Finance for non finance managers Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Finance for non finance managers - Assignment Example 40 million from the debt market. Using debt to run the business has both advantages and disadvantages. Advantages Debt is a low cost capital. Using debt the company does not have to pay tax on it. Hence the company will have to pay less tax overall. Using debt the Earning per share of the company fluctuates more than using only equity as the source of capital. Hence during good times the Earning per share of the company will rise much higher than when the company use only equity (Tuller, 2007, p. 211). This satisfies the shareholders as they will get more in return. Hence they will always want some portion of the capital to be raised as debt. Again using debt the company don’t have to share the ownership rights with the shareholders. They don’t have to go back to the shareholders each time they need to take an important decision. All they want is to get fixed return on the investment that they have made. Again the lenders don’t have any claim on the future earnin gs. Furthermore if a debt can be paid on time, then the credit rating of the business will improve and they will readily get finance easily from the market next time they went to any financial institutions for loan. Disadvantages The company has to make regular monthly payment of instalment and interest. Barnet Solutions is going to expand in the European market for the first time. ... 176). Hence it is like a double edged sword. If the economy in the European market deteriorates the Earning per share of the company will fall down drastically. The shareholder then may ask tough questions to the management regarding their decision making process. Pure Equity The company can use Equity as the source of fund. Advantages Using Equity the company can avoid the hassle of going through the long process of applying for loan. It takes more time to raise debt than equity. It is less risky than a loan because the company will not have to pay back the obligation if they cannot afford it. The company can easily tap into its investors’ network and add more credibility to the business. The investors here takes a long term view and don’t expect and immediate return. The company also don’t need to payback if the business fails (Mason, 2010, p. 212). Disadvantages The investors can demand returns more than the interest rate the company will have to pay for debt. The investors also will require ownership of the company. They have to be consulted before making any big decision. It also takes time and effort to find the right investors for the company. Period 2012 2011 D/E 1.18 0.92 The standard Debt-equity ratio of any company is 2:1. Hence it is advisable for the company to raise fund through both debt and equity. The company can go 80:20 ratio of raising the money from the market with the majority being debt and other being equity. Hence the company can raise ? 32 million from the debt market and ? 8 million from the equity market. After using the above capital the debt equity ratio will become Period 2012 2011 D/E 1.28 1.04 This shows that the company will be well within the standards limits of the Debt-Equity ratio. Answer 2 The

The oil Price crisis in Britain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The oil Price crisis in Britain - Essay Example In The Daily Telegraph publication (The Daily Telegraph: 20 June 2008), executive foreign editor Con Coughlin asserted that "as things stand, protecting their precious reserves, rather than providing the world with cheaper oil, appears to be their main priority". In a similar tone The Times' chief foreign affairs commentator Bronwen Maddox described the Opec summit in Jeddah "a Saudi show, to deliver a Saudi message" (The Times: 25 June 2008), stating that , "Before Sunday's meeting, King Abdullah bin Abdelaziz al-Saud said that the kingdom was resolved to prevent oil prices from rising 'in an unjustified and abnormal manner', while announcing an increase in production too small to have any such impact." In other twist , Con Coughlin, The Telegraph's executive foreign editor, argued that the country is operating to capacity in the article published in The Telegraph (The Telegraph: 20 June 2008). He mentioned that, "the Saudis announced their intention to increase production by another 500,000 barrels per day, which will bring total production to 9.7 million barrels - the kingdom's highest ever level. And that is about the upper limit of what the Saudis can produce for any sustained period." However, "the Saudis will only produce more oil if they believe it is in their interests to do so," The somewhat incongruous perspective by Coughlin presents connotations tending to place blame over the oil price crisis on Saudi Arabia. Other opinion slants presented in the media coverage of the oil price crisis in Britain have focused on the reality of rising demands for oil which has not been succored on commensurate production levels. The BP Statistical Review OF the world Energy quoted in the Energy and Capital e-letter for August 2008 presents that, "It's no secret anymore that for every nine barrels of oil we consume, we are only discovering one."