BIOGRAPHY OF BILL McDERMOTT-"ARE LEADERS BORN OR MADE”

Bill McDermott, co-CEO, SAP, comes from an utterly modest background. By the age of 16Bill was an entrepreneur, and it shows the spark he had in him. Starting his career as an employee of a restaurant with a job profile of clearing away dishes, setting tables and assisting servers, and next assignment as an assistant in a grocery shop, he had the meteoric rise to the coveted position of co-CEO of SAP by dint of seer business acumen. He was born on 18^th August 1961 in New York, United States,

Early Life and Education

Bill McDermott had a humble beginning so far as his early days are concerned. He lived with his parents in Amityville in close proximity of Great South Bay, and the area boasted of several canals that used to flood houses including that of McDermott. He had to wade through water to attend the interview for a job with Xerox.

McDermott is an MBA in Business Management which he obtained from J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management under Northwestern University. He also underwent Executive Development Program successfully from Wharton School under the University of Pennsylvania, and it was from Dowling College that he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

The Spark

The career of Bill McDermott has had a meteoric rise from a helper in an Italian restaurant at 16 years of age to an entrepreneur as an owner of a deli where he first exhibited his business acumen and insight into business planning. He managed to hoodwink competitors at this tender age with a deft understanding of consumer behavior. He took into account the needs of the different segment of society such as blue-collar job holders, kids, workers, and the likes. He did not use the age-old cliché of asking customers what else he wanted, and substituted it with what else he could get for them. It shows his deep understanding of consumer psyche at that young age.

He took the first big jump in his career when he joined Xerox in 1983 as a professional in the sales department, and by the age of 37, he became the youngest president as well as a corporate officer of the company. Later, by 2002, he was in SAP and creating history for himself and that of the company.

He believed in himself, and took criticisms of others in the right perspective and ignored them. He took risks that paid rich dividends. He showed early signs of entrepreneurship when he risked $7000 to purchase the deli which he ran successfully. He took recourse to good services to succeed and believed in building business niche by niche. He intended to look at, and do, things differently. That is why; he rose to occupy the coveted position of Co-Chief Executive Officer, Member of Global Managing Board, and Member of the Executive Board, President of Global Field Operations, and Chief Executive Officer of Global Field Operations of SAP AG. He is actively associated with 25 board members across three different establishments in eight industries of various kinds. At an age of 51 years, his total compensation for the fiscal year 2012 has been estimated as €8,856,800.

William R. McDermott, popularly known as Bill, has been SAP as Co-Chief Executive Officer with effect from 7^th February 2010, Chief Executive Officer and Member of Executive Board of SAP Ag since July 2008. He has been serving as Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer and President of SAP America Inc which is a SAP Labs LLC unit subsidiary till July 2008. He also donned the post of Corporate Officer of SAP from April 2007.  He manages strategic business activities of SAP in America and Canada. He provides direction to over 5000 employees with respect to the needs of consumers. He has won many awards and accolades and widely held in high esteem for getting the best out of employees in terms of performance. During his first year with SAP, he led the organization to the constant increase in market share for all four quarters and increases in revenue generation. He was responsible for the customer as well as employee satisfaction.

After his stint with Xerox for seventeen long years where he started his career in sales division and became its Corporate Officer and Divisional President, Bill was associated with Siebel Systems as Executive President and promoted worldwide sales and looked after field operations and global sales between 2001 and 2002. He served as President of Gartner Inc from the year 2000 to 2001. Since March 2004, he has been a serving director, PAETEC Holding Corp and that of PAETEC communications since 2004. An independent Director of Ansys Inc. with effect from July 2007, he has been serving as Director of ‘Under Armour’ from August 2005. He also performs as a Board of Director for welfare-to-work Partnership based in the U.S., and promoting career opportunities. Bill is a member of the Enterprise Software Roundtable, Business Roundtable, KIIP School National Advisory Board, and the Advisory Board for Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Recipient of the nation’s highest award for performance in business Baldrige Award, he was voted to the Dowling College Board of Trustees, and was also accorded the status of Alumnus by Dowling College for 2003 which is presented annually by the President of the U.S. for outstanding achievements in the fields of strategic planning, leadership, information and analysis, customer and market focus, business results and process management.

Other Interests

Bill McDermott is widely acknowledged as an active civic leader and espouser of social responsibilities in businesses. As early as 2005, he has been an elected member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a federation boasting three million companies and organizations as its members which makes it the world’s largest business federation. He was also elected to the Chamber Foundation Board. He was acknowledged as one among ten Most Influential People in Finance of Treasury and Risk Management in June 2005. He has declared as the winner of the Ernest & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2005 Awards in Applied Technology constituted by Ernst & Young. He has been a charter member of the advisory council for the Hands on Network Organization, a conglomeration of voluntary organizations in China, the Philippines, and America which is engaged in the development of entrepreneurial strategies to narrowing the gap between community needs and resources.

                 

WASTE AND SLUDGE MANAGEMENT: HEALTH SCENARIO IN SOUTH ASIA- A CASE STUDY OF NEPAL

Health in a country is normally determined by the number of indicators showing the major health concerns of individuals. The major indicators include life expectancy, infant mortality, maternal mortality and the child mortality of age under 5. The government and non-government organizations (NGOs level) have developed plans after analyzing these basic indicators and the remedial measure in order to ensure good health service and improve the quality of living in Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Health is one of the significant basic issues in Nepal. Health in Nepal is affected by three major factors: the high rate of poverty, illiteracy, and lack of proper sanitation (waste management). In a survey conducted during period 2000-2013 that indicated that the life expectancy rate is low with a maximum of about 55 years; even the women' life expectancy is much lower than men that are alarming. It clearly shows that health care for men is given more priority than women. The highest risk group for poor health is of children having aged less than five years, and this again includes a higher rate of girls and other is females of maturity age. The mortality rate of female is higher than male by 24%.

