pillbugs and their preferred habitat conditions

pillbugs and their preferred habitat conditions Introduction To sufficiently grasp and understand the experiment on animal behavior, it is crucial to be knowledgeable of the organisms being observed, as well as the various types of animal behaviors present in nature. In this experiment the observed organism was the pillbug. Pillbugs, are also known as sowbugs or woodlice. They are classified as terrestrial isopods as they belong to the phylum Arthropoda, subphylum Crustacea, class Malacostraca, and order Isopoda. Morphologically they consist of three body parts which include the head, thorax, and abdomen. They have one prominent pair of antennae and one inconspicuous pair, simple eyes and seven pairs of legs. The thorax consists of seven separate segments and there are paired appendages, called uropods, that are located at the end of the pillbugs abdomen. The color of the pillbugs can vary from dark gray to white and they could have a pattern or not have one. With female pillbugs, leaf-like growths appear on the underside of the bugs at the ba se of some of the legs. These pouches are where the developing eggs and embryos are held. On the male pillbug, the copulatory organs are the result of modification in the form of elongation of the first two appendages on the abdomen. An immature isopod will molt four to five times. These young isopods resemble the mature form of the isopod, with the exception of their small size in comparison to that of the adults. The juveniles molt in two stages. The back half molts first and then two or three days later the front half molts. This different molting can cause the coloration between the two halves of the isopod to differ. Nutritionally isopods are omnivores or scavengers who feed on decaying or dead plants and animals. Because Isopods breathe with gills, they can only live in areas that have high humidity, such as under rocks and logs, in leaf litter or in crevices. Some species are nocturnal. Their predators consist of both vertebrates and invertebrates. Like other animals, isopods such as pillbugs exhibit their own interesting behaviors. When disturbed, some species will roll up into a ball. They walk fairly quickly, even walking over one another. Environmentally, isopods have both positive and negative effects. The positive impacts of isopods include, within their immediate surroundings, a minimal amount of soil improvements. Unfortunately, large populations of these isopods can eat and damage the plants in greenhouses and southern states. Some of these interactions and descriptions of these isopods is clear from just observing them. These isopods, as well as other animals, exhibit many types of response to sensory input, a response that is known as behavior. The study of an animals behavior is called ethology. Two simple categories for behaviors are learned and innate (inherited). The behaviors that an animal uses to place itself in its most favorable environment are known as orientation behaviors. When the animal is stimulated by such things as light, heat, moisture, sound, or chemicals, they often exhibit taxis, with is the animals movement toward or away from a stimulus. In contrast to this is kinesis, which is a random movement that does not lead to orientation with respect to a certain stimulus. Another type of animal behavior is called agnostic behavior. This type of behavior is exhibited when animals respond to one another with aggressive or submissive response. It is often the case that these agnostic behavioral displays are a method of asserting dominance. Animals also have specific rituals and sets of activities that are involved in finding, courting and mating with another member of its species. Such activities are known as mating behaviors. Pillbugs exhibit, even just when being observed, many of these behaviors. One, the agnostic behaviors, involves the larger isopods appearing to fight. Soil conditions have various pHs. Some plants grow best in acidic conditions, whereas some grow best in basic conditions. Most, however, grow best in areas where the pH ranges from 6.5 to 7.2, 7 being neutral. Hydrochloric acid, HCl, (0.1 M) has a pH of about 1.1 and Potassium Hydroxide, KOH, (0.1 M) has a pH of about 13.5. These two chemicals exhibit pHs at the extremes of the pH scale. Detritus, on which isopods feed, has a more acidic pH. When organic matter decays, H+ ions are produced, thus adding acid to the soil. The acidity limit for plants tends to be no lower than about 4.5 to 5.6 on the pH scale. The vapor pressure of a liquid refers to the concept that the process of evaporation, in a closed container, will proceed until the number of molecules returning to the liquid is equal to the number of molecules that are escaping. When this equilibrium, the vapor is called saturated and the pressure of that vapor, which is normally expressed in mmHg, is referred to as the saturate d vapor pressure. The vapor pressure of HCl is the about the same as water, which is approximately 20 mmHg at room temperature, 22 C. The vapor pressure of KOH is about 2 mmHg for a 45% KOH solution.5 The purpose of this experiment was to use pillbugs to examine animal behaviors, such as taxis, to examine habitat preferences, and determine whether these isopods prefer moist or dry habitats, dark or light habitats, and acidic or caustic environments. It is hypothesized that, given that pillbugs posses gills, for which moisture is needed to help function properly, the pillbugs would prefer moist over dry environments. In addition, it can be hypothesized that, given that the pillbugs live under rocks and feed on decaying organic material, which releases acid into the soil, they would prefer the dark rather than light conditions and the acidic over the caustic environment. Materials and Methods Water Pipet Filter Paper (2 pieces) Choice Chamber Scissors Soft Brush 10 Pillbugs Stopwatch To observe pill bugs and their preference for moist versus dry conditions, a choice chamber, consisting of two petri dishes connected to one another, was obtained and lined with filter paper. Two pieces of filter paper were cut to fit the chambers. One was then moistened, using a pipette, with a few drops of water. The second piece of circular filter paper was left dry. The moistened filter paper was placed at the bottom of one chamber, chamber 1, and the dry filter paper was placed at the bottom of the other, chamber 2. Then, using a soft brush, ten pillbugs were obtained from the stock of pillbugs, and then placed into the chambers. Also using a soft brush, five pill bugs were placed in the dry chamber while the remaining five were placed in the moist chamber and the chambers were closed. This pillbug