Saturday, August 31, 2019

Ashok Rajguru Essay

From the first session based on the case â€Å"Ashok RaJguru†, I learned that to help a person, it is better to guide him to find a solution to his problems by himself. On the other hand, Ashok helped me in analysing my life by better understanding the mix of value of studies as well as personal relationships in life. Here I learnt that it is important to understand the value of your dreams at each stage and to keep evaluating it after some time, so that you don’t have to regret later. For the second case, I could not relate to a lot of things from my past experiences, but I got to know the kind of problems faced by employees in organisations. Here I learned from the experiences of my colleagues, who had faced similar situations at their workplace. I also learned that it is important o let misunderstandings not get created and if they do, then we should sort them out at the earliest. In the third and the fourth session, we analysed our personalities by filling in a questionnaire. With this instrument, I was able to understand the ego states that I follow. It has helped me in understanding various transactions that have taken place afterwards and I have been able to relate to them. From the reading I learned Managerial styles which will help me I my future

Friday, August 30, 2019

Attentional Blink

INTRODUCTION The Attentional Blink Experiment aims to determine the capability of an individual to recognize both the targets given that he or she is subjected to rapidly changing stimuli. Moreover, the theory states that after the detection of the first target in a rapid stream of visual stimuli, the second target is missed (Niewenstain, Potter, & Theeuwes, 2009). Hence, the experiment means to prove whether attentional blink is present in the experiment and if the theory is correct.Furthermore, the suggested hypothesis for this experiment is that the higher separation of the two targets with each other will increase the probability of discriminating and reporting the second target with respect to the first. In addition, the experiment was conducted inside the ergonomics laboratory at the Science and Technology research building on February 5, 2013 using the Wadsworth Coglab program application. It was done at only one site to ensure the consistency of the environment. Also, each te st consisted of 100 trials. I. PROBLEM STATEMENT Attentional blink is present between targets of short separation.II. OBJECTIVES 1. Aims to confirm the presence of attention blink in the different subjects. 2. Aims to show that the percentage reported for the 2nd target increases as the separation of the two targets increases through the use of statistical analysis. 3. To identify improvements for the report of the second target in the stimulus presentation, assuming the theory is correct. III. METHODOLOGY A. Selection of Subjects The minimum required subjects was fifteen subjects which consists of the students of the present Ergcog2 laboratory class, and they were asked to answer the attention blink experiment honestly.The group decided to add additional of 10 subjects outside of DLSU with the same conditions given to the first fifteen subjects in the class. This was done for the reason that more data leads to more consistent and less biased results. There was no particular reason nor criteria used in choosing the subjects. They were chosen out of convenience. Apparently, the subjects chosen were composed of both male and female and all subjects were in between the ages of 18-22 years old. B. Experiment Proper 1. Fifteen subjects (from the class) and ten subjects (outside DLSU) were chosen to answer the experiment on attention blink.They were chosen using convenience sampling distribution. 2. There are two trials in this experiment and the group considered this factor. Trial 1: Subjects took the experiment without being distracted. Trial 2: Subjects took the experiment while being disturbed during the whole experimental period. Subjects were having simultaneous conversation during the whole experiment. 3. The software is activated. Pressing the spacebar indicates the start of the first trial where a sequence of letters appears. Each letter in the sequence is only flashed for 100 milliseconds. 4.The task of the subjects is to determine if letter J, letter K, o r both letters were flashed in each sequence. 5. The subject presses the â€Å"J† and â€Å"K† keys to indicate that the letters â€Å"J† and â€Å"K† were flashed in the sequence respectively. The subject can also press both â€Å"J† and â€Å"K† keys if he/she believes that both letters were flashed. 6. The keys that were pressed by the subjects are flashed immediately in the screen for the subjects to be able to check whether the software was able to receive the information correctly or not. 7. Space bar is pressed by the subject to proceed to the next trial. . After the 100 trials, a window appears which shows the graphical result of the test that was done by the subject. The graph shows the rate of how the subjects were able to detect the targets due to how the targets were separated. 9. The results were analysed and conclusions and recommendations were made at the end of the experiment. C. Tools Used * Computers with CogLab Software ar e used to run the trials in which data are gathered. D. Possible Causes of Error (Factors) Fatigue of the subjects is a possible cause of error in the experiment.One run is composed of 100 trials, which can be very tiring for the eyes. As a result, the subject’s ability to detect targets may deteriorate at the latter trials of the experiment. Environmental factors can also be a possible cause of error like having noise in the background or having a conversation while doing the test. This is to test whether this kind of factor has a significant effect on the ability of the subject to detect targets. The subjects not taking the attention blink test seriously may also be a possible source of error in the experiment.Some subjects may have just rushed the test. How the subjects would take the experiment is solely dependent on their level of seriousness. IV. RESULTS & DISCUSSION Table 1. Summary of the Mean and Std. Deviation Response on 1st target | Separation target| | 0| 2| 4| 6 | 8| Mean (percent)| 56| 54. 5| 58| 54. 5| 58| Std. Deviation| 11. 7| 13. 4| 17. 2| 15. 5| 19. 6| Figure 1. Percent Response Vs Target Separation for 1st target Table 1 shows that for the first target the average responses for the 5 separation target are near to each other.The results for each target separation might be varied for the subjects as seen in the deviations which are at the range of 11. 7 to 19. 6, but comparing the 5 mean would only result to a standard deviation of 1. 75. This means that the results are almost constant and has minimal deviation. Figure 1 also shows this trend that the % responses for each target separation are near each other. Looking at the results it can also be seen that the subjects can only see 54. 5% to 58% of the 1st target, since fluctuations in the graph is within these range. Table 2. Summary of the Mean and Std.Deviation Response on 2nd target | Separation target| | 0| 2| 4| 6| 8| Mean (percent)| 5. 0| 39. 0| 42. 5| 58. 5| 60. 5| Std. Deviat ion| 6. 2| 16. 6| 11. 4| 11. 6| 15. 7| Figure 2. Percent Response Vs Target Separation for 2nd target Table 2 shows that the percent mean of the responses increases as the target separation increases. Again the results for each target separation also varied for the subjects since the deviation ranges from 6. 2 to 16. 6. But the deviation for the zero separation is not that big compared to the others, since most of the respondents here cannot detect the 2nd target.The deviation for each target separation might be big but the data and Figure 2 would show a linear relationship with between the % response and the target separation of the 2nd target. This means that the respondents are able to detect the 2nd target more as the separation between the two target increases. The % response of the respondents for the 2nd target is from 5% to 60. 5%. Figure 3. Percent Response Vs Target Separation for 1st and 2nd target Figure 3 would show a clearer relationship between the 1st target and the 2nd target.The line for 1st target (blue) would show an almost straight line pattern while the line for the 2nd target (red) would show a line that increases as target separation increases. The graph also shows that for target separation 0 to 4, the 1st target has a higher % response. But when the separation became 6 and 8 the 2nd target is seen more by the respondents. We could also see that the deviation between the 1st and 2nd target decreases as the target separation increases. For the 0 target separation the difference between the two targets are 51% for the 2 sec target separation it became 15. % and the difference becomes smaller as target separation increases. The best result is seen in the 8 sec target separation since 1st target has a 58% response and the 2nd is 60% response the difference between the two is only 2%. In addition, in order to identify the targets better the subject only focuses on the letters â€Å"J† and â€Å"K† and disregards the other lett ers in the series. In fact, this selective nature of perception would lessen the overloading of information. According to Reed (2004), selectivity is defined as the focusing of aspects of attention, wherein the subject pays attention to some aspects while ignores the others.To prove that the attentional blink theory is correct in stating that the first target is unaffected by the separation of the signals. And the second target, on the other hand, shows that the longer the separation period of the first signal to the second, the higher the response (Mackewn & Goldthwaithe, 2004). Regression technique is used to see the relationship between the target separation and % response of the 1st and 2nd target. This would show how the target separation (independent) affects the detection of the target for the 1st and 2nd target (dependent). Table 3.Regression summary for 1st target. N= 50| Beta| Std. Err. of Beta| B| Std. Err. of B| t(48)| p-level| Intercept|   |   | 55. 4| 3. 75| 14. 77 | 0. 00| Separation| 0. 04| 0. 14| 0. 20| 0. 77| 0. 26| 0. 80| The regression summary would show that the separation of the target is not related with the percent response of the 1st target since the p-level of the regression is 0. 80 meaning it is not significant in identifying the value for the 1st target. Table 4. Regression summary for 2nd target. N= 50| Beta| Std. Err. of Beta| B| Std. Err. of B| t(48)| p-level| Intercept|   |   | 15| 3. 9| 4. 18| 0. 00| Separation| 0. 79| 0. 09| 6. 53| 0. 73| 8. 92| 0. 00| The regression summary shows that for the 2nd target the target separation is significant since a p-level of 0. 00 is shown. Therefore, this means that target separation affects the % response for the 2nd target. On the other hand the beta value of 6. 53 shows that as the target separation increases the % response for the 2nd target also increases. The Attentional Capacity Theory Duncan et al. have proposed that T1 occupies attentional capacity to the detriment of a trai ling T2 target.This theory suggests that the duration for which T1 continues to occupy attentional capacity is related directly to the T2 processing difficult (Rochester Institute of Technology). This explains why the 2nd target increases as the separation time increases. It is because the theory states that every person has their own attentional capacity and if separation time is bigger the information processing do not overlap and the two targets are seen by the respondent. This also why the first letter is first seen since it is the one that occupies the person’s attentional capacity first and is first processed by the person.Outside Factors In the conduction of the experiment, although the distraction may have a small effect on the signal detection of the subjects, the results as shown in the graphs make it clear that attentional blink is not affected by the amount of external distraction since it is an internal issue. As mentioned, in trial 2 the subjects were distracted by assigning someone close enough to generate a conversation with them through the whole duration of the experiment. There is no significant difference found in the detection of the targets between being distracted and not.This is because the subjects were observed to say â€Å"ha? † more often than not during the conversation. Having their attention focused on the experiment applies the theory of selective attention wherein one tries to pay attention to one input in the presence of others (Glass & Holyoak, 2004). Visual dominance is another concept that can be seen in the experiment. It can be observed that visual targets dominate over auditory targets (Glass & Holyoak, 2004). This also explains why the subject is more inclined in doing the experiment rather than chatting with the distracter. V. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONSBased on the results of the experiment, it can be concluded that the theory of attentional blink is correct. The hypothesis made at the beginning could b e verified by the results obtained. These results show that separation does not have a large effect on the probability that the first target would not be detected by the respondents, since the average percentage reported for the first target by the respondent is relatively unaffected by separation. The values were close to each other. On the other hand, average percentage reported for the second target increased as the separation increased.This shows that the hypothesis that the longer the separation between the targets, the higher the chance of getting the targets right is correct. There are less chances of an attentional blink when more letters are in between, since the second letter is delayed. This gives the user a chance to have more accurate results. Although the program was effective in proving that the Attentional Blink Theory is correct, there could still be some improvements that could be done. Since the program has a black background and white letters for the stimuli, a w ay of making the second target easier to detect is to add color or change the background color.According to (Pashler, 1999), the second target could be easier to detect when there is color discrimination. When provided, it seems to cause the blink to virtually disappear because there is a different dimension. Sizes of the letters were the same for all. Biased attention may occur when the contrast and sizes of the targets differ (Proulx & Egeth, 2006). In the research conducted by Proulx and Egeth (2006), objects with better luminance contrast are processed rapidly and precisely compared to lower contrast items. It also shows that larger objects can influence visual performance.In order for the subject to identify the second target, the size of the signals or targets can be made bigger. A sample for this is illustrated below. Based from observation, the respondents made mistakes on entering what letter they saw. The program did not allow the respondent to change his or her answer. A recommendation for the enhancement of the program could be having the function to let the respondent change his or her answer, so that the respondents’ probability of getting the correct answer would increase. This in turn can improve the respondents’ data.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Is nursing an art, a science, or both Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Is nursing an art, a science, or both - Essay Example ctitioners, stated that â€Å"Nursing is an art, and if it is to be made an art, it requires as exclusive a devotion, as hard a preparation, as any painter’s or sculptor’s work, for what is having to do with the living body - the temple of God’s spirit? It is one of the fine Arts; I had almost said the finest of the fine Arts†1. The lexicon defines art as, "both a human creative skill or its application"2. Further, the renowned Plato once asserted that, "Art is the things which are acquired or reduced craft or skill"3. The art and science of nursing permit it to attain its objectives in respect of providing for the health care needs of patients in home, community or institutional health care delivery environments. This entails the use of the nursing process to promote and maintain health, prevent illness, diagnose and manage potential or actual health problems, facilitate adaptation to health impairments, assist rehabilitation and maximize the opportunity for dignity in living and dying. Some authorities were of the opinion that, â€Å"Nurses are faced daily with clinical decisions making. They carry the spirit of caring through the ages as patient’s advocates but now they are being forced to examine ethics to an even greater degree from a world wide point†4. Moreover, nursing, throughout its history was concerned with caring, despite the fact that the concept of care varies according to societal events and needs. This requires the use of the scientific methodology. Furthermore, nurses comprise the largest group of health care professionals and nurses operate from a unique disciplinary perspective and they view each patient as a person in relation to their environment and the social, economic, and political forces that shape this environment. This makes it imperative to recognize that a nurse’s duty consists of maximizing the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of patients’ health after giving due consideration to the infinitely complex

