Succubus Shadows Chapter 20

I woke up in my own bed and found Mei sitting beside it. Not even Nurse Ratched could have startled me that much. Mei was flipping through a magazine and glanced up, appearing bored. â€Å"Oh. You're awake. Finally.† She stood up. â€Å"What†¦what happened?† I asked, blinking at the light pouring in through my window. I was kind of surprised she hadn't shut the curtains. She didn't really strike me as a fun-in-the-sun person. â€Å"You don't remember?† Her disinterested expression sharpened. â€Å"Jerome said it would all come back to you. If it hasn't†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I sat up, drawing my knees to my body. â€Å"No, no. I remember†¦I remember what happened at Erik's. I remember†¦the Oneroi.† Saying the word made me shudder. â€Å"But what happened after that? How long have I been asleep?† â€Å"Three days,† she said flatly. â€Å"What?† I stared at her, my mouth agape. If Mei was the joking type, I would have expected the punch line now. â€Å"I don't†¦I mean, it went so fast. And I didn't dream.† She crooked me a smile. â€Å"Seems like you'd want that. And heavy sleep heals you faster.† The smile changed to a grimace. â€Å"Not that waiting by your bedside for three days has really felt that fast. Jerome made me keep all your friends away. That was fun.† â€Å"Did you just use sarcasm?† â€Å"I'm leaving,† she said, back to her all business self. â€Å"I've done what Jerome asked.† â€Å"Wait! What happened to Seth and Erik? Are they okay?† â€Å"Fine,† she said. I waited for her to vanish, but it didn't come. She peered at me curiously. â€Å"It shouldn't have worked, you know.† â€Å"What shouldn't have?† â€Å"That ritual. There is no way that human could have found you. Not among all those other souls.† The Oneroi had said the same thing, and thinking back to the storm of color and disorder, I could understand their reasoning. â€Å"We†¦we love each other.† I wasn't sure I had the right to those words, but they came out anyway. Mei rolled her eyes. â€Å"That means nothing. Human love – no matter what all your songs and chick flicks tell you – isn't enough. It shouldn't have worked.† I didn't know what to say. â€Å"Well†¦I guess it did.† â€Å"Jerome knew it would too,† she mused, a small frown wrinkling her brow. Her gaze hardened on me. â€Å"Did you? Do you know how it happened?† â€Å"What?† I squeaked. â€Å"No! I don't understand any of this.† I expected her to deny this and question me further. Instead her frown only deepened, and I realized I was no longer of use in solving this dilemma to her. She vanished. The instant she disappeared, Roman came bursting into my room. â€Å"She's gone?† he asked. If he was nearby, he would have felt her signature go away. â€Å"Have you been hanging out the whole time?† I asked. He sat down in the chair she'd been in. â€Å"Jerome ordered her not to let anyone come near you.† â€Å"You could have taken her,† I said, attempting a joke. â€Å"Not without causing a whole lot of trouble.† He frowned, eyes troubled with thought. â€Å"Although, I would have revealed myself if I'd needed to if that†¦thing that came out of the gate had tried to take on Carter and Jerome.† I shuddered at the memory. â€Å"I didn't even know there were monsters like that in the – wait. How could you have helped them? Were you†¦were you in the circle?† I'd assumed he'd been watching from the sides. â€Å"Of course.† He said no more, and the way he spoke implied that it had been a ridiculous question for me to ask in the first place. â€Å"Are you crazy?† I exclaimed. â€Å"You weren't just letting yourself get trapped. If you were discovered by Mei – even any of the dream creatures – you'd be fucked. They would have turned you in too.† â€Å"There was no choice,† Roman said. â€Å"I had to be there, in case you needed me.† â€Å"It was too big a risk,† I countered, my voice faltering this time. â€Å"If there'd been a fight, Jerome and Carter would have had no reason to defend you. And while that Morphean might have been afraid to hurt them, you would have been fair game.† â€Å"I told you, it doesn't matter. I had to be there for you.† His eyes, those eyes that were so like the sea I'd grown up with, held such earnestness and affection that I had to look away. I couldn't believe he'd risked what he had for me. Why? He had no reason to care about me after what I'd done to him, yet it was clear he still wanted me. The night I'd been captured seemed like a lifetime ago, but its events came back to me in perfect detail: his lips, his hands†¦ â€Å"I wish you wanted to kill me again,† I muttered. â€Å"It was easier.† He rested his hand on mine, its warmth spreading through me. â€Å"Nothing about your life is ever easy.† I looked back up at him. â€Å"That's for damn sure. But I don't know†¦I don't know if I can do this†¦by which I mean, well, you know.† â€Å"You don't have to do anything,† he said. â€Å"We'll just keep going on like we have. Roommates. We'll see where things go. If they change, they change. If not†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He shrugged. â€Å"So it goes.† â€Å"Did I mention that it was easier when you wanted to kill me? I'm not sure how I feel about you being so reasonable.† â€Å"Yeah, well, maybe I just feel sorry for you right now after everything that happened. Maybe I'll change my mind in a little while.† He squeezed my hand. â€Å"Was it†¦was it awful?† I looked away again. â€Å"Yes. Beyond awful. It's hard to explain. They showed me every nightmare I could have, every fear made flesh. Some of the things they showed me had already happened – and were almost as bad as the nightmares. I couldn't tell what was reality anymore. They showed me you guys†¦but it wasn't always real. I doubted everything: who I was, what I felt†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I swallowed back tears, glad I had averted my eyes. â€Å"Hey,† he said softly, reaching out to tip my chin and make me look back at him. â€Å"It's over. You're safe. We'll help you get better – I'll help. I won't let anything happen to you.† Again, his feelings for me made me uncomfortable and confused. Was it a lingering effect of the Oneroi? No, I decided a moment later. This was the kind of situation that would confuse anyone. My heart was still tangled up in Seth, someone I knew I should let go, but who had found me against impossible odds. And here was Roman, someone I could be with a bit more easily – well, kind of – and who had risked his life for me. Could I move on with him? I didn't know. But I could try. I found his hand again and squeezed it. â€Å"Thank you.† He leaned toward me, and I think we might have kissed, but the ringing of my cell phone jolted us out of any romantic spell. I pulled my hand from his and grabbed the phone from my side table. â€Å"Hello?† â€Å"Miss Kincaid,† came the kind, familiar voice. â€Å"It is a pleasure to speak with you again.† â€Å"Erik! Oh, I'm so happy it's you. I wanted to thank you – â€Å" â€Å"There's nothing to thank me for. I would gladly do it again.† â€Å"Well, then, I'm still thanking you anyway.† Roman, realizing this had nothing to do with him, got up and wandered off – but not before giving me one more fond look. â€Å"As you wish,† said Erik. â€Å"Are you feeling better?† â€Å"More or less. Certainly better in body. And I think the rest will come.† I wished that with my body's healing, I could also forget all the horrible things I'd seen. That wouldn't happen, though, and I felt no need to trouble him with my problems. â€Å"I'm glad,† he said. â€Å"Very glad.† Silence fell, and a suspicious feeling nudged its way into my brain. I'd assumed he was simply calling to check up on me, but something now told me there was more. â€Å"Miss Kincaid,† he said at last. â€Å"I'm sure you don't want to talk about what happened†¦.† â€Å"I – well.† I hesitated. I knew Erik. He wouldn't bring this up without a good reason. â€Å"Is there something we should talk about?† Now it was his turn to hesitate. â€Å"You thank me†¦but to be truthful, what we did shouldn't have worked. I didn't expect it to.† Mei's comments came back to me, as did the other conversations I'd witnessed via the dreams. â€Å"Nobody seemed to.† â€Å"Mr. Jerome did.† â€Å"Where is this going?† â€Å"I don't know how it worked. Mr. Mortensen should not have found your soul.† I loved Erik and hated the irritation in my voice. â€Å"I keep hearing that over and over, but obviously he did. Maybe it should have been impossible, but after what I went through? I don't care how it happened.† â€Å"I would imagine not, but still†¦still, I can't help but wonder at this. Would you mind telling me what it was like when he found you?† That was one part of the ordeal I didn't mind recounting, largely because it had had a happy ending. Of course, the logistics of explaining it weren't so easy. I did my best to describe what it was like being adrift in the dream world and how Seth had seemed to call to me. Erik listened patiently and then asked if I'd tell him about my contract with Hell and how I'd sold my soul. That was a little harder to tell, not to mention a bizarre question. The Oneroi had shown me so many versions of what had happened with Kyriakos and me, and while some had been true and some false, they'd all been horrible. Still, sensing something big might be going on here, I haltingly recounted the whole experience: how I'd cheated on Kyriakos with his best friend, infidelity that was later discovered. It was the sorrow from that that had driven Kyriakos into suicidal grief, which in turn drove me to sign a contract with Hell. I'd sold my soul and become a succubus, in exchange for everyone I knew – including Kyriakos – to forget me and the awful things I'd done. â€Å"Tell me the terms one more time,† said Erik. â€Å"It was that everyone I knew back then would forget me and forget what happened – family, friends, and especially my husband.† My voice choked a little. â€Å"It worked. I came back later, and no one knew me. Not even a glimmer of familiarity.† â€Å"There was nothing else in the contract?† â€Å"No. An imp I know looked it over recently and verified it.† â€Å"Oh?† This caught Erik's interest. â€Å"Why would he do that?† â€Å"She. As a favor. The imp who'd brokered my sale was the one who worked with Nyx and kept messing with Seth. Hugh said when an imp shows that much interest, there's something wrong with a contract. So Kristin – this other imp – looked at my contract.† She hadn't been very happy about doing that. If she'd been caught snooping in Hell's records, there would have been some very, very bad consequences. Her gratitude over me hooking her up with her boss had overpowered her fear. â€Å"She told me it was airtight. Everything was like it was supposed to be. No errors.† More silence. This conversation was starting to make me uneasy. â€Å"Did this imp – Niphon? – end up doing anything to Mr. Mortensen?† â€Å"Not so much†¦I mean, it was part of what led us to breaking up†¦.† I paused to collect myself. â€Å"But there were a lot of other factors that caused that too.† â€Å"Has Niphon been back?† â€Å"No, but there has been this succubus.† With everything else, I'd forgotten about Simone. â€Å"She was impersonating me. Kept trying to seduce Seth†¦but it didn't work. I think Jerome sent her packing, but I'm not sure.† Again, Erik took a long time in responding. Finally, he sighed. â€Å"Thank you, Miss Kincaid. You've given me much to think about. I apologize if I've brought up painful memories. And I'm very happy you're feeling better.† â€Å"Thanks,† I said. â€Å"And thanks again for your help.† We disconnected, and I wandered out to the living room. Roman was in the kitchen, plating up some grilled cheese sandwiches. â€Å"Hungry?† he asked. â€Å"Starving,† I said. He handed me a plate, along with a cup of coffee, and I smiled. â€Å"Thanks. Not sure what I did to deserve this.† â€Å"You don't have to do anything. Besides, I had extra. Wanted a big meal before going to work.† â€Å"Before – what?† The grin he gave me indicated he'd been dying to deliver this news. â€Å"I got a job.† â€Å"You did not.† â€Å"I did. Went back to the school I used to teach at. They had a couple openings, so I'm doing a few classes.† I was dumbfounded. After all my badgering, Roman had sought gainful employment – in his specialty, no less: linguistics. â€Å"Does this mean you're going to pay rent now?† â€Å"Let's not get carried away, love.† He grabbed a plate of his own, and we ate in the living room while the cats watched hopefully for leftovers. Seeing Godiva, I felt a frown coming on. The dream. The man in the dream. The Oneroi had said it was Seth†¦but that was impossible. I lifted my eyes up to Roman, wondering if I could rekindle the love I'd once had. If there was any man in any dream, he would be a better candidate. â€Å"You talked to Erik for a while,† Roman said, noting my scrutiny. â€Å"He's weirded out by my rescue. He says it shouldn't have worked.† â€Å"Yeah, I heard that too.† Between bites, I recounted the conversation, including Erik's interest in Seth and my contract. â€Å"I don't see what the big deal is,† I concluded. â€Å"Seth and I still have feelings for each other – feelings we're trying to get past.† In that moment when our souls had met, though, separating from him had been the last thing I wanted. â€Å"Maybe that was enough. Maybe people don't have faith in the power of love.† â€Å"Maybe,† said Roman. But he looked thoughtful now too. A knock at the door interrupted further conversation. I felt no immortal signature and hoped it wasn't my neighbor trolling for more sex. He'd mercifully left me alone so far. But no, it wasn't Gavin. It was Maddie. And she was crying. I asked no questions. When friends are in trouble, you take care of them first. I pulled her right inside and led her to the couch, immediately putting my arms around her. â€Å"What's wrong?† I asked finally. â€Å"What happened?† She couldn't speak right away. Her sobs were too great, and she was choking on her own tears. Something nudged my arm. It was Roman handing me a box of tissues. I shot him a grateful look and gave some to Maddie. At long last, she gasped out, â€Å"It's Seth.† My heart stopped. For a moment, a hundred awful scenarios flew through my mind. Seth hit by a car. Seth struck by some deadly disease. I clutched her arm, so tightly that I realized my nails were digging into her. I relaxed my grip as best I could. â€Å"What happened?† I demanded. â€Å"Is he okay?† â€Å"He ended it.† Her crying renewed. â€Å"He broke the engagement and told me it was over.† She buried her face against my shoulder, and I stroked her absentmindedly as my brain tried hard to really comprehend her words. I must have misheard. â€Å"He couldn't have,† I said, my voice as cracked as hers. â€Å"He†¦he loves you.† She lifted her head and looked at me with mournful, glittering eyes. â€Å"He said he didn't love me the way he should – that he didn't love me the way I deserved. He said it'd be wrong to make me marry him, that we weren't meant to spend our lives together.† She took a tissue and wiped her nose, then her eyes grew wide with desperation. â€Å"What does that mean, Georgina? Why would he say he's making me marry him? I want to. I don't understand.† I looked over her and met Roman's eyes. We couldn't speak the way greater immortals could, but enough messages passed between us. Seth hadn't forced her to get engaged, no, but he'd done it out of guilt, guilt for cheating on her and continually being drawn to me when he believed it was better for us to stay apart. â€Å"He said he loved me,† Maddie continued. â€Å"But that I needed someone who loved me more – someone I was the world to. He said he'd only hurt me worse if we went on. How could it hurt worse?† The tears grew worse. She pulled away and buried her face in her hands. â€Å"It can't hurt worse than this. I want to die.† â€Å"No!† I said, drawing her back to me. â€Å"Don't say that. Don't ever say that!† â€Å"Georgina,† warned Roman softly. I realized I was shaking Maddie and immediately stopped. â€Å"Listen to me,† I said, turning her face toward mine. â€Å"You are an amazing person. You are one of the best people I know. You'll get over this†¦I swear it. I won't let you go through it alone, okay? And you deserve the best. If it's not him, then you'll get someone better.† The next words were hard for me. I should have rejoiced at this news. I wouldn't have to watch them together. I also had a feeling that I was somehow involved in this. What had she said? That Seth said she deserved to be someone's world? He'd told me I was his. In one of the dreams, he'd said that to her, but I now knew that was a lie. Still, I couldn't help it when I said, â€Å"And maybe†¦maybe if you guys talk more, you'll understand†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The sobs abated – just a little – as she gave me a puzzled look. â€Å"That's the thing. I can't.† â€Å"It may seem that way, but he's not totally unreasonable.† Why the hell was I playing devil's advocate here? Because Maddie was my friend, and I couldn't stand to see her hurting – and because I had also had my heart broken too many times. â€Å"Wait a couple days, then find him and see if you can have a, I don't know, productive dialogue. Maybe you can fix things.† Ugh. â€Å"Maybe you'll at least understand†¦understand his decision.† She shook her head. â€Å"But I can't find him. No one can. Georgina, he's disappeared.†

