Thursday, October 31, 2019

Marketing service Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Marketing service - Essay Example After the demise of Cook, many other travel agents came who fulfilled the holiday and society desires for people for this novel transportation means, train. Since then, offices kept opening up to public in United Kingdom and the genuine ‘travel agencies’ came into existence. These travel agencies grew in hundreds and multiples and the invention of air package holiday in the year 1950 the number augmented by thousands as they reached 8,000 during 1990s. Today there are approximately 7000 travel agents in United Kingdom alone.1 Business travelers in United kingdom might select one of the United Kingdom’s assigned travel agents. The AAA Corporate Travel Services is the leading travel agency, in addition to the second agency which is off the campus called Avant Travel. The AAA Concur is on top of the online services of reservation in United Kingdom. Even though everyone in United Kingdom prefer arrangements by UK travel agents; they may decide on a different travel ag ent other than the UK travel, or any other organization than Concur. But, if they prefer to do so then a certain amount will be printed by Concur and it is submitted to travel agent for the aim of reimbursement. Personal credit card is mandated when any other vendor other than UK one is used and the amount of travel is reimbursed after the travel. 2 The liked method of business payment is the University Procurement Card which is favored payment method for the business airline tickets which can be purchased via Concur, AAA, and Avant Travel. The personal credit card is of immense value especially in case of a different vendor. The amount is reimbursed after the complete travel. This procurement card can be utilized for tax charges and business hotel room, conference registration fees, and rental car charges. Various travel discounts have been secured by United Kingdom. These discounts were discussed with Continental Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and Delta Airlines. The fares are stil l unpublished and are only on the sites of United Kingdom’s own travel agents. United Kingdom has many rental car discounts with national Car Rental and Enterprise Rent-A-Car and these discounts are discussed at various hotels. The aim of Travel agents is to make the business efficient and pleasurable for the customers.3 Many travel firms of United Kingdom believe that if you can survive in hard times then you can easily flourish in times of boom. The market is drastically becoming mature and recession increasing and so the United Kingdom travel agents face a lot of challenges today to survive in the market. Holidays today are a huge priority for people as they spent an indispensable amount on holidays. Therefore, there is a lot of pressure on the travel agents to come up with better deals and at the same time, offer an even greater protection for consumers. In these lean times, the firms are definitely looking for opportunities abroad and comprehend the challenges they might face for a feasible future. The recession is the biggest challenge which I no doubt decreasing the consumer spending and even if the things haven’t been great for some time, recession is on its verge today. Travel agents have reduced their capability for holiday programs and ‘de-risk model of business. 4 The finance cost and access to it is another challenge that the travel services are facing today. The seasonal travel needs efficient financial market at right rates when most needed. Also, the ways to protect

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Political Legitimacy Essay Example for Free

Political Legitimacy Essay In defining political legitimacy, theorists Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Emma Goldman each put forth a distinct set of values that frame their view on a government’s right to rule. Hobbes, a strong proponent to the right of self-preservation, claims that the protection of life is the only criterion required for a government to be legitimate. On the other hand, John Locke believes that governments should not only preserve life, but also allow for individual liberties and protection of private property, while Emma Goldman maintains the belief that governments use coercion to take away freedoms and therefore should never, under any circumstances, be considered legitimate. Locke’s argument on political legitimacy, that more than just one value is needed to make a legitimate government, is compelling because his criterion protects more than just the life of citizens, it allows for individual’s to have their own liberties free from an oppressive sovereign and prevents the dangers posed by absolute freedom. This paper will set up the lines of government for each theorist and explain why Locke’s perspective on a representative government with separation of powers is more compelling than Goldman’s absence of government and Hobbes’ belief in a sovereign rule. Throughout his work entitled Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes argues that the right to self-preservation takes precedence above individual liberties. In the state of nature, man is given the right to do whatever he deems necessary to preserve his own life. Man can therefore commit injury to another man or his property if he thinks it is best to maintain his own life. This state of nature, being naturally quarrelsome, leads to distrust and competition, and encourages dangerous acts and widespread fear. There are no limits on the injuries or vengeance that can occur within this state and as a result, citizens find themselves in need of protection from the violence of others. The Hobbesian covenant thus creates government, by placing all power in the hands of a sovereign, to quell their fears and provide for their protection, thus establishing a state of peace. In establishing a covenant and a government, Hobbes provides the natural law that â€Å"a man be willing, when others are so too, as far-forth, as for peace, and defence of himself he shall think it necessary, to lay down this right to all things,† (Hobbes 80). This means that in order to protect himself, and finding others that desire their own protection above other things, man will give up all of his rights to a sovereign rule. Hobbes argues that failure to relinquish all rights to one ruler will place the covenant back into a state of nature. The sovereign, having been given all rights of the covenant has absolute power and can dictate all laws and grant or withhold all freedoms. He is not to abide by any laws himself, if so he becomes subject to the commonwealth that he rules, therefore forfeiting his absolute power. The covenant however, is not obligated to obey the sovereign in the event that his rule threatens their right to self- preservation. This right being primary in Hobbes’ view is the only thing which individuals ought to place above all other obligations, whether those duties are to their sovereign or fellow man. If it happens that the sovereign is in any way interfering with the right to self-preservation, a value held above all obligations and liberties of the commonwealth, members of the covenant may defy his commands and thrust themselves back into a state of war. This however, does not dissolve the commonwealth; it only removes an individual from the commonwealth. By dissolving government and the common wealth, the sovereign’s removal from power places the covenant into that same state of nature from which they came and they then must establish a new commonwealth and sovereign power. Therefore, the only way a sovereign power can be removed is upon death, though this often results in the succession of another sovereign, either by the predecessor’s choice or by election. Whereas Thomas Hobbes believes that an absolute sovereign government is the only form of legitimacy, Emma Goldman differs by claiming that no government is legitimate because they take away freedoms. Goldman puts forth the theory that individuals, given absolute freedom, have the ability to govern themselves and coexist peacefully in social harmony supplied by the solidarity of interests. The threat of violence and fear stem from the coercive actions used by any and all ruling governments. It is the belief that governments prevent us from doing what we want and force us to do things we don’t want to, Goldman says, that allow governments to â€Å"rest on violence, and are therefore wrong and harmful,† (Goldman 17). These governments harm individuals by â€Å"stealing in the form of taxes, [and] killing in the form of war and capital punishment,† (Goldman 20). Since anarchism claims that violence by government harms citizens, governments cannot provide protection for citizens. Because of her insistence that governments, being coercive and harmful, are never legitimate, Goldman fails to even consider the origins of government and the limits of their powers such as Hobbes and Locke have. She asserts that coercive governments use the threat of force and violence against citizens to control them, leading governments to pursue â€Å"the absolute subordination of the individual,† thus limiting all freedoms and liberties that in a free state, the individual would have access to, (Goldman 19). The subordination of the people by government, degrading the population to mundane obedience, creates an environment that is colorless and spiritless. Instead of adhering to the control of corrupt institutions, Goldman urges individuals to break the coercive hold of governments, defy all authority and pursue the freedoms they would acquire within a state social harmony exempt from authoritative rule. Locke, holding the belief that Hobbes’ rights of the sovereign would lead to tyranny, and that Goldman’s value of absolute freedom would produce a weak and chaotic society without laws, makes a case for government that combines the best of Goldman and Hobbesian theories. Locke’s view on political legitimacy allows for a government with separate powers, so as not to become tyrannical, and for liberties provided to citizens under government rule to encourage freedom and equality. Under Locke’s state of nature, all man is made equal by the decree of God. Each man must preserve himself, but also under God’s power, has a duty to maintain peace amongst the whole of mankind. This view of equality, over Hobbes’ factor of diffidence, as a main quality in the state of nature thus leads to a more dispersed and equal government, as opposed to Hobbes’ government in which all power is placed in one ruler. In a Lockian government, power is divided into the legislative and the executive, this separation of power keeps one person from having complete control over another, and the legislative and executive, according to Locke â€Å"have rules also of appointing and conveying the right to those who are to have any share in the public authority,† (Locke 101). This means that all legislative and executive bodies of governing are bound by the own laws which they make, so as not to become corrupt, tyrannical and illegitimate. Locke, in agreeing with Hobbes, realizes that governments should be established for the protection of the people; however he also notes that protecting an individual’s life should not be their only function. The primary values Locke gives of life, liberty and property, claim that governments have a duty to not only protect the life of an individual, but protect their property and provide them with liberties as well. He agrees with Goldman that the freedom of the individual is an important value not to be overlooked, and maintains the provision that legitimate governments must provide and protect citizen’s rights. Nevertheless, Locke does not go so far as to guarantee the absolute freedom that Goldman presents. He predicts that complete freedoms will lead society on a dangerous path and that laws are put in place to police self-interests and prevent man from causing harm to one another. Locke also refutes the Hobbesian notion that only the sovereign has the power to dictate which liberties to provide and which to withhold. He asserts that individuals must be given fundamental rights which no authority has the power take away. Regarding property rights, Locke produces the â€Å"Labor Theory of Value† in which common property, when mixed with labor, becomes the private property of those who labored on it. Governments cannot allocate this property otherwise and it must be entrusted to its rightful owner. On the dissolution of government, Locke advances the right of the populace to establish new institutions of government if the former has become corrupt and oppressive. Locke approaches the dissolution of governments by arguing that individuals have the right to rebel against governments that are found to be illegitimate. He claims that governments are illegitimate when they â€Å"are altered without the consent and contrary to the common interest of the people,† (Locke 109). He asserts that in this event, individuals are obligated to rebel and create a new governing body that responds to their wishes, thus giving rights of directing the government to its creators and maintaining that the commonwealth is guaranteed some amount of power over its government. Locke’s concept of political legitimacy is compelling because it allows for cooperation between the public and government which prevents the possibility of tyranny that is derived from Hobbes’ theory. His theory of legitimacy also protects life, property and the liberties of people while preventing any dangers to the public that can be drawn from Goldman’s theory that no government is better than some government. At length, Locke’s theory, which successfully combines the values of separate authoritative powers, government protections, and individual liberties, establishes a society in which there is a fair and equal relationship between the commonwealth and its ruling institution.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Calcium In Contraction Of The Heart

