Skills and Competitiveness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Skills and Competitiveness - Essay Example Advancement in technology has placed an even greater demand for skills. This is because the rate of technical change leads to higher levels of uncertainty for organizations which results in greater demand for problem solving skills   (Streeck, 1989). Countries such as the U.K are facing pressure from emerging countries such as India and China owing to their high growth rates and supply of high skills. Also, the demand for a highly skilled workforce has increased in the midst of intense global competition which has forced companies the developed nations to engage in ‘diversified quality production’ (Streeck, 1989).   On the contrary, critical studies have downplayed the importance of skills in securing innovation. In fact, the recent trend towards innovation may require â€Å"de-skilling† or reduction in the content of skills (Toner, 2011). According to these authors, the reliance on skill development through training has been reduced. This is attributed mostly to developments in the labor market such as self-employment and casualisation which require non-standard nature of work   (Toner, 2011). Furthermore, labor migration and labor mobility have further increased the power of workers and have reduced the incentives for firms to invest in developing skills of workers. Furthermore, the increased female participation in labor also acts as disincentive to train female employees with skills that they know will no longer benefit the organization once the females quit work (owing to family responsibilities or maternity leaves).

Magazine Content Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Magazine Content Analysis - Essay Example Some magazines target the minority while others target the majority. Indeed, we have minority-targeted magazine like the Black Enterprise magazine and mainstream-targeted magazines like BusinessWeek magazine. This paper presents a content analysis of minority and mainstream magazines. In doing so, the paper will explain how advertisement in minority-targeted magazines and mainstream-targeted magazine by establishing the similarities and differences there in. Ideally, advertising produces magazines that target diverse audience. A mainstream-targeted magazine refers to a magazine with a huge readership and demographic categories while minority-targeted magazine relates to a magazine with limited readership and few demographic categories. In the recent times, the number of minority-targeted magazines have been increasing subject to the appreciation, increase, and buying power of the minority. Indeed, advertisers have realized the potential in the minority and have since tailored different advertisements targeting their needs, perception, and potential. The frequency and quantity of minority-targeted magazines have led to an intrusive and consistent mode of advertising that the minority cannot afford to disregard. Some of the minority-targeted magazines include the Black Enterprise magazine, African American Golfers Digest, Black Collegian Magazine, and Black Men Magazine. With respect to the Black Enterprise magazine, we can establish that the magazine is more prominent in black neighborhoods. The magazine has a capacity to reach about 6 million people and hence the need to analyze the content of the adverts contained in the magazine. The content in Black Enterprise magazine seems to target Black Americans and their needs. Notably, the magazine contains adverts of cigarettes and alcoholic drinks that suit the social needs and purchasing power of the blacks. Most notable is the fact that adverts in the Black Enterprise magazine

Bay Of Pigs Historiography

Bay Of Pigs Historiography March 1960 marked the future of international relations between the United States and Cuba. The epic battle at the Bay of Pigs defined irrationalities between the two nations. U.S. President of the time, Dwight D. Eisenhower, ordered the central intelligence agency, otherwise known as the CIA, to use their special activities division to train, equip, and lead Cuban exiles in an invasion of Cuba. This was elaborately planned to overthrow the new communist government led by Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz. Eisenhower justified his cooperation for his opposing position stating it was the policy of the United States to aid the anti-Castro guerrilla forces. The original CIA plan called for a ship-borne invasion at the old colonial city of Trinidad, Cuba. Trinidad had good port facilities, and arguably was close to much existing counter-revolutionary activities. The CIA later proposed alternative plans, and on March 11, 1961 President Kennedy and his cabinet selected the Bay of Pigs option. Dur ing the invasion Kennedy decided not to send the air support to Cuba, for it would cause Soviet Russia to believe the United States was only a vicious world leader, giving them liable reason to attack America. However troops did not respond well to Kennedys decision since Castro took that moment to capture U.S. Military officials. The catastrophe was solely blamed on the president at the time. Like several times in history, the United States claimed it was their duty to set democratic policies in the small but important country; spreading a peaceful and