Saturday, November 30, 2019

John Adams Essays (1589 words) - Adams Family,

John Adams John Quincy Adams was the only son of a president to become president. He had an impressive political background that began at the age of fourteen. He was an intelligent and industrious individual. He was a man of strong character and high principles. By all account, his presidency should have been a huge success, yet it wasn't. John Quincy Adams' presidency was frustrating and judged a failure because of the scandal, attached to his election, the pettiness of his political rivals, and his strong character. John Quincy Adams was born on July 1767, in Braintree Massachusetts. His parents were John and Abigail Adams. Quincy, had every advantage as a youngster. At the time of his birth, his father was an increasingly admired and prospering lawyer, and his mother Abigail Smith Adams, was the daughter of an esteemed minister, whose wife's family combined two prestigious and influential lines, the Nortons and the Quincys. Accompanying his father on diplomatic missions in Europe, young John Quincy Adams received a splendid education at private schools in Paris, Leiden, and Amsterdam, early developing his penchant for omnivorous reading. He was able to speak several languages. At the age of fourteen, he was asked to serve as secretary and translator to Francis Dana, the first US ambassador to Russia. Despite his age, young Adams was a valuable aid to the consul; he enjoyed Russia and the exposure to diplomatic circles. He later returned to the United States and attended Harvard. He graduated in two years and entered the law offices of Theophilus Parsons in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Passing the bar in 1790, he set up practice in Boston. In 1794 John began his long political career. George Washington appointed John Quincy Adams an Ambassador to the Netherlands. After his father was elected as the second president of the United States, he was reassigned to the post of minister to Prussia. He kept this post throughout his fathers term of office. After his fathers defeat to Thomas Jefferson he returned home. In 1802 he was elected to the Massachusetts senate, which sent him to the U. S senate the following year. He was also appointed to the Supreme Court, a membership he declined. President James Madison then appointed him to minister to Russia in 1809. He continued to serve his country and gained a well-respected reputation. Adding to his reputation was his brilliant and tough-minded performance as chief American peace commissioner in the negotiations at Gent that ended the War of 1812 and his effectiveness as minister to Great Britain during the last two years of the Madison administration. He continued to distinguish himself by negotiating a treaty with Spain. The Adams-Onis Treaty with Spain, concluded with Spain on February 22, 1819. Provided for the transfer of East and West Florida to the United States and the establishment of a border between Spanish and US territory running from the Gulf of Mexico to the Rocky Mountains and along the forty- second parallel to the Pacific ocean. Historians regard the treaty as a brilliant act of diplomacy, and Adams himself called its conclusion the most important event of my life. Many historians give credit to Adams for his contributions to the Monroe Doctrine. Adams also was the mind behind the Monroe Doctrine, which warned that the United States would oppose any European interference in the internal affairs of an American nation or further European colonization of territory in the Western Hemisphere. There was no doubt that Adams was a deserving candidate for the presidential election of 1824. He had held high diplomatic positions and displayed both aptitude and ability. He wanted to be President, but although Adams was the most distinguished member of the Monroe Cabinet, his successes were somewhat neutralized by his lack of friends and organizational backing He had also earned himself a reputation of being stubborn and unflexable. He had no problems speaking out against issues he felt were unjust. He also spoke out against his own political party. The son of a leading Federalist Party, Adams proved to be anything but a slavish devotee to that political cause. When he thought the party was in the wrong, he stood ready to oppose it. In fact, as

Monday, November 25, 2019

Emirates Aluminium (EMAL)

Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) Introduction Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) is a company that is based in the United Arab Emirates. The company boasts of having a state of the art factory that has enabled it to become one of the biggest aluminium smelters in the world. The company’s mission is to provide the world with high quality aluminium that can be used to serve different purposes.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Suggestions on how EMAL can improve its competitive advantage Competitive advantage can be defined as the benefit that a particular company has over its main competitors. Competitive advantage enables a company to increase its market presence. It also helps a company win more customers (Sanchez Heene 2010). Competitive advantage gives a company an edge over its main rivals. EMAL’s vision is to become the largest aluminium smelter in the world. The following are suggestions on how EMAL can improve its competitive advantage: Increasing efficiency The company should look for ways through which it can be able to reduce its cost of production. By reducing its cost of production, the company will be able to provide its customers with high quality products at low prices. This will enable the company to win more customers as customers are always looking for products that maximize their utility. The company should improve its infrastructure so as to be able to produce high quality goods at low prices (Keller Price 2011). EMAL should also invest in acquiring the latest smelting equipment so as to be able to reduce its cost of production. Embracing innovation The company should ensure that it embraces innovation. Embracing innovation will enable the company to come up with new and unique products. Embracing innovation will also encourage the company to come up with ways through which it can be able to improve the quality of some of its existing products. This will help the company increase the level of customer satisfaction (Singh 2008). Responding to its customers’ needs EMAL has to make sure that its customers are always satisfied. Research has shown that satisfied customers are more likely to make a repeat purchase in the future as compared to customers who are not content. It is important that the company comes up with various ways of getting feedback from its customers. The information obtained should be used to improve the quality of the companys products while ensuring that the products are also affordable (Keller Price 2011). This will provide that the company’s products are able to satisfy the needs of its customers. This will help EMAL maintain a competitive advantage over its main rivals.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Improving the quality of their goods To maintain a competitive advantage over its main rivals, the company should always ensure that it produces high quality products that meet the needs of its customers (Sanchez Heene 2010). By producing high quality products, the company will be able to increase its market presence and this will help the company attain its vision of becoming the largest aluminium smelter in the world. Conclusion Creating a competitive advantage is important because it makes sure that the company is able to yield maximum profit while increasing its market share. It also helps a company compete effectively with its rivals. To create a competitive advantage, EMAL has to improve the quality of its products, embrace innovation, respond to customers’ needs and increase efficiency level. References Keller, S., Price, C. (2011). Beyond performance how great organizations build ultimate competitive advantage. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley. Sanchez, R., Heene, A. (2010). Enhancing competences for competitive advantage. Bin gley, UK: Emerald Group. Singh, M. (2008). Strategic management and competitive advantage. New Delhi: Global India Publications.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Animal Farm Essay Example for Free (#9)

Animal Farm Essay Animal Farm by George Orwell is an allegory written in 1943. It was also made into a TV film version in 1999 directed by John Stephenson, produced by Greg Smith and Robert Halmi and distributed by Hallmark Films. Animal Farm is a deceitfully simple story about a group of farm animals who are tired of living in a dystopia caused by humans. They rebel and create their own way of life, only to find themselves back in a dystopia caused by animals. The film follows the plot line of the novel closely but changes some major details. While the film and the novel Animal Farm are basically one in the same and have similar plot lines, the film had less detail, while the novel was thoroughly detailed. The differences between the film and the novel were points of view, exposition and major plots. Orwell tells the story of Animal Farm through a third person, omniscient point of view. The narrator is never involved in the action of the story, but knows everything. This point of view allows readers to see into the minds of the characters and understand their motivations. The film is told by a narrator, a character in the novel, Jessie. It explains the film in a way that she sees everything occurring. It also stops most of the dialogue between the animals and they don’t really talk like they do in the novel. Another difference between the novel and film is the exposition, which gives background information on the plot. In the novel, some of the events that occur in Animal Farm’s exposition play important roles later on in the novel. In the novels exposition, Orwell describes many of the animals that are important to the novel. In the films exposition, very little time is spent on developing the characters of the important animals. Also, the song Beasts of England is not sung in the exposition, unlike the novel, this song plays a very pivotal role later on in the novel. In the film, they don’t know the characters very well and the animals don’t really sing it, they hum it. This takes away from the mood of the song. The movie is merely an adaptation of the novel into film, so almost all the events that take place in the novel will take place in the film. Another difference between the novel and film is the major plot differences. The novel and film follow the same plot line but there are some major differences. In the novel, Old Major died about 3 days after his speech from natural causes. While in the film, Mr. Jones shoots Old Major minutes after his speech, while they’re reciting the Beasts of England song. In the novel, all of the animals could speak while in the film it was arrated by Jessie which cut the dialogue of most of the animals. The end of the film and novel differ greatly. In the novel, the animals are sadly dominated by Napolean. But in the film they somehow overthrow his power and finally bond together for another attempt at a utopia. The film covered major ideas but missed some details, characters, and small stuff that made the novel so interesting. It’s quite apparent that there are many significant differences between Animal Farm the novel and the film. There are a number of differences between the use of point of view, the exposition, and the major plots. Animal Farm is a simple story about a group of farm animals who overthrew their human dictators and their animal counterpart who dictated them also. The novel was very detailed and had many characters which made it very interesting. While the film had less details, and characters which made it a little dull, and boring. These are my comparisons of the film and novel called Animal Farm. Animal Farm. (2017, Feb 02). We have essays on the following topics that may be of interest to you

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Business security and globalization issues that Mexico face Research Paper

Business security and globalization issues that Mexico face - Research Paper Example Global issues†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Bribery and corruption†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Terrorist threat†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Organized crime†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Border threats†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 7 7 8 8 9 10 7 1.5 RECOMMENDED SECURITY ACTIONS Security and tracking system†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Foreign direct investment†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Assistance from security agencies†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Evacuation plan†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Competitive management†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ State and local regulatory†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 10 10 11 11 11 12 12 8 Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 13 9 References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â ‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 14 Outline of Security issues and threats Mexico being one of the best business sites is facing many problems in relation to security issues. The security situation in Mexico is fluid and there exist conflicts among security forces. This led to increase in threats and risk in relation to the insecurity in the country. Some of the threats and preventive measures in relation to the security are discussed below: 1.1 Natural threats Mexico is suffering from just one natural threat which has affected the business economy i.e. global issues. Global issues Country have initially suffered a downturn in the business economy due to the global issues such as falling international... The intention of this study is Mexico as one the best business sites. It has provided many opportunities and growth to international businesses. It involves less cost of conducting a business as compared to other Asian countries. Though Mexico had promoted businesses in all aspects but it has negative aspects also, which are harming the working of business such as risk related to securities. Since 2007, more than 24000 people have been killed due to drug violence. Smuggling of drugs and goods is becoming quite common on borders which are increasing risk of trading companies that conduct operations on borders. Small businesses have also become security minded and they take precautions while travelling to Mexico, especially in border and capital regions. This shows that businesses are investing more on security in order to perform business in Mexico, which in result increases the cost and reduces profitability of the company. Mexico is a federal constitutional republic of North America and is bordered in the north of United States. It covers two million square kilometers i.e. 760,000 sq mi. on the basis of this area it is the fifth largest country in America. Researchers identified that its current population is around 112 million and is eleventh most populated country in the world. Spanish is the most popular language in Mexico. This country comprises of thirty one states and one federal district which is a capital city. Mexico is one of the best business locations as compared to 112 cities in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

