Fahrenheit 451 Pg 113-129 Journal Essay

â€Å"What is there about fire that’s so lovely?†¦ It’s perpetual motion; the thing man wanted to invent but never did†¦ What is fire?†¦Its real beauty is that is destroys responsibility and consequences†¦clean quick, sure; nothing to rot later. Antibiotic, aesthetic, practical† (Bradbury 115). This section of reading is without argument dominated by fire and its effects. For the society in F 451, fire is the magic elixir for cleansing life of its hardships and enigmas. Montag uses fire to cleanse his life of the restraints that are holding him back from freedom. Before Chief Beatty sends Montag to burn his own house, he informs Montag that fire is the solution to everything. Beatty sends Montag into his home with a powerful weapon. This powerful weapon is simply an explanation. To the reader’s dismay, the explanation is later used against its dragoman. As Montag begins to enjoy burning his own house down, he begins to concur with Beatty that fire is the solution to anything and everything. Bradbury makes it evident that Montag enjoys burning his house by using descriptive accounts like â€Å"it was good to burn† (116) and â€Å"Fire was best for everything† (116). As he fires each shot of liquid fire, Montag is incinerating his past into ash. Fire plays a contradictory role in this reading. Montag uses fire as his liberator against his past, while at the same time violates its vast power. Since Montag‘s past has held him down for so long, he is feeling pleasure getting rid of it. To do so, he uses fire’s sheer dynamism to justify his problems, a lesson he derives from Chief Beatty. Montag’s cowering back to his old way of thinking shows the reader that he may not have changed as much as he believes he did. This is the case until he gets rid of the seconds thing that is holding him back from total edification. The barrage of quotes and explanations that Beatty radiates help prevent Montag from becoming completely contumacious and incorrigible against power. To eliminate the force that prevents him from being liberated, Montag uses fire to kill a pundit of fire. Ray Bradbury has filled F 451 with instances of irony, so unsurprisingly he uses a major one in the climax of the novel. Beatty uses fire to defend his mentality and the mentality of society, but ironically the bulwarking of fire leads to Beatty’s demise. In tonight’s reading, Montag successfully exterminates two of the three things that hold him back from outright emancipation. To eliminate Chief Beatty and his past, Montag uses fire. Up to this point, Montag uses fire as a tool for dissipation. In this section, however, Montag uses fire as a tool to free himself from the restraints of a vacant life. Bradbury depicts to the reader that Montag craves change by writing â€Å"burned the bedroom walls and cosmetics chest because he wanted to change everything† (116). The third and final obstacle that is holding Montag back from utter freedom is his own conscience. If he can learn to control his feelings and reasoning, Montag will be free once and for all.

Electrical gadget

Want to make your computer experience a little†¦ Bulgier? For sure you want to watch your favorite movie in a big screen because it easy to watch, and give you a lot of satisfaction. II. When I want to decide to watch TV using computer a few years ago, I really have no idea how to connect the cable. Then, at that time my friend shows me easy steps on how to do it. Ill. I have learned about the steps during that time and I did additional research for this speech. IV.Today I will inform you three main steps f how to using television as a computer monitor which are consist consideration about condition of TV and computer, connections between them and changing computer settings. (Transitions: Let's start by looking for what are the considerations) Body l. The first step Is to take considerations about the condition of television and computer In order to get the best result after changing it. A. Keep the television at the right height for computer use 1. It is best to keep the televi sion at a height where your eye level is roughly % of the way up the screen, much like with a monitor.B. Make sure your television has good resolution 1. When your computer sends the image to the television, it's going to be designed for a much smaller screen. 2. Even with a high resolution TV, some text may appear blurry. 3. With a lower resolution television, you may have a very difficult time reading text C. Find your computers output options 1. Look at the back of your computer and identify the output options. 2. These are sometimes labeled, but they may be easier to identify by looking at images of the outputs online D. Find your television's input options.

Midsummer Night’s Dream Analysis

Illusions A Midsummer Night’s Dream Essay Is it a dream or reality? The connection between the real world and a world created by our own vivid imagination while we sleep is somewhat uncanny. A plethora of individuals cannot fathom how the brain can create such realistic scenarios in such little time. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, the author uses his knowledge of dreams to create his play. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is not only the title of this play but the overall theme as well. In the story dreams bring many changes within the plot.Dreams change the opinion of characters and open their eyes to a different reality. A large connection between dreaming and theater is made at the end of the play in Puck’s famous final speech. Midsummer also plays a large role in the theme of this play as well. We will discuss all of these topics within the next few paragraphs. â€Å"Like dreams, love is foolish, crazy and driven by desires. † Say s an article called The Meaning of the Title in  A Midsummer Night's Dream  by Shakespeare. The relationship between the four lovers, Hermia, Helena, Lysander, and Demetrius is based on their dreams and desires.When Hermia had a nightmare depicting a snake eating her heart, â€Å"Methought a serpent ate my heart away,/And you sat smiling at his cruel  play† (pg. 64-65) it foreshadowed Lysander’s newfound love for Helena which was only temporary. Lysander was casted into a figurative dream as Puck placed the love petals upon Lysander’s sleeping eyes. When Lysander awoke and Helena was the first one he saw, Lysander began to long for her and fall in love with her. This is important to the plotline because it shows what a dream can do to a person.It also helps build Puck’s character as a careless trickster. Although Helena believes Lysander’s attempts to win her heart as merely a cruel joke the reader understands Lysander is trapped in a dream. Puck then with instruction from Oberon, the King of the Faeries places the love petals in the eyes of the sleeping Demetrius to let him fall deeply in love with Helena who loves him. At the same time Puck is instructed to put these petals into Titania’s, the Queen of the Faeries eyes so that she may hopefully fall in love with an â€Å"ounce, or cat, or bear† (pg. 55).This is so that Oberon can take the Indian boy away from Titania and use him as a servant. This will solve their marital problems and bring balance back to the mortal world. Titania falls in love with Bottom, of whom which was ironically transformed by the all magical Puck into an ass. â€Å"O Bottom, thou art changed! What do I see on thee? †(pg. 75) This shows the illusions of dreams and love. Titania was in love with what she thought to be the most majestic and absolutely wonderful mortal she had ever laid eyes upon while in reality the creature she fell in love with was an ass.This also shows i rony connecting the stubborn personality of Bottom and what he was transformed into. The relevance of Midsummer in the theme of the play is that many things grow in the summer, thrive. It’s a wonderful time and usually what people think of when they think of love. It is the season for life and growth as winter is for death. The nice weather drives people out of their homes and into the open outdoors. This is appropriate because people like Lysander and Hermia wouldn’t normally in winter be traveling through the woods and stop to rest.It would be too cold. The setting also portrays a summer atmosphere. It also believed that the faeries come out to trick passing travelers in the nights of midsummer. They are known to play jokes on them and to get enjoyment out of mortals. This is probably why Oberon is so interested in Helena’s despair. He must feel sorry as well as want to have a little fun with the mortals. He then instructs Puck to fix her love problem. Puck, t he trickster faery is very active during this time.He plays tricks on almost everyone in the play, finding enjoyment in transforming Bottom into an ass and making Titania fall in love with him. This play is based upon love, tricks, comedy, and dreams so the faeries coming out during this time was important to the main plot and in agreement with the legend of faeries coming out during midsummer nights. Lastly Puck’s final speech shows the connection between dreaming and theatre by stating â€Å"While these visions did appear. /And this weak an idle theme,/No more yielding but a dream†(pg. 172-173).This shows us that dreams happen in order to weave the importance of the main theme of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Without the illusion that clouded Titania’s eyes she might not have fallen so deeply in love with Bottom, the ass. During the practice of the play Pyarmus and Thisbe Snout wouldn’t have noticed that Bottom had been transformed. Without the illu sion of the love petals of the pansy flower Lysander might have seen through the weak shade of fake love for Helena. He would have realized his heart belonged to Hermia. Demetrius may have never moved on and loved Helena.The ending during Puck’s speech really ties together the whole play and helps us come to the conclusion that dreams were necessary for the plot and theme of the play. Puck wants us to feel as if it was all a pleasant dream, but at the same time he wants us to remember everything that happened, good and bad and learn from it. Nothing in this play is quite what it seems so it is ironic at the end to be trusting Puck who is such a tricky character. What we take from his final speech is to enjoy the happy ending and always be wary of dreams.Dreams and reality coexist in our lives as much as they do in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. We understand the theme of this play more closely if we examine key points that support the theme and title as one. Illusions and reality, Puck’s final speech, and the relevance of midsummer help us connect the title and theme. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, the author uses his knowledge of dreams to create his play. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is not only the title of this play but the overall theme as well. As â€Å"honest Puck† (pg. 173) says before he departs â€Å"So good night unto you all. † (pg. 173)Bibliography â€Å"A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Analysis of Lines 5-20 of the Epilogue. †Ã‚  Article Myriad. N. p. , n. d. Web. 25 Nov. 2012. ;http://www. articlemyriad. com/midsummer-nights-dream-analysis/;. â€Å"The Meaning of the Title in A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare – Yahoo! Voices – voices. yahoo. com. †Ã‚  Yahoo! Voices – voices. yahoo. com. N. p. , 10 July 2005. Web. 25 Nov. 2012. ;http://voices. yahoo. com/the-meaning-title-midsummer-nights-dream-6294754. html;. Shakespeare, William. A midsumm er night's dream. Washington Square Press new Folger's ed. New York: Washington Square Press, 1993. Print.

222#5 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

222#5 - Assignment Example In some cases temperatures were seen to rise above 100 degrees in summer (the Texas tribune). An increased number of inmates also adds pressure to the already under paid and overworked correctional officers. Thus they have to work longer hours with the minimal pay and this leads to turnover or the conducting illegal businesses in prison. High turnover presents a couple of challenges to the correctional facilities. In a research done on turnover, high turnover in newly employed staff showed that the resources used in recruiting and training the staff do not produce the required returns. Therefore, this results to fewer resources required to promote other staff retention and betterment of inmate programs. Available officers therefore end up working overtime which further translates to fatigue and burn out. In a report by Oklahoma watch, prison staff have been reported to be involved in car accidents due to fatigue (watch). The major step needed to be taken is increase of the personnel wages. This will act as a motivator and less will be forced to turnover. This step should be followed by improvement of the working conditions, air conditioning, better housing and reduced overtime. Reducing the number of inmates is also key. This can be done by moving small crime inmates to community rehabilitation centres instead of placing them in correctional facilities. This will reduce the number of inmates to be supervised by one officer. The Texas Tribune,. Prison Officials Seek Ways To Recruit, Retain Officers, By Brandi Grissom. N.p., 2015. Web. 20 Apr.