efficient government gave people equal rights and laws all the while separating the elite government officials from the common population. Furthermore Castro would be unable to harm the people of Cuba if he were no longer in power, thus decreasing the illegal immigration from Cuba to America. As far as the United States was concerned it was necessary for the invasion to set some standards of living in the troubled country. However like all wars or arguments there is an opposing side and Cuba was not concerned with the same matter. Castro was furious his own people were invading their homeland. Unfortunately because he was the highest authority at the time, he initially ordered those few individuals to be exiled. The people of Cuba wanted freedom and support from a government that was anything but just. The communist country made no attempts to help its people , when concerned with gaining higher power. Castro was looked down upon as a dictator of the time despite his disapproval of dictatorships. The Cuban government order of battle is unclear and subject to dispute, although most sources generally credit Fidel Castro with centrally directing the overall strategy from Havana. Today the Bay of Pigs invasion is once again looked through two different perspectives. The United States is content in believing their decision to invade was correct and history has obviously repeated itself with the recent war in Irag and the decision to invade Pakistan. However there are several controversial theories claiming President Kennedy did not in fact order the cease of the air support. Many historians believe the CIA went against official government orders and took it upon themselves to delay the message to aircraft transporters. John F. Kennedy may simply be the innocent by-standard that issued a command that small, tangent groups refused to follow. The argument once again has an opposition, and Castro-followers believe Kennedy and Castro might have been in a secret society together; somewhat of a masonic cult of their own. Conspiracies continue to arise throughout our modern historical perspectives yet our history cannot be rerecorded. Of course relations between the United States and Cuba only became worse with the Cuban Missile Crisis and extend to sour interactions into present day history. Today Cuba and America are far from cooperating neighbors and the battle continues. Until Castros recent exit from the Cuban government office in 2008 and the reelection of the United States President, both nations have constantly vowed to fight until the end. We ceased trade with Cuba while they released all of their fugitive prisoners to contribute to the illegal immigration overload in America. They have waged vengeance upon each other like angry siblings without parental supervision. Even as a leading world power the American government has done little to compromise and solve the international affairs. With the hope of a new government in control of both countries, the history is at chance to change for the better and one day prosper as an ally.

Rowing :: essays research papers

Rowing, the Best Team Sport   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‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Rowing, the thrilling team sport that gets you physically/mentally fit and provides you a second family with many friends. In the sport of crew, teamwork is very crucial. With that teamwork comes new friends and wonderful coaches. Even though you might think this is a physical sport it is also considered to be a mental sport. Just think, baseball has nine innings, approximately two hours of play and a lot can change in that period of time for a loss or win. With crew you only have about seven minutes to get your eight man boat down a two thousand-meter racecourse to receive a medal or win. If you have the lead it is mentally hard to come back and win for the rowers behind the top three boats. Aside of the teamwork going on is the individual effort that you yourself is contributing to the boat. As you are out on the water in the eight man boat you always need to give it your all even if it means pain. In fact, our coach just tells us to eat pain. As you are giving 100% and in pain, your brain is working 100% too. Handle height, legs down quick and hands down and away quick along with the part of feathering the blade. Those are the things you focus on during a race. Oh yeah you also have a cool little person screaming at you to pull harder. They are known as the coxswain (Cox-in). When the coach isn’t there listen to them because they are the assistant coaches. All this is the first stride you take to get that gold medal. Come on you can do one more push up! When you’re in the gym you do not have the support of teammates. At crew you will not give up because of the support you have from your teammates behind you. In the gym you can just say, â€Å"Oh that set can be done another day,† and give up. We have in crew on Tuesday and Thursday a 2k-meter ergometer (erg) test to see who will be in an 8A boat, that is our eight fastest men of our crew. These are the days that you need your friends behind you pushing you so your time comes true that the couch gives you. I know this might seem harsh but when it is all over with you feel very great about the way you look and how you just pulled on the 2k test.

