Little White Lie Essays - Literature, Fiction, Politics,

Little White Lie Orwell & Marx Animalism vs. Marxism ?Every line I have written since 1936 has been written, directly or indirectly, against totalitarianism, quotes George Orwell in the preface to the 1956 Signet Classic edition of Animal Farm. The edition, which sold several millions copies, however, omitted the rest of the sentence: and for democratic Socialism, as I understand it.? It is in Animal Farm, written in 1944 but not published until after World War Two in 1945, which Orwell offers a political and social doctrine whose ideas and ideols can be seen in all of his proceeding works. In an essay published in the summer of 1946 entitled Why I Write,? Orwell claimed to have been motivated over the preceding ten years by a desire to make political writing into an art.? In the essay, he states that in Animal Farm he had for the first time in his writing career consciously tried to achieve this goal ? to harmonize political concerns with artistry? (Twayne, 17). Orwell, however, for reasons such as the omitted portion of his preface a nd misreadings of his novels, has been mislabeled a traitor of Socialism or a hero to the right wing by theorists and critics. His book, besides a parody of Stalinist Russia, intends to show that Russia was not a true democratic Socialist country. Looked at carefully, Animal Farm is a criticism of Karl Marx as well as a novel perpetuating his convictions of democratic Socialism; these are other inherent less discussed qualities in Animal Farm besides the more commonly read harsh criticism of totalitarianism. Orwell and Marx differed in their views on Socialism and its effects on religion and nationalism as well as Socialism's effects on society and its leaders. Orwell shared many of Marx's viewpoints, but he did not share with Marx the same vision of a utopian future, only the prospects of a worldwide revolution. Orwell's work indicates that he had read Marx with care and understanding. That he remained unconvinced and highly critical does not mean he did could not follow Marx's arg uments; or rather, it could mean that only to a Marxist? (Zwerdling, 20). It is in Animal Farm, lesser talked about for the author's social theories than Nineteen Eighty-Four, that Orwell's criticisms of Marxism can be seen as well as Orwell's social theory, which can be seen through a careful reading of what the animals refer to as Animalism. Animalism, as we will see, has its faults and inaccuracies, but Orwell's use of it is to put forth his own political and social doctrine based on remedying those faults. Orwell's Animalism, what I believe to be his moderately Marxist-Leninist ideology, is different from the animals', but it is Orwell's Animalism that can best be compared to Marxism. Animalism, based on the theories of old Major, a prized-boar of Mr. Jones, is born early on in Animal Farm. The fact that old Major, himself, is a boar implies that political theory to the masses or a theorist proposing radical change and revolution are, themselves, bores, in the eyes of the proletariate more prone to worrying about work and survival. Old Major, however, is able to gather all the animals on the farm except the sleeping Moses, the tame raven, for a speech about a dream he had the previous night. In his talk, old Major tries to explain the animals' place in nature and how they can get out of it, very much like Marx's writing on the social consciousness of the proletariate in A Contribution to the Political Economy and the evil practices of bourgeois-controlled capitalism in The Communist Manifesto. It is not the consciousness of men that determines their being,? wrote Marx, but, on the contrary, their social being that determines their consciousness? (preface to A Cont ribution..., 363). He also called for revolution by the proletariate in The Communist Manifesto to change the social structure of the state and its distribution of wealth. Orwell agreed with Marx's social arguments, but as we will later see, disagreed on many of his other beliefs. In Animal Farm, we can see his depictions as man as a social animal and his Socialist ideologies through old Major's very Marxist speech in the

Ground proximity warning system in Aircraft The WritePass Journal

Ground proximity warning system in Aircraft Abstract Ground proximity warning system in Aircraft Abstract1. Introduction 2. Principles behind how the GPWS work3. The modes of GPWS3.1. Mode 1 – Excessive descent rate3.2 Mode 2 – Excessive terrain closure3.3 Mode 3 – Excessive altitude loss after take-off or go-around3.4 Mode 4 – Unsafe terrain clearance while not in landing configuration3.5. Mode 5 – Excessive descent rate below the instrument glide path.  4. Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System5.1  Ã‚   Mode 6 – Excessively steep bank angle5.2   Mode 7 – Excessive windshear protectionRelated Abstract Inventing an aircraft by The Wright Brothers at the beginning of the 20th Century had a huge impact on the world we live in now.   It is generally accepted that their â€Å"Flyer† was the first powered and controlled airplane in the world.   A decade later the first commercial flight took place marking the beginning of commercial air travel.   However, from the very beginning the most important aim was to make air travel as safe as possible. 1. Introduction Since the invention of the aircraft, one of the major causes of accidents was when a fully functional aircraft was unintentionally flown into the ground or water.   The number of this kind of accidents prompted the engineers at Boeing to introduce a new term in the late 1970s called Controlled Flight into terrain or CFIT. According to Boeing, CFIT is a leading cause of airplane accidents involving the loss of life.   There have been over 9,000 deaths in different parts of the world due to this since the beginning of the commercial jet age.[1] There have been fewer accidents thanks to the Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS).   The TAWS which is capable of alerting the crew if they fly dangerously close to the Earth surface has substantially and effectively reduced the number of accidents caused by CFIT.   It has to be stressed that the invention of the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) in late 1960 is widely credited to a Canadian engineer Charles Donald Bateman. Currently there are two types of TAWS used on the aircrafts.   The first type is called Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS).   Admittedly, GPWS is an older system but in 1996 a second type which is an improved version on GPWS called Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System or EGPWS was introduced.   GPWS and EGPWS are one of the most vital systems on-board modern aircrafts.   They are designed to alert the crew by means of aural and visual warning of immediate danger of colliding with the ground, water or an obstacle such as a mountain. 2. Principles behind how the GPWS work The Ground Proximity Warning System automatically and continuously monitors the clearance of the aircraft above the surface. The principle of work is based on Continues Wave Radar.   Continues waves are transmitted towards the ground and once reflected they are picked by the receiver.   The time taken for the waves to return is measured and it indicates the distance between the plane and the Earth surface. The heart of the system is a computer which collects data from the radio altimeter and predicts the future terrain features.   As the radio altimeter only provides the distance between the aircraft and the surface directly below it, the computer has to keep track of the terrain features and predict terrain that is directly ahead of the aircraft. The above can only be achieved and done correctly if the surface does not have significant changes in heights, but in a situation when there is a dramatic change in terrain, then invariably GPWS fails.   It is also referred to as a â€Å"blind spot†. However, the blind spot has been eliminated with the introduction of the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System. 3. The modes of GPWS The Ground Proximity Warning System operates in different modes.   Depending on the situation, the GPWS responds in a particular manner and provides the crew with a specific aural alert or warning and visually by illumination of warning lights.   By monitoring the aircraft’s flying path and its altitude, the computer determines the risk of collision with the Earth surface and based on that it provides crew with either of the two warnings: a Soft Warning or Hard Warning. The GPWS Alert or Soft Warning informs the crew that a potentially dangerous situation has been detected and it requires attention.   It indicates that the dangerous situation may develop and it should not be ignored, but the aircraft is not in immediate danger. The GPWS Warning or Hard Warning informs the crew that the aircraft is threatened by grave danger and that immediate action is required. 3.1. Mode 1 – Excessive descent rate Readings from barometric altimeter and radio altimeter are combined together and the crew is informed of excessive rate of descent.   When the rate of descent exceeds the limit an aural alert â€Å"SINK RATE† is issued and the amber warning light comes up.   In a situation when the descent rate becomes even more severe the system generates an aural warning â€Å"PULL UP† and the red warning light illuminates in the cockpit. 3.2 Mode 2 – Excessive terrain closure Notifications are based on the readings taken from the radio altimeter.   The System monitors the clearance between the aircraft and the ground.   The crew is informed of the change of the terrain below and when the aircraft is flying into the slope of a mountain or across steep features. If the aircraft’s height above the ground decreases, an amber light illuminates and an aural warning â€Å"TERRAIN† is generated 90 seconds before the aircraft flying path and the earth surface crosses.   However, if no action is taken and the clearance between the aircraft and terrain decreases even more then 30 seconds from the predicted collision an aural warning â€Å"PULL UP† is issued and a red light comes up. 3.3 Mode 3 – Excessive altitude loss after take-off or go-around Data collected from barometric altimeter, radar altimeter and indicated flight speed are combined together by the GPWS computer in order to detect an altitude loss after take-off or a missed approach. In such circumstances an aural alert â€Å"DON’T SINK† is generated and the amber light starts illuminating. During the decent this mode of the GPWS is not armed until the aircraft is 60 meters above the surface. 3.4 Mode 4 – Unsafe terrain clearance while not in landing configuration The computer generates alerts and warnings indicating that the clearance above the ground is insufficient for the current flight path while landing gear and flaps are not in the landing configuration.   Consequently, there are two alerts issued by the system – â€Å"TOO LOW GEAR† and â€Å"TOO LOW FLAPS† depending on what is causing the problem. An amber warning light will also come up accordingly.   However, if the aircraft altitude continues decreasing and the landing configuration is not corrected, the crew is issued with a voice message â€Å"TOO LOW TERRAIN† and the warning light will come up. 3.5. Mode 5 – Excessive descent rate below the instrument glide path. The GPWS monitors the flying path of the aircraft in a situation when crew uses an Instrument Landing System (ILS) for approach and landing.   The system generates an aural alert in the event of the flying path exceeding 1.3 dot below the ILS glideslope and an amber warning light illuminates in the cockpit.   As the deviation increases, the voice message â€Å"GLIDESLOPE† becomes more frequent and louder.   4. Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System As technology advanced and so did the aviation industry.   And with developed technology the basic Ground Proximity Warning System was proven to have a â€Å"blind spot† making it not 100% reliable. Therefore, inventing a new and better system capable of tracking and predicting terrain ahead of the aircraft, even with dramatic changes in the steepness of the ground became a necessity.   The problem was solved with the introduction of the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System.   The new system was mainly based on the GPWS but in order to avoid shortcoming of the original system EGPWS was also equipped with Forward Looking Terrain Avoidance system, allowing the computer to â€Å"see† what is ahead of the aircraft. The EGPWS computer has a worldwide digital terrain database containing natural terrain features as well as man-made obstacles and uses Global Positioning System to determine the position of the aircraft.   The position of the aircraft, its altitude and ground speed is sent to the computer which combines all the information together and compares it with the map of the Earth terrain stored in the database.   The information is then presented to the crew on the Terrain Awareness Display.   There are different colours on the digital map each representing a different height of the terrain features relative to the aircraft current altitude (Figure 1).   It has to be noted that the system is being continuously improved and some of the modern most sophisticated flight management computers are capable of analysing the whole route and inform the pilots of all potentially hazardous obstacles along the flying path. 5. The modes of EGPWS Since the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System is based on the basic GPWS, it has all the five modes same as its predecessor.   However as EGPWS is more advanced than GPWS, in addition to five modes described earlier on it also introduces two new modes. 5.1  Ã‚   Mode 6 – Excessively steep bank angle The purpose of this mode is to inform pilots of an excessive roll attitude for the flight conditions.   The system generates an audible alert â€Å"BANK ANGLE†.   If the situation worsens and the roll attitude is being increased to 40% above the original callout, the voice message â€Å"BANK ANGLE† repeats itself continuously. 5.2   Mode 7 – Excessive windshear protection This mode is designed to inform the crew of excessive wind shear during take-off and final approach.   The warnings are provided between the altitudes 10 – 1500 feet above the ground level.   If the wind shear exceeds the limits, the EGPWS generates an aural alert â€Å"WINDSHEAR, WINDSHEAR, WINDSHEAR† and the amber light comes up in the cockpit. 6. Conclusions It goes without saying that the introduction of Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems has significantly reduced the number of accident caused by Controlled Flight Into Terrain.   Modern Systems installed on-board civil and military aircraft are able to predict terrain ahead of the aircraft without â€Å"blind spot† which was present in the first Ground Proximity Warning Systems.   Unfortunately despite advancement in technology and modern equipment, the accidents caused by CFIT still happen.   They are many reasons behind that and common among them would be bad weather, navigation system failure or more often pilot error. Most commonly these types of accidents occur during approach close to the airports.   For instance in 2010 alone two major crashes took lives of many people.   On 10th of April 2010, Polish Air Force Tu-154 Flight crashed during final approach in Smolensk airport in Russia killing 96 people including the president of Republic of Poland, his wife and many government and military leaders present on board that fatal flight.   Three months later on 28th July 2010 another tragic crash happened in Pakistan.   Airblue Flight 202 carried 146 passengers and 6 crew members.   There were no survivors. Developing new systems and improving the existing ones may one day lead to complete remove of CFIT type of crashes.   As for now however caution still should be executed during pilot training to ensure that every pilot flying the aircraft equipped with EGWPS is fully trained to use the system, understands the warnings and is able to properly react to the situation. 7. References [1]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controlled_flight_into_terrain#cite_ref-boeing_0-1