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Mathematics Curriculum in Education Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Mathematics Curriculum in Education - Assignment Example Teachers did not realize the importance of relating the lesson to the real life experience of the students. Later, educators and philosophers realized that the content of math education should be close to the students’ personal experience or to realia, hence math education geared towards a more practical approach in which learning concepts were discussed and examples from real life experiences were given. Today, efforts to improve mathematics teaching have grown immeasurably, thus allowing teachers to teach math effectively. This paper discusses some of the modern approaches useful for attaining goals in the upper primary math classrooms. In particular, the approaches mentioned are relevant to the teaching of Mathematics in the upper primary level in (name of school), which is located in Brunei Darussalam. The Mathematics curriculum in (name of school) adopts a modern approach to teaching. In particular, the curriculum emphasizes the teaching of math in relation to the real life setting. This means giving particular attention to how math is used in the real world, such as government, business, home, and school. In the curriculum for upper primary (Grades 4–6) students, the syllabus includes topics that relate to real life experiences of using numbers and math concepts. Specifically, the goals of instruction include the following: †¢ Communication of math ideas in oral and written form ... This denotes the use of modern approaches that promote communication among students, especially in spoken language. Such approaches include Cooperative Learning, Cooperative Learning entails class activities that allow students to interact with each other and perform tasks in groups. Murdoch and Wilson (n.d.) define cooperative learning as an approach that requires students to work together towards a common goal. Merely working in groups without specific goals and measurements cannot be considered cooperative learning. For activities to be considered as cooperative learning activities, they should have clearly set goals and rules, for instance, each student in the group plays an important role in the performance of a particular activity. One way of applying Cooperative Learning is asking students to solve math problems. For example, students will be asked to solve for the average of annual GDP growth of the country in 10 years. In the given problem, each member of the group will be a ssigned to solve the GDP growth for (a) particular year/s. Hence, in a group of four, one can be assigned to solve for the growth from 2002-2005, another for 2005-2008, still another for 2008-2012, then finally another member averages the total GDP growth from his/her classmates. This way, each member of the group contributes effort and knowledge to come up with the final answer. The answer to the problem cannot be obtained without the output of each individual. Thus, assigning each member a role will make the student collaborate with others. Without the contribution of each member, the group will not be able to arrive at the final answer. Brown and Ciuffetelli (2009) and Siltala (2010) identify five basic and

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Immigration Wars Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Immigration Wars - Essay Example However, the under utilization of pathos can be a highly effective tool in delivery of an argument when seeking to avoid an overly emotive response in politically charged subject matter. It is well known in the written rhetorical argument the writer is wise to embrace the concepts of logos, ethos, and pathos. The more difficult the subject matter, the more critical it is to master these rhetorical elements. Eduardo Proctor tackled a difficult topic in an aspect of illegal immigration. In Proctor’s lack of pathos, he successfully demonstrates the effectiveness of coupling logos and ethos as standalone tools of the rhetorical argument. Eduardo Proctor’s primary argumentative focus in the â€Å"Cost of Illegal Immigration May Be Less Than Meets the Eye† was logos. Proctor not only established credibility with his apt usage of statistics, he used them to maintain his credibility throughout the article. The best application of logos is found be in the statistical comp arison of wage loss percentages between that of California and Ohio during the years of illegal immigration surges. He clearly identified that while illegal immigration critics cited wage declines in California, Proctor competently demonstrated Ohio, which has little to no illegal immigration saw nearly three times the low-income wage loss in the same period. By doing this early in the write, Proctor effectively attracted attention by using factual data that many may not have been aware. This effective use of logos literally forced the reader to continue hearing his argument. While starting the argument with statistics, Proctor was hardly done with logos. He continually reinforced credibility by repeatedly referring to the dates and time line in question. Why was this effective? This hit the mark for Proctor because he was referring to a period of spanning some 25 years. An important aspect of this article is the fact that the period in question is not a snapshot. This was originall y introduced in the second sentence of the article because Proctor identified this as the key element of his argument. Proctor effectively applied the statistical date reference by referring to it no less than six times. He further built his credibility with this statistic by subtly referring to it in varying manners. By stating it as â€Å"quarter decade† and â€Å"since the 1980’s† allowed the reader to grasp the scope of time without losing interest through redundancy. Proctor was also effective in his use of quotes to build credibility. He quoted well-identified, credible sources. To establish his sources, he listed them by name, profession as it pertained to his argument, and organization. Proctor utilized appropriate quotes to support his argument without belaboring the quotes with inappropriate or off topic information. The quotes were precise, direct, and factually based. To achieve success in this, Proctor identified the individuals he cited, as â€Å" economists† to establish they were on the same level of those from which he was dissenting. In quoting one of the economists he cited, "’Illegal immigration had a little bit of a role reinforcing adverse trends for the least advantaged, he said, but there are much stronger forces operating over the last 25 years.’" This was an ideal quote because it both builds credibility and solidifies Proctor’s use of statistics. The element of logos has been highly effective in this article. However, Proctor did not

Monday, August 26, 2019

In the Mood for Love Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

In the Mood for Love - Movie Review Example ses are having an affair with each other, both were very dejected, started to fill the gap in their lives by bringing more emotions to their friendship. The theme of the story was melancholic depicting how two disheartened and deceived people found peace with each other’s company although they thought not to be as their spouses. It has been said that Wong has created moody atmosphere using a combination of mise-en-scene, cinematography and his unique direction in the movie. The most inspiring aspect of In the Mood for Love is its brilliant cinematography. Most of the scenes in the movie were shot with the normal lens in order to avoid visible distortions so that the viewers can feel being the part of the movie themselves. The closed shots and close-ups were taken from the telephoto lens as it gives a feel of personal encounter to the viewer. In an interview, Wong declared that he wanted to shoot a movie like Vertigo by Hitchcock in which most scenes were taken outside the frame leaving the rest on the viewer’s imagination. Many of the scenes were shot from behind the windows, partitions and grills in order to create suspense as asserted by the director. Another important aspect of cinematography is Wong’s direction was the use of tracking shots to slide flawlessly between spaces. (Roger 105). Wong by emphasizing on the cinematography kept most of the scenes longer so that the audience would not be interrupted by the cuts and scene transitions. This also helps the audience in getting indulge within the plot and sink with the story line. Christopher Doyle and Pin Bing Lee, the cinematographers of the movie have been acclaimed great appreciation on the brilliant work they have done in the movie. Critics claim that the missing elements in the movie like music or dialogue in some scenes were amazingly covered by intelligent framing and filming of the characters which give us enough detail about the scene and the story. They used techniques like lowering the

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Impact of information technology on Hotel Business Essay

