Students Perception of a Mobile Application for College Course

Introduction In the opening part of the dissertation, student successfully manages to present succinct and pertinent information about the main reasons for the research, as well as why this study can have practical implications (Mathus, 2011). However, the shortcoming of introduction lies in summarizing chapters instead of considering the actual scope and purpose of the research.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Students’ Perception of a Mobile Application for College Course specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Background While presenting the background information for the research, the student provides a sufficient explanation for the value of mobile devices, such as Blackboard Learn. Specific attention is given to examining its advantages over other mobile applications that can be used in a learning process. Statement of the problem Although the study involves a quantitative design, the author of dissertation tries to understand how students perceive the benefits of introducing smartphone application in a learning process. This inconsistency prevents from realizing how this problem will be researched. Other than that corresponds to detailed representation of data that highlights the major problems, as well as variables involved into the research. Statement of the purpose The central controlling idea of the research study managers to render the scope of the research and provides a sufficient explanation of the nature of the study. It is represented in one elaborated sentence. The purpose sets the objectives, defines the methods and research design, and covers participants’ major intent. Research statistics The main pitfall of the study consists in presenting only descriptive statistics, which prevents from developing accurate results. Nevertheless, this type of numerical data representation develops an extensive theoretical framework for answering the research questions. Research questions Research questions are interrelated with the intent of the study to examine how students’ perceptions correlate with their intention to use Blackboard Mobile Learn. The proposed questions correspond to the research hypotheses that are premised on examining the linear relationship between students’ intent to use the device as a dependent variable and its perception as the independent variable. Significance of the topic The scholar proposes to define the theoretical framework and the nature of the study. In addition, the introductory part explains the rationale for and significance of the proposed research. In addition, the student also provides a detailed evaluation of possible gaps and lapses in future researches.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Key definitions The section explains the definitions that relate to different types of mobile devices and online tech nologies. The second group of terms refers to the level of students’ perceptions to use those mobile devices. However, there are definitions, such as e-learning, which do not directly focus on the intent and purpose of the study. Key assumptions Student has succeeded in explaining the accuracy and truthfulness of responses provided by the participants. The research also excludes the responses that have failed to meet the requirements. Due to the fact that most of the students participate in online research, the choice of students is also confined to those who use web-based space for learning. Limitations The limitations mentioned by students rationally explain possible challenges for the research to be valid and reliable. Nevertheless, there are many other restrictions that could hamper the research process. In particular, the student could have mentioned the types of establishments participating in the study because it could have influenced the results. Despite the limitatio ns, the author manages to persuade the readers that the research is of high relevance. Restatement of Research Questions The introductory part of the Methodology section only briefly restates the purpose of study, but fails to mention the research questions and major hypotheses (Mathus, 2011). Instead, the opening paragraph develops the summary of the procedures that will be discussed in this chapter. Description of the Research Methodology The description of research design starts with restatement of the type of quantitative study, as well as the main purpose of the research. Second, student does not refer directly to the description of the methods that will be used in the research. Instead, the scholar focuses other researches discussing similar methodological designs. Process of Selection of Data Sources Before selecting methods for research, the students focused on reviewing related studies to define which design is the most appropriate. As soon as literature has been examined, the researcher has managed to explain why a cross-sectional survey design should be selected for this dissertation. Definition of Analysis Unit In the section, the research paid attention to explaining the materials and instrumentation that should be used to obtain statistical data. Although there are great number of resources and instruments for conducting research, the data analysis relies on electronic questionnaire to collect quantitative data about participants and their intentions to use the Black Mobile Learn application.