Waste and Sludge Management

Nepal is, unfortunately, one of the least developed countries of the world, and 60 percent of their population lives below the poverty line along with a high level of illiteracy. The health and education are correlated. Health care measures, preventive health measures, control of communicable diseases and healthy nutritional programs all depend on the education level of people. They would better understand the importance of health and life through proper education. The control of these chronic diseases is also dependent on the availability of safe and pure drinking water, proper sanitation, sludge and waste management facilities. Many of the diseases are infectious, so it is important to design preventive measure by the proper development of the sewerage system, waste and sludge disposal that would result in a hygienic environment in Nepal. It is mentioned in a report that about 37% of the Nepal population (34% rural and 66% urban) have access to safe and clean drinking water and 6% have access to proper sanitation facilities.

In addition, the abundant use of septic tanks in urban areas and waste dumping give rise to sludge management problem. That generated sludge without treatment has become one of the most significant challenges in the context of waste management, in Nepal. The untreated disposals of sewage sludge generate significant amounts of greenhouse gases as well as posing health and other environmental problems. People of Nepal due to lack of education and proper understanding of how to dump their waste and sludge The waste includes kitchen and human solid waste, used water from kitchen and garbage. There is no proper sludge dumping mechanism and is thrown in a large big ground making the soil infertile. The sludge creates an ideal environment for nourishment of bacteria and virus. The standard practices of sludge disposal need to be exercised including composting and incineration. Composted sludge can be used for soil conditioner as green fertilizers in gardens and vegetation.

Proper waste bins are needed to be installed at least one in every group of 10 houses. It will help them to throw solid waste in those bins that can be then either burnt or dumped off by Government bodies or private bodies. A common practice is Nepal is to use human and animal excreta as a fertilizer in fields. They think this practice makes the soil fertile, but they do not know about associated serious diseases. That is again due to lack of education. Proper training mechanism must be ensured to educate rural people how to manage waste. There is no proper inflowing water for homes through proper pipelines. People are forced to drink this water and women also wash clothes on those streams, cleaning of their livestock is also done there along with bathing practice. Using same impure water for drinking is linked with many stomach and skin diseases.

The use of human waste as an agricultural fertilizer is common in Nepal. Many health risks are associated with this practice. Burning eyes, lung diseases, and skin rashes have been found in farmers and residents who use human waste as fertilizer. The geographic distribution of Nepal is another major obstacle in transporting proper health services to each and every part of the country. More than eighty percent of the populace lives in urban areas especially hilly areas that rely only on agriculture. Although there are many problems for the people living on hilly areas but the most serious concerns are due to lack of proper sanitation and waste management. That is the major causes of many health issues among the people living in these places. People normally cook insides of their wooden homes using natural resources for fire as animal waste. Due to the congested and less airy architecture of homes and the burning of animal waste that generates dangerous smoke is the cause of lung diseases among many villagers.

However, there are few NGOs active in designing plans to introduce techniques in rural areas that could improve the quality of living. Such techniques include the architecture change of home so that it becomes airier. Consequently, smoke could not be retained inside home, proper sewerage mechanism to discharge waste water in an efficient way, implement waste and sludge management plans and to highlight the importance of hygiene by designing techniques for sludge disposal. It is not the responsibility of the private sector alone. The government of Nepal must also play its role and support such efforts of NGOs to improve the living quality of the people 

SOLAR DESALINATION PLANT: EVERYWHERE AND ANYWHERE

Solar desalination plant, California, Source: Cole Mellino, EcoWatch

Solar desalination plant and technique is simply to convert any salty water to usable water by solar energy. The seawater and solar available for desalination which can be used for drinking or agriculture or for industrial uses where saltiest water cannot be used. The Great Aristotle told this method during 4 BC, by heating and evaporating the non-potable sale water and vapor collected as potable water. Alexander the Great used the same technique during the voyage in ships during 200 AD.

Around the world, 125 countries are adopting solar desalination technology for drinking water and agricultural uses.

Middle East                                   53.5 %

North America                              17 %

Asian Countries                           10.7 %

Europe                                          10.1 %

Central and South America        02 %

Australia                                       0.5 %

Methods of Solar Desalination

The direct method, a distilling mechanism connected with a solar collector and in a simple cycle method, the salt water converted to usable water.

The second method, an array of solar collector consisting of photovoltaic and or fluid based thermal collectors and conventional separate desalination plant. The reverse osmosis [RO] and photovoltaic panels system available for commercial use from the year 2009 onwards. In the second method, water is cheaper when the production is increased. An average of 200 Liters water can filter in one square meter Photovoltaic panel processor in a day.  This method largely used for agriculture in arid countries and acute shortage of drinking groundwater countries. Around the world, 750 million people are not drinking or not using clean water at this stage. This may go up 1.9 billion in next 8 to 10 years.

Top Countries Using Solar Desalination

The top four countries using Solar Desalination drinking water around the world:

Largest Solar Powered Desalination Plant, Saudi Arabia, 

1.    Saudi Arabia – is the largest desalination water producer in the world and leader in this process for a long time. In Al Khafiji, the largest solar photovoltaic plant installed and working successfully in the Desert Nation. By 2019, Saudi Arabia wants to convert all its plant run by solar energy. In other words, shift towards solar desalination.