Monday, November 18, 2019

Toulmin Schema Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Toulmin Schema - Essay Example The researcher states that the Federation Aviation Administration (FAA) requires airlines to give their crew a 10-hour rest time before commencing a duty period that includes flying. The ten-hour rest period may include the time a crew takes to commute to or from their houses or hotel room. Moreover, the carriages should not reduce the actual time for sleeping the chance to below 8 hours. Meaning the pilots and crew only have two hours to commute, which practically is not enough, thus they end up eating into their 8 hour sleeping time. Additionally, FAA has extended the length of continuous time off during a one-week period from 24 hours to 30 hours. The flight crewmembers should use the rest opportunity to sleep instead of doing other things during the period. The FAA further asserts that persons whose internal clock may be off due to flipping back and forth between different zones require additional time off. However, airlines rarely observe these rules and regulations. Jochen Wirt z and Loizos Heracleous assert that motivating staff through rewards and recognition has helped Singapore Airlines build desirable behaviors among crewmembers. The airline offers interesting and varied job content, symbolic actions, performance-based share options, and a significant percentage of variable pay components related to a person’s contributions and the airline’s financial performance. The company also provides bonuses based on its profitability. Additionally, the company uses its numerous international accolades, companywide meetings, and open communication to make staff motivated. Motivation and communication have helped Singapore Airlines realize service excellence. This approach has created job satisfaction, and overall, excellent service to customers.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Nursing. Nurse know thyself Essay Example for Free

Nursing. Nurse know thyself Essay Nursing is a rewarding, exciting and sometimes challenging career. Nursing is not limited to simply changing bandages, giving shots and offering of support. In fact, the role of a nurse is ‘protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering thought the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in care of individuals, families, communities, and populations’ (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2010, p. 1). Sometimes, having a passion to serve others just isn’t enough to make it in nursing. In order to be an effective caregiver to a patient, the nurse must treat the patient as a whole. This means building trust between the patient and the nurse, therefore, promoting healing and a sense of peace. A nurse does this by following a code of ethics. Ethics gives the nurse a framework for making ‘logical and consistent decisions’ (Burhardt Nathaniel, 2008, p. 29). Although, ethics offers a guideline, it does not tell us what we should do; nurses must decide that on an individual basis. Ethics is having the ability to make wrong or right decisions based on our own morals. Morals and values are fundamental beliefs that are acquired from childhood throughout adulthood. Everyone is shaped according to their own spiritual, cultural and individual values that were instilled at a young age. These values and morals are the things that help nurses make ethical decisions, therefore it is critical that we evaluate our own values and morals. Because we, as nurses, are asked to question our own values and morals it is important to examine where we stand in our own spirituality. Thus, it is important to know thyself. Socrates believed that if you do not know yourself, or seek to know yourself, then you know nothing. Knowing where you stand on a lot of ‘hot topics’ makes it easier to stand behind your patient on their decision and therefore, you are able to be supportive of these decisions. Ethics is an area that challenges me on a daily basis. There is two important theories that are important to nursing: utilitarianism and deontology. Utilitarianism ‘is the moral theory that holds that an action is judged as good or bad in relation to the consequence, outcome, or end result that is derived from’ (Burhardt   Nathaniel, 2008, p. 33). Utilitarianism uses the thought of the greatest good for the largest number of people. Utilitarianism is a helpful theory in situations when you feel the rights of the patient are being ignored. Whereas, the deontological theory states ‘no action can be judged as right which cannot reasonably become a strict law’ (Burhardt Nathaniel, 2008, p. 39). Although these processes have both advantages and disadvantages, I would tend to use a more situational approach. I believe that having a situational approach favors autonomy of the patient. Using this approach, I feel that I can help the patient make an informed individual decision regarding their healthcare, whether it be based on religious beliefs, personal reasons or simply that it is in their best interest. Working in an area of maternal/fetal cardiology, it can be difficult at times to separate my own believes to that of which is the best outcome for both mother and baby. It seems that almost on a weekly basis the cardiologist is handing down a diagnosis that leaves the family to ponder the decision of ‘do we have what it takes to handle a very sick, complicated child?’ Sometimes these parents are faced with the reality of do they continue along the path of pregnancy or do they stop where they are, and try again in the future. It is a reality that unfortunately many families are left with, as sometimes the babies are given a very grave outcome. It is a very true fact in my own heart that God only deals you the deck that you are able to handle, but when faced with the financial uncertainty, and the uncertainty of the child’s future, sometimes very difficult decisions need to be made. As their nurse it is my responsibility to back the physician with aiding the family in seeing all their options regardless if they fit into my own values. Being able to step back and provide unbiased care to my families is a small part of what my nursing is all about. Being able to do so helps to build a strong relationship between myself and my patients. Along with following an ethical framework in nursing, one must follow a scope of practice. Such guidelines shape the responsibility of the professional nursing organization and serve to protect the public. The American Nurses Association (ANA) helps to paint the picture of how the nurse should practice, whereas the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) sets the limits of practice that the nurse must work within, serving to protect not only the public but the nurse herself. As a nurse, I strive to be both clinically competent in my delivery of care,  being aware of the constant challenges and educationally competent. I try to set aside time to attend a weekly grand rounds meeting, where additional education is provided. This allows me to stay current and up to date on effective treatment options, new medications, research findings and team collaboration for optimal patient outcomes. In addition, completing required competencies, I am a member of the Society of Pediatric Cardiovascular Nurses (SPCN) which also strengthens my knowledge and skill in providing the best evidence based practice to my patients and their families. Attending meetings and conferences also helps to build my level of education and knowledge base. Education is critical in the nursing profession, being a lifelong learner is important to keep up with the ebb and flow of nursing practice. ‘Lifelong learning is an essential ingredient for ensuring high quality of patient care’ (Gopee, 2002, p. 608). If you were to trace nursing back to the original roots we continue to provide the most basic of needs to our patients; this is knowing that someone cares for them (Vance). I feel that I provide a level of compassionate care to my patients and their families. I understand that their needs will change depending on their health as well as their environment. My greatest joy comes from helping the patients effectively respond to their health care needs regardless of which stage of life they may most currently be in. In my opinion, the main focus of nursing, comes down to respecting, guiding, providing information, to clients who is the past had the perception of nurses as simply being the people who provided medications, and treatments. The future is bright in the nursing field as we stride for a respectful place as a profession in the health care system. References American Nurses Association. (2010). Scope of Nursing Practice. In Nursing (2nd ed., pp. 1-30). Silver Spring, Maryland: Nursebooks. Burhardt, M. A., Nathaniel, A. K. (2008). Ethics issues (3rd ed.). Canada: Delmar learning. Gopee, N. (2002, December). Human and social capital as facilitators of lifelong learning in nursing. Nurse Education Today, 22, 608-616. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0260-6917(02)00139-9 Vance, T. Caring and the Professional Practice of Nursing. Journal of Nursing. Retrieved from http://rnjournal.com/journal-of-nursing/caring-and-the-professional-practice-of-nursing

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Our Lady Of Guadalupe :: Essays Papers

Our Lady Of Guadalupe The image of the Virgin Mary seen by Juan Diego has changed the world. About forty years after Mary’s appearance to Diego, it is believed to be a turning point in western civilization. At this time there were a lot of copies of the painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe being circulated around Europe and one ended up in the hands of Admiral Giovanni Andrea Doria. The King of Spain gave this special copy to him. There were three hundred Turkish ships blocking the Gulf of Lepanto and the admiral was given command of a squadron to sail to the blockade. The Christian fleet consisting of about three hundred ships was to meet the Turkish navy head on. However, the Turkish outmaneuvered the Christian forces. It is said that when this crucial hour was at hand, Doria went into his cabin to kneel and pray before the Image of Guadalupe. By nightfall the direction of the battle started to shift. One Turkish squadron was defeated and captured causing the others to panic which lead to the de struction of the whole fleet. Fifteen thousand Christians that were enslaved in the Turkish galleys were freed. This battle marked the end of the Ottoman Empire’s expansion into the western Mediterranean.1 First Apparition In 1531, ten years after the capture of Mexico City, a poor Indian named Juan Diego left his house to attend divine service in the beginning of December. On his way he passed the hill of Tepeyacac ("Hill of the Nose", in Nahuatl) and he heard beautiful music from the top of the hill. The music was heavenly; he heard the most beautiful songbirds singing soft and pleasant. He wondered if he was worthy of hearing such beautiful music, and if maybe it was a dream. He thought he might have died and gone to heaven. Over the sounds of birds Juan heard a voice from the hilltop; however, it did not frighten him. In fact he was strangely set at ease by the voice. He climbed the hill in search of the mysterious voice. When he reached the top of the hill he saw a magnificent woman who appeared to glow like nothing he had ever seen before. She radiated like the sun, and the stones that she was standing on were like gems beneath her feet. The foliage surrounding the magnificent woman was full o f translucent colors that glimmered in the radiating light.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Exercise on Group Behavior

