Write a summary of a report on trade theory and tarifs for a team of Essay

Write a summary of a report on trade theory and tarifs for a team of newly hired International Managers. What are the important points you would highlight in this report - Essay Example rights on a global scale, through the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) and the recent significant agreements that have been signed under the WIPO’s umbrella. Similarly, it is also important to realize the influences of the latest multilateral trade negotiations that have occurred such as the TRIPS (Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights System) Agreement’s accession with the aspect of Intellectual Property (World Trade Organization). By doing so, one can derive the combined advantages of the practicalities of Intellectual Property Right Systems and the TRIPS agreement. The last aspect that holds immeasurable importance in the regard of the subject at hand is the telecommunication regime that is becoming increasingly directed by the evolution of Information Technology on a global scale. All these aspects come to together to have direct affects upon areas such as international air transport and global trade, the structural characteristics of the airline industry alongside the implementation of public policies and the involvement of the International Civil Aviation Organization in this regard. The discussion however would not be complete without an understanding of the framework that the General Agreement on Trade in Services provides under the flag of the World Trade

Hormones in the Environment Can Cause Male Infertility Research Paper

Hormones in the Environment Can Cause Male Infertility - Research Paper Example Other substances are generated as a byproduct during manufacturing or are breakdown of chemicals. These compounds can have morphological and physiological effects in the body. In general, health effects associated with EDCs include a range of reproductive problems (reduced fertility, male and female reproductive tract abnormalities, and skewed male/female sex ratios, loss of fetus, menstrual problems); changes in hormone levels; early puberty; brain and behavior problems; impaired immune functions; and various cancers. EDCs not only affect adults but are particularly potent when exposure occurs during fetal and early postnatal development. An environmental endocrine or hormone disruptor is an exogenous agent that interferes with the synthesis, secretion, transport, binding, action, or elimination of natural hormones in the body that are responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis, reproduction, development, and/or behavior. They enter your body through ingestion, inhalation, and d ermal contact. These compounds mimic, enhance (an agonist), or inhibit (an antagonist) the action of hormones. The number of known endocrine disruptors is large and continuously increasing, and includes both naturally occurring and synthetic substances. Some, called phytochemicals, reside in fungus and plants, including mold, clover, whole grains, soybeans and other legumes, and many fruits and vegetables. Human activities release other naturally occurring EDCs: the heavy metals lead, mercury, and cadmium. Chemically, environmental hormones such as polychlorinated dibenzop- dioxins (PCDDs), 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-ethane (DDT), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are composed of an aromatic system substituted with chlorine at various positions. They are potently toxic in biological systems, and teratogenic to animals. Moreover, it has been reported that the chemicals 2,2-bis(p-ydroxyphenyl)propane (bisphenol A, BPA) and diethyl stilbestrol (DES) mimic natural hormon es, and may disrupt the endocrine systems in animals and humans (Kobayashi et al. 680). Common EDCs having estrogenic activity can come from house hold material like solvents and adhesives such as those found in nail polish, paint remover, and glues; emulsifiers & waxes found in soaps and cosmetics, dry cleaning chemicals, nearly all plastics, (also phthalates, synthetic compounds that add flexibility to plastics, such as the plastic tubes and bags used in storing and delivering IV fluids to patients, and the rubbery toys children play with), meat from livestock fed estrogenic drugs to fatten them up, surfactants such as nonoxonyl (spermicides) found in many condoms and diaphragm gels, and petrochemically based scented products & perfumes. Synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, polychiorinated biphenyls (PCBs), plasticizers, and surfactant breakdown products are known to have estrogenic activity. Currently, four major classes of environmental hormones that interact dire ctly with steroid hormone receptors are known: environmental estrogens, environmental antiestrogens, environmental antiprogestins, and environmental antiandrogens. Physiologically dioxin acts as antiestrogenic; carbamate insecticides as antiprogestigenic; and polyaromatic hydrocarbons, linuron, vinclozolin, and p,p’-DDE as antiandrogenic (Cheek and McLachlan 9). The hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis is a critical part in the development and regulation of