2.    Israel – the desert land is the pioneer in water conservation technology. The 80 to 85 % of the wastewater recycled in Israel. The country is planning to use recycled water minimum 55% for agriculture purpose. By installing, processing, and selling their solar desalination technology, 300 more companies earn nearly $ 2.5 Billion per annum.

3.    California – is one of the largest user and 17 plants installed in California. One of the largest independent water producers is WaterFX in California, making several initiatives and kind of researches to supply good water. California uses the water for agri-business and for commercial uses.

4.    South Asia – South India one of largest solar plant installed and produces 37 million cubic meters of water per annum in one plant, and the second plant produces 100 million liters of seawater. This is to mainly to take care of drinking and for commercial uses.

The initial cost is one of the worrying factors in these solar desalination processes. At the cost of USD 1.5 to 2.0 per cubic meter of water produced. The cost varies depending upon the technology used and output made. Israel’s Hadera plant make at a cost of USD 0.65 to 0.50.

Like Mobile towers, internet connection, the Solar Desalination Plants are inevitable in any country. Just planting one tree, one person, and one year will solve this problem. Green the earth and Green your life.                    

OVERVIEW OF FOSSIL FUEL AND FUTURE RESERVES

Fossil fuel is defined as fuel obtained from prehistoric organisms. It may be any fuel containing carbon that is derived from decomposed leftovers of plants and animals that have died thousands of years ago. Examples of fossil fuel include:

• ·         Coal,
• ·         Natural gas,
• ·         Petroleum,
• ·         Peat,

Crude oil (unrefined petroleum) has been the major source of oil over the years and being the major source of energy, it has been heavily exploited over the years. Crude oil is used as the source of fuel and energy for powering automobiles, machinery, residential homes and so forth.

The world’s reliance on crude oil comes with great cost. Primarily, oil is a hydrocarbon that contains high amount of carbon, thus when burnt, crude oil gives off carbon dioxide because its carbon content combines with oxygen and therefore, the resultant carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is a little heavier than air. Moreover, carbon dioxide causes global warming; it is a greenhouse gas. Global warming is one of the major issues faced by our planet and with the incessant burning of oil in automobiles and the projected increase, the world will likely face grave issue of global warming if nothing is done about it.

Furthermore, ozone depletion is a major issue caused by the burning of fossil fuel. The ozone layer is being gradually depleted, causing the amount of ultraviolet radiations reaching the earth to increase. These demerits are indeed grave, but no effective alternative to replacing crude oil has been developed. A lot of novel technologies are propping up as alternatives. However, these technologies are not yet mature to replace crude oil as a source of energy.

Natural gas is also an excellent source of energy, and there is even a higher deposit of natural gas than petroleum, but petroleum is still the dominant source of energy for several reasons. Crude oil accounts for more than 30% of the total energy needs of the world. This figure is above that of natural gas and coal. Crude oil can be refined into various forms such as diesel fuel, gasoline, kerosene and these sources of fuel are quite indispensable in the world today. Studies show that the global reliance on crude oil is not likely to change in the next 30 years.

We the habitats of this word need to think about our environment, future generations and natural blessings of God.

DEVELOPMENT OF SUPPORT SYSTEM MODEL FOR EFFECTIVE DECISION MAKING IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

There is increased concern regarding global food safety in the present modern era. Irish pork incident that happened in 2008 caused the country-wide destruction of pork products and resulted in a fright of food borne illnesses throughout the northern global hemisphere. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 76 million cases in which people suffered food borne disease every year. About 300,000 were hospitalized while about 5000 people died in the year 2009. The US Department of Agriculture has divined a continual increase in food-related diseases in the future. Therefore, it is vital for processed foods manufacturer to take mitigation strategies and framework during production and supply chain. Moreover, it is necessary to communicate the consumers or customers well in time to prevent them from diseases.

Many manufacturers forced to modify the entire production run of a particular product due to safety concerns. For instance, Peanut Corporation of America faced safety issues for their peanut butter by the year 2009. In the recent past, the Food and Drug Administration of the United States reported many incidents ranging from labeling to packaging errors having serious health hazards.

Effective management of processed food products in the context of safety has a great challenge for the industry as well as governments. Unhygienic and contaminated food products can make a potential threat for public health. This is imperative to evaluate existing safety challenges that may generate food borne diseases. The reliable knowledge management can facilitate decision-making during manufacturing of processed food. This all is possible by employing reliability engineering that is based on both qualitative and quantitative characteristics. The measurements of reliability is important for consumer requirements compliance that demands a state of art design in reliability to attain the goals. Reliability engineering emphasizes the significance of moral engineering principles to ensure the product reliability. Identification of possible causes of failure and eradication can help to improve product reliability.

In conclusion, the processed food industry has its unique set of hazards. It is overwhelmed by a long history of fatality and disease occurrence. The study emphasizes the importance of reliability engineering including knowledge management model within the supply chain of the food industry, effective communication and identification of steps to facilitate the industry. In addition, decision management model will enable the industry to overcome the product safety issues and incidents as well as rebuild trust among their customers.

