Industrial Relations Practices Essay

This chapter seeks to review the thoughts of other experts on industrial relations practices in state owned organisations. The purpose is to have a reference in terms of what others believe and perceive in relation to industrial relation and its practices in state owned organizations using Ghana as a case study. State-Business Relations and Economic Performance in Ghana by Charles Ackah, Ernest Aryeetey, Joseph Ayee & Ezekiel Clottey In their executive summary, Charles Ackah, Ernest Aryeetey, Joseph Ayee & Ezekiel Clottey, talked about the fact that relationship between the state and business community in Ghana had varied since independence. Though each government has had distinct relations with business and private sectors, civilian governments have generally promoted and enjoyed good rapport with the business community while military governments especially in the 1980s have tended to have confrontations with the private sector. Their study used a multi-disciplinary approach that included both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the disciplines of political science, economics, history, sociology and organizational management. They were seeking to understand what constitutes effective state-business relations, and to assess how state-business relations are related to economic performance, their study relied on historical institutionalist inductive theories- comparative historical analysis and path-dependence, among others. For their analysis, their study relied on both primary data, from interviews with selected formal and informal enterprises and regulatory agencies within Ghana, and their secondary data were derived from a review of statutory literature such as the Constitution of Ghana, Acts of Parliament, Statutes, Codes, Contracts, rules and procedures and conventions establishing institutions. Their purpose was to examine the characteristics of formal and informal rules and regulations governing the establishment and operation of foreign and indigenous businesses, how these have evolved over time and how they may have impacted economic performance. For their quantitative economic analysis, their study used a panel of 256 Ghanaian manufacturing firms over the period 1991-2002 to analyze the extent to which an effective state-business relationship is beneficial to economic performance. Focusing on total factor productivity, they found out that an effective State Business Relations (SBR) or a sound investment climate correlates positively with better firm performance, possibly channeled via a more optimal allocation of resources in the economy. Concerning the effect of the investment climate indicators, their results showed that an ‘unfriendly’ investment climate illustrated through firms’ perceptions about economic and regulatory policy uncertainty affecting their operations and growth are negatively correlated with productivity. With regards to the SBR measures, they found that social networks as indicated through the extent to which firms or their managers have close contacts within the government or bureaucracy had a statistically positive correlation with firm performance. Their results indicated that being well connected with those who make and implement government policy increases the chances of being able to lobby to overcome some of the difficulties confronting normal business enterprises, such as the number of procedures it takes to obtain licenses and permits and the number of days it takes to clear imported goods from the port. Narrative analysis of state agencies and Private Enterprises Foundation’s perceptions of SBRs in Ghana from 1992 to 2008 which also coincides and extends beyond the period of econometric analysis of SBRs on firm performance confirms the results discussed above. Both state and BAs agree on a shift from a predominantly ad hoc and informal clientelistic relationship to a more formal and synergistic SBRs in Ghana since 1992. Formal and regularized meetings between state agencies and businesses have positively impacted on firm productivity. They conclude for instance, PEF’s formal advocacy role and function resulted in the use of GCNET to expedite clearing of imported goods. Business concerns of firms are channeled more often through formal by BAs to state agencies. Firms through their BAs make inputs into budget and other policy on formalized basis. Moreover, strong formal relationship between the executive and BAs such as the investors advisory council have helped firms stay close to government and bureaucracy. Overall, their findings contribute to understanding that link between an effective state business relations and economic performance. Their paper adds to the work done by Qureshi and te Velde (2007) by investigating the key determinants of firm performance and also assessing the relationship between an effective SBR and firm productivity in Ghana. The results of their study stress the need for an enabling environment for the private sector. Experiences from East and Southeast Asian economies have also shown that investment and productivity growth critically hinges on an effective and vibrant private sector underpinned by a sound investment climate. Promoting a sound investment climate is one of the core responsibilities of the state in both developed and developing countries to achieve rapid capital accumulation and sustained growth and poverty reduction. Markets are good but are not without flaws. Thus, in order for inequalities in incomes and opportunities not to be exacerbated by the markets, it is important that the many constraints that inhibit the private sector from responding effectively to market incentives are removed, complemented with an increased effectiveness of government involvement in supporting private sector activities. Apart from the positive effect of SBRs on economic performance, the other lesson which can be drawn from their paper is that even though successive governments in Ghana have shown some commitment to supporting a viable private sector that commitment has, at the same time, been undermined by governments’ own fear of a strong private sector acting as a countervailing force and thereby weakening their monopoly over neo-patrimonialism. Consequently, the commitment may be seen as a public relations hoax. An effective SBR in Ghana requires sustained formalized political commitment to policies that sees the private sector as a catalyst and initiator of pro-poor growth and development. In their Introduction, they pointed out a number of theoretical models which provides many compelling reasons why effective SBRs would stimulate economic growth and poverty reduction. Economic growth has been an important topic of discussion in almost every economy for a very long time. Previous research has found steady increases in investment and productivity to be crucial to a country’s long-run economic growth and poverty reduction. Experiences from East and Southeast Asian economies have also shown that investment and productivity growth critically hinge on an effective and vibrant private sector underpinned by a sound investment climate. Promoting a sound investment climate is one of the core responsibilities of the state in both developed and developing countries to achieve rapid capital accumulation and sustained growth and poverty reduction. The economic reform programmes introduced in many developing countries during the 1980’s stressed the need for a propitious enabling environment for the private sector. Initially there were high expectations that a package of macroeconomic reforms (‘getting the prices right’) would give quick dividends in terms of economic growth. There has been growing disappointment with the growth record in many developing countries. Increased globalization and trade liberalization have led to a realization of the huge potential for the private sector but has also led to a considerable shift in the relationship between the public and private sector actors. Empirically, the size and role of the private sector is clearly evolving with globalization. Many high-growth nations have relied on markets to allocate resources. Markets, however, are not without flaws. And in order for inequalities in incomes and opportunities not to be exacerbated by the markets, it is important that the many constraints that inhibit the poor from responding effectively to market incentives are removed. A well-functioning market system, underpinned by strong institutions, with adequate protection of intellectual and physical property rights, and ‘smart’ interventions by the state, provides an enabling environment for businesses and individuals to innovate, compete and create value for all. This encapsulates the paramount importance of inclusive growth, i. e. , creating economic opportunities through sustainable growth and making the opportunities available to all including the poor. The relationship between the state and business in forging economic growth and development has been an enduring area of research for both economists and political scientists since the Industrial Revolution of the 17th Century. Literature and research findings have emphasized both the positive and negative roles of the state in promoting markets and economic developments. By the early 1980s, many interventionist states had been judged to have failed in their quest to directly promote economic development. The public sector in most states became big and excessive, while government control of economic activities was counterproductive as pricing and subsidies favoured the urban few. Among developing countries, Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI) misallocated resources, discouraged exports and limited importation or transfer of much needed technology (Kohli, 2000). Quite contrary to the neo-liberal economic views held by most international development agencies that state interventions in economic growth and development was counterproductive, the role of states in development and the enhancement of pro-poor growth cannot be overstated (Amsden, 1989; Wade, 1990). Notable examples of states like Japan, South Korea in the 1980s and most recently China and India in the late 1990s show the positive role states can play in promoting development and poverty reduction among developing economies. Chalmers (1982) shows that in the case of Japan the state’s ability to prioritize areas for economic development, support private entrepreneurs and undertake direct and indirect interventions in economy promoted economic development. Such developmental states positively alter market incentive structures, manage conflicts, reduce risks and give direction to entrepreneurs (Kohli, 2000). Similarly, the World Bank Report of 1997 acknowledged the important roles of both the state and market, saying that â€Å"an effective state is vital for the provision of goods and services that allow markets to flourish and people to lead healthier, happier lives† (World Bank 1997:1). In short, the state also needs to establish and maintain the institutions that encourage or allow growth-related economic activity. While neoliberal growth theorists officially support a minimal role for government in economic affairs, it is still the case that economic growth generally depends upon a strong government and also relies on the state to construct and organize markets (MacEvan 1999:2-19). Since independence in 1957, Ghana has been making slow and unsteady progress in achieving structural change and economic transformation. Successive Ghanaian governments have undertaken a number of reforms targeted at improving the investment climate and promoting private sector participation in the economy. In 1992, when the Fourth Republican Constitution was promulgated to usher in multi-party democracy, several other development policies were introduced to augment market interventions for sustainable private sector development. The country adopted and implemented neoliberal structural adjustment programmes and market reforms. Apart from pursuing a vigorous free-market economic, industrial and trade policy, it also adopted a liberalized investment policy, with the goal of attracting foreign investment as well as promoting joint ventures between foreign and local investors. Certain social, political and economic patterns of change have emerged, such as, an expanding private sector and the establishment of legal and regulatory structures. Some improvements have also been attained in the provision of infrastructure, health and education, macroeconomic stability, and ongoing reforms in the financial sector. These changes, however, are unlikely to guarantee the needs of the private sector in today’s complex globalized world. Fundamental problems in the political and administrative system still persist despite many attempts at reform. Problems remain in relation to formalizing business operations in the country and corruption continues to be a problematic factor for doing business in Ghana. Many private companies encounter difficulties with regulations and continuing administrative inertia and corruption. A fairly high percentage of companies surveyed by the World Bank and IFC Enterprise Survey in 2007 report that they expect to pay informal payments to public officials to ‘get things done’ such as securing an operating license, meeting tax obligations and securing government contract. The survey also indicates that the burden of customs procedures in Ghana is quite cumbersome and constitutes a competitive disadvantage. Delays in customs procedures are sometimes deliberate as they create opportunities for officials to request unofficial payments. Against this backdrop, the purpose of their study was to examine the efficacy or otherwise of institutional arrangements put in place by various governments since to promote state business relations aimed at promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. The main objectives of their study were to: †¢? ssess the political and economic factors that have either promoted or undermined the effective functioning of private sector growth in Ghana; †¢? identify and discuss the influence of formal and informal institutions on pro-poor policy decision- making and implementation; and †¢? examine the key determinants of state-business relations (SBRs) and their effects on corporate performance in Ghana. Their study too k a multi-disciplinary approach that includes both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the disciplines of political science, economics, and organizational management. Primary data include interviews with selected formal and informal enterprises and regulatory agencies within Ghana. Secondary data included review of statutory literature such as the Constitution of Ghana, Acts of Parliament, Statutes, codes, contracts, rules and procedures and conventions establishing institutions. Their purpose here is to examine the characteristics of formal and informal rules and regulations governing the establishment and operation of businesses, how these have evolved over time, and how they may have impacted on economic performance. For the quantitative economic analysis, the study uses micro-econometric methods based on firm level data to investigate the linkages between measures of SBRs and firm performance. Cross-sectional and panel data regression analyses were employed to analyze how measures of effective SBRs relate to firm-level productivity. In their conceptualizing state-business relations, they highlighted that, most development theories that emerged in the early 19th century discussed economic and political relations among both developed and developing countries. Many theorists commented on the relations between the state and society which also comprised economic groups. While development remained the overarching focus of such studies, much of what was discussed had direct bearings on the relationship between emergent states in the developing world and how economic agents interacted. Then, the relationship between states and markets were conceived in ideological terms. Capitalists who wrote after Adam Smith emphasized the importance of markets in generating wealth. Most commentators claimed markets can self-regulate. Marxists writers on the other hand introduced class relations in how state and markets operate with claims that dominant classes who control wealth creation in most polities capture the state to pass laws and institutions that favour their cause. In between these two extreme positions on state and markets, many variant views were suggested to explain specific circumstances. Conventional economic theorists see the state as â€Å"an important initiator and catalyst of growth and development† (Martinussen, 1997:220). What still remains contentious is how states are conceptualised. Martinussen (1997:222) lists two major approaches and four dimensions of the state. A ‘society-centred’ approach attaches much importance to societal structures and social forces that exert greater impact on what become the state such that state power, apparatus and functions