Evaluation Of Progesterone And Estrogen Biology Essay

Evaluation Of Progesterone And Estrogen Biology Essay Steroid hormones viz. progesterone, estrogen were estimated through TLC in a concentration and time dependent manner i.e. 2.5mg/ml, 5.0mg/ml for 30 45 minutes and, 0.2mg/ml, 0.4mg/ml for 30 45 minutes respectively. Progesterone and estrogen were stained with 50% v/v aq. solution of Conc. H2SO4 and were estimated through TLC in a concentration and time dependent manner.Different steroid hormones travel at different rates due to the differences in their attraction to the stationary phase and because of differences in solubility in the solvent. These Rf values obtained from both the hormones were then compared and it was found that there was a reasonable difference. Further, a study on the interaction of steroid hormones with fatty acids and proteins was undertaken using a spectrophotometer. Steroid hormones viz. progesterone and estrogen were made to interact with measured amounts of alcohol, stearic acid and bovine serum albumin (BSA) and their absorbance were recorded at the excita tion wavelength of 410 nm using a spectrophotometer. Progesterone (conc.2mg/ml) and estrogen (conc. 0.5mg/ml) were each mixed with 0.1 ml, 0.2ml and 0.4ml of stearic acid (conc. 0.5mg/ml) and 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg of BSA separately and their absorbance were noted at 410nm. A slight shift in the absorbance was found on the overall interaction of steroids: progesterone and estrogen with alcohol, stearic acid and BSA respectively, when excited to 410 nm. Thus an attempt was made to establish a valid spectrophotometric procedure for the study of interaction of steroid hormones with fatty acids and proteins. Key words: Progesterone, estrogen, stearic acid, bovine serum albumin, chromatography Running title : Evaluation of progesterone and estrogen Introduction: Steroids are a class of compounds that have a cyclopentano-perhydro-phenanthrene skeleton and that occur in nature and in synthetic products. The bile acids, androgens, estrogens, corticosteroids, ecdysteroids, sterols and vitamin D are compounds included in the class of steroids. Steroids and their metabolites are analyzed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) in a variety of samples such as biological samples or plants and pharmaceutical formulations. TLC continues to be an important method for the determination of steroids because of its advantages. Many samples can be analyzed simultaneously and quickly at relatively low cost, multiple separation techniques and detection procedures can be applied and the detection limits are often in the low nanogram range and quantitative densitometric methods are accurate. The albumin-mediated hepatic uptakes of free fatty acids [1], bile acids and Rose Bengal [2] have been reported, but the kinetics are not sufficiently clear. It was suggested by some experimental results in vitro using a liquid membrane system (hexane source phase/bovine serum/hexane receiving phase) that the rate of uptake of steroids from blood to intracellular space is controlled not only in the free form but also in forms bound with serum proteins such as albumin [3]. Nowadays, it is commonly accepted that the fractions of steroids which bind with high affinity to plasma proteins such as globulins are less easily available to tissues. Although steroids bind with low affinity to human serum albumin (HSA), most of the circulating steroids were bound to HSA due to the high concentration of albumin [4]. Recent studies have shown that, in addition to free steroids, those bound to albumin in plasma may also be available to tissues [5]. The binding of steroids to albumin is affected by temperature, pH, fatty acid and competing ligands. Plasma levels of FFA vary throughout the day [6] and the availability of steroids to tissues is changed by FFA binding to alb umin. Serum albumin is the most abundant protein in the circulatory system, accounting for 60% of the total serum protein . In mammals, albumin is synthesized by the liver and possesses a half-life in circulation of 19 days. Its principal function is to transport fatty acids, a great variety of metabolites and drugs such as anti-coagulants, tranquilizers and general anesthetics. Serum albumin has been one of the most studied proteins for over 40 years because its primary structure is very well known for a long time and its tertiary structure was determined a few years ago by X-ray crystallography. It is known that progesterone and estrogen were bound to the same site on serum albumin (SA) [7] and consequently a competition effect exist probably between these two steroid sex-hormones. Then, even if in vivo, the balance between the progesterone and the estrogen rate was controlled by multiple mechanisms and Gleasons observation could be explained by an enhancement of the progesterone displacement to its SA binding site by estrogen when Mg2+ cation concentration increased [8]. SA is the major plasma protein responsible for the reversible binding of a wide range of drugs [9]. Extensive studies on different aspects of drug-SA interactions are still in progress because of the clinical significance of the process, especially in the case of tightly bound drugs (K > 105Mà ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢1) [10]. Numerous analytical techniques are used for protein binding studies and they are continuously being added to, along with extending knowledge about the complex mechanisms involved in the drug-SA binding process [11]. It has recognized that an inverse relationship exists between the number of polar groups in a steroid and the strength of interaction with serum albumin. With the aid of a spectrophotometric procedure (12), the validity of which was established by a comparison with the method of equilibrium dialysis, the influence of structural alterations in sex steroids on the interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated. It was found that introduction of 0x0 or hydroxyl groups in various positions weakens this interaction, and that introduction of methyl groups has the opposite effect. Characteristic differences were noted for CY substituents in their influence on the strength of association. Furthermore, the elution profiles of gel-filtration chromatography clearly showed that progesterone and testosterone are easily liberated from the steroid/BSA complexes and that FFA potentiates the binding of these steroids to BSA. In the case of HSA, the binding affini ties of progesterone and testosterone were not greatly affected by bound FFA [13,14]. This study was undertaken towards chromatographic evaluation of progesterone and estrogen using the H2SO4 staining method and spectrophotometric analysis of the interaction of both the sex steroids with BSA and stearic acid. Materials and Methods: Drugs and chemicals: Progesterone, Estrogen, Silica gel (ACME Chemicals, India) Sulphuric acid reagent, benzene, ethyl acetate, bovine serum albumin, stearic acid, ethanol, propylene glycol TLC Equipment: All the equipments used for TLC used were from ACME synthetics, Mumbai, India. Acme applicator, TLC glass plates, Beakers, Capillary pipettes for spotting solutions, Rulers, hot plates, Gloves were used for all chemical usage. Thin layer chromatography: This  is a chromatography  technique used to separate mixtures.  Thin layer chromatography is performed on a sheet of glass, plastic, or aluminum foil, which is coated with a thin layer of  adsorbent  material, usually  silica gel, aluminium oxide, or  cellulose. This layer of adsorbent is known as the  stationary phase. After the sample has been applied on the plate, a  solvent  or solvent mixture (known as the  mobile phase) is drawn up by the plate via  capillary action. Because different  analytes ascend the TLC plate at different rates, separation is achieved. In steroid analysis, TLC is the method of choice, especially when many simultaneous analyses have to be carried out, hundreds of analyses can be performed in a short time and with small demands on equipment and space. Samples can be analyzed with minimal clean up, and analyzing a sample by the use of multiple separation steps and static post-chromatographic detection procedure is also possible because all sample components are stored on the layer without the chance of loss. The time required in TLC analysis is about 10-60 min. As little as 0.001  µg of steroids/spot can be can be detected by TLC. Using a TLC plate with thicker adsorbent layers (0.5-2 min), several grams of substance can be isolated. Sulphuric acid staining method: After plate development, the plate is dried and sprayed with a 50% v/v aqueous solution of sulfuric acid in a fume hood. The hood was exposed to extremely corrosive materials and, thus, all fittings were made of glass or acid resistant plastic. After spraying, and while still in the fume hood, the plate is heated to about 80ËÅ ¡C for about 45 minutes on a hot plate or in an oven. The solutes are partially oxidized leaving behind a charred deposit of black carbon that is easy to distinguish. This method will detect most in volatile organic compounds. Sulfuric acid spray reagent was found to be particularly suitable for differentiating natural estrogens from diethylstilbestrol in both a mixture of natural steroids and in biologic preparations under daylight as well as ultraviolet light. Solvent system: Benzene and Ethyl acetate in the ratio of 5:1 Spectrophotometric evaluation: Spectrophotometric techniques are used to measure the concentration of solutes in solution by measuring the amount of light that is absorbed by the solution in a cuvette placed in the spectrophotometer. Spectrophotometry takes advantage of the dual nature of light. Namely, light has: 1. A particle nature which gives rise to the photoelectric effect 2. A wave nature which gives rise to the visible spectrum of light. The spectrophotometer can measure the amount of light (of certain frequency) transmitted or adsorbed by the solution. This light that has not been absorbed by the solution in the cuvette, will strike the phototube. The photons of light that strike the phototube will be converted into electrical energy. This current that is produced is very small and must be amplified before it can be efficiently detected. The signal is proportional to the amount of light which originally struck the phototube and is thus an accurate measurement of the amount of light which has passed through (been transmitted by) the sample. Different compounds having dissimilar atomic and molecular interactions have characteristic absorption phenomena and absorption spectra. Concentration of every component may be found from the spectrophotometer measurements and calibration curve made using the samples of known concentration. In this study the spectrophotometer used was Ultrospec III (Pharmacia). All samples were an alysed at an absorbance of 410 nm and optical density was recorded. SULFURIC ACID SPRAY CABINET Experimental Protocols: 1) INTERACTION OF STEROIDS WITH BOVINE SERUM ALBUMIN (BSA) The sample solution consists of progesterone and estrogen mixed each with stearic acid and BSA in three different concentrations and the absorbance is noted at 410 nm. 2ml progesterone (2mg/ml) + 1 ml stearic acid (0.5mg/ml) + 5mg BSA 2ml progesterone (2mg/ml) + 1 ml stearic acid (0.5mg/ml) + 10mg BSA 2ml progesterone (2mg/ml) + 1 ml stearic acid (0.5mg/ml) + 15mg BSA 2ml estrogen (0.5mg/ml) + 1 ml stearic acid (0.5mg/ml) + 5mg BSA 2ml estrogen (0.5mg/ml) + 1 ml stearic acid (0.5mg/ml) + 10mg BSA 2ml estrogen (0.5mg/ml) + 1 ml stearic acid (0.5mg/ml) + 15mg BSA 2) INTERACTION OF STEROIDS WITH ALCOHOLS The sample solution consists of progesterone and estrogen mixed each with ethanol and propylene glycol in the following concentrations and the absorbance of each sample is noted at 410nm. 0.5ml progesterone (2mg/ml) + 2 ml ethanol 0.5ml progesterone (2mg/ml) + 2 ml propylene glycol 0.5ml estrogen (0.5mg/ml) + 2 ml ethanol 0.5ml estrogen (0.5mg/ml) + 2 ml propylene glycol 3) INTERACTION OF STEROIDS WITH STEARIC ACID The sample solution consists of progesterone and estrogen mixed each with ethanol and stearic acid in three different concentrations and the absorbance is noted at 410 nm. 0.5ml progesterone (2mg/ml) + 2 ml ethanol + 0.1 ml stearic acid(0.5mg/ml) 0.5ml progesterone (2mg/ml) + 2 ml ethanol + 0.2 ml stearic acid(0.5mg/ml) 0.5ml progesterone (2mg/ml) + 2 ml ethanol + 0.4 ml stearic acid(0.5mg/ml) 0.5ml estrogen (0.5mg/ml) + 2 ml ethanol + 0.1 ml stearic acid(0.5mg/ml) 0.5ml estrogen (0.5mg/ml) + 2 ml ethanol + 0.2 ml stearic acid(0.5mg/ml) 0.5ml estrogen (0.5mg/ml) + 2 ml ethanol + 0.4 ml stearic acid(0.5mg/ml) Results: The results of experiments conducted with chromatographic and spectrophotometric evaluation of progesterone and estrogen are depicted in Table 1 2 and Figures 1 2. The results show appreciable difference in Rf values of progesterone and estrogen depending on the elution time. Similarly the addition of BSA to the reaction mixture of progesterone and estrogen showed appreciable difference in optical density as depicted in Figures 1 2. Stearic acid (0.5mg) was also able to shift the absorbance values of progesterone. TABLE 1: Conc. H2SO4 STAINED PROGESTERONE S.NO PROGESTE- RON CONC. (mg/ml) TIME DURATION (min) DIST. MOVED BY SOLUTE (cm) DIST. MOVED BY SOLVENT (cm) RETENTION FACTOR (Rf) 1 2.5 30 6.6 7.2 0.916 2 2.5 45 9.3 9.8 0.948 3 5.0 30 6.7 7.2 0.930 4 5.0 45 9.5 9.8 0.969 0.1ml progesterone (25mg/ml) + 50% v/v aq. solution of Conc. H2SO4 0.2ml progesterone (25mg/ml) + 50% v/v aq. solution of Conc. H2SO4 SOLVENT SYSTEM: Benzene and Ethyl acetate in the ratio of 5:1 TABLE 2: Conc. H2SO4 STAINED ESTROGEN S.NO ESTROGEN CONC. (mg/ml) TIME DURATION (min) DIST. MOVED BY SOLUTE (cm) DIST. MOVED BY SOLVENT (cm) RETENTION FACTOR (Rf) 1 0.2 30 6.6 7.8 0.858 2 0.2 45 6.7 8.2 0.804 3 0.4 30 6.8 7.8 0871 4 0.4 45 6.8 8.2 0.829 0.2ml estrogen (1mg/ml) + 50% v/v aq. solution of Conc. H2SO4 0.4ml estrogen (1mg/ml) + 50% v/v aq. solution of Conc. H2SO4 SOLVENT SYSTEM: Benzene and Ethyl acetate in the ratio of 5:1 Figure 1 Figure 2 Discussion: Steroids and their metabolites are analyzed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) in a variety of samples such as biological samples or plants and pharmaceutical formulations. TLC continues to be an important method for the determination of steroids because of its advantages [15].Many samples can be analyzed simultaneously and quickly at relatively low cost, multiple separation techniques and detection procedures can be applied and the detection limits are often in the low nanogram range and quantitative densitometric methods are accurate. The results of this study suggest the novel mechanism using concentrated H2SO4 to identify the eluted progesterone and estrogen on a thin layer chromatography plate. The results of the TLC obtained were satisfactory and although this technique is comparatively old but can be applied to find out the Rf values of the steroids in a simple manner. The benzene and ethyl acetate combination proved to be an effective mobile phase. There was some difference i n the Rf values based on the time duration of TLC but it was marginal. The results are shown in Table 1 and Table 2. To evaluate the effect of fatty acid and protein, stearic acid and BSA, we conducted studies on the absorbance using the spectrophotometer. Our results suggest that addition of BSA to the reaction mixture caused significant change in optical density in both steroids i.e progesterone and estrogen (Fig.1 2). The cellular effects elicited by estrogen and progesterone [16] covalently conjugated to membrane impermeable BSA have been attributed to non-genomic actions mediated by membrane associated hormone receptors. It has previously been established that for physiological concentrations of progesterone and albumin in the circulating blood, approximately 99% of the steroid is bound to albumin. If more than one molecule of the protein participated in the binding of one molecule of progesterone, dimerization or complexing of more than two albumin molecules would result and should be demonstrable by the viscosity and by the sedimentation behavior of the system. Determination of viscosity an d sedimentation constants under the conditions outlined in the experimental part failed to reveal any differences between the albumin solutions with and without progesterone. It was concluded from these findings that only one molecule of human serum albumin complexes with one molecule of progesterone. It would seem reasonable to assume that a similar molar relationship exists in the interaction of other steroid molecules with serum albumin. The steric relationship between the two components in the complex was investigated by measuring the strength of interaction between albumin and epimeric steroids. Such a comparison should permit conclusions as to the spatial arrangement of the interacting molecules. Thus there are multiple reasons for the change in absorbance with addition of BSA to the reaction mixture [17]. Furthermore, fatty acid tends to minimize or eliminate the well-known differences in affinity between bovine and human albumin for interactions with these two steroids [18]. The values for binding affinity in the interaction of testosterone with these batches of human serum albumin are significantly higher than those previously published by some authors and the value for progesterone-bovine albumin interaction is not in accordance with the polarity rule. Studies of these same interactions by ultraviolet difference spectroscopy give further evidence of the augmentation in binding but, in the case of defatted bovine albumin only, the aromatic difference troughs are indicative of tyrosine perturbation whereas refatted bovine albumin, defatted and refatted human albumin manifest tryptophan perturbation. Quantitative correlation of perturbation with level of bound steroid suggests that fatty acid alters the ratio (possibly hydrogen-bonded to non hydrogen-bonded) of two forms of bound ster oid. This concept gains in validity when one considers the nature of the binding forces between steroid and protein. For lack of specific knowledge as to these forces, the binding between neutral steroids and proteins may best be interpreted as mediated by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces [19]. Common to both of these binding mechanisms is the low energy of the bond, of the order of 5 to 10 kcal per mole, which explains the ready dissociation of the complexes. Furthermore, they are highly dependent upon the distance; the van der Waals forces for spherical atoms are inversely proportional to the seventh power of the distance between the atomic centers. For efficient interaction, therefore, a close fit of the steroid and protein surfaces would be required. Whether the presence of stearic acid alone in any way alters chemical configuration and affects the absorbance by spectrophotometer can only be ascertained by specific chemical tests The change in stearic acid mediated absorbance with progesterone can be attributed to interplay of chemical forces between the steroid and the fatty acid. Studies with lauric, myristic, and palmitic acid showed that the decrease of binding affinity for progesterone was proportional to the amount of fatty acid added to albumin, and to its chain length. These results confirm and extend other findings of inhibition of progesterone binding to human albumin by saturated fatty acids. In conclusion this study describes a novel H2SO4 staining technique to visualize the sex steroids, progesterone and estrogen and a change in spectrophotometric absorbance of progesterone and estrogen by BSA and stearic acid. Legend for Figures and Tables Table 1: Table 1 describes the thin layer chromatographic evaluation of progesterone (2.5 5 mg) conducted using the concentrated H2SO4 staining technique and eluted for a duration of 30 and 45 minutes. The last column of the table shows the Rf values obtained. Table 2: Table 2 describes the thin layer chromatographic evaluation of estrogen (0.2 0.4 mg) conducted using the concentrated H2SO4 staining technique and eluted for a duration of 30 and 45 minutes. The last column of the table shows the Rf values obtained. Figure 1: Figure 2 describes the optical density values at absorbance of 410 nm obtained with estrogen (0.25 1 mg), ethanol (2ml), bovine serum albumin (10mg) and stearic acid (0.5 mg) alone or in combination. Figure 2: This figure describes the optical density values at absorbance of 410 nm obtained with progesterone (1 4 mg), ethanol (2ml), bovine serum albumin (10mg) and stearic acid (0.5 mg) alone or in combination.