Critically discuss the reasons why location has again become a Essay - 2

Critically discuss the reasons why location has again become a critical issue in explaining the global competitiveness of firms - Essay Example However, as part of the marketing mix, promotion has historically been most effective in differentiating one company from another in competitive marketplaces. Place, as part of the marketing mix, refers to â€Å"the location at which the activity takes place, or the distribution channel by which the product is made available to consumers† (Haugtvedt, Herr and Kardes, 2008, p.28). As a means to avoid costs, some companies are reverting back to more traditional elements of marketing by focusing on aspects of place in order to differentiate the business from competitors. Further, place is improving competitiveness in global companies because it improves community and consumer relationships, as well as giving businesses a positive identity in local markets with unique cultural values and preferences. This paper discusses the importance of place in securing global business competitiveness. Customers in many different industries and different market environments want extra value when buying products. This seems to be an evolution which has occurred with the growth of competition and the need to offer incentives to customers in order to differentiate the business and make it appear to provide more value than competing firms. In order to provide this value, companies should â€Å"beautify marketing and gain the upper hand with customers† (Brandweek, 2004, p.25). Beautification of marketing refers to aesthetics and incorporating content which provides perceptions of value from target consumers. Appealing to consumer values related to aesthetics is not an easy task through regular advertising and other visual promotions, therefore markets which appreciate the aesthetics of a shopping experience can be exposed to place marketing. For example, companies which offer household goods to consumers might have a business model which supports stand-alone retail stores design ed with more expensive architectural materials, such as marble or

Fast 5 movie review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Fast 5 movie review - Essay Example This paper analyzes the film’s plot, the observed character personalities, the mood and emotions identified, and the outstanding thematic issues, among other film elements. The film begins with Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) being moved to Lompoc penitentiary in a prison bus. Mia (Jordana Brewster), that is, Dom’s sister, with the help of his friend Brian (Paul Walker) attacks the bus and free Dom. Following the prison break, the authorities in the US begin an intensive search for Dom, Mia and Brian prompting the fugitives to seek refuge in Brazil’s capital of Rio de Janeiro. The three collaborate with Vince (Matt Schulze) an ally of theirs and formulate a plan to steal cars from a moving train. Even though they successfully steal the cars, they engage in an altercation with DEA agents in the train since they previously did not know that the train was transporting seized cars. The death of DEA agents in the train heist instigates the dispatch of a U.S. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) team led by agent Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) to Rio with the principal aim of capturing Dom’s team and extraditing them to face murder charges in the US. Hobbs’ team successfully tracks Dom and his accomplices in the former’s safe house, but they manage to escape since the place is under attack by Reyes’ (a drug lord) men (Fast Five). After realizing that they are running not just from gangsters, but the law as well, and when Mia tells Brian that she is pregnant with his child, Dom’s team decides to stay united and plan a final heist to start a comfortable new life. They decide to steal from Reyes, having acquired proof of where his money was in the prior train heist. The assembled heist team comprises of Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson), Tej Parker (Ludacris), Han Lue (Sung Kang), and Vince (Matt Schulze) among others. However, before their plans materialize, Dom,

Coursework 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Coursework 1 - Essay Example Benchmarking in the Egyptian hotel sector involved administering questionnaires to staff members of hotels who acted as respondents. 128 managers from selected star hotels located in Cairo, Alexandrian, Aswan and sharmel- sheik cities took part as respondents (Nassar 2012). The questionnaires contained three sections that sought information on respondents and their hotels, their attitude towards benchmarking and their perceptions drawn from their understanding of advantages and barriers of benchmarking. The methodology used in Taiwan was conduction of a case study. Relevant statistical data and information was obtained from reports on international tourists’ hotels operation. This data was provided by the Tourism Bureau, an entity in the Ministry of Transport and Communication (Wei-Wen, Lan & Yu-Ting 2013). A number of 80 hotels were used for the case study. There was an application of DEA (data envelopment analysis) approach purposed to identify the periods that sustained hig h performance by the hotel industry. The benchmarking process carried out in Egypt was an empirical case. Questionnaires developed obtained feedback from a given number of respondents that provided information used to draw conclusions about the hotels in the country. The process utilized an average number of 128 managers in 5 star hotels in Egypt (Nassar 2012). The type of benchmarking applied in Taiwan was performance benchmarking. The activity was empirical as well involving use of statistical data. The data was obtained from 80 international tourists hotels in the country. It was further used to draw out conclusions on performance of the mentioned hotels. Findings and conclusions were made after successful benchmarking. In Egypt, participants in the benchmarking displayed positive attitude towards the process. They clearly understood that the initiative served the purpose enhancing quality and providing a platform for connecting different or

An investigation into why e-businesses fail Essay

An investigation into why e-businesses fail - Essay Example This dissertÐ °tion used multi-cÐ °se studies Ð °s there were numerous exÐ °mples of fÐ °iled online businesses Ð °s well Ð °s successful ones. The results of the cÐ °se studies hÐ °ve shown thÐ °t stÐ °ff with experience in mÐ °rketing is vitÐ °l to the success of the online business, Ð °s mÐ °rketing in online business encompÐ °sses most Ð °spects of the business, Ð °nd is not just confined to Ð °ttrÐ °cting Ð °nd retÐ °ining customers. MÐ °rketing Ð °n online business Ð °lso involves mÐ °nÐ °ging the website itself Ð °nd ensuring thÐ °t the technicÐ °l Ð °spects Ð °re contributing to the customer experience. In the cÐ °se studies, it wÐ °s cleÐ °r thÐ °t experience wÐ °s the key to success in online businesses, Ð °s experience would influence other fÐ °ctors such Ð °s mÐ °rketing Ð °nd business plÐ °ns. Some online businesses mÐ °y need professionÐ °l help in mÐ °rketing, but only if they hÐ °ve not expertise within the teÐ °m. There fore it wÐ °s more importÐ °nt to recognise Ð °nd identify the shortcomings of the online business model before setting up the online business. This seemed to be Ð ° greÐ °ter determinÐ °nt of success, Ð °s Ð ° well-thought out business Ð °nd mÐ °rketing plÐ °n would Ð °nd should include experienced Ð °nd quÐ °lified personnel. The dissertÐ °tion Ð °lso highlighted the importÐ °nce of business pÐ °rtnerships especiÐ °lly where the online business wÐ °s not Ð ° mÐ °nufÐ °cturer. Since the dÐ °wn of the internet, Ð ° lot of businesses Ð °nd individuÐ °ls set Ð °bout estÐ °blishing online businesses in Ð ° bid to Ð °mÐ °ss mÐ °ssive profits. However, Ð °ccording to CrÐ °ine (2001) since the yeÐ °r 2000 Ð °pproximÐ °tely 200 online businesses went out of the business Ð °ccounting for more thÐ °n 50% of business closures. This high fÐ °ilure rÐ °te is of concern to the business Ð °nd finÐ °nciÐ °l community; Ð °s such closures will Ð °lso Ð °ffect stock mÐ °rkets Ð °nd shÐ °res. Some of the online

How is the HRM function of multinational companies organised and what Essay

How is the HRM function of multinational companies organised and what are the specific issues of imternational HRM for multinati - Essay Example The MNCs play a significant role in the process of international trade as they play the main vehicle by which the maximum amount of goods and services penetrate around the world and they are â€Å"the principal agents of internationalization of the world† (Ferner, 1994). The study of the Human Resource Management in the context of the multinational corporations needs no justification as according to United States 73 million people were employed by the MNCs in the year 1994 which represents almost 20% of the employment in the industrial sector worldwide. Moreover almost 40% of the working population depends indirectly on the MNCs for employment. As these companies employ people of different countries with different cultural economical and social backgrounds, the strategies, policies and practices concerning with the Human Resource Management of these companies are perhaps the most complicated among all managerial works. The larger the company will be in terms of the exposure an d geographical reach the more will be the number of the employees of the company and hence more complicated will be its management .An effective human resource management is very necessary in order to gain competitive advantages in the market as the MNCs compete to capture the market share of countries. (Tayeb, 2005, pp. 4-5; Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, & Wright, 2005) Organization Human Resource Management System in a MNC Human resource management involves achieving goals of the company through management of the employees of the company and is essentially the invention of the Americans. HRM system is based on the assumption that all personnel activities of the employees are integrated not only with each other but also strategically with the objectives of the organization as a whole and it is the function of the HRM to utilize this asset to the best use of the organization. HRM designs the management system to ensure human talent is effectively and efficiently used in order to meet th e goal of the organization. This system of management emerge because of the requirements of the companies and the labor market conditions prevailing in the country. The system of management gain importance mainly in the ‘non unionized companies’ of the country. With the success of the management in the country it becomes increasingly famous in other developed countries mainly the European nations as they adopt the system with changeable scales of success. (Tempel, 2001, pp.113-114) With the growth of a multinational company the workforce of the organization changes and hence the law and the needs of the company also changes. So the activities of the HRM need continuous change. HRM considers how the human resource contributes to the overall strategies of the companies and hence are implemented in regard to the overall strategy consideration of the company. Porter in 1985 divides the functioning of companies into two parts. First comes the primary activity which involves inbound and outbound logistics, marketing and sales activities and operations. The second part is the supportive activities of a company which includes infrastructure and technological development, procurement and HRM. This is because HRM along with the other supportive activities ensures the effectiveness and efficiency of the former activities. A fundamental question that often arises is whether a better HRM strategy creates more market value or the financially successful companies

Organisational Citizenship Behaviour and Counterproductive Work Behaviour Essay Example for Free

