73 kilograms per capita per year. Where Indonesia consumptions are far bellow the recommended number. While due to shortage in their supply, in June 2010 prices of rice and chili has increased by 2.67% and 45.7% (BPS, 2010). This clearly shows that action have to be done by the government, not just to varying people’s diet and to improve nutrion, but to stabilize the prices of horticultural products as well. Where at the end, it will both benefits consumers and producers. Government now is working on a bill to improve fruit and vegetables supplies, in order to guarantee a continuous supply of horticulutural products. Government will try to improve market outcome by facilitating better capital access, financing and providing guarantees. This will prevent shortage of supply in market and will avoide prices to increase. Government will also have to come out with policy in order to achieve goal of equality. Dadi Sudiana, chairman of Chili Agrobusiness Association stated that â€Å"We always [profit less] from high priced staple foods such as red chili†. Where things get worsen when farmers are forced to split their profit withShow MoreRelatedLiberalism is define by the desire to minimise the role of the state, discuss.1515 Words   |  7 PagesAlthough all liberals agree on individual freedom, when it comes to the role of the state they are split down the middle. On one side there are the classic liberals who believe in as little state interventio n as possible, and on the other side there is the modern liberals who believe state intervention is necessary as it can develop people and create equal opportunity. 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Christopher Marlowe Essay Example For Students

Christopher Marlowe Essay Comparisons are odious, was once said by Christopher Marlowe in Lusts Dominion, Act iii scene4. Christopher Marlowe has been identified as the most important Shakespeares predecessors. He was born in Canterbury, England, on February 6, 1564 and then baptized at St. Georges Church, Canterbury, on February 25, 1564. Marlowe was the eldest son of John Marlowe, a shoemaker and Katherine Arthur, a Dover girl of yeoman stock. Christophers intermediate family and extended family had a reputation of getting in trouble with the law. His sister was known for being a selfish person seeking he unjust vexation of her neighbors, while his father was always continually engaged in lawsuits containing debts. Christopher Marlowe entered the Kings School at Canterbury in 1579. There he held a scholarship requiring him to study Ministry. The school was a canter of theatrical interests. It contained a large library filled with a number of volumes which have been claimed as sources for Marlowes plays. In 1584, Marlowe received a Bachelors of Arts Degree. Following that, in 1587, he had received a Master of Arts Degree. Shortly after eceiving his Masters degree, Marlowe went to London. There he was part of a circle of young men which were: Rawley, Nashe, and Kyel. By 1587, his first play was Tamburlaine the Great, had been performed on stage. As a result of his first play, Marlowe has started getting known as a dramatist. In September, 1589, Marlowe was imprisoned in Newgate for being suspected in the murder of William Bradley. Marlowe had been accused several times of being an atheist and a blasphemer. One of his friends, named Watson, had once had actually killed a man with a sword. These charges were then led to Marlowes arrest in 1593, but then released on October 1, on the bail of 40 pounds. Three years later, in 1592, Marlowe became involved in court action as he was called to court for assaulting two constables in the Shoreditch district. The officers had said that they had feared for their lives because of Marlowes threats. He was then fined and then released. Once again, in 1593, Marlowe had found himself in trouble. While residing at the home of his employer, Thomas Walsingbam, Christopher Marlowe was arrested and charged with atheism, a rime of capital offenses and punishable by death. Oddly, he had once again been granted a bail on the condition that he reports to court daily. Twelve days later, Marlowe had been found mysteriously dead in a tavern in Deptford. On the day of Marlowes death, he had accepted an invitation from Igram Frizer to feast at the tavern with several other young men. After supper, Marlowe and Frizer had gotten into an argument over the taverns bill. When Marlowe had struck Frizer in the head with a dagger, somehow, Frizer twisted it around, struck the dagger ack at Marlowe, striking him on the forehead and then killing him. Marlowes violent death was not something that was exceptional among writers. In 1599, John Day killed Henry Porter, and Ben Jonson killed Gabriel Spencer in a duel. Despite the unusual wealth of detail that surrounded his death, Marlowes career was being cited by contemporary moralists as a classic illustration of the workings of divine retribution against a blasphemous atheist. Thus, Marlowe was recognized as a remarkable dramatic genius who would have rivaled Ben Jonson and Shakespeare, if he had only lived longer.

Why is poverty important in contemporary security studies

Introduction One of the greatest challenges facing most economies today is lifting individuals out of poverty. This has become even more overwhelming given the financial crisis experienced a couple of years ago (Wilkin, 2002, p. 633). Approximately 1.5 billion individuals in the developing economies are poor and roughly half of this number lives in abject poverty.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Why is poverty important in contemporary security studies? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Therefore, abject squalor is still a major challenge in the world (United Nations Foundations, 2004). A number of experts argue that poverty is a cause of more deaths than any other factors including armed conflicts. This insecurity takes place despite of heavy military spending by many countries across the globe. However, other causes of insecurity are attributed to the proliferation of illegal weapons and show of military/economi c power (Williams, 2008, p. 6; Booth, 1991, p. 315). Over the past twenty years, there have been more interests on the link between poverty and national security. Before that, many scholars and experts in security affairs thought the two were separate. Security was considered as defending the interest of a nation (Buzan Hansen, 2009, p. 1). Experts defined security as safeguarding the territorial integrity of a country against internal and external attacks. These include external military attacks or internal rebellion that could fragment or threaten the ruling elite (Baldwin, 1997, p. 5). Economic issues were given less priority. Poverty was downgraded to the realm of development practitioners and academics who shared the approached used by the government agencies on security matters (Buzan Hansen, 2009, p. 2). At some stage in the 90s, the conventional security plan and the conventional development plan were integrated under the blanket of universal governance (Buzan Hansen, 200 9, p. 2). Post-cold war saw changes in the global politics with conflicts shifting to the less developed economies. Conflicts in the developing economies led to an increase in humanitarian assistance. In addition, post-cold war era witnessed an increase in perceived terrorist threats and increase in regional and international economic integration with its ensuing inequities and political revolutions. All these created spaces for exploring the connection between security and poverty in long-established literatures (Buzan Hansen, 2009, p. 4).Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In this day and age, scholars and experts emphasize on the need to merge security and poverty theories. Leaders of the Bretton Woods institutions and the G8 have also spoken of the probable relationship between poverty and security in numerous occasions (Collins, 2009, p. 6). The above arguments form t he basis of this essay. The essay will explore the reasons why poverty has infiltrated security studies at the policy level since 90s. In addition, the essay will explore the evolution of global security studies and evaluate the significance of poverty in the modern security studies. Evolution of Global Security Studies Global security studies are derived from security debates following the end of 2nd Word War. Initially, these debates were about how to defend the country from external and internal acts of aggression. Security was regarded as a slogan, distinguishing it from the earlier thoughts and disciplines of combat and military history (Fierke, 2007, p. 3). Most security literatures before the 2nd World War were to a large extent characterized by war and military strategies, and geopolitics. They include books written by well known writers such as Richardson, Mahan and Clausewitz among others (Buzan Hansen, 2009, p. 4). Global security studies as a field evolved through inter related concepts and theories drawn from a wide range of research programmes. It later became an integral part in the field of International Relations which was also growing at a rapid pace (Walt, 1991, p. 211; Floyd, 2007, p. 328). After the 2nd World War there was a conceptual shift to a broader set of political matters, for instance, societal cohesion and the link between combative and non-combative threats and defencelessness. This was attributed to military and ideological threats posed by the Soviet Union during the cold war (Williams, 2008 p. 14). Moving forward from 70s, the relationship between the world super powers in terms of nuclear weapons came of age. The pressure was now on broadening the global security plan beyond military and geopolitics.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Why is poverty important in contemporary security studies? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As a result, economic and environ mental security was later integrated in the wider security agenda. The global security agenda in post-cold war era was later expanded to include identity/societal security, human security, and food security among others (Buzan Hansen, 2009, p. 4). However, some of these literatures challenged state-centrism and began focusing on the significance of ideas and culture and other aspects of security (Walt, 1991, p. 214). At the moment, global security studies have broadened out into various distinct but interrelated subjects. In addition to the conventional military-centred security studies, other crucial security studies have emerged. They include feminist security studies and post-structuralism and constructivist security studies among others (Sheehan, 2005, p. 2; Floyd, 2007, p. 330). In addition, most contemporary studies on security also focus on terrorism and insurgency following 9/11 attack and the war in Afghanistan (Evans Bell, 2010, p. 371). Significance of poverty in the cu rrent security studies Baldwin (1995, p. 117) defines security (national security) in terms of external threats from state actors and non-state actors. However, Busumtwi-Sam (2002, p. 253) introduces another concept of security known as human security. Human security takes a socioeconomic dimension, for instance, lack of fundamental needs. Most of the reports submitted to the UN are advocating for human security to replace national security. On the other hand, poverty is a state of being deprived of the fundamental needs. It also includes lack of material possession or wealth (United Nations Foundations, 2004). In most cases poverty is a result of inequitable distribution of national resources, corruption and mismanagement of public funds. According to the United Nations, poverty is basically a violation of human dignity. Poverty deprives individuals of choices and opportunities as well as the fundamental right of participating in nation building (Thomas, 2000, p. 5). Williams (2008 , p. 12) argues that the pursuit of security is fundamentally about the well being of individuals. Understanding the fact that security is about human welfare, therefore poverty and security are directly correlated. Poverty and the new concept of human security are synonymous is numerous respects.Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For instance, they all focus on deprivation of an array of human entitlements such as basic needs, lack of peace, crime, and employment among others (Peoples Vaughan-Williams, 2010, p. 22). Human security is a major concern for many people on the planet. Human security is mainly attributed to the current power structures where entitlement to resources and security are determined by the ruling elite. These power structures can be identified at various levels from local to international level (Bilgin, 2003, p. 204; Abernethy, 1993, p. 417). This has led to a growth of material inequality as evident in different regions of the world or within states. This has also had a significant impact on the present-day individual experience of security and most probably the trend may carry on to the future (Bilgin, 2003, p. 205). According to a World Bank Report issued at the G8 summit held in Japan, eradication of poverty is morally imperative and a necessity for a secure nation (Panday, 2011, p . 69). Almost 100 percent of conflicts in Africa are as a result of competition for natural resources, for instance water, pasture land and political/economic marginalisation (Busumtwi-Sam, 2002, p. 254). Lower economic activities in a country also increase the prevalence of conflict. Low economic activity translates to a lower level of capital formation. As a result, the citizens are likely to remain poor and be stuck in a poverty-conflict tie. As per DFID (2005, p. 54), human beings have a tendency of harbouring hate and aggression when their standard of living remains poor or slips away. Fundamentalism may arise to fight off despondency when the reality offers no probable solution. Religious extremism and violence are highly associated with poverty. Extremism tends to flourish in regions where people are poor and unemployed (Messer, Marc Marchione, 2001, p. 13). Van Munster (2007, p. 234) argues that a wealthy but diverse society is likely to live in harmony than a diverse socie ty that is poor. Many revolutions across the world were inspired by ideologies such as unemployment and poverty (Floyd, 2007, p. 328). According to Van Munster (2007, p. 234), people have a tendency to blame others for their troubles. As a result, most of the problems even the self inflicted ones are normally blamed on the authority or government. Example of a country where population explosion together with poverty has led to civil war is the Republic of Somalia (United Nations Foundations, 2004). Accumulation of wealth by the political elite is largely associated with poverty, inequity and human rights abuses. The deprivation of the fundamental rights and freedom often leave people with two choices and that is to accept those violations or to stand up and fight (Van Munster, 2007, p. 235). This is one of the main causes of conflicts in the third world nations, especially Africa. Such conflicts are normally mobilized on religious or ethnic basis and can only end when the causes are done away with. One of the extraordinary cases in terms of the relationship between poverty and conflict was witnessed in Nepal. In the middle of the conflict, the poverty rate in the country went down by more than 10 percent. The country’s human development index also grew by 0.2 percent during the conflict. This experience is a total contrast of what would be expected during a period of war. Economists attribute this to remittance inflow into the country (Panday, 2011, p. 9). However, the level of development varied from one region to another. Regions which were worst hit by the conflict experienced the lowest socioeconomic growth as would be expected. This proves that there is some link between economic development and conflicts (Panday, 2011, p. 10). In normal circumstance, conflicts often have a negative impact on the human development index/ poverty levels (Busumtwi-Sam, 2002, p. 254). The impact may be short term or long term and they include depletion of human capita l, the destruction of physical and social infrastructure, disruption of the economic activities, increase in military expenditure, and stagnating growth of the economy among others (Floyd, 2007, p. 330). However, the irony of most conflicts is the belief by the aggressors that war is the only way to secure the rights and privileges that they are being denied by the authority (Selby Cochrane, 2002, p. 2). Conclusion Earlier security studies including Copenhagen school of security studies placed more emphasis on state-centric national security. In these studies, the government plays a difficult but pivotal role in negotiating or combating internal and external threats. However, the search for more manageable security strategies led to the broadening of the global security agenda to include societal security, individual security, and food security among others. Other critical security studies have emerged which include feminist security studies and post-structuralism and constructivis t security studies. The contemporary security studies recognize the dangers of delimiting security matters and