Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 18

Analysis - Essay Example After the pretest, what followed was a series of set instructions. First, the students learnt addition and subtraction by using a number line. This involved indicating numbers that came before or after a given number X and distinguishing odd numbers from even numbers. The next stage involved using cubes to teach addition and subtraction. For instance, having a pile of ten cubes stacked together then taking two away or adding two and then asking the student what this activity resulted in (what is the new number of cubes after adding or subtracting?). Afterwards the students learnt the hundreds and tens chart. After the chart, the students learnt simple place values to enable them to group the digits of a number into ones and tens respectively. In addition, the students were required to count pennies (ones) and dimes (tens) and consequently use these values for addition and subtraction (California Department of Education, 2009). After a successful completion of the above activities, the students did a post-test in whole groups of three again for 25 minutes. The test was on a math work sheet and it comprised of eight questions that were similar to the questions in the pre-test. All the students who did the pre-test also did the post-test for purposes of determining the effectiveness of the teaching strategies applied. There was a tremendous improvement in the students’ performance in the post-test compared to the pre-test performance. In one group, the pre-test had the scores Alyssa 3, Faith 2 and Isaiah 2 out of a possible eight points. In the post-test, the scores were Alyssa 8, Faith 7, and Isaiah 8 out of a possible eight points. This significant learning gain is a direct result of the learning tasks that followed the pre-test. Nonetheless, math is a subject that requires continued practice to ensure that the concepts remain intact as a student advances from one grade to another. As such, the students should