Impact of information technology on Hotel Business - Essay Example Hence, these changing information technology trends in hospitality industry force all economical hospitality firms to practically take advantage of any innovative technology that can offer their business considerable perfection in forms of greater customer satisfaction and employee efficiency. There are numerous researches have been conducted to determine the impact of information technology on hospitality industry. In this scenario, a research that was carried out in Australia by (Lee et al., 2003) declared that the information technology has significant influences over the capability of hospitality firms in order to facilitate their workers, increase efficiencies, enhance service quality, gain competitive edge, effectively build and maintain associations with customers, and increase overall business productivity (Karadag & Dumanoglu, 2009; Lee et al., 2003; Galen et al., 2003). This paper discusses the potential impacts of information technology on hospitality industry. In this sce nario, this paper will discuss the information technologies that are being used by the hospitality industry to manage their business operations.... Many researches show that information technology has become a key driver of growth for the hospitality industry in the past few years. In addition, up-to-date tools and software applications for carrying out tasks such as flawless communication and distribution of operational information, synchronized inventory access, and collection of important performance data, have changed the structure of hotel and restaurant business. As well, one of the biggest advantages of this process has been the improved customer experience and satisfaction, leading to higher devotion. In this way, information technology has augmented earnings for hospitality industry, and also helped them in saving expenditures on a long-standing basis by minimizing the human resource and enhancing the quality of service and business performance (Pandey, 2010). Historically, the business processes of hospitality firms have been managed using cards, manually, or paperwork at the front desk in order to keep up a correspond ence with old and existing customers. In this scenario, hoteliers were mainly at the compassion of the needs of guests to get there, and on their own efforts and staff to be there for possible surges or extended deficiencies of tenancy. Without using information technology supported methods hospitality industry was facing serious problems. In this scenario, (Nikolis, 2008) discuss some of the important areas of the hospitality industry which has been improved by the information technology. According to (Nikolis, 2008), the basic reason that information technology has turned out to be significant is its usefulness for the billing. In view of the fact that traditional paper-based and manual data entry was slow, time-consuming and ineffective, and

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Samyika Shakur Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Samyika Shakur - Essay Example Juvenile court system emphasise on the corrective measures of the juvenile criminals rather than the punishment. The history of Sanaika Shakur is a better example to analyse the effectiveness of juvenile court system. â€Å"The juvenile criminal justice system operates according to the premise that youth are fundamentally different than adults, both in terms of level of responsibility and potential for rehabilitation. The treatment and successful reintegration of youth into society are the primary goals of the juvenile justice system, along with overall public safety† (Juvenile Law) The story of Sanyika Shakur is well matched for analyzing effectiveness of juvenile court system. He has started his criminal activities at the age of 13. He has been imprisoned and claimed that he has changed his character and criminal behavior after a prolonged stay in the prison. The police and the court were believed that the corrective measures taken in the prison were successful and released him on parole. He has written an autobiography also which explains how he has started his criminal behavior and the factors which affect him to engage in criminal activities. All these tactics were just to convince th e court in order to get parole. But even on parole, he has committed serious crimes which forced the police to arrest him again and again. The effectiveness of juvenile court system has been questioned by many citing the example of Sanyika Shakur. Many people believe that there are people who are born criminals like Sanyika Shakur. For them, the current juvenile justice system is not effective. The main objective of the juvenile justice system is to prevent the future illegal activities from the juveniles and for that purpose most of the punishments for juvenile crimes were limited to sending the juveniles to the juvenile homes where lessons for becoming good citizens of a country will be transferred to the children under the strict guidance of the coaching

Friday, August 23, 2019

Beauvoir's second sex Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Beauvoir's second sex - Essay Example She notes that because of treatment, where a girl grows understanding that she is destined to do house chores, a girl grows up without â€Å"innate maternal instinct†. Basing on the way the society handles the two genders, a girl is made to grow believing in and worshiping a male god and creating imagery adult lovers. Beauvoir views the discovery of sex by women as a painful phenomenon. When it comes to sex, the society has made men the masters of the world’s revelation. Beauvoir notes that one of the hardest experiences in a girl’s life is puberty stage. She describes the way a girl in her late teens come to accept her â€Å"femininity†. According to her a girl may do this by running away from home, by stealing or following nature. In chapter 2 of this book titled â€Å"Situation† Beauvoir demonstrates that women are equally looked down upon in marriage and that she is always playing a role of satisfying the sexual desires of a man. She emphasizes that in marriage setting the role of a woman as a house keeper/cleaner is evident of the servant hood role women are made to play. She says that the dignity of women is compromised in a marriage setting and as often the case, women can only find dignity by accepting her role in providing bed â€Å"services† and â€Å"housework services†. ... spective, Beauvoir says that women can be as active, silent and effective as men, and that women just like men can handle masculinity logic they have to. However, the situation created by the society and her family does not give her such an opportunity instead she has to keep being useful preparing food, clothes and lodges. According to Beauvoir, a woman is always full of worries but she has nothing to do to change her position, she cries, complaints, and even threaten suicide but she cannot escape her lot. Beauvoir says that is the target of religion and that it is pointless trying to prove whether a woman as treated in the society is inferior or superior because the man’s situations has been made â€Å"infinitely preferable†. She hold that for a woman she has no way out than to always work for her liberation. In Chapter 4 â€Å"The Lesbian† Beauvoir describes sexual relations with a woman. She holds that though the society is a â€Å"forbidden path† for women, they are finding their way out through such acts as lesbian, and homosexuals. Beauvoir’s life story is a true reflection of the misconceptions widely held by the society about women. It mirrors the troubles we as women are made to go through as we struggle through life experiences to get to our destined career goals. As a victim of women mistreatment, my struggles to get to where I am today and the challenges accompanying such struggles are immense. Growing up is a men dominated society, my position was well defined. In a family of two boys and two girls, and as the eldest girl in the family, I had to spend most of my years under the watchful eye of my mother. This meant that I spend most of my time learning how to cook and how to clean the house and wash my sister’s and brothers’ clothes. Just like

Even though getting news from Facebook is quick and easy, newspapers Research Paper

Even though getting news from Facebook is quick and easy, newspapers are more accurate - Research Paper Example Sensationalism in newsprint and on television is often blamed for the actions of, not only individuals, but entire nations and governments.† (joseph p.33) The most invaluable indicator used to evaluate the quality of news information is imbibed in its aptitude to actuate and appreciate the genuine motives bolstering events, occurrences and news items. With the current information backlog, dispensing of quality information involves understanding rather than exposing, giving explanations rather than mere reporting about facts, of which are already in the public domain through social media. It is with this that newspaper articles reign supreme in not only relaying accurate information but which is well researched. They therefore come in as a necessity in modern life. Reading newspapers comes with a myriad of advantages over utilizing Facebook and social media. Firstly newspapers ensure that we are up to speed with the current world affairs. They provide news which extends from our door step to the village, town, country and the globe with unchallenged professionalism. It stretches our knowledge base beyond the limit guaranteeing a feeling of owning the world. Through liaising with various news agencies newspapers remain in touch with different parts of the world. On the other hand information on Facebook in basically based on the administrators discretion. The administrator of a certain group chooses steamy topics to boost the group’s following based on their desires which pre-disposes those who rely on such information to erroneous info. â€Å"Why has elegance found so little following? That is the reality of it. Elegance has the disadvantage, if thats what it is, that hard work is needed to achieve it and a good education to appreciate it†Ã‚  (Hargitai p.4) A lot of information is passed across through newspapers. This extends to courtroom decisions. News on commerce is published for capitalist, Cinema, Radio and television lovers can look up in them for the

Thursday, August 22, 2019

In-band or out-of-band SAN appliances Essay Example for Free

In-band or out-of-band SAN appliances Essay Out-of band SAN appliances allow for independent flow of data between servers and storages since it does not function within the data path (InfoWorld, 2001). In addition, execution of management functions by these appliances is independent of application servers, a factor which dictates for having host drives. This has the implication that the positioning of an out-band SAN appliance posses performance concerns in the system (InfoWorld, 2001). Another implication is that increase in the number of server in such a system complicates administration issues. Still, out-of band SAN appliances have its meta-data and control operations separate from the data path. This coupled with the need for having a driver at each host frees the host to engage only in transferring data to and from the storage. Nevertheless, this configuration has the advantage of caching due to the request time delays involved in linking data path information and the appliance for processing. On the other hand, in-band SAN appliances employ a single device for executing all the basic storage management functions namely; data path, control operations, and meta-data management (Kornfeld, 2001). This has the implication that no additional driver software is needed in the host. Also, this enhances scalability of the SAN system. However, this limits the application of in-band SAN appliances in a busy SAN since both meta-data and control operations share the same data path. Despite this, in-band SAN appliances enjoy the privilege of allowing for caching and clustering (InfoWorld, 2001). In addition, being a single device, in-band SAN appliances boast of low cost of implementation and ease of administration (Kornfeld, 2001). Therefore, both in-band and out-of-band SAN appliances have advantages as well as disadvantages. Considerations before choice of a SAN appliance should thus be based on the needs in the particular organization.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

