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Category Archives: Eco System

5 Most Eco-Friendly Cars of 2014

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BOSTON (TheStreet) -- Whether you're looking to increase the amount of "green" on the planet or just in your wallet by reducing your gasoline consumption, here's a look at 2014's most eco-friendly automobiles.

"Consumers are becoming more savvy in understanding what a given car can offer in fuel benefits, and I think auto manufacturers are responding by providing a large array of [eco-friendly cars]," says Shruti Vaidyanathan of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, which recently released its 17th annual Greenest Vehicles list.

The ACEEE compiled this year's rundown by estimating how much pollution every 2014 model sold in America will create over the vehicle's lifetime -- not just on the road, but also during the car's construction and eventual disposal.

Vaidyanathan says consumers who buy eco-friendly models not only create less air pollution, but help make green cars more popular and encourage manufacturers to develop even-cleaner offerings.

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5 Most Eco-Friendly Cars of 2014

Ecosystem ecology – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Ecosystem ecology is the integrated study of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of ecosystems and their interactions within an ecosystem framework. This science examines how ecosystems work and relates this to their components such as chemicals, bedrock, soil, plants, and animals.

Ecosystem ecology examines physical and biological structures and examines how these ecosystem characteristics interact with each other. Ultimately, this helps us understand how to maintain high quality water and economically viable commodity production. A major focus of ecosystem ecology is on functional processes, ecological mechanisms that maintain the structure and services produced by ecosystems. These include primary productivity (production of biomass), decomposition, and trophic interactions.

Studies of ecosystem function have greatly improved human understanding of sustainable production of forage, fiber, fuel, and provision of water. Functional processes are mediated by regional-to-local level climate, disturbance, and management. Thus ecosystem ecology provides a powerful framework for identifying ecological mechanisms that interact with global environmental problems, especially global warming and degradation of surface water.

This example demonstrates several important aspects of ecosystems:

These characteristics also introduce practical problems into natural resource management. Who will manage which ecosystem? Will timber cutting in the forest degrade recreational fishing in the stream? These questions are difficult for land managers to address while the boundary between ecosystems remains unclear; even though decisions in one ecosystem will affect the other. We need better understanding of the interactions and interdependencies of these ecosystems and the processes that maintain them before we can begin to address these questions.

Ecosystem ecology is an inherently interdisciplinary field of study. An individual ecosystem is composed of populations of organisms, interacting within communities, and contributing to the cycling of nutrients and the flow of energy. The ecosystem is the principal unit of study in ecosystem ecology.

Population, community, and physiological ecology provide many of the underlying biological mechanisms influencing ecosystems and the processes they maintain. Cycling of energy and matter at the ecosystem level are often examined in ecosystem ecology, but, as a whole, this science is defined more by subject matter than by scale. Ecosystem ecology approaches organisms and abiotic pools of energy and nutrients as an integrated system which distinguishes it from associated sciences such as biogeochemistry.[1]

Biogeochemistry and hydrology focus on several fundamental ecosystem processes such as biologically mediated chemical cycling of nutrients and physical-biological cycling of water. Ecosystem ecology forms the mechanistic basis for regional or global processes encompassed by landscape-to-regional hydrology, global biogeochemistry, and earth system science.[1]

Ecosystem ecology is philosophically and historically rooted in terrestrial ecology. The ecosystem concept has evolved rapidly during the last 100 years with important ideas developed by Frederic Clements, a botanist who argued for specific definitions of ecosystems and that physiological processes were responsible for their development and persistence.[2] Although most of Clements ecosystem definitions have been greatly revised, initially by Henry Gleason and Arthur Tansley, and later by contemporary ecologists, the idea that physiological processes are fundamental to ecosystem structure and function remains central to ecology.

Later work by Eugene Odum and Howard T. Odum quantified flows of energy and matter at the ecosystem level, thus documenting the general ideas proposed by Clements and his contemporary Charles Elton. See Figure 3.

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Ecosystem ecology - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Activists cry foul over Centres Pulicat proposal

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Activists, ecologists and fisherfolk have raised objections to a proposal of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to reduce the mandatory Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the fragile Pulicat lake from 10 km to two km.

The ESZ is a buffer zone around any sensitive eco-system in need of protection where certain activities including setting up of heavy industries are prohibited depending upon the category to protect the ecology from irreversible damage.