count for each chamber was then recorded for time zero minutes. Using the stopwatch to track time, the count of pill bugs on each side of the choice chamber was then recorded every 30 seconds for ten minutes, and continued even when some may no longer have been moving or were all on one side. Notes were taken on the actions and interactions of the pill bugs throughout the ten minute period. Once ten minutes had elapsed, the pillbugs were returned to the stock culture. Black Paper White Filter Paper Choice Chamber 10 Pillbugs Soft Brush Scissors Stopwatch To determine the preference of pillbugs between light and dark habitats and conditions, a choice chamber with two connecting petri dishes was lined with two different types of paper. One piece of normal filter paper and one piece of black paper were both cut to fit the chambers. Next, the bottom of the inside of one dish, chamber 1, was covered with the unaltered, white filter paper and the other dish, chamber 2, was lined with the black paper. Then, using a soft brush, ten pillbugs were obtained from the pill bug stock culture, five of which were placed in the black-paper lined chamber and the remaining five were placed in the white paper lined chamber. The choice chamber was then closed. The initial pill bug count, 5 in each chamber was then recorded in the table. For a period of ten minutes, using a stopwatch to track time, the count of the pillbugs on each side of the choice chamber was recorded every thirty seconds. In addition, notes about the interactions of the pill bugs were taken throughout the ten minute period. The count continued to be taken, regardless of the lack of movement from the pillbugs or the concentration of all ten in one chamber. After the ten minutes had elapsed, the pillbugs were returned to the stock culture. White Filter Paper (2 pieces) 0.1 M HCl (Hydrochloric Acid) 0.1 M KOH (Potassium Hydroxide) Pipettes (1 or 2) Filter Paper (3 Pieces) 3 Choice Chamber 10 Pillbugs Scissors Stopwatch To determine the preference of pillbugs in terms of basic versus acidic conditions, a 3-choice chamber was set up. Three pieces of filter paper were cut to fit the chambers. Using a pipette, about four drops of 0.1 M HCl were placed in a circular pattern about the paper. Another piece of filter paper was sprinkled with 0.1 M KOH in the same manner as was done with the hydrochloric acid. The HCl and KOH were applied to the filter paper in such a way that the paper was not drenched in the chemical. One chamber, the one connected to two other chambers was lined with an unaltered piece of filter paper. One of the two remaining chambers, chamber 1, was lined at the bottom (inside bottom) with the acidic filter paper and the remaining chamber, chamber 3, was lined at the bottom with the basic filter paper. Using a soft brush, the ten pill bugs were all removed from the stock culture and placed in chamber 2, the middle chamber consisting of the unaltered paper. The chambers were then covere d and the pillbug count was recorded in the table for the initial time of 0 minutes. For the next ten minutes, the count of pillbugs in each of the three chambers was recorded every thirty minutes. The data continued to be collected even when they were no longer moving between sides or were all on one side. After the ten minutes had elapsed, the ten pillbugs were returned to the stock culture. Results Table 1: Number of Pillbugs in Wet vs. Dry Chambers at Various Times Time (min.) Number in Wet Chamber Number in Dry Chamber Other Notes 0 5 5 Begin moving instantly 0.5 2 8 Large number shifts together to one side 1 1 9 One more baby follows 1.5 3 7 Fighting between two larger isopods 2 5 5 Even out again 2.5 5 5 Move about but come back to even; one not moving 3 6 4 More to wet chamber 3.5 4 6 Back to Dry Chamber 4 5 5 Crawling on underside of paper 4.5 4 6 Fighting to get from one side to another 5 3 7 Large pillbug still not moving 5.5 6 4 Other pillbugs begin gathering around non-moving pillbug 6 7 3 Pillbugs piled on top of one another 6.5 5 5 Pillbug begins to move again 7 4 6 More to Dry Chamber 7.5 5 5 Back at even 8 6 4 Continual switch from chamber to chamber 8.5 7 3 Begin gathering at wet chamber 9 9 1 More join wet chamber 9.5 7 3 Crowded, a few go to dry chamber 10 9 1 Return to wet chamber Table 2: Number of Pillbugs in Lighter vs. Darker Colored Chambers at Various Times Time (min.) Number in Light Chamber Number in Dark Chamber Other Notes 0 5 5 Begin moving instantly 0.5 3 7 Move to dark side 1 2 8 More to dark side 1.5 2 8 Remain, no overall movement 2 2 8 No overall movement 2.5 3 7 Begin going to white side 3 3 7 No overall movement 3.5 4 6 Moving to lighter side 4 2 8 Move to dark side 4.5 5 5 Equalize again 5 3 7 Fighting to get to dark side 5.5 5 5 Equalize again 6 4 6 More to Dark side 6.5 7 3 Piling up to get to lighter side 7 7 3 No overall movement 7.5 8 2 More in lighter side 8 9 1 More in lighter side 8.5 7 3 Move to dark side 9 5 5 Equalize again 9.5 3 7 Move to darker side 10 4 6 Young follows adult to other side Table 3: Number of Pillbugs in Neutral, Acidic and Basic Chambers at Various Times Time (min.) Number in Neutral Chamber (Control) Number in Acidic Chamber Number in Basic Chamber Other Notes 0 10 0 0 Immediate Movement 0.5 2 5 3 Move to acidic 1 3 5 2 Stay around outside of chamber 1.5 6 2 2 Quickly out of acidic and into neutral area 2 4 3 3 More to basic area 2.5 5 2 3 Away from acidic area 3 2 3 5 More slowly moving to basic area 3.5 2 1 7 Movement to basic chamber 4 4 0 6 Pillbugs all out of Acidic area 4.5 1 1 8 Most in Basic area 5 1 4 5 Some return to acidic chamber 5.5 3 1 6 Slowly moving out of Acidic chamber and into neutral and basic chambers 6 4 1 5 Out of basic and into neutral 6.5 3 1 6 Back into basic area, around outside of filter paper 7 3 1 6 No overall movement 7.5 4 0 6 All gone from acidic area 8 3 0 7 More to basic area 8.5 4 0 6 Small shift 9 3 0 7 Reverse of shift 9.5 2 0 8 More to basic area more slowly than before test 10 1 0 9 More to basic area Figure 1: Fluctuation in Number of Pillbugs in Wet and Dry Chambers Figure 2: Fluctuation in Number of Pillbugs in Lighter and Darker Colored Chambers Figure 3: Fluctuation in Number of Pillbugs in Acidic, Neutral and Basic Chambers Discussion Table 4: Average Number of Pillbugs in Wet vs. in Dry Chambers Time (min.) Number in Wet Chamber Number in Dry Chamber Average # of Pillbugs in Wet Average # of Pillbugs in Dry 0 5 5 0.5 2 8 1 1 9 1.5 3 7 2 5 5 2.5 5 5 3 6 4 3.5 4 6 4 5 5 4.5 4 6 5 3 7 5.5 6 4 6 7 3 6.5 5 5 7 4 6 7.5 5 5 8 6 4 8.5 7 3 9 9 1 9.5 7 3 10 9 1 Total # of Pillbugs 108 102 5.143 4.857 Table 5: Average Number of Pillbugs in Lighter vs. Darker-Colored Chambers Time (min.) Number in Light Chamber