Calcium In Contraction Of The Heart In cardiac muscle, excitation-contraction coupling is mediated by calcium-induced calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum through ryanodine receptors that are activated by calcium entry through L-type calcium channels on the sarcolemmal membrane. Although Ca2+ induced Ca2+ release triggered by the L-typed calcium current is the primary pathway for triggering Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, there are many other mechanisms that can also activate Ca2 + release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum such as Calcium induced calcium release (CICR) induced by T-typed calcium current, CICR triggered by calcium influx through Na+/Ca2+ exchange, and CICR mediated by calcium through tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive Ca2+ current (ICa,TTX). As calcium is an important second messenger which is essential in regulating cardiac electrical activity as well as being the main activator of the myofilaments to which cause cardiac contraction. Mishandling of calcium is thought to lead many pathophysiological conditions. Knowledge of the mechanisms involved in regulating intracellular calcium and therefore contraction of the heart, may help to prevent and/or treat pathological conditions such as cardiac hypertrophy, arrhythmias or heart failure by using therapeutic agents targeted at modulating intracellular calcium. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Firstly, I would like to show my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Munir Hussain, who is a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences in University of Bradford for his innovative, supportive, expert, professional, kind and careful supervision, constant guidance and, academic support. Without his advice and guidance, my dissertation will not be finished with great success. I would also like to show my sincere thank to all the lecturers from Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) and teachers in my student life for letting me gain strong knowledge in biomedical science field and essential knowledge to be in this stage and my student coordinator and stuffs from Student Service Unit (SSU) for their kind arrangement, support, encouragement and care. I would like to thank to all my friends who supported me both physically and mentally during my preparation for the dissertation. Last but not least, I would like to convey my special deep thank to my parents who always give me tender love, care and all supports all the time. Without their guidance, support and love, nothing can be achieved by me. LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Calcium transport in ventricular myocytes 3 Figure 2: Six possible mechanism of cardiac excitation-contraction coupling 9 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS LTCC = L-type calcium channels CICR = Calcium induced calcium release ECC = Excitation-contraction coupling NCX = Sodium-Calcium Exchange SR = Sarcoplasmic Recticulum ICa = Calcium current ICa,T = T-type calcium current ICa,L = L-type calcium current ICa,TTX = Tetrodotoxin-sensitive calcium current RyRs = Ryanodine Receptor [Ca2+]i = Intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]Tot = Total concentration of Calcium PKA = Protein Kinase A LVH = Left Ventricular Hypertrophy HOCM = Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy Introduction In heart muscle cell, the depolarization of action potential is due to the entering of Na+ ions via voltage gated Na+ channels and it is called fast inward current. The immediate repolarization is not possible due to rapidly inactivation of Na+ channel and initial depolarization allow the entering of calcium through voltage-grated Ca2+ channels and it is called second or the slow inward current. The rate of sodium channels inactivation is more rapid than that of calcium channels so that Ca2+ enters into the cell providing the membrane potential to close to 0mV for some part of action potential of heart muscle (Reuter, 1984). Excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) is the process in which an action potential triggers a myocyte to contract. In excitable muscle cells, the excitation signal causes rapid depolarization that produces the physiological response of contraction. Calcium is a ubiquitous second messenger, important in both, regulating the electrical activity of the heart as well as stimulating the myofilaments directly to cause contraction (Bers, 2001). In mammalian cardiac myocytes, the process of ECC is mediated by Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space that triggers Ca2+ Calcium induced Calcium release (CICR) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) (Bers, 1991; Stern Lakatta, 1992). When action potential reaches the myocyte, causing it to undergo depolarization, which causes calcium ions to enter the cell through L type calcium channel located on the sarcolemma and thereby trigger calcium release from the SR. Calcium influx and the intracellular calcium concentration trigger the contraction of heart due to binding of Ca2+ to cardiac muscle fiber protein, troponin C. For activation of SR calcium release, the L-type calcium current is the most widely accepted mechanism thought to be responsible for CICR. However, SR calcium release can also be triggered by calcium influx through sodium-calcium exchange, calcium influx via T-type Ca2+ current or through tetrodotoxin-sensitive Ca2+ current, or Inositol (1,4,5)-triphosphate (but not so much in cardiac muscle). Declining of calcium level in the cells cause the detachment of calcium from myofilament and resulting in relaxation of the heart. There are four main pathways for Ca2+ transport out of the cytosol including SR Ca2+ ATPase, sarcolemmal Ca2+-ATPase or mitochondrial Ca2+ uniport and sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchange. (Bers, 2002). Since CICR is a positive-feedback mechanism, it has to be terminated which is essential for diastolic refilling of the heart. There are three main pathways for termination of calcium release such as local depletion of SR Ca2+, Ryanodine ( RyR) inactivation (or adaptation), and stochastic attrition. (Lukyanenko et al., 1998). Mutation in calcium channels can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. The improper contractile function and abnormal heart rate associated with cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure is due to the mishandling of calcium in heart muscle cell (Pogwizd et al., 2001). In this dissertation, here I discuss about the key mechanism of how Ca2+ transport in cardiac ventricular myocytes. Moreover, I also discuss about how they are modulated and regulated as well as how they interact specifically. In addition, by knowing the subcellular mechanism of E-C coupling, here I discuss about how calcium is altering and getting mutated so as to cause cardiovascular diseases. The imp ortant molecular signaling pathways in contraction of heart will also be addressed. Figure 1. Calcium transport in ventricular myocytes. (Adapted from Bers, 2002) The figure shows the time course of an action potential, Ca2+ transient and contraction in rat ventricular myocytes, NCX, and other protein involved in contraction. Calcium channels in contraction of the heart In cardiac muscle, calcium has a role for the ability to make the cardiac cell to contract. There are five types of calcium channels; L, T, N, P/Q and R types. Among them, L-type and T-type calcium channels are two major types of calcium channels in the cells of cardiac tissues (Bean, 1989). L-type Ca2+ channels have many subunits in the heart such as ÃŽÂ ±1, ÃŽÂ ±2, ÃŽÂ ´ and ÃŽÂ ² subunits. The ÃŽÂ ±1 subunit is the dihydropyridine (DHP) receptors which are important for calcium entry into the cells (Liu et al., 2000). L-type calcium channels (long-lasting) can activates at more positive membrane potential (Em), at greater than -40mV and generate peak inward current at 0mV and slowly inactivated, and is sensitive to dihydropyridines (Tsien et al., 1987). Thus, the L-type Ca2+ channels are the majority of calcium channels responsible for entering of Ca2+ into the cardiac cell during phase 2 (plateau phase) of the action potential. On the other hand, T-type (tiny or tr ansient) Ca2+ channels cause the activation and inactivation at more negative membrane potential (Em) and dihydropyridines cannot block effectively (Nowycky et al., 1985). However T-type Ca2+ channels have faster kinetics than compared to L-type Ca2+ channels. During development and hypertrophy, T type calcium current is more prominent and the T-type current is typically small or absent in ventricular myocytes. The entering of Ca2+ into the cell by passing through I Ca,T is only responsible for smaller amount of Ca2+ than that passing through ICa,L. In most ventricular myocytes, T-type calcium current is almost negligible. It shows that the releasing and refilling is mainly provided by Ica,L. The amount of L-type calcium current and T-type calcium current is variable among cardiac myocytes. L-types calcium current is present in all cardiac myocytes whereas T-type calcium current have larger component in the canine Purkinje fiber (Zhou, 1998). Depolarization during the action potent ial causes activation of calcium current. During an action potential, the amount of calcium entry is limited by calcium dependent inactivation at the cytosolic side. L-type calcium channel is located at the sarcolemmal-SR junction where ryanodine receptors exist (Scriven et al., 2000). There is a negative feedback effect on Ca2+ influx and SR Ca2+ release during excitation-contraction mechanism. When there is increased Ca2+ influx or release, further release of Ca2+ is turned off. There are many isoforms of ryanodine receptors, (RyR1, RyR2, RyR3), among them, RYR2 is the cardiac isoform. RyR2 mediated release of Ca2+ from sarcoplasmic recticulum is an important step in cardiac E-C coupling in the heart. RyR2 is a Ca2+-gated channel (Nabauer et al, 1989). RyR2 is activated by Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channel or dihydropyridine receptor (Adachi-Akahane, 1996). Cytosolic Ca2+ is increased by the RyR2 opening and bind with contractile protein (troponin C) that trigger the contraction of heart. In ventricular myocytes, there are much more ryanodine receptors than dihydropyridine receptors. Therefore, four or ten RyRs can be associated with a single L-type Ca2+ channel (Bers et al., 1991). Defection in excitation- contraction coupling can occur due to either if RyRs channels sensitivity is altered for activation/inactivation or if the SR Ca2+ is depleted. There has been demonstrated in animal model of cardiomyopathy (Gomez et al, 1997). [Ca2+]i and Ca2+sparks [Ca2+]i and total [Ca2+] determine the development of contraction which produces both isometric force and rapid shortening (Moss, 2001). The strength of cardiac contraction can be changed by two ways: (1) by changing the extent and amplitude of the Ca2+ transient, (2) by altering the myofilament sensitivity to Ca2+. The sensitivity of myofilament calcium is increased by contracting the myofilament when the heart fills with blood resulting the contraction to be stronger. Caffeine and certain inotropic agents can enhance the myofilament sensitivity whereas the increased concentrations of phosphate and Mg2+ and acidosis reduce myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity. Ca2+ sparks is the process of spontaneous release of SR Ca2+ and it was described by using confocal fluorescence microscopy (Cheng et al., 1993). The release of SR Ca2+ via single L-type Ca2+ channel or RyRs openings generates Ca2+ sparks (Song et al., 1997). Ca2+ spark is activated by the Ca2+ entery through ICa (Cannell et al, 1995) . Ca2+ spark is triggered by the opening of single channel opening. There have been reported that spark probability can be depend on binding of two Ca2+ ions to the RyR (Santana et al., 1996). Thus, local cytosolic [Ca2+]i is important in the frequency of Ca2+ sparks and SR Ca2+ release. Moreover, the frequency of Ca2+ spark depends on the SR Ca2+ load (Cheng et al, 1993). When there is increased SR Ca2+ load, this may lead to increase the amplitude of Ca2+ spark. Therefore SR Ca2+ load is an important factor for Ca2+ release from SR. Role of Sarcoplamic Recticulum ECC and intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis are primarily regulated by sarcoplasmic recticulum (Bers, 1991). Once stimulation, calcium enters the cell, thereby stimulating the release of larger amount of calcium from SR resulting in activation of contractile protein and contraction of the heart. During cardiac relaxation, Ca2+ is taken up by SR by SR Ca2+ ATPase pump and Na+/Ca2+ exchange pump. The key SR Ca2+ release channel involved in cardiac contraction is RyRs and RyR2 is the cardiac isoform. The amount and fraction of Ca2+ release that depends on the level of SR Ca2+ load can release for a given ICa trigger (Shannon et al., 2000). Sensitivity of RyRs receptor to [Ca2+]i at high load of SR Ca2+ leads to increase spontaneous SR Ca2+ release. On the other hand, decrease in SR Ca2+ release (which is induced by ICa ) can be due to low SR[Ca2+] content. The lower the amount of the SR Ca2+ release, the more amount of Ca2+ enter the cells through Na+/Ca2+ exchange. When there is low concent ration in SR Ca2+, Ca2+ release from SR is turned off during E-C coupling. Furthermore, SR Ca2+ content depends on the heart rate and duration of action potential. Ca2+ concentration release from SR can be increased by more mount of Ca2+ enter into the cell, by decreasing Ca2+ efflux or increasing SR Ca2+ uptake. Phospholamben, an endogenous inhibitor of SR Ca2+ ATPase, is triggered by activation of cAMP-dependent or calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. When this phospholamben becomes phosphorylated, Ca2+ uptake by SR is increased and allows faster cardiac relaxation and declining of [Ca2+]i. Targeted knockout of phospholamben leads to hyperdynamic hearts with negative effects (Brittsan Kranias, 2000). Interestingly, lower SR Ca2+ uptake, reduced SR Ca2+ATPase gene and protein expression were seen in failing human heart (Pieske et al., 1995). On the other hand, there has been demonstrated that increased gene expression of sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger was seen in human failing hea rt (Reinecke et al., 1996). Regulation of Calcium current Ica can be variable physiologically and pharmacologically. During physiological sympathetic stimulation of heart, catecholamine stimulate beta-adrenegic receptors, which improve the force of contraction (inotropic effects) and relaxation (lusitorpic effects) and declining of [Ca2+]i. In addition, stimulation of ÃŽÂ ²-adrenergic receptor stimulates a GTP-binding protein that accelerates adenylyl cyclase for the cAMP production. cAMP activates PKA, which phospharylates severe protein such as phospholamban, RyR, L-types Ca2+ channels, myocin binding protein C and troponin I ( which are related to ECC). Activation and phosphorylation of L-type Ca2+ channels will cause Ca2+ release from SR causing contraction of the heart. Phosphorylation of troponin I and phospholamban stimulate the reuptake of Ca2+ release from SR and Ca2+ is dissociated from the myofilament and develops to cardiac relaxation (Lusitropic effect). The inotrophic effect of PKA (protein kinase A) activation is triggered by the combination greater availability of SR Ca2+ and increased calcium current. Open probability of RyR channels can also be modulated by protein kinase A. RyRs receptors are hyperphosphorylated in heart failure causing a diastolic leak of SR Ca2+. However, whether PKA-dependent phosphorylation will alter during excitation-contraction or not still remain controversial. Moreover, phosphorylation of L-type Ca2+ channels, phospholamban and troponin I are paralleled with activation of ß1-adrenergic receptors in ventricular myocytes that produce inotrophic and lusitropic effects. On the other hand, ß2-adrenergic receptors activation can give more restricted to the enhancement of ICa (Kushel et al., 1999). cAMP production can also be stimulated by the G-protein-coupled receptors such as prostaglandin E and histamine that will lead to little or no effect of inotropic effects (Vila Petroff et al, 2001). Other receptors will also regulate the signaling pathway. For instance, M2-musc arinic receptors activation can decrease cAMP and activation of PKA thereby decreasing Ca2+ entry and release. In addition, this pathway also enhances repolarization. The pharmacological effects of L-type Ca2+ channels are in which calcium sensitivity to dihydropyridines (nephedipine, amlodipine, nitrendine, nimodipine, nisoldipine). Ica is inhibited by most of DHPs and they are called Ca2+-channel blockers. In DHPs, there are two other types of specific L-type Ca2+ channel blockers (1) phenyalkylamines (eg. verapamil, D600) and (2) benzothiazepines (eg, diltiazem), and those agents can act together directly with the Ca2+ channel (Glossmann et al., 1985). Verapamil can inhibit the calcium channel in the open state but it require depolarization pulse) and this is called use dependent. The neutral ligands such as nitrendipine and nisoldipine inhibit ICa depend on the calcium channel whether they are in the opening state or inactivated state , and does not require depolarization pulse as they are voltage dependent than use dependent. Figure 2. Six possible mechanism of cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. (Adapted from Bers, 1999) The figure shows Ca2+ influx via ICa,L, Ca2+ influx via ICa,T,Ca2+influx through NCX, Ca2+ influx via IP3 ,Ca2+ influx via ICa,TTX and depolarization dependent Ca2+ influx. Calcium induced calcium release during E-C coupling There have been demonstrated that CICR in skinned ventricular myocytes (Fabiato and Fabiato, 1975). There was been proved that main pathway of E-C coupling in cardiac myocytes is by Ca entry through L-type Ca2+ channels and triggers SR Ca2+ release (Bers, 1991). When calcium channel becomes deactivates, before calcium channels close, calcium transient is induced by a large and short-lived ICa causing contraction. Moreover, Ca2+ channel activation in the absence of Ca2+ influx also cannot induce calcium release from the SR (Nabauer et al., 1989). There is supported that ICa activate SR Ca2+ release channel when there is a high concentration of Ca2+ buffer in the cell (Adachi-Akahane et al., 1996). Ca2+ release from SR is most commonly activated by L-type Ca2+ channels and this pathway is called Ca2+ induced Ca2+ release (CICR). There has been little doubt that E-C coupling occurs physiologically but there are other mechanisms which can exit in parallel and give rise to the functional effects. Ca influx via ICa,T In ventricular myocytes, T-type calcium channels is relatively small or absent but it is more prominent in the development and hypertrophy of the heart. Because of T-type calcium current is relatively small and rapidly inactivated, the total amount of calcium influx through T-type calcium current is absolutely small compared to calcium influx via ICa,L (Zhou, 1998). Moreover, T-type calcium current is negligible in most of ventricular myocytes. T-type Ca2+channels are not located at the SR junction, therefore the effectiveness of ICa,T as a trigger for Ca2+ release from SR is not effective as ICa,L. Furthermore, SR Ca2+ release by ICa,T is delayed on onset and slower than ICa,L. However, it can be significant in other cardiac cells such as some atrial cells and Purkinje fibers (Zhou and January, 1998). Since T-type calcium channel is non-functional in most of the myocytes of ventricle, it does not play a major role for ECC although it may function like ICa,L. So, ICa,T only plays a m inor role in triggering Ca2+ release from SR during action potential. Ca influx via Na+/Ca2+ exchange Although L-type Ca2+ current is a major role of CICR in contraction of the heart, some argued that the L-type Ca2+ channels could not be the only way to trigger the calcium release from SR. There is an alternative trigger of calcium release in mammalian cardiac myocytes (Chunlei Han et al., 2002). The result of Ca2+ release by Na+/Ca2+ exchanger has been proved by examination on rats (Wasserstorm and Vites, 1996), rabbit (Litwin et al., 1998) and guinea pig (Sipida et al., 1997). Immunofluorescence labeling shows that the exchanger current is present in the cardiac T-tubules system (Scriven et al, 2000). There are two ways of triggering Ca2+ release from SR by Na+/ Ca2+ exchanger. The first mechanism is Na+ current by increasing local [Na+]sm, increasing Ca2+ entry through Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and causing SR Ca2+ release (Levesque et al.,1994 ). The second one is that depolarization directly stimulates outward INa/Ca and Ca2+ release and contraction when L-type Ca2+ channel become bloc ked or at high positive Em (Levi et al.,1994 and Litwin et al.,1998 ). Increased intracellular sodium stimulate the Na+/Ca+ exchanger (Evans and Cannell, 1997 ) and, if INa is low ([Na+]i=10nM) or lower, the reverse current of the Na+/Ca2+ exchange could trigger Ca2+ release account for 25%. When [Na+]i=30nM, the contribution of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger increase up to 100%. Additionally, the exchanger current is more dependent on the temperature and changes in the intracellular sodium and calcium concentrations than compared to L-type calcium current. Furthermore, these changes