In the case of Pulicat lake, activists charge that the reduction of the buffer zone around the lake from 10 km to two km was for the development of upcoming port at Dugarajapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Perturbed, various organisations working for protecting fishermens livelihoods and conservation have sent petitions to the MoEF demanding the proposal be immediately dropped.

P. J. Sanjeeva Raj, an ecologist, who has worked in the vicinity of the lake for the past 60 years, said that oil pollution from the ships, chemical pollution from companies and sewage will have a lasting impact on the lake. Water pollution cannot be stopped, the salinity levels will change, he cautioned.

Once the pollution begins, you cannot reverse the process and the lake cannot be restored to its pristine state. Ports and industries should not be allowed to come up near the ecologically-sensitive and ancient lagoon, he said.

Pulicat lake is a fragile wetland ecosystem supporting lakhs of birds, including flamingos the flagship species during migratory seasons during the winter months. The lagoon also directly or indirectly supports about 70,000 families of fisherfolk in 50 villages.

Pulicat needs at least 10 km of ESZ because heavy industries would draw a lot of water and pollute the surrounding area too. This will affect the food chain and put fishermen, who depend on the lake for their livelihood, to hardship, said Shekar Dattatri, a well-known conservationist.

In another case, the Supreme Court has said that in conservation, the precautionary principle must be applied as it is very hard to undo damage, he cautioned.

Bird lover and Aarde Trust founder Xavier Benedict said the habitat of the birds must be protected in order to protect the food chain. The flamingos eat the algae in the water and the crabs and prawns consume the birds droppings. Of the 73 species of birds in the lagoon, 13 species are endangered, Mr. Benedict said.

Activists like Mr. Raj have been campaigning for the Pulicat lake to be declared as a Ramsar site a wetland of international importance.

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Activists cry foul over Centres Pulicat proposal

YCEEYA Eco-system provides Business Development and Communication Process for Women Entrepreneurs – Video

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YCEEYA Eco-system provides Business Development and Communication Process for Women Entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs are making their way into the business world in a big way. If you are a business women or starting a business, it is important to know th...

By: Jayanagar yceeya

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YCEEYA Eco-system provides Business Development and Communication Process for Women Entrepreneurs - Video

YCEEYA business Eco-System for Business Startups, Entreprenuers, Small Business Owners – Video

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YCEEYA business Eco-System for Business Startups, Entreprenuers, Small Business Owners
Business owners and entrepreneurs like us need a business Eco-System. Yes, a well defined BUSINESS ECO-SYSTEM that can organically grow our business and help...

By: Jayanagar yceeya

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YCEEYA business Eco-System for Business Startups, Entreprenuers, Small Business Owners - Video

At SXSW, Neil Young Pumps PonoMusic, Denies Presidential Run

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AUSTIN, Texas (TheStreet) -- In a show appropriately resembling an Apple (AAPL) product rollout, Neil Young took the stage at SXSW Tuesday to present his new music media "eco-system," PonoMusic.

"'Pono' means the one, the whole," Young said. "It's a Hawaiian word."

The iTunes-like product for distribution of ultra-high-quality digital audio files includes an online store of downloadable files from major and independent labels, a software library that lives on the customer's device and a triangular piece of hardware about the size of a mobile phone that can fit in a pocket and can hold hundreds of albums of high-quality audio.

Musicians and their audiences like the sound, he added, because "Pono is about the music. It's about the people making the music. ... It's about making you hear what we hear."

"Can we get like a rebate?" one member asked. The basic answer came from Hamm: If you want the highest audio quality, then yes, you'll have to buy it again. Listeners may want to transfer their library of digital files to the Pono player for convenience, but those files don't take advantage of the high-end technology. It's possible to transfer CD audio or vinyl into a high-resolution digital audio file that will then be playable on Pono, but involves considerable investment of the user's time. It is doubtful that Pono alone can change the music market, which in the last few years has started trending toward streaming music through subscription services, with album sales to consumers becoming less of main source of revenue. But raising the bar on the listening experience could well have a significant impact across all channels. "It's a no-lose situation," Young said. "We win. Everybody wins." Pono's Kickstarter campaign has gained significant ground in its early stages. While it still had fewer than 4,000 backers Wednesday morning, it has already well exceeded its goal of $800,000, at a pledged amount of $1.28 million. Asked by a member of the audience who his running mate would be in a bid for president, Young acknowledged that David Crosby would be a bad choice for a ticket, although of Stills he said, "He is politically very savvy."

