...Deep Impact: Fracturing Planet Earth for Clean Energy Deep Impact: Fracturing Planet Earth for Clean Energy 1 Name University WGU Student ID# Deep Impact: Fracturing Planet Earth for Clean Energy 2 Shale gas has been acclaimed as the solution for a clean energy alternative. It burns cleaner than both coal and oil. There are vast quantities located in several shale formations domestically, in the United States (U.S.). Natural gas is an odorless, colorless hydrocarbon composed mostly of methane found deep in the earth in formations known as shale. In mid-1997, George Mitchell, an independent prospector made a discovery that would change the natural gas exploration industry for the twenty-first century. (Hinton, 2012). The modification of the well completion technology known as hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling allowed the oil and gas industry the ability to tap into natural gas reserves trapped in shale deposits miles beneath the earths’ surface. (Hinton, 2012). Mitchell found that forcing fracking fluid at extremely high pressure into the shale formations created fissures in surrounding rock releasing the hydrocarbons and capturing them in the well head. The fracking fluid, also referred to as slick water, is made up of water, chemicals, and sand. Heywood (2012) reports that members of the energy and commerce committee of the U.S. House of Representatives said that between 2005 and 2009 the oil and gas service companies were using over 2,500...
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...SUBDOMAIN 105.1 - COLLEGIATE READING SKILLS SUBDOMAIN 105.2 - BASIC INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SKILLS Competencies: 105.1.1: Reading With Comprehension - The graduate constructs meaning by using multiple strategies to comprehend a variety of texts. 105.1.2: Reading Critically - The graduate identifies relationships among ideas, points of view, and language choices by reading critically. 105.2.2: Evaluating Information - The graduate accurately evaluates the validity, reliability, and significance of information in a given context. 105.2.3: Documenting Sources - The graduate documents sources consistently and accurately. Introduction: For this task, you will find 10 sources for your proposed research paper, list the sources in APA format on a reference page, and provide an annotation for each source. The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to summarize sources, evaluate their quality and credibility, and assess their relevance. Task: A. Develop an appropriate, arguable working thesis statement with two to four main points to research. Note: Include your thesis statement at the top of the annotated bibliography. B. Prepare an annotated bibliography of at least 10 credible sources that you plan to use in your research by doing the following: 1. Provide a full APA-formatted reference citation for each source. 2. Provide an annotation (suggested length of 150 words) for each source in which you do the following: a. Provide a reasonable...
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...Danielle J Adams 000296145 QBT1 Language & Communication 14 May 2003 References Hickey, A. (2010). Cloud Computing. The Year of the Cloud...For Real This Time. Para 3. Retrieved from http://www.crn.com/slide-shows/cloud/232301107/10-cloud-predictions-for-2012.htm This reference offers information on the direction that Cloud Computing has taken and is taking in 2012. Hickey, offers the reader a perspective into prediction based on his account of current corporations and organizations direction into the significance of this service. Tadjer, R. (2010). Cloud Computing. What is Cloud Computing? Para 2 – 3. Retrieved from www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372163,00.asp This reference offers the reader understanding into how cloud computing is used in capitalism and the effects on the average consumer. This reference also offers understanding into privacy factors that come into play with cloud computing. Evans, B. (2013). Oracle Software Chief Thomas Kurian: 10 Strategic Cloud Computing Insights. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/oracle/2013/05/08/oracle-software-chief-thomas-kurian-10-strategic-cloud-computing-insights/ This reference offers information regarding important issues expressed by customers of Oracle and the challenges faced when using this cloud computing software. This article gives insight to some of the implemented changes made by Executive V.P. of Product Development for Oracle software Thomas Kurian. Kurian discusses some...
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...Gun Control: Effects on Crime and Violence QBT1 - Task 4: Document Revisions Western Governor’s University Gun Control: Effects on Crime and Violence The topic of gun control in the U.S becomes more popular in the wake of horrific gun crimes and mass shootings. , but tHowever, the public might be surprised to find that the intended results of gun control laws might prove to be historically ineffective in preventing future gun violence from occurring in America and that there is perhaps a more suitable solution for the problem.. In order to properly understand the breadth of the gun control topic, it would be wise to also properly understand the history of gun controls in the U.S. as well as what gun control actually is. Gun Control seems to have a slightly differing definition depending on which source is defining the term. For the purposes of this essay, the following sources will be used: dictionary.com defines the term “gun control” as the “government regulation of the sale and ownership of firearms”, while Merriam-webster’s website defines gun control as “regulation of the selling, owning, and use of guns” (Gun control, n.d.). Each of the definitions states that the regulation of guns by the unspecified government would seek to control the sale, ownership, and/or use of a gun. In relationship to the United States, there have been several famous and infamous laws written to target gun control in one way or the other. To some, the history...
