To The Hills of Kodaikanal

By Pranav R Kalathungal Last March, I, along with my whole family went for a trip to Kodaikanal. Though we travelled in a comfortable airbus, the journey felt very boring. After two hours, we started playing some games and suddenly things started to get interesting. The games and jokes along with some snacks elevated all our travel sick spirits. We had stared our journey the previous night at nine. After some hours of playful pranks and laughter, slowly everyone started getting drowsy and one by one people started nodding off to sleep. As the noise quietened down and the lights dimmed on the request of elderly people, and I too gradually settled down to sleep. What I saw the next morning when I opened my eyes, took my breath away. We were travelling on a road built into the side of a hill and were flanked by scenic mountains overflowing with luscious beauty on the other side. The scene was heavenly. I can still see the scene in my mind when I close my eyes. Through this heavenly path we reached a homely, beautiful, comfy cottage from where we had our breakfast. After a lovely and stomach filling breakfast, we started a tour of the place. We visited a garden so enriched with natural beauty, that it was paradise itself. The notoriously famous suicide point seemed to me, as if it was inviting people with its deadly beauty, into its treacherous depths. Hours seemed to pass away in minutes in this glorious land and suddenly it was time to go back. And so, thus ended a wonderful journey which will forever remain engraved in the canvass of my mind. I urge you, each and every one of my friends, to undertake a similar journey if you get a chance.

Ap Psych Journal

Psychology Journals These journals should be written in essay form, and they will be graded as an AP essay. These journals may require you to integrate different content areas and to evaluate and analyze psychological constructs. You are to use analytical and organizational skills to formulate cogent answers. Consult your calendar for due dates. Chapter 1: The study of Psychology has had many contributions in history. Explain the contribution of functionalism and structuralism in psychology. How are these two forms different? Chapter 2: Control is often called the hallmark of a good experiment.Describe randomization, group matching, counterbalancing, placebo, and double blind as control techniques. Briefly develop an example of the way each could be used or has been used in an experiment. Chapter 19: We conducted a variation of Asch’s (1951) conformity study in which participants made judgments about the length of lines. We randomly assigned participants to one of two conditions and told them tha t the study involved perceptual abilities. In the first condition, participants estimated the length of lines after hearing five people pretending to be participants (confederates) give inaccurate estimates.In the second condition, participants estimated the length of lines without hearing estimates of confederates. As we expected, participants in the first condition were less accurate in their estimates of line length, demonstrating the tendency to conform to majority influence.A) How would each element below be related to the specific content of the experiment reported in the abstract?Control groupDeceptionOperational definition of the dependent variableHypothesisDebriefingB) How might participants’ estimates of line length in the study be related to the following? Social Facilitation *Group thinkChapter 3: The human organism displays various reactions that are characterized by opposing tendencies. Using a specific physiological or psychological mechanism to explain how bot h aspects of opposing processes apply to each of the following.AppetiteAutonomic nervous systemNerve FiringChapter 4: Define the following termsSchemaAssimilationAccommodationEgocentrismConservationDescribe how each of the above terms applies to Piaget’s Cognitive development theory.Chapter 5: The Smith-Garcia’s are planning for their first baby.Both parents-to-be have had a psychology course and are looking forward to applying the principles they learned from theories and research that address child development. A) Summarize one main idea or finding of each of the following four researchers.Harlow’s theoryErikson’s Psycho-social theoryAinsworth’s attachment researchBaumrind’s research on parenting stylesB) Provide a specific example of actions the Smith-Garcia’s might take to raise their child to produce positive outcomes using each of the theories below to address the corresponding psychological concept.Harlow’s: social adjus tment Erikson’s psychosocial theory: independentAinsworth’s attachment research: self-relianceBaumrind’s research on parenting styles: self-esteemChapter 6: : Define the following: -Sound localization -Sensory adaptation -Absolute threshold -Difference of threshold Explain how the following help an individual perceive the world.Chapter 7: Describe the psychological concept of expectancy or set. Discuss a specific example of how expectancy or set affects each of the following. Human Perception Opponent Processing theory The effects of psychoactive drugs on a human Object permanenceChapter 8: Compare and contrast Freudian theory on dreams, and activation synthesis theory in interpreting dreams.Chapter 9: 5 year old Jessie is used to getting everything that she wants. Define the following terms and explain how each of the following terms were either used to create this behavior or could be used to extinguish her behavior. *positive reinforcement *negative reinforce ment *punishment *classical conditioningChapter 10: Although you genuinely enjoyed studying hard for your Psychology test, during the test you feel frustrated and irritable because you can’t recall the answer to a series of fairly easy factual questions. What techniques could you use to effectively remember the information previously learned?Chapter 11: Describe several heuristics that you might use or that you have used when deciding whether you should (a) study especially hard for a test, and (b) ask someone for a date or accept a date. Under what circumstances are these heuristics likely to contribute to poor decision-making? (3 for each, total of 6 different problem solving strategies).Chapter 12: Based on the research of Gardner and Klein: answer the following in detail. Must be in essay form with arguments and evidence. What do you think the goal of intelligence testing should be in Education?Does acknowledging the existence of Multiple Intelligence help or hinder that goal? Explain.Chapter 13: Define drive reduction theory, set point, Yerkes-Dodson law, hypothalamus, and intrinsic motivation. Explain how each of the following could lead to an eating disorder.Chapter 15: Explain how Jung, Adler, and Horney modified Freud’s psychodynamic theory on personality.Chapter 16: A classmate argues that â€Å"the best way to handle stress is to work harder and meet life’s challenges head on. Evaluate both the strengths and weaknesses of you classmate’s position. (Think Seyle and the coping strategies)Chapter 17: A student becomes overwhelmed with anxiety when he is faced with major exams. How might the different viewpoints of psychology explain this reaction? -Psychodynamic -Cognitive -Behaviorist -Biological -HumanisticChapter 18: Describe how a therapist might use both aversive conditioning and operant conditioning techniques in order to help a client overcome a compulsive habit of sweeping the front walkway 3 times a day.