Assessor S Script

The Assessor: After hearing the definition of NC II -? CSS, we can say that it is very important. It has its own importance and benefits like for example, work. Nowadays, if we would like to apply on a company, it will serve as your weapon in applying. NC II – CSS is accredited on foreign countries. NC II -? CSS is important because it will give you additional knowledge and an advantage to challenges. The Assessor: Moving on, we are now going to tackle the Core Competencies of NC II – CSS. There are 4 Units of Competencies. These are: Install Computer Systems and Network Diagnose Computer Systems and NetworkConfigure Computer Systems and Network Maintain Computer Systems and Network Installing Computer Systems and Network – This module will teach you how to install a single boot or a dual boot SO in one computer unit. Diagnose Computer Systems and Network -? This will teach you how to diagnose computer systems and network. It involves Assembly/Disassembly of a sy stem where in you will be observe if you obey the safety precautions and the proper handling of the parts of a system. Configuring Computer Systems and Network – This module will teach you how to configure computer systems and network.In this part also allows you to teach file sharing through network. In this part, you will do the cabling and what is the right pattern of cabling should be used. Maintain Computer Systems and Network – This module will teach you how to maintain Computer systems and network. In this part, you will be interview. The Interview involves the different malfunctions or errors encountered in maintaining a computer. The Assessor: What are the things we should prepare? We have to prepare the following: Application Form Test Package Attendance Sheet Self-Assessment Guide Competency Assessment Result Summary Tools and EquipmentThe Assessor: The Application Form was given to you ahead of this assessment. I will give it to you for you to recheck if yo u missed something. The assessor will now distribute the Application Form to its respective applicant. The Assessor will now guide the candidate on filling up the Application Form. The Assessor: Use BLACK INK only. The first thing you should to do is to sign the Applicant's Signature. After that is the date that you have accomplished the form. Under that is the Name Of School where the assessment center is located, Address location of the school and the Title of Assessment you have applied for.In this case you will put, NC II – Computer Hardware Servicing. Under that is the Qualifications. It has two options which is Full Qualification of COCO. Tick the Full Qualification. Next is the Client Type. Tick the DUVET Graduating Student. The Profile part consists of the Surname, First Name and Middle Name. Use Capital Letters only. Mailing Address consists of Number/ Street, Bargain, District, City, Province, Region and Zip Code. Fill up your Mother's Name, Father's Name and Sex. C heck the Male Box if you are a boy and if girl, check the Female Box. Next is the Civil Status. Check ONE only.Contact Numbers, Highest Educational Attainment, check College Level. Birthrate, You should write in following format MM/AD/W and your Birthplace. Do not put the hospital but the CITY you were born. Put your Work Experience if you have. Name of the Company, Position, Inclusive Dates, Monthly Salary, Status of Appointment and Number of Years Working. Next is the Other Training/Seminars Attended. The seminars that you should mention are on NATIONAL QUALIFICATION-RELATED. Next is Licenser Examinations that you had passed and Lastly The Competency Assessment's that you have passed.The Assessor: Under the Application Form is the, Admission Slip. Please cut the Admission Slip and Pass the Application Form to me. The assessor will collect the Application Form and leave the Admission Slip to the candidates. The assessor will now verify the information written on the Application For m. If there are still information lacking, you will give it back to the candidate and let him fill up the missing information. If verification is done and no error is sighted, the assessor will now explain the proper procedures in filling up the information on the Admission Slip.The Assessor: Do not write anything on the Reference Number. Leave it blank. Write your name on the Name of Applicant Field. Next is you Contact Number or Telephone Number. The Assessment you applied for is NC II – CSS (Computer Hardware Servicing. The Official Receipt Number was given to you after you settle the payment for this assessment. Please indicate the date where you pay to the Date Issued side. On, the lower right portion of the slip, Write your name in PRINT and put your signature above it. Lastly, the date of your assessment should be indicated. The Assessor: Any questions?If there are no questions, you can now proceed on checking of attendance. The Assessor: will now check your attendance . The assessor will now distribute the attendance to the candidates. The Assessor: Let me remind you this, you can use blank ink only. Each attendance sheet will only accommodate 10 persons each. Each person will fill up 