are larger in the microdomain or subspace (interaction between RyR receptors and L-type Ca2+ channels occurs) than compared to the rest of the cytoplasm (Vornanen et al., 1994). Although LTCC are faster than the exchanger current in triggering of Ca2+ release from SR, Ca2+ entry through the exchanger into the subspace is faster in beginning than L-type Ca2+ current when there is action potential stimulations becaus e the action potentials upstroke and sodium (inward) current is associated with rapid increase in [Na+]i. Therefore, any physiological stimulation or medication that alters the intracellular sodium becomes the regulator of calcium release from sarcoplasmic reticulum. Stimulation via hormone, such as activation of endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptor (Alvarez et al., 1999), and increasing frequency of action potential (Simor et al., 1997) will increase the intracellular sodium concentration, causing calcium release triggering via the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger by opposing to via the L-type calcium current. Ca2+ release from SR is slower via Ca2+ influx through Na+/Ca2+ exchanger than through L-type calcium channel (Spido et al., 1997) . Ca influx via TTX sensitive-Na channels Aggarwal and co-worker reported voltage-gated, calcium conducting sodium channel, (ICa,TTX), calcium entry via tetrodotoxin-sentive Na+ channels can also mediates CICR. This channel activates at membrane potential of -60mV and has faster kinetics than L-type Ca2+ channels. It can alter selectivity of cardiac Na+ channels triggers by either activation of agonist effects ÃŽÂ ²-adrenergic receptor or cardioactive steroids or cardiac glycosides, resulting Na+ channel prefer Ca2+ than Na channels and it is called slip mode or altered selectivity mode. The tetrodotoxin-sensitive Ca2+ influx can also trigger the SR Ca2+ release. The inotrophic effects of cardiac glycosides and ÃŽÂ ²-adrenergic agonists could be a novel mechanism. These effects could be triggered by SR Ca2+-pump activity and increased ICa or by Na+/K+ ATPase inhibition and also decreased Ca2+ efflux through Na+/Ca2+ exchange for cardiotonic glycosides (Borgatta et al., 1991). Moreover, one study in rat ventricular myoc ytes reported that Na+ current is activated by the phyosphoryation by protein kinase A or by the cardiotonic steroids. (slip mode conductance) (Santana, 1998). In addition, modified Na+currents conduct ICa,TTX which in turn triggers CICR. The relation between slip mode conductance and ICa,TTX is still controversial (Nuss, 1999). On the other hand, another study demonstrarted that Ca2+ current due to ICa,TTX or slip mode conductance is not related and identical. The reason is that the presence of cardiac steroids or activation of PKA is not a requirement for the detection of ICa(TTX). A small fraction of Na + currents can conduct ICa(TTX) even without phosphorylation of PKA (Nuss, 1999). Furthermore, TTX sensitive-Na+ channels cannot be inhibited by the blockers of T-type or L-type Ca2+ channels. Recently, one of studies showed that ICa(TTX) and T-type Ca2+channel coexit in guinea pig venricular myocytes because 10 mM mibefradil could block both ICa(TTX) and T-type Ca2+current (Heuba ch, 2000). Although this current is not the major current for triggering the CICR, its possible functional roles are important in normal heart cells such as promoting the sodium current activation and modulating rhythmicity of the heart. Ca influx via IP3 pathway Inositol (1, 4, 5) triphosphate could trigger Ca2+ release from SR and endoplamic reticulum in different cell types, they are called IP3 receptors. In ventricular myocytes, the major form of InsP3 is isoform 2 (Lipp et al., 2000). There are more InP3 receptors in atrial cells in ventricular myoctyes. Stimulation of IP3 signal transduction pathway can trigger the release of Ca2+ from SR via IP3 receptors which is located on SR. Even high concentration of InP3 in cardiac myocytes could trigger Ca2+ release from the SR, the extent of Ca2+ release from the SR are so much lower than CICR triggered by LTCC. Moreover, action potential cannot stimulate the InP3 production (Kentish et al., 1990). The production of InP3 contractile force is increased by cardiac alpha-adrenergic and muscarinic agonists (Poggioli et al., 1986). In addition, InP3 pathway only plays a very little minor role in cardiac EC coupling. To conclude for triggering Ca2+ release from SR, CICR in cardiac contraction is mai nly through L-type Ca2+channel.Other mechanisms that mentioned above show minor role in SR calcium release. Cardiac relaxation During an action potential, calcium entry into the cell is slow at the end of phase 2 and there is lowering of the cytosolic calcium concentration because calcium is taken back by the SR and removing of calcium from the troponin C and finally initial sarcomere length is restored. For relaxation and cardiac ventricular filling, Ca2+ have be removed from the cytosol to lower [Ca2+]i , causing relaxation. Cardiac relaxation to occur, Ca2+ must be dissociate from troponin C and it requires Ca2+ transport out of the cytosol primarily by four main pathways involving, sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchange, SR Ca2+-ATPase, sarcolemmal Ca2+-ATPase or mitochondrial Ca2+ uniport. There are selective inhibition for each transporter during cardiac myocyte relaxation and [Ca2+]i decline (Puglisi et al., 1996). SR Ca2+ uptake can be prevented by either thapsigargin or caffeine, complete removal of extracellular Na+ and Ca2+ can prevent sodium calcium exchange. Either carboxyeosin or elevated [Ca2+]i inhibi t sarcolemmel Ca2+-ATPase, and mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake can be inhibited by rapid dissipation of the electrochemical driving force for SR Ca2+ uptake by using protonophore FCCP. In rabbit ventricular myocytes, 70% of the activated Ca2+ removed by the SR Ca2+-ATPase from the cytosol, whereas 28% was removed by NCX, only 1% for sarcolemmal Ca2+-ATPase as well as mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter remove 1% of calcium from SR ( the last two pathways are called slow systems). In rat ventricular myocytes, SR Ca2+-ATPase activity is higher due to more pump molecules in unit cell volume (Hove-Madsen Bers, 1993). On the other hand, Ca2+ removal via Na+/Ca2+ exchange is lower, 92% with SR Ca2+-ATPase, 7% with NCX, the slow systems with 1 % respectively. In mouse ventricular myocytes, the uptake mechanism is quite similar to rat, (Li et al., 1998) while the mechanisms of Ca2+ fluxes in human ventricular myocytes, guinea pig and ferret are more similar to rabbit myocytes (Pieske et al., 1999). In contraction and relaxation of myocytes, the amount of calcium removed from the cell during relaxation must be the same as the amount of calcium entry during contraction in each heart beat, if not, the cell may gain or lose the calcium. Defects in Ca2+ removal also can cause impair relaxation Termination of calcium release Although CICR is a positive-feedback mechanism, termination or turning off of the Ca2+is important for diastolic refilling of the heart. There are three major ways for terminations of Ca2+release include local SR depletion, RyR inactivation or adaptation and stochastic attriction (Sham et al.,1998; Lukyanenko Gyorke,1998). Stochastic attriction means L-type Ca2+ channels and all RyRs are closed simultaneously, then local [Ca2+]i will drop quickly to the sub-threshold level and disturbing the release from SR . However, this is only used for 1DHPR and 1-2 RyRs whereas they all will not close at once for other types of channels. In addition, local depletion of SR Ca2+ also may terminate SR Ca2+ but it cannot completely turn-off of release, because very long lasting Ca2+ sparks are found that will not decline with time (Satoh Bers, 1997). However other regions of SR can also limit local SR Ca2+ depletion. During a global Ca2+ transient, the whole SR Ca2+ declines. During a relaxation, SR Ca2+ depletion could lead to the turning -off global SR Ca2+ release. There are two types of RyR inactivation both of which depend on [ Ca2+ ]i .One of them is absorbing inactivation ( for example like Na+ channels), in which the ryanodine receptor cannot reopen until it recovers (Sham et al., 1998; Lukyanenko Gyorke, 1998). The another one is called RyR adaptation in which ryanodine after activation leads to a reduced open probability, but it can be reactivated by higher [Ca2+]i (Valdivia et al.,1995). RyRs inactivation could be important in reducing SR Ca2+ release events between each heart beats. To summarize, Ca2+ release during ECC is terminated mainly by a local RyRs inactivation and partial SR luminal Ca2+ depletion which leads to reduce RyR openings and variant of stochastic attrition also contributes. Role of calcium channels in cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure and arrhythmia Intracellular calcium is the major regulator of cardiac contraction. Therefore, altered cardiomyocyte regulation is important in arrhythmogenesis, cardiac mechanical dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy associated with heart failure. Alteration in signal transduction pathways can also lead to loss of inotropic effects in heart failure. Defects in ECC have been reported in animal models of cardiomyopathy (Gomez et al., 1997). There is no E-C coupling depression was seen in pressure overload of cardiac hypertrophy with less sign of heart failure. (Rios et al., 1992). Cardiac hypertrophy is the enlargement and thickening of the heart muscle resulting in decreasing size of the chamber of the heart. Cardiac hypertrophy is the main cause of cardiac morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular system. It is associated with heart failure without myocardial infarction. Cardiac hypertrophy is associated with significant changes in myocardial contraction. These contractile dysfunctions are followed by changing in the whole-cell intracellular calcium transient. The pathogenesis and etiology of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure related with the role of Ca2+ channels still remains controversial. of ÃŽÂ ² subunits of L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCÃŽÂ ²) enhances the probability of channels opening as well as also favours the trafficking of the Ca2+ channels to the surface membrane leading to increase calcium current (Chen Y.H, 2004). Interestingly, there has been reported upregulation of LTCCÃŽÂ ² in failing human cardiomyocytes (Hullin et al, 2003). In aortic banding, L-type Ca2+ channels concentration is remain unchange in rats myocytes with hypertrophy ( Scamps et al.,1990), cats with pulmonary artery banding (Kleinman, 1988) cardiomyopathy in Syrian hamsters (Sen, 1994) ,and ventricular