derive from economic agents and social forces of societies (Poulantzas, 1978). State-centred’ approaches give greater autonomy to state apparatuses and state personnel who act independently of economic agents, social classes or interest groups (Clark and Dear, 1984). Myrdal’s point about discretionary powers of political leaders is shared by dialectic modernization theorists like Jackson and Rosberg (1982) who noted that African rulers’ personality takes precedence ov er rules. State-business relations take place in such political environments where patron-client relationships exist throughout Africa (Sandbrook, 1985). In the absence of a legal framework that ensures security of property; impartial public services that directly facilitate production; and the regulation of foreign economic relations that maximises national interest, informal ties like blood relations, ethnic origins and personal access to political leadership dictate the pace of SBR in many parts of Africa. More recently since the early 1980s, following the monumental role played by states in Asia to transform third world economies into developed states, many theorists have offered explanations on the role of states and markets (Johnson, 1987, Evans, 1995). Conclusions made by such scholars indirectly places emphasis on the ‘magical’ blend between the developmental goals of the state and the profit maximization drive of private sector institutions in Asia. On macroeconomic impacts, the articles revealed the factors responsible for market failure are the existence of monopoly, public goods (goods which are non-rival and non-excludable) and externalities. Others include imperfect and asymmetric information and increasing returns to scale. These factors disturb the optimal allocation of resources in the economy necessitating government intervention. For example, firms in their activities generate an externality which may end up affecting other firms or individuals with the cost or benefit of doing so not reflected in the value of their transactions. Similarly, these firms in the absence of training and adequate knowledge on the importance of investing in transferable worker skills, may under- invest in the skills and capacity of its general workers. The government or public sector is also not exempt from failures. Government failure is said to occur when government action results in a less efficient allocation of resources. As such government intervention though necessary, may not be sufficient in addressing the failures in the market. This is because often, particularly in developing economies, governments lack the institutional and structural capabilities such as perfect information, practical and feasible development plans, essential logistics and structures that are required for addressing the failures which arise from the market. Also, government intervention in the market may result in crowding out which occurs when the government expands its borrowing more to finance increased expenditure or tax cuts in excess of revenue, crowding out private sector investment by way of higher interest rates. Similarly, government intervention activities may suffer intense lobbying and rent-seeking activities especially in countries with high records of corruption, eventually resulting in the misallocation of resources in the economy. With this background, it is obvious that a SBR is extremely essential. Such a relationship provides the solution to state, market and coordination failures. In principle, business associations play a significant role in facilitating the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of economic policies and provision of feedback to the government (Hisahiro, 2005). In addition, such a relationship between the state and the private sector plays a central role in providing a bridge between the business community and political circles. Further, these relations establish communication links between the government and businesses to exchange wide-range economic information, such as on industrial development, export markets and research and development (R;D). In short, by establishing networks between the state and the market, concrete and practical data on industries, markets and technologies are obtained and shared which may serve as an important information bureau for effective industrial and state policies. Harriss (2006) argues that a favorable collaboration between the state and business may have positive consequences for the growth of the economy as a whole, as long as certain mechanisms are in place which facilitate the following: transparency- the flow of accurate and reliable information, both ways, between the business and government; reciprocity between the business and the government; credibility- such that the market is able to believe what the state actors say and; high levels of trust through transparency, reciprocity and credibility. Hence, appropriate government policies, necessary for promoting economic growth in general and private sector development in particular are made possible by an efficient and fruitful state business relations and dialogues. On microeconomic impacts, the article suggested that, a well-structured, organized and effective relationship between the state and the market which satisfies the conditions of transparency, reciprocity, credibility and trust enhances the productivity of the firm in so many important ways. Firstly, an effective SBR helps to reduce policy uncertainties in the economy. Expectations play a major role in the activities of firms and investors particularly when it comes to savings decisions, the type of investment to undertake or the type of goods to produce, the period of production, the quantities to be produced, the technology to be used, how and where to market what has been produced and even how pricing of the commodities should be done. All these decisions are taken based on anticipated market conditions and expected profitability. As such any uncertainty in the economy tends to affect the activities of these firms, the level of investment and consequently the level of economic activity, which translates into economic growth. The absence of clear policies causes these firms to operate in uncertain environments, exposing their businesses to undue risks and resource shortages. Dixit and Pindyck (1994) argue that uncertainty tends to have significant negative effects on investment, especially when investment involves large sunk and irreversible costs. Against this backdrop, it is quite clear that businesses which have a better and effective relationship with the government may not be in the dark when it comes to policy decisions. Several studies confirm the negative effect that uncertainty has on investment. For instance, Bonds and Cummins (2004), in a survey of publicly-traded US companies, found that uncertainty has a negative effect on investment in both the short- and the long -run. Similarly, Ghosal (2003) was also able to show that periods of greater uncertainty have a crucial effect on industry dynamics and thus results in a decrease in the number of small firms and establishments and also a marginal increase in industrial concentration. In short, a greater correspondence and interaction between the state and the business enhances the free flow of information on prospective policies and reduce the level of uncertainty in the business environment, which is expected to result in a greater business confidence, quick firm-decision making and more accurate forecasting. Secondly, an effective liaison between the state and the market results in tailor-made, accurate and efficient government policies and institutions. In other words, an effective SBR will ensure that government policies towards businesses are appropriate and of good quality. This is because, in the presence of such an effective relationship between the state and the market, the design of government policies will be done, among other things, using the input of and in consultation with the private sector. Regular interactions and sharing of information will ensure that the private sector objectives coincide with public action and that local level issues are inputted into the centralized policy processes. The private sector through that will be able to identify opportunities and constraints, as well as possible policy options for creating incentives, lowering investment risks and reducing the cost of doing business. This result in more efficient and convenient government regulations and policies such as tax regimes, licensing requirements and propriety rights obtained through policy dialogues and advocacy which will go a long way to reduce the risks and costs faced by firms and eventually enhance their productivity. Finally, a good relationship between the state and businesses brings about an improvement in the quality, relevance and appropriateness of government taxing and spending plans. An effective relationship will help to ensure that certain facilities and mechanisms necessary for the survival of businesses are available and operational. This is because what motivates a firm to take risks, innovate and improve its performance depends crucially on the availability of certain services, much as it may depend on the private incentive facing the firm. Examples of these public services are good infrastructural system, information and communication technology, legal and judicial services, defense and security, availability of finance as well as the availability of human and physical capital. These facilities and systems affect the firms’ productivity both directly and indirectly. For example, the provision of basic amenities like water and electricity affect productivity directly by facilitating the smooth running of businesses. On the other hand, the provision of infrastructure though may not directly affect productivity will indirectly enhance the transportation of inputs and output to and from the production sites which will enhance the speed of production and also the quality of marketed products and eventually enhance their productivity. The efficient delivery of these public services require an active participation of the private sector which will be responsible for lobbying the government to increase its spending in those areas, creating a more favorable environment for investment. Again, a good SBR is also able to stimulate and sustain innovation. Schumpeter (1940) explains that innovation is one of main forces behind firm dynamics and economic growth. Also, sometimes such collaboration between the government and businesses may result in the government taking the lead to encourage and motivate the private sector to engage in research and development by providing incentives, venture capital for new enterprises and also appropriate property rights. All these activities by the government affect the productivity of the firms directly and encourage further investment. In effect, effective and sustained SBR can ameliorate both market and government failures, which are pervasive in most developing countries, and consequently bring about an increase in the growth of the economy. In conclusion and policy implications, they concluded that the relationship between states and businesses in forging economic growth and development has been an enduring area of research for economists and political scientists since the Industrial Revolution of the 17th Century. The relationship between the state and business community in Ghana has varied since independence. Though each government has had distinct relations with business and private sector, civilian governments have generally promoted and enjoyed good rapport with the business community while military governments especially in the 1980s have tended to have confrontations with the private sector. This study used a multi-disciplinary approach that included both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the disciplines of political science, economics, history, sociology and organizational management. To seek to understand what constitutes effective SBR, and to assess how SBR are related to economic performance, the study relied on historical institutionalist inductive theories- comparative historical analysis and path-dependence, among others. For this analysis, the study relied on both primary data, from interviews with selected formal and informal enterprises and regulatory agencies within Ghana, and secondary data derived from a review of statutory literature such as the Constitution of Ghana, Acts of Parliament, Statutes, Codes, Contracts, rules and procedures and conventions establishing institutions. The purpose here was to examine the characteristics of formal and informal rules and regulations governing the establishment and operation of foreign and indigenous businesses, how these have evolved over time and how they may have impacted conomic performance. For the quantitative economic analysis, the study used a panel of 256 Ghanaian manufacturing firms over the period 1991-2002 to analyze the extent to which an effective SBR is beneficial to economic performance. Focusing on total factor productivity, we have found that an effective SBR or a sound investment climate correlates positively with better firm performanc e, possibly channelled via a more optimal allocation of resources in the economy. Concerning the effect of the investment climate indicators, our results show that an ‘unfriendly’ investment climate illustrated through firms’ perceptions about economic and regulatory policy uncertainty affecting their operations and growth are negatively are negatively correlated with productivity, while social networks as indicated through the extent to which firms or their managers have close contacts within the government or bureaucracy have a statistically positive correlation with firm performance. These results indicate that being well connected with those who make and implement government policy increases the chances of being able to lobby to overcome some of the difficulties confronting normal business enterprises, such as the number of procedures it takes to obtain licenses and permits and the number of days it takes to clear imported goods from the port. Narrative analysis of state agencies and PEF’s perceptions of SBRs in Ghana from 1992 to 2008 which also coincides and extends beyond the period of econometric analysis of SBRs on firm performance confirms the results discussed above. Both state and BAs agree on a shift from a predominantly ad hoc and informal clientelistic relationship to a more formal and synergistic SBRs in Ghana since 1992. Formal and regularized meetings between state agencies and businesses have positively impacted on firm productivity. For instance, PEF’s formal advocacy role and function resulted in the use of GCNET to expedite clearing of imported goods. Business concerns of firms are channeled more often through formal by BAs to state agencies. Firms through their BAs make inputs into budget and other policy on formalized basis. Moreover, strong formal relationship between the executive and BAs such as the investors advisory council have helped firms stay close to government and bureaucracy. Overall, our findings contribute to understanding the link between an effective SBR and economic performance. This paper adds to the work done by Qureshi and te Velde (2007) by investigating the key determinants of firm performance and also assessing the relationship between an effective SBR and firm productivity in Ghana. The results of the study stress the need for an enabling environment for the private sector. Experiences from East and Southeast Asian economies have also shown that investment and productivity growth critically hinges on an effective and vibrant private sector underpinned by a sound investment climate. Promoting a sound investment climate is one of the core responsibilities of the state in both developed and developing countries to achieve rapid capital accumulation and sustained growth and poverty reduction. Markets are good but are not without flaws. Thus, in order for inequalities in incomes and opportunities not to be exacerbated by the markets, it is important that the many constraints that inhibit the private sector from responding effectively to market incentives are removed, complemented with an increased effectiveness of government involvement in supporting private sector activities. Apart from the positive effect of SBRs on economic performance, the other lesson which can be drawn from the paper is that even though successive governments in Ghana have shown some commitment to supporting a viable private sector that commitment has, at the same time, been undermined by governments’ own fear of a strong private sector acting as a countervailing force and thereby weakening their monopoly over neopatrimonialism. Consequently, the commitment may be seen as a public relations hoax. An effective SBR in Ghana requires sustained formalized political commitment to policies that sees the private sector as a catalyst and initiator of pro-poor growth and development.

