Qin Ling Mountains Management Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Qin Ling Mountains Management Plan - Essay Example Goals 1. To transform the Qin Ling Mountains into a reputable and world class tourism destination that attracts both local and international tourists. 2. To facilitate sustainable environmental conservation and enhancement of the mountainous ecosystem for posterity 3. To generate income for the country as well as changing the lives of the people who work in with us. 4. To impact the community through demonstrating social responsibility as well as providing opportunities for the community to take part in the development of the Qin Ling Mountains tourism destination. 5. To create awareness all around the world through advertising of the spectacular and distinct features of the Qin Ling Mountains 6. To convert the site into a heritage centre that is recognizable and upholds international standards. Outcomes The main objective of developing the goals is to produce results that can be used across the strata for the benefit of the environment, government, the community and the tourists. Fi rstly, it is expected that the site shall be a place that will contribute to environmental impact reduction through the adoption of strategies such as ecotourism and community development programs. Secondly, the site is meant to make sustainable and reliable profits that will facilitate its conservation. It is expected to boost tourism in the country with an ultimate goal of generating foreign exchange for the country. The profits will also increase the government income generation through taxes. Thirdly, the overall development shall be experienced in terms of infrastructure, and social amenities. Road and rail networks are to be developed to meet the available demand and provide standard services for the tourists, employees as well as the local communities. Fourthly, the site will open the region for foreign investments as well as encouraging local investors, an aspect that will promote regional growth as well as the entire country stands to benefit. Fourthly, the number of touris ts that visit the country is expected to increase tremendously as well as facilitating environmentalists in taking part in environmental projects. Finally, the community shall be empowered to take responsibility in matters relating to the conservation of the natural resources, the environment and taking advantage of the existing opportunities to empower themselves and their fellow citizens. Evaluation The progress in the implementation of the program shall be done in quarterly basis. After every three months, an evaluation team shall get into the ground and conduct a thorough analysis of the developments that have been made. The team shall report the findings and together we shall develop a way forward. The entire program implementation is expected to take a maximum of three years. This means that the plan will be divided into twelve phases, after every phase an evaluation will be done. Each year at least two goals shall have been fully accomplished, hence the evaluation process wil l have to look into that development. Visitor Management While the implementation of the plan is in the pipeline, management of the visitors shall be a key factor to sustaining the profitability of the tourist site. The site shall take advantage

Strategic Management (report) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Strategic Management (report) - Essay Example Zara makes a third of all its sales in Spain. However, recently it has intensified its business in other European markets such as France, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom. Established in the year 1975, the business unit has now 1608 stores across the world, offering products for men, women and kids. This report analyses the Inditex group and its business unit ‘Zara’ in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of its strategies in the market. The report starts with the analysis of the industry followed by the company and its business unit. In the end, a conclusion has been inferred from the entire analysis. ‘Porter’s five forces’ model is a useful framework to analyse the industry’s attractive towards any business (Hill & Jones, â€Å"Porter’s Five Forces Model†). The following is the analysis of the specific business unit ‘Zara’. Porter has identified four factors which are capable of influencing the level of competition and profitability in the industry. The buyers’ power in this fashion industry is moderate. Zara offers its customers the look-alike premium products at a lower price. So, the switching cost for the buyer is a bit higher. On the other hand, Zara keeps all trendy and fashionable merchandises according to the customer requirements at a reasonable price. Zara is a flagship business unit of a leading fashion group. So the bargaining power of the suppliers is a bit low in this industry. The company requires its suppliers to be aligned with certain requirements of working practice, ethical activities, safety, quality and environmental standards. The low bargaining power of the suppliers reflects from the fact that the company has ceased 175 suppliers in the year 2008 and 145 suppliers in the next year because of their non compliance with the required standards. Zara has been one of the significant business units of the leading business group. Definitely the