neglecting other critical subjects such as poverty and human security. Since security is all about the well being of the people it is directly correlated with poverty. People tend to be aggressive when they are deprived of their fundamental need and rights. For that reason, they are always ready to fight till they course is realized. Most of the conflicts in the world today are a result of deprivation of the fundamental rights and freedom. This is majorly attributed to the inequitable distribution of national resources by the political elite. The security studies must encompass human security even if the theory is a mess, and rationalize poverty because the inequitable distribution of natural resources. In addition, security must be viewed from a structural point of view not politically. As a result, poverty should not only be handled from a welfare perspective but from a p olitical point of view. Well-being of individuals must be ensured by reconfiguring the link between service provisions as opposed to the provision of goods. Thus, poverty should be seen from a political and civic point of view as opposed to material needs. References Abernethy, V. (1993). Poverty, difference, and conflict. Population and Environment, 14(5), 417-419. Baldwin, D. (1995). Security Studies and the End of the Cold War. World Politics, 48 (1), 117-41. Baldwin, D. (1997). The Concept of Security. Review of International Studies, 23(1), 5-26. Bilgin, P. (2003). Individual and Societal dimensions of security. International Studies Review, 5 (2), 203-222. Booth, K. (1991). Security and Emancipation. Review of International Studies, 17 (4), 313-326. Busumtwi-Sam, J. (2002). Development and Human Security: Whose Security, and from What? International Journal, 57(2), 253-272. Buzan, B., Hansen, L. (2009). The Evolution of International Security Studies. New York: Cambridge Univ ersity Press. Collins, A. (2009). Contemporary Security Studies (2nd edn). Oxford: Oxford University Press. DFID. (2005). Fighting Poverty to build a safer world: A strategy for security and development. Palace Street, London: DFID. Evans, B., Bell, C. (2010). Terrorism to Insurgency: Mapping the Post-Intervention Security Terrain. Journal of Intervention State Building, 5 (1), 371-390. Fierke, K. M. (2007). Critical Approaches to International Security. Cambridge: Polity Press. Floyd, R. (2007). Towards a consequentiality evaluation of security: Bringing together the Copenhagen and the Welsh schools of security studies. Review of International Studies, 33, 327-350. Messer, E., Marc J.C., Marchione, T. (2001). Conflict: A cause and effect of hunger. ECSP Report, 7, 1–16. Panday, P. (2011). Interplay between conflict, poverty and remittance: The case of Nepal. International Business and Economics Research Journal, 10(2), 67-76. Peoples, C., Vaughan-Williams, N. (2010). Cri tical Security Studies: An Introduction. Oxon: Routledge. Selby, J., Cochrane, F. (2002). Global Governance: Conflict and Resistance, Basingstoke: Palgrave. Sheehan, M. (2005). International Security: An Analytical Survey. London: Lynne Rienner. Thomas, C. (2000). Global Governance, Development and Human Security, London: Pluto Press. United Nations Foundations. (2004). Development Poverty and Security. Issue for the UN High-Level Panel, May 10-11, 2004. Van Munster, R. (2007), Security on a Shoestring: A Hitchhiker’s Guide to Critical Schools of Security in Europe. Cooperation and Conflict, 42 (2), 235–243. Walt, S. (1991). The Renaissance of Security Studies. International Studies Quarterly, 35 (2), 211-239. Wilkin, P. (2002). Global Poverty and Orthodox Security. Third World Quarterly, 23 (4), 633-645. Williams, P. D. (2008). Security Studies: An Introduction. Oxon: Routledge. This essay on Why is poverty important in contemporary security studies? was written and submitted by user Neil Guy to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Amazon It Strategy Essays

Amazon It Strategy Essays Amazon It Strategy Essay Amazon It Strategy Essay Consumers, particularly young consumers, Increasingly view the Internet as their primary source of entertainment. This trend in attitude is the driving force 1 OF 7 Detente Innovations Tanat seek to merge ten Attitudinally AT televisions, PCs, gaming consoles, smart phones etc. Players in this space, such as Rook, BIJOU, and Applets, have focused on ways to facilitate the watching of downloaded or streaming movies on TV and channels like BBC and HOBO make their content available on the internet where users can watch them anytime. As this trend evolves, devices that provide multiple functionalities will win consumers largely. Televisions that allow on-demand video streaming, AD, live gaming, online shopping and quick browsing will wipe out the dumb boxes, Just like smart phones that replaced traditional cell phones. In addition, companies like Nettling have expanded their business model to online video streaming in response to the decline in the purchase and rental of DVDs. This evolution is mainly attributed to the change in behavior of consumers who care more about what they want to watch than from what source or on what device. Streaming and portability across multiple devices Consumers demand more value and convenience for their purchase. There is an increasing demand for portability across multiple devices. A user should be able to stream a video through Apple tunes on her PC and be able to watch it on her car entertainment system while traveling. To add to her experience, her car entertainment will know where exactly she stopped watch the same video on her PC and will start playing from there. This is the internet of things in the media industry. 3. Evolving ecosystem There have been three major trends in the digital media ecosystem: Move from pure competition to strategic partnerships Recently, Nettling has signed up with Amazon to move its web technology to Amazons loud, though it competes with Amazon on DVD rentals and video streaming. This is just one example where competitors partner with each other to grow together with industry and increase the size of the pie. One might expect more partnerships among the movie studios, content distributors, app developers and device manufacturers and lesser vertical integration Entry of new players As the ecosystem evolves, it attracts the entry of new players into different businesses. The emergence of internet of things will create opportunities for device manufacturers, platform and app developers and telecoms service providers to play a ajar role in shaping the future of the industry. In addition, the growing market will invite big and smaller players outside media industry to grab a share for themselves. Wall-Marts purchase of Vaduz is one such case and an older classic case is, of course, the launch of Amazon Video On-Demand! Cross-sector opportunities convergence Just as media industry creates opportunities for new entrants, the technology, consumer base and data possessed by the existing players makes them important components in other sectors. Personal gadgets like watches can become an integral ice in the internet of things and play a major role in connecting to the cloud and streaming authentication. Further, when live streaming technology matures and the demand for tell-health rises, platform and app developers like Amazon and streaming device manufacturers TIVOLI and Rook can leverage their technology expertise in the healthcare sector. We already experience a convergence between the digital media and publishing sectors with players like Amazon and Apple increasing presence in both and building technologies like pads which blur the distinction between media and publishing for an end-consumer. These cross-sector opportunities will bring about more and more convergence, wherein a every company will be able to influence multiple sectors and generate revenue across industries. This, in turn, will be enabled by and will lead to more complex partnerships and licensing deals. 4. Cloud is the enabler For the trends discussed above, including the internet of things and on demand streaming, cloud computing will be the enabler. More and more companies across industries want to get on to the cloud to decrease costs and focus efforts on their core business. This explains why the bandwidth consumed by Amazons global besides is far less compared to that consumed by its web services. The cloud is important specifically to the media industry because it is the most efficient approach to handle customer data, distribute streaming APS, enable devices to talk to each other and above all content storage. 