Classic Poems About America for the 4th of July

Classic Poems About America for the 4th of July Patriotism is the theme for the Fourth of July. Many poets have taken on the subject over the years and their words, even in part, have been engrained in the minds of millions of Americans. From Whitman to Emerson and Longfellow to Blake and beyond, these are the poems that have inspired patriots for years. Walt Whitman,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I Hear America Singing† The collection of Walt Whitmans poems known as Leaves of Grass was published a total of seven times during the poets lifetime. Each edition held different poems and in the 1860 edition,  I Hear America Singing made its debut. Yet, Whitman made some changes and the version below is the 1867 version. The differences between the two editions are minimal at best. Most notably, the first verse was changed from American mouth-songs ! to the lyrical lines youll find below. It is quite interesting to note that the two editions were printed just prior to and after the Civil War. In the context of the country during that time, Whitmans words take on an even more powerful meaning. America was divided, but the differences were not extreme when viewed from the songs of the individual. I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear;Those of mechanics- each one singing his, as it should be, blithe and strong;The carpenter singing his, as he measures his plank or beam,The mason singing his, as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work;The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat- the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck;The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench- the hatter singing as he stands;The wood-cutter’s song- the ploughboy’s, on his way in the morning, or at the noon intermission, or at sundown;The delicious singing of the mother- or of the young wife at work- or of the girl sewing or washing- Each singing what belongs to her, and to none else;The day what belongs to the day- At night, the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,Singing, with open mouths, their strong melodious songs. More From Whitmans Leaves of Grass The many editions of Leaves of Grass are filled with poems on a variety of subject matter. When it comes to patriotism, Whitman penned some of the best poetry and this contributed to his notoriety as one of Americas great poets. â€Å"By Blue Ontario’s Shore†Ã‚  (first published in the 1867 edition) - The poet spends this poem in a contemplative state marked with talk of liberty and freedom. Lines like Chant me the poem, it said, that comes from the soul of America, and O America because you build for mankind I build for you, are inspiring. At the same time, the narrator seems haunted by troubles and questions.â€Å"Song of the Broad-Axe†Ã‚  (first published in the 1856 edition) - An epic piece of poetry, Whitman embodies too many facets of America and Americans in this poem to note in a brief summary. It is a wonderful look at the individual spirit that formed the country and the strength it took from each and every person through the powerful symbol of the broad-axe. Ralph Waldo Emerson,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Concord Hymn† The Fourth of July celebrates Americas independence and few poems remind us of the sacrifices required during the Revolutionary War better than Ralph Waldo Emersons Concord Hymn. It was sung at the completion of the Concord Battle Monument on  April 19, 1837. Emerson settled in Concord, Massachusetts after marrying his second wife, Lydia Jackson, in 1835. He was known for his admiration of self-reliance and individualism. These two factors seem to have a  heavy influence on the personal nature and deep patriotic feelings he penned in this poem. The last line of the first stanza - the shot heard round the world - was quickly made famous and remains a hallmark for describing the valiant efforts of the American revolutionaries. By the rude bridge that arched the flood,Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,Here once the embattled farmers stood,And fired the shot heard round the world,The foe long since in silence slept,Alike the Conqueror silent sleeps,And Time the ruined bridge has sweptDown the dark stream which seaward creeps.On this green bank, by this soft stream,We set to-day a votive stone,That memory may their deed redeem,When like our sires our sons are gone.Spirit! who made those freemen dareTo die, or leave their children free,Bid time and nature gently spareThe shaft we raise to them and Thee. This was not the only patriotic poem Emerson wrote. In 1904, 22 years after his death,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"A Nation’s Strength† was published. The poets patriotic zeal appears once again in lines like Men who for truth and honor’s sake/Stand fast and suffer long. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Paul Revere’s Ride† The opening lines of Henry Wadsworth Longfellows 1863 poem are etched in the memories of many Americans. The poet was known for his lyrical poems that retraced historical events and in 1863, ​Paul Reveres Ride was published, giving Americans a new, amazingly detailed, and dramatically versed look at one of the most famous nights in the countrys short history. Listen, my children, and you shall hearOf the midnight ride of Paul Revere,On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-five;Hardly a man is now aliveWho remembers that famous day and year. More Longfellow â€Å"O Ship of State†Ã‚  (â€Å"The Republic† from â€Å"The Building of the Ship,† 1850) - A contemporary of both Emerson and Whitman, Longfellow also saw the building of a young country and this influenced many of his poems. Though it reads as a simple poetic description of shipbuilding, it is, in reality, a metaphor for the building of America. Piece by piece, the country came together, just as those ships built near Longfellows Portland, Maine home. The patriotic enthusiasm of O Ship of State extended beyond America. Franklin Roosevelt quoted the opening lines in a personal letter to Winston Churchhill during World War II to rally his allys spirit. More Famous Poems About America Though those are some of the most noted poems appropriate for Independence Day, they are not alone. The following verses are equally popular and express national pride perfectly. William Blake,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"America, A Prophecy† (1793) - Written by the famous English poet 17 years after the American Revolution, this poem has long been an icon in patriotic poetry. A mythical look at what might come out of the new country, Blake romanticizes the tale and clearly shows he too has no love for tyranny or the King.Emma Lazarus,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The New Colossus† (1883) - Written to raise funds for the base of the Statue of Liberty, this famous poem is engraved on it for all to see. The lines Give me your tired, your poor,  Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, speak volumes to the nation of immigrants.Carl Sandburg,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Good Night† (1920) - Fireworks over the pier on the Fourth of July, Sandburgs short poem is both timeless and timely. If youre seeking a poem to memorize, this is a fantastic choice.Claude McKay,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"America† (1921) - A love sonnet written by a leader of the Harlem Rennaissance,  America portrays the poets adorat ion for the country while, at the same time, confronting the troubles he has seen in his community. Amy Lowell,  Excerpt from â€Å"The Congressional Library† (1922) - Published in The Literary Digest (incorrectly, at first), the poet captures the wonderful architecture and art of this historic building that houses the nations archives. She also wonders about its future as well as the library as a reflection on all Americans.Stephen Vincent Benà ©t,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"American Names† (1927) - Both a geography lesson and a poem examining the poetic styling of names, the poet explores sound and place in lighthearted verse.

55 Synonyms for Criticize

55 Synonyms for Criticize 55 Synonyms for â€Å"Criticize† 55 Synonyms for â€Å"Criticize† By Mark Nichol One of life’s great pleasures is the opportunity to criticize others, so it shouldn’t surprise you that the verb criticize has a rich repository of synonyms that offers so many options for expressing your low opinions of people or their words or deeds. I’ve divided the list below into four general categories. Generally, only the first features words with distinct connotations, which I’ve included; the others are fairly interchangeable within each category, and even across categories. Words Expressing Disapproval 1. Admonish: to give gentle, earnest advice 2. Censure: to condemn with formal disciplinary action 3. Chasten: to discipline or restrain 4. Chastise: to communicate severe disappointment 5. Chide: to offer mild constructive criticism 6. Condemn: to criticize wrongdoing 7. Decry: to communicate strong disapproval 8. Denounce: to target someone for disapproval, usually publicly 9. Dispraise: to publicly criticize 10. Excoriate: to indicate scathing disapproval 11. Fault: to blame 12. Fulminate: to publicly criticize 13. Lambaste: to attack verbally 14. Reprehend: to voice criticism 15. Reproach: to communicate disappointment 16. Upbraid: to offer severe criticism 17. Vituperate: to abusively criticize Words Expressing Disparagement 18. Belittle 19. Cry down 20. Denigrate 21. Depreciate 22. Derogate 23. Knock 24. Poor-mouth 25. Run down 26. Talk down 27. Vilipend Words Expressing Severe Criticism 28. Bad-mouth 29. Castigate 30. Flay 31. Hammer 32. Lace (into) 33. Lay (into) 34. Pan (especially to criticize a performance or a proposal) 35. Slag Words Expressing Reprimand or Scolding 36. Bawl out 37. Berate 38. Call down (another meaning is â€Å"to invite or entreat†) 39. Chew out 40. Dress down 41. Harangue 42. Jaw 43. Keelhaul 44. Lecture 45. Rag 46. Rail (against) 47. Rant 48. Rate 49. Ream (or ream out) 50. Rebuke 51. Reprove 52. Score 53. Tongue-lash 54-55. Two additional words used only in their noun form are commination (â€Å"denunciation†) and objurgation (â€Å"a harsh rebuke†). Many other words such as assail and scathe can be suitable depending on the context but have senses closer to â€Å"attack† than â€Å"criticize.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Comparative Forms of AdjectivesHang, Hung, HangedPresent Participle as Adjective

