Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Silk Route as Commerce Network History Essay

Silk Route as Commerce Network History Essay Silk Route as Commerce Network History Essay Example Silk Route as Commerce Network History Essay Example Silk Route is a famous trade network, which united China and Mediterranean during various periods of time. The majority of historians come to a conclusion that this commerce network was established in 130 BC and existed to 15 century AD when the Ottoman Empire refused to make trades with the West and closed the route. The length of the network is approximately 4,000 miles and it linked China with Roman Empire (Li 34). The name of the trade path was received due to the silk, which was the most common product on the network. However, it was named as the Silk Road only in 1877 by German geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen (Li 35). The route has bigger significance than a mere commerce meaning. Due to the commercial network, different countries that were united by it exchanged their cultures. During the antique era, among the major traders within the Silky Road, one could find China, Greece, Persia, Romania, India, Armenia, Bactria and Syria. In addition, there also was Sogdia, but only from the fifth to the eighth century. Besides, in the period of the age of Islam, Arab traders also joined the Silky Route activity and were extremely popular in the so-called market. The exchange between mentioned cultures was an important step for introducing the relations between different cultures at a new level. In fact, all these cultures have very little in common and they reflect opposite values and beliefs. Nevertheless, due to the economic advantages that each of them could give to others, they could find something that united them and it was profit. The history of the Silk Route is a good example of the way the cultures with different world views could work together to achieve the mutual goals. The well-being of the Silk Route much depended on the efforts of both civilizations. Due to the necessity to create the effective trade network, two struggling cultures could find a compromise. However, the developed commerce is not the only contribution of the network. The tide economic relations had the significant input in the shifts of the political, social and technological development. The exchange of experience and technologies was the integral part of the network. According to such fact, the Silk Route should be discussed from various perspectives, taking into consideration both economic and technological progress. The Routes of the Silk Road Obviously, the Silk Road had its particular routes of transmission of goods. They were the southern route, the northern route and the south-western route. The northern route took its place in Changan, which is today known as Xian. Changan was a capital of China in ancient times, which was lately moved east. Current route was found approximately in the first century BC, the time when the harassment conducted by nomadic tribes was ended by Han Wudi (Li 36). The route was long as it travelled northwest through the province of China of Gansu from the Province of Shaanxi. Besides, the route split into 3 other routes: two of the three sub-routes followed the mountain ranges up to the south and north of the Taklamakan Desert so that they rejoined at Kashgar. The third sub-route went north of the mountains Tian Shan through Talgar, Turpan and Almaty, which is today known as Kazakhstan. All three sub-routes split west of Kashgar. At the same time, a southern branch headed down the Alai Valley towards Uzbekistan, which was known as Termez in ancient times and Balkh, that is Afghanistan today. The other sub-routes traveled through eastern Uzbekistan (the Fergana Valley Kokand) and west across the Desert Karakum. Further, both routes joined the major southern route before they reached ancient Merv, which is now Turkmenistan (Li 36). Regarding the southern route, which was also known as the Karakoram route, one can state that it was primarily a single route that went from China through the Karakoram Mountains. In the Karakoram Mountains, the south route endures to present times as the international road that connects China and Pakistan as the Karakoram Highway. Further, the route goes to the west. However, it still spurred the southern era in order to get the opportunity to complete the journey by the sea from different points. Then the route crossed the high mountains and went through northern Pakistan, omitting the Hindu Kush Mountains. Further, it ran to Afghanistan and rejoined the northern route near Turkmenistan (Merv at ancient times). From the above mentioned point, the route then pursued a straight line through Mesopotamia, northern Iran and the northern tilt of the Syrian Desert to the Levant. In fact, that was the territory where trading ships of the Mediterranean Sea plied habitual routes to Italy. F inally, one more branch of the route ran from Herat to Charax Spasinu through Susa (Mezzavilla 72). It travelled further to other eastern ports of the Mediterranean Sea from where vessels carried goods to Rome. The Southwestern Route is considered to be one of the most important from the international perspective. The route was an important point, which connected ancient China and India beginning in the third century BC. The Southwestern Route was important from the economic and trade perspective. By that time, the Arabs used primarily the sea way of traveling to the south regions. The opening of the Southwestern Route provided an opportunity to use also the overland route. Hence, the new discovery provided the maritime-overland route, which simplified the economic exchange with the Southwestern regions. The opening of a new route had caused positive changes. The historians determine such term as Southernization (Li 38). Arabs were very interested in the South Route and thus, they used the Silk Route’s southwestern direction to establish connection between South Asia and the Mediterranean region. Silk Road in Different Dynasties Silk Road was opened during the ruling of Western Han Dynasty between 139-129 BC (Mezzavilla 76). Zhang Qian provided two expeditions to the Western region till he could finally find the most appropriate route for the future trade. In addition, the last war campaign against Huns in that region has made it a save place for a commerce route. Han Dynasty has established its protectorate of the Western Regions to make the path more attractive for traders. Western Han Dynasty was changed by Eastern Han Dynasty, which lasted almost 200 years (25-220 AD) (Mezzavilla 74). During the ruling of Eastern Han Dynasty, the Silk Route did not experience any significant changes. Ban Chao and Ban Yong made several expeditions against the rebellions in the