CLIMATE CHANGE CLOSING THE GENDER GAP FOR VALERIAN PLANTS

Valerian plants are likely to grow in hot and cold mountain slopes depending on their sex. The growth of male’s valerian plants depends on heat and resultantly, global warming boosting their growth in the mountains of Colorado’s Rocky. The ratio of male to female plants changes with elevation because of males and females like dry and warm as well as cold and wet conditions, respectively. The female’s plants may probably account 80% in few upland sites, but the weather is becoming warmer on up slopes of the mountain due to climate change. Subsequently, more male’s plants are growing compared to females that is an indication of climate change

According to research conducted in the Rocky Mountains forty years ago, the number of males was one third compared to females which is on the increase with the passage of time. This shows that the warmer climate is lessening the females upside the mountains. The rate of change in male to female plants share has been changing equivalent to the magnitude of climate change since the late 1970s. The upslope area is going to dry due to the melting of snow and summers are becoming warmer. Resultantly, rainfalls and moisture of soil have been moving on the upside of the slope by 133m and 195m in every decade, respectively. Subsequently, the sex ratios of valerian plants and climate have become interlinked. Hence, the researchers can use this trend as a fingerprint to predict future scenario of the species’ population.Moreover, in 2011, the researchers observed a drastic increase in the share of males to females compared to the period of 1978-1980. This may eliminate flowers by destructing female’s plants in lower altitude. In short, the scientists have the opinion that migration due to climate change may set the geographical limits for only one sex of the plants.

ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY ANALYSIS OF CAMBODIA IN PERSPECTIVE OF POPULATION DYNAMICS

1. Introduction

Cambodia has used the huge natural base asset to enjoy in building up the entire economic breakthrough but at the same time deteriorated the said resources at a greater rate of utilization. This reflects the lack of sustainability of the resources available in the state as compared to the levels of its population. Lack of proper management of the natural resources often results in the compromising of the long period economic threshold as well as conquering the poverty epidemic ("Global forest resources," 2010).

The states rural development is not as proportional comparing the public goods to the state of livelihoods as there is a decreased access and low quality that affects the poor population dearly. The people surviving below the poverty line are more prone to the frustrations of inadequacy of ownership of assets, life opportunities and are left to compromise with the changing and ever fluctuating climatic conditions of the state of Cambodia.

2. Overview of Current Challenges and Opportunities

The environment and climate change has come to be a priority concern of the government of Cambodia in the recent past, and it has been incorporated in the development schemes of the state's affairs. The studies and observations regarding the current situation showed that the government is committing itself in improving. He is addressing matters pertaining the environment and its conservation, demographic study and governance, human rights and the entire public education (Cambodia - European Community 2007; PSDA 2013).

The understanding of the environmental helps in shaping up an organism's life in the ecology. The parameters for coping in unstable areas are at stake because the survival rate depends on striving to survive as a result of improper provision of all what it takes to be an outstanding conqueror in the long run.

2.1 Environmental Concerns and Biodiversity

The most outstanding environment related security issues trending around the state of Cambodia includes the destruction and deterioration of the entire ecosystems, breakdown of the food supply chains, access to water supply, inadequate land use and poor government policies. Moreover, the issues are pertaining to the safeguarding of all the natural resources such as lack of the ability to utilize natural based products from the ecosystems and the outputs generated from the ecosystems such as forests and fisheries. There exist irresolvable disputes and high interests over resources that are scarce with the given high and rising population in the state of Cambodia. Lack of natural capital, pollution effects and the existence of conflicts over resources will be remained a newsmaker for the current situation.It may continue until proper guidelines on the empowerment of the unemployed and safeguarding of the natural resources are concerned (Dasgupta, Uwe, Craig & David, 2003. "Global forest resources," 2010).

3.0 Population Dynamics

The study of the interaction of mankind population change over a given period is known as population dynamics. It is a study that incapacitates all factors revolving around the human life including, age, birth and death rates, immigration and number of immigrants (Solbu, Engen & Diserud , 2013). Population dynamics is linked with social, economic and environment parameters that are integral for sustainable development. Figure 1 shows a graphical presentation of these parameters and their association with population dynamics. In this context, the human population trends are alarming in the state of Cambodia as they are increasing with a rapid growth rate and the available resources within the environment are constant. The entire population is of importance to the environment on both the positive and negative impacts that will be felt and seen later. The rising population in the Cambodia state is un-proportionally increasing the demands of the natural resources such as land adequacy, water availability and energy sourcing and supply.

                       

Figure1: Links between population dynamic and Sustainable development parameters

Source adopted: PSDA,2013

Population dynamics exists in the context of persistent inequalities and a major influencing factor in the development process. This also incorporates the balance of growth and associated effects that would be seen in the coming years by the future generation.

3.1 Environmental Concerns & Population Dynamics

Key environmental issues related to population dynamics in the state includes land degradation, loss of biodiversity ecosystem, deforestation, scarcity and pollution of water, natural hazards as well as disaster and change in the climatic conditions. These environmental problems have effects on the vulnerability and poverty issues, economic development and public health (Cambodia - European Community 2007; Solbu, Engen & Diserud, 2013)..

4. Population Dynamics and Biodiversity

Implications and degradation of loss of biodiversity and services offered by the ecosystem are currently being felt on the ground by the residents. It is endowed with various natural resources, regimes of hydrology, and this diversified ecosystem provides resources and source of livelihood to the major part of the entire population. There lies a fishing viability in the course of rivers and lakes in the country, and the population of the country is dependent on it. Due to this increase in population, there is a decreased levels of productivity of the fisheries industry in regards of illegal and overfishing as well as the downgrading of the critical forest covers and exhaustion of the wetlands (Cambodia - European Community 2007). The fishery sector is not only on the lead for over-exploitation of the resources in Cambodia. There is a substantial lack of proper management with regards to matters of food security, the rights of humans and the basic social, economic needs which have a significant role to play in the country.

