Monday, December 30, 2019

Unconformities Gaps in the Geological Record

A 2005 research cruise in the remote Pacific found something surprising: nothing. The scientific team aboard the research vessel Melville, mapping and drilling in the central South Pacific seafloor, traced out a region of bare rock thats bigger than Alaska. It had none of the mud, clay, ooze, or manganese nodules that cover the rest of the deepest sea. This was not freshly made rock either, but oceanic crustal basalt that was 34 to 85 million years old. In other words, the researchers discovered a strange 85 million year gap in the geological record. The finding was important enough to be published in the October 2006 Geology, and Science News also took note.   Unconformities Are Gaps in the Geological Record Gaps in the geological record, like those discovered in 2005, are called unconformities because they do not conform to typical geological expectations. The concept of an unconformity arises from two of the oldest principles of geology, first stated in 1669 by Nicholas Steno: The Law of Original Horizontality: Layers of sedimentary rock (strata) are originally laid down flat, parallel to the Earths surface.  The Law of Superposition. Younger strata always overlie older strata, except where the rocks have been overturned.   So in an ideal sequence of rocks, all the strata would stack up like the pages in a book in a conformable relationship. Where they dont, the plane between the mismatched strata—representing some sort of gap—is an unconformity.   The Angular Unconformity The most famous and obvious kind of unconformity is the angular unconformity. Rocks below the unconformity are tilted and sheared off, and rocks above it are level. The angular unconformity tells a clear story: First, a set of rocks was laid down.Then these rocks were tilted, then eroded down to a level surface.Then a younger set of rocks was laid down on top. In the 1780s when James Hutton studied the dramatic angular unconformity at Siccar Point in Scotland—called today Huttons Unconformity—it staggered him to realize how much time such a thing must represent. No student of rocks had ever contemplated millions of years before. Huttons insight gave us the concept of deep time and the corollary knowledge that even the slowest, most imperceptible geologic processes can produce all the features found in the rock record. The Disconformity and Paraconformity In disconformity and paraconformity,  strata are laid down, then a period of erosion occurs (or a hiatus, a period of nondeposition as with the Pacific Bare Zone), then more strata are laid down. The result is a disconformity or parallel unconformity. All the strata line up, but there is still a clear discontinuity in the sequence—maybe a soil layer or rugged surface developed on top of the older rocks. If the discontinuity is visible, it is called a disconformity. If it is not visible, it is called a paraconformity. Paraconformities are harder to detect, as you might imagine. A sandstone in which trilobite fossils suddenly give way to oyster fossils would be a clear example. Creationists tend to latch onto these as proof that geology is mistaken, but geologists see them as evidence that geology is interesting. British geologists have a slightly different concept of unconformities that is based purely on structure. To them, only the angular unconformity and the nonconformity, discussed next, are true unconformities. They consider the disconformity and paraconformity to be non-sequences. And theres something to be said for that because the strata in these cases are indeed conformable. The American geologist would argue that they are unconformable in terms of time. The Nonconformity Nonconformities are junctions between two different major rock types. For example, a nonconformity may consist of a body of rock that is not sedimentary, upon which sedimentary strata are laid down. Because we arent comparing two bodies of strata, the notion of them being conformable doesnt apply.   A nonconformity might mean a lot or not much. For instance, the spectacular nonconformity at Red Rocks Park, in Colorado, represents a gap of 1400 million years. There a body of gneiss 1700 million years old is overlain by conglomerate  made of sediment eroded from that gneiss, that is 300 million years old. We have almost no idea of what happened in the eons between. But then consider fresh oceanic crust created at a spreading ridge that is soon covered by sediment settling down from the seawater above. Or a lava flow that goes into a lake and is soon covered with mud from local streams. In these cases, the underlying rock and the sediment are basically the same age and the nonconformity is trivial.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

