Ski Resorts and Their Impact on the Environment

Ski Resorts and Their Impact on the Environment Alpine skiing and snowboarding are great ways to spend time in the mountains relatively safely during the most unforgiving season of the year. In order to be able to offer this, ski resorts rely on a complex and energy-demanding infrastructure, with scores of employees and heavy use of water. The environmental costs associated with resort skiing come in multiple dimensions, and so do the solutions. Disturbance to Wildlife Alpine habitats above the tree line are already threatened by global climate change, and disturbance from skiers is one more stressor. These disturbances can come from scaring wildlife or harming their habitat by damaging vegetation and compacting soils. Ptarmigan (a type of grouse adapted to snowy habitats) in Scottish ski areas declined over several decades from collisions with lift cables and other wires, and from losing nests to crows, which had become common at the resorts. Deforestation, Land Use Change In North American ski resorts, most of the skiable terrain is located in forested areas, requiring a large amount of clear-cutting to create ski trails. The resulting fragmented landscape negatively impacts habitat quality for many bird and mammal species. One study revealed that in the forest remnants left between slopes, bird diversity is reduced due to a negative edge effect. There, wind, light, and disturbance levels increase near the open slopes, reducing habitat quality. A recent expansion of a ski resort in Breckenridge, Colorado, prompted concerns that it would damage Canada lynx habitat. A deal with a local conservation group was achieved when the developer invested in lynx habitat protection elsewhere in the region. Water Use As a result of global climate change, most ski areas experience winters of increasingly shorter duration, with more frequent thawing periods. To maintain services to their clients, ski areas must make artificial snow to have good coverage on the slopes as well as around the lift bases and lodges. Artificial snow is made by mixing large volumes of water and high-pressure air. The demands for water can be very high, requiring pumping from surrounding lakes, rivers, or purpose-built artificial ponds. Modern snowmaking equipment can easily require 100 gallons of water per minute for each snow gun, and resorts can have dozens or even hundreds in operation. At Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, a modest-size resort in Massachusetts, snowmaking can pull as much as 4,200 gallons of water a minute. Fossil Fuel Energy Resort skiing is an energy-intensive operation, relying on fossil fuels, producing greenhouse gases, and contributing to global warming. Ski lifts usually run on electricity, and operating a single ski lift for a month requires about the same energy needed to power 3.8 households for a year. To maintain the surface of the snow on the ski runs, a resort deploys nightly a fleet of trail groomers each operating on about 5 gallons of diesel per hour and producing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate emissions. A complete estimate of the greenhouse gases emitted in association with resort skiing would need to include those produced by skiers driving or flying to the mountains. Ironically, climate change is affecting most ski regions. As global atmospheric temperatures go up, snowpacks are thinning, and the ski seasons are getting shorter. Solutions and Alternatives? Many ski resorts have made substantial efforts to minimize their environmental impacts. Solar panels, wind turbines, and small hydro turbines have been deployed to supply renewable energy. Improved waste management and composting programs have been implemented, and green building technologies have been employed. Forest management efforts have been planned to improve wildlife habitat. It is now possible for skiers to gather information about a resort’s sustainability efforts and make informed consumer decisions. Where to start? The National Ski Area Association gives out yearly awards to the resorts with outstanding environmental performances. Alternatively, Nordic (or cross-country) skiing provides opportunities to enjoy the snow with a much lighter impact on land and water resources. Some Nordic skiing resorts do, however, make use of snowmaking technology and fossil-fueled powered trail grooming equipment. An increasing number of outdoor enthusiasts seek snowy slopes by practicing lower-impact forms of skiing. These backcountry skiers and snowboarders use specialized equipment that allows them to make their way up the mountain on their own power, and then to ski down natural terrain that has not been logged or groomed. These skiers have to be self-sufficient and able to mitigate a multitude of mountain-related safety risks. The learning curve is steep, but backcountry skiing has a lighter environmental impact than resort skiing. Alpine areas are very sensitive, though, and no activity there is impact free: a study in the Alps found that black grouse showed elevated stress levels when frequently disturbed by backcountry skiers and snowboarders, with direct consequences on reproduction and survival. Sources Alettaz et al. 2007. Spreading Free-riding Snow Sports Represent a Novel Serious Threat for Wildlife.Laiolo and Rolando. 2005. Forest Bird Diversity and Ski Runs: A Case of Negative Edge Effect.MNN. 2014. Snowmakers Are Saving Ski Resorts†¦For Now.Wipf et al. 2005. Effects of Ski Piste Preparation on Alpine Vegetation.