Exercise on group behavior 1. Based on knowledge from your company group relate to and explain the 5-stage group development model and the punctuated equilibrium model (both very important for exam. Group analysis based on 5-stage model: * Forming. Firs task was to find out people with the same level of motivation, expectations and similar point of view through the vision of business idea. After finally forming the company group another task was to find out the purpose of the project and understood why this experience could be useful for us (It took almost all day).Furthermore we had to take decisions about how group is going to look like and what tasks we have to do personally: we find out which persons are going to be leaders who are generating the idea and who are going to work with developing and presenting it. * Storming. Secondly we as a very fresh and inexperienced group had to come up with real and innovative business plan. It was the hardest part of all because we didnâ€⠄¢t knew each other very good. We had many conflicts about different ideas while finally after many disagreements we find out the best decision of our idea. * Norming.During the working time our relationships grown up significantly. It became much easier to work with each other. We began to understand each other easily and that let us to improve our productivity skills in team work.. * Performing. With better relationships to each other our performing improved as well. Everybody knew what they had to do and was not afraid to consulate to other group members. We began to work very fast and effective. * Adjourning. Finally we easily wrote one page report and we are waiting for new activities. Group analysis based on punctuated equilibrium model:Our group development can be good example of punctuated equilibrium model. First day of our work was very efficient. We formed our group, created first business idea and tried to develop and analyzed it. However after a while working with lost things idea we come up with the decision that we are not able to develop and use it. Then it was period of trying to find new ideas. We had about 10 different solutions however we didn’t stick to none of them until the last day when we had to send one page report. Last minutes work helped us to create and generate good idea and present it to others. Based on knowledge on group development why do you think group work often starts with teambuilding activities like wild-life experiences, bowling, outdoor exercises etc.? In group development is very important feeling and atmosphere through the members. Good relationships and knowing each other are the main keys to productive and efficient work. Teambuilding activities give ability to understand the way how other people are thinking, how active they are. Furthermore, people always feel much comfortable and relaxed in the known environment.As for my experience in teambuilding trip i can strongly agree that it was the best way to qu ickly get in the new team. 3. Explain how role conflicts might arise from role perceptions differing from role expectations (try to give a real life example that you have experienced). Personal example: In high school our student council (I was fresh member there) were organizing big event. Leading group announced that everybody can join them and take an active part in developing it. I with other â€Å"freshers† had many interesting thoughts and expectations however how come up in the end we were ably only to participate in cleaning after the party.As a result we felt exploited and misunderstood what caused big conflict between leading and new members. 4. Explain how conformity and status of group members effects team work . Conformity and status are very important part in group development. People are used to behave by first impression. Members who have more experience, are more talented or more self-confident (have higher status than other) are used to be treated as a leade rs or be more respected from the first minute. It can have both positive and negative effects through the group. It is important that despite status everybody would have equal right to speak and realize themselves.Furthermore, People often conform from a desire for security within a group—typically a group of a similar age, culture, religion, or educational status. It can prevent people from new ideas and innovation. 5. Explain why group cohesiveness can be both positive and negative for team performance Positive performance| Negative performance| * Individuals are proud to be in the group and see group membership important. As a result they look seriously to the tasks, output and achievements of the group. * Members of cohesive groups deal with conflict openly and constructively. They develop and share values and team loyality. Cohesive groups increase job satisfaction and reduce stress. * When working toward a common goal group members can fill in for each others' lack of k nowledge or shortage of skill. | * Teams members have tendency to adopt similar behaviors that became group norm what can couse lowered productivity or lack of creativity and innovation * Group-think. It happens when individual group members lose the ability to think for themselves and rely on the group to make their decisions. * cohesive groups find it difficult to change their values, actions or behaviors, particularly when the change is driven by external forces. Opinions held by the majority or by key group members are regarded as unanimous and alternative views are discouraged| 6. Answer the questions in the â€Å"Ethical Dilemma† page 255 1) If group members end up ‘working around’ shirkers, do you think this information should be communicated to the instructor so that individual’s contribution to the project is judged more fairly? If so, does the group have an ethical responsibility to communicate this to the shirking group member? If not, isnâ€⠄¢t the shirking group member unfairly reaping the rewards of a â€Å"free ride’’? Personally I believe that decision have to be made based on situation.I think that first of all group has to try to identify the problem why the member is not working. Maybe he/she has personal problems and can’t concentrate or he/she is not experienced enough that could face the task by himself. Furthermore, is very important to try to speak with the member and say your dissatisfaction directly instead of just throwing him out. If it doesn’t work then group must to communicate with instructor. 2) Do you think confronting the shrinking group member is justified? Does this depend on the skills of shirker (weather he is capable of doing good-quality work)?I believe that everything depends on situation and the task what members have to do. If person is able to do that but just is trying to avoid the work than it is justified. 3) Social loafing has been found to be higher in W estern, more individual nations, that other countries. Do you think this means we should tolerate shirking in these countries to a greater degree than if it occurred with someone from more collectivistic nation? I think that social and cultural background has great influence to human character. This is the reason that group members have to be tolerant with each other and try to find the best working method. . Make case incident 2 page 256 1) What are some factors that led to groupthink in the cases described here? What can teams do to attempt to prevent groupthink from occurring? People have tendency not to make quick and efficient decisions. They are trying to avoid conflicts in the team and are not making changes related with a work. They tend to strict to more traditional and safe decisions. I think that leader have to promote people to represent different ideas and not to be afraid of using different ways. 2) How might differences in status among group members contribute to grou pthink?For example, how might lover-status members react to group’s decisions? Are lower-status members more or less likely to be dissenters? Why might higher-status group members be more effective dissenters? Status has very big impact through group members. Individuals with lower-status are tend to keep quietly and not make decisions. They pretend that situation is appropriate for them and company. Higher-status group members are mostly more active and innovative. 3) Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer says that he encourages dissent. Can such norms guard against the occurrence of groupthink?As a manager, how would you try to cultivate norms that prevent groupthink? I personally believe that encouraging dissent is one of the best ways against the occurrence of groupthink. It stimulates people to think and come up with new ideas or improve the old ones. I would choose the same way. 4) How might group characteristics such as size and cohesiveness affect groupthink? If group is very b ig and cohesive then it has big risk to be unsuccessful. People are not used to say their opinion or take action. I believe that smaller groups are working more efficient because they get more responsibilities.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Women and Advertising