Parasitic Plants and Their Hosts: Types and Characteristics

Parasitic Plants and Their Hosts: Types and Characteristics Survival of one life form is dependent not only on its ability to search and utilize available life sustaining resources but also upon its healthy competition for various such requisites with other life forms belonging to either the same or different species. To facilitate this, different life forms have evolved with special assets of abilities to exist, work and exhibit a tendency to proliferate so as to flag their dominance on ecological niche. Scientific communities at times are amazed by the kinds of interaction in which different life forms co-exist with each other and also with the surroundings. In plants, interaction science has emerged as a major area of research which deals with investigating and studying such phenomena in detail, their mechanism, reasoning for interactions of plant with plant, animals, and/or micro-organism. Evolution of a new species from an existing ancestral mob assures adaptation to new and more efficient modes of existence, wherein lesser inputs are in vested for more possible benefits. One such example is the parasitic plants or epiphytes. Parasitic plants comprise 19 families in angiosperms and constitute to about 4,100 species (Nickrent. and Musselman, 2004). Among these with various parasitic habits, mistletoes are well known as perrenial, polyphyletic group of angiospermic aerial plant parasites (Devkota, 2005) infecting generally host stem and/or branches, and belong to families, Viscaceae and Loranthaceae. Mistletoes are considered as an important component of biodiversity (Watson, 2001; Shaw et al., 2004), and have been appraised not only due to their unique parasitic relationship with their respective hosts, their growth habits, mechanism of seed dispersal but also because of their miraculous medicinal values which includes their use as sympathetic medicine to take down abnormal tissue growth under cancer (Kunwar et al.2005). They are predominantly known to occur on fruit trees. Mistletoes are characterised by the development of a root like absorptive organ called haustorium which forms the host parasite interface and draws nutrients from the host conductive tissues to the parasite (Devkota, 2005). Dendrophthoe falcata is a hemi-parasitic plant belonging to the Loranthaceae mistletoes and is considered as the commonest of all other mistletoes widely occurring in India (Parker acnd Westwood, 2009). The genus Dendrophthoe comprises of about 31 species spread across tropical Africa, Asia, and Australia (Flora of China, 2003) among which 7 species are found in India. The sp. falcata has its hold in India since ancient times and has been in use as traditional folklore medication for various ailments. Though a parasite incurring huge losses to commercial fruit and timer production, it is considered and welcomed as a sacred sign of prosperity in few areas of rural India. Well globally, much of the advanced scientific investigations have centered on other mistletoes such as Orobanche, Viscum etc. These studies have aimed towards understanding the parasite behaviour, sap flow dynamics at the host parasite interface, chemical compositions of floral organs, designing successful control st rategies, evaluating medicinal potentials etc. The present review will focus on the existing literature earlier attempts aiming study of various scientific aspects associated with D.falcata. The review considerably outlines the variety of studies performed revolving around the host-parasite relationship, morphology and geographical distribution, and studies aiming towards in vitro establishment and attempts towards scientific justification of the ethno-medicinal properties, and various existing and possible control strategies for this mistletoe family member. Morphology and biogeography: Evolutionarily, mistletoes belonging to Loranthaceae are considered older than those of Viscaceae and ever since their origin from dense Gondwanan forests; they have successfully encompassed tropics, subtropics and arid portions on the globe through their nutritional competition-driven conquests (Devkota et al, 2005). Notes on floral morphology and embryology in D.falcata have been provided by Singh (1952). D.falcata bears grey barks, thick coriaceous leaves variable in shape with stout flowers (Wealth of India. 2002). The flowering inflorescences in D.falcata was previously referred to as axillary or as developing on the scars of fallen leaves, but Y.P.S Pundir (1996) verified it to be of strictly cauliflorous nature and also notified that it shares fundamental similarity to that of Ficus glomerata, F. pomifera and F. hispida. Two of its varieties are widespread in India namely, var. falcata (Honey Suckled Mistletoe) and var. Coccinea (Red Honey Suckled Mistletoe) distinguished by occurrence of white and red flowering, respectively (Flowers of India, a World Wide Web resource). A comprehensive list of almost all the species within the genus Dendrophthoe can be availed (from web source at http://www.naturekind.org/taxpage/0/binomial/Dendrophthoe_falcata). Haustorial polymorphism, leaf mimicry, explosive flowering, fruit adhesive pulp etc. Singh, B., 1952. A contribution to the floral morphology and embryology of Dendrophthoe falcata (L. f.) Ettingsh. Jour. Linn. Soc., Lond., 53, 449. Dendrophthoe homoplastica (mistle- toe) mimic those of its common host, Eucalyptus shirleyi. (Robert L. Mathiasen, David C. Shaw, Daniel L. Nickrent, David M. Watson,2008 Plant Disease / Vol. 92 No. 7) Hosts and host-parasite relationships: Mistletoes occur mostly on forest, fruit and ornamental host trees preferentially harboring zones rich in biodiversity and thus are found excessively on mountain ridges provided with favorably optimum light intensities and in few in slopes and plains (Devkota, 2005 and references therein). Mistletoes do not follow a uniform pattern of distribution which is affected by local environments and effected by habits of seed dispersing avian visitors. Host range: Earliest, B.Singh (1962) reported that the leafy mistletoe D.falcata is parasitic on over 300 hosts in India, Pakistan, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. Indiaà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s rich plant biodiversity in 1977 could report exclusive host range numbering 345 plants susceptible to infection from this mistletoe (Siva Sarma and Vijayalakshmi 1977) which is a significant number as it contributes to its comparatively recent global record for 401 hosts (Shaw 1993). Till date, D.falcata represents the only known mistletoe with the largest global host range (Calvin and Wilson, 2009) which is continuously and rapidly widening. Haustoria: Mistleoes are known to form haustorial structures at the point of attachment to the host. Among angiosperms, parasitic relationship through the formation of haustorial linkages is known to be widespread (Wilson and Calvin, 2006). In general, haustorial connections among 72 (of the 75) ariel parasitic genera may belong to either of the four types viz., epicortical roots (ERs), clasping unions, wood roses, and bark strands (Calvin and Wilson, 1998). ERs may run along the host branches in either direction forming haustorial structures at variable intervals while à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½unionsà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ occur as single points of attachment of individual parasites hence pronounced as solitary. In D,falcata on different hosts two of the haustorial kinds have been observed viz., solitary unions as on Sugar apple (Annona squamosa), and epicortical roots as on sugar apple (Achras sapota), guava (Psidium guajava), pomegranate (Punica granatum) have been observed. It is unknown about what factors decide formation of different haustorial types by the leafy mistletoe on different hosts. The host branches infected with D.falcata show a gradual reduction in growth and diameter as compared to other healthy uninfected branches (Karunaichamy et al, 1999). It has also been reported that the development of mistletoe plants on the host tree is a dynamic process which necessarily leads to the death of the host tree and that the whole process may last for about a decade (Karunaichamy et al, 1999). It is known that mistletoes have higher nutrient titer than their host (Lamont, 1983; Karunaichamy et al, 1993) and this could probably be attributed to a competitively higher water (including dissolved nutrient and growth promoting metabolite) uptake rate by the parasite at its haustorium at a point in the host branch in comparison to that in the protruding lateral ends of the branch (that extends after the haustorium). This might render key nutrients be unavailable to the host branches that could repress growth post-infection (Stewart and Press, 1990). But in work by Karunaichamy et al (1999) one D.falcata seed per stem of Azadirachta indica seedling has been tested which has shown the life threatening effect on whole plant which again itself i s at an immature seedling stage (so death of the whole plant could be expected). In a broad sense, physiological and metabolic perturbations induced by the parasite in the whole host plant outlined at the seedling stage surmised by the reduced host leaf area, leaf number, growth performance upon infection cannot be correlated to that in a fully mature host. (statement in bold italics) could be justified by that there may be an increment in the probability of multiple mistletoe seed dispersals or extended reach of haustorial structures to other branches of the same tree (as we saw in Guava) that might possibly lead to a gradual depletion of key metabolites (thereby lowering an essential threshold titer for the same) required for growth of the host plant altogether. Alternatively though unknown, it might also be possible or still unknown if the hemi-parasites dissipate any unknown metabolite in to the host xylem at the point of anchor formation that may inhibit growth and metabolism in the hostà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s axillary meristems and the whole host plant life may only be at stake if such inhibitory effects are perceived by all plant parts. This again is contradictory hypothesis as evident from fact that the haustorial connections of the parasite with the plant are devoid of any retranslocation system (Smith and Stewart, 1990, also see later). Once more, a report by Sridhar and Rama Rao (1978) unraveled the infection of D.falcata surprisingly hosting itself directly on the fruit (Table 1) of Acharas sapota (Sapota). Almost all the hemi-parasitic members of the Loranthaceae tap the xylem vessels of their host to avail water and minerals but to a considerable extent produce their own supply of assimilates (Kuijt, 1969). D.falcata does not have an indigenous rooting system and is dependent on the host for water and minerals. Nutrient dynamics have shown that a higher titre of N, P , K, Mg and Na in the leaves of mistletoe than the leaves of uninfected and infected hosts which may be due to differential translocation of elements within the host phloem (Prakash et al, 1967; Karunaichamy et al, 1999). Nitrogen loss is well pronounced in mistletoe infected hosts and a higher potassium levels in mistletoe is an indicative of higher transpiration rates and a lack of re-translocation system (Karunaichamy et al, 1999 and references t herein). Though outlined above that the total phosphorous in mistletoe leaves is present in excess as compared to that the host leaves, fractionation studies have elucidated that percentage acid-insoluble phosphate is comparatively lesser in the parasite and also that further fractionation again infers a lower percentage of phospholipid, RNA, DNA and phosphoproteins. The DNA content of the infected host leaves however demonstrate a dramatic increase compared to the healthy uninfected leaves (Prakash et al, 1967). Mistletoes are believed to mimic their hosts in floral structures. At some instance it was supported by a hypothesis which explains that such behaviour imparts protection to the mistletoe from the herbivores. Later, the hypothesis was field tested, rejected and replaced by a belief that a host parasite resemblance might help to safeguard hostsà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ individual fitness by signaling the birds to expel mistletoe seeds on other uninfected hosts (Atsatt, 1979). Moreover, the hosts and parasite follow individual developmental scheduling of events under which the parasite might experience an influence from a firm epigenetic hormonal control on leaf size and shape thus evolving the mimicry or resemblance to the host(). List of hosts: Loranthaceous parasites were known in India since 1885 and until then only 35 species were known. Specifically for D.falcata from among the earliest of the reports, 268 host species have been known to be under the clutch of the deadly hemiparasite (Ravindranath and Narsimha Rao, 1959), and shortly later B.Singh (1962) reported its parasitic relation with over 300 hosts reported in India, Pakistan, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. Until 1993, a report by Shaw III depicts a global increase of host range to 401. In Indian tropics 37 species of tree have been reported as the favourite hosts for D.falcata (Ghosh et al., 2002). Due to the ever increasing host range (Sridhar and Rama Rao, 1978) currently it is difficult to draw a margin between the more and less common host genera. Vectors for seed dispersal and pollination: Seed dispersal as well as pollination is usually mediated by the birds that thrive on fruits from the parasite and/or host. Particularly in southern India, Tickelà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s Flowerpecker which is also named as Pale-billed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum erythrohynchos, Latham) is reported to facilitate seed dispersal of D. falcata among Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss. belonging to Meliaceae) through fecal excretions or regurgitations (Karunaichamy et al, 1999; Hambali, 1977 and references therein). The mistletoe bird also eats insects and therefore has a grinding gizzard. When eating the mistletoe berry the bird is able to close the gizzard and the toxic seeds are usually swallowed as a whole and are shunt through their gut in about 3-4 minute (Murphy et al., 1993) and because the seed has a sticky coating, to get rid of the seed the bird applies its vent to the edges of the host tree branches and may turn around whereby the seed then sticks onto the branch where it may subsequently germin ate (Ali, 1931; Ali 1932; Davidar, 1985). These birds also act as vectors for pollination in the hemi-parasite whose flowers bear a mechanism that causes pollen to explosively spray on the plumage of the visiting flowerpeckers (Karunaichamy et al., 1999; Vidal-Russell and Nickrent, 2008). Studies conducted in the higher altitudes of Western Ghats (where both the mistletoes and the flowerpeckers occur predominantly), which parallel the western coast of India infer that the flowerpecker pollinated mistletoes have particularly developed feature specialized to attract a unique vector both to facilitate pollination and seed dispersal: the fruit and flowers have similar resemblance and more significantly, the fruiting time overlap with the next flowering season (Davidar, 1983). Hair-crested Drongo or Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus hottentottus) is an Asian bird of the family Dicruridae and sunbirds (family=Nectariniidae) also known to feed on the nectar from the D.falcata flowers also adds to the list of pollinators to this mistletoe (Kunwar et al, 2005 and references therein). Phytochemistry: Results for the preliminary tests in phytochemical screening analyses using ethanolic extract of the whole plant reports the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, steroids, tannins phenolic compounds, flavonoids and triterpenes (Sahu et al, 2010). Chromatography of D.falcata fruits has recently added new members to the list of naturally occurring terpenes which has taxonomically been considered significant (Mallavadhani et al., 2006). Total phenolics in mistletoe have a comparatively higher concentration but it failed to correlate to any resistance by the host or its