(The BP Statistical Review of World Energy August 11th, 2008). The writer in the article mentions that there is unprecedented oil usage rate on a global scale which has not been sustained by any feasible production increase measures. "The world is addicted to oil. In just 8 years, it's projected the world will be consuming nearly 50,000 gallons of oil every second. By that time, the world won't be able to meet the projected demand... for one simple reason: We're using up oil at breakneck speed. And it's also no secret that official oil reserve numbers furnished by OPEC member governments have been fudged for years. The International Energy Agency (IEA) even admitted to knowing about some of OPEC's wizards cooking their books." (Opcit) The electronic title also provides some sweeping predictions in an advertising blurb aimed at getting readers to subscribe to the e-letter. Some of the predictions enlisted are; Why we're never going to see oil priced at $40 a barrel ever again, what we learned from the 1970s oil crisis, and where the future of oil really stands... How oil reserve supplies will tighten, prices will continue jumping, and the world economy will feel the squeeze... The 3 best ways to capitalize on the investment opportunities of a post-oil economy. In another reportage Independent columnist Dominic Lawson vindicated Saudi Arabia (and Opec) from blame in the current price crisis, writing that "far from operating as a

Smog and air pollution Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Smog and air pollution - Research Paper Example In the U.S, smog is formed owing to the action of sunlight on different chemicals present in the air that are released by vehicles, oil refineries and factories and because of this activity, the word photochemical smog was coined (Edlin & Golanty 2010). It not only harms the ecosystem, but also destroys the scenic beauty of the country by forming a dirty dense layer of fog above it (Nolen 2009). Air pollution and smog formation results due to many causes and leads to negative effects and thus effective solutions should be formulated to overcome this problem. Smog is very hazardous for the health of the individuals. People living in these areas, suffer from memory loss or a stroke according to one of the publications of The Archives of Internal Medicine. A medical record reviewed by Wellenius who stated that between, 1991 and 2008, about 1,700 patients were admitted at a Medical Center in Boston because they were suffering from a stroke (Pittman 2012). Furthermore, Smog causes severe breathing problems by reducing the oxygen in the air that is from 21% to 16%, and increasing the level of carbon dioxide that makes the brain and body stop functioning. Asthma, bronchitis and cough are some other ailments found in the polluted areas of the United States (Edlin & Golanty 2010). Air Pollution also affects the Earth by making it warm because of the greenhouse gasses (Carbon dioxide, Methane, and chlorofluorocarbons) it consists. Over the years, the government has taken many steps to reduce these gases in the air, Sulfur being one of the major ones as it is the main cause of acid rain (National Geographic 2012). To accomplish and overcome the problems of air pollution commitment to â€Å"science and law† has to be restored (Nolen 2009). Many steps need to be taken for the reduction of air pollution for the betterment of the environment. People should limit their usage of cars, planes and recycle environment friendly products in order to

The oil Price crisis in Britain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The oil Price crisis in Britain - Essay Example In The Daily Telegraph publication (The Daily Telegraph: 20 June 2008), executive foreign editor Con Coughlin asserted that "as things stand, protecting their precious reserves, rather than providing the world with cheaper oil, appears to be their main priority". In a similar tone The Times' chief foreign affairs commentator Bronwen Maddox described the Opec summit in Jeddah "a Saudi show, to deliver a Saudi message" (The Times: 25 June 2008), stating that , "Before Sunday's meeting, King Abdullah bin Abdelaziz al-Saud said that the kingdom was resolved to prevent oil prices from rising 'in an unjustified and abnormal manner', while announcing an increase in production too small to have any such impact." In other twist , Con Coughlin, The Telegraph's executive foreign editor, argued that the country is operating to capacity in the article published in The Telegraph (The Telegraph: 20 June 2008). He mentioned that, "the Saudis announced their intention to increase production by another 500,000 barrels per day, which will bring total production to 9.7 million barrels - the kingdom's highest ever level. And that is about the upper limit of what the Saudis can produce for any sustained period." However, "the Saudis will only produce more oil if they believe it is in their interests to do so," The somewhat incongruous perspective by Coughlin presents connotations tending to place blame over the oil price crisis on Saudi Arabia. Other opinion slants presented in the media coverage of the oil price crisis in Britain have focused on the reality of rising demands for oil which has not been succored on commensurate production levels. The BP Statistical Review OF the world Energy quoted in the Energy and Capital e-letter for August 2008 presents that, "It's no secret anymore that for every nine barrels of oil we consume, we are only discovering one."