The Orangutans

INTRODUCTION Do you know this animal guys? Yes, u’re alright, this cute animal has name â€Å"Orangutan†. And do you know where we can find these animal? Of course in the forest, it’s a mistake if you say it can be found at your home or in Unesa’s area! hehe.. The question I mean is â€Å"Do you know where country they can survive alive? † OK,, I think you will understand after this presentation, because in this presentation we are going to talk much about this animal and the reality how they can be threatened in nowadays. Orangutans are the only exclusively Asian genus of extant great ape. They have proportionally longer arms than the other, more terrestrial, and great apes. They are among the most intelligent primates and use a variety of sophisticated tools, they also can make sleeping nests each night from branches and foliage. So, it’s not stranger if they are often called as â€Å"the human of forest†. You know guys, Orangutans are now found only in Sumatra and Borneo, in Southeast Asia. Nowadays, the biggest threat that is faced by the habitat of orangutans is a decreasing of their habitat because the rain forest where they live is used as palm oil, mining and trees felled for timber. Orangutans have lost 80% of the habitat in less than 20 years. Indonesia is one country that has reduced the number of the world's largest tropical forest. There are no signs that show reduced rates of deforestation. About 15 years ago, there were approximately 1. million hectares of forest area that continues to cut down every year in Indonesia, and continue to grow in 2000 as many as 2 million hectare. Legal and illegal loggings have affected the depreciation amount of forest in Indonesia. The opening of the forest as oil fields in Indonesia also has resulted in millions of hectares of forest clearing, and it will happen later to all the plain forests which are not protected. As an information, we have to know that Indonesia is a ‘home' for 90 percent of the remaining species w ild orangutans that have habitat in the tropical rain forest. But the forests in Indonesia for 50 years has been much reduced because of illegal logging, land clearing for oil palm industry, paper and pulp. Consequently, these orangutans have lost their homes, and forced to scramble land with humans, that ultimately lead to conflict. And this conflict really happened in Kalimantan, it has recently been reported that there was a massive slaughter of orangutans in Kalimantan. The existence of endangered orangutans in East Kalimantan has been even more endangered. They continue to be slaughtered, as the impact of forest clearing for oil palm plantation. According to the results of a recent survey, people who live on the Indonesian side of Borneo or Kalimantan, have killed at least 750 orangutans in a year. The beginning point of orangutans slaughter is originated from a palm oil company of Malaysia that plans to plant oil palm there, they held deforestation which reached thousands hectares of forest. As a result, habitat for animals, especially orangutans in the forest habitat becomes damaged. They will lose their homes and their food sources. So that, they survived their lives by eating the buds of palm oil that has been planted. This makes the company owners furious, they decide orangutan is a pest and must be destroyed. One of witness even said that the company promised to pay anyone who managed to kill and persecute the orangutans will be paid 500 thousand to 1 million rupiahs. So, that triggers the local society to do the hunting of orangutans with various ways to get that reward. This is basically what this paper are going to talk. This paper will give a complete and detail analysis from the information above of the case of the orangutan slughter problem by giving the prediction of the negative effect that are going to be hapenned if this condition continues. This paper will also give some opinion based on the analysis,who to be responsible for this case,and what to do to recover this bad condition by giving some recommendation to the government.