susceptibility to infection by the hemiparaste (Khanna et al,, 1968). Later a phenolic inhibitor of the enzyme a-glucan phosphorylase was reported ((Khanna et al,, 1971). A study by Ramchandra and coworkers (2005) indicated that an elevated antioxidant potential in the mistletoe is due to sequestration of phenolic compounds from the host plants. Their HPTLC data on samples from mistletoe hosted on Mangifera indica (Mango), reportedly contained mangiferin, a C-glucosyl xanthone synthesized by the host plant. The report raises query concerning further investigations for whether the transfer of phenolics to the hemi-parasite indicates a preliminary host mediated defense or a mode of host identification by the parasite or as a mechanism from within the parasite to bypass rejection from the host plant. In mature seed embryo 0.65 mg chlorophyll/g fresh wt; chlorophyll a : b ratio of 1.6 per mg chlorophyll has been evidenced. Moreover, in context to titre of enzymes for photorespiration, phosphoglycolate activity in the embryo has been recorded to be 16.7 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½mol substrate/min and 3-phosphoglycerate phosphatase activity 6.8 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½mol substrate/min. Similarly, NADH-linked glyoxylate reductase activity has been demonstrated in the embryo (0.09 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½mol substrate/min/g fresh wt) by Kachru, and Krishnan (1979). Chroamatography of the ethanolic extract followed by NMR and Mass spectrometry could isolate and identify Quercitin, a rhamnoside (Shihab et al, 2006). Hexokinase has been partially isolated and studied for its properties from D.falata leaves (Baijal and Sanwal, 1976). In a comparative evaluation of this parasitic plant grown on various host plants, Nair et al.10) reported the accumulation of kaempferol, quercetin, myrecitin, and their glycosides. Medicinal Properties: D.falcata possesses remarkable potentials as a medicinal plant evident from the wound healing, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, antinociceptive properties of its ethanolic extracts (Pattanayak and Sunita, 2008, Shihab et al, 2006). Medicinal properties of this hemiparasite may vary in effects respective to different hosts it establishes a relation with (Mallavadhani et al., 2006). The whole plant is used in indigenous system of medicine as cooling, bitter, astringent, aphrodisiac, narcotic and diuretic (Alekutty e al., 1993) and is useful in treating pulmonary tuberculosis, asthma, menstrual disorders, swelling wounds, ulcers, renal and vesical calculi and vitiated conditions of kapha and pitta (Anarthe et al., 20081; Anarthe et al, 2010; Sastry, 1952; Pattanayak et al., 2008 ). Also, the decoction of plant used by women as an anti-fertility agent has been evidenced to possess anticancer activity (Nadkarni, 1993). The leaf ethanolic extract significantly and dose dependently inhibits the acetic acid induced writhing in mice (Shihab et al, 2006) and has indicated a low level toxicity in the brine shrimp lethality assays. Besides, a more recent work by Pattanayak and Mazumder (2010) shows significant tumor reduction in induced mammary carcinogenesis in Wistar female rats when fed with hydroalcoholic extracts of D. falcata. Ethno-medicinal aspects: Ethnomedical studies are generally characterized by a strong anthropological and/or biomedical approach and in this context the use of D.falcata as a traditioal remedy for most if not all the ailments has been well appraised. Perhaps, the variety of knowledge available has not yet been exploited full fledgedly due to the currently over-recommended chemial analogs that are predominant over market most of which have side-effects associated under frequent use. In vitro regeneration and gene introgression studies: It is known that long term caulogensis from the endosperm tissue exhibits a high degree of polyploidisation of its cells associated with abnormalities such as chromosome bridges and lagging chromosomes but mistletoe endosperms have exceptional stability in their chromosome number (Razdan, 2003). In the past, in vitro studies aiming towards investigating behavior of mature embryos have been reported in D.falcata (Johri and Bajaj, 1962). The effects of light, endosperm, endosperm extract, and position of the embryo on media have been studied on in vitro germination of D.falcata (Bajaj, 1968). Shoot induction has been successfully achieved in D.falcata (Bhojwani and Razdan, 1983). Shoot buds in Loranthaceae directly differentiate from the peripheral cells of the endosperm cultures though D.falcata may particularly require media supplemented with a combination of cytokinins and a low concentration of IAA or IBA. Among other cytokinins, 2-ip has been most effective and also addition of Casein hydrolysate (2000mg/l) has been necessarily recommended for shoot bud differentiation. For optimal shoot bud growth frequent subcultutres on fresh media is crucial. Caulogenesis from these shoot buds may be followed by differentiation into shoot and haustoria. The latter could be avoided by increased kinetin concentration and for such kinetin induced shoot bud differentiation, a low concentration of auxin (IAA or IBA) is necessary (Nag and Johri, 1971). Ready to use tissue culture strategies have been discussed by a review article by Pattanayak and Mazumder (2008). Advanced molecular level studies are surprisingly lacking for D.falcata with only single report where tests for amenability of this plant in gene introgression studies have been investigated via successful agrobacterium mediated transformation of its embryogenic cultures for GUS expression (Rohini et al, 2005). Diseases of D.falcata: Very little is known about diseases that victimize this hemiparasitc plant. The pathogen species that have been reported in association are generally known to commonly infect a wide range of plants off genera. There are realizations that propose that mistletoe specific pathogens are rare and develop endemism and be localized to favorably optimized areas where their growth requisites and nutritional demands are inline with the host mistletoe species and their host nutrient and sap flow dynamics. Fungal: The hemi-parasite itself is susceptible to diseases such as leaf blight caused by Colletotrichum state of Glomerella cingulata which has been reported on D.falcata which seriously infects Teak (Tectona grandis) plantations (Ali and Florence, 1987) in Kerala, India. Epiparasitism Plant: A surprising evidence of hyper-parasitism has been reported in the Mohand Range Forest (Dehradun, India) where D.falcata itself receives haustoria from Scurrula cordifolia (another mistletoe), both hosted together by Ougeinia oojeinensis (fabaceae) (Pundir, 1979). Similaly, Viscum orientale (Viscaceae) has also been reported to grow on D.falcata (Saxena, 1971). In another instance Cuscuta reflexa (Convolvulaceae) has been shown to act as a rival to the leafy mistletoe (Nath and Indira, 1975). Viscum capitellatum. Sm has also been evidenced from Sri Lanka to be an obligate epiparasite for D.falcata (Calvin and Wilson, 2009) and symplastic continuity exists between their phloem (Glatzel and Balasubramaniam, 1987) which is an indicative of the aggressive epiparasitism depicted more vividly by the presence of graft-resembling à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½unionsà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½. Viscum loranthi Elmer, thus has been advocated to have potentials for biological control of Loranthaceae hemiparasites (Pundi r, 1981) damaging commercial timber crops. Well, other species such as D.glabrata has also been reported to be parasitized by Viscum articulatum (Robert L. Mathiasen, David C. Shaw, Daniel L. Nickrent, David M. Watson,2008 Plant Disease / Vol. 92 No. 7). On the whole, 88% of Viscaceae and 61% Loranthaceae epiparasitize Loranthaceae (Calvin and Wilson, 2009). Hyperparasitism in Other mistletoes in the same genus: Notothixos subaureus (Viscaceae), parasitic on Dendrophthoe glabrescens (Loranthaceae) on Eucalyptus (source: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/1876445) Insects: Recently, Cockerell Scale insects, Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli Cooley (Diaspididae) have been reported to settle on the leaves, stems and haustoria of D.falcata parasitizing Senna siamea (unpublished communication). These scale insects are known to thrive on sap nutrients and their reproduction and hence their proliferation rate has depicted relation with the nitrogen status of the host. Well in this regard mistletoe particularly D.F indicates a favorable choice as their nutrient uptake seems more biased towards drawing more nitrogen rich species from the host sap. The host S.siamea, though is a non-nodulating leguminous tree specie but can produce more nitrogen than the nodulating relatives. Controlling the parasite: Backed by easy seed dispersal by fruit eating birds, widespread and ever increasing host range of Dendrophthoe falcata continues to pose heavy losses in economically valuable fruit trees and those with medicinal properties whether growing in forests, orchards or gardens (Sridhar and Rama Rao, 1978). Healthy tree hosts can tolerate few branch attachments with mistletoes but a heavily infected host slowly moves towards its decline as the mistletoe feeds upon its nutrients and spreads on all its ariel parts (Aly, 2007). Hostsà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ death is more probable when they become more prone to other forms of biotic ad abiotic stresses. Reports from 1930s evidence that until then no proper control and eradication methods were available rather the only alternative used was excising off the parasite (before seed production) completely from below the point of infection in the host and their immediate incineration (Sridhar and Rama Rao, 1978). Mechanical pruning of the infected host branches with cuts at least one foot below the point of mistletoe attachment in order to completely remove embedded haustoria has also been suggested as a method of choice but severe heading (topping) which is often used to remove heavy tree infestations weakens the host tree structure. Instead, it is best to remove severely infested trees entirely because they are usually a source of mistletoe seeds. Another method employed when mechanical pruning gives up upon mistletoe infection uses painting the infected area using a pruning paint or spray and wrapping it with layers of opaque polyethylene cover so as to restrict light source required by this leafy mistletoe. In another method, use of ethephon (a growth regulator) in form of spray to completely wet leaves of mistletoe harboring dormant host trees is recommended (Aly, 2007). Regrowth of the parasite may be prevented by pruning it and painting the spot in the host branch (Koski et al., 2009). Lately, adopted method of control uses application of 50% diesel oil emulsion sprayed on mistletoe leaves. The said morbid effect of emulsion significantly increases the intra-molecular respiration rates in the leaves followed by a gradual decline in capacity of stomatal closure consequently leading to death of the hemiparasite (Singh and Sharma., 1970). Delias eucharis, a medium sized pierid butterfly (Common Jezebel) commonly occurs in South and South-East Asia (Bingham, 1907) and is particularly known to lay its eggs and feed on leaves of mistletoes (Roychoudhury, 2005) and has been suggested in its use to control the parasitic mistletoes (Sevastopulo, 1950, Mushtaque and Baloch 1979). Alternatively, resistance to D.falcata using herbicide (metribuzin) infusion of its host, Tectona grandis (Teak) has also been tested but is of limited help as the efficiency of parasite killing was not proportional to the amount of herbicide used which is required to estimate exact dosage and infusion time for multiple of infection on one host (Balasundaran and Ali, 1989). In one of the papers from the proceedings of the 6th Asian-Pacific Weed Science Society conference, G.G. Hambali (1977) has discussed beside other uses the exploitaton of scolytid and cerambycid beetles in controlling Dendrophthoe spp. Several similar or other control alternatives have been suggested by Khan et al. (1987). Approaches as highlighted above towards control of parasitic weeds by traditional methods are limitedly effective and best control via herbicides and fumigants may be hazardous to Mother Nature (Jacobsohn 1994). Removal of mistletoe by hand is effective considerably under small degrees of infection but extensive infestation might render this approach as inevitably expensive (Aly, 2007) and cumbersome more particularly when the infestation spans large tree plantations or dense forests. Replacing the infected plantations with resistant trees has also been a method of choice. Though not reported yet specifically for D.falcata, resistance for broadleaf mistletoe (Phoradendron macrophyllum) was evidenced in some tree species viz., pear, Chinese pistachio, crapemyrtle, ginkgo, sycamore, and conifers such as redwood and cedar (Perry 1995). These few resistant species are of significance to the plant breeders but raising parasitic plant resistant crop genotypes have been very difficult and yet lack success. Use of high and low intensity fires has also been noted but is rather undesirable in plantations as wonà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½t result in complete cure but only subside heavy infestation from the mistletoes in stand without suppression of re-infestation (Carnegie et al, 2009). Chemical control of mistletoes has been extensively researched in Australia which points out the reasons for their limited routine practice in forests as these methods are labour intensive, cost-effective, variable or limited in results. Use of biological control strategies including mistletoe targeting fungi has also been evidenced (Carnegie et al, 2009). Recent efforts by S. Aly and his workgroup (at the Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Agricultural Research Organization, Newe Yaar Research Center, Israel) enlists successful biotechnological approaches which guarantee prospects towards achieving effective parasitic weed control and ensure environmental safety (Aly, 2007). Adoption of these tools within biotechnology viz, trait gene introgression, gene silencing, promoter technology etc accordingly towards generating transgenic host trees remain the only promising alternative to combat losses incurred from D.falcata infestations. Aspects of biodiversity: Management and control strategies whether mild or exhaustive and whether practiced on a low to high area of coverage should not overlook that mistletoes are considered a valuable component of biodiversity. They are seen as à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½a keystone resourceà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ of food and shelter for diverse population of vertebrates and invertebrates (Carnegie et al, 2009). Conclusions: (KEY: take up the previous issues in above topics and be general and also take examples from other species or genera about the same, for medicinal values and products again search for other existing natural resources. Parasitic plants and their origin Parasitic plants constitute to about 1% of the total angiosperms in nature. Studies explaining the science behind the evolutionary origin of the ariel habit in Loranthaceae have recently been initiated where primitive hypotheses are being investigated with use of phylogenetic tools and analyses (Wilson and Calvin, 2006). Phytochemistry: Though in a recent review by DCruz et al (2010) considerable reproductive toxicity that may cause upon consumption of extracts from the hemiparasite and other plant extracts had been advocated. The article also appeals for extensive research on neutralizing the toxicity of plant based products before they could be validated for their health benefits. Medicinal uses: Antioxidants are considered important for preventing human diseases but the synthetic antioxidants viz., butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) that have a restricted use as preservatives in oils and fatty foods to minimize their oxidation are considered carcinogenic (Andlauer and Furst, 1998) which can be altered by use of ethanolic and/or methanolic D.falcata extracts as