Organisational Citizenship Behaviour and Counterproductive Work Behaviour Essay Organisational behaviour is the study of human behaviour in the workplace, the interaction between people and the organisation, and organisation itself (Dubrin 2002, p. 2). In most of the organisational behaviour literature review, the following five types of behaviours are often highlighted- task performance, organisational citizenship, counterproductive work behaviours, joining and staying with the organisation and work attendance (McShane, Olekalns Travaglione, 2009). These individual-level dependent variables are present in most OB research which has a significant impact on the effectiveness of organisations. In my following essay, I will be highlighting on two of the above factors-mainly Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) and Counterproductive Work Behaviour (CWB). I will be discussing on how various authors agree that different personalities and positive affectivity levels contributes to the emergence of OCB and that how different authors view the stand of considering all OCB as voluntary acts based on own accord. In addition, I will also be discussing the issue in which a consensus has been reached by most authors that job dissatisfaction is one contributing factor of CWB and that CWB, being defined as harmful in nature, has been challenged by some authors to be a justifiable act. OCB Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) has been defined as individual behavior that is discretionary, not directly or explicitly recognized by the formal reward system, and that in the aggregate promotes the effective functioning of the organization (Organ, cited in Vigoda-Gadot, 2006, p. 3) or as individual behavior that promotes the goals of the organization by contributing to its social and psychological environment (Organ; Rotundo Sackett, cited in Vigoda-Gadot, 2006, p. 3). Personality and Positive Affectivity Personality refers to the enduring, inner characteristics of individuals that organise their behaviour (Derlega et al, cited in Rothmann Cooper, 2008, p. 24) and personality traits predict what a person will do as opposed to what he or she can do (Rothmann Cooper 2008, p. 24). As such, it is agreed that citizenship performance is well predicted by personality variables (Penner, Allen, Motowidlo, 2001; Hurtz Donovan, cited in Barrick Ryan 2003). It is also stated that differences in citizenship performance by the employees are clearly tied to the differences in their personalities and attitudes (Landy Conte 2004) and feelings about their work, also known as affects (Lee Allen 2002). I came across this survey done by (Bierhoff, Klein Kramp, ed. Murphy 1996) in which ‘first aiders’ who rushed to the aid of the accident victims almost immediately scored lower on a measure of egocentrism- the absorption with one self’s lives and family. They also scored higher on a measure of empathy in which they expressed a greater level of concern for others (ed. Murphy 1996). From the above results, I feel that various personality factors do influence the tendency of one to render help to others thereby performing citizenship performance which benefits the organisation as a whole. In addition to the above, I have learnt that the higher the level of positive affect, the higher the level of willingness to help is in individuals (ed. Murphy 1996). Besides the helping behaviour, I have also learnt that maintaining a positive mood in the course of our work may also inadvertently lead us to performing extra role behaviours (e.g.: protecting the organisation and developing oneself in terms of upgrading one’s skills to the benefit of the organisation) (George and Brief, cited in Lee Allen, 2002). To my surprise, I found that positive affect is not just influenced on a personal level but also due to external environmental factors. These include the differences in shades of lightings at our workplaces (Baron et al, cited in ed. Murphy 1996) and even presence of pleasant smelling artificial fragrances in our workplaces (Baron Bronfen 1994, cited in ed. Murphy 1996). Performed based on free will? Most of the recent studies and researches on OCB have pointed out that it is based on voluntary helping behaviours. However, (Vigoda-Gadot E 2006, p. 1 ) pointed out on focusing on the exploitative and abusive tendency of supervisors and managements to impose so-called ‘‘voluntary’’ or ‘‘extra-role† activities via compulsory mechanisms in the workplace, thereby refuting the conventional definition of OCB being performed based on ‘good will’ and free choice. In fact, some of these behaviours categorised under OCB may well be categorised under Compulsory Citizenship Behavior (CCB) (Vigoda-Gadot 2006, p. 1). By reviewing the Expectancy Theory (Griffin Ebert 2005, p. 246) in which people are motivated to work towards rewards that they want and that they believe they have a reasonable chance or expectancy of obtaining it in mind, I have actually agreed with the view that there is much possibility that OCB can also arise from other motives, some of them less voluntary or less self-initiated. Among these motivations are the abusive and exploitative behavior of immediate supervisors and the pressure by management or peers to become involved in activities in which the employee would otherwise not involve himself (Tepper, cited in Vigoda-Gadot 2006, p. 3). CWB Counterproductive Work Behaviours (CWB) is defined as voluntary behaviours that have the potential to directly or indirectly harm the organisation (McShane, Olekalns Travaglione T, 2009, p. 18). Job Dissatisfaction Job dissatisfaction is defined as a set of unfavourable feelings and emotions with which employees view their work (Newstrom Davis 1997, p. 255). It seems that authors have a consensus on job dissatisfaction contributing to the emergence and high levels of CWB. It is stated that dissatisfied employees may engage in psychological withdrawal (e.g.: daydreaming during job), physical withdrawal (eg: unauthorized absence, early departures, extended breaks, work slowdowns) or even overt acts of aggression and retaliation for presumed wrong. There are many factors influencing job dissatisfaction which includes organisational factors like pay and promotion opportunities and the working condition itself. Group factors like the role of supervisor and co-workers; personal factors like needs and aspiration and how are these met, and how individuals views he instrumental benefits of the job also contributes to job dissatisfaction( Rothmann Cooper 2008, p. 24). Though I am in agreement that job dissatisfaction is a strong contributor to the performance of CWB, I feel that CWB may also be induced by other factors like accumulated work stress leading to the emergence of violence which is one form of CWB. Similarly, theft cases in the company, which is another form of CWB, may just be a personal justification of the employees due to a perception of lost equity in the course of their work (Newstrom Davis 1997). Justifiable Act Various authors held on to their individual stands regarding the topic on CWB. In most of my readings, authors agreed that CWB are actually harmful acts towards either individuals or towards the organisation itself. However, (Fox 2002) had presented a different point of view discussing the view that CWB may could well be a justifiable act which is clearly challenging the most conventional definition of CWB which is being negative in nature. (Fox 2002, p. 2) expanded the definition of CWB to include unintentional harm, as long as the act itself is volitional- an act which is motivated by other reasons to cause harm. Hence with this expanded definition, it raises the possibility of constructive CWB. In their article, they have considered on 3 categories of arguments which are moral issues, role conflicts and productivity arguments. I personally feel strongly for the argument on role conflicts. Many of the withdrawal behaviours may be seen as counterproductive in the perspective of managers or even organisations. However, these behaviours shown may be required to be fulfilled by the employees in the perspectives of their family and even the community. Putting in simpler terms, employees may be expected by the society to perform these behaviours so as to be able to strike a work-life balance. Hence, I feel that CWB should not be seen as just a negative behaviour which is purely deviant from an organisation’s objectives as I strongly feel for the presence of positive CWB. Key Findings In this modern age, to adapt and survive in a workplace, other than equipping oneself with the generic skill of problem solving, it is also vital to place great importance on understanding fellow colleagues as this will lead to self knowledge and self insight (Dubrin 2002, p. 4). By understanding what motivates others to perform OCB through the study of organisational behaviour, it will also in turn allow employees to gain an understanding on what motivates them to have similar behaviours. Inadvertently, this may bring them to a greater level of job satisfaction which also leads to greater organisational effectiveness as a whole. In addition, studying organisational behaviours enhances a professional or manager’s effectiveness relating to their interpersonal skills. Hence, if solid interpersonal skills are added on to one’s professional or managerial knowledge, it will certainly be a bonus towards an organisation’s overall service and productivity. Hence, information about organisational behaviours is vital to be known to the employees in organisations. Reflection If I were given a chance to assume the role of manager in an organisation, the notion of having OCB being induced by compulsion as mentioned earlier on will certainly be omitted by me as I feel that though it is an important goal of managers everywhere to make employees aware of the benefits of OCB and ideally, encourage it, it is far more important to conduct it through a legitimate way and not by other means such as abusive or exploitative activities. In this way, I believe conventional OCB will indeed be truly promoted as the employees will be serving and going the extra mile for the organisation in the most genuine way as I agree with the view that a person who engages in OCB might receive appreciation and recognition that induce positive moods and there will be a greater likelihood of repeating the OCB (Miles et al, cited in Zirgham 2009, p. 85) which will greatly benefit the organisation. A discrepancy often exists among managers and employees about the definition of certain work tasks being â€Å"in-role† or â€Å"extra-role†. Each behaviour may be different for different people as every employee in an organization perceives job requirements differently (e.g.: for service sectors), helping others may be a routine, but some may see it as beyond their job scope. By acknowledging this in the position of an employee, I will be able to anticipate this possible occurrence of conflict between managers and employees and thus, expand the boundaries for the definition of my job scope. In this way, I believe that my chances of managerial exploitation and workplace abuse by supervisors to perform compulsive OCB will be reduced to the minimum. Conclusion OCB is a stable behaviour emerging in workplaces and it will always act as a value adding criterion in one’s performance. However, it will only act as a value adding criterion only when it is performed through the free choice of employees and not by coercion means and negative external pressures. Thus, we have to be aware and alert so as to preserve the original positive results of OCB being performed, leading to a more successful and healthy establishment of an organisation. CWB is always seen as a conduct having an adverse relationship with OCB. However, as the saying goes- there are always two sides to the same coin; we should probably broaden our perspectives in our view towards CWB and accept the notion that CWB may not be necessary all detrimental in nature.

