Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE)

The light rare earth elements, light-group rare earths, or LREE are a subset of the lanthanide series of  the rare earth elements, which are themselves a special set of transition metals. Like other metals, the light rare earths have a shiny metallic appearance. They tend to produce colored complexes in solution, conduct heat and electricity, and form numerous compounds. None of these elements occurs in pure form naturally. Although the elements are not that rare in terms of element abundance, they are extremely difficult to isolate from each other. Also, the minerals that bear rare earth elements are not uniformly distributed across the globe, so the elements are uncommon in most countries and must be imported. Elements That Are Light Rare Earth Elements Youll see different sources site slightly different lists of elements classified as LREEs, but the US Department of Energy, US Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey, and national labs use a very specific set of criteria to assign elements to this group. The light-group rare earth elements are based on the configuration of  4f electrons. LREEs have no paired electrons. This makes the LREE group consist of 8 elements with atomic number 57 (lanthanum, with no unpaired 4f electrons) through atomic number 64 (gadolinium, with 7 unpaired 4f electrons): lanthanum (La) - used in high-end optical lenses and in  lanthanum nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteriescerium (Ce) - the 25th most abundant element in the Earths crust (so not rare at all), used in catalytic converters and the oxide as a polishing powder  praseodymium (Pr) - oxide is used as a catalyst in plastic manufacturing and is combined with zirconium oxide to produce a vivid yellow pigment used in ceramicsneodymium (Nd) - used to make super-strong magnets; neodymium-iron-boron (NeFeB) magnets are used to make cell phones vibratepromethium (Pm) - used to make a phosphorescent pigment and to make the starter switch for fluorescent lampssamarium (Sm) - used in high strength magnets and to make servo-motorseuropium (Eu) - used to make phosphors, notably the reddish-orange color of screens and monitorsgadolinium (Gd) - used in a reactor to control rods to control fission reaction and as a contrast agent to improve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Uses of the LREE All of the rare earth metals have great economic importance. There are many practical applications of the light rare earth elements, including: lasermagnetsphosphorsluminous paintscatalystsmetallurgysuperconductorssensorsflat panel displaysmedical tracersmicrophones and speakersrechargeable batteriesfiber opticsnumerous defense applications The Special Case of Scandium The element scandium is considered to be one of the rare earth elements. Although it is the lightest of the rare earths, with atomic number 21, it is not classified as a light rare earth metal. Why is this? Basically, its because an atom of scandium does not have an electron configuration comparable to that of the light rare earths. Like other rare earths, scandium typically exists in a trivalent state, but its chemical and physical properties dont warrant grouping it with either the light rare earths or the heavy rare earths. There are no middle rare earths or other classification, so scandium is in a class by itself.