Income Inequality Essay

Nowadays, China has become the second largest economy in the world. The GDP (gross domestic product) of china was growing at 9. 7% per year in average since 1978, which the year of Chinese â€Å"open door† politic founded. China also has become the biggest producer and consumer in many key agricultural and industrial markets and the largest FDI recipient among the developing countries. The performance of china in developing of economy is called â€Å"china’s economic miracle†, which be studied by many economists. However, there are also bad results with the development of economy in china such as environment disruption, corruption and income inequality, which have been seen as important issues to Chinese society and its future economic growth. The income inequality in china The rising income inequality in china is seen as the most important issue to Chinese society and its future economic growth by many economists recently. The income inequality in china is complex and multi-dimensional, which is divided to four aspects that rural-urban income inequality, regional inequality, marginalisation and class formation. The rural-urban income inequality actually has been existed in china since 1949. However, with the economic focus from agriculture shift to industry, the rural-urban income inequality gets large increased from 1984. These data which followed significantly showed the huge increasing of urban-rural income inequality in china Figure 1 Urban and rural incomes per capita (1978-2006) Figure 2 Ratio of urban/rural incomes per capita (1978-2006)  As shown in figure 1, the urban-rural income inequality per capita increased from 200 Yuan at 1978 to about 8,000 Yuan at 2006. The figure 2 also showed about the increasing urban-rural income inequality that the ratio of urban to rural income per capita increased from 2. 5 at 1978 to 3. 3 by 2007 though it lower to 1. 8 at 1984. The regional income inequality is mainly caused by the â€Å"open door† policy. The provinces near coast in china such as Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang have geographical advantage to get FDI (foreign direct investment) and export products. At the same time, the Chinese government made these places as special economic zones, which provided preferential tax policy to foreign investors to â€Å"make a few people rich first†. As the figure 3 showed below, the east only accounted for 42. 8% population but get 86. 9% FDI and 92. 6% exports in china. The centre and west just get very little FDI and exports. Therefore, this policy tendency and geographical advantage made a deep gap between regional areas, mainly the southeast and northwest areas. Figure 3 Regional income inequalities in GDP, FDI, and exports in China in 2006  Figure 4 Regional income inequalities in per capita GDP, 1992 and 2007 at current prices As shown in figure 4, the regional income inequality in per capita GDP was not significant in 1992 except few cities like Beijing and shanghai. However, the data showed that in 2007, there is an obvious income inequality per capita GDP between east and west, which the highest number is 7 times to the lowest number. The Marginalisation and class formation are the other important aspects of income inequality in China. Economists usually use the Gini coefficients to describe the income inequality in a significant way. The Gini coefficient can range from 0 to 1; it is sometimes multiplied by 100 to range between 0 and 100. A low Gini coefficient indicates a more equal distribution, with 0 corresponding to complete equality, while higher Gini coefficients indicate more unequal distribution, with 1 corresponding to complete inequality. Generally, the income inequality is acceptable if the Gini coefficient range from 0. 2-0. 4, and we can see the Gini coefficients of China bellowed.