5. Getting closer to the customer than ever before As per a Minute report, between 2007 and 2009, online video ad sales increased 161. % from $424 million to $1. 1 billion. The category includes video ads, layovers, and banner ads within videos. In spite of these rapid gains, Online video currently accounts for only 3. % of ad dollars spend on media, making it a clear target for growth. To fill this gap, there is a need for extensive data analytics and innovative means to understand the customer better. Amazon is big on tracking customer behavior and leveraging it in different aspects of its business. Media distributors are in a very unique position to reach the customers and we see players like Tivoli investing heavily in data analytics. Some other players partner with companies like Google to transform the data they own into useful information that can be modernized. Real-time data analytics gives an opportunity for players in this space. In an ideal world, Olive Gardens will want its ad to be displayed when a person is in a car watching a movie streamed through Amazon in the car entertainment system and is within 1 mile radius of its restaurant at 12 noon. At the end of the day, the one who wins is the one who can give the right ad to the right customer at the right time Amazon Lets take a look at Amazons mission statement once before getting in depth. To be Earths most customer-centric company where people can find and discover anything they want to buy online Breaking it down: customers Buyers, sellers, Developers, Partners Anything they want I Books, music, apparel, video, devices, web service, platform, applications. What is not obvious in this mission statement is that Amazon intends to expand their business, innovate and creep into multiple sectors leveraging their technology expertise. In short, Amazon wants to be disruptive in what they do! Amazon has strengths that are unique to its status and would not carry over to its competitors that emulate its design. The company is simply so different from other players in its space, be it retailers, software providers, digital media providers, that whats good for Amazon is not good for its competitors in different sectors. Strengths * Customer Relations Management * Information Technology * Data Analytics * Strong Brand * Innovative approach to new business development * Business strategy interwoven with IT strategy * Diversified business Opportunities * Cross sales * Partnerships established well in co-branding without brand dilution or lead a disruptive change Recommendation * Initiate On the basis of the emerging trends in the digital media industry and Amazons strengths and opportunities, I recommend that Amazon should develop a platform to enable video streaming across multiple devices using the cloud and lead the Journey towards internet of things in digital media space. Technology The platform will have many components: 1 . Web service that can be accessed by any device to access and store user data in the cloud 2. App that will enable devices to talk to each other 3. App that will stream video to any device (phone, TV, car). The key feature of this platform is device independence. Value Proposition to End-Users 1 . Purchase and watch videos online from Amazon Video On-Demand or Nettling using a delivery gadget- PC, smart phone, gaming console, TV 2. Your delivery gadget tells your personal synchronizing gadget watch, a dumb phone, MPH player or anything that you always carry with you about your video watching behavior 3. Personal gadget stores information in the cloud 4. When you are in your car or using your gaming console, you personal gadget accesses the cloud and transmits the information to the device in front of you 5. Your delivery device then knows what exactly you want to watch right now and starts playing it! Implications The New Ecosystem Amazons streaming platform well Drill In new players Into ten Logical meal ecosystem and also negatively impact some existing players Major Participants: Delivery Gadgets I TV, Smart Phones, PC, Car entertainment system, In-flight entertainments system, Gaming consoles I Content Distributors I Hull, Amazon Video On-Demand, Nettling, Apple tunes (? ) I Synchronizing Gadgets I Wrist watch, MPH players, dumb cellular phones, smart phones, PC,TV I Other participants include ad agencies and data analytics providers. Key Partnerships and Amazons Value Proposition * Tivoli: Tivoli will slowly disappear if internet of things starts gaining traction. Therefore partnering with Amazon to develop the streaming platform will be a insensible strategic move for the company. In return, Amazon can leverage Divots streaming technology and resources in building this platform. * Flash: Amazon can leverage its existing partnership with Flash and make it an integral part of the streaming platform to enable device independence. Thus any device that has Amazons app to stream videos will use Flash and any content distributor who participates will deliver Flash-compatible video. * Content Distributors: Companies like hull and Nettling do not have the technical expertise or resources to build a streaming platform to enable interconnectivity between devices. Partnering with Amazon and purchasing license to use its streaming platform will help these companies increase their customer base and the frequency of usage of their services (customers can now watch a hull video while flying). * Device Manufacturers: When this technology gains traction, end users will prefer to own a device that can enable a great, convenient entertainment experience whether it is a wrist watch, TV or a smart phone. But, on order to light a spark that will create this demand, Amazon needs to partner with device manufacturers and incentive them to have its streaming platform included in the device. Once the network effects start working and users show an increased demand, more and more device manufacturers will want to have Amazons app on their products. Thus both parties increase their reach to end users. * Network Infrastructure: Amazon will see a huge surge in bandwidth and server demands in the future. Therefore, it is important for Amazon to partner with companies like Zamia Technologies that can power their platform delivery from the cloud and seamless video streaming. To handle bandwidth needs, however, Amazon should leave it to the device manufacturers to make partnerships with telecoms companies like Ericson. Who stays neutral or loses in the game? * Youth: The nature of the videos, including length and quality, and the lack of organization will hinder Youth from reaping any significant benefit from this trend. Compass: The primary delivery channel for Compass is cable. Therefore Compass will not gain from the interconnectivity of devices. Rather, internet of things is going against their core business and if this technology gains traction Compass might not generate sizable revenue from on-demand video business. * Nettling: This technology and business model will cannibalize revenue from DVD purchase and mental for Nettling. However, there is already a decline in the demand for DVDs and therefore the increase in revenue from the interconnectivity and cross-streaming across evolves will outline ten centralization Impact. Pricing The end-user is concerned about prices in two forms: a. Price of Video Streaming: The content distributors will experience an increase in ad revenue and revenue from purchase of content because of the improved user experience with the new platform. In order to keep this revenue flowing, there should not be any significant increase in the price that users pay for content currently. B. Price of Devices: In order to experience the interconnectivity and convenience of cross-device streaming, end-users will be willing to pay a premium for devices that support this feature. To end-users, this is a one-time expenditure that will enable them enjoy the benefits over a long time (they dont pay a premium for content). Real- time Streaming Sports: There is a huge opportunity for sports channels to partner with content distributors to deliver real-time sports videos across multiple devices. Such videos are very valuable when watched live, but decrease significantly in value once the event is over. Therefore, this is a place where both the content owner and the distributor can demand a premium from end users and increase revenues. Revenue sharing Players who are very close to the end-consumer constantly are the ones to capture maximum value from data analytics and ads. The following table lays down the revenue model for the different players in this ecosystem Amazon | 1. Revenue from content distributors and device manufacturers by selling license to incorporate and use its platform 2.