The “math wars”

Aside from the requisites of drug manufacturing, a drug company must also have the knowledge on the legal aspect of the pharmaceutical business. A company must be able to know what agencies of the government he has to seek advice from before it undergoes the manufacturing process in order to have a good start.Relative to this, the company needs to know which regulates the safety and efficacy of the drugs to be manufactured and which agency protects the rights of the manufacturer and the consumers against illicit drugs.This paper will discuss the basic responsibilities of the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Agency including the approval process of manufacturing a generic drug copy. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION AND ITS RESPONSIBILITIES The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is generally responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of all drugs for human and veterinary use.FDA’s 1mission statement specifically states that the administration â€Å"is res ponsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. † This will then give us the idea why FDA need to regulate drugs, and that is to ensure that they are safe and effective. The administration is also held responsible for ensuring that the drugs have information that is honest and accurate for the general public to use.The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) (Drug Enforcement Administration for the United States) is primarily responsible for the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Laws and Regulations. In the United States, DEA is under the wing of the Department of Justice, where it serves as an arm of the justice against the 2those organizations and principal members of organizations, involved in the growing, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illi cit traffic in the United States. The DEA’s drugs of concern include: Cocaine, marijuana, heroin, inhalants, LSD, Ecstasy, Steroids, Oxycontin and Methamphetamine.The following list of specific responsibilities is adopted by this writer from the DEA’s official website: >Investigation and preparation for the prosecution of major violators of controlled substance laws operating at interstate and international levels. >Investigation and preparation for prosecution of criminals and drug gangs who perpetrate violence in our communities and terrorize citizens through fear and intimidation. >Management of a national drug intelligence program in cooperation with federal, state, local, and foreign officials to collect, analyze, and disseminate strategic and operational drug intelligence information.>Seizure and forfeiture of assets derived from, traceable to, or intended to be used for illicit drug trafficking. >Enforcement of the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act as they pertain to the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of legally produced controlled substances. >Coordination and cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement officials on mutual drug enforcement efforts and enhancement of such efforts through exploitation of potential interstate and international investigations beyond local or limited federal jurisdictions and resources.>Coordination and cooperation with federal, state, and local agencies, and with foreign governments, in programs designed to reduce the availability of illicit abuse-type drugs on the United States market through nonenforcement methods such as crop eradication, crop substitution, and training of foreign officials. >Responsibility, under the policy guidance of the Secretary of State and U. S. Ambassadors, for all programs associated with drug law enforcement counterparts in foreign countries.>Liaison with the United Nations, Interpol, and other organizations on matters relating to international drug control programs. DEA’S PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS Drug Enforcement Agency also updates its programs and operations according to the demand of technology and the development of new methods of illicit drug operations. Recent report published in the KT4 Online alerted the public on the emergence of illegal websites that are bringing prescription drugs out into the market (KT4 Online, August 24, 2007).The DEA reported that such websites are able to market their products using just credit cards as payment modes. The agency now referred the so-called â€Å"rogue pharmacies† to the congress for the legislation of a more formidable law for such illegal and dangerous activities, which are regulated because such companies do not meet the standards set by the United States. Even medicinal or herbal plants that are not yet studied or regulated under the law is also under the responsibility of the DEA to study and made research relative to its danger in the human health.In Utah, a native plant called salvia divinorium, has been put into attention by the Hill Air Force Base which according to initial findings can cause hallucinations. In the report published in the Salt Lake Tribune, â€Å"magic mint† as its street name, is ingested or inhaled usually by the members of the military and the people inside the base (Salt Lake Tribune, August 20, 2007). The herbal plant is still legal as it is still under research by the DEA. Experts also say that the plant that grows in the wilds of Utah can cause lung irritation when its dried leaves are inhaled.LAWS AND POLICIES GOVERNING GENERIC DRUGS The regulations pertaining to generics drugs are under the responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration. Under the law, pharmaceutical companies or drug manufacturers have all the right to apply for a generic copy of their branded drugs. It can also be that a manufacturer seeks for a license from the brand name company to make a generic copy of the branded product . A generic copy of the drug is called â€Å"authorized generics† because the branded product manufacturer had given the authority to the manufacturer of the generic drug copy.However, these generic copied have to undergo the legal process that is regulated by the FDA. It is the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, commonly referred to as the Waxman-Hatch Act, which is being used as a legal basis for FDA for regulating generic drug copies. â€Å"Since the law was enacted over 23 years ago, the number of generic manufacturers and number of generic drug products on the market have expanded exponentially† (Coster, John M. 2007). The law allows a generic drug that is a generic copy of the pioneer drug to be approved by FDA to be marketed by the same company.This is even without the submission of the usual New Drug Application (NDA) that is submitted in full when a branded product is being applied for marketing. The NDA is usually a time-consuming and expensive clinical trials required to be done by the drug manufacturer in order to comply with the safety and efficacy standards required of them. With the Waxman-Hatch Act, NDA is being replaced with the submission of Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) provided that the generic copy has demonstrated the fact that it is bioequivalent to the pioneer drug (J.Coster, The Pharmacist, Vol. 32, No. 6, 2007). This process allows the generic copy to be approved for marketing the easier and faster way because it does not to prove its safety and effectiveness through trials since the pioneer drug had already proven such. For the ANDA of the generic drug to be approved, its pioneer drug must have the four required certifications: (1) that no patent is listed for the pioneer drug; (2) that the patent has expired; (3) the date on which the patent will expire; or (4) that the patent is invalid or not infringed.Such information is listed in the FDA’s Orange Book, a reference for t he pharmacists in determining the interchangeability of the drugs. Just recently, the Waxman-Hatch Act has been replaced with 3McCain-Schumer Act, after its authors Senators John McCain and Charles E. Schumer. The main feature of the new act is the changing of the 180-day exclusivity term of the first generic drug copy to only the 30-day term. Exclusivity, in the old law is granted for the manufacturer of the generic drug to market the product exclusively within 180 days that is for the manufacturer who first secured the FDA’s approval of the generic copy.With the new law, exclusivity term is shortened for the purpose of further price reduction of the generic drugs as competition is encouraged after the 30-day term. It is estimated, according to Schumer’s study that the new law will enable consumers to save 60% of their usual expense when buying branded drugs and that will give consumers a total of $71 billion savings in 10 years (Bash, Dana, CNN Online, May 01, 2001). Schumer cited Claritin, a prescription allergy drug as example which costs an average of $63. 65 while its generic equivalent will only cost $25. 46.Generally, the new law is of great help for the Americans in terms of their medical expenditures. CONCLUSION By looking into the basic responsibilities and functions of the FDA and DEA, we were able to have an idea of the basic legal aspect of drug manufacturing and marketing. Also by having an overview of the laws governing generic copy manufacturing, we were able to have the basic knowledge of how the approval process rolls. In general we can conclude that the legal process of drug manufacturing and marketing is really a long and expensive process for the companies especially for the branded or patented drugs.However with the Schumer-McCain Act, the process is shortened and had benefited especially the consumers for enabling the cheaper version of their branded medicine to be marketed. REFERENCES 1FDAs Mission Statement. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://www. fda. gov/opacom/morechoices/mission. html 2DEA Mission Statement. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://www. usdoj. gov/dea/agency/mission. htm 3Senate Passes Ground-Breaking Schumer-McCain Generic Drug Bill (Press Release). July 31, 2002. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://schumer. senate. gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/press_releases/PR01124.html Bash, Dana. McCain, Schumer introduce generic drug bill. CNN Online. May 01, 2001. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://archives. cnn. com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/05/01/senate. genericdrugs/index. html Coster, John M. The Waxman-Hatch Generic Drug Law: 23 Years Later. The Pharmacist. June 19, 2007. Vol. 32 No. 6 Griffith, Christopher, et. al. (2002). View from Washington: Senate approves changes in generic-drug approval. Leydig, Voit Mayer, Ltd. Report. October 2002. Volume 3 Issue 4 Colonel bans use of ‘magic mint' herb. Salt Lake Tribune. August 20, 2007. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http ://www.sltrib. com/News/ci_6668009 Federal Authorities Warn Against Online Rogue Pharmacies. KT4 Online. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://www. ktiv. com/News/index. php? ID=16295 What FDA Regulates. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://www. fda. gov/comments/regs. html There has always been a debate on whether the mathematics be taught should be the old basics or the standards reformed mathematics. Basic mathematics primarily comprises arithmetic and computation. This is just simple mathematics which involves solving simple equation and memorizing formulas.Basic mathematic also comprises the following list t o f items. There is the accurate counting to 100 or more, mastery of basic facts for all four operations, pencil and paper computation skills with hole numbers, decimals and fractions and solving percent problems. Other aspect includes the knowing and using formulas for area and perimeter of basic shapes. Though the above list is a bit simplified its basic position i s that kids only get to know some basic stuff. Basic mathematics can also be referred to as trivial pursuit mathematics meaning that children are to know the content not the practicability (John, 1999).On the other hand reform mathematics has higher level of difficulty and has set five goals. These are that students should value mathematics, be confident in the ability to do mathematics and become mathematics problem solvers. They should as well be able to communicate well mathematically and learn to reason mathematically. It involves the four basic process standards which are problem solving, communication, reasoning, and connections. It entails gearing the children to develop the ability to think than just memorizing the mathematics concepts.Those who believe in the reform mathematics talk about mathematical power, the ability to reason and solve unique problems (John, 1999). It is important to note that even if the two approaches appear to differ there are some things they share in. Benefits and demerits of basics Basic mathematics requires teacher centered approach which involves teaching the mathematics through drill and practice. However in this way the children can end up not being intrinsically motivated. This prevents them from learning mathematics facts and how to connect to the real world.Furthermore the approach is essentially teacher directed, and structured only for basic skills instructions. This approach comes with advantages and disadvantages as far as basic mathematics teaching is concerned. One of the advantages is that, it is clear that for learning to be effective there must be a knowledge source and this is what the teacher act as. The teachers have attained their unifications and expertise from colleges and universities to become experts in their fields. In this reasoning it’s convenient to involve to someone who is already an expertise in the field to impart that knowledge in the students.For example according to Kelly, if the st udents have a question on atopic raised by the text book, the teacher is present ton as the expert to answer the question (Kelly, 2004). Other benefits include good planning and execution of knowledge passing process and good discipline. The disadvantage of this style is that no one can predict which parts of the information the student has learned will eventually become obsolete or incorrect, what the student will forget, or what new information he will need to know in the future (Howard, 1980).Furthermore according to Howard in some cases the students can obtain a false security if they believe that, once information ins dispensed and a cognitive framework provide the student will incorporate the information, recognize where and when it could and should be applied when time comes. One great disadvantages of this method is that a strong investment in the style can lead to rigid, standardized, and less flexible ways of managing students and their concerns (Howard, 1908). This acts a s huge impediment to development and self discovery within the student.This huge impediment has been seen as the greatest drawback for this style of administering knowledge. The benefits and demerits of reform mathematics style According the student center online answers, the best approach of teaching mathematics should stress active, student centered learning in real life context (student center). This may help in making the concepts more understandable and interesting. This therefore calls for the student knowing the crafts before they can apply them and that is where the basic mathematics comes handy. The reform mathematics takes the student centered approach of learning.This involves instructions where by the students actively create knowledge for themselves. It consists of group learning, inquiry, and humanistic learning activities (student center). This method has additional advantages both to the student and the teacher some which are enlisted below. To begin with the student would develop learning and knowledge that will help them throughout their life. In this method students always discover that learning is fun and interesting. Furthermore, through this method teachers always have less traditional work. This is more prominent in the upper class levels where the students are mature enough.The student gets to be more attentive and willing to participate in the class activities. In this way there is a reduction in the number of complaints about fairness and unequal treatment. When student carry out research and group works they generate a lot of information that the teacher may add to his collection of information. However this method also comes with some disadvantages. It poses a problem when it comes to evaluation in that this has to be individualized. Providing one test for the whole class has to be abandoned. Every student has to be evaluated based on his or her goals.One other big disadvantage of this method is that there some student who do not re late well with it in spite the teachers best efforts. Such scenario is always more prevalent in the lower classes levels even though it can also be found in the upper classes. The other demerit is that the students’ always have to work in groups. There occur complaints about being put in teams. However the complaints get to seize as the student get to understand that it is what the real world is like. Under some circumstances student may find it hard to work in teams since most of them have never had the experience of team work. ConclusionIt is important to note for the reformed mathematics, the fact that it takes the student centered learning method gives it an upper hand as method of teaching mathematics. In fact students do appreciate the real world experience eve when they do not like them that much (daymalyn, 2009). This is therefore more appropriate and practical than the basics math which would d lead to rigidity and less development of the kids as well as new advancem ent in the mathematics fields. References Howard S & Robyn M. (1980), Problem Based Learning: An Approach to Medical Education, Springer Publishing Company, ISBN 0826128416, 9780826128416.Daymalyn (2009), Disadvantages and disadvantages of student center learning, Accessed on August 7, 2010, from http://wwwemmalynombayan-daymalyn. blogspot. com/2009/09/advantages-and- disadvantages-of-student. html John A. (1999), Reform Mathematics Vs. The Basics: Understanding the Conflict and Dealing with It Accessed on August 7, 2010 from http://mathematicallysane. com/analysis/reformvsbasics. asp Kelly K. (2004), the â€Å"Math Wars†, a Short Analysis, Accessed on August 7, 2010 from http://www. newfoundations. com/ConAnalysis/KellyMathWars. html Student center, Accessed on August 7, 2010 from http://www. abacon. com/woolfolk7/faq. html

