Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Osmometric Thirst free essay sample

Thirstâ is the hankering for fluids, coming about in the basicâ instinctâ of people or creatures toâ drink. It is a basic component included inâ fluid balance. It emerges from an absence of liquids as well as an expansion in the grouping of certain osmolitesâ such asâ salt. On the off chance that the water volume of the body falls beneath a specific edge, or the osmolite fixation turns out to be excessively high, theâ brainâ signals thirst. Continuousâ dehydrationâ can cause a bunch of issues, however is frequently connected with neurological issues, for example, seizures, and renal issues. Over the top thirst, known asâ polydipsia, alongside inordinate pee, known asâ polyuria, might be a sign ofdiabetes. Thirst delivered by an expansion in the osmotic weight of the interstitial liquid comparative with the intracellular liquid consequently creating cell lack of hydration liquid, Intracellular liquid, liquid contained inside cells. Osmometric thirst happens when the osmotic harmony between the measure of water in the cells amp; the water outside the cells becomes upset methods when the centralization of salts in the interstitial liquid is more noteworthy than that inside the cells, bringing about the development of intracellular water outside of the phone as a natural side effect. This is the thing that happens when we eat salty pretzels. The Na is ingested into the blood plasma, which upsets the osmotic harmony between the blood plasma amp; the interstitial liquid. This coaxes water out of the interstitial liquid and into the plasma, presently upsetting the harmony between the cells and the interstitial liquid. The outcome is water leaving the cells to reestablish the equalization. The interruption in the interstitial arrangement is perceived by neurons called osmoreceptors. These osmoreceptors are situated in the district of the front nerve center. These osmoreceptors impart a sign that makes us drink more water, so as to reestablish the osmotic harmony between the cells and encompassing liquid. On account of pretzel eating, on the off chance that we don't drink more water, in the long run the overabundance Na is basically discharged by the kidneys. The body must have water to discharge so as to free itself of nitrogenous squanders, so the decrease in water discharge causes liquid looking for conduct. OSMOMETRIC THIRST is invigorated by cell lack of hydration. It happens when the tonicity of the interstitial liquid builds, which coaxes water out of the cells (consider water trying to be adjusted), cells at that point contract in volume. The word assimilation implies development of water, through semi porous layer, from low solute focus to high solute fixation. There are receptors and different frameworks in the body that distinguish a diminished volume or an expanded osmolite focus. They sign to theâ central sensory system, where focal handling succeeds. There are a few RECEPTORS FOR OSMOMETRIC THIRST (as of now in the focal sensory system all the more explicitly in nerve center outstandingly in two circumventrivular organs that come up short on a powerful cerebrum obstruction the organumvasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) and theâ subfornical organ (SFO). Nonetheless, albeit situated in similar pieces of the mind, these osmoreceptors that inspire thirst are particular from the neighboring osmoreceptors in the OVLT and SFO that bring out arginine vasopressinâ release to decreaseâ fluid yield. Also, there areâ visceral osmoreceptors. These venture to theâ area postrema andâ nucleus tractussolitariusâ in the mind), the neurons that react to changes in the solute grouping of the interstitial liquid beginning terminating when water is drawn out of them due to hyper tonicity; probably situated in the anteroventral tip of the third ventricle (AV3V); whenever actuated, they impart signs to neurons that control pace of vasopressin emission So, the inquiry will be raised, for example, do we need pretty much vasopressin? We need more vasopressin; recollect elevated levels of vasopressin cause kidneys to hold water, perspiring causes loss of water through skin, which builds tonicity of interstitial liquid, which at that point coaxes water out of the vessels and cells. We can lose water just from the cells, yet not intravascular, by eating a salty feast in which salt is ingested from the stomach related tract into the blood, this makes the blood hypertonic (high grouping of salt), this brings water into the phone from the interstitial liquid, the loss of water from the interstitial liquid makesâ itâ hypertonic, presently water is drawn out of the phones, as blood plasma increments in volume, kidneys discharge more water and sodium, in the long run, abundance sodium is discharged, alongside the water that was taken from the interstitial liquid and intercellular liquid, this outcomes in a general loss of water from the phones, in any case, blood plasma volume never diminished. The harm to AV3V region can cause diabetes and absence of thirst (over the top pee, so should compel self to drink) subfornical organ (SFO) circumventricular organ whose AII receptors are where angiotensin acts to deliver thirst; it has not many neural contributions, as its main responsibility is to detect the nearness of a hormone in the blood; it has manyâ outputsâ to different pieces of the cerebrum:  endocrineâ SFO axons venture to neurons in the supraoptic and paraventricular cores that are answerable for creation and discharge of the back pituitary hormone vasopressin  Autonomic axons task to cells of the paraventricular core and different pieces of the nerve center, which the send axons to mind stem cores which control the thoughtful and parasympathetic sensory system; this framework controls angiontensin’s impact on circulatory strain. behavioralâ axons sent toâ median preoptic core, a zone which controls drinking and emission of vasopressin middle preo ptic nucleusâ gets data from: 1. OVLT with respect to osmoreceptors 2. SFO in regards to angiotensin. Baroreceptors by means of the core of the singular tract Lateral Hypothalamus and Zona Incerta esions of the nerve center upset osmometric and volumetric thirst, yet not dinner related drinking sores of the zona incerta disturb hormonal boost for volumetric thirst, yet not the neural ones that start in the atrial baroreceptors zona incerta sends axons to mind structures engaged with development impacts drinking conduct Central preparing Theâ area postremaâ andâ nucleus tractussolitariusâ signal, byâ 5-HT, toâ lateral parabrachial core, which thus sign to middle preoptic core. What's more, the region postrema and core tractussolitarius additionally signal legitimately to subfornical organ. In this way, the middle preoptic core and subfornical organ get signs of both diminished volume and expanded osmolite fixation. They sign to higher integrative focuses, where at last the cognizant longing for emerges. In any case, the trueâ neuroscienceâ of this cognizant longing for isn't c ompletely clear. Notwithstanding thirst, theâ organumvasculosum of the lamina terminalisâ and theâ subfornical organâ contribute toâ fluid balanceâ byâ vasopressinâ release. Studies done†¦. Some examination and study presents a hypothetical model for osmotic (cell lack of hydration) thirst, and assesses a few of the ramifications of the model. Ss were 11 male Sprague-Dawley rodents. The model for osmotic thirst declares that when a heap comprising of n millimols of successful osmotic solute broke down in v ml. of water is brought into the extracellular compartment, the S will drink a volume of water, D (in ml. ), which is corresponding to the volume of water, Diso (in ml. ), required to weaken the hypertonic burden to isotonicity (ALPHA). Hence, D = k (Diso) = k-n/a-v=, where k is the steady of proportionately speaking to the commitment of the kidney to osmotic guideline. The test information show that under states of osmotic thirst this model precisely predicts the rodents drinking conduct. Osmoregulatory thirst related with shortages of intracellular liquid volume. Little increments of 1â€2% in the viable osmotic weight of plasma bring about incitement of thirst in well evolved creatures. It has been appeared in both human subjects and different warm blooded creatures that when the plasma osmolality (typically in the scope of 280â€295 mosmol/kgH2O) is expanded tentatively because of expanding the grouping of solutes, for example, NaCl or sucrose that don't promptly go across cell films, thirst is animated. On the other hand, expanding plasma osmolality by fundamental imbuement of concentrated solutes, for example, urea or D-glucose that all the more promptly cross nerve cell films is moderately insufficient at invigorating thirst (8,12,â 18). In the previous case, a transmembrane osmotic slope is set up and cell parchedness results from development of water out of cells as a natural side effect. Cell parchedness doesn't happen with the penetrating solutes in the last case, and it is viewed as that particular sensor cells in the cerebrum, named osmoreceptors (at first comparable to vasopressin emission), react to cell lack of hydration to start neural components that bring about the age of thirst (8,â 18). In spite of the fact that there is proof that a few osmoreceptors might be arranged in the liver, much proof has accumulated that limits a significant populace of osmoreceptive neurons to the preoptic/hypothalamic locale of the cerebrum. The nerve center was involved in the age of thirst in the mid 1950s when Bengt Andersson had the option to invigorate water drinking in goats by electrical or synthetic incitement of the nerve center. In spite of the fact that he saw that drinking was instigated by infusion of hypertonic saline into the nerve center in an area between the sections of the fornix and the mamillothalamic tract, the arrangements infused were horribly hypertonic, making it hard to reach a firm resolution that physiologically important osmoreceptors for thirst existed in this district. Andersson and partners later discovered proof that

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Comparing and Contrasting Between an Article and a Story

Question: Talk about theComparing and Contrasting Between an Article and a Story. Answer: Presentation The article and the story uncover the ideal impacts of the assault on world exchange place New York. The story basically draws out the circumstances upon the arrival of the assault on world exchange community. As expressed by (S.Thompson, 2001), when the plane hit the world exchange place he was expounding on sports and soon the situation changed into an incredible catastrophe. Wherever in various news channels, there was just single updates on this catastrophe uncovering the quantity of passings of individuals which got raised up to 20000 individuals. Then again, the article on delaying of numerous games depicts the rescheduling of the football coordinates because of the assault on the world exchange community. As indicated by the storyteller of the article (Litsky And Williams cleared, 2001) have assessed the scenes uncovering the rescheduling of the matches and including the various gatherings alongside the clubs as to talk about the issue. On looking at the two it has been discovered that the story Dread Loathing in America is seen as increasingly compelling as it helps in assessing the various realities of the calamity and the activities taken or which should have been taken by Mr. George Bush. There has been a correlation made of the fiasco with that of the Pearl Harbor and the quake at San Francisco and in the article, the examination of the rescheduling of the matches has been contrasted and the playing of the end of the week games on 22 Nov, 1963. Accordingly, the correlation between the story and the article brings out people groups thinking in regards to the debacle and the adjustment in the choices made so as to assess the viability of the individuals all through the nation. The story is by all accounts progressively compelling as contrasted and the article as it explained the happenings upon the arrival of the assault (S.Thompson, 2001). The story unmistakably draws out the realities clarifying the all the happenings just as the preventive and therapeutic activities taken by the administration. One needs to comprehend the impacts of the calamity from the story Dread Loathing in America, as opposed to searching for the rescheduling of the matches imprinted on the article. References Litsky and Williamssept, F. (2001).Many Sporting Events Called Off or Postponed(1st ed.). New York: New York Times. S.Thompson, H. (2001).Fear Loathing in America(1st ed.). ESPN.com.