Friday, October 25, 2019

The Scarlet Letter, Young Goodman Brown and Hawthorne :: Scarlet Letter essays

The Scarlet Letter, Young Goodman Brown and Hawthorne Writing under the influence of his Puritan background, Hawthorne's attention was on individuals and their relationships within their community. Theocratic Puritans punished sinners as deviants of society and used the punishments to restate the boundaries within the group. The five tenets of Puritanism reveal the curious nature of a religion that promoted goodness as a constant goal of each individual, but provided only negative reward of no punishment for good behavior and actions. The tenet of Unconditional Election made predestination clear. No matter how hard one tried to be good, only those elected were going to heaven. In The Scarlet Letter Hawthorne introduces the community by way of the prison house and the women of the community "being of mature age and church members in good repute." In the conversation that the women have about Hester their jealous hearts and vengeful attitudes are revealed. In this way he shows us that this community, although it was designed to be the perfect Christian community, interprets itself as something else. We can assume that Hawthorne shows us the bitchy ways of the women of the church, the ones who supposedly care for the sick and tend to the elderly, nurturing and comforting in a Christian-like manner, and the prison house to inform us that Puritan society has problems, the same problems that any society might have. We can begin to read Hawthorne from the romantic perspective and see society as the guilty party. Indeed, the author sets us up to see Hester as a heroine, a rose, even though a wild rose. And Young Goodman Brown takes his place as hero in his tale. Although we know that he embarks on an "evil purpose," we also know his intentions are to return to his good Faith. But how can a Puritan return to his good faith when he is a sinner? There is no way to achieve goodness, because Adam sinned, so sinned we all. And if you accept that, even if you reject communion with it, who can be trusted? Not even your self. Young Goodman Brown's happiness could only come from a life with Faith/faith and all he could believe in was the reality of his faith, which was that all were sinners. That means that communion has to be communion with sin. The Scarlet Letter, Young Goodman Brown and Hawthorne :: Scarlet Letter essays The Scarlet Letter, Young Goodman Brown and Hawthorne Writing under the influence of his Puritan background, Hawthorne's attention was on individuals and their relationships within their community. Theocratic Puritans punished sinners as deviants of society and used the punishments to restate the boundaries within the group. The five tenets of Puritanism reveal the curious nature of a religion that promoted goodness as a constant goal of each individual, but provided only negative reward of no punishment for good behavior and actions. The tenet of Unconditional Election made predestination clear. No matter how hard one tried to be good, only those elected were going to heaven. In The Scarlet Letter Hawthorne introduces the community by way of the prison house and the women of the community "being of mature age and church members in good repute." In the conversation that the women have about Hester their jealous hearts and vengeful attitudes are revealed. In this way he shows us that this community, although it was designed to be the perfect Christian community, interprets itself as something else. We can assume that Hawthorne shows us the bitchy ways of the women of the church, the ones who supposedly care for the sick and tend to the elderly, nurturing and comforting in a Christian-like manner, and the prison house to inform us that Puritan society has problems, the same problems that any society might have. We can begin to read Hawthorne from the romantic perspective and see society as the guilty party. Indeed, the author sets us up to see Hester as a heroine, a rose, even though a wild rose. And Young Goodman Brown takes his place as hero in his tale. Although we know that he embarks on an "evil purpose," we also know his intentions are to return to his good Faith. But how can a Puritan return to his good faith when he is a sinner? There is no way to achieve goodness, because Adam sinned, so sinned we all. And if you accept that, even if you reject communion with it, who can be trusted? Not even your self. Young Goodman Brown's happiness could only come from a life with Faith/faith and all he could believe in was the reality of his faith, which was that all were sinners. That means that communion has to be communion with sin.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Effect of Economic Crisis Towards Politics in Malaysia

We have discussed the impact of economic crisis towards economy and social. But there are other consequences due to this subject. One of them is political. Malaysia is practicing the democratic system which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy allows people to participate equally either directly or through elected representatives in the proposal, development, and creation of  laws (Roberts, H. Cox. 2012) However, the economic crisis could lead to the destructible of the stable political status in the country.Malaysia now days have lists of political parties that have the same aim which is to rule Malaysia. On the other hand, economic crisis is one of the crimp to these political parties to rule the country or even to the dominant political party such as UMNO. When the Asian financial crisis 1997 hit Malaysia, the impact was traumatic. There was economic and political turmoil. The stock market, the currency and the property mark et nearly collapsed. That in turn affected the overall economy.UMNO, the dominant political party in the ruling alliance, experienced political turbulence when its charismatic deputy president, Anwar Ibrahim, was expelled from the party when he disagreed with the then president, Mahathir Mohamad, over, among other things, Mahathir’s rejection of loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Yet, Malaysia was not that badly affected as compared to some of its neighbors. It did not experience the extent of the socio-political distress as occurred in Indonesia where the rioting that broke out ultimately led to the overthrow of Suharto.Nor was its economic sovereignty that deeply compromised as happened in Indonesia and Thailand when both countries were forced to accept the conditions imposed by the IMF for the acceptance of their loans. Besides, there is a major consideration of questions is the view purported by some quarters that Dr. Mahathir has â€Å"overstayed† h is tenure and that heir apparent Anwar would have been the right successor of a more liberal Malaysia. The questions being around at that time is does it true that Anwar rejection is the consequences of he brings the economic down term in Malaysia and idea in conserving loan from IMF or because Dr.Mahathir is feeling discomfort or unsecure due to the trusts and confident level of the people is falling down? This questions has delivered main elements of events of the recent two years is that possibly what transpired between Mahathir and Anwar climaxed as a second â€Å"battle royale† in Malaysia’s political history. There is more than a hint that underneath it all was a political contestation fought with intense intrigue and complexity; one reflection observes that the â€Å"Anwar group† (some call it the Anwaristas, as opposed to the â€Å"Mahathirists†) had indeed been conspiring to take the mantle of power by contrived means.Accordingly, it was a  "plot† exposed in time by Dr. Mahathir’s forces. But yet, to suggest a real political division between â€Å"Mahathirists† and â€Å"Anwaristas† in the Malaysian political scenario is too neat an explanation of reality, and certainly these inchoate groupings are not mutually exclusive. As may be expected, there are also the â€Å"fence-sitters†. As we noticed, Anwar expels is due to the economic crisis. But if we storming deeper, the existence of opposition of the ruling parties in Malaysia (Barisan Rakyat), namely Parti Keadilan Rakyat.Parti Keadilan Rakyat is formed in 2003 by a merger of the  National Justice Party  and the older  Malaysian People's Party. Keadilan was led by Dr  Wan Azizah Wan Ismail ( Anwar’s wife)  and increased its parliamentary representation from 1 seat to 31 seats in the  Malaysian general election, 2008  until the five-year political ban imposed on former Deputy Prime Minister  Anwar Ibrahim  was lifted on 14 April 2008. Here we can see the existence of one more political party in Malaysia due to economic crisis. Anwar Ibrahim has been expels from the party and he form another party through his wife in the period of he was arrested in jail.Through this brings up another question to Malaysian. Whether Parti Keadilan Rakyat is really stand up on representing the public fate and rights? Or else, is just because of Anwar’s agenda to be the Prime Minister is failed because he was expelled from being Deputy Prime Minister by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Then he forms up his own political party? No matter what the question is, we can see that the existence of Parti Keadilan Rakyat giving a huge impact on the political environment in Malaysia. Large portion of society putting their trusts on Keadilan Rakyat and this is the warning and a big challenge to the government Malaysia in uling the country very well. The Malaysia government, Barisan Nasional is doing their best to society be cause they believe that Keadilan Rakyat have their own strength and ability in overcoming the government. In conclusion, economic crisis brings up too many negative impacts towards our politics in Malaysia such as expellation of Anwar Ibrahim, unstable of ruling political party Barisan Nasional, the disunity of public trusts in ruling political party due to lost in trust of the leader on that time.However, the existence of main opposition party Parti Keadilan Rakyat brings a very great impact to government on how they rule the country due to the possibility and ability of Parti Keadilan Rakyat to gain the public trusts. Thus, economic down term really brings a negative impact toward Malaysia in short run, but however the subject brings a cause of positive impact toward Malaysia political environment in long term.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

The Burning Giraffe – Salvador Dali

2 â€Å"The Burning Giraffe† is a surrealistic painting by the artist Salvador Dali, done circa 1936. Using a variety of blues, blacks and browns, the piece depicts a bleak, sad, and cold scene. Scenery such as this was very popular amongst modernist painters. The painting, through color choice, showcases the futile, dark, and dreamy feeling epitomized by modern art. Beyond the color scheme, subjects of the painting, also, are clear representations of what modern art is. The two female figures fall in line with the rest of the painting, giving off a sense of loss, despair, and once again, a dream-like quality.The very definition of surreal is â€Å"marked by the intense  irrational  reality of a dream. † There’s no possibility that the images depicted in the painting would ever take place in reality. There’s no clear rational for what’s present in the painting. Both of the figures have unclear oblong objects sticking out of their backs. These ob jects are propped by what look like crutches. The first female figure seems to be missing a layer of flesh on her arms and face, revealing muscle beneath.Farther back into the painting, the second figure is holding something looking similar to meat or muscle tissue. In the distance of the painting is a giraffe on fire. Even the stance and figure of the two females shows the dreaminess. The lines are very fluid and relaxed as in the overall scenery of the painting. There’s a very ominous feeling to it all. Surreal artists and  viewed their work as an expression of the philosophical movement,  inspired by psychologist Sigmund Freud, and placed much emphasize on the unconscious.This particular painting was inspired by this thought process as Dali took much interest in it. The movement was centered on the idea that there were certain thoughts and emotions only accessible though psychotherapy. The drawers protruding from the first female figure’s chest and legs represen t the opening to deeper subconscious thought and feeling. The draws show a literal representation of this. All are characteristics of a surreal piece, found in modernistic art.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Free Essays on Social Conservative