Development and Social Change Essay

DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL CHANGE STRATEGIES IN KENYA IN THE 21ST CENTURY DEFINATIONS Strategy is a high level plan to achieve one or more goals under conditions of uncertainty. Strategy is important because the resources available to achieve these goals are usually limited. Strategy is also about attaining and maintaining a position of advantage over adversaries through the successive exploitation of known or emergent possibilities rather than committing to any specific fixed plan designed at the outset. Henry Mintzberg from McGill University defined strategy as â€Å"a pattern in a stream of decisions† to contrast with a view of strategy as planning while Max McKeown (2011) argues that â€Å"strategy is about shaping the future† and is the human attempt to get to â€Å"desirable ends with available means†. Development means a progression from a simpler or lower to a more advanced, mature, or complex form or stage. It is also defined as the gradual advancement or growth through a series of progressive changes. Development is a process, not a leve l. It is a path to achieve certain goals. see more:factors affecting social change INTRODUCTION In the 21st century Kenyans have come up with different strategies to advocate for development and social change. These strategies are mostly based on economic issue, political issue, and social issues those which are affecting the development and growth of our country. These strategies are aiming at transforming Kenya into a newly industrialized middle income country providing a high quality life to all its citizens. For these development to be achieved thre have to be an all inclusive and participartory stakeholders and a consultive process involving Kenyan from all parts of the country. Kenyans are also willing to from suggestions by some of the leading local and international experts on the newly industrialized countries around the world have made the leap from poverty to widely spread prosperity and equity. Every strategy has been developed to address issues lying across them e.g. economic strategy aims to improve the prosperity of all Kenyans through an economic development programme covering all the regions in Kenya. Social  strategy seeks to build a just and cohesive society with social equity in clean and secure environment. Political strategy aims to realize a democratic political system founded on issue based politics that respect the rule of law and protect the rights and freedom of every individual. Kenyans in the 21st century are advocating for a consultive approach in its development involving as many ordinary Kenyans and stakeholders as possible i.e. public service, private sector, civil society, media and non government organization. The importance of consultations is to provide in-depth understanding of countries development problems and necessary strategies to achieve development. Detailed analysis is carried under the consultative approach in order to come up with the s trategies capable of resolving the social and political problems that face Kenyans today. Findings  In every category of the strategy Kenyans have come up with ways to address the problem found in that particular category. The Social Strategy  Kenya’s journey towards prosperity also involves the building of a just and cohesive society, enjoying equitable social development in a clean and secure environment. This quest is the basis of transformation of the problems found in the category of social strategy, I .e. Education and Training; Health; Water and Sanitation; the Environment; Housing and Urbanization; as well as in Gender, Youth, Sports and Culture; and also in terms of promoting equity and poverty reduction across the entire Kenyan society. It also makes special provisions for Kenyans with various disabilities and previously marginalized communities. Education and Training Under education and training Kenya will provide a globally competitive quality education, training and research for development. The overall goal for 21st century is to reduce illiteracy by increasing access to education, improving the transition rate from primary to secondary schools, and raising the quality and relevance of education. The Health Sector To improve the overall livelihoods of Kenyans, the country aims to provide an efficient and high quality health care system with the best standards. This will reduce health inequalities and improve key areas where Kenya is lagging, especially in lowering infant and maternal mortality. Specific  strategies will involve: provision of a robust health infrastructure network; improving the quality of health service delivery to the highest standards and promotion of partnerships with the private sector. Water and Sanitation Kenya is a water scarce country. The country therefore aims to conserve water sources and start new ways of harvesting and using rain and underground water. The 21st century has a vision for Water and Sanitation is to ensure that improved water and sanitation are available and accessible to all. The goal to increase both access to safe water and sanitation in both rural and urban areas beyond present levels The Environment Kenya aims to be a nation living in a clean, secure and sustainable environment. Specific strategies will involve: promoting environmental conservation for better support to the economic pillar, improving pollution and waste management through the design and application of economic incentives; and the commissioning of public-private partnerships for improved efficiency in water and sanitation delivery. Housing and Urbanization The 2030 vision for housing and urbanization is an adequately and decently housed nation in sustainable all inclusive environment. The goal for 2012 is to increase the annual production of housing units from the current 35,000 annually to over 200,000. Kenya’s cities and towns are poorly planned. There is an acute need therefore for an effective capacity for regional and urban development planning. In addition, there will be better development of and access to affordable and adequate housing; enhanced access to adequate finance for developers and buyers, and pursue targeted key reforms to unlock the potential of the housing sector. 6. Gender, Youth and Vulnerable Groups The 2030 vision for gender, youth and vulnerable groups is gender equity, improved livelihoods for vulnerable groups, and a responsible, globally competitive and prosperous youth. The goal for 2012 is to increase opportunities all-round among women, youth and all disadvantaged groups. 7. Equity and Poverty Elimination The 2030 goal for Equity and poverty elimination is to reduce the number of people living in poverty to a tiny proportion of the total population. Kenya will aim at a society that guarantees equality of opportunity in accessing public services and providing income generating activities as widely as possible. That will be achieved by placing the citizens at a level of income sufficient to cater for basic requirements of a healthy, productive life. 8. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Vision 2030 will be based on the creation of international competitiveness through more efficient productivity at the firm and household level, with government support. However, all the strategies and flagship projects will exploit knowledge in science, technology and innovation (STI) in order to function more efficiently, improve social welfare, and also promote democratic governance. STI can and will be applied in all the lead sectors. The education and training curricula in the country will, therefore, be modified to ensure that the creation, adoption, adaptation and usage of knowledge become part of formal instruction. Economic strategy The Kenyan economy, East Africa’s largest, has experienced considerable growth in the past few years, driven by several key factors. The country enjoys some particular advantages: a reasonably well-educated labour force, a vital port that serves as an entry point for goods destined for countries in the East African and Central Africa interior, abundant wildlife and kilometers of attractive coastline and above all, a government that is committed to implementing business reforms. This strategy seeks to improve the prosperity of all regions of the country and all Kenyans by achieving a 10% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate by 2012(vision 2030). To achieve this target, Kenya is continuing with the tradition of macro-economic stability that has been established since 2002. It is also addressing other key constraints, notably, a low savings to GDP ratio, which can be alleviated by drawing in more remittances from Kenyans abroad, as well as increased foreign investment and overseas development assistance The country is continuing with the governance and institutional reforms  necessary to accelerate economic growth. Others critical problems being addressed include poor infrastructure and high energy costs. The five key sectors described below are being given priority as the key growth drivers for achievement of the economic vision: * Tourism * Increasing value in agriculture * A better and more inclusive wholesale and retail trade sector * Manufacturing for the regional market * Financial services Tourism This sector aims to be one of the top ten long- haul tourist destination in the world. To achieve this it has put ahead some strategies as their guideline that is offering a high end, diverse and distinctive visitor experience, achieving high tourist revenue by improving facilities in all underutilized parks, creating new high value niche product and investing in new conference facilities to boost business tourism Agriculture This aims to promote an innovative, commercially- oriented and modern agricultural sector. This will be accomplished through transforming key institution in agricultural and livestock to promote agricultural growth, increasing productivity of crop and livestock, introducing more irrigable areas in arid and semi- arid areas for both crops and livestock. It also aim sat adding value to our firm and live stock products before they reach local and international market (vision 2030) Whole sale and retail market Aims to raise earnings by giving our large informal sector opportunities to transform itself into a part of a formal sector that is efficient, multi tiered, diversified in product range and innovative. This will be raised through training and credit, improving efficiency by reducing the number of players between the producer and the consumer (vision 2030) Manufacturing It aims to have a robust, diversified and competitive manufacturing sector. This will be achieved through the implementation of the following restricting key local industries that use raw materials but are currently  uncompetitive, exploiting opportunities in value addition to agricultural product. The Political Pillar This aims to realize a democratic political system founded on issue-based politics that respects the rule of law, and protects the rights and freedoms of every individual in Kenyan society. It hopes to transform Kenya into a state in which equality is entrenched, irrespective of one’s race, ethnicity, religion, gender or socio-economic status; a nation that respects and harnesses the diversity of its peoples’ values, traditions and aspirations for the benefit of all its citizens. The political pillar vision for 2030 is â€Å"a democratic political system that is issue-based, people-centered, result-oriented and accountable to the public.† An issue-based system is one in which political differences are about means to meet the widest public interest. â€Å"People-centered† goals refer to the system’s responsiveness to the needs and rights of citizens, whose participation in all public policies and resource allocation processes is both fully appreciated and facilitated. A result-oriented system is stable, predictable and whose performance is based on measurable outcomes. An accountable system is one that is open and transparent and one that permits free flow of information. This vision is expected to guarantee Kenya’s attainment of the specific goals outlined under Vision 2030’s economic and social pillars To meet objectives outlined in the economic and social pillars, Kenya’s national governance system is being transformed and reformed to acquire high-level executive capability consistent with a rapidly industrializing country. The country is adopting a democratic decentralization process with substantial devolution in policy-making, public resource management and revenue sharing through devolve d funds. This has been achieved through a delivery of a new constitutional dispensation which came in effect in August 2010. Transformation within Kenya’s political governance system under Vision 2030 is expected to take place across six strategic initiatives, whose overarching visions, goals and specific strategies for 2012 are as follows: * Rule of law * Electoral and political processes * Democracy and public service delivery * Transparency and accountability * Security, peace building, and conflict management Rule of law Under the rule of law the vision 2030 is adherence to the rule of law is as applicable to a modern market based economy in a human right respecting state. A lighting the national policy and legal framework with the need of a market based economy, national human right and gender equality commitment. Increasing access and quality of service available to the public and reducing barriers of justice. Democracy and public service delivery People centered and political engaged open society, pursuing, constitutional and legal reforms necessary to dissolve to more resources and responsibility to local governance institution. Encouraging formal and informal civil education and action programmes, promoting open engagement between government and civil society as well as the free flow of information. Transparency and accountability Transparent, accountability, ethical and result oriented government institution strengthening the legal framework for ant- corruption, ethics and integrity. Promoting result based management within the public service, introducing civilian oversight around key legal justice and security, strengthening government legislative oversight capacity. Security Security of all persons and property throughout the republic, Promoting public- private cooperation and community involvement for improved safety and security, Deeping policy legal and institutional reforms for improved enforcement of law and order, Promoting national and international dialogue in order to build harmony among ethnic, racial and other groups. Electoral and political process Seeks to cultivate genuinely competitive and issue based politics introducing rules and regulations covering political policies, enhancing the legal and regulatory framework covering electrical process, conducting civil education programmers to widen knowledge and participation among citizens leading to an informed active citizens. Conclusion For development and social change to occur Kenyans in the 21st century Kenyans should evaluate the pre and post development and analyze the strategies they want to put across and see whether they will be of any impact or they will be able to serve them effectively. There should be an integration of all strategies for sustainable development to occur. That is they should put value both in economic, social and political strategies. Commitment is expected for both the government and civil society, international, local and personal positive relationships are also major contributors to sustainable development in the 21st century. Mission, vision, goals and objectives should be successfully laid, well defined and achievable. References Vision 2030 document The national broad strategy Vision 2030 flagship project

Land Economics and Planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Land Economics and Planning - Essay Example Firms complete a great deal of market analysis before searching for a suitable location. In addition, firms compile detailed information regarding the cost of product. They know whether electricity cost is more important then freight cost or labor price. Prepared with a list of "must haves" based on this information, the firm's site consultant or representative begins the quest for the firm's ideal location. You can be assured that, like the shopper looking for a pair of shoes, individuals seeking a site for their firms are not about to change the selection criteria because they had a great dinner at your local restaurant. That is why developing a site is so competitive and requires a great deal of preparation by community leaders. It didn't work for our shoe clerk to offer to dye the shoes the right color, and it won't work for a community when it offers to change the terrain of its local industrial site. Instead, a community needs to spend time long before that first visit by a fir m's site-selection team seeking answers to the details regarding the site the community wishes to promote. The more a community considers site-selection criteria before it selects or develops a particular site for promotion, the lower the likelihood becomes that local leaders will need to explain why they spent so many public dollars on a site that is drawing no interest. Most communities in the UK can claim to have sites available for business development. Under closer inspection, these sites are usually either undeveloped open spaces (often agricultural lands) at the edge of the community or former industrial lands within the community. Both of these share a common problem: Businesses cannot occupy them without substantial infrastructure improvements.Sites that have been previously used for industry or other activities are called brownfield sites. Most are in central city areas and are often surrounded by mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, or public (schools and hospitals, for example). Usually brownfield sites were occupied by industrial complexes. Since older industries used multistory facilities, these sites are often on small parcels of land. Modern factories are laid out horizontally (using one story) to facilitate assembly lines and flow of products. Older sites carry the risk of environmental contamination, especially since the y were most likely operated during a period of less stringent environmental regulations. Environmental contamination can be costly to clean up. Finally, older sites may still contain the buildings or other structures from the previous land use. These will either need to be demolished or refurbished (this often includes such actions as bringing the structure up to current fire, building and disability codes as well as other standards). To minimize their costs and risks, businesses will usually locate on sites that require minimum investments in infrastructure and other improvements. This usually eliminates the unprepared sites. Hence, communities that want to have successful business sites must have developed a plan for creating a prepared site. Site development is utilized to create marketable, prepared business sites. 1.1 Requirements for a Prepared Site It is important to realize that for a site to be effective, it must satisfy the needs of a particular business. The site is constructed to improve the quality of life of a community, but it still must be a viable site to attract business. As we stressed above, a