RTI and Disporportionality in Special Education Essay

Disproportionality, in special education, is the overrepresentation or under-representation of a particular population or demographic group relative to their presence in the overall student population (Ralabate, Klotz, 2007). There are many factors thought to contribute to disproportionality: cultural differences, lack of appropriate assessment strategies, socioeconomic status, race, and gender (Kanaitsa, 2010). Cultural differences pose several barriers for students and may impair their opportunity to learn. These barriers are created by differences in language expression, communication style, preferred learning style, gender-role customs and behaviors, and limited parental involvement due to these cultural or socioeconomic barriers†¦show more content†¦There are a few ways to try and minimize the label of disability placed unjustly on students due to diversity. When compiling individual assessments more extensive background information needs to be gathered pertaining to school attendance, family structure, cultural beliefs, household changes and moves, and medical, developmental, and educational histories (Ralabate, Klotz, 2007). If there is a possible language barrier then a dual language assessment evaluation should be given. Also included in an individualized comprehensive evaluation is how a student responds to scientific evidence-based interventions. Scientific evidence-based interventions are generally assessed through a response to intervention (RTI). The RTI approach can potentially cross over cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic barriers by assessing each student as an individual. Response to intervention should emphasize how well students respond to changes in instruction rather than what is considered the norm for the society they live in (Klotz, Canter, 2007). These changes, or lack thereof, in a student’s progress are measured, and modifications to instruction are implemented in the RTI model. This model has multiple tiers of intense scientific, research-based interventions that increase, or decrease due to a student’s need. In a three tier RTI model every