Edward Elgar †Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 61, No.1 Essay

Violin Concerto in B minor, Op.61 is one of the most well-known concerto works which composited by Edward Elgar. Elgar first composited this masterpiece and dedicated to Fritz Kreisler, a famous violinist and composer of early 20th century. On the 10 November 1910, Kreisler played this violin concerto as the first violin player on the premiere with Elgar conducted the concert. This concerto brought Elgar to another but last peak of his composition career. Also, this is one of his most popular and representative works. Violin Concerto in B minor, Op.61 is a piece that Elgar had put tons of his own emotions and personal feelings into the melodies. In the article, â€Å"Charles Sanford Terry and Elgar’s Violin Concerto† which introduced by Alison I. Shiel in â€Å"Edward Elgar and His World†, Shiel mentioned, â€Å"Scholars have subjected the concerto itself to detailed analysis, much of it in terms of the gender of it various themes, the implication being that the melodies are meant to represent some romantic entanglement of Elgar’s, past of present.† The first movement of the concerto is a beautiful sonata with few related themes which change in various ways. You can find out the tutti and soloist somehow at a point also presenting two different melodic ideas at the same time. The solo part perfectly expresses the love and the words in the â€Å"Windflower† poem. Beautiful violin positions shifting and the soft bowings complete the feelings of romantic relationship. This is no way for people to question love like this after listening to this masterpiece from Elgar, which presented his love to the one.

Improving Schools Essay

There are many improvements that can be made to our school. These improvements will progress the school into a higher grade of learning for students. There are many different facets to our school and small, inexpensive, environmentally friendly changes need to be made. Making changes to the school will help the students achieve higher grades, and therefore have even more university and college acceptance. Improvements such as free internet, a library on campus and free parking will for sure be solutions with a positive aftermath. My first suggestion to improving the school is free internet. Internet can be a positive solution for those students in St. Louis that English is not their first language. They can access translation sites to help them better understand the reading material and course assignments. Diagrams for courses with maps and graphs can be accessed on the internet. This will save paper for teacher, therefore creating a more environmentally friendly place and also will help students see the diagrams first hand in colour. We have decided as a democratic society that education is a right, with this right we must provide the tools to make it accessible, the internet will further progress students learning in variable ways. My second suggestion is that we have a library on campus. Through the library we can borrow books; this is a great solution to those who can’t afford to buy books. Buying books outside of school can be expensive and what can you do with them after you read them, borrowing them for the library is a simple and environmentally friendly solution. The library is a good place also to work on assignments and group projects on the lunch hour, this helps students get the work done and hand it in on time and also provides a work space other than their house. In addition to the above point, since we decided education is a right, it is imperative that a library be added for those who can’t afford a computer, internet etc. A library is a place for those to access the tools to have a better learning experience such as typing out assignments and accessing internet for class. We have decided education is a right but again we must provide to make that right available to all. Lastly, we should have free parking. Free parking has many positive variables. For instance, if we issue free parking for students we could insist that students carpool to reduce parking space demand, this will also lower our ecological footprint and therefore be good for everyone. Students coming from Cambridge, have a hour long bus ride to  get to the Kitchener campus and most of them have to come to the the Kitchener campus because Cambridge doesn’t offer University level courses. Free parking would make that drive less of a hassle that it already is. Also many students as St. Louis have kids and or a job. Free parking would aid in getting to work on time, or getting their child from daycare on time. In conclusion, our school has made a great start. But it is time to make even more effort to make students success more efficient. With solutions like free internet, a library and free parking we will reduce our ecological impact, make student life more enjoyable, and having a higher acceptance to University and College. We have decided that schooling is a right, with that we need to give students what they need to succeed. Our society will better from educated people that can support themselves, rather than people that depend on society. Education is not only for the now, it is forever.

A personal performance manifesto based on the 21st century

A Manifesto is a document that seeks to pass certain information about a certain issue as viewed by somebody.   Personal performance Manifestos as such, are therefore documents that consists of an Individual’s views, about how an artiste presentations should be created and presented.Performance Manifesto history   can be traced back to the early 1910’s when groups of artists   which included futurists, Dadaists and the likes, used them   to express their views on what art really   was and what it encompassed.There after performance manifesto have been recurrently used with main embassies associated to avant-garde Modernism.   Thus rise in the use of personal performance manifesto can be also associated to the emergence of internet technology which has created a potential world wide audience.According to Tristan Tzara (A historical artist), A performance manifesto is like a communication made to the whole world, whose main pretension is on the discovery of an instant cure for political, social, astronomical, economical artiste and literary syphilis. (Lee   Scivner ).   Performance of artiste presentations since their start hundreds of years back has undergone a series of transformation.This has been occasioned by things like, changing level of technology and preferences of people among many other reasons.   Performance of hundred years back is very different with contemporary performances in many aspects ranging from the styles, genres among many other aspects.However, these changes are not enough to satisfy the needs of the contemporary society.   Worse still the rapid change have caused some other valuable aspects which were common in historical performances to be ignored. Due to the above two reasons personal performance manifestos have been on the increase especially from critics and friends of theatre.A keen scrutinization of majority of this performance manifesto shows a uniform, a similar and a common argument, that the c ontemporary society is becoming more informed day by day and hence needs retirement and competency in general theatric performance.To begin, it would be fair to say that the contemporary society is dying to see a performance that is socio-political, economic, and erotical, mystical, that does not just make people amused for exchange of their hard-earned cash.The contemporary society needs performances that grows up not knowing it is performance at all, a performance given the chance of having a string point of zero.(Harron, C. and Wood, P (2006) Art in Theory, 1900 – 2000 an anthology of changing ideas. 2 ed. USA Blackwell Publishing).The above things can only be achieved by doing away with bourgeois sickness, commercialized culture, work of dead performance, imitation, artificial performance, Abstract performance, illusionist performance and Mathematical performances.   Inn addition all people including both materially and morally (Fluxes manifestation by George Meckonaz à ¢â‚¬â€œ 1963).Once more contemporary society is desperate for performance that will integrate many cultures of the world.   We are living in a world full of socio-political and economic injustices and therefore any avenue which seeks to take us away from these injustices is highly welcomed.In many instances performances have been staged with the main aim of addressing these injustices but sincerely speaking it has not been enough.   Therefore there is a great need form performance which will integrate the diverse cultures in view of addressing the above injustices which in most cases are brought about by cultural differences.Art, Music and Poetry the three mean genres of performance need to be fully recognized by the relevant authorities.   It is only by due recognizers that the quality of performance will be improved. This is because potential and practicing performances will start taking their work seriously and therefore give a performance which is in line with 21st Century performance expectations.   The relevant authorities have included Ministries in charge of social affairs and governments.The above views and opinions about the fate of performance in respect to 21st century expectations do not mean the state of performance as of now are pathetic.   This is only an eye opener to the stakeholders in the performance industry so that they can pull up their socks and live to the standards of the changing world.As a matter of fact contemporary performance can be said to be among the very many sectors which have struggled to stay in level with changes of time and technology.   It is not a surprise therefore new styles of performance have sprouted all over.For instance in Music new styles have come up with the latest being hi-hop music.   Contemporary artists (sculptors, painters) Writers, Poets are also doing a commendable job but t is imperative that they put more efforts in their work to stay in level with the 21st Century demands.Another area sensitive to performance industry is production of artistic works.   This is where contemporary performance is failing as compared to historic performances.   With emerging technology it is obvious production of artists work is done with care and without any problems arising, but it is sad to not that unscrupulous   pirates are making use of improvement in technology to come up with illegal publications of these artistic works without the consent of the artists producer.This needs to be done away with once and for all, so as to let the real beneficiaries of royalties coming from the sale of their music.This manifesto also covers the improvement of performance instruments and equipments as another key method of taking performances in general to a higher level in relation to 21st Century.   Most of artistic performances require the accompaniment of instruments. As such, therefore latest instruments and equipments need to be invented and pt into constant use.   Many are time when potential performers are limited to the option of producing their items.   This is sometimes due to lack of enough funds to access the equipments.There is dire need also to change the mode of presentation of performances..   A new mode or language of presentation should be introduced so as to help save the audience of the usual common place methods of performance presentation.Lastly it is important that the actors and the audience collaborates and share ideas as to what really needs to be addressed in the contemporary performances.   This will enable actors and artists to come up with only those performances that are morally upright and help the contemporary society in solving mysteries of nature.This manifesto is not in any way exhaustive as to what needs to be done or not in contemporary performances to meet the 21st century demands.   Therefore the above listed views and opinions may be challenged but of importance to note is that they were arrived at after a careful scrutization of the current and historical performance trends.   They are practically possible to implement and therefore result driven.A Critical Reflection of the above Personal Performance ManifestoOnce again it is in order to note that the writing of Manifestos is not a practice which has started just the other day as explained above.Manifesto writing has been with us over the last one hundred years.   Critics and artists write manifestos so as to relay a message of dissatisfaction of a previous practice and therefore put forth a correctional course of action.   In relation to the above manifesto for the 21st century it is crystal clear that the previous practices employed in performance industry needs to be overhauled if the 21st century demands and expectations are to be realized.The manifestos recommendations are therefore not in any way hollow, they are commonplace†¦. Yes but greatly serves to put the level of performances in the right track towards the 21st cent ury expectations.The Manifesto talked of performances that are in themselves informing.   It is just sad to note that even today people continue staging performances which are substandard despite many efforts by other people who are determined to take performance industry a level higher.This point seeks to bring out the difference between what contemporary performance should give its audience as compared to the historical performances when things were very different from what they are today.In respect to Karen Finley who is currently based in New York, performance need also to take a different dimension if they will continue being used as a tool for informing, educating and also entertaining.Karen has pushed beyond the boundaries of normal practices and natural acts and as a result her works have drawn a lot of attention.Although this much attention led her in to waling along the corridors of justice following low suits filed against her work by politicians it is a nice piece of w ork for the 21st century.