New Zealands Foreign Policy Analysis

New Zealands Foreign Policy Analysis Aaron Lloyd Over the last thirty years the economic rise of China has contributed to a worldwide shift in power. Discussing the current state of New Zealand’s relationship with both China and the United States of America (USA), this essay will outline likely future foreign policy choices. Authors such as Mosher and Krauthammer see the rise of China as a threat to the West that must be contained, a view which is not widely accepted. With reference to New Zealand’s recent economic and strategic success this essay will suggest that future foreign policy must work to deepen relations with both countries. New Zealand must not choose between China nor the USA, instead a broad based approach to trade and international relations should be maintained. In 2008 New Zealand was the first of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China.[1] As a result China has overtaken the USA as our second largest trading partner, with exports increasing from NZ$2.3 billion in 2008 to NZ$6.7 billion in 2012.[2] In 2010 New Zealand set the goal of doubling two way trade with China by 2015, a goal which was achieved a full year earlier.[3] Speaking to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) in 2010 John Key described New Zealand China relations as â€Å"unquestionably and unashamedly an economic relationship†.[4] Without pausing the New Zealand and Chinese governments have been quick to capitalize on this recent economic success. The goal is now to further increase two way trade to NZ$30 billion by 2020.[5] On economic terms at least New Zealand’s relationship with China can be considered excellent. However, casting the net beyond economic measur es there are aspects of the relationship that remain sensitive to the New Zealand public. Whilst New Zealand has enjoyed an economically successful relationship with China, that success has not been as widely reciprocated in other areas of society. In 2012 Shanghai Pengxin – a Chinese firm – attempted to purchase dairy farms previously owned by New Zealand firm Crafar Farms.[6] The event caused an intense debate within New Zealand, to such an extent that the sale was subject to court order blocking the bid before it was eventually approved four months later.[7] Despite several years of significant economic involvement, defence engagement over the same period has been categorized as modest.[8] Reciprocal ship visits between the Chinese and New Zealand Navy have only been occurring since 2013.[9] This highlights a contrasting picture of New Zealand and Chinese relations. On the one hand a strong economic relationship, yet on the other a cultural and security relationship that is still in its infancy. This is in sharp contrast to New Zealand’s recent re- engagement with the USA. In the last decade New Zealand’s relationship with the USA has improved significantly. In the 1980’s defence and security ties with the USA were frozen following disputes over nuclear ship visits to New Zealand.[10] In the following twelve years military involvement was minimal with only limited intelligence sharing.[11] New Zealand’s profile in the last decade – characterised by difficult military involvement in Afghanistan – has been conducive to warmer relations with Washington.[12] In addition to New Zealand’s proactive involvement in Afghanistan and the Pacific region, the rise of China has given the USA more impetus to strengthen relations with traditional pacific based allies.[13] New Zealand’s anti-nuclear policy of 1987 remains in force, however both countries now agree this is a part of history and not limiting to future relations.[14] As a result New Zealand has resumed full intelligence sharing and combined military exercis es are again in occurrence. New Zealand Naval ships are once again permitted into USA ports and New Zealand is now in attendance at USA lead exercises such as the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC).[15] These improving trends lead former USA Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to refer to New Zealand-USA relations as â€Å"the strongest and most productive in 25 years†.[16] Political, diplomatic and defence relations have thus improved significantly since the 1980’s. These improvements, whilst significant in terms regional security and co-operation have not translated into broader economic advancement for New Zealand. Despite the significant advancement of the Chinese economy, the USA economy still remains strong. The USA is New Zealand’s third largest trade partner and for over a decade a free trade agreement has been sought.[17] A large focus of current trade negotiation is focused on the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). This is a twelve nation regional free trade agreement – which includes New Zealand and the USA – reported as bringing New Zealand up to US$4.1 billion in increased exports by 2025[18]. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade the TPP agreement is in its final stages, however these negotiations have been ongoing since 2008.[19] USA concern over intellectual property rights is cited as a reason for negotiation delay.[20] Whilst New Zealand enjoys a healthy economic relationship with the USA, long lasting trade negotiations are stalling future economic potential. Relations with China and the USA are thus contrasting. On the one hand New Zealand en joys an economic advantage from China, and on the other improved strategic and military ties with the USA. Future foreign policy must seek to maximise both. Based on the current relationship trends future policy directions can be surmised. New Zealand will wish to continue and build on the success of the economic relationship with China. In pursuing this advancement the issue of trade dependency has been raised. This is with reference to the historical context when New Zealand was largely dependent on trade with the United Kingdom. Risk diversification has therefore been highlighted as a key theme for contemporary trade policies. The TPP for example, involves many different countries and is seen as a way of spreading the risk to guard against potential future economic difficulties.[21] There is widespread agreement that future relations with China should not just be based on trade with little else. Powles for example believes that to truly capitalize on the economic relationship a greater depth of understanding of Chinese culture will be required in order to progress[22]. This is needed because New Zealand does not share the commonalitie s in history and language that it does with traditional Anglosphere partners. In the past this commonality has given New Zealand a greater voice and understanding despite our relative size and geographic isolation.[23] As the influence of Asia increases in the world, future policy decisions will thus require a greater depth of cultural and historical understanding. In achieving a deeper relationship with China, New Zealand must not jeopardise wider relationships with traditional or emerging partnerships. Outside of relations with the USA and China, New Zealand enjoys significant economic and diplomatic relations with many other countries. With Australia for example, New Zealand has spent considerable effort enhancing diplomatic relations. Closer Economic Relations (CER) which were both agreed between New Zealand and Australia in the early 1980’s, are an important example of this effort.[24] Australia remains New Zealand’s largest export market.[25] New Zealand has also succeeded in implementing free trade agreements with Hong Kong and Malaysia.[26] In the future these and other relationships will remain necessary in order to improve trade and maintain strategic balance.[27] While current and future foreign policy will work to strengthen relations with both the USA and China, it not must be at the expense of emerging or other traditional relations. New Zealand enjoys a wide range of international relations as a result of its independent foreign policy. Consensus is that relations with either China or the USA are likely to be strained if New Zealand loses objectivity and in the future New Zealand must continue to be seen as a friend to both but not aligned either.[28] New Zealand’s anti-nuclear stance saw John Key invited President Barrack Obama’s nuclear security summit in Washington recognition of New Zealand’s ability to maintain its independent voice against larger powers.[29] As the influence of China rises in our area, it is important for New Zealand to maintain an independent approach and ensure our own traditions remain intact.[30] This essay has discussed the current state of New Zealand’s relationship with both the USA and China, focusing specifically on recent economic and diplomatic relations. Examining in particular the strength of New Zealand’s recent economic success with China, it has been proven that New Zealand will wish this economic advancement to continue. Previous lessons of economic dependence have been learned and future trade policies will seek a wide base. New Zealand’s economic relationship with the USA – whilst surpassed by China – still remains significant and has many potential benefits in the years ahead. Diplomatic and military relations with the USA have largely become normalised again, whilst similar engagements with China are merely just beginning. A lack of cultural and historical understanding of China – compared to that of traditional Anglosphere partners – hampers contemporary involvement. Overall, it is evident that future foreign policy will want to capitalize on the successful aspects of both relations, but not at the expense of other traditional and emerging partners. BIBLIOGRAPHY Australia, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, accessed: 12 February 2015. http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Countries/Australia/Australia.php Ayson, Robert. Choosing Ahead of Time? Australia, New Zealand and the US-China Contest in Asia. Contemporary Southeast Asia: A Journal of International Strategic Affairs 34, no. 3 (2012): 338-364. DOI: 10.1355/cs34-3b. Brady, Anne-Marie. â€Å"New Zealand-China Relations: Common points and Differences† New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies 10, no. 2 (2008) 1-20. http://www.nzasia.org.nz/downloads/NZJAS-Dec08/2_Brady_3.pdf China Export, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, accessed: 07 February 2015 https://www.nzte.govt.nz/en/export/export-markets/greater-china/china/ Elder, Chris and Ayson, Robert, â€Å"China’s Rise and New Zealand’s Interests: A policy primer for 2030†, Centre for Strategic Studies Discussion Paper, No. 11 (2012). http://www.victoria.ac.nz/hppi/centres/strategic-studies/documents/DP11-12-Chinas-rise-and-NZs-interestsONLINE.pdf. Groser, Tim. Trading with China: A Success Story. New Zealand International Review 39, no. 5 (2014): 7-11. http://ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=anhAN=98383845site=eds-livescope=site. Jacobi, Stephen. â€Å"Turning dreams into reality† New Zealand International Review 36, no. 5 (2011): 17-20. http://ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=anhAN=65270856site=eds-livescope=site. Key, John. â€Å"New Zealand in the world† New Zealand International Review 35, no.6 (2010): 2-7. http://search.informit.com.au.ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/documentSummary;dn=536854149505279;res=IELHSS Key, John â€Å"Finding a way in a changing world† New Zealand International Review 37, no. 5 (2012): 10-13. http://ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=anhAN=79701425site=eds-livescope=site. Lanteigne, Marc. Chinese Foreign Policy: An Introduction. 2nd ed. London and New York: Routledge, 2013. Map, Wayne. The New Zealand Paradox, Adjusting to the change in balance of power in the Asia Pacific over the next 20 years, CSIS, (Centre for Strategic and International Studies), May 2014 http://reader.eblib.com.au.ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/(S(bjax1qdqmpglrgfmabxmblf5))/Reader.aspx?p=1687311o=76u=KGjZ3dJ3A9U3Dg/rttWjiw==t=1423524409h=464DE919F23875D4E7DEC547BE6938BB1CFF342Cs=16970573ut=173pg=1r=imgc=-1pat=ncms=-1sd=1# McKinnon, John. â€Å"New Zealand between America and China† New Zealand International Review 38, no. 6 (2013): 8-12. http://ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=anhAN=91978148site=eds-livescope=site. New Zealand-Australia Closer Economic Relations, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, accessed: 12 February 2015. http://mfat.govt.nz/Trade-and-Economic-Relations/2-Trade-Relationships-and-Agreements/Australia/index.php Powles, Michael. â€Å"China and New Zealand at forty: what next?† New Zealand International Review 37, no. 6 (2012): 2-4. http://ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=anhAN=83342048site=eds-livescope=site. Sinclair, Paul, â€Å"New Zealand Expands Defence Ties With China – strategic discussion paper† Centre for Strategic Studies Last modified 24 July 2014. http://www.victoria.ac.nz/hppi/centres/strategic-studies/documents/18_New-Zealand-Expands-Defence-Ties-with-China.pdf. Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, accessed: 10 February 2015. http://mfat.govt.nz/Trade-and-Economic-Relations/2-Trade-Relationships-and-Agreements/Trans-Pacific/index.php United States of America, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, accessed: 10 February 2015. http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Countries/North-America/United-States.php 1 [1] Marc Lanteigne, Chinese Foreign Policy: An Introduction, 2nd ed. (London and New York: Routledge, 2013), 160-161. [2] â€Å"China Export†, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, accessed: 07 February 2015 https://www.nzte.govt.nz/en/export/export-markets/greater-china/china/ [3] Tim Groser. Trading with China: A Success Story. New Zealand International Review 39, no. 5 (2014): 7. http://ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=anhAN=98383845site=eds-livescope=site [4] John Key. â€Å"New Zealand in the world† New Zealand International Review 35, no.6 (2010): 3. http://search.informit.com.au.ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/documentSummary;dn=536854149505279;res=IELHSS [5] Groser, â€Å"Trading with China: A Success Story,† 7. [6] Lanteigne, Chinese Foreign Policy: An Introduction, 160. [7] Ibid, 161. [8] John McKinnon. â€Å"New Zealand between America and China† New Zealand International Review 38, no. 6 (2013): 11. http://ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=anhAN=91978148site=eds-livescope=site. [9] Paul Sinclair, â€Å"New Zealand Expands Defence Ties With China – strategic discussion paper† Centre for Strategic Studies Last modified 24 July 2014. 1. http://www.victoria.ac.nz/hppi/centres/strategic-studies/documents/18_New-Zealand-Expands-Defence-Ties-with-China.pdf. [10] Robert Ayson. Choosing Ahead of Time? Australia, New Zealand and the US-China Contest in Asia. Contemporary Southeast Asia: A Journal of International Strategic Affairs 34, no. 3 (2012): 343-44. DOI: 10.1355/cs34-3b. [11] Wayne Map, The New Zealand Paradox, Adjusting to the change in balance of power in the Asia Pacific over the next 20 years, CSIS, (Centre for Strategic and International Studies), May 2014 http://reader.eblib.com.au.ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/(S(bjax1qdqmpglrgfmabxmblf5))/Reader.aspx?p=1687311o=76u=KGjZ3dJ3A9U3Dg/rttWjiw==t=1423524409h=464DE919F23875D4E7DEC547BE6938BB1CFF342Cs=16970573ut=173pg=1r=imgc=-1pat=ncms=-1sd=1# [12] Ayson, Choosing Ahead of Time? Australia, New Zealand and the US-China Contest in Asia, 344. [13] Ibid. [14] Ayson, Choosing Ahead of Time? Australia, New Zealand and the US-China Contest in Asia, 347. [15] Ibid, 346. [16] Hillary Clinton quoted in Stephen Jacobi â€Å"Turning dreams into reality† New Zealand International Review 36, no. 5 (2011): 17. http://ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=anhAN=65270856site=eds-livescope=site. [17] â€Å"United States of America†, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, accessed: 10 February 2015. http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Countries/North-America/United-States.php [18] â€Å"Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations†, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, accessed: 10 February 2015. http://mfat.govt.nz/Trade-and-Economic-Relations/2-Trade-Relationships-and-Agreements/Trans-Pacific/index.php [19] Ibid. [20] John Key, â€Å"Finding a way in a changing world† New Zealand International Review 37, no. 5 (2012): 12. http://ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=anhAN=79701425site=eds-livescope=site. [21] Groser, â€Å"Trading with China: A Success Story,† 11. [22] Michael Powles . â€Å"China and New Zealand at forty: what next?† New Zealand International Review 37, no. 6 (2012): 2. http://ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=anhAN=83342048site=eds-livescope=site. [23] Ibid. [24] â€Å"New Zealand-Australia Closer Economic Relations†, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, accessed: 12 February 2015. http://mfat.govt.nz/Trade-and-Economic-Relations/2-Trade-Relationships-and-Agreements/Australia/index.php [25] â€Å"Australia†, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, accessed: 12 February 2015. http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Countries/Australia/Australia.php [26] Key, â€Å"New Zealand in the world† 3. [27] Chris Elder and Robert Ayson, â€Å"China’s Rise and New Zealand’s Interests: A policy primer for 2030†, Centre for Strategic Studies Discussion Paper, No. 11 (2012). 21. http://www.victoria.ac.nz/hppi/centres/strategic-studies/documents/DP11-12-Chinas-rise-and-NZs-interestsONLINE.pdf. [28] Powles, â€Å"China and New Zealand at forty: what next? 2. [29] Jacobi. â€Å"Turning dreams into reality†: 18. [30] Anne-Marie Brady, â€Å"New Zealand-China Relations: Common points and Differences† New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies 10, no. 2 (2008) 19. http://www.nzasia.org.nz/downloads/NZJAS-Dec08/2_Brady_3.pdf