Mesothelial-Mesenchymal Transition (MMT) Mechanism

Mesothelial-Mesenchymal Transition (MMT) Mechanism Mesothelial cells play a vital role in maintaining the structure of peritoneal membrane and peritoneal homeostasis. During long term peritoneal dialysis, prolonged exposure of peritoneum membrane to peritoneal dialysis solution causes peritoneal fibrosis. Bioincompatible dialysis fluid causes mesothelial cells to undergo uncontrolled mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition triggered by Transforming growth factor-ÃŽÂ ²1, which leads morphological and functional disruption of membrane. This literature review is about mechanism of mesothelial -mesenchymal transition (MMT), myofibroblasts and its origin hypothesis, clock genes and their cross relation with organ fibrosis. 1.1 Peritoneum anatomy Peritoneum is defined as gliding membrane, composed of mesothelial cells maintained by basement membrane and thin layer of connective tissue. It consists of two distinct layers of mesothelium, known as parietal peritoneum and visceral peritoneum. Parietal peritoneum lines the peritoneal cavity and comes from somatic mesoderm of the embryo. Visceral covers the external surface of most abdominal organs and derived from splanchnic mesoderm of the embryo. Peritoneal cavity is potential space between both layers and is comprised of small amount of lubricating fluid, also known as serosal fluid which prevents friction between closely packed organs and allows free movement of them. [1,2] The primary function of peritoneal membrane is to provide support to abdominal organs. It also acts as passage to their blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves. Peritoneal cavity is rich in number of cells like mesothelial cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, adipocytes and immune cells like macrophages, T cells, B cells, mast cells. Along with cells, they contain cytokines and growth factors, like interleukin-1 (IL-1), Transforming growth factor-ÃŽÂ ²1 (TGF-ÃŽÂ ²1), Fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). All through the development process of peritoneal fibrosis, peritoneal cells will experience changes and some of the pro inflammatory factors which act as inducers to induce fibrosis and inflammatory processes. In this designed project, we are going to focus on mesothelial cells along with Transforming growth factor-ÃŽÂ ² (TGF-ÃŽÂ ²1), which is considered as main mediator of organ fibrosis development. 1.2 Peritoneal Fibrosis caused by peritoneal dialysis Peritoneal Dialysis, an alternative to haemodialysis is being used about more than three decades ago to treat end stage renal disease. During this treatment, PD solution is introduced into the abdomen with the help of tube also known as catheter. This dialysis therapy uses peritoneum membrane as semi-permeable membrane and principle of diffusion, to diffuse waste from underlying blood vessel into the solution. PD solution is major drawback of this treatment which contributes to development of peritoneal fibrosis in patients due to its bioincompatible nature. Long-time exposure to hypertonic environment of PD solution with high glucose concentration, acidic pH, presence of Glucose Degradation Products (GDPs) and Advanced Glycation end-products(AGEs) causing functional and structural alterations in peritoneum membrane. [43] Other factor which triggers fibrosis process in peritoneum membrane during dialysis is peritonitis. Peritonitis is inflammation of peritoneum which is caused by infection that can occur either by using unsterile catheter tube, handling which lead to introduction of micro-organism into abdominal cavity. Interesting research was done by Troidle and team, where they reported that inflammation caused by Gram-positive bacteria in patient peritoneum are better managed than the one caused by gram-negative. [81] Numerous clinical studies carried out to study changes that occur in peritoneum of patients undergoes peritoneal dialysis. Till date, largest peritoneal biopsies study was carried out by William and colleague on total of 212 subjects, out of which 9 were normal individuals, 48 undergoing hemodialysis, 25 uremic and 130 subject undergoing PD. [44] There submesothelial thickness was measured, also were checked for vasculopathy and general morphological features. For normal individuals, submesothelial thickness was 50 à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ­m, patients undergoing hemodialysis and uremic patients was 140 à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ­m and 150 à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ­m respectively and for PD patients, thickness was 270à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ­m. Similar thickness of uremic and haemodialysis patients indicates that uremia can cause change in the peritoneal membrane. Value of submesothelial thickness increased to 700 à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ­m in long term PD patients, which directs towards fibrotic response of peritoneal to PD. They were also able to id entify vascular changes including increasing hyalinization leading to vasculopathy. These findings were confirmed by Plum et al and were able to identify link between increasing thickness of submesothelial layer and increasing transport rate of solutes. [45] 1.3 Mesothelial Cells Structural and Functional Properties Even though being mesoderm origin, mesothelial cells possess various characteristics of epithelial cells. Normally, mesothelial cells are squamous, and flattened in morphology. They are rich in cell organelles, microvilli and cilia are present on the surface. While cilia aim to regulate surfactant secretion, microvilli functions to entrap water and serous exudates in order to guard cell surface from frictional injuries. [5] Glycocalyx created by glycosaminoglycan, proteoglycans, and phospholipids surround mesothelial cells and have dual function. They form non-sticky slippery surface which supports intracoelomic movement and also provide protection against scratch. Mesothelial cells are specialized cells which plays key role in peritoneal homeostasis and maintains the integrity of the peritoneal membrane. The critical roles of mesothelial cells in peritoneum are to secrete and synthesize growth factors, cytokines and chemokines in peritoneal cavity by transport of fluid and solute across the membrane. [6] Mesothelial cells are considered as cells that are first in line in bodys defense system and they are able to sense and responds to signals within their microenvironment. They actively participate in deposition and clearance of local fibrin in the serosa membrane cavities. After mechanical injuries and infections, their fibrinolytic activity is important to prevent and remove any fibrin deposits that may forms. [7] Peritoneal membrane does act as selective permeability barrier to the channel of plasma proteins due to existence of anionic sites on mesothelial cells which in result provide net negative charge to the peritoneum membrane. In normal conditions, mesothelial cells are identified on its ability to express cell markers like occludin, claudin-1, ZO-1, Wilms Tumor-1, and E-cadherin. When mesothelial cells undergo Mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition which we will be explained in detail later; they either unable to express them or their level expression decreases. Therefore, its important to know about all mesothelial cell markers for easy identification within pool of cells. 1.3.1 Cell markers Cell markers are defined as molecules with distinctive genetic and biochemical characteristic. These cell markers are present in cells and can be either proteins, peptides or carbohydrates and mainly present in the cells. They are used to distinguish between different cell types. Some of cell markers are specific to cell types and some are disease specific. For instance, Cancer antigen 125, calretinin and vimentin are tumor markers that are expressed by tumor cells. Some of mesothelial cells markers are positive while some are negative. Markers like hyalurnon, phospholipids, protein phosphate inhibitors-1 are formed by mesothelial cells itself. Table below shows previously studied markers for mesothelial cells and their function. TABLE:- Cell Markers for mesothelial cells MARKER FUNCTION SOURCE REFERENCE AUA1 Immunocytochemical marker of epithelial cells Human [22] Calretinin Diagnostic tool for Hirschsprung Positive marker of mesothelioma Human [23][72] Cancer Antigen(CA) 125 Tumor marker Specific marker for mesothelial cell mass Human [24][73] CD44 Cancer stem cell marker Human [25] CD44H Receptor for hyaluronic acid Positive mesothelial marker Human [26][74] Cytokeratins Epithelial specific marker Expressed by mesothelial cells Human Rat [27][75] Cytokeratin 5/6 Mesothelioma marker Human [28] D2-40 Potential diagnostic marker of mesothelioma Human [29] Desmin Promising differentiating marker of reactive mesothelium from malignant epithelial Human [30] E-Cadherin Cell- cell adhesion marker Used for differentiating benign reactive mesothelial cells Human [31] HBME-1 Negative mesothelial marker in pleura Sensitive mesothelial marker in pleura Human Human [32][33] Hyalurnon Formed by Mesothelial cells Positive mesothelial peritoneal marker Human [34] Keratin Present in extreme amount in mesothelial cells Low amount or negative in mesothelioma Human Human [35] [36] Keratin 7 (K7) Highly expressed by mesothelial cells Human [37] Mcp130 Diagnostic tool for mesothelioma Also used for ovarian carcinomas Human Rat [38] ME1/ME2 Used for identifying both mesothelioma and normal mesothelial cells Human [22] Mesothelin Expressed by both reactive mesothelial cells and epithelioid mesothelioma Human [39] N-Cadherin Human mesenchymal stem cell marker Able to differentiate cardiomyocyte Human Human [30] [76] Phospholipids Formed by mesothelial cells Also known as positive marker for mesothelial cells in peritoneal fluid Human Human [34] [24] ProteinPhosphate Inhibitor-1 Consider as novel positive marker of mesothelium Mouse [40] Thrombomodulin Positive, specific and sensitive marker for mesothelial cells. Human [28] Vimentin Help in identifying mesothelial origin cells Human [41] Wilms Tumour 1 (Wt1) Marker used for differentiate between benign and epithelioid mesothelium Regulates transition of mesothelial into myofibroblasts Human Human [42] [77] 2.0 Fibroblasts in peritoneum To amend injuries in organ and tissues, cell response it in form of fibrosis. Resident fibroblast produces extracellular matrix and collagen. Myofibroblasts are the cells that are produced for carrying out the process of wound healing. In general, myofibroblast are gone through the process of apoptosis after completing healing process. It has been suggested that they become persistence after its mechanism fails and leading to more production and contraction of Extracellular matrix (ECM) and collagen causing fibrotic diseases. 2.1  Myofibroblasts in fibrosis Myofibroblasts are defined as specialized subset of cells, which are considered as the key cells in tissue fibrosis. [9] Electron microscopy showed that myofibroblast have disorganized membrane (changes that occur in actin cytoskeleton), showed presence of stress fibers, microfilament bundles and also showed adhesions in the fibroblastic cells of granulation tissue. [10] Further electron microscopy showed the presence of gap junctions which connects myofibroblasts, thus strengthening the idea of resemblance between myofibroblasts and smooth muscle cell. Myofibroblast main functions are wound healing and connective tissue remodeling. 2.2 Fibroblast differentiation into Myofibroblast To study and analyze functions of myofibroblast, a series of both in-vivo and in-vitro experiments were carried out by Hinz and Gabbiani. [15] They defined the origin of myofibroblasts as a result of 2 step differentiation of fibroblast process. [78] In initial step, fibroblasts differentiate into proto-myofibroblasts during mechanical stress and results in production of stress fibers which contains cytoplasmic actin. They also function to express and establish cellular fibronectin and are also enable to produce contractile force. Term proto-myofibroblast was given to these activated fibroblasts to differentiate them from inactive fibroblasts which are unable to produce contractile force. TGF-ÃŽÂ ²1 along with ED-A fibronectin, under mechanical stress boosts further differentiation of proto-myofibroblast into myofibroblast. They are categorized by extensive ÃŽÂ ±-smooth muscle actin level of expression and produces stronger contractile force than proto-myofibroblasts. This is a lso contributing into connective tissue remodeling. Gabbiani and Hinz also stated that unlike dermal wound healing, in pathological wound healing myofibroblasts do not vanish through apoptosis instead they lead to tissue deformation. In fact, contractures triggered by them are recognized characteristic of organ fibrosis. [79] 2.3 Hypothesis surrounding Myofibroblasts origin The origin of Myofibroblasts in fibrotic tissue has been much debated, with disparate findings likely to stem from the range of different fibrotic diseases investigated and the array of technical approaches taken. [11] Most of the proposed theories have different cellular sources and mechanisms which lead to their origin (Figure 3). Previous studies on dermal fibrosis proposed that mesenchymal-like cells known as pericytes are resident source of myofibroblasts. Immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence of patients biopsies showed phenotype link between pericytes and myofibroblasts. [80] It has been described that pericytes can differentiate into osteoblast, adipocytes, and smooth muscle cells. Research carried out by Lin et al., on Col1a1-GFP mice and Humphreys et al., using FoxD1-Cre knock-in mice, both transgenic mice with aim to identify pericytes in genetically labelled renal stroma to suggest that major source of myofibroblasts is pericytes, a contractile cell. [12, 13] A limitation of the aforementioned studies is the lack of lineage tracing strategies and the use of non-specific markers to identify pericytes. Markers such as CD73, PDGFR- ÃŽÂ ² (Platelet-derived growth factor receptor- ÃŽÂ ²) and neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2) used in these studies are also expressed by resident fibroblasts. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), similar process to EMT can be another potential source myofibroblasts. Study done by Zeisberg on three independent mouse models with chronic kidney diseases to study renal fibrosis found that EndoMT may contribute in fibrosis as about 30-50% myofibroblasts were able to express ÃŽÂ ±-SMA and fibroblast-specific protein-1(FSP-1) and also endothelial cell markers CD31. [16] This indicates myofibroblasts may originate from endothelial cells. Myofibroblasts may also be derived from bone marrow. An elaborate series of studies carried out by Direkze et al., used molecular staining techniques for the detection of Y chromosome markers in irradiated female mice which were transplanted with male bone marrow. [18] They used skin wounding and paracetamol administration to create selection pressure to encourage engraftment of bone marrow derived myofibroblasts. They were able to identify myofibroblasts in the gut through their ability to express o f alpha- smooth muscle actin and their morphologies. These findings are controversial however, as other groups have failed to identify BM derived myofibroblasts. A recent study carried out by Yi Ting Chen et al., did genetic fate mapping of Wilms Tumor-1 positive cells on peritoneal fibrosis models. Fibrosis was induced either by dialysis solution, overexpression of TGF-ÃŽÂ ²1, or sodium hypochlorite. [19] Results of this study postures as a challenge to the significance of mesothelial cells as probable source of myofibroblasts. It showed rather than mesothelial cells, underlying submesothelial resident fibroblast give rise to collagen producing myofibroblast. Results of genetic fate mapping of WT1+ mesothelial cells showed that after peritoneal injury, remaining mesothelial cells repair the disrupted peritoneal membrane by contributing to remesothelialization, but do not undergo MMT. While previous studies used Wt-1 as a biomarker and Cre recombinase to trace the fate of mesothelial cells. This makes it obvious that Chen finding still needs to be confirmed. This study also The last proposed theory for origin of myofibroblast is epithelial -mesenchymal transition. Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) is commonly defined as process during which transition to mesenchymal cells, epithelial cells lose their cell-cell adhesion and their polarity. Followed by obtaining mesenchymal markers like FSP 1, HSP47, ÃŽÂ ±-SMA and vimentin but loses epithelial markers. [20] Myofibroblasts derived from epithelial cells through EMT proposed theory got strong piece of evidence from immunohistochemical study of peritoneal fibroblasts of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients carried out by J-Heffernan et al. [14] Biopsies samples were taken from CAPD patients and divided into four groups: normal (I), non CAPD uremic (II), CAPD uremic (III) and non- renal patients with inguinal hernia (IV). Markers like desmin, E-cadherin, cytokeratins, ÃŽÂ ±-SMA and also CD34 were analysed for expression by mesothelial cells and resident fibroblasts. Group I and II did expressed CD34 but no other markers. The reverse pattern was observed in other two g roups. Degree of peritoneal fibrosis is connected with loss of CD34 expression. Myofibroblasts appear to originate from both by activations of resident fibroblasts and by mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition of mesothelial cells. 3.0 Mesothelial-Mesenchymal Transition (MMT) Under regular conditions, Mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition of mesothelial cells is an autoregulated biological process which functions to repair tissues but under uncontrolled situations (Long term Peritoneal dialysis) they can cause Peritoneal fibrosis. 3.1 Stages of MMT Mesothelial -Mesenchymal Transition (MMT) is similar process to Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). Defined as a step-wise and complex process where mesothelial cells undergo modifications in their architecture and molecular functions. [21] [48] Simple steps in which process of MMT occurs starts with the downregulation of intracellular adhesion molecules causing loss of microvilli, apical-basal polarity and disrupting intracellular tight junction. These transition undergoing cells adopt front to back polarity, have increased in their migration capacity, morphological changes and are able to express ÃŽÂ ±-SMA. The main objective of this process is to repair wounded tissues and also play role in process like migration of cells, inducing neoangiogenesis and production of extracellular matrix. Molecules and signaling pathways that play role of either inducers or blocker during the process of MMT are TGF-ÃŽÂ ²1 induced signaling pathways and BMP-7 signaling pathway. They are member of superfamily of growth factors, along with activins/inhibin and growth and differentiation factors (GDFs). Main attention is on growth factors because equilibrium between these factors maintains the epithelial like-phenotypic characteristics of Mesothelial cells and also in acquiring mesenchymal cells characteristics. Studies not only showed that high levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, CTGF and VEGF are expressed by mesothelial cells that undergo MMT. But also that there is connection between expression of these molecules and rate of transport of solute across peritoneal membrane. These molecules are also caught up into fibrotic, angiogenic and also in inflammatory responses. [49][50][51] 3.2 Cell Signaling Pathways Activation of TGF- ÃŽÂ ², master molecule in peritoneal fibrosis during Peritoneal Dialysis, starts MMT signalling cascade with activating receptors that triggers smads- dependent (GSK-3, ÃŽÂ ²-catenin, Lef-1/Tcf, integrin-linked kinase) and smads-independent signalling (H-Ras/Raf/ERK) pathway. [48][52][53][54] Smad are intracellular proteins that functions to transfer signals from TGF-ÃŽÂ ² to nucleus for gene transcription. Smad dependent signalling pathways activates when TGF-ÃŽÂ ² and BMP-7 binds with their respective receptor type II (TGF R-II and BMP R-II respectively). The binding leads to activation of receptors type I of TGF and BMP-7. These receptors type I functions to carry out phosphorylation process. TGF R-I phosphorylates Smad2 and Smad3 in TGF-ÃŽÂ ² pathway and Smad1, Smad5 and Smad8 by BMP R-I. These activated Smads forms heterodimers with Smad4. Followed by translocation of these complexes into the nucleus where they function to activate genes involved in either process of MMT and rMMT (Fig. 5) Presence of few other BMP-7 modulators may affect the signalling of BMP-7. Smad dependent signalling pathway of TGF-ÃŽÂ ² and BMP-7 are controlled by Smad7 and Smad6 respectively. In case of Smad independent pathway of TGF-ÃŽÂ ² and BMP-7 involves a protein kinase TAK1, which functions to regulate processes like transcription and apoptosis. In TGF-ÃŽÂ ² signalling pathway, TRAF6 initiates activation of TAK1 which further leads to activation of p38 and MAPK-JNK signalling pathway. Receptor type I of TGF-ÃŽÂ ² phosphorylates Shc, which helps in activating MAP kinase ERK1/2 signalling pathway. p38 pathway act as blocker of mesothelial cells conversion to mesenchymal. Maybe its due to the fact that XIAB, a protein belonging to the family of inhibitor of apoptosis protein helps BMP-7 to activate p38 signalling pathway. TGF-ÃŽÂ ² also encourages PI3-K/Akt pathway by inactivating GSK-3ÃŽÂ ², to stabilize ÃŽÂ ²-catenin and snail and to activate mTOR. This results in localisation of ÃŽÂ ²-catenin into the nucleus, where they interact with LEF1/TCF, in order to feed into Wnt signalling pathway. They also contribute in the transcription of mesenchyma l-related genes. Furthermore, localisation of snail into the nuclear encourages transcriptional repression of E-cadherin and several other adhesion molecules. Smad dependent or independent pathway, both depicts the fact that TGF-ÃŽÂ ² plays a key role in developing fibrosis by promoting mesothelial to mesenchymal transition. Another fact is BMP-7 plays role of antagonist to TGF-ÃŽÂ ². Utmost studies has used TGF-ÃŽÂ ²1 as their target goal to design therapeutic treatment for peritoneal fibrosis. Most of them intend to control TGF-ÃŽÂ ²1 activity either via drug or synthetic proteins design specifically for this purpose. 3.3 Evidences of Mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT) There are more than enough studies results which clearly supports the process of MMT occurring fibrosis but in 2003, Yanez-Mo et al., published breakthrough in-vitro and in-vivo study where they were able to demonstrated MCs undergoes mesenchymal conversion. [46]. Primarily in vitro studies were carried on by isolating mesothelial cells from patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. These isolated cells were characterized using immunostaining, western blotting, flow cytometry and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Mesothelial cells from omentum from healthy persons were used as control and all results were compared. Morphological analysis sample showed varies morphologies ranging from cobblestone like appearing cells to fibroblast like cells. Mixed morphology and non-epithelioid were also observed in few samples. Level of E-cadherin, cytokeratin and vimentin were analyzed for the mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in mesothelial cell cultures. Results demonstrated not iceably low level of E-cadherin and cytokeratin expression in both cobblestones like cells and non-epithelioid cell as compared to omentum cell cultures. In non-epithelioid cells, vimentin has high expression level. Expression of snail and E-cadherin in mesothelial cells isolated from effluent and omentum were analyzed by the process of RT-PCR. While in omentum mesothelial cells, showed no presence of snail mRNA but increase in expression of these messenger RNA in effluent derived mesothelial cells. These results were established after carrying out in vivo studies of peritoneal biopsy samples. With dual aim of studying anatomical changes in peritoneal membrane and correlating them with functional parameter, Del Peso and team carried out a clinical study. [47] They used peritoneum biopsies taken from thirty-five steady patients which were still taking peritoneum dialysis treatment form last 2 years. They observe loss of mesothelial layer in about 74% patients, fibrosis in 46%, 17% showed presence vasculopathy. With submesothelial cytokeratin staining, 17% showed evidence of EMT. Interestingly, they found that myofibroblasts were present in all patients with EMT but only in 36% without EMT. 3.4 Potential therapeutic approaches to reverse MMT (rMMT) Several studies describe therapeutic strategies which are targeting anti-EMT of Mesothelial cells are emerging as promising treatment against fibrosis development. Tamoxifen is a drug used for treating breast cancer. The tamoxifen is oestrogen receptor and their activity affects action of TGF- ÃŽÂ ²1 has been reported. In year 1991, Clark and team showed noticeable decrease in level of peritoneal fibrosis, when given orally to peritoneal fibrosis patients. Loureiro and team also used this drug to study its effect in early stage of PD induced peritoneal fibrosis. [61] Theyused PD model of mice for in-vivo study and along with that they also did in-vitro study. In vitro studies were carried out with mesothelial cells (MCs) derived from omentum and effluent. Mesothelial cell sample cultures were checked for any change in morphology and also level of E-cadherin expression after treating them with Tamoxifen. For effluent derived MCs, MMT was not reversed by Tamoxifen but some mesenchymal molecules expression was reduced. In mice PD model, they confirmed that MMT and thickness of peritoneal membrane increases parallel. They also observed that Tamoxifen does reduce thickness of peritoneal membrane and improves its function. They also administrated P17 and P144, synthetic peptides that were designed to bind with TGF-ÃŽÂ ²1 directly. [62] It has been reported that in organs like liver, heart, skin these peptides have shown strong antifibrotic effect by blocking biological function of TGF-ÃŽÂ ²1. Bone morphogenic protein-7 (BMP-7) and Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), are two molecules that were successfully demonstrated their ability to inhibit and reverse process of Mesothelial to mesenchymal transition and renal fibrosis in animal models by X Y D et al., and Yang et al. [64] [65] In vitro study carried by Yang and team, where they used histone acetyltransferase inhibitor (HAT) C646 in EMT model of HPMCs. [66] EMT was induced by treating with high glucose. C646 treatment of EMT model, found TGF-ÃŽÂ ²1/Smad3 signalling was blocked. This might provide with a novel therapeutic treatment for peritoneal fibrosis. Even though most of the therapeutic studies focused on mesothelial mesenchymal transition process and TGF-ÃŽÂ ²1, there are other factors that contributes to loss of functional properties of peritoneum. Thus promotin