Disorders in Hawethornes The Birthmark Essay example -- essays resea

In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s story â€Å"The Birthmark† you find a couple fairly prevalent disorders. Although psychology was as of yet not existence, Hawthorne describes them quite well. Alymer suffered from an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, while his actions caused Georgiana to develop a body dysmorphic disorder. Both of which attributed to the eventual demise of Georgiana.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Alymer is an older scientist who marries a beautiful woman much younger then himself. Even though Alymer finds his young bride beautiful, he still says that she is â€Å"marked.† Upon Georgiana’s left cheek is a birthmark. The birthmark is small, red, and in the shape of a hand. Alymer believes that this mark takes away from her beauty; even though many other people, men and women alike, thought it to be charming; and those who did not, just â€Å"wished it away.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  However, Alymer could not wish away Georgiana’s birthmark. He even approached her about it being removed- â€Å"Georgiana,† said he, â€Å"has it never occurred to you that the mark upon your cheek might be removed?† â€Å"No, indeed,† said she, smiling; but perceiving the seriousness of his manner, she blushed deeply. â€Å"To tell you the truth it has been so often called a charm that I was simple enough to imagine it might be so.† (Hawthorne 306)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Alymer was afflicted with an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. By definition obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is â€Å"A personality disorder characterized by a pervasive preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and interpersonal control [ . . . ].† (Medical Net) Characteristics of this disorder include the following:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1) Preoccupation with details, rules, lists, order, organization, or schedules.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2) Perfectionism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3) Excessive devotion to work to the exclusion of leisure activities and friendships.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  4) Inability to discard worthless objects of no sentimental value.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  5) Reluctance to delegate tasks or work with others unless everything is done their way.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  6) Miserliness in regard to oneself and others.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  7) Rigidity and stubbornness. (Body Image)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Out of all of the abov... ...their diseases, then Georgiana would have lived. If he had not been so obsessive, Georgiana would not have developed BDD. And if she had not tried to make Alymer happy, she would not have allowed him to give her the deathly liquid. Sadly though, even in the end, Alymer shows no true remorse. After Georgiana dies, he gives a â€Å"hoarse, chuckling laugh.† After all, his wife may be dead, but she looks perfect without any blemish upon her face.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Works Cited 1)Hawthorne, Nathaniel. â€Å"The Birthmark.† Sixth Edition The Compact Bedford Introduction to Literature. Michael Meyers Ed. Boston/New York: Bedford/St. Martin 1996 p.306-16 2)Body Image and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. 2002. 7 Dec. 2003   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.athealth.com/Consumer/disorders/BDDInterview.html . 3)Medicine Net Medical Dictionary. 2003. 7 Dec. 2003   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=21263 . 4)Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, European Description. 1992. 1 Dec. 2003   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.mentalhealth.com/icd/p22-an05.html .

History of Pakistan 1912 to Date Essay

1206-1526 The Delhi Sultanate Some of the earliest relics of Stone Age man were found in the Soan valley near Rawalpindi, dating back to at least 50,000 years. Predominantly an agricultural region, its inhabitants learned to tame and husband animals and cultivate crops some 9,000 years ago. Farming villages dating from 6000 BC have been excavated in Baluchistan, the North West Frontier Province and Punjab. The Indus Valley Civilization is considered to have evolved around 2600 BC. Built on the ruins of fortified towns near Kot Diji, it is now believed to have emerged from farming communities of the area. The Civilization boasted immense cities like Moenjodaro and Harappa. These towns were well planned, with paved main roads, multistoried houses, watchtowers, food warehouses, and assembly halls. Their people developed an advanced script that still remains un-deciphered. The Indus Civilization’s decline around 1700 BC is attributed to foreign invaders, who at some sites violently destroyed the cities. But wi th recent research, historians have become unsure as to the exact causes of decline of the Indus Civilization. Aryans, who were rough cattle breeders, came from Central Asia around 1700 BC, seeking grazing land for their herds. Their religion was well developed, with gods identified from elements of nature. They followed a strict caste system, which later became Hinduism. They wrote the first book of Hindu scripture, the Rig Veda, which was a collection of hymns remembered through several generations. Some anthropologists believe that there is no real historical evidence to prove the coming of Aryans, and consider their coming as a myth. In sixth century BC, the people of the region were getting increasingly dissatisfied with the Hindu caste system. When Buddha, son of a Kshatriya king preached equality in men, his teachings were quickly accepted throughout the northern part of the Sub-continent. Around the same time Gandhara, being the easternmost province of the Achaemenid Empire of Persia, became a major power in the region. Its two cities – Pushkalavati, or present day Charsadda ne ar Peshawar, and the capital Taxila, were the center of civilization and culture. Alexander the Great invaded the Subcontinent in 327 BC. Conquering the Kalash valley, he crossed the mighty Indus at Ohind, sixteen miles north of Attock. He then defeated the mighty elephant army of Porus at Jhelum, and began his march towards the long Ganges plain. However, he was forced to plan for homeward sailing when his warwary troops refused to advance further. On his way back, a serious wound, received while battling the Malloi people at Multan, finally took its toll, and Alexander died in 323 BC, leaving his conquests for grab among his own officers. Chandragupta Maurya was an exiled member of the royal family of Magadha, a kingdom flourishing since 700 BC on the bank of river Ganges. After Alexander’s death, Chandragupta captured Punjab with his allies, and later overthrew the king of Magadha in 321 BC to form the Mauryan Empire. After twenty-four years of kingship, his son, Bindusara, who added Deccan to the Mauryan rule, succeeded Chandragupta. Ashoka, son of Bindusara, was one of the greatest rulers the world has ever known. Not only did he rule a vast empire; he also tried to rule it compassionately. After initially causing thousands of lives during his conquest of Kalinga, he decided to rule by the law of piety. He was instrumental in spreading Buddhism within and outside the Sub-continent by building Buddhist monasteries and stupas, and sending out missionaries to foreign lands. The Greek king of Bactria, Demetrius, conquered the Kabul River Valley around 195 BC. The Greeks re-built Taxila and Pushkalavati as their twin capital cities in Gandhara. They were followed in 75 BC by the Scythians, Iranian nomads from Central Asia, and in about 50 BC by the powerful Parthians, from east of the Caspian Sea. After defeating the Greeks in 53 BC, the Parthians ruled the northern Pakistan area. During their era of trade and economic prosperity, the Parthians promoted art and religion. The Gandhara School of art developed, which reflected the glory of Greek, Syrian, Persian and Indian art traditions. The Kushana king, Kujula, ruler of nomad tribes from Central Asia, overthrew the Parthians in 64 AD and took over Gandhara. The Kushans further extended their rule into northwest India and Bay of Bengal, south into Bahawalpur and short of Gujrat, and north till Kashghar and Yarkand, into the Chinese frontier. They made their winter capital at Purushapura, the City of Flowers, now called Peshawar, and their summer capital north of Kabul. Kanishka, the greatest of Kushans, ruled from the year 128 to 151. Trade flourished during his rule, with the Romans trading in gold for jewelry, perfumes, dyes, spices and textiles. Progress was made in medicine and literature. Thousands of Buddhist monasteries and stupas were built and the best pieces of sculpture in the Gandhara School of art were produced. He was killed in his sleep when his own people resisted his unending expansionist pursuits. The Kushans Empire was usurped both from the North, where the Sassanian Empire of Persia eroded their rule. and the South where the Gupta Empire took hold. In the fourth century, due to decline in prosperity and trade, the Kushans Empire was reduced to a new dynasty of Kidar (Little) Kushans, with the capital now at Peshawar. Coming from Central Asia, the White Huns, originally the horse-riding nomads from China, invaded Gandhara during the fifth century. With declining prosperity, and the sun and fireworshipping Huns ruling the land, Buddhism gradually disappeared from northern Pakistan, taking the glory of the Gandhara School of art with it. After the defeat of Huns by Sassanians and Turks in 565, the area was mostly left to be ruled by small Hindu kingdoms, with the Turki Shahi rulers controlling the area till Gandhara from Afghanistan, and the raja of Kashmir ruling northern Punjab, and the areas east of the Indus. Buddhism’s decline continued as more people were converted to Brahman Hindus. Overthrowing the Turki Shahis, the Central Asian Hindu Shahis ruled from 870 till the year 1008. With their capital established at Hund on the Indus, their rule extended from Jalalabad in Afghanistan to Multan, and covered as far north as Kashmir. Fasting Buddha from Gandhara region, Central Museum, Lahore Buddha in Dhyana Mudra – preserved in Julian monastery Slave Dynasty [1206-1290] Khalji Dynasty [1290-1320] The founder of the Khalji Dynasty in South Asia, Malik Firuz, was originally the Ariz-iMumalik appointed by Kaiqubad during the days of decline of the Slave Dynasty. He took advantage of the political vacuum that was created due to the incompetence of the successors of Balban. To occupy the throne, he only had to remove the infant Sultan Kaimurs. On June 13 1290, Malik Firuz ascended the throne of Delhi as Jalal-ud-din Firuz Shah. Khaljis were basically Central Asians but had lived in Afghanistan for so long that they had become different from the Turks in terms of customs and manners. Thus the coming of Khaljis to power was more than a dynastic change. As majority of the Muslim population of Delhi was Turk, the arrival of a Khalji ruler was not much welcomed. Yet Jalal-ud-din managed to win the hearts of the people through his mildness and generosity. He retained most of the officers holding key positions in the Slave Dynasty. His own nephew and son-in-law Alauddin Khalji, killed Jalal-ud-din and took over as the new ruler. Alauddin’s reign is marked by innovative administrative and revenue reforms, market control regulations and a whirlwind period of conquests. It is considered the golden period of the Khalji rule. However, before the death of Alauddin, his house was divided into two camps. This resulted in the ultimate collapse of the Khalji dynasty. On one side were Khizar Khan (Alauddin’s son and the nominated hair to the throne), Alp Khan (Khizar’s father in law and the governor of Gujrat) and Malika-i-Jehan (wife of Alauddin and sister of Alp Khan). Malik Kafur led the other camp, who was one of Alauddin’s most trusted nobles. Malik Kafur managed to win the battle of politics and succeeded in making Shahab-ud-din Umar, a young prince of six years old, as the successor of Alauddin and himself became his regent. However, later his own agents killed Malik Kafur. After the death of Malik Kafur, Qutb-ud-din Mubarik Shah, another son of Alauddin removed his younger brother Umar from the throne and became Sultan in 1316. Mubarik was a worthless ruler and most of his time was spend in drinking and womanizing. During his rule the power was actually in the hands of a lowborn Hindu slave, who was given the title of Khusraw Khan by Mubarik himself. Khusraw, with the help of some of his friends killed Mubarik and declared himself the Sultan. With this the rule of the Khalji Dynasty came to an end. Tomb and College of Alauddin Khalji, although the grave is now missing The incomplete Alai Minar, built by Alauddin Khalji Tughluq Dynasty [1320-1412] During his rule, Khusraw replaced Muslim officers by Hindu officers in all key positions of the country. These Hindu officers openly insulted Islam, dishonored mosques and used copies of the Quran as pedestals for idols. This situation was very difficult for the Muslim of South Asia to digest. They gathered around a Tughluq noble popularly known as Ghazi Malik, who defeated and killed Khusraw. He wanted to give power back to the Khalji Dynasty, but could not find any survivor amongst the decedents of Alauddin. In this situation, the nobles asked him to become Sultan. He ascended the throne on September 8, 1320, and assumed the title of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughluq Shah, thus becoming the founder of the Tughluq dynasty. The Tughluqs belonged to the Qarauna Turk tribe. After becoming Sultan, Ghiyas-ud-din concentrated on crushing the Hindu rajas, who had gained power during the short rule of Khusraw. He conquered Bengal, which was no longer part of the central empire since the death of Balban. When he came back after the successful Bengal expedition, his son Jauna Khan gave him a very warm welcome. When Ghiyas-ud-din was taking the guard-of-honor, the special stage that had been constructed for the occasion fell down, killing Ghiyas-ud-din and six other people. His son Muhammad bin Tughluq succeeded him. Muhammad Tughluq was a man of ideas. He tried to implement a number of his own schemes. Unfortunately for him, almost all his schemes failed and he became unpopular amongst the masses. When he died, his cousin, Firuz Shah was raised to the status of Sultan. Firuz Shah’s long rule of 37 years is known for his marvelous administrative reforms. Due to old age, Firuz Shah handed over power to his son Muhammad Shah during his lifetime. The new Sultan proved incompetent and was not liked by the nobles. A civil war like situation was created. Firuz Shah helped in cooling down the tension and replaced Muhammad Shah with Ghiyas-ud-din, his grandson, as Sultan. However, after the death of Firuz Shah in 1388, a tussle once again began between the power-hungry princes of the house of Tughluqs. The nobles, who in order to gain more power, started supporting one prince or the other, further worsened the situation. This period of fighting amongst the Tughluq princes continued for about quarter of a century. Amir Timur’s invasion on Delhi in 1398 further destroyed the political and economic standing of the Tughluqs. The dynasty eventually came to an end in 1414 when Khizar Khan founded the Saiyid Dynasty in Delhi. Saiyid Dynasty [1414-1451] Saiyids Dynasty, claimed to be a descendent of the Prophet of Islam, Hadrat Muhammad (S. A. W.). Thus his established rule is known as the Saiyids Dynasty. Khizar collaborated with Timur during his invasion on India. As a reward, on his departure from the area, Timur made Khizar the governor of Lahore, Multan and Dipalpur. When Mahmud Shah, the last of the Tughlaq rulers, died in 1412, Daullat Khan Lodhi and Khizar both attempted to occupy the throne of Delhi. Tomb of Muhammad Shah Saiyid In 1414, Khizar won the battle and established the rule of his dynasty in Delhi. Although Khizar Khan was completely sovereign, he preferred to rule in the name of Timur, and then in the name of Timur’s successor, Shah Rukh. As a result of Timur’s invasion and the continuous wars for succession among the successors of Firuz Shah, a number of states and provinces of the Sultanate of Delhi declared their independence. Khizar tried to reintegrate these states through force, but failed in his mission. During his rule, the Sultanate was reduced to Sindh, Western Punjab, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Khizar died a natural death on May 20, 1421. His son Mubarik Shah succeeded Khizar. Unlike his father, Mubarik declared himself Sultan. His rule was full of internal and external revolts. On February 19 1434, two accomplices of his wazir, Sarwa-ul-Mulk, killed him. The reign of his successors, his nephew Muhammad Shah and Muhammad’s son Alauddin Alam Shah, were also marked by political instability. The territories of their empires were reduced to a distance of ten miles from Delhi to Palam. Finally, Buhlul Lodhi occupied Delhi and established his rule. Thus the era of Saiyids Dynasty came to an end in 1451.