Injectronics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Injectronics - Essay Example Automotive maintenance has undergone radical changes since the introduction of electronics as well as mechatronics in vehicles. Rapid introduction of computer controls to operate engines, steering, braking, suspension and other safety and transmission or comfort functions in today’s vehicles is a huge challenge to both service processes and manufacturing technologies along with failure diagnosis requirements. Many of the modifications in automotive repairs are a result of the initiation of microcontrollers and other electronics in functions within a vehicle. These changes require the remanufacturing companies for such electronic components to improve as significant changes are continually taking place in the industry (Weiland, n.d). Before the advent of electronic controllers, definition of automotive remanufacturing was clear: meaning the renovation of used vehicle parts in accordance with the accepted state so that they can perform similar to new ones. This conventional rema nufacturing may be relevant in future to mechatronics; nevertheless, the definition will be tailored for electronic controllers. ... Currently, vehicles average 35 microprocessors in a vehicle, which are located in various several electronic modules throughout a vehicle and range from simple applications to sophisticated engine controls. The high content level highlights the importance of long-term service plan for electronic control modules. In these vehicles, the service expectations include corresponding electronic modules at least every 4-10 years’ service life with most vehicles lasting 15 years; nevertheless, other vehicles have a high service life of up to 25 years or more. Electronic modules present a difficult service challenge due to many factors such as the fact that microprocessor manufacturers and network manufacturers never have the volume requirements in the service life of a vehicle in order to maintain a production line for producing these service components (APRA global connection, 2009). Market and Competitors Most Electronic Control Module (ECM) utilise four to eight custom-produced micr oprocessors to deter competitors and grey marketers capable of replicating the electronic control module. Therefore, electronic components are often produced in a limited manner and usually the first components to be given as end-of-life production. Remanufacturing of electronic modules is possible through the availability of sold units removed from vehicles or cores; thus, injectronic faces the challenges of maintaining a sufficient collection system that maintains constant return of failed units to sustain the remanufacturing program. Moreover, the core is a failed unit, which has been in use within vehicles for several years; therefore, it is likely that the part is not the latest part since many revisions could have

Managing a daily teaching schedule Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Managing a daily teaching schedule - Essay Example By using different color files it will be easier to arrange the matter and also take out the matter whenever required. All things will be stored systematically in the relevant subject folder to refer to it whenever required. The worksheets for any one subject may not get mixed up with another. Also the notes for one may not mingle with the other ones. The memo, test, and quizzes all can have different color paper clips as well with the markings. This way to refer to quizzes or tests for any subject can be easy. 3. Use the computer database as the filing system. List out the entire subject and other things related to teaching subjects in the database of the computer such as marks, attendance of students and other such tasks. This would make it easy to record the data of the students and also make the changes easily wherever required. Also the lesson plan can be modified for future and notes can be made on the system of which tasks need to be done at a priority level. This paper free work will reduce the hassle of maintaining records on paper. Also at times some changes are required in the records of some students on requests and approved applications. These changes can be made easily on the computer

The Influences Of Reading And Writing In Life Essay

The Influences Of Reading And Writing In Life - Essay Example Despite the fact that I was not good in mathematics and athlete, writing and reading offered me the self-esteem I badly needed. Even though I had zero chance of winning in the field, I was able to contest with the best kids and turned out to be the best. Spelling, vocabulary, punctuation and grammar, and reading were the areas I knew I was talented in, and so was creative writing. This very aspect has been noticed both by my parents, who had seen my good grades, and teachers, who had issued those grades for my progress. As a result, reading has not only discovered a new impressive world of literature for me but also has shown me the way to self-improvement in all respects. The passion I had for writing and reading has improved my life in numerous ways. Through reading a lot of books, I have gained so much knowledge about life and the world we live in. Also, it enabled me to escape the actual tribulations and trials of the world. I cannot be able to jot down all the books I have manag ed to read through the centuries since they are just too many. But every book has made an impact on my life in a way, and the writing skills have enabled me to be creative and also developed my language-arts capabilities. All these have assisted me to overcome the flaws initiated by my NLD, and in this day and age, it plays a greater role. As a grown-up now I have gained a formal education in creative writing and through reading books like â€Å"The Institute of Children’s Literature,† my creative writing has improved professionally.

Housing Pre and Post Recession Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Housing Pre and Post Recession - Lab Report Example From figure 1, we see that the data starts off from the middle of a recession in 1982. It lasted only till the 4th quarter of the year. The percentage of GDP growth since then rose sharply until the 2nd quarter of 1982 and then started gradually moderating. The ensuing period was characterized by some volatility until the 1st quarter of 1991 from where the GDP growth dipped sharply and the second recession initiated. This recession also lasted only for two quarters. The decade of the 1990s marked a steady climb in the GDP growth rate and signs of the next recession were observed only in the first quarter of 2000 since when it started decreasing rapidly. This third recession lasted from the 1st quarter of 2001 to the last quarter of the same year. There was a small climb in terms of GDP growth since then until 2007. From the last quarter of 2007 the recent recession set in and it lasted for seven quarters making it the longest recession in the time horizon under consideration. Figure 1 Housing Starts Turning to the Housing markets, we start by looking at housing starts in Figure 2. Interestingly, apart from a steady dip a few quarters ahead of the current recession, inter-temporal movements in housing starts have been moderately stable. The recessions do not seem to have affected housing starts to any considerable extents and we find only small dips in the first two recessions. Strangely during the third recession, we find that housing starts actually increased. However, it can also be seen from the graph that housing starts exhibit a marked decline from around the 3rd quarter of 2005 onwards well into the recent recession. Figure 2 Average real housing prices The next housing market indicator considered is the real average housing price. As can be seen from figure 3, housing prices exhibit smooth but evident cyclical movements. Comparing these movements with figure 1 reveals that in terms of trends the housing price movements particularly in the latter half of the time horizon match those of the real GDP growth although real GDP volatility is considerably higher. The peaks and the troughs in the average housing price time plots are clearly distinguishable and there are substantially lesser reversals making the series a lot smoother. Although resemblances in trend are not so clear in the quarters before 2000, since then the GDP growth and housing prices seem to follow very similar patterns. Figure 3 Months’ supply Finally, in figure 4 below, we look at movements in months’ supply of housing across the duration considered. In between the first two recessions here, the series seems to have been substantially volatile though stably so, around a mean of 2. Thereon, the movements of the series have been relatively less volatile. Figure 4 We see from the figure that months’ supply has declined in periods subsequent to the 1st, 2nd and 4th recessions. After the 1982 recession, housing supply exhibits a small decline in the ge neral trend although it as mentioned earlier fluctuated around an average. A more pronounced decline in the series occurred following the 2nd recession in 1991. The strong declining trend during this phase continued on through the onset of the third recession. There was a surge in early 2005 reflecting what we know now as the gradually forming housing bubble. The series attained its maximum halfway into the fourth recession. The housing supply series seems to reflect a lagged

Choose a day in your life which did not start off well,but then Essay

Choose a day in your life which did not start off well,but then something positive happened - Essay Example I had to go to my cousin's wake and that was about 7 pm. She was only 3 years old and my mood changed from being upset to being sentimental for she looked like an angel. I was conversing with my female cousin when she introduced me to her aunt; actually my cousin was even older than her by a few months. We went through a casual conversation which later changed into an exchange of thoughts on just about anything. I was trying hard for her not to notice my stolen stares, for she was my kind of girl, pretty, witty and with a sense of humor. I did not fall in love that instant but I knew there and then that she had to be a part of my life. We talked for almost four hours nonstop, and exchanged numbers. The very morning at the burial, I was delighted when I saw her the second time, too bad we had to part ways in the afternoon; for she and her mom had to go back home, and me too. The sight of her disappearing from my sight was sheer mix of agony and sweetness, for not once in my life had I met a girl whom I got along with very well and yet she had to go before I even saw her smile. A year and a few months had passed and our communication was somewhat of an on-and-off thing until that fateful day, 1 year, 6 months and 27 years later when we met again and up until now we are together, I feel so grateful I have her as my girl.