Homosexuality has been a source of constant conflict among many organizations of today’s society. Perhaps the most prominent disputes of this issue exist within the disagreement of same sex relationships from the views of society, homosexuals, the Christian church, and scientist’s biological theories. Society’s view is that homosexuals influence others; therefore, it is a chosen lifestyle. Most homosexuals believe they were born with a homosexual gene and they did not choose this lifestyle for themselves. The Christian church teaches that â€Å"homosexuality† is not God’s design for people, but believes there are ways of changing. It is the Homosexual who don’t want to change themselves. Many Americans thinks that homosexual should not be parents, and they have many biases view about the homosexual couple, thinking that homosexual couple doesn’t make enough money for child to live happy and giving the child wants and needs. According to a survey carried out by Leger Marketing, the level of education and the financial situation of heterosexual and homosexual are practically the same. However, a big group of the population believes that homosexual relationships are unhappy. For example, one study established that heterosexual student from college expected gay and lesbian relationships to be less fulfilling and more frustrating and prone to discord than heterosexual relationships, and they believed homosexual couple making the child to be confused of their sex (Williams & Cohen 53). In a happy family the child should have opposite sex parent. Same-sex couples aren't the most favorable environments in which to raise children. If a child are being rai se up by a family of same sex parent then who will be the mother and who will be the father. There are no such thing that a family have two mom or two dad then the child will be confuse. As the child gets older and at the age of going to school and when the teacher as... Free Essays on Social Conservative Free Essays on Social Conservative Homosexuality has been a source of constant conflict among many organizations of today’s society. Perhaps the most prominent disputes of this issue exist within the disagreement of same sex relationships from the views of society, homosexuals, the Christian church, and scientist’s biological theories. Society’s view is that homosexuals influence others; therefore, it is a chosen lifestyle. Most homosexuals believe they were born with a homosexual gene and they did not choose this lifestyle for themselves. The Christian church teaches that â€Å"homosexuality† is not God’s design for people, but believes there are ways of changing. It is the Homosexual who don’t want to change themselves. Many Americans thinks that homosexual should not be parents, and they have many biases view about the homosexual couple, thinking that homosexual couple doesn’t make enough money for child to live happy and giving the child wants and needs. According to a survey carried out by Leger Marketing, the level of education and the financial situation of heterosexual and homosexual are practically the same. However, a big group of the population believes that homosexual relationships are unhappy. For example, one study established that heterosexual student from college expected gay and lesbian relationships to be less fulfilling and more frustrating and prone to discord than heterosexual relationships, and they believed homosexual couple making the child to be confused of their sex (Williams & Cohen 53). In a happy family the child should have opposite sex parent. Same-sex couples aren't the most favorable environments in which to raise children. If a child are being rai se up by a family of same sex parent then who will be the mother and who will be the father. There are no such thing that a family have two mom or two dad then the child will be confuse. As the child gets older and at the age of going to school and when the teacher as...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Free Essays on The Abolition Of Labor Summary

Marx: The Abolition of Labor Capitalist production has lead to a universal negativity affecting all structural factors related to appropriation by the individual. Marx theorized that a universal revolution of economic forces and structural components will transpose the power of a capitalist society into the hands of the individual. By freeing the individual from the limitations posed upon them through capitalist production, the individual will be able to obtain potentiality for general satisfaction. This new universal order will structure the available productive forces for the power of the individual, and not just for capitalist production. The distribution of labor itself created classes within society. The proletariat is that class in society which lives entirely from the sale of its labor and does not draw profit from any kind of capital; whose sole existence depends on the demand for labor, on the changing state of business, and on the changes of the competition. The classes of the proletarians are the working class of the 19th century. Labor was more and more divided among the individual workers so that the worker who previously had done a complete piece of work now did only a part of that piece. This division of labor made it possible to produce things faster and cheaper. Labor is a commodity, like any other, and its price is therefore determined by exactly the same laws that apply to other commodities. In a regime of big industry or of free competition, the price of a commodity is always equal to its cost of production. The price of labor is also equal to the cost of production of labor. But, the costs of production of labor consist of precisely the quantity of means of subsistence necessary to enable the worker to continue working, and to prevent the working class from dying out. The worker will therefore get no more for his labor than is necessary for this purpose; the price of labor, or the wage, will, in other w... Free Essays on The Abolition Of Labor Summary Free Essays on The Abolition Of Labor Summary Marx: The Abolition of Labor Capitalist production has lead to a universal negativity affecting all structural factors related to appropriation by the individual. Marx theorized that a universal revolution of economic forces and structural components will transpose the power of a capitalist society into the hands of the individual. By freeing the individual from the limitations posed upon them through capitalist production, the individual will be able to obtain potentiality for general satisfaction. This new universal order will structure the available productive forces for the power of the individual, and not just for capitalist production. The distribution of labor itself created classes within society. The proletariat is that class in society which lives entirely from the sale of its labor and does not draw profit from any kind of capital; whose sole existence depends on the demand for labor, on the changing state of business, and on the changes of the competition. The classes of the proletarians are the working class of the 19th century. Labor was more and more divided among the individual workers so that the worker who previously had done a complete piece of work now did only a part of that piece. This division of labor made it possible to produce things faster and cheaper. Labor is a commodity, like any other, and its price is therefore determined by exactly the same laws that apply to other commodities. In a regime of big industry or of free competition, the price of a commodity is always equal to its cost of production. The price of labor is also equal to the cost of production of labor. But, the costs of production of labor consist of precisely the quantity of means of subsistence necessary to enable the worker to continue working, and to prevent the working class from dying out. The worker will therefore get no more for his labor than is necessary for this purpose; the price of labor, or the wage, will, in other w...

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Emerald Energy Plc Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Emerald Energy Plc - Case Study Example The revenue earnings of Emerald Energy have shown a sharp increase during the year 2008 as compared to the previous year. The increase is significant to the extent of 94% over the sales revenue for the year 2008. The change in the sales revenue during the year 2007 as compared with 2006 is showing a decline of 3.38% over 2006 figures. This trend is depicted in the following graph. The ability of a firm to generate profits can be assessed by working out the profitability ratios for a historical period and by analyzing the sources of income. The gross profit margin, operating profit margin and net income as a percentage of total turnover presents a realistic view of the firm's ability to generate profits. "Profitability ratios offer several different measures of the success of the firm at generating profits." (NetMBA, 2007) The ratios worked out for the Company and the ratio derived for the industry from the published sources are presented below: The above table indicates that the profitability o... The gross margin has increased mainly because of the increase in the sales revenue due to higher prices of petroleum products during early 2008. The increase in gross margin can be traced to the lower cost of sales. The cost of sales for the year 2008 was 29.25% as against 69.92% for the year 2007. This accounts for the steep increase in the gross margin as well as the increase in the operating and net margins. The increase in the profitability can be observed from the following graph. Return on Shareholder's Equity (ROE) The return on shareholder's equity ratio is another important investment valuation ratio used by the investors to evaluate the profitability of the company and its ability to generate earnings by utilizing the capital invested by the equity shareholders. This ratio is considered as more meaningful to the investors. The return on shareholder's equity has increased significantly over the three year period. Presently as per the latest financial information available on the company, the return on shareholder's equity ratio is stated as 28.45% while the ratio for the industry stands at 17.53 (Reuters, 2009). Analysis of Operating Efficiency The working Capital ratios indicate how well the company is able to manage its working capital. "The asset management ratios are also known as working capital ratios or the efficiency ratios. The aim is to measure how effectively the firm is managing its assets." (NetTom, n.d.) The efficiency ratios for Emerald Energy are exhibited below: 2006 2007 2008 Industry Receivables Turnover (Times) 12.06 9.41 5.76 12.26 Total Assets Turnover

Friday, October 18, 2019

Second Life and Virtual Labs Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Second Life and Virtual Labs - Research Paper Example Second Life is mainly utilized in collaboration, scientific research and data visualization as ways of enhancing knowledge. Examples of these include genome, SciLands, Virginia Tech’s Slate, American Chemical Society’s, ACS Island, Nature Publishing Group’s and Elucian Islands Village. The graphics, Havok physics engine and Linden Scripting Language allow simulation of several imagined or real devices and machines. Many light houses are present, some having detailed Fresnel lenses (Bruder, 23). Common equipments include combat weapon systems and steam punk buoyant airships. A bigger part of Linden Scripting Language Guide elaborates on the features available and which can be used for modeling vehicles. These as popularly used in airplanes, motorcycles, boats and cars. Manned vehicles are more advantageous even though there can be remotely or autonomous controlled vehicles. Clark (6) argues that a significant obstacle is sim (region) crossing. As opposed to cell p hone handoffs, this is a challenge for users who are at walking speed. This has however been improved greatly by Linden Labs. The crossing becomes seamless when the user in mention has few resources allocated to them. Second Life physics is dependent on computer game physics. It consists of interpenetration avoidance of physical objects and avatars with physical or non-physical objects (Pauli Exclusion Principle’s approximation). For physical objects such as vehicles, real world motion is approximated. Avatars are used on vehicles and users have the ability of controlling them. Numerous system calls are part of the scripting language and are specialized for vehicle. They define their control and movement. However, the real world motion correspondence is quantitatively undefined. Second Life vehicles behave typically like vehicles in the real world in superficial ways only. The differences are essential in dealing with sim crossing challenge, internet communication latency and time step. Within these limits, a high realism degree is possible for some moving objects. However, with the available system calls, easier motions can be scripted quickly (Eastwell, 45). Genome Island literally began with a light bulb. A very popular scripting and building tutorial in Second Life is on making a light. This basic script’s modification animates many genome island experiments. Laboratory computers that can rum Second Life programs are already installed at Texas Wesleyan. This means that students can access Genome Island when in campus. The main grid is only allowed for people above the age of eighteen years and therefore the conceptual contents at Genome Island are created at a level suitable for university undergraduates. The materials do not correspond to any curriculum or textbook but comprise of encounters with genetic matters. The interactive maters behave as per established genetic principles. Activities are categorized in to four principal areas. Experi ments include Mendelian inheritance principles, genetic interactions and inheritance patterns, drosophila, bacterial and molecular genetics and population genetic principles. Guest builders and other students can make contributions on the Atelier. Teleports are used for connecting experiments that are related to each other. The Bottle experiment message is a section of genetic coding on the Tower unit. The protein’

Terrorism and Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Terrorism and Policy - Essay Example or terrorist activities; and empowers the enforcement agencies to scrutinize foreign jurisdictions and to monitor the transactions of foreign financial agencies. Bank accounts are to be closely monitored to detect any criminal abuse of those accounts. The US enforcement authorities can direct foreign financial institutions and service providers to report money laundering activities that are linked to terrorist activity. In addition, this Act seeks to prevent foreign officials from exploiting the American financial system for their own ends. It also, facilitates the repatriation of stolen assets to the country where the theft transpired (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network). The official name of the USA PATRIOT Act is the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act. It was enacted in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001.This act provides widespread powers to the police and intelligence agencies, and it also expands the authority of law enforcement authorities in search and surveillance interventions. More importantly, the PATRIOT Act rescinds the checks and balances system, which enables the courts to review the constitutional validity of statutes and to conduct a judicial review of such statutes, in order to ensure that there is no abuse of power by the government. The Constitution bestowed civil liberties and right to privacy on the citizens, but these rights have been endangered by the PATRIOT Act. It also affects the democratic traditions and customs in the US, and there is widespread opposition in the US against this statute, because it repeals the fundamen tal rights of the people (The USA PATRIOT Act). Homeland security aims to protect the US from any potential terrorist attack. Its fundamental duties include preparedness against such attacks, ensuring a high level of protection against terrorist attacks and the management of the results of such attacks on the US.