Essay notes of mice and men discrimination Essay

â€Å"Jail Bate† George discriminates her beauty and gender because of the way she acts. â€Å"She screamed† Steinbeck portrays Curley’s wife to have been through some drama and terror which could suggest her reaction from discrimination. As Steinbeck does not name Curley’s wife this is Steinbeck’s opinion that she is irrelevant, this is yet another example of discrimination in some form. â€Å"Listen Nigger† this is an interesting quote that could suggest that Curley’s wife is discriminating Crooks, which is ironic because she is a victim of discrimination CROOKS QUOTES FOR DISCRIMINATION â€Å"Listen Nigger† this is a prime example of discrimination because of Crooks race â€Å"Cause I’m Black† this is yet another example of Crooks being discriminated as he replies to Lennie asking why he’s not allowed in the bunkhouse. â€Å"This is just a nigger talkin† here Steinbeck uses Crooks to show understanding the positives and negatives of being black e.g. no one will hold you for your actions. â€Å"The boss gave the stable buck hell† and â€Å"stable bucks a nigger† these two quotations emphasises the theme of discrimination of Race and how the context relates to how people were treated. (Slavery) â€Å"he woulda killed the nigger† here Candy is remembering a past memory but this is also links to the context of slavery. Here Steinbeck uses Foreshadowing as Curley’s wife dies later on in the novella. The name â€Å"Crooks† is a name given to the stable buck by Steinbeck because of his back which his discrimination of race which is why Steinbeck does not reveal his  name as Steinbeck has the opinion that he is irrelevant. â€Å"Guys don’t come into a coloured man’s room† here Crooks explain to Lennie how he is a victim of discrimination. LENNIE QUOTES DISCRIMINATION â€Å"crazy bastard† here George describes Lennie as â€Å"crazy† which reinforces why Lennie is mentally impaired. â€Å"Why ain’t you wanted?† Here Steinbeck shows lennie’s mental impairment to readers as he does not fathom the idea of racial discrimination. â€Å"you’d drink out of a gutter† here George emphasises Lennie being mentally impaired as George has the opinion that Lennie is not very sagacious. CANDY QUOTES DISCRIMINATION â€Å"They let the nigger come in† I can imply from this quote that Candy is relishing discrimination by joking about Crooks, which is ironic as he is also a victim of discrimination. â€Å"I been here a long time† this quote could suggest that Candy is a victim Ageism as Candy describes his time in Soledad as â€Å"long† which gives the image of old age. â€Å"wrist stump† this quote is an image which Steinbeck uses to show Candy’s disability. CONTEXT In the ranch where Lennie and George worked on was in Soledad, California which was where people went to chase their dreams it was known as the place of dreams. The Great Depression occurred between 1930-1936 meaning that most people were unemployed and money had been lost while banks had gone bust. This would have meant people who were discriminated e.g. disabled people or black people this could suggest that it was harder for them to live. LITERARY DEVICES SYMBOLSIM – rabbits representing Lennie’s dreams of owning land. IMAGERY – Steinbeck uses imagery before the introduction of each character to give them definition from one another and give the reader insight to what sort of character archetype they are . SIMILIE – â€Å"and flies shot like rushing stars.† This simile is used to show the conditions of the bunk house and how the workers were connected to nature. METAPHOR -â€Å"Lennie dabbed his big paw in the water† Lennie is metaphorically referred to as a bear because of his  large structure and his crushing strength. FORSHADOWING -All of the dead animals throughout the book, except Candy’s dog ; With every chapter, the death of living things increase in size, starting from a mouse, to a rat under the floorboards, to a puppy, to finally Curley’s wife and Lennie. Each death leads to a bigger one, foreshadowing that eventually, someone would die. CONNECTIVES For instance Significantly Partially Meanwhile Furthermore In addition In general Therefore However Thus Hence Alternatively Whereas As a result Consequently

Roman Colusseum Essays - Violence In Sports, Titus, Free Essays

Roman Colusseum Essays - Violence In Sports, Titus, Free Essays Roman Colusseum Architecture of the ancient Roman Empire is considered one of the most impressive of all time. The city of Rome once was home to more than one million residents in the early centuries AD1. The Romans had a fine selection of building monuments in the city of Rome including the forums for civic services, temples of worship, and amphitheaters for recreation and play. The Romans made great use and pioneered great architecture mechanisms including arches, columns, and even mechanical elements in pulleys and early elevators. However, when one tends to think of great buildings, one building stands out in Rome. This building is the Flavian Amphitheatre, or better known as the Colosseum. When discussing such a great monument such as the Colosseum, it is very important to realize the time, place, and culture in wish it stood to fully understand both its form and function. In the beginnings, Rome was both influenced by the Etruscans of the North and Greeks of Italy and South but had its basic roots from a long time of Samnite domination2. The Etruscans were that of an interesting type as described by Peter Quennell: The Etruscans...combined a passionate devotion to the ordinary pleasures of life with a haunting fear of death. They were cruel, too, and deeply superstitious...their victims were ordered to fight among themselves until the last had fallen. The Etruscans would have a strong impression in Roman lifestyles and philosophies. For example, the purple robe worn by leaders would be later adopted by the Romans. They also were the influence which brought gladiatorial battles of sacrifice into the Roman culture. This was a time of blood thirsty humans who loved the site of battle. Even an early christian named Alypius proclaimed that he took away with him a mad passion which prodded him not only to return (to gladatior events) with those by whom he had first been forced in, but even ahead of them and dragging in others.3 This was a time of paganism, which meant sacrifice and death. Early christians were persecuted for their beliefs in the first few centuries. Clearly in Rome, the focus was not only on religion or the emporer, but we have a focus on leisure and activities. It is said that of a three-hundred and sixty-five day year that one-hundred and fifty days were celebrated as regular holidays, with over ninety days given up t o games4. This type of lifestyle would dominate the cities and architecture of the Romans for some time to come. The people of Rome enjoyed theatres, battles, races, baths, comical events, and of course the game of death. There were many forums, temples, and many amphitheaters in the history of Rome, however only a few stand out even today. The Colosseum is the greatest standing building of Rome, and one of the most recognized worldwide architectural achievements to this day. The amphitheater is a type of architecture that was without Greek precedents. This makes sense since its primary purpose was to hold gladitiator fights and brutal shows which were banned in Athens at the time. Such events held in Roman amphitheaters were horseracing, gymnastics, mock cavalry battles, footraces, prizefighting, wrestling, fights between animals, between men, animals and men, and even naumachiae, or mock sea battles5. One of the first amphitheaters was the Pompeian amphitheater of Pompeii of 30 BC. Like the Colosseum, it was oval in plan. It was supported on great masses of solid earth pierced by a broad corridor at each end. Stone seats were added at one time but most spectators sat on the earth or wooden chairs. Although this amphitheater was a great innovation, it would be eclipsed by the Flavian Amphitheater, better known as the C olosseum. The great building although fitting and plain in design to its surroundings of Rome still stood out due to its sheer monstrosity and oval shape. Although the site viewed today is still a marvel, back in the days of its prime it was a spectacular site that would be difficult to apprehend with only words[TVK1]. [TVK2] The city which held the great structure was full of great examples of the use of arches, columns from every order, and of course sheer size. When traveling the

EFL Learners

Fun Survey for ESL/EFL Learners A common comment made by new English students is that they want to improve their conversational skills. In fact, many students complain that their grammar is OK, but, when it comes to conversing, they feel they are still beginners. This makes sense - especially in academic settings where the emphasis often tends towards structural knowledge. As a first year, enthusiastic ESL/EFL teacher, I can remember striding into class ready to help students converse - only to find out that what I had chosen was of little or no interest to my students. I stammered through the lesson, trying to cajole my students into talking - and, in the end, doing most of the talking myself. Does this scenario sound slightly familiar? Even the most experienced teacher runs into this problem: A student wants to improve his/her speaking ability, but getting them to state an opinion is like pulling teeth. There are many reasons for this common problem: pronunciation problems, cultural tabus, lack of vocabulary for a given topic, etc. In order to combat this tendency, its good to gather a little background information on your students before you begin your conversation lessons. Finding out about your students well ahead of time can also assist in: planning out longer arcs of learning topicsunderstanding the personality of your classgrouping students for activitiesfinding the right authentic materials that will hold your classs attention through the tough bitssuggesting individual research topics for class presentations Its best to distribute this type of fun survey during the first week of class. Feel free to distribute the activity as homework. Once you understand the reading and study habits, as well as the general interests of your class, you will be well on your way to providing engaging materials that will actually encourage your students to say more than yes or no the next time you ask them to make a comment. Fun Survey for Adult ESL/EFL Learners Imagine you are having dinner with your best friend. What topics do you discuss?Imagine you are having a work lunch with colleagues. What topics do you discuss that are non-work related?What do you like best about your profession?What do you like least about your profession?What do you like to read? (circle items)FictionAdventure storiesHistorical fictionScience fictionComic booksThrillersShort StoriesRomance novelsOther (please list)NonfictionBiographyScienceHistoryCookbooksSociologyComputer manualsOther (please list)Do you read any magazines or newspapers? (please list titles)What are your hobbies?What places have you visited?What type of things do you like: (circle items)GardeningGoing to museumsListening to music (please list type of music)MoviesWorking with Computers / Surfing the InternetVideo gamesWatching TV (please list programs)Playing sports (please list sports)Playing an instrument (please list instrument)Other (please list)Think about your best friend, husband or wife fo r a minute. What do you have in common with him/her? Fun Survey for Student ESL/EFL Learners Imagine you are having dinner with your best friend. What topics do you discuss?Imagine you are having lunch with classmates. What topics do you discuss that are school related?Which courses do you most enjoy?Which courses do you least enjoy?What do you like to read?  (circle items)FictionAdventure storiesHistorical fictionScience fictionComic booksThrillersShort StoriesRomance novelsOther  (please list)NonfictionBiographyScienceHistoryCookbooksSociologyComputer manualsOther  (please list)Do you read any magazines or newspapers?  (please list titles)What are your hobbies?What places have you visited?What type of things do you like:  (circle items)GardeningGoing to museumsListening to music  (please list type of music)MoviesWorking with Computers / Surfing the InternetVideo gamesWatching TV  (please list programs)Playing sports  (please list sports)Playing an instrument  (please list instrument)Other  (please list)Think about your best friend for a minute. What do you have in common with him/her

