Jurassic Park And Tech Essays - Molecular Biology, Biotechnology

Jurassic Park And Tech The girl shrieks as the giant tree trunk of a leg crashes down shaking the earth. Her screams are then drowned out by the prehistoric roar of the genetically engineered Tyrannosaurus Rex as it searches for prey (Crichton, 1991). Everyone remembers this scene from the best-selling novel by Michael Crichton, Jurassic Park. These scenes were then brought to life by producer/director Steven Spielberg in the immensely popular movie by the same name. Is this possible? As technological advances in molecular biology steam into the twenty-first century, many scientists have found themselves asking this very question. With continuing advancements in the methods of recombining DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid), as well as the ability to read its genetic language, people have started wandering just how science fiction these ideas really are. There has been some limited success. DNA has been extracted and processed from some extinct organisms. Single-celled organisms have even been "awakened" from a long endosporic state, that do not exist in the same form in present times. The recent cloning of the sheep "Dolly" at the Rosalin Institute in Scotland has served as a wake up call to many as to the abilities modern biotechnology possesses (Currie and Psihoyos, 1996). Assuming one had all the necessary means, would it be possible to create an extinct organism with all the traits it once held? The answer seems to be yes. The feasibility of such a thing does not seem too far-fetched when one considers the rate at which science continues to break down barriers in all fields of study. So one final question brought before researchers on projects such as this is: If we could recreate the past through the recreation of long extinct animals, would we want to? Fossils and DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the chemical basis of life (Campbell, 1996). All cells contain the strands of sugar and phosphate. These strands are held together by the four nucleotides; Adenine, Thiamin, Guanine, and Cytosine. Within these strands are millions of genes. These are what forms the organism, makes it unique, in essence the blueprints of life. DNA is eventually transcribed and translated into amino acids which carry out the function outlined within the specific gene (Campbell, 1996). It is because of this that many scientists have become skeptical of the ability of DNA to survive much more than a few thousand years. The viability of DNA is tested in this simple way. Amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, come in both left-handed and right-handed forms. Most organisms build proteins using left-handed amino acids known as L-enantiomers. After death, a chemical process known as racemization begins changing L-enantiomers into right-handed D-enantiomers until a balance is reached. Since racemization occurs at approximately the same rate as DNA degradation, scientists can use the ratio of D-enantiomers to L-enantiomers to determine the state of the organism's DNA. If extensive racemization has occurred, the DNA has deteriorated. Researchers have not been able to obtain reliable samples from remains in which the D-enantiomer content has reached ten percent. At this rate, DNA should break up within a few thousand years in warm climates and 100,000 years in cold climates (Monastesky, 1996). This casts much doubt on the plausibility that resurrecting a long since extinct species is possible. However, as it is not very plausible, it is somewhat possible. This could happen if fossils were to be entombed under certain circumstances that did not allow water, necessary for racemization to have access to the specimen(Monastesky, 1996). The fossils that have been made famous by Crichton are those in which smaller organisms happened to be trapped within tree sap, which later solidifies into the stone called amber. These fossilized specimens are kept void of oxygen and water (Sykes, 1997). Large amber quarries, such as the ones in the Dominican Republic, yield many fossils of this kind every year. It is this fossil that will be the main focus of DNA extraction in this paper. These are the main culprits in the sudden race among geneticists to be the one to extract and process the oldest DNA. To date, the oldest piece of isolated DNA came from a 125 million year old insect trapped within a bit of Lebanese amber by California Polytechnic Institute at San Luis Obispo researcher Raul Cano (C.F., 1993). Analyzed, the now extinct insect was found to resemble closest the modern day pine cone weevil. However, research is underway to extract protozoa from a 225 million year old piece of amber obtained by Robert Poinar at University of California at

Free Essays on The Hobbit

