Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Sonnetts; quot;The Long Lovequot; and quot;Love That...

In the first decade of the 16th century the two most important poets were, Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, earl of Surrey. They have made significant contribution towards the development of English literature during the reign of King Henry VIII. Both translated Petrachs work but with comparative difference in form and style. The Long Love by Wyatt and Love that doth reign by Surrey are translation of Petrachs 150th {109} sonnet. Each of these translated sonnet mirrors their respective poets strength and distinguished conception of `love. The sonnets deal with the speaker who loves a lady, but she will not permit him to declare his love. It is the portrayal of emotions complaints and personal expression of love by lover.†¦show more content†¦It lacks the strong sense of sound and form spoiling the pleasure of reading because it fails to move the readers heart though it satisfies the mind for instance this line And coward love then to the heart apace compared to wherewith love to the hearts forest he fleeth prove to be weak whereas Wyatts version is potent. Surreys sonnet lacks in emotional intensity but is more artistic and cultured. Wyatts due to its aggressive and masculine tone proves to be more passionate which intensify the emotions but then it lacks artistic refinement of Surreys sonnet. In Love that doth reign alternate rhyme with a couplet at the end, and choice of the words that rhyme results in smoothness and fine rhythm. In The Long Love the stress is more on last syllable which gives harsh impact. Wyatts version therefore lacks musicality and rhythm which characterize Surreys version. Both adopted the patrachian conceit by witty separation of love from the lover through personification. But the contrast lies in their personification. Surrey subjected love as a knight defeated in war and the lover is given the role of his assistance and Wyatt has subjected love as the lovers master. Thou, both serve the same idea; lover is absolved of his passionate advances for whatever he does is compliance with his lords behests and in end is happy to die for it; the conclusions of both sonnet proves this

Monday, December 16, 2019

Research Methodology †Summary Free Essays

Descriptive studies help discover new meaning, describe what currently exists, and categorize the information. We will use desk research as well as field research; we will use both kinds of research because this way we will have the most appropriate Information. Desk research will include telephone Interviewing, online research etc. We will write a custom essay sample on Research Methodology – Summary or any similar topic only for you Order Now On the other hand we have field research, this will give us an edge because we’ll be out in the field and have interaction with potential customers, immediate feedback etc. Experiments: We can experiment to see if a certain amount of people will actually enjoy and have good views towards Wipers. Research strategies: * Telephone Interviewing. * Questioning at shops Like Blocker and Supermarkets. * Questionnaires. Personal Interviewing. Purpose of the research: * Finding out the competitors. * Finding out if there is a place for us in market. * Finding out how marketable our product is. * Finding out what potential customers think of our product. Population and Sample: We have concluded that the Ranted regions will be the first regions for our questionnaires to find place at. Because of these regions populations It Is the most appropriate way to have Interaction with many potential customers.. Because of the population it is obvious that it is not feasible to give unlimited samples, therefore a feedback to us and so we will process this data as well. As it is obvious that we want to have the most efficient information out of this selected group there will be some exclusion and inclusion criteria requirements. Include: * Stay at home ; working women or men * Age group of 18-50 * Minimum of 50 and maximum of 80 participants Exclude: * Kids Individuals who never clean their houses themselves ( help in the house ) We will have a letter of invitation for it to be send to our potential participants. Within this letter of invitation we will explain the reason of the research, discussion on confidentiality and what the participation will entail. With this letter of invitation will be agreement form, which must be read, signed and returned by participants in order to take part in the research. The time period will be two weeks. Participants will experience using the product and have their feedback on a written document as well as face to face interviews ( this tit only a again selected group ) Our analyzers will have a week time to process the gained data in the research. Data collection methods and procedures: As previously stated we intend to carry out a qualitative research design, In order to do so it requires us to have one on one interviews with the interviewees. This allows the interviewees to discuss their opinions and experiences. Having said that, there are also different kinds of interview styles. There is the semi-structured interview which has a prepared topic guide or certain amount of questions to be covered with each participant. How long the interviews will last depends on the kind of interview which will take place and on the participants’ responses which will lead the direction and length of the interview. Participants will be ensured of their anonymity as well. Data analysis: The purpose of data analysis is to organize and provide structure to the research data. Qualitative data analysis occurs in three phases: description, analysis and interpretation. We will transcribe the interviews and carry out analyzing of the transcripts. Furthermore we will go on and complete a reduction in data through categorizing ND identifying similar information of the data we have gathered throughout the data and compare variables. Validity and Reliability: Validity is understood best by the question: ‘Are we measuring what we think we are measuring? And reliability is the degree to which a test consistently measures whatever it measures. So to test the validity and reliability we will perform a pilot study which is a brief and limited version of the planned research and which will help us identify any weaknesses in the plan and allow time to rectify any necessary amendments. A pilot study will allow us to make any adjustments before the main event takes place. Ethical consideration: All research studies present a number of ethical and moral concerns which must be identified and addressed prior to carrying out any research study in order to protect all participants from potential harm. Therefore we have asked our participants to sign a consent form ensuring them of the confidentiality and informing them about the nature of the research. However, we don’t expect any ethical dilemmas to occur because of the nature of our research. How to cite Research Methodology – Summary, Essays

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Toyota Transportation and Distribution for Respect- myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about theToyota Transportation and Distribution for Respect. Answer: Introduction Toyota is a Japanese automobile company founded in 1937. The company is currently operating around the globe with its headquarter situated in Tokyo. The focus of the company is to produce and sale vehicles in the process of contribution towards a more prosperous society. Toyota believes that the company built on a loose soil will eventually fail to hold the interest of its stakeholders in hard time. This led the company to form a solid base of stakeholders by manufacturing quality products and solid supply chain. Long-term partnership, growth through harmony, maintain corporate culture, respect other culture and languages and develop advanced technology and environmental friendly products are the key principles Toyota follows in their international venture. The code of conduct of the company successfully synchronies with their guiding principles and narrates every steps in the business (toyota-global.com., 2017). The products offered by Toyota to their international customers ranges from passenger vehicles, Welfare vehicles, components or aero parts, automobile parts to powered wheelchair (Toyota-ej.co.jp, 2017). They are currently competing with some of the major competitors like Volkswagen, BMW with their product line. The goals Toyota set for competing in this competitive market are to produce better environmental friendly better car with better manufacturing to enrich the lives of the target communities. These goals are in accordance with their ultimate goal to obtain zero causality. This essay aims to understand the intercom utilized by the company in their transportation and distribution. The study extends to identify the best possible incoterm that will be effective for Toyota in their transportation and distribution process. The later part of the essay identifies the significant carrier selection considerations for Toyota and the relationship type beneficial. In other words, this essay will suggest incoterm, carrier and type of relationship with the carrier best suited for Toyota in order to increase companys overall profitability. Incoterm Selection Incoterm or International Commercial Terms was introduced in the year 2010 by the International Chambers of Commerce, which is narration of a number of terms. This categorizes the import and export system utilized by the manufacturers and the buyers. In other words, these terms states the possible relationships between the manufacturer, logistics, and the buyers (Cook, 2011). Toyota Company in its initiation days used to deliver the completed cars individually. In other words, they used to drive individual completed cars to their customers doorsteps. This led them to launch their first ever truck Toyota G1 truck in the year 1935 to deliver multiple cars at the same location at the same time. However, their transportation and delivery has considerably expended every since. This can be attributed to their market expansion they are now operating not only in the boundaries of Japan, but also overseas. They have expanded their transportation and delivery services and now have diversified transportation services that include rail, plane, ships, and ground transporters to reach out their customers. They have separate department for handling these for completing these transports. They have domestic transportation department for delivering their vehicles in the domestic market, overseas transportation department for overseas transportation and Parts supply, and transportation department for handling spare parts and accessories (Toyota-global.com, 2017). They are now seeking more compatible and environment friendly transportation system to increase the efficiency of their transport and delivery system and address the largest portion of their target market directly from their production facilities around the world. Recommendations FCA FCA or Free Carrier This can be considered as the best possible incoterm for Toyota in delivering both their completed vehicles and parts to their buyers. According to this incoterm the responsibility of the supplier last until they handover the products to the carrier nominated by the buyers. The seller delivers the products to the nominated products and loads it in the carrier. Expenses and responsibility till the loading is carried out by the seller, which thereafter move to buyers. The buyer will be responsible for any damage occurs after the products are loaded in the carriers shipment (Stapleton, Pande O'Brien, 2014). It is considered as the safest and cheapest incoterm in case of the sellers as it considerably reduces the risk of transporting the goods overseas that is both risky and costly. CPT Figure 2 CPT or Carriage Paid To CPT is another incoterm that can bring possible benefit for Toyota as it considerably reduces the risk incurred by the supplier. The supplier is responsible for the security of the goods till the first pick up point that is the first carrier. The responsibility of the goods thereafter lies with the buyer. However, the supplier has to cover the costing of the package until it reaches to the final destination that is the home country of the buyer. The costing thereafter falls to the buyers and they are liable for unloading and taking the products in their warehouse. However, the buyers have to take responsibility of the goods from the moment the package is loaded on the carrier (Bergami, 2013). Carrier Selection The company seeks to deliver the products to their buyers availing the most secured mode of transportation. Moreover, the costing of the transportation is naturally considered with the priority basis. Hence, the factors that a company like Toyota needs to consider at the time of carrier selection are equipment availability, reliability average, transit time, technical capabilities, product protection and safety, costing and geographic coverage (Choudhary Shankar, 2014). However, some of the mentioned factors need extra attention in the selection process of the carrier that is geographic coverage, transit time, reliability, and technological availability. Geographical Coverage The first factor the shipper must consider while selecting the carrier is the geographical coverage. It means that the shipper must consider the area of operation of the carrier and how much area coverage the carrier provides to the shippers. More the area covered by the carrier service, more efficient that will be for the shipper. Failing for cover all the target market with a carrier will lead the shipper to consider for another carrier, which is not preferred for any shipper. It will both increase the costing and reduce the efficiency in delivering the products in the overseas markets. Toyota being an international company needs to consider the geographical coverage offered by the third party logistics before collaborating as they needs to deliver their products almost every corner of the globe (Lammgrd Andersson, 2014). Transit Time Transit time refers to the time taken by the carrier to transport the products to the destination market. This can be considered as one of the most important factor at the time of finalizing the selected carrier. As Toyota seeks to deliver their completed cars and other automobile part to its buyer on mentioned time, the carrier selected for the deliver should be punctual and less time consuming (Dekker, Bloemhof Mallidis, 2012). It will increase the efficiency of the transportation and delivery service of Toyota. Reliability Toyota should also focus on the reliability of the carrier. This means the carrier should safely deliver the products to the destination point in the prior mentioned time. The safety of the products being delivered in the containers should be one of the primary importances of the carrier while in transit. Moreover, the carrier should pick up the products on time from the nominated place and deliver it to the exact place mentioned in the contract. This increases the reliability of the carrier. Moreover, the theft is another important factor that reduces the reliability of a carrier. The exact amount of products should be delivered to the destination to increase the reliability of the service (Aguezzoul, 2014). Technological Availability The carrier has to be technologically updated to compete in this competitive market. This means that the carrier should have sufficient technology to communicate their position with the shipper company. In other words, technologically updated carrier enables the shipper to track their parcels real time position. Moreover, it will also provide extra care to the product s being delivered. Toyota should consider technological advancement of the carrier company before going for partnership (Govindan Murugesan, 2011). Carrier Relationship Management Vision and mission of Toyota is to provide the customers with advanced automobiles that is environmentally sustainable. Moreover, they seek to deliver the quality products in low cost. For maintaining the low cost of the products, it is necessary for them to keep the production and distribution cost within the limit. Hence, they seek a transport and distribution channel that is of low cost and safe at the same time. It will in turn ensure the maximum revenue generation for the company. Hence, it is important for Toyota to have a third party logistics that fulfils the criteria. Moreover, they need to build healthy relationship with the carrier to avail this facility. Recommended type of Relationship The facility Toyota seek can only be availed using the long-term relationship with their third party logistics. It is possible to point out a multiple reasons for claiming the efficiency of this particular type of relationship. They are as follows: Changing Logistics Company in a frequent basis cost the manufacturing facility a lump sum. Moreover, the rate is always changeable and increase over time. Sticking to one particular logistics will save them this change in price and ensure the low costing in the transportation. Frequent change in logistics will push the company in danger, as they will not be able to build trust. Trust is a major concern in this field of business, because it helps in increasing reliability and ensures safety and security of the process. Hence, it is important for Toyota to go for a long-term relationship with their logistics service for ensuring the safety and security of their delivery process (Ashby, Leat Hudson-Smith, 2012). Last but not the least, changing logistics more frequently will interrupt the business process and put the business in insecurity. It is necessary for Toyota to ensure a long-term relationship for having an uninterrupted transaction (Carter Liane Easton, 2011). Conclusion Conclusion can be drawn from the above discussion that transportation is one of the essential parts of delivering the products to the international market. Negligence on this factor can potentially increase the risk and cost for the company. As Toyota has a broad international market, it is important for them to make partnership with a third party logistics for ensuring their smooth hassle free distribution of their products in all their target market. Hence, CPT and FCA are the two potential incoterm that can get them success in case of transportation and distribution. Moreover, it is important for Toyota to consider a number of factors before hiring a carrier service for the delivery of their products. Some of the important ones are discussed above, which can ensure their success in the overseas market and decrease the risk and costing of transportation. Finally, the relationship necessary to build with the third party logistics is discussed in the final part of the study. It refle cts that Toyota requires a healthy long-term relation with their logistics to keep the costing under the radar and to ensure the security of their products. References Aguezzoul, A. (2014). Third-party logistics selection problem: A literature review on criteria and methods.Omega,49, 69-78. Ashby, A., Leat, M., Hudson-Smith, M. (2012). Making connections: a review of supply chain management and sustainability literature.Supply Chain Management: An International Journal,17(5), 497-516. Bergami, R. (2013). Incoterms 2010: The newest revision of delivery terms.Acta Universitatis Bohemiae Meridionalis,15(2), 33-40. Carter, C. R., Liane Easton, P. (2011). Sustainable supply chain management: evolution and future directions.International journal of physical distribution logistics management,41(1), 46-62. Choudhary, D., Shankar, R. (2014). A goal programming model for joint decision making of inventory lot-size, supplier selection and carrier selection.Computers Industrial Engineering,71, 1-9. Cook, T. A. (2011). INCOTERMS, Revenue Recognition and Transfer of Title.Managing Imports Exports, 1-4. Dekker, R., Bloemhof, J., Mallidis, I. (2012). Operations Research for green logisticsAn overview of aspects, issues, contributions and challenges.European Journal of Operational Research,219(3), 671-679. Govindan, K., Murugesan, P. (2011). Selection of third-party reverse logistics provider using fuzzy extent analysis.Benchmarking: An International Journal,18(1), 149-167. Lammgrd, C., Andersson, D. (2014). Environmental considerations and trade-offs in purchasing of transportation services.Research in Transportation Business Management,10, 45-52. Stapleton, D. M., Pande, V., O'Brien, D. (2014). EXW, FOB OR FCA? Choosing the right Incoterm and why it matters to maritime shippers.Journal of Transportation Law, Logistics, and Policy,81(3), 227. Toyota-ej.co.jp. (2017).TOYOTA MOTOR EAST JAPAN, INC. | ProductsTop Page. Retrieved 16 November 2017, from https://www.toyota-ej.co.jp/english/products/index.html Toyota-global.com. (2017). TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | 75 Years of TOYOTA | Product Logistics | Completed Vehicle Logistics. Retrieved 16 November 2017, from https://www.toyota-global.com/company/history_of_toyota/75years/data/automotive_business/production/logistics/product/completed_vehicle.html toyota-global.com. (2017).Toyota Motor Corporation Global Website. Retrieved 16 November 2017, from https://www.toyota-global.com/company/vision_philosophy/

