Broadway Theater

Broadway Musical Theater The role of music has become increasingly important in Broadway theater. From the early days of theater in America, which quickly established itself in New York City, music has helped to create many successful Broadway productions. Vaudeville music, which was music hall variety entertainment, took root in the late1800s. It then turned into their theatrical revues, stage spectaculars consisting of sketches, dance, and songs with parody and satire in the early 1900s. In the 1900s, talented composers could gain popularity for their theatrical music in a very short period of time.A few such prominent songwriters are Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Due to catchy show tunes and optimum locations in New York City, Broadway musicals are more successful then ever before, and they show no sign of slowing down. Colonial America did not have a significant theater presence until 1752 when London entrepreneur, William Hallam, sent a company of twelve actors to the colonies with his brother, Lewis, as their manager. They established a theater in Williamsburg, Virginia and opened with The Merchant of Venice and The Anatomist.The company moved to New York in the summer of 1753 and performed ballad-operas such as The Beggar’s Opera and ballad-farces like Damon and Phillida. By the 1840s, P. T. Barnum was operating an entertainment complex in lower Manhattan (Musical theatre). After the Civil War, theater in New York moved from Downtown to Midtown Manhattan where real estate was less expensive. Broadway theater did not arrive in Times Square until the 1920s and 1930s. New York City’s first â€Å"long-run† musical was a 50 performance hit called The Elves in 1857.New York runs continued to lag far behind those in London, but Laura Keene's â€Å"musical burletta† Seven Sisters in 1860 shattered previous New York records with a run of 253 performances (Musical theatre). The length of runs in the th eater changed rapidly around the same time that the modern musical emerged. As transportation improved, poverty in London and New York diminished. In addition, because street lighting made for safer travel at night, the number of potential patrons for the growing number of theaters increased enormously.Plays could run longer and still draw in the audiences, leading to better profits and improved production values (Musical Theater). Vaudeville entertainment took America by storm in the late 1800s. These variety shows had musical, comic, dramatic, aerobatic, and juggling acts. Although Vaudeville’s popularity declined by the 1930’s, it gave a distinctive flavor to Broadway shows. Revues, which had their roots in 19th century American popular entertainment, grew into a substantial cultural presence during the years 1916 to 1932 (Revue).These musical variety shows consisted of skits, dance routines, and songs that often satirized current events and personalities. During he ctic times, both of these forms of entertainment became the way to â€Å"get away from it all† for a few hours and forget about ones troubles (Revue). By the early 1900s, Broadway musicals were in full swing. The great songs from these musicals involved almost all of the top composers of the day (History of). In many cases, after the composed songs were well established, a particular song was selected as the theme song for that Broadway musical. Unknown composers had the chance to become famous overnight.Often songs â€Å"caught fire† and they were in ranks with the most successful composers of the day. One of these great composers was Irving Berlin. Born in Russia, Irving Berlin was a composer and lyricist, widely considered to be one of the greatest American songwriters in history. In 1907 he published his first song, Marie From Sunny Italy, and by 1911 he had his first major international hit, Alexander's Ragtime Band (Irving). Over the next five decades, Irving Ber lin produced an outpouring of ballads, dance numbers, novelty tunes and love songs that defined American popular songs for much of the century.A sampling of some of the Irving Berlin’s songs are: How Deep Is the Ocean? , Blue Skies, White Christmas, Always, Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better, There's No Business Like Show Business, Cheek To Cheek, Puttin' On The Ritz, A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody, Heatwave, Easter Parade, and Lets Face The Music and Dance. In a class by itself, he wrote for his beloved country, God Bless America (Irving). Throughout his sixty-year career, he composed approximately 1,500 songs. Some other famous composers were Richard Rodgers are Oscar Hammerstein who collaborated on several Broadway musicals such as Oklahoma! n 1943, South Pacific in 1949, The King and I in 1951, and The Sound of Music n 1959 (Amer Spec Encly pp 472, 930). Andrew Lloyd Webber, a British composer, has seen many of his plays appear on Broadway. Some of his best known shows are: Eita, Cats, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and The Phantom of the Opera which is the longest running show to date (celebrating its 10,000th performance on Broadway on February 11. 2012), the Phantom of the Opera opened in the West End in 1986, and on Broadway in 1988. It won a total of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical.Phantom is the highest-grossing entertainment event of all time and the most financially successful theatrical show in history (The Phantom). In an era of stunning 3-D movies and impressive IMAX films, Broadway musical theater remains one of the most popular attractions in New York City. Few attractions match the excitement and spectacle of a Broadway musical. Featuring forty Broadway theaters, high-profile stage actors, and world-class sets and costumes, New York Broadway shows are must-see entertainment for travelers. Broadway theater is widely considered to represent the highest level of commercial theater in the English-speaking world.Ac cording to The Broadway League, Broadway shows sold approximately $1. 081 billion dollars worth of tickets in the calendar year 2011. Attendance in 2011 was 12. 13 million people (HISTORY OF). Because music plays such an important role in Broadway theater, Broadway musicals are more successful than ever before. Works Cited â€Å"HISTORY OF BROADWAY IN NEW YORK CITY, BROADWAY THEATER, MUSICALS AND SHOW HISTORY. † nyctourist. com. N. p. , 29 May 2012. Web. 3 June 2012. . â€Å"History of Broadway Musicals: More Than A Century of Musical Classics. † americana-music-and-memories. om. N. p. , n. d. Web. 3 June 2012. . â€Å"Irving Berlin. † wikipedia. org. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. , 28 May 2012. Web. 3 June 2012. . â€Å"List of the longest-running Broadway shows . † wikipedia. org. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. , 26 May 2012. Web. 3 June 2012. . â€Å"Musical theatre. † Wikipedia. org. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. , 31 May 2012. Web. 3 June 2012. .  "The Phantom of the Opera (1986 musical). † wikipedia. org. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. , 27 May 2012. Web. 3 June 2012. . â€Å"Revue. † wikipedia. org. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc, 18 May 2012. Web. 3 June 2012. .

Automated Qualifying Entrance Examination Essay

CHAPTER I BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY Introduction â€Å"Technology can change the way students think, learn and revolutionize,† says the Chief Executive Officer on Education and Technology (Courte, 2005). Technology also calls for broadening the definition of student achievement to include digital-age literacy, inventive thinking, effective communication and high productivity-skills necessary for students to thrive in the 21st century. According to the report, technology can help deliver significant results when combine with other key factors known to increase achievement, such as clear, measurable objectives; parental and community involvement; increase time spent on task; frequent feedback; and the teacher’s subject-matter expertise. In this age of computers, many educators see it as inevitable that students will someday learn in classrooms without walls, desks, or face-to-face contact with teachers. The gradual degeneration of the conventional examination system manifested in frequent leakage of question papers, manipulation of marks, copying and use of unfair means by all involved (administration not ruled out). This conventional examination system was also referred to as paper-and-pencil tests. This is a fixed-item test in which the student and/or examinee answer the same questions. Fixed-item test waste students’ time because they give students a large number of items that are either too easy or too difficult. As a result, the tests give little information about the particular level of ability of each student. With recent advancement in measurement theory and the increased availability of microcomputers in schools, the practice of using electronic examination system may change. Computerized tests may replace paper-and-pencil tests in some instances. These scenarios triggered the researchers to conduct and Electronic Qualifying Examination that would be beneficial to the College of Science. The system being studied would facilitate the systematic storage, updating and retrieval of pertinent examinee data as well as checking and scoring of examinee answers to test questions. It is also able to generate reports of  ratings and statistics of the test scores. However, it does not monitor the users’ actions and event to block the users. Statement of the Problem Generally, this study sought to determine the operations and performance of an Electronics Qualifying Examination System Compared with the traditional qualifying examination procedure and process. Specifically, it endeavored to answer the following questions: 1. What are the existing problems being encountered on the current conventional qualifying examination? 2. What will be the design of an electronic qualifying examination system in terms of the following: 2.1 Process; 2.2 Data; 2.3 Language; 3. What is the level of acceptability of the proposed system in the College of Science? Objective of the Study In general, this study aimed to determine the performance and operation of an Electronic Qualifying Examination System compare with the current qualifying examination procedure and process. In particular, it envisioned to: 1. Determine the existing problems being encountered on the current conventional qualifying examination; 2. Design an Electronic Qualifying Examination System in terms of the following. 2.1 Process; 2.2 Data; 2.3 Language; and, 3. Ascertain the level of acceptability of the proposed system in the College of Science. Scope and Limitation of the Study This study was conducted in the College of Science, University of Eastern  Philippines. It is limited only to the performance of the specified functions such as scheduling, the actual examination and the retrieval of the examination results. It is meant to assist the users, especially the examination personnel to meet the needs of the students or applicants. If at present, the facilities and equipment of the College of Science are inadequate, this system may be used in the future. The proposed system was drawn randomly. It will not monitor the user action and even block the user. Moreover, the system will not suggest what would be the appropriate course does the examinee will take. The system does not guarantee complete benefits to all users. This may be bound to happen that some of them might experience technical difficulties that are not covered by the system such as the malfunctioning of the computer. Such scenarios are beyond the control of the system. Nevertheless, this will be more comprehensive and interesting if this will be introduced or presented covering the other services of the College. Significance of the Study The Electronics Qualifying Examination would replace the Paper-pencil-type of examination. It provides easy transaction between the test administrator and the examinee. The results of this study would be beneficial to the following: College of Science. The Proposed system would be beneficial to the College of Science in terms of improving its management system. Through the existence of the proposed system, workflow during the qualifying examination would be minimized. Human resource will be reduced and security will be foolproof. Examinees. This system will provide them a convenient way of taking the qualifying examination. The system provides an instant checking and scoring scale of each examination that would enable them to get their results in a few hours. In this way, they will be able to minimize their time, effort and money splat on each activity. College Guidance Personnel. In general, this system would greatly increase the flexibility of test management. It reduces their time in administering the examination, thus reduces their fatigue also. It also provides them convenience throughout the examination process. They will likewise be able to immediately get feedback whether the given examination is easy or difficult. Future Researchers. This study can be used as a springboard for further study. This can be used as their reference or guide in the development of a system they are going to develop. Definition of Terms For easy understanding, the following terms were defined operationally and conceptually. Conventional Examination. Operationally, it refers to the current system, which is the paper-pencil examination. Data. It is information in a form suitable for processing by a computer, such as the digital representation of text, numbers, graphic, image and sound. Strictly speaking it is mean, an item of information (Cowart, 2000). In this study, this would refer to the information extracted from the examinee, their profile, schedules and results. It represents the facts, concepts or instruction produced by the examinee and the test administrator. Database. Conceptually, it is an application used to store and manipulate data. The application may be a simple one that provides for flat files only and that cannot be programmable, or it may have the capability of producing databases that are programmable and relational (Dictionary of Information Technology, 1995). Operationally, this will be a storage device used to store important data and information in accordance to the system such as examinee profile, schedules and the results of examination. End-User. Conceptually, it refers to the person who uses the application program and computer products to produce his or her own results. This is a person at the end of a long chain of people who design and make computer  products. The end user is usually the person who buys the products (Cowart, 2000). It refers to the test administrator and examinees involved in this investigation. Electronic Examination. According to Webster dictionary, to be electronic is to incorporate your work with the use of the computer (The New Webster Pocket Computer Dictionary, 1998). In this study, it is meant to take an examination with the use of a computer system, its hardware software and peripherals. Error. A mistake. An error or bug in the system may cause the computer to crash (Dictionary of Information Technology, 1995). Examinee. Generally speaking, it points to a person taking the actual examination. Password. According to the Webster’s dictionary, a password is a security code that is required in the use of a computer, a particular program, or a certain file. Computer files protected by a password require the user to type the needed password before the protected files can be made available (The New Webster’s Pocket Computer Dictionary, 1998). Operationally speaking, this will be a secret word a user must input into the Computer in order the gain access to the electronic qualifying examination. Problems. Operationally, this refers to the existing obstacles that the Guidance Office is experiencing. The problems encountered were in scheduling, actual examination and the retrieval of results. This is the main reasons why the proponents conducted this study, in order to reduce and lessen the existing problems Procedure. Operationally and conceptually, it is sequence of steps taken by the system to carry out its job. Process. Operationally, it is to carry out an action such as the scheduling process. Profile. Operationally it refers to the personal information of the examinee such as last name, first name, age, gender, ID number, status, address and score in the test/ examination. Report. Conceptually speaking, it is a document from the computer or that is an output or a hard copy that summarizes the outcome from data processing (Cowart, 200). This would be the printed report copy of schedules and results of the examinee. It is  collected data and information from the database. System. According to the book, it is everything that is needed to carry out a certain task. Just like a computer system, it includes the hardware, software and the manuals (Cowart, 2000). Operationally, it refers to the Electronic Qualifying Examination. This will enable the College of Science to replace the current conventional system of Qualifying Examination. It involves three major processes that includes the scheduling, the actual examination and the retrieval of data. Test Administrator/Examiner. Operationally, it refers to the person or persons involved in giving an examination. They are the one’s responsible in operating the examination.

