Ocean Acidification and Climate Change

Ocean Acidification and Climate Change Most of us have heard about global warming and what it is doing to our world, including our oceans. Global warming is simply a climate change. A slow and steady increase in the temperature of the earths atmosphere, environment, and its oceans is believed to be permanently changing the earths climate. Climate change involves rapidly changing temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns on huge scale. In addition, these changes cause an increase in concentrations of gases which trap heat in the atmosphere, often called greenhouse gases. The most commonly released gas is carbon dioxide. The increase volumes of carbon dioxide and some other gases released by the burning of fuels, clearing lands, agriculture, and other human actions are believed to be the most important sources of global warming. This has occurred over the past fifty years. Ocean acidification has destructive and harmful results to our earths underwater environment. The absorption of carbon dioxide by the earths oceans is increasing the acid levels, producing harmful and long-term destruction to our oceans coral reefs, which causes them to dissolve by reducing their calcification. Changes in the earths ocean environment is not often seen or felt, so it is essential to discuss the importance of this process on the coral reefs and the dangerous effects of global warming. Coral reefs are the most biodiverse ecosystems of the oceans. Coral reefs are estimated to shelter around one-third of all marine species; about 500 million people rely on coral reefs for food, income, and medicine. Coral reefs also act as barriers during inclement weather. Human activity is causing the earth to get warmer and warmer, especially by the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, the clear cutting of forests. When we dig out and burn fossil fuels, like coal and petroleum, we cause the release of carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere. Clearing of the forests also allows for large amounts of carbon dioxide to be released all over the entire world. The future of coral reefs is threatened by humans and natural disturbances. Typical ocean pH levels vary due to the effect of the environment. When the pH of water falls below 5.0 or rises above 9.6, harmful actions become obvious. pH levels below 7.6 will cause coral reefs to dissolve as a result of the lack of calcium carbonate. Efforts to alleviate global warming and ocean acidification by reducing emissions have been unsuccessful. Scientists have become more interested in climate engineering to prevent the dangerous outcomes of climate change. Artificial ocean alkalization is studied as a way to decrease local ocean acidification and to protect coral reefs ecosystems. Several readings focused on the possibility of changing ocean pH by increasing water alkalinity. In these studies, alkalizing agents, such as calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide, were used to increase the oceans alkalinity and the potential of protecting coral reefs against ocean acidification. This approach is logical but doubtful because of the constant changes (variation) of carbon dioxide concentration from season to season, day to night, and the species variety and ability to adapt. Also, increasing the oceans surface pH stimulates an additional absorption of carbon dioxide. In another study, a team of international scientists, including a Texas AM University researcher, examined the Tree Reef, bordering the Australian coast. The team added sodium hydroxide to the water to reverse acidity and increase alkalinity of the water. With the increase of water pH, the reef grew quickly as a result of the experiment. Scientists concluded that it is possible to increase the growth of coral reefs if ocean acidification is reversed. In addition, according to a new study published in the journal Environmental Science Technology, blowing tiny bubbles though seawater could remove carbon dioxide from the water and help offset (counteract) water acidification. However, installing bubbles anywhere where coral reefs are present is expensive. The idea of increasing the alkalinity of ocean water to protect and preserve coral reefs is like turning back the clock hundreds of years. Back then, the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere was lower, and the oceans were much healthier. The best solution would be to stop emitting carbon dioxide and prevent ocean acidification.

Monogamy in Marriage

Western cultures generally believe that monogamy in marriage tends to protect women. Societies such as Saudi Arabia that practice polygamy, however maintain that allowing a man to have more than one wife is a more equitable way of organizing relationships. Notions of family and marriage change from culture to culture. One cultural approach to family practiced in some parts of Middle East is polygamy.However, Just like in the United States sometimes culturally permissible is not always condoned. Women having a career in Saudi Arabia is limited, woman marry to have children and to have companionship. More popular for a man to have many wives, they feel then they know the child is theirs. Where if a woman takes more than one husband, there is, the question is whom the father of her child is. Some believe that a man in that country is Just being given a license to satisfy their lust.Where woman have a loyalty to one man they marry. The parents of many daughters request when they arrange marriages that the husband not take more than one wife, before the permission to marry is given. The first wife detests the husband taking a second wife creates Jealousy, and if the man takes more than ne wife that they treat them equally. The second wife will remove herself from the house if she does not feel she is treated equally or with kindness.Same sex marriages moved to the toretront last month As gay marriages are now against the law in every state, the Massachusetts ruling has generated fierce opposition. Lawmakers pledge to strengthen their states law prohibiting same sex marriages interracial marriage has strong public support, and no successful politician or prominent public fgure is in favor of outlawing such unions. Some Senators and representatives proposed a constitutional amendment specifying, Marriage in the United States shall consist only Offa union of a man and a woman.Another interpretation of family and gender roles are being evaluated in a study of children o f same sex parents. The raising ofa two year old, the boy was offered three different toys, two different. The two year old selected the baseball mitt and the truck instead of a doll and a small stuffed pony fgure dressed in pink. Two mothers are raising the boy. That has heterosexual couples as friends. So the boy has male role models around him at times. This study showed he was the typical, â€Å"boys will be boys†.