Saturday, November 30, 2019

The Effect of Global Warming on Thermohaline Circulation Essay Example

The Effect of Global Warming on Thermohaline Circulation Paper Studies have been conducted in recent years on the effects of increase of greenhouse gases on the thermopile circulation. There are several hypotheses that state that the prolonged effect Of global warming could eventually â€Å"shut down† the thermopile circulation and lead to cooling in certain regions in the North Atlantic Ocean. Several ocean-atmosphere models have been used to predict the effect of increase of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) concentration on ocean circulation. Two such models are discussed and their results are analyzed. 1. Introduction [2] Global temperatures have seen a dramatic increase since the Industrial Revolution. Several climate models have projected an increase of between 1. 10 C to 6. 0 C in the global average temperature due to the continued effect of global warming (EPIC (2007)). Apart from the resulting adverse effect on global climate, increasing global temperatures may result in species extinction, changes in agricultural production, deleterious effects on health, rise in the sea level, reductions in the ozone layer and disruption in the ice shelf. Another possible outcome of global warming is what is now termed as the â€Å"shutdown of the thermopile circulation†. Wallace S. Broker, the man responsible for the term â€Å"Global Conveyor Belt†, called the thermopile recirculation the â€Å"Achilles heel of our climate system† (Broker, 1997). There is much research that focuses on the effect of greenhouse gases on ocean circulation. Two such models are discussed in future sections. Some research has shown that the transfer of heat from regions around the CEQ tutor to the poles is due to the thermopile circulation in the ocean. This implies that Europe does not have the same climate as the poles because of the thermopile circulation. The thermopile circulation therefore plays an important role in regulating the amount of sea ice in the Polar Regions. There re several schools of thought (Eager, Battista, Yin, Gordon, Nazi, Clement and Cane (2002)) that attribute this climate in Europe to its position with respect to the ocean basin and the warm atmospheric waves that blow up north from the tropics. Rhine and Hkeen (2003) challenged this claim. We will write a custom essay sample on The Effect of Global Warming on Thermohaline Circulation specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Effect of Global Warming on Thermohaline Circulation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Effect of Global Warming on Thermohaline Circulation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer According to Rhine and Hacking, â€Å"it is the existence of the oceanic heat transport that allows the maritime effect to operate in the northern North Atlantic and to create a milder European climate than in the North America; without the heat transport, ice would likely extend over much greater areas of ocean and land†. Much research is currently focused on the role of ocean circulation in the supply of heat to Europe. 2. Thermopile Circulation [3] Ocean circulation is commonly divided into TV parts: the thermopile and the wind driven circulation. In other words, circulation in the oceans is partly due to wind stress, and also partly due to changes in density because of changes in temperature and salinity. The term â€Å"thermopile† originates from thermo for heat and haling for salt, which together determine the density of the water mass. [4] Thermopile circulation originates in pacific areas of the North Atlantic and in the Widely Sea of the Southern Ocean. In the North Atlantic, the evaporative cooling effect of winter is responsible for cooling the upper layers of seawater, increasing the salinity thereby increasing density and causing sinking. The sinking cool water is the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADIA). The denser NADIA flows southwards into the ocean basins. The bulk of the water peels in the Southern Ocean, while some of the deep water causes further upwelling in the North Pacific and Indian Oceans. This movement of the deep water forms a giant conveyor belt hat covers a large part of the open ocean (figure 1). The Gulf Stream, for example, which is largely driven by thermopile circulation, transports warm water from the Caribbean northwards. Figure 1: Thermopile Circulation (Source: Brakes, 1 992, figure 10. 1, p. 186, as taken from Kerr, 1988). 3. Global Warming [5] The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (EPIC), in February 2007, submitted a 21 -page report assessing the effect of global warming on global climate. The report stated that: â€Å"most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations†. Emission of infrared radiation warms the Earth surface; the phenomenon is known as the Greenhouse Effect. The dominant infrared absorbing gases in the Earth’s atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide (ICC) and ozone (03). The interactions between greenhouse gas molecules and radiation can be explained by quantum mechanics. ICC and 03 molecules have vibration motions whose quantum states can be excited by collisions at energies encountered in the atmosphere. Industrial activities, such as fossil fuel ruining and other human activities such as cement production and tropical deforestation has increased the carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere. ICC is also a byproduct from automobiles, airplanes and building constructions. The importance of ICC as a greenhouse gas is very apparent and is therefore used as a parameter in determining the effects of global warming. 4. Review of models used to simulate the response of the Thermopile Circulation to increasing ICC [6] Several coupled ocean-atmosphere models have been used to simulate the response of ocean circulation to the inc rease in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Mbabane and Stouffer (1993) conducted one such study; a coupled ocean-atmosphere model was used to simulate the increase of ICC in the atmosphere. Three integrations over a period of 500 years were conducted. In the first integration the atmospheric concentration of ICC was kept constant. The second and third integration involved increasing the atmospheric ICC at a rate of 1% per year, until it reached twice the original value at the 70th year (for the second integration) and four times the original value at the 14th year (for the third integration) and was maintained instant thereafter. The change in ICC concentration caused the gradual disappearance of the thermopile circulation while doubling and quadrupling the concentration of ICC Most notably, in the North Atlantic Ocean, the thermopile circulation nearly vanished during the first 200 years in the coccyx integration (the integration carried out while quadrupling the ICC concentration in the atmosphere). During the first 140 years of the coccyx integration, the thermopile circulation rapidly weakens and continues to do so even after the concentration of ICC is held constant. The integration also showed a decrease in the formation of Antarctic Bottom Water. The result of this integration shows that the gradual disappearance of the thermopile circulation leaves wind driven, shallow cells in the subtropics of the North and South hemisphere. Similar effects were observed in the coccyx integration. The thermopile circulation shows weakening intensity during the first 70 years of simulation, which continues until the 1 50th year, during which there is no change in the ICC concentration. But in the 50th year the thermopile circulation slowly begins to regain its original intensity, although not quite achieving it. 7] Mbabane and Stouffer concluded that the weakening of thermopile circulation in the coccyx integration is not due to its instability, but rather due to the adjustments made by the mechanism to the â€Å"evolving density structure† of the models Atlantic Ocean. This is apparent in the manner in which the circulation slowly regains strength in the later part of the coccyx integration. This does not happen in the coccyx integration, and the thermopile circulation shuts down. There were also notable changes in the Widely and Ross Seas, where he circulation became weak and shallow. This in turn caused weakening of the deep-water formation and the northward flow of bottom water in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans was affected. This weakening of the thermopile circulation is attributed to â€Å"the capping of the model oceans by relatively fresh water in high latitudes where the excess of precipitation over evaporation increases markedly due to the enhanced pollard moisture transport in the warmer model troposphere†. [8] Schmeltzer and Stocker (1998) used a simplified coupled atmosphere-ocean model to study the possible effects o f greenhouse gas emissions. The findings were similar to Mbabane and Stouffer, with the model exhibiting a threshold value of ICC concentration beyond which the thermopile circulation shuts down and does not recover. The concentration of ICC is doubled here, and exhibits a shutdown; however the model is less sensitive than that of Mbabane and Stouffer. The model shows that the thermopile circulation breaks down for a value of 750 pump or higher. An equilibrium state is reached characterized by the absence of deep-water formation in the North Atlantic. Mbabane and Stouffer (2003) revisited the effect of carbon dioxide on thermopile recirculation by conducting several integrations using a coupled atmosphere- ocean model for a time period varying between 4000 years to 1 5000 years. Similar to the study carried out in 1 993, the concentrations of ICC are doubled, quadrupled and halved. In each experiment â€Å"the response of surface temperature increases with increasing latitudes†. In the coccyx experiment, thermopile circulation shows weakening before intensifying around the 200-year mark. It fully regains its original intensity in the 60th year. The coccyx experiment shows the thermopile circulation reacting in a animal manner as earlier noted, however, it regained its intensity around the 1000-year mark. The weakening of the thermopile circulation in the coccyx and coccyx experiments is attributable to reduction in the surface salinity of the North Atlantic Ocean. With the warming of the troposphere (due to increased ICC concentrations), the moisture content in the air increases; this in turn enhances the transport of water vapor in the troposphere towards the poles. The precipitation in the high latitudes goes up by a fairly high amount, which reduces the salinity and density of the North Atlantic waters. 5. Conclusion [10] There are several hypotheses that state that the continued effect of global warming could eventually â€Å"shut down† the t hermopile circulation and lead to cooling in certain regions in the North Atlantic Ocean. Global warming could lead to an increase of freshwater in the upper oceanic regions, by melting glaciers, and thereby increasing precipitation into the ocean. This increase in freshwater could have an adverse effect on the thermopile circulation which, as mentioned earlier, IS driven by changes in temperature and salinity. In 2004, NASA satellites recorded what seemed to be the slowing f the North Atlantic current. On April 15 of that year, NASA released a press statement stating that the â€Å"slowing of this ocean current is an indication of dramatic changes in the North Atlantic Ocean climatic?’. A study of the ocean circulation in the North Atlantic by Harry Burden (2005) revealed that â€Å"Atlantic meridian overturning circulation has slowed by about 30 per cent between 1957 and 2004†. Burden’s finding Was viewed with speculation by the scientific and oceanographic c ommunity, especially since measurements conducted post 2005 showed a significant warming of the North Atlantic Current. However, the current overall climate is definitely changing; in particular sea- ice formation is less because of overall global warming. Burden predicts that the shutdown on the thermopile circulation could have severe repercussions on Europe, in that the temperature would change drastically. There could be major climatic changes such as an increase in floods and storms. Warming or rainfall changes in the tropics or the poles could occur. While the rest of the scientific community felt Burden’s findings were not credible, Delete Quadrates (2005) felt that there were a few observations that purported Burden’s work. Quadrates pointed out that climatic records have shown drops in air temperature by ICC in a few decades possibly caused due to abrupt changes in ocean circulation. Global warming is a very real threat to the human race. The question we face is whether global warming is in fact to going to affect the thermopile circulation. Even though there is a large amount of research that is being conducted in this area, there is an equal amount of opposition to it. Sorrowing (2007) has called the increase of ICC concentrations the â€Å"Greatest Scientific Scandal of our Time†. Sorrowing lams that the EPIC assessment of global warming in 2007 was purely a political move, â€Å"prepared by governmental and United Nations bureaucrats†. In another article in 2007, Sorrowing also claimed that the increase of ICC is not due to human activity but by atmosphere-ocean gas exchange and other causes of natural climatic fluctuations. Numerical models may provide a fairly decent idea of the functioning Of systems, but there is always the danger Of erroneous statistical methods and the use of boundary conditions that don’t necessarily reflect the real world. However, at the risk of sounding trite, reversion is better than c ure. The risk of man entering a new ice age is very real as of now, and will remain so until research shows otherwise. There are studies that speculate that the shutdown of the thermopile circulation is what previously led to the Younger Dryads (the big freeze) period (Creameries, 2006).