Family Health Promotion Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Family Health Promotion Paper - Essay Example oted that the analyses of monoamine oxidase A gene - linked polymorphic region (MAOA – LPR) genotypes revealed that women who have been abused sexually in their childhood were more like to develop alcoholism and antisocial behavior. This study also revealed that those women with low activity variant are more likely to develop this problem compared to women with high activity variant (NIAAA, 2007). Abuse among the members in the family, assault, and homicide are some of the violent acts observed among alcoholic individuals (Casa Palmera, 2007). It was also reported that women and children alike are frequent abuse of alcohol – related problems (Casa Palmera, 2007). Casa Palmera (2007) noted that vandalism is an illegal act that is common among individuals under alcohol influence. Graffiti writing, public and private property destruction are among those acts of vandalism credited among alcoholics (Casa Palmera, 2007). A. Precontemplation Stage: During this stage, the client and his family deny of having a problem with alcoholism and want others to change their behavior instead, because they view others having the same problem. B. Contemplation Stage: During this time, the client and his family is acknowledging that he is having a serious problem with alcoholism and is taking into consideration obtaining treatment and rehabilitation. C. Decision and Determination: The client and his family are now thinking on how to avoid drinking alcohol and from getting hooked with it. During this time, he is beginning to think about his future being free from alcoholism. Educate the client and his family that alcohol produces mood and behavioral changes. Heavy and regular alcohol intake leads to liver cirrhosis, a leading cause of death secondary to chronic alcoholism (Kozier, et al., 2004). Kozier also noted that mixing drinking and driving causes crippling or fatal accidents. Social Learning Theory: This includes how the family, peers, and providers of the client help

Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 20

Analysis - Essay Example Other necessary laws of the establishment of socialist community include the union of the class that is working with the peasantry, other echelons of laboring masses; the abolition of capitalist’s assets and creation of civic ownership of ways of manufacturing (Huberman, 174). Gradual socialist transition of the sector of agriculture, planned economy development, aims at creating socialism and improving employee’s living standard. There are other basic laws of the creation of a socialist community. They involve socialist’s revolution in culture, ideology and the making of a significant intelligentsia ardent to the working class, to all people who are toiling, and to the ways of socialism. Principle laws in the creation of socialism include the eradication of state oppression and the formation of fraternal friendship and equality among states (Huberman, 196). Socialist defense rises from attacks by domestic and foreign enemies. International proletarian is equally essential involving cohesion of working class in each nation with those of other countries. Several Marxist authors share the views of Leo. Sweezy Paul shares the same ideas as Huberman. Through review by Kirkus, there is need for understanding and study of social history and economic of assets from the angle of modernity. All people find it interesting is studying such transition from the feudal days to the current communism. Huberman, Kirkus, and other Marxist authors infiltrate basic reasons for backing changes in economy. Effort and sympathy are in the direction of people and labor. They are against capitalism, even though they recognize and admit the input, which the system of capitalism has made (Huberman, 217). The texts bring the general image of the prospect of the world of economy and the nation’s wealth. Socialist economic organizations have been established due to communist socialization of the ways of production. The major

The concept of death and the afterlife in Ancient Greece Research Paper

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Interpersonal Communication Speech or Presentation

Interpersonal Communication - Speech or Presentation Example Interpersonal communication includes sending and receiving messages between two or more individuals. This form of communication involves all aspects of communication such as listening, asserting, persuading and non-verbal communication among others. In addition, the individuals communicate on different interpersonal levels depending on the individuals they are communicating with (DeVito 5). This asserts that the interpersonal communication skills involved when an individual is communicating with a family member is different when the same individual is communicating with a friend. In successful interpersonal communication, the senders and recipients of messages are supposed to understand the messages, their meanings and implications. In addition, interpersonal thinking plays a crucial role in establishing concentration and certain problem solving skills (DeVito 8). Interpersonal communication is regarded as the most private form of communication. Some of the examples of interpersonal communication include day dreams, talking to oneself and comprehending a book article. In fact, this information occurs in an informal setting. The observer can also use cues of posture, dressing or even facial expressions to make an impression on the role of the other individual. This is because individuals have the ability to send and receive messages in a non-verbal form. In the movie â€Å"You’ve Got Mail†, Meg Ryan fell in love with Tom Hanks through the internet. This was after a series of disclosures that were made using the email. In this case, the two characters forge a relationship just like individuals who are having a face to face interaction. These characters got attracted to each other and eventually fell in love. These individuals were attracted to daily conversations in the cyberspace. However, the email is continually becoming the playground, birthplace and graveyard for several personal relationships (DeVito 9). There are several elements of interpers onal communication. These elements include the communicators, the message, feedback, noise, communication channel and the context. Based on the movie, the two-way communication process between Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks was an interactive process. They used the email as a channel to convey their messages. The context of the message entails the love affair between the two individuals. In this case, there are several forms of noise including the use of complicated jargon, inattention, disinterest, errors, cultural differences and inappropriate body language (DeVito 12). As stated in the communication theory, noise has a highly significant role in interpersonal communication. The interpersonal communication in the movie is a two-way communication which involves two parties. In this two-way communication, the sender of the message is receptive to feedback. The one-way communication is difficult and time-consuming. Furthermore, in the movie â€Å"You’ve Got Mail†, they use the egalitarian style which involves sharing of information other than directing behavior. The egalitarian style is employed in order to stimulate the opinions and ideas of other individuals to arrive at a mutual understanding. From an interpersonal communication perspective, the trends in the face to face communication are considered as the most crucial ingredient in the development of interpersonal relationships (DeVito 18). Development in the communicat

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Problem Formulation and Identification Paper - Essay Example bable due to start-up financial constraints and approval difficulties from FDA, Chao faced reality; he opted to first enter the generic drug making industry where costs are lower and risks on FDA approval, lower. This decision was made after finding out in Chao’s research that though the generic drugs industry yielded lower margins compared to its branded counterpart they were able to gain handsome income. Watson’s finances were insufficient to operate the company in its early days. With this problem, Chao had displayed another of his quality in solving the problem, by persistently finding a method that works. After failed attempts to acquire funding from banks and other orthodox financial sources, instead of he decided to tap the Taiwanese community in his area for monetary aid. With Chao’s leadership, the company was also able to point out alternative opportunities that could eventually solve its problem. Knowing that he cannot squarely compete, Watson seized the market niche where his competitors had dared not to tap because of low margin. With the unique operating stratagem implemented by its founder and CEO, the company was able to capitalize on the territories that are untapped by its competitors in its early years to generate sales. By producing generic drugs these low margin niche drug markets, Watson Pharmaceuticals was able become pioneers in them. As profits went in, the company had again inked out another problem, how to make the company grow. This propelled them to product innovation, to improve the status quo by finding ideas that will make their products more effective and sellable. Watson had successfully gained the exclusive right to produce additional 17 generic products. This surged Watson’s profits even further. Having sufficient money to expand further, Watson Pharmaceuticals acquired other pharmaceutical companies that will extend their market reach. The company was able to incorporate 9 subsidiaries to its empire. Watson

Physiology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Physiology - Essay Example In high temperatures, the body can be cooled off through sweating and wearing of a jacket and when temperatures are low, they can be heated by wearing a jacket and through shivering. The pulse is the periodic dilation of the artery that is produced by the rhythmic opening and closing of the aortic valve in the heart. It can be felt through the application of pressure by firm fingertips to the skin where the arteries travel near the surface of the skin. The common pulse points are the radial artery in the wrist, the brachial artery inside the elbow and the carotid artery of the neck (Yagiela, 1995). Pulse rates differ from one person to another and it decreases with age. Alterations between normal and weak pulses indicate heart failure while rapid pulses indicate serious cardiac diseases, vigorous exercises or a relatively mild fever. Head injuries may result in slow pulse rates though this is exceptional in highly trained athletes who were slow pulse rate is considered normal. The maximal heart rate is that of 200 beat/min which is in young people. The maximal heart rate is determined genetically and cannot be modified by exercise or by external factors. According to Yagiela (1995) respiration is the process through which the body acquires oxygen and in turn removes carbon dioxide through the nasal cavity into the lungs (Lombardi, Lown and Verrier, 2005). This simple exchange of gases occurs through a process known as diffusion which requires a concentration gradient. Oxygen concentration has to be kept at higher levels in the alveoli than in the blood and the carbon dioxide concentration in the blood has to be kept at higher levels than in the alveoli. This is done through the active process of breathing that calls for contraction of the skeletal muscles including the diaphragm and the external intercostals muscles. The intercostals muscles are located in between the ribs while the diaphragm is muscle sheet between the