Savannah Cats

A Savannah Cat is actually a hybrid between a Siamese cat and a Serval The Savannah cats name is given to the off spring of a domestic cat and several medium sized, large-eared Wild African cats. The unusual offspring became popular among breeders at the end of the 20th century, and in 2001 the I. C. A (International Cat Association) accepted it as a new registered breed. Savannahs are much more social than other breeds of cats they are often compared to dogs because of their loyalty and the fact that you can train them to walk on leashes and to do tricks.The Bengal breeder Judee Frank crossbred a male Serval belonging to Suzi Woods and a Siamese cat to produce the first Savannah cat named Savannah on April 7, 1986. Franks’ Savannah attracted the attention of Patrick Kelly who pushes one of Savannahs kittens in 1989 Kelly was the first enthusiast who worked toward establishing a new domestic breed . He approached many Serval breeders to help to develop this new breed and final ly garnered the help of breeder Joyce Sroufe to work with him in taking the steps he needed to get the breed recognized.In 1996 Patrick Kelley and Joyce Sroufe wrote the original version of the Savannah breed standard and presented it to the I. C. A in 01 the board accepted the breed as a new type of Cat. 010 brought a significant event for the breed when the first female F1 Savannah was born and bred in the UK by Rosanne Boyle of Hotspotexotics name â€Å"Amazing Grace she was registered with the I. C. A from 06 the breed has seen significant growth throughout the UK as a result the breed of being so well received. As Savannahs are produced by crossbreeding Servals and domestic cats, each generation of Savannahs is marked with a filial number.For example, the cats produced directly from a Serval/domestic Cat cross are the, and they are 50% serval. F1 generation Savannahs are very difficult to produce, due to the significant difference in gestation periods between the Serval and a domestic cat and sex chromosomes. Servals can be very picky in choosing mates, and often will not mate with a domestic cat. Females of the F1-F3 generation are usually held back for breeding, with only the males being offered as pets. The reverse occurs when you reach F5-F7 generation, but to a lesser degree, with the males being held as breeding cats, and females primarily offered as petsPhysical features Savannah Cats are one of the larger breeds of cats. The Savannahs tall and skinny appearance makes it look a great deal bigger than it actually weighs. Size varies on the gender and generation male Savannahs are usually bigger and weigh more than females. Because of random factors in Savannah hybrid genetics there can be different changes in size even in one litter. The coat of a Savannah depends a lot on what breed of domestic cars is used for the cross earlier generation have some form of dark spotting on a lighter coat early breeders used words like â€Å"Wild† to descri be it. sing spotted breeds such as the Bengal and Egyptian Mau for the cross will preserve the very few Savannahs that look like they did in earlier Generations. Some of the colors include (cool to warm brown, tan or gold with black or dark brown spots), silver spotted tabby (silver coat with black or dark grey spots), black (black with black spots), and black smoke (black tipped silver with black spots) in additions the Savannah can come in unusual color variations such as the classic or marble patterns or snow coloration and blue or other thinner colors from domestic sources.Most breeders are trying to cull these unusual colors out of the gen pool by selling unusual colored cats as pets but some Savannah Breeders are interested in working with the colors to introduce them as new traits The overall look of the Savannah Cat depends greatly on generation the older generations often have a more wild look the domestic breed that is used influences the appearance as well the domestic ou t crosses for the Savannah breed that are permissible in the ICA are Egyptian Mau the Ociat the Oriental Shorthair and the Domestic Shorthair.In addition some Savannah breeders are non permit able breeds such as the Bengal for size or the Maine Coon cats for size for the domestic parentage but these non permit able outcrosses can bring many unwanted genes as well Outcrosses are rarely used these days at there are now many fertile males available and as well most breeders are exclusively doing Savannah to Savannah breeding. A Savannahs wild look depends mostly on the generation of the cat.The body of Savannahs are long and leggy when a Savannah is standing, their hind end is often higher than they’re neck the back of their ears have a central light band bordered by the black, dark gray or brown giving an eye like effect the short tail has black rings with a solid black tip the eyes are blue as a kitten and may be green brown gold