Being Independent

Most people like to believe that they are independent-free of a pack, their own person, unswayable by peer pressure. Is this actually true? Some philosophers and sociologists actually believe that there is wisdom in crowds and that many people are guided through life by a sense of wanting to belong. So which is actually true? How many times have you heard the sentence Im an individual, just like everybody else! Or My friends and I are all individuals. We just agree a lot. The fact of the matter is that most people seek out a crowd or a tribe of like minded people to belong to. The sentence Im an individual just like everybody else is just about as popular as the idea that no man is an island. When it comes to independence, many people try to strike a balance. In America, children and adults alike seek out like minded individuals to form alliances with. These friendships and relationships are based on a common philosophy or ideology and while this sameness is the reason for the bond, the individual parties struggle to retain their individual independence. This can often lead to a sociological kind of nomad-ness as people drift from group to group trying to find the best fit for themselves. Politically speaking, independence is what happens when a new nation is formed and declares itself free of the laws and rules of the country that it used to belong to. The United States declared its Independence from England a couple of centuries ago, Bolivia declared its independence form the Ottoman Empire-the list of independence declarations is as long as history itself. Much like individuals, nations that declare their independence immediately try to model their rules and regulations upon other models that they admire. They build themselves up while searching for other nations to form allegiances with-nations that they can trade with, fight with and, ultimately, live with in harmony. Even in a broad sense, the need to belong and forge relationships wins out over complete independence. There is not one nation that does not interact with the rest of the globe in at least a few capacities. The truth of the matter is that political independence is starting to slowly become less important. While each nation wants to retain an individual identity, thanks to things like global trade and the free exchange of ideas, the relationships between nations are getting tighter. Many people call this the shrinking of the world as individual nations give up their independence to be a part of the global community. In conclusion, it looks like true independence isnt true at all. Independence is declared in a number of degrees-a need to retain ones individual sense of self while still belonging to a group. Nobody wants to be left alone completely. Even those who say that they are more comfortable spending time alone still have a few relationships that they rely on. For more information on independence, visit  http://

How intersectional identities can transform intersectional Dissertation

How intersectional identities can transform intersectional disadvantage into public appreciation through sports - Dissertation Example It is argued that there is a public romance with sports in which black athletes such as Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and Pele together with homosexual Carl Lewis have challenged stereotypical attitudes toward homosexuals and racial minorities.4 In other words, there are opportunities for minorities in sports to penetrate intersectional boundaries and to not only gain acceptance, but to also be admired. This research study will demonstrate the opportunities according competitive sports for transcending intersectional boundaries by reference to South Africa’s Rugby League. South Africa, a country that has transitioned from apartheid to democracy in the late 20th century provides an example of both extremes: oppression and equality in sports. This study will therefore be divided into four parts. The first part of this study defines intersectionalities and provides an analysis of sports generally. The second part of this paper provides an intersectional analysis of sports in South Africa’s Rugby league during apartheid. The third part of this study conducts an intersectional analysis of sports in post-Apartheid South Africa’s Rugby League. The final part of the paper analyses intersectionalities in sports today. Part I: Introduction Davis defines intersectionality as: †¦the interaction between gender, race, and other categories of diffiference in individual lives, social practices, institutional arrangements, and cultural ideologies and the outcomes of these interactions in terms of power.5 The term intersectionality was introduced by Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989 as a means of providing more profound insight into the experiences of non-white women. Crenshaw felt that feminist studies did not adequately address the special circumstances that women of diverse racial minorities experienced. Crenshaw argued that there was a need to demonstrate how both gender and race interacted to inform the experiences of women of colour.6 Today, intersectionali ty theory is understood as a means of analyzing the intersection between gender, race, class and ethnicity and how these interactions are manifested in community settings, institutions and the daily lives on individuals and their interactions with others.7 Essentially, intersectionality takes the postion that different social entities are made up of different identities. For example black people are comprised of black heterosexuals, black homosexuals and my other identities. Intersectionality theory argues that the different status identities of members of a social group will correspond with the extent to which the individual will likely be discriminated against.8 Over the last ten or so years there has been an intensifying growth in intersectional analyses as a result of an appreciation for the realization that identities are multidimensional and are constantly changing and formed by â€Å"power† through â€Å"additional categories as social class, sexuality, and

Who Am I Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Who Am I - Essay Example English is my favorite language, and my passion for the subject helped me understand not only its use but its basis. I have the basic comprehension of most vocabulary and phrases in the language that I have learnt through studying in class and research in linguistic facilities. According to my teachers and friends, my linguistic intelligence has been characterized by love for reading and writing, remembrance of both written and spoken language, explanation capabilities and my involvement in persuasive debates at school. I have also been able to learn other languages quickly as compared to other students. Written language capabilities have helped me in understanding the English language and using perfect words and vocabularies in my essays. Another stronghold of my acumen is my knowledge in mathematics and subjects that relate to basic reasoning, improved results in subjects that entail mathematics and calculations have exposed my ability in the above intelligence. I have used this potential in helping my friends who are not endowed in the field. At learning facilities, teachers have appointed me a group leader in most mathematical field to help others in calculations and reasoning. This intelligence has helped me analyze problems logically, recognize patterns and help in scientific experiments. My approaches in mathematics have helped me become top in the class since I was in my younger stages. It has also helped improve my performance in other mathematics-related subjects such as physics. I also have a passion for computers that I use in most times to strengthen my acumen. Use of tests and self-set exams has also aided me to progress my performance in mathematics. Deductive reasoning is part of my thinking processes that help me in deducting ideas from mathematical solutions. This acumen derives the abilities to visualize not only with the human eye by also mind. The visualization

Adminstrative Ethics Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Adminstrative Ethics Paper - Essay Example Organizational and institutional standards are maximizing familiar location when people speak about their present health management systems. Organizational financing materials, employer employee relations and structural designs are all mentioned as areas where moral obstacles and value fights are coming high. The high tensions built by dissimilarities in organizational, personal, and expertise merits. Executives/Administrators have become demoralized with institutions that do not embody qualities stable with those by which they expect to live. As claimed by Badaraco and Webb (1995) study, most of the young administrators complained being asked to do things they particularly trust were undesired and sometimes not allowed. Well-intentioned administrators were revealed to rely on a blend of corporate credos, declaration of their own certitudes, ethics hotlines, training schedules, and ombudsmen to create to ethical levels for their companies. As an outcome of inconsistent institutional moral levels, confusing patterns arise composing the recognition of a cynical perspective of institutional or business standards by young le aders. The researchers study mentioned the importance of values tutelage and a higher knowledge of ethical resolution-making for administrators. Administrative healthcare setting, ensure an unceasing presence of moral issues embedded in each day’s performances. The administrator of the health management has authorities to self, to the business, to the client fulfilled by the group, and also to the workers who give services at the company. With the data systems development, one ethical bother that frequently presents itself to the executive is information confidentiality. Confidential data is facts that are personal, secret and very much privileged. Administrator’s private information in the health care setting goes to the extent of patient medical data to broader information operations that direct

Integrating Interactive Multimedia and Web Applications in Teaching Essay

Integrating Interactive Multimedia and Web Applications in Teaching - Essay Example The significance of investigating this integration remains, however, considering that listening now is the cornerstone of language acquisition (Krashen et al., 1994) and a fundamental activity in L2 acquisition process (Dunkel, 1991a; Krashen, 1982; Rost, 1993). Likewise, studies indicate that the social dynamics of listening have gained more significance in the study and use of LC for L2 (Lynch, 1988; Rost, 1990; Rubin, 1994). Increasingly, more emphasis is now being given to the processes of interaction and meaning-negotiation while focus shifts away from listening as a mental process internal to the listener (Doughty, 1991; Dunkel, 1991b; Pica, Young, & Doughty, 1987; Robinson, 1991). Researchers are also refining their understanding of the key differences and similarities between reading and listening (Canale, 1984; Hoven, 1991; Lund, 1991; Swaffar & Bacon, 1993). For all the above reasons and more, a model designed to facilitate such integration process is being proposed. In a nutshell, the model suggests an integration process based upon theoretical, pedagogical, and technical grounds accompanied by a user-centered approach for software design. It is argued that this model might lead to a successful integration of interactive Web applications for teaching listening comprehension. The model components will be discussed respectively. Toward a Constructivist Approach Two contradictory views of the most common theoretical frameworks of contemporary CALL exist. Felix (2002) claims that a quick look at the literature in language learning and technology will reveal that there is a move away from the static transmission models of knowledge and skill acquisition, which are instructivist vs. constructivist, tending towards more contextualized, authentic, and meaningful tasks in language learning. These three characteristics are underscored in three recent approaches in language learning and technology: the collaborative learning approach, the problem solving approach, and the constructivist approach. This study will adopt the definition of constructivism which believes that human knowledge is constructed and learners construct their own experience and understanding through assimilating current experience with previous internalized knowledge. Moreover, learning is seen as a collaborative, autonomous, socially negotiated process, which takes place when su pported by a rich environment (Ruschoff & Ritter, 2001). Pachler (2002), however, claims that traditional behaviorist modes, which I believe depends partly on transmission models (i.e., repetition in listening/speaking), are still very common in the world of CALL. The breaking of learning tasks into small manageable steps to drill and

Ethics and the War on Terrorism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Ethics and the War on Terrorism - Research Paper Example I define the issue as applies to international and human rights perspectives, its origin, and point of view in favor and against employing of torture in the war against terror. Terrorism is not morally justifiable, neither is there a single methodology successful in addressing the issue of terror. Therefore, various investigative agencies apply combined techniques of gathering intelligence with respect to terror activities. However, ethical and moral arguments encompass the war against terror, as the techniques used to gather information from uncooperative suspects are illegal (Blakeley, 2011). The leading of these is the use of torture techniques in gathering intelligence. The question of the ethical perspective on the use of torture in addressing terror continues to elicit lively debates, with each side holding stern views on the topic. Torture entails the process of inflicting severe pain to someone with the purpose of forcing him or her to do or say something. It a practical approach used since immemorial time against prisoners of war, suspected insurgents and spies and political prisoners (McCoy, 2012). However, with respect to terrorism, the governments identified the form of violence called terrorism in the period between 1970s and 1980s. Thus, this is where the historical origin of the relations between torture terrorism also begins. Governments used the systemic torture in conflicts against rebels, insurgents, and resistance groups over hundreds of years in the past. However, the question remains whether these conflicts constitute the war against terrorism. Governments often refer to their non-state violent opponents as terrorists. Nonetheless, the ascertaining of their involvement in terrorist activity, in various cases, remains a debatable subject. Since the 9/11 assault on America, the subject of the use of torture to gain useful information from