The National Water Act defines a wetland as land which is transitional between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The WritePass Journal

The National Water Act defines a wetland as land which is transitional between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Introduction The National Water Act defines a wetland as land which is transitional between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Introduction1.Definition of a Wetland1.1 Function and Value of Wetlands2. THREATS TO URBAN WETLAND2.1 Physical Destruction2.2   Water Pollution2.3   Exploitation3.   WATER QUALITY4.   THE uMNGENI ESTUARY 4.1   Description of the uMngeni Estuary4.2   Threats to the uMngeni Estuary4.3   Reasons for Restoration5.   POSSIBLE RESTORATION PROCEDURES5.1   Considerations when Attempting Restoration5.2   Possible Mitigation Measures to Aid Restoration6.   BIO-MONITORING AND RESTORATION6.1   Types of Monitoring Methods6.2   Monitoring Restoration 7.   BIO-MONITORING7.1 Programmes Implementing Bio-monitoring7.2   South African Scoring System7.3   Habitat Assessments Aiding Bio-monitoring8.   BENTHIC MACRO-INVERTEBRATES8.1   Characteristics That Aid in Bio-Assessments9.   THE USE OF BENTHIC MACRO-INVERTEBRATES IN BIO-MONITORING  9.1   Sensitivity of Benthic Macro-invertebrates to Environmental Stress9.2   Advantages of Using Benthic Macro-invertebrates in Bio-monitoring9.3 Disadvantages of Using Benthic Macro-Invertebrates in Bio-monitoring10.   Role Benthic Macro-invertebrates Will Play in Monitoring and Conserving uMngeni Estuary10.1   Characteristics of the Benthic Macro-invertebrate Population that Indicates the Health Status of the Estuary10.2    How Feeding Groups Are Linked To the Composition of the Estuary10.3. The Distribution of the Various Types of Benthic Macro-Invertebrates Along the uMngeni River Into the Estuary10.4.   The Effectiveness of Using Benthic Macro-Invertebrates in Bio-Monitoring11. AREAS OF CONCENTRATION  CONCLUSION  REFERENCES  Related Introduction 1.Definition of a Wetland The National Water Act defines a wetland as land which is transitional between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The water table in a wetland is usually very close to the surface; therefore the land is, at times, covered with shallow water supporting thousands of species, typically adapted to life in saturated soil (Agius, 2010). Wetlands in KwaZulu-Natal vary greatly according to topographic, hydrological and climatic influences. Wetlands can be referred to as swamps, marshes, estuaries, bogs, floodplains, vleis and pans. The internationally accepted definition of a wetland includes â€Å"areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters,† (Dugan, 1993). There are three unique characteristics that indicate whether an environment is a wetland or not. Firstly there must be a high water table, which acts as a hydrological indicator. Secondly hydric soils must be present, which acts as a pedological indicator. Finally hydrophytic vegetation must grow in the environment, which acts as a botanical indicator (James, 1979). 1.1 Function and Value of Wetlands Wetlands have many functions and values man increasingly depend upon, due to their exponential population growth. Wetlands have hydrological functions, such as flood attenuation where they form natural floodways, aiding in the transportation of flood waters. Wetlands store water during floods, which is slowly released to downstream areas. Wetlands recharge and discharge ground water and can dissipate erosive forces. Wetlands improve the quality of water by aiding in the removal of excess nutrients, chemical contaminants, sediments and numerous toxic substances (such as heavy metals and pesticides). Wetlands also provide a habitat for a broad variety of plants and animals. In Natal 144 wildlife species are dependent on wetlands for their life requirements. Many of the animal species listed as endangered in South Africa are associated to wetlands. Wetlands have high tidal and inland productivity, which provide nutrients and are food sources to many species. Lastly wetlands have various socio-economic functions which include providing recreational sites for fishing or hunting and they provide educational opportunities for observing and studying nature (Rosenburg, 1993). 2. THREATS TO URBAN WETLAND The value of wetlands was not realised up until very recently. Prior to this they were not protected by law and therefore were frequently degraded and even destroyed by an increasing and continuous urbanisation and industrialisation of our planet. This damage continues to occur however due to the disregard for the legislation protecting these areas and the ignorance of the possible outcomes of the loss of these wetlands. 2.1 Physical Destruction There are numerous threats to the sustainability of the wetlands existing today. An ever increasing global population and the resulting outcomes of this is the major hazard for the protraction of these precious regions. It leads to the growth of residential and commercial development which may occur near or over wetlands eventually leading to their destruction from activities such as levelling, dredging, draining, filling, removal of vegetation and restriction of flow in order to create additional land to be used for the purposes of construction (Hendricks, 2004). 2.2   Water Pollution Human interference in or around wetlands brings about other activities which impact negatively on the wetlands and the ecology within. Pollution from dumping, littering, runoff and untreated stormwater and sewage diversion into a wetland, as well as from public recreational activities, alters the hydrology of the wetland and diminish the water quality. This results in groundwater contamination, poor soil conditions to facilitate vegetation growth, flora and fauna extermination as well as disruption of flow patterns (Agius, 2010 ). 2.3   Exploitation Urbanisation also leads to the exploitation of the resources that wetlands offer. Water is pumped out of the wetland for various purposes such as for potable water and irrigation. These areas are also abundant in minerals and peat which are extracted as well as fish which are harvested excessively. If left unmanaged the sustainability of these wetlands may be at risk. Chemical contamination due to pest control is a secondary effect from these activities which reduces the conditions in which living organisms in the wetland can continue to exist (NSW Department of Natural (Resources, 2008), (MRSC, 2001). 3.   WATER QUALITY Biological communities, such as communities of benthic macroinvertebrates, can change due to habitat degradation, water quality degradation or both. Ecosystems in both rivers and estuaries are affected by water quality variables. These variables could be physical, which include turbidity, temperature and suspensoids; or chemical, which includes toxic and non-toxic variables. Toxic variables being: traces of metal and biocides, and non-toxic variables being: pH, conductivity, nutrients, organic enrichment and dissolved oxygen. The quality of water can also be affected by the composition of the uMgeni estuary itself. The factors affecting water quality are namely, topography, geology, climate, land use and the type of soil found in the estuary (Eggers, 2007). 4.   THE uMNGENI ESTUARY An estuary, by definition, is a type of wetland located at the crossing point between two environments, viz. marine and fresh water environment, and is the most dynamic and productive ecosystem in the world (Ethekwini Municipality, 2010). Figure 1. Aerial photograph of uMngeni River leading to uMngeni Estuary and out into the Indian ocean (Ethekwini Municipality, 2010)    Figure 2. Photograph of uMngeni Estuary (Ethekwini Municipality, 2010) 4.1   Description of the uMngeni Estuary The uMngeni Estuary supported by the uMngeni River, which carries water from the Inanda Dam, flows into the Indian Ocean at Durban as depicted in Figure 1 (The River Health Programme, 2002). The uMngeni Estuary is a 230 ha, structurally modified, permanently open estuary which can be viewed in Figure 2. One of uMngeni Estuary’s most eye catching features is its Beachwood Mangrove, located on the northern bank – the fifth largest mangrove in South Africa (Ethekwini Municipality, 2010). The uMngeni Estuary is of both ecological and recreational importance – providing marine animals with a habitat as well as allowing for human sporting activities such as angling (South African River Health Programme, 2004). The mouth of this estuary, being permanently open, gives rise to a high salinity gradient, which brings about a diverse fish population. It houses 24 taxa of benthic macro-invertebrates, with polychaete Capitella capitata being the most prominent – a type of indicator species which detects organic pollution. There is also an abundance of birds at the estuary (Ethekwini Municipality, 2010). 