Saturday, August 1, 2020

The 5 Stages of Consciousness Evolution

The 5 Stages of Consciousness Evolution This article will open your eyes about the different levels your consciousness can reach. You will discover where you stand amongst others based on what drives you and what stops you in your way. Read this article till its end in order to discover where you stand amongst your peers when it comes to your consciousness level.Are you on the high functioning end of people who can always achieve what they go for? Or are you bound by the expectations of society?How do those questions relate to your state of consciousness?WHAT IS CONSCIOUSNESS?Consciousness is one of those concepts that there are very difficult to define and explain. It is the question that has bothered philosophers for a long time. One of the reasons that it is very difficult to explain is there is nothing to compare it with. How would you describe seeing colors to a blind person? How would you explain what chocolate tastes like to someone who doesn’t have any taste buds? How would you explain the sense of feeling happy to someone who is incapable of feelings â€" a sociopath?According to psychology today when it comes to the definition of consciousness there are easy and difficult questions. Easy questions are questions such as:How does the mind understand information and categorizes it?How does the focus of attention work?What are the differences between the various mental states?Those questions are easy because to answer to them you just need to explain the mechanisms behind those behaviors. To answer you mainly need to turned to the neuroscience. The difficult questions are questions that might never find their answers:At what point does matter gain consciousness?When does a newborn child get their consciousness â€" is it before after birth?Does the consciousness of animals differ from ours?What makes the answers to those questions so difficult is we cannot see how it works. The cause and effect relationship is not clear. Some argue that the difficult questions will never be answered. Some are trying to create theories based on inductions about what we already know.According to physicalism, consciousness is entirely a variable of the physical. Identity theorists believe that the mental Is equal to the physical. It is just a difference of how we experience it. We are subjective because we are subjective. We only know our brains from the inside and that creates bias in our minds that our minds are more than they are. According to functionalism our mental state is the function of the role that we have been given. The brain is considered to be little different than just a biological implantation of a computer. We are just what we are, because we are supposed to perform tasks for ourselves and others. We’re nothing more than machines. Obviously this theory has been attacked before for not explaining we still have consciousness even if we do not have a role in a particular situation. The consciousness of realizing we are who we are is not necessary for us to perform our tasks . Then why have it?And, finally, according to dualism, the mental state can be explained by the physical world, just not entirely. Not well enough, at least, to answer the difficult questions. There is a famous concept in support of dualism. Let’s say there is a brilliant scientist that is locked in a black-and-white room dressed in black-and-white clothing who explores the world through a black-and-white TV. Name is Martha. She is not a stranger to the concept of color. She knows how the eye works. She knows about the different wavelengths that are manifesting themselves as colors in humans’ eyes. She knows the names of the colors. She knows that a tomato is red, and a cherry is red, an apple can be red and the raspberry is red. And all those reds are different from the red of the strawberry. But if she is let out of her prison she will still experience something new when she sees the strawberry. She will experience what it is like to see the color of the fruit. And that is ano ther experience. And that is another type of knowledge.WHY THINK OF CONSCIOUSNESS IN LEVELS?By now we have deduced that achieving a higher level of consciousness means you are achieving a higher level of knowledge about the world. Going to a higher level of consciousness will bring you new experiences, new feelings, and maybe even something you will experience as new senses.But if consciousness is so difficult to even define, why would you try to think about consciousness in levels?If it is so difficult to know what consciousness is, how could you categorize experiencing your own consciousness and put it in little boxes in your mind?Well, that is precisely the reason why. The reason why consciousness is so difficult to define is because you cannot compare it to anything else. But you can compare the different stages of consciousness. Because of the experiences that you get to achieve in every single stage. Some people have looked at the subject and have defined levels.And why levels ? Why not just the categories of consciousness? Because a higher level of consciousness is something to achieve. You can work on it. And you can get there. And you can track your progress all the way there. Watch Vishen Lakhiani explain the concept of Consciousness Engineering and how he came to the decision to create a school to teach it. THE LEVEL OF NECESSITIESThe early man is the zero level of consciousness. It is a state of consciousness we are supposed to have passed as humans. The early men were hunter-gatherers. They were not much different than the animals they were hunting. Their stamina, their speed, their relentlessness, and their slightly higher intelligence put them on top of the food chain. On the consciousness level, however, they were little different. As the human species developed, an interesting change happens. Individuals learn to dress themselves. They put on clothing because they are cold and because they are naked. Hunt becomes more than a way to catch prey. In becomes a ritual with multitudes of returning values. The animal is used for its meat, it’s skin and its bones. They learned to gather food. That involved knowing where there is an abundance of edibles. They had to realize the importance of those places for them and their families. They had to prepare and go on long journeys to get there. Not long after, farming followed. The early men learned that they could cultivate some of the plants and they could use them for food and other benefits. They could shelter animals they could use for their meat, milk, eggs, and skin. They learned how to take care of them. They adopted practices and rituals that preserve them from the outside world. They would start forming societies â€" big families where they could take care of each other, take care of the plants and their animals. They developed the concept of shared benefits and shared danger. While animals knew what danger was, the early humans recognized danger for themselves and the othe rs. They could define the source of the danger, the location of the danger, the time the danger puts them and the greatest risk, and they could warn and shelter their close ones from it.The early men started living together, because of need, and that created the basis for forming tribes, cities, for conceptualizing religion, for starting to create the basics of cognitive culture.It created the basics for the modern man.THE LEVEL OF CONCEPTSThe early man was little different from an animal. The modern man reaches the first level of consciousness. From level zero to level one. Sadly, this is where the majority of humanity stands today. Level one of consciousness is defined by the duality of one’s idea of the world. At level one, a person has distinctive concepts about the physical world and the spiritual world. We realize that we are bound by the physical world. We live in our bodies and if we get sick we die. If we get hit by a rock it hurts. We experience physical pleasures throug h our body even though they manifest in our mind. And we have a completely different concept of the cognitive world of culture, religion and society. Created by men. Language is a great part of the way we understand the world of ideas. Language facilitates our practices, our rituals, our communication and our thoughts.We slave to abstract concepts. God. Love. Career. Friends.Tradition.Success.Culture.Me. All of those concepts feel very real to us. You feel most of them like physical need. You can’t live without water. And you probably can’t live without love. But you can run your fingers through water. Love is a function of consciousness. All of the books that are written on those subjects. The cliché of following a career â€" most of the concepts shown above have become so trivial they feel like they really exist in the physical world but they don’t.We think about businesses, brands, organizations, budgets, motivation, mentoring, racism, sexism. All of those are societal con cepts. And we regard them as physical objects. As if the laws of physics would apply to them. As if they are unchangeable. Success only happens if you work hard? You can only achieve something in your career if you go to college? While level one of consciousness is a step above level zero, it has a serious flaw. We create our own concepts, we trivialize them, and we regard them as if they are a part of the physical world. We create the concept of right and wrong.The majority of humanity exists at this level of consciousness. Most people live their lives judging something is good or bad as soon as they come across it. They never question authority. They never question what they have been taught by their parents, by their school, or by their religion or society. THE LEVEL OF QUESTIONINGLevel two is the step over level one because this is where you realize that things are not just black and white. You’re not so sure in your judgements and the judgements of your parents, your school, your society, your government.You start to question a lot of things you thought were set in stone. You question your religion. What is God? Where is he? Or she? All of them? Is God always right? Even when he is violent? Even when he punishes the innocent people? You question your raising. Why do my parents tell me this or that? Should I be more liberal or more conservative than them in my views of the world? Are my spiritual beliefs really reflected by the religion I was raised in?You question the education system? Am I really learning something that will prepare me for the later stages of life? Am I learning everything I need? Why is this entire experience so expensive? Why do other people seem to succeed even though I have a higher education than them? Am I being taught how to think? By people who don’t seem to think at all? You question your system of values. Should I just pursue a career all my life? Should I pursue happiness? Should I pursue money? Should I pursue love? Am I allowed to dream or am I risking too much? Should I post your career that could turn out to be a dead end? You start thinking about creating your own rules. That puts you on a path where you could develop yourself, where you could learn a lot about yourself and the world, why you couldn’t grow as a person and a spiritual being. You can grow and expand your abilities in every aspect of your life. If you always questioned the rules you will always know if you are on the right path. You will know.When dealing with your children, you will know you are not instilling in them just anything passed down on your by your parents or your religion. When doing meditation or just taking care of your mental health you will know you’re not bound by any concepts that aren’t yours. That you are thinking for yourself.When you’re trying to explore your consciousness, nothing will stop you.You will only do the things that work for you. In a funny way you are a life hacker. Because every time you follow tradition you know that you do because it works. And every time you do something new you know you’re doing it because it works. You find your own destiny. You follow your own way. You can hack reality. You’re ready for the state of the limitless. THE LEVEL OF THE MISSIONWhile at level two your question the traditional way of living, at level three, you’re no longer interested in tradition at all. As a life hacker, you might have been concerned that your parents see another way of life for you. That they wanted you to get educated with good grades, go to college, have a great career, marry have children, and grow   old with your partner.You have questioned their intentions for you. You might have even compared yourself against people who have taken this way of life â€" your roommate from college, your classmates, other people from your hometown. You asked yourself if they are happy. You asked yourself if they think they are successful. You asked yourself if this is the right way to go by your parents will. Regardless of what your answer was for yourself you asked those questions.At this level, you are only interested by your mission in life whatever it is. This is the way most great minds in our generation think about the world. Nothing interests them. Nothing motivates them as much as one driving power. An almost mysterious driving power that only speaks to them. Their calling.And it is very clear to them exactly how they’re supposed to live their lives. Exactly what gets them vertical in the morning. Exactly what the next step will be. They are filled with a sense of purpose for what they should be doing with their reality. They are always characterized by four concepts and That would become intrinsic into their internal beliefs. First of all, they feel a sense of unity with the world. They are never prejudiced or biased against anyone. They feel they have their place within the family that is our planet. Second, they believe their guts. They have a very strong feeling for their internal intuition. They believe in their sixth sense. Third, they feel inspired. Their driving power is very strong and it fills them with intention and motivation. They feel they are about to serve the world by fulfilling their mission.And last, they believe in their destiny. Luck is on their side. They feel lucky. Everything they do and everything that happens to them coincides and synchronizes with the universe to bring them to where they have to be. They’re always positive, enthusiastic and optimistic about the world. These are the people that have grown over their necessities. They are not ruled by needs. They have released themselves from dogmas. They do not live the life according to what society believes is good or a bad, right or wrong. They have their own answers for their questions.They believe they are responsible for their own faith, that they have a mission given to them by the power higher than God. That they are here for a reas on. And that they have a mission to fulfill, and by working towards their mission, they are serving society, humanity, and the world.In that, they are godlike.THE LEVEL OF GODWhen you are unbound from any believes that are not yours, when you feel a mysterious connectedness with the world, when you feel you have a calling that you need to serve. When you feel you have a place in this world you are with a godlike mind.At this level of consciousness you experience a beautiful state of mind of interconnectedness with the world. It is a level of consciousness that is very difficult to describe. Like Martha and the color of the strawberry, it is something to be experienced. People who have tapped into this level of consciousness describe a feeling of thankfulness, peace, being content, feeling an exhilaration from life. For most of humanity this is a state of consciousness that is very difficult to achieve. Most of us will only have short experiences operating on that level. However, it is a level to strive for. Whoever has experienced the godlike mind, changes forever. They change for good and they change for the better. CONCLUSIONWhile the information about the different stages of consciousness is definitely interesting, like Martha in the black and white room, it is not something to learn about. It is something to experience. You cannot go from the zero level to the godlike mind. You need to grow through all of the levels, taking your time and reaching for the benefits of every level, tearing the boundaries that keep you low. It takes time. It takes dedication. It takes a spiritual openness. It takes faith. Once you have taken on the right way don’t give up. Start a diary and describe your experiences. You have a long way in front of you. It’s a bumpy road.You might feel you were very successful one day, and feel stumped the next one â€" by past mistakes, by regrets, by the heavyweight of society on you, by expectations from others, by constant misunderstand ing. You will find people with closed minds will not like you too much when you are different. When you leave your life in the way they never could. When you are free and want to forge your own destiny, while they are bound by the limits of their own minds. Be brave and if you live the way you feel is right.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Characters Themes Paula Vogels The Baltimore Waltz