Number in Dark Chamber Average # of Pillbugs in White (Light) Average # of Pillbugs in Dark 0 5 5 0.5 3 7 1 2 8 1.5 2 8 2 2 8 2.5 3 7 3 3 7 3.5 4 6 4 2 8 4.5 5 5 5 3 7 5.5 5 5 6 4 6 6.5 7 3 7 7 3 7.5 8 2 8 9 1 8.5 7 3 9 5 5 9.5 3 7 10 4 6 Total # of Pillbugs 93 117 4.429 5.571 Table 6: Average Number of Pillbugs in Neutral, Acidic and Basic Chambers Time (min.) Number in Neutral Chamber Number in Acidic Chamber Number in Basic Chamber Average # of Pillbugs in Neutral Chamber Average # of Pillbugs in Acidic Chamber Average # of Pillbugs in Basic Chamber 0 10 0 0 0.5 2 5 3 1 3 5 2 1.5 6 2 2 2 4 3 3 2.5 5 2 3 3 2 3 5 3.5 2 1 7 4 4 0 6 4.5 1 1 8 5 1 4 5 5.5 3 1 6 6 4 1 5 6.5 3 1 6 7 3 1 6 7.5 4 0 6 8 3 0 7 8.5 4 0 6 9 3 0 7 9.5 2 0 8 10 1 0 9 Total # of Pillbugs 70 30 110 3.33 1.429 5.238 Figure 4: Comparison of Average Number of Pillbugs in Wet Chamber vs. in Dry Chamber Figure 5: Comparison of Average Number of Pillbugs in Lighter-colored and Dark-colored Paper Figure 6: Comparison of Average Number of Pillbugs in Acidic, Neutral and Basic Chambers It was hypothesized that the isopods (pillbugs), given their possession of gills for respiration and that they live underneath rocks and logs, places where light is not in abundance, would prefer the wet chamber over the dry chamber and the dark chamber over the light chamber. It was also hypothesized that, considering that the pillbugs feed off of decaying organic material, which in the process of decaying increases the acidity of the soil, these isopods would prefer the acidic chamber (the one with HCl), over the caustic (with KOH) and neutral chambers. The data collected from preforming the experiment partially supports the hypothesis. The average number of pill bugs in each chamber, was calculated by summing the pillbug count for all twenty-one times in one chamber and then doing so for the next and then dividing these totals by the total number of pillbugs counted. In each case this number was 210. The results show, as seen in Table 4 and Figure 4, that the average number of pil lbugs in the moist chamber over ten minutes was about 5.143 while the average number in the dry chamber was about 4.857. This higher average for the moist chamber illustrates taxis with a movement toward the stimulus of moisture. The second portion of the hypothesis was also supported by the data collected. Table 5 and Figure 5 both show that the average number of pillbugs in the chamber with white filter paper was about 4.429, in comparison to the average number in the chamber with dark paper, which was about 5.571. These results are consistent with the known habitat of isopods such as pillbugs. The hypothesis for third portion the experiment, however, was not supported by the data collected. Table 6 and Figure 6 both show that the pillbugs actually prefer a basic environment, one with drops of KOH, over an environment with no chemical additives and the environment with the addition of drops of the strong acid HCl. The average for the number of pillbugs in the neutral environment w as about 3.33, for the acidic environment the average was 1.429 and for the caustic environment the average was about 5.238. These results could possibly be explained by the higher vapor pressure of HCl in comparison to that of the KOH. With a higher vapor pressure, the HCl would have vaporized more easily and quickly, thus getting into the gills of the pillbugs and causing them irritation. This irritation would explain their clear lack of fondness for the HCl permeated filter paper. The lack of pillbugs accumulating on the plain filter paper can possibly be explained by its complete lack of moisture, and that the antennae on the pillbugs would not sense any chemical or something of that nature, that would attract the pillbugs to that chamber. The interaction of the pillbugs inside the choice chambers is indicative of agnostic behavior, as seen in the fighting of the pillbugs. Human error, such as counting, would not play any, or any significant role, in the results of the experimen t. This experiment and the results obtained from it support most of the hypothesis, but conflict with and not support another portion. The results support the preference that pillbugs have for moist and dark environments, but suggests that pillbugs prefer more caustic environments to neutral and acidic environments. Citations

The Hobbit - The Motivation Of Lust :: essays research papers

Anyone who had something of great value stolen from him would try to get it back. Even if that person had to go to high risks to reclaim what was theirs. In the book The Hobbit, a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, a wizard named Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves have to get back their lost treasure that a character named Smaug stole. To reclaim their treasure they have to travel a long distance to the Lonely Mountain where Smaug is hiding . Throughout their journey they encounter many life-hindering experiences. Dangers and obstacles pop up everywhere. The reason why this group goes to such great lengths to get their treasure is because of one reason, which is their motivation of lust. Lust created the conflict in this story. The conflict is the most important literary element because it directly affects everyone in the story. There are many conflicts, but the main one is between the dwarves and their lust for their lost treasure that Smaug has stolen. This conflict creates the basis for the story. Plus, there were conflicts added on because of this main conflict. Their journey to the Lonley Mountain consisted of one conflict after another. Even though the conflicts on their journey are not as important as the main conflict, they are what make this book interesting. Tolkien's choice of the main conflict is not the most creative. It is based upon the traditional story of "going out and taking back what is yours." If I had to choose something I didn't like about the book, it would be this simple plot. It is a good thing he added such adventurous conflicts to this story, otherwise it would not be a good piece of literature. Through the conflicts in this story, the author has a lesson for the reader. The lesson is if one wants something bad enough, he must be ready to suffer the consequences. To claim the treasure the group has to go through a lot. Some examples of this are being abducted by an army of goblins, being captured by giant spiders, and being captured by woodland elves. If a person has a goal for himself, he too will have to go through hard times. The only way the group succeeded is by having lust and pride drive them on. A person with a goal must also have something to drive him towards his goal. Lust is what carrys them to their goal.