Western Regions. The conflict in the West meant the troubles in the route and loss for the country’s economy. Thus, it was necessary to establish peace in that region and make the Silk Route an important trade network for all traders. During the ruling of the Tang Dynasty, the Silk Road has experienced the dramatic changes. Many historians believe that this dynasty has provided the biggest contribution to the development of the Silk Route. The Tang Dynasty existed almost 300 years (618-907 AD); during that period of time the Silk Route has achieved its highest prospering (Mezzavilla 78). However, the golden age of the Silk Route during the ruling of the Tang Dynasty lasted till the Anshi Rebellion (755–762) (Mezzavilla 77). The uprising of the trade network during that period of time can be explained taking into consideration the following reasons: First, the Tang Dynasty was one of the most powerful during the entire history of China. During the ruling of this dynasty, China experienced many positive changes in political, social and economic life. Changan, the largest Chinese city has become the first international metropolis of that time. Hence, such commercial center attracted many foreign traders and merchants from all over the world, who made the Silk Route more luxurious and rich. Second, the emperors of the Tang Dynasty paid especial attention to commerce and the management of the western regions. Probably, it played the crucial role in the development of stable and reliable trade network. China has often faced difficulties with the west regions. Rebellions caused great difficulties there and there was no dynasty which did not have problems with conflicts in the north. However, the strict control of that region has provided the durable prospering of the Silk Route, making it safe for caravans. As it was mentioned above, the prospering of the Silk Route reached its top before the rebellion in the west, which has endangered the safe transit for merchants and traders on the route. Third, the relations with neighbors were stable and relatively friendly. Byzantine Empire, Arabian empire and Persia were interested in the establishing of good economic relations. The well-being of the Silk Route was very important for the empires, as well as for China. Due to the Silk Route, they receive a great variety of rare goods and could sell the products, which were in plenty. In this way, all participants of the Silk Route were interested in the continuous prospective of the trade network because it provided many benefits for all parties. Fourth, the general length of the Silk Road has been enlarged during the Tang Dynasty. In 630, the Chinese military forces defeated the Eastern Turks; it gave an opportunity to enlarge the route in east direction. In addition, the victory over the Eastern Turks played a crucial role in the establishing of friendly relations with the Western Turks. In 646, the Tang dynasty captured control over the Mongolian Plateau (Mezzavilla 82). Hence, one received a new route from Altai through Mongolian Plateau, which enlarged the general length of the Silk Route. All the above-mentioned factors gave the significant growth to the Silk Route’s development and increased the well-being of those empires and states, which were united by the trade network. After the ruling of the Tang Dynasty, the Yuan Dynasty has replaced it and ruled the next hundred years. Under the control of the Mongolian Empire and the establishing of the Yung Dynasty, the Silk Route has become prosperous again. However, it experienced certain changes, both positive and negative. For instance, the Mongolian empire established a new capital of his empire in the present Beijing, making it one of the most prosperous cities in the empire. The sizes of the empire stretched from Siberia in the North to the South Chinese Sea in the South. The territory of a new Mongol Empire was the largest one during the entire history of China. The Mongolian Empire did everything to make the Silk Road more profitable than ever. Thus, they welcomed the foreign travelers, especially from the West, giving them different privileges. For instance, one could receive a special passport, which received the name the â€Å"Golden Tablet† (Hitch 656). The owner of such passport could receive food and horses on the territory of the Mongolian Empire. In addition, the Mongolian khan appointed some western travellers on the ruling position in his empire. For instance, a famous explorer Marco Polo received a position in the Mongolian court. The Mongolian Empire has made the Silk Route saver and more convenient than ever; even the lone caravans could use the route, knowing that they are in safety. Regarding Sino-Roman relations, one can state that they were indirect during the whole existence of two empires. With time, the ancient Han Dynasty and the Roman Empire started cooperating closer throughout the expansion of the Roman Empire into the Ancient Near East. At the same time, Chinese military invasions expanded into Central Asia. Such influential intermediary empires as the Kushans and Parthians permanently kept the two contiguous powers of Europe separately (Hitch 654). As a result, mutual knowledge remained low and awareness unclear. To sum up, it can be said that during the long history of the Silk Route existing, beginning with its creation, the commerce network always changed in order to bring more advantages for those states and empires, which used it. Despite the significant efforts of different Chinese Dynasties to make the Silk Route more prosperous, the conflicts in the North were primarily the main reason why it could not reach the highest level of its development during the ruling of all dynasties. East-West Contribution It can be stated that the trade on the Silk Route was a very important and essential aspect in the development of such great civilizations as China, Persia, the Indian subcontinent, Arabia and Europe. The route opened long distance, economic and political interactions between the above-mentioned civilizations. However, it can be claimed that the Silk Road played a great role in the history of the countries that were engaged in its activity. The main item for trading and even for creating the Silk Route was Chinese silk (Hitch 655). However, one should understand that, although, the route was opened for trading, it was also used for some other reasons and activities. Therefore, with the existence of the Silk Route, other goods were also traded from one country to another. Moreover, the road became the way of transferring syncretic philosophies, religions and various technologies. Unfortunately, it also became the route for various diseases that now travelled from one country to another. Consequently, one can state that besides economic trade the Silk Route was the means of conducting also