Practicing Corporate Social Responsibility is good for Business Essay

Practicing Corporate Social Responsibility is good for Business - Essay Example Those socially minded non-commercial and the commercial businesses have a responsibility in the provision of equal employment opportunities, accessibility, safe work environments, fair wages and job training. The above-mentioned factors are important in building the human capital. Several companies have gone an extra mile in offering non-mandated benefits like the financial assistance, subsidized housing, food, and health, as well as the educational programs. Generally, they contribute to most of the community programs encouraging volunteerism amongst individuals. Furthermore, the socially responsible firms in businesses adopt sustainable practices in business and support a wide range of many other environmental and the social concerns (Kotler, 2011). The awareness of social responsibility is a significant part of doing business. The corporate social responsibility movement usually encourages the companies to take much responsibility for the effects they have on the market places, workplace, society and the environment (Idowu, 2011). Firms need to be very vocal mostly on their social commitments in publicly reporting social impacts that result from their

A Women's Dillema Between Her work and Family Essay

A Women's Dillema Between Her work and Family - Essay Example At the lunch hour, she picks all of her children, drop them home and then returns to work. By the time she gets home in the evening, she is drop dead tired, but she still fix a decent meal for her family and put all of her children to bed before she retires herself. She also watches television with her husband and has healthy discussions about family matters, politics and work related issues. Before she hits the bed, she irons everyone’s clothes for the next day and then manages to get a shut eye of five hours, at most. On Sundays she does all the extra work like grocery shopping and laundry. She is a perfect example of what we call as a super lady. Though, Alena dutifully accomplishes all her responsibilities, she still gets to face her husband’s sarcasm about how she didn’t groom her children properly because she’s been working. She has to hear her children’s complaints about how she doesn’t look after them that well though she doesn’t lack anywhere. Women today have to face a lot of challenges when they decide to satiate the career oriented lady in them ranging from society’s disapproval to the family’s grunts. The statuses of working women have become better than what it was some 20-30 years ago. Isn’t it an accomplishment that they are not regarded as careless vamps who had no rights to vote

Kung Fu Panda and Frankenstein Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Kung Fu Panda and Frankenstein - Movie Review Example But before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung is headed their way, and it's up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat. Can he turn his dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master into reality Po puts his heart - and his girth - into the task, and the unlikely hero ultimately finds that his greatest weaknesses turn out to be his greatest strength" (Moviefone). With this, it has become apparent that some people are not comfortable with solitary because they have to discover themselves as shown in the movie "Kung Fu Panda, however being alone means finding one self to be complete. Finally, being in solitary is finding happiness with one's self. Along with that, in "The Rewards of Living a Solitary Life," the writer embraces the idea of solitary since being alone can be rewarding as shown by the character Po. It is explained being in solitary can help a person to love themselves and find out what makes them happy even though it is a scary experience. Furthermore, the essay and novel also show that most people are afraid of what they may find out about themselves. What had he been afraid of, I asked myself That, ... His every perception will come to him with a new freshness and, for a time, seem startlingly original. For anyone who can see things for himself with a naked eye becomes, for a moment or two, something of a genius. With another human being present vision becomes double vision, inevitably. We are busy wondering, what does my companion see or think of this, and what do I think of it The original impact gets lost, or diffused (The Rewards of Living a Solitary Life). With this evidence, a person in solitary can find or discover ideas that they thought that were lost. Solitary gives people enlightenment on whatever their minds wander off to, which some find frightful since it is a part of the unknown. "I think the true test of a genius is the ability to see the follies of one's own times. The ability to change one's own times is the true test of a leader. And the ability to do both is the true test of a visionary who will never be elected" (Islam). It is about discovery of one's self, which the character, Po in "Kung Fu Panda finally accomplished this when he stopped fearing to be alone. Being a loner causes one to get real with himself and face the truth of what and who he is. It also gives him the opportunity to do the soul searching that is necessary to correct those things that he doesn't like about himself. Some people chose to be alone others are alone because no one wants anything to do with them (Being solitary.. promotes a kind of maturity and wisdom which would normally take much longer) FrankensteinIn today's world, not everything is not black and white; there is a gray area. This means what is right for one person might not be right for someone else. Everyone is

Business Law-Legal Advise Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

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English Lit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

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Analysis of a company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

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Can be on anything to do with microbiology (you can chose the topic) - Article Example The gold standard for diagnosing typhoid fever is isolation of organism through blood culture. But lack of expertise and equipment for this test makes it unusable in a peripheral setting. Widal test is also useful, but is of no value in endemic areas. Currently, this test is regarded as non-specific and inaccurate. Because of these limitations of the popular tests, several assays and serological tests have been developed but have not been found to be optimal. Thus, the need of the hour with regard to typhoid testing is a test that is not only simple, but also reliable and carried out in small laboratories in the peripheries. Two such tests which merit importance are typhidot M and Diazo tests. In this study, Beige et al prospectively evaluated typhidot M and Diazo tests vis-a-vis blood culture and Widal test in children. In this prospective study, children aged 6 months to 12 years with fever of more than four days duration and with clinical suspicion of fever were enrolled. Those wi th other suspected diagnosis were used as controls.

Foundation Essay Essay Example for Free

Foundation Essay Essay B-boys and B-girl are in the Hip-Hop world. A lot of young people in the world are interested in hip-hop and that music. When we think of hip-hop, we are likely to think about: they are African American, aggressive and rap-music etc. Why do we consider the stereotype of hip-hop? What is based on our thinking about this stereotype? Before we discuss about them, we need to know what hip-hop is. Why do B-boys and B-girls interest in the hip-hop? We focused on the term: hip-hop. Foundation says that hip-hop is used to refer to three different concepts. When we understand the concepts of hip-hop, we are likely to understand about B-boys and B-girls as well as why they becomes to be B-boys and B-girls. Even though, they may break our society rule, they are likely to follow their hip-hop concepts. For better worse, people should follow their own rule. Hip-hop is established dance and music category. These idea is not based on anything so this is my hypothesis whether B-boy follow the concepts or not. The most important aspect of this variety of the hip-hop is that it is unmediated. In other words, the idea of hip-hop is happened B-boys and B-girls spontaneously. They just express themselves on the hip-hop. It seems to be the advertisement without no product. That reality became to be the hip-hop culture. These ideas often appear in the period of adolescence. In this period, young people do not make their identity so that they are stumped about themselves. In that time, when they meet hip-hop, they are interested in hip-hop because it is easy for them to express. They just dance using their body, and do not use specific tool. Second, the term hip-hop refers to a form of popular music that developed, or was developed, out of hip-hop culture. It means that rap-music came from the interaction between hip-hop culture and the preexisting music industry. Hip-hop is strongly related to the rap-music. A lot of people can connect to hip-hop to listen to rap-music. Thirdly, the term hip-hop is increasingly used as a kind of loose demographic designation for contemporary African American youth, regardless of whether or not they have any overt connection to rap music or to other hip-hop arts. These idea turns out to be phrases as the hip-hop attitude and the hip-hop generation. In view of this sense, hip-hop is usually invoked to emphasize age and class over race when singling out young African Americans, either for praise or criticism. As we know, the culture of hip-hop is related to young African American. However, some problems are likely to arise in our society. In one online cone column, Jason Whitlock blames hip-hop for the lack of discipline among contemporary football players. Hip-hop is the dominant culture of black youth. In general music, especially hip-hop music is rebellious for no good reason other than to make money. Rappers and rockers are no trying to fix problems. They create problems for attention. That philosophy, attitude and behavior go against everything football coaches stand for. They’re in a constant battle to squash rebellion, dissent and second opinions from their player†¦ what we’ re witnessing today are purposeless, selfish acts of buffoonery. Sensible people have grown tired of it. Football people are recognizing it doesn’t contribute to a winning environment. Whitlock2007) This column expresses well how hip-hop culture relates to our society. It seems to be biased this story by author, however, taking three hip-hop concepts into consideration; his statement is likely to be reliable. As he pointed out, hip-hop music is rebellious for no good reason other than to make money. I think that his opinion is the same as that of most people. Hip-hop culture, part icularly, black American culture is likely to be against our society. This culture seems to relate to the counter culture. Counterculture was popular from 1960 to 1970. Hip-hop culture began in 1970 so young people in around 60s and 70s were definitely affected by counterculture. To wrap out the term of hip-hop, black American lives in the hip-hop culture and then they become to be B-boys and B-girls. They are interested in the rap-music. Their idea about hip-hop seems to be the advertisement without promoting product. Their life is hip-hop culture and one of B-boy and B-girls way to express them. I consider the history of classic B-boy and hip-hop. We have already known about what the term: hip-hop is. It is good order to learn the history of classic B-boy and hip-hop. When we understand the history and the meaning of hip-hop, we will get what they want to dance, why they want to dance and how they dance on the hip-hop. Also, we should check whether my hypothesis is correct or not. In the early hip-hop era, they did not use hip-hop songs. These songs were the rock and funk songs. Their originators danced to in the half-decade between hip-hop’s emergences as a sociocultural movement around 1974 and the development of an associated musical gene rein 1970. By the mid-70s the musical breaking the song had taken on a new life as a historical break between the end of soul culture and the beginning of hip-hop culture. † The breaking in the hip-hop is important for them to dance on the hip-hop. The brake is the original essence of the dance and the seed of its tradition. In this case, these breaking do not lead to rebellion; Jason Whitlock talked, in our society. However, from point of view of the roots of hip-hop, breaking songs and creating problems, Jason pointed out, is the same thing. Without lack of information about the term of hip-hop, we do not reach their breaking idea. That’s why leaning the term of hip-hop first is the most important. â€Å"B-boys songs are valued as frameworks forth act of B-boying because they combine practical factors that facilitate the particular dance style with socio-historical associations that place any given performance in the context of b-boy history. †¦ The earliest B-boy danced to these songs in their entirety, saving their best moves for the break therefore the deejays began to focus on the breaks in the first place. The hip-hop is influenced by samba, mambo, salsa and Latin music. The syncopation of samba rhythms is fundamental aspect of the relationship between movement and suppressed elements of a composition. So, B-boy and B-girl’s dance is based on samba and then they arrange their dance to express themselves well. In view of Latin music, conga drums had become one of the important sounds to arise Afri can American musical nationalism. The instrument was an important part of the sound of another of America’s great cultural achievements: funk. The vibrant music relationship that b-boys and B-girls maintain with these songs belies easy stereotypes about the relative value of live versus recorded music. † In other words, without recoding of these songs –the way they seem to capture and time an place in which they were made is an important part of their appeal. Their emotion and dance expresses themselves at that time. So, recording their feeling and motion seems to getting decrease value. When we think of the concepts of hip-hop, it makes sense that no recording about them is more value than that of the recording. They just dance for expressing themselves. That reality became to be the hip-hop culture. It is generally accepted that reality is more important than recoding reality. For example, we think of rock concert and that video. Which one do you think that things of value are? It is needless to say that we choose the rock concert because the concert is definitely more valuable than that of video. In conclusion, B-boy and B-girl have followed by their rule. They have been adding some dance and music on the hip-hop and developing their skill of dance and music. I believe that their breaking will be potential for producing new dance and music categories in the future. After leaning the concept of hip-hop and their early activities, my image of hip-hop is dramatically changing to that of favorable impression. When we encounter the unknown thing, we are likely to regard that as bad thing. However, in most cases, it is too much biased by mass media. Most people in the hip-hop world are striving for developing their dance and music, and they follow the concepts of hip-hop. Their hip-hop world including dance and music is keeping for expanding our world. They will create their new way of expressing themselves.