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA Essays - Government Of The Philippines

JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA Essays - Government Of The Philippines JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA Primary life Jose Ejercito y Marcelo was born at 8:25 PM on April 19, 1937 at Manuguit Maternity Hospital (now known as Amisola Maternity Hospital) in Tondo, an urban district of Manila. He was 8th of 10 children. Estrada's father, Emilio Ejercito, was a government engineer. His mother was named Maria Marcelo. Joseph's parents were wealthy landowners. Education Estrada received his primary education at Ateneo de Manila University. After graduating, he enrolled in engineering courses at the Mapua Institute of Technology. To his parents' grave disappointment, Estrada dropped out after three years and he was the only one of his siblings not to receive a college diploma. Political Career 1967-1984: San Juan, Philippines Mayor 1987-1992: Senator of the Philippines 1992-1998: Vice President of the Philippines 1998- April 25,2001: President of the Philippines April 25, 2001- October of 2007 : Arrested on charges of plunder sue to political policy controversies and issues 2010: R an for president again but came in second to Benigno Aquino III May 2012: Had intentions to run for Mayor of Manila, Philippines in the 2013 elections 2013-Present: Manila, Philippines Mayor Presidency Highlights The Presidency of Joseph Ejercito Estrada in the Philippines spanned for 31 months from June 30, 1998 to January 20, 2001. He was elected President of the Republic in the May 11, 1998 national elections. With almost 11-million Filipinos writing his name on the ballot, his margin of victory was the biggest ever registered in Philippine electoral history. A line from his speech, "Walang kaibigan, walang kumpare, walang kamag-anak", was a stern warning against anyone who would attempt to undermine his administration with influence-peddling. Ordered the removal of all sovereign guarantees on contracts for public projects which would require the sovereign Filipino people to assume the financial losses of private companies doing business with the government. Until January 20, 2001, he did not sign a single government contract with a sovereign guarantee. He ordered: The immediate relief of corrupt officials in the military and police hierarchy. A wide-ranging investigation of all government contracts The investigation of suspected big-time tax evaders Pro-poor program of government bore fruit in less than two years, The Estrada administration undertook an aggressive housing program on a national basis, targeting low-cost homes for the poor. Agriculture received greater priority, To bring down the cost of medicine. Foreign investments grew exponentially, His reputation as a strongly nationalistic yet progressive president. The Senate impeachment trial, Ended abruptly in mid-January 2001 when prosecutors staged a walk-out after senators voted against the opening of a document which had no bearing whatsoever on the cases filed before the tribunal. The second highest official of the land and her husband working secretly with this group and courting the military sector's support, things came to a head on 20 January 2001 with the: Leave of absence filed by Joseph Estrada and His temporary departure from Malacanang. He was arrested at his San Juan home in the afternoon of April 25, 2001 on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by the Sandiganbayan for the crime of plunder filed by his political enemies. ACTS Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749) Incentives for Regional Headquarters of Foreign Multinationals (Republic Act No. 8756) Retail Trade Liberalization Act (Republic Act No. 8762) New General Banking Act (Republic Act No. 8791) Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792) New Securities Act (Republic Act No. 8799) Domestic policies Economy Masa format on radio Saguisag Commission Agrarian reform Anti-crime Task Force Death penalty Sovereign guarantees Banknotes Charter change War against the MILF. Foreign policies RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement Third informal ASEAN summit Controversies 1998 Subic Bay leadership dispute Textbook scam intervention 1999 The Philippine Daily Inquirer ads pullout The Manila Times controversy BW Resources scandal PCSO funding controversy Midnight Cabinet Estrada mistresses Hot cars scandal 2000 Building laws violation Juetenggate scandal Dacer-Corbito double murder case 2001 Second envelope suppression Impeachment trial Corruption charges Impeachment proceedings EDSA II Protests Resignation

Friday, November 22, 2019

Idiots, Imbeciles, and Morons

Idiots, Imbeciles, and Morons Idiots, Imbeciles, and Morons Idiots, Imbeciles, and Morons By Maeve Maddox In a recent state election Arkansas voters were asked to alter the following constitutional phrasing: No idiot or insane person shall be entitled to the privileges of an elector. Legislators objected that the language was archaic and disrespectful. (Not to mention the fact that the law has never prevented idiots from voting.) As the current Arkansas state constitution dates from 1874, I decided to find out what the drafters meant by the word idiot. Idiot derives from a Latin word that referred to an ignorant, uneducated person. The word came into English from an Old French word with the same meaning. By 1300 idiot had acquired the meaning of a person so mentally deficient as to be incapable of ordinary reasoning. For a time, idiot was used by doctors to refer to a specific degree of mental retardation: A person of profound mental retardation having a mental age below three years and generally being unable to learn connected speech or guard against common dangers. The term came to be regarded as offensive and is no longer used as a medical classification. Two other words once used alongside idiot as medical classifications are imbecile and moron. Imbecile derives from a Latin adjective having the sense of weak and entered English from an Old French word with the same meaning. For a time it was used to refer to physical weakness. For example an imbecile person might be someone unable to walk without crutches. The first recorded use of imbecile as a noun is 1802. Its medical definition was A person of moderate to severe mental retardation having a mental age of from three to seven years and generally being capable of some degree of communication and performance of simple tasks under supervision. Moron comes from a Greek word meaning stupid. Its meaning in the now disused system of medical classification was: a feebleminded person or mental defective with a potential mental age of between eight and twelve years who is capable of doing routine work under supervision In current English usage all three words are perceived as insults. Apparently idiot is the least offensive of the three since a publishing empire employs the word in its titles with great success. 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:Bare or Bear With Me?List of 50 Great Word Games for Kids and AdultsEmpathic or Empathetic?