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Students’ Perception of a Mobile Application for College Course specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Validity and Reliability of Data Gathering Instrument Detailed overview of related scholars and enumeration of electronic data collection techniques, including SelectSurvey.NET, SPPSS, and other devices has been presented. Data Gathering Procedure Introd ucing inferential and descriptive statistics was aimed at delivering techniques for digital data gathering. The author of the dissertation provides detailed analysis of all gathering procedures. Plans for IRB and Summary The summary covers the basic points of methodology, but there is no mentioning about the IRB and their intentions. Research Tools In the dissertation, the scholar combines methodology and data analysis section into one chapter and, therefore, chapter 4 is dedicated to results and research tools used for the research. Nevertheless, data collection section is still represented along with descriptive statistic results, and regression analysis. Pilot Study Instead of introducing research questions and hypotheses, student introduces the analysis of research tools and pilot studies. The latter defines numerical data based on the results from electronic questionnaire. In whole, the scholar failed to follow the structure of a quantitative dissertation because data collectio n procedures have been considered in various chapters. Date Collection In whole, the scholar failed to follow the structure of a quantitative dissertation because data collection procedures have been considered in various chapters. Therefore, all information about the collection process should be represented in one section. Descriptive Statistics The section presents objective information about participants, as well as methods used to process numerical data. The student has included data about age, demographics, and disciplines in which learners are involved to define the relationships. However, no connection has been made with the research hypothesis.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Reliability of the Scales The researcher discusses the connection between independent and dependent variables to prove the reliability of the sales chosen for data analysis. Therefore, this section could be approved. Population analysis and statistics, along with population mean analysis has been presented. The section focuses on quantitative data evaluation, which corresponds to the initial hypothesis. Each statistic finding has been analyzed from the viewpoint of the initial research questions. Discussion of the Study Discussion restates the research questions and defines relevance of statistics to the findings of the studies. At this point, discussion section should not have provided analysis and review of research questions. Rather, the focus should have been made on the actual interpretation of results. Interpretation of Findings Enumeration of research tools and design is inappropriate for this action. Instead, student should have discussed the implications and meaning of the obtained results either to approve to reject the research hypothesis. Reliance on theories is also irrelevant because previous discussions have already highlighted the theoretical frameworks. Implications The author focuses on practical applications of the research findings and accurately outlines various fields of future scientific explorations in the field. This is of particular concern to such aspects as social change. In addition, the research is beneficial for other scholars to develop new paradigms in learning. Recommendations for Action Due to a bulk of practical implications, the research can also be used for developing helpful recommendations for school instructors and administration. The dissertation, therefore, suggests a new specialized field in research that does not only refers to the role of technology in education, but also highlights students’ perception in constant advancement. Recommendations for Further Study The student provides reliable guidelines for th e target audience to use the empirical findings for enhancing the learning environment. Therefore, in total, the dissertation has great significance for further scientific explorations in the field. Summary The summary succinctly reproduces the content of the chapter so that the reader could easily define the most important aspects of the studies. Reference Mathus, R. (2011).Students’ Perception of a Mobile Application for College Course. (Dissertation: University of Phoenix, USA). 168. This essay on Students’ Perception of a Mobile Application for College Course was written and submitted by user Shiloh Greene to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Apply the Rod or Spoil the Child essays

Apply the Rod or Spoil the Child essays It is the natural scheme of life. Human beings produce children and thus are classified as parents. It is and has always been the parent's job to raise and nurture the child, to teach it right from wrong, and to protect it from the harshness of the surrounding environment. However, when the child strays or behaves in a destructive manner, what steps should a parent take to correct such behavior? Some psychologists suggest that a good old-fashioned spanking is just the ticket. Others say that such action will emotionally damage the child later in life. With the parent ultimately responsible for the child, it's hard to know what is right or wrong when your 3 year-old is beating his head against the floor in a full-blown temper tantrum. 25 years ago, parents would have picked the child up, spanked it, and taken care of the tantrum effectively. Today, parents are more apt to try anything other that a swat on the behind. Reason, however, doesn't impress a 3 year-old so the behavio r is often ignored because passive parents don't want to risk mentally scaring their child. The experts have basically made a huge issue out of something very simple. If spanking is as harmful as they say it is, then every human being over the age of 30 is a mental case. Spanking is not the answer for everything, but in some cases it is the only answer. The growing trends for passive discipline in the United States stem largely from the revelation that there were people out there that severely abused their children. As more and more abuse cases were brought to light, laws were changed to protect the child.1 Psychological issues soon began to crop up and spanking soon came under fire, being called a form of child abuse and in some cases punishable under the law. Researchers have studied the effects of spanking and the effects are not to be taken lightly. First of all, the experts claim that spanking doesn't teach a child self-direction. The child le...