3 attendance sheets. The number you have filled up on the attendance should be similar or the same to the corresponding attendance sheets. Let the candidates sign on the attendance sheet, compare the signatures of candidates on admission slip against the signature on the attendance sheet.The Assessor: Here with me is the Self-Assessment Guide. This is an indication that you know and can perform all units of competency enumerated in this qualification. If you checked â€Å"No† at least one of these questions indicates that you are not competent. In every end qualifications, fill up the Candidate's Name and the Date. Please read the instructions carefully and answer all the questions outlined in the document. Use black ink only. The Assessor: If you need assist ance, I will be more than Willing to assist you. The self-assessment guide was given to the candidate by the processing officer of the assessment center.The competency assessor explains and guides the candidate in accomplishing the Self-Assessment Guide. After the candidate is through with accomplishing the Self-Assessment Guide, you will review the answers and will give feedback to the candidates. The Assessor: Now, you are now going to fill up the Test Package and the Competency Assessment Result. Fill out the following fields, the Name of the Candidate, Date of Assessment and name Of Assessment Center. Avoid erasures and use black ink only. The assessor will now double check the fields of the candidates and let them ill out the lacking information and verifies it.The competency assessor orients/briefs the candidates. The assessor should explain the following. The Assessor: What are the tools and equipment used in the assessment? In networking, you will use Crimping Tool, U TOP Ca ble and an RUG-45. You will be given ;o (2) RUG-ass. In Installing Computer System, you will use a CD and Computer Unit. Lastly, in Diagnose Computer System and Network, you will use a Computer System and a screw. Please handle the tools and equipment with care. If you unfortunately broke a tool or equipment, you will replace it with a new one.The Assessor: As the in-charge person here, will set my Rules and Policies during Assessment Procedure. These are the rules: The candidate can only left the assessment room if he or she has the consent of the assessor. No talking during assessment hours. Observe Silence. The Assessor: Do you have any clarifications? If none, you can now designate different qualifications to the candidate. The Assessor: Candidate 1, 2 and 3 will do the Installing Computer Systems and Network. Candidate 4, 5 and 6 will do the Diagnose Computer and Systems and Network. Candidate 7, 8 and 9 will do the Configure ComputerSystem s and Network and lastly, Candidate 1 0 will do the Maintain Computer Systems and Network. You now instruct Candidate 1 to enter the assessment room. (to be followed by Candidate 2, 3 etc. ). Provide the candidate with all materials, tools and equipment required to complete the tasks. At this point, you give the Specific Instructions to the candidate clear and slowly. The Assessor: From this point, I will give you the Specific Instructions. The Assessor: Using the materials, tools and equipment, you are required to perform the tasks within hours. I will be observing you while you are performing the tasks.The Assessor: After your demonstration, I will ask you questions related to your demonstration. The Assessor: You may call me when there is a need for me to translate or explain items for clarification. The Assessor: After the questioning portion, I will give you feedback about your performance. The Assessor: Any questions/clarifications? If there are no more questions, you may start now. While the candidate performs th e activity you must remind or observe the candidate if he obey the safety precautions in doing a certain task. F one candidate is done on the task you designated, designate him a new ask.The Assessor: You were (give the strong points of the candidate followed by the weak points) If the candidate was found to be competent say: The Assessor: You performed the tasks within the standard requirements of the Qualification. Note: Present the CARS or the Competency Assessment Result to the candidate to affix his signature on the candidate's signature portion. This is a proof that he accepts your assessment decision. If the candidate was found not yet competent say: The Assessor: am sorry. You were not able to perform within the standard requirements of the Qualification.You have to review/practice the activities related to the competency requirements of the Qualification further. The Assessor: You can only comeback if there is another schedule of assessment for you to reassess or when you f eel confident enough that you have acquired the competence. Do not worry you will only be reassessed on the part of activity that you were found not yet competent. Proof that he accepts your assessment decision. Complete the rating sheets and other documents and submit there to the Manager of the Assessment Center The Assessor: Now you know the results, What are the requirements in lamming your NC II -? CSS Certificate?