Bilbo is home making tea when several dwarves show up at his front door. To be exact, thirteen dwarves came one by one to his door. Bilbo let all the dwarves inside and gave them drink and food. The names of the dwarves were: Thorin, Oin, Gloin, Dwalin, Balin, Bifur, Kili, Fili, Bofur, Dori, Bombur, Nori and Ori. Thorin was their leader, and his full name was Thorin Oakenshield. The last person who showed up, was a wizard called Gandalf. Thorin had brought a map that showed the way to The Lonely Mountain where a great treasure was guarded by a big, red dragon called Smaug. The treasure was in general a big mine filled with gems, emeralds, gold, silver, diamonds and many other valuable items. The cave used to belong to Thorin’s ancestor, Thror, and Gandalf gave Thorin a special key that he needed when he was going to open a secret entrance in the mountain shown on the map. The reason why they were at Bilbo’s place was because they should invite him along on their journey . Gandalf recommended Bilbo, because he said that he was a useful burglar. After much discussion, they managed to get Bilbo with them in their party. They made plans and went off the very next day. In the second chapter, Roast Mutton, the party rested in the woods of Lonelands and caught sight of a bonfire. Bilbo was sent to investigate who had lit the fire in the wood, and discovered that it was three trolls who were eating a meal. Bilbo was now going to try his skills as a burglar. One of the trolls, whose name was William, had a magic purse that squeaked when Bilbo tried to steal it. The trolls caught Bilbo and were planning to eat him for supper. The rest of the dwarves got anxious, and wondered what had happened to poor, little Bilbo. The trolls also caught the dwarves after a struggle, and the trolls were about to eat them all when suddenly Gandalf who was hiding in the bushes started to confuse the trolls by imitating their voices. The trolls started to quarre... Free Essays on The Hobbit Free Essays on The Hobbit Bilbo is home making tea when several dwarves show up at his front door. To be exact, thirteen dwarves came one by one to his door. Bilbo let all the dwarves inside and gave them drink and food. The names of the dwarves were: Thorin, Oin, Gloin, Dwalin, Balin, Bifur, Kili, Fili, Bofur, Dori, Bombur, Nori and Ori. Thorin was their leader, and his full name was Thorin Oakenshield. The last person who showed up, was a wizard called Gandalf. Thorin had brought a map that showed the way to The Lonely Mountain where a great treasure was guarded by a big, red dragon called Smaug. The treasure was in general a big mine filled with gems, emeralds, gold, silver, diamonds and many other valuable items. The cave used to belong to Thorin’s ancestor, Thror, and Gandalf gave Thorin a special key that he needed when he was going to open a secret entrance in the mountain shown on the map. The reason why they were at Bilbo’s place was because they should invite him along on their journey . Gandalf recommended Bilbo, because he said that he was a useful burglar. After much discussion, they managed to get Bilbo with them in their party. They made plans and went off the very next day. In the second chapter, Roast Mutton, the party rested in the woods of Lonelands and caught sight of a bonfire. Bilbo was sent to investigate who had lit the fire in the wood, and discovered that it was three trolls who were eating a meal. Bilbo was now going to try his skills as a burglar. One of the trolls, whose name was William, had a magic purse that squeaked when Bilbo tried to steal it. The trolls caught Bilbo and were planning to eat him for supper. The rest of the dwarves got anxious, and wondered what had happened to poor, little Bilbo. The trolls also caught the dwarves after a struggle, and the trolls were about to eat them all when suddenly Gandalf who was hiding in the bushes started to confuse the trolls by imitating their voices. The trolls started to quarre... Free Essays on The Hobbit I choose to read J.R.R. Tolkien’s â€Å"The Hobbit† for my first book report. This story takes place in a far away land; long, long ago. It is the story of a small, humble hobbit named Bilbo Baggins and his great and dangerous adventure. A hobbit is a hairy, fat man about half our size, and this particular one lived in a comfortable hobbit hole in a quiet community where adventures were unspoken of. One quiet and peaceful morning Gandalf, a kind and powerful wizard, came knocking at Bilbo’s door. Gandalf wanted Bilbo to join in on a great adventure that he was arranging. After days of negotiation Bilbo uneasily decides to join in on the adventure along with 13 dwarves, to raid the treasure of Smaug, a large and dangerous dragon. This story is packed full of surprise, suspense, mystery, conflict, dilemma, and foreshadowing throughout the chapters. A great example of this usage is near the end of Bilbo’s great adventure, when the time had come for him to advance forward and confront the dragon Smaug. Bilbo had been chosen to go forward into the dragons’ lair to seek the treasure. During this process an outstanding example of suspense was played out. As Bilbo walked further and further into the lair suspense starts to build dramatically from the author’s descriptions of heat, steam, and sounds coming from the end of the passage. At the moment before Bilbo’s encounter with the dragon â€Å"he knew that going on from there was the bravest thing he’d ever done†, as quoted in the book. This part of the book exhibits only one of many great examples of mystery and suspense from the story. The protagonist, Bilbo Baggins, is truly a dynamic character. As described at the beginning of the book he was a very humble and peaceful hobbit that had no time for adventures. The first example of change happened when he accepted to go on Gandalf’s adventure. But Bilbo still changed throughout the book as described by one of his dwarf co...