cultural trade with many of its aspects among the civilizations that were engaged in the Silk Road activity. The division of the world into the Eastern and Western cultures led to numerous wars and conflicts between the civilizations. Nevertheless, the Silk Rout demonstrated that even the constantly struggling cultures could come to a compromise in order to achieve the mutual benefits. The role of the Silk Route in the world history is not limited by the commerce benefits. The durable trade exchange between Eastern and Western civilizations also had the cultural, political and social meaning. Western culture has learnt much from the eastern civilization and received cultural impulses for its development. For instance, Arabs helped Europe shape its ideology; the Enlightenment and the scientific development, as well as the political progress was impossible without such contribution. East has always been more oriented on spiritual, social and political development, while the West was more interested in the military progress. The western social model of well-being could not be achieved without Chinese perfection of social relations, labor force division and specialization in different spheres. The West world has enlarged its technological base due to the Chinese progress. China was one of the most progressive countries in the Middle Age. For instance, in 1078, China produced 125, 000 tons of steel, which was in 3-4 times more than was produced by Britain (Hitch 658). China was also a leader in a textile manufacturing; such experienced was used by Great Britain to make a textile Revolution in the 18th century. In addition, the first paper and book printing was invented in China and lately adopted by other countries. In fact, the rise of the western capitalism was much predetermined by China’s technological development. The western world adopted many useful technologies and discoveries in the sphere of economy, marketing, trading and even military progress, such as gunpowder, which lately was widely used by European nations in numerous wars. Besides the technological borrowing, one should also mention about the cultural exchange, especially the influence of the Silk Route on the art. For instance the appearing of Greco-Buddhist art is the result of the cultural interaction. The similar impact one could find in In Central Asian, Iranian and Indian cultures. Silk was also presented in the art as one of the central ideas because it also had a religious significance for both civilizations. During Kushan period Buddha was illustrated as a human. The scholars believe that it the reference to the Greek and Indian elements of art. The spreading of different religious, such as Buddhist, Christianity, Islam and Judaism across Eurasia was much influenced by the Silk trade. During the centuries, the tight commercial exchange has influenced other aspects of life, especially religion. Religion has played a very important role in the Middle Ages. Christianity, which was primarily the European religion, found the followers in China, while Buddhism has enlarged its influence in Europe (Hitch 657). The merchants could see many Buddhist monasteries across the Silk Road. As a result, it led to the appearing of such phenomenon as syncretism, when the representatives of one culture accept the principles of another one, which earlier were unacceptable for them. A good example of syncretism during the history of the Silk Route is the relations between Chinese and Xiongnu nomads (Hitch 657). The two cultures have adopted the lifestyle, techniques, dress style and other features of each other. Chinese adopted military innovations and some techniques. The historians say that sometimes Chinese soldiers left the military service and went in the steppes where they converted to the Xiongnu life style. Such necessity was predetermined by the fear of punishment or even the threat of death. In fact, there are some records kept that give some particular information about the relationships between China and Rome. In 97 BC, Ban Chao, the general of China, made an attempt to send an emissary to Rome. However, his attempt was unsuccessful. Indeed, the fact is known because several ancient Chinese historians managed to record several assumed Roman envoys. Regarding the indirect trade of goods between two countries, which is also known as Silk Road, it is known that the trade was conducted by the sea in order to sell Roman high qualitative clothes and glassware and Chinese silk. As one can see, the exchange between cultures was not limited only by goods. The western culture, as well as the eastern one has adopted much from each other. In fact, such cultural exchange was not artificial, but a natural phenomenon due to the tight contacts and relations, which existed at that time between the states united by the Silk Route. Conclusion The Silk Road is the important page in the history of West-East relations. Due to the trade network, which existed almost fifteen centuries, the different cultures have adopted many features from each other. The Silk Road is often introduced as an important commerce network, which helped sell the goods which were in plenty on the territory of one state and buy those products that were in demand. However, the trade network had also the cultural exchange meaning. Those states and empires which were united by the Silk Road experienced the cultural, informational, social, political and technological exchange. The well-being of the Silk Road was connected with the ruling dynasty in China. Despite the fact that all dynasties made many efforts to make the trade network more prosperous, there was only one dynasty which could lead the Silk Road to a new level. The Tang Dynasty could achieve success due to certain measures that it took. One of the biggest advantages of that period is the control of the western provinces, which caused great damages of the route. The Mongolian Empire also cared much about the Silk Road. Genghis Khan provided numerous benefits for travellers and merchants in order to make the Silk Road more attractive and safer. He even appointed the foreigners on the high positions in his empire and was always glad to meet them in his Empire. The Silk Road existed to the fifteenth century, when the Ottoman Empire closed the path in order to forbid the trades with the western states. Before such decision, the silk trade was considered to be one of the largest and most prosperous trade networks in the world. In fact, it united the western and the eastern parts of the world, making them finding compromises and avoiding conflicts, which could destroy the beneficial economic exchange. From the historical point of view, the Silk Road is the largest cultural exchange network that existed for almost fifteen hundred years.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