Nanotechnology Use in Fire Protection †Need for Environmental Friendliness Essay

There is a serious need to develop a more effective fire protection technology as the morbidities and the mortalities from the current seem to be rather insufficient. However, the nanotechnology fire protection industry is still in the infancy stage, developing solutions that are out of reach of the common man today. Nanotechnology is not only found to increase the durability, strength and efficiency of the material, but also increase it fire resistance along with self-cleansing action. A great number of fire-retarders have nanotechnology incorporated. A checklist needs to be prepared that would be required by the end user to ensure adequate protection of human life and the environment. Nanotechnology can also help in the detection and prevention of fires. The technology seems to be promising with various applications. However, only if the stakeholders become more interested would this technology become cheaper and permit more extensive use. Introduction Due to the serious impact of fire on the mortality, morbidity (burns, etc) and the losses to property, there is an urgent need for fire protection considering the overcrowding in cities and the serious impact of fires on the environment. In the year 2003, about 70 billion Euros were lost over fire damages, and hence, people are trying to build fire resistant buildings with both active and passive features (Innovations Report, 2004). Nanotechnology currently has a very small market segment as more and more fire-resistant materials and electronics are being used to tackle fire problems. In the Beijing Olympics concluded in the year 2008, fire protection was adequately provided in various sports construction sites by the use of Nanotechnology. There are more than 48 different applications in fire protection with nanotechnology. Some of the common applications required in fire protection include smoke detectors, alarm systems, resistant building material, etc, and nanotechnology has held strong promises in curbing some of the problems of the future (Innovations Report, 2004). In the year 2004, the nanotechnology market in the fire segment was 30 billion dollars, and is expected to almost double within a decade of introduction. As molecules can appropriately be modified to make them more fire-resistant, companies around the world are increasingly creating these modifications. Each year the nanotechnology market grows by about 25%. Nanotechnology is also said to be environmentally-friendly. China is said to be the current leader in the use of nanotechnology in fire protection (Innovations Report, 2004). The EPA is also supporting research in the use of nanotechnology for fire protection and safety. In February 2007, the EPA published a White paper on Nanotechnology and considered the same to help in preventing pollution to the environment. The White paper also focused on responsible use of nanotechnology by using recycling of the same and also ensures that the same was not toxic to the populations (EPA, 2007). Using nanotechnology has several advantages in reducing pollution & ill-effects on the environment:- 1. Reducing any waste substances that are released into the environment, 2. Using substances that are not so toxic, 3. Using conservative methods that could effectively reduce pollution and also recycling and reusing material, thus effectively preventing wastes 4. Increase in the general surface area of the article 5. Improvement in the strength of the material without considerable increase in the weight 6. Materials that use less raw materials and lesser electricity during manufacture 7. Changes to the electrical conductivity, color and opaqucity of the materials 8. Products that are used become less self-cleansing can be used 9. there would be a reduced need to have chemicals that would retard flames and fires 10. Components that are used in construction of automobiles can become more resistant to wear and tear, erosion and fatigue 11. Nanoscale catalysts can effectively help to reduce pollution 12. using the nanoscale catalysts, raw materials would be utilized more efficiently and reduced amounts of wastes would be generated (EPA, 2007) Advantages of Nanotechnology with reference to fire protection Body Nanotechnology involves the use small particles of materials or manipulating them in such a way that their properties would be enhanced, with potential application on a larger scale especially for construction purposes. Nanotechnology involves creating these modifications at ten to the power of -9 of a meter or the nanometer level. It is a new science with more recent applications and can be considered to be an extension of work that has been occurring on a microscopic level (micrometer). Processes and products with concrete, steel, glass, and composites are using nanotechnology. The concrete that would be used can be manipulated easily and is more durable, stronger and environmentally-friendly. Steel and glass can become tougher. Once, these materials