5. Population Dynamics and Pollution Effects on Environment

The forests cover of the land of Cambodia serves as a major source of many lives and ecosystem opportunities that entail climate control and regulation, water and air purification (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009). The forests are also in charge in the regulation of water flow to river basins such as the Mekong basins in the land of Cambodia. The rate of forest clearing and deforestation is still high as the total forest cover has decreased by over 15 % annually. Loss of forest cover downgrades the flexibility of the entire ecosystem to calamities as droughts, diseases and increased effects of climate change (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009). The accelerating factors to the decline in the forests cover in Cambodia is attributed to rising population and the need of resources such as sources of energy, shelters and settlement as well as infrastructural development. The increase in demographic pressure is in course as the residents are in need of more land for cultivation and pursuing their agricultural expansion. The poor planning and management of the current land allocation, as well as land grabbing by corrupt persons and officials in the departments of forestry and conservation, are also cause of concern. The state has a record of being one of the worst in the rates of deforestation (Dasgupta et al. 2003: PSDA 2013).

Deposition of silt, use of manure and fertilizer and practice of good agricultural practices are the surviving tactics of the Cambodia agricultural ventures. This is because the land of Cambodia is of low nutritional composition and fertility for crops to thrive. Low quantity and quality production of food crops have been attributed to the infertility of the soil (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009). Demographics or population dynamics has a direct and indirect cause to this issue at stake. For instance, land degradation is hugely influenced by soil erosion that is caused by deforestation and clearing of the soil cover thus leaching off all the soil constituents to the water- ways. This poses a huge problem to the entire population as the low yield in productivity raises the concern of food security, health of the entire population and adverse effects on land and water pollution (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009).

Pollution of water bodies is much attributed to the growing and high level of the population of residents. A good example is the Tonle Sap great lake where human settlement took course long ago, and they are now reclaiming parts of the shores to add more structures. This poses a huge risk to the entire population and the aquatic life such as fish. With increasing demand for processed products for the entire population, Cambodia has experienced an increased number of the industrial establishment which has had a great impact on the state’s economic (ADB, 2007: PSDA 2013).  On the contrary, there is inadequate control over the wastes produced by the manufacturers and processors. Most of the waste eventually discharged into the water bodies, and it poses a risk to the aquatic life. Discharge of waste water into water bodies is against the conduct of good business practice. In addition, lack of management and corruption of heads of such departments should be revoked off their working permits as they are helping in no way either man or the animal life in the water (Cambodia - European Community, 2007).

As the population scales to higher levels, there is the lack of income generating activities and this leads the people of Cambodia on the move to seek other applicable alternatives elsewhere that can facilitate them to acquire sustainability. This has brought about seasonal migration to and fro the neighboring countries for specific periods of time (ADB, 2007; PSDA 2013).

The environmental concerns in the country downgrade the value and access of the available resources and in the long run generates other health problems where the most affected are the poor persons. This increases the vulnerability and complications in the economic development and the fights against poverty. The present number of persons living below the poverty line is approximately 35%. (ADB, 2007: PSDA 2013). Even though, the standards of living have improved in the recent past but there is a continued widened gap between the rich and the poor. In Cambodia, because of the high population, poverty is not only inclined to the rural areas but also in the urban (Biddulph, 2012; Wingqvist, 2009). Urban poverty is on the rise with the increasing urban population. Agriculture, forests and fisheries in Cambodia serve as an income generating activity as well as assurances and provision of food security during the hard time. The poor Cambodians depend entirely on forestry, agricultural and fishery products for their daily living (Cambodia - European Community 2007).

5.1 Population Dynamics and Natural Calamities

Increased frequency of floods, rise in the level of sea water and widespread of common vector-borne illnesses is an impact of the changes in climate in the state of Cambodia. The major population makes all things impractical and impossible in combating various issues as fighting against diseases and protection against natural calamities like floods and drought. The institutions set aside by the government to fight against such risks, and natural forces remain limited and ineffective in their ability (Biddulph, 2012). The fishing communities of Cambodia are more vulnerable to the effects and impacts of the climatic changes. This is due to low possibilities of other income generating sources as there is no land available. In the case of availability, the high prices may not suit the demand by the poor as compared to the rich (Biddulph, 2012; Wingqvist, 2009).

In addressing the impacts and effects that come up with the population dynamics in ways that protect both the rights of mankind and at the same time protecting the natural environmental resources, various frameworks and formulation have to be set to address this issues. This demands to include involvement of all stakeholders in addressing and monitoring mechanisms to look into inequalities existing in Cambodia (ADB, 2007; PSDA 2013).

Securing resources to do planning and the utilization of the available data of the entire population will help a lot in the forms of allocation of resources by the government, foreign aids and other forms of dissemination that requires the availability of data at hand.

6. Conclusion

Population dynamics refers to the interaction of change in population change over a given period and is dependent on various factors including age, birth and death rates and so forth. Sustainability of a country's population is based on the available resources. Proper control and mitigation strategy regarding the planning and allocation of resources especially among a growing population becomes hectic for everyone. However for effective conservation and maintaining of the country's heritage, strict laws and regulations should be enforced to guard and protect it. The protection of forests and water bodies is also a significant advantage for the future generation.

7. References

ADB, (2007). Country strategy and program midterm review. Cambodia 2005–2009,1-44.

Biddulph., R.  2012.  REDD and Poverty in Cambodia, Focali Report No  2012:03,

Gothenburg, Retrieved September 21,2014 from http://www.focali.se/filer/ Focali%20report%20nr.2012.03-%20REDD%20and%20 Poverty%20in%20Cambodia_final.pdf

Cambodia - European Community (2007).Strategy Paper for the period 2007- 2013,Retreived September 21,2014 from http://eeas.europa.eu/cambodia/csp/07_13_en.pdf.