4.2   Threats to the uMngeni Estuary The uMngeni Estuary, like many other natural water sites, are susceptible to threats. Currently, the state of this estuary is classified as â€Å"highly degraded† by the eThekwini Municipality. uMngeni Estuary is situated in the eThekwini Municipal Area, an area home to a third of KwaZulu-Natal’s population; however, this population occupies only 1% of the province’s land area, creating a population over load and the need for urban expansion. Expansions along the coastal regions disrupt the estuarine environment causing degradation (Ethekwini Municipality, 2010). Other more serious threats include: canalisation of the uMngeni River, this results in the removal of habitats in the estuary region; the Inanda Dam regulating the flow of water, thus preventing the natural supply of sand entering to the river resulting in silting and the closing of the estuary; eutrophication as a result of nutrient additions; chemical and organic pollutants; invasive alien plant specie s and direct resource exploitation due to sand mining and over fishing (South African River Health Programme, 2004). 4.3   Reasons for Restoration It is of importance that the uMngeni Estuary be restored to good condition for it is viewed as a biodiversity asset, providing key ecosystem services such as nursery area for fisheries, flood abatement, biodiversity refuge protection and recreation. Being located adjacent to Moses Mabhida Stadium and at the northern end of Durban’s beachfront, it is a zone of recreational activities as well as a tourist â€Å"hot spot† and it is therefore crucial that the condition of the estuary be enhanced to promote tourism and economic growth in South Africa. In addition, a good quality estuary would offer the local community, as well as visitors, the opportunity to engage in nature based activities in an urban landscape (ECO Systems, 2010). 5.   POSSIBLE RESTORATION PROCEDURES A damaged or degraded wetland is by no means useless or irreparable. In fact in many countries throughout the world damaged wetlands have successfully been restored such as the Tidal Wetlands at East Trinity, Cairns, Australia (Agius, 2010). After decades of being subjected to noxious sulphuric acid runoff, scientists were able to reverse the effects by gradually allowing sea water into the wetland using existing floodgates. 5.1   Considerations when Attempting Restoration According to the Parks and Recreation Board for the City of New York, the key points to focus on when attempting the restoration of any wetland are the re-establishment of appropriate hydrological systems, soils and indigenous vegetation (Parks and Recreation, 2010). This can be achieved by a number of acts to undo the negative effects that were previously impacting upon the wetland. These acts include fill removal, fresh soil placement, invasive plant eradication and indigenous plant restoration, erosion control, stormwater, runoff and pollution management (Parks and Recreation, 2010). 5.2   Possible Mitigation Measures to Aid Restoration Fill removal and soil replacement aims at land alterations that will assist in reforming previous ecologic conditions that existed within the wetland. The eradication or control of alien plants and the restoration of indigenous plants also assist with this revitalization. Stormwater, runoff and pollution can be eliminated and managed however long term pollution elimination can only be achieved through the efforts of the surrounding residents and industrialists. These people should understand the value of a wetland and therefore why conservation is crucial in order for them to behave in manner that does not result in further pollution (Casagrande, 1997). During the restoration process it would be extremely beneficial to utilise indicators so as to monitor the quality of the water and thus the condition of the wetland as a whole. In this way the progress or lack thereof can be noted and this may give an idea of the way in which to proceed with the restoration process. 6.   BIO-MONITORING AND RESTORATION Human activities are continuing to increase yearly and this is placing pressure on wetlands. Many wetlands have already been destroyed due to urban and agricultural development. The remaining wetlands need to be monitored so that they remain functional. Efficient and accurate techniques are essential for the assessment of a wetland. There are four major factors in wetland degradation namely: altered water regime, habitat modification, pollutants and exotic species. Monitoring may be defined as the collection and analysis of environmental data (Biological, chemical, and/or physical) over a sufficient period of time and frequency to determine the status or trend in one or more environmental parameters or characteristics toward meeting a management objective (Cale. 2004). Wetlands are sensitive and need to be constantly monitored to remain balanced. Monitoring wetlands provides information on the Biotic Integrity which is defined as â€Å"the ability to support and maintain a balanced, integrated, adaptive community of organisms having a species composition, diversity and functional organization comparable to that of natural habitat of the region.† (Garner 2002). 6.1   Types of Monitoring Methods Digital change detection is used to spot visual changes over a landscape. Aerial photos are captured via satellite or aircraft. Images taken at different times are observed and changes in vegetation are noted any suspicious findings prompt further investigations. Chemical and physical monitoring gives useful insight into the state of the water with the wetland.   Samples of water are gathered and properties such as water depth, dissolved oxygen content, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), ph levels, temperature and turbidity are determined and analysed to establish the status of the wetland. Toxicity tests are carried out in laboratories whereby a sample is taken from the wetland then screened and compared to that of controlled water to check for toxicity. Chemical monitoring provides information on toxic compounds but cannot provide early warnings (Michael 2010). Biological Monitoring uses the responses of living organisms to determine the state of a wetland. Living organisms such as Algae, benthic macro invertebrates, vertebrates, phytoplankton etc are used as indicators of the wetland’s status these organisms are sensitive to change. Changes in their reproduction, growth, behavior etc are observed which gives insight with regards to what’s happening in that environment.   Samples of these living organisms are taken and analyzed. Early warning systems can be developed whereby organisms from site are kept in a special on site laboratory and receive flow from the actual site, these organisms are monitored over time to note any behavioral and physical changes induced by anthropogenic stress. Early detection is key to restoring a balanced environment (NAVFAC, 2004). 6.2   Monitoring Restoration Monitoring methods are not only useful for early detection they also aid in monitoring restoration processes. During restoration monitoring techniques can be used to collect data on soil, nutrient levels, plant and animal growth etc ,this data would indicate whether or not the restoration is successful. The restoration process must be under constant monitoring to ensure success. 7.   