2AHIFA? JELAI It’s the Image that Is Imperfect Advertising and Its Impact on Women Advertisements and media images have a stronger impact on shaping gender images than books on feminism and scholarly experiments on gender equality. Stereotypes and generalisations in ads continue to objectify women, and place stress solely on their appearance, thus devaluing their innate worth. INDHU RAJAGOPAL, JENNIFER GALES Prologue I n examining higher education, there is a tendency to assume that all students have equal opportunities and only merit matters. There are, however, some unique factors that mitigate chances for qual treatment for all groups because of different ascriptive characteristics of students who wish to access, and achieve merit in, higher education. Gender is one such ascriptive characteristic that blocks girls and women both socially and academically from realising their fullest potential. In this paper, we will examine how gender-based social images that are transmitte d through the media act as barriers to realising students’ full potential in their life. Could higher education intervene in and vitiate these media images? As far as gender issues are concerned, it can be proven that the power of advertisements nd media images has a stronger impact in shaping gender images than what books on feminism and scholarly experiments have on gender equality. On the assumption that education shapes our intellect, we proceed to explore in this paper how media shape the images, especially those of girls and women. The Image-Making As we sit here watching the new Levi’s commercial – yes, the one with the catchy tune with the singing belly buttons – we find ourselves becoming a victim to the Economic and Political Weekly power of advertising. We were thinking how good these jeans would be especially for someone with my body type as we hum he song and do the dance. Then it hit us we are turning into the advertiser’s best friend – the one who believes anything they say. Furthermore, we are getting ready to tell our friends about the new ‘item’ on the market and how there are jeans to fit women with the wide hip too! The power that advertisements carry with them is sensational. They have the ability to change and shape people’s opinions of themselves with one picture of an image that is technologically modified to represent the advertiser’s perspective of what is seen as perfect by viewers. The key word is advertiser’s perspective because often he person who has created what she or he deems as the ideal image has also created the model. Often advertisements do not correctly represent the majority of society or even a small percentage of how women actually look. This analysis is intended to enlighten readers on the effect advertisements carry with them, specifically on women. First the discussion will expand on the societal milieu that ads hold, and then continue to e xplain the effects consumerism and promotional messages on this group of individuals. By looking at advertisements, and at theoretical and scholarly literature as well as popular culture material on the topic, this nalysis will show how the images advertisements allude to can influence and shape a woman’s perspective of herself. Matlin (1987) explains how the media’s misrepresentation of women in advertise- August 10, 2002 ments has created plenty of stereotypical representations of women. She lists seven empirically documented stereotypes that have been created by advertisements. Matlin’s1 sixth stereotype states that women’s bodies are used differently from men’s bodies in advertisements [Matlin 1987: 43]. In advertisements, men are shown accompanying the female and looking directly into the camera whereas females are portrayed with their eyes ooking away from the camera. Women are often shown in a sexual or vulnerable position in order to sell t he product, whether it is an advertisement for shaving cream or alcoholic beverage, for instance, Edge Shaving Cream, Pepsi-Cola or Absolute Vodka. Is this a reasonable representation of how women act and dress? No, it is not; but these types of ads are able to change what women think they should look like. When magazines feature pages on â€Å"make your butt look good in every outfit†, you have to wonder whether your butt does not look good now. You think: â€Å"I must have had a problem all along and I never noticed! Then, as you read on, you see some skinny and obviously attractive woman is advertising this article, which makes you think, â€Å"I will benefit and look like her if I read this article and buy the product†! Matlin illustrates how, when women look at advertisements showing beautiful female models, they tend to be less satisfied with their own attractiveness [Matlin 1987:44]. It is evident that the media will be the catalyst for these women to have body image problems. But do you blame them? Anyone would be self-conscious of his/her image after looking through a magazine filled with attractive women who portray unattainable images.Matlin describes how the medium is an important force in shaping reality [Matlin 1987: 43]. It is these stereotyped representations that help to shape womens’ opinions of what they should look like. Often girls and women forget that, and become sensitised by advertisements. They do not realise that they are conforming to what the ads show by reading the magazine ad’s prescription that will help them look like the woman in the ad in just three weeks! Realistically, these gender stereotypes only create more barriers for women. By creating 3333 these unrealistic images of women both genders are affected by these unreasonable nd often unattainable expectations and goals. The power of ads shapes men’s expectations for finding women who are over five feet and six inches tall, but still wei ghing less than 100 pounds, who look great in tight clothes, and demure and submissive. This is not a practical or reasonable expectation. In real life situations, it creates a downward spiral of disappointment and disillusionment. We live in a world where the goal of many North American women is to look like the next model in the Victoria’s Secret advertisements, which is one of the few catalogues a man generally grabs from the mail pile nd eagerly reads. Kang tries to answer the question: what messages do magazine advertisements on women transmit to society (1997: 979)? Following closely on Erving Goffman’s original study on gender analysis, the findings in this article are quite similar to the original survey that not much of a change has occurred over the years in the way women’s roles are portrayed. Advertisements have consistently confined women to the traditional role of a mother, or beauty, or sex symbol, and these do not represent women’s diversi ty [Kang 1997: 981]. This is similar to what Matlin refers to as gender stereotypes in ads.Ads use women not as humans but as objects. Stereotypes and generalisations in ads continue to objectify women, and place stress solely on their appearance, thus devaluing their innate worth. Kilbourne (1995) points out that a picture ad by only looking at one part of the body, for instance, the breasts, dismembers the woman’s body and objectifies her. This effect is demonstrated in alcohol or beverages or perfume ads that use a women’s body as the bottle. Ads seem to show more often skinny women cleaning the bathroom, making dinner or even worse putting on make-up; the women in these pictures are never heavy or even verage in size. The ads are made to portray unrealistic and over-exaggerated images. Women may indeed be engaged in such tasks; but how many women at home are organising their husband’s clothes and dusting antiques, wearing the latest makeup collection or the newest and trendiest outfit? These ads are so reminiscent of the 1950s image of June Cleaver waiting for her husband Ward to come home, while she cooks dinner and waters the plants wearing her pearl necklace. Again, we 3334 see the emphasis on the woman being attractive, no matter what role she plays. Once more, we see that advertisements ranslate and portray attractiveness as being tall, skinny and with flawless skin to condition the onlookers and attract them to such representations made in the ad. Kilbourne is a pioneering researcher on the topic of misrepresentation of women in advertisements. She is an avid lecturer, and has produced many videos on the topic of her lectures. Her most recent book Can’t Buy My Love (1999) talks about the way advertising can influence women and mould their opinions. Just as we are more vulnerable to the glory and heartbreak of romantic love than we will ever be again, at no time are we more vulnerable to the eductive power of advertising an d of addiction than we are in our adolescence [Kilbourne 1999: 129]. Thus, we are shown how a woman is actually influenced by ads and can end up physically trying to change to fit what she sees as acceptable because the advertisers show her that she needs to be skinny. In her video ‘Killing us Softly 3’, Kilbourne continues to look at magazine advertisements and the images they promote. She looks carefully at what Goffman outlines as his â€Å"categories† to analyse advertisements. 2 Kilbourne’s mandate is to make people take ads seriously because they do have an effect on humans and specially marginalised groups in this case, women. In her video, she touches on the obvious, but often forgotten, fact that technology plays a part in what we view as the perfect-looking person [Kilbourne 2000]. It is impossible to remove every line or blemish to create the illusion we viewers try to create. That is why I feel that ads are not healthy for women because they gi ve that fond hope that we could look like that person if we just, do/use ‘this’ and take ‘that’. What many viewers do not realise, as Kilbourne so quickly pointed out, is that often what we see are advertisements that have been air-brushed or created from a atabase of physical parts of various attractive human beings [Kilbourne 1995]. So Kilbourne asks the real question: when only 5 per cent of women can look like models why do we rush around to look like something we cannot be? [Kilbourne 2000]. Kilbourne’s research proves that young girls are easily influenced by these ads and will do anything to create the look granted as attractive. Cultivating a thinner body offers some hope of control and success to young women with a poor self- image [Kilbourne 1999: 132]. The image of beauty in thinness is often the only body type ever advertised, and therefore shown to women.Marilyn Monroe was a national sex symbol, but was a size 12! [Kilbourne 2000]. It wa s originally thought that the extra skinny women would wear clothes well for a designer, and that way the audience would only see the outfit not the body because there was not much to see. Unfortunately, that plan backfired and the media had a field day with stressing the beauty of the women under the supposed item in question, the outfit. In the past, women who were skinny were not attractive, and were even thought of to be living a povertystricken life because they were so thin. In the present day, many young girls do not ee that these images of being thin are unattainable, and turn to being anorexic or bulimic [Stemple and Tyler 1974: 272]. Having advertisers choose what is sexy is not correct or healthy for a society. Girls live day by day on what is cool or not because the latest issue of Cosmopolitan dictates what is cool. Their life revolves around the new ‘get fit diet’, or around the top that makes them look like they have extra big breasts. The advertisement i n the Martha Stewart magazine (January 2002) is an example of how women of all ages can become the new target audience. It would be logical o assume that ‘Billi Jo’ can be seen as a middle-aged person (shown in the picture of herself in the inset before she lost weight). Following her use of the Jenny Craig Ultimate Choice Program, she was able to lose weight and feel good again. Keep in mind that it does state that results are not typical, but still the persuasive language and attractive picture only assist in making the advertisement truthful. The advertisement was featured in the prestigious Martha Stewart magazine. This magazine personifies a specific image of good taste and sophistication, which is another way to promote these ad images s acceptable. Kilbourne talks about the objectification of women. This is a common advertising tactic often used. â€Å"Many ads feature just a part of a woman’s body – a derriere, a headless torso† [Kilbourne 1 999:258]. An article in Newsweek explored the truth of stereotypes and how these stereotypes affect the genders. In the eyes of Cross (1996), this can be seen as gender typing: the process by which we identify not only people, but also vocabulary and speech patterns, gestures and behaviours, objects Economic and Political Weekly August 10, 2002 and activities as either masculine or feminine [Cross 1996: 94].By allowing this to happen, stereotypes are formed and perpetuated by the people who believe in these gender stereotypes. Claude Steele, a Stanford University psychologist, showed something more important – the impact on targets of a stereotype whose behaviour is most powerfully affected by it. A stereotype that pervades the culture the way ‘ditzy blondes’ and ‘forgetful seniors’ do, makes people painfully aware of how society views them – so painfully aware, in fact, that knowledge of stereotypes can affect how well they do on intellectual and other tasks [Begley 2000: 66]. This in turn emonstrates the truth of how gender stereotyping contributes to this problem and sustains its existence. Generalisations of this nature can be seen to have a role in advertising campaigns. Either they are the ads that create the gender stereotype or sustain it through pictures and catchy slogans, such as ‘you’ve come a long way, baby’. The ad for Victoria’s Secrets shows a woman, but all you see is her body with a caption of ‘all you see is curves’. This model’s gestures and behaviour are portrayed as feminine, and she only helps to further the idea of women as objects and more so as merely shadows in the dark.Another example of how popular culture material only encourages the stereotypes to exist is e-mail that defines what are seen to be the differences in male and female vocabulary patterns; this is a demonstration of what Cross defines as gender typing. Stemple and Tyler (1974) are ab le to give a brief synopsis of the historical changes of women in advertisements, ultimately showing how the portrayal of women has not changed very much over time. There is still the emphasis placed in the ads on what we should be, but not what we are. The ever so prominent theme still jumps out to the reader of how advertising elped to create an obsession with a woman’s physical appearance. The obsession became so deeply imbedded in women in a short span of time that they began to believe that if they did not work to look like the women in the advertisements – beautiful and youthful – they would never get or keep a man [Stemple and Tyler 1974: 272]. The most surprising aspect of this article was the survey conducted on how 30 college women interpreted these advertisements. Stemple and Tyler found that these women were not affected by the images the ads showed and felt no real Economic and Political Weekly negativity.These results were questionable, but still u seful in showing the different assumptions that can be made on this topic. Not knowing the criteria or specifics of these individuals, I speculate that the sample that saw these ads was small, and maybe these women have been exposed to this type of ad so often that they are immune to the message and image from these ads. As mentioned earlier in this paper, Kilbourne talks about how ads need to be taken seriously and not disregarded because there is a larger picture that results out of the message the advertisements give off; the idea of ‘perfection’ for women.She has shown how women’s obsession with body image has been nurtured by the advertising industry, and how historically this has not changed the idea that only skinny and pretty women live on earth. Women have to remember that it is the image that is imperfect, not the body [Wrinkler 1994: 231]. Sullivan and O’Connor give you an idea of alternative bias on the topic of advertisements influencing what women think. Results indicate that current advertisements in some ways reflect more acutely the true diversity of women’s social and occupational roles than did those of earlier time periods (1988: 181). This is not to say that hanges have not occurred in the area of advertising. We have seen an increase in the appearance of males in magazines, but they are still not being degraded in the same manner as women are usually portrayed. This is an extreme limitation to a controversial argument that ads create an unrealistic image of what women should look like and in turn causes women to feel a large sense of insecurity about themselves. One reason for the findings could be that this article did take its conclusions from the late 1950s to the early 1980s. On the contrary, the earlier article by Stemple and Tyler (1974) concluded that not much as changed in the way women are shown in ads. Sullivan and O’Connor looked specifically at the connection between social changes and the way in which the media has reflected these changes in advertisements since 1910. These authors are able to argue that ads have gone against what they have been stereotyped to do; show women in the home, needing the help of a male, and as decorative pieces. They feel that those responsible for the creation of magazine advertising have begun to recognise the increasing economic and social status of women in America [Sullivan and O’Connor 1988: 188]. The reasons for August 10, 2002 hese assumptions could range from their choice of magazines analysed to the nature of