recolections of ww2 :: essays research papers

At the age of about nine, in the year 1939, Alexandra Grochowska (my grandmother) experienced the terrors of World War 2. She lived in a town called Lodz with her parents and two sisters, one, two years older and one, two years younger. On the 1st of September (the day that war broke out) it was warm and sunny Alexandra and her sisters, knowing the war was coming, went for a swim in the nearby dam.As they swam they saw a group of german plains flying overhead, heading for Warszawa (Polands capital city), this meant the war was starting. However many things happened that day, to signal the start of the war, being so young, reality did not hit home. At the end of that day, Alexandra and her sisters arrived back at home, nothing happened for the next few days, the last days of her happy childhood. In the next few days the German Army invaded Lodz, closed down all the Polish schools and introduced curfew hours between 9:00pm and 6:00am. Jews were told to sew 6 pointed stars onto their clothes and some of her best friends were Jews. Alexandra's parents and all polish people were told to purchase black paper to cover their windows with at night time when their lights were on so that the city could not be spotted by plains flying overhead. In trams, Alexandra, like all other polish people, was not allowed in the first cart which was always reserved for Germans. Her city's name was changed to a german one (Lizmanstad), as well as all the city street names. Food tickets were brought in for bread, milk,meat etc. All of a sudden the life she had known had completely changed, she had to growup quickly to adjust to the situation. All Polish schools had been shut down, so in a daring move teachers put their lives on the line to organise secret lessons. Alexandra went to these lessons and one in particular stuck out in her mind. They were sitting in the makeshift classroom learning when, suddenly, the son of the teacher,who was standing on lookout, burst in the door saying that the German patrol is coming,in all the panic and comotion of re-arranging the room one boy panicked and jumped out of the first floor window. In jumping out of the window his ring finger (which had a ring on it) got caught on a nail which was protruding out of the sill.

Red Faction :: essays research papers

*************************** 29. Refuse Disposal Plant *************************** Open the elevator door by hitting the button to the right. Head forward, and Gryphon will run up ahead to the incinerator controls. ======================================================================= = Hendrix: This is Ultor's main trash disposal facility. = ======================================================================= ======================================================================= = Hendrix: That's an Ultor Personnel Suppression combot. I didn't = = know they had any on Mars! = ======================================================================= ======================================================================= = Hendrix: I can't see Orion's group on my monitors anymore. = ======================================================================= While Gryphon takes the first left, go forward up the ramp and through the door. Climb the ladder up ahead, then climb a second ladder to get to the roof. You'll be shot at by the combat as you climb, but just ignore it and get up there. He'll have a tough time hurting you while you're up here. Follow the instructions and you shouldn't lose a single point of health, despite the holes he might create with his rockets. As you look around the outer edge of the massive roof, you'll see several groups of ammo crates. Make your way around the outer edge as you make your way to each one to find ammo, medkits, armor, and a rocket launcher. Make sure to snuggle up to each crate and jump on top of it to make sure you get every last piece of ammo and equipment that you can. Once you're done, equip the rocket launcher and climb back down using a ladder away from the one you climbed up. The combot should be shooting at you, so begin making your way to the lower level door. Most importantly, keep moving and take some shots at the combot with the rocket launcher while you can. Keep taking shots at the combot and luring him out the large door on the ground floor until Hendrix cuts in. ======================================================================= = Hendrix: There's a disposal pit at the lowest point of this level. = ======================================================================= ======================================================================= = Hendrix: Try to lure the bot out onto the pit's covering, then open = = the doors from the control room. = ======================================================================= At this point, you've damaged the combot enough and he's really ticked off. Now just turn around and run back to the disposal pit. Once the combot approaches the last corridor leading to the pit's covering, run to the right and climb the ladder to the control room (where Gryphon is cowering in fear). The combot will be unloading everything he's got at you, but ignore it and quickly hit the right button to open the pit, then hit the left button to turn on the ceiling fan to blow the combot down into it. Rather than waiting and watching to make sure it happens,

Internet and Teenagers

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF E-LEARNING THROUGH INTERNET SERVICE FOR TEENAGERS Historically, the world centuries sustained a very hard time due to conservatism and backwardness of the people. No such sophisticated technology tools for assisting human’s tasks. Communication was also very hard to reach at that time due to the limitation of technological media devices. Literally the civilization had undergone a substantial movement toward the human resource development. People began doing experiments and creating some opuses to help their job.Eventually, the world societies today have succeeded to invent a useful technology tools to represent and ease human’s activities in the 21st centuries. So does Indonesia, we finally also could achieve the benefit of its advantages and wake up from any restrictiveness. Beforehand, while Ki Hadjar Dewantara, the first minister of education in Indonesia, built education facilities for Indonesian society establishment. However, learning was not effective. Learning might just learn about history and uncertain knowledge. At that moment, the media experienced retardation, even not all.Indonesia was very slowly and vulnerably running for education quality standard because the lack of resources at almost all aspects in the country. In addition the people should move to overseas countries to seek more knowledge and experience. It was different from the presence, we can know starting education since early age to university level and the system has been upgraded and standardized. One very good and simple example of Technology developments that is Internet which in the same time it also produces a more sophisticated system for education world like we call E-learning.E-Learning is the learning process through multimedia based-class. Its process is completed with sophisticated electronic devices to support Teaching Learning Process. As the result of E-Learning and Multimedia Based-Class, we will understand more broadly about the less on and science through supporting media. E-learning is not applied by using computer, television or LCD Projector only, further, we can also operate it by internet services to find broader and wider information online, news or science.In the system of E-Learning through Internet Services both tecaher and students will be possibly integrated one another so that Learning Process must be more effective and efficient. Beyond that, there are two benefits at least of E-learning those are: 1)It can bring benefits for students. They will be easier to find a wider knowledge through the internet services; they can also consult with teacher about lesson or homework online with Long Distance Learning (LDL) system. 