Tree Seedling or Sapling Transplant Instructions

Tree Seedling or Sapling Transplant Instructions Homeowners often need to move or transplant trees within the yard. Trees may have been planted too thickly or threaten to out-grow available space. Size is a critical factor in transplanting. The larger a tree, the more difficult it is to transplant. If you have a small tree growing near your house, driveway, or patio, visualize it at full size and decide now if it must one day be moved. The longer you ignore it, the less likely you will be able to save the tree. Difficulty: Average Time Required: Takes approximately an hour to dig tree and replant tree (including prep time) What You Need: Planting or transplanting spadeAvailable water and mulch How to Transplant The perfect day to move your tree is when the humidity is high during early spring but just before its leaves begin to bud out. While roots take up most of a trees moisture, leaves will give moisture up through evaporation when under stress. Avoid moving trees with leaves.Preplanning helps! If you know a tree is to be moved in advance, root pruning will greatly increase the chances of successful transplanting. By severing the roots at or just beyond the drip line of the tree to be moved, the long unbranched roots will be broken. This prompts re-growth of new roots near the main trunk. It takes two to three seasons to fully root prune a tree  but can help even as early as six months. This will compact the existing root system and increase the trees chances of survival once it is moved.Younger and thus smaller is better. Increasing the size of a tree increases the effort it takes to transplant. It also decreases a trees chance of survival if not done properly. Leave moving trees over 4 inches in trunk diameter to the professionals. It is easier to transplant small stemmed trees and they will overcome the transplant shock much easier and quicker. Each tree you move needs a protective root ball for proper transplanting. Small root balls (up to about 12-14 inches in diameter) can be done with an ordinary spade. You want to preserve as much of the soil surrounding the feeder roots as you can. The feeder roots are located only in the upper few inches of the soil so be very careful with that portion of the ball.It is important that you have already prepared your planting site and that conditions are correct for successful growth. The tree you dig should not be exposed to the elements for very long. Be sure the tree will be able to reach full maturity without competition and provide a site where soil is deep, fertile, and well-drained.Dig the planting hole deep enough to accommodate roots without twisting and breaking either the roots or the soil ball. The hole should be as deep as the root ball and the tree roots transplanted to a depth approximating its original level.Follow these planting instructions and make sure you correctly mulch and water the transplanted tree. It is extremely important that the newly planted tree has adequate initial moisture and that it is maintained. Do not fertilize the tree for one year. Tips An approximate rule of thumb is to use a root ball 20 times the diameter of the trunk (as measured just above the basal flare) for trunks up to 1/2 of an inch in diameter, 18 times the diameter of the trunk for 1/2 -1 inch diameter trunks, 16 times the trunk diameter for trunks 1-1 1/2 inches in diameter, 14 times the trunk diameter for trunks 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 inches in diameter, and 12 times the trunk diameter for trunks 2 1/2-4 inches in diameter. For most trees and shrubs, the root ball depth should be about 8 inches for a 12 inch diameter root ball, ranging up to about 18 inches for a 48 inch diameter root ball.