BIO-MONITORING Bio-monitoring, by definition, is a technique used to check the health of an aquatic ecosystem by using the density and relative abundance of resident organisms as an indicator (Day, J., 2000). According to Rosenberg and Resh (1993), the â€Å"ideal’ indicator should have the following characteristics: The indicator should be a taxonomically sound and be identifiable with ease The indicator should have a wide spread population distribution The indicator should be numerically abundant The body size of the indicator should be large The ecological requirements of the indicator should be known Indicator should be suitable for the use in laboratory studies 7.1 Programmes Implementing Bio-monitoring To increase the awareness and knowledge on the state of aquatic ecosystems across South Africa, The Department of Water Affairs (DWA) developed a programme, known as the National Aquatic Ecosystem Bio-monitoring Programme (NAEBP), for monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems. This programme was later renamed the River Health Programme (RHP), which focused on the implementation and maintenance of bio-monitoring across South Africa. The RHP use invertebrates as one of the many organisms used for bio-monitoring (WRC, 2002). 7.2   South African Scoring System Scoring Systems are used to allocate scores to different biotic groups, based on the organism’s sensitivity to pollution and environmental stress. For example, stoneflies and mayflies have high scores based on their abundance and presence. The South African Scoring System, better known as the SASS4, is based on macro-invertebrates, where taxa are assigned sensitivity scores according to their responsiveness to changes in the water quality. All biotopes are sampled to obtain an accurate reflection of the communities of macro-invertebrates and their corresponding sensitivities to deteriorating water quality. The sensitivity scores for all the communities are summed to give the sample score. The Average Score per Taxon (ASPT) is found by dividing the sample score with the number of communities found (Graham, M., 1998). 7.3   Habitat Assessments Aiding Bio-monitoring For bio-monitoring to reflect the true condition of the river and estuary, a habitat assessment must be performed. An assessment of the habitat integrity must be performed before the assessment of the biotic integrity. A habitat assessment will aid the bio-monitoring in numerous ways, including finding appropriate sampling sites, provides basic information that will help interpret the bio-monitoring results and will help identify constraints on the potential of a site. The SASS4 recognizes 3 habitat assessment guides which could be used, namely, the Habitat Assessment Matrix (HAM) which looks at the impact of physical habitat degradation using a SASS score, the habitat assessment (HABS1) in which habitats are assessed based on biotopes used for sampling and Habitat Quality Index (HQI) which is very similar to the HAM (WRC, 2002). 8.   BENTHIC MACRO-INVERTEBRATES Benthic macro invertebrates (benthic = bottom, macro = large and invertebrates = animal without backbones) are animals without backbones that are larger than  ½ millimetre – a photograph of benthic macro-invertebrates can be viewed in Figure 3 below. These animals live in sediment, debris plants etc for at least part of their life. Benthic macro invertebrates include crustaceans such as crayfish, such as clams and snails, aquatic worms and the immature forms of aquatic insects such as stonefly and mayfly nymphs (DNR 2004). Figure 3. Photograph of Benthic Macro-invertebrates Benthic macro invertebrates are widespread and can live on all bottom types. They are found in wetlands, lakes ponds etc. most benthic species can be found the whole year round but numbers intensify during spring just before the reproductive season.   Benthic macro invertebrates easily move around with the currents or by flying. Many species undergo metamorphosis then reproduce. Most of their lives are spent in water (Rosenburg,1993). These organisms are an invaluable tool with regards to wetland monitoring and bio-assessments in general. When placed in harmful environments these organisms display â€Å"tell tale† responses, these responses help conservationists identify problems in the wetland. 8.1   Characteristics That Aid in Bio-Assessments Benthic macro invertebrates have characteristic that aid in bio-assessments. à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They are well dispersed and occur in most wetlands. à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Show different reactions to different types of pollution and other adverse effects. à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   High life spans à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sampling of Benthic macro invertebrates is simple , does not require heavy equipment The observation of benthic macro invertebrates provides important information that will prolong wetland health and increase sustainability. Their behaviour and availability aids conservationists to develop early warning signs and save wetlands. 9.   THE USE OF BENTHIC MACRO-INVERTEBRATES IN BIO-MONITORING   Benthic macro-invertebrates possess all the ideal characteristics of a bio-monitoring indicator, as listed above by Rosenberg and Resh (1993). Benthic macro-invertebrates have been documented as one of the most valuable tools for bio-monitoring aquatic ecosystems and are widely chosen to evaluate the quality of surface waters. The types of bio-monitoring using benthic macro-invertebrates include surveillance and to ensure compliance (Richard, 2010).Surveillance surveys could be taken before and after the environmental impact or could also be taken to see whether water resource management techniques are effective or not. Benthic macro-invertebrates could be used to ensure immediate environmental requirements are met or used to control and monitor long term water quality (Townsend 1980). 9.1   Sensitivity of Benthic Macro-invertebrates to Environmental Stress According to Rosenberg and Resh (1993), benthic macro-invertebrate display certain reactions, that are both biochemical and physiological, when confronted by an adverse environment. Exposure to impacted environments could even lead to deformities. Jeffrey and Madden (1991) found that other macro invertebrates have also had negative side effects, such as a decrease in the case building ability of the Agapetus fuscipes, a decline in the feeding rate of the amphipod Gammarus pulex and a change in the reproductive behaviour of the midge Chironomus riparius. Salanki (1986) noted that the populations of the macro invertebrates tend to drift down stream of the water body when faced with chemo-physical changes.   Therefore the most common indicators of environmental stress in macro invertebrates are the changes in their growth, survival, population distributions and reproduction. 9.2   Advantages of Using Benthic Macro-invertebrates in Bio-monitoring In this literature review benthic macro-invertebrates have been chosen as the biological indicator in the uMngeni Estuary, over other forms on macro invertebrates for numerous reasons. They occur and can survive in almost all types of habitats. There are various taxa of benthic macro-invertebrates that range in sensitivity to all kinds of environmental stresses and pollutants. Benthic macro-invertebrates are sedentary by nature, making it easier for them to pick up on approaching pollutants. Their life cycles are long enough to detect exposure to pollution and environmental stress, and the population will not recuperate so quickly that the harm will go undetected. Sampling the Benthic macro-invertebrates is a simple procedure and does not require complicated devices on site (WRC 2002). 9.3 Disadvantages of Using Benthic Macro-Invertebrates in Bio-monitoring However, according to Rosenberg and Resh (1993), there are disadvantages to using benthic macro-invertebrates in bio-monitoring. There are certain environmental impacts that do not affect benthic macro-invertebrates. Water quality is not the only factor that effects their population distribution and abundance, the natural conditions of the habitat in which they live also plays an important role. Their population abundance and distribution varies across the seasonal changes, which can cause sampling problems.   Fortunately, the problems discussed can be overcome with proper knowledge of the habitat predilections, life history and drift patterns. 