2)It also brings benefit for teacher.The teachers will be easier to update and browse the new materials for teaching and get easier to find other data source by Internet Utilization. In particular, the implementation of E-Learning system can enhance and escalate gradually the school s ocieties as consequence the school achievement might be visible and obtained. As a matter of fact that nowadays internet also has negative impact towards teenagers. Many people tend to blame the media on social morality disorder.Mostly people assume internet service can bring much harm to the youth, because in fact today many kids misuse the media for bad things such as watching blue movies, browsing porno pictures and dating-courtship. Therefore, in this case, parent’s and teachers’ role is necessary to control the Internet Use. We cannot possibly blame the media, because the media only useful objects as supporting system to accomplish people’s tasks, to help learning process and to discover new information.Eventually, hoping government may help people to support society’s education and to implement E-learning through Internet Services as Long Distance Learning System at school is one good thing to do as a resident. Education budget should be increased i n order that Indonesian young generations are not away behind from developed countries human resources. In summary, E-learning is Online Long Distance Learning used to support Teaching Leaning Process at Classroom. E-learning makes teaching learning process work more effective and efficient to create a better and modern Teching Learning Design. Internet and Teenagers THE EFFECTIVENESS OF E-LEARNING THROUGH INTERNET SERVICE FOR TEENAGERS Historically, the world centuries sustained a very hard time due to conservatism and backwardness of the people. No such sophisticated technology tools for assisting human’s tasks. Communication was also very hard to reach at that time due to the limitation of technological media devices. Literally the civilization had undergone a substantial movement toward the human resource development. People began doing experiments and creating some opuses to help their job.Eventually, the world societies today have succeeded to invent a useful technology tools to represent and ease human’s activities in the 21st centuries. So does Indonesia, we finally also could achieve the benefit of its advantages and wake up from any restrictiveness. Beforehand, while Ki Hadjar Dewantara, the first minister of education in Indonesia, built education facilities for Indonesian society establishment. However, learning was not effective. Learning might just learn about history and uncertain knowledge. At that moment, the media experienced retardation, even not all.Indonesia was very slowly and vulnerably running for education quality standard because the lack of resources at almost all aspects in the country. In addition the people should move to overseas countries to seek more knowledge and experience. It was different from the presence, we can know starting education since early age to university level and the system has been upgraded and standardized. One very good and simple example of Technology developments that is Internet which in the same time it also produces a more sophisticated system for education world like we call E-learning.E-Learning is the learning process through multimedia based-class. Its process is completed with sophisticated electronic devices to support Teaching Learning Process. As the result of E-Learning and Multimedia Based-Class, we will understand more broadly about the less on and science through supporting media. E-learning is not applied by using computer, television or LCD Projector only, further, we can also operate it by internet services to find broader and wider information online, news or science.In the system of E-Learning through Internet Services both tecaher and students will be possibly integrated one another so that Learning Process must be more effective and efficient. Beyond that, there are two benefits at least of E-learning those are: 1)It can bring benefits for students. They will be easier to find a wider knowledge through the internet services; they can also consult with teacher about lesson or homework online with Long Distance Learning (LDL) system. 2)It also brings benefit for teacher.The teachers will be easier to update and browse the new materials for teaching and get easier to find other data source by Internet Utilization. In particular, the implementation of E-Learning system can enhance and escalate gradually the school s ocieties as consequence the school achievement might be visible and obtained. As a matter of fact that nowadays internet also has negative impact towards teenagers. Many people tend to blame the media on social morality disorder.Mostly people assume internet service can bring much harm to the youth, because in fact today many kids misuse the media for bad things such as watching blue movies, browsing porno pictures and dating-courtship. Therefore, in this case, parent’s and teachers’ role is necessary to control the Internet Use. We cannot possibly blame the media, because the media only useful objects as supporting system to accomplish people’s tasks, to help learning process and to discover new information.Eventually, hoping government may help people to support society’s education and to implement E-learning through Internet Services as Long Distance Learning System at school is one good thing to do as a resident. Education budget should be increased i n order that Indonesian young generations are not away behind from developed countries human resources. In summary, E-learning is Online Long Distance Learning used to support Teaching Leaning Process at Classroom. E-learning makes teaching learning process work more effective and efficient to create a better and modern Teching Learning Design.

Controlling Trafficking in Women Essay

Trafficking of human beings, especially women and children, has become a worldwide phenomenon that affects all countries regardless of economic status. It is an illegal commercial trade wherein human beings are coerced to work against their will and are subjected to abusive environments. These services include include prostitution, arranged marriage, begging, domestic servitude, and forced labor. No matter what the country is or what services they are supposed to render, most trafficked women are held against their wishes, abused, and make little or no money.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Global Alliance Against Trafficking in Women defines trafficking as â€Å"All acts involved in the recruitment or transportation of a woman, within or across national borders, for work or services, by means of violence or threat of violence, debt bondage, deception or other coercion† (Caldwell). It entails the use of various forms of coercion, fraud, intimidation, and brute force to obtain labor and other services for little no benefit to the person being trafficked.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Human Trafficking is not a new practice. This global trafficking business that reaps huge profits for traffickers and their collaborators has been present since the start of civilization. What is new is the sophistication and complexity by which it is carried out. The shocking thing is how this type of trade actually flourishes in this â€Å"time of enlightenment† where the rights of   human beings are given utmost importance. It is a violation of human rights whenever a human being is placed under any conditions against his/her will. This phenomenon of the contemporary era can be regarded as â€Å"the modern day equivalent of slavery† (â€Å"Trafficking in human beings†). It is of the utmost importance that this practice of subjecting people to slave-like conditions be put to a stop.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Women form the majority of human trafficking victims and are the ones most at risk. They are especially vulnerable due to the lack of employment opportunities. Oftentimes, traffickers promise them good jobs and better lives, but they only become prostitutes and sweatshop workers. Agents and brokers arrange their papers and transport, but when they reach their destinations, they discover the real nature of the work. The women often experience rape and other forms of violence and are enslaved   in abusive conditions where a bid for freedom is nearly impossible, even lethal. Extent of the Problem   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Trafficking is a problem of global proportion affecting virtually every country. According to the United Nations, human trafficking generates around 5-7 billion dollars each year (Raymond). It is currently one of the most lucrative types of international crime, only next to arms trafficking and illegal drugs (International Labour Organization). But unlike arms and drug trafficking, the punishment for human trafficking is relatively light in most countries (Raymond).