Evidence Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Evidence - Research Paper Example In certain cases it can be essential to withhold convinced evidence from the protection in order to save the basic rights of another person or to protect a significant public interest. â€Å"Disclosure is one of the most important issues in the criminal justice system and the application of proper and fair disclosure is a vital component of a fair criminal justice system† (Attorney General’s Guidelines on Disclosure, par.1). In the criminal law there is a responsibility for taking an action in order to give the full revelation of all the applicable data in its possession. The extent of this obligation is decided by the ideas of constitutional which has its due procedure in addition to the requirements of the constitution. The criminal duty of revelation and the civil idea of detection are two totally distinct actions and they exist for various reasons. In summery cases there is no right to disclosure. What is the purpose of this? The rules under evidence should be inter preted in order to administer all proceedings in a fair manner, eliminate all unwarrantable delays and expenses, and helping the growth of evidence law by finishing and determining the fact of protecting a just determination. In a criminal case, the court can accept evidence provided that it shows someone, except the defendant as a source of the injury and the other physical evidences. The court may accept the evidence of victims provided by the defendant in order to prove the approval or if provided by the prosecutor and the evidences whose rejections it will violate are the defendant’s legal rights. â€Å"In a civil case, the court may admit evidence offered to prove a victim’s sexual behavior or sexual predisposition if its probative value substantially outweighs the danger of harm to any victim and of unfair prejudice to any party† (Federal Rules of Evidence par.3). The court may admit the evidence of a victim’s reputation only if the victim has place d it in controversy. What are the penalties for failing to do so? According to the laws with respect to disclosure of evidence, the courts have taken a strict view. It leads to the exclusion of the evidence. Even in the cases where the failure to disclose evidence was not intentional or malafide, the courts have used the rule in a strict manner. Therefore, the litigants are always well advised to reveal all the potential evidence and supplement all the needed discovery and disclosures in order to avoid the likelihood of having their evidence being excluded. â€Å"On the other hand, for litigants who have been prejudiced by their opponents’ failure to disclose, Rule 37(c) offers a remedy to offset the disadvantage of unfair surprise† (Stockholm par.2). If any person fails in giving information or identifying a witness, the person will not be allowed to make use of that witness or information in order to supply evidence on a motion, at a trial, or at a hearing until and unless the failure is proved to be harmless or justified. What is exclusionary rule? The exclusionary rule is a principle in law in the United States which comes under the Constitutional law which says that the evidence gathered and analyzed if it violates the constitutional rights of the defendant, it will be inadmissible in a court of law for a criminal prosecution. This rule was formulated by the judiciary

Professionalism in Education and its Impact on Teachers Essay

Professionalism in Education and its Impact on Teachers - Essay Example This study stresses that  an educator’s pursuit for excellence is determined by his professional competence, preparation, knowledge of the subject and his teaching skills. Professionalism has caused profound changes in educational structure and the people’s concept of education. According to this view the professionalism of a teacher can be assed by three important ideas like preparation, knowledge of subject area, and defined pedagogy. Preparation means a professional would prepare his class room in spite of all adversities. He would break all barriers with effective teaching techniques. Along with the preparation a professional teacher with his wide range of knowledge would help the students to understand the material being taught.  This research highlights that  the Higher Education Act of 2004 was a remarkable step towards achieving professionalism in education. The 2004 Act was intended to integrate the educational activities and concepts under a unique regul ation. This Act â€Å"makes provision about research in the arts and humanities and about complaints by students against institutions providing higher education; to make provision about fees payable by students in higher education; to provide for the appointment of a Director of Fair Access to Higher Education; to make provision about grants and loans to students in higher or further education; to limit the jurisdiction of visitors of institutions providing higher education; and for connected purposes†.

Capital Account Convertibility Essay Example for Free

Capital Account Convertibility Essay Capital Account Convertibility. Should India adopt full convertibility? Capital Account Convertibility-or a floating exchange rate-is a feature of a nations financial regime that centers around the ability to conduct transactions of local financial assets into foreign financial assets freely and at market determined exchange rates. It is sometimes referred to as Capital Asset Liberation or CAC. CAC is mostly a guideline to changes of ownership in foreign or domestic financial assets and liabilities. Tangentially, it covers and extends the framework of the creation and liquidation of laims on, or by the rest of the world, on local asset and currency markets. Current account convertibility allows free inflows and outflows for all purposes other than for capital purposes such as investments and loans. In other words, it allows residents to make and receive trade-related payments receive dollars (or any other foreign currency) for export of goods and services and pay dollars for import of goods and services, make sundry remittances, access foreign currency for travel, studies abroad, medical treatment and gifts, etc. Capital account convertibility is considered to be one of the major features of a developed economy. It helps attract foreign investment. It offers foreign investors a lot of comfort as they can re-convert local currency into foreign currency anytime they want to and take their money away. At the same time, capital account convertibility makes it easier for domestic companies to tap foreign markets. At the moment, India has current account convertibility. This means one can import and export goods or receive or make payments for services rendered. However, investments and borrowings are restricted. But economists say that Jumping into capital account convertibility game without considering the downside of the step could harm the economy. The East Asian economic crisis is cited as an example by those opposed to capital account convertibility. Even the World Bank has said that embracing capital account convertibility without adequate preparation could be catastrophic. But India is now on firm ground given its strong financial sector reform and fiscal consolidation, and can now slowly but steadily move towards fuller capital account convertibility. CAC has 5 basic statements designed as points of All types of liquid capital assets must be able to be exchanged freely, between any two nations, with standardized exchange rates. The amounts must be a significant mount (in excess of $500,000). Capital inflows should be invested in semi-liquid assets, to prevent churning and excessive outflow. Institutional investors should not use CAC to manipulate fiscal policy or exchange rates. Excessive inflows and outflows should be buffered by national banks to provide collateral. Prior to its implementation, foreign investment was hindered by uneven exchange rates due to transactions, and national banks were disassociated from fiscal exchange policy and incurred high costs in supplying hard-currency loans for those few local companies that wished to do business abroad. Due to the low exchange rates and lower costs associated with Third World nations, this was expected to spur domestic capital, which would lead to welfare gains, and in turn lead to higher GDP growth. The tradeoff for such growth was seen as a lack of sustainable internal GNP growth and a decrease in domestic capital investments. When CAC is used with the proper restraints, this is exactly what happens. The entire outsourcing movement with Jobs and factories going oversees is a direct result of the foreign investment aspect of CAC. The Tarapore Committees recommendation of tying liquid assets to static assets (i. e. investing in long term government bonds, etc) was seen by many economists as directly responsible for stabilizing the idea of capital account liberalization. The Reserve Bank of India has appointed a committee to set out the framework for fuller Capital Account Convertibility. The Committee, chaired by former RBI governor S S Tarapore, was set up by the Reserve Bank of India in consultation with the Government of India to revisit the subject of fuller capital account convertibility in the context of the progress in economic reforms, the stability of the external and financial sectors, accelerated growth and global integration. Economists Surjit S Bhalla, M G Bhide, R H Patil, A V RaJwade and Alit Ranade were the members of the Committee. The Reserve Bank of India has also constituted an internal task force to re-examine the extant regulations and make recommendations to remove the operational impediments in the path of liberalisation already in place. The task force will make its recommendations on an ongoing basis and the processes are expected to be completed by December 4, 2006. The Task Force has been set up following a recommendation of the Committee. The Task Force will be convened by Salim Gangadharan, chief general manager, in- harge, foreign exchange department, Reserve Bank of India, and will have the following terms of reference: Undertake a review of the extant regulations that straddle current and capital accounts, especially items in one account that have implication for the other account, and iron out inconsistencies in such regulations. Examine existing repatriation/ surrender requirements in the context of current account convertibility and management of capital account. Identify areas where streamlining and simplification of procedure is possible and remove the operational impediments, especially in espect of the ease with which transactions at the level of authorized entities are regulations are consistent with regulatory intent. Review the delegation of powers on foreign exchange regulations between Central Office and Regional offices of the RBI and examine, selectively, the efficacy in the functioning of the delegation of powers by RBI to Authorised Dealers (banks). Consider any other matter of relevance to the above. The Task Force is empowered to devise its work procedure, constitute working groups in various areas, co-opt permanent/special invitees and meet various trade ssociations, representative bodies or individuals to facilitate its work.