Dasgupta, S, Uwe, D, Craig M, and David W, 2003. The poverty and environment news in Cambodia and Lao people’s democratic, World Bank policy research working paper, 2003, Retrieved September 21, 2014 from: http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/2003/01/2128867/povertyenvironment-nexus-cambodia-lao-peoples-democratic-republic

Forestry Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2010).Global forest resources assessment 2010: Country report, Cambodia (FRA2010/034 ). Retrieved from website: http://www.fao.org/docrep/013/al470E/al470E.pdf

PSDA (2013.) Population Dynamics, Reproductive Health and Sustainable Development: Critical Links and Opportunities Forrest-2015, Retrieved September 21, 2014 from http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/getWSDoc.php?id=2753

Solbu,E.B. Engen,S. & Diserud O.H.(2013). Changing environments causing time delays in population dynamics, Mathematical Biosciences, 244, 213–223

Wingqvist,G.O.(2009). Cambodia Environmental and Climate Change Policy Brief, Department of Economics, University of Gothenburg.

Yusuf,A.A. &  Francisco,H.A.(2009). Climate change vulnerability mapping for south East Asia. Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA) Retrieved September 21,2014 from http://www.idrc.ca/uploads/user-S/12324196651Mapping_Report.pdf

THE BLESSINGS OF FASTING AND HOLY RAMADAN (RAMAZAN)

Holy Ramadan (Ramazan) is a religious practice involving fasting and separation unto God usually held on the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar. During the season, Allah expects the Muslims to demonstrate piety and this is achieved through fasting. It is ceremonially practiced among Muslims across the world. The beautiful thing about the Holy Ramadan is not just because it is an act of obedience to Allah but it carries with it a lot of benefits which faithful Muslims believe to obtain on fasting. Obviously, a lot of people would see fasting as futile efforts but it is obviously not. Holy Ramadan is obviously not a waste of time or energy; below are some of the interesting blessings you would obtain on fasting in Holy Ramadan.

-          Protection:

Muslims across the world rely on Allah for protection. Fasting in this holy season is one of the ways to obtain such blessing from Allah. This blessing comes with a number of packages including avoiding immorality, avoiding uproar, anger, avoiding stupidity and avoiding haram.

-          Taqwa:

Taqwa is one of the blessings a faithful Muslim should receive from Allah. It is not just a blessing but it encompasses a number of other blessings. Taqwa includes blessings like the fear of Allah, acceptance of little things that one has achieved, practice of the revelations from Allah, self-control, self-discipline, self-restraints, self-education and self-evaluation.

-          The revelation of the Holy Qur’an

Muslims across the world believe that the Holy Qur’an is an embodiment of a lot of blessings. Fasting in Holy Ramadan is an interesting avenue to obtain revelation.

Moreover, great joy comes from fasting.

-          The blessings of Sahoor:

Sahoor is a practice in Islam that has great significance. It implies late night meal and the meal is an avenue for Muslims to gain a number of blessings from Allah. Such blessings include Zikr, night prayers, recitation of the Holy Qur’an, remembrance and contemplation, Dua of Fajr and the Fajr Salat.

-          Itikaf which is translated “retreat” comes at the tail end of the Holy Ramadan. During the last ten days of the Holy season, Muslims are encouraged to hold retreat which allows them to enjoy a number of blessings from Allah. This includes untold blessings and rewards, contemplation, becoming better citizens of a country and peace of mind.

It is necessary to understand what fasting stands for in Islamism. Fasting comes from the Arabic word “sawn” which means “to refrain”. Thus, the Holy Ramadan is a season where Muslims refrain themselves from things that defile and keep themselves pure before Allah.

SUSTAINABLE SOLAR BUILDINGS BY USING SOLAR PANELS

Solar energy is a clean energy capable of generating electricity and heat for homes and industries. However, to effectively utilize solar energy, solar panels have to be installed to make solar buildings

design, especially at the rooftop. Solar panels, PVs, require large surface areas in order to accumulate enough solar power that would be used in powering the building when there is no sunlight. The intensity of sunlight varies and can be affected by a number of factors. This is why solar energy is not really a reliable source of energy but in some regions of the world prone to the high intensity of sunlight, solar energy comes handy. Moreover, solar PVs store solar energy to be used when it is mostly needed in solar buildings.

If supplying electricity and energy to the building is the only function of solar panels installed on rooftops, it would have been enough. However, solar panels do much more by reducing the amount of heat reaching the roofs by about 38%. This is especially useful in regions of the high intensity of sunlight. Studies have shown that the amount of heat reaching a building ceiling can be reduced by about five degrees Fahrenheit or three degree Celsius. Larger solar panels such as tilting panels, which provide a gap between the building and the solar panel making it possible for air to circulate, have even higher levels of cooling effects than flush solar panels.

Moreover, the cost can be saved as a result of the energy saving potential of solar panels. The cost that would have been spent on cooling the home or building can be saved. It is interesting to note that the cost saving the potential of solar panel is up to five percent discount of its cost. Cooling the building is not the only advantage of solar panels. During winter, solar panels come handy as they can be very helpful in holding heat at night in the building to help warm up the home. This is also an energy saving benefit of solar panels. The heat that accumulates in the building during the day is kept from escaping and, therefore, the home is warmed up.