(The BP Statistical Review of World Energy August 11th, 2008). The writer in the article mentions that there is unprecedented oil usage rate on a global scale which has not been sustained by any feasible production increase measures. "The world is addicted to oil. In just 8 years, it's projected the world will be consuming nearly 50,000 gallons of oil every second. By that time, the world won't be able to meet the projected demand... for one simple reason: We're using up oil at breakneck speed. And it's also no secret that official oil reserve numbers furnished by OPEC member governments have been fudged for years. The International Energy Agency (IEA) even admitted to knowing about some of OPEC's wizards cooking their books." (Opcit) The electronic title also provides some sweeping predictions in an advertising blurb aimed at getting readers to subscribe to the e-letter. Some of the predictions enlisted are; Why we're never going to see oil priced at $40 a barrel ever again, what we learned from the 1970s oil crisis, and where the future of oil really stands... How oil reserve supplies will tighten, prices will continue jumping, and the world economy will feel the squeeze... The 3 best ways to capitalize on the investment opportunities of a post-oil economy. In another reportage Independent columnist Dominic Lawson vindicated Saudi Arabia (and Opec) from blame in the current price crisis, writing that "far from operating as a

Natural sciences Essay Example for Free

Natural sciences Essay Knowledge involves acquaintance with truth, principles or facts as with a certain subject or a branch of learning. People have various perceptive of knowledge. There are those who belief that knowledge is found in many forms which must be proven with evidence. It is possible to doubt everything that exist because it is a misconception or it may be seen as an illusion. Doubt is important in knowledge because learning through from the senses or through the senses can be deceptive. For example, senses can deceive because one may smell something sweet and senses deceive that it is going to have sweet taste. However, this is wrong because not everything that smells sweet taste sweet. Dreams are also deceptive as they are just false delusions because occasionally when one is asleep one is deceived by the illusions in dreams. These are just ways that knowledge through the senses can deceive. Therefore, it becomes necessary to doubt everything so that one can get the true knowledge. So as the proverb hold doubt is key to knowledge. Knowledge creates doubt and doubt pave way for gaining more knowledge. If its is not for doubt then there would be no knowledge or the knowledge that would be available would be one that is not complete knowledge (Urdahl, pg 27-29). In natural sciences, scientists have a lot of experience with doubt and uncertainty. This is experience that is very necessary in gaining knowledge in natural sciences. When one does not know the answer to a problem then this can be termed as ignorance. Then one has a hunch as to what the results are, for example, of an experiment, then it means that one has uncertainty. When one is darned sure of what the result would be then it means that one has some doubt. Therefore, it is paramount important that in order to have progress it is important to recognize the ignorance we have in natural sciences and leave room for doubt. This is because scientific knowledge is a body of statements, which have varying degrees of certainty. The degrees vary from being unsure, nearly sure and none absolutely certain. Doubt is a good thing in natural science because if one knows the answer or thinks that one knows the answer then it becomes easy to fail to seek more knowledge about that particular subject. Doubt helps to come out of that emotional attachment that people have in certain beliefs or from the theory of determinism. Example of areas where doubt has assisted in gaining and verifying knowledge is in the assumptions in relativity that inertial mass and gravitational mass are equal. In order to show that they are not the model has to be revised. Scientists have engaged in refining their ability to measure the two. It is the doubt that has developed in this area that has made the scientist revise this model until they have realized that inertial mass and gravitational mass are different at finer degrees. Therefore, they doubt has made it known that the two are not equivalent as has