Unit II Solid Waste Impact Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Unit II Solid Waste Impact - Essay Example Solid materials such as home appliances will be collected and set aside from recycling (U.S Environmental Protection Agency, 2014). The municipal council’s landfill needs to be located in an area with less human and industrial activity. A confined area near the edge of the national park is the best option for establishing the landfill. This is because there is less human activity in that area, and so there will be less air pollution. The area will be fenced off from wild animals that may wander into the landfill and feed on the waste materials and far away from a water source (National Park Service, 2014). During my survey I learnt that during the weekdays very few people visit the national park. The number increases on the weekends when people are resting. The municipal council decided that the landfill will operate only on weekdays when there is less human activity around the

Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Globalization - Essay Example Globalization is at times controversial with the amount of criticisms being almost at par with its merits. However, supporters of each side of the argument have valid reasons to justify their stand (Held et al. 2005). The following discussion analyses the key aspects of the sceptics approach and the reformist approach to globalization. The sceptics approach The sceptics approach is in opposition to making general claims concerning the totalizing effect of globalization. Held and McGrew (2003) argue that current global market is more regionalized. Sceptics argue that the height of globalization took place in the nineteenth century and current developments confirm a considerable level of regionalization. It can be noted that the degree of trade as a fraction of national earnings was higher before the World War I than it is currently (Hirst and Thomson 1999). Sceptics claim that international trade and FDI operations are mostly practised in Europe, North America and Asia. Therefore, wha t is referred to as globalization is actually regionalization (Murray 2006). The emerging economies are becoming increasingly marginalized as they are not drawn in the world economy (Jones 2010). Other perspectives put emphasis on the growth of global capitalism. However, the sceptics view international capitalism as a falsehood. Multinationals are important components of globalization but their benefits are mainly reaped by their countries and hence do not profit the regions in which they operate. The idea of growth of global governance is questionable and sceptics argue that it is only a hidden neo-liberal ploy to benefit the West (Oxfam, 2002). Most of the assumptions by the reformist approach have been rejected by the sceptics who claim that globalization is a disguise of regionalization in the world. They state that the global economy is divided into three regional alliances in which national governments remain dominant (Held and McGrew 2002). Sceptics support their arguments b y conducting experimental testing of the strong globalization theory. This is achieved by applying two methodological models. The primary approach is founded on constructing conceptual models of the global economy and culture and identifying the extent to which trends in the contemporary world match the ideal standards. Hirst and Thomson (1999) used the same method of analysing the theory and formulated two ideal forms which are authentically global economy and international economy whereby there exists a thin line between them. Sceptics argue that globalization should represent the expansion of fresh economic organizations not just theoretical developments towards increased global trade and investments (Hirst and Thomson 1999). Sceptics continue to argue that globalization has lost its meaning. This is due to the fact that most countries are left out of global progression which applies to the Middle East, Africa, parts of Asia and Latin America. This further expounds on the claim t hat what exists today is simply regionalization. The other important approach compares the trends in the past with current trends. By comparing the modern trends and those in the past, sceptics have reached a conclusion that the point of the current internalization is not traditionally unmatched (Hirst and Thomson 1999). This can be attributed to migration in the nineteenth century. The ratios of trade liberalization have increases over time and though the total

Whole Foods Market Essay Example for Free

Whole Foods Market Essay John Mackey cofounder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) founded Whole Foods in 1980 with the purpose of providing organic foods to the grocery shopping public. This started a movement over the next 30 years that has brought organic foods to the common shoppers in many markets around the U. S. that had only been previously serviced by smaller health food stores or by their local grocery chain. The success of Whole Foods moving forward will be how they can succeed and maintain their profitability when unemployment remains high and Americans have less disposable income. This essay will look at several factors of Whole Foods, including latest trends, the competitive environment in the grocery industry, environmental threats, SWOT analysis of the business operations and strengths that must be leveraged to maintain