Taking a more circumspect strategic pose, he added: "You know, I don't think we should try, I think we're gonna lay back and we're just gonna let the opportunity kinda float by." -- Written by Carlton Wilkinson in Austin, Texas

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At SXSW, Neil Young Pumps PonoMusic, Denies Presidential Run

YCEEYA, a business Eco-system Dedicated to Business Owner’s & Entrepreneurs worldwide. – Video

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YCEEYA, a business Eco-system Dedicated to Business Owner #39;s Entrepreneurs worldwide.
Business owners and entrepreneurs like us need a business Eco-System. Yes, a well defined BUSINESS ECO-SYSTEM that can organically grow our business and help...

By: Jayanagar yceeya

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YCEEYA, a business Eco-system Dedicated to Business Owner's & Entrepreneurs worldwide. - Video

Our technology can pack more in same spectrum

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Data explosion is driving usage of devices, eco-system, says Nokia Solutions official

New Delhi, March 10:

As the Executive Vice-President/President, Asia, Middle East & Africa of Nokia Solutions and Networks, Ashish Chowdhary is one of the Indians who have made it to the companys global team. After leading India operations for Nokia Networks from 2003 to 2007, Chowdhary emerged into the global scene heading the companys global delivery services.

As part of the Executive Board, he is today driving the telecom equipment makers transformation along with CEO Rajeev Suri. Business Line met Chowdhary on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress at Barcelona to know key trends in telecom equipment segment.

Is the telecom equipment market showing signs of buoyancy? What is driving growth globally?

The main factor driving growth is data. Last two years have generated data as much as in the last 50 years. Data explosion is driving usage of devices and in turn this is driving the whole ecosystem. Different parts of world are in different stages of this evolution. Some parts are still on 2G, while others are doing massive deploying of LTE. Voice is flattish but data are growing.

Can LTE (4G) be done in 1800 MHz band as is being planned by Indian players?

LTE can be deployed across a number of frequencies. As far as the 1800 MHz ecosystem is considered we do believe its the most robust for LTE deployment. Only short-term issue is availability of affordable devices.

Is 5 MHz enough for data play?

Larger quantum of spectrum is always better. Normally, operators have 10 MHz or more. But Indian operators have launched 3G with 5 MHz, so it has worked. Its our job as technology vendors to maximise efficiency and squeeze out spectrum usage from service point of view.

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Our technology can pack more in same spectrum

The many aspects of eco tourism

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THERES no moon. Its the perfect time to see fireflies, says our boatman-cum-guide Abdul Halim Bidin as our boat glides along Sungai Sepetang. Its murkish water barely shimmers in the pitch dark.

Since we left the jetty at Kampung Dew a relatively unknown fishing village in Perak about a quarter of an hour ago, Halim has been excitedly telling us how something so ordinary to villagers like him has become a tourist attraction. For years, there have been huge colonies of fireflies thriving near the small, sleepy village, which is about five minutes drive from the Kamunting toll plaza near Taiping.

The natural light show is spectacular. I sit in the boat, entranced. Millions of fireflies flicker in perfect synchronicity in huge berembang (Sonneratia caseolaris) trees on both sides of the riverbank. The berembang trees are a mangrove species thats the only known habitat for fireflies in the country. The flickering lights in the trees cast brilliant reflections on the surface of the river. Its like a magic show in the dark. And the show is attracting boatloads of visitors, who have heard about this natural phenomenon in the village.

Since we started operating this firefly boat cruise about two years ago, the tourists have all been locals, says Halim, whos a member of Pertubuhan Kelip-kelip Cahaya Alam Perak (Kecap), a body formed by the villagers of Kampung Dew to manage its firefly location as a tourist destination.

Is this an indication of the changing mindset of Malaysians on the importance of preserving the countrys ecological treasures? I believe that its very likely that more Malaysians want to do their bit for nature, if not by volunteering to help preserve nature, at least by visiting natural attractions, and in the process helping the locals to sustain their livelihood within their environment. Simple folk like Halim, for example, are fast learning the advantages of environmental preservation, a crucial element in ensuring the success of Malaysias eco tourism.