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Determining the extent of and getting the exact statistics on human trafficking has proven to be a daunting task due to the illegal and underground nature of the activity. Researchers provide different estimates on the number of individuals being trafficked each year. A US Government report in 2004 estimates a figure of about 600,000-800,000 individuals trafficked annually across borders (â€Å"Trafficking†), the majority of which happening in â€Å"South East Asia, Japan, Russia and Europe† (â€Å"Trafficking in human beings†). The aforementioned figure does not include those who are â€Å"trafficked internally† (â€Å"Trafficking†), and the United Nations reports that up to 4 million people are transported worldwide each year (Raymond). Women make up around 80-90 percent of all human trafficking cases, and majority of them are sexually exploited either through sexual slavery or forced prostitution (â€Å"Trafficking in human beings†). Factors Influencing the Trafficking of Women   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Trafficking of women is a rapidly growing problem and several factors have led to its growth. In order for appropriate measures to take place, these factors should be identified and addressed. In order for the government to counteract its development, a coordinated response from international and regional authorities that addresses the major factors and root causes of the problem should be enacted. In addition to this, prevention measures should be done such as information dissemination, empowerment, and education of women in order to avert possible victimization and re-victimization.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the major factors influencing the trafficking of women is the lure of easy profit in prostitution and other forms of commercialized sex (United Nations â€Å"Further Actions†). Researchers and human rights advocates also point out that the demand for women’s bodies from the male population drives trafficking patterns. The male demand for sexual prostitution, coupled by the increasing poverty, drives women into vulnerable situations that are exploited by sex traffickers. For women, unequal labor opportunities, gender discrimination, and other restrictions and gender-based stereotypes have led them to seek employment opportunities in other countries.   Other driving forces include â€Å"discrimination against women; restrictive migration laws; a lack of information about the realities and dangers of trafficking and insufficient penalties against traffickers† (â€Å"Trafficking in human beings†). Prostitution and Sex Trafficking   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Trafficking of women comes in three most common forms: sex tourism, mail-order bride services, and prostitution (Raymond). The link between trafficking and prostitution is a clear one. The demand for commercialized sex is the biggest driving force behind the trafficking industry. It provides the economic incentive for traffickers to perpetrate the exploitation of women. For example, reports show that an increase in human traffic accompanies places where military troops and peacekeeping forces are stationed (CATW International).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Prostituted individuals have little or no protection from harm and violence due to their profession. Their bodies, being treated as commodities, are often subject to abuse and debasement. They also often suffer severe physical and mental problems due to injuries caused by such abuse (CATW International). The National Security Presidential Directive on Combating Trafficking in Persons states that â€Å"prostitution and related activities are inherently harmful and dehumanizing, identifying these activities as contributing to the phenomenon of trafficking, and opposing the regulation of prostitution as a legitimate form of work for any human being† (qtd. in Raymond). Anti-Trafficking Legislation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There is a need for comprehensive legislation and anti-trafficking laws that centers on the victims’ interests and issues. Several laws exist, such as the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children (also referred to as the UN Trafficking Protocol) which demands corroborating territories to fight the spread of human trafficking by â€Å"protect[ing] and assisting victims of such trafficking† and â€Å"promot[ing]   cooperation among states in order to meet those objectives† (United Nations â€Å"Protocol†).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   United States President Bush signed a Human Trafficking bill this January, renewing the   Trafficking Victims Protection Act. This is the first federal law for the punishment of traffickers and that especially addresses the issue of trafficking (â€Å"Bush Signs†). Also, at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995, the Beijing Platform for Action addressed the trafficking of women in the context of abuse and violence against them (â€Å"Trafficking in Women†) rather than regarding them as criminals or illegal migrants. Many countries around the world are also currently doing modest initiatives to eliminate the human trafficking trade. Criminalization of Purchasing Women for Prostitution and Punishment for Traffickers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One solution being proposed to decrease the traffickers’ incentive of transporting women is the legal prohibition of purchasing sexual services. This is rooted on the idea that prostitution (legalized or not) increases trafficking rates (CATW International). Men who purchase women for sex are major players in the supply-demand chain driving the trafficking industry. In order to decrease demand, those purchasing the service should be penalized (Bortel). This is but a logical extension to the premise that since illegal to provide such services (in many countries, the prostituted women are also punished by law), it must also be illegal to obtain them (Bortel).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another obstacle to the fight against trafficking is that the traffickers are rarely caught or punished, and if they are they are just penalized for the equivalent of a minor crime (Smith). In addition to this, many countries consider victims as illegal aliens, and are deported or penalized, while the traffickers get away scot-free. In the United States law practice, there is an attitude that â€Å"trafficking in women qualifies as a lesser crime than trafficking drugs† (Bortel). In this light, legislation that gives harsher penalties to traffickers must be enacted, including strengthening existing laws that protect the rights and interests of women. Works Cited Bortel, Angela. â€Å"Ending Trafficking in Women: A Victim-Centered Approach to Legislation.† Professionals for Cooperation. Jun. 2001. Moscow State University. Accessed 19 Apr. 2006 . â€Å"Bush Signs Anti-Human Trafficking Bill.† CBS News. 10 Jan. 2006. Associated Press. Accessed 19 Apr. 2006   Ã‚   . Caldwell, Gillion. â€Å"Trafficking Women in the Former U.S.S.R.† The Trafficking of NIS Women   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Abroad. Sept. 1997. International League of Human Rights.   Accessed 19 Apr. 2006   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   . CATW International. â€Å"Statement by CATW at the United Nations Commission on the Status of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Women.† Coalition Against Trafficking in Women. 5 Mar. 2003. Accessed 19 Apr. 2006   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   . International Labour Organization. International Labour Office. â€Å"A global alliance against forced   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   labour.†Ã‚   Global Report under the Follow-up to the ILO Declaration on Fundamental   Ã‚  Ã‚   Principles and Rights at Work. Geneva: 11 May 2006. Raymond, Janice G. â€Å"The Ongoing Tragedy of International Slavery and Human Trafficking: An   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Overview.† Coalition Against Trafficking in Women. 29 Oct. 2003. Accessed 19 Apr.   Ã‚  Ã‚   2006 Smith, Virginia. â€Å"Trafficking women and children.† Catholic New Times. 20 Mar. 2005.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   LookSmart, Ltd. Accessed 19 Apr. 2006 . â€Å"Trafficking.† Anti-Slavery: Today’s Fight for Tomorrow’s Freedom. Anti-Slavery International.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Accessed 19 Apr. 2006   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   . â€Å"Trafficking in human beings†. Wikipedia. 11 Apr. 2006. Wikimedia Foundation.   Accessed 19   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Apr. 2006 . â€Å"Trafficking in Women.† Women Watch: Information and Resources on Gender Equality and   Ã‚   Empowerment of Women. 22 Nov. – 17 Dec. 2004. United Nations. Accessed 19 Apr.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2006 . United Nations. â€Å"Further actions and initiatives to implement the Beijing Declaration and   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Platform for Action,† Women Watch: Information and Resources on Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women. 16 Nov. 2000. United Nations. Accessed 19 Apr. 2006   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   . —. â€Å"Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and   Ã‚  Ã‚   Children.† UN Nations Crime and Justice Information Network. 15 Nov. 2005. United   Ã‚   Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes. Accessed 19 Apr. 2006   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   .   