Skin cancer :: essays research papers

Most parents remembered hearing about the importance of protecting their children from the sun, yet children are still playing in the sun without sunscreen or protective clothing. Many people these days are not taking skin cancer seriously after knowing its significance. Skin cancer has been a growing problem in the United States and millions of people have suffered from it every year. The three most common skin cancers are Melanoma, Basal cell, and Squamous cell, which can cause bumps, sores, growths, etc. Skin cancer is a deadly disease with many causes, but the advantage is that it can be prevented. Problem/Definition Skin cancer is a disease where cancer (malignant) cells are found on the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The three types of cells found in the epidermis are squamous cells, basal cells, and melanocytes. These cells in time grow to be cancerous. Thus, the three types of skin cancers are squamous cell, basal cell, and melanoma. Melanoma is the most deadliest and destructive type of cancer. (â€Å"Skin Cancer† infotrac.com) The number of people with melanoma has risen in Scotland from 3.5 in 1979 to 10.6 per 100,000 in 1998 for men and 7.0 to 13.1 for women. (Miller 945) Squamous cell and Basal cell skin cancer can kill up to 2,200 people a year in the United States. (Sommerfield SIRS.com) Basal cell, being the most common type of skin cancer, is the cancer that about 75 percent of the people have. (â€Å"Skin Cancer â€Å" infotrac.com) Melanoma is mostly seen in older men but ever since tanning came in during the 1970’s, it has increased in wom en 60 percent around the ages 15-29 over the past three decades.(Sommerfield SIRS.com) â€Å"And basal cell and squamous cell cancers are increasing at a rate of about 5 percent per year†(Sommerfield SIRS.com). Causes   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Skin Cancer is caused by hereditary factors, overexposure to the sun, and weak immune systems. (â€Å"Skin Cancer† infotrac.com) One reason people tend to get skin cancer is when someone in your family has passed their genes down to you, known as hereditary. Normally hereditary is one of the causes in the development of melanoma. For all types of skin cancers, overexposure of the skin to UV radiation in sunlight is the most frequently blamed source of skin cancer. â€Å"Research suggests that sunburns received early in one’s childhood can lead to skin cancer later in life† (â€Å"Skin Cancer† infotrac.com). For example, when someone gets sunburned, you usually don’t know till ten to twenty years after and that’s why people don’t get skin cancer till they reach their twenties.

Marriage and Family

The definition of family is a problematic issue for many scholars because of the complexity of the phenomenon and diversity of various family forms. With the continuing discussion of the possibility of gay families, the family is going to undergo an even more drastic redefinition. However, most families, irrespective of their form, will share some common features that allow researchers to group them together.The definition of the US Census Bureau states that the family is a â€Å"a group of two people or more related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together† (Flora & Segrin, p. 5). Therefore, to qualify for a family people need to be connected with ties of blood or law and live together; otherwise, people living together will be considered non-family households. Since the definition is structural, it resides on the inner structure of the unit and is therefore more straightforward than other attempts to define family.Family forms are also most frequently determined by structural ties. Thus, scholars distinguish the family of origin that â€Å"refers to relatives who are connected by blood or traditional sociolegal contracts such as marriage or adoption† (Flora & Segrin, p. 6). This form usually describes the family into which one is born.There is also a nuclear family that includes â€Å"two heterosexual parents and one or more children† (Flora & Segrin, p. 7). Nuclear families are distinguished first of all by the presence of two or one-parent, thus falling into two- or single-parent households. The latter type has spread with increase in the divorce rates from 11% of all families to 16% in the period from 1970 to 2000 (Flora & Segrin, p. 7). Two-parent families may not necessarily include children’s biological parents; at times, they will be remarriage, or step-families. Families can also be child-free, which includes â€Å"a married couple who voluntarily decides not to have children† (Flora & Segrin, p. 7).The above definition of the nuclear family refers to monogamous families that are typically considered the norm in the West. In a monogamous family, each partner will have only one spouse. In a polygamous family, a man can have more than one wife or vice versa. This is the case, for instance, in Muslim families where a man will often take more than one wife.A nuclear family contrast with multigenerational family households where representatives of many generations live together under one roof, and families include grandchildren and grandparents living together, or even great-grandchildren and great-grandparents. The nuclear family became more widespread in the industrial epoch and reached its height in the 1950s when more and more young families began to live apart from their parents. Most will nevertheless keep the contact between their nuclear unit and extended family – a group of all other relatives in addition to parents and children, most notably aunts, uncles, cousins, gran dparents, in-laws etc.Depending on the form of legal relationship between the people of the opposite or same sex living together, a couple can be classified as a cohabitating family. In this family, partners are not bound to each other by any form of legal contract. This form has proliferated of late as people have begun to see marriage bonds as less and less compulsory. Gay or lesbian families are couples including individuals of the same sex that live together, sometimes also with children. In most cases, such families will be based on the sexual intercourse and emotional commitment.Another family form on the rise today is the adoptive family in which a couple will adopt one or more children, sometimes in addition to the children they already have. Adoptions can also be biracial and international, meaning that kids are from a different race and country than their adoptive parents (Walsh, p. 17).The abundance of various family types testifies to the important role of the family in the life of people. Today’s reality has seen increasing acceptance of diverse family forms. These forms have come to replace the traditional nuclear family structure with different patterns.2. .The traditional American family in the past decades has undergone profound transformation. Due to the rising divorce rates, more and more children will live in single-family households as well as those where parents will re-marry. Blended families where children of both remarried parents live together are also becoming more common. The proliferation of new family types replacing the traditional nuclear family requires of family members more aptitude for adjustment.At present, America has the highest divorce rate on the globe. This change has translated into rise of single-family households that in 1990 â€Å"accounted for 23 percent of all Caucasian families, 33 percent of all Hispanic families, and 61 percent of all African American families† (Faruque 1999). Single-parent house holds headed by working mothers are still more likely to have incomes below poverty level than two-parent households; this additional factor pushes more women toward remarriage.On average, an American child will spend five years in a single-parent household. The divorce of biological parents is often followed by the re-marriage of one or both parents, which leads to an increase in step-parenting. As of 1999, â€Å"slightly over 40 percent of all current marriages in the United States [were] 2nd and 3rd marriages† (Faruque 1999). Quite often, remarriage will result in the formation of the blended family involving not only the two spouses, but also their children and perhaps aging relatives to care for.Partners how have formed such a family will often find themselves stressed to cope with the increased burden and have less time to devote to their children. As a result, remarried and blended families have many things to cope with that are not a problem to traditional families: t he need to find contact with children of the new spouse, need to blend children in if there are children in custody on both sides, coping with new relatives and so on.Remarriage will often result in households where children live with their mother and her new husband, although father-stepmother arrangements are also possible. Stepfamily Association estimates that about 30% of American children live in stepfamilies (Rainbows). According to data from the US Census Bureau, â€Å"20% of the children in two-parent households living with one natural parent and one step parent† (Rainbows). Another statistical fact is that â€Å"slightly more than 40% of all current marriages are second or third marriages† (Rainbows).Step-parenting is a challenge to many who find the child an additional complication to an otherwise happy new relationship. For children, living in a new household with a step parent may also be problematic because they are â€Å"trapped by their feelings of love and identification with the absent biological parent and the growing attachment to the stepparent† (Faruque 1999).All these data demonstrate that divorce and remarriage are a powerful trend in the development of the American family, and quite soon the traditional family with two parents and their biological children may recede into the past or remain a minority. Today’s parenting is associated with many complex issues such as handling children who demonstrate an adverse reaction to the new parent or stepsiblings. On the other hand, the changing family patterns increasingly cause emotional disturbance among children that are likely to experience emotional, learning or other behavioural problems because of divorce and/or remarriage in their families. The changing family situation requires a greater variety of skills on the part of parents and children in order to cope with shifts and new family structures less painfully. BibliographyFaruque, Cathleen Jo. The Changing Of America's Families. 26 May 2006 ;http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/parenting/families.html;.Flora, Jeanne, and Chris Segrin. Family Communication. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2005.Rainbows. A Generation at Risk. 26 May 2006Walsh, Froma. Normal Family Processes: Growing Diversity and Complexity. New York: Guilford Press, 2003.

Building stone conservation

The construction industry and its activities have an important role to play in socioeconomic development and quality of life. Construction activity accounts for more than 50% of the national outlays. Building Construction costs registered an increase in rates year after year at scales much faster than inflation. It is seen that in view of the increase in cost for basic input materials like steel, cement brick timber and other materials as well as the cost of construction labour, buildings cost increase at around 20% to 30% annually even when inflation is in single digit.Even though income levels of people are by and large brought in line with the levels of inflation through inflation indexed rise in salaries, year after year, housing is moving beyond the reach of the majority of the people. The reducing housing size for various categories in consecutive years in respect of the plinth areas, nature of specifications even with increased income levels would indicate the rapid increase i n cost of construction.The urban population growth has increased to more than 30%, and has made the need for adequate housing for low income people a very important concern for the government. However, the rush to respond to these needs seems to result in a low quality housing that does not adequately match the needs of these people. In countries where construction contributed 3-5% to GDP, an implication for development policy was that unless the construction industry grew faster than the economy as a whole it might constrain national development (Han and Ofori, 2001).The construction industry is a main contributor to the national economy, therefore the more developed the industry is the more the contribution to the economy. Similarly, a developing economy leads to more construction projects and purchasing ower means affordable projects. The interlink relation between the construction industry and the economy makes it clear that development can not occur without the other, although a growing construction industry does not necessarily mean a developing industry nor economy.In fact, the increase in construction prices could cause an artificial indication of the contribution of the construction industry to the GDP and economy. Furthermore the increase in construction costs always occurs faster than the increase in the GDP/capita. Approximate costs generally include mechanical and electrical installations, but exclude furniture, loose or special quipment, and external works. They also exclude fees for professional services and permission fees. The costs shown are appropriate to local specifications and standards.This should be borne in mind when attempting comparisons with similarly described building types in other countries. One of the main barriers to sustainability and sustainable construction will be affordability. The construction industry in developing countries cannot afford to make any dramatic changes but has to start improving the existing technology an d local resources it has. In less than two decades, the construction costs have increased by a considerable rate. This is in respect of the normal types of housing construction.Still higher levels of costs are registered for using better finishes and amenities. The current situation of un- affordability, necessitates the need for using economical solutions and appropriate designs and construction materials which can bring down the cost of construction within the affordability levels of the people, as identified in the Agenda 21 for sustainable construction in Developing Countries which concerns with construction economic efficiency through national and international housing policies that ensure adequate, affordable and sustainable housing.Authors such as Adebayo (2000), McIntosh (2000) and Aboutorabi (2000) has addressed out that the sustainability development of the built environment is significantly linked to affordability, and affordability will remain a key barrier to sustainabi lity. CONCLUSION The development of the construction industry should lead to affordable construction activities and materials, which is one of the main issues of sustainability in the developing countries. It seems that the development of the construction industry to achieve efficiency, quality, affordability and then sustainability is strongly tied to the economy.