But eco tourism is not all about environmental preservation only. According to ecomalaysia.org, a non profit-making organisation formed to help preserve Malaysias rich ecology, eco tourism focuses on volunteerism, personal growth and environmental responsibility and it typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions.

The International Ecotourism Society puts it in simpler terms. It defines eco tourism as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.

Heres where Kecaps activities are relevant as it has helped uplift the livelihood of villagers like Halim. The person who started it all is Khairul Salleh Ahmad, a teacher from Taiping whos passionate about preserving the fireflies of Kampung Dew. The locals fondly call him Cikgu Khairul. Responsible for initiating Kecaps formation, he now serves as associations secretary while its president is Mohamad Noor Salleh, the village head of Kampung Ayer Puteh near Kampung Dew.

Through Kecap, the villagers, who comprise mainly fishermen and farmers, have been introduced to a new means of supporting their livelihood. Theyre also acquiring knowledge on environmental preservation such as the need to keep the river clean and to protect the berembang trees which will ensure the survival of the fireflies in the area.

Helping them with their efforts is Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) which also collaborates with Ramsar Regional Centre East Asia to conserve wetlands and the many natural resources that thrive on the existence of wetlands.

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The many aspects of eco tourism

Airtel Ghana upgrades mobile money system

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Business News of Friday, 7 March 2014

Source: GNA

Airtel Ghana, the leading telecommunications network in mobile banking has upgraded and expanded its mobile money platform by making it simpler for its customers to transact business.

Mr Philip Sowah, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Ghana who launched the new platform in Accra said, since the introduction of the Airtel Money, customers have enjoyed variety of services and it is important to expand the system by working with numerous partners to bring convenience to the door stop of consumers.

He said the new platform allows customers to transfer money from their bank accounts to their mobile wallet across the banks within the eco-system. One can also transfer money from the mobile wallet to his or her bank accounts and also requests for bank balances and mini statements, he explained.

Mr Sowah said, in addition to the mobile banking system, Airtel has also expanded its cash outs services where customers can take out money at Fidelity and Ecobank ATMs, Airtel shops, partner banks and agents outlets across the country.

He said Airtel has also introduced the innovative cardless ATM service where customers could withdraw money from the ATM without using a card. Mr Ishmael Adams, Head of Banking Supervision at the Bank of Ghana said the central bank is mandated to regulate, supervise and promote payment and settlement system.

He said the mobile banking system is very important as it helps to promote cashless society. He said the system also helps to reduce cost of printing money as bills such electricity and DSTV among others could be paid by using the platform.

He commended Airtel Ghana for introducing innovative ways of the mobile money system and urged its management team to continue in that direction.

Mr Yaw Akosa, Acting Director of Airtel Money said the old Airtel money service platform has been replaced with a new and more robust platform. Instead of looking for the AM menu on the phone, a customer can now dial *500# and the menu will show up automatically. Accessing the Airtel Money is now simpler, better and faster, he said.

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Airtel Ghana upgrades mobile money system

Environmental Attorney Launches New Company, Creates Benefit Rating System to Identify Eco-Friendly & Ethical Products …

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Croton-on-Hudson, New York (PRWEB) February 28, 2014

The story of Green Rainbow Revolution begins with its Founder, Leila Goldmark. A few years back, GRR's Founder was an environmental advocacy attorney, happy as a clam, fightin' the good fight to protect New York City's drinking water...and then she had a baby.

GRR's Founder wanted to buy ethical, healthy, sustainable products for a new baby (the basics: art supplies, toys, lifestyle goods), and NERTS, that was hard!

THE SOLUTION: GREEN RAINBOW REVOLUTION

Eventually, that "Eureka!" moment hit and the idea for Green Rainbow Revolution was born.

Quite simply, Green Rainbow Revolution promises to source and develop products that are:

Founded by an environmental attorney, GRR takes health, safety, and transparency seriously. To help customers cut through the greenwashing, GRR has developed its own nifty, color-coded GRR Benefit Symbols so shoppers can quickly find the types of benefits theyre looking for.

To learn more about what makes Green Rainbow Revolution's Philosophy and what makes its Founder tick, just check out About GRR.

For more detailed infor on business practices and policies, please check out GRR's Legal Stuff.

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Environmental Attorney Launches New Company, Creates Benefit Rating System to Identify Eco-Friendly & Ethical Products ...


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