The Nature of Positive Slope and Positive Correlation

The Nature of Positive Slope and Positive Correlation In algebraic functions, the slope, or m, of a line describes how rapidly or slowly change is occurring. Linear Functions have 4 types of slopes: positive, negative, zero, and undefined. Positive Slope Positive Correlation A positive slope demonstrates a positive correlation between the following: x and yinput and outputindependent variable and dependent variablecause and effect Positive correlation occurs when each variable in the function moves in the same direction. Look at the linear function in the picture, Positive slope, m 0. As the values of x increase, the values of y increase. Moving from left to right, trace the line with your finger. Notice that the line increases. Next, moving from right to left, trace the line with your finger. As the values of x decrease, the values of y decrease. Notice how the line decreases. Positive Slope in the Real World Here are some examples of real-world situations where you might see a positive correlation: Samantha is planning a family reunion. The more people who attend (input), the more chairs she orders (output).James is visiting the Bahamas. The less time that he spends snorkeling (input), the fewer tropical fish he spies (output). Calculating Positive Slope There are multiple ways to calculate a positive slope, where m0. Learn how to find the slope of a line with a graph and calculate slope with a formula.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Health, Safety and Security in the Salon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Health, Safety and Security in the Salon - Essay Example The staff can pose health risks to clients when they use wet hands in washing the hair and when working with wet hair. The clients and the staffs normally suffer from dermatitis, increased skin sensitivity and severely dry skin. The use of wet hands in delivering the services to customers occurs when there is no usage of non latex gloves by the staff. In addition, the staff may not have necessary training to dry their hands thoroughly and to reduce the moisture when handling wet hair. Further, the staffs are not provided with non perfumed hand cream to ensure that their hands are dry (Green, 2004). Hair dressing products and chemicals also pose safety and health risks to clients and to the staff. Lightening bleach products may cause eye or skin irritation to the staff and clients. This is due to the purchasing of dusty bleaches and their usage in the salon. Dusty bleaches affect the health of clients and the staff because they lead to breathing allergies and irritation. Other chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide used as a developer or neutralizer may also cause eye or skin irritation if not used well by the staff. This is due to the inability to use the recommended concentrations. Hydrogen peroxide may also be stored closer to light, heat and other products. Further, oxidative colorants also cause eye and skin irritation to the workers in the salon as well as the clients. Wrong usage of oxidative colorants is due to the inability of the staff to check the customer history of allergy so as to prevent damage to the scalp.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Impact of school funding on student achievement Essay

Impact of school funding on student achievement - Essay Example In fact, more than $66 billion is said to have been invested in school technology (QED, 2004). This unprecedented level of investment in educational technology has raised expectations of legislators and the public who have been looking for returns on this investment (Benton, 2002; CEO Forum, 1999, 2000), and therefore are calling for evidence regarding the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of technology especially in K-12 schools (Ringstaff & Kelley, 2002; Panel on Educational Technology, 1997; Melmed, 1995). No child left behind (NCLB) requires states to demonstrate that "every student is technologically literate by the time the student finishes the eighth grade, regardless of the student's race, ethnicity, gender, family income, geographic location, or disability" (U.S. Department of Education, 2001). While NCLB has established an eighth-grade technology literacy requirement, the requirement is not a full statement of knowledge and skills students need nor does it include a mechanism for ensuring accountability (Kay & Honey, in press). Educational funding has been found to be associated with student achievement (Lance (2001), Miller (2002), Siminitus (2002), and Whitington (2002). Generally, that would mean more funding may be able to enhance student achievement. The RAND study findings (Grissmer, et al. 2000) found that when other characteristics, like socio-economic status and family background, are equal, NAEP test scores are higher in states that have: 1) higher per-pupil expenditures, 2) lower pupil-teacher ratio in lower grades, 3) higher percentage of teachers who feel they have adequate resources for teaching, 4) more children in public pre-kindergarten programs, and 5) lower teacher turnover. In the Burke County, North Carolina Research (Pritchard 2000), the Burke County schools in 1995-96 reduced class sizes in first- and second-grade to 15 students per teacher. The study found: 1) increased achievement in both reading and math, and 2) More teacher time devoted to instruction due to fewer discipline problems. The Ohio Education Association in a member survey stated that new educational policies have done more harm than good, while Ohio political leaders have continued to neglect severe funding problems of Ohio public schools (Ohio Education News). The highlights of the 4000 Member Survey include - Only 5% of respondents feel Ohio's school funding system gives every school district equal resources for a quality education for all students. Eighty-seven percent indicated Ohio's system of funding education is fundamentally flawed. Two-thirds feel that their school districts are under-funded, and 93% feel that Ohio schools overall are under-funded. Eighty-nine percent feel the state legislature has failed to solve the state's education funding crisis. Between 85% and 95% of those surveyed feel initiatives like No Child Left Behind, tuition vouchers, and some aspects of high-stakes testing have done more harm than good. Two of other popular researches include the Tennessee STAR Project (Prichard 2000a) which tested the effect of class size on student achievement, where smaller classes outperformed regular classes, and HEROS (Health and Education Research Operative Services) Research (Prichard

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Models of Mental Illness Essay Example for Free

Models of Mental Illness Essay According to authors Robert Perrucci and Steven Wallach, the three models of mental illness are the medical, the behavioral and the societal reaction models. (271). The medical model of mental illness focuses on the structural or physical abnormalities in a patient’s brain which trigger the mental illness. It is concerned with the treatment of the illness and prevention thereof. Thus, this model requires that sufficient psychiatric care with appropriate medication by competent physicians and treatment teams be provided to the patients. It involves paying attention to the biological issues of patients through medical procedures such as the careful monitoring of intended effects and side effects of the treatment, the identification of new problems pertaining to the physical, mental and emotional problems of the patients as they occur, the detection of both acute and residual symptoms as they emerge, the elimination from the entire treatment of toxic chemicals and unnecessary drugs, and the administration of a balanced nutritional diet, an adequate rest and sleep schedule and a regular aerobic exercise program for the patients. (cited in University of South Carolina School of Medicine Psychiatric Rehabilitation) The behavioral model of mental illness, on the other hand, focuses on the series of maladaptive behaviors demonstrated by the patient as a result of his irrational pattern of thinking and perceiving. This model requires the therapeutic alliance of the patient with a person who gives him encouragement, respect and a reality orientation, and then motivates and leads him to be busy with productive activities that are comfortable and useful. It further involves providing the patient ample support and assistance in dealing with how people would normally react to his illness, in developing a balance between over- and under-stimulation, in establishing a relaxed atmosphere and a regular daily routine, in gently encouraging the substitution of inappropriate behaviors with responsible adult behaviors, and in asserting the patient’s â€Å"competence† identity as opposed to an unwholesome and ill identity which only leads him to alienation and self-pity. (cited in University of South Carolina School of Medicine Psychiatric Rehabilitation) Meanwhile, the societal reaction model of mental illness focuses on how the patients are treated by other people. It explores whether each particular patient is perceived by society as a disturbance, given the behavior that he exhibits as a consequence of his mental illness. Moreover, it examines the degree or extent of illness or abnormality that a patient is considered to have in the context of the varying norms of groups and societies. After all, every individual is subject to a set of rules and norms that define what is acceptable and not, what is right and wrong, and what is good and bad. These rules vary as to situations, locations and cultures. This model of mental illness focuses on a patient’s inability to find for himself a sense of purpose, peace, harmony, and health in the family or community he belongs to, as would have been necessary for him to attain personal and social success. Furthermore, this model requires that the patient be taught and guided to develop and maintain the skills and abilities necessary for becoming a healthy and normal member of the society. It also emphasizes the need for the patients to be assisted in learning survival skills including psychosocial and occupational rehabilitation, in developing communication and problem-solving skills and in establishing a social network that would be supportive of them. (cited in University of South Carolina School of Medicine Psychiatric Rehabilitation)