or blended shad as an adult. The eyes have a bo omerang shape with a hooded brow to protect from harsh sunlight. The Savannah cats behavior Savannahs are commonly compared to dogs in their loyalty, and they will follow their owners around the house like a canine.They can also be trained to walk on a leash, and even fetch. Some Savannahs are reported to be very social and friendly with new people and with other cats and dogs, while others may run and hide or revert to hissing and growling when seeing a stranger. Exposure to other people and pets is most likely the key factor in sociability as the Savannah kitten grows up. Owners of Savannahs say that they are very impressed with the animal intelligence of this breed of cat. An often-noted trait of the Savannah is its jumping ability. Savannahs are known to jump up on top of doors, refrigerators and high cabinets.Some Savannahs can leap about 8 feet (2. 5 m) high from a standing position. Savannahs are very inquisitive, and have been known to get into all sorts of things. They ofte n learn how to open doors and cupboards, and owners of a Savannah will likely need to take special precautions to prevent the cat from getting into things. Many Savannah cats do not fear water, and will play or even immerse themselves in water. Some owners even shower with their Savannah cats. Presenting a water bowl to a Savannah may also prove a challenge, as some will promptly begin to â€Å"bat† all the water out of the bowl until it is empty, using their front paws.Another quirk Savannahs have is to fluff out the base of their tail in a greeting gesture. This is not to be confused with the fluffing of fur along the back and full length of the tail in fear. Savannahs will also often flick or wag their tails in excitement or pleasure. Vocally, Savannahs may either chirp like their Serval fathers, meow like their domestic mothers, or do both, sometimes producing sounds which are a mixture of the two. Chirping is observed more often in earlier generations. Savannahs may also â€Å"hiss†Ã¢â‚¬â€a Serval-like hiss quite different from a domestic cat's hiss, sounding more like a very loud snake.It can be alarming to humans not acquainted to such a sound coming from a cat. Health considerations Different individuals contain different amounts of Serval and of varied domestic cat breeds, and there are currently no established Savannah breed-specific health issues. Some veterinarians have noted that Servals have smaller livers relative to their body size than domestic cats, and some Savannahs inherit this. For this reason, care is advised in prescribing some medications. Lower doses per weight of the cat may be necessary.In addition, the blood values of Savannahs may vary from the typical domestic cat, due to the serval genes. There is anecdotal evidence, though no completed scientific studies, that Savannahs and other domestic hybrids (such as Bengals) do not respond well to anesthesia containing Ketamine Many Savannah breeders request in their contra cts that Ketamine not be used for surgeries] Some (but not all) Savannah breeders believe strongly that modified live vaccines should not be used on Savannahs, that only killed virus vaccines should be used.Others are the complete opposite, having had poor reactions to killed vaccines, and no vaccine reaction (lethargy, illness, etc. ) to the modified live vaccines. This, also, has not been studied, and opinions vary widely from breeder to breeder Some breeders state that Savannah cats have no known special care or food requirements, while others recommend a very high quality diet with no grains or by-products. Some recommend a partial or complete raw feeding/raw food diet with at least 32% protein and no by-products.Some Savannah breeders recommend calcium and other supplements, especially for growing cats and earlier generations. Others consider it unnecessary, or even harmful. Most Savannah breeders agree that Savannahs have a need for more taurine than the average domestic cat, and therefore recommend taurine supplement which can be added to any food type. Laws and Regulations Laws governing ownership of Savannah cats in the United States vary according to state. The majority of states follow the code set by the United States Department of Agriculture, which defines wild or domesticated hybrid crosses as domesticated.Some states have set more restrictive laws on hybrid cat ownership, including Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Georgia. Some cities may have laws that differ from the state. For example, Savannahs more than five generations from the serval are allowed to be owned in New York state, but not in the city of New York. [9] The Australian Federal government has banned the importation into Australia of the Savannah cat, as the larger cats could potentially threaten species of the country's native wildlife not threatened by smaller domestic cats.