Ethical Delimma Case Essays

Ethical Delimma Case Essays Ethical Delimma Case Essay Ethical Delimma Case Essay People find it easier to cheat what is received as a large, faceless entity like a corporation or the government than to cheat a friend or acquaintance, experts say. Games, 2002) Ethics is so important within our society that most ethical values have been integrated into the laws of our land. Society has to have ethical behavior in order to keep the supportive order that has been set. An ethical dilemma is a situation in which a decision must be made about the appropriate behavior in which an Individual or company should make to support order. It will often Involve an apparent conflict between moral Imperatives, If obeyed this would result In one person transgressing another. The history of business In the united States is littered with tales of fraud, deceit and corruption, not only by the hands of a greedy few at the top, but also with the help of employees willing to go along with the charade. (Valentine 2002) Generally speaking, there are two major approaches that philosophers use in handling ethical dilemmas. One approach focuses on the practical consequences of what we do; the other concentrates on the actions themselves. However, there are six core ethical values hat have been established to assist society with ethical behavior. Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship are the six examples of ethical standards. Unethical behavior is defined as conduct that is deferent from what others within or society believes to be appropriate behavior. There are many reasons why people act unethically. The most common reasons are that people have different ethical standard than those of society and people choose to act selfish. There are six steps to resolving ethical dilemma. The simple ethical framework approaches are to obtain the facts, identify the ethical issues from the facts obtained, determine who, what group or person is affected by the outcome of the dilemma, identify alternatives that the individual or persons who are Involved must use to resolve the dilemma, identify the consequences of these alternatives, and come to a decision about what is the appropriate action that should be taken to resolve the dilemma. The six-step process has been condensed by Thomas White, author and professor of business ethics and director of the Center for Ethics and Business at Loyola Martyrdom university in Los Angels by offering a three-step strategy. (Martinez, 2000-2007) First analyze the consequences, then analyze the action and finally make a decision. The general focus Is on the legal Issues of what must be done versus what ought to be done. Resolving ethical dilemmas In workforce Is a fundamental problem that almost every management has when the company has a Lovers set AT employees. Ease under 4-B Walton our text (Arenas, Elder, Ana Basely 108-109) presents an ethical dilemma for Barbara Whitley. She is faced with aging a decision about what is the appropriate behavior for the situation that she is presented with by Jack Bean. As being an auditor if she throws away the schedules as Jack (the supervisor) is suggestion she do, she is not conducting herself in a professional manner as society encourages the accounting profession to do for the public or client. Also, if she does not throw away the schedules this will likely cause difficulty among her and Jack. Using the six steps that assist in resolving dilemma listed previously. While resolving the dilemma, Barbara should be able to look into he background of the situation with an open mind, the origin of the dilemma and all the individuals involved within the conflict. She should also look for any missing information that might be of importance to solving the dilemma. Then, Barbara should begin by gathering the relevant facts which come from her work, because this may contain material information that should be disclosed. Her hard work should not Just be thrown away. The ethical issue is whether to throw away the schedules that contain the misstatements as Jack is telling her to do. Easy enough to discover hat all parties are affected. Barbara is affected because she is in violation of Rule 102 and her future with the firm may be affected and her performance evaluation by Jack will be affected more negatively than positive. Jack is affected because his future with the firm is affected as well as his performance evaluation of upper management. Green, Thresher and Company, Spas are affected because if the audit is completed late they will probably lose the appointment. If the client discovers the misstatement; they could also be sued for these material misstatements because they did not detect or disclose them. Delaney Fabrics will be affected, because they may not have the time to correct the misstatements, if they are not brought up in time. Therefore, additional cost will be incurred if they have to adjust their financial statements if the misstatements exist and are not reported. Next, Barbara has alternatives with consequences of throwing the schedules away and taking the chance that the client will discover the misstatements and sue. She can tell Jack that she is not going to throw the schedules away and she probably will not get a favorable review. Where possible, try to speak with your manager or someone else you trust when in doubt especially if the decision you have to make affects the company. Make sure that you dont assume that your company will tolerate you doing something wrong even if it benefits them. (Mueller, 2007) She could talk to upper management about what Jack ask her to do and she could be accepted for doing what she feels is ethically correct or rejected by them for going over Jacks head to them. She could stop working on the engagement and be labeled throughout her career as being a problem with co- errors. She could even quit the firm and miss out on great knowledge as being an auditor. Finally she should decide what the appropriate action is by discussing the matter in depth with Jack for understanding only because anything else would be a violation of Rule of Conduct 102. Telling Jack that she will speak with upper management is a good approach for Barbara. This will allow her to take the right steps of reproach for her professional field.

APA Referencing †How to Cite a YouTube Video

APA Referencing – How to Cite a YouTube Video APA Referencing – How to Cite a YouTube Video Not that long ago, the idea of citing a YouTube video in an academic paper would have sent some old-fashioned college professors into fits of outrage about how young people don’t understand what proper research is all about (i.e., dusty old books). WHATS A YOUTUBE? I DONT LIKE CHANGE! These days, however, there’s no denying that YouTube and other online videos can be crucial academic sources in many subject areas. As such, knowing how to cite an online video source is increasingly useful. Herein, we look at how to do this with APA referencing. Citing a YouTube Video Citing an online video involves giving the uploader’s name and the year that the video was uploaded in parentheses. For instance, a video uploaded in 2016 by the cultural critic Anita Sarkeesian to her Feminist Frequency YouTube channel would be cited as follows: The trope of the sinister seductress is pervasive in video games (Sarkeesian, 2016). Here, we cite the â€Å"author† of the video because it’s hosted on her own channel. If you’re quoting part of a video directly, the citation should also include a time stamp: In the video, Nicky Clayton and Clive Wilkins discuss the â€Å"capacity to convey and understand ideas non-verbally† (TEDx Talks, 2013, 3:37). You’ll notice here that, despite the talk being by Nicky Clayton and Clive Wilkins, â€Å"TEDx Talks† is the name given in the citation. This is because the â€Å"TEDx Talks† channel hosts videos by numerous speakers, so Clayton and Wilkins are not the uploaders. Reference List As with other sources, full publication information should be included in the reference list for any online videos you cite in your work. For a YouTube video, this involves providing the following: Surname, Initials. [Screen name]. (year, month day). Title of video [Video file]. Retrieved from URL.com You’ll notice that this includes both a name and a screen name. This helps readers find the video when the uploader’s real name is different to their username. In the case of the Anita Sarkeesian video cited above, for example, you’d need to provide both: Sarkeesian, A. [Feminist Frequency]. (2016, September 28). Sinister seductress tropes vs women in video games [Video file].   Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oXzWzMqarU If a channel doesn’t provide the uploader’s real name, only the screen name is required: TEDx Talks. (2013, August 19). Conversation without words: Nicky Clayton Clive Wilkins at TEDxOxbridge [Video file].   Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iavquY2OFo It’s important to remember that the name you should cite in the main text of your work is the same one used to list the source alphabetically in the reference list.

When to Write a Law School Addendum

When to Write a Law School Addendum In the law school application process, students are usually given the option of whether to submit an addendum to their file. Read on to learn more about what an addendum is, when you should write one, and perhaps most importantly, when you shouldnt. What Is an Addendum? An addendum as it pertains to the law school application process is an extra essay that you may include to help explain a weakness in your file. Law school applicants usually write addendums when there is anything they are concerned will prompt questions for the admissions committee. Â  Proper Form for an Addendum An addendum shouldnt be more than a few paragraphs long and should be labeled as an addendum at the top of the page. The structure of the addendum should be simple: state the topic you want to explain, give the point you want to communicate, and then offer a short explanation. Remember you are submitting this document to address what the admissions committee may see as a weakness, so you dont want to spend an excessive amount of time drawing attention to negative aspects of your file. In the case of the addendum, admissions readers are not looking for an in-depth discussion. Admission readers read a lot in the first place and as stated earlier, going into a detailed explanation of a weakness may draw undesired attention to it. Proper Way to Use an Addendum You should write an addendum if you feel that something in your file needs further explanation- so much so that without such explanation, the admissions committee wouldnt be getting an accurate representation of you. Here are some scenarios for which an addendum would be appropriate:Â   A failing gradeA semester in which you did particularly poorlyGaps in your academic careerAn LSAT score that does not reflect your ability to do law school level workAn overall GPA that does not reflect your ability to do law school workA medical emergency that affected a grade or LSAT scoreA family emergency that affected a grade or LSAT score To elaborate on some of these situations, if your poor LSAT score or semester of school was because of a death in your immediate family, this is a good reason to write an addendum. Also, if you have a low LSAT score but also a history of scoring low on standardized tests and then performing at a high level in school, this is another good reason for an addendum. Still, just because your situation falls into one of these categories, that doesnt necessarily mean you should write an addendum. It is always a good idea to ask your pre-law advisor for advice regarding your specific situation. Read some sample addendums on these and other subjects. Wrong Ways to Use an Addendum Using an addendum to offer excuses for a poor LSAT score or GPA is not a good idea. If it sounds whiny, it probably is. An excuse like you didnt have enough time to prepare for the LSAT because of your college course load, for example, is not a good reason to write an addendum. You especially want to stay away from the concept that you were irresponsible as a college freshman but now youve turned your life around. The admissions committee will be able to see that from your transcripts, so you dont need to waste their time with an addendum spelling it out. Overall, dont feel like you should try to find a reason to write an addendum if a legitimate reason doesnt exist; the admissions committee will see right through your attempt, and you could find yourself on the fast track to the rejection pile.