Learning Log Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Learning Log - Essay Example The situation makes it difficult for the visiting Chinese to enjoy. This idea influenced the owners of this restaurant to create an opportunity to the Chinese in heart of London. Many clients visiting the restaurant have remarked that the restaurant has enabled them to acquire the best in a foreign land. The restaurant respects and promotes Chinese culture. Reception of clients who visit this restaurant would attest to the above fact. The restaurant location is heart English land where one would expect to meet the English culture. However, the uniqueness of the restaurant stem up from the fact that it roots for the native culture of the Chinese. This is the best that a person would imagine especially when an individual has been dreaming of experience the native culture. Language is an aspect of culture, which influences all other activities in the society. The restaurants prefer addressing its Chinese visitors in Chinese language and other visitors in the most appropriate language (T ouro). The idea is to protect the business from failing to cater for the interest of the society. Serving the needs of Chinese people as well as the needs of the people who embraces the Chinese culture is the sole objective of the restaurant. This objective is evident through the long-term service that the restaurant has offered to the society since its inception in 1890s (Chongqing Expat Club, 2008:3). ... Today the practices in the restaurant indicate respect for the Chinese culture. Human culture differs owing to the fact that people live in various geographical regions. The practices observed in London by Londoners are much different from practices of Chinese in Beijing. How the fabric that formed the foundation of the restaurant anticipated to carry the practices alive. My placement at Chongqing San Jia Xiang restaurant exposed me to two events; first, exercises my communication skills in an international environment second to retain stress. The restaurant offers services to international guest visiting or residing in London. Communication is a crucial tool in the hospitality industry that dictates the number clients. Clients visiting various recreational facilities are keen to reception in their new environment. The restaurant offers a warm reception to people (Touro). Exposure to new environment offers an opportunity for learning new approaches. I was not an exception to this exe rcise. I had to receive clients, listen to their demands and respond. The experience was good because the management managed to influence my reaction whenever I misunderstood the clients. People have different abilities yet they need services. It means I had to develop skills of response as well as skills of controlling my temper whenever the demands were out of my taste. The organisation concern promotes an environment where a person could be able to learn. Individual’s presentation influences ones ability to handle clients. The restaurant management and staff created an environment, which encourages an individual to be presentable. The restaurant holds routine departmental meetings, which aims at analysing and attending to problems of the workers. The

Thursday, October 17, 2019

The link between leadership style, communicator competence nd employee Essay

The link between leadership style, communicator competence nd employee satisfaction - Essay Example Thus for the need of a proper negotiation the communication competence of the supervisors is something that is readily required. Before focusing on the main part of the study there is the need for the discussion of certain key terms of communicator competence, leadership, and communication satisfaction along with job satisfaction. (Madlock, p 61) Communicator competence- The concept of communicator competence encompasses the elements of skills, knowledge, as well as behavior that are able in motivating individuals and prove its effectiveness. Maintenance of certain interpersonal norms along with conversational appropriateness forms the embedded part of competent interactions. (Madlock, p 62) Leadership- the quality of leadership has been best defined as the ability of an individual to influence and guide the team members in achieving the shared goals. (Madlock, p 64) Communication Satisfaction- the satisfaction that an individual employee gains from the daily conversations occurring in that particular organization along with its various aspects is what is referred to as the communication satisfaction of the employee.

In what ways can consumption be defined as a creative practice Essay

In what ways can consumption be defined as a creative practice - Essay Example room, 10 appeared as if they might reach â€Å"right† status at some point in the future, with a little more money, a little more luck and a lot more social skills, but the final five were hopeless cases wearing decades-old fashions and carrying tattered old schoolbags in yesterday’s cuts. Chris determined this information through the use of a highly-honed ability to observe and mentally evaluate the sum total of the articles and clothing possessed by the people around her. Through this assessment (which includes not only the material price of each item, but it’s acceptability within the â€Å"now† trends) Chris was able to determine whether each classmate was of the â€Å"right† crowd or, if not, to what degree they were lacking. Like many people within a consumer society, Chris was creating her identity, and her impressions of the identities of those around her, on a purely material basis. Consumers today live what may only be termed â€Å"constr ucted lives† as they buy into the concept that consumption itself is a creative process. Students such as Chris use materialistic cues such as style of dress, individual possessions and the ability to keep up with the ever-changing market trends to help them identify others sharing a similar desire to obtain something called the â€Å"right† life. â€Å"We want our lives to match our vision of the good life, itself largely a product of the media. We want to have the right clothes, the right car, the right house, the right job, the right spouse, the right children, even the right toothpaste† (Gabler, 1998). Because certain items have come to symbolize individual levels attained in the search for the â€Å"perfect† life, consumers strive to attain the material goods to create an appearance of living the ‘right’ life rather than focusing on creativity independent of worldly possessions. This means of establishing an identity by comparing your possessions with the possessions of others whom you perceive to be living

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Learning Log Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Learning Log - Essay Example The situation makes it difficult for the visiting Chinese to enjoy. This idea influenced the owners of this restaurant to create an opportunity to the Chinese in heart of London. Many clients visiting the restaurant have remarked that the restaurant has enabled them to acquire the best in a foreign land. The restaurant respects and promotes Chinese culture. Reception of clients who visit this restaurant would attest to the above fact. The restaurant location is heart English land where one would expect to meet the English culture. However, the uniqueness of the restaurant stem up from the fact that it roots for the native culture of the Chinese. This is the best that a person would imagine especially when an individual has been dreaming of experience the native culture. Language is an aspect of culture, which influences all other activities in the society. The restaurants prefer addressing its Chinese visitors in Chinese language and other visitors in the most appropriate language (T ouro). The idea is to protect the business from failing to cater for the interest of the society. Serving the needs of Chinese people as well as the needs of the people who embraces the Chinese culture is the sole objective of the restaurant. This objective is evident through the long-term service that the restaurant has offered to the society since its inception in 1890s (Chongqing Expat Club, 2008:3). ... Today the practices in the restaurant indicate respect for the Chinese culture. Human culture differs owing to the fact that people live in various geographical regions. The practices observed in London by Londoners are much different from practices of Chinese in Beijing. How the fabric that formed the foundation of the restaurant anticipated to carry the practices alive. My placement at Chongqing San Jia Xiang restaurant exposed me to two events; first, exercises my communication skills in an international environment second to retain stress. The restaurant offers services to international guest visiting or residing in London. Communication is a crucial tool in the hospitality industry that dictates the number clients. Clients visiting various recreational facilities are keen to reception in their new environment. The restaurant offers a warm reception to people (Touro). Exposure to new environment offers an opportunity for learning new approaches. I was not an exception to this exe rcise. I had to receive clients, listen to their demands and respond. The experience was good because the management managed to influence my reaction whenever I misunderstood the clients. People have different abilities yet they need services. It means I had to develop skills of response as well as skills of controlling my temper whenever the demands were out of my taste. The organisation concern promotes an environment where a person could be able to learn. Individual’s presentation influences ones ability to handle clients. The restaurant management and staff created an environment, which encourages an individual to be presentable. The restaurant holds routine departmental meetings, which aims at analysing and attending to problems of the workers. The

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

In what ways can consumption be defined as a creative practice Essay

In what ways can consumption be defined as a creative practice - Essay Example room, 10 appeared as if they might reach â€Å"right† status at some point in the future, with a little more money, a little more luck and a lot more social skills, but the final five were hopeless cases wearing decades-old fashions and carrying tattered old schoolbags in yesterday’s cuts. Chris determined this information through the use of a highly-honed ability to observe and mentally evaluate the sum total of the articles and clothing possessed by the people around her. Through this assessment (which includes not only the material price of each item, but it’s acceptability within the â€Å"now† trends) Chris was able to determine whether each classmate was of the â€Å"right† crowd or, if not, to what degree they were lacking. Like many people within a consumer society, Chris was creating her identity, and her impressions of the identities of those around her, on a purely material basis. Consumers today live what may only be termed â€Å"constr ucted lives† as they buy into the concept that consumption itself is a creative process. Students such as Chris use materialistic cues such as style of dress, individual possessions and the ability to keep up with the ever-changing market trends to help them identify others sharing a similar desire to obtain something called the â€Å"right† life. â€Å"We want our lives to match our vision of the good life, itself largely a product of the media. We want to have the right clothes, the right car, the right house, the right job, the right spouse, the right children, even the right toothpaste† (Gabler, 1998). Because certain items have come to symbolize individual levels attained in the search for the â€Å"perfect† life, consumers strive to attain the material goods to create an appearance of living the ‘right’ life rather than focusing on creativity independent of worldly possessions. This means of establishing an identity by comparing your possessions with the possessions of others whom you perceive to be living