Constantly Risking Absurdity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Constantly Risking Absurdity - Essay Example The poem has a complex structure, though exciting as the reader follows the author through the swinging motions that the poet has chosen to present the poem similar to the swinging of an acrobat walking on a thin rope. Therefore, the poet utilizes imagery and diction in comparing the process of writing a poem to the performance of an acrobat in front of a large crowd, and risks death if he falls from the wire. The author reveals to the audience that he compares writing a poem to an acrobat in line 6; â€Å"the poet like and acrobat.† This line forms the main theme of the poem and is platform on which the poem is hinged. The author does not only compare the poet to an acrobat, but also explains that the two share the same predicament, hence the use of â€Å"like and† in line 6. From this line, the author introduces the public to the death or survival of the poem, which the author compares to the life or death of an acrobat. In other words, just as the acrobat risks death by hanging dangerously on a thin wire, so does the poet risk death by facing the scrutiny of people. If the poem does not impress the public, the audience will certainly trash it and that will be the end of the poem. The author in this case warns that the work of poets faces death if they fail to impress and exceed the expectations of the audience, just as the acrobat makes the audience watch in suspense as h e do his gymnastics. Similar to the acrobat’s wire, the poet has to have â€Å"a high wire of his own† (line 8). Just as an acrobat has to use theatrics and creativity to impress the crowd and showcase his mystery while walking on the thin wire, a poet has to use similar theatrics to impress the audience. In fact, the author inline 14 states that â€Å"slight-of-foot and other high theatrics,† all which the poet has to use to impress the audience. The poet in this poem uses such theatrics by presenting the poem in swinging style, which

Resoures needed Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Resoures needed - Essay Example The energy released is usually in heat form. After heat is emitted, the coolant lifts it out of the reactor. Coolant used in most instances is plain water. After the coolant has heated up, it proceeds to the turbine chamber where it drives a shaft. This makes nuclear reactors be exotic heat sources (Hargraves 45). The reactor core The reactor core generates heat and stores all nuclear fuel. It has uranium (low enriched, not less than 5% U-235). The coolant Material passing through the core is called the coolant. It also transfers heat usually from fuel to turbine. A coolant can be the normal water, liquid sodium, or heavy water. The turbine The turbine receives heat from the coolant then generates it to electricity. This takes the same method as it happens in fossil fuel plant. Containment This is the general high-density steel structure-separating reactor from environment. Most are dome shaped and usually reinforced in concrete. Cooling towers These are used in Plants to dump excess ive heat that have not been transformed to energy. They only emit vapor and clean water commonly referred to as hyperbolic icons. Different types of nuclear reactors There exists a variety of nuclear reactors usually of different pursposes, fuel cycles, coolants, and different fuels. Some of them include; Pressurized water reactor This is the most prevalent type of nuclear reactor. It uses the normal regular water as coolant. The cooling water is kept at very high pressures to keep it from boiling. It transfers heat to the secondary coolant loop after passing through heat exchanger. This then keeps turbine in motion. This type of reactor uses oxide fuel pellets compressed in zirconium tubes (Frog 40). This type of reactor has its pros and cons depending on circumstances. On the positive site, it has the void coefficient, which is strong and negative. Reactor easily cools down when water begins to bubble. Secondly, the secondary loop prevents radioactive materials from reaching the t urbines, which eases maintenance. Procedures have been optimized due to accumulated operating experiences. On the other side, coolants under heavy pressure have a high likely hood of escaping in the eventuality a pipe breaks. This reactor is not able to breed new fuel as result of it being susceptible concerning uranium shortage (Weston 56-58). Canada Deuterium-Uranium Reactors (CANDUs) First used in Canada, they usually contain heavy water with extra neutron in hydrogen. This therefore results to Deuterium taking place of pure hydrogen. Since Deuterium has limited capacity in absorbing neutrons compared to hydrogen, CANDUs operate strictly on natural uranium and not enriched. Its advantages are that it needs limited uranium enrichment .For this reason, it can usually be refueled when in operation which keeps capacity factors high. They possess the flexibility nature and uses different types of fuel. Its demerits are based on safety concerns since some variants posse’s positi ve coolant coefficients. Sodium Cooled Reactor Sodium metal, which is liquid in nature, cools down these types of reactors. Since sodium is heavier than hydrogen, it enables neutrons to move at higher speed. These types of reactors use oxide or metal fuels and have the potential to burn everything thrown at them (Uranium, higher actinides, plutonium and thorium). The advantage of these reactors is that they have the capability to breed their own