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

The purpose of After Action Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The purpose of After Action Review - Essay Example Also AAR meetings are not just held at the end of a project or after every six months, they are a continuous thing taking place every step of the way. In all meetings, it is better to repeat company policy and vision to inculcate it in the subordinates. Also, these meetings are not used to play a blame game but to learn from mistakes and implement it in future. All meetings answers four questions- what were the intended results-what were the actual results-what caused our results-what will we sustain or improve (Darling, Parry, and Moore, 2005) In the given situation, the organization under study is the OPFOR which is small in size, faces u predictable situations, it is not as well equipped as its competitors and turnover among leaders is high. Still AAR is the best solution for such an organization. The reason being that AAR gives them the ability to learn from past mistakes and implement them in future battles. It not only focuses on mistakes but also identifies opportunities through AAR and implements these in future. OPFOR does not only file or make reports of the proceedings of the AAR but also tests these results. Usually OPFOR conducts experiments of the hypothesis concluded from the AARs. And conducts more frequent AAR to combine all the results and prepare a comprehensive plan. The workability of AAR in other situation depends on the problem ... Still AAR is the best solution for such an organization. The reason being that AAR gives them the ability to learn from past mistakes and implement them in future battles. It not only focuses on mistakes but also identifies opportunities through AAR and implements these in future. OPFOR does not only file or make reports of the proceedings of the AAR but also tests these results. Usually OPFOR conducts experiments of the hypothesis concluded from the AARs. And conducts more frequent AAR to combine all the results and prepare a comprehensive plan. Also AARs work for the OPFOR as the leader himself takes accountability of what went wrong and lets his subordinates do his assessment building a unity among the team. Information from AAR which OPFOR generates is not just for documentation but is practically applied and tested and lessons are learned. Hence AAR works in these situations. The workability of AAR in other situation depends on the problem in hand. AAR will work in other situations but has to be customized according to the scenario. It cannot be applied exactly like OPFOR for example most business can experiment hypothesis for many reasons like budget requirements, risk to brand name etc but can adapt the main principles of this process. Most importantly business should learn to implement the findings in future projects and not just file them away and to conduct more frequent AARs. 3) Are AARs really opportunities to learn AARs provide an excellent opportunity to learn if they are implemented properly. Most businesses don't gain from it as they just conduct this exercise for mere filing of results, or the AARs are carried out after so long that important lessons are forgotten or they are

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Brain Surgery Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Brain Surgery - Personal Statement Example It was such a beautiful evening full of happiness with birds chirping in the trees. It was almost the end of my children's summer holidays when I decided to take them to the carnival and fulfill all their wishes of the day. Usually, I would stop them from eating too much of candy; but I announced that day to be theirs and let them do whatever they liked. I had recently lost my job. Providing for my family became very difficult; my children's school fee and books along with my wife's daily necessities became almost impossible. I had no immediate family to ask for help. However, my wife's unconditional love and support helped me to stay composed and not bring a halt to my search for a new job. Unaware of the dark future, I had promised my kids a holiday to Disneyland right before I had lost my job. Finally, when the time to fulfill the promise had arrived, there was a severe shortage of funds. Breaking the news of the cancellation of the holiday to my kids was such a heart shattering task that I could not stop the tears from rolling down my cheeks. The disappointment on their innocent faces, tears in their sparkling eyes and the knowledge of the fact that the cause for all this was my own irresponsibility was enough for a nervous breakdown. A month had passed without any news from any company that I had applied to for a job. My stress level was rapidly increasing and I was having almost continuous headaches. The headaches were so excruciatingly painful that I would lose total control over myself. My anger management had become awful and I would yell at my wife and kids for the slightest reasons. In order to make up for the holiday and all my yelling, I had decided to bring them to this carnival for a change in mood and atmosphere. But to the greatest disappointment, the day that I had wanted to become the best day of their lives turned out to be the worst. When the world has gone black that day at the carnival, it was customized - just for me. It was not the world that has blacked out, it was me. I had blacked out and fallen on the ground with my family glued to the ground in shock and trepidation. I was not aware of my surrounding as I lay unconscious on the ground; I was narrated the entire incident by my wife who kept sobbing throughout. I was taken to the ER of the nearby hospital called Happy Holy Hospital. The doctors had taken a good half an hour to examine me but could not diagnose the problem. They had to admit me in the hospital and run many tests and x-rays. It took two days for them to study the reports and reach a conclusion. All this time, I was unconscious and my family had become desperate for answers. Eventually, the doctors told my wife that I had a neurological disease called the sub-arachnoid hemorrhage. They suggested to my wife that it was best for me to have the surgery called 'Burr Hole Craniotomy' done as soon as possible as I was not gaining consciousness and that could lead to death. According to reports, 60 percent of such patients die within 30 days, while 10 percent die immediately without warning (Jallo, 2007). My wife was worried about the cost as neurosurgeries are very expensive and only half of them are successful. It was also dangerous because we could not

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Smartphone Market Essay Example for Free

Smartphone Market Essay With emerging mobile technologies and rapid growth in users of smartphones, there have been a lot of legal issues involved between the mobile phone producers. Standards are being set and patents are being registered by the producers to keep their market upright. These patents are registered mainly to monitor and implement the means to increase the number of consumers. This article will examine how these legal issues affect the end users and also about the legal issues which are being brought to the court. The article also discusses the implications of the current lack of specificity of the patents and suggests refinement of patents in terms of narrow versus broad inclusiveness. Analysis The smartphone market has taken a giant leap in the last decade with major markets emerging every day. The markets do have their own patent and copyright to keep their work intact from the other manufacturers. The legal issues binding to such patents are also complicated. These patents are directly connected to the profits and also market value. They are considered to be valuable and serve as the counter weight for the manufacturers in terms of the market place and to keep a competitive balance in the market. The author in the article tries to understand the legal battle between Apple and Samsung on various patents they use on their phone. Apple on one hand claims that Android market has been designed to copy iphones design and strategy whereas Samsung replies saying that familiar product design doesn’t mean imitation. This battles has started when Samsung launched the galaxy series. The legal battle mainly started with patent issues when Samsung went for Android market for their phones. The legal issues went public and familiar when Samsung was asked to pay $1.05 billion in damages as it acted wilfully in violating the patent rights. This also went to a stage where the Samsung’s key phones and tablets may be banned for sales and the world’s biggest technology provider has come to a stand- still with their four year low on market value after the verdict the US jury. Samsung has come to stage overturn the decision with the patent battles come to an end but it always seems like a fake promise to keep the competitive market balance in mind for the smart phones. While Samsung believes that the design and feature of Apple should not be allowed to claim patent whereas Apple strongly believes  that its design and features are its main market value and consider them as its intellectual property. More violations from Samsung’s end in patents have strengthened the case towards apple. These cases between Apple and Samsung have been spread to almost all the countries where they have their end consumers. Samsung being the main component supplier for Apple should have solved these issues amicably out of the court but failed to do so. The end customers are put in a question always whether to go for Samsung products or Apple products keeping in mind the legal issues these two companies have. The product support also went to a question mark because of the pending legal cases in the court. Most of the applications in both the phones are now in a question mark because of the pending patent rights. Both Apple and Samsung phone users are getting a software update in which many of the features goes for redesigning and certain legal issues goes missing. The functionality of the phone remain the same but the patent suits won goes for upgradation. Because of these copying acts of Samsung, Apple have won 1 billion for damages and that is not all it might have negative impacts on the phones already released. The android market which is having a market stake of 60 to 70 percent will lose some key functionality and also some specific features. This could also end up Samsung in redesigning and changing the features in the phones which they have already released in the market. The end customers are also in the queue up whether the battle for the smartphones will affect the functionality of the product they have bought in the market. With android markets being at stake it is hugely a question mark for Samsung to depend on such market which is highly competitive. Apple has shown the world that Samsung has copied the design and features of iphone. Apple in turn is trying the curb the android market which proves to be very competitive to the Iphone market. Apple tries to curb the manufacturers who are attached to Android market for which HTC legal cases and Samsung legal cases are a better example. Apple is tactically using its own method to slow down the android market by attacking the companies making android devices While the prospects of losing so many design and features to Apple it could just be a platform for android to try something new. This could be a push ahead move for android as they will try new things from now on and will not act as a shadow to ios. By introducing  Android 4.0 Google is trying to improvise and create a new unique operating system to support the android making companies. Since the android phones no more resemble a iphone in the market, it could be a boost to sell the new model phones in the market. The legal cases could have favoured Apple but the sales and the market value is favouring Samsung. The cases have favoured Apple but if the customer have to go away from old hat and needs a good change they have to go for a new smartphones which are using android operating system. The industry experts reckon that the android markets would boom after the complex decision from the jury come up as they conclude that the phones will have a new look and features which will attract the customers more than before. The market share of android making phones are also expected to rise with their new design and feature. The end customers are given a new glimpse of phones which is not a shadow or imitation of iphone with improved functionality and features. It gets better with wacky new designs for the customers and is proving to be a good idea for the manufacturers to try new things and new features on the phone. The law suits by apple in one form have helped the end customer to get new design and new features. This can be put in other words that there are now two different smart phones available which has different designs to excite the customer. References 1. Dan Levine Purnima gupta (2012) Reuters, 27 August [online] Available at http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/27/us-apple-samsung-legal-idUSBRE87Q02K20120827 (Accessed on 13 December 2012) 2. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/hardware/apple-iphone-violated-three-patents-damages-unclear-u-s-jury/articleshow/17604481.cms

Thursday, November 14, 2019

The Global Epidemic of Cesarean Surgery and the Feminist Movement :: Essays Papers

The Global Epidemic of Cesarean Surgery and the Feminist Movement Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland writes in a 2002 paper she presented to the XVIII European Congress of Perinatal Medicine, â€Å"There is an ongoing â€Å"epidemic† of cesarean sections in Asia and Latin America. This worldwide fad of obstetrical interventions may have a serious negative health impact on women. In contrast, the low rates observed in Africa reflect a lack of resources more than a consensus of providers. The commercial and litigation pressures that drive this ‘epidemic’ need to be countered.† Her medical metaphor notwithstanding, this is a serious wake-up call for women to be asking the question, â€Å"What is going on that this phenomenon of major surgery on women is happening on such a wide scale?† We are here faced with the polar opposite extremes in birthing. Seemingly, if a woman has too little prenatal care and education regarding birthing (as in Africa) she may not have the access to a Cesarean when she truly needs it; and at the other end of the spectrum if a woman has enveloped herself in a system that relies too heavily on birthing technologies she may end up with an unnecessary Cesarean surgery. Other paradigms exist for birthing such as in Holland where every woman is provided with a midwife for her birth, and Brazil where the C-section rate tops 80 percent. Yet another microcosmic pocket of birth in the U.S. shows us that C-section rates can be achieved at below 2%. Such are the ranges of Cesarean birthing experiences and corresponding women’s movements that will be explored alongside the politics of birth in this Birthquake research project. Literary Review In doing this project the literature drawn from is largely non-scholarly for the reason that I am prevailing upon the reader to think outside the box about birth. Most of the â€Å"scholarly† research that is available was written by doctors or nurses/nurse midwives who were trained in the medical model of birth. Since part of my premise is that the high rate of Cesarean sections is caused in part by viewing birth as a medical and therefore pathological event, and in part for its emergence as a capitalistic industry, it was then necessary to find literature written by people who have expertise in birthing though not from the traditional obstetrical/medical school approach.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Corporate Social Responsibility Essay