Computerized Auditing Essay

With the introduction of computers, conventional accounting systems and methods using papers, pens and abacuses have undergone drastic changes, therefore exerting a great impact on internal control and audit trails in following audit procedures. Also, the introduction of computer has brought an immense increase in the availability of electronic resources. My topic is entitled auditing in a Computerized Information System (CIS). One purpose why this topic is included in auditing is due to the rampant changes that are happening in our society. We could say that every day, everything around us is going through the† process of evolution†. Example, the government structure, educational structure, social structure, technological structure, economic structure and others are going into extensive and widespread changes. Work nowadays involve the usage of computer, hence, the need for computerized information system in auditing erupted. Around the world, computer plays an important role in the development of one’s country. That is why, here in the Philippines, we are trying to muddle through by with the drastic and radical changes in order to be globally competitive. In fact, technology experts stated that when it comes to new enhancement and improvement of technology, the Philippines is not far behind, but rather one of the fastest country to acclimatize and adopt in this unbelievable wave of changes. With the rapid progress in technology in recent years, computer information systems have become feasible and practicable, perhaps essential, for use even in small scale business operations. Almost all entities now use computers to some extent in their accounting systems. The widespread use of computers has offered new opportunities for professional accountants and had also created some challenging and exigent problems to auditors. Additionally, in auditing, the need for computer is now more important and significant because of the increasing and growing demand of auditing. Without computer, then auditing would not be able to deal with this growing demand. Ever imagine, conducting an audit without the usage of computer, isn’t it that it will be very difficult for the auditor because we all know, we human beings are immersed and innate with errors. Incorporating CIS in auditing is tough. This is because; there are technical and methodological matters that an auditor doesn’t have any idea with, for instance, the software, such as operating program, utility program, etc. Auditors do not have any idea of these things, that’s why auditor tries to broaden their knowledge in order to be competitive. The result of that leads to the flourishing of auditing. Time and time again, auditing will continue to evolve. Having said all that, this topic contains a lot of different things which cannot be found in normal manual auditing. The overall objective and scope of an audit does not change in a CIS environment. However, the use of a computer changes the processing, storage and communication of financial information and may affect the accounting and internal control systems employed by the entity. Accordingly, a CIS environment may affect: a. ) the procedures followed by the auditors in obtaining a sufficient understanding of the accounting and internal control systems; b. ) the consideration of inherent risk and control risk through which the auditors arrive at the risk assessment; and c. ) the auditors’ design and performance of tests of control and substantive procedures appropriate to meet the audit objective. Anyways, regardless of the extent of computerization or the methods of data processing being used, the establishment and implementation of appropriate internal control systems rests with the management and those charged with governance. The auditor’s responsibility is to obtain an understanding of the entity’s internal control system to be able to assess control risk and determine the nature, timing and extent of tests to be performed. Before tackling the important details of my topic, let us first define what is meant by Auditing and Computerized Information System (CIS). So, what is auditing? PSA 200 defines auditing by stating the objective of a financial statement audit, that is, to enable the auditor to express an opinion whether the financial statements are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework. A more comprehensive definition of auditing is given by the American Accounting Association: â€Å"auditing is a systematic process of objectively obtaining and evaluating evidence regarding assertions about economic actions and events to ascertain the degree of correspondence between these assertions and established criteria and communicating the results to interested users. On the other hand, computerized information system pertains to the usage of computer to develop and collate the information derived in an audit for the need of the auditor and third parties related. Another definition of Computerized Information System (CIS) includes, is often a track within the computer science field studying computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles and doctrine, their software & hardware designs, their applications, and their impact on the general public. (http://www. quora. om/Information-Systems) I would just like to give a brief history of Auditing in a CIS Environment. It began as Electronic Data Process (EDP) Auditing and developed largely as a result of the rise in technology in accounting systems, the need for IT control, and the impact of computers on the ability to perform attestation services. The last few years have been an exciting time in the world of CIS auditing as a result of the accounting scandals and increased regulation. CIS auditing has had a relatively short yet rich history when compared to auditing as a whole and remains an ever changing field. The introduction of computer technology into accounting systems changed the way data was stored, retrieved and controlled. It is believed that the first use of a computerized accounting system was at General Electric in 1954. During the time period of 1954 to the mid-1960s, the auditing profession was still auditing around the computer. At this time only mainframe computers were used and few people had the skills and abilities to program computers. This began to change in the mid-1960s with the introduction of new, smaller and less expensive machines. This increased the use of computers in businesses and with it came the need for auditors to become familiar with EDP concepts in business. Along with the increase in computer use, came the rise of different types of accounting systems. The industry soon realized that they needed to develop their own software and the first of the generalized audit software (GAS) was developed. In 1968, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) had the Big Eight (now the Big Four) accounting firms participate in the development of EDP auditing. The result of this was the release of Auditing & EDP. The book included how to document EDP audits and examples of how to process internal control reviews. Around this time EDP auditors formed the Electronic Data Processing Auditors Association (EDPAA). The goal of the association was to produce guidelines, procedures and standards for EDP audits. In 1977, the first edition of Control Objectives was published. This publication is now known as Control Objectives for Information and related Technology (CobiT). CobiT is the set of generally accepted IT control objectives for IT auditors. In 1994, EDPAA changed its name to Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). The period from the late 1960s through today has seen rapid changes in technology from the microcomputer and networking to the internet and with these changes came some major events that change IT auditing forever. The formation and rise in popularity of the Internet and E-commerce have had significant influences on the growth of IT audit. The Internet influences the lives of most of the world and is a place of increased business, entertainment and crime. IT auditing helps organizations and individuals on the Internet find security while helping commerce and communications to flourish. (www. trustsoft. com/pp_ha_1. php) In terms of needed skills and competence of the auditor; he/she should have sufficient knowledge of the CIS to plan, direct, supervise and review the work performed. The auditor should consider whether specialized CIS skills are needed in an audit. These may be needed to a. ) obtain sufficient understanding of the accounting and internal control systems of the CIS environment, b. determine the effect of CIS environment on the assessment of related risks, c. ) design and perform appropriate tests of control and substantive procedures. In planning the portions of the audit which may be affected due to client’s CIS environment, the auditor should acquire an understanding of the implication and complexity of the CIS activities and the availability of data for use in the audit. Such matter that needed understanding are the following; a. ) the significance and intricacy of computer processing in each significant accounting application, b. the organizational structure of the client and the extent of concentration or distribution of computer processing throughout the entity, c. ) the availability of data (e. g. source document, computer files). Computerized information systems have essential and vital characteristics that distinguish them from manual processing system. These are the following: a. ) lack of visible transaction trails, b. ) consistency of performance, c. ) concentration of duties, d. ) ease of access to data and computer programs, e. ) vulnerability of data and program storage media, f. Systems generated transactions and g. ) Potential for increased management supervision. As regards to lack of visible transaction trails, in manual system, it is normally possible to follow a transaction through the system; by examining source documents, entity’s records, and financial reports. In a CIS environment, data can be entered directly and unswervingly into the computer system devoid of supporting documents. Furthermore, records and files may not be printed and cannot be read without using the computer. The absence of these visible documents supporting the processing of transactions makes the examination of evidence more difficult. In relation to the consistency of performance, CIS performs functions exactly as programmed. If the computer is programmed to perform a specific data processing task, it will never get tired of performing the assigned task in exactly the same manner. Because of this capability of the computer to process transactions uniformly, clerical errors that are normally associated with manual processing are eliminated. On the other hand, an incorrect program could be very devastating because it will result to consistently erroneous data processing. Third, concentration of duties, in here proper segregation of duties is an essential characteristic of a sound internal control system. However, because of the ability of the computer to process data efficiently, there are functions that are normally segregated in manual processing that are combined in a CIS environment. As a particular example, in manual processing the function of recording cash disbursements is incompatible with the responsibility for reconciling cash disbursement. Since one of these functions serves as a check upon the other, assigning both functions to one employee would enable and permit that employee to commit and conceal errors and irregularities. A properly programmed computer, on the other hand, has no tendency or motivation to commit irregularities or conceal its errors. Hence what appears to be an incompatible combination of functions may be combined in a CIS environment without weakening and dwindling the internal control provided suitable and appropriate compensating controls are put in place. Fourth, ease of access to data and computer programs, in a CIS environment, data and computer programs may be accessed and altered by unauthorized persons leaving no visible and detectible evidence. It is important, therefore, that proper and appropriate controls are incorporated in the system to limit the access to data files and programs only to authorized personnel. Fifth, vulnerability of data and program storage media, in a manual system the records are written in ink and substantial paper. The only way to lose the information is to lose or destroy the physical records. The situation is completely different in a CIS environment. The information on the computer can be easily changed, leaving no trace of the original content. This change could happen inadvertently and huge amount of information can be quickly lost. Another, systems generated transactions; certain transactions may be initiated by the CIS itself without the need for an input document. For example, interest may be calculated and charged automatically to customers’ account balances on the basis of pre-authorized terms contained in a computer program. Lastly, potential for augmented management supervision, CIS can offer management a variety of analytical tools that may be used to review and supervise the operation of the entity. The availability of these tools may enhance the entire internal control structure. There are certain advantages and disadvantages in using computer in the conduct of audit. Take note that the characteristics of computer information system already tackled above pertains to some advantages and disadvantages of CIS. Advantages of it includes, it avoids computational errors commonly done by human; eases up and alleviate the work of auditor especially when it comes to timeliness; faster and efficient in processing of information; generation and creation of accounting documents like invoices, cheques and statement of account are automatic; more timely information can be produced; With the larger reductions in the cost of hardware and software and availability of user-friendly accounting software package, it is relatively cheaper like maintaining a manual accounting system; no more manual processing of the data hence all data are automatically been posted to the various ledgers/accounts and others . On the other hand, the disadvantages of CIS are the following: it removes part of the audit trail; subject to manipulation especially to unauthorized personnel; the need for back-up files, could result into more cost, especially if computer is susceptible to power interruption and from infectious softwar e; danger of computer fraud if proper level of control and security whether internal and external are not properly been instituted and others.