a competitive advantage. Trends in the Organic Foods and the Impact on Whole Foods As the public has become increasingly aware of the potential negative impact of additives, preservatives, and pesticides in their food, organic food grown in a natural way without steroids, pesticides and minimum preservatives offers consumers who are concerned about their food a different choice. Prior to 1990, there was no government standardization or definition as to what could or could not be classified as natural food. The 1990 passage of the Organic Food Production Act, â€Å"started the process of establishing national standards for organically grown products in the United States† (Thompson, Strickland, Gamble, 2009). This was followed up in 2002 when the U. S. Department of Agriculture provided further standardization by establishing standards for the labeling of products that were categorized as organic. This standardization worked to alleviate customer concern and skepticism in regards to what was being called organic on the food store shelves. In increasing overall customer confidence, consumers knew that when they purchased a product labeled as organic, they were getting what they paid for. Public health concern over what is done to grow, process, and package the food supply as well as the standardization and classification of organic food has create a niche market for stores that focus on supplying organic foods and earth friendly cleaning supplies to consumers. Whole Foods has been able to capitalize on this growing niche market by strategically locating their stores through an aggressive expansion into new markets through the last thirty years. Acquisition of competitors has also allowed Whole Foods to absorb the competition and gain access to new markets. As long as consumers are able to afford the premiums cost in purchasing organic foods, the market outlook is positive. Application of Porter’s 5 Forces Model The grocery industry is a competitive one, with many competitors and very slim profit margins. Box store chains such as Wal-Mart and Target leverage their high volume purchasing power to purchase products from suppliers at the absolute lowest price. These compete with other grocery chains that typically operate on a Regional level, such as Harris Teeter, Food Lion, and Lowes (and many, many more). All of these stores compete aggressively to earn customer loyalty and drive volume of sales. Whole Foods is able to compete as it markets its goods and services to a very niched market that afford the premium of purchasing organic foods. When applying Porter’s Five-Forces model, one can see how this company has been able to successfully grow and leverage their products and services. Competitive Pressures Created by the Rivalry among Competing Sellers: Whole Foods has differentiated themselves from a very crowded market by offering a unique product to a very select consumer base. While stores such as Wal-Mart focus on serving the masses with their grocery offerings, Whole Foods targets it products to a customer base that can afford to pay higher premiums for a product that they believe is healthier and safer to consume. The growth of Whole Foods has allowed it to leverage its purchasing power with suppliers that allows for Whole Foods to pass on savings to consumers and offer more competitive prices than competitors. As in the case with the Wild Oats acquisition, Whole Foods can squeeze the margins of its competition then buy them out as they begin to fail, gaining access to new markets and new customers. Competitive Pressures Associated with the Threat of New Entrants: Whenever a business model has proven to be successful, it is not long before similar entrants to the market appear. One organic food supermarket chain local to North Carolina, Fresh Market, has focused on smaller sized stores located in areas underserved by Whole Foods. Fresh Market focused its business model on locating its stores near university campuses and other areas where residents had higher levels of disposable income. Now Fresh Market is expanded to more markets easily served by its distribution centers that are centrally located to the entire East Coast of the United States (the I-95 and I-40 corridors). As Whole Foods is both well established and has significant cash reserves, it enjoys a competitive advantage over smaller chains such as Fresh Market when it looks to penetrate new markets with new stores because the necessary capital is on hand to do so. Competitive Pressures from the Sellers of Substitute Products: It can be expected that Wal-Mart and other competitors seek to steal business from Whole Foods by keeping their prices low, locating stores in proximity to whole foods stores, offer similar organic products for less and potentially conducting studies that show organic foods offer no additional health benefit or decrease risk to consumers than non-organic foods. The question also becomes, how loyal will Whole Foods customers continue to be when food prices begin to soar as oil and gas hit all time highs and the unemployment rate continues to hover close to 10%? Will customers need to stretch their dollars and go across the street to the competition or will they be loyal to Fresh Market and pay the premium? Competitive Pressures Stemming from Supplier Bargaining Power and Supplier-Seller Collaboration: Whole Foods is able to leverage its pricing structure with suppliers more than competitors