Hispanic Americans Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hispanic Americans - Research Paper Example The Hispanic Americans in United States consists of four particular groups. They are the Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans and Central / South Americans. Mexican Americans Mexican Americans, as of July 2009, constitutes 10 . 3 % of the United States population. They â€Å" comprise 66 % of all Hispanics and Latinos in the United States † ( â€Å" Mexican American† ) . United States houses the second largest Mexican community in the world right after Mexico itself. Mexican Americans as a race is a general agglomeration of Native Mexicans, Spaniards and other Hispanicize European settlers. Their history in the United States ranges for over four hundred years. By 1900 their settlements were mainly focused in the New Mexico, California and Texas. As a matter of fact Californios were strictly Spanish speaking citizens of present day California, who later became associated with the society soon after the California Gold Rush. Presently the Mexican .Americans have a sub stantial population in the cities of Los Angeles, Culver City, Long Beach, La Puente, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Dallas, San Francisco Bay Area, Denver and more. In order to avoid racial classification, the United States Census Bureau in 1970 tried to classify Hispanics by â€Å" Spanish speakers and persons belonging to a household where the head of household was a Spanish speaker† Persons by Spanish heritage by birth location or surname Persons who self – identified Spanish origin or descent † ( â€Å" Mexican American † ) Spanish continues to be the main language of the Mexicans since the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. English was of minor importance because of proximity of southwestern U S to Mexico. In the beginning of twentieth century, with the second and third generations now on track, English became necessary with different work professions being available. But still in 1980s there were 100 Spanish news papers, with around 500 radio stations and 130 television stations. Since 1960s, there had been a huge influx of illegal Mexican immigrants in the United States which had heavily increased the cheap labor work force of the country. As the prospect of deportation is a constant threat they are highly subjected to exploitation by the employers, who often take a â€Å" don’t ask †, â€Å" don’t tell † attitude towards them. The immigrants are racially dubbed as â€Å" Wetbacks † which is a lucid approach just like â€Å" nigger † to African – Americans. Mexican Americans as a whole mainly form the nucleus of blue collar occupations in the U S. this includes from working as restaurant workers, truck drivers, janitors, gardeners, construction labors and metal moving workers. Several incidents of tensions had often aroused between Mexican immigrants and other ethnicities and also between Hispanic Americans and cheap Mexican labors over the sustainability of working – class jobs. â€Å" However, according to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in June 2007, 63 % of Americans would support an immigration policy that would put illegal immigrants on a path to citizenship if they â€Å" pass background checks, pay fines and have jobs, learn English † † ( â€Å" Mexican American † ) , Socially, immigrants from Mexico come from lower stratus of social ladder and are involved in low skilled jobs by generations. Usually they are form rural areas. Strictly speaking,

Why Some Employers Are Reluctant to Address the Issue on Workplace Term Paper

Why Some Employers Are Reluctant to Address the Issue on Workplace Bullying - Term Paper Example A good complaint resolution scheme should include an option for the employee to talk directly to the bully with or without mediation. On the other hand, if the employee prefers to let the company mediate, he or she should be given the option to request for informal or formal resolution of the issue. An informal process of resolving issues of bullying in the workplace is much faster and less stressful for everyone (Uff, 2006). This approach is usually effective to resolve informal complaints of an employee. Simple incidents of bullying that do not require the company to effect punishments against the employee or employees involved should be resolved through an informal process (Uff, 2006). In most cases, â€Å"an informal resolution process takes the no-blame approach to the issue and both parties are asked to come to an amicable agreement to refrain from committing any acts that constitute bullying towards each other† (Ontario Safety Association For Community and Health Care, 2009).While the informal resolution is quick and does not carry with it certain punishments, a formal resolution process is usually associated with the exhaustive investigation, mediation and giving appropriate punishments against the guilty party (Ontario Safety Association For Community and Health Care, 2009). The formal resolution process usually involve (a) the lodging of a formal complaint, (b) an initial response where the human resource officer or any designated person meets separately with the parties involved in the allege bullying incident, (c) the appointment of an investigator to look into the matter, (d) the appointment of an investigator after the initial meeting with the parties, (e) conduct of the actual investigation, (f) presentation of findings, (g) appeal on the findings and decision of the investigating team, and (h) final resolution (Ontario Safety Association For Community and Health Care, 2009).  