The story of The Baltimore Waltzs development is as fascinating as the creative product. In the late 1980s, Paulas brother discovered he was HIV positive. He had asked his sister to join him on a trip through Europe, but Paula Vogel was not able to make the journey. When she later discovered that her brother was dying, she obviously regretted not taking the trip, to say the least. After Carls death, the playwright wrote The Baltimore Waltz, an imaginative romp from Paris through Germany. The first part of their journey together feels like bubbly, adolescent silliness. But things become more foreboding, mysteriously sinister, and ultimately down-to-earth as Paulas flight of fancy must eventually deal with the reality of her brothers death. In the authors notes, Paula Vogel gives directors and producers permission to reprint a farewell letter written by Paulas brother, Carl Vogel. He wrote the letter a few months before dying of AIDS-related pneumonia. Despite the sad circumstances, the letter is upbeat and humorous, providing instructions for his own memorial service. Among the options for his service: Open casket, full drag. The letter reveals the flamboyant nature of Carl as well as his adoration for his sister. It sets the perfect tone for The Baltimore Waltz. Autobiographical Play The protagonist in The Baltimore Waltz is named Ann, but she seems to be the thinly veiled alter-ego of the playwright. At the plays beginning, she contracts a fictional (and funny) disease called ATD: Acquired Toilet Disease. She obtains it by simply sitting on a childrens toilet. Once Ann learns that the disease is fatal, she decides to travel to Europe with her brother Carl, who speaks several languages fluently, and who also carries a toy bunny everywhere he goes. The disease is a parody of AIDS, but Vogel is not making light of the disease. On the contrary, by creating a comical, imaginary illness (which the sister contracts instead of the brother), Ann/Paula is able to temporarily escape from reality. Ann Sleeps Around With only a few months left to live, Ann decides to throw caution to the wind and sleep with lots of men. As they travel through France, Holland, and Germany, Ann finds a different lover in each country. She rationalizes that of one of the stages of accepting death includes lust. She and her brother visit museums and restaurants, but Ann spends more time seducing waiters, and revolutionaries, virgins, and a 50-year old Little Dutch Boy. Carl doesnt mind her trysts until they severely intrude on their time together. Why does Ann sleep around so much? Aside from a last series of pleasurable flings, she seems to be searching (and failing to find) intimacy. Its also interesting to note the sharp contrast between AIDS and the fictional ATD – the latter is not a communicable disease, and the character of Ann takes advantage of this. Carl Carries a Bunny There are many quirks in Paula Vogels The Baltimore Waltz, but the stuffed bunny rabbit is the quirkiest. Carl brings the bunny along for the ride because at the request of a mysterious Third Man (derived from the film-noir classic of the same title). It seems that Carl hopes to purchase a potential miracle drug for his sister, and he is willing to exchange his most precious childhood possession. The Third Man and Other Characters The most challenging (and entertaining role) is the Third Man character, who plays a doctor, a waiter, and about a dozen other parts. As he takes on each new character, the plot becomes more entrenched in the madcap, pseudo-Hitchcockian style. The more nonsensical the storyline becomes, the more we realize that this entire waltz is Anns way of dancing around the truth: She will lose her brother by the end of the play.

Sunday, May 10, 2020

Black Chemists - African American History

Black scientists, engineers, and inventors have made important contributions to the science of chemistry. Learn about black chemists and chemical engineers and their projects. The focus is on African American chemists in the 19th and 21st centuries. Key Takeaways: Black Chemists African Americans have made significant contributions to the fields of chemistry and chemical engineering through research and inventions.In the 21st century, black scientists, engineers, and inventors continue to innovate. However, in the 19th and 20th century, it was much harder for their work to get recognized. Patricia Bath - (USA) In 1988, Patricia Bath invented the Cataract Laser Probe, a device that painlessly removes cataracts. Prior to this invention, cataracts were surgically removed. Patricia Bath founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness. George Washington Carver - (1864-1943) George Washington Carver was an agricultural chemist who discovered industrial uses for crop plants such as sweet potatoes, peanuts and soybeans. He developed methods for improving soil. Carver recognized that legumes return nitrates to the soil. His work led to crop rotation. Carver was born a slave in Missouri. He struggled to gain an education, eventually graduating from what was to become Iowa State University. He joined the faculty of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama in 1986. Tuskegee is where he performed his famous experiments. Marie Daly - (1921–2003) In 1947, Marie Daly became the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry. The majority of her career was spent as a college professor. In addition to her research, she developed programs to attract and aid minority students in medical and graduate school. Mae Jemison - (Born 1956) Mae Jemison is a retired medical doctor and American astronaut. In 1992, she became the first black woman in space. She holds a degree in chemical engineering from Stanford and a degree in medicine from Cornell. She remains very active in science and technology. Percy Julian - (1899-1975) Percy Julian developed the anti-glaucoma drug physostigmine. Dr. Julian was born in Montgomery, Alabama, but educational opportunities for African Americans were limited in the South at that time, so he received his undergraduate degree from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. His research was conducted at DePauw University. Samuel Massie Jr. - (Died May 9, 2005) In 1966, Massie became the first black professor at the U.S. Naval Academy, making him the first black to teach full-time at any US military academy. Massie received a masters degree in chemistry from Fisk University and a doctorate in organic chemistry from Iowa State University. Massie was a professor of chemistry at the Naval Academy, became the chairman of the department of chemistry and co-founded the Black Studies program. Garrett Morgan - Garrett Morgan is responsible for several inventions. Garret Morgan was born in Paris, Kentucky in 1877. His first invention was a hair straightening solution. October 13, 1914 he patented a Breathing Device which was the first gas mask. The patent described a hood attached to a long tube that had an opening for air and a second tube with a valve that allowed air to be exhaled. On November 20, 1923, Morgan patented the first traffic signal in the U.S. He later patented the traffic signal in England and Canada. Morgan invented the zig-zag stitching attachment for manual sewing machines. Norbert Rillieux - (1806-1894) Norbert Rillieux invented a revolutionary new process for refining sugar. Rillieux’s most famous invention was a multiple effect evaporator, which harnessed steam energy from boiling sugarcane juice, greatly reducing refining costs. One of Rillieuxs patents was initially declined because it was believed he was a slave and therefore not a US citizen. However, Rillieux was free. Charles Richard Drew - (1904-1950) Drew is called the Father of the Blood Bank. As a surgeon, he pioneered research into the use and preservation of blood and plasma in World War II. His techniques for blood storage were adapted by the American Red Cross. St. Elmo Brady - (1884-1966) Brady was the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States. He earned his degree in 1912 from the University of Illinois. After receiving his degree, Brady became a professor. He taught chemistry at historically black universities. Henry Aaron Hill - (1915-1979) Hill became the first African American president of the American Chemical Society in 1977. In addition to numerous accomplishments as a researcher, Hill founded Riverside Research Laboratories, which specialized in polymers.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Reflection And Feedback To Improve Teaching Education Essay Free Essays