are stronger, durable, and tougher, and their manipulation is improved, the impact on the environment would also be positive as the materials are more efficient. Not only is the process of manufacture improved by using nanotechnology, but also during actual fabrication or manipulation at the construction site (Mann, 2006). Most of the nanotechnology applications have been held back due to the limitations in costs. Nanotechnology is quite expensive for the modern world to incorporate due to the infancy of technology. With costs of using the same very high and rather very limited applications, many people prefer ignoring nanotechnology, resulting in isolation. Researchers feel that within the next five years, there could be significant use of nanotechnology in the field of constructions and others, such that application of the same would not be so exorbitant. Nanotechnology at the moment requires strong funding for research and motivation. The government needs to take an active role in the same with interest in improving the current environmental degradation. Besides, researchers and the industry need to collaborate more strongly. There should be a strong thirst for innovation such that nanotechnology should be applied with greater force (Mann, 2006). With the introduction of any kind of new technology, importance should be given to the life-cycle of the products, toxicity of the product and exposure that could be occurring to both humans and others in the environment. With relation to the life-cycle several factors need to be taken into consideration including design, level of production, application of the product, disposal, disintegration in the environment, etc. At the users end, a checklist need to be utilized that would ensure that enough of prevention is taking place in protecting the environment and human life. Some of the queries that can form a part of this checklist include:- ? Steps need to be taken to reduce the unintended consequences of the life-cycle of the product ? Real-time application of the products that can prevent pollution ? Barriers that are present for adopting nanotechnology in the modern world ? Methods of overcoming these barriers ? Areas of nanotechnology in which further research needs to be performed ? Manner in which the beneficial properties of nanotechnology can be used to create innovative products that can reduce pollution ? Role the regulatory bodies, courts and the government can perform (EPA, 2007) Today, the walls of homes and offices have huge amounts of lead in the paints and often this can be toxic during use or disposal. Nanotechnology and nanoengineering can help improve the composition of these materials such that they are less toxic to human health and the environment. Today, the impact of floods and erosion beaches are very critical considering the ill-effects of global warming. By changing the way natural materials function at the nanoscale, their environmental-friendliness can be improved (EPA, 2007). Not only would nanotechnology help in reducing the carbon dioxide levels by changing how the material works at the nanoscale, but also help the way in which a building is using energy (EPA, 2007). The same modification to cement can effectively help in fire protection as spray-on coats. The present cements that are being used are very brittle and need polymers to make them more adhesive. With modifications at the nanoscale to cement, they are stronger, more durable and can tolerate high temperatures when present in coats. Effectively carbon nanotubes (CNT’s) are mixed with cement material to mimic something similar to composites with high strength. Another option instead of using CNT’s is polypropylene which is a cheaper option and can improve fire protection (Mann, 2006). Using nanotechnology, better solar cells can be manufactured that are more efficient and cheaper. Besides, nanotechnology can help in heat recovery and also in treatment of water and air at the building. However, these technologies are not current and scientists are suggesting that they can be used, although we have already woken up to the dawn of the future (EPA, 2007). The self-assembly of buildings can be improved using nanotechnology. Molecules can be designed into complementary shapes such that they produce only minimum energy, which effectively helps in fire prevetion (Mann, 2006). Nanotechnology also plays an important role in fire hazard management and prevention. Today having a nanocomposite as one of the materials present in the flame retardant has been considered an advantage. Cross linked systems that provide polyureas and polyurethane foams seem effective in controlling fires. Another new tool that has been developed to combat flames is confocal microscopy (used in chemical analysis and material testing by collecting the light that is in focus and excluding light out of focus) (Leica, 2010). Previously, all the flame retardant systems had certain toxic components that could harm human life and have a negative effect on the environment. However, flexible and