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Insulin and Erythropoietin Production

Insulin and Erythropoietin Production Insulin is a protein (polypeptide) discovered in 1921 by Banting with the pancreas being the site of its production. It is made up of 51 amino acids, divided into 2 chains; A and B, bonded by disulfide linkages. Chain A is made up of 21 amino acids with an intra-disulphide linkage, while chain B is made up of 30 amino acids (4). Why Insulin? Insulin is important in glucose metabolism, and is being used for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus; a metabolic disorder of glucose in the body. Initially, Insulin from animals was used to treat this disorder however nowadays synthesized human Insulin is being used, this is because; it is fast absorbed by the body, it has less allergic reactions, it contains less impurities, and it produces good results (3). Recombinant process of producing Insulin Synthetic Insulin was first produced in 1983 through genetic Engineering, which involve extraction of the human DNA (1), once extracted, the gene for Insulin is isolated, and enzymes are used to cut it. The gene is then cut using enzymes and put into the plasmid of a vector, where in most cases E. coli plasmid is used. Since Insulin contains two chains, two pieces of DNA are extracted, and the genes for the two chains are linked to ÃŽ ² galactosidase enzyme of the bacteria. The plasmids formed are then inserted into a host cell E. coli and sealed using another enzyme called ligase. And the host on replicating produces the enzymes each containing one of the two chains each. Production is followed by extracting and purifying the chains which are mixed in a reaction to reconstitute the disulphide bridges (1). ESCHERICHIA COLI AS RECOMBINANT INSULIN HOST Entero-bacillus, gram-negative E. coli is about 1 2ÃŽ ¼m, it can survive in the presence/absence of oxygen, and it also grows in an optimum pH and temperature of 7.0 and 37oC respectively. It utilizes glucose as its major carbon source and can also use other carbon sources like pyruvate, glycerol, acetate, and other sugars. K-12 and B strains are mostly used in the laboratory (20) Reasons for choosing E. coli Genetic Engineering technologies were developed using E. coli as a role organism, and so, the genetics of E. coli are well known among other microorganisms, as such its the most used organism for the production of different proteins (14). Moreover E. coli has a well known safety and production abilities, stable plasmid, controllable promoter, cheaper and easily cultured (6), E. coli also has fast growth rate, its easy to handle, and has well known fermentation skills and the ability to produce high protein content (14). That is why most of the proteins licensed recently by FDA and EMEA, were produced in E. coli (5). With these, and the fact that Insulin is a simple polypeptide (protein) which does not require glycosylation for its bioactivity and stability, E. coli carrying the plasmids for production of insulin will be used as the host for the production of Insulin Strain and plasmids: BL21 strain containing the pMYW-A and pMYW-B plasmids and temperature repressor ÃŽ »-c1857, will be used for insulin production (21). Growth strategy The various growth strategies that will be used to grow E. coli in order to make it happy and produce the desired product (11) include: Medium: E. coli needs nutrients like carbon, nitrogen and others; thus a carbon source; glycerol will be provided since its cheaper and more soluble than glucose (12), a source of nitrogen in the form of ammonium sulphate will also be provided. However such nutrients in large quantities can inhibit the growth of E. coli, as such a defined medium that contain optimum concentrations 20gl-1 glycerol and 2gl-1 ammonium sulphate will be used (11). The medium will also consist of the following; 3gl-1 KH2PO4, 1gl-1 MgSO4.7H2O, 0.8gl-1 citrate, and 6gl-1 K2HPO4 (23). Some trace elements will also be added to the medium. (23) Process and culture-strategies: E. coli will be grown submerged in a sterile controlled stirred tank reactor, and fed-batch will be used as the growth strategy so as to avoid accumulation of acetate which can be inhibits its growth, and reduce the production of the insulin (18). The growth strategy will be divided into two; initially batch mode will be used to initiate growth, after which the fed-batch exponential feeding will be used to produce the insulin (21). After adapting the medium and feeding method, oxygen transfer rates (OTRs) had to be increased through a suitable bioreactor design and over-head pressure (16). Large scale reactors usually reach high ORTs using air and normal aeration pressure, and so the oxygen partial pressure (pO2) will be increased by adding pure oxygen to the air-stream entering the reactor, thus increasing its oxygen transfer rates (16) DO will be maintained at 40% of air saturation and aeration rate at 1vvm. Foaming arising due to large number of cells and high aeration-rates will be solved by use of impellers for stirring simultaneously at 300rpm and the use of antifoam (ucolub N115) (16, 21). The process temperature and pH will be maintained at 30oC and 6.8 respectively so as to avoid partial proteolysis of the insulin protein. Bioreactor Design: Bioreactor vessel is usually cylindrical and made up of stainless steel. It is composed of impeller for stirring, Air sparger is placed at the bottom of the vessel for introduction of air, it has some inlets for introduction of acid/alkali for pH control and also for introduction of antifoams, nutrients and inoculum; It is also has pH, DO and temperature probes for sensing (22), Microbial activity during fermentation usually produces heat, so the bioreactor design must allow for removal of heat, and this can be achieved by cooling with jackets and coils (16) Bioreactors must also be designed in a way that it can withstand high temperature and pressure and to allow cleaning-up and sterilizing (22). Growth analysis Temperature, pH, DO, foam, partial oxygen and carbon dioxide pressures, will be analysed on-line, other parameters like biomass, will be analysed by using optical density (OD600) and dry cell weight (offline). Cell viability will be analysed by using flow cytometry, the concentrations of substrates and metabolites by enzymatic methods while insulin will be analysed using electrophoresis methods like SDS-PAGE, and ELISA, while its purity will be determined by HPLC (8). Limitations/Problems There are several problems that may arise during processing and can limit the use of this organism for Insulin production, these are; Poor secretion because of the structure of its membrane (and tough cell wall), small amount of foldases, chaperones and increased concentrations of proteases, leading to low productivity (7). Solutions to this problem include all measures taken to increase quality of secretion and production such as: Use of secretion systems like the system of ÃŽ ±-haemolysin (7) co-expression after co-cloning of foldases and chaperones (13) Improving the rates of gene-expression and using proteases deficient mutants like BL21 (18). use of E. coli mutants that are deficient of cell-wall (12) Limited post translational-modifications; including disulfide-linkage formation, which is important for the insulin stability and biological activity (9). Solutions to this problem include; Production of insulin with altered amino acid sequences through genetic engineering (9) Using E. coli mutants to enhance the formation of disulfide linkages e.g. Origami (15) iii. Exporting proteins into the periplasm which has disulphide bonding mechanisms (19). Codon biases; due to large quantities of exact transfer-RNAs found in E. coli, the codons in the human-genes are often different from those that are found in this organism. This results in inefficient expression of some of these rare codons by the organism resulting in an unexpected protein synthesis termination or wrong incorporation of the amino acids (12). This problem can be solved by replacing codons that are rare in the desired gene by codons that are often found in the E. coli and by co-expressing the rare transfer-RNAs (15). Acetate is usually formed as a by-product, and is inhibitory to growth of the cells (20). Solution is by using a fed-batch feeding method and by limiting DO level (11). Another problem is that large proteins are often obtained in an insoluble form (5); forming aggregates called inclusion bodies; IBs (20). This can be solved by adjustment of temperature, increasing the strength of the promoter, adjusting the number of plasmids, concentrations of the inducer, and the composition of the media (9). Erythropoietin EPO EPO is a glycoprotein that is produced in the renal cortex of the kidney (10, 11). It has also being shown to be present in the brain, spleen, liver and the lungs (7, 17). It is made up of 165 amino acids of about 18kDa (25), with a number of carbohydrates linked to the polypeptide through O and N glycosidic-bonds giving the glycoprotein a total weight of 34kDa.Two disulphide linkages hold the molecule together (15) and the carbohydrates are responsible for the stability of the glycoprotein in-vivo,and increasing its half-life in the body (24). Why EPO? EPO functions to regulate the amount of red blood cells (RBC) in the blood by controlling the proliferation and differentiation of its immature cells to mature cells (1, 2, 22,). It is also involved in the growth and formation of blood vessels, and healing of wounds (6), it functions in the brain is not clear, but studies showed the glycoprotein to have some protective effects (18). Because of these functions EPO has being used in the treatment of anaemia caused by kidney failure and other causes (25). Recombinant production of EPO Despite its importance, EPO in body is found in very small amounts and mostly in the urine (4), as such there is the requirement to produce EPO in large amounts, this leads to the work of isolating the glycoprotein from the urine (12, 21), and was used to identify its amino acid sequences, and synthesis of its DNA (9, 12), furthermore the human erythropoietin genes were cloned by Lin et al. (17), and consequently recombinant human EPO (rhuEPO) was produced in 1985 using CHO cells (14, 16). Chinese -Hamster- Ovary (CHO-Cells) as rhuEPO host: These are epithelial cells derived from the ovary of Chinese hamster (a mammal). They grow well in culture and looks like cobble stones. The cells usually attach to a surface available but can be grown in suspension (20). CHO cells are grown best at 37oC and at pH 7.4; they are cultured in a suitable complex medium which can support their growth for many generations (20). CHO cell lines are now available from cell culture collections like the American type culture collection; ATCC. Moreover human EPO expression plasmids are now also commercially available, and are usually used for production of EPO using the CHO cells (27). Reasons for choosing CHO-cells Karthik et al. (13) showed that CHO-cells are being used extensively in the industries for the production of many proteins, because they have demonstrated, to possess some qualities like: They can modify biological products post-translationally; Proteins produce in CHO-cells have high glycosylation quality making them compatible and stable (13) Safety of the product; Studies in 1989 have shown that most viruses do not multiply in CHO-cells (13) Ability to adapt easily and be grown in suspension (13). Products can now be purified to contain less contaminant (13). CHO cells have being used for a long time; as such much data has being accumulated for regulatory reasons (13). They are easy to manipulate genetically (13). The isolation of cells deficient in Dihydrofolate-reductase enzymes leads to stable clones selection and genes amplification to increase production (13). With all these, and the fact that EPO is a glycoprotein that requires glycosylation for its stability and activity, recombinant CHO cells are chosen to produce EPO. Cell lines and plasmids: Cell lines which have the capability of glycosylating proteins (Pro-5), harboring the pGEX-HET-puro expression plasmid, will be used to produce the recombinant human erythropoietin (27). Growth strategy Medium: Complex culture medium will be provided with; Glucose as a source of carbon and energy, Amino acids as source of nitrogen, Salts will be included to make the solution isotonic Vitamins and hormones will be added as co-factors Serum is usually added to the culture medium to enhance the growth of the cell (20), but has the following disadvantages: It chemicals are not defined and can cause cell growth inconsistency between batches (20) It is very expensive (20) The serum may contain proteins which can be difficult to separate and purify from the proteins secreted by the cells during downstream processing (20) It increases foaming and can be a source of contamination by viruses. (20) Therefore a serum-free (SF) media (16) will be used for the growth of the E. coli. Process and culture-strategies: The cells will be grown adherent on micro-carriers in a sterile controlled packed bed reactor, and perfusion method of production where some amounts of the medium is removed and replaced by fresh one and the cells are grown slowly will be used (28); because it was found to improve the glycosylation of the proteins more than fed-batch where there is fast growth of cells, (8). Before, many processes were run in a simple batch method, but nowadays, Perfusion or fed-batch methods are mostly employed and higher products are now realized (22). The production will be carried out in two stages; the growth stage and the production stage. Normally stirring will be kept at 100 to 150 rpm, foaming will be avoided by adding Pluronic F68 (16).Temperature will be maintained at 37oC initially during growth and then reduced to 33oC during production, as was shown to increase the overall protein production, while maintaining the quality of the glycoprotein (3, 26). pH w ill be kept at 7.1 initially and then reduced to 6.8 (8, 26), by passing CO2 gas to the culture or by addition of concentrated sodium-bicarbonate solution in low quantities, because CO2 is also toxic to the cells and can also affect the production of EPO (20). In order to avoid the depletion of oxygen, the oxygen transfer rates (OTRs) will be increased above its utilization rate, with a constant supply of pure oxygen and air, while DO will be maintained at 20-50% of air saturation (20). Bioreactor Design: Since the cells are big and fragile, the design of the bioreactor has to be considered. Mammalian cell culture bioreactors are designed with bottoms that are round and are usually made up of glass/stainless steel (20). The impellers are usually marine or pitched blade types fitted at the end of mechanical drives shafts so that both vertical and horizontal mixing are allowed at low stirring-rates (20). Temperature is controlled through coiled pipes or open ended fermenter jacket (20). pH, DO and temperature probes are used for sensing and have both air inlet and outlet for respiration. Growth Analysis Temperature, pH and DO will be monitored on-line, because cells are immobilized, biomass formed cannot be measured directly therefore it will be monitored by measuring rate of glucose consumed daily and the rate of lactate produced (28) Cell viability by flow cytometry, Glucose, glutamine, and lactate concentrations will be analysed using multi-parameter Bio-analytical system (26); while ammonia formed as waste product of amino acid metabolism, will be analysed by colorimetric assay and by the use of detection-kit (26). EPO formed will be analysed using HPLC to determine its purity and its quality by Isoelectric focusing, SDS, and Bradford assay (26). The activity of EPO will be analysed by bioassay and by the use of protein assay-kit (27) Limitations/Problems. There are many limitations associated with CHO cells culture processes and they include; They are fragile and highly sensitive to shear stress caused by agitation and bubble because the cells are large and have only cell membrane (20). This is usually solved using a suitable bioreactor-design and use of Pluronic F68 (20). They need a complex medium including serum which can cause problems in the downstream processing and is expensive (20). Solution to this is by using serum- free media (24, 25). Low yield of proteins have been produced from these cells, the productivity using the microbes being higher than the use of these cells. They also have slow growth rates (13). The problem of low productivity and slow growth rates can be solved through selecting cell lines that are better and optimizing cultural-strategies. Ammonia and lactate are generated during growth and can inhibit growth and also affect glycosylation (8). Solution is by optimizing the strategies of feeding and by monitoring (8). Glycosylation differences may arise from the EPO produced in the CHO-cells and the human EPO as seen in the way the two are sialylated terminally, as a result that the CHO-cells are not able to express an enzyme called alpha-2,6, sialyltransferase (27). Solution is by the use of CHO-cells harboring alpha-2, 6, sialyltransferase-cDNA expression-cassettes (27). REFERENCES: 1. Alcamo, I., DNA Technology; the Awesome-Skill. Farming-dale. New York: Academic Press. (2001). 2. Banting Grolier Electronic publishing www.littletree.com.au/dna.htm accessed on 30/12/2010 3. Carbs information, www.carb-information.com/insulin-synthetic.htm accessed on 30/12/ 2010. 4. Charce, R.E., and Frank, B.H., Research, Production and Safety of Biosynthetic Human Insulin. (1993). www.littletree.com.au/dna.htm accessed on 30/12/2010. 5. Ferrer-Miralles N. Domingo-Espà ­n, J. Corchero, J.L. Và ¡zquez, E. and Villaverde, A. Microb. fact. for recombinant pharmaceuticals, Microbial factories , 8:17, 2009. 6. Fox, S. Improved processes and new capacity for pipeline to commercial production. Biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing, Volume 1 (report). High Tech Business Decisions: San Jose, CA. 2005 7. Genschev, I., Dietrich, G., Goebel, W.,The E. coli alpha-hemolysin secretion system and its use in vaccine development. Trends Microbiol. 10: 39-45. 2002 8. Hewitt C.J., Nebe-von Caron G., Axelsson B., McFarlane C.M, Nienow A.W Studies related to the scale-up of high-cell-density E. coli fed-batch fermentations using multi-parameter flow cytometry: effect of a changing microenvironment with respect to glucose and dissolved oxygen concentration. Biotech. Bioeng. 70: 381-390. 2000 9. Hite P.F, Barnes A.M.J.P.E. Exhuberance over Exubera. Clinical Diabetes 24: 110-114. 2006. 10. Jana, S., Deb, J.K. Strategies for efficient production of heterologous proteins in Escherichia coli. Appl. Microbiol. Biotech. 67: 289-29. 2005. 11. Joseph S., and Raphael F., growing E. coli to high- cell density-A historical perspective on method development Biotech. Advances 23: 345-357 2005. 12. Korz D.J, Rinas U., Hellmuth K, Sanders E.A, Deckwer W.D. Simple fed-batch technique for high cell density cultivation of E. coli. J Biotechnology, 39: 56-65. 1995. 13. Kujau, M.J., Hoischen, C., Riesenberg, D., Gumpert, J. Expression and secretion of functional mini-antibodies McPC603scFvDhlx in cell-wall-less L-form strains of Proteus mirabilis and E. coli: a comparison of the synthesis capacities of L-form strains with E. coli producer strain. Appl. Microbiol. Biotech. 49: 51-58. 1998. 14. Lund, P.A. Microbial molecular chaperones. Advanc. Microbiol. Physiol. 44: 93-140. 2001 15. Makrides S.C. Strategies for achieving high-level expression of genes in Escherichia coli. Microbiol. Rev. 60: 512-5388. 1996. 16. Meyer, H.P. Brass, J. Jungo, C. Klein, J. Wenger, J. and Mommer, R. an emerging Star for Therapeutic and Catalytic Protein Production. Bioprocess International. 2008. 17. Nacelle, G. J. V. and Coppel, R. L. Reshaping Life; Key Issues in Genetic Engineering, Novo-Nordisk Promotional Brochure. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press. 1989. 18. Schmidt, F.R. Recombinant expression systems in pharmaceutical industry. Appl. Microbiol. Biotech. 65:363-37. 2004. 19. Wacker M., Linton D., Hitchen P.G., Nita-Lazar M., Haslam, S.M., North, S.J., Panico M., Morris H.R., Dell A., Wren, B.W., Aeb, M. N-linked glycosylation in Campylobacter jejuni and its functional transfer into E. coli. Science 298:1790-1793. 2002. 20. Demain, L. A., and Vaishnav, P. Production of recombinant proteins by microbes and higher organisms. Biotech.Advan. 27: 297-306. 2009. 21. Schmidt, M., Raman Babu, K., Khanna, N., Marten, S., Rinas, U., Temperature- induced production of recombinant human insulin in high cell density culture of recombinant Escherichia Coli. Journal of Biotech. 68:71-83. 1999. 22. Ratledge, C. and Kristiansen, B. Basic biotechnology. Cambridge: Cambridge university press. 2001. 23. Tabandeh, F., Shojaosadati, S.A., Zomorodipour, A., Khodabandeh, M., Sanati, M.H., Yakhchali, B. Heat induced production of human growth hormone by high cell density cultivation of recombinant E. coli. Biotech. Letters. 26: 245-250. 2004.