Monsanto paper critical analysis Essay Example for Free

Monsanto paper critical analysis Essay aTitle: A review of core issues relating to the global adoption of genetically modified foods. As we are confronted by more and more information, it is of great importance that as global citizens we endeavour to form our own conclusions by thoroughly analysing factual data. Often information we are presented with can carry a vast undertone of additional, and usually bias information, which conveyed through language, body language, and even in extreme, but uncommon instances, subliminal messaging. Professionals in environmental management must be able to efficiently draw unbiased conclusions by filtering large quantities of information and communicate their findings effectively. In environmental management, global issues typically generate the most controversy. Currently, a global movement to abolish genetically modified foods, is raging. As scientific evidence that challenges the safety of GMO’s mounts, global protests and national governments are rejecting genetically modified foods, in particular the notorious company Monsanto. This assignment is aimed at evaluating key literature relating to the safety of GMO’s using the correct models developed in critical analysis for environmental management in hope that informative and unbiased conclusions can be drawn. Table1: The Purpose of this table is to briefly summarise five sources of literature using methods gained in the course to aid in the development of a draft plan for assignment two. Reference/Source Publication Type Brief Synopsis Application of Course Concepts Comments relevant to planning the draft review Gilles-Eric Sà ©ralini, Emilie Clair, Robin Mesnage, Steeve Gress, Nicolas Defarge, Manuela Malatesta, Didier Hennequin, Joà «l Spiroux de Vendà ´mois (2012) Long term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize. Food and Chemical Toxicology 50. Pg4221-4231 Peer Reviewed Journal This paper discusses the health effects of roundup tolerant genetically modified maize cultivated with roundup weedkiller on rats over two years. The lead author on this paper is well known for his stance against genetically modified organisms and has published many papers in the past relating to the same topic. The paper is well referenced but sources many of the lead author’s previous papers, which gives the impression of being prejudiced. It stands alone today as the longest toxicity study of GM NK603 maize and the commercial herbicide it was designed to grow with. The nature of this article is intended to target an audience of professionals and members of the industry alike. However, due to its controversial conclusions, it has attracted far more attention through the media. The paper claims to have evidence demonstrating that rats fed genetically modified maize cultivated with roundup were twice as more likely to suffer a premature death and 70% more likely in females over a two year period. Since its release many have claimed it to be solid evidence of the negative effects of ingesting GMO’s, but it has come under equal fire from Monsanto and other scientific academies. They have claimed that flaws exist in the design of the experiment, its statistical analysis, and use of a rat species prone to tumour formation (MacKenzie 2012). However the same species of rat was used in the Monsanto paper, which Seralini was challenging (Hammond et.al 2004). As the paper had attracted much attention, and there had been no protocols in place for studies of its kind, the European Food Safety Authority released its guidelines which generally validated the paper in question (EFSA 2013). According to the results, the common time frame of 90 days is an insufficient time frame to thoroughly analyse the toxicity of GM foods as the first signs of tumours occurred between four to seven months into the study. A startling result shown in figure1 shows an increase in mortality rates in males per the concentration of roundup. However not much attention is drawn to this. Confronting photos of these rats clearly in significant pain with tumours equating to 25% of their body mass are then illustrated provoking an emotional response in the reader. Too few rats were also used in the control groups with only 10 of each sex. This paper will be useful in demonstrating the extent of obvious bias seen across much of the research about GM foods. It was also purposely designed to mimic the methods used in Monsanto’s paper (Hammond et.al 2004). It claims to provide strong contradictory views that can be used in setting the context of the debate. The flaws present in experimentation and obvious intention of generating publicity can be elaborated in assessing key elements of the controversy. B. Hammond, R. Dudek, J. Lemen, M. Nemeth. (2004) Results of a 13 week safety assurance study with rats fed grain from glyphosate tolerant corn. Food and Chemical Toxicology 42. Pg 1003-1014 Peer Reviewed Journal All three authors of this paper are associated with Monsanto, who also provided the funding for the paper, making the paper extremely bias and leaving no room for alternate interpretations of findings. As the strain of maize had not been adopted worldwide it can be assumed that the authors were motivated publish data confirming the safety of the product. It thoroughly documents the study’s methodology and references a wide range of literature. A large number of test subjects were used in each group. Rigorous results are shown and are clear and easy to interpret. The