Solar panels come handy as it offers benefit to the buildings and the environment. The energy saving potential of solar panels cannot be overstated. Moreover, they supply energy to the home. Solar energy is one of the best plans of actions on reducing the use of fossil fuels in homes and automobiles. Although the cost of solar PVs is high, their benefits are often commensurate to the cost or even surpass the cost. However, with the advancement in technology, the costs of solar PVs are expected to fall while their efficiencies in storing solar energies are expected to rise. If the expectations on solar energy is come through, it might as well effectively replace fossil fuel as a source of energy or perhaps go a long way to serve as an alternative. However, at the present most homes in the UK, up to half a million buildings, use solar panels.

SOCIAL, CULTURAL & ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF BIRTH CONTROL

It is widely acknowledged that the advent of birth control measures has provided opportunities to women to control their body function in terms of pregnancy and childbirth. But there is a debate doing the rounds whether social, economic and cultural impacts of birth control measures have been as important as the advent and impact of vaccines and antibiotics? I believe that impact of birth control measures on the cultural, social, and economic aspects of the society has been as important as that of vaccines and antibiotics.

THE DESIRE OF DESTINY THROUGH THE WILD

Introduction

Destiny or fate is a concept based on the belief of a society or an individual that there is a permanent natural order to the cosmos in terms of occurrence of activity or happening. Fate describes events or activities as ordered or "inevitable" and inescapable. Three goddesses are dispensing fate in European and Classical mythology, known as Parcae in Roman mythology, as Moirai in Greek mythology and as Norns in Norse mythology.

In the anime Mawaru Penguindrum, Destiny has become a prominent theme that focuses on the concept that none can run away from their own fate.

Determinism is a philosophical, metaphysical position beginning for everything that occurs. There are pre-ordered conditions except those pre-ordered conditions, nothing else could take place.

Throughout the history of philosophy, deterministic theories have sprung from considerations and diverse motives and some of which overlap. Empirically, with ideas stemming from the philosophy of physics and  some form of determinism can be tested. Determinism is always contradicted with free will and the opposite of determinism can be called in-determinism.

In both Eastern and non-Eastern religion, literature and philosophy have articulated the idea that the entire universe is a deterministic system. In the philosophical schools of India, ‘Karma’, the concept of precise and repetitive effect of laws that explains the existence of all sentient beings is alike to the deterministic concept of Western. 

In Indian religions, Karma refer the concept of "deed" or "action". It is recognized as which causes the entire cycle of cause and effect originated in ancient India and treated in Jain, Sikh, Hindu and Buddhist philosophies. Karma is believed deterministic and predetermined in the universe that is combined with the decisions (free will) of a human. It builds up to determine futuristic situations that the human come across.

Pre-Socratics, Heraclitus, and Leucippus have been expressed some elements of determination in the West.  Determinism in the West is always combined with Newtonian physics. It describes the physical substance of the universe as functioning according to a set of fixed laws. With the introduction of quantum physics, the West also considered the uncertainty factor affects the causes and effects relationship. 

How different people perceive destiny? - Theoretical perspectives

In a troublesome situation, some people set back while others remain unscathed. Many studies concluded that cognitive factors such as attitudes, perceptions and personal beliefs determine how an individual responds to a negative event (Dweck, 1999; Dweck, C & Hong, 1995; Hong, C, Dweck, L & Wan 1999).

The mindsets of individuals help them navigate through their conceptual world, that shows them what needs to be approached, what needs to be avoided and how to respond when things go well as well as when things go badly. However, Implicit Theories of Relationships (ITR) still not succeeded in unveiling how mindsets about relationships influence one's behavior. (Knee, et al. 1998)

Molden, et al. (2006) concluded that people with fixed mindset in domains unrelated to relationships experience found it difficult in adapting with setbacks.  They become defensive and engage in behaviors that meant to boost their feelings of self-esteem.

There are two schools of thought; Destiny theorists who tend to attribute frustrating experiences to steady factors, whereas Growth theorists who attribute the same to controllable factors (Hong et al., 1999; Knee et al., 2003).

Warburton, et al. (2006) suggested that ostracism is an unchangeable judgment among strong destiny believers. As a result, they perceive lower levels of control, in comparison to those who hold strong growth beliefs. A deprived sense of control increases aggression within ostracized individuals.

People have many beliefs that guide them to achieve certain goals more than the others. They tend to view other individuals and themselves in either a rigid or a dynamic ways to worry or learn from inevitable setbacks and failures of life as well as relationship conflicts. Those beliefs are codified into working theories (implicit theories) of the human mindset.

Dweck, et al. (1999) identified two different levels of implicit theories;

a.       Entity theorists, who believe that personal attributes such as intelligence, personality and morality are fixed and unalterable. They form quick and rigid judgments on others. When faced with setbacks, they use defensive, self-esteem boosting behavior at the expense of problem-solving.

b.      Incremental theorists, in comparison, trust that personal attributes are flexible and can be improved. They build flexible and tentative assessments of others that are favorable to effective agreement and negotiation and answer to setbacks as chances for more learning-oriented behaviors that are necessary to resolve tricky challenges successfully.

Destiny theorists have the belief of that potential relationship partners are either compatible or they are not. Growth theorists believe through effective problem solving that relationships become cultivated. Destiny theorists speedily identify the potential success and the status of a relationship.  The viability of relationship and the compatibility of relationship partners based on limited information achieve through specific events.

Growth theorists have the contrast believe that “relationship challenges can be overcome" (Knee, et al. 2003). Growth theorists work on developing a relationship when facing obstructions, and they have the interest in maintaining the relationship.