Adminstrative Ethics Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Adminstrative Ethics Paper - Essay Example Organizational and institutional standards are maximizing familiar location when people speak about their present health management systems. Organizational financing materials, employer employee relations and structural designs are all mentioned as areas where moral obstacles and value fights are coming high. The high tensions built by dissimilarities in organizational, personal, and expertise merits. Executives/Administrators have become demoralized with institutions that do not embody qualities stable with those by which they expect to live. As claimed by Badaraco and Webb (1995) study, most of the young administrators complained being asked to do things they particularly trust were undesired and sometimes not allowed. Well-intentioned administrators were revealed to rely on a blend of corporate credos, declaration of their own certitudes, ethics hotlines, training schedules, and ombudsmen to create to ethical levels for their companies. As an outcome of inconsistent institutional moral levels, confusing patterns arise composing the recognition of a cynical perspective of institutional or business standards by young le aders. The researchers study mentioned the importance of values tutelage and a higher knowledge of ethical resolution-making for administrators. Administrative healthcare setting, ensure an unceasing presence of moral issues embedded in each day’s performances. The administrator of the health management has authorities to self, to the business, to the client fulfilled by the group, and also to the workers who give services at the company. With the data systems development, one ethical bother that frequently presents itself to the executive is information confidentiality. Confidential data is facts that are personal, secret and very much privileged. Administrator’s private information in the health care setting goes to the extent of patient medical data to broader information operations that direct

Ethics and the War on Terrorism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Ethics and the War on Terrorism - Research Paper Example I define the issue as applies to international and human rights perspectives, its origin, and point of view in favor and against employing of torture in the war against terror. Terrorism is not morally justifiable, neither is there a single methodology successful in addressing the issue of terror. Therefore, various investigative agencies apply combined techniques of gathering intelligence with respect to terror activities. However, ethical and moral arguments encompass the war against terror, as the techniques used to gather information from uncooperative suspects are illegal (Blakeley, 2011). The leading of these is the use of torture techniques in gathering intelligence. The question of the ethical perspective on the use of torture in addressing terror continues to elicit lively debates, with each side holding stern views on the topic. Torture entails the process of inflicting severe pain to someone with the purpose of forcing him or her to do or say something. It a practical approach used since immemorial time against prisoners of war, suspected insurgents and spies and political prisoners (McCoy, 2012). However, with respect to terrorism, the governments identified the form of violence called terrorism in the period between 1970s and 1980s. Thus, this is where the historical origin of the relations between torture terrorism also begins. Governments used the systemic torture in conflicts against rebels, insurgents, and resistance groups over hundreds of years in the past. However, the question remains whether these conflicts constitute the war against terrorism. Governments often refer to their non-state violent opponents as terrorists. Nonetheless, the ascertaining of their involvement in terrorist activity, in various cases, remains a debatable subject. Since the 9/11 assault on America, the subject of the use of torture to gain useful information from

Mass Media and Economic Development Essay Example for Free

Mass Media and Economic Development Essay Mass media has always been one of the pillars of modern society. With its wide range and base, it is indubitably, the most effective and efficient way of mass information dissemination. Yet, instead of mass media being a primary tool for education, it is mostly being used as a medium for entertainment; to show bland, superficial products with little, or no educational value. So, attempting to connect mass media with economic development would seem as disjoint as climate change and my inability to make good analogies. Surprisingly, this is what the last speaker, from The Public Sphere talked about. The forum cites economic literacy as the main contribution that mass media can make to economic development. Defining economic literacy as the ability to identify, analyze and evaluate the consequences of individual decisions and public policy, the speaker, Mr. Omar Dumdum of NEDA, goes in to explain the ineffectiveness of economic education in secondary school; therefore, mass media should take the primary responsibility of promulgating economic literacy, to promote economic development. This can be done, according to Mr. Dumdum, through better economic news writing and reporting, making economic news understandable for the general population, and information dissemination campaigns. There will be some difficulties encountered, of course, as Economics is wrought with technical terms that cannot be easily simplified, but, if information campaigns are done in tandem with better reporting, results can be achieved. Personally, I do think it is possible and feasible. Being someone who believes in the power of mass media to reform society, I think mass media could enhance the net economic literacy of the Philippines, which would, hopefully, increase Filipino participation in crucial economic activities, resulting in inclusive economic development. But of course, mass media has internal flaws that prevent this from happening. For one, it bears the inability to make economic news/information exciting, or even understandable. If not for my privileged secondary and tertiary education, I would not know anything about our countrys economic status, as I regularly skip the Business section of the papers, because it is simply boring. Economic reporting tends to be too technical, or elitist, so much so, that for the average Filipino citizen believes that the economic opinion of his/her neighborhood barber is more valid and believable compared to the TV guy in a suit. I am not dismissing the opinion of Manong Barber as incorrect or irrelevant (he might be an economist, who knows), but this points out the preference of Filipinos to opinion-based economic information, over rigorous, empirical economic reporting. And, so I have mentioned, we Filipinos are not entirely at fault. We cannot be blamed for giving more importance to comprehensible information than jargonic gibberish. Also considering the fact that public opinion greatly influences economic policies in our country (i.e. sin tax bill), this, all the more makes the medias role in promoting economic development crucial. I do agree with Mr. Dumdums proposed approach of information campaigns being conducted simultaneously with better news reporting, because better enws reporting alone would not fulfill the expected impact of mass media in the economic literacy of our society. In conclusion, I think that the mass media, is indeed, an important element in aiding the development of a Philippines as a globally competitive economy. It is not enough, however to merely educate people about the Economics and the economic condition of our country at present. Public policies, political will, exhaustive analyses and correct decisions are also parts of the solution to the enigma that is Philippine development. And, in these, mass media can only contribute so much; mass media cannot improve the Philippine economy alone.

Example Answers for Marketing Management Exam Paper

Example Answers for Marketing Management Exam Paper 5. Identify and describe some problems and challenges to marketing managers in relation to change and innovation. Critically discuss the links between strategic marketing management and the change environment with particular reference to Levitts (1960) seminal article Marketing Myopia. In the marketing context, change brought about by economic recession, disruptive technologies usage and privation can all affect the stability of market environment (Sirmon, Hitt and Ireland, 2007). Global economy is accelerating at a fast rate giving way to competitive risks and opportunities. Therefore, effective strategic planning is incumbent that could help marketers to survive and improve their company performance in turbulent environments (Ireland and Hitt, 2005). Change environment and strategic marketing management: Strategic management involves the role played by managers to align business organization with changing environment. Mostly business organizations are being regulated on narrow vision, therefore in order to bring about change and innovation, the corporate vision of organization must be reexamined to define markets in a broader context. This was the crux of Levitts article marketing myopia, i.e. marketers focus on the products instead of customer. According to him the environmental change is not a major contributor in the problems faced by industries rather it is the constricted stance of their marketing managers or decision makers. It is basically the failure linked with the top managements inability to cope with the business beyond the narrow confines of conventional production procedures. False myths like prediction of an avid market share due to increase in population, absence of substitutes and total reliance on mass production lead to marketing myopia. Approach of the marketers should be customer centric rather than product centric as Levitt has rightfully given the example of Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motors who adopted the strategy to lessen cost price of cars to attract more customers. Technology cannot always guarantee successful market outcomes therefore sometimes firms have to give away their personal profits to gain long term market survival. The strategic marketing management and its interaction with the firms environment play a vital moderating role. As both components are regarded dynamic, it is less frequent that the firms succumb to the tendencies of marketing myopia. Contrary to that if the marketing environment is static, myopic stance is inevitable and the firm will have to suffer the consequences. For avoiding myopia, a firm will have to adjust with the changing market demands (Lichtenthal, and Iyer, 2003). Presentation1JJ.bmp Table: Typology of firm-environment links To deal with the change environment, firms can develop new strategies with the aid of Mckinsey 7S Model that have the tendency to foresee hard factors (e.g. systems, structure) and soft factors (like culture, education level of employees, shared values etc). The method is also helpful for merger and acquisition (Egner, 2009). mckinsey-7s-model-software_business___productivity_barcode_software-31759-screenshot.gif Hard Elements Soft Elements Strategy Structure Systems Shared Values Skills Style Staff 2. What are competencies and capabilities? Argue the importance of a marketing manager assessing business competencies and capabilities in the fulfillment of corporate and marketing objectives. Use examples of competences and capabilities to illustrate your answer. Competencies and capabilities: These concepts of strategic management refer to the ability of a business organization to provide the services being promised to potential clients. Both are interrelated but differ in their applicability in the marketing context. Competencies might be regarded as the skills possessed by a firm on which the marketing manager or retailer can make strategic decisions. These can be brought about by providing high level customer service or skills like utilization of modern technology by the marketing company. An example of competencies could be the CRM initiatives of the real estate firm, Barratt Developments PLC. Capabilities are reflected through the business organizations actual behavior encompassing the ability of the firm to expand its resource base in order to attain competitive advantage in the market. They can be judged on the basis of firms values, resources and processes (e.g. communication and decision making pattern). Importance of marketing manager: Every business organization possesses some core competencies that are required to be critically evaluated for proper market functioning in coming years. Therefore, managers of a business organization should start developing and planning strategies to achieve these competencies beforehand. For example with the wide scale implementation of the e-tailing concept, maintaining and designing of a website could be the competence that is deemed crucial for success among competitors (Sullivan and Adcock, 2002, p. 323). Skills can be bought in the retail sector yet the onset of developing skills is regarded a better option. Resources and skills for example the retail staff human resources should be honed into the capability for providing a service at a specific marketing level. According to Kotler (1997) for delivering satisfaction to the clients, a good marketing manager should be able to determine the needs for customer satisfaction and express them through organizations capabilities. By strategically investing in resources, development of capability and competencies should be planned by the marketing managers in relation to the marketing objectives set forth by the firm based on the knowledge of current business environment and strategies that are possible to execute. Although development of competencies and capabilities are sometimes difficult to control, managers must predict the future requirements by taking into account current needs (Sullivan and Adcock, 2002, p. 323).