been held in the past. In this case, it is not that the same experiment is repeated but the real key to this is to look at the statements and test if they have been examined to the extent that they should. Doubt allow the use of new tools in scientific experiments which allow new discoveries which do away with the old ideas or theories. Science in this case becomes a process of doubt. Natural scientists are always nor sure and this is the reason as to why they repeat the steps in experiments in order to make sure that it is right. Another area where doubt has necessitated growth of knowledge is in the evolution theory. At the beginning people had strong belief that creation theory was the one that provided call the knowledge about the evolution of human being. However, as knowledge grew people started to doubt some aspects of the evolution theory and developed other theories such as the Darwinian theory of evolution. This is a theory which resulted out f the doubts about some of the aspects of the former theory. This is not the end theory because doubts in some aspects of the evolutions theory have also led to development of some other theories (Axtell pg 87-88). Doubt has also contributed to increased knowledge in other areas, for example, in social science and history. There are two areas that information collected or knowledge gained depends on research or theories which were constructed in the past by various scholars. However it becomes tricky to use such kind of theories to their full because history and social sciences are dynamic. For example, the society change as time moves. Therefore, this is also in the same way that the theories are supposed to change. For example, if theories that were constructed in the fourteenth century are used in the twenty first century then there is no doubt that the theory would contain a lot of faults because of the changes that have occurred in the society. People have developed in their way of reasoning as in these days there are more sources of information than in the past. Reason is one part of gaining knowledge that enhances the development of doubt. This is because it is after deductive reasoning that a person is able to develop hypothesis that proves some knowledge as relevant or irrelevant (Gotschl, pg179-180). Historians do their research and base most of their research on the researches that were conducted in the past. The information in the research where they base their research would be biased or exaggerated. This is what cause doubt and enhance new research to be conducted regarding some issues. Despite the fact that some people are emotionally attached to some believes doubt has made them to relent some of their believes. For example, different ethnic groups have their own myths about where they originated or who is their god or where their god lived. In traditional society people had strong emotional attachment to these beliefs (Chang pg 581). However, as time has passed people have developed doubt about these believes to develop other believes. This is because most of the beliefs in the traditions are not well reasoned and are also biased to particular ethnic people. People have developed other believes that are more inclusive of other ethnic groups all over the world. This has risen out of the doubt that people have some of the things that happened in the past (Lamm Norman pg 11-12). Despite that knowledge plays a key role in knowledge I think that knowledge or truth is a fixed situation because truth is not questionable. So if true knowledge is out there to be discovered or to be learned then it means that when we know or acquire knowledge then there should be no room for doubt. I also think that knowledge depends mostly on human perception. Natural sciences have more upper hands in investigating the truth. However these sciences are still subjected tout human brains. Curiosity is also key to knowledge rather than doubt. Human beings are always curious to know more about their nature. The curiosity allows them to make discoveries and also strive to find the truth. Looking critically at the discoveries that have been made in the past it is out of curiosity that this has happened. This curiosity leads to knowledge, which then leads to wisdom. Doubts make us to know hat our knowledge is correct instead on believing in something blindly. However I do not feel that doubt makes us to make any discovery or learn anything that is new to us. It is curiosity that allows us to acquire new knowledge more quickly. Work cited Axtell Guy. Knowledge, belief, and character: readings in virtue epistemology, 1st edition, Rowman Littlefield, 2000. Chang Larry. Wisdom for the Soul: Five Millennia of Prescriptions for Spiritual Healing, Gnosophia Publishers, 2006. Gotschl Johann. Erwin Schrodingers world view: the dynamics of knowledge and reality Vol 16, New York, Springer, 1992. Lamm Norman. Faith and doubt: studies in traditional Jewish thought, 3rd edition, KTAV Publishing House, Inc. , 2007. Urdahl Halvor. Key of Knowledge, New York, Kessinger Publishing, 1998.