paper claims to have found minimal changes in body weight, haematology and urine chemistry, and therefore deem these results to be insignificant as they fall within an average of  ±2 standard deviations of the population of reference controls. A paper co-authored by Searlini analysed data of the paper in question, noticing a significant increase in effects with relation to the dosage of GM feed specifically the group fed a 33% concentration of NK603 Maize. Stating that the differences are of greater concern than suggested by Hammond (Spiroux et.al 2009). Even though these differences are acknowledged in the papers discussion, thorough interpretation of their possible impacts over an extended period of time are not discussed. As the paper reflects the current standard of evidence used for the approval of GMOs, it can be used to demonstrate the many gaps in knowledge. This will help to reveal how despite having inconclusive results, it is still deemed to be thorough enough to approve GM foods for widespread consumption. This speaks to broader issues regarding insufficient regulatory systems. It will also be used to specifically compare the findings of Seralini’s paper (Seralini et.al 2005). Judy A. Carman1, Howard R. Vlieger, Larry J. Ver Steeg, Verlyn E.Sneller, Garth W. Robinson, Catherine A. Clinch-Jones, Julie I. Haynes, John W. Edwards. A long-term toxicology study on pigs fed a combined genetically modified (GM) soy and GM maize diet. Journal of organic systems. Pg38-55 Peer Reviewed Journal A long-term toxicology study of 168 pigs carried out over 22.7 weeks (being the normal life span of a commercial pig from weaning to slaughter) in order to compare the effects of diets including mixed GM corn and soy and the commercial non-GM counterpart. The lead author has long been associated with anti GMO research and is the director for the Health and Environmental Research institute. The paper was published in the Journal of Organic Systems, a journal funded by the Organic Federation of Australia. The paper itself was partly funded by the Government of Western Australia, who currently favours GM crops. The second co-author Howard Vlieger is a farmer that promotes organic food production and also provided funding towards the paper. The paper claims to have successfully created a real world experiment by using product acquired from commercial farmers in accordance with the USA piggery practice. It is clearly specified how the feed was prepared and administered but does not specify the exact conditions in which it was grown. The results of their study are shown to indicate that there was no significant changes in total body weight and death rates were similar with 13% and 14% for the non-GM fed and GM fed groups respectively. But that significant changes in stomach inflammation and uterine weights were apparent and attributed to the difference in diet as other variables were controlled for. However, the study in question has its own shortcomings, and does include significant additional variables that damage the reputation of the paper. For example, the control group’s food source was contaminated with a median of 0.4% GM products in Maize and 1.6% in soy, a problematic technicality in a paper trying to prove negative effects in GM. It is stated however that similar amounts of GM contamination occurs in non-GM material in the United States but does not reference this claim. Finally the GM feed contained four different varieties of feed increasing the variables and making it impossible to pin point an individual feed as causing harm. The author is clearly trying to change the current dogma surrounding GMO’s by referring to multiple short term toxicity studies, criticising the test subject species, the way in which feed was administered, variables used to come to their conclusions and time-frame in which the studies were carried out. It is suggested that as the study utilised pigs instead of birds or  fish that the data gained is more relevant to human consumption. The lead author’s strong connection to the Seralini research team and fundamental flaws in experimentation can be emphasised in the context of the debate. Furthermore, as the paper has taken a different approach to setting up parameters, this can easily related to the commercial industry. It can then be concluded that the paper has particular agendas as the general public is a target audience is targeting the public audience and preaching to convert. Aysun KÄ ±lÄ ±c, Turan Akay. (2007) A three generation study with genetically modified Bt corn in rats: Biochemical and histopathological investigation. Food and Chemical Toxicology 46. Pg1164-1170 Peer Reviewed Journal The study was carried out across three generations of female Wistar Albino rats divided into three groups, with the third being fed a diet of BT transgenic corn. The lead author of this paper is an independent researcher from the university of Hacettepe in Turkey. She has published many papers on the subject of toxicity with relation to food additives and GMO’s. The nature of the paper is intended for an academic audience. The authors recognize the controversial nature surrounding the issue. Their results are approached in an entirely unbiased nature by stating they feel a substantiated answer to the safety of GM foods cannot be derived from the available literature. The paper is thoroughly referenced with a wide range of sources but makes no obvious mention to the source of funding. The paper came to the conclusion that no significant changes in body and