Diabetes Mellitus Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Diabetes Mellitus - Research Paper Example Social support is getting support from friends and family who give assistance and comfort. Having the social support can improve the psychological well being of the patient. The relationship that exists among social support life stress, patient’s locus of control and the blood glucose control become evaluated in individuals with diabetes mellitus, using the objectives measures of the psychosocial variables. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and Glycosylated Hemoglobin (Hgb A-1C) control measures become taken at two regions for them to check the problems of the psychosocial variables on the change in diabetes control. A decrease in the social support leads to the worsening of the long-term glycosylated hemoglobin control over time. According to Casey, diabetes is a progressive disease that surfaces as impaired glucose intolerance with a high-level post-meal glucose. These high glucose levels increasingly demand the pancreas to secrete additional insulin leading to a state of hyperinsulinemia. Nevertheless, the body gets resistant to insulin, and it later develops a lack of insulin and high fasting glucose levels. This pattern represents Type 2 diabetes. Th e eventual exhaustion of the islet cells leads to the absolute lack of insulin presenting type 1 diabetes. To patients suffering from diabetes is quite a frightening experience, and the patients require all the physical and emotional support they can receive from their loved ones. The patients suffering from diabetes often complain of anxiety and fear about the future, experience fluctuations in their moods and find it difficult to cope with their daily lives. They also get tired at times. Depression is another common and dangerous complication witnessed by the people suffering from diabetes.

Maori Studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Maori Studies - Essay Example It involves the idea that ensures meaning to all the parts of the MÄ ori culture. This translates to adequate understanding and analysis of the word. The simple definition of the term mana entails; the life force and aura that an individual possesses to generate respect from his whakapapa (meaning family), hapÃ… « (representing clan) and iwi (representing the tribe); by effect this leads to influence and power over them, the subjects (Ka’ai, Moorfield, Reilly, Mosley 2004:15). Just like any other representation of the MÄ ori life, pÃ… whiri is deeply connected with concept of mana that plays an important role during the entire ceremony. Representing one of the significant rituals in the MÄ ori culture, pÃ… whiri remains a major tradition in the modern society. Initially it was developed as a process utilized in understanding the aims of visitors or foreigners, and if they can be welcomed as friends into the marae or turned off like enemies. In the modern context, the concept remains an approach of meeting newcomers to marae; however, it more so illustrates formality. It should be understood that mana illustrates in different forms; and this explains different life aspects. Firstly, mana atua is derived from the gods. Secondly, mana tà ºpuna is inherited. Also, mana tangata is got through actions. Mana whenua is got from land. Finally, mana wahine represents that owned by women. These are just a few examples (Ka’ai et al 2004:14-15). These aspects of mana are received and also lost independently; however, they are all similarly important in the MÄ ori society. Furthermore, this lacks detracts from general mana of the person (mana MÄ ori motuhake). Due to mana’s nature, all these mana categories are found in different degrees in pÃ… whiri. Some play greater roles, and others are in the pÃ… whiri in similar significance as in