Gibbs ‘ brooding rhythm can be truly utile in doing you think through all the stages of an experience or activity. In a group of degree 2 scholars that are taught by myself there are some persistently late scholars, and they are easy gaining that in industry the timekeeping issue would be a major issue as they would be made redundant. Due to the job of lateness my wise man advised to implement a acquisition contract, this was put in topographic point. We will write a custom essay sample on Reflection And Feedback To Improve Teaching Education Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now At the following twosome of Sessionss the scholars who had been tardily arrived on clip. The group said that they realised that being relaxed with them worked as they are get downing to accomplish and besides realised that timekeeping issues were of import. This technique appears to be working and is being used with all of the groups that I cover. Puting specific mensurable accomplishable realistic marks ( SMART ) with groups has decidedly worked. The scholar ‘s accomplishments will be recorded on a matrix tracking sheet. This is carried out to see if any of the scholars require farther support to help with development. ( See appendix 1 ) Transcript of tracking sheet A ; x200 A farther group of scholars are at flat 1 and a assorted gender group. The lone female of the group arrived some 20 proceedingss tardily for the first session. She was integrated into the session and after a piece they were sent for a comfort interruption, this gave the ideal chance to near her about clip maintaining. Her response was â€Å" I am ever tardily ; travel rapidly up it ‘s my break clip † . Apparently her break clip must be more of import than my learning session! Asking her if she required aid, the response was â€Å" I am a miss that ‘s why I get treated different † . Assurance was given that she would be treated every bit to the remainder of the group. As the session was shuting the group were gathered around the bench and asked if any acquisition had taken topographic point, and what had been covered. One of the scholars said â€Å" yes when do we acquire you once more, I like you † another replied â€Å" yes acquire here on clip â₠¬  . After that response I replied that if timekeeping improved somewhat longer interruptions will go on, in this case Taylor ‘s theory is being used. Frederick Winslow Taylor ( 1856 – 1917 ) put frontward the thought that workers are motivated chiefly by wage. His Theory of Scientific Management argued the followers: â€Å" Workers do non of course bask work and so necessitate close supervising and control. Therefore directors should interrupt down production into a series of little undertakings † . The manner I incorporate Taylor ‘s theory is alternatively of wage, longer interruptions are allowed. Hopefully given clip this group will get down to gain that regard is a two manner thing. There appears to be light at the terminal of the proverbial tunnel, and another session has merely been delivered to the same group and the female scholar turned up on clip. Praise was given with a little intimation of temper. The scholar has since turned up repeatedly on clip and other coachs are inquiring what was said to do her alteration. Possibly it is merely that she now feels portion of the group and equality is in topographic point. Recently oppugning a group about an unfastened dark at another preparation center some replied â€Å" I could n’t be bothered to travel † and one of the older scholars gave me some positive feedback that reassured why I strive for professionalism. The scholar told me that the criterion of work on show was non every bit good as they were accomplishing ; he said you would non hold passed that work. This was congratulations from one of my scholars ; regard is evidently being gained on both sides. The scholars are get downing to gain tha t the feedback they receive is relevant. ( See appendix 2 ) X200 Feedbacks. The following session went reasonably good in some respects ; everyone made a good attempt and produced a weldment of a criterion that could be improved upon although their attack was instead hurried and deficient in idea. Reflecting on this, a manner to do them believe more, experiment more, and set themselves higher criterions is required. They do non like me looking at their work, and it is as if they know the criterion is non every bit good as it could be. Geting them to show their work to each other following clip, to transport out peer appraisal might do them take more pride in it. As a consequence of this equal appraisal has been introduced. They still seem a small loath and maintain nearing me, although some of the scholars are now gaining what is required. The criterion required to finish a undertaking is outlined by the making presenting organic structure. These criterions have to be adhered to and this is relayed to the scholars. By utilizing these criterions we are all draw a bead oning to measure at the same degree, I personally like to see a good quality coating to any of their work as this raises the scholar ‘s opportunities of employability. The scholars are reminded of where some of the former scholars are now employed, this makes them gain that their ends can besides be achieved. 1064 RJ2. Contemplation on ain specializer cognition and accomplishments. Having late been asked to cover a session whilst a coach was on a trip for development, made me see how personal accomplishments could be developed. The group were work based learning learners at degree 2. The session being covered was in welding and this peculiar procedure is one that is favoured personally. The scholars were given a drawing and required to make the three dyer’s rockets in assorted places. This peculiar undertaking makes the scholars aware that we do need to be able to read and work to relevant drawings. ( Appendix 3 Bearing Support Bracket pulling ) Some of the scholars had non covered this peculiar welding procedure and asked if a presentation could be given. Transporting out the presentation reassured me that I had the necessary accomplishments. Reviewing and updating my personal accomplishments is carried out in several different ways. The scholars are up to day of the month with all of the engineering that is available ; although my personal belief is that you can non break custodies on experience. Having worked in this industry for about 30 old ages has given me a wealth of cognition in most facets of technology. The scholars are shortly cognizant if the coach has the relevant accomplishments and cognition, they will inquire examining inquiries at this degree. This is encouraged, and on contemplation perchance more inquisitory inquiries should be asked at degree 1. Enhancement of trade cognition has major benefits ; one is that when current information is available and besides relevant, this can be relayed to the scholars. This in bend makes the scholars confident that the coach is knowing, and besides working with current ordinances and techniques. The session was covered good and the learners were challenged to determine what acquisition had taken topographic point. My personal belief is that as coachs we need to constantly update our accomplishments and cognition. Researching relevant web sites ensures that you cover your current course of study and making construction within your specialist country. Reading diaries and besides run intoing with representatives of companies is another good technique which I have personally used throughout my calling. Whilst being employed by the Institute our section has started to ask for guest talkers from industry to give negotiations and presentations to the scholars. This reiterates what is being taught is up to day of the month, and that the right cognition is being passed on to the scholars. The makings I achieved in fiction and welding are at flat 3 and awarded by City and Guilds. The criterion I achieved was at differentiation degree, this is because I strive for professionalism. Training my scholars to take for high criterions will do them more eligible for employment. Raising their criterions and quality aids them to derive a recognized making. Passing on relevant cognition and associating this to industry appears to be working, this is associating theory to pattern. This gives more credibleness with the scholars as they know what is being taught is relevant. Updating accomplishments and cognition makes for better instruction and acquisition from the coachs ‘ point of position, this can so be relayed to the scholars and assessed to guarantee that acquisition has taken topographic point. 510 RJ3. Audit of literacy, linguistic communication, numeracy and ICT accomplishments in your specialist country. Literacy and numeracy are being integrated within the Sessionss delivered, acquiring the scholars to mensurate and tag out their work pieces makes them gain why these accomplishments are required. Having late undergone some preparation on Information and communicating engineering ( ICT ) will assist to incorporate this within my Sessionss. Learners that are diffident are given counsel by presentation ; this could be a practical undertaking or associating theory to an illustration. Information and communicating engineering ( ICT ) is now used in both theory and practical Sessionss. An synergistic board has been installed in the workshop ; this can now be utilised in the practical Sessionss being delivered. I have developed synergistic word hunts that are linked to the relevant topic that I am presenting. The scholars enjoy this type of session ; they are incognizant that I am detecting if they have retained nomenclature delivered in theory Sessionss. These are displayed on the synergi stic board and scholars are asked to happen a word and explicate its significance. If the scholar is diffident there are two options given, they may travel and research the word or an account is provided. The account is sometimes given by one of the other scholars and this is noted as an indicant to what cognition has been retained and by whom. The synergistic board is besides used to associate the Sessionss to industry by demoing comparative picture cartridge holders. Having merely delivered the Technical Certificate faculty this is a good clip to transport out a hot contemplation. The faculty covers assorted facets of technology, from little dullard pipe work to mechanical technology. The workshop environment where the scholars gain their practical accomplishments is ideal to incorporate functional accomplishments. The scholars are required to tag out a board following a drawing and attach pipe work. This peculiar undertaking necessitates the scholars carry out basic add-on, minus and division of Numberss. This is an effectual manner of integrating application of figure in a practical session. The undertaking besides involves working with others and job resolution ; the undertaking requires brackets to be positioned in assorted topographic points so that the pipe work is supported. The scholars have to make up one’s mind where they are traveling to procure the brackets, and besides have to portion the tools required to finish this undertak ing. The boards used for this undertaking are rather big and this incurs wellness and safety issues. This job is really rather advantageous as this makes the scholars aware of the wellness and safety issues. The scholars are required to utilize peer appraisal on this undertaking, this in bend screens communication accomplishments as the scholars read and interpret the drawing. Discoursing the undertaking with fellow scholars is encouraged as this promotes inclusion. Tutor feedback is given when the scholar feels that the undertaking is completed to the needed criterion. The pipe work is pressure tested to guarantee that there are no leaks ; this is besides done in industry prior to the undertaking being commissioned. Reflecting on this session made me see should the scholars have more schoolroom Sessionss to better their literacy and numeracy accomplishments. In decision the advantages would be to condition the scholars themselves to see the importance of these functional accomplishments prior to each session. I feel that the literacy, numeracy and ICT skills that I have achieved are relevant to present the Sessionss to the scholars. These accomplishments are invariably required to be updated as ICT is ever developing. 567 RJ4.Reflection on cardinal resources in your specialist country. Bing still in contact with this industry is an first-class manner of updating current criterions. The nucleus topic of fiction and welding has non changed much over the old ages, although more modern equipment and the of all time altering wellness and safety Torahs have. A really good resource for maintaining in touch with development and wellness and safety Torahs is the cyberspace. The scholars are invariably advised to research certain countries and feedback when I pass on new cognition to them. The lone disadvantage is that there is so much information out at that place that it is advisable to utilize the web sites which reflect the course of study country remit, and besides cover the demands of the relevant awarding organic structure. With the exclusion of the Technical Certificate faculty, the fiction and welding class does non look to hold changed a great trade from when I completed the class some 30 old ages ago. The same methods and some of the same undertakings are still being covered ; I feel this is because the staffs are in their comfort zone. After confabulating with other coachs it appears to be reluctance to alter. I consider it is clip for alteration to maintain up with industrial demands, and this will besides be good for the scholars. Evidence suggests that with the rapid progress of ICT, it most decidedly would non be good pattern to stand still. We need to develop farther accomplishments and carry out regeneration. Crowne S. Chief Executive of Becta writes: Year and page no â€Å" Technology has a great potency to transform the farther instruction system and the lives of scholars it serves. Some colleges and suppliers already use engineering really efficaciously, and they and their scholars are profiting consequently. Many are doing good advancement, researching how engineering can open up learning and acquisition and better their concern systems. Others, nevertheless, have truly yet to do a start and have mixed feelings about engineering. So it is indispensable that we do everything we can to back up colleges and suppliers as they make these alterations and travel frontward † . If the relevant governments are reding that it is clip for alteration so certainly we should be responding consequently. After transporting out contemplations on my ain instruction patterns, my belief is that as instructors, we should progress with the available engineering. This would guarantee that we review our instruction patterns often ; this in bend would heighten acquisition and do Sessionss more interesting for the scholars. There are stuffs and methods that are used for many old ages ; my personal belief is that budgets are regulating development within our country. Resources become damaged and worn and the equipment is non reviewed or adapted to accommodate our scholar ‘s demands. The books, resources and equipment should be updated yearly to guarantee that we are presenting relevant stuff and techniques. After analyzing this state of affairs it is decidedly evident that the members of staff are in their comfort zone. Reflecting on my Sessionss has made me more cognizant that advancement is needed in our course of study country. As coachs we need to implement alteration and reexamine our patterns on a regular basis. 511 How to cite Reflection And Feedback To Improve Teaching Education Essay, Essay examples

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Nuclear disarmament as a way to keep peace and provide human security