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Genetic Patenting and Human Dignity :: Genes Science Technology Essays

Genetic Patenting and Human Dignity As technology begins to reshape the world around us at a growing pace, we can’t help but shift the focus inward. Advances in biotechnology are unfolding at unprecedented rates, and while we begin to crack the code of life through the recent developments on the human genome project, the overall subject matter of ethics comes to mind. Now, one might question, if technology is about improvement and biotechnology is about improving life than why would anyone question the ethics of such? However, it recently has come to the point that improvement of life is bordering on manipulation of life, and many are throwing their hands up in moral protest. Consider the recent long-standing debate over the ethics of DNA patenting. Doesn’t holding a commercial patent over human genetic material offend our dignity as humans? Or is genetic material merely nothing more than proteins made from various chemicals no less subject to patenting than plastics, alloys, textile fabrics, pharma ceuticals, or other synthetic materials and compounds? Valid arguments could be made either way. The debate over genetic patenting involves the careful consideration of several perspectives including those of the legal, scientific, biotechnical, and economical fields of study. After analyzing the conflicting opinions of the different fields of study, one may procure a more knowledgeable understanding on which to base a moral framework suitable for evaluating the righteousness of DNA patenting. A proper starting point for the research of genetic patenting would logically begin with a basic understanding of the patenting system in the United States. The idea behind the patent, as established by our forefathers, is stated in the Constitution: â€Å"to promote the progress of science and useful arts by securing the authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries.† Further stated in the Constitution are the stipulations and requirements for receiving a patent. The four criteria included were: novelty(the invention is new, innovative, and is not obvious), utility(the invention could be used for more than just hypothetical use), enabling description(the invention is described in great detail-enough so that someone skilled in the field could benefit), and human ingenuity(Resnick, 3). Once the proper criteria has been met, a patent is issued which allows the inventor â€Å"only negative rights to exclude others from making, using, or commercializing his or her invention†(Resnick, 3). Genetic Patenting and Human Dignity :: Genes Science Technology Essays Genetic Patenting and Human Dignity As technology begins to reshape the world around us at a growing pace, we can’t help but shift the focus inward. Advances in biotechnology are unfolding at unprecedented rates, and while we begin to crack the code of life through the recent developments on the human genome project, the overall subject matter of ethics comes to mind. Now, one might question, if technology is about improvement and biotechnology is about improving life than why would anyone question the ethics of such? However, it recently has come to the point that improvement of life is bordering on manipulation of life, and many are throwing their hands up in moral protest. Consider the recent long-standing debate over the ethics of DNA patenting. Doesn’t holding a commercial patent over human genetic material offend our dignity as humans? Or is genetic material merely nothing more than proteins made from various chemicals no less subject to patenting than plastics, alloys, textile fabrics, pharma ceuticals, or other synthetic materials and compounds? Valid arguments could be made either way. The debate over genetic patenting involves the careful consideration of several perspectives including those of the legal, scientific, biotechnical, and economical fields of study. After analyzing the conflicting opinions of the different fields of study, one may procure a more knowledgeable understanding on which to base a moral framework suitable for evaluating the righteousness of DNA patenting. A proper starting point for the research of genetic patenting would logically begin with a basic understanding of the patenting system in the United States. The idea behind the patent, as established by our forefathers, is stated in the Constitution: â€Å"to promote the progress of science and useful arts by securing the authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries.† Further stated in the Constitution are the stipulations and requirements for receiving a patent. The four criteria included were: novelty(the invention is new, innovative, and is not obvious), utility(the invention could be used for more than just hypothetical use), enabling description(the invention is described in great detail-enough so that someone skilled in the field could benefit), and human ingenuity(Resnick, 3). Once the proper criteria has been met, a patent is issued which allows the inventor â€Å"only negative rights to exclude others from making, using, or commercializing his or her invention†(Resnick, 3).