Native Plant Selection And Plant Re Colonisation Environmental Sciences Essay

Native Plant Selection And Plant Re Colonisation Environmental Sciences Essay Currently, there are approximately 1,017 kilometres  of motorway in the Republic of Ireland with a view to possibly extending this to 1100 kilometres by 2015. (Wikipedia, 2011). Therefore, because of this vast sprawling motorway network which will possibly be extended throughout the country, I will seek to critically evaluate the vegetation suitable for this network with a view to sustaining the features of the local landscape and its surrounding habitat. The planting of trees and shrubs along a motorway provides important means screening for both the driver and passengers. In an urban area, a motorway can be lined with intrusive properties. Buildings or industrial estates can be unsightly while travelling along a motorway. Vegetation here has an important role to play here as they can help naturally mask these surrounding unsightly features. Trees or tall shrubs are a suitable screen for multi-storey houses or developments while small shrubs can be a suitable veil for lower single story buildings. Both of these do not only act as a screen but also function as important noise and wind barriers. (Department for Transport 1992, p.2/1) While it is important to provide adequate screening in built up areas through means of visual mitigation, this can be difficult to maintain year round as deciduous species lose their foliage in the winter months. This can be avoided when a mix of evergreen and deciduous species are planted. (Department for Transport 2004, p.5/17). On the other hand, overplanting on a motorway for screening can prove to be detrimental to the surrounding landscape. If the surrounding landscape is already particularly scenic, tall trees and dense shrubs can mask this. An example of this can be seen in the below image: The problem: M40, Oxfordshire When this planting matures an attractive view, in which the road is not a dominant element, will be lost. It might have been better either to have accepted the view or to have broken it up within intermittent planting (Department for Transport, 1992, p.2/2). Here, were are advised that that varied and intermittent planting is necessary because too much screening can lead to the view of the surrounding landscape and features being masked though the dense shield of greenery once it matures. This would be especially the case of evergreen woodland species which would block the view in all seasons and grow taller than some deciduous trees or shrubs. Therefore, we are already discovering that planting of plant species along a motorway involves specific planning whereby the natural surrounding landscape is not deprived of its features. It is also important to note also that woodland planting would normally take place on a wide cutting where trees would be clear of overhead cables and important signs or structures. The variety of species selected should reflect the local landscape while not overly shielding it. (Department for Transport, 2004, pp.5/17-5/18). This above measure of selecting variegated species is also important for the driver and their personal experience with their surroundings along the road corridor. The National Roads Authority (2006, p.24)  highlight the importance of driver fatigue in the planning of landscaping along motorway as the frequent use of a single or few relatively large treatments along a road corridor can become repetitive, leading to a loss of perceived naturalness, and may contribute to driver monotony and fatigue. They note how it is important to have a variation in the vegetation along the motorway particularly at high speeds of up to 120 km/h. It therefore should be considered to avoid a single species of high canopy trees or woodland species in an area of an attractive featured landscape. Ilex aquilfolium Holly The evergreen holly is a native species which forms the shrub layer in some of our oldest woods. It is another visually attractive small tree very suitable for gardens as a specimen tree or as a hedge, slow growing and very dense. It is possible to take cuttings from holly. A small side shoot about 15 cm with the heel where it joins the main branch should be selected and grown in a suitable sand/loam mix. September is the best time to take cuttings, which are best grown under shelter. Seedlings or cuttings should be moved once they are well established (but under 20cm tall) and when the soil is warm (The Tree Council of Ireland, 2008, P.26)Instead, the natural landscape should be maintained and any vegetation planted should blend with the surroundings features and not conceal them. The woodland screening mix should therefore consist of local native species that reflect the local landscape. The National Roads Authority (2008, p.165) provide examples of woodland species that can be used to reflect the local landscape; Populus tremula (Aspen) Salicaceae  (family), Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) Oleaceae (family), Quercus robur (Oak) Fagaceae (family), Betula pendula (Birch) Betulaceae (family), Alnus glutinsosa (Alder) Betulaceae (family) and evergreen species such as; Ligustrum vulgare (Wild Privet) Oleaceae  (family), Ilex aquifolium (Holly) Aquifoliaceae (family)   and Ulex europaeus (Gorse) Fabaceae  (family). Populus tremula Aspen The one definitely native poplar is aspen (all other poplars may be assumed to be introduced, although the black poplar is still being argued about). Aspen will grow into a full