Chinese Women and Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Chinese Women and Culture - Essay Example The recent developments on China portray a comparatively liberal image of the women than was possible some decades ago. Not too far off in history, in fact if a critical analysis is made for the 1980`s and the 1990`s both the authorities in China as well as the traditional Chinese society were resistant to the growth of feminist attitudes.The traditional ancient Chinese rituals and belief systems though still prevalent to some extent in China adds to the limitations that women have to face to contribute significantly to the Chinese cultures and traditions. 1990`s however opened doors towards acceptance to the fact that women can also significantly contribute to the cultural development in China.To understand China in the modern context, it is crucial to analyze the role of women in the ancient century as well so that patterns in evolution can be drawn.China is always perceived as a culturally isolated and a backward society, and the image of the state is that of an authoritarian tyra nnical one. Modern elements of change like modern art, modern music, internet evolution and social networking seems to be absent and highly controlled. The beginning of the new century saw an immense increase in modernization. With the opening of market in the late 1990`s, China`s economy started to boom as markets expanded and modernized. Cultural values, however, didn’t saw as immense of a change but some level of change was inevitable and 12 Girls Band is the product of this change. Thus, 12 Girls Band is symbolic for women empowerment, the ability for Chinese to preserve their traditional legacies, portraying a liberal yet sophisticated image of Chinese woman throughout the world. All members of the 12 Girls Band are thus Ambassadors to China who have positively affected the cultural variables in China at home and abroad. To understand China in the modern context, it is crucial to analyze the role of women in the ancient century as well so that patterns in evolution can b e drawn. In the ancient China women were considered to be inferior to men, and all their lives they were expected to obey the male members of the family, thus they had no freedom of their own and their role towards cultural community development was absent. The practice of binding women`s feet is symbolic for the control over women during that century. However, with time when the People`s Republic of China was found the role of women started to change, at least rhetorically and a significant level of independence was gained by the women. It wasn’t until 1979 that the government enacted reforms which enabled women to seek jobs in the market. This was the beginning of the initiation of the contribution of women to art; however the role was still very limited. However, with the cultural revolutions more and more opportunities were produced for the women and the process of evolution began to speed up (Wales 1967). Until the 1990`s the women were significantly contributing economi cally as well as culturally to the Chinese legacy. During this period, women poetry groups and arts clubs began to emerge and their activities began to enhance rapidly (Descoteaux 2008). The beginning of the new century saw an immense increase in modernization, and thus 12 Girls Band is a product of the modernization and cultural fusion. The band was selected in an audition in 2001, and twelve members later constituting of thirteen members, this band was a unique blend of girls who knew to play diverse range of instruments both modern and traditional in nature. All band members have gone through rigorous trainings in the field, and all of them belong to the conservatories groups which include the China`s Academy of Music, Central Conservatory of Music and the Chinese National Orchestra. The idea behind the concept belongs to Wang Xio-Jing who wanted twelve members for a band and his aim was to promote folk music however make it appealing by adding a modern touch to it. Thus, the wom en were inspired by the work of Yue

Challenges in Access Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Challenges in Access - Essay Example ted only this month and gauged the current public sentiment on health care amidst current conditions, particularly from September 21-22 (Rasmussen, 2012). The polls by Rasmussen Reports and Reuters depict the manner by which public opinion changes according to the movements in the policy networks. For example, when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the validity of the health care law, Reuters reported that the public was slightly more supportive of it. According to what they found, opposition fell to 52 percent from the posted 57 percent previously. This development depicts how institutions can wield influence on the way people perceive specific issues. Then, there is the case of the Rasmussen poll. It found that more and more Americans are accepting the health care law, stating that even though 52 percent of Americans are in favor of repealing the law, most of them see that such repeal is no longer likely. The period by which the poll survey was conducted came at the heels of several polls released showing Obama’s rally in presidential election surveys. The defeat of the Republican contender in the presidential race - if the poll is to be believed or if the election was held September 22 - meant that the health care reform will persist, as the Democrats prevail. Of course, there is the other story to these two polls. Although, the trend seems to be gradually favoring the health care reform, certain aspects to the public opinion of it remain strong. It should be noted that after two years, there is still strong opposition to the so-called Obama-care. The length of time should have steadily eroded public opposition but this does not appear to be happening at all. If one goes back to the Reuters’ poll, the bump in the figures supporting the health care reform was given by the public unwillingly. This is supported by the public’s acceptance, according to Rasmussen, that the law will persist because it came with Obama’s possible reelection. I would also

How has commercialisation affected professional football since the Essay

How has commercialisation affected professional football since the formation of the premier league and what effect has this had on the average fan - Essay Example d the 1980s witnessed England entering into a rather novice phase marked by lack of commercial enterprising on the part of sponsors and top brass of soccer administrators. In fact European football in general followed a downward curve during these two decades (King 59). Several key factors were responsible for this lean period in the history of English soccer. These factors ranged from societal issues to lack of technical adroitness. However, the Premier soccer League teemed with the very best from the global arena and players from all continents signed for various clubs featuring in the League (Storey 108), thus turning English club football into an action-packed display of power and dynamism. The focal point of this paper is going to be the period following the formation of the English Premier League, during which the entire skeleton of English soccer underwent a drastic change in terms of growing commercialisation and corporate professionalism. The paper will also discuss the relative position of British soccer in the larger framework of world football in the last two decades. The charm of English soccer ebbed away following the series of poor performances by the national soccer team in FIFA World Cups after their historic win over West Germany in the 1966 version of the premier title. It was imperative for the administrators and players alike to bring people back to where they could relate themselves to. However, due to a pervasive sense of hopelessness prevailing among the average followers of the sport, the task was not an easy one. Moreover, hooliganism was on the rise in the 1980s both on English soil and outside (Dunning and Malcolm 101). In fact English football had earned a notorious distinction of promoting hooliganism across Europe and other soccer playing countries (Bloom and Willard 306). Political reasons also came into contention in this regard as some of the earlier events in the annals of world history were believed to have contributed to the

A Reading and Referencing exercise Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

A Reading and Referencing exercise - Essay Example The article uses British birth cohort panel data to generate an understanding of how education and level of qualifications have an impact on earnings of the person in the long run (Blundell et al., 2000).   The article, â€Å"learning styles and academic outcome: The validity and utility of Vermunt’s inventory of learning styles in British Higher education setting† is written by Dr. Elizabeth A. Boyle, Tim Duffy and Karen Dunleavy. The study was conducted in British University and provided examination of how Vermunt’s integrated model of learning provides varied academic results as they are based on the different learning styles (Boyle et al., 2003). Binsardi and Ekwulugo have written an article, â€Å"International marketing of British education: research on the students’ perception and the UK market penetration†. The article talks about education in UK and perception of international students about it. Moreover, it provides analysis of UK perfor mance in the market with respect to their education system (Binsardi & Ekwulugo, 2003).   An article by Philip Brown, â€Å"The third wave†: education and the ideology of parentocracy â€Å" talks about the different eras of schooling and education system and how children have shifted their priorities based on abilities and efforts to their parents’ wishes and consent resulting from ‘ideology of parentocracy’ (Brown, 1990). The last article relevant to the module is, â€Å"Testing the Relationship between Education and Political Participation using the 1970 British Cohort. â€Å"Mikael Persson writes the article, and it talks about education system of British Institutes and its effect on political participation. The data is extracted from British cohort study showing how the education system has evolved and how individual’s cognitive ability is being used. However, the study concludes that

UNIT 2, MANAGING FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND DECISIONS Essay

UNIT 2, MANAGING FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND DECISIONS - Essay Example As a financial advisor, the business performance can be evaluated on the basis of the information that is obtained from the owner. In explaining the source of finance for Motors Parts Direct Limited, it is important to understand its meaning for the business. Financing is extremely important for starting a business and draw profit from it. There are various sources of finance when a business is looking for start-up. The need for source of finance varies according to the type of business. For processing a business huge amount of capital is needed (Iowa State University Extension, 2013). The source of finance for a business is basically equity or debt. In case of MPD Ltd only debt financing is used as source of finance. However, there are both long term and long term debt for the business. The short and long term debt instruments for the business are discussed hence forth. From the above table it can be stated that the business has started its operation with the help of loan and overdraft. The two types of debt instruments are noted as the liability for the company (Iowa State University Extension, 2013). This liabilities aims at decreasing the liquidity of the company, if the current asset base is not high; even the business does not have enough cash position to maintain a stable working capital. For maintaining its working capital the company requires short term finance of  £ 1,200,000. He also needs the finance for paying the suppliers and make payment to its employees. He needs the amount as these cash are paid even before payments are received from customers. Loan is a useful source of finance for business, which is provided by a single entity at an interest rate. This interest rate is specified by the lender of the loan and it is not decided on mutual basis. If the lender is a bank then the interest rate depends upon the demand of the loan and the rate that are imposed on the banks by the central banks (Steffan, 2008; Fabozzi, 1998).