organ weights were found, but minimal histopathological differences were noticed in the liver and kidneys as well as creatine, protein and globulin changes in a biochemical analysis. Test subjects were already 11 weeks old before GM feed was administered interfering with results. The concentration of GM feed was 20% which is shown to have less of a measurable affect as suggested in Seralinis review paper (Spiroux et.al 2009). The paper notes the strain of GM maize used but provides little information for the GM free variety. Instead of utilising their available resources to test multiple variables the study uses two control groups and only one GM fed group. This paper  will provide a contrast to the other 3 papers sited as it holds no bias. Even though it has no pre-determined opinions, it still fails to provide definitive results, and the study itself has various shortcomings. This can again be used to show how a general lack of quality scientific research is a key factor in driving the ongoing debate regarding the safety of GM foods. Public Attitudes towards biotechnology in Australia. Australian Government, Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Public survey Results of an Australian survey of public attitudes from 2009-2010 with relation to the biotechnology industry. The paper thoroughly discusses the Australian public’s opinions regarding GMOs, also detailing its various other applications in the biotechnology industry. It concludes that 67% were accepting of GMOs as they realised its potential benefits. However it does show that support of GMOs has in fact decreased slightly since 2007, but that half of those opposed would change their position if long term evidence suggested GM food was safe. A further 45% of the opposed public would reconsider if detailed labelling explained what had been modified and why. Yet despite the surveys thoroughness in many areas, there are still issues. The survey presents its findings in a way that suggests it is representative of opinions of the whole of Australia, but only 1,086 people were surveyed. There is also very little explanation of the methodologies used to attain the results, nor are any of the exact questions given to the participants provided. As such, there is potential bias as questions can be designed to give a particular response. Furthermore, it is unclear as to what information about GMOs was provided to the participants, which could influence their opinions. This source will be used to summarise the effect the debate is having on the Australian public. The survey demonstrates that the controversy exists within both the scientific community and the public domain. It also helps to reveal the lack of clear information available for GMOs and how this affects consumers. This will help to confirm how divided opinions are in both the scientific and public arenas. Literature Review draft outline Upon researching the topic it became quickly apparent that even though GM technology is well established being utilised in countries over the globe, there is still vast amounts of doubt over its safety and economic value. Long term toxicity papers were the focus of the draft plan as they were the source for the majority of controversy. After inspecting the papers I noticed opinionated research and data analysis as well as a lack of experimental explanation and sly tactics. Section heading (approx. word length) Brief outline of content Introduction (300) The introduction will discuss the debate that is currently being waged about the safety of genetically modified crops. This is an issue that has divided scientists and consumers alike; on one hand many advocate for its safety and extensive benefits, while others are troubled by the lack of information regarding its long term health effects. I will analyse several key studies which have all played a significant role in this debate and have endeavoured to provide studies that both support and refute the safety of GMOs. I will also outline other topics surrounding the controversy, such as the need for government authorities to more closely regulate GMOs, specifically the privatised biotechnology companies who are largely responsible for their production. From here I will discuss the role Monsanto, an American biotech company, has played in the controversy, including information about Monsanto’s history, and their involvement in research and distribution of GM crops. An integral part of the analysis and discussion will focus on the current lack of reliable scientific data as nearly all research carried out about GMOs is plagued with inaccuracies and conflicts of interest. From a close analysis of all of these sources, it will ultimately be clear how the controversy is being largely fuelled by the lack of reliable scientific data. History of Monsanto (300) This will elaborate on statements made in the introduction, and continues to assess the history and development of the issue. It will be necessary to discuss Monsanto’s belief that to account for the world’s growing  population, new biotechnologies need to be developed. However, the trustworthiness of the company should be called into question given its extensive history that involves the development of such detrimental products as Agent Orange. Furthermore, there are many instances where previous Monsanto employees have later been employed at various government agencies, such as the FDA, suggesting a possible conflict of interest. It will also be relevant to discuss the range of crops that are being modified, and