Introduction As the world struggles with the different challenges that are suppressing socioeconomic development in the contemporary days, human security is mainly at stake. Initially, social security was perhaps a mere threat as the involvement of global politics touching on the United States and the United Kingdom among other powerful states in the nuclear arsenal proliferation made the issue of atomic weaponry unclear especially to laypersons.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Nuclear disarmament as a way to keep peace and provide human security specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Contemporary debates underlying the Syrian crisis is an outstanding example of the realities surrounding the augmenting concerns on weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) as the campaigns on global elimination of nuclear armaments intensify. The events of WWI and WWII are deeply envisaged in the memories of many who experienced them, and none would wish the reoccurrence of the same. Peace and reconciliation campaigns on countries experiencing stalemate have failed to provide a resolution to the constant conflicts that are threatening further nuclear exposure. This essay examines atomic disarmament as a way to keep peace and ensure human security. Nuclear weaponry associated ramifications Nuclear arsenals form the most significant part of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) despite the consequences, which are currently undermined and underestimated. Macfarlane (2005) notes, â€Å"The emergence of a new, hostile military coalition against the United States or its allies in which one or more members possesses WMD and the means of delivery is a potential contingency that could have major consequences for the U.S† (p.3). Nonetheless, the war against nuclear proliferation is not merely a national quandary associated with powerful states like the United States; on the contrary, it is rather an international security con cern. Instead of considering their destruction capacity, some nations are thinking nuclear weapons more constructive than conformist weapons. Countries in the Middle East, North Korea, Syria, and even Iran are the nations where an actual proliferation of nuclear armaments has taken place. As postulated by Berry (2010), nuclear weapons are the most dangerous artillery ever discovered on earth, and if loosely exposed, the ramifications cut across almost every integral part of human life. Ramifications to human security A considerably debated issue over the threats of nuclear weaponry is the notion of social security that first appeared in the Human Development Report of 1994, but it is either misunderstood or misinterpreted. From the conviction developed in recent studies, there exist numerous ambiguities regarding what human security entails.Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The actual security issues are unclear whether protection against nuclear weaponry aims humanity or political power and state stability. Jolly and Emmerij (2009) posit, â€Å"Human security shifts security concerns away from an exclusive preoccupation with military protection of states towards the safety and empowerment of individuals† (p.1). The initial idea of human security rested upon offering protection to individuals especially innocent civilians, but the new sense of social security is controversial, as states have shifted attention with the primary purpose of security hinged upon increased ethnic and identity divisions, a proliferation of arms, and individual state power (Berry 2010). Human security in the context of nuclear weaponry effects would better refer to threats to human populations. Human security is universal, multidimensional, people-oriented, and interconnected, and it represents efforts aimed at ensuring individuals or civilians’ safety by miti gating threats to insecurity (Jolly Ray 2006). The proponents of nuclear generation and countries, which have shown extensive support to the underway atomic development in the name of acquiring global power and challenging the powerful nations, should be deficient of proper knowledge concerning nuclear ramifications. ‘Mass destruction’ is probably the first term commonly used to demonstrate the possible effects of nuclear weaponry on human life with mass deaths expected during its use. As Macfarlane (2005) notes, the use of WMD as confrontational tools should involve mass casualties, especially deaths, just as witnessed during the Second World War when allied troops used firebombing. Nuclear weaponry, coupled with the use of chemical and biological armaments, can cause mass destruction.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Nuclear disarmament as a way to keep peace and provide human security specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Nowadays, almost anything and everything little to human beings is a potential risk to social security, and when broadened, climate change, health, and other factors form substantial threats to human safety (Jolly Ray 2006). Apart from killing massive numbers of civilians through nuclear attacks and bombing, nuclear production itself and explosions released poses a potential risk to human health. According to Berry (2010), pacts like the 1963 Partial Test Ban Treaty emerged from the efforts of governmental organizations that wanted to create awareness following the growing fears concerning the repercussions of nuclear arms and how the testing of the weapons within environment affected people’s health and devastated communities. The effects of radiological pollution coming from radioactive emissions on human health and the environment are broad and devastating. As Cimbala (2012) observes, the threat coming from nuclear wars and emissions can destabilize human societies severely as social structures fragment following fear of conflict and tension. Implication to environment While fear augments over the pace of nuclear proliferation and the renewed nuclear arms race, with specifical examples like Libya, Iran, Iraq, and contemporary Syria as perpetrators are trying to assemble nuclear to attack others, the power of destruction is unprecedented (Jacobs Nagan 2012). Nuclear weaponry has unique destruction power, which can cause disgusting human suffering and pose a significant threat to the environment, the existence of future generations, and undeniably the survival of humanity as human existence largely depend on the natural surrounding. Concerning nuclear hostility to the atmosphere, the vast destruction involved in nuclear proliferation and its use in the global spectrum, which subsequently exposes it to the environment, significantly causes environmental degradation, affects water resources and catchment areas and results in adver se climate change that consequently affects other human affairs (Berry 2010). All these aspects form a more significant part of human security and nuclear emissions and weaponry attacks subsequently affect the entire survival of humanity.Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Nuclear radioactive emissions significantly cause climate change that potentially endangers social systems and ecosystems as  the degradation of natural resources and declines in food and water supply substantially affects human populations (Cimbala 2012). Nuclear weapons constitute weapons of mass destruction, as they are explosive and contain radioactive waste materials that generally lead to fluctuations in climatic conditions, weather changes characterized by extremely high temperatures, and poisonous rainwater coming from the altered ozone layer. As Cimbala (2012) affirms, nuclear power production significantly contributes and inextricably links to nuclear arsenal development. Apart from radioactive fallout, emissions coming from the utilization of nuclear armaments in conflicts or production of nuclear energy (atomic renaissance) including uranium mining, reactor operations, fuel rod manufacture, and other disposals of nuclear waste affect both water and air components. Acco rding to Berry (2010), uranium chemicals, diffusion of other harmful gases, and percolation of nuclear waste materials, including atomic fuel into water bodies affects the entire ecological unit. When essential aspects of humanity, including a safe environment, food security, and weather harshness, are altered, the social structure of human life encounters considerable challenges (Jacobs Nagan 2012). Environmental disturbance potentially leads to a collateral threat to humanity as the physical environment determines social structures and human populations. Regarding gas emissions and other forms of nuclear waste released into the air and water or even on land, all types of ecosystems that support the survival of humanity are affected, and also though human populations would respond to such changes through migration and immigration, further environmental harm would triumph (Berry 2010). The dispersed population due to harsh weather, unproductive soils, and poisoned water sources wou ld probably invade preserved areas such as forests, wild habitats, and other zones. Nuclear attacks enhance insurgency and terrorism as they are potent weapons and destructive, they demolish infrastructure, human abodes, and even different natural habitats, thus causing massive displacement of populations. Associated dangers to human civilization The battle of global supremacy involving some growing nations and powerful developed nations in the name of acquiring weapons of mass destruction to challenge one another has hampered efforts towards human civilization (Jolly Ray 2006). Human progress or evolution is characterized by social, political, cultural, and economic developments, which are also essential aspects of modern human civilization. As nuclear weaponry proliferation, nuclear arms race, and its mitigation initiatives intensify across the world, the entire human civilization is heavily hampered. The central aspect that significantly amplifies human civilization is economic stability and development, something that nuclear production and deterrence are currently affecting and continues to influence. As Macfarlane (2005) notes, the United States alone is currently spending approximately $2 billion annually to prevent nuclear attacks and related wars while Syria, Iraq, Iran, and North Korea, on the other hand, are incurring high economic costs in production of atomic power and nuclear artillery, thus affecting the financial constancy of the involved economies. Countries are living in fear of terrorist attacks, as insurgents have discovered enormous power bestowed in nuclear weaponry proliferation, hence forcing nations to overspend in equipping and supporting military and strengthening security systems (Jolly Emmerij 2009). Following the high costs of nuclear production and deterrence, countries are experiencing economic crunches while providing human security. Wars and fear triggered by nuclear weaponry attacks cause significant destabilization of poli tical structures and national governance, which forms an integral part of modern human civilization. According to Jacobs and Nagan (2012), â€Å"the reliance on nuclear energy must take into account the full range of political, social, medical, economic, and ecological issues† (p.178). States fuelling nuclear proliferation continue to set odd examples on the acquisition of nuclear power and weaponry technology, which seems to destabilize global politics. Cimbala (2012) notes that the constant global rivalry involving powerful political states including the US, USSR, China, Russia, Japan, and North Korea where nuclear development and utilization is highly debatable, is creating global geopolitical tensions. Human civilization involved several social aspects, including human health, employment, and crucial education components of life that contribute to modern culture. Jolly and Ray (2006) identify core elements of underlying social security as â€Å"economic security, food se curity, health security, environmental security, personal security, community security and political security† (p.4). The proliferation of nuclear artillery substantially influences the behavior of the civil society, and as it potentially frustrates social structure and development following fear of nuclear attacks, human civilization is hampered. Atomic bombings and nuclear poisoning to the environment normally destabilizes communal organization and arrangement as civilians would be displaced during such disturbances (Berry 2010). Violent threats coming from terrorist attacks and other forms of crime related to an abundance of illegal arms within societies disintegrate social structures that form an integral part of modern human civilization. Major social threats due to nuclear weapon aggression, such as hostile wars include miserable poverty, death, and conflict. The perceived significance of nuclear weapons From a shrewd perspective, development, proliferation, and utiliz ation of atomic arsenal as military components lack holistic worth as long as humanity faces substantial depressing social, environmental, economic, and political impacts (Jolly Ray 2006). However, the standpoint of proponents of such armaments, especially the nuclear-weapon states, might have found something valuable in the nuclear weaponry production. Many countries across the world, especially those against the American global reclamation of political and economic power, have discovered enough evidence of possessing a stronger opposition against renowned global superpowers. Macfarlane (2005) notes, â€Å"As suggested by the recent behavior of North Korea, Iraq, Iran, and Libya, nuclear weapons appear to be the most desirable weapons to protectionist states† (p.4). The claims of protectionism against internal affairs by developed economies are the main flimsy reasons produced by nuclear-weapon states. The protectionist measures that the majority of Muslim countries includi ng Syria, Pakistan, Russia, and Iraq, which form the bulk of global conflicts, have contributed immensely to the creation and development of nuclear armories citing national democratization. A significant discernment of nuclear weapon states is that atomic weaponry is strong and powerful artillery that armies across the world can use to provide substantial security to respective nations. The United States and other powerful nations that dominate global politics and influence policies governing human rights, economical development, and prevalence of justice among human societies have fallen under intense criticism overexploitation of individual state democracy (Macfarlane 2005). While upheaval against the dominance and influence of the American global political power may prove significant in enhancing individual national development, the degree of legitimacy to possess harmful weapons that frustrate humanity is a critical matter. From Americans’ perspective, the conviction is that the United States itself should possess nuclear weapons to deter nuclear attacks, and this stand is creating even further controversies (Macfarlane 2005). Nuclear weapon states and other proponents of a similar conviction against the United States’ global influence strongly believe that possession of nuclear weaponry would make the US understand what their sentiments entail. Why nuclear disarmament is the irrefutable solution Despite recording a considerable decrease in the number of  the nuclear arsenal across the world, more than 20,000 nuclear weapons are still available, with enough immense potency to destroy the entire planet multiple times over (Cimbala 2012). The question that continues to linger across global political minds is how to impede nuclear development and proliferation to avoid further human insecurity. Perhaps nuclear disarmament is the most practical approach to deter nuclear expansion and proliferation. Berry (2010) asserts that Ukraine, Kazakhstan , Belarus, and South Africa are some of the countries that deserve acknowledgement following their ability to dismantle and abandon handling and utilization of nuclear weapons after 1989. However, Kazakhstan can best explain the reasons why nuclear disarmament can form the best solution in nuclear prevention. According to Jacobs and Nagan (2012), during the Cold War confrontation, Kazakhstan suffered destructive effects of approximately 500 Soviet atomic tests that resulted in augmented cancer rates of 50%, thus leading to 1.5 million victims of diseases, birth deformities, and early deaths. Following such devastating repercussions, Kazakhstan recently launched an international initiative dubbed The Atom Project aimed at elimination of nuclear weapons (Jacobs Nagan 2012). For the past two decades, Kazakhstan has eradicated and renounced all its nuclear armaments, and this global program would aim at creating public education awareness about consequences of atomic weapons through an international referendum that would garner intercontinental support against atomic arms (Jacobs Nagan 2012). Since the advent of the global battle against nuclear weapons, the war against such armaments is hampered by prevailing implications of domestic and foreign policies within geopolitical boundaries. Each nuclear-weapon state is holding to its constitutional power and mandate in the legitimacy to continue possessing nuclear weapons. From Kazakhstan’s experience, the use of mass destruction weapons as protectionist motive shall never restore global peace (Berry 2010). The conviction hinged upon disbarment is that dismissal of the use or production of any form of a nuclear weapon will destroy their proliferation. Disarmament is a crucial way of destroying the existence and proliferation of nuclear weapons since global campaign pressure and related anti-nuclear weapons policies will significantly convince atomic weapon states to forego nuclear weapons (Macfarlane 2005). A multilayered approach aimed at nuclear disarmament and negotiation nuclear disarmament convection as recommended by Berry (2010) is the best and a good faith approach towards the elimination of atomic weapons. Disarmament, as an approach, probably involves public engagement, which is an essential factor in decriminalizing nuclear weapons. A long-term sustainable commitment from societal to international levels that involve the inclusion of the international community and political support and enhancing the understanding of the effects of nuclear weapons and significance of disarmaments would greatly assist in this exercise (Berry 2010). The campaign that is aimed at garnering civil support in disarmament is an effective solution as creating public awareness through referendums against nuclear weapons would generate a global single-aimed project towards the deterrence of nuclear proliferation. Inhibiting attacks and proliferation of nuclear weapons through using billions of dollars to acquire the same weapons of mass destruction would significantly encourage other states to buy them in plenty for their national power defense. Macfarlane (2005) establishes that the strongest solution to dealing with the proliferation of nuclear weapons is doubtlessly through setting policies that undervalue nuclear weapons rather than using them as protectionist measures against our potential enemies. A major conception that makes disarmament a potential strategy to restrain utilization of nuclear weapons is that as eradication against such weapons intensifies, nuclear-weapon states would gradually reduce reliance on these weapons and proffer other less destructive weapons (Jolly Ray 2006). Possessing nuclear weapons as an initiative to demolish other holders of the same artillery creates a controversial perception against the US and other powerful states, and this exaggeration would probably encourage terrorists and other non-state actors to acquire them as protectionist stra tegies. Disarmament would generate different defense approaches far from the current aggressive militia strategies. Militarism and war might not provide a peaceful and prosperous world, but increase international tension and constant confrontation. Disarmament would create better international relations through acknowledging international diplomacy as characterized by a common approach towards affairs of human and national security (Cimbala 2012). When powerful nations withdraw from deploying nuclear weaponry, the last target would be achieving a harmonious world that collectively engages in addressing terrorism, environmental uncertainties, and criminal threats to international securities. Courts of justice across the world should be legally mandated through the formation of policies and regulations to take stiff lawful actions against countries and political leaders aspiring development and utilization of weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weaponry. According to reports documented by Jolly and Ray (2006), respecting the role of the UN in nuclear disarmament is essential as Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (1968), and Anti-Ballistic-Missiles Treaty (1972) would significantly reduce the proliferation of atomic weapons. Conclusion Humanity and its civilization will continue intensifying socio-economic and political developments, and a violent world will remain unsustainable and unjust. The contemporary behavior of Syria has awakened the realities surrounding the proliferation of nuclear weapons, which was slowly becoming a historical issue. While approximately nine states have retained their nuclear weapons, there is a conviction that the US, the UK, and Israel are intending to use these weapons in dominating global power. In deterring these weapons, the US itself believes that it should possess nuclear weapons to have the power to dissuade others from using the same weapons. However, inhibiting attacks and proliferation of such weapons through this approach is creating a further international rivalry, especially to non-state actors. The first practical approach, as recommended by Kazakhstan from its experience with devastating nuclear confrontation, is averting the development and proliferation of these weapons through disarmament. Reference List Berry, K 2010, Delegitimising nuclear weapons examining the validity of nuclear deterrence, Monterey Institute of International Studies, Monterey, CA. Cimbala, S 2012, Nuclear Weapons in the Information Age, Continuum International Publishing, London. Jacobs, G Nagan, W 2012, ‘Nuclear Threats and Security’, Cadmus, vol. 1 no. 5, pp. 174-179. Jolly, R Emmerij, L 2009, UN intellectual History Project: Peace and Human Security. Web. Jolly, R Ray, D 2006, The Human Security Framework and National Human Development Reports: A Review of Experiences and Current Debates. Web. Macfarlane, A 2005, All Weapons of Mass Destruction Are Not Equal. Web. This essay on Nuclear disarmament as a way to keep peace and provide human security was written and submitted by user Jennifer Z. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Friday, March 20, 2020