Italian American Immigrant Essay Example for Free

Italian American Immigrant Essay Many Italians migrated to United States as early as 1848. They migrated in small numbers due to revolutionary movement’s failure that occurred in Italy. Most of the Italians migrated to America between 1880 and 1960s. These Italians came from Sicily and Southern Italy. They had very little knowledge in education and were poor. Majority of these immigrants were men. The poor economy that existed in Italy at that time contributed a great deal to the migration of Italians. Italians upon reaching America used to settle in specific places. One of the regions that were dominated by Italians was nick named ‘Little Italy’. In ‘Little Italy’ the Italians there had good relations and interactions with each other. They enjoyed cooking their favorite foods that were quite different from what American citizens cooked. Italian’s food was richly spiced compared to that cooked by American Citizens. These included spiced sausages and Zeppole. Italian immigrants formed a common culture in ‘Little Italy’. Italian immigrants normally had very little money and very minimal sophistication. Most of the Italian neighborhoods were dominated by slums. The sanitation in the neighborhood was quite poor and un-admirable. Many of them suffered from many ailments due to the poor sanitation and overcrowding. During World War I it was difficult for Italians to migrate to United States. These Italian immigrants faced much discrimination based on their religion. Many of them were lynched. Five point three million Italians had moved to United States by the year 1978. Some of the Italian immigrants never intended to stay there for a long time. They just wanted to make money and then go back to their mother nation. Research however shows that only one Italian among four would manage to return to the home country. Many of the public schools in United States gave Italian immigrants children a new language to speak. The children found that the patriotic symbols differed from those in their home country. Some of them were even given new names that were Anglicized. This created a very big gap in the culture of Italian children compared to the culture embraced by their parents. With time many labor unions incorporated the Italian immigrants. This gave Italian immigrants a chance to get experience and therefore advanced their carriers. With time Italian –American immigrants started owning businesses. Some of them even became managers in industries and Companies in United States. Some of them like Enrico Caruso became artists. Culture A close looks at Italian –American Immigrants shows that they still hold onto their culture. This is clearly seen in the food that they eat. They still cook Italian food. Their food is very rich in spices compared to the food that is cooked in United States of America. This includes their Italian drinks which are still preferred by many Italian-American Immigrants. They still hold onto Italian art that is quite beautiful. Italian –American immigrants still hold their feasts that are really rich in their culture. Unlike Americans they are quite committed to their members of the extended families. They include cousins, uncles, grandparents and parents in laws etc. In these extended relations they include business relations which bond them together. In fact they marry their close relatives like first cousins. They are very committed to their families. During 1940s Italian –American immigrants had very big impacts to music industry in United States. This was also witnessed in the year 1970. They also had big influence to movies that were featured in United States. This was mostly common in movies that were culture based. It was quite evident because Italian words were incorporated in communication of the characters. However many of the characters were not always in a position to speak the language very fluently. This language has also been incorporated by television presenters in America. One thing that really amazes about Italian immigrant’s culture is their feasts. They were often carried out in ‘Little Italy’. These feasts include Our Lady of Mount Carmel ‘Giglio’ which is commonly celebrated in Williamsburg New York. This feast has been celebrated for more than one hundred and twenty five years in New Jersey. It is normally celebrated annually. There is also the San Gennaro feast that is usually held in New York. Another feast is known as St Joseph’s feast. These Italian feasts are very funny. They have displays on devotion that is done to patron saints and to God. The feasts are quite Italian based since they show their life approach. In the feasts communal meals are taken. They also include religious services. Others also incorporate games known as games of chance. These feasts give people the opportunity to show off their skills and prowess in various sectors like dancing. There are different statutes that are used in these feasts. Different kinds of jewels are normally shown off in these feasts. In fact in communities where they are practiced, they are taken very seriously. These feasts or celebrations take quite a long period of time like several days. The church community is the one that is responsible for the preparation of these feasts. These preparations take several months for all plans to be in order. Research shows that approximately three hundred Italian feasts are celebrated in United States. Millions of Americans from diverse backgrounds normally attend these feasts. In fact many of them concur that they enjoy Italian food. Religion Research shows that many Italian immigrants were Christians of catholic denomination when they were still in Italy. When these Italians migrated to United States, they even became more devout. This was quite evident even in their communication with friends, coworkers and employers. They introduced themselves as Catholics. This shows that they were very religious and a God fearing people. However there are also religious minorities that exist in Italy. They include Italian Jews, Greek Orthodox and also Greek Catholics. Even the celebrations that are carried out show their religion. An example is that which is celebrated on 19th March every year. This is called Saint Joseph’s day which includes parades. There is also Columbus Day that is also enjoyed by many Italian immigrants staying in United States. There is St. Januaris that is celebrated on 19th September. Many immigrants from Sicily celebrate Santa Rosalia on 4th of September every year. Saint Rocco’s is celebrated by immigrants who originated from Italy in a place known as Potenza. Most of Italian immigrants do celebrate the famous Christmas season. The Feast of the seven fishes is also included in their celebrations. Research shows that some of the Irish and German Catholic leaders discriminated against some of the Italian American Catholics. This forced them to leave the Catholic Church and join Episcopal. Current research carried out in United States shows that there are Italian-American immigrants that are not Catholics. In fact many of them have joined the Episcopal Church. Most of the immigrants claim there are many similarities between the two churches. There are also a number of immigrants that changed from catholic to Baptist church. This was accelerated by influence of neighborhood who attended the Baptist church.