sized tree. The leaves make a distinctive sound as they rattle gently in the wind, and they have a sweet smell in the spring. Poplars produce seeds on catkins, but also spread vegetatively by suckers i.e. new shoots growing up from the roots. It is easiest to propagate aspen by cutting through roots and transplanting a sucker (The Tree Council of Ireland, 2008, P.19) It is also important to note how existing native hedgerows and woodland species should be retained where possible and if are necessary to be removed during construction works, post motorway landscape planting should focus on the natural native species that existed so there is no impact on local vegetation and flora. This is of crucial importance to local wildlife and protected conservation species. An example of how post motorway construction planting is achieved is seen in the below image: (Department for Transport, 2004, P.5/46). Here we see how hedgerows are planted along the road corridor linking them in with existing hedgerows that exist in the surrounding fields. This provides important visual integration but also achieves benefits for the local wildlife as they have a corridor of vegetation to travel along. In the development of a natural habitat along motorways, hedgerows are of huge importance to wildlife conservation. Richard Nairn (2012) affirms that: new roadside plantings can create a woodland edge with tall canopy trees such as oak, ash or Scots pine set well back from the carriageway and a progressively lower fringe of small trees and understory plants closer to the road. This helps to replicate natural habitats which have been depleted in Ireland for several centuries. Therefore, if a motorway is developed along or nearby a woodland area, it would be necessary to replicate the planting of the natural locally occurring species for the benefit of blending it with the local surroundings. Good practice: M27, Hampshire A variety of species has been used. The numbers of individuals in each species group and the size of the clumps, are in keeping with the scale of the road. (Department for Transport, 1992, P.3/1). In the above examples we seed how a collection similar species are selected to naturally blend with the surroundings and we note the importance of how species are selected to grow naturally as they would occur within these surroundings. This not only benefits the visual interest but wildlife protection is highlighted. In addition to wildlife found on the wood woodland edge, the National Roads Authority have found that birds and bats fly higher above roads when crossing between existing woodland on either side of a road carriageway than when the motorway has lined hedgerows with a high or low wooded canopy. Moreover, although most motorways should be predominantly straight sections, if curved trees and shrubs should be set back to discourage wildlife crossing and improve visibility for motorway users. (National Roads Authority, 2006, p.28) Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Hawthorn or white thorn was planted in hedges throughout our countryside. Its sweet smelling May blossom is a feature in that month, and in autumn and winter the deep red haws colour the bare twigs. They are among the berries most favoured by birds. Only untrimmed hawthorn can flower and fruit freely, but hedges have to be cut to keep them stock proof. Hawthorn hedges may be trimmed regularly, or left for several years and then laid by cutting part way through the main stems and laying these horizontally through the hedge. Even old hawthorn hedges will regenerate if trunks are cut back to base and left to sprout again. Like many other shrubs, hawthorn also grows in woodland where there is enough light in open glades, along rides through the woodland, or along the edge. A single tree may be left in a field as a fairy thorn, especially where there maybe an archaeological site. (The Tree Council of Ireland, 2008, P.42)Shrubs add an important feature to the woodland edge planting. Shrubs not only benefit the environment ecologically but also aesthetically as they can function to soften the appearance of a woodland edge and provide form. Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) Rosaceae  (family), vastly seen planted throughout Ireland is a good example of low growing motorway shrub that acts this way. Trees and shrubs can function to break the emphasis of the motorway corridor, soften hard motorways and barriers but intermittent planting also benefits biodiversity conservation rather than mass planting of non beneficial plant species. Also, the greater the variety of plant species, the greater the variety of wildlife which acts as vital nature reserve for them to travel along. The variation of high canopy trees and low canopy trees species along a motorway is of relevance to bird species as some prefer to nest at different levels: Chaffinches and Greenfinches like to nest well above ground level, while Wrens, Robins and Dunnocks are happier lower down. (Donegal County Council, 2004) In the creation of a woodland edge, Acer campestre (Field Maple) Sapindaceae (family) provides us with autumn colour when lined with shrubs through intermittent planting. The shrubs can also provide a beautiful array of flowers in spring and summer which are not only beneficial aesthetically but influence insect pollinators. Commencing with Blackthorn in April Hawthorn which is then followed by Gorse, Cherry, Plum, Crabapple, Rowan, Elder, Guelder Rose, Honeysuckle, Wild Rose and Bramble. After flowering, most of these