The Effect Of Temperature On Permeable Membranes Biology Essay

The Effect Of Temperature On Permeable Membranes Biology Essay The aim of this experiment was to determine what effect an increase in the surrounding temperature has on the selectively permeable membranes of plant cells, e.g., red cabbage (Lane, 2010a). The cell membrane is the fluid-mosaic model. The proteins are embedded in the cell membrane. The lipid exists as a phospholipid bilayer form. The hydrophobic which mean water hating portions of the lipid molecule face the inside while the hydrophilic which mean water loving parts face either the cytoplasm or extracellular aqueous environment. The protein molecules are of two types in the membrane. Internal proteins are embedded in the phospholipid bilayer which enhance the membranes shape, providing passageways for the movement of substances through the membrane while the peripheral proteins are attach to the surface of membrane and are easier to extract (Losos, Manson and Singer, 2008) The purpose of a cell membrane is to controls what enters and exits the cell. It acts as a selective barrier between the internal and external fluid that means the cell membrane to be selectively permeable. This process supplies the cell with useful material and removes waste products. Normally, this is done by active or passive transportation. The passive transportation allows substances to move from high concentration to low concentration without energy required. The active transportation carries substances such as ions and glucose from low concentration to the high concentration, requiring energy and a carrier to support (Losos, Manson and Singer, 2008). Figure 2 (Adapted from Garland, 2004) shows the process of transportation through the cell membrane Figure 2: Transportation through the Membrane (Adapted from Garland, 2004) Certain conditions can damage the cell membrane. For instance, high temperature leads to violent collisions that can destroy a membrane. There is a hypothesis that an increase in temperature denatures the membrane and causes the substances within the membrane to leak out (Answers, 2010). The high temperature can make the cell membrane more permeable and allow it to be more prone to leakage. Red cabbages are used as a model to investigate how the temperature affects the selectively permeable membranes. Red cabbages contain a large mount of a water-soluble red pigment called anthocyanin, which is located in the vacuole and unable to pass through the tonoplast membrane. If these cells are affected by changes in temperature, the integrity of the cell membrane becomes damaged. As a result, anthocyanin which as antioxiants and protects cell from oxidative damage can leak out of the cells and into the surrounding water. The extent of damage to the cell membrane is directly associated to the intensity of red color and it would appear in the water surrounding the red cabbage (Manhattan, 2009). Method Apparatus 7 test tubes Test tube rack Cork borer Scalpel Tile Small beaker Mounted needle Large beaker Thermometer Burner (Lane, 2010b) Firstly, a leaf of red cabbage tissues was cut into 42 discs of the same size (approximately 1mm wide) by a cork borer. 42 red cabbage discs were placed in a small beaker and were washed. 7 test tubes were labelled 30à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™, 40à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™, 50à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™, 60à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™, 70à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™, 80à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ and 100à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™. The first two test tubes which labelled 30à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™, 40à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ and approximately 6 cm3 cold water was added using a measuring cylinder. The remaining test tubes had 6 cm3 cold water added to each. Meanwhile, a water bath was prepared using a large beaker, tripod and gauze. The 7 test tubes with 6 cm3 water were heated in the water bath. A thermometer was placed into each test tube to measure the temperature. 6 red cabbage discs were impaled on a mounted needle with space between each disc. When the water inside the test tube labelled 30à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ reached 30à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ temperature, the burner was removed a nd 6 discs on the needle was placed in the test tube for exactly 1 min then the test tube was removed from the water bath. The disks were left in this tube. When the water inside the test tube labelled 40à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ reached 40à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ temperature, the above procedure was repeated. The test tube labelled 50à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ reached the temperature. All the procedures were restarted according to the guide. To all the test tubes were added 6 cm3 cold water and a water bath was prepared using a large beaker, tripod. When the water was heated gently to 30à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™, the burner was removed and the 6 red cabbage discs on an impaled needle were placed in the water bath for exactly 1 minute. The discs was pushed off and dropped into the test tube labelled 30à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™. The procedure was repeated for the other tubes. From 40 °to 90 °C, all the procedures in own water bath. For 100à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ the discs, needle were placed in others water bath with the temperature at 100à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ for 1 minute, then the discs were pushed off and dropped into the test tube labelled 100à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™. The discs in the test tube s were left for 20 minutes and then the tubes were shaken and compared. Result Temperature /à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ Observation 30 The 6 red cabbage discs were still purple and unchanged the water was still colourless. 40 The colours of the 6 red cabbage discs were remained and unchanged purple and the water was still clear. 50 The colours of 6 red cabbage discs were a little faded and the water became a little purple. 60 The colours of 6 red cabbage discs were faded lighter purple more than 50à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ and the colour of water changed from colourless into light purple. 70 The colours of 6 red cabbage discs were faded more than 60à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ and the colour of water changed from transparent into a light blue. 80 The colours of 6 red cabbage discs were very faded than 70à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ and the colour of water changed from transparent into a light green. 100 The colours of 6 red cabbage discs changed from purple into white and the colour of water was strongly changed from transparent into green. Table 1: Heating the Red Cabbage Discs Discussion Table 1 shows clearly that an increase temperature on the red cabbage fades the purple of these discs and they become more and more faded while the colour of the surrounding water inside the test tube becomes darker and darker. This phenomenon purple-blue-green result from that the red cabbage dices have permeable membranes losing the permeability of their cell membranes. If the temperature goes against what the membranes can withstand, the permeability of membranes increases as the protein becomes denatured, the lipid parts of membranes liquefies and the proteins create holes in the fabric, and the membranes fall apart. The high temperature produces an increase in kinetic energy that makes atoms in the protein to vibrate and move more breaking hydrogen and ionic bonds in protein molecules and changing the 3D shape of the system. These proteins are unable to translate substances in and out of the membrane. All the factors lead to the anthocyanin leaking out of the membranes producing a colour in the water surrounding the red cabbage cells (Erik, 2002). The results of investigating the effect of temperature on permeable membranes are largely as predicted. There were several variables that controlled this experiment to make sure the results were comparable. The first major key variable was the size of red cabbage discs. The red cabbage tissue was cut into discs which were used to ensure accuracy by increasing precision in the volume of water. The cylinders should be same for all experiments because the volume of water affected the concentration of the pigment. The second variable was allowing enough time (20 minutes) for colour to be seen. All the test tubes should be left the same and enough time for observations after putting the red cabbage discs into the test tubes. Time altered the effect of the experiment; some tubes had a longer effect than others, more of the pigments in the red cabbage cells will leak out and the pigments in the surrounding water. All the material should be washed very thoroughly after cutting. This process made the experiment more highly accurate, because using water to wash the material meant that impurities were minimised. Possible errors may have arisen during this experiment. Firstly, the procedure at the beginning of the experiment was not correctly followed according to the instructions (Lane, 2010c). For instance, 6 cm3 cold water was measured not accurate, the red cabbage leaf did not wash under running water and using another water bath which resulted from the instruction had not been read carefully and seriously. Secondly, the phenomenons purple-blue-green in this test was a little different from the theory that as the temperature increases, the colour of the surrounding water will become darker (Lane, 2010d). This may stem from much of the red pigment escaping from the discs while heating the red cabbage in the beaker. The result of the higher temperature may have affected this more as a lot of the pigment has already leaked out into the beaker. Another reason may be the concentration of pigment leading to change the stability of the pigment molecule. Thirdly, the time was not sufficient for r epeating the experiment, which made the results less accurate. A future experiment should be improved in follow ways. The instruction should be read carefully and thoroughly, so the experiment can go on logical. Secondly, the temperature should be checked at the start of when the red cabbage was put in the water and at the end of the last minute using a thermometer to maintain the temperature of the heated water. Thirdly, a colorimeter should be provided to measure the amount of light absorbed by solution of each reaction temperature. The higher concentration of anthocyanin means a higher reading on the colorimeter. Fourthly, the experiment should be repeated more times to make sure the results were not obtained by chance or by external factors. In addition, the effect of cooler temperature even under 0à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ could be tested to observe if the membrane is broken down in a similar way. Conclusion It can be concluded that as the temperature was increased, more of the red pigment leaked out of the permeable membrane. The permeability of the membrane in red cabbages can be damaged by high temperature.