Non-Executive Directors in Corporate Governance Essay

Non-Executive Directors in Corporate Governance - Essay Example The need for altering the corporate governance and the accountability of non-executive directors has come forth due to the collapse of a number of high profile corporations ( Carver and Oliver 2002; Cadbury 2002; Vinten 2002; Taylor 2003). Oman (2001) tried to define corporate governance as the public and private establishments which includes polices, rules and consented business patterns, which based on the economy of the market economy, administer the relationship linking internal stake holders on one hand, and share holders on the other. According to Cochran and Warwick (1988) corporate governance is: "an umbrella term that includes specific issues arising from interactions among senior management, shareholders, boards of directors, and other corporate stakeholders." 'Corporate governance' is seen as a fresh term which has entered our business terminology particularly in the last decade. Nevertheless connecting accountability with corporate governance (Cadbury 1992) is not a recent issue; it has grown with the development of the capitalistic system and growth of world economies (Vinten 2003). The different issues to be considered in this paper are: accountability and the role of non-executive directors with regard to corporate governance and accountability. According to Sir Arthur Cadbury in his paper (Cadbury 1992, p.15) "Corporate governance is the system by which companies are directed and controlled". This is concerned with the institution of structures and procedures by which management is responsible to shareowners with the aim of raising shareholder worth. The OECD (2004, p.11) defines as "Corporate governance involves a set of relationships between a company's management, its board, its shareholders and other stakeholders. Corporate governance provides the structure through which the objectives of the company are set, and the means of attaining those objectives and monitoring performance are determined. Good corporate governance should provide proper incentives for the board and management to pursue objectives that are in the interest of the company and its shareholders and should facilitate effective monitoring." A single structure or form is not suitable for all kind of businesses. This is actually acknowledged by the OECD rationales (2004 p.13). The reason is not only the intricacy and variety of actions that businesses are concerned with but also the lawful effects reckoning on the country's legal power and other social and cultural matters. Corporate performance and analysis Majority of research work have been carried out trying to connect company operation with different factors like board independence (Bhagat and Black 2002). Most of these studies undertaken actually surveyed the 'for-profit organizations' and made use of the common operation indicants like profit margins, share value and ROI. Research on the effect of corporate governance in organizations is mainly concentrated with the use of quantitative data analysis, whereas corporate

The Experience of Perioperative Nurses Involved in Organ Procurement Research Paper

The Experience of Perioperative Nurses Involved in Organ Procurement - Research Paper Example Although the research question was not clearly stated, it was generally implied from the introduction of the research study. Essentially, the study wants to find out what the general feelings of perioperative nurses involved in the process of organ procurement in Taiwan are (Wang & Lin, 2009). With this research question, the course of the research was clearly directed from the beginning, a key requirement in the development of a fine qualitative research study (Ryan, Coughlan, & Cronin, 2007). Research Design The researchers took careful note of the relevance of the qualitative methods being employed in the study. As â€Å"organ procurement is a special surgery,† (Wang & Lin, 2009, p. 279) it may not be enough to simply quantify the nurses’ feelings and emotions. Rather, such feelings and emotions ought to be captured using the nurses’ verbatim account on the issue (Wang & Lin, 2009). This view is supported by the study conducted by Manuel, Solberg, and MacDonald (2010) as they looked into organ donation feelings, this time, of family members involved. Subjects The general nature of a qualitative study entails it to use subjects that are required for the specific purpose of the study. Thus, sample size is usually small, and participants are usually acquired using a purposive, non-probabilistic manner (Ryan, Coughlan, & Cronin, 2007). So is the case of this specific study, which utilizes only 6 participants, taken using purposive sampling. These participants are senior perioperative nurses from an organ procurement organization in Taiwan. The minimum work experience of these nurses was at three years, which is an appropriate length of service when considering the feelings they had developed while participating in the organ procurement process (Wang & Lin, 2009). Setting The research setting was a major consideration in this study as it is done in northern Taiwan, a place that is generally known for its cultural reservations on the topics of death and organ donation (Wang & Lin, 2009). This study precisely looks into how nurses in this area feel and so the research setting was appropriately chosen. There was no mention, however, of where the actual interview was conducted. Data Collection Methods Data collection in qualitative research studies generally utilized interviews, though of varying kinds, depending on the general conditions of the research setting and the goals that the research wants to achieve (Broussard, 2006; Ryan, Coughlan, & Cronin, 2007). As such, the research study used a semi-structured questionnaire while conducting individual face-to-face in-depth interviews with the participants. This was used in order to allow the researcher to â€Å"lead an open conversation† and â€Å"not limit participants in terms of sharing† (Wang & Lin, 2009, p. 279) in order to provide an opportunity for an interactive data collection process. Colling (2003a) considers this an effective data collection process especially when acquiring qualitative data. The researchers also make mention of the structured inte rview outline being

Analysis of Globalization and the Production of Locality in Urban Essay - 3

Analysis of Globalization and the Production of Locality in Urban Egypt Article by Farha Grannam - Essay Example The problem arises when globalization is viewed as neocolonialism or Americanization. The flows from the United States and Europe are said to shape the landscape of Cairo in different ways. There is a need for broadening the globalization concept so that the flows responsible for shaping cultural identities and practices. Grannam (250) says that ‘many changes were needed to facilitate the operation of capital†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ this shows that there is a need for several changes to take place in globalization. The new boundaries, differentiation, and social inequalities being produced and clanged by global flows are important to asses. There are things that attract attention to the inequalities that are produced by global processes. Global flows are not only structured but they also structure. There are groups that are empowered by having connections with the western cities. Production of urban locality is an issue that requires to be addressed with the increased movement of images, people, and commodities. Locality is produced by the interactions of those dwelling and those traveling. Locality is what allows individuals to follow collective flows that are resisted in different contexts (Grannam 256). Diane Singerman reviews how there are international scholars who have collaborated in producing information on politics and culture. Looking at Cairo we realize how complicated the normative project of citizenship is within globalization. Through carrying out research on shops, malls, neighborhoods, villages, towns, and historical areas then it is easy to understand the global flows. With the example of Cairo whose economy was not planned, it is easy to understand why it is megalopolis (Singerman 85). I agree that transforming public space to private is legitimated except if it results from the crime, terrorism, or pollution.  