plants reach their fruiting period all together, just when bird populations are at their highest, and all need the fruit and berry feast to build them up for the winter. (Donegal County Council, 2004) Ulex europaeus Gorse- Perhaps the best known and most widely distributed of our native shrubs, gorse is also known as whin or furze. There are two types, the common or European gorse, and the western or mountain gorse. The common gorse is a very suitable shrub component along the edge of new woodland, and also makes an excellent hedge. Gorse is well known for flowering almost all the year round, and its spiny leaves are evergreen. Gorse supports many insects and spiders, which in turn provide food for small birds, which may nest in the excellent shelter provided by these dense spiny bushes. It is often under-estimated as a wildlife resource. (The Tree Council of Ireland, 2008, P.40) Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle A climber rather than a shrub,honeysuckle is a common component of native deciduous woodlands. The heads of pink and golden trumpet shapedflowers have a powerful sweet scent attractive to moths,which take the nectar. Theflowers mature to bright red berries that are much enjoyed by birds such as coal tits. Honeysuckle may be grown on a fence or over dead timber, or up the wall of a building with the help of wire supports. It may be cut back and trimmed hard in a hedge without ill effects. Honeysuckle will grow from berries and also from cuttings. Best of all is to layer a branch i.e. peg it down into the soil while still attached to the parent plant it will sprout roots and may then be cut off and transplanted. (The Tree Council of Ireland, 2008, P.43) However, a major wildlife concern that should be noted along motorways with berry plants is that they can attract wildlife which can be dangerous at such close distances to fast moving traffic so careful planting and selection should be considered. An additional concern would be the planting of Gorse in areas that they prone to fires. The National Roads Authority (2006, pp.10-11) have a policy setting out the selection of native species of non native as they promote conservation of biodiversity and give the landscape a unique character of Irishness while also reducing the possibility of diseases from foreign non native plant species. Moreover, due to the small percentage of native plant species that remain in Ireland, it is important to encourage their use in landscaping of motorways and their encouraging the fauna protection via a symbiotic relationship. Native species have been proven to be more beneficial for wildlife as they have lived in equilibrium for thousands of years whereas wildlife has found it difficult to adapt to introduced non native plant species Moreover, when selecting species of trees to plant on motorways, it is important to understand that some trees are slow growing and although Oak is a native tree and provides important feeding station for insects, the length of time it takes to grow should be considered as faster growing species such as ash may prove to be more beneficial on a larger scale planting along motorways due to their considerable growth time difference. (Boylan, C. 2012) As we have seen, motorway planting involves trying to blend the new roads into their existing landscape. Another landscape planting that can take place to achieve this is grassland planting to match open green belt environment or more pastoral surroundings. The National Roads authority emphasise the importance here of sourcing indigenous seed and robust low-maintenance grassland treatments and While Red Clover may be included in the grass seed mix, incorporating aggressive leguminous species such as White Clover (common in many grass seed mixes) should be avoided, as these will facilitate an increase in soil fertility, thereby increasing maintenance inputs including the need for more frequent mowing (National Roads Authority, 2006, pp.79-81) On steep embankments, hydro seeding is used to spread grass and flower mix seed. However, with clay and sandstone present the soils will be lighter and the gradient cannot be too steep.Here the roots of plants form and important function in holding the structure of the embankment together. While Clover forms and important species in grassland seed mix that for form as a nitrogen fixer. (Hedgerowmobile, 2004) Grassland also has an important role in nature conservation and natural re colonisation of grassland species also hence the choice of indigenous seed sourcing. The images contrast the grasslands choices and their results. Rank, coarse grassland is typical of much highway land and stands out in marked contrast to the surrounding agricultural land, rather than blending with it Good practice: M6, Cumbria Apt use of low-maintenance grassland on the right soil conditions has ensured a fit to the landscape, as well as providing nature conservation interest (Department for Transport, 1992, p4/1) It is also important to note that in the development of an open grassland landscape along motorways, maintenance will be crucial. Scrub and noxious weeds an easily invade a grassland sward where wildlife have settled. It is important therefore to ensure that scrubs such as bramble, gorse, and hawthorn do not invade valuable grassland. (Department for Transport, 2004. p.5/12-13, p.5/31) Such scrubs form important wildlife habitats but it is necessary to ensure that the do not spread into other wildlife colonies. Careful planning and maintenance can ensure that this does