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Light Weight Material for Automobile Essay

General segment car with light weight alloys and metal matrix composites 1. 1 Analysis An automobile is a single biggest polluter, as emissions from millions of vehicles add up. As motor vehicles have been huge sources of pollution for the world since the last hundred years, the major car companies and market see profit by introducing some new technologies to reduce emission and delivering best solutions to customers. One of the major reasons for emission is weight of the vehicle. As weight increases carbon emission increases and fuel efficiency decreases. Both equally reduce customer perceptions. Present market battles to reduce carbon emissions and to fulfill customer demands for highly fuel efficient vehicles. As the above statement is top priority in present market and coming future, metallic parts of a general segment car will be replaced by light weight alloys by coming decades. However significant cost challenges are there for using light weight materials from manufacturing process to end life cycle. Smartly tackling of this cost will be the key to market applications. 1. 2Strategic sense which helps to make light weighting vehicles Global warming, global fuel prices and fuel demands are going to a critical situation, which makes human to think alternatively. As more fuel uses, more CO2 produces. If majority of vehicles made by steels are replaced by lightweight vehicles, it will reduce the global fuel needs. As this initiative makes very good advantages to world, it will get a lot of co-operation from other industries governments and political systems. Technologically and economically there are a lot of challenges and things to be done. Much R&D works to do. Right from material selection, product design, process design, manufacturing methods, joining methods all has to be redesign for established organizations. It is a very big challenge. 1. 3 Initiatives taken to make light weighting vehicles To achieve a light weight structures, without compromising rigidity auto engineers have been researching the replacement of steel with plastics, aluminum and magnesium. Using of advanced material for reducing weight is the least expensive way to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. It is found that; * For every 10% weight reduction in weight of a car will result in 5% -7% improvements in fuel efficiency. * For every kilogram of weight reduction of a car will result in the reduction of carbon dioxide about 20kg. [1] 1. 4 Weight saving and relative cost for light weight material Figure 1. 1 Relative material properties and cost [2]. Important key factors while using advanced light weight materials are manufacturability, cost and joining processes. But as requirement is the mother of invention, manufacturability of aluminum and its composite’s will become easier and economical by coming years. Different manufacturing techniques are there to form aluminum into desired shape. 1. 5 Vehicle Case Study Super light Car Project: Figure 1. 2 Light weight materials, a vehicle case study [3] The objective of this project was to make an innovative idea by multi-material and light weight structure. This project proved that, BIW panel structure weight can reduce by 30%, multi material manufacturing with reduced cost, recyclability and sustainability of light weight materials. This project was a benchmark performance by joined venture of many sectors and seven vehicle manufactures (including Volkswagen and Volvo), 10 suppliers, 10 R&D companies and seven universities. The final product was a mix of different materials and a wide range of joining technologies. The figure 1. 2 shows the benefits, that Super Light Project achieved.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Discuss the Use and Impacts of Anabolic Steroids on the Human Body

Human understanding of anabolic steroids began when Arnold Adolph Berthold (1849) demonstrated loss of male characteristics in testes-deprived cockerels. Experiments carried out in castrated dogs and later in humans demonstrated the anabolic effects of testosterone (Kochakian, 1936). Testosterone became the first ever synthetic anabolic steroid when created from cholesterol and from which all the steroids used currently are derived.Anabolic steroids exert their anabolic effects on muscle and bone, and their androgenic effects on hair follicles in the skin, the liver and kidneys, and the haematopoietic, immune and central nervous systems (Mooradian et al. , 1987). Thus their ergogenic properties promote human secondary sexual characteristics, such as muscular growth and physical strength (Evans, 2004). Steroids are relatively small molecules and they can passively diffuse into cells.In target tissues, that is, the cells that contain steroid receptors, the hormone binds to the receptor ligand-binding domain, causing the receptor to change from an inactive to active state. In target tissues where intracellular enzymes are present, the action of testosterone is mediated by metabolism. Testosterone is irreversibly converted by the enzyme 5a-reductase to 5a-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which binds with greater affinity to the androgen receptor, or by aromatase to oestradiol, which binds to the oestrogen receptor (Shahidi, 2001).Testosterone and DHT can be also converted to weaker androgens, again being dependent on whether the target tissue has the necessary enzyme activity, e. g. , 3a-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. With structural modifications to testosterone, the anabolic effects of androgens can be enhanced but, even so, these cannot be divorced entirely from their androgenic effects. Hence, a more accurate term for anabolic steroids is anabolic–androgenic steroids [AAS] (Kuhn, 2002).The widespread use of anabolic steroids started during World War II, when it was found that this artificial form of testosterone could be used to help malnourished soldiers gain weight and improve performance. After the war, athletes began to use steroids to enhance their performance in competitions. In the 1956 Olympics, Soviet athletes, especially wrestlers, performed at exceptionally high levels. After learning that those athletes were using testosterone, Dr. Zeigler, an American physician created a more selective form, of what we know as anabolic steroids.From that point until the early 1970’s, steroids became increasingly popular among not just Olympic athletes, but also professional sports players and high school athletes. In 1975, the International Olympic Committee finally banned the use of steroids in Olympic competition. Although anabolic steroids are controlled substances in several countries, their use for cosmetic purposes such as development of bulging muscles and a well-toned figure is not uncommon since, it is considered a harmless manipulation.Use of these AAS involves several risks that could cause problems in both the short and long term. Prolonged use of anabolic steroids increases one’s risk of sudden death due to serious conditions like ventricular hypertrophy, thrombo-embolism and cerebro-vascular disorders. However, the cardiovascular consequences of supra- physiological androgen levels had not been determined fully until now. A research study revealed that AAS caused the impairment of vascular reactivity.It also revealed that abstention from AAS consumption, significantly improves vascular functions (Lane et al, 2006). Anabolic steroid use may also cause muscle and tendon tears, acne, liver cirrhosis, abnormal increase in cholesterol levels, and bipolar and aggressive behavior. Females undergo a deepening of the voice, increased hair loss, facial hair growth and depletion of female hormones, like estrogen and progesterone.The most common problems for male user s are reduced testosterone production, resulting in the shrinking of their testicles; erectile dysfunction, reduced sperm production and reduced sperm count. In teenagers, the continued use of AAS stops bone development (Kicman, 2008). Conversely, AAS also corrects physical problems and are employed in treatment of cachexia associated with chronic disease states, to increase testosterone levels and their effects in males whose levels are below ‘normal’ (Lew, 2007).Only relatively recently that these agents are being revisited for clinical purposes and their efficacy still needs to be demonstrated in terms of improved physical function and quality of life. For clinical purposes, the administration of these drugs can be of therapeutic benefit and reasonably safe, with the physician making objective decisions based on the benefit/risk ratio in relation to a patient's condition.Hence it is important not to overstate the medical risks associated with anabolic steroid use (Ho ffman and Ratamess, 2006) but to emphasize that the hazards to health are dependent on the sex, the dose, the duration of administration, whether hepatoxic 17a-alkylated steroids are being administered and the susceptibility of the individuals themselves to androgen exposure which is probably dependent on genetic factors, age and lifestyle.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