Saturday, December 14, 2019

B Midterm Free Essays

Consumers Perspective From a consumers perspective, we are always looking for ways to present ourselves favorably to the public -? whether we do it consciously or unconsciously. Some consumers want to be perceived as the â€Å"Geeky Gadget’, always on the rise to own the top notch smartness (need for uniqueness, P. 161). We will write a custom essay sample on B Midterm or any similar topic only for you Order Now This is also a good example of how this consumer engages in impression management, P. 122, to positively maintain his or her public Image. The way a person seeks to pursue their ideal self may play an important role n driving this change. For example, a person who dollies Steve Job’s innovative and creative character may want to become innovative by associating him/herself with Apple products (ideal self, P. 122). A different example in how an individual’s perception about owning the latest or newest phone is through their extended self. For example, an interesting study conducted by Google indicated how â€Å"people are using mobile to change all aspects of their life† (Michael Oliver, 2013). Furthermore, most smartened users cherish their phones so much that it comes their identity (extended self, P. 28). Company’s Perspective In contrast, from a company’s perspective, an organization’s culture can shape their approach based on their core values and beliefs. For instance, a company that emphasizes the values of innovation, learning, and creativity can influence their employees’ behaviors to become innovative and creative in making new products (values, P. 174). 2. Tem porary Situation on Consumer Behavior People’s decisions to live frugally depend on a variety of factors including their motivation, lifestyle, and timing. Motivation Conflict One reason people may be cutting back on spending is due to motivational conflict. For example, I purchased a Samsung Galaxy SO because believe it satisfied all my needs. On the other hand, however, I had to suffer the consequences of paying an expensive fee (approach-avoidance conflict, P. 99). Since I have invested in something expensive that I believe will last me a long time, I am not willing to spend money or time looking for another smartened. Hierarchy of Needs People can also be cutting back depending on where they currently stand on the levels of their needs. Consumers who have satisfied their lower-level needs and want to fulfill their upper needs may be willing to consume more to get there. On the other hand, if consumers feel that their lower level needs haven’t been met, they will remain in that level until they no longer feel dissatisfied. For example, a student who is struggling to pay rent may not be likely to spend money for a smartened to feel connected with her peers. Once she has earned enough money from her part-time job to pay off all her rent and has fulfilled her need of safety, she may move on to satisfy her need for belongingness. Lifestyle Another reason why consumers are not willing to spend is because of their lifestyle. A person’s social class should be understood as it plays a huge role in influencing what type and quantity consumers buy (Boundless, n. D. ). Consumers in the upper class have a higher level of disposable income, and therefore, are willing to spend more on luxury good items than those with less disposable income. 3. Multi-attribute Model: Smartened Decisions Attribute (I) Importance (l) Beliefs (B) phone 6 as unsung Galaxy AS BlackBerry Passport Fast Processor 5 4 Large Built-in Storage High Camera Quality 3 Eng Battery Life Easy Navigation Attitude Score 65 72 69 53 The five attributes that are most important for me in terms of deciding what smartened to purchase encompasses the processor speed, large built-in storage, high quality camera, long battery life, and finally, the ease of navigation. L When assessing a phone’s attributes, did some research and read over some product reviews and recommendations based on consumption communities, p. . I also took into consideration my positive and negative experiences In using a smartened. For example, the fast receptors and long battery life attributes display the highest weight of importance because value the performance of a phone in terms of its speed and ability to last a long time. Having to charge a phone two to three times a day was painf ully inconvenient, and therefore developed a negative attitude towards the performance of that phone (utilitarian function, P. 187). Regarding the table above, Samsung Galaxy SO ranked the highest with an overall attitude score of 72. As I did more internal and external research on each smartened (cognition), I valued a lot of the attributes Samsung Galaxy ad offered (affect) causing me to purchase the product (high involvement hierarchy, P. 189). In addition, my attitude object towards Samsung products has developed over time, establishing a strong brand loyalty (internalizing, level of commitment, p. 293). Also hold a strong favoritism towards the Samsung brand, which enforces me to buy their products regardless of what price it is (brand equity, P. 163). 4. Improving the image of the BlackBerry Passport to University-aged Students The lowest ranked phone under the multi-attribute model is the BlackBerry Passport with an overall attitude score of 53. But how can marketers improve the image of this phone to attract university-aged students? Capitalizing on Relevant Advantage Blackberry’s Passport smartened ranked relatively high with a score of 4 on both fast processor and large built-in storage. Since the attribute built-in Storage perceives low importance, marketers can emphasize the convenience of having enough storage as if you were to bring a mini-laptop. Laptops have huge storage, and if consumers perceive that the BlackBerry phone holds a sufficiently large storage component, it can reinforce the presence of the hone. Strengthen Perceived Product-attribute Link Although BlackBerry’s ease of navigation ranked low importance, marketers can alter a consumers attitude towards this attribute so that they are appropriately educated on how to navigate the device. For example, doing tutorial videos allow for better understanding on how to use the smartened. Add a New Attribute Since many university students value the element of convenience, Blackberry can add a feature where instead of paying for a purchase through a credit or debit card, users can pay through their phone. Furthermore, BlackBerry can also capitalize on is their physical keyboard. This can be a huge factor in leveraging consumer preferences on being able to physically touch buttons. Influence Competitors’ Ratings It is really crucial for marketers to consider maintaining an ongoing bond or relationship with their consumers as this is one of the factors of keeping them motivated to stay loyal. This is mostly the hardest thing to do as it is very complicated to persuade loyal consumers of a competitor to switch to BlackBerry. Keeping this in mind, BlackBerry can establish a reputation for being the most organized smartened. For example, they can advertise how they sponsor many student clubs and companies to keep teams organized and connected. 5. Changing Consumer Behavior through Instrumental Conditioning Apple can change consumer behavior towards illegal music downloads through instrumental conditioning in many ways using positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement. Variable-interval Reinforcement Variable-interval reinforcement is a great way to counteract illegal downloading of music. For every music download a consumer purchases, Apple can reward them with a PIP exclusive pass to a concert of their top unload music artist. For example, if a consumer consistently downloaded One Republic’s music, tunes can notify them that One Republic is having an upcoming concert in their nearby location and reward them with the exclusive PIP tickets along with a friend. This is also a good example of frequency marketing, P. 2. A Combination of Positive and Negative Reinforcement Another possible alternative Apple can do is use negative reinforcement as a way to reduce the behavior of downloading illegal music. Apple can create a built-in program within tunes that allows them to analyses which source the USIA came from and guilt the consumer by publicizing it on their tunes library (guilt, P. 114). In addition, they can also limit the storage of songs a consumer can input in their library based on the number Of different sources the music came from. How to cite B Midterm, Papers