Descartes First Meditation paper and Moore's Certainty paper Essay

Descartes First Meditation paper and Moore's Certainty paper - Essay Example Descartes work was centered on the issues that challenge one’s ability to be certain about something. His path to establish certainty begins a state of doubt. It is this doubt that prompts him to choose to demolish all the knowledge he had in the past (Descartes 87). He will then start afresh through testing the validity of things before being certain of their existence. He searches to establish a foundation of philosophy that cannot be shaken. This is because much of the knowledge he obtained in the past was through senses that at times are deceptive. In this he highlights, it is somehow difficult to distinguish when one is asleep and when awake. He majors on meditation, which is regarded as a philosophical classic. However, he provocatively pursues the issues to do with these important matters. Provocatively, Moore challenges the argument concerning ones inability to know whether he is dreaming. In the logical inversion of Descartes argument, Moore argues that, if one knows not that he is dreaming, one knows not that he standing. Additionally, people is unsure of his standing and realize that he is not hallucinating, (Moore 30). This is logical since one can only dream when asleep. Additionally, one can be dreaming or think he is standing and in actual sense, he is standing. This is the only case where dreaming and thinking to standing and standing at the same time is consistent. Moore’s concern on external world’s existence is evident. Given the reality, it is impractical to prove its existence. According to him, so many oppositions can, be used to prove the existence of the external world. In his illustration to demonstrate the fact about the existence of the world, he uses his hands. For instance, when he holds up his hands, it is certain that he is holding up his hands. The conclusion from the above illustration shows it is true that he has hands. If it has truth in it, more illustrations are also true. About external world issue, similar proofs can be used to tell the existence of it (Kim and Sosa 30). While Descartes says that dreams have taken place, he not sure he is dreaming. This is to mean that he does not know that the dreaming has taken place. In evaluating Descartes ides, â€Å"doubt† and â€Å"thinking† brings inconsistency the ideas. Descartes is unsure of his existence, although he thinks he does. The reason validating his doubt is that he may be dreaming or is being deceived by a demon that he exists. The reason for him to think he exists is th at he is only thinking without any objective proof of his existence. The proof about his existence is only subjective. He is unable to convince others of his existence, (Moore 34). Descartes argument has weaknesses and strengthens. He says that all things he knew as truth in his childhood have been falsehoods. This is a weak argument because; lack of proof cannot guarantee one to assume it is false. He later justifies his attempt to ruin that entire truth he had known over years and started afresh. He wanted something that had a strong foundation that did not rest on mere assumptions and feelings (Descartes 87). This is quite right to be passionate to do away with former opinions unless tested to be true. Additionally, he says not all the ideas and information he has is false. He makes an excuse that, for the opinions that he is not certain with, he will not touch on them. This gives a loophole for doubt and uncertainty. To assess which opinions are not certain would be a tedious jo b; therefore, he will not go through

Aviation Organization in Nigeria Research Paper

Aviation Organization in Nigeria - Research Paper Example Women workforce in Nigeria would aid the development of its economy as women have started taking tertiary education. Third, it is also important to understand the difference in the managers’ attitudes to work, in both Nigeria and the United States. This is important as many MNCs have expanded their operations in developing countries and employ both local and expatriate managers. The managers need to have an in-depth understanding of how to manage diversity because decisions on issues such as recruitment and training, promotions and retentions, could vary. Managing diversity could mean utilizing the differences to gain competitive advantage. It not only helps in recruitment and employee retention, it also leads to reduced turnover and absence costs, enhanced customer service and greater flexibility and creativity in the organizations (Maxwell, 2004). Nigeria is the most populous African country having about 130 million inhabitants. It consists of more than 250 ethnic groups and is besieged with ethnic and religious tensions. Nigeria has an abundance of labor and scarce talent. The average Nigerian could find employment based on the culture, religion, language, gender and educational qualifications. Attracting, developing, deploying and retaining talent has become a major concern in Nigeria. Nigeria has been facing the challenge of managing religious and political diversity ever since its independence in 1960 (Anaba, 2011). In the aviation sector diversity matters to customers; hence, in the airline company proposed to be set up in Nigeria, diversity should be kept as a part of the hiring policy. The commercial airline is a highly competitive, safety-sensitive, high technology service industry (Applebaum & Fewster, 2002). The core competency can come from people and employees. Hence, the focus should be in managing people. The whole aviation sector functions as a traditional, top-down, highly divisionalized, industrial model of operations and governance. T o have a customer-centric, learning-oriented workforce capable of adapting to the strategic goals and the change-imperative facing the industry, diversity and equal opportunity are required. Southwest Airlines believes that its dedication to ensure employee diversity also ensures the right fit. They give preference to women and minorities in interviewing them ahead of other candidates. Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity at Continental Airlines experienced continued profits and double-digit growth. It has an aggressive attitude towards hiring, training and retaining minority employees as a result of which 23% of its employees and 37% of its employers are minorities. America West also has a corporate statement of commitment regarding equal employment opportunity that is updated annually. United is committed to provide opportunity for career advancement for women and minorities. Diversity matters to customers and this has been incorporated as the organization’s hiring po licy. Delta Airlines also promotes the development of women and black pilots in an industry where only 5% of all pilots are women and less than 1% is non-Caucasian. Applebaum and Fewster find that a high correlation exists between customer satisfaction and that of employees. A high correlation also exists between satisfied employees and world-class human resource practices. Women in Nigeria have