Finance and Asset Management Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Finance and Asset Management Report - Essay Example 2012, 2011 and 2011. This performance evaluation has been conducted by using ratio analysis which has been the most effective performance evaluation tool in terms of past performance trends. The comparison of the financial performance of Great Portland is also made in collaboration with one of the industry competitor named as Songbird over the same financial periods. Following are the five broader areas of ratio analysis namely profitability, liquidity, efficiency, solvency and investment under which the performance evaluation has been conducted (Brigham et al, 2008). Profitability Analysis The profitability picture of Great Portland provides a better view if the past performance is taken into consideration. It can be observed that the net profit margin of Portland has improved massively as it just started some momentum in the year 2010 (Great Portland Estates, 2012). However, in the year 2011, the firm bounced back on significant note and continued its better performance in the year 2012 as well. Very similar trend can also be observed if operating profit margin is taken into consideration, which started peaking in the year 2010. However, operating profit margin for Great Portland has been on an increasing trend. If these two ratios of Great Portland are compared with Songbird, it can be noted that Songbird was performing well on these notes until 2012 when it drowned into losses (Songbird Estates plc, 2011). However, operating profit margin is still positive for Songbird in the last year but it has declined severely in the last three years. If return generated by the assets of the firm, are taken into consideration, Great Portland has improved its performance in this area as well such that from 13% ROA, it has increased to the ROA of 17% which is a very delightful sign for the company until 2012 when it declined to 7.9%. Likewise, return on shareholders’ equity has also performed well as it has increased from negative 17%% to positive 23%, which is a t remendous indicator that the equity of the company is making good profits until 2012 when it reduced down to 12%. Conversely, these two ratios for Songbird have again showed sluggish performance over the past three years as their performance in terms of both ROA and ROE has shifted into negative zone, which is an alarming sine for Songbird. Ratios 2012 2012 2011 2011 2010 2010 Great Portland Songbird Great Portland Songbird Great Portland Songbird Profitability Net Profit Margin 339.61% -33.47% 407.68% 146.40% 349.89% 63.57% Operating Profit Margin 378.56% 82.53% 432.13% 93.36% 404.92% 116.46% Return on Assets 7.90% -1.37% 17.05% 6.86% 13.17% 3.28% Return on Equity 12.53% -5.09% 23.38% 24.00% 17.84% 16.99% Liquidity Analysis The liquidity analysis of both the companies is conducted rather in a brief manner as only one ratio has been selected for this purpose, which is current ratio. Current ratio mainly depicts the amount of current assets available in order to pay off $1 current li ability of the company (Watson, 2009). If the current ratio of Great Portland is taken into consideration, it can be noted that this figure has been observed consistently on a declining trend such that the current ratio of the company was 2.59, which depicts that the company had only ?2.59 in order to pay o

Development and Diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Development and Diversity - Essay Example According to Watson’s Behaviorism, behaviors can be measured, trained and changed. John B. Watson claims, â€Å"Give me a dozen healthy infants, well-formed and my own specified world to bring them up in and I’ll guarantee to take anyone at random and train him to become any specialist I might select†¦doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief and, yes, even beggar-man and thief, regardless of his talents, penchants, tendencies, abilities, vocations, and race of his ancestors.† This idea of behaviorism was advanced further through the publication of Watson’s classic paper Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It (1913). Miller (1983) adds that behaviorism, or behavioral psychology is based on the argument that all behavior is acquired through conditioning which takes place through contact and interaction with the environment, and therefore, it is the responses to our environmental conditions that shape our behavior. Behavior is considered in a systematic and observable manner with no weight on internal mental states such as mood and emotions which are argued to be purely subjective. It takes only conditioning for any person to be trained to perform any function completely independent of things such as genetic background, personality or thoughts. There are two main types of conditioning in behaviorism. The first type is the classical conditioning which is a method of conditioning in which a naturally occurring stimulus is paired with a response then a previously neutral stimulus paired with a naturally occurring stimulus. It is seen that, in the end, the previously neutral stimulus (conditioned stimulus) elicits the response (conditioned response) in the absence of naturally occurring stimulus. The second type of conditioning called the operant conditioning or the instrumental conditioning takes place via rewards and punishments for behavior and therefore a relationship is drawn between a behavior and a consequence for that particular behavior. As

Restructuring Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Restructuring - Essay Example One of the essential steps the business should be prepared to take is to restructure. A need to restructure will not only come from financial problems, but it could be because of competition, change in market trends and demand, new market or need for a merger (Wang, 2010; Business Wales, 2014). Although this might be the only way out for a business to regain its competitive value, a poorly done restructuring process can end up causing more damage to the company than good. It is for this reason that planning is key for any business to be successful through the restricting process for example Starbucks and Twitter. The key steps that these companies took involved a diagnosis of their status, plan on the steps to take, and finally implemented the change (Bush, 2014). The important lesson in the case of Starbucks and Twitter is to understand when it is time to restructure and to have a well-prepared plan to carry out the process. Business Wales. (2014, February 5). Reorganisations, restructuring and other major changes. Retrieved from Business Wales:

Graphics Innovations and Satisfaction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Graphics Innovations and Satisfaction - Essay Example In most cases, satisfaction is obtained when one perceives a product or an issue to have value and to address their problems. This may not be attained using words, and calls for a more powerful tool that would influence people’s perceptions as required. Therefore, graphics are the best mode of passing information or changing the perception of people to bring about a feeling of satisfaction and value. Mora & Ledesma (2011, 2) argue that interactive dynamic graphics are an ideal way through which lecturers have used to pass information in multivariate data analysis especially to psychology students. The use of these graphics according to Mora & Ledesma provides insights into procedures that do not easily stem from the formulae. Dynamic graphics are especially more effective in presenting these ideas, and lead to more satisfaction among the audience. Since these multivariate data are difficult to express in words, observation of graphical dynamics offer a more informative way in which these concepts are derived. This leads to more satisfaction or the students are more informed through the graphic representation work. It would follow that, if graphics lead to more informed perception; advancement and innovation in the field of graphics would therefore lead to more informed perception in all angles of life as these would interact with the audience perception at the psychological level to present the required information. Therefore technological advancement would lead to more satisfaction among the audience, and has a great influence on the choices and perceptions that are made by the audience. Gray & Wilkins (2005, abstract) elaborate that a project carried out to investigate the use of a set of core tactile and large print diagrams with supporting materials for degree level psychology courses, revealed that when the pack was used in a class of 22 blind and virtually impaired psychology students, it proved to be a useful resource. An in-depth follow-up in psy chology books and curriculum therefore was carried out to enhance the use of a â€Å"psychology Core Graphics Resource Pack.† These were designed with the students and experts well involved in the process. The use of large graphics, core tactile and other images proved to be an important resource among the virtually impaired students, and this later lead to efforts in making these graphics and disseminating them in large scale to be used by the relevant schools. It was through the advancement of the previously used graphics that the classes were satisfied and able to learn effectively through improved graphics, which explains the importance of graphics in satisfaction. With more innovations and advancement in this field, the graphics would therefore lead to more satisfaction in meeting the learning objectives of the blind in general. The most revolutionary field that portrays the satisfaction that may result from innovations in graphics is the film industry. Parsons (2010, 60 ) explains the various ways in which computers are currently used to create amazing graphics in the film industry. The film industry has influenced the lives of many in the current world, and as Parsons elaborates, it is just the use of graphics that are well designed and integrated though highly innovative software. These can be done at the comfort of the seat by anyone as far as the software and the knowledge to create these graphics is available. The result

Information Systems in Business and Organizations Coursework

Information Systems in Business and Organizations - Coursework Example Because this employee expertise is so important to them, the first step businesses must take to improve their capability of creating knowledge out of information is to understand its 'deep smarts'- what they are, how they are built and how they can be transferred to be made useful (Leonard & Swap, 2008). Once a business understands what its knowledge assets are, it can capture and convert that knowledge each time they fear losing it. For example, consider an employee who is retiring soon. It will be useful for a firm to know what all knowledge assets he contributes to the business and how it must capture these, tacit and explicit, before this employee retires and leaves. An option given by Leonard and Swap is to adopt 'coaching'. An employee of an organization builds up its knowledge in the shape of experience, wisdom and intuition over the years. This knowledge may be explicit, that is, things that can be easily captured, unfolded and passed around and are more open like who to call when something goes wrong. Or this knowledge can be tacit, things that cannot be captured and communicated and are silent, for example, an employee's ability to judge colleagues based on gut feeling and intuition. This employee's knowledge, tacit or explicit, must be captured as much as it can so that when he leaves, the new employee can be trained with it. The person who will train this employee will be the coach. This process of transferring knowledge from one employee to another with the help of a coach is called knowledge 'coaching'. The transfer will never take place without a skillful coach and an able receptor (Leonard & Swap, 2008). Another option that technology-driven businesses have to use their information as knowledge is to create encyclopedias or databases of lessons learned. They could also make templates out of it to further facilitate transfer of information (that is, to create knowledge) (Stewart, T.A., 2003). This is all very valuable for any organization. But at the end of the day, it must realize that all of the information in the database is gathered about explicit assets. What about tacit knowledge These silent assets are extremely important to get comprehensive knowledge but are also extremely difficult to capture. Therefore, the shortcoming of this technology approach is that knowledge cannot be captured comprehensively. But can it ever I don't think so. Until now, most of the focus has been on explicit knowledge; how firms use coaches to coaches to transfer knowledge (explicit) from one employee to another, how firms use technology to capture knowledge (explicit again). Now we will look at the tacit side of knowledge. The Japanese are jack of all trades. Why so The secret to their success is that they focus on tacit knowledge rather than explicit knowledge. One way to create tacit knowledge in an organization is by adopting a 'middle-up-down' management style, rather than a top-down or a bottom-up style. The authors argue that these traditional styles leave little room for effective knowledge creation. The top-down model aligns the outcome of a top few managers with the outcome of the firm. In the bottom-up model, knowledge creation takes much time because of the