What Is The Vrio Framework - 846 Words

1. What is the VRIO framework? What are the attributes in this tool? First of all, I didn’t know about the VRIO framework before, so I wanted to learn a lot from this part. In page 50, Jay Barney states â€Å"one of the pioneers of the resource-based view of the firm, we call this model the VRIO framework.† In other words, VRIO framework is a tool for analyzing the firm’s internal capabilities and resources include sustained competitive advantage. There are many tools to do internal analysis like Value Chain analysis, BCG Matrix and etc. This VRIO framework is one of the tools to identify the firm’s resources based on the four attributes: †¢ Valuable (V): Does resource add value to enable a firm to exploit opportunities/ threats? If the resource is valuable, it increases the perceived value of the firm’s product or service (lower the prices, add the attractive features). †¢ Rare (R): If a resource is rare and valuable, it grants temporary competitive advantage. But rare resource that can only be acquired by few companies. †¢ In the textbook page 67, the description of the rare is â€Å"if the number of firms that possess it is less than the number of firms it would require reaching a state of perfect competition.† †¢ Costly to imitate (I): If other firms do not have and also cannot be imitated, buy or substitute a resource at a reasonable price, this resource, it is costly to imitate. Because the limitation may occur either duplicating the resource or, substituting the comparableShow MoreRelatedQuestions1478 Words   |  6 PagesQuestions 1. Why has the pharmaceutical industry been so successful historically? 2. What is your assessment of the pharmaceutical industry at the time of the case? How is competition changing? What factors are driving the changes? 3. What will competition in pharmaceuticals look like in 10 years? 4. What is your assessment of Pfizer’s position in the industry? What are the keys to success in the industry? 5. What recommendations would you make to Kindler? Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. The story of Wal-Mart’sRead MoreEvaluating Sainsbury s Resources And Capabilities Also For The Future Movement1725 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction This report aims to evaluate Sainsbury’s policies in Egypt by implementing several frameworks such as SWOT, VRIO and PESTEL analysis, and FDI (Greenfield, Joint venture, Franchising). This report is using former evaluating tools in order to diagnose Sainsbury’s resources and capabilities also for the future movement in Egypt. [1]Analysis of internal environment [SWOT AND VRIO] 1-1 SWOT SWOT analysis is a useful method to investigate internal environment. By implementing SWOT as anRead MoreWal Mart s Core Competencies Essay1649 Words   |  7 Pages There is a growing body of literature that recognises the importance of Resource Based View (RBV) in strategic management. This paper attempts to identify Wal-Mart’s core competencies, applying RBV literature such as VRIO framework with supporting evidence from â€Å"Wal-Mart Stores in 2003† case study. RBV suggests that each firm acquires a collection of capabilities, which can be mobilised by strategists to gain competitive advantage (McGee et al., 2005). In other words, a firm can be viewed as a bundleRead MoreMichael Hill1377 Words   |  6 Pagesthat are not available to other jewellers. (Michael Hill Company History) VRIO Framework The VRIO framework looks at a company as a bundle of resources some of which are rare or costly to produce. If some resources in this bundle create value, are rare, and costly to produce then as long as the company is set up to exploit this, a sustained competitive advantage will be created. (Barney, 1997, p. 142) The VRIO framework analyses the competencies of an organisation and ask the following questions: Read MoreVrio for Kfc933 Words   |  4 PagesVRIO Framework of KFC VRIO framework use to find out the core competencies or sustainable competitive advantages which are helping firm to operate profitably in long term. For KFC, we try to find out its competitive advantage where we used four key components which help to identify in what KFC have competitive advantage compare to its competitors. Resources Valuable Rare Inimitable Exploited by the Organization Brand ïÆ' ¼ ïÆ' ¼ ïÆ' ¼ ïÆ' ¼ Recipe ïÆ' ¼ ïÆ' ¼ ïÆ' ¼ ïÆ' ¼ Experience ïÆ' ¼ X X ïÆ' ¼ Location ïÆ' ¼ X X ïÆ' ¼ Price ïÆ' ¼ X X ïÆ' ¼ Read MoreEvaluation Of Targets Vrio Framework And Capabilities Of A Firm1038 Words   |  5 PagesVRIO Framework The VRIO framework evaluates resources and capabilities of a firm. Below is the evaluation of Targets VRIO framework. Sustainable Competitive Advantage At this particular time Target does not have a sustainable competitive advantage in the home dà ©cor department. Target has not used its revenue to go towards Research and Development for the Home Dà ©cor Department. Targets current Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA) would be the â€Å"Pay Less and Expect More† aspect of the mission statementRead MoreEssay on V.R.I.O. Analysis1145 Words   |  5 PagesA FRAMEWORK FOR ANALYSIS : VRIO • Resource-based analysis of the firm determines which resources and capabilities result in which strengths or weaknesses • Strategies are to be implemented which exploit (or build) strengths and avoid (or eliminate) weaknesses • What constitutes a strength or weakness is partially a function of the external environment • Framework for analysis: VRIO - resources and capabilities should be o Valuable o Rare o Inimitable o Organization can effectively exploitRead MoreCase Study : Apple Inc.1594 Words   |  7 Pagesto a few contributing dynamics that give the firm a competitive advantage. In this paper I will outline what has led to Apple Inc.’s success by analyzing the firm through Michael Porter’s five forces, the VRIO framework, culture and ethics within the organization and business alliances. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis According to Peng, M. W. (2014), â€Å"Michael Porter’s five forces is a framework governing the competitiveness of an industry by: the intensity if rivalry among competitors, the threatRead MoreV.R.I.O. Analysis1244 Words   |  5 PagesA FRAMEWORK FOR ANALYSIS : VRIO • Resource-based analysis of the firm determines which resources and capabilities result in which strengths or weaknesses • Strategies are to be implemented which exploit (or build) strengths and avoid (or eliminate) weaknesses • What constitutes a strength or weakness is partially a function of the external environment • Framework for analysis: VRIO - resources and capabilities should be o Valuable o Rare o Inimitable o Organization can effectively exploitRead MoreHuman Resource Management And Retail Banking1317 Words   |  6 Pagesrepresentatives to inform the client of all the services and products that Regions offers. In addition, the employee cannot just open an account and get paid, but must ensure that that service or product is used by the client. Thus, the employee is aware of what the clients wants and needs in order to offer a product or service accordingly. Based on reviews and rating from both past and present employees around the country from various websites such as glassdoor.com and indeed.com, the recurring reviews