Development of Christianity from the time of Jesus to its acceptance Essay

Development of Christianity from the time of Jesus to its acceptance as the official religion of the Roman Empire in the 370s - Essay Example Upon Herod’s death, they eventually returned home to Nazareth. Jesus grew up under the guidance of Mary and Joseph and little is known about his life during these times until he reached the age of 30 when he was said to have started his ministry (History World, 2010). His ministry was said to have lasted from one year to as many as four from AD c.29-33. It began with his baptism which was dated in the 15th year of the reign of Tiberius or AD 29 (History World, 2010). Jesus soon acquired followers after his baptism and the Gospels implied that he went on to perform miracles and to further gain followers through miracle healings. His main and initial followers grew to be his apostles, numbering 12 and most were fishermen (History World, 2010). One of the followers, Peter, slowly emerged as their leader and he was known to be the predecessor of the Church leaders, more particularly, the Pope (History World, 2010). Jesus’ ministry was mostly manifested in Galilee, and befor e the end of his life, he and his followers moved into Jerusalem before the Passover. His arrival in Jerusalem was not welcomed by those in power. His gatherings always attracted attention and crowds and this made him an easy target for the Romans (History World, 2010). After having supper with his disciples following the tradition of the Passover, he went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. There, Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, led authorities to Jesus’ arrest. Pontius Pilate ordered Jesus’ crucifixion and thereafter, in Calvary, Jesus died (History World, 2010). The Bible goes on to narrate how after three days, he rose again. The sighting of Jesus by Mary Magdalene and the disciples and the discovery of the empty tomb all support the story of Christ’s resurrection (History World, 2010). After Jesus’ death, his followers, who called themselves Christians, grew rapidly (Religion Facts, 2009). Followers led by Jesus’ disciple Peter were leading a

Criminology theory (explain how conflict theory accounts for criminal Essay

Criminology theory (explain how conflict theory accounts for criminal behavior) See instruction - Essay Example (FSU) All the while the lawful privileges of poor people may be overlooked. (FSU)The white collar classes are likewise co-picked; they agree with the elites rather the poor, supposing they may themselves ascent to the top by supporting existing conditions. (FSU) In this manner, street crimes, even minor financial ones are routinely rebuffed and dealt with extreme punishment, while big financial as well as business wrongdoings are dealt with considerably much more permissively. (FSU) Burglary of a TV may accept a more drawn out sentence than taking millions through illicit business hones. William Chambliss, in a fantastic article The Saints and the Roughnecks analyzed the conclusions for two gatherings of juvenile misbehavers. (FSU)The main, a more level class gathering of young men, was nagged by the neighborhood police and named by instructors as delinquents and future criminals, while the upper-working class young men were similarly degenerate, yet their activities were composed off as energetic indiscretions and taking in encounters. (FSU) Various different mixtures of conflict theory have showed up since the 1960s. These incorporate radical feminism, left realism and peacemaking criminology. The last two are endeavors to tone down a portion of the talk, and present a more adjusted methodology. (FSU) Radical feminism concentrates on the predicament of ladies under free enterprise. Male command has been the standard, and ladies have been liable to it in the home and working environment, and in addition in the city. Radical womens activist criminologists have taken a gander at the vile medicine of female teenagers, who are substantially all the more as often as possible subject to regulation for status offense violations (offenses that would not be criminal if a grown-up, for example, fleeing from home, and especially singled out for sexual abnormality. While far from home or work alone, ladies

Liquidity Effects in Corporate Bond Spreads Summary Essay

Liquidity Effects in Corporate Bond Spreads Summary - Essay Example However, practical separation of the two fundamental factors is indescribable. Separation of the two fundamental factors during measurement of credit spreads and inherent risks associated with corporate bonds is domineering in understanding individual contributions amongst the two. However, comprehensive understanding of liquidity effects within a specified bond pairs traded by a firm on a given day assists in examining their spreads or yields. Liquidity proxies define the most effective technique of measuring liquidity effects and corporate bond spreads on a given pair of bonds from the same firm. However, liquidity proxies have significant faults in determining the inherent effects requiring addition of clarifying power by incorporating other firms’ bonds. Matching bonds issued by the same firm helps in subduing credit risks and elaborating existing variation within bond spreads. Since liquidity proxies elaborates limited inherent variations in corporate spreads, it is essential to incorporate the aforementioned descriptive power through linking measurement to prices of other bonds within the diverse market. Unreliability of liquidity proxies in providing spreads associated with corporate bonds prompts for further explanation and affirms that measuring bond spreads with liquidity proxies is inherently

New Slide Footwear Company Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

New Slide Footwear Company - Assignment Example These are classified as fixed and variable cost: Where, fixed costs are those that remain constant regardless of production, while variable costs will vary with the production (Khan & Jain, 2008; Peavler, 2011). In practice, we have established all the fixed cost as rent and maintenance, while variable costs as wages, materials, utilities and other expenses. This will ensure that we make accurate decisions in preparing all the financial documents for New Slide Footwear Company (Shim & Joel, 2008). On the other hand, revenue assumptions for the proposed business include the pricing of the new product and potential sales during the operations. . As such, we arrived at our unit pricing through conducting an intensive market research that considered several factors such as, the potential target market, cost of materials, forecasted market share and other market pricing values used by existing competitors (FMAG, 2011). Therefore, these assumptions enabled us to prepare relevant financial documents as observed in the following sections. Marginal Costing Cost Statement. Marginal costing cost statement is a document used in marginal costing to create a platform for making all the cost and revenue assumptions (Globusz, 2001). It is a basic document that is useful in preparing financial documents such as the cash flow budget, forecast income statement, and forecast balance sheet.... It is a basic document that is useful in preparing financial documents such as the cash flow budget, forecast income statement, and forecast balance sheet (Kotler, 2000; Shim & Joel, 2008). Table 1 below represents the cost statement for the proposed business venture. Table 1: Marginal Costing Cost Statement for New Slide Footwear Company. Particulars Per Unit Per 12 Months Sales ? ? ? ? Number of Units 100,000 Sales 22.00 2,200,000 Variable Costs Direct Materials 5.06 506,000 Direct Labor 1.12 112,000 Direct Overheads 3.06 306,000 Total Marginal Cost 12.76 1,276,000 Contribution 9.24 924,000 Fixed Costs 5.06 506,000 Net Profit 4.18 418,000 The costing statement shows that the venture will have a contribution margin of ?9.24 per unit of New Slide sports shoes, which reflects to ?924,000 for the first 12 months of operation. The business will generate ?418,000 worth of net profit, after selling the first 100,000 units, which is 19% of the sales value for the whole year. After adjustme nts, the fixed costs for the venture will amount to approximately ?506,000. 3.0 Break Even Analysis. Breakeven analysis is an efficient method used in by business managers in making appropriate decision for shaping the future of a business venture (Globusz, 2001). Precisely, breakeven analysis establishes the breakeven point (BEP), which is the point where an investment recovers its investment but does not incur any profits or losses (Frongello, n.d; Kotler, 2000). The following table gives the breakeven data for the proposed venture. Table 2: Break Even Table for New Slide Footwear Company. Sales Sales Variable Contribution Fixed Total Net Units Revenue ? Cost ? Margin ?