The process of economic development and its effects in China in 1950s Research Proposal

The process of economic development and its effects in China in 1950s - Research Proposal Example e considerable damaged after the war, which became the reason that the food production reduced to approximately 30% lower than the peak level, which was achieved before the war. All these factors lead the Chinese economy in crises and the country had to face the hyperinflationary environment. The Chinese Govt aimed to restore the economy to its normal level within the time span of 3 years. In order to achieve the goal of economic recovery, the Govt started working with full devotion to recover all the losses. The recovery phase began with the reconstruction of the transportation system along with the recovery of other losses such as loss of communication system and invests on farming to recover the natural resources. The central bank of China, which is named as Peoples bank of China, was established in the year 1948 with the responsibility of maintaining the monetary control along with the regulation of all the financial institutions within the jurisdiction of China. During the estab lishment of Peoples Bank of China, the banking system was neither nationalized nor centralized. During the economic recovery phase of China, all the financial institutions were nationalized and centralized. The regulating authority of the banking system remained the Peoples Bank of China. In order to control the high inflation, which was generated due to the effects of the World War II, the Govt of China decided to synchronize the economic structure of China by centralizing the financial market of China (Mark 2013). The purpose of centralizing the banking system was that the monetary system could be unified. The Govt initiated the decisions to control the economy which includes monetary policy and extremely restricted credit facility. Another reason behind such restricted economic policies during the period of 1949 to 1952 was that the Govt had very restricted budget to recover the economy. In addition to this, during the same period Govt was compelled to also manage the

Stratigic Management - McDonalds Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Stratigic Management - McDonalds - Assignment Example The analysis of these factors can reveal the internal strengths and weaknesses of a company (Barnat, â€Å"Internal Organizational Analysis†). McDonald’s is one of the biggest fast food restaurants with customer base of 47 million. McDonald’s operates in almost 119 countries in the world. It has complicated distribution channel and its supplier’s network is spread throughout the world. McDonald’s marketing strategy aims to raise the sales and to maintain its brand image. McDonald’s constantly alter the strategies according to the customer’s tastes, standard of living and opinions. McDonald’s is quite approachable in countries where people are sensitive towards consuming various foods, for example, the market of India (Scribd, â€Å"Internal Analysis on Macdonald’s†). ... In the year 2006, McDonald’s had faced criticism in Japan because of including forbidden foods and dishonest coloring of apple pies. Another critic stated that McDonald’s and its other fast food competitors demoralized native cooking and developed identical international culture. Besides, McDonald’s had faced bad reputation because of unhealthy food and bad employee relation in many of their outlets. There was objection against McDonald’s for making people work for lower wages (Gibison, â€Å"McDonald’s: A Good Image with Bad Ethics†). Section 3: In-depth Internal Analysis Resource Based View of McDonald’s The marketing strategy of McDonald’s is based on the internal resources. Tangible Resources: Product: With regard to fast food products there are many choices for a customer. Thus, McDonald’s focuses on creating a menu that most of the consumers require as well as prefer. McDonald’s always examine the preferences of customers as the preferences change from time to time. To facilitate the change in preference, McDonald’s continuously develop new products and replace old products (McDonald’s Corporation, â€Å"Marketing at McDonald’s†). Intangible Resources: Brand Reputation: McDonald’s has good brand reputation. In the year 2008, it was ranked number eight among other international brands. It had ranked in first position among other fast food international brands. The brand value was calculated to be around 49,499 million USD. In the fast food markets of North America, McDonald’s brand was ranked in seventh position (Millward Brown Optimor, â€Å"Top 10 0 B rand Ranking†). In the year 2010, McDonald’s brand was ranked sixth in the year 2010, among ‘most valuable global brands’ (Social Brand Value, â€Å"Brand