Critiquing Evidence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Critiquing Evidence - Essay Example Cardiac arrest also causes neurological injury through several mechanisms. These mechanisms include reperfusion that leads to reoxygenation injury and perfusion failure which triggers cerebral ischemia. However, hypothermia can reduce the effects of reoxygenation and reperfusion. Hypothermia also decreases the cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen and provides protection against cerebral ischemia. Sometimes, mild induced hypothermia is considered beneficial to the myocardium. A small reduction of temperature affects the micro vascular blood flow in a drastic way. Several animal studies of AMI suggest that myocardial function can be improved through the mild induced hypothermia condition in the absence of cardiac arrest. However, not all the animal studies demonstrate a reduction in the myocardial damage after the induced hypothermia. Â  There are also several feasibility studies which have been performed on several individuals. These patients have undergone a primary PCI after a certai n period, after the induction of hypothermia. These studies also faced certain limitations. Some of the limitations associated with the procedure include the use of less accurate techniques such as the nuclear imaging and measuring equipments. All the studies that have been performed till lately confirm that the effect hypothermia on neurological upshot after cardiac arrest has improved, hence; this has reduced the mortality rate. The authors also talked about some of the predicaments related to the study.

International Opportunities Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

International Opportunities - Case Study Example This is extremely tasking explaining why these companies opt to remain local actors. In the course of internationalization, firms prefer where business regulation laws are lax as they can benefit more if they need to test new products (Hoskisson, Hitt, Ireland& Harrison 310-12). Availability of market will work positively for this company that aims at targeting a huge clientele base. A good example is the tobacco sale will work if the regulations are lax. On a negative note, firms may suffer if the regulations are lax, as they may have to pay for some financial risks. In the case where the currencies are not well regulated, the firms may suffer a great deal. The firm may, therefore, operate from losses. Worse still, this company may not get the required products to supply in other countries. Political instabilities in other countries where they hope to venture may also cost the firm if the regulation laws are lax (Hoskisson, Hitt, Ireland& Harrison

Ethics in the Enron Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ethics in the Enron Company - Essay Example More reprehensible is the attempt of the top corporate hierarchy to feign total innocence throughout the investigation and blame everything on their subordinates. In the light of the Enron scandal, the US Congress immediately passed a law that would reform and revamp corporate practices in the country. Background: The History of Enron Enron began as a small energy company in Houston in 1985 founded by Kenneth Lay. The subsequent deregulation of the energy market gave the company an opportunity to expand into energy related ventures and pretty soon Enron catapulted itself into the world’s largest financial and energy trading company. Its $10 million electricity sales in 1994 ballooned to $4 billion just 3 years later and in 1998, the company’s asset was reported to reach $23 billion (Solomon 34). It did businesses in various markets and industries and provided and traded internationally in the following: energy resources and commodities; financial and risk management ser vices, and; electronic commerce (Joint Committee on Taxation 2003:55-56). In a move that shocked the business world, which by then was one of America’s ten largest companies, filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy on December 2, 2001. A few months earlier, Enron had been the subject of an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) after it had publicly reported a $618 million third-quarter loss as well as a $1.2 billion decrease in shareholder equity. Enron’s seemingly sudden financial debacle took the world by surprise because accounting records released quarterly by the company did not in any way reflect its ailing financial condition (Joint Committee on Taxation 2003:55-56). Discussion: Ethics and Enron Subsequent investigation into the Enron case by the Justice Department revealed a pattern of fraudulent practices employed by Enron to show off a facade of financial wealth and stability. These fraudulent practices included exaggeration of earnings in its r eports, concealment of debts and losses through the use various subsidiary partnerships. In the wake of the Enron scandal its top officers were charged and convicted with various offences including fraud, conspiracy, insider trading, and money laundering. Lay, who was convicted of a total of various corporate offences died before his sentence could be served while Skilling, the company’s COO, was punished with imprisonment for a good number of years. In addition, various offices who rendered services for Enron were also not spared such as: Vinson & Elkins, Enron’s Houston law firm, which was made to pay $30 million to Enron for providing erroneous advice to the company; Merrill Lynch, a brokerage and investment firm, which was ordered to pay $80 million to SEC, and; Arthur Andersen, Enron’s editor, who was barred from further practicing in auditing and charged with obstruction of justice for the destruction of Enron auditing documents during the investigation (F errel et al 2010: 420-425). Lay and company’s primary defense strategy was to deny that Enron committed any wrongdoing and instead blame everybody, such as an adverse media, market panic and short-selling, but themselves. Moreover, the top corporate hierarchy often claimed innocence of what was going on and blamed their