Oscar Wilde :: essays research papers

Oscar Wilde Oscar Wilde (real name Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde) was born on October 16th, 1854 in Dublin. His father, William Robert Wilde, was an eminent eye doctor, with an interest in myths and folklore. He was the founder of the first eye and ear hospital in Great Britain, as well as the appointed Surgeon Occultist to the Queen, who knighted him. His mother, Jane Francesca Elgee Wilde, was a poet who wrote patriotic Irish verse under the pen name Speranza, and had a considerable following. As a youngster, Wilde was exposed to the brilliant literary talk of the day at his mother's Dublin salon. In 1864 Wilde entered the Portora Royal School at Enniskillen, and in 1871 entered Trinity College in Dublin. In 1874 he left Ireland and went to England to attend Magdalen College at Oxford. As a student there, he excelled in classics, wrote poetry, and incorporated the Bohemian life style of his youth into a unique way of life. He came under the influence of aesthetic innovators such as English writers Walter Pater and John Ruskin. He found the aesthetic movement's notions of "art for art's sake" and dedicating one's life to art suitable to his temperament and talents. As an aesthete, Wilde wore long hair and velvet knee breeches, and became known for his eccentricity as well as his academic ability. His rooms were filled with various objets d'art such as sunflowers, peacock feathers, and blue china. Wilde frequently confided that his greatest challenge at University was learning to live up to the perfection of the china. Wilde won numerous academic prizes while studying there, including the Newdigate Prize, a coveted poetry award, for his poem Ravenna. In 1879 Wilde moved to London to make himself famous. He set about establishing himself as the leader and model of the aesthetic movement. Besides his hair and breeches, he added loose-fitting wide-collared silk shirts with flowing ties and lavender colored gloves. He frequently carried a jewel-topped cane and was caricatured in the press flamboyantly attired and holding an over- sized sunflower, an icon of the movement. Wilde quickly became well known despite having any substantial achievements to build on. His natural wit and good humor endeared him to the art and theater world, and through his lover Frank Miles, he found it easy to become part of the cliques that frequented London's theater circuit and drawing rooms. He became a much desired party guest, and eventually his popularity led to his being chosen as an advance publicity man for a new Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, Patience, that spoofed

Employee Representation Essay

The rise of capitalism in industrialized societies ad increase in case of exploitation of employees led to the rise of trade unions.   The trade unions were formed for the purpose of representing employees through preventing exploitation by their employers.   The increased cases of exploitation in terms of wage and other issues that affected employees in organisation, industries and companies led to the formation of trade unions.    The trade unions aim was to improve employees pay and other employment conditions through representing the employees in a collectively bargaining.   The formation of trade unions was initially objected by employers who felt they had a right to exploit the poor since they owned factors of production.  Ã‚   In today’s society most employers who understand the role of trade union appreciate the efforts made by trade unions.  Ã‚   A group of employees may join together to form a trade union and they may seek recognition from their employer (Blyton and Turnbull, 61). Collective bargaining involves the process by which the employer and trade unions discuss and agree on the employment terms and conditions.   The collective bargaining does not normally establish legal relations between the employee and employer. However, the agreement areas which relate to terms and conditions of employment become basis of employment contract.   The employer and employee can then agree on the employment terms as agreed between the employee and trade unions although it’s subject to any changes made between the employee and the employer.   Collective bargaining takes place in firms of all sides.   Good employer-employee relationships contribute to a healthy employer-trade union relationship. The effectiveness if trade unions can only be measured through the outcomes of intervention in employer-employee relationship.   Some trade unions have been known to be dormant and reap money out of employees yet no change is noticed in employees conditions under which they work.   Few trade unions have colluded with employers and oppressed employees after which the employers have supported to the collapse of the trade unions due to breach of contract. A trade union is an independent   body which been formed by individuals who volunteer to form an association whose main goal is to represent and protect the employment, service-related, professional, economic and social rights and interests of the employees.   Employees regards to anyone employed despite the nature of work. The trade unions achieve their set goals though dialogue with employees, association of employees, local government and the government in which trade union exist.   The dialogue is based on consultancy and collective bargaining on issues that are of interest to employees.   All employees are at liberty to join or not to join any â€Å"trade union except members of National Defence Force, National Intelligence Agency and South African secret service (Edwards, 36). Extent to which employee representation through trade unions is effective depends on the nature of employment and size of business or organisation in which the employee is working in.   