Form and structure Essay Example for Free

Form and structure Essay The skeleton of form and structure of A Dolls House comes from a french piece bien faite which means a well made play. Ibsen was introduced to this kind of drama in Bergen, Norway and Oslo. When he was there France was at the frontier of modern drama. Serious play writers in France did not like the bien faite concept and looked down on it as low class entertainment. This type of play always had the same type of plot and characters: The innocent distressed wife , the domineering jealous husband, the cruel villain, guilty secrets. The story line always following the same pattern intrigue and tension, secrets and obstacles until the final pistol shot or embrace. There is also always a moral to the plays Ibsen took this idea and expanded it, instead of having stereotypical 2 dimensional characters Ibsen depict complicated characters that the audience could relate to and identify with. Also the audience can learn something about there world and life through whats on stage for example learn from the characters mistakes like mrs linde and krogstad who loved each other but didnt stay together and so were un happy until they were reunited. Dolls house takes place in a Norwegian town. Interestingly all the scenes take place in one location. The sitting room of the Helmers house, which serves as a room were they receive guests and a family room, there are two doors one in and out of the lounge and one to Torvalds office. Ibsen describes the set in intricate detail , to the extent of drawing diagrams , this is a style of drama that he been named photographic drama for obvious reasons. The reason for this precision is that every piece of furniture and prop revel the character of the people who live in the house. A good example is the small bookcase with richly bound booksin Torvalds office. The description of the books could also describe his character as richly bound as torvald is someone who looks good on the outside and is very concerned of how people that dont know him well enough to know what his real personality is perceive him. Also the Christmas tree represents various stages of Nora and torvald live. When they are happy it looks perfect, when they are sad it droops and looks sad. Ibsen has described his set so perfectly that the same symbolism of the set is produced in every production. One of the most original techniques of Ibsens is to place all important events before the play begins. The audience do not witness the events as they occur; instead the audience discovers the information about them in different ways as the play progresses. Important events include Noras loan, Krogstads crime, Mrs Lindes marriage, and Dr Ranks inherited fatal illness. The action of the play all takes place in a very short space of time (three days) and all in one location, the living room. I feel Ibsen does this to add to the suspense and to add impact Noras life changes so dramatically over the space of three days. There are five major characters who are all very close or have something that binds them closely together. Their lives mirror or contrast each others lives. There is also a sense that everything a character does affects the other characters. Ibsen also shows how every action of each character is the result of their past. For example Noras impulsive and carelessness with money are qualities inherited from her father and krogstad respectful because he needs to pass on a good name for the sake of his sons, he doesnt want them to have a past. Every character in the play is vital to some theme or symbol. For example even the nursemaid of Noras ties up with the major theme of Noras development of child, to child wife, to woman. She not only connects Nora to her past( which she clearly has not let go of cause she still needs her nanny to help her ) but also to the future as when Nora leaves her children the nanny has to care for them . Everything that the audience sees and hears in the play is for a reason the characters, intricate props and conversations are all heavy layered with meanings and symbolism. For example when Dr Rank says At the next fancy-dress ball I shall be invisible There is a big black hat have you never heard of hats that make you invisible? If you put one on, no one can see you. (Act Three) He is talking about the fact that he will be dead and therefore will not be there , Torvald however does not get the hidden meaning of this conversation, which cleverly makes an otherwise very morbid conversation very funny. The details revel hidden meanings of the play In the same way that the action is constructed to make the audience feel the tension mounting. In act one is calm everyday life but by they end shows disturbing revelations and problems. In Act 2 thoughts of ranks death and suicide climax in Noras frantic tarantella. By the third and final act the audience feels the tension and Nerves that Nora feels as they no everything that she does and that Torvald is about to find the letter. Until when Helmer finds out, there is a sense of relief until he decides he will not support Nora. The Climax of the play is not what the audience suspected. The audience suspected it would be when Torvald finds out, however the true climax of the play is when Nora slams the door. Another technique Ibsen uses to show the end of a scene with the door bell or the nurse coming in and asking for someone for example at the end of act one when the nurse comes in and asks for Noras help with the children.