responsibility for the knower Essays

Does making a knowledge claim carry any particular obligation/responsibility for the knower Essays Does making a knowledge claim carry any particular obligation/responsibility for the knower Paper Does making a knowledge claim carry any particular obligation/responsibility for the knower Paper Essay Topic: Claim Of Value Education Anybody who makes a knowledge claim must take responsibility for their claim, particularly if they are parents, teachers or a respected individual in society. Parents are largely responsible for early childhood learning, teachers are responsible for late childhood and adolescent learning, and leaders affect adult attitudes. In growing up, children are greatly influenced by their parents or guardian because they are the first people from what they gain knowledge from. Konrad Lorenzs study with young ducklings suggested a critical learning period in which knowledge is most readily obtained. Many types of knowledge are acquired during childhood, notably ethics and values, which will undoubtedly affect the childs perception and development in the future. Limited knowledge from other types of areas is also acquired during early childhood, and forms the roots of subsequent learning. If a teacher claims that subtraction is the same as addition, then all the students will undoubtedly experience difficulty in future studies. Therefore, any knowledge claim made to a child necessarily has a profound impact on their understanding of the world and those who make the claims must take responsibility. The majority of our learning takes place in educational institutions and our knowledge is acquired from teachers. Teachers are also highly respected and their knowledge claims are therefore highly influential. Though in certain subject areas, knowledge can be attained through logic and reason (such as mathematics), other subject areas can not. In history and biology, for example, the student depends on the teachers accountability. Students lack the incentive to verify every knowledge claim and will not question the teachers stance on the polarity of water or the Austrian heir to the throne. A teachers false claim will have serious consequences and teachers should therefore take responsibility for their claims. Education systems today rely heavily on language, as opposed to hands-on or visual demonstrations. Whorf and Sapirs theory of Linguistic Determinism states that knowledge is determined by language. For example, Navajos have precise words for different shape and consequently, they have a stronger sense of shape. Similarly, the diction of a teachers knowledge claim will have serious implications on the students learning. Austen uses their conversation to criticize Mariannes impulsiveness would have a very different impression on students as opposed to Austen hated impulsive people. Therefore, teachers must take responsibility for the diction of their knowledge claims. Learning is generally thought of as limited to educational institutions, but much learning takes place in adulthood as well. Esteemed individuals in society often have the power to influence the general public and any knowledge claims they make will be influential. In Europe, Hitlers numerous claims concerning Germanys superiority aroused millions to support him. The destruction and causality that his knowledge claims directly or indirectly caused in World War II are horrendous and indisputable. In China, Chairman Maos knowledge claims brainwashed millions of young Chinese to join the Red Army. Consequences of Maos knowledge claims during the Cultural Revolution are also apparent. Both Hitler and Mao were highly influential leaders who are responsible for their knowledge claims. Hence, leaders should take precaution in their knowledge claims and statements for they are responsible for their claims. Naturally, knowledge claims of leaders can be beneficial to vast populations, and leaders can treat their responsibility as an opportunity positively influence people rather than a burden. The consequences and implications of knowledge claims are indisputable, and therefore the people whom make knowledge claims should take responsibility for them. Since learning takes place throughout our lives, the people who teach us in all stages should take responsibility for their knowledge claims. Though parents, teachers, and respected individuals are heavily liable for their claims, they are not the only ones who must take the burden. Every person we interact with will influence us, and therefore, all knowledge claims must be taken responsibility for by the knower.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