Create a fictional NGO and social media strategy for one of its Essay

Create a fictional NGO and social media strategy for one of its campaigns - Essay Example Breast cancer is one of the prevailing common cancers in the world that affects lives of thousands of women every year. The rate of breast cancer among developed countries is three times more than the less developed countries (Azenha, Bass & Caleffi 2011). Red is a non profit organization that aims to spread awareness in order to improve the lives of the women who are suffering from breast cancer (Zillmann 2008). In addition, the organization aims to spread awareness among the young females in schools and universities about the disease and controlling measures. Red aims to create breast cancer awareness campaign among the teenagers and women in the well developed countries because mortality rate due to breast cancer in developed countries is because of lack of quality information, regular screening and prevention methods.. Therefore, the organization aims to raise public awareness and educate patient through using social media (Breuer, Napthine & OShea 2008). People are more inclined towards social media than the other mediums, such as, newspapers, magazines, etc. Herein, to adequate the changing trend and pattern of the masses social media strategies have been adopted for the campaign to increase its publicity and raise awareness. The initial diagnose and treatment of Breast Cancer can help saving lives of thousands of women all around the world (Azenha, Bass & Caleffi 2011). Therefore, the main focus of the campaign shall remain the young females from different schools and universities (Barker, Borman & Neher 2012). It is expected that the greater knowledge of Breast Cancer shall lead to early detection of disease which can asses with the high and long term survival rate. In addition, the campaign shall raise funds for the patients that belong from low income families suffering from disease to provide reliable and permanent cure. Rate of breast cancer among developed countries is more than the less developed countries therefore ‘Red’ breast

Pricing and Cost Leadership in Management Accounting Essay

Pricing and Cost Leadership in Management Accounting - Essay Example In the company's situation, I believe that it will be better off pursuing a cost differentiation strategy which will allow it not to compete head-on with Starbucks that is directly on the opposite street. Starbucks is already an established player with an upscale clientele and serving the market through differentiation strategy. However, not all customers can patronize its products because of the high prices. Thus, the coffee outlet can offer specialty coffee products at lower prices which can be afforded by ordinary individuals. In this case, the company should be able to keep costs in check by employing the most efficient processes through the elimination of non-value adding activities. The company can make profit through the expected higher volume as consumers demand more of the products. Identify a small number of areas (between 5-10) of important areas (referred to as critical success factors) for this coffee outlet. A critical success factor is an area in which performance must be at least satisfactory for the business to achieve its mission. The success of the operation of the coffee outlet is dependent on a lot of factors. First, the company should be able to create an appropriate branding strategy which will make it stand out among other competitors. In the specialty coffee industry, branding strategy is very much important even in the mere survival of the business organization because it emphasizes the strength of the company as well as indicates what customers expect. Next, the coffee outlet's brand image should be backed through the delivery of the image. For instance, since the company chooses to offer lowest prices, it should always conduct a market scanning in order to make sure that it is really offering the most competitive price. Another success factor is the outlet's product quality. In a world where customers have become more discriminating have higher bargaining power, it is important that business organizations, ensure that they are offering high quality products. In addition to this, the coffee outlet should align its workforce with its staff. In delivering the intended image and good product quality, the staff should also be educated and adept in offering excellent customer service which will enhance the overall branding strategy of the firm. Service is very much significant to specialty coffee retailers and other players in the hospitality industry. Next, the coffee outlet should also invest in having an atmosphere and ambiance where customers can sit back, relax, and socialize with friends recognizing that most coffee drinkers visit coffee shop in order to get away from the stressful office environment. List different types of information that would be relevant in order to manage this business. Your information requirements can be either accounting or non-financial. The management of the specialty coffee outlet should be based on an extensive and intensive market research which will help the business organization to pinpoint the most profitable market to be served. This will also enable them to tailor their products according