Hybrid electric vehicle Essay Example for Free

Hybrid electric vehicle Essay Product: The #1 selling hybrid is the Toyota Prius Hybrid. Toyota is already on its third generation of the Prius. The gas/electric Prius hybrid retains its lock on this category for the fifth straight year. Despite lots of new hybrid models, the Toyota Prius 44 mpg (overall) is still the best in any five-passenger car. The interior is roomy and versatile, and the Prius has proven to be very reliable. Other Hybrid cars include the Honda Insight Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid; SUV’s include the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Chevrolet Equinox Hybrid. Luxury SUV’s included the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h. Current hybrid cars can get up to 60 miles to the gallon on the highway. In addition to fuel economy, they boast lower emissions and depreciation than gasoline-powered cars. Environmentalists embrace hybrid cars as a solution to todays pollution problems. Despite tough economic times and a shrinking US vehicle market, demand for hybrids continues to outpace the overall market. Price: The 2010 Toyota Hybrid price ranges from $22,800 $28,070. Toyota sold 271 of its $US38, 000 Prius cars in China last year. Overall passenger-car sales in the nation totaled 10. 3 million. Hybrid sales; as a percentage of all new car sales—are likely to remain flat from 2008 levels at about 2. 5 percent. But considering the overall car market is shrinking in 2009, the total number of hybrid sales will drop to about 250,000. The Toyota Prius the third-generation version that debuted in January; will continue to be the biggest seller. Compared to the Prius, the Honda Insight Hybrid price is $19,800 $23,100. And the Toyota Camry hybrid sells for $26,400. Demand for good is elastic: The Toyota Prius Hybrid would be very elastic because we dont have to buy that brand of car we have lots of substitutes such as the Honda Insight Hybrid or Ford Escape Hybrid. Determinants of Demand: 1. Substitutes (814,173 Toyota Prius units registered by December 2009) †¢Conventional cars, public transportation, trains †¢Only 7 percent of Americans take public transportation to work †¢Higher gas prices will help hybrid car sales †¢The 2009 Honda Insight, a compact which emphasizes affordability. The Honda Insight, billed as the cheapest gasoline-electric hybrid on the market, ranked as the top-selling vehicle in Japan for April 2009 2. Overseas Markets: The Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, making it the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001. The Prius is sold in more than 40 countries and regions, with its largest markets being those of Japan and North America. In May 2008, global cumulative Prius sales reached the milestone 1 million vehicle mark, and by early 2010, the Prius reached worldwide cumulative sales of 1. 6 million units. As the global top seller market, the U. S. made up more than half the Prius sold worldwide, with 814,173 units registered by December 2009. In Japan, it is reported that Toyota cut the price of Prius from 2. 331 million yen to 2. 05 million yen to compete with Honda Insight. Toyotas goal is to sell about 400,000 units annually around the globe and 180,000 units in the U. S. by 2010. 3. Income: Hybrid drivers have higher income, much higher than the average car buyer. In 2004, J. D. Power reported that hybrid owner incomes are $100,000 a year versus $85,000 a year for the average buyer. In a 2007 survey of 118 Prius drivers by Topline Strategy Group, 71 percent of respondents earned more than $100,000 per year. 4. Demographics: Hybrid drivers are a few years older than the average car buyer—closer to 50 rather than the average age of 40. J. D. Power’s 2007 review of auto industry marketing showed that only 2 percent of hybrid owners are 24 or younger; while 29 percent are between 45 and 54; and 33 percent are 55 and older. The 2007 Scarborough Research pegged the number of age 50+ hybrid drivers at 23 percent. 5. Consumer Preference: demand and gas prices for the most popular hybrid and best-known fuel-efficient compact car, the only U. S. model to exclusively offer every trim as a hybrid: the Toyota Prius. Prius leads the compact car segment in share of segment interest. The compact car segment has grown from 26% of the market in July of 2007 (peak summer gas prices) to over 33% today. 6. Convenience: Efficiency Hybrid cars are electrically operated and are thus able to function well and consistently at any motor speed. This is in contrast to conventional gas-powered engines, which tend to produce less power in low revolutions per minute episodes. Hybrid cars do not need to use transmissions to make their engines run at full capacity even at reduced speeds. Economy One of the advantages of hybrid cars is that the feature called regenerative braking. Since a hybrid car works using both electric power and fuel power, each can function by itself or conjunction, depending on which is stronger at the time of use. This means that both engines complement each other and do not simply bog one when one of them becomes weaker. Convenience Because hybrid cars are part battery powered, they do not create huge holes on the pocket, compares to users of traditional cars who feel the pain of the continuing oil price increases. Determinants of Supply: 1. Resource Prices: In 2008, when oil hit $147 a barrel and the price of gasoline exceeded $4 a gallon, US buyers made a massive shift away from large SUVs to small fuel-efficient cars and hybrids. But US consumers returned to larger vehicles, and driving more miles, when prices dropped. The return of triple-digit oil prices is expected to bring renewed interest in the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market, such as hybrids and plug-in vehicles expected in late 2010. The percentage of hybrids COMPARED to auto sales is seen in the graph below. 2. Technological Changes: The varieties of hybrid electric designs can be differentiated by the structure of the hybrid vehicle drivetrain, the fuel type, and the mode of operation. In 2007, several automobile manufacturers announced that future vehicles will use aspects of hybrid electric technology to reduce fuel consumption without the use of the hybrid drivetrain. Regenerative braking can be used to recapture energy and stored to power electrical accessories, such as air conditioning. Shutting down the engine at idle can also be used to reduce fuel consumption and reduce emissions without the addition of a hybrid drivetrain. In both cases, some of the advantages of hybrid electric technology are gained while additional cost and weight may be limited to the addition of larger batteries and starter motors. 3. Labor Costs: Most experts agree a replacement hybrid car battery can range anywhere from $1,000 to more than $6,000, depending on the year and model of car, and without including dealership or independent labor costs. While this may seem like a big expense, car makers are set on reducing prices. Basically, car manufacturers want their products to succeed. Failures in performance hinder that success, so most hybrid car batteries are designed to last the lifetime of the automobile. The state of charge, temperature and longevity in each battery are carefully managed by automakers who know full well that any setback could throw a wrench into the growth of the still relatively nascent hybrid market. 4. Producer Expectations: Toyota Motor Corp. will invest in two U. S. plants to keep up with the growing demand for its eco-friendly stalwart. This is a major step for Toyota’s overall goal to reach 1 million hybrid vehicles annually for the global marketplace. It aims to hit this number within the next five to seven years. Honda has also ramped up its green car plans with an affordable small hybrid expected for next year. The carmaker forecasts annual global sales in the 200,000 unit range, with half of those sales coming from the United States. Honda is striving to elevate its total global hybrid output number to 500,000, a significant boost over the 55,000 cars it produced in 2007. If-Then 1. If the price of gasoline increases then the demand of hybrid cars will increase 2. If the Toyota Prius Hybrid remains at #1, then other Hybrid automakers like Honda and Ford will have a decrease in Hybrid sales. 3. If the price of Hybrid cars increases, the demand will decrease. 4. If U. S income increases, Hybrid sales may increase for better fuel efficiency. Elasticity Estimates: 1. As demand increases for hybrid cars, the technology should become more affordable, especially for subsequent model years. While it is unlikely that prices will decrease dramatically, prices probably will not increase either, as the cars will become more efficient to build. This will, in the long run, lead to more affordable hybrid cars. In the end, affordable hybrid vehicles could provide a big boost to the ailing automobile industry. 2. Higher production volumes may lead to lower hybrid vehicle costs and prices. Every little bit of supply will be needed with hybrids becoming hot sellers. In the past automakers had limited supply with the increase of demand, but since there are so many automakers who make hybrids, supply is no longer an issue. It is much easier now to find the Toyota Prius versus in 2007. Supply and Demand Curves Incomes increase The price of gasoline decreases The graph below demonstrates the Hybrid market, car market, petrol market and the oil market. Market Structure: The automobile industry in the United States is an oligopoly because only six firms (General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, and Nissan) account for almost 90% of U. S. Automobile sales. Barriers to Entry: The recent economic crisis has provided an impetus to a massive structural change in the auto industry, setting the stage for growth over the next decade. Given the high barriers to entry and the need for scale economies, the global auto industry landscape is expected to be ruled by global automakers and suppliers based in the six major auto markets – China, India, Japan, Korea, Western Europe and the U. S. Foreign Competition: In the world of hybrid cars, there is Toyota and everybody else when it comes to sales. Toyota sold 195,545 hybrids in the US in 2009, largely led by 139,682 Prius hybrid sales. Still, even without the Prius, Toyota still sold significantly more hybrids than did either Ford or Honda. The Toyota Prius II hybrid has the highest fuel economy of any comparable hybrid model. The Toyota Prius II hybrid gets 51 miles per gallon in the city and 48 miles per gallon on the highway. This far exceeds its competition, the Honda Insight, which gets 40/43 miles per gallon city and highway, and the Honda Civic hybrid, which gets 40/45 city and highway. The MSRP for the Toyota Prius II is $23,150, which is about a little more than $2,000 higher than the Honda Insight but about $1,000 lower than the Honda Civic hybrid. Government: The purchase of hybrid electric cars qualifies for a federal income tax credit up to $3,150 on the purchasers Federal income taxes. The tax credit is to be phased out two calendar quarters after the manufacturer reaches 60,000 new cars sold in the following manner: it will be reduced to 50% ($1700) if delivered in either the third or fourth quarter after the threshold is reached, to 25% ($850) in the fifth and sixth quarters, and 0% thereafter. Hybrid Tax Credit (bill): AB 174/SB 90 would create an income and franchise tax credit of up to $1,000 for the amount of sales and use tax paid on the purchase or lease of a hybrid vehicle that has an EPA rating of at least 40 mpg or an EPA rating that is at least 15 percent greater than the same non-hybrid model. The credit may be claimed for sales and use tax paid during the 2007 to 2011 taxable years. The senate bill would extend the credit to the purchase or lease of flex-fuel vehicles that are E85 capable. Introduced and referred to committee 03/12/07. Failed to pass before the end of the legislative session. Sources: http://online. wsj. com/mdc/public/page/2_3022-autosales. html#autosalesD http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Toyota_Prius http://www. hybridcars. com/hybrid-drivers/profile-of-hybrid-drivers. html http://www. hybridcars. com/frontpage http://www. hybrid-car. org/ http://go. ucsusa. org/hybridcenter/incentives. cfm#WI http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Hybrid_tax_credit http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Hybrid_electric_vehicle.

Korean-Americans Essay Example for Free

Korean-Americans Essay Korean-Americans are increasingly rising in number and have established their own communities in the different parts of the country (Lee, p. 21). They usually settle in the country as entrepreneurs and prosper in this endeavor. The highest concentration of Korean-Americans can be found in California, in the 1990’s census the Korean population in the state was 32. 5% (Min Pyong, p. 33). The increase in number of Korean-Americans in California can be attributed to the fact that it is geographically closer to their homeland and it has a mild climate, moreover, new immigrants may want to live in areas where there is already and existing Korean community. Koreans migrate to the U. S. hoping that they can provide better futures for their children, to enable them to have a better chance at going to college and better employment opportunities for them. Most of those who come to America are from the upper-middle class in Korea and are well-educated. Initially, Koreans live in apartments where the neighborhood is predominantly Korean, then after a few years, they move out to the suburbs to have their own homes. Owning a home is often equated with the first sign of realizing their American dream. In this connection, the Korean-American group did not differ in their perceptions of home ownership with the Northern California informants of Towsend’s which reported that home ownership symbolizes success and social standing (1999, p. 1). The similarity of their views may be due to the fact that most Korean Americans are generally well-educated and have higher social standing in their own country where they are accustomed to having their own homes. The groups are also similar in their choice of residence, which is in the suburbs. The suburbs according to Towsend have become a physical and moral separation from the city which is considered to be unsafe and full of violence (1999, p. 2), it can be said that the Korean Americans choose to have their homes in the suburbs because it signifies that they are becoming assimilated into the American Housing the good life Page #2 community, where they want their children to have the same opportunities as American children have. Towsend’s informants also revealed that although a home represents independence and self-sufficiency, most of them are in debt and are tied to their jobs in order to pay off their debts (1999, p. 3). However, for the Korean-Americans I interviewed, they emphasized that one must strive first to raise the amount needed to buy a house rather than to incur debts. The two groups may have differed in this respect because the Korean Americans in this particular group are entrepreneurs and they are more financially-wise than their American counterparts. To illustrate, most Korean-Americans run their own stores and family members help in the running of the store without being paid in order to keep labor costs at a minimum. The family is highly valued by Korean Americans and parents desire to send their children to the best schools thus they usually prefer suburbs that are closer to the schools or universities they send their children to, whereas the Towsend group use their time commuting from work to their homes and fail to â€Å"be there† for their children (1999, p. 4). The difference in the groups responses indicate the difference in the values that the group espouse, to the Korean American, education is seen as the best way to be successful while to the American informants, owning a home in a specific neighborhood spells success wherein the good provider outweighs being a more involved father. As Towsend (1999, p. 4) found, home ownership has become an integral part of family life. Having a home is equated to being a good family man, a good provider and hence a good father. But as shown by my interview, there are cultural underpinnings in the perceptions of home ownership and that it warrants further research. Although the group I interviewed is small in number, the ideas they have shared nonetheless offer a new way of thinking about the sociological impact of owning a home. Bibliography Lee, Lauren. Korean Americans. Marshall Cavendish Corporation, New York,. p. 21;1995 Min, Pyong Gap. Caught in the Middle: Korean Communities in New York and Los Angeles. University of California Press, Los Angeles, Table 2, p. 33;1996 Towsend, N. Housing the good life. Anthropology Newsletter, 40, 1 pp1-4; 1999 Yu, Eui-Young. Korean Community Profile: Life and Consumer Patterns. Korea Times, Los Angeles, p. 28; 1990.