Video game and internet cafes Essay Example for Free

Video game and internet cafes Essay Over the years, there had been a growing concern in the effect of study habits of the college students where they get addicted and drown themselves into the game itself. The youth of today no longer seem to spend their leisure activities like in the olden days; outdoor games or playing sports, instead, they spend their free time in their homes, internet cafes or computer shops simply to satisfy their hunger; and that hunger is Online Gaming. Online gaming has such a profound impact on not only the young, but dynamically every age group as well. So far, virtually anyone is able to go on a computer and punch through the keys and mouse in order to get a high score, chat with players, get the rarest items, and level up as fast as possible. Yes, there seems to be no restriction as to whom, how or what online gaming can extend to. As in any situation where new technology is introduced, the social impact of the Internet is being looked at. One social problem that has been observed is that the Internet cafe has become mainly game centres. About one-half to two-thirds of the computers in a typical Internet cafe, according to one study, are devoted to games like violent and gory games. The use of the remaining computers was roughly split between browsing, email, online chat, word processing and research. The Internet cafes have become not just game centres. They are becoming centres of addiction among the youth, mostly boys. Objective -The Positive Effects of Online Gaming -The Negative Effects of Online Gaming -Is there a cure for Online Gaming addiction? Significance of the Study The intention of this topic is to give awareness to my fellow students on how Online Gaming will affect our study habit and also our performances in academics , job and actions towards family and friends , and ourselves. Scope of limitation Because some places here in the Philippines does not yet have any computers and internet yet and not all Filipinos use computer or does not have and not knowledgeable on computer, My scope of limitation is within Metro Manila only.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Effect of Colours on Blood Pressure

Effect of Colours on Blood Pressure ABSTRACT This project was designed to determine the effect of different colours on blood pressure. A total of 24 subjects were required to look at specific colour for 2 minutes. Their respective blood pressure was measured respectively before and after each experiment. Time interval of 3 minutes after each measurement was set up to ensure blood pressure falls back to normal value before the next colour exposure. Friedman test was carried out to test the data and this led to the rejection of null hypothesis. To conclude, there was sufficient evidence from the statistical testing to suggest that different colours in our daily life can affect our blood pressure. RESEARCH AND RATIONALE Colour is perceived by human eyes when different wavelengths composing white light are selectively interfered by matter.1c Humans can see colours due to the cones present mainly in the middle of our retina and a few on the periphery.1a Each eye contains six million cones with pigment that is sensitive to either red, green or blue.1b Sensation of light and visual sharpness are created through transmission of high levels of light intensity.1a Colour with wavelengths between that of primary colours stimulates a combination of cones. As a result, all colours can be detected in the visible spectrum which is about 400 to 700 nanometers.1b,1c One interesting fact about our eyes is that they can perceive more variations in warmer colours than cooler ones as almost two-third of the cones process the longer light wavelength.1a The picture below shows the respective wavelength each cone is sensitive to. Both scientific and psychological effects of colour are suggested by many top scientists or researchers. The study of psychological effect of colour is defined as chromology.1d Maryland study by University of Loyola stated that colour increases brand recognition up to 80 percent.1g Improvement of readership, learning and comprehension with the help of colours is also noted.3a,3b Another interesting observation is recorded by Paul E. Boccumini, director of clinical services of San Bernardino County Probation Department in California. Children under detention are observed to cool down within 10 minutes after they are put in a room of bubble gum pink.4a Meanwhile, scientific application of colour in medical field is the usage of lights in full spectrum to cure depression for Seasonal Affective Disorder especially during winter months when the people are deprived of light.1e,2a Hence, the ancient and once dishonoured field of chromotherapy is regenerated. Red is used to stimulate the body and increase circulation while yellow is thought to play a role in body purification. Blue soothes illness.1f This experiment was carried out to investigate the true effect of colours on blood pressure and whether different colours affect us differently. If colours are found to really affect our body differently, then more attention should be put into colour consideration in fields such as marketing, education, art, and medicine. A person of high blood pressure should be more aware of the colour of their living and working environment. Colour surrounds us all the time. If we can fully understand and use it, it will undoubtedly influence and change our everyday life. Statistical analysis showed that there is a significant difference in the effect of different colours on blood pressure. Red and yellow increases blood pressure, blue decreases blood pressure while green and black have fluctuated stabilising effect. This proved that it the effects of colours are biological and not merely due to psychological effect or experimental error. From the table we could conclude that yellow showed greater increase in blood pressure with a higher mean and median of 11.54 and 10.50 respectively. However, it had results over a big range of data from minimum increase of +4 to a maximum increase of +29 and a highest standard deviation of 5.93 compared to other colour, which limited the creditability of the data. By plotting a box plot, we could determine that +29 is an outlier. Psychological effects that have been suggested for this colour are anger provoking and activeness. Nevertheless, compared to yellow colour, a significant increase was also noted for red colour. But, red colour recorded shown a smaller range of data, and hence, smaller value of standard deviation, which made the data more reliable than the yellow colour. Furthermore, it was also interesting to note that the box plot of red colour was positively skewed with more people showing greater increase than the median. Red colour is more commonly associated with excitement and awareness of danger. Blue colour, which is always linked to sadness and calmness, showed a neutral box plot with no skewing of data on the other hand. It was more concentrated with most people showed decrease between -3.00 and -7.00. Therefore, it could be concluded that blue decreases our blood pressure. The range of data is also smaller than that of yellow colour. Green colour, a colour of stability, showed a positively screwed data of a mean of -0.17. Therefore, the effect of green is hard to be explained and might have slightly opposing effects under different circumstances. The differences and fluctuations of data could be due to cultural association and personal experience as well. Some fluctuation could be due to experimental error. Last but not the least, three outliers were calculated for black colour. Though having a very small inter-quartile range, black colour portrayed the second largest standard deviation (5.52). Black is suggested to be a neutral colour. Yet, a few subjects displayed a very high increase of blood pressure when exposed to black colour. It could be due to sleepiness, or fear of dark environment. Although the real scientific mechanisms of colours on our body are still undefined, but effects of colour are not directly psychological. This opinion was also voiced by Mr. Birren, an expert of colour. Alexander Schauss, a CEO and Senior Director of Natural and Medicinal Products Research at AIBMR Life Sciences, found interaction of colours in some unknown way with pituitary and pineal glands and hypothalamus deep in the brain which controls basic body functions and emotional responses. One or more brain neurotransmitter are affected by minute amount of electromagnetic energy according to Professor Harold Wahlfarth, president of Colour Science in German Academy and photo-biologist at the University of Alberta.4a Exposure to pure red light has been shown to stimulate the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. Pure blue light, on the other hand, lowers the heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure with special effect on the parasympathetic branch.2aÂÂ   In conclusion, colours can affect our blood pressure and different colours affect blood pressure differently. EVALUATION OF EXPERIMENT Limitation Firstly, the subjects were of different cultural backgrounds and could have different life experiences that lead to change of mood and blood pressure when subjected to a certain colour which links to their past. Results obtained could be due to personal psychological effect instead of the pure biological effect of colour. Furthermore, digital blood pressure monitor was used. Small fluctuations of data could occur and might be assumed to be change of blood pressure. Besides, the subjects involved in this investigation were of small sample and involved merely college-aged students. It was not an exact representative of the true population of general-aged students. Limited availability of participants also occurred as the students tested were only from one college. Moreover, a humans feelings are not controllable. Subjects might feel nervous or bored throughout the whole experiment even though a briefing was given beforehand. Sources of error and ways to improve The blood pressure might not be measured at exactly 2nd minute as there could be slight delay or increase of reaction time. In order to increase the validity and reliability of the result, reaction time is trained before the experiment. Second data cannot be taken as this will influence the time of measuring and also time of exposure to colours. Blood pressure of normal humans also varied slightly throughout the day due to hunger, sleepiness and also a full meal. Therefore, all the experiments should be carried out within the period of 2p.m. to 5p.m. to prevent fluctuations of data. Besides, the colour intensity exposed to the subjects might have varied a little bit due to the surrounding light although clothes were used. The environment could have changed throughout the experiments as not all the subjects data are collected in one day. Fluctuating weather, sunlight intensity, temperature and humidity all might influence the mood and feeling of subjects which indirectly affect the reliability of the experiment. Human are complex subjects. The experiment should be carried out in a constant air conditioned room with the same fluorescent light so that minimum changes of colour intensity can be achieved. Further research Study can also be done on the effect of colour on mood, stress, work performance and memory. As colour can affect our blood pressure, it might affect our daily mood and performance. Therefore, a good choice of colour in our surroundings can be made in order to achieve greater and better performance. A comparison between effects of colour on different gender can also be made as males and females have different anatomy. Hence, there could be interesting findings. CONCLUSION There is significant difference between the effects of different colours on blood pressure. Red colour and yellow colour increase blood pressure while blue colour decreases blood pressure. Green colour and black colour have fluctuating effects. Experimental hypothesis was accepted. EVALUATION OF SOURCES Sources 1 (b), (e), and (g) are all operated by educated professors. Source 1(e) is operated by Judie C. Snelson who is a Holistic Health Practitioner with a Masters Degree in Behavioural Science and a PHD in Religion. Source 1(g) is operated by Professor Jill Morton who gives seminars about colour and marketing, colour theory and everything that colour impacts. Lastly, Source 1(b) is established in 1997 by Professional Colour Therapist and Colour consultant- Valerie Logan-Clarke. Therefore, all the information of these sources is highly reliable. On the other hand, Source 1(a), (c), (d), (f) and (h) are supported by big company and are very experienced. Source 1(a) is established by Pantone LLC, world-renowned authority on colour and provider of colour systems. It is a leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of colour across a variety of industries. Source 1(c) is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education. Source 1(d) is based in UK and has been practising for over 10 years. Source 1(f) is a part of New York Times Company. Source 1(h) offers clear understanding of statistics basic learning. It is new with copyright 2010. All of this sites and companies are awarded and are ranked trustworthy. Besides, newspapers, journals and books are all published. Therefore, they are definitely valid as sources of references. The authors are knowledgeable and are well-regarded. The newspapers and journals are peer-reviewed and have been cited by other people. Therefore, I feel that they are strongly valid as a choice of references.