The element copper

The element copper Introduction Copper, elemental symbol Cu, is a transition d-block metal, and is the least reactive of the first row metals. Copper can have the oxidation states +1 and +2 and can form many complexes with various ligands. The Cu 2+ ion, at low concentrations, is an essential element to plant and animal life, and a human adult has a required daily intake of 3-5mg. [1] The richest nutritional sources of copper are; animal livers, shellfish, dried fruit, nuts and chocolate. [2] A human who lacks copper can develop a deficiency and in some cases this can result in anaemia, and Wilsons disease (copper accumulates in tissues which leads to neurological symptoms and liver disease). [1] A human adult contains roughly 100mg of copper, [1] most of which are attached to proteins and found in tissues, with high concentrations found in the liver and muscles. Eventhough copper is very useful, and required for a variety of process, for example; formation of haemocyanin (oxygen carrying proteins in molluscs), at high concentrations copper ions can be toxic and harmful. To avoid copper-induced toxicity most organisms use a combination of copper-regulated import inhibition and extraction of copper through specific export mechanisms. In mammals, copper is partially detoxified by sequestration in the metal- binding metallothioneins or export via the copper-translocating ATPases. [3] Use of copper in the human body and cells Copper has many roles in the human body and it plays a vital role in a range of chemical reactions that are essential to human health and development. Copper is distributed to several areas in the body so it can be used in various ways. Copper plays a major part in the conversion of iron to its useable Fe (III) form and also helps transport iron around the body. Copper is needed for the synthesis of collagen, a protein found in human skin, which maintains elasticity. [4] As a cofactor for the enzyme tyrosinase; copper is involved in the synthesis of the skin pigment melanin. Copper is also key for the development of the brain and nervous system as it plays a role in the production and maintenance of myelin, which insulates nerve cells thus ensuring the transmission of nerve impulses. Copper is also involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, chemicals that allow communication between nerve cells. [5] Within cells the generation of energy (ATP), inside the mitochondria, depends on the involvement of a copper-containing enzyme. [4] Another vital function for the copper as a cofactor is the neutralisation of free radicals that would otherwise oxidise and destroy healthy cells. [6] More specific examples; Cytochrome c oxidase The enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, a large transmembrane protein complex found in the mitochondrion, is the last enzyme in the respiratory electron transport chain. It contains two heme centres called cytochromes a and a3, as well as two copper atoms. The copper sites, CuA and CuB, are associated with cytochromes a and a3, respectively. CuA is liganded by two cysteines and two histidines (Fig 1.0). The heme of cytochrome a is liganded by imidazole rings of histidine residues. CuB and the iron atom of cytochrome a3 are located close to each other and this closely coupled pair of metal ions is referred to as a binuclear centre (Fig 1.1). [7] [8] The copper sites play a part in electron transfer by switching between the Cu- state and the Cu2+ state. Reduction of one oxygen molecule requires passage of four electrons through carriers. Electrons from cytochrome c are transferred to CuA sites and then passed to the heme iron of cytochrome a. The electron pathway continues as CuB accepts a single electron from cytochrome a. A second electron then reduces the iron centre to Fe2+, leading to the binding of O2 and the formation of a peroxy bridge between heme a3 and CuB. This amounts to the transfer of two electrons from the binuclear centre to the bound O2. The next step involves uptake of two H+ and a third electron, which leads to cleavage of the O-O bond and generation of Fe4+ at the heme. Uptake of a fourth e- facilitates formation of ferric hydroxide at the heme centre. In the final step of the cycle, protons from the mitochondrial matrix are accepted by the coordinated hydroxyl groups, and the resulting water molecules dissoc iate from the binuclear centre. [9] Summary reaction: 4 Fe2+ -cytochrome c + 8 H+ + O2 ? 4 Fe3+ -cytochrome c + 2 H2O + 4 H+ [7] Haemocyanin Hemocyanins are a type of respiratory protein in the form of metalloproteins containing two copper atoms. The deoxy-form of a haemocynin is colourless and contains Cu (I), while O2 binding results in the blue Cu (II) form. [10] Hemocyanins carry oxygen in the blood of some molluscs (e.g. snails, whelks) and some arthropods including crabs and lobsters. They are second only to haemoglobin in biological popularity of use in oxygen transport. Hemocyanins are found suspended in the hemolymph, and arent bound to blood cells like haemoglobin. [11] Contained within the metalloprotein are two neighbouring non-bonded Cu (I) centres, each of which is bound by three histidine residues. [11] Fig 1.2 shows the binding of oxygen in relation to the copper sites. Tyrosinase Tyrosinase is an enzyme, which contains copper, and is present in plant and animal tissues that catalyzes the production of melanin and other pigments from tyrosine. [12] The reaction includes the reduction of the copper by an o-dipfenol. This reaction is followed by reaction of the intermediate with dioxygen to yield a highly reactive intermediate complex that is broken down by the substrate to form water and the required product. [2] Catechol oxidase Catechol oxidase is a copper-containing enzyme whose activity is like that of tyrosinase. Catechol oxidase carries out the oxidation of phenols such as catechol, using dioxygen. In the presence of catechol, benzoquinone is formed (reaction below). [14] In this reaction hydrogens are removed from catechol and combine with oxygen to form a molecule of water. Superoxide Dismutase One of the most important enzymes involved in removing free radicals from the human body is superoxide dismutase (SOD). Its function is to defend and protect cells against molecular damage from oxygen. SOD is located in two places within the cells, the mitochondria and the cytoplasm. The SOD that is found in the mitochondria contains manganese, and the SOD found in the cytoplasm contains copper and zinc. [15] This enzyme catalyzes the dismutation, (a reaction involving a single substance but producing two products), [16] of superoxide into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. For each two superoxides that are encountered by the SOD, one hydrogen peroxide is formed. One molecule of super oxide has their extra electron removed by SOD, and places it on the other super oxide molecule. [17] Therefore one ends up with one less electron, forming normal oxygen, and the other ends up with an extra electron. [15] The superoxide molecule, with the extra electron, then quickly picks up two hydrogen ion s to form hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a dangerous compound, as it transforms easily into the reactive hydroxyl radical, so the cell uses the enzyme catalase to detoxify it, producing water and oxygen. [15] An example of a reaction of an SOD protein containing copper; Cu2 + SOD- + O2- Ã   Cu1 + SOD- +O2 Cu1 + SOD- +O2- +2H+ Ã   Cu2 + SOD + H202. In this reaction the oxidation state of the copper changes between +1 and +2. [15] Toxicity of copper At high concentrations copper can be toxic to the human body and to cells. Problems can also develop if the body doesnt have enough copper or the copper cant be efficiently used within the human body. [18] People can have three different copper imbalances, which can make a person; copper-toxic, copper-deficient, or develop a condition called biounavailable copper. People who are fast oxidisers need more copper in theirs bodies. Slow oxidisers often have excessive copper in their bodies, therefore more prone to copper imbalance. [18] Biounavailable copper refers to when copper is in excess in the body, but it cannot be utilized well. Biounavailability often occurs due to a deficiency of the copper-binding proteins, metallothionein. Without sufficient binding proteins, copper ions may flow around the body, where it may gather in the liver and brain. [18] Copper has certain places where it accumulates in the body referred to as target organs, these are, the liver first, then the brain. Copper may affect any organ or system of the body. However, it usually affects major systems and organs like; the nervous system, connective tissues such as hair, skin and nails and organs like the liver. [18] How do cells protect themselves against copper toxicity? Metallothioneins Figure 1Cells control the movement of copper across its membranes, maintaining the amount needed for biological functions while avoiding excess toxic levels. [19] Among the many factors required to achieve this equilibrium of highly toxic levels and the amount needed, are the metallochaperones, a family of proteins that transfers metal ions to specific intracellular locations where metalloenzymes bind to the metal ions and use them as cofactors to carry out essential biochemical reactions. [9] Knowledge of the transportation of copper to its final destination has increased with the identification of two proteins involved in Cu trafficking in yeast: Atx1 and Cox17. [20] The uptake of Cu in yeast starts with reduction by a plasma membrane reductase. The reduced copper is then transported across the membrane by the Cu transporter Ctrl. Three different proteins transport Cu from Ctrl to three different locations within the cell: Cox17, takes Cu to the mitochondria for incorporation into the cytochrome c oxidase (Sco); Ccs targets Cu to CuZnSOD, a primary antioxidant enzyme; and Atx1 directs Cu to a post-Golgi compartment, by way of Ccc2, a P-type ATPase transmembrane Cu transporter, for final insertion into Fet3, a multicopper oxidase. [20] The Cu transport mechanisms described, in figure 1.4, are active when concentrations of copper are low, and some arent used/ needed when the concentration of copper is very high in the medium. Therefore, yeast strains missing the gene for C ox17 cannot respire in normal growth media because CCO is Cu deficient, but are rescued when the medium is made 0.4% CuSO4. [20] Increasing the Cu concentration in the medium means Cu can be delivered to the Fet3 oxidase in yeast strains missing the gene for Atx1. These results show that Cox17 or Atx1 is required for proper Cu trafficking when Cu levels are high and that their presence is not required to detoxify Cu. [9] Cu-ATPases ATPase pumps are involved in the movement and translocation of ions (Na+, K+), and a variety of metal ions such as copper. The pumps that translocate metal ions are referred to as P-type ATPases. These Ptype ATPases, including the copper ATPases, are highly conserved from bacteria to humans. The Menkes ATPase translocase (MNK) is largely involved in the transfer and detoxification, of copper ions. Defects in this P-type pump lead to a fatal copper-deficiency disease in humans called Menkes syndrome. MNKs activity appears to be regulated by the metal it exports, copper. The composition and sequence of the metal binding domain of the Menkes ATPase (MNKr) is distinct from metallothioneins, which have major folds organized or stabilized by Cu (I) ions. The Menkes protein functions to export excess copper and is reversibly metalloregulated through the specialized copper-binding sites in the amino end of the protein. The metalloregulation couples the cellular export of copper to the intrac ellular concentration of copper ions. [3] Conclusion As seen in this report copper is very useful and needed in the body for a variety of different reactions and functions. Its a key part of many enzymes such as; cytochrome c oxidase, Tyrosinase, Catechol oxidase and superoxide dismutase. Therefore copper is a key role in the formation of cellular energy (ATP), using cytochrome c oxidase in the electron transport chain. Copper also plays a key role in the production of myelin and neurotransmitters and therefore is essential in the development of the nervous system. Another way in which copper has been proven to be important in the human body is in the production of melanin and collagen, essential proteins in the skin. However this report has shown that at high levels copper can be toxic and can cause problems within the human body. Copper can accumulate within vital organs and affect and damage major systems. To tackle this problem of accumulation cells contain unique proteins within their membranes that help regulate and remove copper, from inside the cell, if the levels are becoming excessive. These proteins are called metallothioneins and have specific binding sites for copper atoms (and other mineral/metals) to attach to. The mechanism, of the uptake and removal, is complicated and involves the transfer of copper ions between certain proteins along three different pathways. These methods are outlined in this report. References Chemistry of the Elements 2nd Edition, N N Greenwood and A Earnshaw, Butterworth Heinemann Biological Roles of Copper, Ciba Foundation Symposium 79 (new series) 1980 www.ajcn.org http://resources.schoolscience.co.uk www.anyvitamins.com/copper www.vitamins-nutrution.org http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytochrome_c_oxidase http://metallo.scripps.edu www.jbc.org www.hull.ac.uk/chemistry/bioinorganic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemocyanin http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrosinase www.science-projects.com/Tyrosinase.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catechol_oxidase www.whyweage.com www.mondofacto.com www.rcsb.org www.drlwilson.com/articles/copper_toxicity_syndrome.htm Science Magazine 1999, Volume 284, pages 748-749 Science Magazine 1997, volume 278, pages 817-818