Impact of Cyanobacteria Toxins

Impact of Cyanobacteria Toxins Introduction Cyanobacteria, or also known as blue-green algae is one of the bacteria phylum. It was classified as blue-green algae because it resembles eukaryotic green algae. Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotes which have the ability to synthesize chlorophyll a. Chlorophyll a primarily absorbs most red and blue light, which allow cyanobacteria to obtain energy. This energy was then used to synthesize carbohydrate from carbon dioxide and water. Water is used as electron donor during the photosynthesis process and produces oxygen as a byproduct. Thus, the ability of cyanobacteria underwent the process of photosynthesis leading to the evolution of oxygen as they play an important role in increasing the amount of oxygen in Earth. Besides, cyanobacteria also called blue-green algae because of its ability to form the phycobilin pigment (phycocyanin). Phycocyanin is an accessory pigment where it works in conjunction with chlorophyll a. Phycocyanin pigment is the one that give bluish colour to cyanobacteria. According to Dittmann and Wiegand (2006), the lyses of a cyanobacterial bloom leads to release of high amounts of blue pigmented. However, the colour can degrade under condition of high exposure to light and heat (Jespersen et al., 2005). Because cyanobacteria are prokaryote, it is usually small and unicellular. Usually individual cyanobacteria are round, oval, globular or string-like in shape. However, cyanobacteria often growth in colonies and, thus are large and easily to view. These colonies are built of many layers and can form filaments, sheets or even hallow ball depend on its species and environmental condition. Cyanobacteria have been classified into five groups based on their morphologies. There are chrooccales (I), pleurocapsales (II), oscillatoriales (III), nostacales (IV) and stigonematales (V). Group l is unicellular cyanobacteria that divide by binary fusion or budding, while group II is unicellular form that divide by multiple fission. Then, group III is filamentous colonies that reproduce by trichome breakage (Henson, 2002). However, only groups IV and V are supported by phylogenetic studies and make up the heterocystous cyanobacteria. They have the ability to fix Nitrogen such as genera of Anabaena, Nostoc, and etc. Cyanobacteria are extremely successful organism that can adapt in any condition depend on its species. The fossil record shows their existence since 3.5 billion years ago and it are still around. According to Hitzfeld et al. (2000), the cyanobacteria inhabitants vary from hot springs to temporary frozen ponds in Antarctica. Cyanobacteria are gram negative that has cell wall made up of peptidoglycan and lipopolysaccharide layers that surrounded by gelatinous and mucilaginous sheath. The presence of the gelatinous sheath may help in survival of cyanobacteria during extreme conditions and desiccation (Duy et al., 2000). Cyanobacteria mostly found in brackish, freshwater, rivers, lakes, ponds and some reservoirs. They commonly live in such condition to get access of water and sunlight, as they do the photosynthesis process. The high accumulation of cyanobacteria is due to nutrient enrichment (eutrophication). The eutrophication is the process of water bodies gets the excess of nutrient a nd this promotes extremely growth of cyanobacteria. This nutrient may come from many sources, such as fertilizers applied to agriculture, erosion of soil containing nutrients and etc. The excess of nutrient lead to massive population of cyanobacteria, include the blooms, scums, and mats and biofilms (Codd et al., 2005). The existence of cyanobacteria bloom can reduce dissolved oxygen in water and may cause other aquatic organisms died. Alperdoorn et al. (2007) suggest that complex interaction of high concentration of nutrients, sunlight, warm temperature, turbidity, pH, conductivity, salinity, carbon availability and slow-flowing stagnant water are involved in production of blooms. Besides, the bloom of cyanobacteria is related with toxins released. Purpose of study The purpose of study is to analyze the type of toxins produced by bloom of cyanobacterial. Growth of cyanobacteria bloom is favored by nutrient enrichment. The increase of mass population of cyanobacteria will lead to high amount of toxin produced. Then, relate how these toxins act in order to affect humans and animals health. Objectives of study Production and mode of action of cyanobacteria Occurrence of cyanobacterial toxins in affects humans and animals -example case Routes of exposure Diseases in Humans and Animals Conclusion further work Production and mode of action of cyanobacteria toxins Properties of cyanobacterial toxins There are around 150 genera with about 2000 species of cyanobacteria has been recognized, as according to the current taxonomy. However, out of them, only 40 genera have been identified to produce toxins (Hitzfeld et al., 2000). The toxins produced by bloom of cyanobacteria are sometimes called cyanotoxins. The genera that release toxins from cyanobacteria bloom are include Microcystis, Anabaena, Anabaenopsis, Plankthothrix, Aphanizomenon, Cylindrospermopsis, Raphidiopsis and Nodularia (Codd et al., 2005). Cyanotoxins are classified into two grouped, where one is based on their modes of toxin affect the animals cells or cell system, and the other one is based on their chemical composition and structure (Codd et al.,1999). The first grouped are divided into four types, which are hepatotoxins, neurotoxins, cytotoxin and irritant toxins (Codd et al., 2005). However, the second grouped is classify into three different chemical structure which are cyclic peptides, alkaloids and lipopolysa ccharides (LPS) (Sivonen Jones 1999). The production of cyanotoxin are highly variable depends on time and an individual bloom itself. Besides, the arrangement of the genes and their expression under certain environmental condition also contribute in released the toxins. Hepatotoxins-cyclic peptides Hepatotoxins class has the chemical structure of cyclic peptides. These kinds of toxins are released by bloom of cyanobacteria that ranging from freshwater to oceans. Among the common hepatotoxins produced are mycrocystins and nodularins. Microcystin is first found in the early 1980 and isolated from Microcystis aeruginosa. Thus, the toxins were named as microcystin (Sivonen Jones 1999). Then, it was identified that microcystins also have been produced from the genera of Anabaena, Microcystis, Planktothrix, Nostoc and Anabaenopsis (Hitzfeld et al., 2000). Differ from microcystins, where nodularins only produced by the genera of Nodularia and were names as nodularins after its producer, Nodularia spumigena (Falconer 1998). Both are widespread cyanotoxins because the presence of gas vesicle that provides buoyancy. Gas vesicles enable them to float up or sink in order to get sunlight and reach the site of nutrient-rich layers (Dittmann Wiegand 2006). Enough of nutrient and sunlight en able the cyanobacteria to undergo the photosynthesis process and lead to excess growth. Therefore, the cyanotoxins of microcystins and nodularins could be produce enormously and can disturb the ecosystems Microcystins are difference from nodularins based on their chemical structure of cyclic peptides. The chemical structures of microcystins have been identified as cyclic heptapeptides, while nodularins has chemical structure of cyclic pentapeptides (Codd et al., 1999). Cyclic heptapeptides refer to microcystins that contain seven peptide-linked amino acids. There are five common amino acids and another two L-amino acids are varied (Park et al., 1993). The five common amino acids are D-erythro-ÃŽ ²-methylaspartic acid, D-alanine, N-methyldehydroalanine, D-glutamate and Adda-3-amino-9-methoxy-2, 6, 8-trimethyl- 10-phenyldeca-4, 6-dienoic acid. The variable L amino acids are located at position 2 and 4. The variable of L amino acids increased the variations in microcsytins structure and so far there are about 70 structural variables have been identified (Codd et al., 2005). Besides that, demethylation of D-erythro-ÃŽ ²-methylaspartic acid and N-methyldehydroalanine amino acids also give variation in microcystin structure. In contrast, only about 6 variant of nodularins structure have been recognized (Codd et al. 1999). Both microcystins and nodularins only release from cyanobacteria bloom once it was lyses. These toxins are potent inhibitors of eukaryotic protein phosphotases activity (Park et al., 1993). According to Codd et al, (2005), this inhibition can change the membrane integrity and causing tumor production and liver damage. Liver is the main targeting organ in this action of toxins. Neurotoxin-alkaloids Neurotoxins contain the chemical structure of alkaloids. Alkaloids are chemical compound that contains any basic nitrogen atoms and produced by cyanobacteria. It cause toxic that act on nerve cell (neuron). So far, three known families of neurotoxins are anatoxin-a, anatoxin-a(S) and saxitoxins. Anatoxin-a acts by mimic acetylcholine, while anatoxin-a(S) inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Next, saxitoxins which relatively associated with paralytic shellfish poisons (PSP) are works by block the sodium channels. These toxins have been reported found mostly in area of North America, Europe and Australia (Sivonen Jones 1999). Devlin et al. (1977), identified anatoxins-a as a secondary amine 2-acetyl-9-azabicyclo (4-2-1)non-2-ene. Anatoxin-a is usually released by Anabaena flos-aquae, Anabaena spp, Anabaena planktonica, Oscillatoria, Aphanizomenon and Cylindrospermum (Sivonen and Jones, 1999). This toxins cause symptoms such as fasciculation, gasping and convulsion, when infection occurred in animals (Mazur et al., 2003). In contrast, Anatoxin-a(S) is guanidine methyl phosphate ester and produced by Anabaena flos-aquae and Anabaena lemmermannii (Codd et al., 2005). However, its structure still h as not been recognized. Sanitoxins are group of carbonate alkaloids and about 20 of structural variations has been recognized (Codd et al., 2005). Sanitoxins are produced by species of Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Cylindrospermopsis, Lyngbya, Planktothrix and Trichodesmium (Carmichael et al., 2001) Cytotoxin-alkaloids Cylindrospermopsin is the example of cytotoxin released and has been found in tropical and subtropical water such as in lakes, rivers and water supply reservoir (Falconer 1998). According to Hitzfeld et al (2000) and Codd et al (1999), cylindrospermopsin could also be categorized as hepatotoxins because it affects liver damage. However, Codd et al (2005) and Falconer (1998) have categorized it under cytotoxin class because its action as an inhibitor of protein synthesis. This inhibition cause damage to tissue that rapidly synthesize protein such as pituitary gland, epithelia including gut lining, the pancreas, lymphoid tissue and the prostate gland, as well as the kidneys and liver (Falconer 1998). This toxin is also genotoxic, which can cause loss of chromosome and break of DNA strand (Humpage et al 2000). Cylindrospermopsin is a cyclic guanidine alkaloid and has been isolated mainly from cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and also from Aphanizomenon ovalisporum, Umezakia natans, Aphani zomenon flosaquae and Raphidiopsis curvata (Falconer and Humpage, 2006). Irritant toxins Irritant toxins are usually related with skin irritant (dermatoxin). Aplysiatoxin and lyngbyatoxin is alkaloid structure and both are the most toxins that cause skin irritation. Aplysiatoxin is produced by genera of Lyngbya, Oscillatoria and Schizothrix whereas Lyngbyatoxin is produced by Lyngbya (Codd et al 1999). Aplysiatoxin also is potent tumour promoters and Lyngbyatoxin also caused severe oral and gastrointestinal inflammation (Sivonen and Jones, 1999). LPS endotoxin released by cyanobacteria is less potent than released by bacteria, such as Salmonella (Codd et al 1999). LPS is localized at outer membrane wall of cyanobacteria and contain lipid A that responsible for much of toxicity of cyanobacteria. LPS endotoxin in cyanobacteria is produced by Microcystis, Oscillatoria and Anabaena (Codd et al 1999). The signs and symptoms of this toxin are fever, rigors, headache, nausea, mild amnesia and diarrhea (Stewart et al., 2006). According to Codd et al (2005), it may contribute to inflammatory and gastrointestinal incidents. Toxin Chemical structure Producer Genera Primary target organ Hepatotoxins Microcystins Cyclic heptapeptides Microcystis, Anabaena, Planktothrix, Nostoc Anabaenopsis Liver Nodularins Cyclic pentaptides Nodularia Liver Neurotoxins Anatoxin-a Alkaloids Anabaena, Oscillatoria and Aphanizomenon, Cylindrospermum Microcystis Nerve synapse Anatoxin-a(s) Alkaloids Anabaena Nerve synapse Saxitoxins Alkaloids Aphanizomenon, Anabaena, Lyngbya Cylindrospermopsis Nerve axon Cytotoxins Cylindrospermosin Cyclic guanidine alkaloids Cylindrospermopsis, Aphanizomenon, Umezakia Rhapidiopsis Tissue damage include liver and kidney Irritant toxins Lyngbyatoxin Alkaloids Lyngbya Skin, GI tract Aplysiatoxin Alkaloids Lyngbya, Oscillatoria Schizothrix Skin Endotoxins LPS Microcystis, Oscillatoria Anabaena Potential irritant affect any exposed tissues Table 1: Updated from Codd et al. (1999) and Sivonen Jones (1999). This shows the summaries of general features of cyanotoxins. Occurrence of cyanobacterial toxins The cases of cyanotoxins affect humans and animals have been reported occurred throughout the world. This include part of Europe (such as Belgium, France, Germany, UK, etc), America (at least 27 states), Middle East and Asia (such as Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Thailand), Australasia (such as Australia, New Zealand), Africa (Botswana, Morocco) and also Marine Atlantic Ocean (Baltic Sea, Caribbean sea) and Antarctica (McMurdo Ice Shelf) (Codd et al., 2005). From the case reported, cyanatoxins affect animals, include wild and domestic mammals, birds, amphibians and fish, while human cases ranging from acute to chronic (Hitzfeld et al., 2000). The first case of cyanotoxins occurred in animals was the death of cattle, sheep, dogs, horses and pigs. This took placed in Lake Alexandrina, Australia in 1878. The death of these animals was due to drink the water that contains a scum of Nodularia spumigena (Francis, 1878) . After this case, numerous cases have been reported and most commonly involved death of farm animals after drinking the contaminated water with cyanobacterial bloom (Hitzfeld et al., 2000). For example, in 1991 the death of sheep has been recorded in Darling River, Australia. This death occurred after drinking from a farm dam contaminated with saxitoxins, released by Anabaena circinalis (Goodman et al., 1999). Besides, the cases of dog deaths after swimming in, or eating, cyanobacteria also occurred. In 1992, death of dogs at Loch Insh, Scotland happened after swimming was due to release of Anatoxin-a by Oscillatoria sp. into the water (Edwards et al., 1992). Among the earliest reported cases involving acute effect in humans was a series of town along the Ohio River, US in 1931. It start when the water of a side branch of the river develop a cyanobacteria bloom because of low rainfall. This water was then washed into the main river and caused a series of gastroenteritis once it moves downstream (Tisdale 1931). However, the toxins caused this outbreak is unknown and the organism that released this toxins was unspecified. Then, another case involving the same diseased, (gastroenteritis) was reported in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1966. This time Microcystis aeruginosa was the one that has been identified responsible in this case, but the toxins released was still not known (Hitzfeld et al., 2000). Children living in this area developed gastroenteritis each year as they use the water reservoir which contains a natural bloom of Microcystis (Zilberg 1966). The case of chronic effects in humans may be present due to short exposure to toxins (Goodman et al., 1999). The incidence in China, 1995 due to microcystins have lead to chronic of liver injury, hepatocellular carcinoma. This is primary cancer of the liver and most are secondary to hepatitis B infection. From the case analyzed, cyanobacteria are abundant in surface waters of south east China, where the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma is highest. Thus, it has been concluded that microcystins in the drinking water are responsible for the increased of liver cancer (Falconer 1998). Compare to all cyanotoxins, cyclic peptides (mostly microcystins) has high risk because of their potential to develop diseases in long term time, even when exposed to low concentration of cyanotoxins. This was confirmed after examined all the cases reported, where the major injury is hepatotoxicosis, cause liver damage. In contrast, neurotoxin mostly shows acute effect in mammals (Goddman et al., 1999). Routes of exposure There are many ways where humans and animals can be exposed to cyanotoxins. From the cases reported, animals usually infected by cyanotoxins orally via drinking contaminated water. For instance, the case reported of cattle deaths in Alpine Lakes, Switzerland (1974-1994). The cattle died because of liver damage after drinking the water which contains bloom of cyanobacteria (Hitzfeld et al., 2000). Besides, human can get infection of cyanotoxins during the recreational activity involving direct contact with water such as swimming, canoeing and paddling (Apeldoorn et al., 2007). In 1989, UK, some of army recruits showed symptoms of infected by cyanotoxins after swimming and canoes training in water with dense bloom of Mocrocystis. The signs of symptoms were vomiting, diarrhea, blistering of the lips, sore throat and central abdominal pain (Turner et al., 1990). The person that worked in the area of water such as boatmen and environmental scientists are also easily to get infection. Acco rding to Dittmann and Wiegand (2006), the consumption of blue green algae containing food and dietary supplements, such as pills or capsules, also can lead to gain the toxicity of cyanobacteria. According to Codd et al (1999), there are four routes of exposure where human can get infection of cyanotoxins (Table 2). The first one is via oral routes, taken by ingestion during recreational activity, drinking water, food and dietary supplements that contain dried cyanotoxins. The oral route has caused the outbreak of many diseased, such as gastroenteritis and hepatoenteritis after drinking water (Codd et al 1999). Infection by pulmonary route occurs either by inhalation of cyanobacteria bloom during recreational activity or work practices in industrial spray water (Codd et al., 1999). Next, dermal route is associated with skin or mucosal contact the contaminated water. This can lead to skin irritation and allergic reaction. Lastly, haemodialysis route can occurred via water used in haemodialysis treatment. Among the cases of this route, is the case of major fatal incident at haemodialysis clinic in Caruaru, Brazil. This case happened in 1996, where the patients with dialysis tre atment were treated with water from local reservoir. All patients experienced symptoms of nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and painful hepatomegaly. Then, these patients developed acute liver failure and acute neurotoxicity signs. From all the treated patients, 60 have been recorded as dead. Microcystins released by Aphanizomenon and Oscillatoria have been recognized as the toxins that responsible for this death (Codd et al., 1999). Exposure route Exposure medium Oral (ingestion) drinking water, recreational water, food (shellfish, finfish if toxin if toxin accumulation has occurred during production), dietary supplements (pills, capsules) if contains dried cyanobacterial cells with toxins. Pulmonary (inhalation, aspiration) water: aerosols, spray during recreation, work, showering Dermal water during recreation, work, showering (skin, mucosal contact) Haemodialysis water used for haemodialysis Table 2: Taken from Codd et al., 2005. This figure summaries the human exposure route and exposure medium for cyanotoxins. Diseases in Animals and Humans Hepatoenteritis Liver damage Hepatoenteritis is described as hepatitis-like illness, where associated with liver problem. This diseased can infect both human and animals. The outbreak of hepatoenteritis disease was reported in 1979 and occurred in Palm Island of the Queensland, Australia. Thus, this case also name as â€Å"Palm Island Mystery Disease† because the water drinking is supply from Palm Island reservoir (Ohtani et al., 1992). Investigation have shown that the reservoir contain the bloom of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii. This species released cylindrospermopsin and responsible for developed of severe hepatoenteritis among the 140 children and 10 adults. The common symptoms of this disease are malaise, anorexia, vomiting, painful liver enlargement, dehydration and bloody diarrhea. This toxin is very water soluble and infect into body by oral route via drinking water. According to Falconer and Humpage (2006), the mechanism of action for cylindrospermopsin is relatively slow. It work by inhibit pr otein synthesis at ribosome during the peptide chain elongation step. Besides, the toxins also released CYP450 oxidation that work to inhibit the glutathione synthesis. Both inhibitions caused major changes in liver, particularly hepatocytes. First, accumulation of ribosomes in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and followed by membrane proliferation. Next, the accumulation of lipid in the central portion of hepatic lobules and all this lead to severe liver necrosis (Duy et al., 2000). Kidney, lung, heart, spleen and thymus also might be affects. The toxins of microcystins are majorly involved in liver damage. Most of microcystins types are hydrophilic and thus, not able to penetrate vertebrate cell membrane. It only can uptake into cell membrane via transporter. Once the microcystins are uptake by mammals, it is transport into the blood from the ileum via bile acid type transporter, that present in hepatocytes (Apeldoorn et al 2007). As a result, the present of microcystins is higher in liver due to active uptake by hepatocytes. Once inside the hepatocytes, microcystins act as potent inhibitor of eukaryotic protein phosphatases 1 and 2A. These inhibitions cause changes in cytoskeletal proteins, and thus results in deformation of hepatocytes. The liver may undergo changes in term of a disruption of hepatocytes structure due to damage of cytoskeleton, loss of sinusoidal structure, increased in liver weight because of intrahepatic haemorrhage, heart failure and death. Gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, where involved stomach and intestine. This diseased can be cause by infection from cyanobacteria bloom of Microcystis sp and Anabaena sp. Acording to Hitzfeld et al (2000), the cases of gastroenteritis that have been recorded due to cyanobacteria bloom were occured in Ohio River, US (1931), Harare, Zimbabwe (1966) and Itaparica Dam, Brazil (1993). However, the toxins that responsible for this diseased still remain unknown because lack of available toxin analysis method and knowledge of candidate toxins at the time (Codd et al., 1999). Recently, there is case where LPS endotoxin is responsible for gastroenteritis incidents (Codd et al., 2005). Gastroenteritis is categorized under acute effect and mostly results in diarrhea. Besides, the symptoms shows are nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, headaches and abnormal pain. Respiratory problem Neurotoxins effects can lead to progressive paralysis and death because of respiratory failure. The case of livestock death in Europe and the US have been reported due to anatoxin-a, released from the genera of Oscillatoria, Aphanizomenon and Anabaena (Falconer, 1998). Anatoxin-a acts as a potent postsynaptic depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent, where it binds to neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of neuromuscular junction (Goodman et al., 1999) .This cause postsynaptic sodium channel of neuron is remain open and lead to continuous stimulation of sodium ion influx and continuously generates action potential. Consequently, the muscle contraction is over react and might be followed by fatigue and respiratory failure (Dittmann and Wiegand, 2006). This toxin can cause rapidly death depending on the species and amount of toxin ingested. The clinical sign of this infection are muscle fasciculation, decreased movement, abdominal breathing, cyanosis, and death by respiratory fa ilure. Saxitoxins are another type of neurotoxins that can infect both human and animals. As mention before, the case of Darling River in Australia (1990-1991) involved the deaths of sheep and cattle due to saxitoxins. Then, in human, saxitoxins have been the cause of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). Saxitoxins acts as a blocking agent of sodium channel in nerve axons. In mammals, this induces muscle paralyzed (respiratory muscle) and can follow by death due to respiratory failure (Apeldoorn et al., 2007). Skin irritation and allergic Lyngbya majuscula is one of the cyanobacteria that released aplysiatoxin and lyngbyatoxin. These toxins act as potent skin tumour promoters. Both toxins, especially aplysiatoxin, cause skin irritation after contact with bloom of Lyngbya majuscula. Swimmers of Hawaii and Okinawa got acute dermatitis (causing itch), erythematous wheals and desquamation after contact with Lyngbya majuscule (Codd et al., 1999). Besides, symptoms have included rashes, blisters, allergic reaction, asthma, conjunctivitis, and eye irritation. Conclusion The development of cyanobacterial bloom tends to be favored by nutrient enrichment (eutrophication). Therefore, enough nutrients will provide extremely growth of cyanobacteria bloom and thus, lead to high production of cyanotoxins once it is lyses. The most clearly study of toxins is microcystins due to widespread of its production among the cyanobacteria blooms. Besides, their existences that usually can be found in lakes, rivers and water supply reservoirs also lead to increased the chance to affect humans and animals health compare to the other toxins. As mention above, there are four routes where infection of cyanotoxins could occurs, which are by oral route, dermal route, pulmonary route and lastly via haemodialysis route. Once the toxins get inside humans and animals, they will start reacts and disturb the system inside the body according to its modes of actions. Therefore, it leads to outbreak of many diseased such as hepatoenteritis, gastroenteritis, respiratory problem and s kin irritation and allergic. However, till now there are some mechanism of toxins that still not understood, such as lyngbyatoxins (Goodman et al., 1999).Then, further work also need to be done in order to solve the cases of unknown toxic affect humans and animals that have been recorded. For example, the case of the outbreak of gastroenteritis diseased occurred in Ohio River, US (1931), Harare, Zimbabwe (1966) and Itaparica, Dam, Brazil (1993), where no actual toxins have been identified (Hitzfeld et al., 2000). All the features of cyanobacterial cell include their type of the toxins released and their mode of action is needed to understand clearly, in order to monitor and control their growth from continuously affect humans and animals. Thus, guidelines and regulatory standard could be developed to increased awareness of actual and potential of cyanotoxins. References APELDOORN, M. E., EGMOND, H. P., SPEIJERS, G. J. A. BAKKER, G. J. I. 2007. Toxins of cyanobacteria. Mol. Nutr. Food Res, 51, 7-60. CARMICHAEL, W. W., AZEVEDO, S., AN, J. I., MOLICA, R., J.R, JOCHIMSEN, E. M., LAU, S., RINEHART, K. L., SHAW, G. R. EAGLESHAM, G. K. 2001. Human Fatalities from Cyanobacteria: Chemical and Biological Evidence for Cyanotoxins. Environ Health Perspect, 109, 663-668. CODD, G. A., BELL, S. G., KAYA, K., WARD, C. J., BEATTIE, K. A. METCALF, J. S. 1999. Cyanobacterial toxins, exposure routes and human health. European Journal of Phycology, 34, 405-415. CODD, G. A., MORRISON, L. F. J.S, M. 2005. Cyanobacterial toxins: risk management for health protection. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 203, 264-272. DEVLIN, J.P., EDWARDS, O.E., GORHAM. P.R., HUNTER. M.R., PIKE, R.K. STAVRIC, B. 1977.  Anatoxin-a, a toxic alkaloid from Anabaena flos-aquae NCR-44h. J. of Chem, 55, 1367-1371. DITTMANN, E. WIEGAND, C. 2006. Cyanobacterial toxins occurrence, biosynthesis, and impact on human affairs. Molecular Nutrition Food Resources, 50, 7-17. DUY, T.N., LAM, P.K.S., SHAW, G.R CONNELL, D.W. 2000. Toxicology and risk assessment of freshwater  cyanobacterial (Blue green algae) toxins in water. Rev Environ Contam Toxicol, 163, 113-186. EDWARDS, C., BEATTIE, K., SCRIMGOUR, C. Codd, G. 1992. Identification of anatoxin-a in benthic  cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and in associated dog poisonings at Loch lnsh, Scotland.  Toxicon, 30, 1165-1175. FALCONER, I. R. 1998. An Overview of Problems Caused by Toxic Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) in Drinking and Recreational Water. John Wiley Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 14, 5-12. FALCONER, I. R. HUMPAGE, A. R. 2006. Cyanobacterial (Blue-Green Algal) Toxins in Water Supplies: Cylindrospermopsins. Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 21, 299-304. FRANCIS, G. 1878. Poisonous Australian Lake. Nature, 18, 11-12. GOODMAN, T., FALCONER, I. FITZGERALD, J. 1999. Human Health Aspects. In: BARTRAM, I. C. A. J. (ed.) Toxic Cyanobacteria in Water: A guide to their public health consequences,monitoring and management. World Health Organization. HENSON, B. J., WATSON, L.E., BARNUM, S.R. 2002. Molecular Differentiation of the Heterocystous Cyanobacteria, Nostoc and Anabaena, Based on Complete NifD Sequences. Current Microbiology, 45, 161-164. HITZFELD, B. C., HOGER, S. J. DIETRICH, D. R. 2000. Cyanobacterial Toxins: Removal during Drinking Water Treatment, and Human Risk Assessment. Environmental Health Perspect