Friday, December 6, 2019

Analysis Of Conventional Banks In Pakistan †Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Analysis Of Conventional Banks In Pakistan? Answer: Introduction In this report, financial performance and capital structure of APN Outdoor Company. It is an Australian company which has been providing media and advertisement services to clients. This company has increased its overall profit since last three years and shown high value creation on its investment. This report has shown the capital structure and ratio analysis of company in determined approach. Comparing Firms Capital Structure Capital structure of company is accompanied with debt and equity capital portion of company. economics, each and every company should maintain capital structure of 30 % debt and 70% equity. The WACC of APN Outdoor Company has been computed as below (Gitman, Juchau, Flanagan, 2015). Cost of Equity CAPM Model Risk free rate of return 2.40% Beta 1.3 Market Rate of Return 7% Cost of Equity 8.38% Cost of debt Interest after tax 2956100 Debt 103000000 Cost of debt 2.87% Weights Debts (Loan) 103000000 Equity 222334000 Total 325334000 Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) Debt Equity Cost of Capital (WACC) After computing all the details of company, it is inferred that the cost of capital of APN Outdoor Company is 6.64%. The debt of the APN Outdoor Company is 32% and 68% equity funding. This level of capital structure of APN Outdoor Company has shown that company has been enjoying advantage of debt portion in its business. QMS Media Company is one of the biggest rivals of company. It has maintained debt to equity ratio to 22:78. It reflects 22% debt funding and rest 78% equity funding in its capital. Nonetheless, QMS Media Company has cost of capital 7.78% which is quite high as compared to APN Outdoor Company. QMS has high cost of capital and reduced its financial leverage (Finance. Yahoo, 2017). Analysis of Financial Ratios of APN Outdoor Company Throughout the time, with the increasing ramification of economic changes, APN Outdoor Company has increased its overall earning and profit since last three years. The current ratio of company has gone down by .65 points since last three years. Quick ratio has also decreased by .55 points in the same time period. Net profit of company has increased to 20% in 2016 from the net loss of 6% in 2015. The return on capital employed has increased to 26% in 2016. Interest co coverage of company is equal to zero and shown 32% debt and 68% equity portion. Efficiency ratio has also changed with a view to reduce the overall cost of capital. Inventory turnover ratio is zero since last three years due to its zero level of inventory management. Creditors turnover ratio of company has also managed to 40% with view to reduce the amount blockage and cost of capital associated with the same (Brigham Gerhardt, 2013). Significant Changes in the Capital Structure in Past Three Years The share capital of APN Outdoor Company is $58.15, $63.74, and $59.64 million in all 2014, 2015 and 2016. Moreover, Debt portion of APN Outdoor company has increased by 5% since last three years (Finance. 2017). Particulars 2014 2015 2016 Fiscal year ends in June AUD$ '000 AUD$ '000 AUD$ '000 AUD in Million except per share data Long term loans 125 97 133 Wealth Maximization in Past Three Years The stock price of APN Outdoor Company has shown increment of profit by 200% as compared to last three years. This increment showcases that company has increased the value of capital invested by shareholders in determined approach. This increased level of profit and earning of company will provide high amount earning per share of company. It will provide them high level of earning to shareholders who have invested in organization (Hunjra Bashir, 2014) Importance of Minimization of the Cost of Capital Reducing cost of capital may result to increased business efficiency for APN Outdoor Company. It will also result to following advantage such as creation of core competency, increased brand image and shuffling of capital of company. This minimization of cost of capital will also reduce the overall cost of production and increased the contributed profit in determined approach (Karna, Richter Riesenkampff, 2016). Recommendations for Lowering the Cost of Capital This company has maintained 32% debt portion which could be further increased with a view to take tax deduction advantage and low cost of capital associate with the same (Finance. Yahoo. 2017). Nonetheless, simultaneously APN Outdoor company will increase its financial risk if it increases its debt portion. In addition to this, company could also go for finance option which could be available for company at lower cost of capital. Conclusion In this report, it is observed that APN Outdoor company has high debt portion and increased financial risk in its business functioning. However, this has resulted to tax advantage and lowering down the overall cost of capital. Now in the end, it could be inferred that company should maintain effective capital structure that could reduce the cost of capital and financial risk at large. References Brigham, E. F., Ehrhardt, M. C. (2013). Financial accounting: Theory practice. Cengage Learning. Finance. Yahoo. (2017). APN Outdoor Group Limited (APO.AX). Retrieved September 16, 2017 from, https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/APO.AX/financials?p=APO.AX Finance. Yahoo. (2017). QMS Media Limited (QMS.AX). Retrieved September 16, 2017 from, https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/QMS.AX/balance-sheet?p=QMS.AX Hunjra, A. I., Bashir, A. (2014). Comparative Financial Performance Analysis of Conventional and Islamic Banks in Pakistan.Bulletin of Business and Economics (BBE),3(4), 196-206. Karna, A., Richter, A., Riesenkampff, E. (2016). Revisiting the role of the environment in the capabilitiesfinancial performance relationship: A meta?analysis. Strategic Management Journal,37(6), 1154-1173.