Micro and macro market enviroment Essay

In order to correctly identify opportunities and monitor threats, the company must begin with athorough understanding of the marketing environment in which the firm operates. The marketingenvironment consists of all the actors and forces outside marketing that affect the marketingmanagement’s ability to develop and maintain successful relationships with its target customers.Though these factors and forces may vary depending on the specific company and industrialgroup, they can generally be divided into broad micro environmental and macro environmentalcomponents. For most companies, the micro environmental components are: the company,suppliers, marketing channel firms (intermediaries), customer markets, competitors, and publicswhich combine to make up the company’s value delivery system. The macro environmentalcomponents are thought to be: demographic, economic, natural, technological, political, andcultural forces. The wise marketing manager knows that he or she cannot always affectenvironmental forces. However, smart managers can take a proactive, rather than reactive,approach to the marketing environment. As marketing management collects and processes data on these environments, they must be ever vigilant in their efforts to apply what they learn to developing opportunities and dealing withthreats. Studies have shown that excellent companies not only have a keen sense of customer butan appreciation of the environmental forces swirling around them. By constantly looking at thedynamic changes that are occurring in the aforementioned environments, companies are better prepared to adapt to change, prepare long-range strategy, meet the needs of today’s andtomorrow’s customers, and compete with the intense competition present in the globalmarketplace. All firms are encouraged to adopt an environmental management perspective in thenew millennium.A company’s marketing environment consists of the actors and forces outside marketing thataffect marketing management’s ability to develop and maintain successful relationships with itstarget customers.1). Being successful means being able to adapt the marketing mix to trends and changes thisenvironment.2). Changes in the  marketing environment are often quick and unpredictable.3). The marketing environment offers both opportunities and threats.4). The company must use its marketing research and marketing intelligence systems to monitor the changing environment.5). Systematic environmental scanning helps marketers to revise and adapt marketing strategiesto meet new challenges and opportunities in the marketplace. The marketing environment ismade up of a: 1. Micro environmental2. Macro-environment 1. Micro Environmental The microenvironment consists of five components. The first is the organization’s internalenvironment—its several departments and management levels—as it affects marketingmanagement’s decision making. The second component includes the marketing channel firmsthat cooperate to create value: the suppliers and marketing intermediaries (middlemen, physicaldistribution firms, marketing-service agencies, financial intermediaries). The third componentconsists of the five types of markets in which the organization can sell: the consumer, producer,reseller, government, and international markets. The fourth component consists of thecompetitors facing the organization. The fifth component consists of all the publics that have anactual or potential interest in or impact on the organization’s ability to achieve its objectives:financial, media, government, citizen action, and local, general, and internal publics. So themicroenvironment consists of six forces close to the company that affect its ability to serve itscustomers:a. The company itself (including departments). b. Suppliers.c. Marketing channel firms (intermediaries).d. Customer markets.e. Competitors.f. Publics. 1. The Company’s Microenvironment As discussed earlier the company’s microenvironment consists of six forces that affect its abilityto serve its customers. Lets discuss these forces in detail: a. The Company  The first force is the company itself and the role it plays in the microenvironment. This could bedeemed the internal environment.1). Top management is responsible for setting the company’s mission, objectives, broadstrategies, and policies.2). Marketing managers must make decisions  within the parameters established by topmanagement.3). Marketing managers must also work closely with other company departments. Areas such asfinance, R & D, purchasing, manufacturing, and accounting all produce better results whenaligned by common objectives and goals.4). All departments must â€Å"think consumer† if the firm is to be successful. The goal is to providesuperior customer value and satisfaction. b. Suppliers Suppliers are firms and individuals that provide the resources needed by the company and itscompetitors to produce goods and services. They are an important link in the company’s overallcustomer â€Å"value delivery system.†1). One consideration is to watch supply availability (such as supply shortages).2). Another point of concern is the monitoring of price trends of key inputs. Rising supply costsmust be carefully monitored. c. Marketing Intermediaries Marketing intermediaries are firms that help the company to promote, sell, and distribute itsgoods to final buyers.1). Resellers  are distribution channel firms that help the company find customers or make salesto them.2). These include wholesalers and retailers who buy and resell merchandise.3). Resellers often perform important functions more cheaply than the company can performitself. However, seeking and working with resellers is not easy because of the power that somedemand and use. Physical distribution firms help the company to stock and move goods from their points of origin to their destinations. Examples would be warehouses (that store and protect goods beforethey move to the next destination). Marketing service agencies (such as marketing research firms, advertising agencies, mediafirms, etc.) help the company target and promote its products. Financial intermediaries  (such as banks, credit companies, insurance companies, etc.) helpfinance transactions and insure against risks. d. Customers  The company must study its customer markets closely since each market has its own specialcharacteristics. These markets normally include:1). Consumer markets  (individuals and households that buy goods and services for personalconsumption).2). Business markets  (buy goods and services for further processing or for use in their production process).3). Reseller markets  (buy goods and services in order to resell them at a profit).4). Government markets  (agencies that buy goods and services in order to produce publicservices or transfer them to those that need them).5). International markets  (buyers of all types in foreign countries) e. Competitors Every company faces a wide range of competitors. A company must secure a strategic advantageover competitors by positioning their offerings to be successful in the marketplace. No singlecompetitive strategy is best for all companies. f. Publics A public is any group that has an actual or potential interest in or impact on an organization’sability to achieve its objectives. A company should prepare a marketing plan for all of their major publics as well as their customer markets. Generally, publics can be identified as being:1). Financial publics–influence the company’s ability to obtain funds.2). Media publics–carry news, features, and editorial opinion.3). Government publics–take developments into account.4). Citizen-action publics–a company’s decisions are often questioned by consumer organizations.5). Local publics–includes neighborhood residents and community organizations.6). General publics–a company must be concerned about the general public’s attitude toward its products and services.7). Internal publics–workers, managers, volunteers, and the board of directors. 