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...The Nutritional Value, Health, and Environmental Implications of Organic Foods QBT1 Research Paper Organic food has grown in popularity over the past 24 years. This is evident in the rapid growth of the organic foods industry, growing by 20% every year since 1990. As of 2005, sales realized within this industry amounted to over 13 billion. The organic food industry is a complex industry that is characterized by fluctuations in consumer preferences which stem from the fact that there is varying scientific information on the safety and benefits of organic foods. Research shows that consumers perceive organic food to be more nutritional, improve general health, and safe for the environment. However, are these general perceptions valid? Do organic foods lead to improved health? And are they truly safe for the environment. Over the past two decades, there has been increasing consumer concern over the health and environmental implications of consuming conventionally grown products and the techniques used by conventional farmers. This largely stems from rigorous consumer awareness programs that have been conducted by a number of environmental groups. Anxiety by consumers over the health and nutritional implications of consuming conventional foods as compared to organic foods led to the increased need for the debate on the environment by marketers of food for consumption by the public masses (Paul & Rana, 2012, p. 412). This increased awareness and anxiety on the part of the...
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...[Industrial regulation pertains to the government regulation of firms’ prices or rates within industries. These regulations are in existence to prevent companies from forming a monopoly, to promote competition and achieve allocative efficiency.] (Brue, 2011) In the mid-1800’s industry began to grow and many companies were becoming monopolies by being dominant firms in their industry. They would drive up prices by using questionable tactics. Different businesses and consumers began to complain to the government about the unfairness of prices The government responded with the Sherman Act of 1890 making both monopoly and conspiracies to restrain trade criminal offenses. While the Sherman Act was for breaking up Monopolies, there was nothing in place to stop companies from using practices that would form a monopoly. Therefore, the government came up with the Clayton Act of 1914 this strengthened the Sherman Act by making it illegal for firms to engage in such practices. The communication, energy and water where industries were taking advantage of consumers. These three entities each have either have a high barrier to entry or is so unique that competitors stay out, they are therefor considered Natural Monopolies. They are business where the cost of service and or product can create a cost to the consumer that is lowest when created on a large scale typically with a single source supplier. A natural monopoly usually occurs when the first company to bring the service and or product...
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...Running Header: QBT1 Task 4 1 Language and Communication: Final Dianne Pacifico QBT1: Task 4 - Revisions January 29, 2013 Western Governors University Alcohol-‐Based Hand Rubs vs. Handwashing Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs versus Handwashing Efficacy Hand hygiene has been the foundation of preventing nosocomial infections throughout the hospital. It has been taught for several generations that hand hygiene is effectively accomplish through the use of handwashing with soap and water. Unfortunately, studies have shown that handwashing practices have fallen out, which have led to a noticeably low compliance rate with health care workers. This in turn has led to an increase of nosocomial infections, and has had a negative impact on improving the health of patients who rely on physicians, nurses and other ancillary staff who have direct contact with them. Fortunately, an introduction of a new product has been able to change the statistical data with low compliance rate for hand hygiene. Some facilities have introduced the use of alcohol-based hand rubs as an alternative to the conventional handwashing techniques to help decrease the rate of nosocomial infections. There are several factors that indicate a better efficacy rate with using hand rubs versus handwashing. Studies have shown that health care workers have listed barriers and constraints that prevent them from practicing proper hand hygiene; therefore, leading...
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...Topic Pet ownership and its benefits Research question: Are there any benefits to owning a pet? Thesis Statement Research suggests that owning a pet is beneficial because it helps alleviate depression, reduces anxiety, reduces stress and promotes interpersonal interaction with others. References Reference #1 Moore, A. (2002). Get a Pet-Doctor's Orders http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/happy-health-benefits-adopting-pet This article explains why some doctors are now starting to recommend pet prescriptions to some patients who live alone. It explains how a pet can have a positive effect on your emotional and physical health when dealing with health issues such as cancer and high blood pressure. There was a study conducted by the University of California’s Center for Animal Alternatives. The study showed that pet ownership was especially beneficial to elderly individuals as they are susceptible to depression and feelings of loneliness. The study showed that pets were able to provide feelings of comfort which helped with the feelings of loneliness and depression. Dr. Becker traveled across the country and conducted 350 interviews with scientists, physicians and experts to find how an animal has the ability to detect and treat some diseases and conditions. The people interviewed were experts from the National Institute of Health and Harvard University’s School of Medicine and the Mayo Clinic. . The study done by Dr. Becker found that...
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...Rising Student Loan Default Rate: The Next Financial Crisis in the United States Rebecca Richards QBT1 - Language and Communication: Research October 1, 2012 Rising Student Loan Default Rate: The Next Financial Crisis in the United States Introduction Higher education is an important resource for career focused people here in the United States. In order to attend college, most students have to take out loans in order to cover the cost of attending. However, the rising rate of student loan defaults has recently become a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Economists agree that the rising amount of student loan default can prove to be a good indicator when seeking to predict future payments on student loans (Ismail, Serguieva, & Singh, 2011). Recent studies have shown that the growing rate of student loan default on higher education loans could cause another financial crisis in the United States because the loans are government backed, the cost of higher education is on the rise, and unemployment rates are on the rise preventing repayment. Taking on student loans can feel like and endless cycle of entrapment to the borrowers and they are often left with the belief that they have no other choice than to default on their loans. It is impossible to say with 100% certainty where the culpability lies for this unfolding crisis. One point of view is that the students may be at fault for not fully understanding the magnitude of the debt they are taking on...
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