In general, Corporate Social Responsibility can be described as an approach by which a company: * recognises that its activities have a wider impact on the society in which it operates and that developments in society in turn impact on its ability to pursue its business successfully. * actively manages the economic, social, environmental and human rights impact of its activities across the world, basing these on principles which reflect international values, reaping benefits both for its own operations and reputation as well as for the communities in which it operates. * seeks to achieve these benefits by working closely with other groups and organisations – local communities, civil society, other businesses and home and host governments. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been a critical part of the Sunway Group for the past three decades. Sunway Group company is one that instils and celebrates the culture of giving to society. The Group recognises the significance of developing and harnessing human capital excellence in driving the development and growth of the company, the community and our country. Winning the Anugerah PMCSR is a form of encouragement for The Group as it has truly brought CSR to an entirely new level. Sunway Group also has been recognised for outstanding achievements in CSR. The Sunway Group’s CSR programmes are wide-spread and aim to protect and promote human capital excellence above and beyond the company. In enhancing human capital excellence through education, if I the director of Sunway Group, I would implement the programmes which is: * Raising the level and standards of education in the country * Providing for the less fortunate members of the community. * Growing a healthy and sustainable knowledge-based workforce in Malaysia. The corporate social responsibility that Sunway Group provided are : 1) The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation The Sunway Education Trust Fund was established in March 1997 for the purpose of managing and administering surpluses from the institutions for the benefit of students be it for reinvestment into the institutions or for the disimbursement of scholarships and research grants. The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation was formed to perpetuate and crystallise the vision of a credible vehicle that will serve the cause of bringing good and quality education to the nation. Shares are transferred under the Sunway Education Trust into this Foundation where they will be held for perpetuity and can never be sold. Total profits from the Sunway University College and 70% of the profits from the Monash University Sunway Campus are ploughed back into activities to deliver higher quality education, to grow research capabilities and for the upgrading of facilities. From January to June 2010, more than RM4 million worth of scholarships were given out. 2) The Public School Adoption & Restoration Programme The Sunway Group has contributed to primary and secondary-level education schools over the last few years. Some of these projects have involved direct and active participation in restoration works, where the Group has dedicated consultancy, labour and construction resources into the refurbishment projects. In recent years, about RM3 million was contributed to schools such as SMK Bandar Sunway, SCK Chee Wen, SMK Klang Convent, the Gunung Hijau Primary School, SRK Bandar Sunway and SMJK Yuk Choy, Ipoh. To date, total contributions to public schools add up to RM10 million. 3) The Job Placement Programme Recognising that every person deserves a chance to feel a sense of belonging and purpose in society, the Sunway Group runs a Job Placement Programme endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia. Special needs students from the Sunway sponsored SMK Bandar Sunway are trained on basic work-related skills and ethics. Upon graduating, these students are presented with certificates of accomplishment to seek employment, where they are able to progress as independent members of society’s workforce. To date, the five-year old programme has helped a total of 58 special needs students. In 2010, the fifth batch of 10 students commenced their job placement at Sunway’s subsidiaries starting March 2010, and two were hired under the year’s Job Placement programme. 4) CSR Bowling Besides fostering education and life skills from an intellectual perspective, Sunway also embarks on education and skills in the physical sporting arena. This programme is for those aged between 14 and 22, and endeavours to train participants in the physical recreational sport of bowling Bowling training consists of one hour per week at the Sunway Pyramid Bowl for a total consecutive duration of 23 sessions. There are about 30 students in this programme who attended the Bowling Tournament 2010 on 21st September. To date the Sunway Group has trained about 150 special students. 5) The New Straits Times (NST) School Sponsorship Programme The programme was launched in August 2005 with the aim of bridging the urban-rural gap among the student population with regards to English language acquisition, information access and skills development. The group identified seven schools under Sunway’s CSR programme to receive complimentary copies of the NST everyday for one year commencing May 2010. The identified schools are SJK (C) Gunung Hijau, SMK Bandar Sunway, SRK Bandar Sunway, SMK Convent Klang, SRK Convent Klang, SJK (C) Chee Wen, Subang and SMK Tambun, Ipoh. Other CSR initiatives undertaken by the Sunway Group include the Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah Distinguished Speaker Series and the Sunway Medical Centre Public Health Forums. The Sunway Group reaches out to people at different levels of society through its CSR activities and aims to enhance the learning experience in the classroom and beyond. The Group hopes to improve the standard of education, quality of life and ultimately leave a positive change in turning Malays ia into a high-income nation.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Chinese fiction Essay

â€Å"No Longer Human† is a Japanese novel written by Osamu Dazai. It is considered as Dazai’s masterpiece and categorized as the second-best selling novel in Japan, whereas â€Å"To Live† was written by Yu Hua is a Chinese fiction. â€Å"No Longer Human† is describe as a labor of fiction, the novel is recited in the first person and have several elements which laid down an autobiographical source, such as suicide, a recurring theme in the author’s life whereas, the story of â€Å"To Live† started some time in the 1940s. The main character of this sotry is Xu Fugui who is a local rich man’s son and habitual gambler, who lose his family property to the tricky Longer, driving his father to his grave in the process. His attitude also causes his long-suffering wife Jiazhen to leave him with their daughter, Fengxia and their unborn son, Youqing, the same thing with Oba Yozo in â€Å"No Longer Human†. The novel â€Å"No Longer Human† covers the portrayal of the life of Oba Yozo, who is a trouble soul not capable of revealing his true self to others and who is instead forced to uphold an impression of worthless jocularity. This story tells the emotional and interesting story of a young man who is caught between the disintegration of the traditions of a northern Japanese aristocratic family and the impact of Western ideas. The novel is made up of three chapters which narrate the life of Oba Yozo from early childhood to late adolescence. In the first chapter of the novel, it deals on how the overcome by an extreme feeling of alienation and finding it nearly impossible to socialize with those who besiege him, Oba Yozo can but resort to buffoonery in order to ascertain an interpersonal relationships and fit into place in a vain effort to disregard the furious sexual abuse he was subjected to by a couple of servants during his childhood. In the second chapter, Oba Yozo becomes more and more troubled over the potential penetrability of his cheerful impression, which, together with the pressures of academic life, leads him into a violent cycle of drinking, smoking and harlotry, ending in a one-night stand with a married woman with whom he planned to commit double suicide. Though he survived, the woman passed away, leaving him with nothing but an unbearable feeling of guilt. In the this chapter, several years later, Oba Yozo is dropped out from High School and commits into a relationship with a destructive woman, who immediately betrays him with another man. Oba Yozo is once again driven to the edge of committing suicide, but was not able to do so because he becomes an alcoholic and a morphine addict. The story comes to a close with Oba Yozo’s confinement in a mental institution where he finally assumes he is no longer human, neither happy nor unhappy, but merely a man of excesses. The story of â€Å"To Live† is somewhat similar to the novel â€Å"No Longer Human† in a sense that both the main characters of the novels were engaged into alcoholism, drug addiction and losss of their families. However, in the novel of â€Å"No Longer Human† the main character’s story ended upon his confinement in a mental insitution, while in the story of â€Å"To Live† the main character after he loses his entire family fortune, eventually reunites with his wife and children, but is forced to start a shadow puppet troupe with partner Chunsheng to support his family. The story of â€Å"To Live† during the Chinese Civil War is in full swing, and both Fugui and Chunsheng are forcibly enlisted into the Kuomintang forces during a performance. After a heavy battle, Fugui and Chunsheng are captured by the communist side, where they quickly become entertainers for the troops. Eventually Fugui is able to return home, and once there, finds out that Fengxia has become mute due to a fever. The story of â€Å"To Live† gives emphasis to the peak of the Great Leap Forward. During this period the local town chief enlists Fugui and Jiazhen to donate all scrap iron in their possession to the national drive to produce steel and make weaponry for liberating Taiwan. As an entertainer, Fugui performs for the entire town, which has been devoted entirely over to producing steel. They enter this work with great passion, and the movie devotes some time to portraying the family’s unity and happiness. For example, the young boy Youqing defends his sisters from bullies picking on her for her muteness. Aside from the Great Leap Forward period, the novel also give attention to the period of Cultural Revolution. The village chief advises Fugui’s family to burn their shadow puppet drama props, which have been deemed as counter-revolutionary as they are traditional cultural elements. Also, Fugui’s daughter is now grown up. Her family arranges for her to meet Wan Erxi, who is a local leader of the Red Guards, a worker with a salary, and also a kind-hearted and caring man, but lame in one leg. They fall in love and marry. During Fengxia’s childbirth, her parents and husband accompany her to the county hospital, where they find out that nurses are in charge as all doctors have been sent to do hard labor for being â€Å"reactionary academic authorities†. The nurses assure the family that they have nothing to fear, but the family is skeptical, and manages to retrieve a doctor from confinement to oversee the birth, under the pretext of making the doctor â€Å"see his revolutionary mistakes†. As the doctor has not eaten for several days, the family purchases for him seven steamed buns. However, the young woman begins to hemorrhage, and the nurses panic, admitting that they are only students and do not know what to do. The frantic family and nurses seek the advice of the doctor, but it is found out that he has overeaten and is semiconscious. The family is helpless, and Jiazhen can only hold the hand of her daughter as she slowly dies. The story ends several years later, with the family now consisting of Fugui, Jiazhen, their son-in-law Erxi, and grandson Mantou. The family visits the graves of Youqing and Fengxia, where Jiazhen, as per tradition, leaves dumplings for her son. Erxi buys for his son a box full of young chicks, which they decide to keep in the puppet drama prop chest, now empty of its contents. â€Å"To Live† such is not the same as â€Å"No Longer Human† because as you can see the character of the novel â€Å"No Longer Human† is more on of being useless to the family and to the society because Oba Yozo just ended up in confinement because his woman had another man. Another distinction between the two stories was that the character of â€Å"To Live† realized and did something good for himself and for his family, whereas in the novel â€Å"No Longer Human† the main character shows no changes in his life. â€Å"No Longer Human† on the other hand is basically autobiographical, founded on events from Dazai’s own life. He was a literary rock star, but a deeply unhappy guy, attempting suicide several times before finally succeeding. There is in fact a monument at the spot where he killed himself that is, along with his mistress. The book is uncommon from what we think of as autobiography, in that the reason for writing is not so much to tell a story – there is no real employment, beginning, middle, and end in the traditional sense, but rather, the text is a sort of rambling exploration of the self. There is no forced form, instead, an effort to create a straightforward relation between author and reader, to explain a precise point of view. The book itself is very fascinating. It makes the reader want to learn Japanese, for beginners, because no matter how talented the translator, there is no getting throughout the fact that the grammatical structure of Japanese is completely different from that of English in that it is completely possible, and even ordinary, to compose a sentence in Japanese with no subject. Clearly, the entire book is written in this form, which would be particularly appropriate to the work itself. The book is the related story of a very unhappy guy who is essentially chronicling his downward spiral. Nevertheless it is hard to say if it is really a downward spiral, that is, though he does identify a moment at which he came to an end to be human, it is not totally clear that he was ever really human, through his own definition, to begin with. One question is what it means, in his eyes, to be human. . Oba Yozo’s character is raging against rationality, and the way, in which it dehumanizes people, so in a sense, though he calls himself a mouse, etc, he could be seen as claiming that he is really the only human. Dazai’s character, Oba Yozo in the novel, sees himself as inhuman, primarily, it seems, because he lacks certain fundamental human character. He maintains for instance, that he has in no way felt starving. On the other hand, there is also a certain issue of domination at play like; he is not capable to say no to anyone, to refuse permission for anything. In this sense, one could say that he is entirely determined by the outside world. Notwithstanding the fact that he has an inner life, he maintains it hidden from the outside world. As a matter of fact, his behavior is entirely, he claims, an act, he â€Å"plays the clown† for the pleasure of others, declining to let his own emotions reveal. The main characters of the novel have a clear similarity to notes from deeply unhappy men who are convinced of their own uniqueness, but there are definitely differences the way they choses to end up their stories. References: Dazai, Osamu. No Longer Human. New York: New Directions, 1973. Yu Hua. To Live: A Novel. (1993). Trans. Michael Berry. New York: Anchor-Random House, 2003.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

in the boardroom 8 Essay

in the boardroom 8 Essay in the boardroom 8 Essay a. Escuela de Ingles can use currency futures to hedge the business in Mexico. For example, an investor of the school may receive a cash flow of a foreign currency that is denominated on some future date. In the case of the school, all revenue and expenses are denominated in Mexican pesos. By entering an offsetting currency futures position, the individual may then be able to hook the current exchange rate that expires on the date written on the cash flow statement. In Escuela de Ingles’ case, however, the manager may be one of the investors. Say he or she will receive $100,000 (Mexican pesos) on November 1st. The current exchange rate in the futures is $13 Mexican pesos/$ American dollars. The manager can then go about â€Å"locking† this exchange rate by selling $100,000 (Mexican pesos) worth of future contracts expiring on November 1st. In this way, the investor is assured an exchange rate of $13/$ regardless of exchange rate fluctuations that occur in the period. b. The business could also use currency options to hedge the business. As opposed to currency futures, currency options allow the business to have the right to buy or sell the options, enjoy premium payables, retain unlimited profit potential while limiting downside risk, and having the flexibility of the delivery date of the currency. Two options are made readily available: call and put. I would advise the manager to take up a put option, rather than a call option, at first since it requires a short position and