German Word Aus Can Be a Prefix and Preposition

German Word 'Aus' Can Be a Prefix and Preposition The preposition aus is very useful in German and is used frequently, both by itself and in combination with other words. It is always followed by the dative  case. The word is also frequently used as a prefix. The original meaning of the preposition aus was not only ‘outside’ and to exit’, the same as it means today, but ‘going up’ as well. Here are today’s main meanings of aus defined, followed by common nouns and expressions with aus. Aus in the Sense of ‘From Somewhere’ In some instances, aus is used to express ‘from somewhere’, such as when stating what country or place somebody is from. In those German sentences, the verb kommen (come) or stammen (originate) needs to be used, whereas in English that is not so. Ich komme aus Spanien. (I’m from Spain.)Ich stamme aus Deutschland. (I’m from Germany.) In other uses of aus as in ‘from somewhere’, the same verb in both languages will be used. Ich trinke aus einem Glas. (I am drinking from a glass.)Ich hole meine Jacke aus dem Klassenzimmer. (I’m getting my jacket from the classroom.)Er kommt aus der Ferne (He comes from a distance.) Aus in the Sense of ‘Made Out Of Aus welchem Material ist deine Bluse? (Whats your blouse made of?)Was wird aus Altpapier gemacht? (What is made out of recycled paper?) Aus in the Sense of ‘Out of/ Coming Out Of’ Sie geht aus dem Haus jetzt. (She is coming out of the house now.)Das kleine Kind ist beinahe aus dem Fenster gefallen. (The small child almost fell out of the window.) Aus in the Sense of ‘Out of/ Because Of/ Due to’ Er hat es aus persà ¶nlichen Grà ¼nden abgesagt. (He  canceled for [due to]  personal reasons.)Deine Mutter tat es aus Liebe. (Your mother did it out of love.)​ When  Aus  is Used as a Prefix Aus  as a prefix often keeps its main meaning ‘out of’ in many words. In English most of these words start with the prefix ‘ex’: Aus Nouns and Their English Equivalents die Ausnahme  - exceptionder Ausgang  - the exitdie Auslage  - expensesdas Auskommen  - the livelihooddie Ausfahrt  - the (highway) exit; to go for a driveder Ausflug  - the outingder Ausweg  - the solutiondie Ausrede  - the excuseder Ausdruck  - the expressiondie Aussage  - the statementdie Ausstellung  - the exhibitiondie Auskunft  - informationdas Ausrufezeichen  - the exclamation pointdie Ausbeutung  - exploitationder Ausblick  - the viewder Ausbruch  - the escape; the outbreakder Auslnder  - the foreignerdie Ausdehnung  - the expansionder Auspuff  - the exhaust Aus Verbs and Their English Equivalents ausgehen  - to go outausleeren  - to empty outausloggen  I to log offausflippen  - to flip out, to lose itausfragen  - to questionausbrechen  - to break out; to throw upausgeben  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ to give outausfà ¼llen  - to fill outausbuchen  - to book (a flight etc.)ausdà ¼nnen  - to thin outauslassen  - to leave outausgleichen  - to even outauskommen  - to manageauslachen  - to laugh at somebodyausmachen  - to turn/ switch offauspacken  - to unpackauslà ¼ften  - to air out Other Aus Words auseinander  (adv.) - separatedausgenommen  (conj.) - exceptausdauernd  (adj., adv.) – perservering; persistentlyausfà ¼hrlich  (adj., adv.) - detailed, thoroughlyausdrà ¼cklich  (adj., adv.) – express, expressly  ausgezeichnet  (adj.; adv.) – excellent  (ly) Aus Expressions/Ausdrà ¼cke aus Versehen  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ by accidentaus dem Zusammenhang ausreißen  - to take out of contextaus der Mode  - out of fashionaus dem Gleichgewicht  - out of balanceaus folgendem Grund  - for the following reasonaus der Sache wird nichts  - nothing will come out of itaus sein  - to be out Die Schule ist aus! (School is out!)aus Spaß  - out of fun

Sunday, November 3, 2019

An Amplified Terms of Reference Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

An Amplified Terms of Reference - Essay Example The paper evaluates the views in three articles to determine the probable choice for a small private physician. The articles cover the benefits and the challenges facing the implementation of EHRs. Key points covered include the probability of quality healthcare, and patients’ privacy. Evaluation of the articles results reveal that implementation of medical health records would be advantageous to a private physician. 1. Background, Sponsor and Problem AT& T organization is a very busy public hospital whose main business is to offer orthopedic services. Due to the large number of customers visiting the hospital every day, the medical records for all the patients continue to pile, considering that the same medical information is being filed manually. Because of this, the Front Office Receptionist continues to have a hard time each day trying to manually open the different folders carrying patients’ the files. Being as hard as that, it implies that the delivery of the serv ices in the hospital does not occur in a satisfactory manner (Selg & Rihel, 2007). The problem of doing the service delivery manually in the hospital has had far-stretching effects to both the hospital and the clients. For the hospital, the slow service delivery has constantly jeopardized the customer relations aspect of the organization. This is because when a client visits the hospital and takes the whole day waiting for the staff to retrieve his or her files and go through the records, next time, he or she will opt to a different hospital. For the clients on the other hand, someone with a critical health condition may not be saved just because his or her medical records are lost. Therefore, the absence of efficient medical coding can worsen the conditions of the patient. The problem resulting from the absence of medical coding system in the hospital mainly affects the Front Office Receptionist. This is because the front office receptionist is the person who is responsible for the production of the medical information for the different clients getting into the hospital. There are a lot of consequences if the problem is ignored. By ignoring the problem, it is very likely that the service delivery in the hospital will continue to be slow. The amount of work for the front office receptionist will continue to increase, and become too much for him or her. This means that the receptionist will be straining each day, trying to serve all the clients. This is not healthy for the receptionist. The hospital will generate less than the expected income. This is because it will not serve the clients in a proper rate (Heerkens, 2002). Voice of the Customer Analysis or Market Analysis is also evident as far as this problem is concerned. With the absence of the medical coding equipment in the hospital, the customers continue to complain that they do not receive the services in a satisfactory manner. Some complain that their records occasionally get lost. Others say that they have to queue for long hours before they can be attended to, while other still complain of their medical documents which have been torn or soiled. 2. Practical Outcomes for Client The research method used is the analysis of some case article evaluating the health sector in the United States. EHRs method of storing patient information will assist the medical institutions enhance their control over the revenue. Revenue enables organizations