The Causes and Consequences of the Russian Crisis of 1998 Essay

The causes and consequences of the Russian crisis of 1998 The period 1995 to mid-1997 was boom time for Russia’s financial markets. The value of the Russian bonds and stocks soared, with the participation of foreigners in these asset markets increasing rapidly. International investors’ optimism about the country’s future was lifted by stabilization policy that followed the advice of Western institutions. Russian crisis of 1998 were caused due to a number of factors, the investor risk aversion by foreign players, fall in oil prices put the ruble under a drastic downward trend. Russia at that point in time was heavily dependent on capital inflows which was eroded due to the external shocks e.g Asian financial crisis etc country stabilization program crumbled immediately due such triggers. The government at that time protected the exchange rate mechanism and the ruble, they took measures by reducing the supply of money which lead to drastic change in the interest rates.Turbulent change in the government where administration tried to stabilize the economy through drastic fiscal tightening and fresh foreign borrowings. These were drastically desperate measures they had taken which lead to volatility and instability in financial markets. The initial surge in bond and stock prices in 1995–97 owed to a highly ambitious monetary stabilization program, which compressed inflation much faster than other transition economies. Due to high dollarization, disinflation was based on the exchange rate. The program produced rapid real appreciation and a persistent need for capital inflows, while weak economic structures and lack of domestic political support prevented accompanying fiscal consolidation and foreign direct investment. The ga... ...tzer, and Brian Pinto. 2005. â€Å"Sargent–Wallace Meets Krugman–Flood–Garber, Or: Why Sovereign Debt Swaps Don't Avert Macroeconomic Crises.† Economic Journal 115:343–67 †¢ Gaddy, Clifford G., and Barry W. Ickes. 1998. â€Å"Russia's Virtual Economy.† Foreign Affairs 77(5):53–67 †¢ Government of the Russian Federation (2001a), Federal Government 2001 Borrowing Plan, Available http://www.akm.ru †¢ Astapovich, A., E. Gavrilenkov, L. Grigoryev, T. Maleva, A. Poletaev and S. Vasiliev (2000), ‘Overview of Economic Policy in Russia in 1999’, Bureau of Economic Analysis †¢ IMF (International Monetary Fund). 2000b. Debt- and Reserve-Related Indicators of External Vulnerability. March 23, 2000. Available at http://www.imf.org/external/np/pdr/debtres/debtres.pdf †¢ Government of The Russian Federation. 1998b. â€Å"Stabilization of the Economy and Finance Program.† June 19, 1998 The Causes and Consequences of the Russian Crisis of 1998 Essay The causes and consequences of the Russian crisis of 1998 The period 1995 to mid-1997 was boom time for Russia’s financial markets. The value of the Russian bonds and stocks soared, with the participation of foreigners in these asset markets increasing rapidly. International investors’ optimism about the country’s future was lifted by stabilization policy that followed the advice of Western institutions. Russian crisis of 1998 were caused due to a number of factors, the investor risk aversion by foreign players, fall in oil prices put the ruble under a drastic downward trend. Russia at that point in time was heavily dependent on capital inflows which was eroded due to the external shocks e.g Asian financial crisis etc country stabilization program crumbled immediately due such triggers. The government at that time protected the exchange rate mechanism and the ruble, they took measures by reducing the supply of money which lead to drastic change in the interest rates.Turbulent change in the government where administration tried to stabilize the economy through drastic fiscal tightening and fresh foreign borrowings. These were drastically desperate measures they had taken which lead to volatility and instability in financial markets. The initial surge in bond and stock prices in 1995–97 owed to a highly ambitious monetary stabilization program, which compressed inflation much faster than other transition economies. Due to high dollarization, disinflation was based on the exchange rate. The program produced rapid real appreciation and a persistent need for capital inflows, while weak economic structures and lack of domestic political support prevented accompanying fiscal consolidation and foreign direct investment. The ga... ...tzer, and Brian Pinto. 2005. â€Å"Sargent–Wallace Meets Krugman–Flood–Garber, Or: Why Sovereign Debt Swaps Don't Avert Macroeconomic Crises.† Economic Journal 115:343–67 †¢ Gaddy, Clifford G., and Barry W. Ickes. 1998. â€Å"Russia's Virtual Economy.† Foreign Affairs 77(5):53–67 †¢ Government of the Russian Federation (2001a), Federal Government 2001 Borrowing Plan, Available http://www.akm.ru †¢ Astapovich, A., E. Gavrilenkov, L. Grigoryev, T. Maleva, A. Poletaev and S. Vasiliev (2000), ‘Overview of Economic Policy in Russia in 1999’, Bureau of Economic Analysis †¢ IMF (International Monetary Fund). 2000b. Debt- and Reserve-Related Indicators of External Vulnerability. March 23, 2000. Available at http://www.imf.org/external/np/pdr/debtres/debtres.pdf †¢ Government of The Russian Federation. 1998b. â€Å"Stabilization of the Economy and Finance Program.† June 19, 1998

GMR Applications :: science

GMR Applications A Microcontroller-based scheme for measurement of magnetic field position using Giant Magnetic Resistor (GMR) in Contactless Measurement and Robotics Omidreza Esmaeili Motlagh Faculty of Electronic Engineering, Mazandaran University ( UMZ ), Babol, Iran Magnetic sensors in contactless applications: Magnetic sensors can be used for all sorts of applications where a contactless measurement of position and orientation is required. For instance in cars, where a large number of sensors are employed, magnetic sensors obviously have great advantages over their counterparts which involve the use of moving parts. Also they are variety of Magnetic sensors used in industry to simplify designs in different cases. For instance the current measurement using shunt resistor is in some cases impractical or impossible. For large currents the shunt resistors are heavy and they cause voltage drop and dissipate heat. They are not insulated and the conductor should be disconnected for mounting. Contactless current sensors may be used for remote conductors at high potentials, underground cables etc. Today a wide range of AC and DC contactless current sensors is produced. Also precise contactless magnetic sensors are always required by car industry, chemical industry and many other industries, for measurement of power and many other applications. Solid-state magnetic field sensors are moving into a growing range of new contactless applications because of their small size, low power consumption, and relatively low cost. The first aim of the project therefore will be to become familiar with different kinds of magnetic sensors, especially new GMR family and to investigate their characteristics and behavior in presence of applied magnetic field. [1] Giant Magnetic Resistor (GMR): Structure: The sensor consists of stack of magnetic and non-magnetic layers and Giant Magnetic Resistivity or GMR effects occur when these ultra-thin magnetic layers are set in close proximity to each other. Alternately magnetic and non-magnetic layers can be built up with the magnetic fields either parallel or anti-parallel, creating very sensitive low to high resistance components. The resistance of a GMR sensor as a measure for the applied field varies with the angle between the hard internal magnetization and the soft magnetic covering layers which follows the magnetic field. [2] The Giant Magnetic Resistor is a resistive device whose Ohmic value changes gradually only when a nearer external magnetic field changes its relative orientation and the originated field intensity or the distance between magnet and GMR are not relevant within certain limits. Any rotary button or knob containing a magnet on it, may work as a contactless switch when its rotation is detected by a GMR.

Kite Runner Essay

In Khaled Hossenis tale of the vindictive pressures borne by those with antagonistic motives, ? The Kite Runner’ illustrates that for one to be relieved from their negative actions, they must undertake the support of heroic qualities. The novel suggests that for one to become closer to self realization they must adopt the use of altruism. Such trait can help lead the characters away from past horrors and grievances. In addition to such quality alone may not be enough, one must also utilize being brave and loyal towards the surrounding world, evoking these personalities allows one to be alleviated from and obtain a conscience free from guilt. However, the novel also displays the possibilities that if one does not enlist the support of such heroic qualities, they will be forced with vehement ramifications which will be burdened upon them, taking them away from a state of tranquillity. To grow closer to self realization, altruism must be evoked. A perfect example of such suggestion is Baba. Trying to be alleviated of his sins, Baba took in Ali and Hassan in order to hide from the pain and disloyalty caused by his earlier mistakes. Utilizing altruism as a positive trait Baba created an orphanage in order to help others in a quest to atone for his sins. Amir going older, had reached a certain stage of realization, he took in the fact that he had to be unselfish and had to sacrifice himself when saving Sohrab from the terrible Afghanistan. Sanaubar had also sought altruism, after coming back to Afghanistan to see her son who she had neglected after birth. â€Å"I have walked long and far t Even more† By obtaining such trait, it becomes easier for one to become closer to godliness. However altruism alone may not suffice. Evoking a since of strength and loyalty, Baba had been brave despite what others thought and their negative reactions, he still undertook the creation of the orphanage on his own. â€Å"Sceptics had urged him to stop . Of course, Baba refused. † Being brave Baba was also willing to sacrifice his life in order to save an innocent woman from being shot and rapped. â€Å"Tell him ill take a thousand of his bullets?.. Indecency take place† Bravery in Amir was unsought for until he was older. He flew back to the troublesome Afghanistan, and fought a once lost battle with the Neo Nazi Assef. Realising that Hassan was a true friend; Amir committed himself to being a loyal friend, and took in Sohrab, Hassans Son. Sanaubar had faced her inner demons and her acts of disgrace by showing up returning to the discrimination of Afghanistan to be with her son and spend her last dying days with him and his family. However, not reaching realization and being away from positive traits may lead to horrific consequences. Such acts include, Amir betraying his loyalty to Hassan, abusing such friendship, each betraying motif had lead to a new lie which soon enough being entrapped under the tangle of lies, being in that sort of state forever haunts him, disallowing him to even hear the words Hassan. Sanaubar could not achieve redemption by fleeing the new born Hassan to save her Reputation, leaving behind her life and her own flesh and blood. Baba had faced a difficult ? bear’ when being forced to commit extraordinary acts in order to admit to his actions and to receive true realization. ?The Kite Runner† has conveyed many possibilities that one may explore for them to redeem for their sins. The Novel illustrates and highlights the relative importance of facing burdensome obstacles and achieving a state of godliness. Without pursuing these demons one may be faced with many ramifications which may sooner or later change their life forever.