Monday, August 19, 2019

The Central Intelligence Agency and the Bay of Pigs Invasion :: Cuba, Fidel Castro

The story of the failed invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs is one of mismanagement, overconfidence, and lack of security. The blame for the failure of the operation falls directly in the lap of the Central Intelligence Agency and a young president and his advisors. The fall out from the invasion caused a rise in tension between the two great superpowers and ironically 34 years after the event, the person that the invasion meant to topple, Fidel Castro, is still in power. To understand the origins of the invasion and its ramifications for the future it is first necessary to look at the invasion and its origins. Part I: The Invasion and its Origins. The Bay of Pigs invasion of April 1961, started a few days before on April 15th with the bombing of Cuba by what appeared to be defecting Cuban air force pilots. At 6 a.m. in the morning of that Saturday, three Cuban military bases were bombed by B-26 bombers. The airfields at Camp Libertad, San Antonio de los Baos and Antonio Maceo airport at Santiago de Cuba were fired upon. Seven people were killed at Libertad and forty-seven people were killed at other sites on the island. Two of the B-26s left Cuba and flew to Miami, apparently to defect to the United States. The Cuban Revolutionary Council, the government in exile, in New York City released a statement saying that the bombings in Cuba were ". . . carried out by 'Cubans inside Cuba' who were 'in contact with' the top command of the Revolutionary Council . . . ." The New York Times reporter covering the story alluded to something being wrong with the whole situation when he wondered how the council knew the pilots were coming if the pilots had only decided to leave Cuba on Thursday after " . . . a suspected betrayal by a fellow pilot had precipitated a plot to strike . . . ." Whatever the case, the planes came down in Miami later that morning, one landed at Key West Naval Air Station at 7:00 a.m. and the other at Miami International Airport at 8:20 a.m. Both planes were badly damaged and their tanks were nearly empty. On the front page of The New York Times the next day, a picture of one of the B-26s was shown along with a picture of one of the pilots cloaked in a baseball hat and hiding behind dark sunglasses, his name was withheld.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Getting Back into the Game :: Personal Narrative Essays

Getting Back into the Game I have always been involved in sports in some way or another. I was team captain in every sport imaginable in elementary school. Junior high I continued to be involved in sports, but it wasn't until high school started that I really got into it. I played soccer, softball and basketball at Rogers High School. I particularly loved soccer. Just playing it gave me a rush I had never felt before. Also knowing that this sport took a lot of hard work and dedication gave me a sense of satisfaction, because I knew that I put everything I had into it. Putting a lot of dedication and hard work into something may prove to be useful in the future. When I had my baby, being involved in sports at all seemed impossible. Then one day, my friend Cory from work was telling me that her daughter wanted to play soccer. She then said that she was going to coach because no one else had volunteered in her area. The only problem was that she didn't know the first thing about soccer. That gave me an idea. I played soccer in high school, so I thought I could help her, so I did. My friend Cory and I went down to Spokane Youth Sports Association and volunteered to become soccer coaches. I couldn't believe that I was actually getting to do this. I thought it was going to be great. I had not played soccer in a while, so I was nervous when I first started coaching. I never knew how hard it would be to dedicate yourself and your time to something without getting compensated for it. It was especially hard when the kids were more often than not pretty hard to deal with. I was coaching a team of nine-year-old girls. Some of those girls seemed to want to be there, and others not. That made it very difficult to get all of their attention at once. Sometimes it was so bad I felt that I was wasting my time. But I stuck it out in hopes that they would come around, after all they were only nine. As time went on the girls started to come around and started listening and enjoying the

Saturday, August 17, 2019

College Life Essay

College life is stress free; whoever said anything about it being difficult is ludacris. Being in college is so nice. There is work but there isn’t as much work as in high school. The assignments aren’t due for credit or points in our final grade. We do assignments for fun. It’s no big deal if we don’t do our homework, cramming the material the night before always works, that’s how high school was. The rest of the time we don’t have class we hang out with friends and talk until the day ends. There are so many things to do on campus such as joining clubs, going downtown, going shopping, or walking around campus with friends; there is no time for homework. There is only time for exploring and having fun in college. That’s what the college life is all about having fun and socializing to our hearts content at parties, during class, after classes and on the weekends. All of the socializing outside of school leads you to do well in college. Testing your boundaries and finding out what you truly love to do. Classes are there to keep you on track and help you appreciate what you’re doing outside of school. School is there to help you realize what you want to do in the future, whether it is your new hobby or your career. College is all about finding yourself. You can always make up the schoolwork anytime, but the main focus that schools want you to do is to have fun while being able to balance assignments and school. They are preparing you for your exciting future in the real world. The real world and the world of college are different but pretty much the same, there are the same workloads and most definitely the same enjoyment in the things you do at work and in college. College work is harder since you have to worry about making connections in college and keeping them strong because those relationships are those that you’re going to treasure most. No one talks about high school memories, everyone talks about college memories. That’s why having the most fun those college years and caring less about school is the way to go for the best college memories and experiences you may ever have, in your entire life. Life is going to be boring without those college years of fun, going in to the working world with more experiences  from college gives you a head up in the game, called the real world. Although you think its bad for you now, but wait until you get to tell everyone about your experiences in college during those job interviews. They will be excited to hire you right off the bat knowing that you are ready for the real world. Ready to work now that you have experience in experiencing the world to its fullest, and being able to share those experiences and relating them to people and their situations. My modest proposal is to enjoy yourself in college, don’t worry too much about the grades. Be in college for the education but don’t forget to go wild when having fun during those college years. You never know when you’re going to be able to experience them again in the real world.