sample group they used. Even though they were able to state that changes had occurred on the image and the way women are used, they still felt that there was room for improvement. How many ads realistically depict women in their true form? The argument would seem to centre on whether advertisements have changed to realistically portray women or that there is no change in their portrayal. But both sides will agree that there can always be more improvement in this area. The true goal of advertisers is to create an image hat will generate profits for the product they are selling. The question remains whether these advertising executives are conscious of the societal problems created by them or whether they have intentionally created them as part of their selling strategy. We will never be told. We do know is that they do profit from advertisements that encourage girls to want something more, something difficult to attain/achieve in the context of where they are now. Looking through various current magazines, it was apparent that the stereotypes are evident, but maybe not to the extent that we have seen in the past. Could a hange be taking place? Sullivan and O’Connor feel that advertisements are changing with time. Women should be better represented, and not as Matlin would say, stereotyped characters. Kilbourne disagrees with this so-called change, and feels that much larger problems h ave been created by advertisements. Her research has shown that women’s selfesteem goes down at adolescence due to advertisements that portray a fake reality of women to these susceptible teenage minds [Kilbourne 2000]. This is not to say that men are left out of this process of stereotyping. They are stereotyped too, but men are usually generalised as being too ld or extremely wealthy [Kilbourne 2000]. Advertisements for men often do not degrade them by comparing them to objects, or focus on their thighs being too large and hence needing the new cream to create longer legs in four days or less! Advertisements and Their Impact A recent article in a York University student newspaper, Excalibur (January 2002) illustrates the feeling the university student experiences with advertisements and the allure of new products. The caption defiantly uses gender-specific terms to only 3335 emphasis the stress of being a woman these days. If people do not ‘smooth their wrinkles or im prove their pigment’, they ay not feel like a woman or even a person. This ad seems to carry plenty of sarcastic overtones of hate for this type of environment at York University. It seems that institutions such as a university are a focal point for advertisers to market their new ideas and watch if the trends take off. Another article in the university newspaper contributes to this materialistic critique of the university environment. The title, ‘You are What You Wear’, sums up the basic point of how the York students feel that clothes, and in a larger sense looks and appearance, shape the views of others. The interesting point of the article is that t is written from a black woman’s point of view on the topic of ‘label’ dressers. The author seems to be more embarrassed that black students follow the trends and sport the labels because, â€Å"wearing these name brands gives the wearer an elevated status† [Barnes 2002:8]. Her argument s eems to be similar to mine, that if you know yourself, then you may not be caught up in this fashion trend. But when looking at university students and this fashion environment, I cannot help but question whether this is a problem only for this age group. Advertisements have now changed their target towards multi-audiences with ne ad. Why would we think that this label issue affects only our demographics? Well it does not, and the message sent through ads is that everyone should be a part of this cultural trend of dressing well. Advertisements have the power to make the poor, rich, fat or skinny students feel insecure about their selves. If they did not, then what good would these ads be? The insecurity created by pictures ensures that the consumer will be spending or trying something to fix their appearance. Labels are just another area where advertisers use a name to target the audience. A name goes a long way, especially when ttractive individuals wear the advertised clothes. Kle in (2000) attacks this problem created by advertisers. A major reason why these advertisements are placed in schools is due to one basic fact. The advertising agencies are aware that students form their opinions in this environment, and take them with them wherever they go. Is it not better to start at this easy, impressionable age and have students edified into believing what the advertisements preach? They want conformity and lack of decision on 3336 the consumer’s part. That is what I see as so ironic, we are in an institution to learn and form our own views and not try to be haped by others. Oddly enough, in a university or college, there is an effort made in using other people’s views, and then shaping our own, for example, to learn about Freud’s or Erikson’s theories on child socialisation and then creating your own point of view. The use of popular cultural material creates a vehicle that makes it a lot easier to shape a person’s point of vi ew. This is second nature to the advertisers producing this abundance of ads in magazines. The university is seen as an ideal starting point. Klein focuses on the university as a tool/ venue used by brand-name companies to establish themselves.For example, many universities will turn to the scientific community for funding of new university building and locations, such as the University of Western Ontario’s 3M Centre devoted to research in the sports medicine field. Or they will accept donations placing these company names before the university name on the large sign that greets students before they enter their new learning environment. Klein concludes by saying how, â€Å"university campus in particular with their residences, libraries, green spaces and common standards for open and respectful discourse play a crucial, if now largely symbolic, role: they are the one lace left where young people can see a genuine public life being lived† [Klein 2000: 105]. This seems t o be ideal but not evident from our conversation on advertisements and the power they hold to possess individuals to create unrealistic goals for themselves. Universities are filled with logos – ideals and images to follow which only create a larger plain of unrealistic pictures of what women should be like. The difference between viewing an image and hearing or imagining is that ones imagination can create an unrealistic image in a person’s mind. Itamar Marcus is the Canadian director of the Palestinian MediaWatch, which is a privately funded organisation that monitors the media’s influence on the citizens of that country. Through his presentation on the topic of media and the powerful influences they create, he demonstrates the power pictures and words have. He explains that the media has shaped the lives and views of these people. People believe what they have been told, and furthermore what the specially edited books tell them [Marcus 2002]. In this case, Ma rcus shows how the school books have been rearranged to teach the youth a history different from what is taught elsewhere in the world. The Palestinian ids learn that Israel is not a country, and they are told that cities like Jaffa are a part of their land. By viewing these distorted maps or pictures they believe what they are told even more. This shows the power that words carry and the effect that images have on a group of people. Another example is the manner in which the youth of Palestine are taught to hate westerners. With pictures of westerners raping and killing their people, they are made to believe what they are told to be the truth about the western world. Marcus points out how images such as these are so â€Å"powerful† that the youth are socialised to become martyrs or their country because they see it as the right way to act. The government is using its power to create images that are not necessarily true. Verbal or written images will coerce individuals to use their own reference to imagine the truth, but pictures show exactly what they want us to believe. This is a situation illustrating how the way an image when projected with design has power and an undeniable appeal and validity. In North America, the advertisers use their power to create unrealistic images for whatever products they are hired to advertise. These images have the power to create an impression, a desire and a reality that ay not always be true. By creating a possibility, a hope and a dream, women are made to hear and then see pictures of other attractive women achieving these goals through using or having these products. These images have a strong and somewhat subliminal effect on them. It is easy to forget that we need to celebrate the differences among human beings and the uniqueness of each. We are not ‘transformer toys’ or ‘robots’ that can change body parts with a snap of the wrist and a new outfit. Advertisers hope that we will buy into these changes. Unfortunately, this misconception is perpetuated by the advertising industry.The more that women and even men realise that it is all right to listen and read the ads as long as you realise it is not a way to judge yourself by their standards that you will survive in the advertising war of pictures and words. It seems hard not to be concerned with your appearance when there is such an emphasis to look good, right or wrong. Essentially, this paper has been looking at various literature and current advertise- Economic and Political Weekly August 10, 2002 ments to speculate what effect advertisements have on women’s self-images. There still is another facet of the topic that has roubled me: is it not a question of socialisation? Does the way a woman is socialised as a child maturing into adolescence determine the likelihood of her being affected by the media’s depiction of women? If a young girl is taught to be confident and happy with her own self, would sh e still be influenced by advertisements? Why should the advertisements have the final say on beauty? The simple answer is that we let them. Can girls be properly taught that these pictures and images are not always truthful and that they should not use them as a mirror? Could self-confidence be the proper tool for teenaged girls to overcome he messages from the advertisements? As Marshall McLuhan said, the medium is the message. We need to teach girls how to deal with the message. The message will continue to be strong and distorted. Instead of fighting the images, we should teach girls that these ideals are unattainable and that they should not literally kill themselves to try to look like something that is impossible to achieve. Possibly these young women have been socialised into a pattern of insecurity or worthlessness even before they view advertisements. When they see these images on paper, the images reinforce what they already assumed about their role and omen’s roles in society. It has been stated, however, that since the early 1900s advertisements have depicted women in an insulting and often degrading manner. Hypothetically if the women who grew up during these periods are now mothers, then most likely they taught these norms to their daughters as well. Then the next generation is influenced by these advertising stereotypes, and in turn transfer these ideals to its youth. It believes in what was shown because it was not taught any better. Socialisation is a lifelong process, but it does not guarantee that a person can change or has the tools to change.With presentday slogans of ‘girl power’ from the Spice Girls, it seems hard to take them seriously when the same girls preaching girl power are wearing close to nothing on stage and over-made up with exaggerated cosmetics and costumes. Stemple and Tyler touch on how the women’s liberation movement has been devalued. The authors showed, however, that ads are a blatant co-optin g of the women’s movement; the offensive ‘baby’ in ‘you’ve come along way, baby’ clearly indicates we have not [Stemple and Economic and Political Weekly Tyler 1974: 273]. It has been shown that advertisements create a vicious cycle that emands an audience to become engulfed with an idea in order to create a profit for their clients. These advertisements and social ideas, rather than education that teaches you to be objective and critical, have been engraved in one’s culture and in the psyche of the general population. It seems to be illogical and naive on the part of any women who feel they need to starve themselves or throw up their food in order to look ‘good’. It is obvious to see how these girls feel that this is what they are supposed to do to deal with societal pressures of looking a specific way. It is difficult to accept, but women have been ingrained with hese pseudo-images. In turn, women and girls buy into this fantasy in the hope of fulfilling their desires and dreams. -29 Notes 1 Margaret Matlin outlines what she views as ‘stereotyped representations’. She states, â€Å"Hundreds of studies have been conducted in the representation of women in the media. From these resources we can draw the following conclusions†. She continues on to outline seven stereotypes that target women these are: 1) Women are relatively invisible; 2) Women are relatively inaudible; 3) Although most women are employed they are seldom shown working outside the home; 4) Women are shown oing housework; 5) Women and men are represented differently; 6) Women’s bodies are used differently from men’s bodies in advertisements; 7) Women of colour – when they are shown at all – are often represented in a particularly biased way [Matlin 1987: 43-44]. Her conclusions are helpful in deciphering the reality of how women are affected by advertisements. It was very useful to have the se stereotyped representations to add a sense of soundness to the conclusions made on the advertisements and the societal situation that has been created. 2 Kang, Mee-Eun, ‘The Portrayal of Women’s Images in Magazine Advertisements: Goffman’sGender Analysis Revisited’ Sex Roles: A Journal of Research 37 11/12 (1997): 979-996. pp 984985: The following theoretical definitions in Goffman’s Gender Advertisements are utilised in this study: (1) Relative size: One way in which social weight (eg, power, authority, rank, office, and renown) is echoed expressively in social situations is through relative size, especially height. The male’s usual superiority of status over the female will be expressible in his greater girth and height. It is assumed that differences in size will correlate with differences in social weight. (2) Feminine touch: Women, more than men, re pictured using their fingers and hands to trace outlines of an object or to cradle it or to caress its surface or to effect a â€Å"just barely touching†. This ritualistic touching is to August 10, 2002 distinguish from the utilitarian kind that grasps, manipulates, or holds. (3) Function ranking: When a man and a woman collaborate face – to face in an undertaking, the man is likely to perform the executive role. This hierarchy of functions is pictured either within an occupational frame or outside of occupational specialisations. (4) Ritualisation of subordination: A classic stereotype of deference is that of lowering oneself hysically in some form or other of prostration. Correspondingly, holding the body erect and the head high is stereotypically a mark of unashamedness, superiority, and disdain. The configurations of canting postures can be read as an acceptance of subordination, an expression of ingratiation, submisssiveness, and appeasement. (5) Licensed withdrawal: Women more than men are pictured engaged in involvements which remove them psychol ogically from the social situation at large, leaving them unoriented in it and to it, and dependent on the protectiveness of others who are present. Turning one’s gaze away rom another’s can be seen as having the consequence of withdrawing from the current thrust of communication (p 62). The individual can also withdraw his/her gaze from the scene at large, and be psychologically â€Å"away† from the scene. References Barnes, Alicia (2002): ‘You are What You Wear’ Excalibur, February 1. Begley, Sharon (2000): ‘The Stereotype Trap: from ‘white men can’t jump’ to ‘girls can’t do math,’ negative images that are pervasive in the culture can make us choke during test of ability’, Newsweek, November 6, p 66, downloaded from: Gale Group Database, January 30, 2002. Cross, Mary (1996): Advertising and Culture:Theoretical Perspectives, Praeger Publishers, Westport, CT. Kang, Mee-Eun (1997): ‘The Portr ayal of Women’s Images in Magazine Advertisements: Goffman’s Gender Analysis Revisited’, Sex Roles: A Journal of Research 37, 11/12, 979-96. Kilbourne, Jean (1995): ‘Slim Hopes: Advertising and Obsession with Thinness’, videotape, Cambridge Documentary Films. – (1999): Can’t Buy My Love, Touchstone, New York: Simon and Schuster. – (2000): ‘Killing Us Softly 3: Advertising’s Image of Women’, Videotape, Cambridge Documentary Films. Klein, Naomi (2000): No Logo, Random House, Toronto. Matlin, Margaret W (1987): The Psychology ofWomen, Orlando, Florida: Harcourt Brace and Company, pp 41-45,461-70. Marcus, Itamar (2002): The Encouragement of Suicide Bombers and Terrorists in the Official Palestinian Authority Newspapers (a speech) January 22. Stemple, Diane and Jane E Tyler (1988): ‘Sexism in Advertising’, The American Journal of Psychoanalysis, 34. 1, pp 271-73. Sullivan, Gary L and P J O’Conn or (1988): ‘Women’s Role Portrayals in Magazine Advertising: 1958-1983’, Sex Roles: Journal of Research, 18. 3/4, pp 181-88. Winkler, Mary G (1994): ‘The Model Body’, The Good Body: Asceticism in Contemporary Culture, Yale University, Connecticut. 3337