2.MACRO ENVIRONMENT The Company’s Macro environment The company and all of the other actors operate in a larger macro environment of forces thatshape opportunities and pose threats to the company. There are six major forces (outlined below)in the company’s macro environment. There are six major forces (outlined below) in thecompany’s macro environment.a. Demographic. b. Economic.c. Natural.d. Technological.e. Political.f. Cultural. a. Demographic Environment Demography is the study of human populations in terms of size, density, location, age, sex, race,occupation, and other statistics. It is of major interest to marketers because it involves people and people make up markets. Demographic trends are constantly changing. Some more interestingones are.1). The world’s population (though not all countries) rate is growing at an explosive rate that willsoon exceed food supply and ability to adequately service the population. The greatest danger isin the poorest countries where poverty contributes to the difficulties. Emerging markets such asChina are receiving increased attention from global marketers.2). The most important trend is the changing age structure of the population. The population isaging because of a slowdown in the birth rate (in this country) and life expectancy is increasing.The baby boomers following World War II have produced a huge â€Å"bulge† in our population’sage distribution. The new prime market is the middle age group (in the future it will be the senior citizen group). There are many subdivisions of this group.a). Generation X–this group lies in the shadow of the boomers and lack obvious distinguishingcharacteristics. They are a very cynical group because of all the difficulties that have surroundedand impacted their group. b). Echo boomers (baby boomlets) are the large growing kid and teen market. This group is usedto affluence on the part of their parents (as different from the Gen Xers). One distinguishingcharacteristic is their utter fluency and comfort with computer, digital, and Internet technology(sometimes called Net-Gens).c). Generational marketing is possible, however, caution must be used to avoid generationalalienation. Many in the modern family now â€Å"telecommute†Ã¢â‚¬â€œwork at home or in a remote officeand conduct their business using fax, cell phones, modem, or the Internet In general, the population is becoming better educated. The work force is be-coming more white-collar.Products such as books and education services appeal to groups following this trend. Technicalskills (such as in computers) will be a must in the future. The final demographic trend is theincreasing ethnic and racial diversity of the population. Diversity is a force that must berecognized in the next decade. However, companies must recognize that diversity goes beyond ethnic heritage. One the important markets of the future are that disabled people (a market larger any of our ethnic minority groups). b. Economic Environment The economic environment includes those factors that affect consumer purchasing power andspending patterns. Major economic trends in the United States include:1). Personal consumption (along with personal debt) has gone up (1980s) and the early 1990s brought recession that has caused adjustments both personally and corporately in this country.Today, consumers are more careful shoppers. 2).Value marketing (trying to offer the consumer greater value for their dollar) is a very seriousstrategy in the 1990s. Real income is on the rise again but is being carefully guarded by a value-conscious consumer. 3).Income distribution is still very skewed in the U. S. and all classes have not shared in prosperity. In addition, spending patterns show that food, housing, and transportation stillaccount for the majority of consumer dollars. It is also of note that distribution of income hascreated a â€Å"two-tiered market† where there are those that are affluent and less affluent. Marketersmust carefully monitor economic changes so they will be able to prosper with the trend, notsuffer from it . c. Natural Environment The natural environment involves natural resources that are needed as inputs by marketers or that are affected by marketing activities. During the past two decades environmental concernshave steadily grown. Some trend analysts labeled the specific areas of concern were: 1).Shortages of raw materials. Staples such as air, water, and wood products have been seriously damaged and non-renewablesuch as oil, coal, and various minerals have been seriously depleted during industrial expansion. 2).Increased pollution is a worldwide problem. Industrial damage to the environment is very serious. Far-sightedcompanies are becoming â€Å"environmentally friendly† and are producing environmentally safe andrecyclable or biodegradable goods. The public response to these companies is encouraging.However, lack of adequate funding, especially in third world countries, is a major barrier. 3).Government intervention in natural resource management has caused environmental concerns to be more practical andnecessary in business and industry. Leadership, not punishment, seems to be the best policy for long-term results. Instead of opposing regulation, marketers should help develop solutions to thematerial and energy problems facing the world. 4).Environmentally sustainable strategies. The so-called green movement has encouraged or even demanded that firms produce strategiesthat are not only environmentally friendly but are also environmentally proactive. Firms are beginning to recognize the link between a healthy economy and a healthy environment. d. Technological Environment The technological environment includes forces that create new technologies, creating new product and market opportunities. 1). Technology is perhaps the most dramatic force shaping our destiny 2). New technologies create new markets and opportunities. 3). The following trends are worth watching: a). Faster pace of technological change. Products are being technologically outdated at a rapid pace. b). There seems to be almost unlimited opportunities being developed daily. Consider theexpanding . fields of health care, the space shuttle, robotics, and biogenetic industries. c). The challenge is not only technical but also commercial–to make practical, affordableversions of . . products. d). Increased regulation. Marketers should be aware of the regulations concerning product safety,individual privacy, and other areas that affect technological changes. They must also be alert to . any.possible negative aspects of an innovation that might harm users or arouse opposition. e. Political Environment The political environment includes laws, government agencies, and pressure groups thatinfluence and . limit various organizations and individuals in a given society. Various forms of legislation regulate business. 1). Governments develop public policy to guide commerce–sets of laws and regulations limiting business for the good of society as a whole. 2). Almost every marketing activity is subject to a wide range of laws and regulations. Sometrends in the political environment include: 1). Increasing legislation to: a).Protect companies from each other. b).Protecting consumersfrom unfair business practices. c).Protecting interests of society against unrestrained business behavior. 2). Changing government agency enforcement. New laws and their enforcement will continue or increase. 3). Increased emphasis on ethics and socially responsible actions. Socially responsible firmsactively seek out ways to protect the long-run interests of their consumers and the environment. a). Enlightened companies encourage their managers to look beyond regulation and â€Å"do the rightthing.† b). Recent scandals have increased concern about ethics and social responsibility. c). The boom in e-commerce and Internet marketing has created a new set of social and ethicalissues. Concerns are Privacy, Security, Access by vulnerable or unauthorized groups. f. Cultural Environment The cultural environment is made up of institutions and other forces that affect society’s basicvalues, perceptions, preferences, and behaviors. Certain cultural characteristics can affectmarketing decision-making. Among the most dynamic cultural characteristics are: 1). Persistence of cultural values. People’s core beliefs and values have a high degree of persistence. Core beliefs and values are passed on from parents to children and are reinforced byschools, churches, business, and government. Secondary beliefs and values are more open tochange. 2). Shifts in secondary cultural values. Since secondary cultural values and beliefs are open tochange, marketers want to spot them and be able to capitalize on the change potential. Society’smajor cultural views are expressed in a).People’s views of themselves. People vary in their emphasis on serving themselves versusserving others. In the 1980s, personal ambition and materialism increased dramatically, withsignificant implications for marketing. The leisure industry was a chief beneficiary. b).People’s views of others. Observers have noted a shift from a â€Å"me-society† to a â€Å"we-society.† Consumers are spending more on products and services that will improve their livesrather than their image. c). People’s views of organizations. People are willing to work for large organizations butexpect them to become increasingly socially responsible. Many companies are linkingthemselves to worthwhile causes. Honesty in appeals is a must. d).People’s views of society. This orientation influences consumption patterns. â€Å"Buy American†versus buying abroad is an issue that will continue into the next decade. e).People’s view of nature. There is a growing trend toward people’s feeling of mastery over nature through technology and the belief that nature is bountiful. However, nature is finite. Loveof nature and sports associated with nature are expected to be significant trends in the nextseveral years. f).People’s views of the universe. Studies of the origin of man, religion, and thought-provokingad campaigns are on the rise. Currently, Americans are on a spiritual journey. This will probablytake the form of â€Å"spiritual individualism.