Biology Lesson 6 Exam Essay Example for Free

Biology Lesson 6 Exam Essay Question 1 2 points Save Epithelial, muscle, connective, and nervous are types of what? bones cells tissues (pages 846-847) organs Question 2 2 points Save Which of the following is NOT a structural characteristic of bone? Haversian canals periosteum connective bone (pages 851-852) bone marrow Question 3 2 points Save Freely movable, slightly movable, and immovable are types of what? bones subcutaneous tissues muscles joints (page 854) Question 4 2 points Save Which is NOT a characteristic or function of the epidermis? repair of damaged cells (page 861) flattened cells protection from outside forces  contain waterproofing protein Question 5 2 points Save Which type of blood vessel is both strong and elastic? capillary artery (page 873). Vein venule Question 6 2 points Save Which of the following are the smallest and most numerous blood vessels in the body? venules veins arteries Capillaries (page 874) Question 7 2 points Save Air moves through the bronchi to the alveoli by a network of tiny tubes called arterioles. venules. capillaries. bronchioles. (page 886) Question 8 2 points Save Which of the following lists the correct order of structures through which air passes as it enters the body and proceeds to the lungs? Nose, larynx, trachea, pharynx pharynx, nose, larynx, trachea nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea (page 886) pharynx, nose, trachea, larynx Question 9 2 points Save Most of the end products of digestion are absorbed into the circulatory system from which organ? liver (page 911) pancreas large intestine small intestine Question 10 2 points Save The mouth, small intestine, and kidneys have functions that involve the digestion of food, synthesis of vitamins, and filtering of the blood. intake, digestion, absorption, and elimination of food and its wastes. secretion of bile, digestion of food, and reabsorption of water. All of the above. Question 11 2 points Save Pancreas is to small intestine enzymes as stomach is to saliva. stomach is to proteins from amino acids. liver is to bile. (page 910) liver is to hydrochloric acid. Question 12 2 points Save Ureter is to urinary bladder as urinary bladder is to ureter. urethra is to urinary bladder. urethra is to ureter. urinary bladder is to urethra. (page 914) Question 13 2 points Save As urine passes through the nephrons in the kidneys, urine from the renal tubule empties into a larger tube called a(n) ureter. (page 914) collecting tube. Bowmans capsule. renal vein. Question 14 2 points Save Which of the following is the blood vessel with the largest diameter? capillary artery vein (page 874) venule Question 15 2 points Save The skin repels pathogens by functioning as a barrier. by producing antibodies. with sweat, which contains lysozyme. both a and c. (page 924) Question 16 2 points Save As a defense against pathogens, mucous membranes cover all of the bodys surfaces to act as an impenetrable barrier. line internal body surfaces that contact the environment. (page 924) produce antibodies to combat infection. secrete sweat, which has antibacterial enzymes. Question 17 2 points Save An allergic response is NOT typically caused by harmless antigens. pollen. histamine. both a and c. Question 18 2 points Save The function of neurons is to maintain a difference in electrical charge across the cell membrane. have specific ions cross the membrane through ion channels. maintain a membrane potential with charged ions on either side of the cell membrane. all of the above. (page 945) Question 19 2 points Save When an impulse moves down the axon, sodium ions first rush out of the cell. a small part of the axon momentarily reverses its polarity (page 946). The resting potential of the cell does not change. potassium ions are pumped into the axon. Question 20 2 points Save When a neuron is at rest, sodium ions are most concentrated inside the cell. potassium ions are most concentrated inside the cell. the outside of the cell is negatively charged. b and c. (page 946) Question 21 2 points Save After an action potential, the voltage-gated sodium channels close and then sodium ions diffuse into the axon. potassium ions flow out of the axon. (page 947) the membrane potential becomes positive. neurotransmitters cross the cell membrane. Question 22 2 points Save. Refer to the illustration below to answer this question. Which structure regulates movement and posture? A B (Cerebellum) C D Question 23 2 points Save Refer to the illustration in question 22 to answer this question. Which structure regulates intellectual function? A (Cerebrum) B C D Question 24 2 points Save The brain stem is responsible for directing information in the brain and secreting hormones. regulating vital functions and memory. (pages 951-952) motor processing and regulating homeostatic functions. sensory processing and regulating balance. Question 25 2 points Save. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the spinal cord? It runs through the vertebral column. It extends just below the rib cage. It uses spinal nerves to connect to the PNS. It has a dorsal and ventral root at each end. (pages 952-953) Question 26 2 points Save Which of the following is NOT a function of hormones? initiate behavior and reproduction (page 974) coordinate the production and use of energy maintain nutrition and metabolism react to stimuli from outside the body Question 27 2 points Save The gland that is stimulated during emergency situations (causing the fight-or-flight response) is the  hypothalamus. thyroid. adrenal. (page 985) pituitary. Question 28 2 points Save Development and maintenance of female sexual characteristics are mainly stimulated by secretions of the pituitary. hypothalamus. pancreas. ovaries. Question 29 2 points Save Thyroid hormones stimulate cell metabolism and growth. (page 984) slow growth of their target cells. stimulate synthesis of DNA. bind to receptor molecules on the target cells surface. Question 30 2 points Save Which of the following is NOT a major structure of the male reproductive system? testes corpus luteum epididymis urethra Question 31 2 points Save. A sperm cell consists of a tail used for locomotion and a head that contains ____, which help(s) the sperm cell penetrate an egg cell. semen RNA enzymes (page 997) mucous Question 32 2 points Save After the ovum leaves the ovary, what is the first structure it passes through? corpus luteum cervix uterus fallopian tubes (page 1000) Question 33 2 points Save Which of the following is NOT a major structure of the female reproductive system? bulbourethral glands uterus ovary fallopian tube Question 34 10 points Save Match the terms in Column I with the definitions in Column II. Skeletal system F endocrine system H immune system C reproductive system I muscular system F circulatory system D digestive system G respiratory system A excretory system J nervous system E A. regulates supply of gases from ATP production B. provides negative feedback signals C. protects body against foreign dangers D. rapid transit for liquids and gases E. primary regulator of sensory functions F. provides support and means of motion G. processes materials for growth and maintenance H. makes cells used in circulatory system I. only system in which meiosis occurs J. takes out whats not wanted in the blood.