Course Work Test

Course Work Test You are submitted the two excel files and completed word responses in the exam link by the end of class time. Be sure to click add another file so you can add all files before you click submit. (25 pts) Using the completed file named Expenditures.xlsx from Chapter 2 (rename to ExamExpenditures.xlsx. Create another pie graph using the Quarter 1, Quarter 2, Quarter 3, Quarter 4 titles and the Average Expenditures amounts. Move the chart to its own sheet named Quarters Pie. Remove the legend Add data labels that show the Category Names and the Percentages Format the data labels to be legible and neatly inside the pies Add a title to the chart name Quarterly Average Expenditure (25pts) Using the completed file named Parking.xlsx from Chapter 3 (rename to ExamParking.xlsx Add the following functions and formatting to all worksheets. Group the April – June worksheets so they have the same outcome. Insert two blank rows between row 11 12 In cell A11 type Minimum. In cells B11-F11 use the appropriate function for the data in rows 5-8. In cell A12 type Maximum. In cells B12-F12 use the appropriate function for the data in rows 5-8. In cell A13 type Average. In cells B13-F13 use the appropriate function for the data in rows 5-8. Format range A11-F13 any way you want, but make sure it is consistent on all worksheets. (30 pts) Using the Garden.xlsx file you completed in Chapter 4 as a reference. Answer the following questions with at least 25 words: Explain how the If function works (ie. what are the parts to the function and what do they do)? How did it help analyze the data in the Garden.xlsx file? The If function allows displaying a specific value if a particular logical test is correct; and another value if the test is wrong. The first argument of the function is the logical test. It can be any test whose answer is TRUE or FALSE. The second argument of the function will be the value that will be in the cell if the test is true, and the third argument will be the value returned in the cell if the function is false. for instance, =IF(B4C4;Inferior;Not inferior) will test if the value in the cell B4 is inferior to the one in the cell C4. It will return the word â€Å"Inferior† if the condition is respected and â€Å"Not inferior† otherwise. The If function is very useful to determine if a reorder should be placed. What does conditional formatting do? Why is it useful? Conditional formatting allows to format cells according to specific criteria. For instance, in an excel spreadsheet analyzing profits and losses of a company; we could automatically color losses in red and profits in green. Conditional formatting is very useful when working with large sets of data and when the values change often. The color formatting will then change automatically; we do not have to update it manually. How do data bars or spark lines work? Why is it useful? Data bars and spark lines analyze a set of numerical data as input and generate a graphical representation of it in an output cell of choice. Data bars and spark lines are very useful because they help intuitively see how the data is evolving. Moreover, when working with large data sets whose value frequently change, data bars and spark lines are updated automatically. One does not need to generate graphs each time has the spark lines can be dragged down a long table. They are useful for instance for visualizing the change in the profits of a company over time. (20 pts) Using the Payroll.xlsx file you completed in Chapter 6 as a reference. Answer the following questions with at least 25 words: Explain how the Lookup function works (ie. What are the parts to the function and what do they do)? How did it help analyze the data in the Payroll.xlsx file? The VLOOKUP function allows to lookup a value in a table and return a value situated in the same row (but from a column of your choice). The first argument is the lookup value; that is the value we are looking for. The second argument defines the size of the table. The third argument is the column number of the aforementioned table from which the matching value should be taken. A fourth value allows to find an exact match or not and is called Range lookup, but it is not mandatory to use the function. VLOOKUP is very useful when working with big databases of clients and needing to return a specific value. It could be used for example to return the phone number of a client when typing his name in an input cell. VLOOKUP was very useful to process the data from the â€Å"Employees† spreadsheet in Payroll.xlsx. We used Named Ranges in order to efficiently use the advanced functions in Chapter 6. What are Named Ranges and why did named ranges work better than cell references when we copied the functions? Name ranges allow giving a specific name to one or many cells related to each other. For instance, we can name the cells C14:C17 â€Å"Tax_Rates†. Name ranges have 2 main advantages:they allow faster formula typing and faster formula reading. For instance, the formula =AVERAGE(Tax_Rates) is much more readable and intuitive than =AVERAGE(C14:C17). Named ranges worked better than cell references when copying functions because by default named ranges are automatically fixed, equivalent to absolute cell references ($). This makes dragging most formulas very convenient.