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. 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