How far were southerners to blame for the civil war? Essay

During and for years after the war, Northerners blamed Southerners and Southerners blamed Northerners for starting the war. With hindsight today, it is easy to dish out blame and easiest to point the finger at the South. After all it was the Southern states that seceded from the union, and it was obvious to many Southerners at the time, and to most Northerners that the result of such secession would be war. It was the Confederates that fired the first shots of the war at Fort Sumter in April 1861, and in doing so they provoked a conflict that would leave one in four white adult male southerners dead, the South’s economy devastated and slavery, the â€Å"peculiar institution† they fought to defend, abolished. However because slavery is seen today to be such a morally and ethically wrong and evil thing, people’s views can be blurred, leading them to side automatically with the North. There were of course many events that furthered America’s sectionalism and eventually led to the civil war, most of which blame can be divided equally. It is therefore necessary to be objective and take each into account, concluding perhaps that the South was not entirely to blame for the civil war, just as Germany was not entirely to blame for the first world war. The Missouri dispute was the first of events that caused division between North and South. In 1819 the territory of Missouri applied to become a state in the union, it was settled mainly by Southerners and ten percent of its population were black slaves. Its constitution therefore would make Missouri a slave state. This would cause imbalance in the Senate whereby the South would have a majority, so congressman Tallmadge from New York proposed that Missouri should only be allowed to join the union if it would abolish slavery. This issue was debated across the country; the South saw Tallmadge’s proposal as an attack on their political power. In the House of Representatives the North already had a large majority and if any new states were to be free, any of the South’s wishes could be ignored in both houses. In 1820 a compromise was made whereby Missouri was made a slave state, and Maine was made a free state, thus keeping the balance in the Senate. Also there were to be no slaves above the line of 36 30†² latitude. This dispute to an extent can be blamed on the North, as it was Tallmadge’s statement that sparked off tension and Southern determination to defend slavery. The North could have been satisfied with their majority in the House of Representatives and just allowed Missouri to be a slave state, knowing that soon other states would arise possibly wanting to be free. The 1828 Nullification Crisis was a cause of further sectionalism that was not directly about slavery; it was instead focused on state rights versus federal rights. Congress proposed to raise import duties making foreign goods more expensive. This would protect industry in the North as consumers would buy American made goods, but it would hurt the South as they relied heavily on cotton trade with Great Britain. The South saw this as another attack from the North, so Senator Calhoun from South Carolina declared that if a state felt the Federal Government was abusing it’s power, that state could nullify or ignore any measure or act it disagreed with. He also said that any state had the right to secede. In 1832 South Carolina ignored the new import duties and President Jackson threatened to send in troops. Eventually they backed down and excepted a lower set of duties. This escapade and Calhoun’s statement about secession threatened the very existence of the union. Blame for this can fall on both the North for selfishly looking after their interests without regard for the South, and on the South for supporting Calhoun’s idea of secession which threatened to tear apart the country at such an early stage. Next came the dispute over California and New Mexico. In 1846 USA won a war against Mexico and gained the lands of California and New Mexico. Congressman Wilmot from Pennsylvania proposed that slavery should be banned in all land taken from Mexico. The South opposed Wilmot’s proviso, as according to the Missouri compromise, California should be part free and part slave. However the climate of California and New Mexico was unsuitable for cotton growth and it was unlikely that slavery would expand that far west anyway, so there was no need for Wilmot to say what he did. By opening his mouth, Wilmot opened an old wound, making the South firmer in their defense of slavery. Calhoun reiterated his views on secession in his doctrine and tension grew with the Californian gold rush. Thousands rushed to California and its settlers formed a constitution that banned slavery. Before it could be a state Congress had to approve the constitution. The Southern states opposed it and the break up of the union was on the horizon once again. As usual a compromise was reached. In 1850 California became a free state but a new harsh Fugitive Slave law was introduced, meaning if a slave escaped to a free state, men could hunt the slave down across the borders and bring him back. The bitterness and tension here can be blamed on both the North and South. The North because Wilmot and his supporters were willing to blatantly go against the 1820 compromise, and the South as they would not simply accept the wishes of the Californian people. The dispute over Kansas and Nebraska is perhaps the best example where both Northerners and Southerners were to blame for what happened. In 1854 Senator Douglas from Illinois proposed a bill to form two new territories, Kansas and Nebraska, in order to buy land to build a transcontinental railroad. Congress passed the Kansas-Nebraska act but it was left for the inhabitants of the territories to decide for or against slavery. Nebraska was unsuitable for slavery but Kansas wasn’t. So, despite the fact that Kansas was above 36 30†² latitude, slave owners from Missouri moved in, in an attempt to make Kansas a slave state. Similarly so did abolitionists from the North. Both groups set up governments and sought approval from Congress. Violence followed in a war lasting several years which was nicknamed â€Å"Bleeding Kansas† Eventually abolitionist settlers outnumbered the slavers and in 1861 Kansas became a free state. In this case both sections were as bad as each othe r with their childish quarrels and fights. So who really was to blame for the Civil war? From the above-mentioned factors, which are only a few of many, you could conclude that both Northerners and Southerners were equally responsible. However the most important factor as mentioned in the beginning is the fact that the Southern States seceded. They did not have to, but they did. In 1861 there was no immediate threat to slavery, Lincoln said when he was elected that he would not interfere with slavery in states where it was already established. He thought it would take a hundred years or more before slavery would fade away, and considering the Republicans did not have a majority in Congress in 1860, there was little Lincoln could do to threaten slavery. Despite this, Southern politicians, representing the wishes of their constituents, acted irrationally and established an independent Southern nation, believing they were protecting themselves from the wrath of the North. Most Southerners knew that in doing so they would start a war and some realized at the time the full extent of their mistake. They knew they would start a war and they realized they would lose. The North was far more industrialized and stronger in numbers of men and it was very likely that they would win. Jonathan Worth from North Carolina said in spring 1861 â€Å"I think the South is committing suicide, but my lot is cast with the South and being unable to manage the ship, I intend to face the breakers manfully and go down with my companions† If all Southerners had realized their foolishness a lot of bloodshed could have been avoided. However a mass delusion seemed to effect the South, they believed they had to fight to survive. Southerners picked the fight; they fired first and were made to lie in the grave they dug for themselves.

Friday, August 16, 2019

A Captain of Industry

A captain of industry is defined as a business leader that benefits the nation in a positive way. This includes increasing the availability of goods, creating more and new jobs, and donating money to benefit the well being of the people. Andrew Carnegie was born in Dunfermline, Scotland in 1835. His father, Will, was a failing weaver. Leaving Scotland poor, his mother wanted to return in a carriage as a wealthy well-respected woman of importance. This drove Andrew to become successful by amassing wealth in the steel industry. He came from a poor family and had little formal education. When the Carnegies immigrated to America in 1848, Andrew was determined to bring prosperity to his family. He worked many small jobs, which included working for the Pennsylvania Railroad where he first recognized the importance of steel. With this recognition, he resigned and started the Keystone Bridge Company in 1865. He built a steel-rail mill, and bought out a small steel company. By 1888, he! had a large plant, which provided many jobs in the United States. His steel company grew until it made him the wealthiest man in the world. His wealth was abundant and he believed that â€Å"one who dies rich†¦ ies disgraced,† because of this he donated much of his money to different things to educate people because he believed ignorance to be the main enemy of the people. After retiring Carnegie donated much money and time in world peace. The way Carnegie ran his business, donated his money, and worked hard to try and make the world a better place prove that he was a true captain of industry. Andrew Carnegie†s management of his company showed he was a captain of industry. His treatment of workers was completely different from all other businesses at that time. His workers got higher salaries and shorter shifts. Carnegie used a sliding scale for wages. The pay of the workers would increase if profits went up, and the pay would decrease if profits went down. This was motivation for ! workers to work harder if they wanted higher wages. Here Carnegie shows that he is a captain of industry by offering many jobs, of which benefit the people economically, also by rewarding people for more productivity products are then more available. Carnegie had an impressive way of dealing with workers who went on a strike. He didn†t hire new workers, but instead shut the business down completely and made the strikers eventually give in and agree to his terms. Carnegie had enough money to shut down his business if he wished to do so. This showed he was good at running this industry and, again was a Captain of industry. Carnegie†s goals were to have an efficient way of tracking money, i. e. if someone owed him a penny he wanted it, if he owed a penny he wanted the other person to have it, and once he found the cost to make a product he wanted to find ways to make more products for the same amount of money. Carnegie always wanted to cut the costs of his products. His motto was ! â€Å"Watch the costs, and the profits will take care of themselves. † The production of cheap steel and iron greatly increased the productivity of railroads and many other industries. Once he got his profits back, Carnegie immediately put them back into business. Carnegie also used vertical integration to keep his company strong. All aspects of production, from getting raw materials to shipping finished products, were controlled by the Carnegie Steel Company. These financial practices kept his company very strong. Carnegie†s company was so strong that it kept buying, building, and expanding while other companies went out of business. Carnegie†s steel and iron were used all over the United States to build various things. The immense strength and wealth of Carnegie Steel benefited the United States enormously proving that Carnegie was a captain of industry. Some $350 million of Carnegie†s business profits was donated to causes he saw fit. At first, he wasn†t sure of what to do with a! ll of his money. He said that it was a disgrace to die with so much money not spent for good causes. Carnegie established an idea that wealthy Americans had an obligation to do something beneficial to society. In 1889, Carnegie published an article â€Å"The Gospel of Wealth† arguing what people should do with their money. Carnegie was against giving the money to heirs who would become too dependent on it. He was also against giving it to trustees to give away for causes he may not agree with. His final decision was that the individual who owned money should rely on his own intelligence and personality to distribute the money. Carnegie decided to give money to improve education in the United States. He considered the main enemy of a person to be ignorance and thought that building libraries would help to solve that problem. Andrew Carnegie financed about 2, 800 libraries and other educating institutions such as colleges and universities. He only wanted to help those people who coul! d help themselves. Libraries were the main gifts Carnegie gave to our nation. This quite clearly shows Carnegie was a Captain of industry with him donating his money to benefit all of society. After Carnegie retired from business, he also got involved in world politics. His two main wishes were to abolish the British monarchy and make it adopt the American system, and promote peace throughout the world. Carnegie wrote various articles and books and soon became an unofficial diplomat in the cause of reducing differences and promoting peace. He believed that countries should resolve their differences by nonviolent methods. Carnegie was one of the first to call for League of Nations. In 1900, he donated $1,500,000 to build Palace of Peace, which serves today at International Court of Justice, an arm of the United Nations. In 1910, he set up an Endowment for International Peace to stop all the war conflicts in the world. Business, education and world peace all progressed thanks to! the hard work and well earned money of Andrew Carnegie. Obviously by promoting world peace, which would clearly benefit society, Andrew Carnegie is a Captain of Industry. Carnegie†s business ways, charity, and efforts in world peace show he was a captain of industry. After coming to America a failure Carnegie worked his hardest to climb the â€Å"ladder† to become the wealthiest man in the world. The way he handled workers, cut costs, and used vertical integration proved he knew how to run his business in the steel industry to perfection. The steel industry made Carnegie a very wealthy man and with this wealth, believing â€Å"One who dies rich†¦ dies disgraced,† he donated his money to various causes benefiting society. Retired, Carnegie dedicated much of his time to trying to attain peace in the world and changing Britain†s ways of government, obviously bettering society. A Captain of industry is a business leader who benefits the nation in a positive way and Carnegie defines this.