Thursday, November 7, 2019

The aim of this research is, eventually, to Essays

The aim of this research is, eventually, to Essays The aim of this research is, eventually, to Essay The aim of this research is, eventually, to Essay Context of the intended research CRIT is a receptor that was foremost encountered on the surface of aSchistosomaspecies ; in theSchistosoma,it acts as a decoy C2-binding receptor in order to protect this parasite from complement onslaught by viing with C4 for the binding of C2 ( Inal and Schifferli, 2002 ) . Complement is, basically, an enzyme system that is triggered upon immune system onslaught: most of the enzymes in this system are identified through standardised labeling: they are labelled C followed by a figure and so a codification based on the cleavage merchandises when proteolysed, for illustration, C5b-9. Complement onslaught ( Carroll, 1998 ) plays a major function in supporting hosts from immune onslaught, in footings of extinguishing foreign encroachers, and involves a complex tract of interactions, in order that the procedure does non take to self devastation: so, unregulated complement action can take to autoimmune diseases ( Ohet al. ,2003 ) , and other conditions/diseases such as bosom onslaught ( K ilgoreet al. ,1994 ) , Alzheimer’s disease ( Bradtet al. ,1998 ) . CRIT ( or Sh-TOR as it was antecedently known ) was found inSchistosoma,as a complement C2 protein, that could barricade complement activation, therefore bring oning bilharzia in worlds ; it was hypothesized that the CRIT blocked complement activation through its C2 binding site ; CRIT look in the parasite therefore acts as a steerer C2 binding receptor, protecting the parasite against complement onslaught by viing with C4 for the binding of C2, at the ed1 sphere ( Hui, 2005 ) . CRIT has later been found that other animate beings, that are suited as theoretical account systems for analyzing CRIT action besides express CRIT, for illustration, the rat andTrypanosoma.Recent work has besides shown that worlds have a CRIT factor, labeled ( Hu ) -CRIT which is expressed in a broad scope of human cells, particularly in hematopoietic cells ( Inalet al. ,2005 ) . Further elaborate surveies of CRIT have shown that it is a transmembrane receptor with two extracellular and two in intracellular spheres with an active 11 amino-acid peptide subdivision ( called CRIT-H17 ) which is hypothesized to be involved in the complement suppression activity of CRIT ( Hui, 2005 ) . Much work has been undertaken on clarifying the mechanism of action of CRIT, in footings of it being a potentially utile molecule in handling immunological diseases and other diseases, such as malignant neoplastic disease. For illustration, Inalet Al.( 2005 ) have shown that CRIT barricading can take to deprotection in CRIT-expressing human myeloid cell lines and in monocytes, ensuing in a greater susceptibleness to complement-mediated lysisin vitro. Other research, such as that by Mollet Al.( 2006 ) has shown that CRIT look is different in patients with kidney upsets, through assorted alterations in up- or down-regulation of CRIT look, taking to the suggestion that the upregulation of CRIT in activated podocytes might stand for a self-defense mechanism, stand foring a ‘last line’ of defense mechanism in membranous kidney disease of the kidney. Other surveies have looked at the existent mechanism of operation of the CRIT tract, for illustration Huiet Al.( 2005 ) looked at the look of a functional recombinant von Willebrand factor-A sphere from human complement C2, in footings of this being a possible binding site for C4 and CRIT. As we have seen, CRIT competes with C4b for the binding of C2, with the major adhering site on C2 being located on a short peptide sequence that was antecedently of unknown beginning ; Huiet al. ,( 2005 ) , nevertheless, looked at a part on C2 that was known to hold binding capacity, the von Willebrand Factor-A, and found that, so, this peptide sequence inhibits complement activity ; utilizing a cloned von Willebrand Factor-A sequence, Huiet Al.( 2005 ) were able to look in item at the interactions between C2 and CRIT and C4b. This pilot survey that is intended to be undertaken as portion of this reappraisal of CRIT is intended to take this work of Huiet Al.( 2005 ) farther. As will be seen, on adh ering the serum complement protein, C2, the CRIT peptide, H17 can cut down complement-mediated redness in vivo [ 7 ] and it is intended that CRIT-ed1 and H17 will be tested as possible distinction therapeutics peculiarly aiming monocytic leukemia. To better the efficaciousness of these peptides, structural information on the manner they interact with C2, such that this can be ‘tweaked’ to increase efficiency of binding. The CRIT-H17 peptide will be synthesized full length as an 11-mer, but besides as a 10-mer, 9-mer and 8-mer. We will besides mutate to alanine the amino acids believed to interact with the vWFA sphere of C2. CRIT-H17 will farther be synthesized as a head-to-toe cyclised version of H17 ( to mime the native CRIT molecule ) . Prior to the structural surveies, nevertheless, these peptides will be tested for their efficaciousness at cut downing complement activationin vitro. In add-on, interactions of these peptides with C2 vWFA sphere will be monitored for by a novel technique utilizing electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy ( developed within the Institute for Health Research A ; Policy at LMU by Dr. A. Bligh ) [ 8 ] . This technique can besides observe the presence of two adhering sites and if there are two ligands whether they bind competitively and with what affinity. To supervise conformational alterations on interaction, in add-on to working out dynamicss of interaction, we will utilize Double Polarisation Interferometry ( AnaLight Quantum ) through coaction with Dr. R.B. Sim ( MRC Immunochemistry Unit, Univ. of Oxford ) . Prof. Peter Gros ( Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht ) has approached the applier for CRIT peptides for co-crystallisation with an available C2a ( von Willebrand Factor A [ vWFA ] and serine peptidase ) concept and we expect this coaction to continue and to finally demo the points of contact between CRIT-ed1 and C2 ( via the vWFA sphere ) . It is hoped that this methodological analysis will let a deeper apprehension of how CRIT binds with other molecules in the complement tract, and how this tract is regulated in footings of supplying a intervention option for some of the diseases/conditions that are known to develop following perturbation, or irregular operation of, this complement tract. Introduction The purpose of this research is, finally, to transport out a pilot survey to back up preliminary grounds that the complement receptor CRIT ( Complement C2 Receptor Inhibitor Trispanning ) plays a function in monocyte/macrophage terminal distinction. We aim to demo that by triping distinction through CRIT, it is possible to suppress the proliferation of myeloid leukemia cells. This could hold of import deductions for an alternate intervention agenda for monocytic leukemia. By the terminal of this survey we expect to demo the undermentioned: I ) that monocytes which can adhere C2 through CRIT maintain monocytic phenotypein vitroorin vivo ;II ) that monocytes can be induced to terminally distinguish by barricading the interaction of CRIT with its blood relation ligand, complement C2 or as monocytes move into an extravascular environment devoid of C2 ; that a knockdown of CRIT look in monocyte carcinoma cell lines or physical blocking of CRIT-C2 interaction induces them to terminally dis tinguish, and that, likewise, a blocking of CRIT-C2 interaction on leukaemic monocytes will halt proliferation and bring on distinction ; and, in conclusion, that, conversely, monocytes that are C2-/- , can non be induced to terminally distinguish by barricading the interaction of CRIT with its ligand, C2, nevertheless on traveling into an extravascular environment, other excess mechanisms, such as interaction of monocyte integrins with VCAM molecules on endothelial cells, may still bring on distinction. In consequence, basically, either barricading ligand interaction with CRIT or cut downing CRIT look should excite cell rhythm apprehension ( irreversible block at G1 ) and terminal distinction into cells with a macrophage phenotype. These conditions represent a fresh tract for monocyte/macrophage terminal distinction, based on the theoretical account proposed, and affecting the complement receptor, CRIT. In footings of monocyte leukemia, besides advancing cell rhythm apprehension, barricading CRIT with anti-CRIT-ed1 has the added benefit of rendering the cell more susceptible to complement-mediated cytolysis, as described antecedently for monocyte carcinoma cell lines ( U937 and THP-1 ) and primary monocytes showing CRIT [ 1 ] . It is intended that this research will lend to a deeper apprehension of how the complement tract works in worlds, in peculiar with respect to how abnormalities in the operation of the complement tract can do disease, and how CRIT look modulates the operation of the complement tract in human systems. The informations obtained from this pilot survey will be used to look into five chief issues: I ) The function of CRIT in myeloid distinction The function of CRIT in myeloid distinction has been studied with an antagonist CRIT-based peptide termed H17 ( NH2-HEVKIKHFSPY-CO2H ) consisting the 11aa C-terminus of CRIT-ed1. Preliminary work suggests that in adhering to C2 and therefore barricading the interaction of C2 with CRIT [ 1 ] , H17 may bring on the distinction of monocytes/promonocytic cell lines along the tract of macrophage distinction, and significantly, inhibit cell proliferation. The different curative attacks that are presently used in handling acute leukemia include cytotoxicity, programmed cell death and distinction. Differentiation therapy was developed over a decennary ago and Acts of the Apostless by bring oning cell rhythm apprehension and hence distinction in leukaemic monocytes [ 2 ] , therefore elegantly avoiding cytotoxicity effects. Retinoids, such as all-trans-retinoic acid ( ATRA ) are used to handle promyelocytic leukemia by specifically aiming neoplastic cells whilst non impacting normal mature ce lls. Many successes in the intervention of monocytic leukaemias have been reported since [ 3-5 ] . We suggest that a CRIT-based peptide ( H17 or an H17 derived function ) could finally offer an of import alternate intervention for monocytic leukemia by bring oning distinction of monocytic cells. The peptide will be tested entirely and in combination with ATRA in a mouse theoretical account of acute promyelocytic leukemia [ 6 ] . two ) The construction of CRIT peptides ( ed1 and H17 ) and of CRIT peptides interacting with the von Willebrand Factor A ( vWFA ) sphere of complement C2 On adhering the serum complement protein, C2, the CRIT peptide, H17 can cut down complement-mediated redness in vivo [ 7 ] and we will prove CRIT-ed1 and H17 as possible distinction therapeutics peculiarly aiming monocytic leukemia. To better the efficaciousness of these peptides, we aim to utilize