In small organisations the trade unions have a small scope of employee representation because most dialogue is done directly between the employer and employee.   In such small firms, the trade union efficiency in employee representation can be derived from their ability to negotiate for good pays and payment systems, hours of work, holiday, sick pay and pensions. Trade unions are regulated by labour Relations act. The labour Relations Act applies to all employers, workers, trade unions and employers’ organisations.   However the act does not apply to member of National Defence Force, National Intelligence Agency or South African Secret Service. Trade unions in large firms and organisations enhance the relationship between the employer and employee.   This is because the employees have their chosen representatives who present employee grievances to the trade union.   In large firms and organisations all aspects that concern the employment contract are made known to the trade union for the trade union to be effective. Employees who represent collective needs of employees to employer may face hostility from employers.   In most cases, the employees who stand out to fight for the collective rights of employees have lost their jobs and this has created sense of insecurity among employee leaders. This usually happens when the imposed changes are objected by the employer.   This problem has made employee representation through sponsored trade unions to be effective because trade unions are independent association of volunteers.   Sponsored trade unions, due to absence of fear of the repercussions are able to negotiate with employers, association of employers effectively so the employees’ interests are addressed (William and Adam Smith, 88). Employee representation through sponsored trade unions has been especially effective while dealing with collective issues that concern all employees in a given state.   The trade unions are mostly made up of radical individuals who are patriotic and committed to the overall objective of addressing employees’ interests which involve minimum wage of civil servants depending on the standard of living and economic growth or the country. Trade unions have been effective in addressing issues that concern mode of payment for employees to avoid such cases like delayed salaries and wages.   This has led to improved social welfare of the employees.   Trade unions have been known to intervene in cases where organisations and firms have failed to pay their employees in time.    Also, trade unions have intervened in cases where the employees are exploited through low wages.   The employees demand increment of salaries through trade unions.   The trade unions then hold meetings with the employer or association of employers to agree on the fair salary.   The intervention by trade unions had led to great improvement in the labour market and this can be seen through reduced strikes in most countries. In the past, there were few laws that governed issues elated to sick leaves, maternity leaves and general leaves.   The trade unions have been known to contribute greatly to the occupational law through identification of areas where unfair dismissal is applied. Most employees have suffered unfair dismissal from temporary contacts or permanent contract due to inevitable cases like when absenteeism occurs due to sickness and/or maternity leaves.   In small firms, employees have been known to suffer the ill-treatment silently but the presence of trade unions has shown a lot of improvement in the labour industry.   The trade union representative in such a case is allowed by the labour Relations Act to help and present workers in governance and disciplinary hearing when the employees agree (Blyton and Turnbull, 565). Increase in payment demands by employment has in most cases led to termination of employment of the pioneers of the idea.   This has fear among employees who want to maintain their employment.   However, the productivity of laborers decline because of the dissatisfaction with their salaries.   Trade unions therefore hold discussions with employers and they monitor the employer’s compliance with the labour relations Act which involves any law regulating terms and conditions of employment and whether they have honored any agreement that had been made between employer and employee. Employees cannot be able to monitor employer compliance with law due to fear of losing the employment hence employee representation through sponsored trade union ensure adherence by employer to any agreement that is passed concerning employee’s interest.   Effectiveness is achieved by ensuring employers comply and by reporting any failure by the employer to comply with the law or any made agreement to association of employers or any responsible authority or agency.   Employers are likely to act fast on the agreement when they are under the pressure of trade unions other than when employees are pushing. Employees have a tendency to act on the agreement made between employer and employees because employer acknowledge that trade unions are independent association that are protected and empowered by labour relations act. In countries where racism have been know to have great effect on employment environment especially issues regarding promotion and unfair treatment, trade unions have been known to intervene to ensure fair treat of all individual/employees in countries like US where racist is said to exist in most organisations, employees forward their grievances to trade unions because if they complain or demand justice, the employer may deny them their right or may terminate their contracts or employment. Employees therefore though the trade unions present their grievances to civil command and their discrimination issue is addressed. Employee representation through sponsored trade unions ensures that employers conform to anti-discrimination law; employees with different races, religion age and marital status are treated equally due to follow-up by trade union representative. There have been incidences where the working conditions pose a health hazard to the employees yet the remuneration given cannot cover the extent of risks the employees are exposed.   When individual employees complain of their dissatisfaction with the salary based on the risks the employees are exposed to, the employees may be terminated or may be pressurized to quit the job by the employer on the argument that there is plenty supply of labour.   