Physiological Cost of War

The main concern before the Iraq adventure, in the United States revolved around the almost forgotten veterans of the Vietnam War who had at one time put their lives in harms way and were still paying the price and coping with persistent dysfunction. These veteran’s health care problems and the provision of proper resources and services for these aging men were proving to be an irritant of the bygone days, and then the Gulf War came to us; or rather we went to it with open arms.The wheel has turned full circle once again and today a whole new and young generation of veterans has come to replace the old veterans before they are all gone into the pages of history. Perhaps this new problem of new health care issues that has been forced on our conscious may also make us spare a few thoughts for our older veterans. They are still reeling from the psychological harm done to them ages ago and perhaps this will serve as a notice to us that in all probability, the new generation of vet erans will also carry similar scars into their and our futures too.They have done their part and we must not forget to do ours, by taking care of them and by not forgetting them as we forgot some of the old ones. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder It was â€Å"Shell Shock† in World War 1 and â€Å"Combat Neurosis† in World War 11 and now it is PTSD. Since the evolution of mankind there have been battles and wars and irrespective of their outcomes, they have had all types of long terms effects on mankind and the American Psychiatric Association have finally recognized it as â€Å"Anxiety Disorder† and termed it as PTSD.Let us hope and pray that there are no more future wars and this scourge does not have to be redefined any more and given another fancy name. PTSD, as we shall call it by its current term is a result of traumas, and usually after an individual goes through one; it sets in within a few months and lasts several years or even lifetimes. Usually in wars so ldiers and civilians are often subjected to violence and brutalities during battles and wars while participating in them or even witnessing them and these experiences causes’ traumas.PTSD however, may also be caused by non-combat incidents of violence and brutality towards civilians and combatants, with many veterans never having been aggressive yet suffering from profound feeling of guilt just because of their having been associated with such acts. It has however to be noted that violence in warfare is clearly the reason for triggering PTSD.The symptoms for PTSD can vary like the re-experiencing of traumatic events, such as flashbacks or intrusive thoughts, nightmares, obsessive recollections, avoidance symptoms like fear of being with people, signs of hyper arousal like easily being startled or irritated, increased arousal, avoidance of experiences or people who trigger memories of such events, nervousness, over-reaction to sudden noise, difficult in sleeping, cold sweats, nightmares, difficulty in relating emotionally to others, bouts of rage with depressions, depressions, feelings of extreme alienation and meaningless, isolation from people, in extreme cases thoughts of murder or suicide etc. For these symptoms to develop, it can take anything from a few months to years to reach the stage where it is fully blown up. As soldiers are led to believe that admission of bad feelings are signs of weakness, their superiors usually discourage them from seeking professional help and thereby making it difficult to identify PTSD timely.To improve the quality of their lives and their interests, soldiers should take care of themselves as best as they can and not succumb to peer pressure, and seek help from a qualified mental health professional. PTSD can be treated through therapy, medication or a combination of both (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Health Care of Veterans The principle responsibility for the provision of health care for veterans is with the Dep artment of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The individuals entitled to receive medical care and rehabilitation services are either from the regular military, National Guards or from the reservists, however, their benefits, treatment and the services they avail differ in some ways.The designated agencies and institutions that take care specifically of the health problems and disabilities which arise during or after having returned from active duty of veterans do not provide their services to the general public. Risk of Veterans A number of studies have reported that serious flaws are existing in the response these veterans are getting from the nation. The collection and reporting of the veteran’s occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) is not being recorded properly and the utilization of data is at times critically wrong in identifying the exposures that had put the members of the armed services at risk. The correct knowledge of such exposures is vitally important for proper diagnosis and treatment and veterans at times at risk of negative health effects and even of becoming disabled.Recommendations in this regard have already been made to the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which have also been largely accepted by them. It is necessary that the Department of Veterans Affairs puts in place procedures to hold the government responsible based on available proof to prove that the veterans were not exposed to alleged toxic of other dangerous substances as claimed by them to be the main causes of their disabilities. These procedures should also include provisions to cover for the spouses and children of service personnel who also may have been affected genetically or by secondary exposures. Transition ServicesThe transitional factor in veteran’s term is also an important one because when individuals transit from the Department of Defense to the Department of Veterans Affairâ€⠄¢s health and rehabilitation facilities, due to the lack of data sharing between them key information about the seriously injured veterans is found lacking. This obliges the Department of Veterans Affairs to depend on the unreliable data sharing arrangement made between them and the local military treatment facilities. This is a major issue where veterans are concerned and in particular this is harmful to those of them who are disabled and need vocational and other necessary services. These haphazard arrangements and practice also need to be addressed at the highest forums of the country with urgency (Health, 2006). Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderPTSD has become amongst the greatest challenges being faced by the country to meet the required levels of health care and rehabilitation for military personnel. PTSD needs to be redefined as a disability because it can prove to be chronic as well as invisible and it can also be episodic. During the chronic stage it can be controlled and not be defined as a disability through coping strategies and in its episodic manifestation stage where a singular or more major life functions is affected, it may be mistreated as being temporary and be limited to the prevalent statutory definition of disability. â€Å"The Institute of Medicine has been studying PTSD on an ongoing basis for more than two years.While recognizing that the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of PTSD may in some cases be uncertain, and in all cases will be highly individualized, NCD recommends that Congress conduct further oversight hearings into the VA’s understanding of the PTSD problem and into the agency’s ability to deal with it effectively, and that all necessary resources be made available to enhance VA’s work in this area. † (CRS Order Code RL 32961, June 24, 2005) Cost of War to Connecticut The direct cost to Connecticut due to the war from the year 2001 till the middle of 2006 has been the following according to officia l sources: While failing to give any priority to Connecticut’s security concerns, the present administration’s war has claimed a heavy toll of 9,604 young and brave Connecticut men and women lives in Iraq.A tremendous strain has been put of the families of 3,655 Reservists and National Guards who were deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq with many of them being called repeatedly to report for duty. The figures for the above two statistics are according to the Department of Defense as on 5/31/06. In Connecticut the administration has failed to secure the ports and borders adequately. The people of Connecticut are collectively trying to transform the war policies around and are pressing for the redeployment of the American Forces as quickly as possible. Connecticut is struggling to honor the sacrifices of the 268,947 veterans who have served for the nation and is trying to ensure that their due earned benefits are given to them.Due to the war, 40,100 jobs in the manufacturin g industries have been lost and at present 75,000 people are searching for jobs in Connecticut. The annual income per family has dropped to around US$ 274 since the 2000’s in Connecticut and the rising costs of consumables has reduced the purchase powers of the minimum wage earners to the lowest levels in 50 years. The people of Connecticut also feel that instead of creating jobs that pay well, the administration is providing subsidies of billions of dollars in corporate tax for overseas shipping jobs, while refusing to increase since the last nine years the minimum wage levels. The Connecticut people have to pay $ 3.20 for a gallon of gasoline on average, which is 111% more than what it was in January 2001, thus forcing families in Connecticut to bear and additional $2,695,339,147 cost of $2,001 per every two-car family on gasoline in comparison to 2001 as per the figures of the â€Å"House Government Reform Committee, Dem. Staff, 7/06†. Health insurance costs have sh arply raised in Connecticut since 2000 by $ 1,009 per family, which is a 66 percent rise, with the number of residents not insured reaching 407,000, which amounts to a 61,000 increase of residents since the year 2000. College costs for the 172,775 Connecticut students have soared as the federal financial aid by GOP has been reduced.Thus, attending a 4 year public college is costing32% more and of a 4 year private college costing 22% more in comparison to the fall of 2000, thus a typical student who borrows for graduation from college is in debt of $ 19,093. Unfortunately for Connecticut students the administration has cut $ 12 billion from the federal student aid programs making it harder for colleges to manage properly. Due to the war, the record out of control budget deficits is proving to be heavy taxes for the Connecticut families. It is to be noted here that during the last 5 years, the administration have turned a $ 5. 6 trillion surplus that was projected for 10 years into a record debt, and it borrowed another staggering $ 1 trillion, which is more borrowing than the combined totals of all the past 42 U. S. president’s administration put together.The net economic impact amounts to a debt burden of $ 31,393 per every typical middle-income Connecticut family of four (Official Website of the U. S. House of Representatives). In Connecticut the average outpatient psychiatric care expenses for every veteran comes up to $2,317 a year, which is considerably much more than being spent in other states. (Veterans Health Care) Cost of War in General Due to PSTD While more than 1. 2 million have so far gone for the war effort in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2001, with over a fourth of them having served their tour of duty more than once, Yale researcher’s studies indicate that approximately 196,000 veterans have symptoms of PTSD and its treatment costs $ 274 million, which is almost 13 percent of the total medical budget.Yale researchers expect that wit h the troops engaged now in two wars the numbers of PTSD cases in veterans will further raise. Furthermore, data collected from recent surveys conclude by suggesting that between 10 and 20 percent of the soldiers presently in Iraq meet the criteria by which PTSD is measured. (Yale, n. d. ) According to a report in the Associated Press dated 28th July 2006, every third soldier returning from war will have mental health related problems, which could lead to PTSD. The report continues by mentioning that 3 to 5 percent of the soldiers are diagnosed with severe mental health problems after they leave the combat zones, while a staggering 13 percent soldiers suffer severe mental health issues at the time of being in the combat zones.Mental health issues are also diagnosed when soldiers undergo their follow-up screening during the three and six month period, where another 4 to 5 percent are diagnosed with PTSD. However, PTSD symptoms are comparatively higher amongst the soldiers of the Nati onal Guard than the regular Army soldiers. In view of the stress related problems in the combat zones, 200 mental health experts have been sent to Iraq to help soldiers through counseling so as to prevent suicidal tendencies and other mental problems. (Soldiers Return Home with Mental Disorders) According to Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. -3) m, approximately every sixth soldier returning from the war zone demonstrates PTSD symptoms and she has therefore requested for better mental health services for soldiers and their family members. (DeLauro)Another report in the March 12, 2007 issue of the Achieves of International Medicine suggests that soldiers younger then 25 years seemed more vulnerable to PTSD. (One of Three War Vets Have Mental-Health Problems) The fighting with an insurgency in Iraqi with unclear enemies and on the front lines have left soldiers highly vulnerable to PTSD and many are turning to alcoholism and drug abuse and at times they do not get timely treatment or proper counseling. A study by the found that 80% of the soldiers diagnosed with symptoms of PTSD were not referred for further mental-health services or evaluation. Studies have also confirmed that repeated deployment of soldiers increased the risk of PTSD. (Iraq War Vets Face Mental Illness) ConclusionWe will start the conclusion with the following quote: â€Å"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. † – President Dwight D. Eisenhower April 16, 1953 War is not just a business for the administration but war is everybody’s business as it is concerned directly with the mothers and the families of troops on the battle-fields and indirectly with the mothers and families of those who are affected due to the consequences of war. War concerns directly with the young men and women who because of their traumatic experience som etimes turn into the living dead.The clock that ticks the total running cost of the war in Iraq alone at the early hour of 3/16/07 was as at a staggering U. S. Dollars 374,213,602,800. – And increasing by the thousand every few seconds and it seemed to be in a rush to overtake the â€Å"dooms day clock†, (Farabaugh, 2006). While history has always been littered with exaggerated gross underestimates of war costs and some of their fine examples are; Abraham Lincoln had originally calculated the civil war to cost $ 250 million and to last 90 days but the civil war had its final price tag of $ 3. 3 billion and it lasted four years. The First World War was to be a short and inexpensive one as per forecasts and the Vietnam War cost 90% more than its forecast.The 1991 Persian Gulf or rather the Kuwait War ended up costing $ 76 billion in war costs directly but for a change these were paid for by the U. S. allies, however, it did cost a relatively lower number of 148 combat de aths. A decade later the taxpayers of the United States are still absorbing billions of dollars towards the cost of providing treatment for the injuries and disabilities of the veterans of that particular war, where one third of the 1990/1991 Gulf War veterans numbering 206,000 have filed for disabilities claims out of which 159,000 have been approved. If this postwar casualty rate is considered extraordinary, then God help us all with the postwar casualty rate of our present war.The former economic advisor to the White House, Lawrence Lindsey had suggested that the intervention in Iraq could cost the United States about 2% of its Gross Domestic Product or roughly put $200 billion. His estimates were rapidly dismissed by the White House and in a few months later he was dismissed from his position. Approximately a year and a half later his prediction began proved to be wrong and a gross underestimation of the Iraq intervention. The U. S. taxpayers up to now have committed approximate ly $180 billions for the buildup to the war for overthrowing Saddam Hussein’s regime and for the occupation and rebuilding process in Iraq, and this is not inclusive of the special aid and trade deals cost for buying allies.And the biggest source of underestimation that the war would be a â€Å"cakewalk† has been proven wrong. (Hartung, 2004) References DeLauro, Calls for Mental Health Services for Returning Soldiers http://www. house. gov/delauro/press/2005/April/vet_mh_04_11_05. html 16 March, 2007 Health, 2006, Chapter 4, National Council of Disability, Chapter 4 http://www. ncd. gov/newsroom/publications/2006/progress_report. htm#chapter_four Accessed: 16 March, 2007 Iraq War Vets Face Mental Illness, Addictions http://www. jointogether. org/news/headlines/inthenews/2006/iraq-war-vets-face-mental. html 16 March, 2007 Kane Farabaugh, 2006, Iraq War at Heart of Connecticut Senate Race http://www. voanews. com/english/archive/2006-10/2006-10-13-voa40. cfm?CFID=4842840 7&CFTOKEN=31645168 Accessed: 16 March, 2007 Official Website of the U. S. House of Representatives http://www. house. gov/delauro/NewDirection/NewDirection_Connecticut. html Accessed: 16 March, 2007 One of Three War Vets Have Mental-Health Problems, March 12, 2007 issue of the Archives of International Medicine http://www. jointogether. org/news/research/summaries/2007/one-of-three-war-vets-have. html 16 March, 2007 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD Fact Sheet http://www. ivaw. org/ptsdfactsheet Accessed: 16 March, 2007 Soldiers Return Home with Mental Disorders http://www. jointogether. org/news/headlines/inthenews/2005/soldiers-return-home-with. html Accessed: 16 March, 2007Steve Robinson, Executive Director of the National Gulf War Resource Center, a veteran’s advocacy organization in Silver Spring, Md. Accessed: 16 March, 2007 The war in Iraq cost the United States http://www. venusproject. com/ecs/Cost_of_War_files/Cost_of_War. html Accessed: 16 March, 2007 Veterans H ealth Care Issues in the 109th Congress (CRS Order Code RL 32961, June 24, 2005) Veterans Health Care http://ptsdcombat. blogspot. com/2007/03/war-list-oefoif-statistics. html Accessed: 16 March, 2007 William D. Hartung, 2004, Iraq and the Costs of War, FPIF Policy Report http://www. fpif. org/papers/2004cost. html Accessed: 16 March, 2007 Yale, VA supporting troops on the home front http://www. medicineatyale. org/v2i1_january2006/ptsd. html Accessed: 16 March, 2007