Quistion Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Quistion - Research Paper Example There are also sometimes advances in technology that cause an organization to change. In the middle of the twentieth century, for example, most companies had typing pools with rows of secretaries typing up letters. When computers came along, and functions like skype and email arrived, organizations had to adapt to this and train people how to use them. They also had to change the type of staff they employed, so that there were fewer typists, and more technicians. Managers also had to learn to speed up response times and conduct more of their business themselves using technology instead of secretaries. Perhaps the biggest changes of all are caused by economic factors. Companies have to deliver more efficiently, and so this can cause them to review their processes in search of ways to work faster and smarter than before. In times like the recent credit crisis, organizations are at risk of complete failure, if they cannot meet their cost commitments and are not allowed to borrow. This can cause serious changes in staffing levels and in the business focus, in order to concentrate on the essentials for survival. Internal change can be caused by many different things too. Often the appointment of a new CEO can mean a change in the way an organization sees itself. There can be a need for expansion of certain units and reduction of others, for example when an organization chooses to start new lines of business and to close others. Most companies also set up systems for gradual and positive change that leads to quality improvement. Japanese manufacturing companies build this in to their business, and encourage even the most junior members of a team to suggest change and improvement all the time. Investment in new equipment can mean changes in working practices. An example of this can be seen in the photographic industry which

Information Systems in Business and Organizations Coursework

Information Systems in Business and Organizations - Coursework Example Because this employee expertise is so important to them, the first step businesses must take to improve their capability of creating knowledge out of information is to understand its 'deep smarts'- what they are, how they are built and how they can be transferred to be made useful (Leonard & Swap, 2008). Once a business understands what its knowledge assets are, it can capture and convert that knowledge each time they fear losing it. For example, consider an employee who is retiring soon. It will be useful for a firm to know what all knowledge assets he contributes to the business and how it must capture these, tacit and explicit, before this employee retires and leaves. An option given by Leonard and Swap is to adopt 'coaching'. An employee of an organization builds up its knowledge in the shape of experience, wisdom and intuition over the years. This knowledge may be explicit, that is, things that can be easily captured, unfolded and passed around and are more open like who to call when something goes wrong. Or this knowledge can be tacit, things that cannot be captured and communicated and are silent, for example, an employee's ability to judge colleagues based on gut feeling and intuition. This employee's knowledge, tacit or explicit, must be captured as much as it can so that when he leaves, the new employee can be trained with it. The person who will train this employee will be the coach. This process of transferring knowledge from one employee to another with the help of a coach is called knowledge 'coaching'. The transfer will never take place without a skillful coach and an able receptor (Leonard & Swap, 2008). Another option that technology-driven businesses have to use their information as knowledge is to create encyclopedias or databases of lessons learned. They could also make templates out of it to further facilitate transfer of information (that is, to create knowledge) (Stewart, T.A., 2003). This is all very valuable for any organization. But at the end of the day, it must realize that all of the information in the database is gathered about explicit assets. What about tacit knowledge These silent assets are extremely important to get comprehensive knowledge but are also extremely difficult to capture. Therefore, the shortcoming of this technology approach is that knowledge cannot be captured comprehensively. But can it ever I don't think so. Until now, most of the focus has been on explicit knowledge; how firms use coaches to coaches to transfer knowledge (explicit) from one employee to another, how firms use technology to capture knowledge (explicit again). Now we will look at the tacit side of knowledge. The Japanese are jack of all trades. Why so The secret to their success is that they focus on tacit knowledge rather than explicit knowledge. One way to create tacit knowledge in an organization is by adopting a 'middle-up-down' management style, rather than a top-down or a bottom-up style. The authors argue that these traditional styles leave little room for effective knowledge creation. The top-down model aligns the outcome of a top few managers with the outcome of the firm. In the bottom-up model, knowledge creation takes much time because of the

Relationship between money supply and the inflation Essay

Relationship between money supply and the inflation - Essay Example However, when the government securities are purchased from the market, central bank actually inject money into the market thus increasing the money supply in the economy. (Mankiw, 2008) Another important method through which money supply can be controlled in the economy is the adjustment in the discount rate. Discount rate is the interest rate at which central bank lends to other banks and is also serves as the primary rate in any economy. When discount rate is increased, central bank therefore invariably makes it difficult for the households and firms to obtain the obtain money at relatively cheaper rates thus making borrowing costly. A decrease in the discount rates otherwise because by reducing the rate, central bank makes it easier for the firms and the households to borrow money easily. (Sloman, & Garratt.2010). Inflation and money supply Inflation is an increase in the general price level in the economy and signifies a reduction in the purchasing power of the money. Normally in flation is measured through a consumer price index where the prices of a fixed basket of goods and services are compared with the prices of the same basket of goods and services at a give base year. An increase in the prices as compared to the base year therefore is considered as an increase in the inflation and hence erosion in the purchasing power of money. A decrease in the purchasing power would mean money would buy fewer things. (Krugman & Wells, 2009) According to the classical economics, an increase in the money supply actually does not result into an equal increase in the aggregate demand for goods and services. As such any change in the money supply will... This paper outlines the relationship between aggregate money supply and the growth of the real GDP and overall level of prices in the economy. One of the central debates in monetary economics rests upon the neutrality of money and whether money can actually result into the development of price increase or not. This debate is also based on the notion that the central bank of a country actually does not have any role in contributing towards the economic growth because money actually remains neutral and does not result into the growth. Moreover, it is argued that the higher money supply can result into higher prices and thus if money supply is increased, it will create inflation in the economy and will hurt the real economic growth. This is because of the fact that higher inflation level decreases the purchasing power of money quickly. In order to achieve objectives of the economic growth and price stability, central bank adapts different tools and techniques which help it to control the money supply in the economy. One of the most commonly used methods is the open market operations under which central bank actually purchases or sells the government securities in the market. Another important method through which money supply can be controlled in the economy is the adjustment in the discount rate. According to the classical economics, an increase in the money supply actually does not result into an equal increase in the aggregate demand for goods and services. Classical economists also argue in such situation an increase in the money supply would result into inflation. At the full equilibrium level, a positive change in the money supply would result into inflation and the negative growth rates.