rigid polyurethane structures have been used in a number of applications such as furniture, mattresses, carpets, cars, aircrafts, etc. By altering them at the nanoscale, their resistance to fire can be improved. Previously, the open cell structures of the foams prevented stability during fire fighting. Even additives that increase the foam stability would have a negative effect on the environment. These additives include halogens and phosphorus based compounds that have a negative effect over human health. As most of these substances are volatile, during fire fighting, the high temperature would cause evaporation of these materials causing more damage to the environment (EPA, 2007). Nanotechnology can also be used to develop nano-electromechanical systems and circuitry that would connect detectors at various places in the buildings. The nano-devices would be effectively embedded into surfaces and would be able to detect fire easily (Mann, 2006). Another application of nanotechnology for fire protection is in nanoclays that can help to lower the rate at which plastics burn as it can increase the char forming abilities and prevents plastics from melting and dripping. When used along with other flame retardants, there is more effective fire retardation (EPA, 2007). With regards to fire protection specifically certain queries need to be answered in the checklist:- ? Extracting of raw materials during processing should not be damaging to the environment ? Emission of nanomaterial to the environment ? Reaction or additives to polymers ? Nanomaterials properties during use ? Exposure of nanomaterials to the industrial workers during manufacture ? Reaction of nanomaterials to light, heat, dust, etc ? Ability to recycle the nanomaterials ? Protection of workers during manufacture ? Nanomaterials during combustion and burning ? Ability to transport the nanomaterial ? Effects of exposing the user to nanomaterial A company by name GreenShield FR has developed a nanomaterial treatment for several groups of materials including polyester so that the material can become fire resistant as well as provide protection from water and staining. There are three sets of coat which are applied of the nanomaterial onto the surface. The first layer helps the nanomaterial to adhere to the parent material. The second layer offers repellency and self-cleansing action, and the third layer offers fire-resistance. At the end, the entire material is non-flammable. When these materials degrade they do not release any kind of toxic material into the environment. Nanoclays on the other hand help to lower the amount of energy that is liberated during fire. The nanoclays prevent the materials from bursting and disintegrating and further adding to the fire that has been activated. Nanoclays ensures that the materials burn slowly and at a lower temperature and can work along with several fire retardants (Betts, 2008). Conclusion Nanotechnology is offering strong promises to the field of fire protection, although very little is being utilized today due to the exorbitant costs of nanomaterials. However, these materials are not only more effective and safer, but also more environmentally-friendly. Within the next five years, with greater innovations and understanding of nanotechnology it would be easier to use this technology. Using nanotechnology, materials not only become fire-resistant but also stronger, durable and better self-cleansing. Using nanotechnology, fire cannot only be prevented and retarded, but also monitored and detected using nano-electromechanical detectors. The future for nanotechnology looks good, but researchers and academic organizations should continue with their search to make this technology more affordable and effective. References Betts K. S. (2008). â€Å"New Thinking on Flame Retardants. † Environ Health Perspect. 2008 May; 116(5): A210–A213. http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC2367656/ EMBL (2010). Leica Manual, Retrieved on July 10, 2010, from Web site: http://www. embl. de/ExternalInfo/almf/htdocs/almf_website/pdf/TCS_SP2_09052000. pdf EPA (2007). Pollution Prevention through Nanotechnology Conference, Retrieved on July 10, 2010, from Web site: http://www. epa. gov/oppt/nano/p2docs/final_nano-conf-brochure. pdf Innovations Report (2004). Nanotechnology in Fire Protection can save Life and secure Health, Retrieved on July 10, 2010, from Web site: http://www. innovations-report. com/html/reports/studies/report-29292. html Mann, S. (2006). Nanotechnology and Construction, Retrieved on July 10, 2010, from Web site: http://nanotech. law. asu. edu/Documents/2009/10/Nanotech%20and%20Construction%20Nanoforum%20report_259_9089. pdf Occupational Health & Safety (2010). Microtechnology vs. Nanotechnology, Retrieved on July 10, 2010, from Web site: http://ohsonline. com/articles/2010/01/01/microtechnology-vs-nanotechnology. aspx PHYSORG (2010). Chemist monitors nanotechnology’s environmental impact, Retrieved on July 10, 2010, from Web site: http://www. physorg. com/news188736302. html