not occur. As an alternative to scrub planting in this area, large canopy trees can function to break up the emphasis of mass planting and can provide form while also allowing more diversity for wildlife and provide a framed view for the driver on the road corridor. (Department for Transport, 2004. P5/31). Species of large canopy trees here could include Fraxinus excelsior (Ash), Quercus robur (Oak), Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) and Quercus petraea (Sessile Oak). On the contrary, the central median of motorways is not of importance to wildlife protection and conservation. It functions more of a division between laneways but also can have aesthetic visual impact on the motorway user. Bulb planting here can be a beneficial means of achieving good visual quality while reducing the risk of this dangerous area becoming a habitat island. Considering the location, bulbs will be low maintenance and soften the opposing hard road surface. Moreover the National Roads Authority advise against the use of berry producing shrubs and plants due to their potential appealing nature to wildlife posing a risk to potential wildlife considering their closeness to fast moving vehicles and machinery. (National Roads Authority, 2006, pp.55-56) As an alternative, examples of shrubs that could be planted along the central median include Corylus avellana (Hazel) and Salix spp (Willow) as they do not grow to great heights or width so less thinning would be required in maintaining them. (Department for Transport, 2004, p.5/28) Salix spp Willow- There are several varieties of willow native to Ireland. All grow in damp soil, have catkins or pussy willows that produce seeds, but are most easily grown from cuttings, which root very readily. The most widespread willow species are the goat willow, the rusty or grey willow (both known as sallies), and the eared willow. While these generally grow on damp ground, the goat willow will also colonise rough and disturbed ground in drier areas. Willow establishes easily by wind blown seed and can also be propagated by taking cuttings approx 8 inches long from stems between half an inch and one and a half inches during dormancy, which are simply pushed into the soil to a depth of 4 inches max. (The Tree Council of Ireland, 2008, p.31) Therefore to conclude, we can see that vegetation on motorways provides us with an opportunity to replace important habitats for wildlife and also provides us with the task of integrating the motorway into the existing landscape where a mix of local native species provides visual interest while also benefiting wildlife biodiversity. Motorways can be a major geographic feature of the landscape if properly maintained and if the suitable vegetation is selected when created these corridors for both wildlife and road users while they continue on their journey. Word Count 3163

Shakespeares Othello: Is Jealousy the Cause? Essay examples -- Othell

The hero in William Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello is guided to murder by his passions. Which passions? Jealousy? Sexual jealousy? In this paper let us look into these questions. In the volume Shakespeare and Tragedy John Bayley denies that jealousy is a major causative factor in the play: The play eludes with ease any attempt to pin it down to a solution: why it happened, what caused it, what weakness in Othello was involved? Even jealousy as such is not the reason. Jealousy is a long-term affair, with its own rules and customs, its own subterranean animosities and grudges. (204) Contrasting with this critical opinion is that of another esteemed critic. Lily B. Campbell in Shakespeare’s Tragic Heroes definitively categorizes Othello as a â€Å"study in jealousy†: Othello has suffered less in its modern interpretation than any other of Shakespeare’s tragedies, it would seem. So insistently did Shakespeare keep this tragedy unified about the theme of jealousy and the central victims of the passion, so obviously did he mould his plot about the black Moor and the cunning Iago and the victims of their jealousy that no interpreter has been able to ignore the obvious intention of the author. Yet if we study the contemporary interpretations of the passion here portrayed, we find that Shakespeare was following in detail a broader and more significant analysis of the passion than has in modern days been understood. The play is, however, clearly a study in jealousy and in jealousy as it affects those of different races. (148) Can we narrow down the concept of jealousy in this play to a specific type? Helen Gardner in â€Å"Othello: A Tragedy of Beauty and Fortune† sees this play as a study in sexual jealousy: Othello is not a study in prid... ...vington, David, ed. William Shakespeare: Four Tragedies. New York: Bantam Books, 1980. Campbell, Lily B. Shakespeare’s Tragic Heroes. New York: Barnes and Noble, Inc., 1970. Ferguson, Francis. â€Å"Two Worldviews Echo Each Other.† Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1996. Reprint from Shakespeare: The Pattern in His Carpet. N.p.: n.p., 1970. Gardner, Helen. â€Å"Othello: A Tragedy of Beauty and Fortune.† Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1996. Reprint from â€Å"The Noble Moor.† British Academy Lectures, no. 9, 1955. Jorgensen, Paul A. William Shakespeare: The Tragedies. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1985. Shakespeare, William. Othello. In The Electric Shakespeare. Princeton University. 1996. http://www.eiu.edu/~multilit/studyabroad/othello/othello_all.html No line nos.