Chronic Liver Disease and Its Risk Factors

Chronic Liver Disease and Its Risk Factors Chronic Liver Disease and Its Risk Factors: Alcohol and Nutrition One of the most vital organs in the human body is the liver. The liver is the organ responsible for a variety of essential functions that is necessary for optimal health and well-being of a person. It is tasked with detoxifying your body from all the substances that circulates in the bloodstream coming from foods, medications and by-products of cellular processes. The liver is also responsible for other functions such as creation of bile and red blood cell composition. It can be said that a healthy individual needs to have a healthy functioning liver as well. Due to its numerous functions, the liver is also one of the organs of the body that is most commonly injured as well. Chronic liver disease is a condition wherein the liver is not able to carry out its functions for an extended period of time (i.e., 6 months or more). When your liver is subjected to a lot of stresses and harmful substances, problems with its functioning can occur and render it unable to carry out its vital functions. The most commonly mentioned factors related to the existence of chronic liver problems is poor diet and alcohol abuse. Problems with the functioning of the liver can contribute to the existence of a lot of other conditions that is harmful to your health since the substances that it is supposed to clear from your body are not eliminated. Nutrition and Chronic Liver Problems The food that you take contributes to meet your body’s need for energy to help you with activities of daily living. However, it has been found through numerous researches that the type of diet you take also can contribute to the existence of problems with your liver, injuring it and impairing its functions. Fatty liver is one of the most common causes of chronic liver diseases and is brought about by intake of foods that is high in fat and cholesterol content. These foods are those that are usually found in fast foods and are rich in sodium and sugars as well. Included in this would be foods that are deep fried in animal fat such as French fries and chicken, dairy products that are non-fat and processed and canned meat products. Apart from causing fatty liver, these foods are also pointed out to be the source of obesity, heart conditions. Alcohol Intake and Liver Injury Alcohol is another factor that has been linked to the development of chronic liver disease. This is because alcohol in itself is seen as an oxidizing agent, meaning that alcohol can cause the cells within your liver to dry, and easily get injured. When this happens, inflammation can occur in your liver. Imagine this happening on a long-term basis, and you will see that the liver gets repeatedly injured, resulting in a condition known as cirrhosis. In this case, the liver gets scar tissues in areas repeatedly injured, rendering these areas non-functional. This can result in the liver’s inability to detoxify your body of the substances you take that can harm the cells of your body. So, if you want to have a normal and healthy functioning liver, it is essential that you choose your diet very well and keep your alcohol intake to low or moderate levels if you really can’t avoid it totally. References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2009.03.019 http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/gut.41.6.845 http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-62703-047-2_38 Maintaining Optimal Cognitive Health Through Diet The cognitive abilities of an individual is found to be on a continuous growth and development throughout the lifespan. This finding contrary to the previous notion that your cognitive abilities experience a decline as you age. This is because there are previous studies showing that decline in cognitive functioning occurring with age is mostly due to the existence of problems such as dementia, or other neurological condition like stroke. However, the growth of your cognitive capacities does not happen if conditions that are related to the overall functioning of your body are not conducive for it. It means that when you do not necessarily take care of your cognitive health, a decline may occur unless you take measures to delay or stop it from happening. Over the years, there are a number of researches that have been made in this area and these studies have turned out with findings that one of the ways to maintain and promote optimal levels in cognitive functioning is through managing the foods that you take. Nutrition is essential to overall functioning of your body and even cognitive health. If your diet is high in foods that contains essential fatty acids, nutrients and other vitamins, this can contribute to cognitive health. This not only increase your cognitive health but it can also prevent other chronic health conditions from occurring such as hypertension and strokes. Certain types of diet that are considered to be highly conducive in maintaining and promoting optimal health are the DASH and Mediterranean diets. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is a plan that is usually given to people who have hypertension. This is primarily composed of lists of foods that the person with hypertension can take and how much they are allowed to have in order to stop the progression of hypertension if they already have it, or to stop hypertension from occurring if they are at high risk for its development. Since this diet decreases the intake of salt, fat, and refined carbohydrates in the overall intake, it is also used for adoption in other people with other health conditions such as heart diseases, obesity and stroke. In a study conducted in the US, it has been seen that individuals who adopted the DASH diet have been seen to have lower blood pressures. This can be useful in prevention of cognitive decline since an effective blood circulatio n to your brain is also related to your blood pressure. When you have a blood pressure that is within the normal limits, then your blood is able to flow more efficiently, increasing the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to your brain and contributing to overall cognitive health. Another diet that has been found to be helpful in maintain and promoting optimal cognitive health is the Mediterranean diet. This diet has been followed by people from the Mediterranean such as the people from Spain, the Greeks and those who are living in the Mediterranean islands. It is rich in foods that are rich in essential fatty acids such as peas and lentils, fish and olive oil that is essential for cognitive health and functioning. Also, this diet is rich in fruits and bread using mostly whole grains and other unrefined sources of carbohydrates that are important in ensuring that the vessels and nerves in the brain remain healthy and disease free. The maintenance and promotion of optimal cognitive health is not essentially hard, if you know the necessary steps to take in its promotion. And, with it, always remember that prevention of any cognitive problems is way so much better than finding a cure for it! References: Gardener H, Wright CB, Gu Y, Demmer RT, Boden-Albala B, Elkind MS, et al. Mediterranean-style diet and risk of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death: the Northern Manhattan Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011;94:1458–64. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13668-013-0070-2 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/nure.12040 http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/718338 Bach-Faig A, Berry EM, Lairon D, Reguant J, Trichopoulou A, Dernini S, et al. Mediterranean diet pyramid today. Science and cultural updates. Public Health Nutr. 2011;14:2274–84. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2997798/ Vitamin D and Its Benefits Vitamin D is probably one of those that are underappreciated for all its worth. Over the years, it was only usually related to or referred to its use in helping the absorption of calcium from your bloodstream to be deposited into your bones. This was probably the only function of this vitamin that you know, but it does more than that. Apart from helping calcium in your diet to be absorbed into your bones from your bloodstream, there are numerous other uses that Vitamin D can play in your body. Vitamin D Helps Maintain Immune System Researchers from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver has found that maintaining high levels of Vitamin D in your bloodstream can help maintain immune function and help you prevent from contracting infections such as colds and other common infections. Vitamin D Helps Reduce Your Risk of Developing Multiple Sclerosis Vitamin D is usually found in your blood stream and is activated when you are exposed to sunlight. Therefore, the more you are exposed to healthy levels of sunlight, the more Vitamin D is activated and conversely, more of it is found on your blood stream. Studies have revealed that people who live in tropical areas where they are more exposed to sunlight have lower risks for the development of multiple sclerosis throughout their lifetimes. Vitamin D Is Essential in Maintaining Cognitive Functions A European study involving 3000 males between the ages of 40 and throughout the continent has shown that increasing vitamin D levels in the blood stream has helped the respondents maintain optimal level of functioning in their brains even later on in their lives. This means that having higher levels of this vitamin in your blood stream can help reduce your risk for developing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions resulting in the decline of your cognitive functioning. Other Uses of Vitamin D As mentioned in the previous sections, Vitamin D has a lot of uses. Apart from those that were mentioned above, it can also help you maintain a healthier body weight and decrease your risk for obesity. This is seen in a research conducted by the Medical College of Georgia in the United States. It can also help in managing asthma and its symptoms. In a study that was conducted among over 600 children in Costa Rica by the Harvard Medical School, it has been found that those who were found to have high blood levels of Vitamin D have decreased episodes and severity of their asthmatic attacks. Moreover, increased level of Vitamin D is also found to reduce the likelihood of development of rheumatoid arthritis in women who are over the age of 40. Vitamin D has also been found to have a protective function in those who are being treated for cancer via radiation therapy. This is supported by a study conducted by experts in the field of radiology in the New York City Health Department. Vitamin D is also seen to decrease the risk for cancer development when it is maintained on a high level in the blood stream. This is regardless of the individual’s age and nutritional status. Vitamin D is also shown to help individuals with tuberculosis recover faster, decrease the risk of heart attacks and play a vital role in overall muscular health. References: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161618.php Holick MF. Vitamin D: importance in the prevention of cancers, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Mar;79(3):362-71. Vitamins and minerals Vitamin D UK National Health Service. Vitamin D and Cancer Prevention: Strengths and Limits of the Evidence U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 20th 2013. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568997213000402?np=y Key to Cardiovascular Health: The Role of Tea and Flavonoids For the longest time, a number of research papers has shown how coffee and other caffeine-containing products has been related to existence of a number of health problems. Caffeine containing products such as coffee, chocolates and tea have been linked to the incidences of heart problems, heart burn and ulcers, and other health conditions. You may probably be one of those who were told by their doctors that they need to lay low on their coffee because of this. It may have even been hard for you because you need coffee or other source of caffeine for your day to start properly. But this will soon come to an end, since there are studies done that can prove this notion otherwise. One of the substances that has been found by research studies to contribute to your health is tea. Both black tea and green tea are found to contain high levels of flavonoids. These flavonoids are believed to improve your vascular health by improving the general health of blood vessels that are responsible for controlling the flow of blood into the other parts of your body. Also, these flavonoids are also suggested to contribute to dilation of blood vessels, further improving blood circulation and oxygen and nutrient supply and delivery to other parts of your body. In studies done, it has been seen that flavonoids are also responsible for decreasing the risk of the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition wherein the fat and cholesterol often found in your diet gets deposited along the vessel walls and thickens and hardens in there, causing a disruption in blood flow. The presence of atherosclerosis has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and ev en stroke since it causes blood to flow more slowly, increase chances of clot formation and deprives your cells of the essential oxygen and nutrients needed for its overall functioning. There is also consistent number of data showing that one of the ways in which flavonoids contribute to general cardiovascular health is through certain mechanisms such as the enhancement of the status of the substance nitric oxide in your bloodstream. High levels of nitric oxide in your blood stream is responsible for the improvement of your endothelial functioning. This substance is consisted by both nitrogen and oxygen atoms and is seen to contribute to reducing the risk of inflammation of the blood vessels, improve functioning of the cells and acts to regulate cellular processes. Apart from the known benefits that flavonoids can have in terms of your cardiovascular status, it also has been found to have other health benefits too. The intake of green tea has been seen and is used to control body weight, reduce body fat content and control the risk of obesity. Tea and flavonoids are also seen to reduce cellular damage due to oxidation process that increases your risk for cancer development. It can also help to reduce incidences of inflammation, formation of clots, and reduce the risk for development of diabetes mellitus type 2. Yes, tea and flavonoids can have all these health benefits but it is also wise to keep its intake in moderation because anything taken in excess in never good for you and your body. References: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15678717 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20837049 www.proactivehearthealth.net/Nitric_Oxide.html http://cardiohealthresearch.com/nitric-oxide/ The Benefits of Food to the Brain The human brain is a complex and dynamic organ of the body. Your brain is responsible for all other processes taking place inside your body, whether you are aware of it or not. Your brain is not just responsible for cognitive and psychological processes, it also has something to do with your body’s physiologic processes as well. The healthier your brain is, the healthier functioning it can have and the better general health and well-being you can achieve. Brain health can be achieved through proper diet, exercise and good lifestyle choices. One of the most important aspects of brain health maintenance and development is feeding it with the right vitamins and minerals that it needs to be able to carry out its normal processes. When your brain is being fed with the right nutrients, its physiologic processes are better and more effectively carried out, improving its overall functioning. One of the benefits that you can have because of this is the positive influence it exerts in your brain’s metabolism of the energy coming from the food you take in. Proper metabolism of energy in your brain can help contribute to a more effective neuronal functioning, signal transmission between your neurons, and plasticity in synaptic activities (or the capacity of your brain to cause an increase or decrease in the strength of the synapses in response to time). This can affect how your brain maintains your mental health and your cognitive functioning. Food has a direct influence on the long and short term effects on your brainâ€⠄¢s neuronal plasticity. Food, being a source of both fuel and essential substance that your body needs to maintain and promote optimal cellular process is therefore important for your brain functioning. For the longest time, diet, has been studied in terms of how it affects the manner in which a person’s brain functions. It has been seen to exert an influence in the evolution of the brain and in improving its capacity as well. The manner in which you feed yourself and the choice of food you take is therefore important to consider if you want to maintain and promote optimal brain health and cognitive functioning. Essential fatty acids, specifically DHA which usually found in sources of protein such as meat products, dairy, fish and poultry and its products is helpful in synaptic functioning and in maintenance of cognitive functioning, decreasing the risk for the development of conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and also other mental health problems as well. The use of DHA on your body, however is reversed when you prepare your food in a manner that is high in trans fat such as cooking it in animal fat like deep-frying. Other food sources such as vegetables, lentils and fruits and whole grain are also linked to their positive effect in terms of maintenance of the health of nervous tissues. Staying away from alcohol can also have a positive impact on your brain health and cognitive functioning since alcohol has been found to exert an oxidative effect, accelerating the manner in which the cells and tissues in your brain degenerates and die, therefore affecting your cogni tive health negatively. References: http://journals.lww.com/co-clinicalnutrition/Abstract/2013/11000/Diet_and_cognition___interplay_between_cell.21.aspx http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805706/ http://www.dietaryfiberfood.com/nutrition/brain-food-nutrition.php