Three aspects demanding attention about early hominin behavior are the issues of self-awareness and consciousness and Theory of Mind (ToM). Theory of Mind describes the fact that any animal has the ability to attribute its mental status to others to understand the desires, beliefs, knowledge and intentions. (Baron-Cohen, 1991; Baron- Cohen et al., 1997; Bednarik, 2011b; Frith and Happé, 1994; Happé, 1997; Happé et al., 1996; Jacques and Zelazo, 2005; Jarrold et al., 2000; Ozonoff and Miller, 1995; Premack and Woodruff, 1978).

Baumeister (1991), Bunderson and Thompson (2009) noted through observation that neoclassical approaches reveal how the term has been historically understood and emphasize a sense of prosocial duty and destiny.

Dik and Duffy (2009) recognized three elements in their review of the variety of definitions of the social sciences and humanities.

a.       The conception of an external summons is the first element. When an individual feels “called” to a precise type of work, which may come in the form of a superior power, the needs of one's country, the needs of society any other power external to the individual.

b.      The second element is that an individual approach to work aligns with a sense of purpose in life. For such persons, work is either a life domain or source of purpose in life.

c.       An individual’s career is prosaically oriented is the third component. That is individuals with a calling their career to help others directly or indirectly.

In these studies, a remarkable range of sources of the calling have been described by participants, such as some external (e.g., God, superior power), some internal (e.g., one's own interests, passions, values, and skills), and some of the participants may fall in the overlap of external and internal such as sense of destiny (e.g., what is meant to do).

A group of working adults who felt that they had a calling was selected for a study. They were asked which of the three source conceptualizations best fit where their calling originated- a sense of destiny, external summons or a perfect fit. More than half of the participants recognized with the notion of finding a perfect fit (55%), with 22% a sense of destiny and 23% identifying an external summons. Most importantly, the level of satisfaction on work among individuals was same though the source of conceptualization was diverse.

Control Your Destiny or Someone Else Will

 Jack Welsh, CEO of General Electric (GE)- the World’s Most Competitive Corporation- emphasizes the importance of facing the reality, in good as well as bad times, as an ethical obligation for managers and even for anybody whose actions affect a broader community. In his mission to bring GE to the top corporate, he had to undergo fundamental and radical changes in his organization, which he referred as a revolution. That was targeted at tackling market competition at the global level and to better service GE's customers.

 Jack restructured his organization by eliminating internal barriers such as hierarchy, functions and geography in building up closer relationships with its customers and also suppliers. All his efforts were concerned in harnessing emotional energy rather than freighting them. He had to spend months to communicate this message to all of his employees, which involved more listening than talking.

 He strongly communicated six basic rules in change management;

1.      Control your destiny or someone else will

2.      Face entity as it is, not as it was or as one wish it were

3.      Be candid with everyone

4.      Don’t manage, lead

5.      Change before you have to

6.      If one don't have a competitive advantage, don't compete

Religious beliefs on Destiny

Karma is known as "the law of cause and effect" in spiritism. It plays a imperative role in determining how a person's life should be lived. Spirits are encouraged to select when and how to undergo retribution for the mistake they executed in previous lives. Physical or mental injury, disability or even an unsuccessful life are due to the selections a spirit makes before reincarnating.

Spiritism differentiates from many more traditional religious ideas as it realizes karma as a situation inherent to the spirit. It further explains though incarnated or not: the results of the offenses committed by the spirit continue beyond the physical life and make to suffer in the afterlife. The acceptance of hardship in life is considered as a way in which a person can attain to a higher level by getting rid of pain occurred due to moral guilt.

Spiritism often admitted the plurality of inhabited worlds, and the notion of karma became significantly complex. A spirit may select to be born in a place inferior to his own as a mission or as a penance.

Western cultures have concepts similar to karma. Christian explanation similar to karma as follows:

“Comprise reap what one sows” (Galatians 6:7)

“Violence begets violence and lives by the sword, die by the sword.”  (Mathew 26:52)

In Hinduism, God is centered and plays the role as a dispenser of its version of karma. Similarly, the karma perceived by Western world portrays it as some sort of supernatural, mystical force rather than an outcome of causality.

Gender applications on Destiny

Anru (2009) pointed out the impact of gender aspect in shaping one’s own destiny based on the case studies conducted in Taiwan. The pressure coming from immediate family members can influence the decision-making capability among women. The marriage is perceived as part of a Taiwanese woman's destiny, as it can make a huge difference in family interactions. Apart from that, other stratifying factors such as age, cast, class, race, religion, nationality and sexuality within a socio-cultural system will play a key role in determining the destiny of women.

Technology impacts on Destiny

Latest years many sources point out that industrial civilization has come overshoot mode, and the natural limits to growth have been already exceeded. If the economy and population are truly beyond the limits, then current theories of social change and visions would be deeply perturbed. If the development epoch is approaching its conclusion, then many sociological theories on present societies will have to share the same destiny. 

The human beings will face two major challenges in the twenty-first century; invent substitute energy source to substitute fossil fuel and the production of food for over seven billion population. Great anxiety is generated by those two challenges alone, which can lead to desperation. However, humankind needs to face it proactively by offering positive solutions towards the betterment of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the desire of knowing the future or the destiny provides a potential for conscious social change. The perceptions held within people are created by their knowledge, cultural values, beliefs and experiences.  There are many people living in difficult circumstances, but yet hesitant to make a move due to a conservative mindset. Those who make radical changes in their life expose to high risks, however, they experience different dimensions of life. Destiny, even though people still believe as a pre-determined entity, many have disproved it. The case study on Jack Welsh concludes us the destiny can be our creation when opportunity meets the enthusiasm.

                                                           

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