their prevalence across the world today. What is driving the controversy (500) This section will form arguments questioning ideas and methodology from the literature that have shaped the issue to date, such as: Conflicting results: Sà ©ralini’s paper shows an increase in mortality rates per roundup concentration, while Hammond’s paper disregards these findings as they fall within an average of  ±2 standard deviations of the population reference controls. Increased variables due to poor experimentation: Kilic’s paper used 11 week old rats which had been consuming an unspecified feed before the experiment commenced. Carmen’s paper showed that trace amounts of GM feed had contaminated control groups. Overall this shows how a lack of consensus about studies findings, and problematic data continues to fuel the controversy. This is where I will site the survey conducted by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Implications of the controversy (500) The ongoing debate surrounding the safety of GM crops has many varied and significant implications, particularly for consumers. Given the quagmire of conflicting evidence, it becomes extremely difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about the products they buy. It is also necessary to discuss how inaccessible much of the available data is for the general public as vast majority of studies released are targeted to other scientists. These studies consist of extensive graphs and complex tables that are nearly impossible for the everyday person to decipher. This then leads to the public having to upon others to interpret the research, which can be informed by personal bias, creating misinformation and further confusion about the topic. Broad interpretation of the issue/consider other factors. (500) In this section I will broaden the scope and refer to other aspects of the GMO debate. It is important to discuss the widespread environmental effects herbicides used on GMO crops have, especially on bee populations. As an integral part of our ecosystem, a significant decline in bee populations can have disastrous effects across the globe. There have also been various instances where GM crops have been unintentionally cross-contaminated with non GM crops. This gives rise to a myriad of issues from lawsuits between Monsanto and farmers, and for organic farmers such contamination can mean they are discredited, and many other issues besides. There are also other problems regarding Monsanto’s reluctance to release its scientific data for independent researchers to interpret. Conclusion (250 to 300 words) From an analysis inclusive of all significant aspects of the GMO debate, it will be clear that it is the lack of sufficient data and consensus about potential health effects that continue to fuel the controversy. Because there have been no rigorous long term studies conducted about health effects GM foods may have, it is impossible to definitively say one way or the other whether they are safe for us to eat, or not. This creates a situation where bias and conflict of interest is rife as each side of the debate has the opportunity to continue to argue for their respective beliefs. In a broader social context, this creates much confusion as the everyday consumer has no reliable information to make decisions by, and is thus susceptible to misinformation. Given the prevalence of GM foods and that we consume them over the course of a lifetime, consumers concerns are wholly justified, and until conclusive and unbiased data is released, the debate will continue. Key Word Search/Database MonsantoGeoBase GlyphosateCAB Abstracts GMO Roundup References: 1. Debora MacKenzie. (2012). Study linking GM crops and cancer questioned. Available: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22287-study-linking-gm-crops-and-cancer-questioned.html?full=true#.UhQOP94_7IU. Last accessed 25th aug 2012. 2. Aysun KÄ ±lÄ ±c, Turan Akay. (2007) A three generation study with genetically modified Bt corn in rats: Biochemical and histopathological investigation. Food and Chemical Toxicology 46. Pg1164-1170 3. B Hammond, R Dudekb, J Lemena, M Nemetha. (2004). Results of a 13 week safety assurance study with rats fed grain from glyphosate tolerant corn. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 45 (1), 1003-1014 4. European Food Safety Authority. (2013). Considerations on the applicability of OECD TG 453 to whole food/feed testing. EFSA Journal. 11 (7), 33-47. 5. Flachowsky G, Chesson A, Aulrich K. (2005). Animal nutrition with feeds from genetically modified plants. Arch Anim\Nutr 59:1 – 40. 6. Joà «l Spiroux de Vendà ´mois, Franà §ois Roullier, Dominique Cellier,Gilles-Eric Sà ©ralini. (2009). A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health . International Journal of Environmental Sciences. 5 (7), 706-726. 7. Gilles-Eric Sà ©ralini, Emilie Clair, Robin Mesnage, Steeve Gress, Nicolas Defarge, Manuela Malatesta, Didier Hennequin, Joà «l Spiroux de Vendà ´mois (2012) Long term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize. Food and Chemical Toxicology 50. Pg4221-4231 8. Judy A. Carman1, Howard R. Vlieger, Larry J. Ver Steeg, Verlyn E.Sneller, Garth W. Robinson, Catherine A. Clinch-Jones, Julie I. Haynes, John W. Edwards. A long-term toxicology study on pigs fed a combined genetically modified (GM) soy and GM maize diet. Journal of organic systems. Pg38-55 9. IPSOS-Eureka Social Research Institute (2010) Public Attitudes towards Biotechnology Australia, Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research