The trade unions therefore intervene so that the employees are paid in accordance to the risks they are exposed to. Excess supply of labour had led to many employers’ taking advantage of the situation by paying the employees less wage as compared to the amount of work that they do.   Some employees may not even complain of their exploitation by the employer because they fear loosing their long awaited job.   In capitalistic societies, where the few are the owners of factors of production, there is high exploitation of the poor people who supply labour to the industries. The merchant in capitalistic societies pay constant wage which does not account for all the labour hours.   The poor work for more hours.   Trade unions in such situation have been known to be agents of social changes which may be radical.   The trade unions have contributed to the seizure of the habit by ensuring that employees are paid their worth irrespective of their positions.   Trade unions are accredited for presenting the grievances of the poor (Beardwell, 225). In organisation/firms where the employees are many, it becomes very hard to address the individual needs.   Trade unions therefore collect the individual needs and try to apply them to the whole group.   This is especially the case with civil servants who work in various regions of the state in different departments and therefore have different need. The trade unions address those needs by holding discussions with government officials and they may challenge the states labour law if they are to the disadvantage of employees.   The trade union in most countries have been known to cause remarkable changes in labour laws for example, setting the minimum wage that should be earned by any employee depending on the nature of job and category of job. Trade unions are effective more than individual employees especially in presenting individual rights since trade unions enjoy some favour from the industrial relations Bill in 2003.   The trade unions are able to negotiate for the members interests as association of employers. Trade unions contribute to the formation of government policies concerning resource allocations and other matters that concern employees.   Some trade union representatives are incorporated in the government policy making through writing proposals which the government use as guide in making the policies. The proposals consider the government resources and the human resource (employees) needs and make suggestions on how the government can integrate both parties’ demands given the scarce resources.   Though, even with the support from government through industrial relations Bill 2003, trade unions are faced with challenge of many cases taking long term to be completed.   There have been many pending cases in courts as noted in the Irish government (Beardwell, 225). Trade unions have been delegated many duties that concern employee interests.   However, trade union cannot represent the employees in full capacity to their employers.   This has led to formation of non-union groups in the industries, organisations or firms. These non-union groups are mainly composed of employees who seek to represent the grievances to the employers with an aim of consensus through dialogue.   The formation of non-union groups has been triggered by the disillusionments that have been incurred by many trade unions in Irish government.   The disillusionment is highly attributed by the long period of time that many industrial cases take in labour court.   In fact, the data from Irish government indicate that few races which may be less than ten cases have actually reached the determination stage (William and Adam Smith, 89). Most companies argue that there is scarcity of human resource in their firm and hence thus most times the labour is misused through denial of holiday leave some employees develop health complications due to overworking or work pressure.   Some employees when they report the need to be given lighter job are threatened or are denied the right because of their race, ethnicity or religion.   The employees can then sue the concerned organisation through the sponsored trade union for violation of occupational safety and health act.   This has brought positive results because employees have complied with the occupational safety and health act due to the power that trade union are accorded by the industrial relation Act. Most trade unions have been know to contribute greatly in the health and safety training of employees and employers and have had positive impact on the effectiveness f trade union.   In cases where the trade unions gain favour from employer or association of employers, through recognition, the trade union plans and strategies to address the issues that concern employees become very effective (Blyton,66). Most employers are reluctant to change the working conditions of their employees because they incur extra cost on the firm or organisation.   The employers in such cases do not pay attention to employee suggestions or grievances but intervention of trade unions enhance the situation because most employees are aware of the privileges that have been accorded trade unions by the industrial relations Act, 2003 (Edwards, 35). When an employer wants to introduce a new technology that is likely to affect the employees, the employees object the introduction through trade unions.   Most employers innovate ways in which to reduce operational costs without putting employees needs into consideration.   In most cases, the adoption of the technology requires lay off of some employees and this would have an effect on the employees’ welfare. The trade union takes up the matter and negotiates with the employer on the impact of the introduction on the economy.   Most employers have been known to balance their interests with the employees due to the effective presentation by trade unions. Strikes are common in many nations.   Strikes usually occur when the employees fail to act as per their agreement or sometimes strikes are done to demonstrate dissatisfaction with the employers’ services or treatment. Most employers have been noted to act very aggressively.   Some employees according ton various studies done in UK have been seen to fire few employees instead and this brought a lot of criticism from employees and public.   