structural information on the manner they interact with C2. The CRIT-H17 peptide will be synthesized full length as an 11-mer, but besides as a 10-mer, 9-mer and 8-mer. We will besides mutate to alanine the amino acids believed to interact with the vWFA sphere of C2. CRIT-H17 will farther be synthesized as a head-to-toe cyclised version of H17 ( to mime the native CRIT molecule ) . Prior to structural surveies, these peptides will be tested for their efficaciousness at cut downing complement activation in vitro. Interactions of these peptides with C2 vWFA sphere will be monitored for by a novel technique utilizing electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy ( developed within the Institute for Health Research A ; Policy at LMU by Dr. A. Bligh ) [ 8 ] . This technique can besides observe the presence of two adhering sites and if there are two ligands whether they bind competitively and with what affinity. To supervise conformational alterations on interaction, in add-on to working out dynamicss of interaction, we will utilize Double Polarisation Interferometry ( AnaLight Quantum ) through coaction with Dr. R.B. Sim ( MRC Immunochemistry Unit, Univ. of Oxford ) . Prof. Peter Gros ( Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht ) has approached the applier for CRIT peptides for co-crystallisation with an available C2a ( von Willebrand Factor A [ vWFA ] and serine peptidase ) concept and we expect this coaction to continue and to finally demo the points of contact between CRIT-ed1 and C2 ( via the vWFA sphere ) . three ) Expression profile of CRIT in autoimmune disease and malignant neoplastic disease With a position to understanding the function of CRIT in autoimmune disease and malignant neoplastic disease, the applier is join forcesing on a Swiss National Foundation funded undertaking with Prof. J. Schifferli ( Univ. Hospital Basel ) to do a CRIT smasher mouse. To happen an association between CRIT look degrees and the disease procedure, a comparing of CRIT look ( messenger RNA and protein ) in normal tissue with that in autoimmune disease and malignant neoplastic disease will be made. In situ hybridization surveies every bit good as immunohistochemistry, utilizing dual staining and/or staining of consecutive subdivisions with anti-CRIT and cell specific markers, will be conducted to corroborate look in sertoli cells, podocyte cells, keratinocytes, encephalon [ 1 ] . The distribution of CRIT in normal and morbid tissue will be studied, peculiarly tissues injured by inflammatory or necrotic procedures: joints-synovium in arthritis, myocardial infarction etc. Previously, we carri ed out a survey along these lines, which looked at CRIT look in assorted kidney diseases [ 9 ] . This survey revealed CRIT upregulation in membranous kidney diseases on glomerular podocyte cells. Unlike CR1, hitherto the lone other complement regulator described on podocytes, and which is non upregulated in membranous nephropathy, we believe that CRIT on podocytes represents a last line of defense mechanism against onslaught by complement. Functional information back uping this was later obtained ( manuscript in Complement regulators are frequently upregulated in malignant neoplastic disease [ 10 ] and so expression degrees of CRIT in assorted human malignances will be assessed excessively. Critically, CRIT is upregulated in liver malignant neoplastic disease ( Fig. 4 ) and thyroid malignant neoplastic disease ( non shown ) . As obstruction of CRIT with antibody sensitises cells to complement lysis [ 1 ] , such findings may hold applications in malignant neoplastic disease. Already schemes to barricade complement regulators with specific antibodies have been used successfully with a position to developing fresh malignant neoplastic disease immunotherapies [ 11,12 ] . In a recent development, membrane-bound complement regulative proteins ( mCRP ) have been downregulated by siRNA to render tumour cells sensitive to complement [ 13 ] . Therefore we will bring forth vector-based shRNAs ( utilizing psiRNA vector [ In vivo Gen ] ) to stably strike hard down CRIT look and see the consequence on tumor cells. four ) CRIT extracellular peptide ( H17 ) and its usage in modulating complement-mediated redness in in vivo theoretical accounts of autoimmune disease With a position to therapeutically suppress redness due to classical tract activation in theoretical accounts of complement-mediated autoimmune disease, CRIT has been targeted to suppress the Reversed Passive Arthus Reaction in mice [ 7 ] . By disposal of an counter peptide, H17, which binds complement C2 and prevents its activation it was possible to significantly cut down complement-mediated redness. To prove this peptide as a curative against autoimmune diseases in which the classical tract is peculiarly of import we are join forcesing with labs that have the appropriate animate being theoretical accounts. Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis ( EAMG ) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease impacting the neuromuscular junction. The disease, which is besides T cell-dependent, is an accurate theoretical account in footings of its pathology and clinical result of human myasthenia gravis ( MG ) . We have been approached by Prof. P. Christadoss and Dr. E. Tuzun of the Universit y of Texas, Galveston to prove H17 in their mouse theoretical account of MG [ 14,15 ] and will continue with this coaction. 1.2.5 Does CRIT adhere other serum proteins through its extracellular spheres? In a collaborative survey with Prof. Marina Botto ( Imperial College ) we will look into whether CRIT is a receptor for any other proteins beside complement C2 and FB, with which it binds with high and low affinity, severally. To prove whether the extracellular spheres of CRIT have other adhering spouses, receptor affinity chromatography [ 16 ] will be used to see whether ed1 binds other proteins from the serum of a C2 deficient ( C2D ) patient or of a combined C2/FB smasher mouse [ 17,18 ] . As the function of the 2nd extracellular sphere, ed2 has non been established, normal serum will be used ab initio to place ed2-binding proteins adhering to ed2 affinity columns by standard mass-spec designation protocols. Further experiments will be conducted to see if CRIT binds integrins. The principle for this is that CRIT-ed1 binds the vWFA1 sphere of complement C2 [ 19 ] and vWFA spheres are typically found in integrins, such as Very Late Antigen 4 ( VLA-4 ) on monocytes. The interaction w ith vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 ( VCAM-1 ) molecules on the endothelium is believed to non merely intercede attachment [ 20 ] and transendothelial migration [ 21 ] but besides to excite distinction [ 22 ] . Methodology to be utilized in the survey of the purposes of the undertaking: I ) The function of CRIT in myeloid distinction As we have seen, the function of CRIT in myeloid distinction has been studied with an antagonist CRIT-based peptide termed H17 ( NH2-HEVKIKHFSPY-CO2H ) consisting the 11aa C-terminus of CRIT-ed1. Preliminary work suggests that in adhering to C2 and therefore barricading the interaction of C2 with CRIT [ 1 ] , H17 may bring on the distinction of monocytes/promonocytic cell lines along the tract of macrophage distinction, and significantly, inhibit cell proliferation. It is intended that this pilot survey will go on the work that has been started in this respect, and will lend original research findings to the intervention of diseases that are caused by failures in the proper operation of the complement tract in worlds. The different curative attacks that are presently used in handling acute leukemia include cytotoxicity, programmed cell death and distinction. Differentiation therapy was developed over a decennary ago and Acts of the Apostless by bring oning cell rhythm apprehension and hence distinction in leukaemic monocytes [ 2 ] , therefore elegantly avoiding cytotoxicity effects. Retinoids, such as all-trans-retinoic acid ( ATRA ) are used to handle promyelocytic leukemia by specifically aiming neoplastic cells whilst non impacting normal mature cells. Many successes in the intervention of monocytic leukaemias have been reported since [ 3-5 ] . We suggest that a CRIT-based peptide ( H17 or an H17 derived function ) could finally offer an of import alternate intervention for monocytic leukemia by bring oning distinction of monocytic cells. The peptide will be tested entirely and in combination with ATRA in a mouse theoretical account of acute promyelocytic leukemia [ 6 ] . This will take to cons equences which could be of great usage in developing alternate therapies for handling conditions that arise as a consequence of failure of the right operation of the complement tract in worlds. two ) The construction of CRIT peptides ( ed1 and H17 ) and of CRIT peptides interacting with the von Willebrand Factor A ( vWFA ) sphere of complement C2 As has been seen, Huiet Al.( 2005 ) looked at the look of a functional recombinant von Willebrand factor-A sphere from human complement C2, in footings of this being a possible binding site for C4 and CRIT. As we have seen, CRIT competes with C4b for the binding of C2, with the major adhering site on C2 being located on a short peptide sequence that was antecedently of unknown beginning ; Huiet al. ,( 2005 ) , nevertheless, looked at a part on C2 that was known to hold binding capacity, the von Willebrand Factor-A, and found that, so, this peptide sequence inhibits complement activity ; utilizing a cloned von Willebrand Factor-A sequence, Huiet Al.( 2005 ) were able to look in item at the interactions between C2 and CRIT and C4b. The current survey will take the work of Huiet Al.