Baldwins Views on Struggles of Blacks in America Essay -- James Baldw

Same Story, Different Continents During the late 1950?s and early 1960?s, many African nations were struggling for their independence from Europe. In ?Down at the Cross,? James Baldwin relates this struggle to that of blacks in the United States during the same time period, and there are far more similarities than Baldwin mentions. Although this comparison offers hope, demonstrating the power of blacks over white oppressors, the ongoing European presence in Africa is a painful reminder that independence and freedom are not complete. Since the 1880?s, when European nations colonized Africa, Europe had almost complete control over the continent, but this changed during the 1950?s and 60?s. By 1958, ten African countries had gained their independence, and sixteen more joined the list in 1960 alone. Although these nations? gain of independence demonstrates the ability of blacks to overpower their white oppressors, Baldwin argues ?The word ?independence? in Africa and the word ?integration? here are almost equally meaningless; that is, Europe has not yet left Africa, and black men here are not yet free? (336). While black people had been legally free in the United States since 1863, two decades before the European colonization of Africa, they were still not truly free, almost a century later. The absence of true freedom is apparent in Baldwin?s other essays, in which he writes about the rampant prejudice and discrimination of the 1950?s and 60?s. Blacks during this time were limited as to where they could live, go to school, use the bathroom, eat, and drink. ?Such were the cases of a Nigerian second secretary who was rebuffed last week when he tried to order breakfast in Charlottesville, VA, and a Ghanaian second secret... .... The National Park Service. 17 Mar. 2004 . ?Lumumba Moved; Reported Beaten.? New York Times 19 Jan. 1961: 7. McLaughlin, Kathleen. ?U.N. Jobs Easing Plight in Congo? New York Times 22 Jan. 1961: 8. ?New Money Set for South Africa? New York Times 16 Jan. 1961: 2. Power Struggle. Revolutionary Suicide: Controlling the Myth of Huey P. Newton. 17 Mar. 2004 . Schmidt, Dana Adams. ?Africans Protest Prejudice in U.S.? New York Times 21 Jan. 1961: 4. Tanner, Henry. ?Mali President Calls on Nation To Fight ?Foreign Subversion. New York Times 16 Jan. 1961: 2. The Tripartite Invasion, 1956. About.com. 5 Mar. 2004 . ?U.N. Shuns Effort in Lumumba Case.? New York Times 20 Jan. 1961: 3.