10.   Role Benthic Macro-invertebrates Will Play in Monitoring and Conserving uMngeni Estuary 10.1   Characteristics of the Benthic Macro-invertebrate Population that Indicates the Health Status of the Estuary The surveillance of benthic macro-invertebrate communities, focusing on taxonomic composition and richness, is the most sensitive tool for effectively detecting changes in aquatic ecosystems, like the uMngeni Estuary. Therefore it is more beneficial to analyse the entire population of invertebrates as a whole rather than looking at individual taxa. Population characteristics, that could be used to detect environmental changes, include richness, diversity and interactions as a functional community. Community functions include productivity processes, decomposition and fluxes in nutrients and energy (Williams, 1990) 10.2    How Feeding Groups Are Linked To the Composition of the Estuary The analysis of the size and characteristics of various feeding groups of benthic macro-invertebrates can be linked to certain aquatic conditions and can give insight into the nature and composition of the estuary. According to Townsend (1980), these macro-invertebrates can be categorized into 4 major feeding groups, namely, grazers which feed of algae, shredders which feed of large particles of plant matter, collectors which feed on fine particles on the stream bed or filtering through the water and predators which feed on invertebrates, fish and other aquatic animals. Therefore if an unnatural increase in the number of grazers were found during the bio-monitoring, it could be concluded that there is an abnormal growth of algae in the estuary that could be due to an environmental stress or pollutant. 10.3. The Distribution of the Various Types of Benthic Macro-Invertebrates Along the uMngeni River Into the Estuary The benthic macro-invertebrate population distribution in terms of the various feeding groups, with regards to the uMngeni River supplying the uMngeni Estuary, will be as follows. The upper part of the river will have course particulate organic matter. Here large population groups of shredders and predators can be found. In the middle reaches of the river, finer material can be found supporting collectors and grazers. In the lower reaches of the river and estuary the material found will be very fine and tend to settle as the current slows down. Here predominantly grazers can be. However the population distribution down the river into the estuary can be influenced by many abiotic factors, such as oxygen, current, substratum, concentration of dissolved chemicals and temperature. All these factors must be taken into consideration during the testing phase. 10.4.   The Effectiveness of Using Benthic Macro-Invertebrates in Bio-Monitoring Using benthic macro-invertebrates in bio-monitoring is one of the most effective ways to indicate an environmental impact. For example if toxins are flowing through the water of the river, a chemical investigation would not reflect the exact impacts as the toxins would be quickly washed downstream and out of the estuary. However there would be radical changes to the benthic macro-invertebrate populations for quite some time, even after the toxins have gone (Graham 1998). An investigation determined by Muirhead-Thomson (1987), showed that a community of benthic macro-invertebrates took 2 to 3 week to recover from the application of the insecticide, methoxychlor. This would give researchers ample time to find the exact impacts of a pollutant or environmental stress if implemented along the uMngeni River and into the estuary. 11. AREAS OF CONCENTRATION Different species of invertebrates can be located at specific areas throughout the estuary as discussed in the previous section. It is therefore important to know which region of the wetland would be of particular significance in achieving the goal of restoration. The overall state of the water quality of the uMngeni Estuary is especially dependant on the condition of the freshwater being provided by the uMngeni River. It would thus be prudent to pay attention to the benthic macro-invertebrates that exist at the point where river and estuary meet and even further up along the river as well. In this way it may determined if considerable degradation is occurring before the water even enters the wetland. By monitoring and enhancing the condition of water in the river the quality of the water in the estuary can be enhanced (South African River Health Programme, 2004). Ultimately a large number of concentration areas should be chosen so as to obtain a general idea of the state of the estu ary and whether conditions are improving or declining.   CONCLUSION The uMngeni Estuary is an invaluable ecosystem in the Durban area that if left unprotected will be destroyed by pollution and exploitation. It is essential that efforts be made to restore this environmental treasure to a naturally functioning wetland devoid of human impaction. In correlation with the restoration procedure the utilisation of a bio-monitoring process is extremely useful in determining wether conditions in the wetland are improving. The most indicative organisms in bio-monitoring are benthic macro-invertebrates and for this reason their use in attempting to restore the uMngeni estuary would be of great benefit and worth to its survival.   REFERENCES   Agius, K. 2010, JANUARY 2010-last update, Qld wetlands restored in world first [brisbanetimes], [Online]. Available: brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/qld-wetlands-restored-in-world-first-20100103-ln9s.html [2011, 4/9/2011]. Begg, G.W. Natal. Town and Regional Planning Commission 1979, Policy proposals for the estuaries of Natal, Natal Town and Regional Planning Commission, Pietermaritzburg. Cale, D.J. 2004,   [Wetland Monitoring] [Homepage of Conservation Science], [Online]. Available: google.co.za/search?q=http://bennelongia.com.au/downloads/staff_publications/s_halse/Halse_7.pdfie=utf-8oe=utf-8aq=trls=org.mozilla:en-US:officialclient=firefox-a [2011, 4/9/2011]. 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Financial statements Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Financial statements - Essay Example report that measures the success of the company operations for a particular period of time and this is used by business and investment people to determine the profitability, investment value and creditworthiness etc (Keiso and Weygandt, 2007, p. 126). Income Statement summarizes revenues, gains, expenses and losses. Sales, fees, dividends and interest are parts of revenues, while expenses take forms of cost of goods sold, depreciation, interest, wages and salary etc. Gains and losses are different types like sale of plant assets or investments, settlement of liabilities etc. Expenses are debited and revenue are credited, and the total of these can be a net debit (loss) or net credit (profit). Income statement evaluates the past performance of the company and provides a basis for future prediction and assessing risk or uncertainty. The Balance Sheet presents the financial position of the business through the main elements that are called assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity (Davies and Pain, 2002, p. 49). Assets include those that can provide future economic benefits as a result of past transaction (plant, machinery, vehicles and all) and liabilities include those that are probable future sacrifices of economic benefits arising from present obligations- loan, overdraft etc- (Keiso and Weygandt, 2007, p. 173). Assets are regarded to be debit balances and liabilities and stockholder’s equity are credit balances. Balance sheet is always in a balance and hence it can be summarized as: Neither balance sheet nor income statement show or directly analyze some of the key changes taken place in the financial position. They don’t show cash inflows and cash outflows that are in turn, highly important to know and assess the timing and uncertainty of cash flows. Cash-flow statement, instead, provides cash inflows and outflows and it calculates the net changes in the cash position of the business. It comprises of 1) operation activities which are cash effects of