because of the volume of products it sells. In fact, it can be said that the growth of Whole Foods has fueled the growth and financial success of its suppliers. This relationship has allowed Whole Foods to develop relationships with key suppliers and logistics providers that new and smaller organic food chains are unable to compete with. Competitive Pressures Stemming from Buyer Bargaining Power and Seller-Buyer Collaboration: As arguably the largest buyer of organic products, Whole Foods is able to leverage relationships from suppliers. When a new Whole Foods stores opens it â€Å"takes [in 2007 dollars] about $850,00, to stock a store with inventory, a portion of which was financed by vendors† (text citation). By be able to leverage it suppliers in this fashion, Whole Foods can mitigate financial risk and burden. Most Significant Environmental Threat and Whole Foods Combat The largest threat to the profitability to Whole Foods is the state of the current economy and the rise in commodities prices as a result of some of the highest gas prices on record. As consumers have less discretionary income, will they afford to continue shopping at grocery stores that charge a higher premium? As gas prices rise, so to does the cost of growing, harvesting, and shipping products to the store. Gasoline is used in each of the steps from the farmer growing and harvesting the food, to the large trucks that transport it, to the energy required to supply the packaging and the electricity in all of the stores. The rise in fuel will drastically reduce profit margins and may require price increases. To combat the rise in energy costs, it might be possible for Whole Foods to invest more in green energy. Already upgrading their vehicles to run on bio-diesel, it might be possible for Whole Foods to place solar farms on the roofs of their buildings much like Kohl’s Department Stores have. This would be in line with their corporate governance and mission statement and would allow them to harness the power of the sun to sell energy back to energy producers thereby reducing overall costs while taking advantage of the government green energy tax credits currently in place. SWOT Analysis Strengths (Internal): Cash Rich – Debt to Capital Ratio of 13. 97% (industry Average 37. 88%), Positive Earnings of $. 51 per Share, Strong Distribution Network, Supplier Relationships, Loyal Customer base, Motivated Work Force, High Rate of Revenue per Employee of $206,849. 70 (TD Ameritrade, 2011). Weaknesses (Internal): Unionization, Cowboy Leadership-John Mackey, Average Store Size 37,600 square feet (down from 51,500 in 2008), Average Store Age is Nine Years (TD Ameritrade, 2011). Opportunities (External): Increased Growth in Overseas Markets, Store Expansions in the U. S. , Perceived Shareholder Value, Ability to Borrow Money at Favorable Rates due to Credit Rating. Threats (External): Cap and Trade, Rise in Oil Prices, Drastic Reductions in Real Estate Values, Consumer Income and Unemployment, Government Regulation and Taxation, Government Mandated Health Care, Drought and Weather Related Issues that Affect Supply. Sustaining Competitive Advantage Whole Foods can use it strengths and opportunities to achieve a sustained competitive advantage in the marketplace by increasing their presence in markets in both the U. S. and abroad. The company is moving forward slowly with expansion plans with only one store currently under development as of 9/26/10 (TD Ameritrade, 2011). With real estate at all time lows in most markets, the company could leverage some of the equity and cash it currently has on hand to purchase real estate where future stores could be opened. With the instability and uncertainty in the economy investing in real estate would allow for future growth or future profits. Whole Foods should also continue to find new opportunities to grow their business to non-believers in the organic way. By sanctioning health outcome studies that look at the long term health implications of eating foods high in preservatives, steroids, pesticide content, etc. , it is possible Whole Foods might prove overall better health outcomes when people go organic. There is also risk associated with sanctioning that sort of study as it might prove to be that organic foods offer no better health outcomes than traditional foods. The risk reward would be fantastic should organics be found to provide better health outcomes. Store sales would skyrocket and the general population would be more willing to purchase organic foods at a higher premium should it prove to be safer than traditional food. Summary When one researches the financials and fundamentals of Whole Foods, little negatives are observed or found. When comparing these financials and fundamentals to other Grocery Store Chains, Whole Foods out performs the competition in nearly every single category. At the close of the markets on 4/21/2011, Whole Foods stock closed at $66. 30 per share, close to its 52 week high and dividends are being paid to investors at an incredible $. 40 per share (TD Ameritrade, 2011). John Mackey, though often criticized for his flamboyant style and leadership, has found a successful way to reach customers with a unique product. Whole Foods is a leader and a revenue generator far above others in its class. References TD Ameritrade. (2011, April 16). Research and Ideas. [Chart]. WFMI Overview and Valuation. Retrieved April 23, 2011 from https://wwws. ameritrade. com/cgi-bin/apps/Main Thompson, A. A. , Strickland, A. J. , Gamble, J. E. (2010). Crafting and executing strategy: The quest for competitive advantage: Concepts and cases: 2009 custom edition (17th ed. ). p. 8,New York, NY: McGraw-Hill-Irwin