Book Design in Self Publishing - Breaking New Ground

Book Design in Self Publishing - Breaking New Ground Book Design in Self-Publishing: Breaking New Ground Self-publishing is often about pushing the boundaries, and this is what today’s interview is all about. The Perfect Capital by Karen Healey Wallace isn’t just any self-published book, it is one whose design is ingrained into its very being, both through the story it tells and through its sophisticated layout and typography.The Perfect Capital has truly broken new ground and was nominated for Best British Book Award Shortlist and Best Editorial Design Award Shortlist 2014. We   spoke to Karen about the inspiration behind the book, it’s design, and typographer Eric Gill’s role in the story. For those who love video, just hit play. If you prefer images with an edited text, feast your eyes on the text and words below.â€Å"Book production in the hands of writers should create books nobody’s done, nobody’s even dreamed of. Because they come unimpeded out of your imagination.† Karen Healey WallaceWelcome Karen it’s great to have you with us, to start with, can you please tell me a little more about you concept of book creation in the hands of authorsHi! Well it does seem illogical to me that books in the hands of authors aren’t the best books on the market. There was an age when ‘vanity publishing’, as they called it then, was the high-end of the market and the idea that an author can see their book through exactly the way they wanted it, should produce the most beautiful books. So it seems to me a strange anomaly that a lot of self-publishing now seems rubbish - lots of Print-On-Demand books, often with typographical errors etc - but it doesn’t need to be that way and it shouldn’t be! So I hope that The Perfect Capital is a pathfinder for more books like this.Please show us what the book looks like! It’s quite an object†¦Well to start with, here’s the spine - the spine title has replaced the collator’s marks which was probably one of the bravest thin gs I did because you can’t actually see the title at all. I made the executive decision that people don’t make book choices from 15 feet away, they usually walk right up to it and see whether they want it.A brief background around how this thing came into being: The Perfect Capital is a piece of literary fiction. It’s about one woman’s quest to find the perfect letter form of the typographer Eric Gill (1882-1940). So the story weaves in that character’s artistic discoveries, which looks at Eric Gill’s real-life inscriptions in London. This is woven into the other side of the story line where an old-fashioned character (Maud) falls in with the most imperfect man (Edward). The fiction and narrative is based in Gill himself: I took the perfect artist and put him in one character; and then I put the other part of Gill as a highly imperfect man into another character.That was originally where I was going to leave it†¦ What I didn’t re alise was going to happen was put perfectly by Beatrice Ward who said that â€Å"Either the whole man comes up, or else the tweezers slip†. It was everything or nothing. I absolutely experienced that in my relationship, so I found myself unable to pick and choose. I was writing the design brief for the book and the book when I knew I was going to be self-publishing it, the book literally appeared fully formed in my head. Whilst I did need to find a designer and a printer, I actually never needed to submit that brief because I knew exactly what I wanted, I just needed to find the people to make it happen.Talk us through the thought process of making the bookThe nice thing is that although I ended up making something special, I never decided to make something special: I didn’t sit down and say â€Å"this is going to be a really beautiful book†. My only decision was to make a book that was absolutely right for my story. The perfect book in my mind isn’t jus t an advertisement for the story that’s inside it, it actually tells the story from the moment you pick it up.Because I didn’t know what I was doing, I was in the lovely position to make the book that I chose to make, rather than make the book that convention or machinery would allow. It’s having the idea and saying â€Å"how can I make this work† rather than knowing how things work and limiting your ideas to that. I knew that I wanted a type-only book that fit with my story. The book is of course in paper and not in stone, but it has a feeling of stone. It’s very simple and feels like an art book and obviously the story is about an artist inside.service@reedsy.com to claim your discount!

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Capybara Facts (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

Capybara Facts (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world. Its common name comes from the Tupi phrase kaapià »ara, which means grass eater. The scientific name means water hog. Capybaras are related to guinea pigs, rock cavies, coypu, and chinchillas. Fast Facts: Capybara Scientific Name: Hydrochoerus hydrochaerisCommon Names: Capybara, chigà ¼ire, chigà ¼iro, carpincho, water hogBasic Animal Group: MammalSize: 3.5-4.4 feetWeight: 77-146 poundsLifespan: 4 yearsDiet: HerbivoreHabitat: Wetlands of South AmericaPopulation: AbundantConservation Status: Least Concern Description The capybara has a barrel-shaped body and blunt muzzle, somewhat resembling a pig. The brittle fur is reddish-brownish in color and paler on the belly. The animals ears, eyes, and nose are high on its face so it can remain above water when the rodent is submerged. The capybara has a vestigial tail and partially webbed feet. On average, adult capybaras are 3.5 to 4.4 feet in length, stand about two feet tall, and weigh between 77 and 146 pounds. Females are slightly larger than males, with the largest recorded female weighing just over 200 pounds. Both males and females have anal scent glands and a special snout scent gland, called a morillo. The morillo is a distinctive feature of a capybaras face. Richard Evans / EyeEm, Getty Images Habitat and Distribution All South American countries except Chile are home to capybaras. The animals live in wetlands and near bodies of water. Escaped captive capybaras are found in Florida, but its unknown whether they have established a breeding population. Diet Capybaras are herbivores that graze upon grasses, fruit, tree bark, and aquatic plants. They eat their own feces and regurgitated food to help digest cellulose and retain gut flora. Their teeth grow continuously to compensate for the wear from grinding food. Behavior Although capybaras are excellent swimmers, they are able to run as fast as a horse on land. During the day, the rodents wallow in mud to stay cool. They graze before dawn, late in the afternoon, and into the evening. They often sleep in water with only their noses exposed to air. Capybaras use their scent glands and urine to mark territory. Females scent-mark areas more often during the mating season. Males mark females as well as objects. Reproduction and Offspring Capybaras live in herds of up to twenty individuals. Within the group, there is one dominant males, additional submissive males, females, and young. The dominant male has breeding rights to all of the females, but he cant oversee them all the time, so many of the submissive males also mate. Mating occurs once a year during the rainy season, which may be in April or May (Venezuela) or October or November (Brazil). A females scent changes when she is in estrus, plus she whistles through her nose to advertise fertility. Males pursue females and mate with them in the water. After 130 to 150 days of gestation, the female gives birth on land to a litter of one to eight young. The average litter size is four offspring. Baby capybaras are mobile, and they typically resemble their parents. The female and her young return to the water within a few hours of birth. The young may nurse from any female in the group. They start to eat grass after a week and are weaned around 16 weeks. Capybaras become sexually mature between one and two years of age. Young males often leave the herd when mature. Captive capybaras may live 8 to 10 years. Wild animals only live four years on average because they are popular prey for anacondas, jaguars, eagles, caimans, pumas, ocelots, and humans. Capybara young are miniature versions of their parents. Kevin Schafer, Getty Images Conservation Status Capybara conservation status is classified as least concern by the IUCN. The species is widely distributed and reproduces quickly. In some areas, hunting has diminished capybara numbers, but for the most part the population is stable and abundant. Capybaras and Humans Capybaras are hunted primarily for their meat and skin, although there is also a market for their fat, which is believed to have medicinal value. Ranchers sometimes kill the rodents because they compete with livestock for grazing. Capys are also farmed and kept in zoos. In some places, it is legal to keep a capybara as a pet. The animals are gentle and tolerate hand-feeding and petting. Sources Macdonald, D. W.; Krantz, K.; Aplin, R. T. Behavioral anatomical and chemical aspects of scent marking among Capybaras (Hydrochaeris hypdrochaeris) (Rodentia: Caviomorpha). Journal of Zoology. 202 (3): 341–360, 1984. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1984.tb05087.xMurphey, R.; Mariano, J.; Mouraduarte, F. Behavioral observations in a capybara colony (Hydrochaeris hypdrochaeris). Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 14: 89, 1985. doi:10.1016/0168-1591(85)90040-1Reid, F. Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2016: e.T10300A22190005. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T10300A22190005.enWoods, C.A. and C.W. Kilpatrick. Infraorder Hystricognathi. In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 1556, 2005. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0.