Trade unions become very crucial in such cases because they present the employees in court and sue for damages caused by the unfair dismissal of the employees.   In most cases, when the cases in court are taken up by trade unions, they are acted upon very fast other than individual employees because of the recognition of trade unions. Employees are meant to relate with their employers well.   The relationship between employer and employee should portray transparency and commitment by both parties towards the contract that they have entered into.   Good employee-employer relationship enhances the achievement of the organisations or firm’s goal.   When there is dialogue between employer and employee, the need for trade unions becomes insignificant. However, very few employers honour the terms and conditions of the contract according to occupational safety and health and yet they expect the employees to comply with the terms and conditions of the employment.   The conflict of interest between the two parties necessitates the need for an independent association trade union.   Other wise, compliance by both parties would produce positive results and would save time and cost on the firm or organisation incurred in legal proceedings. Most employees in UK have joined trade unions as shown by the government data.   The employees have joined the trade unions because of their recognition for the need of an arbitrator between then and the employees.   The employees can only be presented if they are members of trade union.   The membership is voluntary for all except members of defense. When most employees retire, there is tendency by the employers to fail to pay pensions.   Trade unions have noted to be effective in claiming the employees’ rights especially pension funds.   Most domestic jobs however do not have pension schemes for example the house keeping, shopkeeper attendant. This has limited the performance of trade unions because however much they want to assist the employees, the nature of job cannot favour the intervention of trade unions. Some employees have been known to abuse the trade unions power by failing to report of their absence from job and this limited the effectiveness of trade unions in presenting the employees.   Negligence by employees through for example, deliberately destroying a company’s wealth or resources like lighting a cigarette in a petrol station by an employee, cannot be protected.   The employers sometimes use the trade unions as puppet to push for their needs and interests.   This has led to ineffectiveness of many trade unions which have been disregarded by employers (Blyton, 33). The trade unions can liaise with the labour departments in many states.   The relationship between trade unions and labour departments has produced good fruits in many countries because it has increased recognition and the effectiveness of the unions.   The trade unions are known to gain favour from most governments hence the grievances of employees are addressed fast when they are represented through a trade union. The employee presentation through sponsored trade union can only be effective up to the point where the court ruling has been done.   Beyond court ruling the employee presentation through trade union then becomes insignificant.   The employees have to adhere to the court ruling whether it favours the employer or employee.   Most employees have face disillusionment after the trade unions efforts are undermined by the industrial court (Edwards, 21). Higher presentation of employees in the trade unions has contributed to higher returns or positive results.   This has been the inspiration by many employees to join trade unions.   The industrial Relation Act in Irish government which was amended in 2003 has been seen to favour trade unions.   However, the trade unions have realized their ineffectiveness due to the legislative system where many cases remain in court for so long.   The trade unions in Irish government were accorded right to bargain though labour courts and labour Relations Commission were given greater powers to resolve recognition and representation disputes (Beardwell, 213). Many countries are known to have similar legislative systems which give industrial Courts right to deal with employees’ disputes.   In countries, industrial courts recognize trade unions more than individual employees.   This had led to many employees been pressurized by the system to join trade union so that the disputes that have in industrial courts may be dealt with fast especially with intervention of trade unions. When trade unions are pushing for the employees’ interests, the employees feel at liberty to express them because they will not suffer victimization as would be the case if they pursued the interests or grievances as individual employees.   The labour relations commissions however, has reported cases of disillusionment the failure of the parties in disputes to meet timescale and deadlines in many instance.   The labour relations commission data in Irish government indicate that the failures are in most cases caused by employers but trade unions are not exempted too. In Europe, most employees even those working in small firms have enrolled into trade unions and this enhanced the services delivered to them.   However, the effort of trade unions has been undermined by the size and nature of employment. Trade unions are supposed to be independent in their practices that are directed into addressing the employees’ needs.   However, it’s easier said than done.   Some trade union representatives in their leadership positions seek to gain favour from the government.   This has led to few trade unions compromising their mission and objectives and this has proved ineffectiveness of the trade unions as employee representative.   In pursuit of favour from government officials or government itself, some union leaders have accepted tribes and this caused serious repercussions for the employee’s grievances.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Work Cited Beardwell Ian. ‘A Critical Analysis.’ Contemporary Industrial Relations vol.1 (1996): 212-311. Blyton I & Turnbull P. The Dynamics of Employee Relations.3rd ed. London:   Palgrave, 2004. Edwards P. Industrial Relations Theory and Practice in Britain.2nd ed. Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 2003. Williams S and Adam Smith D.   Contemporary Employment Relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006.