( 2005 ) further, by looking in item at the CRIT tract, in footings of adhering the serum complement protein, C2, the CRIT peptide, H17 can cut down complement-mediated rednessin vivo[ 7 ] and we will prove CRIT-ed1 and H17 as possible distinction therapeutics peculiarly aiming monocytic leukemia. To better the efficaciousness of these peptides, we aim to utilize structural information on the manner they interact with C2. The CRIT-H17 peptide will be synthesized full length as an 11-mer, but besides as a 10-mer, 9-mer and 8-mer. We will besides mutate to alanine the amino acids believed to interact with the vWFA sphere of C2. CRIT-H17 will farther be synthesized as a head-to-toe cyclised version of H17 ( to mime the native CRIT molecule ) . Prior to structural surveies, these peptides will be tested for their efficaciousness at cut downing complement activation in vitro. Interactions of these peptides with C2 vWFA sphere will be moni tored for by a novel technique utilizing electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy ( developed within the Institute for Health Research A ; Policy at LMU by Dr. A. Bligh ) [ 8 ] . This technique can besides observe the presence of two adhering sites and if there are two ligands whether they bind competitively and with what affinity. To supervise conformational alterations on interaction, in add-on to working out dynamicss of interaction, we will utilize Double Polarisation Interferometry ( AnaLight Quantum ) through coaction with Dr. R.B. Sim ( MRC Immunochemistry Unit, Univ. of Oxford ) . Prof. Peter Gros ( Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht ) has approached the applier for CRIT peptides for co-crystallisation with an available C2a ( von Willebrand Factor A [ vWFA ] and serine peptidase ) concept and we expect this coaction to continue and to finally demo the points of contact between CRIT-ed1 and C2 ( via the vWFA sphere ) . three ) Expression profile of CRIT in autoimmune disease and malignant neoplastic disease With a position to understanding the function of CRIT in autoimmune disease and malignant neoplastic disease, the applier is join forcesing on a Swiss National Foundation funded undertaking with Prof. J. Schifferli ( Univ. Hospital Basel ) to do a CRIT smasher mouse. To happen an association between CRIT look degrees and the disease procedure, a comparing of CRIT look ( messenger RNA and protein ) in normal tissue with that in autoimmune disease and malignant neoplastic disease will be made. In situ hybridization surveies every bit good as immunohistochemistry, utilizing dual staining and/or staining of consecutive subdivisions with anti-CRIT and cell specific markers, will be conducted to corroborate look in sertoli cells, podocyte cells, keratinocytes, encephalon [ 1 ] . The distribution of CRIT in normal and morbid tissue will be studied, peculiarly tissues injured by inflammatory or necrotic procedures: joints-synovium in arthritis, myocardial infarction etc. Previously, we carri ed out a survey along these lines, which looked at CRIT look in assorted kidney diseases [ 9 ] . This survey revealed CRIT upregulation in membranous kidney diseases on glomerular podocyte cells. Unlike CR1, hitherto the lone other complement regulator described on podocytes, and which is non upregulated in membranous nephropathy, we believe that CRIT on podocytes represents a last line of defense mechanism against onslaught by complement. Functional information back uping this was later obtained ( manuscript in Complement regulators are frequently upregulated in malignant neoplastic disease [ 10 ] and so expression degrees of CRIT in assorted human malignances will be assessed excessively. Critically, CRIT is upregulated in liver malignant neoplastic disease ( Fig. 4 ) and thyroid malignant neoplastic disease ( non shown ) . As obstruction of CRIT with antibody sensitises cells to complement lysis [ 1 ] , such findings may hold applications in malignant neoplastic disease. Already schemes to barricade complement regulators with specific antibodies have been used successfully with a position to developing fresh malignant neoplastic disease immunotherapies [ 11,12 ] . In a recent development, membrane-bound complement regulative proteins ( mCRP ) have been downregulated by siRNA to render tumour cells sensitive to complement [ 13 ] . Therefore we will bring forth vector-based shRNAs ( utilizing psiRNA vector [ In vivo Gen ] ) to stably strike hard down CRIT look and see the consequence on tumor cells. four ) CRIT extracellular peptide ( H17 ) and its usage in modulating complement-mediated redness in in vivo theoretical accounts of autoimmune disease With a position to therapeutically suppress redness due to classical tract activation in theoretical accounts of complement-mediated autoimmune disease, CRIT has been targeted to suppress the Reversed Passive Arthus Reaction in mice [ 7 ] . By disposal of an counter peptide, H17, which binds complement C2 and prevents its activation it was possible to significantly cut down complement-mediated redness. To prove this peptide as a curative against autoimmune diseases in which the classical tract is peculiarly of import we are join forcesing with labs that have the appropriate animate being theoretical accounts. Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis ( EAMG ) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease impacting the neuromuscular junction. The disease, which is besides T cell-dependent, is an accurate theoretical account in footings of its pathology and clinical result of human myasthenia gravis ( MG ) . We have been approached by Prof. P. Christadoss and Dr. E. Tuzun of the Universit y of Texas, Galveston to prove H17 in their mouse theoretical account of MG [ 14,15 ] and will continue with this coaction. 1.2.5 Does CRIT adhere other serum proteins through its extracellular spheres? In a collaborative survey with Prof. Marina Botto ( Imperial College ) we will look into whether CRIT is a receptor for any other proteins beside complement C2 and FB, with which it binds with high and low affinity, severally. To prove whether the extracellular spheres of CRIT have other adhering spouses, receptor affinity chromatography [ 16 ] will be used to see whether ed1 binds other proteins from the serum of a C2 deficient ( C2D ) patient or of a combined C2/FB smasher mouse [ 17,18 ] . As the function of the 2nd extracellular sphere, ed2 has non been established, normal serum will be used ab initio to place ed2-binding proteins adhering to ed2 affinity columns by standard mass-spec designation protocols. Further experiments will be conducted to see if CRIT binds integrins. The principle for this is that CRIT-ed1 binds the vWFA1 sphere of complement C2 [ 19 ] and vWFA spheres are typically found in integrins, such as Very Late Antigen 4 ( VLA-4 ) on monocytes. The interaction w ith vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 ( VCAM-1 ) molecules on the endothelium is believed to non merely intercede attachment [ 20 ] and transendothelial migration [ 21 ] but besides to excite distinction [ 22 ] . CRIT is a receptor that was foremost encountered on the surface of aSchistosomaspecies ; in theSchistosoma,it acts as a decoy C2-binding receptor in order to protect this parasite from complement onslaught by viing with C4 for the binding of C2 ( Inal and Schifferli, 2002 ) . Complement is, basically, an enzyme system that is triggered upon immune system onslaught: most of the enzymes in this system are identified through standardised labeling: they are labelled C followed by a figure and so a codification based on the cleavage merchandises when proteolysed, for illustration, C5b-9. Complement onslaught ( Carroll, 1998 ) plays a major function in supporting hosts from immune onslaught, in footings of extinguishing foreign encroachers, and involves a complex tract of interactions, in order that the procedure does non take to self devastation: so, unregulated complement action can take to autoimmune diseases ( Ohet al. ,2003 ) , and other conditions/diseases such as bosom onslaught ( K ilgoreet al. ,1994 ) , Alzheimer’s disease ( Bradtet al. ,1998 ) . CRIT ( or Sh-TOR as it was antecedently known ) was found inSchistosoma,as a complement C2 protein, that could barricade complement activation, therefore bring oning bilharzia in worlds ; it was hypothesized that the CRIT blocked complement activation through its C2 binding site ; CRIT look in the parasite therefore acts as a steerer C2 binding receptor, protecting the parasite against complement onslaught by viing with C4 for the binding of C2, at the ed1 sphere ( Hui, 2005 ) . CRIT has later been found that other animate beings, that are suited as theoretical account systems for analyzing CRIT action besides express CRIT, for illustration, the rat andTrypanosoma.Recent work has besides shown that worlds have a CRIT factor, labeled ( Hu ) -CRIT which is expressed in a broad scope of human cells, particularly in hematopoietic cells ( Inalet al. ,2005 ) . Further elaborate surveies of CRIT have shown that it is a transmembrane receptor with two extracellular and two in intracellular spheres with an active 11 amino-acid peptide subdivision ( called CRIT-H17 ) which is hypothesized to be involved in the complement suppression activity of CRIT ( Hui, 2005 ) . Much work has been undertaken on clarifying the mechanism of action of CRIT, in footings of it being a potentially utile molecule in handling immunological diseases and other diseases, such as malignant neoplastic disease. For illustration, Inalet Al.( 2005 ) have shown that CRIT barricading can take to deprotection in CRIT-expressing human myeloid cell lines and in monocytes, ensuing in a greater susceptibleness to complement-mediated lysisin vitro. Other research, such as that by Mollet Al.( 2006 ) has shown that CRIT look is different in patients with kidney upsets, through assorted alterations in up- or down-regulation of CRIT look, taking to the suggestion that the upregulation of CRIT in activated podocytes might stand for a self-defense mechanism, stand foring a ‘last line’ of defense mechanism in membranous kidney disease of the kidney. Introduction The purpose of this research is, finally, to transport out a pilot survey to back up preliminary grounds that the complement receptor CRIT ( Complement C2 Receptor Inhibitor Trispanning ) plays a function in monocyte/macrophage terminal distinction. We aim to demo that by triping distinction through CRIT, it is possible to suppress the proliferation of myeloid leukemia cells. This could hold of import deductions for an alternate intervention agenda for monocytic leukemia. By the terminal of this survey we expect to demo the undermentioned: I ) that monocytes which can adhere C2 through CRIT maintain monocytic phenotypein vitroorin vivo ;II ) that monocytes can be induced to terminally distinguish by barricading the interaction of CRIT with its blood relation ligand, complement C2 or as monocytes move into an extravascular environment devoid of C2 ; that a knockdown of CRIT look in monocyte carcinoma cell lines or physical blocking of CRIT-C2 interaction induces them to terminally dis tinguish, and that, likewise, a blocking of CRIT-C2 interaction on leukaemic monocytes will halt proliferation and bring on distinction ; and, in conclusion, that, conversely, monocytes that are C2-/- , can non be induced to terminally distinguish by barricading the interaction of CRIT with its ligand, C2, nevertheless on traveling into an extravascular environment, other excess mechanisms, such as interaction of monocyte integrins with VCAM molecules on endothelial cells, may still bring on distinction. In consequence, basically, either barricading ligand interaction with CRIT or cut downing CRIT look should excite cell rhythm apprehension ( irreversible block at G1 ) and terminal distinction into cells with a macrophage phenotype. These conditions represent a fresh tract for monocyte/macrophage terminal distinction, based on the theoretical account proposed, and affecting the complement receptor, CRIT. In footings of monocyte leukemia, besides advancing cell rhythm apprehension, barricading CRIT with anti-CRIT-ed1 has the added benefit of rendering the cell more susceptible to complement-mediated cytolysis, as described antecedently for monocyte carcinoma cell lines ( U937 and THP-1 ) and primary monocytes showing CRIT [ 1 ] . Bradt, B.M.et al. ,1998. Complement-dependent proinflammatory belongingss of the Alzheimer’s disease B-peptide.J. Exp. Med.188, pp.431. Carroll, M.C. , 1998. 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