Monday, February 17, 2020

How Might Different Types of Offenders Best Be Deterred From Crime Essay

How Might Different Types of Offenders Best Be Deterred From Crime - Essay Example Therefore with the use of rational theory, criminologists often assume that those who commit criminal acts had the option of rationalizing their decision against those of the basic social norms. For one reason or another they chose to commit a crime but again, this theory depicts the fact that it was their choice, they were not forced to do so (Blossfield & Prein 1998, p.5). Of course, rational theory is neither a sociological nor a criminological theory that can be used to analyze all offenders because there are relative differences between individuals, even those who commit crime. Let's take for instance criminals who engage in white collar crime. This form of crime is concisely opposite crimes that include acts of brutal murder, rape, and kidnapping, etc. The reason this is stated is this form of crime takes initiative on the criminals' part and in fact they rationalize their choices before they ever break the law. Therefore, because these types of offender's are generally rational in their though processes and in their actions to engage in criminal activity, law enforcement would have to use a varied deterrence technique to try and sway and deter this types of offenders from repeating their criminal intentions and also to prosecute them correctly through the judicial system (Uggen & Piliavin 1998). It has been found that because these types of offen ders think logically and weigh the consequences of their actions the more traditional forms of law enforcement work well to keep them and others from becoming repetitive in their criminal attitudes. Law enforcement officials have learned that when a white collar criminal is prosecuted and punished severely for their actions it often acts as a deterrent in society, such as with the Martha Stewart case and the issue with falsifying documents on the stock market, etc. Once one white collar crime is prosecuted correctly it minimizes how many more there would be to follow, there is no doubt about this. In cases of criminal violence and murder, the use of deterrents would of course not be the same as the one's used for white collar crime, simply because of the variations to the types of crime in particular. For example, prosecution of someone who commits murder is definitely not enough of a legal influence to prevent other violent offenders from committing this same form of crime. What it can do however is prevent that one individual from going out and committing the same type of violent act, but again it won't persuade other offenders who have not been caught and faced punishment themselves (Uggen & Piliavin 1998). However, for those criminals who don't seem to be able to rationalize their own actions it has been found that the best way to deter them from being repeat offenders is by incarceration because releasing them back into society has shown that there is a great risk of them repeating their actions. This is all in how they view their behavior and don't think logically such a s how an offender of white collar crime analyzes their own actions. White collar offenders weigh the pro's and cons of their actions that are going to take place. If they find that the consequences will be harsher than any benefit that they could gleam out of breaking the law then they simply won't do it. Violent offenders do not rationalize in this manner. They are more

Monday, February 3, 2020

Supply chain relationship management Research Proposal

Supply chain relationship management - Research Proposal Example The first benefit is that it results in job creation. Such kind of jobs results in various roles for the employees like managers, sales, distributors, warehousing etc. There are mainly two classification of retailing depending on the identification of products. It was necessary to allow grouping of the products on the basis of the forecast methods, replenishment methods, planning system etc. The two classifications are Functional or staple products and Innovative Products. There are many challenges in retail supply chain. One challenge is that it can be very costly if the supply chain is not properly designed. There are many other glitches which are both external and internal to the business. Another major problem facing them is Suppler Reliability. If any supplier fails to do any of his function then there will be no product for them to sell (Coyle, Langley, Gibson, Novack and Bardi, 2008, p. 211). This can result in result in loss of consumers, lost profits and declining sales turn over. Hence in the process of selection of supplier it is very important to choose any reliable supplier. In today’s scenario, potential markets and outsourcing can have a major impact on the way a retail supply chain is structured. Presence of low cost for innovative products from Asian and China countries has resulted in paradigm shift to global manufacturing from local manufacturing. Hence this affects the supply chain in terms of cost and complexity. Bullying happens in retail sector where the companies like Wal-Mart have been accused of bullying small retail outlets. Retail stores are now taking full potential of the technology by carrying out many of their activities online. Hence such devices have increased the efficiency of small and medium retail business. But the main point of contention is that it could take forever for the company to generate returns on their investment (Mentzer, 2001, p. 186). The data

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Why Investors Invest In Hedge Funds