Jazz: Still Got the Blues? :: essays research papers fc

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The interaction between Blues and Jazz can be discerned when the origins of both music are scrutinized. The development of one is hidden in the roots of one another and both use similar sound patterns for instance. In this paper the readers will be presented a brief history of Blues & Jazz within the similarities of the two.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If we trace back to the history of Blues music, the impact of African-American tradition is seen quite apparently. Blues music evolved from the songs sung by West African griots, the southern Black American songs of sadness and despair, and more hopeful Christian spirituals. It originated in the rural Mississippi Delta region at the beginning of 20th century. Similarly, Jazz music emerged as a blend of African-American rituals; the features carried from West African Black folk music developed in the Americas, joined with European music of the late 18th and 19th centuries and turned out to be the minor voicing characteristics of the Blues. Jazz emerged in New Orleans and was characterized by strong but flexible rhythms. Blues had its most brilliant years in America by the end of WWI. The American troops brought the Blues home with them, which they learned from the Southern Whites who had been exposed to the blues. After WWII, Blues had a different experience by the well-known Blues musicians as B.B. King and Buddy Guy by â€Å"amplifying guitar† and â€Å"emphasized drums†; thus created intensified sounds in Blues, the collection of which later called to be the â€Å"Electric Blues†.(Herman) This kind of Blues had a great deal of resemblance to Jazz music due to the increased drum beats. Unlike Blues, Jazz music, experienced hard times during 1970’s. While Blues rose owing to the contributions of Elvis Pressley and Bill Halley who transformed rhythm & Blues into Rock’n Roll, Jazz stayed so far away from this frenzy and faced several troubles, which gave way to the foundation of the new Fusion School of Jazz. Today, Blues has developed into a major force in contemporary music through the rock-edge style of Robert Cray, as well as roots-oriented jazz by musicians associated with Wynton Marsalis, the zydeco sound, and some rap groups. Likewise jazz music has had its impact on modern music and it maintains its role as a universal music over its interaction with different music. This interaction has formed several genres like Ragtime, Soul Jazz, Fusion, Acid Jazz, Groove, Smooth Jazz, and Post Bop.