Monday, November 4, 2019

Architecture and Programming model of 8086

Architecture and Programming model of 8086 Intel 8086 is a 16 bit integer processor. It has a 16-bit Data bus and a 20-bit Address bus. Since 20-bit address lines are available that provide up to 1MB of storage. It consists of a powerful instruction set which makes it possible to carry out different operations easily.It supports 2 modes of operation, Maximum (multiple processors can be used) and Minimum (Single processor is used).Architecture of 8086 The internal architecture of 8086 is divided into 2 units, Bus Interface Unit (BIU) and Execution Unit (EU).A diagram of the architecture is shown below.Bus Interface Unit (BIU)BIU takes care of all data and address transfers on the buses for the EU like sending addresses, fetching instructions from the memory, reading data from ports, writing data into the memory ports and lastly it also generates the memory addresses. The EU and the BIU are connected by the Internal Bus.The BIU has the following functional parts: Instruction Queue- the BIU uses the concept of pipelining. This means while the current instruction is being executed the BIU gets up to 6 bytes of the next instruction (prefetching) and stores them in the instruction queue. Once execution is complete, the instruction queue is ready to provide the next instruction set which is simply read and executed. This results in increased execution speed. Instruction Pointer- It is a 16-bit register used to hold the address of the next instruction to be executed. Segment Register BIU has 4 segment buses, i.e. CS, DS, SS ES. It holds the addresses of instructions and data in memory, which are used by the processor to access memory locations. CS It stands for Code Segment. It is used for addressing a memory location in the code segment of the memory, where the executable program is stored. DS It stands for Data Segment. It consists of data used by the program and is accessed in the data segment by an offset address or the content of other register that holds the offset address. SS It stands for Stack Segment. It handles memory to store data and addresses during execution. ES It stands for Extra Segment. ES is additional data segment, which is used by the string to hold the extra destination data. Execution Unit (EU)EU gives instructions to BIU stating from where to fetch data, decode it and finally execute it. Its function is to control operations on data using the instruction decoder and ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit). The data on which the operations are performed is brought in using the BIU.The EU has the following functional parts: ALU- It handles all arithmetic and logic operations, like +, -, Ãâ€", /, OR, AND NOT. Flag Register- It is a 16-bit register that behaves like a flip-flop, i.e. it changes its status according to the result stored in the accumulator. It has 9 flags and they are divided into 2 groups Conditional Flags and Control Flags. Conditional Flags It represents the result of the last arithmetic or logic instruction executed. These flags are listed below: Carry Flag- This flag is set to ‘1’ when an addition causes a carry or a subtraction causes a borrow. Auxiliary Flag- This flag is set to ‘1’ when an addition causes a carry while moving from a lower nibble to the upper nibble in BCD addition. Parity Flag- This flag is set to ‘1’ if the low order 8 bits of the result contain an even number of ‘1’s. Zero Flag- This flag is set to 1 when the result of arithmetic or logical operation is zero. Sign Flag- This flag holds the sign of the result, i.e. when the result of the operation is negative, then the sign flag is set to 1 else set to 0. Overflow Flag- This is set to ‘1’ if the result is out of range or when the system capacity has exceeded. Conditional Flags These control the operations of the EU and can also be used by the user. These flags are listed below: Trap flag It is used for single step control and allows the user to execute one instruction at a time for debugging. If it is set, then the program can be run in a single step mode. Interrupt flag It is an interrupt enable/disable flag, i.e. used to allow/prohibit the interruption of a program. It is set to 1 for interrupt enabled condition and set to 0 for interrupt disabled condition. Direction flag It is used in string operation. As the name suggests when it is set then string bytes are accessed from the higher memory address to the lower memory address and vice-a-versa. General purpose register- There are 8 general purpose registers, i.e., AH, AL, BH, BL, CH, CL, DH, and DL. These registers can be used individually to store 8-bit data and can be used in pairs to store 16-bit data. The valid register pairs are AH and AL, BH and BL, CH and CL, and DH and DL. It is referred to the AX, BX, CX, and DX respectively. Their functionalities are listed below: AX register- It is also known as accumulator register. It is used to store operands for arithmetic operations. BX register- It is used as a base register. It is used to store the starting base address of the memory area within the data segment. CX register- It is referred to as counter. It is used in loop instruction to store the loop counter. DX register- This register is used to hold I/O port address for I/O instruction. Stack Pointer Register- It is a 16-bit register which holds the address from the start of the segment to the memory location, where a word was most recently stored on the stack.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

What is the difference between government and governance Essay

What is the difference between government and governance - Essay Example The concept of governance has become prominent in the last decade, and it is considered as the modern political scenario. The notion governance covers a broad range of meanings. One of its very important scopes is the idea that, differing to the classic forms of ‘government’, modern governance is not limited to the national boarders and is not the region of professional politicians. It refers to models of decision-making, taking place in a larger set of institutions, with a broader range of performers and practices. One of the main objectives of those who preserve this new thought is indeed to enlarge the established notion of public contribution beyond the well recognized and constantly waning events of representative democracy. This most likely explains why the concept has found a favourable ground in non state polities such as the European Union. Within this kind of multi-layered polities, electoral systems only play a limited role. The European Parliament has been el ected by universal right of voting since 1979. The Council of Ministers and the European Council are not affected by European elections, and the composition of the Commission is only dependent on the results of these international elections. In this institutional system, where autonomy is pooled and accountability remains divided (Peterson, 1997), elections can not ‘throw the scoundrels out’ (Weiler, 1999). As it does not correspond to the methods of participation and accountability with which citizens are familiar, the EU is often said to suffer from an cordial ‘democratic deficit’, and its constitutional reform is the entity of a permanent debate. Improving its governance is one of the approaches recently suggested to face this major limit of European integration (Magnette, 2003). The earlier thought that national governments are the key actors in public policy and that they are able to power the economy and

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Cardiac Care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cardiac Care - Essay Example d these are: 1) to restart the heart as quickly as possible, and to start cooling as early as possible, and 2) transport patients to a single-specialized post-resuscitation facility in hopes of preserving their brains. It was known typically that in EMS system, cooling begins after return of spontaneous circulation or ROSC. However, it was recently discovered that patients are cooled as resuscitation attempts occur, and receive a broad complement of additional therapies and support both pre-hospitalization and in hospital as studied by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Medical Center. Chairman of VCUs Department of Emergency Medicine and medical director of the Richmond Ambulance Authority, Joseph Oranto, MD, had explained the motivation with such approach. He said â€Å""Our approach was to do something a bit different.† He had explained the need for early cooling as part of EMS based on his conducted study. He had stated, "The basis is animal data that pretty consistently suggests that the earlier you initiate cooling, particularly during the resuscitation process, the more likely you are to get a good neurologic outcome." Ornate pointed out even though the early studies to prove that the spontaneous circulation had improved the chance of survival had been failed, he is taking chances with the EMS approach of cooling early will be absolutely proven to be beneficial for the patients. As the time the article was written, they are still at the early stage of application of cooling early after ROSC. 1) Good quality CPR that includes automated chest compressions and interposed ventilations. This is being performed for 2 to 3 minutes before the rhythm is determined and should not be stopped during defibrillation. 3) Cooling is achieved with 4 °C saline when drugs had restarted the heart. This is a treatment in which vasopressin and epinephrine are being alternately used. Drugs are given IO whenever IV is not able to achieve in its initial pass. During the

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Research paper summary Carrying capacity Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary Carrying capacity - Research Paper Example The methodology employed is two pronged as mentioned. The laboratory study was first to be carried out. The study examined various components of the Maculinea arion like its feeding preferences, autumn food consumption and growth and the winter period weight loss. The sample size included a total of 69 caterpillars reared from the onset of their final instars in the late summer to the month of May. In addition, each caterpillar was kept in a seven cubic centimeter plastic box that was furnished with a small piece of moist sponge. During that period, fresh food was supplied to the specimens after every 2-3 days to ensure that there was a surplus in the food given to them. It is also important to note that caterpillars were categorized into different sets with each set provided with a different food type and composition to enable the accurate determination of the objectives of this study. Each caterpillar was also weighed weekly to and kept in a clean box with the resultant weight being recorded for each caterpillar. In addition to the variables obtained in the laboratory set up, published materials were also used for the purposes of the number and biomass of the immature stages of M. sabuleti that were available to final instar caterpillars of Maculinea orion. Finally, estimates were carried out from the mean body weight that was obtained 2 days before eclosion. The field study involved the examination of mortality rates of wild Maculinea arion adopted at different densities into Myrmica sabuleti nest. This was measured during a five-year period study on site X. The study involved the introduction of the caterpillars at different stages of the duration with excavations and counting being done. The obtained data was subsequently being recorded to monitor the changes and effects of the different seasons, eating habits and species behavior. As a combination of the two methods and integration