Development of Anti-Cancer Agent

Development of Anti-Cancer Agent Design, ultrasound assisted synthesis and in-vitro anticancer activity of 3-(4-chlorophenyl) sydnone and 3-(4-chlorophenyl) sydnonecarboxaldehyde against 60 Human Tumor cell lines Sachin K. Bhosale, Shreenivas R. Deshpande  and Rajendra D. Wagh Design, ultrasound asisted synthesis and in-vitro anticancer activity of 3-(4-chlorophenyl) sydnone and 3-(4-chlorophenyl) sydnonecarboxaldehyde against 60 Human Tumor cell lines Abstract: In an attempt to develop an effective and safer anticancer agent, 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-sydnonecarboxaldehyde 5 have been designed and synthesized under ultrasonication by formylation of 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-sydnone 4 and characterized by spectral studies. The ultrasonic method of synthesis was found to be simple, ecofriendly, reduces reaction time and gave good yield when compared with traditional methods of synthesis. Anticancer activity of the compounds were tested against 60 human tumor cell lines and compared with standard drug Vincristine sulphate. Cytotoxicity evaluation revealed that compound 5 is most potent against NCI-H23 (Non-Small cell lung cancer) with comparative activity of Vincristine sulphate. Compound 5 also had shown moderate cytotoxicity against T-47D (Breast cancer), CAKI-1, UO-31 (Renal cancer), HL-16TB (Leukemia), NCI-H23, NCI-H522 (Non-Small cell lung cancer), SNB-75 (CNS cancer), MALME-3 (Melanoma). In future, research and modification of compounds to different derivatives may lead to development of potent anticancer drug. Keywords: Anticancer, 1, 2, 3-oxadiazol-5-olate, Formylation, Ultrasonication INTRODUCTION Mesoionic sydnone compounds have shown a variety of biological activities including antitumor ((Kier et al., 1964, Dunkley et al., 2003, Satyanarayana et al., 1995, Kavali et al., 2000, Dunkley et al., 2003, Fregly et al., 1964, Stewart et al., 1965, Roche et al., 1965). It is thought that the ionic resonance structures of the heterocyclic ring promote significant interactions with biological molecules. In 1992 a series of 4-substituted-3-nitrophenylsydnones were synthesized and evaluated by Grynberg et al for anticancer activity and it was found that the 4-chloro and the 4-pyrrolidino compounds significantly enhanced the survival of Sarcoma 180 (S180), Ehrlich carcinoma (Ehrlich) and Fibrous histiocytoma (B10MCII) tumor bearing mice(Dunkley et al., 2003). It was also found that the larger hetero rings; p-piperidino and p-morpholino, were less potent (Kier et al., 1964, Dunkley et al., 2003). Herein we report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of two para-chloro substit uted analogues of sudnone molecules 4 and 5. These were tested for 60 human tumor cell lines at the National Cancer Institute for antitumor activity at a minimum of five concentrations at 10-fold dilutions.The synthesized chloro substituted sydnones (4 and 5) passed the primary assay by inhibiting the growth of at least one cell line to less than 32%, and both are proved to be moderate active and versatile against each cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS All chemicals and reagents were purchased form from Sigma-Aldrich, Mumbai, India. Melting points of the intermediates and the final products were recorded using a Systolic melting point apparatus and are reported uncorrected. Thin layer chromatographies (TLC) were performed on E-Merck precoated 60 F254 plates and the spots were rendered visible by exposing to UV light. Infra red spectra were recorded in KBr discs using Jasco FTIR 1460 Plus spectrometer. NMR spectra were obtained on a BRUKER AVANCE II 400 NMR spectrometer at 500 MHz for 1H and 125 MHz for 13C, the chemical shifts are expressed in ÃŽ ´ (ppm) downfield from tetramethylsilane (TMS). Electron impact mass spectra were recorded on WATERS, Q-TOF MICROMASS (LC-MS) instrument. Elemental analyses (C, H, N) were in full agreement with the proposed structures within  ±0.4% of the theoretical values. The ultrasonic irradiation was performed by using a Biotechnics India TM ultrasonic cleaner bath, model 1510, AC input 115 V, outp ut 50 W, 1.9 liters with a mechanical timer (60 min with continuous hold) and heater switch, 47 KHz. Synthesis of Ethyl N-(4-chlorophenyl) glycinate (1) A mixture of Para-Chloroaniline (2.80 g, 0.02mol) and chloroethyl acetate (2.12 mL, 0.02mol) was added to the solution of ethanol (20 mL) and anhydrous sodium acetate (3.28 g, 0.04mol) under ultrasonication conditions and allowed to react for 120 min. The mixture was diluted with 20 mL of water and cooled in refrigerator for overnight and recrystallized in ethanol to yield 1 (83%), mp 114-116  ºC. IR (KBr): 3327, 2950, 2934, 2879, 1756, 1069; 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): ÃŽ ´ 1.21 (t, 3H, COOCH2CH3), 3.76 (s, 1H, NH), 4.29 (s, 2H, CH2), 4.54 (q, 2H, COOCH2CH3), 6.83-7.21 (m, 4H, Ar-H); 13C NMR (40 MHz, DMSO-d6): ÃŽ ´ 14.65, 44.73, 62.07, 115.12, 123.22, 129.01, 146.26, 173.13. Synthesis of N-(4-chlorophenyl) glycine (2) Ethyl N-(4-chlorophenyl) glycinate (4.26 g, 0.02mol) and sodium hydroxide (1.2 g, 0.030mol) in ethanol was heated under ultrasonication conditions at 65  °C for 15 min and allowed to cool and acidified with dil HCl. Yield 87 %, mp 146-148  ºC. IR (KBr): 3319, 3277, 2951, 2937, 2879, 1703, 1063; 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): ÃŽ ´ 4.29 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.39 (s, 1H, COOH), 6.55 (s, 1H, NH), 6.79-7.27 (m, 4H, Ar-H); 13C NMR (40 MHz, DMSO-d6): ÃŽ ´ 44.48, 115.02, 124.16, 130.02, 145.97, 171.98. Synthesis of N-nitroso (4-chlorophenyl) glycine (3) Ice cold solution of the N-(4-chlorophenyl) glycine (3.72 g, 0.02mol) was added in crushed ice water (40 mL). A solution of sodium nitrite (1.38 g, 0.02mol) in ice cold water (10 mL) was added dropwise under ultrasonication condition at 0  °C for 10 min. The reaction mixture was filtered and precipitated by adding concentrated hydrochloric acid to the filtrate. Precipitate was filtered and recrystallized in methanol to yield 3 (81%), mp 109-111  ºC. IR (KBr): 3255-2521, 2923, 2849, 1711, 1569, 1325, 1062; 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): ÃŽ ´ 5.02 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.93-7.45 (m, 4H, Ar-H), 11.55 (s, 1H, COOH); 13C NMR (40 MHz, DMSO-d6): ÃŽ ´ 49.42, 120.75, 128.29, 130.43, 138.78, and 169.25. Synthesis of 3-(4-chlorophenyl) sydnone (4) Acetic anhydride (30 mL) was added to 3 (5.40 g, 0.0252 mol) under ultrasonication condition at room temperature for 60 min. The reaction mixture was left overnightat room temperature. The solution was poured slowly into cold water which was very well stirred. The crude sydnone was filtered, dried and recrystallized in ethanol to yield 4 (93%), mp 139-141  ºC. IR (KBr): 3181, 1748, 1053. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): ÃŽ ´ 7.23 (s, 1H, sydnone), 7.49-8.13 (m, 4H, Ar-H). 13C NMR (40 MHz, DMSO-d6): ÃŽ ´ 123.15, 126.49, 131.53, 136.13, 141.13, 170.07 Synthesis of 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-sydnonecarboxaldehyde (5) N-Methylformanilide 2.84g (0.0210mol) and phosphoryl chloride (3.17g, 0.0205mol) were mixed under ultrasonication conditions for 10 min. After 0.5 h, 3.0 g (0.0186mol) of 4 was added portionwise with swirling and cooling under ultrasonication below 350C. Hydrogen chloride was evolved vigorously. After standing overnight, the viscous, dark-brown mixture was dissolved in 15 ml. of acetone and poured (stirring) into 75 ml. of ice water. The yellow-orange precipitate was filtered, washed (cold water), and dried. Yield 56%, mp 75-77 0C. MS (M+) (m/e) 223.99, 225.996, 225.002. IR (KBr): 1790 (Ñ ´C=O sydnone ring), 1640 (Ñ ´C=O aldehyde). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): ÃŽ ´ 7.2, 7.2, 7.3, 7.3 (Cl-Ph-), 9.61 (Sydnone-4-CHO). 13C NMR (40 MHz, DMSO-d6): ÃŽ ´ 127, 129, 129, 130, 130, 134 (Cl-Ph-) 190 (CHO). Element analysis: C; 48.13, H; 2.24, N; 12.47, O; 21.37 Scheme 1-Synthesis of 3-(substituted aryl)-4-sydnonecarboxaldehyde (5) under ultrasonication conditions 1.3. Anticancer screening The synthesized compound was screened for preliminary anticancer assay by National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, USA in an in vitro 60 human tumor cell panel. The process utilized 60 different human tumor cell lines of the leukemia, Non-small cell lung, Colon, CNS, melanoma, ovarian, renal, Prostrate and breast cancers which was aimed in showing selective growth inhibition or cell killing of particular tumor cell lines by specific compound. The screening begins with the evaluation of selected compounds against these 60 cell lines at a single dose of 10-5 M. The output from the single dose screen is reported as a mean graph of the percent growth of treated cells. It allows detection of both growth inhibition (values between 0 and 100) and lethality (values less than 0) (Roschke et al., 2003, Lorenzi et al., 2009, Mingyi et al., 2013, Al-Suwaidan et al., 2013, Senff-Ribeiro et al., 2004, Butkovic et al., 2011, Lorenzi et al., 2009, Mingyi et al., 2013, Al-Suwaidan et al., 2013, Sen ff-Ribeiro et al., 2004, Butkovic et al., 2011). RESULT Compund 5 showed highly cytotoxic activity against NCI-H23 cell line (Non-Small cell lung cancer) as compared to standard drug Vincristine sulphate. Compound 5 also had shown moderate cytotoxicity against T-47D (Breast cancer), CAKI-1, UO-31(Renal cancer), HL-16TB (Leukemia), NCI-H23, NCI-H522 (Non-Small cell lung cancer), SNB-75 (CNS cancer), MALME-3 (Melanoma). Details of % growth inhibition for comp. 4 (NSC 35759) 5 (NSC 774943/1) as shown in table 1. Table1 One dose mean graph for compound 4 (NSC: 35759) and compound 5 (NSC: 774943 / 1) Conc: 1.00E-5 Molar Table 2 Percent Growth inhibition of synthesized compounds against most effective cancer cell lines Figure1 Percentage growh inhibition for cytotoxic activity evaluation of synthesized ompounds Figure 2 Percentage growh inhibitions for cytotoxic activity evaluation of compound 4 Figure 3 Percentage growh inhibitions for cytotoxic activity evaluation of compound 5 Figure 4 Percentage growh inhibitions for cytotoxic activity evaluation of standard anticancer drug Vincristine sulphate. DISCUSSION Molecules synthesized under ultrasonication conditions. The method provides several advantages over current reaction methodologies, including a simple work up procedure. The ultrasonic method of synthesis was also found to be simple, ecofriendly, reduces reaction time and gave good yield when compared with traditional methods of synthesis. Cytotoxicity evaluation revealed that out of 60 human tumor cell lines, compound 5 is highly effective against SNB-75 (CNS cancer) and UO-31 (Renal cancer) human tumor cell lines.Compund 5 showed highly cytotoxic activity against NCI-H23 cell line (Non-Small cell lung cancer) as compared to standard drug Vincristine sulphate. Compound 5 also had shown moderate cytotoxicity against T-47D (Breast cancer), CAKI-1, UO-31(Renal cancer), HL-16TB (Leukemia), NCI-H23, NCI-H522 (Non-Small cell lung cancer), SNB-75 (CNS cancer), MALME-3 (Melanoma). CONCLUSION In the process of anticancer drug discovery, to find new potential anti-lung cancer agent, we designed and synthesized molecule 5. As compund 5 showed highly cytotoxicity against NCI-H23 cell line (Non-Small cell lung cancer) in comparision to standard drug Vincristine sulphate, in future, research and development with designing desired modifications of molecule 4 and 5 may develop in safer and effective potential anticancer molecules. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Authors are thankful to BCUD, University of Pune, INDIA (Project-13PHM000018) for financial assistance, NCI, USA for carrying out anticancer activity, SAIF Punjab University for spectral study, JNTU Hyderabad and Dr. Dhake A. S., SMBT College of Pharmacy, Dhamangaon, Nasik (MS) India for providing necessary facilities to carry out the research work. COMPETING INTERESTS The authors declare that they have no competing interest. REFERENCES Kier LB, Dhawan D and Fregley MJ (1964) Synthesis of alkyl substituted sydnone carboxylic acids. J. Pharm. Sci., 53: 677. Dunkley CS and Thoman CJ (2003) Synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel phenyl substituted sydnone series as potential antitumor agents. Bioorg Med. Chem. Lett., 13(17): 2899-2901. Satyanarayana K and Rao MN (1995) Synthesis, antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic testing of 4-[1-oxo-(3-substituted aryl)-2-propenyl]-3-phenylsydnones and of 3-[4-[3-(substituted aryl)-1-oxo-2-propenyl] phenyl] sydnone J. Pharm. Sci., 84(2):263-6. Kavali JR and Badami BV (2000) 1, 5-Benzodiazepine derivatives of 3-arylsydnones: synthesis and antimicrobial activity of 3-aryl-4-[2†²-aryl-2†², 4†², 6†², 7†²-tetrahydro-(1†²H)-1†², 5†²-benzodiazepine-4†²-yl] sydnones. IL Farmaco, 55: 406-409. Fregly MJ, Kier LB and Dhawan D (1964) Chloruretic, naturetic and depressor activities of some substituted sydnones. Tox Appl. Pharmacol., 6:529 Stewart TG and Kier LB (1965) Synthesis of several mesoionic 1, 3,4-thiadiazoles. J. Pharm. Sci., 54:731. Roche EB and Kier LB (1965) Synthesis of two 4,5- Dialkylsydnone J Pharm. Sci., 54: 1700. Dunkley CS and Thoman CJ (2003) Synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel phenyl substituted sydnone series (VII) as potential antitumor agents. ChemInform, 34:129. Garraway LA, Widlund HR, Rubin MA, Getz G, Berger AJ, Ramaswamy S, Beroukhim R, Milner DA, Granter SR, Du J, Lee C, Wagner SN, Li C, Golub TR, Rimm DL, Meyerson ML, Fisher DE and Sellers WR (2005). Integrative genomic analyses identify MITF as a lineage survival oncogene amplified in malignant melanoma. Nature, 436 (7047):117-122. Adams S, Robbins FM, Chen D, Wagage D, Holbeck SL, Morse HC 3rd, Stroncek D and Marincola FM (2005). HLA class I and II genotype of the NCI-60 cell lines. J. Transl. Med., 3(1):11. Roschke AV, Tonon G, Gehlhaus KS, McTyre N, Bussey KJ, Lababidi S, Scudiero DA, Weinstein JN and Kirsch IR (2003) Karyotypic complexity of the NCI-60 drug screening panel. Cancer Res, 63(24):8634-8647. Lorenzi PL, Reinhold WC, Varma S, Hutchinson AA, Pommier Y, Chanock SJ, Weinstein JN (2009) DNA Fingerprinting of the NCI 60 cell line panel. Mol. Cancer Ther, 8(4):713-24. Mingyi M, Longru S and LouMei Ji (2013) Synthesis and biological evaluation of Combretastatin A-4 derivatives containing a 3-O-substituted carbonic ether moiety as potential antitumor agents. Chemistry Central Journal, 7(1):179. Al-Suwaidan IA, Alanazi AM Abdel-Aziz AA, Mohamed MA and El-Azab AS (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-mercapto-3-phenethylquinazoline bearing anilide fragments as potential antitumor agents: Molecular docking study. Bioorganic medicinal chemistry letters, 23:3935-3941. Senff-Ribeiro A, Echevarria A, Silva EF, Franco CRC, Veiga SS and Oliveira MBM (2004) Cytotoxic effect of a new 1, 3, 4-thiadiazolium mesoionic compound (MI-D) on cell lines of human melanoma. Br. J. Cancer; 91(2): 297–304. Butkovic K, Marinic Z and Sindler-Kulyka M (2011) Synthesis of 3-(o-stilbenyl) sydnone and 3-(o-stilbenyl)-4-substitutedsydnone derivatives and their antitumor evaluation. ARKIVOC, 1:15