Welty’s A Worn Path: The Strength of Love :: A Worn Path essays

Strength of Love in A Worn Path   In the story A Worn Path, Eudora Welty shows an old woman living in a time period where racial prejudice is rampant and out of control.   Phoenix Jackson is a grandmother whose only motivation for living is to nurture her grandson back to health.   The strength of love may make people do or say unusual and implausible things.   The central idea of this story is that love can empower someone to over come many life-threatening obstacles.   The idea is shown when an old woman conquers all odds against her to show her everlasting love for her grandson.   Throughout the story Phoenix Jackson has to overcome many types of obstacles that hinder her in her devotion to help her grandson.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the main hindrances that stand in her way is the physical aspect of her age as well as the journey.   Phoenix Jackson is very weak and feeble because of her old age so that makes her long journey very strenuous.   Another physical obstacle is that she has to weave and duck under a barbwire fence.   Her feeble body cannot handle such tasks at her age.   The third hindrance she must defeat is that she must cross over a log that lay across a creek.   This requires concentration, skill, and patients.   Even people whom are twice as young as Phoenix have trouble doing such things.   Not many other emotional force other then love is strong enough to give power to an old woman who is living only for one reason.   She realizes that if she were to die then the fate of her grandson would be damned.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are also mental obstacles that obstruct Phoenix’s journey.   She has to triumph over her weariness because of her old age and her mental fatigue.   As she is walking her mind plays tricks on her, such as the time when she is in the field and mistakes the scarecrow for a dark mysterious figure that she is frightened of.   Another time is when she talks to herself and the animals in the woods.   She tells them not to get in her way because she has a long trip ahead of her.   The love that one person gives to another is never truly appreciated until the recipient realizes what that person has actually done.   The grandson may be too ill or even too young to realize what his grandmother is doing for his safety.

Market Segmentation: Product Concepts

ZULQARNAIN BIN ABU HASSAN SCM 022431 REVIEW OF SEPTEMBER ISSUE When talking about mix and match and color blocking it is normally related to the fashion world. It is also involves modeling, in terms of clothes, accessories, gadgets, men and women, and trending. There are various ways for customer to get reference in fashion. Some will refer to the while other may use word of mouth. However most will use fashion magazine as their main reference. So just what fashion do you prefer? Mix and match? Color Blocking? Trending? There are many answers and you can make a long list if you want.Here we will focus on a September Issue documentary film about the construction of a prominent magazine in New York City, â€Å"Vogue†. Vogue magazine led by its editor Anna Wintour a strong influential and is supported by fashion designers all over Europe. A bit of background of the Editor. She was an ex model and is a hardcore follower of Vogue magazine since her teens. Her father Charles Wintour , former editor of a newspaper, persuade join the Vogue magazine. In this documentary film it will highlight how a fashion magazine is being published.Publishing a magazine will involved planning the content of the magazine for each month, what message to be conveyed to the reader and followers of Vogue, and try to anticipate future fashion or trending today. The production of the magazine should always be able to communicate to the readers. It also should express its views despite the bitter outlook. This is done through pre-production. The publication of a magazine will have to looked in terms of quality and not just profit alone. In the pre-production, editor has to play a big role in ensuring that choices and decisions are made clearly.She has to understand the desires of the readers and followers of the Vogue. For September 2007 Issue, the goals is to make history by producing over 100 pages. Other factors such as fashion related activities, advertising and cover page by endors ed celebrity also plays an important role in a magazine. All the hard work is done during the pre-production. Post mortem is then conducted before they proceed to real production. As editor of Vogue magazine said in 2007 ‘fashion is not about looking back but is about looking forward â€Å".

The New Weave- Culturally Inclusive Curriculum

The New Weave- Culturally Inclusive Curriculum A ‘culturally inclusive curriculum’ is the planning and delivery of education to ensure that social and cultural perspectives are reflected in all aspects of teaching and learning across the curriculum. Any part of the curriculum cannot be primarily altered by the teacher, so in order to adapt a culturally inclusive curriculum a collaborative support is needed as a means of creating sustainable change and improvement that integrates successful outcomes of programmes into mainstream schooling practice.The needed support will rely on expertise, decisions and the involvement of key stakeholders such as; parents, teachers, the community and the Education Department in establishing, implementing and monitoring the procedures. Going through all this procedures is as important as culturally inclusive will not only involve within the classroom but within the community and the school.This assignment will be discussing the importance of culturally inclusive curriculum to students learning, then describe how as a teacher would facilitate the sharing of cultural experiences of students, outline the challenges faced when facilitating of cultural experiences and how it was dealt with and finally the concluding with the fact that diverse cultures in schools is emerging. Education is an introduction to worthwhile learning with teaching methods that must be morally accepted.Culture is the background or foundation of a person’s upbringing within their society which includes their store of important knowledge, skills and values expressed through their language and passing them on to the younger generation for the sake of cultural continuity and survival. In this context, education and culture are inextricably linked since the content of all education has value of structure that is associated with a particular cultural scheme. As education and culture are inextricably linked, culturally inclusive curriculum is a vi tal approach to the education system. In most Oceanic societies today, traditional cultural values underpin much of what people emphasise and think about, and continue to be the framework that people use to justify their behaviour and to explain the behaviour of others†. (Thaman, 1988). To embrace the knowledge of diverse cultures of all students in education is to understand the cultural backgrounds of the students, from there, teachers will be able to create a learning space for their students’ which is known as ‘culturally inclusive curriculum’.With different cultural backgrounds and heritage ‘culturally inclusive curriculum’ is based on reflecting on students’ prior knowledge, views, values and understanding, teachers can then build on that foundation with activities and resources that are familiar to the students. The importance of a ‘culturally inclusive curriculum’ approaches have various benefits in the classroom, th e school and the community.The Solomon Islands Education Strategic plan 2002-2004 takes this into consideration when it states: †¦there is an acceptance that education has increased tensions with communities†¦The education system is seen by many as being unconnected and antagonistic to the social and cultural values on which Solomon Island communities and society is based†¦Education must be available to all regardless of gender, ethnicity and socio-economic background of citizens. (Ministry of Education, Solomon Islands 2002:1-2).The approaches will be describing how a teacher would facilitate the sharing of cultural experiences of students which with benefits that will explain the essential features that will reflect back towards the students’ wellbeing that will be focused on enhancing students learning. The approaches are: Teaching programs will meet the specific needs of students from diverse backgrounds to ensure equitable learning outcomes where students are provided with support to develop language and literacy proficiency.While English is the major shared language within the Pacific Island countries, it can be used as a tool and mean of communication for our literacy and language development of the social, cultural, community and economic vitality of our nation to draw upon adoption of cultures such as language and a wide variety of languages other than English. Activities that they will be able to relate to, for example are: 1.Sharing ideas of the different uses of plants for medicinal purposes and other uses and plant names. This idea will bring students to able to make connections with other cultures as some plant names and uses will be similar. e. g. similar names of coconut; ini- Nauruan, naniu- Fijian and niu- Tongan and Hawaiian. 2. A discussion, students share stories of adapted languages. e. g. Story of how the Ikiribati and the Nauruan adopted a word A European boy came off a ship with a pet dog, the Ikiribati and the Na uruan bserved carefully at the strange looking creature and they asked each other, â€Å"What is it called? † The European boy called his dog, â€Å"come here Rover† The Ikiribati went back to his people and told them that the creature (dog) is called a ‘Dagamea’ as from the word ‘come here’. The Nauruan went back to his people and told his people that the creature (dog) is called ‘Robar’ as from the word ‘Rover’. Until now in Kiribati, dagamea mean dog and in Nauru, robar means dog. These benefits are:Schools actively engage with parents and community members from diverse backgrounds to support the engagement and learning of their children this will enable the classroom to become an independent space which promotes open dialogue and communication to allow for personal and social education and will also encourage a cooperative learning. Students will develop an understanding and respect for different cultures, religio ns, values and views, as they are able to understand and see the similarities between their own cultural backgrounds and other cultures and relate to them.Diverse cultural backgrounds of all students are recognised and valued so no students are being left out but will be given the opportunity to express and share their own cultural background and build on their prior knowledge in a diverse and meaningful way this will enable students to gain confidence in their self image. The inference are the approach will analyse the cultural similarities, it is human nature that having something in common always attract interest and will create a diverse society within the classroom. Students will view that culture is a web of interrelationships and will provide meaning to and a framework for their existence in a particular society†. (Thanman , 2001). Pacific education must prepare our children for the reality of life beyond the walls of the classroom, the schoolyard and their familiar soc iety; they must be a prepared for the complex life beyond their comfort zone, but to prepare them to inculcate values and character that would enable full and positive participation in both local cultural community life and in the global community.However, there is yet another perspective of the issue concerning the idea of sharing cultural experiences of student which are the challenges teachers will face when utilizing the idea. It is always best to speculate and evaluate the idea of adopting changes and the pedagogy used. In spite of the importance highlighted of the idea of sharing cultural experiences let us not overlook the challenges which the teacher will be facing.Challenges that I may be facing as a teacher are to mention a few are; trying to get to know all the cultural background of all my students and not leaving one behind due to my lack of knowledge and understanding, coming to terms with my own cultural beliefs, religion and values into accepting other beliefs, relig ions and values and the limited understanding of what curriculum reform was about and unable to satisfactorily implement the new curricula.Trying to get to know all the cultural background of all my students and not leaving one behind due to my lack of knowledge and understanding, is as a teacher, more research, planning and extra hard work have to be carried out. As some cultural experiences maybe dominant than the other, as a teacher I have to try to balance them out and be resourceful and creative in planning activities to be made as equally interesting and not letting one culture dominate the other. Coming to terms with my own cultural background, religion and values and accepting other beliefs, religions and values.As an adult without the opportunity of a culturally diverse upbringing or teacher training on the issue, it will be a challenge to understand and interrelate with other cultural beliefs especially when it comes to religion and beliefs. While moulding my students to b e culturally diverse I will be going through the same process and learning myself. The limited understanding of what curriculum reform was about and unable to satisfactorily implement the new curricula of ‘culturally inclusive curriculum’.Due to my lack of knowledge of other cultural backgrounds, it will be a challenge to implement or even teach the new cultural inclusive curricula. In conclusion, culturally inclusive curriculum is an important approach in this modern time, as even though there will be challenges when teachers are actually facilitating the sharing of cultural experiences within the classroom. Culture inclusive in our curricula is becoming a demand due to the increase of multicultural backgrounds of students which has brought attention to educators to take action on the issue.Diverse cultures in Pacific schools is increasing so let us use this as an opportunity to prepare our children to be able to strive in the wider global network. Bibliography Ministr y of Education, Solomon Islands. 2002. Education strategic plan 2002- 2004. Government of Solomon Islands, Solomon Is. Thaman, K. H. (1988). Ako and Faiako: cultural values, educational ideas and teachers’ role perceptions in Tonga. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of the South Pacific, Suva. Thanman, K. T. (2001). Culturally inclusive teacher education in Oceania. International Education Journel, 26 (5), 1-2.