Why Investors Invest In Hedge Funds Abstract Hedge funds have gained a lot of popularity in the last decade and are one of the fastest growing industries. The main aim of most hedge funds is to reduce volatility and risk. It also attempts to preserve capital and deliver positive returns under all market conditions. Not all hedge funds are same therefore it is important to know the difference between them. It differs in terms of its risks,  investment returns and volatility among the different hedge fund strategies. The strategies which are correlated to equity markets deliver consistent returns and have low risk while the ones that are not will be more volatile. Main objective of hedge funds is to provide consistency in its returns for investor, lower portfolio volatility and preserve their capital investments, which is the reason why investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, institutional investors and high net worth individuals and families invest in hedge funds. This thesis reviews various issues relating to the investment in hedge funds, which have become popular with high net-worth individuals and institutional investors, as well as discuss their empirical risk and return profiles. The concerns regarding the empirical measurements are highlighted, and meaningful analytical methods are proposed to provide greater risk transparency in performance reporting. It also discusses the development of the hedge fund industry in Asia. Asian hedge funds have grown vastly in past few years. It is said to have grown nearly six times as many funds while managing ten times are much in assets since 2000 according to Eurekahedge. The industry is estimated to consist over 1100 funds, and managing roughly $175 billion in assets. International managers are starting up their own Asia-focused funds too. Allocators are increasingly eyeing investment opportunities in Asia. Funds with a global mandate are increasing their allocation to Asia. The paper presents an overview of hedge funds, describing their development and characteristics. It also discussed the various issues related to the measurement of hedge fund performance, as well as examined alternative performance measures. This thesis ends with some remarks on the development of the hedge fund industry in Asia. 1. Introduction There has several definition of hedge funds throughout the history. There isnt one particular sentence that defines what hedge funds really means. However, according to Chicago Board Options Exchange (No Date), hedge funds can be defined as: A conservative strategy used to limit investment loss by effecting a transaction that offsets an existing position. Alfred Winslow Jones was the first person to create hedge fund structure more than 50 years ago. The fund established had following feature: He created hedges by investing in securities that was said to be undervalued and funded these positions by taking short positions in overvalued securities hence creating market-neutral position. He designed an incentive fee compensation arrangement for fund mangers. They were paid a percentage of profit from the clients capital assets; and He so invested his own investment capital in the fund, to make sure that his capital and that of his investors were coordinated and in line so that it is not just an individual investment but a partnership Almost all modern hedge funds have above listed features in them, and are set up as limited partnerships with a lucrative incentive-fee structure. In most hedge funds, managers also have a significant portion of their own capital invested in the partnerships. The term hedge fund has been generalized to describe investment strategies that range from the original market-neutral style of Jones to many other strategies and opportunistic situations, including global/macro investing. There is a large variety of hedge fund investing strategies present today and therefore no standard way to classify hedge funds separately. Many data vendors and fund advisors set up their own major hedge fund styles according to their popularity. Under the classification by Credit Suisse, the categories of hedge funds with 9 differentiated styles and a fund-of-funds category: (a) Event driven funds are the funds that take positions on corporate events when companies are undergoing re-structuring or mergers. For example, fund managers would purchase bank debt or high yield corporate bonds of companies undergoing the re-organization which is often referred to as distressed securities. Another event-driven strategy is merger arbitrage where the funds seize the opportunity to invest just after a takeover has been announced. They purchase the shares of the target companies and then short these shares of the acquiring companies. (b) Global funds are categories of funds that invest in non-US stocks and bonds with no specific strategy reference. This fund has the largest number of hedge funds and it includes funds that specialize on the emerging markets. (c) Global/Macro funds are the funds that rely on macroeconomic analysis and invest in long and short position in order to capitalise on major risk factors and unforeseen markets such as currencies, interest rates, stock indices and commodities. (d) Market neutral funds refer to hedge fund strategy that involves utilizing strategies such as long-short equity, stock index arbitrage, convertible bond arbitrage and fixed income arbitrage. Long-short equity funds use the strategy of Jones by taking long positions in selective stocks and going short on other stocks to limit their exposure to the stock market. Stock index arbitrage funds trade on the spread between index futures contracts and the underlying basket of equities. (e) Dedicated Short Bias  funds are strategies that take more short positions than long positions and earn returns by maintaining net short exposure in long and short equities. Detailed individual company research typically forms the core alpha generation driver of dedicated short bias managers, and a focus on companies with weak cash flow generation is common. To affect the short sale, the manager borrows the stock from a counter-party and sells it in the market. Short positions are sometimes implemented by selling forward. Risk management consists of offsetting long positions and stop-loss strategies. (f) Convertible bond arbitrage funds typically capitalize on the embedded option in these bonds by purchasing them and shorting the equities. (g) Fixed income arbitrage is a strategy that bets on the convergence of prices of bonds from the same issuer but with different maturities over time. This is the second largest grouping of hedge funds after the Global category. (h) Short/long fund-, shorts focus on engineering short positions in stocks with or without matching long positions. They play on markets that have raised too fast and on mean reversion strategies. Long funds take long equity positions with leverage. Emerging market funds that do not have short-selling opportunities also fall under this category. (i) Emerging Markets  funds invest in currencies, debt instruments, equities and other instruments of countries with emerging or developing markets (typically measured by GDP per capita). Such countries are considered to be in a transitional phase between developing and developed status. Examples of emerging markets include China, India, Latin America, much of Southeast Asia, parts of Eastern Europe, and parts of Africa. There are a number of sub-sectors, including arbitrage, credit and event driven, fixed income bias, and equity bias. (j) Fund of funds refer to funds that invests in a pool of hedge funds. They specialize in identifying fund managers with good performance and rely on their good industry relationships to gain entry into hedge funds with good track records. Table 1 gives statistics about the various categories of hedge funds and past performance. The global/macro hedge funds provided the best mean return over the period studied, while the event-driven funds had the lowest standard deviation of returns. On a risk adjusted basis which is obtained by dividing the mean return by the standard deviation, the category of fund that ranks highest is the global/macro funds followed closely by event-driven funds. Hedge funds are not required to publicly disclose performance and holdings information unlike the registered insurance companies, which might be construed as solicitation materials. This is the reason why which makes it more difficult for investors to evaluate hedge fund managers. TABLE 1 Jan 2000   Nov 2009 Categories Mean Return (%) Standard Deviation (%) Risk-Adjusted Return Event driven 8.66 5.44 1.60 Global 6.60 6.23 1.06 Global / Macro 12.28 6.07 2.02 Market neutral 2.09 13.48 0.16 Short/Long 5.50 8.88 0.62 Emerging Market 9.23 11.05 0.84 Convertible Arbitrage 6.98 8.34 0.84 Dedicated Short Bias (1.95) 16.40 (0.12) Fixed Income Arbitrage 3.66 6.81 0.54 Source: Credit Suisse/ Tremont hedge index Notes: The mean returns are annually compounded returns over the period 2000 to November 2009, The annualized standard deviations were computed from of the standard deviation of monthly returns for each investment style. Risk-adjusted returns are obtained by dividing the mean return by the standard deviation. In 1990 the entire hedge fund industry was estimated at $20 billion. At the end of 2008, global hedge fund industry was estimated to be worth $1 trillion with 8350 active funds. It has gained a lot of popularity in the last decade and is one of the fastest growing industries. While hedge funds are well established in US and Europe, they have also been growing rapidly in Asia. Hedge funds have posted attractive returns. A seven year annualised return of 2.47% posted by Hedge Fund Research (HFR) from 2003 to 2009, higher than the SP 1200 of 1.18%. Hedge funds are seen as natural hedge to control downside risk because they employ investment strategies believed to generate returns that are uncorrelated to traditional asset classes. Hedge funds differ in strategies- a macro fund such as quantum fund generally take a directional view by betting in particular bond market or a currency movement. Other funds specialise in corporate events such as mergers or bankruptcies. They also vary widely in investment strategies and the amount of financial leverage. In the recent financial crisis, hedge funds have been heavily criticised in terms of their strategies and also for the fact that in 2008, they have had hard time fulfilling their absolute return targets. There have been other criticisms towards hedge fund regarding this particular crisis. Stromqvist (2009) writes that ever since the growth of hedge fund industry there has always been discussions regarding the role of hedge funds in a financial crisis. The main focus of the criticism was on highly leveraged hedge funds and that they may have a large impact on price stability on both currencies and equities. In an article written in The Times, Dillow (2008) observes that even though average return of hedge funds in 2008 has been poor, they have not been a serious source of instability in the wider financial system. Regardless of the recent financial crisis, hedge funds still generate a growing number of interests all around the world. Due to their private nature, it is difficult to obtain information about the operations of individual hedge funds and reliable summary statistics about the industry as a whole. It is a common belief that investing in hedge funds can have superior returns. Many success stories have emerged in the past and the most popular of which is the George Soros story. In September of 1992, he risked $10 billion on a single  currency  speculation when he shorted the British pound, which gave him an international fame. He was right, and in a single day he successfully generated a profit of $1 billion â‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" ultimately, it was reported that his profit on the transaction almost reached $2 billion. Therefore, he is famously known as the the man who broke the  Bank of England. The greates investor: George Soros, http://www.investopedia.com/university/greatest/georgesoros.asp 16-12-09 As seen in Table 1, the hedge funds as a group can generate positive returns. For example, over the period 1990-1997, all the hedge funds had positive absolute returns. Global/Macro funds obtained mean returns of 28.1% p.a. with a standard deviation that is comparable to equity funds. Traditional asset allocation makes the most of the use of equities, bonds, real estate and private equity to invest in a portfolio that maximizes returns and minimizes the portfolio risk. Therefore, in an investment portfolio hedge funds can play a vital role in maximising returns. Moreover, in a bear market, many investment and fund mangers find it dull to just beat the market index, which may have negative returns. They generally prefer to go short or avoid long positions to have positive returns. Choosing an appropriate hedge fund to invest increases the possibility of obtaining positive absolute returns. It is also generally believed that hedge funds have returns that are generally uncorrelated with the traditional asset classes. In fact, hedge funds may even have a lower risk profile. For example, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter (2000) reported that hedge funds exhibit a low correlation with traditional asset classes, suggesting that hedge funds should play an important role in strategic asset allocation. The answer to the question Why invest in Hedge funds? simply is to make money. The common analogy in all hedge funds strategies and the underlying rationale for investing in hedge funds is the search for absolute returns. This is sometimes called alpha. Alpha is the extra return a skilled manager can produce over and above the market return (or beta). Whereas many conventional fund managers aim simply to outperform their chosen benchmark index, hedge fund managers seek to produce positive gains in all market conditions. http://www.fleetstreetinvest.co.uk/shares/trend-investing/hedge-fund-investing-00128.html Research Question By using quantitative study, I will try to answer the following questions: Why investors invest in hedge funds? To answer this question I will be looking at the return, risk and performance associated with investing in hedge fund and how the fund mangers. By looking at the annualised return, standard deviation and risk adjusted returns of different styles of hedge funds their performance can be measured. What are the issues relating the investment in terms of risk, return and performance measurement? Although hedge funds are popular in terms of an investment vehicle, there are various issues. The issues related are its cost/ management fee structures, collection of data, survivorship bias and selection bias. Various performance measure techniques are available for hedge funds too. I will be looking at some of the performance measurement approaches. Purpose There are several purpose for this paper. First is to give an overview of hedge fund as an investment vehicle with a short description of different characteristics and styles of hedge funds. Second is to describe why hedge funds are attractive for investors and fund managers by presenting different theories where risk and returns of hedge funds are investigated in order to evaluate the performance measures. Third purpose is to investigate the issues related to the investment in hedge funds where several sets of issues are evaluated and various performance measures are identified. LITERATURE REVIEW There is no one particular definition of hedge fund as mentioned earlier. According to the Investment Company Act 1940 of the US, hedge funds were defined by their low degree of regulatory controls. In comparison to mutual funds, hedge funds were seen to have higher level of risk. This led to a 100-investor limit as well as wealth requirement of the investors. Fung and Hsieh (1999) claim that another reason for 100-investor limit is the use of leverage and short selling in hedge funds. The limit restrictions were later abandoned and wealth requirement lowered. Many definitions of hedge funds have been cited-most of them mainly based on its characteristics. Some of them are: Investment companies that by their charter can buy on margin, sell short, hold warrants, convertible securities and commodities and otherwise engage in aggressive trading tactics in order to profit from forcasting market swings.- Polhman, Ang and Hollinger (1978) A mutual fund that employs leverage and uses various techniques of hedging- Soros (1987) hedge funds are vehicles that allow private investors to pool assets to be invested by a fund manager. Unlike mutual funds, hedge funds are commonly structured as private partnerships and thus subject to only minimal SEC regulation. Moreover, because hedge funds are only lightly regulated their managers can pursue investment strategies involving, for example, heavy use if derivatives, short sales and leverage.- Bodie, Kane and Marcus (2008). Murguia and Umemoto (2004) claims that the reason why there is no proper definition of hegdge funds is because they are not classified by the different asset classes but by the type of strategies employed by the fund mangers is what classifies them. Such strategies range from very aggressive to conservative, which is the reason why there is no clear definition. Several studies have been carried out about hedge funds performance and risk issues. Fung and Hsieh (1997a) extend Sharpe (1992) style analysis and conclude that there are more diversified hedge fund strategies and suggested that hedge fund strategies are more dynamic. The literatures also conclude that option-based factors can enhance the power of explaining hedge fund returns. Brown, Goetzmann and Ibbotson (1999) examine the performance of offshore hedge funds and attribute fund performance to style effects rather than managerial skills. Brown, Goetzmann and Liang (2003) found, in a study using the TASS database, that fund of hedge funds reduce by a third the standard deviation of monthly hedge fund returns, as well as significantly reduce the value at risk of hedge fund investment. Hence, fund of hedge funds can also provide significant diversification potential. A well-diversified fund of hedge fund manager can therefore take advantage of market-specific risks while maintaining low correlations to stock, bond, and currency markets. As a result of which the fund of hedge fund manager can provide superior returns and generate alpha which reflects managerial skills. More generally, since fund of hedge funds deliver more consistent returns with lower volatility than individual hedge funds, they are considered to be ideal for diversifying traditional portfolios. During 1993â‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"2001, fund of hedge funds outperformed the SP 500 index on a risk-adjusted basis (Gregoriou, 2003a). Koh, Koh, Lee and Phoon(2004) state that traditional asset allocation optimizes the use of equities, bonds, real estate and private equity to invest in a portfolio that maximizes returns and minimizes the portfolio risk. Thus, hedge funds become vital in enhancing returns in an investment portfolio. Following the growth in hedge fund industry, fund-of-hedge funds (FOF) have become more and more popular. Liang (2003) states that FOF mixes various strategies and asset classes together and creates more stable long-term investment returns than any of the individual funds. It invests in underlying hedge funds and diversifies the fund specific risks and relieves burdens on investor to select and monitor managers, and providing asset allocation in dynamic market environments. Fund-of-funds require less initial investment as compare to hedge funds and therefore are more affordable for small investors. To participate in the investment, small investors may be willing to pay extra fees as it might be the only way for them. Previous studies in this area by Brown, Goetzmann and Liang (2002) conclude that combining hedge funds with fund-of-funds not only causes the double counting but also hides the difference in fee structures between hedge funds and fund-of-funds. Liang (2003) state that a hedge funds charges a management fee and incentive fee while a fund-of-funds not only charges these fees at a fund-of-fund level but also passes hedge fund level fees in the form of after fee returns to the fund-of-fund investors whether or not the fund-of-funds make a profit. Brown, Goetzmann and Liang (2002) examine this issue and propose an alternative fee which provide a better incentive for fund-of-fund managers and reduce the cost for investors under the current fee structure, which is that the fund-of-fund managers absorb the underlying hedge fund fees and establish their own incentive fees at the fund-of-fund level. Liang (2003) conclude that because of the above issues fund-of-funds need to be separated from hedge funds in academic studies and address the difference in performance, risk and fee structures. However, the FOF mangers can add value to the portfolio through selection, construction and continuous monitoring of the portfolio. They provide professional services and have access to the information that are expensive and difficult to obtain otherwise. The FOF mangers quite often use different investment strategies and styles through a diversified portfolio of individual fund managers. Considering these advantages for an investor, investing in fund of hedge funds is not cheap. The cost can be as high as the cost of buying a building, according to Koh, Koh, Lee and Phoon (2004). This structure allows for more diversified portfolio and much reduced risk at the fund level which comes at a price. More diversified the portfolio is it is more likely that it will incur more incentive fees. Therefore, there are many persuasive reasons why investing in hedge funds are considered as alternative investments. Some uninformed investors may be misled about the risks and returns on hedge funds as it relies heavily on statistical compilation from the database vendors which is filled with data bias such as survivorship bias and selection bias. Fung and Hsieh (2001a) found that estimates of survivorship biases differed across two commonly used databases, HFR and TASS. The survivorship bias was much higher in TASS than that in HFR. They estimated that survivorship bias would over-report hedge fund mean returns by about 1.5% to 3% per annum. Brooks and Kat (2001) stated that around 30% of newly established funds do not survive the first three years, primarily due to poor performance. Thus, not including defunct funds is likely to lead to over-estimation of the returns and profile of hedge fund industry.