Efficacy of Growth Factors Concentration after PRP

Efficacy of Growth Factors Concentration after PRP Efficacy of growth factors concentration (hGH, IGF-1, FGF-2, PDGF, VEGF) after autologous Platelet-rich plasma injection (PRP) on accelerating healing of proximal hamstring tear for athletes. Ahmed Gaballah 1- Department of Sports Health Sciences, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt. 2- Kinesiology and Health Sciences Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA Abstract Platelet rich plasma (PRP) become popular biologically method used to accelerate healing in sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery field. PRP is concentrate the human platelets to supra-physiologic levels. It is an autologous producing high level of the platelets concentration centrifuged from the peripheral vein. Then it re-injected under the ultrasound gaudiness during surgery or at a site of injury. METHOD: Seventeen physically active males (age 22.0 ±0.6) with acute hamstring strain injuries divided to 8 case group and 9 matched controls (age 21.6 ±2.8) were recruited as research participants. Case group participants were injected with single 3 ml of extracted PRP under ultrasound gaudiness. However, Blood samples were collected by venipuncture at standardized time points: before the injection and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after for case group and 4wks. and 8wks for both groups. RESULTS: there was significantly difference between the growth factors results of the case group a fter 4 weeks compared with the 8 weeks result of the control group. Additionally, the same significant results between the two groups after the 8 weeks. Nevertheless, the physical measurements related with hamstring Strain and Knee flexion range of motion between the two groups were not significant after 4 weeks or 8 weeks. CONCLUTION: a single 3-mL injection of autologous PRP combined with a rehabilitation program was effective in time return to play and reducing the severity of pain after an acute grade 2 hamstring injury. Additionally, increase in circulating concentrations of VEGF, IGF-1, PDGF and FGF-2. Key Words: Platelet rich plasma (PRP), Human Growth Factors, Hamstring Tear. 1. Introduction: Skeletal muscle injuries are up to 55% of all sports injuries and causes excessive long term pain and physical disability, Muscles strains and contusions representing more than 90% of all sports related injuries and are the most muscular injuries frequent. [1] [2]   Proximal hamstring tear injuries are common in athletes and frequently result in prolonged rehabilitation, time missed from play, and a significant risk of re-injury. Reports of acute hamstring strains without avulsion in dancers have suggested recovery times for return-to-play ranging from 30 to 76 weeks [3]. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) become popular biologically method used to accelerate healing in sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery field. PRP is concentrate the human platelets to supra-physiologic levels. It is an autologous producing high level of the platelets concentration centrifuged from the peripheral vein. Then it re-injected under the ultrasound gaudiness during surgery or at a site of injury [4] [5]. As a result of the lack side-effect and the autologous nature of PRP, it has utilized exponentially over the last few years in sports medicine and orthopaedic. Historically, since the 1950s the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used to dermatological conditions and manage maxillofacial as well [6]. Furthermore, Platelet-derived preparations including PRP were first regulated by WADA under the 2010 Prohibited List because of concerns that the elevated concentrations of growth factors in PRP may confer an unfair advantage to treated athletes. However, WADA lifted the ban on PR P in 2011 in recognition of the lack of evidence to support a systemic performance-enhancing effect and to allow further research in the field [7]. Indeed, the blood contains 6% platelets, 1% white blood cells, and 93% red blood cells.   The PRP technique aims to reverse the concentration of the platelet in lieu of red cells to increase the growth factors that more useful in accelerating the healing. [8] However, Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a centrifuged blood product that contains a supraphysiologic amount of platelets. Therefore, the preparation process to product concentrative platelet above the baseline values have started with an autologous extraction of patients` blood, then by plasmapheresis centrifuged to obtain a concentrated suspension of platelets. It then separates the solid and liquid components of the anticoagulated blood after a two-stage of centrifugation process [9]. The initial phase separates the plasma and platelets from the erythrocytes and leucocytes. The second stage concentrates the platelets further into platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma components [10] [11]. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) contains some biologic factors which have been enhanced the proliferation and collagen secretion of tenocytes. These factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), and transforming growth factor ÃŽ ² (TGF ÃŽ ²) [12] [13]. There is an increasing the stimulus response of PDGF and TGF-ÃŽ ² in the early stages of tendon and muscles healing after PRP injection resulting in new vessel formation and collagen synthesis. [14]. In addition to decrease oxidative stress that could lead to cell apoptosis, PRP has been promoted tendon and muscles cell growth [15]. This is evidenced and reinforced by release of inflammatory meiators such as COX-1 and2, PGE-2 [16] [17]. Recently, there are various approaches reported the benefits of treating the soft tissue injuries such as muscles tears and tendinosis by injecting platelet rich plasma (PRP). Despite this popularization and increasing use in soft tissue injuries, its efficacy still not clear and remains controversial. It has been previously established that platelets provide regenerative potential by the process of chemo-taxis [18] [19] [20]. The use of PRP in order to accelerate recovery time after muscle injury has become a relatively common practice in sports medicine. Several studies represent that PRP can improve skeletal muscle healing after acute injury. In particular, local PRP which increased expression of several myogenic factors at mRNA level acting on modlating the inflammatory response and myogenesis in the early stages after acute injury [21] [22]. Rossi L, et al. reported the effects of an autologous PRP injections on time to return to play in randomized controlled study conducted on 75 patients. The study represented time to return to play for recreational and competitive athletes and recurrence rate after acute muscle injuries as well. The main result in the study that PRP injection significant reduction of re-injury rates at 2 years. Additionally, it was decreased the pain severity score and significantly decreased the time of return to sports as well [23]. One more study reported that 14 professional athletes were treated with ultrasound-guidance injections of PRP after acute muscle injuries. The athletes showed a quick return to activity and improved healing in muscle tears [8]. Similar results have represented in Sanchez et al study, which conducted on 20 athletes. These results supported the benefits of PRP and its role in muscle healing. The patients recovered in half of the expected time [24]. Figure 1. Process of platelet activation (PDGF, platelet derived growth factor). Source [25] Platelet Activity in muscles: (Figure 1,) represents the released serotonin contributes to vasoconstriction. The conversion of ATP into ADP releases the energy necessary to establish and maintain the aggregation. The release of the calcium ions inside the platelet makes the myofibril within it contract, thus allowing the aggregation and release of the content of the granules. This is serum calcium, which is necessary for the formation of the fibrin network [26]. The presence of the Ca2+ ions in the plasma makes the coagulation factors activate and group, forming the fibrin network, which is stabilized by factor XIII and transformed in a stable clot. The calcium ions also inhibit the anticoagulant activity of heparin, preserving the clot [27]. The PRP and the growth factors: The functions of these growth factors are presented in Table 1. It should be noted that the mechanism of action of platelet-rich plasma does not differ from the physiological healing process, but allows for obtaining higher concentrations of growth factors. As a result, the process of tissue regeneration is accelerated [28] [29] [30]. Platelet ÃŽ ±-granules are comprised of haemostatic factors, regulators inflammation, and wound healing. Substances stored in dense granules are thrombocyte-activating factors. Platelets also contain lysosomal granules, which secrete acid hydrolases [31] [32]. Platelet activation results in growth factor release. Platelet growth factors include platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor ÃŽ ² (TGF-ÃŽ ²), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) [33] [8]. Table 1. Growth Factors function Growth factor Abbreviation Functions Transforming growth factor TGF-ÃŽ ² A mitogen for fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, osteoblasts Angiogenesis promotion, extracellular matrix production Platelet-derived growth factor PDGF Chemotactic effect on monocytes, neutrophils, fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts A mitogen for fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells Angiogenesis promotion, formation of fibrous tissue, re-epithelialization Vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF Angiogenesis promotion Chronic wound healing promotion Inhibition of bone formation Epidermal growth EGF factor A mitogen for fibroblasts, endothelial cells, keratinocytes Chronic wound healing promotion Insulin-like growth factor IGF-1 Regulation of bone maintenance Modulator of cell apoptosis Stimulation of bone tissue regeneration Platet derived endothelial growth factor PDEGF Promotes wound healing by stimulating the proliferation of keratinocyes and dermal fibroblasts Endothelial Growth Factor EGF Cellular proliferation Differentiation of epithelial cells Figure 2. Platelet degranulation and action of the released cytokines in the process of formation of new bone and muscle tissue (VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF, platelet derived growth factor; BMP, bone morphogenetic protein; TGF-b, transforming growth factor). 2. Methods 2.1. Participants: This study was approved by Damietta University, Egypt, Alexandria University, Egypt and Utah state University, UT, USA. Twenty-three physically active males with acute grade 2 hamstring tear were voluntarily recruited for data collection (age 21.8  ± 2.64y, mass 71.52 ±2.74 Kg, height 175.4 ±2.32). All patients receiving local ultrasound-guided intratendinous PRP injection at our institution between September 2014 and December 2016 were screened for eligibility to participate in the study, and 17 patients were ultimately enrolled. Exclusion criteria included five participants with previous injury or diagnoses in hamstring. 8 physically active males (age 22.0 ±0.6) with acute hamstring strain injuries and 9 matched controls (age 21.6 ±2.8) were recruited as research participants. The case and control groups were performed rehabilitation program included aquatic exercise for 8 weeks. The history of pain data and the daily hours of using the smartphones were collected by surve y. Furthermore, the procedures were explained to the subjects and their written signatures were obtained on the informed consent. 2.2. Platelet rich plasma preparation and injection: In accordance of GPSTM III Systems instruction the blood collected for PRP was prepared by (Biomet Biologics, Inc., Warsaw, Ind) and standard 60 ml GPSTM III kit. Approximately of 7 ml of PRP was prepared in 30 minutes. Furthermore, single 3 ml of extracted PRP were injected under ultrasound gaudiness after adding 8.4% sodium bicarbonate buffered PRP for increasing the pH to normal physiological levels. The sodium was added in a ratio 0.05 ml to 1 ml of PRP. All the participants blood samples were stored in -25 ° Celsius and were analyzed to determine the concentration of the growth factors. The PRP injection of the current study were injected directly into the injured area under aseptic technique. The case group participants only received the single autologous PRP combined with the rehabilitation program. The participants were kept under observation for 96 hours and were performed the rehabilitation program after 5-7 days of PRP injection. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture at standardized time points: before (baseline) and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours to 4wks. and 8wks. after administration of PRP. blood was drawn at precisely the same time each morning and at least 3 hours after eating and exercising per WADA standards Figure 3. PRP set up. 2.3. Growth Factor Quantification: Six growth factors and related molecules that are concentrated in PRP preparations were quantified in PRP and blood by direct immunoassay using the Quantikine enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA kit), as outlined   the Growth factors studied were: human growth hormone (hGH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), basic fibro blast growth factor (bFGF or FGF-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor- BB (PDGF-BB). Because bFGF is present in the blood only at very low concentrations, a high-sensitivity ELISA kit was used to ensure accurate detection [34] [35] [5]. Figure 4. PRP injection under ultrasound guidance. 2.4. Rehabilitation program: A Physical rehabilitation program was performed for six weeks and designed for lower limb. In particular, hamstring muscles. both groups participants (8 case and 9 control) performed the exercises protocol once a day for 55 minutes for each training session and 5 times a week (275 M. / week). The exercise protocol was consisted of aquatic exercise and strength exercises and was divided to tree stages, the first stage was focused on the flexibility and isotonic strength exercise with 5 sets and 12-15 1RM intensity. While, the second stage was designed for strength exercises with 3 sets and 8-10 1RM intensity. While the third stage for endurance and exercise related of activity performance. Aquatic pool, Machine weights and The Thera-Band resistance bands exercises were used during the 6 weeks especially the colors (red, blue, black, silver). The red and blue bands were used in the first stage and the black and silver used in second stage. Furthermore, all the exercises were performed by stretching the band between 75 100 %. knowing that, the weight of stretching in Thera-Band between 75-100% is red 3.3-3.9kg, blue 5.9-7.1kg, black 8.1-9.7, and silver 11.1-13.2kg. 2.5. Statistical Analysis The paired t-test was used to compare the collected data before performing the exercise protocol (Pre-test) and those which were obtained after the 6 and 8-weeks training period (Post-test). The differences between the samples were significant at the t = 1.740 p < 0.05 level. All the analyses were performed by using SPSS 21 software for Windows 7 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA). Additionally, all values within the text and table are observed as standard deviation and mean (mean  ± SD). 3. Results: Table 2, 3 illustrate the large variations in growth factor concentrations between participants in the two groups before and after PRP injection. Regarding growth factor (GF) trajectories for the case group participants are shown in Figure 3, and data are summarized in Table 2, the human growth hormone increased dramatically within the first 24 hours after PRP injection while these results were not significant after the 4 weeks and 8 weeks.   Moreover, IGF-1 increased relative to baseline within 24 hours after PRP and remained elevated at all-time points thereafter, and the change was statistically at 24 until 96 hours as well after 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Likewise, VEGF and PDGF were significantly elevated at 24 hours and at all-time points thereafter and were significant after 4 and 8 weeks.   Furthermore, FGF-2 rose at the point between 24 to 96 hours after PRP injection but not significantly, while it was elevated significantly after 4 week and 8 weeks. It obviously represented in table 3, the spectacular significantly difference between the growth factors results of the case group after 4 weeks compared with the 8 weeks result of the control group. Additionally, Figure 6, reveals the same significant results between the two groups after the 8 weeks. Nevertheless, the physical measurements related with hamstring Strain and Knee flexion range of motion between the two groups were not significant after 4 weeks or 8 weeks. Table 1. Data Summary for the Growth Factors after PRP Injectiona unit   Ã‚  Ã‚   Pre-test 24 h 48 h 72 h 96 h 4 weeks 8 weeks hGH   pg/mLpg/mL pg/mL 1.927  ± 0.67 8.117  ± 2.414 2.276  ± 0.030 2.776  ± 0.180 5.597  ± 1.910 2.321  ± 0.554 2.175  ± 0.651 IGF-1 pg/mL 0.577 ±0.283 1.078  ± 0.914 1.101 ±0.341 1.122  ± 0.239 1.133  ± 0.165 0.817  ± 0.844 0.793  ± 0.141 FGF-2 pg/mL 2.233  ± 1.22 2.105  ± 0.772 2.292  ± 0.736 1.911  ± 0.201 2.314  ± 0.877 3.652  ± 0.567 3.921  ± 0.822 VEGF pg/mL 0.346  ± 0.18 1.313  ± 0.42 1.544  ± 0.463 1.836  ± 0.463 1.554  ± 0.419 0.784  ± 0.098 0.749  ± 0.077 PDGF pg/mL 0.352 ±0.11 0.884  ± 0.949 1.702 ±1.572 1.602  ± 2.021 1.262  ± 1.423 0.856  ± 0.108 0.807  ± 0.133 aPRP, platelet-rich plasma; hGH, human growth hormone; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1; FGF-2, basic fibroblast growth factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor. Table 2. Difference of the Growth Factors concentration between the Case and Control group Case Group (N=8) Control Group (N = 9) Unit Pre-test 4 weeks 8 weeks Pre-test 4 weeks 8 weeks P ≠¤ 0.05 hGH   pg/mLpg/mL pg/mL 1.927  ± 0.67 2.321  ± 0.554 2.175  ± 0.651 1.941  ± 0.201 1.997  ± 0.088 2.063  ± 0.477 1.215 IGF-1 pg/mL 0.577 ±0.283 0.817  ± 0.844 0. 793  ± 0.141 0.582  ± 0.247 0.633  ± 0.145 0.637  ± 0.114 1.760 * FGF-2 pg/mL 2.233  ± 1.22 3.452  ± 0.567 3.921  ± 0.822 2.228  ± 0.721 2.593  ± 0.687 2.627  ± 0.514 2.046 * VEGF pg/mL 0.346  ± 0.184 0.784  ± 0.098 0.749  ± 0.077 0.341  ± 0.163 0.384  ± 0.187 0.396  ± 0.106 2.584 * PDGF pg/mL 0.352 ±0.117 0.856  ± 0.108 0.807  ± 0.133 0.358  ± 0.121 0.421  ± 0.633 0.429  ± 0.008 2.632 * PRP, platelet-rich plasma; hGH, human growth hormone; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1; FGF-2, basic fibroblast growth factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor; N, Number; * Significant difference P ≠¤ 0.05, t =1.740 (N= 17). Table 3. Difference of Hamstring Force and Knee Flexion (ROM) between the Case and Control group Case Group (N=8) Control Group (N = 9) Unit Pre-test 4 weeks 8 weeks Pre-test 4 weeks 8 weeks P ≠¤ 0.05 HF N 26.62  ± 4.67 104.32  ± 5.67 107.06 ±1.64 25.31  ± 3.41 102.71  ± 4.75 105.75  ±3.18 0.743 KF(ROM) Deg. ËÅ ¡ 51.72  ± 5.17 147.92  ± 0.43 148.62  ± 0.78 52.04  ± 2.43 147.02  ± 0.14 147.36  ± 0.88 0.632 aPRP, platelet-rich plasma; HF, Hamstring Force; KF(ROM), Knee Flexion range of motion. N, Number. P ≠¤ 0.05, t =1.740 (N= 17). 4. Discussion: There is little published evidence to support whether a statistically significant increase in growth factors with performance-enhancing potential, including IGF-1, hGH VEGF, PDGF and FGF-2, necessarily leads to clinically relevant ergogenic effects. This is further complicated by evidence from some animal studies that local IGF-1 overexpression enhances local muscle mass and strength without systemic increases in IGF-1. The current study aims to determine the effect of PRP in accelerate the healing of hamstring strain. Moreover, to identify potential molecular markers that could be used to distinguish athletes who have been treated with local PRP injections from those who have not. Figure 5, The concentration of the growth factors after the PRP injection. PRP, platelet-rich plasma; hGH, human growth hormone; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1; FGF-2, basic fibroblast growth factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor. The performance of the growth factors after a single PRP injection was enhanced and increased significantly from 24 until 96 hours.   Indeed, hGH was peaked within the 24-hour window, although the results were not significant after 4 weeks or 8 weeks. Similarly, IGF-1 is significantly increased by 24 until 96 hours after PRP, while its activation was decreased after 4 weeks and 8 weeks but with significantly difference compared with the pretest and the control group 8 weeks test. Furthermore, IGF-1 is generated in the liver in response to hGH, is the primary downstream mediator of hGH, and is the most specific marker of supraphysiological hGH exposure [36] [37]. Figure 6. Difference between the case and control group in the concentration of the Growth Factors after 8 weeks. hGH, human growth hormone; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1; FGF-2, basic fibroblast growth factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor. Despite that both groups performed the same rehabilitation program, our study reported a significant increase in the growth factors for the control group after 4 and 8 weeks (Table 3, figure 6). However, the values of the case group after 4 weeks for the case group were more advanced than the 8 weeks values of the controlled (Figure 7,8). Therefore, the PRP injection enhanced the concentration of the growth. It is notably that the physical measurements of hamstring force and knee flexion range of motion were not significant at either 4 or 8 weeks. Wallace et al demonstrated that an acute bout of exercise increases total circulating IGF-1 by only about 20% [38] [9]. Figure 7, Difference between the case and control group in (NFROM) Knee flexion range of motion after 8 weeks. Figure 8, Difference between the case and control group in (HF) Hamstring Force after 8 weeks.          By comparison, participants in case group who treated with PRP and exercise program. Our study demonstrated a 38% increase in IGF-1 in case group and 9.5% in control group. Relative to baseline, suggesting that PRP treatment activates the hGH-IGF-1 pathway but that a single PRP injection is important to combined with the exercise to maximally stimulate. [39] [9] (Table 3) (Figure 6). We also observed FGF-2 and VEGF also peaked after treatment with PRP.   Fibroblast growth factor contributes to angiogenesis by stimulating the proliferation of endothelial cells to enhance the proliferation of satellite cells, which are the stem cells of mature muscle [40]. Basic fibroblast growth factor may enhance athletic performance by inducing muscle hyper- trophy and increasing oxygen transport. Vascular endothelial growth factor is a powerful stimulator of angiogenesis and could have noteworthy performance-enhancing effects if it entered systemic circulation and exerted its effects in tissues o ther than the site of injury [41]. The potential effects of autologous biological substances to hasten muscle healing were reported in several case reports [34] [42] [43]. Borrione et al [34] noted that athletes with grade 3 muscle strains treated with PRP showed earlier functional improvement and more complete recovery than those treated nonoperatively. Hamid et al   [44] demonstrated that a single PRP injection was effective in accelerating recovery for grade 2. However, the PRP Group achieved full recovery significantly earlier than controls and returned to play after 27 days while control group returned after 43 days. Another approach successfully treated an athlete with a grade 2 semimembranosus muscle injury with a single 3-mL infiltration of platelet-enriched plasma under ultrasound guidance. The athlete was pain free and allowed to train at the preinjury intensity 21 days after treatment [45]. The effect of a preparation rich in growth factors (PRGF) to hasten muscle recovery was reported in a 35-year-old pr ofessional bodybuilder diagnosed with a right adductor longus rupture. The athlete successfully returned to competitive training within 1 week after the third PRGF injection [43]. The effect of PRP in accelerated and associated a hamstring injury was also observed in the current study. The PRP preparation contained a high concentration of several growth factors including TGF-b, FGF-2, and insulin-like growth factor-1, but the amount of platelets and WBCs present was not stated. Additionally, the actual effect of PRP on soft tissue healing is not fully understood,22 our findings supported the possible role of higher growth factors (concentration level) in hastening recovery as postulated by previous researchers [46] [47] [42]. Sanchez et al reported full functional recovery of hamstring and adductor muscle injuries 2 times faster in 20 professional athletes treated with a PRGF [24]. Similar designed study by Rettig et al was investigated the effects of an autologous PRP injection and was retrospective case-control study conducted to determine the effect of the PRP on return time to play after acute hamstring injuries. The study included 10 professional National Football League (NFL) players with acute hamstring injury. The participants were divided equally into PRP and Control groups. Under ultrasound guidance the PRP group patients were injected once with 6 mL of PRP. Both groups were performed the same rehabilitation program. Several differences were identified between the study by Rettig et al and the current study. For instance, the