Concept Paper on Medical Aid Schemes

MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY Concept paper on the proposed State Universities Medical Fund Distribution List Mrs. V. Chirasha / Deputy Registrar (Human Resources) Author Mr. S. Masiyiwa / Lecturer, Department of Insurance & Risk Management 1. Introduction Healthcare finance and services providers in Zimbabwe were not spared by the economic downturn of the past decade. Most medical aid societies, practically collapsed when co-payments demanded by service providers exceeded their global limits on benefit payaments. For example, patients were being asked to pay Z$10 billion cash as o-payment and the medical aid society would only pay Z$1 million according to their tariffs. This mismatch, saw many clients, the state universities included, canceling their membership to such schemes and retaining the risk themselves, either funded or unfunded. The introduction of the multicurrency system in February 2009 brought the much needed stability to various sectors of the economy. However, the system was not backed by significant foreign currency inflows and as a result economic activity has remained subdued. Many organizations are currently operating below capacity and are downsizing to remain afloat. This development has significantly reduced inflow of contributions to medical aid societies, who although operating, are still to fully recover and offer full scale benefits. 2. Recent developments Contributions made to medical aid societies are made on the understanding that â€Å"if you do not use it you lose it†. This is understandable as medical aid schemes are basically risk pooling and sharing solutions and premised on the concept that the misfortunes of a few should be met by fortunes of many. However, the tight liquidity situation is forcing many entities to adopt innovative risk management strategies intended to retain as much cash as possible and only outsource those risks that exceed their risk appetite. The economic challenges of the past decade, we faced as a nation exposed the limitations of insurance as a risk financing mechanism. We have all learnt that insurance is not â€Å"THE† solution but part of the solution and that there are also equally good alternatives to insurance. Some medium to large scale organizations have since created self administered insurance schemes to cater for a variety of risks they face in their operations, e. g. material damage, health, funeral, superannuation, etc. Cell Insurance Company has spearheaded the adoption of the concept in Zimbabwe through its â€Å"rent-a-cell† captive arrangement and today it administers a lot of these schemes. However, a worrisome development in Zimbabwe is the transfer of the superannuation and morbidity risk to the employees by cash strapped or unscrupulous employers. Recently most if not all of the state university staff had no membership to any medical aid or health insurance scheme. They were paying for their health and related expenses from personal resources. The extent to which this approach could be used was obviously limited due to the low salaries and allowances staff is currently receiving. The state universities have started receiving funding from the fiscus and renewed their membership to medical aid societies. However, the concept is still the same: if you do not use it, you lose it! How many times have been to the doctor lately, once, twice or none? Literally, medical aid societies are getting richer at the expense of the members, university staff included. Retaining in-house the contributions state universities currently pay to various medical aid societies and health insurance schemes could make a difference to the underfunded institutions. 3. Suggestions for the state universities It is against the above background that I propose that the state universities should consider setting up a unified independent medical benefit fund to finance health and related risks the state university staff are exposed to on a daily basis. It is also proposed that both the employer (state universities) and the employees should make periodic contributions to the fund, the employer paying 80% and the employees meeting the balance of 20%. 4. Costing basis According to latest personnel records, the state universities employ about 3100 in total. Costing of commercial health and self insurance schemes is based on the â€Å"law of large numbers†. The larger the statistical base, the more accurate the loss ratio becomes. Many schemes operating in Zimbabwe today actually started as in-house schemes with even fewer numbers, e. g. FLIMAS and First Mutual. The 3100 university employees constitute a sizeable number, to allow for costing of the proposed medical benefit fund. In addition to the level of benefits required, existing university clinic utilization figures should be analysed and included in the costing model. 5. Advantages of the proposed scheme The proposed scheme has the following advantages: – Contributions to the fund should be lower as members will not pay for medical aid society or insurer’s administration and profit margins. – Interest from the investment of funds will accrue to the benefit fund – Any profits will accrue to the benefit fund Benefits can be tailor made, improved and enhanced with time as the fund grows – There will be no disputes with medical aid society or insurers over claims settlement – There would be a strong incentive by members to reduce claims and control losses – Global limits can be increased easily with minimum or no increase in contributions fr om the employer and employers – Improvement in staff morale can be achieved thereby increasing productivity and the restoration of financial independence and dignity. 6. Disadvantages of the proposed scheme The proposed scheme has the following disadvantages: – The claims statistics, which are used to decide on contributions will come from a narrow base – A catastrophic loss (although remote) could occur in the formative years and wipe out the fund. However, catastrophe cover can be separately arranged with leading reinsurers for a very low premium to cover the fund against an accumulation of claims above the expected budget in any given accounting period. – Individual small claims may not affect the fund too much but their aggregate effect may have catastrophic effects. Catastrophe cover, described above can also mitigate this risk – There will be need to employ additional staff to handle the fund’s administrative matters. True, but use of existing clinics and facilities at state universities should reduce the number of additional staff required. – There may be a temptation to dip into the fund and pay for unrelated activities. This must be resisted by the board of management/trustees. In any case the business of the fund should be separate from that of sponsoring universities. If the †dip† is to be allowed it should be a loan based on prevailing commercial bank loan terms and conditions. – Benefits from the basic insurance principle of spreading risk will be lost. From the foregoing, it can be concluded that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. The disadvantages, although real, are highly theoretical and remote. 7. Establishment of a technical working committee To expedite the process a technical committee consisting of representatives from the state universities should be set up. The committee should consist of both management representatives (50%) and employee representatives (50%). This intended to ensure buy in at the early stages and also incorporated the various stakeholders’ interests and ideas in the scheme. 8. The mandate The technical committee must be mandated to carry out the following tasks: 10. 1 Drafting of the constitution The proposed benefit fund will be run according to its Rules and Regulations as enshrined in its Constitution. The technical committee will be responsible for drafting the Rules and Regulations, which will include, inter alia: ) The name and objects of the proposed benefit fund b) Board of management/trustees, appointment and composition, meetings, its powers and functions c) Membership issues e. g. eligibility, application, termination, deprivation of membership, etc d) Subscriptions e. g. level, frequency and mode of payment of subscriptions. e) Beneficiaryship e. g. eligibility, application and termination of benefi ciaryship. f) Schedule of benefits e. g. nature and amounts of benefits, eligibility for benefits, waiting periods, claims for benefits, rejection of claims, ex-gratia payments. ) Assets, liabilities, rights and obligations of the medical fund h) Actuarial valuation i) Dissolution/wing-up of medical benefit fund j) Amendment of rules e. g. power, requirements for amending the rules k) General information for members e. g. benefit exclusions, lodging of members’ complaints and requests, payments of awards not supported by receipts, payment of service providers, list of approved providers, letters of guarantees for services provided outside Zimbabwe, shortfalls, travel cover on holiday, business or study. ) Promotion of the medical fund for acceptance by target service providers and establishing working relationships with them 2. Benefit design The technical committee must develop a number of benefit options which members can choose from. I propose the following plans, that I h ave christened, for want of better names, the university premier plan, university medium plan and the university standard plan. a) University Premier Plan This would be similar to the CIMAS Medexec Plan/PSMAS Pinnacle Plan and is meant to provide executive benefits for the principal officers and senior management. ) University Medium Plan This would be similar to the CIMAS Private Hospital Plan/ PSMAS Select Plan and is meant to provide members who want global limits higher than those provided under the University Standard Plan described below: c) University Standard Plan This should be the entry point and would be similar Excel Plan from PSMAS which currently covers most staff. The plan will pay for consultation and treatment received from Government, Mission, Municipal & Private Hospitals, general practitioners and specialists up to a limit, per person per annum 3. Registration of the fund with the authorities The technical committee should be mandated to register the proposed medical benefit fund in terms of the Medical Services Act, Chapter 15: 13 and any other applicable and relevant legislation. 9. Administration The technical committee should consider the following issues that affect the efficient running of the business of the proposed medical benefit fund. 9. 1. Location of registered office and other offices. This could be either in Harare or Bulawayo with satellite offices at all state universities. Any other center could be considered for the location of the head office. My suggestion is based on the density of service providers in Harare and Bulawayo. Most members would be referred to these big centers for specialist medical tests and treatment. Existing facilities could be used as satellite offices e. g. the existing clinics could be expanded and resourced to offer a variety of services normally available from general practitioners. This will save on costs. 2. Staffing issues Additional staff will be required especially for the head office. This will include the principal officer, finance manager, membership and claims administrators. However, they should be very few, because most of the work will be done from satellite offices. Initially there may be a lot of work when the office is set up but that should stabilize with the effluxion of time. 3. Finance and claims administration This could be centralized at head office and payments to service providers and refunds to members made once every fortnight i. e. only on two occasions per month. 4. Dispensary It is advisable to buy the essential drugs from source and keep them in stock for use by members. It will also save on costs. Railmed currently operates such a facility countrywide for the benefit of railway employees scattered across the country. The state universities should use the existing clinics for a similar purpose. Alternatively, mutually beneficial arrangements (drug schemes) can be made with leading private pharmacies to allow members’ access to drugs without paying for them upfront. 5. Approved provider network For the members to benefit, the scheme should be promoted for broader acceptance by as many service providers as possible so that members are not inconvenienced in the time of need. The management of the medical fund should promote the scheme and establish working relationships with all health service providers. This can also save on cost as it is possible to negotiate preferential rates. 6. Access to technical advice The state universities have a large pool of experts on their payroll. The technical committee should tap on that expertise. This will not only serve on cost but show the world that we can use knowledge to the benefit of mankind and practice what we preach! 10. Conclusion Emerging trends in risk management indicate that more and more organizations are electing funded risk retention strategies in an effort to contain cost and get more value for their money. State universities should embrace the philosophy and design and implement robust enterprise wide risk management strategies that mitigate the risks they are exposed to. For a start, establishing a unified independent medical benefit fund to finance the morbidity risk university staff are exposed to will be a good step in that direction. Proposed State Universities Medical Benefit Fund Benefit Limits Schedule General Practitioners, Specialists, Public & Private Hospitals) | |Services |Benefit Limits (US$) | | |General Practitioner |Paid in full | | |Physician specialist |Paid in full | | |Hospitalisation | | | |Prescription drugs | | | |Rehabilitative services | | | |Haemodialysis |Paid in full | | |Chemotherapy |Paid in full | | |Chronic disease drugs |Paid in full | | |Dental services | | | |R efraction |Paid in full | | |Optical |Paid in full | |Maternity |Paid in full | | |Family planning | | | |Hearing aids | | | |Pathology |Paid in full | | |Radiology |Paid in full | | |Blood transfusion |Paid in full | | |Psychiatric care |Paid in full | | |Prosthetic appliances | | | |Ambulance |Paid in full | | |Air Evacuation |Paid in full for life threatening situations| | | |only subject to prior authorization by board| | | |of management/trustees | | |Foreign treatment |Local benefit limit apply subject to prior | | | |authorization by board of | | | |management/trustees | ———————– [pic]