Interaction Between Major Environmental Systems

Interaction Between Major Environmental Systems ‘Explain how the major environmental systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere and biosphere) interact and are interrelated’ In this assignment I will discuss and explain how our four major environmental systems the atmosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere and biosphere interact and are interrelated. I will explain each one individually then go onto detailing how they link with one another with examples of photosynthesis, respiration and precipitation with the help of conceptual diagrams, lecture notes and my own personal knowledge. Our planet is made up of four basic ‘spheres’ or also known as ‘the four great realms of earth’ (Strahler and Strahler, 1994, pp. 7-7). Each serves a purpose and is interrelated with one-another and requires each other to form the life-cycle we live in. Figure 1 below shows a basic form of how our four main environmental systems interact: Figure 1: Interactive processes (Lal, Kimble, and Follett, 1997, 4.) Our atmosphere consists of many elements and plays an important part in making our planet inhabitable and sustainable for life. It comprises of around 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% argon and a small trace of gases such as carbon dioxide (earth system pp). There are also several layers which can be split up which are the Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere and the Ionosphere (White, 1984, pp. 71 -71). The atmosphere today has been derived from the Earth itself by chemical and biochemical reactions (White, 1984, pp. 68 68) and also plays a vital role in creating our Earth’s weather systems. The hydrosphere is the Earth’s liquid cycle; it contains our rivers, lakes, oceans, streams, glaciers and groundwater and is linked into our water cycle. It’s our most dominate environmental system and covers around 70% of the earth’s surface which it contrives of features for plants and animals to inhabit. It also contains 1.4 billion cubic kilometres of water and water is essential to life and required for the survival of organisms (Strahler Strahler, 1999, pp. 7 7). The biosphere can be referred as the part of our environmental system where life exists. The term biosphere is used to describe either this veneer of life, or these organisms together with the surface environments in which they interact (White, 1984, pp. 128 128). It consists of abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) components and it extends from our deepest oceans all the way to around 10km above sea level (earth system pp) and incorporates all different kinds of organisms and species. The Pedosphere is the Earth’s outer layer which contrive of soils and soil formations. It can also be linked in with the Lithosphere but has its own determined category. It provides a solid foundation for sustainability for plants and other organisms to live. The major factors influencing soil and soil development are parent material, climate, vegetation and time (Strahler Strahler, 1999, pp. 240 240). There are two main classes of soils which are primary and secondary which vary in terms of substance. Photosynthesis is the process by which higher plants, algae, and certain species of bacterial transform and store solar energy in the form of energy-rich organic molecules (Eaton-Rye, Tripathy, Sharkey, 2011, pp 1-1) and is a direct interaction between the atmosphere and biosphere. The process occurs from when the sun releases energy rays into our atmosphere which are absorbed by the biosphere within plants via their leaves, they then use this energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen, sugar and starch which is used as a food source by plants. Plants contain chloroplasts which makes the scenario of photosynthesis possible. They then release oxygen back into our atmosphere which humans intake and release back carbon dioxide to complete the cycle. This interaction between the atmosphere and biosphere in terms of collaborating and enhancing organisms. Photosynthesis also contributes towards ‘fossil fuels’ (i.e., coals, oil, and gas) that power the industrial s ociety. The fuels provide energy to fuel factories, homes and also raw materials such as plastics and other materials (Bassham, 2014). Figure 2 below shows the basic process in which photosynthesis occurs and how the cycle works: Figure 2: Diagram showing Photosynthesis (n. d.) In return, respiration occurs from the process of photosynthesis in animals and plant life contributing to the atmosphere where energy is released from glucose and other substances. Respiration, which occurs in mitochondrial and bacterial membranes, utilizes energy present in organic molecules to fuel a wide range of metabolic reactions critical for cell growth and development (Eaton-Rye, Tripathy, Sharkey, 2011, pp 1-1). There are two types of respiration, the first being aerobic which are common in all higher plants and animals and the process occurs within living cells and oxygen. It is a permanent process that continues throughout the life of plants and animals. The second is anaerobic and is common in microorganisms but very rare in higher plants and animals. The process occurs in the absence of oxygen and can be toxic to plants and animals (‘Major Differences’, n.d.). Respiration breaks down food molecules which occur inside cells to release energy, this is known as the oxygen cycle which animals and humans consume oxygen discharged by plants through the basis of metabolism. Carbon dioxide is then released by animals and humans in which plants then absorb and the whole cycle begins again starting with photosynthesis which forms part of an interrelated system and sustainability for life. Figure 3 below shows the process of the oxygen cycle with respiration between animals and plants in working order: Figure 3: The Oxygen Cycle (n.d) Precipitation is a direct interaction between the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. Water exists in the air in the form of humidity, clouds, fog and precipitation (Introducing physical geography p 77). Precipitation can form in two ways. In the first, cloud droplets collide and coalesce into larger and larger water droplets that fall as rain. In the second, ice crystals form and grow in a cloud that contains a mixture of both ice crystals and water droplets (Strahler Strahler, 1999, pp. 86 86). There are many forms of precipitation which include rain, freezing rain, snow, sleet and hail which form a part of the water cycle. It also plays a part in creating our weather system which can affect the environmental systems on our planet. Rain develops when the droplets clouds hold become too heavy to sustain and eventually fall to the ground producing rain. Rain can also start out as being small ice crystals which then turn into snowflakes and as the temperature gets warmer with the flakes falling they warm up and melt into rain droplets. These rain drops can benefit organisms in the biosphere such as plants for food and growth. Snow is formed by the process of water vapour turning into ice crystals from within clouds, the process is called sublimation (‘Sublimation from Snow and Ice’, n.d.) and the snow never melts on its way down to the ground. Hail is the process of where raindrops collaborate and freeze and when the clumps get too heavy for clouds to hold they fall to the ground. Hail can form in all different sizes from tiny pebble shapes to anything up to the size of a cricket ball. Sleet is the simple form of frozen raindrops which melt then refreeze in sleet as it falls to the ground. It begins as either rain or snow which falls through layers of cold air which contains temperatures below freezing. Figure 4 below shows the water cycle with precipitation incorporated into it: Figure 4: The water Cycle ‘USGS’ U.S Dept. of the Interior, U.S Geological Survey In conclusion our planet contrives of many different environments which contain contrasting forms of organisms and life. Us as humans have categorised and produced cycles in which all these processes occur. The cycles play a major role in how life is sustained on our planet and each cycle relies and interacts with one another in maintaining the constant flow needed. Having these processes helps us understand how things work and how we can help make a difference to insuring to managing our environment for future generations. Word count References: Bassham, J. A. (2014, August 27). Photosynthesis (biology). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/458172/photosynthesis (n. d.) Retrieved 6 December 2014, from https://biochemunrated.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/jgjffjf.jpg (n.d.) Retrieved 30 November 2014, from http://www.ecoregionproject.weebly.com/nitrogen-oxygen-and-carbon-cycles.html Major Differences. (n.d.) Retrieved 6 December 2014, from http://www.majordifferences.com/2013/05/difference-between-aerobic-and.html Sublimation from Snow and Ice. (n.d). Retrieved 7 December 2014, from http://link.springer.com/referenceworkenentry/10.1007/978-90-481-2642-2_686 The Water Cycle. (n.d.). Retrieved 7 December 2014, from http://water.usgs.gov/edu/watercycle.html Bibliography: Dury, G. H. (1981). Introduction to Environmental Systems: Tchrs’. United Kingdom: Heinemann. Eaton-Rye, J., Tripathy, B. C., Sharkey, T. (2011). Photosynthesis: Plastid Biology, Energy Conversion and Carbon Assimilation. Gresswell, R. K., Cooper, H. J. (1971). The geography of the earth as a globe. Amersham: Hulton Educational Publications Ltd. Organizations, B. on I.S and Affairs, P. and G. (2009) Frontiers in Soil Science Research: Report of a Workshop. United States: National Academies Press. Strahler, A. and Strahler, A. (1994) Introducing Physical Geography. United States: John Wiley and Sons (WIE). White, I. (1984) Environmental Systems. London: Chapman Hall.