Sunday, October 27, 2019

History of Cocaine Use Medical and Recreational Uses

History of Cocaine Use Medical and Recreational Uses Cocaine through the ages: from elixir to poison. Abstract: Cocaine, a plant alkaloid derived from coca leaves is a potent stimulant of CNS and has local anesthetic action as well. Historically, it was ingested in the form of chewing coca leaves, to suppress hunger and fatigue. With discovery of its local anesthetic properties, cocaine was introduced into world of medicine and a local anesthetic, but over last few decades, gained popularity as drug of abuse. Cocaine carries with it great potential for addiction and abuse. It is administered through various routes, smoking free-base crack and intranasal inhalation being most popular. Its primarily metabolized in liver and distributed to all body tissues. Due to lipid nature it tends to concentrate in brain and adipose tissues with chronic administration. Its mainly eliminated through kidneys, but saliva and stools are also routes of excretion. A number of health hazards have been shown to be associated with cocaine use including, cardiac abnormalities, psychological disturbances, addiction pot ential and renal failure with or without rhabdomyolysis. Acute and chronic cocaine toxicities with sufficient collected data are included. Techniques for detecting cocaine in blood including enzyme linked immunoassay and POCT (Point of care screening tests) have also been discussed. An analysis of recent trends in cocaine uses have been studied and presented along with graphical illustrations of epidemiological evidence to support the data. Introduction and objective: Objective: to display how cocaine has evolved through time in its uses and available forms, from simple coca leaf chewing custom of South Americans in 2500 BC to modern forms of freebase-coke among others as one of the most commonly abused toxic drug. Methodology: Data was mainly collected from electronic resources, but text on immunology and pharmacology was also consulted. From electronic sources, I mainly used search engines using a number of keywords including ; history of cocaine, crack, pharmacokinetics of cocaine, mode of action , coca leaf, acute cocaine poisoning, chronic cocaine toxicity, Karl Koller, Sigmund Freud, Immunoassay, etc. I also went through a number of journals available online, and a number of researches conducted which related to cocaine. My aim was to find changes in cocaine use from its discovery to date, and show, with help of collected data, that it has moved in a negative direction. Brief history: Cocaine, use of which, according to some sources, date back to at least 1200 years, has now, rightfully, earned itself a place in drugs of abuse list among others like Caffeine, Nicotine, Amphetamine, etc. To date, cocaines uses have evolved from gaining popularity as topical anesthetic agent, and as component of energizing drinks to becoming one of the most abused drugs in the world. It is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug, which acts by interfering with cerebral and peripheral synaptic transmission among neurons. Mode of action has been described in greater detail later in pharmacodynamics section, but for brief introduction, it interferes with reuptake of, and thereby enhance duration of action of, monoamines, dopamine, serotonin and nor epinephrine Brain PF et.al (1989). It also produces membrane stabilizing effect, more commonly referred to as local anesthetic effect. Latter is achieved through modulation of voltage gated sodium channels and consequent blockade of sensory im pulses conduction from that part of the neuron to central nervous system. Brain PF et.al (1989) Earliest records of cocaine use reveal it to be a part of South American custom of chewing coca leaves. This use is believed to date back to 2500BC. Steven Cohen (1981) Practice of chewing mixture of tobacco and coca leaves was defined by Nicolà ¡s Monardes, in 1569, to induce â€Å"great contentment†. Cocaine is the active component of coca leaves, which also contains nicotine. Karch SB (1998). In 1859, Italian doctor, Paulo Montegazza, after witnessing coca use by natives of Peru, and getting mesmerized by it, decided to study the effects of cocaine on himself. After his studies he concluded his findings into a paper in which he declared cocaine to be medically useful in treating furred tongue in the morning, flatulence and whitening the teeth. Steven R. King (1992). In 1863, French chemist, Angelo Mariani, introduced popular cocavine, Vin Mariani. Vin Mariani wasproduced from mixture of 6 mg coca leaves per fluid ounce of Bordeaux wine. Courtwright DT (2001) Angelo Mariani, creator of Vin Mariani, which later became the hallmark of cocavines was honored with Vatican gold medal by Pope Leo XIII for this achievement. Ethanol, a component of vin mariani, is believed to extract cocaine from coca leaves. In 1884, the concept of cocavine was adopted by John S. Pemberton, with introduction of Pembertons French Wine Coca. After prohibitions imposed on cocaine use and manufacture of cocaine-containing products including cocavine in 1885, Pemberton introduced carbonated, non-alcoholic form of Vin Mariani and called it Coca-cola. Richard Ashley (1975). From 1906 onwards, however, after Pure Food and Drug act was passed, decocainised forms of coca were used for manufacture of coca-cola. In 1884, Austrian physician Sigmund Freud, recommended cocaine for treatment of morphine and alcohol addiction. A strategy that was later employed in 1879 when cocaine was used to treat morphine addiction. Steven Cohen (1981). In his published word, ÃÅ"ber Coca, Sigmund defined effects of cocaine in following words: â€Å"exhilaration and lasting euphoria, which in no way differs from the normal euphoria of the healthy personYou perceive an increase of self-control and possess more vitality and capacity for work.In other words, you are simply normal, and it is soon hard to believe you are under the influence of any drug.Long intensive physical work is performed without any fatigueThis result is enjoyed without any of the unpleasant after-effects that follow exhilaration brought about by alcohol.Absolutely no craving for the further use of cocaine appears after the first, or even after repeated taking of the drug† In 1985, use of cocaine for induction of spinal anesthesia was accidentally discovered by American neurologist Leonard Corning while he studying the effects of cocaine on spinal nerves in a dog and accidentally pierced the dura matter. Corning JL (1885) Cocaine was, however, not used as anesthetic in spinal surgery until 1989 when first planned cocaine induced spinal anesthesia was administered in a surgery, by August Bier. A. Bier, (1899) Coca leaves have traditionally been used as suppressants for fatigue, thirst, and hunger. Its use has now been limited to Andean countries, where coca leaf chewing and coca tea consumption are still practiced. Industrially, coca leaves serve as source of drug cocaine, and in some cosmetic and food industries, including coca cola. Richard Ashley (1975) From 1980s to date, cocaine has gained popularity as drug of abuse, and has widely replaced heroin and other narcotics as drug of abuse, being used in different forms and administered via various routes. Richard Ashley (1975) Discovery: Discovery of cocaine, as local anesthetic, is claim to fame for Austrian ophthalmologist, Karl Koller. Kollers name is credited with demonstration of anesthetic effect of cocaine, in 1884. Karl Koller was a close associate of Sigmund Freud who in same year recommended cocaine to be employed in treatment for morphine and alcohol addiction. Hruby K (1986). Koller studied effects of cocaine on eye by applying the drug to his own eye and later pricking it with pins. He presented his findings to the Heidelberg Ophthalmological Society in same year. Hruby K (1986) After successfully experimenting on himself, Koller used cocaine as local anesthetic in eye surgeries, a use that continues to this day. Cocaine was later employed in other fields including dentistry for induction of local anesthesia, Today, however, cocaine has largely been replaced by other local anesthetic agents like lidocaine, xylocaine, bupivacaine, etc, which produce local anesthetic effect as efficiently and do not carry potential for abuse.Hruby K (1986) Isolation: Friedrich Gaedcke, aGerman chemist, was first person to successfully isolate cocaine from coca leaves, in 1855. An improved isolation process was, however, developed by Albert Niemann, who was enrolled as a Ph.D. student at a German university, University of Gottingen , in 1859. Niemann wrote a dissertation describing steps of isolation which was published in 1860 and was entitled, â€Å" ÃÅ"ber eine neue organische Base in den Cocablà ¤ttern† (On a New Organic Base in the Coca Leaves). F. Gaedcke (1855) Formal Chemical Name (IUPAC) for cocaine: (1R,5S)-methyl 8-methyl-3-(phenylcarbonyloxy)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxylate. Chemical structure of cocaine: Structure of cocaine molecule was first defined by Richard Willstà ¤tter in 1898. Medicalisation and popularization: Ever since its discovery, cocaines medical uses were quickly exploited through research and experimentation. Spanish physicians described first medical uses of cocaine as early as 1596, but the use of cocaine did not become more widespread until 1859, when Albert Niemann isolated the drug from coca leaves. Soon after it was isolated, cocaine was used to try to cure almost all the illnesses and maladies that were known to man. (Albert Niemann 1860) 1859s Montagezzis discovery about cocaine being useful in treating furred tongue in the morning, flatulence and whitening the teeth, was one of the earliest recorded studies that signified possible medical importance of cocaine. In 1879, Vassili von Anrep, of the University of Wà ¼rzburg, demonstrated analgesic properties of cocaine in an experiment that he conducted on a frog. He prepared two separate jars, one containing cocaine-salt solution, other containing salt water serving as control. One of frogs legs was submerged in cocaine solution and other in control followed by stimulation of leg in different ways. Reactions in two legs varied considerably. In the same year, cocaine began to be used in treatment of morphine addiction. The commercial production of purified cocaine gained momentum only in the mid-1880s. Its greatest medical value was in ophthalmology. Eye-surgery stood in desperate need of a good local anesthetic. This was because in eye operations it is often essential for a conscious patient to move his eye as directed by the surgeon without flinching. Karl Kollers demonstration of anesthetic properties of cocaine in 1884 was an important breakthrough establishing cocaines importance, medically when it was introduced in Germany as local anesthetic for eye surgery. (Altman Aj et.al 1985) Kollers discovery was later followed in 1985 by Leonard Cornings accidental demonstration of cocaines use in induction of spinal anesthesia, which became formally employed in spinal surgery in 1989 when first planned cocaine induced spinal anesthesia was administered by August Bier. Medical use of cocaine has largely been restricted to induction of local anesthesia. Even as local anesthetic agent, discovery of hazardous effects of cocaine use led to early development of safer alternative drugs like lidocaine, etc. One of its first non medical uses of cocaine was in military. In 1883 Theodor Aschenbrandt administered cocaine to members of the Bavarian army. It was found that the drug enhanced their endurance on maneuver. His positive findings were published in a German medical journal, which brought the effects of this wonder drug to a wider medical audience, including Sigmund Freud. Following is taken from â€Å"On cocaine† by Sigmund Freud. â€Å"A few minutes after taking cocaine, one experiences a certain exhilaration and feeling of lightness. One feels a certain furriness on the lips and palate, followed by a feeling of warmth in the same areas; if one now drinks cold water, it feels warm on the lips and cold in the throat. One other occasions the predominant feeling is a rather pleasant coolness in the mouth and throat. During this first trial I experienced a short period of toxic effects, which did not recur in subsequent experiments. Breathing became slower and deeper and I felt tired and sleepy; I yawned frequently and felt somewhat dull. After a few minutes the actual cocaine euphoria began, introduced by repeated cooling eructation. Immediately after taking the cocaine I noticed a slight slackening of the pulse and later a moderate increase. I have observed the same physical signs of the effect of cocaine in others, mostly people my own age. The most constant symptom proved to be the repeated cooling eructation. This is often accompanied by a rumbling which must originate from high up in the intestine; two of the people I observed, who said they were able to recognize movements in their stomachs, declared emphatically that they had repeatedly detected such movements. Often, at the outset of the cocaine effect, the subjects alleged that they experienced an intense feeling of heat in the head. I noticed this in myself as well in the course of some later experiments, but on other occasions it was absent. In only two cases did coca give rise to dizziness. On the whole the toxic effects of coca are of short duration, and much less intense than those produced by effective doses of quinine or salicylate of soda; they seem to become even weaker after repeated use of cocaine.