Did Attitude Shape Catharine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie Success as

Back in the 1830’s when it was unimaginable to journey for months to a foreign country so uncultivated; two naà ¯ve sisters did just that. The Backwoods of Canada is a straightforward, realistic account complied of letters written back home of Catharine Parr Traill’s first years in Canada. Roughing It in the Bush is a witty, autobiographical memoir written by her younger sister, Susanna Moodie. Their attitude to becoming pioneers was shaped by their temperaments and circumstance. Catharine’s attitude is one quiet acceptance and is reflected in her no-nonsense writing, whereas Susanna’s attitude first appears to have an edgier, less optimistic outlook on her new homeland, but she covers it up with a dry sense of humour in style and dialogue when reflecting on her Canadian experience. Upon examination, we first must look at the sisters’ temperament and attitude towards life. Their attitude on life comes out in their writing and we can sense how they would perceive their new homeland, Canada in the 1832. Catharine, the elder by 23 months was considered to be the â€Å"sweet-tempered and placid, was her father’s favourite child,† and Susanna, the youngest, â€Å"was the impulsive and defiant [one], with a wicked sense of humour† (Gray, 17, 18). Both sisters’ traits are clearly exposed in their approach to starting a new life in Canada. Even before moving to Canada, it was Susanna’s passion for life and her new baby that energized Catharine and Thomas to ‘get involved’, get married and to emigrate with Susanna and her family, but it was Catharine’s methodical calmness that got Susanna through the valleys and peaks in actually moving to Canada ( 48). Catharine and her husband were at an advantage over her sister when they first arrived in Canad... ...arine wrote with a no-nonsense positive style to assist women embarking on immigrating to Canada. Susanna wrote with humour and frankness to cover up her disgust and disappointment and to warn genteel women of the hardships of becoming pioneers. After researching these two sisters’ biographies, I realize that they both had fortitude beyond what I would be able to endure if I were in either of their shoes. Works Cited Parr Traill, Catharine. â€Å"The Backwoods of Canada.† An Anthology of Canadian Literature in English. 3rd ed. Ed.Donna Bennett, and Russell Brown. Don Mills, ON:Oxford, 2010, 102-108, Print. Moodie, Susanna. â€Å"Roughing It in the Bush.† An Anthology of Canadian Literature in English. 3rd ed. Ed.Donna Bennett, and Russell Brown. Don Mills, ON:Oxford, 2010, 102-108, Print. Gray, Charlotte. Sisters In The Wilderness. Toronto: Penguin, 1999. Print

Pollution in New York

Alberto A. Ortiz Bio 112 May 13, 2010 Pollution is all around us, everywhere we go, every day we experience some sort of pollution. Babies in the womb are more vulnerable than their mothers to DNA harm from air pollution, in spite of the additional protection that the placenta is thought to supply in removing toxins. In a study of babies and their mothers in New York City, scientists found that babies had accumulated a relatively high amount of mutations, and they connected the mutations to vehicle emissions. The babies also had more toxins from secondhand smoke than their mothers, who didn’t even smoke. This information is listed in Environmental Health Perspectives. For many years, scientists have believed that a fetus may be more susceptible to toxins than an adult. Yet, new research among a handful of large studies has analyzed the genetic effects of pollution. It is not known what the health effects of this DNA damage, if any, are for newborns. Exposure to these types of pollutants and tobacco smoke has been linked to increased risk for cancer in adults. This finding raises concern about fetal susceptibility and underscores the importance of reducing air pollution,† says Frederica Perera, who led the study at the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health in New York City. The study included 265 pairs of nonsmoking African-American and Latina mothers and newborns in New York City. The researchers collected cord blood samples from the babies at the time of delivery and blood samples from the mothers a day after giving birth. Mothers and newborns had the same level of DNA damage from air pollutants, but the researchers estimate that the fetus is exposed to a ten-fold lower dose of pollutants than the mother because the placenta serves as a filter. Thus, fetuses appear to be particularly susceptible to environmental toxins and may not be able to clear them from their bodies or repair damaged DNA. The finding that newborns had higher levels of cotinine, a byproduct of nicotine, in their blood than did their mothers reinforces he concern that babies are more affected by secondhand smoke. The scientists were able to measure the level of DNA damage from air pollutants in mothers and newborns by analyzing stretches of mutated DNA, called biomarkers, that have been associated with exposure to diesel emissions and other air pollutants. In a previous study of Caucasian women and their newborns in Krakow, Poland, Perera and her colleagues found similar prenatal susceptibility to air pollution. Because New York City has much lower levels of pollution than Krakow, they wanted to see if the same damage occurred. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has put forward legislation, which will provide the first comprehensive overhaul of the New York City Noise Code in over 30 years. Noise is the number one complaint to the City’s 311 citizen service hotline, currently averaging nearly 1,000 calls a day. The proposal provides a flexible environment to keep New York’s businesses thriving while addressing the number one quality of life complaint in New York. Mayor Bloomberg said that his new proposal, which was announced in June 2004, was the first overhaul of the Noise Code in over 30 years and would maintain the City’s vibrancy by balancing the need for construction, development and an exciting nightlife with New Yorker's well deserved right to peace and quiet. â€Å"Building on the success of our enforcement initiative, Operation Silent Night, we are proposing a comprehensive revision to the noise code that will make New York quieter and more livable without stifling growth,† the Mayor added. The new Noise Code will remove outdated code sections and replace them with ones that use the latest acoustic technology and will provide for flexible and reasonable enforcement. The new code provides updated and sensible means of limiting noise from construction sites located near residential neighborhoods. By establishing uniform best management practices for all work sites, using greater discretion in granting permits for night and weekend work and mandating ‘noise management plans’ that include portable sound barriers, noise jackets for jackhammers at all construction sites the code will decrease noise pollution. Neighbors apply special lotions after showering because their skin burns. Tests show that their tap water contains arsenic, barium, lead, manganese and other chemicals at concentrations federal regulators say could contribute to cancer and damage the kidneys and nervous system. â€Å"How can we get digital cable and Internet in our homes, but not clean water? † said Mrs. Hall-Massey, a senior accountant at one of the state’s largest banks. She and her husband, Charles, do not live in some remote corner of Appalachia. Charleston, the state capital, is less than 17 miles from her home. â€Å"How is this still happening today? † she asked. When Mrs. Hall-Massey and 264 neighbors sued nine nearby coal companies, accusing them of putting dangerous waste into local water supplies, their lawyer did not have to look far for evidence. As required by state law, some of the companies had disclosed in reports to regulators that they were pumping into the ground illegal concentrations of chemicals — the same pollutants that flowed from residents’ taps. But state regulators never fined or punished those companies for breaking those pollution laws. The vast majority of those polluters have escaped punishment. State officials have repeatedly ignored obvious illegal dumping, and the Environmental Protection Agency, which can prosecute polluters when states fail to act, has often declined to intervene. Because it is difficult to determine what causes diseases like cancer, it is impossible to know how many illnesses are the results of water pollution, or contaminants’ role in the health problems of specific individuals. But concerns over these toxins are great enough that Congress and the E. P. A. regulate more than 100 pollutants through the Clean Water Act and strictly limit 91 chemicals or contaminants in tap water through the Safe Drinking Water Act. Research shows that an estimated one in 10 Americans have been exposed to drinking water that contains dangerous chemicals or fails to meet a federal health benchmark in other ways. Those exposures include carcinogens in the tap water of major American cities and unsafe chemicals in drinking-water wells. Wells, which are not typically regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act, are more likely to contain contaminants than municipal water systems. Because most of today’s water pollution has no scent or taste, many people who consume dangerous chemicals do not realize it, even after they become sick, researchers say. The broadest definition of thermal pollution is the degradation of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature. Thermal pollution is usually associated with increases of water temperatures in a stream, lake, or ocean due to the discharge of heated water from industrial processes, such as the generation of electricity. Increases in ambient water temperature also occur in streams where shading vegetation along the banks is removed or where sediments have made the water more turbid. Both of these effects allow more energy from the sun to be absorbed by the water and thereby increase its temperature. There are also situations in which the effects of colder-than-normal water temperatures may be observed. For example, the discharge of cold bottom water from deep-water reservoirs behind large dams has changed the downstream biological communities in systems such as the Colorado River. http://www. controllingpollution. com/pollution/thermal-pollution/ http://www. nydailynews. com/topics/Noise+Pollution http://www. dec. ny. gov/chemical/281. html http://www. nytimes. com/2009/12/17/us/17water. html