Hotel Hilton

The Hilton Worldwide Performance Advantage is an integrated system of innovative solutions and advanced technologies that work together to drive increased business and keep costs down, without comprising quality. Together, these seven services provide access to the latest tools, technologies, forward-thinking strategies, and the most influential people in the industry to create an unrivaled competitive advantage. Hilton Performance Advantage Benefits The Hilton Performance Advantage combines the power of scale, access, reputation, and innovation—delivered by the world’s premier hospitality company.Our system provides powerful resources across our portfolio of brands, delivering leading edge solutions to consistently drive profits and efficiencies. This solution creates a higher share of wallet, guest loyalty, and leading innovation making it easier for on-site personnel to focus on delivering a superior guest experience. Hilton Performance Advantage Services Hilton HHon orsâ„ ¢ Hilton HHonors is the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s ten distinct hotel brands, honoring its 27 million members by allowing them to turn points into experiences worth sharing.Learn more Hilton Worldwide Sales (HWS) A team of professionals are ready to help you build influential customer relationships and meet the demands of today’s Corporate, Group, and Leisure travelers. Hilton Reservations & Customer Care (HRCC) Experienced team members provide 24-hour, multi-language global coverage in an effort to support and deliver business to your property. Global Online Services Reach travelers at every opportunity with the latest mobile, search, and online channels that place your property at their fingertips.Revenue Management Consolidated Center (RMCC) Revenue Management supports you in maximizing market share through price optimization, inventory & channel management. Information Technology (IT) Technology is the foundation of the Hilt on Performance Advantage, offering both you and your guests access to technology solutions such as reservations, Internet access, and entertainment. Hilton Supply Management (HSM) Our seasoned team secures you the best pricing, highest quality, and fastest delivery of the products and services your Hilton property needs.

Culture And Cultural Artifacts The Phallus And The Vulva

Culture and cultural artifacts are perceived by society through the social construction of reality. Moreover, it is the collective conscience, or the totality of beliefs and sentiments common to the average members of the same society (McIntyre, 13) that defines the values of the culture. That being said, institutions, or accepted structures or mechanisms of social structure (McIntyre, 113), which have the power to influence society by defining statuses, roles, values, and norms, ultimately have the ability to control the social construction of reality. This paper focuses on the influence of government and religion as institutions of man on the changing meanings of two symbols in society: the phallus and the vulva. Throughout time, mankind’s fascination with symbols, things that represent something else to more than one person (McIntyre, 102), of genitalia has been prevalent; however, the dominant sex of the genitalia has changed with different historical periods. This exchange of worshiped genitalia has been influenced by the shifts of power between various institutions of man. The relation between the institutions of man with the periods of time in which the sociological artifacts of the phallus and the vulva are dominant can be viewed through a sociological lens to understand their significance in mankind’s history. This change in meanings associated with the phallus and vulva symbol has been present since the early phases of mankind’s development; furthermore,