† Cocaine was sold as over the counter drug until 1916. It was widely used in tonics, toothache cures, patent medicines, and chocolate cocaine tablets. Prospective buyers were advised (in the words of pharmaceutical firm Parke-Davis) that cocaine could make the coward brave, the silent eloquent, and render the sufferer insensitive to pain. Cocaine was a popular ingredient in wines, notably Vin Mariani. Coca wine received endorsement from prime-ministers, royalty and even the Pope. The Vatican gold medal that Angelo Mariani received for it will forever signify the popularity of cocaine through that period of time. By the late Victorian, era use of cocaine had appeared as a vice in literature, for instance, Arthur Conan Doyles fictional Sherlock Holmes. Number of admissions to drug treated programme in each year is plotted against time for both cocaine and heroin. Graph clearly displays the shift in trend from use of heroin towards cocaine. A combination gaining popularity is speedball, which is formulated by mixing heroin with cocaine. From 1980s to date, cocaine has gained popularity as drug of abuse, being used in different forms and administered via various routes, as evident by figure above which displays the escalation in crack / cocaine usage with concomitant reduction in heroin use. Prohibition: In first part of the twentieth century, with addictive properties of cocaine becoming more apparent with studies, cocaine found itself legally prohibited. Harrison Narcotics Tax Act (1914) outlawed unauthorized sales and distribution of cocaine incorrectly classifying it as a narcotic. In United Nations 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, cocaine was listed as Schedule I drug, thereby making its manufacture, distribution, import, export, trade, use and possession illegal unless sanctioned by the state. In 1970s controlled substances act, cocaine was listed as a Schedule II drug in United States. It carries high abuse potential but also serves medicinal purpose. It is a class A drug in the United Kingdom, and a List 1 drug of Opium law in the Netherlands. Modern Usage: In late 90s and early 2000s, crack became very popular among Americans and in past few years has also taken its toll on UK. According to an estimate, U.S cocaine market exceeded $ 70 billion in year 2005, demonstrating the popularity of this menace. News reports are flooded with celebrity arrests on charge of cocaine posession or use. A section on recent facts and figures related to cocaine discusses the modern trends in greater detail later. Addiction potential: Along with amphetamine, cocaine is one of the most widely abused drugs in the world. Powerful stimulant properties of cocaine are beyond doubt. By inhibiting neuronal reuptake of excitatory neurotransmitters, dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, cocaine enhances synaptic concentrations of these neurotransmitters in specific brain areas; nucleus accumbens and amygdala which are referred to as the reward center of brain. During 1980s, cocaine widely replaced heroin as drug of abuse, due to its euphoric properties, wide availability and low cost. Different forms and Routes of administration of cocaine: Smoking: Crack, freebase or smokable form of cocaine, was produced and became popular drug of abuse in 1980s. Earliest reports of crack use indicate an epidemic in Bahamas from 1980. By 1985, crack gained popular ranking among drug users across America.Crack is produced by mixing 2 parts cocaine hydrochloride with one part baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). It differs from cocaine hydrochloride in being more volatile, a property that makes it better suited for inhalation administration (smoking) than cocaine hydrochloride. Smoking freebase cocaine releases methylecgonidine, an effect not achieved with insufflation or injection (described later), thereby making it a specific test marker for freebase cocaine smokers. Studies suggest that methylecgonidine is more harmful to heart, liver and lungs than other byproducts of cocaine. Inhalation leads to rapid absorption of cocaine into bloodstream via lungs, reaching brain within five seconds of ingestion. Following rush exceeds snorting in intensity but does not last long. Oral: Ancient tradition of South Americans to chew coca leaves in same manner is tobacco, is another method of cocaine consumption. Alternatively, coca leaves may be consumed like tea by mixing with liquid. Coca leaf consumers have raised a controversy over whether it should be abandoned or not. Rationale behind this controversy is that strong acid in our stomach hydrolyzes cocaine, attenuating its effects on brain; therefore, unless it is taken with an alkaline substance, such as lime, which neutralizes stomachs acid, cocaine intake should not be criminalized. Cocaine is also used as oral anesthetic, both medically and unofficially. Cocaine powder is applied to gums to numb the gingiva and teeth. Colloquial terms for this route of administration are; numbies, gummies and cocoa puffs. Another method for oral administration, commonly known as snow bomb, is to pack cocaine in rolled up paper and swallowing it. Insufflation: Colloquial terms for which are; snorting, sniffing, or blowing is believed to be most commonly employed method of cocaine ingestion in west. Cocaine is poured on a flat, hard surface and divided into fine powder before being insufflated in â€Å"bumps†, â€Å"lines†, or â€Å"rails†. Devices used as aid in insufflation are known as â€Å"tooters†. Anything small and hollow, such as straws cut short, can serve as a tooter. Injection: This achieves the greatest bioavailability, 100%, in shortest span of time, since drug is directly administered into bloodstream saving time and reduced bioavailability that occurs with drug absorption from site of drug administration into bloodstream. Resultant rush is intense and rapid. Risk of contracting blood-borne infections is greatest. â€Å"Speedball†, a mixture of cocaine with heroin used intravenously is a popular and dangerous method of cocaine ingestion. It claims credit for many deaths, including celebrities like John Belushi, Chris Farley ,Mitch Hedberg, River Phoenix and Layne Staley. ADME Pharmacokinetics: Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion of Cocaine. Before beginning discussion about pharmacokinetics or ADME of cocaine, table below summarizes the relationship of route of administration with onset of action, time taken to achieve peak effect, duration of action and half life. (Clarke, 1986) Route of administration Onset Peak effect (min.) Duration (min.) Half-life (min.) Inhalation 7s 1-5 20 40-60 Injection 15s 3-5 20-30 40-60 Nasal 3min 15 45-90 60-90 Oral 10min 60 60 60-90 Absorption: Absorption refers to movement of drug from site of administration into bloodstream.As with any drug, absorption of cocaine depends on various factors and varies considerably with them. Factors which influence drug absorption include; drug formulation, route of administration, lipid solubility, pH of the medium, blood supply and surface area available for absorption. As evident from tabulated figures above, cocaine differs greatly in onset of action varying between 7 seconds up to 10 minutes from one route of administration to another. This is a factor of absorption of drug which depends on route of administration. Each route is separately discussed below in greater details. (Clarke, 1986). Orally administered cocaine: Cocaine induces vasoconstriction in vessels supplying oral mucosa and resultant reduction in blood supply slows down its absorption by decreasing surface area from which drug is absorbed. Therefore when orally administered, drug is slowly absorbed into bloodstream, taking roughly 30 minutes. Absorption is also incomplete; roughly one third of administered dose is absorbed. Due to slow absorption, onset of action is also delayed and peak effect is, however, not achieved until about 50-90 minutes after administration. Effect is, however, longer lasting, roughly 60 minutes after attainment of peak effect. Another factor affecting absorption of orally administered cocaine is pH of the stomach. As previously mentioned, stomach acid hydrolyzes cocaine, resulting in inadequate and incomplete absorption. To improve absorption it is common practice to take cocaine along with an alkaline liquid to neutralize acidic pH. Insufflations: Insufflations results in coating of the mucosa covering sinuses with cocaine, from where it is absorbed. Absorption is similar to that from oral cavity, cocaine induced vasoconstriction beneath mucosa results in slow and incomplete absorption (30-60%). Efficiency of absorption increases with concentration of drug. According to a study, time taken to reach peak effect via this route of administration averages 14.6 minutes. Injection: Injected cocaine is directly administered into bloodstream eliminating need for absorption. According same study, as mentioned for insufflation, time taken to reach peak effect of cocaine through injection averaged 3.1 minutes, roughly five times less than time for insufflation. Smoking: Smoking crack delivers large quantities of the drug to the lungs, resultant absorption is rapid and effects created are comparable to intravenous administration. These effects, which are felt almost immediately after smoking, are intense and last for 5-10 minutes. According to Perez-Reyes et al, 1982, volunteers who smoked 50 mg of cocaine base in a controlled study experiment achieved rapidly elevated plasma cocaine level compared to intravenous cocaine administration. Distribution: Following absorption into bloodstream, cocaine is distributed, via blood, to all body tissues including vital organs like brain, lungs, liver, heart, kidneys and adrenals. It crosses both blood-brain and placental barrier. Being lipid soluble, it easily traverses biological membranes via simple diffusion. It is believed to accumulate in brain and adipose tissue with repeated administration, owing to its lipid nature. In an experiment, distribution and kinetics of cocaine in human body were studied using Positron Emission Topography (PET) technique with radioactively labeled (carbon-11) cocaine on 14 healthy male subjects. Rate of uptake and clearance were found to vary among organs. Following results were obtained for time, in minutes, taken by radioactively labeled cocaine to reach peak value in following organs: Lungs: 45 seconds. Heart and Kidneys: 2-3 minutes. Adrenals: 7-9 minutes. Liver: 10 minutes. Liver, which is the key site for metabolism of cocaine is where distribution is most sluggish, increasing the half-life of cocaine. The Journal of Nuclear Medicine ( 1992 ) Metabolism: As already mentioned, cocaine is primarily metabolised in liver. It is estimated to get metabolized within two hours of administration. Half-life varies between 0.7 1.5 hours (Clarke, 1986), depending on route of administration among various other factors. There are three possible routes for bio-transformation of cocaine. Ester linkages in cocaine are hydrolyzed by plasma pseudocholinesterases and hepatic enzymes, human liver carboxylesterase form 1 (hCE-1)and human liver carboxylesterase form 2 (hCE-2). Benzoyl group is eliminated to produce ecgonine methyl ester. This is the major route for metabolism of cocaine. A secondary route, suggested by Fleming et al. 1990, proposes spontaneous hydrolysis, possibly non-enzymatic, followed by demethylation to produce benzoylecgonine. N-demethylation of cocaine is a minor route which leads to formation of norcocaine. Final degradation of metabolites yields ecgonine. Principal inactive metabolites are; benzoylecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester, and ecgonine itself. Norcocaine is an active metabolite and may reveal itself in acute intoxication. Metabolism of cocaine may be influenced by a number of factors: Alcohol:When cocaine is co-administered with alcohol a compound called Cocaethylene is formed. Cocaethylene is associated with an increased risk of liver damage and premature death. Pregnancy. Liver disease. Aged men. Congenital cholinesterase deficiency. In all the aforementioned conditions, except alcohol, rate of cocaine metabolism is reduced, leading to elevated levels and duration of action of cocaine, enhancing its harmful effects of on the body. Following is a schematic representation of metabolic pathways of cocaine. According to Andrew (1997) have found that the continuous use of alcohol with cocaine produce cocaethylene which is similar in the action of cocaine but it has more blood stream concentration by three to five times than cocaine as a result of its high half life. Its much attractive to be used for abuse as a result of slower removal from the body. Different types of side effects are associated with cocaethylene like liver damage, seizure and immuno compromised functioning . Cocaethylene has more possibility for sudden death by 18 25 times than using cocaine alone . Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) has been implicated as being important in metabolism of cocaine, even though it has limited capacity to fully hydrolyze cocaine. BChE is specially essential for cocaine detoxification. A lot of research has been done to study the effect of employing this enzyme in cocaine detoxification and in anti-cocaine medications. The rate at which human BChE hydrolyzes cocaine is slow; however, scientists at Eppley Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, have developed a mutant (A328Y) of human butyrylcholinesterase, which promises four fold greater efficiency in accelerating cocaine metabolism. Elimination or excretion: 1-9% of cocaine is excreted unaltered in urine along with metabolites, ecgonine methyl ester, benzoylecgonine, and ecgonine. Unchanged cocaine may also be eliminated through GI tract and/or be excreted in saliva. Most of the parent drug is eliminated from plasma within 4 hours after administration but metabolites may remain detectable for up to 144 hours after administration. Elimination of cocaine via kidneys is enhanced by acidification of urine. As already mentioned, cocaine easily traverses placental barrier, and the active metabolite, norcocaine is believed to persist in amniotic fluid for up to 5 days. In lactating mothers, cocaine and benzoylecgonine are excreted into maternal milk and can be detected up to 36 hours after administration. In smokers, cocaine is rapidly eliminated through exhalation of vapor. Ambre J et.al (1988) In an experiment, the effects of chronic oral cocaine administration in healthy volunteer subjects with a history of cocaine abuse were investigated. There were sixteen daily sessions of oral cocaine administration while subjects were kept in a controlled clinical ward. In every session subjects received five equal doses of oral cocaine at one hour interval. Throughout sessions, cocain