Throat cancer :: essays research papers fc

Do you know anyone with cancer more specifically throat cancer? I do and so I wanted to learn more about it. Throat cancer also known as cancer of the pharynx can be included in the group of head and neck cancers. 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with cancer from this group annually. There are more than 500,000 survivors living in the United States today. The tumors are often found on the tonsils and at the base of the tongue. Throat cancer; though, can also be found in three regions of the pharynx.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The three regions include the nasopharynx, which is the area behind the back of the throat and nose, the oropharynx, which is the base of the tongue and the tonsil region, and the hyopharynx, which is the bottom part of the throat. Alcohol use, smoking (tobacco or marijuana), and chewing tobacco can cause throat cancer. Leukoplakia, which is white spots or patches in the mouth, can be considered a risk factor. There are symptoms to throat cancer like any other disease.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A persistent feeling of something in the pharynx is a symptom of throat cancer. If you are having pains or having difficulty swallowing, a change of voice, or hoarseness then there is a possibility you could have throat cancer. Also throat cancer may cause an earache or it might feel like sometimes there is obstruction in your airway passage. There are many ways to treat cancer if it is needed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Several tests may be performed to diagnose the presence of cancer. An endoscopy uses a thin-lighted flexible instrument to evaluate the extent of the tumor. A suspected throat cancer must be confirmed by removing a small piece of tissue (biopsy). This tissue is sent to the laboratory for evaluation and diagnosis† (www.uihealthcare.com). Treatments for cancer include surgery, radiation therapy (intensity modulated radiation therapy or high dose radiation brachytherapy), and chemotherapy. There are alternate therapies such as naturopathic medicine, nutritional therapy, mind-body medicine, image enhancement, and spiritual support.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The best way to see if you have cancer is to consult a doctor.

Capital Punishment Essay: Criminals Can Think Twice or Die Once

Capital punishment has been in effect since the 1600's (Cole 451). However, in 1972 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty was cruel and unusual punishment, which was unconstitutional according to the Eighth amendment. It was public opinion that the current methods of execution, hanging, electrocution, and facing a firing squad, were too slow and painful upon the person to be executed (Cole 451). The U.S. Supreme Court reversed this decision when a "cleaner" way to bring about death was found in 1976. This "cleaner" way is death by lethal injection, which is quick and painless if administered right (Cole 450). Since capital punishment has been reinstituted many people have argued for and against capital punishment. Some say the death penalty is what the criminal deserves while others object to it because death is irreversible. I feel the death penalty is a good form of justice because only about 250 people a year get the death penalty and they are guilty beyond a doubt a nd don't deserve living with the possibility of parole. The sentencing judge or jury are ordered by the Supreme Court to look for "specific aggravating and mitigating factors in deciding which convicted murderers should be sentenced to death" (Cole 451). Some of these mitigating factors are the defendant's motivation, character, personal history, and most of all remorse (Costanzo). Every year approximately 250 new offenders are added to death row. In 1994 there were 2,850 persons awaiting execution. Yet no more than thirty-eight people have been executed a year since 1976. This is a ridiculously low number compared to 199 persons executed in 1935 (all from Cole 451). The reason for this slow execution rate is the process of appeals, from sentencin... ... is a punishment that will remain active for a long time in the future, even with all the criticism. It is an ancient way of dealing with extremely serious offences that plague our country today. Hopefully the appeals process will be shortened, but remain effective, so more criminals can be executed, making prospective criminals think twice. Works Cited Bailey, William C., "Murder, Capital Punishment, and Deterrence" 1994. Journal of Social Issues. Cole, George F., The American System fo Criminal Justice 1995, New York. Costanzo, Mark "Attorney Persuasion in the Capital Penalty Phase" 1994. Journal of Social Issues. Death Penalty Discussion, Sept. 12, 1994. Search on Turbogopher under "Execution". Death Penalty, May 12, 1994. American Civil Liberties Union. Search on Turbogopher under "Execution". The Electric Chair, Aug 13, 1993.

Motivating workers

Motivating workers is an integral policy of great companies. It has significant effect on the level of output of workers. It affects their disposition to work. Also, it increases company productivity. This can be done through an effective reward system designed in line with the vision and mission statement of the organization. Information needed include DEFINITION OF PURPOSE: It is important to start with a well-defined purpose. This is consistent with the Mission statement of the Company in writing and principle; it is communicated to employees and is also broken into smaller units called Goals. COMPANY INTERACTIONS/COMMUNICATION: this involves a medium through which the system is communicated to participants in clear and understandable terms. Suggestions and ideas are acknowledged on the plan IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE: This is the most important of all. If purpose is then and goals are made with effective communication and there is no credible and fair structure to implement the plans, then the result can be easily guessed: there would be no result at all. REWARDS: It is necessary to state method of rewards. It should be both significant and tangible. Announcement is not enough reward. Such tools that can be employed include by compensation, awards or increase in base line salary. The latter is widely appraised, and is best effective when the incentive is about 25% of the baseline pay. Such should also be done with a short period of time. REVIEW It is important to review the activities of program, it impact on the organization and its vivid dividends at regular intervals. This would sustain and strength awareness of and confidence in the program. WORKERS: Their current Level of productivity is considered. There is evaluation of the Effect of reward on their predisposition on them. Â   Â   Â  

Are People Living in Cities Becoming More Materialistic?

In today's constantly changing society, more and more people are becoming more materialistic. This is particularly so in the cities and more urbanized areas. Take America as an example. Compared with three or four decades ago, Americans today are very much more materialistic. Materialism is usually more apparent in cities because in the cities, people are constantly exposed to new inventions that make life easier. These new inventions often come with a hefty price tag attached to them, simply because they are new products.Human beings being what they are will constantly try to attain the newest and best things in life for themselves. Moreover, city living is such that everyday, you will come into contact with many other people, as city dwellers live within close proximity of one another. As such, on seeing that their neighbours or friends have a certain new product, they too will want to have that, new product as it implies that they have the money to buy the new product. With the ma ssive industrialization programme of the American government over the past two to three decades, America has come a long way.We are now a modern city. Industrialization has improved the living standards of most Americans. as such, our buying power is greater and we are thus able to enjoy more of the luxuries in life. This however has caused many Americans to become materialistic. Nowadays, people tend to judge one another by their outward appearance than their character. If a person is well-dressed and drives an expensive car, he tends to get better service and more respect from the people around him. In the job market. , materialism is also evident..In recent years, employers have complained about young graduates who job-hop. These young graduates have no loyalty whatsoever to the company they work for. As such, when another company offers them the same job but with a higher pay, they simply resign and take up the other offer. Some young graduates have even held four or more differ ent ,jobs within two years. The reason for their job-hopping is simply because each job offers a better pay and nothing else. Materialism is also seen in the shopping habits of people nowadays. People feel that their status comes from what they wear.As such, the budget corners of many department stores are often shunned by the younger more materialistic set. Instead, they flock to designer boutiques like `Ralph Lauren' and `Emporio Armani' to get their outfits. Materialism is not confined to the younger adults. Even teenagers are becoming more materialistic. Materialism in teenagers is due mainly to peer pressure. Many teenagers feel the need for expensive things because their friends have them too. Moreover, as the family size gets smaller and more mothers work. parents often try to make up for the time not spent with their children by giving them more money.Materialism in teenagers can be clearly seen just by looking at the school shoes of most students. The traditional `Bata' sho es have been abandoned for the more prestigious `Reebok', `Nike' or ‘L. A. Gear'. These teenagers experience the power of money at a very young age and therefore grow up having a very materialistic outlook of life. Materialism in America or in any other urbanized city cannot be blamed on anyone but society. It often arises out of peer pressure and also because of a better standard of living. Materialism, therefore, can be considered as a price people have to pay for industrialization.