Wrongful Dismissal and the First Amendment free essay sample

An in-depth study of the abuse of the individual right in the American First Amendment. This paper examines the fact the history shows that uncertainties of a fragile First Amendment during times of crisis are well founded, as seen in the post September 11th era. It defines and provides a history of the First Amendment. It uses numerous legal cases to support its claims. The paper describes the Five Freedoms. The author states that the First Amendment right of free association has been rigorously compromised, particularly for those connected with Muslim organizations that the government believes supports anti-American causes. Table of Contents History and the First Amendment Free Expression on Private Property Hate Speech Clear and Present Danger The Problem of Symbolic Speech. Conclusion Reference: Works Cited The most basic element of freedom of expression is the right of freedom of speech. The right to freedom of speech allows individuals to utter them without interference or constraint by the government. We will write a custom essay sample on Wrongful Dismissal and the First Amendment or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Supreme Court requires the government to provide extensive justification for the interference with the right of free speech where it attempts to normalize the content of the speech. A less rigorous test is applied for content-neutral legislation. The Supreme Court has also recognized that the government may proscribe some speech that may cause a breach of the peace or cause violence. The right to free speech includes other mediums of expression that communicates a message.

Slave Revolt Essays - Slavery, Nat Turner, Abolitionism,

Slave Revolt The American Civil War was inevitable and had numerous causes that led to it. This paper will discuss three important causes of the war the invention of the cotton gin, Nat Turner's rebellion, and the abolitionist movement toward ending slavery. There are many causes of the war, but I feel these three are substantial causes. Each of these events or movements created more tension between the North and the South and eventually war was unavoidable. The invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney had a great effect on slavery and agriculture in the South. The cotton gin was a machine that removed the seeds from the cotton. Removing the seeds from the cotton was a long and tedious process. This invention made processing cotton relatively fast and easy. The cotton gin's speed allowed the cotton plantations to produce massive amounts of cotton. This became very profitable. To support the harvesting of all of the cotton, more slaves were needed to run the cotton gins and harvest the cotton. This brought more slaves to America and boosted the population of slaves in the South. The increased number of slaves in the South actually helped heighten the problem with slavery. Slavery was becoming more evident and people were becoming more aware that slavery was wrong in both the North and the South. The next cause was a slave named Nat Turner and his actions. Nat was a slave who had found God and religion. Gradually he built a religious following that justified a slave revolt. On August 13, 1831, Turner says he saw a halo around the sun. He thought that this was a sign from God to begin the revolt. This was the beginning of Nat Turner's rebellion. On August 22, 1831, Nat Turner led eight slaves to the Travis's residence, a white family, and murdered five members of their family. The slaves then moved across the county murdering white plantation owners, their families, and other whites that crossed their path. As the group moved, they gained in size at every stop that they made. Many slaves joined the original eight. Not all slaves joined in on the rebellion, some stayed behind fearing that they would be stopped and killed or sentenced to harsh consequences. The group of men swelled to over seventy and managed to kill fifty-eight men, women, and children including Turner's slave owner. The killing spree went on for forty hours before the Virginia Militia apprehended the group. Nat Turner was able to escape capture by the Militia. Turner was able to evade authorities for eight days in the area near Southampton. This was until Benjamin Phipps spotted and captured Turner at gunpoint. Once in the hands of authorities, Turner confessed and told all of his motives for the killing spree. This killing spree caused many spin-off effects. The first effect was the treatment that the southern slaves received after the revolt. It drastically declined as the slave owners beat their slaves to put more fear into them to prevent another revolt. The next effect was the owners' fear of another revolt. If more slaves had joined the revolt many more may have been killed. There was a lot of tension of another revolt. The last effect that the revolt stirred up was a heightened awareness of poor slavery conditions in the South. It drew the attention of the north to make an effort to start the abolition of slavery. The abolitionists played an important part in influencing the Civil War and abolishing slavery. They worked hard to bring attention to cruelness of slavery. They protested from the late 1700's until the end of the war to get slavery abolished. Emancipation was achieved by all of the northern states by 1804. Next, slave trading was abolished 4 years later. As time goes on, the abolitionists become more radical and eventually get louder and attract more people on to follow the path to free that slaves. Flyers, articles and petitions began spreading the word of abolishing slavery. All of the work of talking and abolishing forced the friction between the North and the South to increase steadily. Eventually the friction increased to until the American Civil War was started. The causes of the civil war are much broader than this essay. This essay does cover three important causes. I chose to use points from all aspects of tension. Agriculturally, the cotton gin increased the number of slaves and made them louder and more visible. Individuals can make their voice heard as Nat Turner turned against