Extra-Terrestrial Existence :: essays research papers fc

Has intelligent extra-terrestrial life visited the Earth? Have people actually seen spacecraft from another world? Have these spacecraft abducted human beings and performed experiments on them? Have these spacecraft been recovered by our goverment? Many believe this to be very true. Contrary to these beliefs, there is no physical or any evidence to prove these aliens have visited the Earth. But that does not rule out the existence of intelligent life elsewere in the Universe. There could always be life out there. But way to far away to have visited the Earth. The major reason people believe in aliens is a good reason to believe. This major reason is the sighting of a UFO. UFOs have revolutionized the way people think about aliens. The term UFO means: Unidentified Flying Object. Today the term UFO usually is reffered to an alien spacecraft. These alien â€Å"spacecraft† come in many shapes and sizes. The most common UFO has a disk or saucer shape. They move at very high speeds and appear to spin on an axis. UFO sightings vary from person to person. there have been so many reports of UFO sightings they can’t be counted. But are these sightings really alien spacecraft? The earliest sighting of a UFO is dated back to 213 B.C. Theses sighting were thought to be alien craft. Studies show that these sightings could have been a comet of a meteor. Around 742-814 A. D. "During the reign of Charlemagne, spacecraft took away some of the earth's inhabitants to show them something of the way of life of space people. These events are described in the Comte de Gabalis' Discourses.† Trench 1966. The University of Colorado conducted a UFO report. This elaborate report was lead by Edward U. Condon. Condon states, The decision to etablish this report for the Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects stems from recommendations in a report dated March 1966 of an Ad Hoc Commitee of the Air Force Scientific advisory board set up under the chairmanship of Dr. Brian O’Brien to review the work of Project Blue Book. In this report Condon gives examples of some UFO reports. In 1952, so many UFO reports came in it clogged some Military communication channels. It was believed that an enemy planning a sneak attack could report a bunch of UFO reports to cause mass confusion to the Military communcations. Since 1953 many results of UFO study have been unclassified except when reasons needed to withold evidence because of classified missles or classified radar.

Sonnys Blues by James Baldwin Essay example -- Sonnys Blues James Ba

Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin A captivating tale of a relationship between two troubling brothers in Harlem, "Sonny's Blues" is told from the perception of Sonny's brother, whose name is never mentioned. Baldwin's choice of Sonny's brother as a narrator is what makes "Sonny's Blues" significant in terms of illustrating the relationship and emotional complications of Sonny and his brother. The significance of "Sonny's Blues" lies in the way Sonny's brother describes their relationship based on what he observes, hears, and feels, and how he struggles trying to understand Sonny through the course of the story. This is a story of how two African Americans brothers take their own path through life as they struggle to find meaning in their lives. Sonny's brother point of view is shared in this story as he feels responsible to keep his brother safe. The brother learns to listen throughout this story to better understand Sonny's life. This story is primarily about Sonny's brothers' life, how he struggled in his life and how he is now watching his younger brother Sonny go through the same situation. He worries about Sonny's life; that Sonny might not be able to escape the turmoil that life brings especially being a musician with no ties to family and job security. Sonny's brother sees Sonny trying to become a jazz musician, he watches and listens as Sonny goes through many difficulties in life. He doesn't want Sonny to be a jazz musician, because there is no future in this. At the end of the story, Sonny's brother attends the nightclub to watch... ...Blues" illustrated how life was growing up in an African American family during 1930 Ââ€" 1960's. Black Americans struggled to make their imprint on society. The life of the amazing blind musician Ray Charles comes to my mind as I struggle to understand how the African American culture learned to survive during this time. Sonny and Ray Charles had many of the same life experiences, in particular relying on drugs to forget their past and living in a society where the black man struggled to make a living. Both men used their music of rhythm and blues to gain respect from family and friends. In particular they learned to use music to survive in times of racism, segregation and poverty.

Astrocyte-Neuron Lactate Shuttle and Hemodynamic Brain Scans Essay

Astrocyte-Neuron Lactate Shuttle and Hemodynamic Brain Scans Hemodynamic brain scans such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) have been of immense utility in the neuroscience fields in illuminating the components and modulation of brain function. However, these hemodynamic brain scans have afforded utility without brain scientists truly understanding the mechanism by which they produce signals. Previously, it had been accepted without verification that the images produced by such techniques were direct results of neuronal activity. However, new techniques in studying brain function have revealed that when astrocyte activity is inhibited, hemodependent brain scans do not function (Halber 2008). Additionally, other studies have demonstrated that astrocytes display finely tuned responses to stimuli (Halber 2008) which are amenable to communication with each other in networks via calcium-wave propagation. In light of these new findings in regards to astrocyte function and communication, their influence on hemodynamic brain scans would offer much lucidity to our current understanding of neuropathology and neuromodulation. General Findings of Astrocytic Influence on Brain Scans Both PET and fMRI scans are hemodependent brain scans. However, the mechanism by which each works do differ from each other by which fundamental principle of blood flow they measure. In fMRI, a BOLD-signal (blood-oxygen-level-dependent) measurement is utilized which is then translated into working images. PET scans require a radioactive labeled tracer which accumulates in areas of activation. These active areas are then expressed in imaging techniques that interpret the level of activation. However,... ...arch 2009. doi:10.1016/j.tins.2008.11.005 Mo. (2008, June 20). Starring role in the brain for astrocytes [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://scienceblogs.com/neurophilosophy/2008/06/astrocytes_starring_role_in_the_brain.php Schummers, J., Yu, H., & Sur, M. (2008). Tuned responses of astrocytes and their influence on hemodynamic signals in the visual cortex. Science, 320, 1638-1643. doi: 10.1126/science.1156120 Segelken, R. (2004). CU laser microscopy technique settles brain chemistry debate, could aid studies of Alzheimer’s, stroke damage. Cornell Chronicle. Retrieved from http://www.news.cornell.edu/chronicle/04/7.1.04/astrocyte-neuron.html Vaishnavi S.N., Vlassenko A.G., Rundle M.M., Snyder A.Z., Mintun M.A., Raichle, M.E., (2010). Regional aerobic glycolysis in the human brain. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U SA. 107, 17757–17762. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1010459107