Introduction Speech Guideline

The Day I was Born Speech For your Introduction speech you will present a brief speech on the day you were born. This speech is meant to be an icebreaker and is your time to introduce yourself to your fellow classmates and me. Do some research and find out a few interesting pieces about the day you were born. If you cannot find anything you would like to use on the exact day, you may expand out to the week, month, or year. Please try to stay within the year though.Your speech should focus on 2-4 specific topics such as a lattice event, a natural disaster, a musical group, a technological achievement, another moment in history, etc. (keep in mind the time limit). Use the library resources tab on Blackboard to help you with your research. Skills focus: Show ability to do minor research and effectively present Ideas at an introductory level. Formal Introduction to course concepts will come with future class lectures, and practice of these concepts will come with future formal speeches. Grading: This speech is worth 25 points.You may earn up to 15 points for the actual speech and up to 10 points for your research worksheet and works cited. Requirements: 0 2 minute extemporaneous presentation (e. G. Meaning prepared from note cards). DO NOT manuscript your speech (write it out word-for-word). You are allowed a 30 second buffer on either end; beyond that, there is a 2 point loss. 0 Complete the research worksheet (attached) and use it as a guide to help you. C] Works Cited page (Pick MEAL or PAP, but be consistent) – this should only include the actual citations you use In your speech. See BlackBoard under Documents/Websites for formatting help.Q Minimum of 3 sources of your choice; please note, Walked does not count as a source. Make sure you are checking the credibility of your sources, as well (we will cover this more in chapter 7). You may use someone you interview as one of your sources. Please note it is ALWAYS important to orally cite your sources throu ghout your speech – see BlackBoard for handout (we will cover this more in chapter 7). 0 No more than 3 one-sided EX. note cards (or equivalent). Visual aids are not required for this speech. Ã'Ëœ You will need a brief introduction that leads into the 2-4 items that you chose to tell us about, followed by a brief conclusion.Be creative. Here Is a sample introduction: 0 I was born In the spring of 1 974, April 24th to be exact. I share my birthday with Barbara Strained, Cedi the Entertainer, novelist Sue Grafton, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was a year of Impeachments, atomic scares, and kidnapped millionaires. But on the warm spring afternoon I was born, political turmoil was the order of the day. (category) order. See the index of your textbook to find more information on these organizational patterns. Fox While you will not have a lot of time to go into great detail, pick a few things that you can expand on in your speech although briefly.Practice in front of a clock or timer to be sure you are speaking for roughly 2 minutes. Please Note: This is Just an ice-breaker speech to get you into the speech presentation mode. This is meant to introduce you to what is expected (in a more polished manner) in future speeches. Make sure to email me or see me in person if you have any questions or need any help. The Learning Assistance Center located in the University Center 170 is available to assist you. Good luck and have fun with this speech! Name: Research Worksheet What day was I born? Who might I interview to find out more about the day I was born? 1 . 2.What are three very specific questions I would ask about the day I was born? 1 . 3. What resources might I use to find out information about the day I was born aside from interviews? I have provided three; list three others that you use (or may use) in your research efforts. 1 . Facts on File: World News Digest – you can access this through Steely Library online. 2. Time Magazine – you can access this through Steely Library online or in person. 3. The New York Times – you can access through Steely Library online or in person. 4. 5. 6. What are three things that I found in my research that are interesting enough to mention in my speech?

Nothing but Useless Essay

I am not a video game addict but many of my acquaintances are. I am not a video game fan simply because I am not good as others at playing with the same enthusiasm and commitment. My acquaintances like playing video games because it helps them relax and feel as if they were kids again. Their children also play video games developed specifically for their age group. Video games develop reaction, problem-solving abilities, attention, and concentration. None of my acquaintances has ever committed a violent act. Video game exists in its virtual space, which does not make claims on real life. Video games get the brunt of the criticism. Our government is anti-video game. Yet, market forces can be the only regulatory mechanisms of violence in video games. Only two or three of the top best-selling video games are violent. Video games have no violent impact on a video gamer. Younger players may be vulnerable to the violent game content when the play video games that are not suitable for their age. Although first person shooter violence is common to video games, it is not likely to promote aggressive behavioral models. Kids play with toy soldiers but nobody thinks that this teaches them violence. Video games cannot be considered violent in relation to age, gender, socio-cultural belonging, and educational level. The reaction to the game’s content depends on the individual’s personal traits. Girls do not react with greater arousal to violent content than boys. At least, no research has found any significant difference. It is unlikely that performing violent actions during the play may cause aggression in kids. Although Grand Theft Auto 3 was banned in Australia because of its graphic violence, it does not mean that it could have influenced the increase in crime rates. The problem is that minors often have uncontrolled access to adult games with violent content. Boys aged 7-12 like â€Å"action adventure†. They develop â€Å"killing instinct† only in virtual games but also in the games they play outdoors. Nevertheless, children’s exposure to violent content targeted at mature video gamers should be restricted by their parents and caregivers. I am defending video gaming on behalf of long-time gamers whose hobby has not turned them into psycho-terminators. Video gamers live in their own world of established video game rules, and they wish they could play safely without being disturbed. We’re in the habit of regulating our most innocent activities.

INDEPENDENT STUDY RESEARCH ON THE PURPOSE AND IMPORTANCE OF BUDGETTING Essay

INDEPENDENT STUDY RESEARCH ON THE PURPOSE AND IMPORTANCE OF BUDGETTING TO AN ORGANISATION - Essay Example Analysis and findings 6.0. Conclusions and limitations of the study 7.0. Bibliography 8.0. Appendices PROBLEM STATEMENT A lot of effort has been made in the theoretical area of budgeting and its concept but little has been done to show the applicability and the importance of the budgeting process to organisations. Many students in the field of finance, accounting, strategic management and other related fields have more theory and little practicability about the theories. However, this study was aimed at linking theory with practical applications of the theory of management accounting; this was done by looking at how organisations apply the various theoretical aspects of strategic managerial accounting. IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY This study is important since it was carried out to reinforce the theory of budgeting and its application in real life situations. The study also gives advice on how businesses can go about budgeting and this will go a long way to provide information on the same to organisations. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The study objectives were: To appreciate the managerial accounting theory. Appraise the importance of budgeting to the success of an organisation and discuss the available budgeting methods. Discuss the budgeting process. Analyse the assumptions of budgeting. To link managerial accounting theory with practical application. ... REVIEW Management accounting is specialization of accounting that provides for information to the managers to help them plan, make decisions, and control functions (Bragg 2009). It involves collection, analysis and interpretation of accounting information for managers of an organisation to help the managers to make plans, make decisions and to exercise control to ensure that the organisation goals are being achieved. Management accounting extends to cover strategic management, performance management and risk management which are key issues in management. The tools used in management accounting are costing techniques, budgets and control charts among other tools (Waygandt, Kimmel and Kieso 2009). Budgeting is a critical function in management accounting and it is a key to the success of an organisation. When the resources are scarce, an organisation must determine the optimal way to allocate resources among the organisational processes to achieve the set goals. A budget is thus a coor dinated plan of the operations and the resources available to an organisation represented monetarily for a specific period of time (Shim and Siegel 2008). A budget is a very important to an organisation since it provides a clear and measurable statement of expectations, improves communication and coordination in an organisation and provides a basis on which evaluation is done and control is exercised. Typically the objectives of budgeting can be stated as following: 1. Budgeting report provides information to help to determine the adequacy of current-year revenues pay for current-year services. 2. Budgeting report illustrates whether resources were obtained and used in accordance with the budget. 3. Budgeting report exhibits its adherence to other finance-related legal or contractual

Egypt and Sumer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Egypt and Sumer - Essay Example The reference to Re (the sun, also spelled Ra) indicates a primitive understanding that both flooding and sun are necessary factors for crop growth and life, which may be why Hymn to Ra proved equally important. Hymn to Ra emphasizes the polytheistic nature of Egyptian society and provides an early account of the origins of humankind, wisdom, and love – attributing them all to Ra, the sun. Overall, both works suggest that early Egyptians were fairly united in their beliefs, collectivistic, had little understanding of natural causes (flooding), anthromorphized important natural phenomena (the sun, the river Nile), were a patriarchal society (important Gods are construed as male), were present-oriented in their desires (food, water, shelter), believed that human action could in some way shape natural events (sacrifices could prevent floods), and on some level, saw or believed in actual interaction between physical and spiritual phenomena (the offering of sacrifices (physical) to the Nile as a God (spiritual)). Hymn to Ra in particular, emphasizes the impermanent nature of death and a mind-body dichotomy –the spirit (but not the body) could return after death, morality/conscience/wisdom were controlled and instilled from outside, and behavior, as opposed to intent and preceding thought was important. In contrast to the Egyptian sources, the Epic of Gilgamesh in particular appears to place greater emphasis on desires of the spirit, nourishment of the soul, morality, and conscience as opposed to the meeting of physical needs. In this way, it is less primitive than the Egyptian sources and considers more of the higher-level complexities of â€Å"humanness† than either of the Egyptian sources (sex, friendship, betrayal). Rather than praying to avoid death, as the Egyptians do in Ode to the Nile and Hymn to Ra, the Epic of Gilgamesh implies that life is defined and made meaningful by the deadline

Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - Essay Example It has gained popularity and support from different quotas who believe that the movement has positioned itself ideologically and consistently hence the need for its political recognition. The current membership of FARC is approximately 18,000 members, 30% of the recruits being under the age of eighteen years and surprisingly, the leadership structure is composed of 49% women. This paper will therefore discuss the political and social effects that have so far resulted from the actions of FARC. The social effects are the drug trafficking, displacements, rape, terrorism, hostages, kidnappings, lack of freedom of the press and other issues. It will also look into the political implications the movement has caused Colombia since its inception. It will finally, provide a different point of view of analysts who believe that the movement is necessary to stem out errant political leaders such the Uribe regime and the former and current presidents in Colombia who are so self centered that they have e economically downgraded the country's economy. Between the years of 1930s and 1950s, hundreds of rural based Colombians driven by their communist ideology began organizing themselves into formidable structures of security and cooperation with the aim of responding to the capitalistic expansion of the ruling interests1. They believed that the state had isolated them and therefore they needed to group all the poor members of the society (small land holders, semi-proletarians, rural workers and peasants) and champion for their rights. The group wanted to establish a corrupt free society, stable and based on local control mechanisms. These localized groups continued to expand their bases and by early 1960s, they had over sixteen groups of communities from all areas of southern and central Colombian republic. These communities were very peaceful to the central government, but to some extent, they were considered a threat to national security especially to the ruling class, land owners, the U.S geopolitical interest and the rising urban capitalists. During the Kennedy administration, the central government through its military targeted regions with strong offensive communities After its founding in the mid 1960s, the insurgency expanded in almost all parts of the country especially during the neo-liberal period when economic policies accompanied by increased repression by the state were practiced. FARC has increased its social, paramilitary and economic presence in Colombia sine that time. In fact, by 1999, the insurgent had almost conquered all the regions of the country. A few years later, reports indicated that they had occupied more than 93% of all the Colombian regions. Within the four decades since the inception of the political movement, FARC ha transformed itself from being a mere peasant-landless struggle to a complex national social force that had threatened even the United States. Currently, the movement has increased its membership base to include; intellectuals, the displaced, Afro-Colombians, unionists, urban workforce and almost all the indigenous population. With an extensive