Goods vs Service Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Goods vs Service - Essay Example ned that technology is altering the manner in which some of the giant companies perform their businesses, fostering new strategies and thereby revolutionizing the research-and-development process (Brynjolfsson & Schrage, 2009). It is worthy of stating that digitalization as well as networking are the two main components of the modern day society. Through digitalization the different mediums are combined based on the technology which enables a huge amount of data to be transmitted and processed. With the help of networking, virtual communities are being formed over the networks, focused around the internet. With the greater advancement of the technology there has been transformation in the structure and processes of the business world. With the help of intranets and e-mails the processes are being enhanced. It can be stated that the conventional way of shopping is being replaced by the contemporary ways where the consumers are capable of making order over the internet sitting at their homes. The payments can be made with the help of the credit cards and therefore the requirement to visit the store by the buyer is eliminated to a great extent. Prior to purchasing the product, the customer is capable of havin g access to the bulletin board with the assistance of the personal computers for the purpose of viewing the product review and can as well contribute in forums in order to gain the required information from the actual users of the product (Kato, 2007). The technology can also be used by the organization to customize the product and customers services. For instance, it is through information technology that a firm may shift from ‘delivery from stock’ to ‘making an order’ or may shift from ‘selling function’ to ‘renting function’ (Ives & Mason, 1990). Therefore, it can be mentioned that the technology is altering the characteristic of the services and the manner in which the firms tends to interact with the customers. The advancement in the

Athenian Democracy 4 Essay Example for Free

Athenian Democracy 4 Essay Who really made our type of government? We surely didn’t. It was amazingly the people of Athens. It started in 508 BC and is still around as we use it. It remains a unique and intriguing experiment in direct democracy where the people do not elect representatives to vote on their behalf but vote on legislation and executive bills in their own right Participation was not at all open, but the in-group of participants was constituted with no reference to economic class and they participated on a scale that was truly phenomenal. The public opinion of voters was remarkably influenced by the political satire performed by the comic poets at the theaters. Only adult male Athenian citizens who had completed their military training as ephebes had the right to vote in Athens. We have had that and many other laws changed around the government. In our government every few years the people vote on new people to represent them, hence the name â€Å"Representative† Democracy. However the Athenian people also voted on some of their leaders but that was done in the Agora, which is where every male land owner who is over the age of twenty would meet. This meeting was called the assembly. The assembly could be best related to our State Representatives. Then just above them was the council of 500, who monitored the assembly and gave them topics to discuss, as well as bills to vote on. Above the council of 500 come the Magistrates. The Magistrates job can be best described as the â€Å"Police in the Government. † Their job is to ensure that all the laws are being followed and act accordingly when they are not. The Magistrates, despite the amount of power that they hold, are still not the highest government official in the Athenian democracy, after them comes the Council of the 10 Generals. The Council of 10 Generals was in charge of the military. The Athens didn’t start by being a democratic city. It was started by Cleisthenes whose reforms turned Athens from an oligarchy (government by the few) to a democracy (government of the people). The key to Athenian democracy was Cleisthenes redrawing of the social-political landscape of Athens and Attica. The chief magistrate of the city was often called the Archon eponymous or ruler. His responsibilities included conducting investigations of legal cases, in particular those that involved the state. He was responsible for protecting the orphans and heiresses with no family and to appoint the choregos who was in charge of organizing the religious festivals. The move towards democracy reflects other changes in society. In the prehistoric period, throughout Greece, aristocratic families have provided the main fighting force, as cavalry. In the seventh century the Greek city-states develop the new military idea of the heavily armed soldier, the hoplite. A remorseless phalanx of hoplites becomes as effective on the battlefield as the tank in modern times. These soldiers provide their own weapons and armor, but this is expensive. Several of the Greek oligarchies, including that of Athens in the sixth century, reflect the power of this middle class of citizens. A strategic change of direction by Athens, early in the fifth century, gives these poorer citizens a new power. The military effort is diverted into building up an Athenian navy. Triremes, the fast warships of the time, need men to row them. Suddenly every citizen has a part to play, and the crews of a fleet of warships have a self-evident political strength. A more radical democracy, introduced by Pericles in 462, is almost an inevitable result. Approximately one hundred officials out of a thousand were elected rather than chosen by lot. There were two main categories in this group: those required to handle large sums of money, and the 10 generals, the strategy. One reason that financial officials were elected was that any money embezzled could be recovered from their estates; election in general strongly favored the rich, but in this case wealth was virtually a prerequisite. Generals were elected not only because their role required expert knowledge but also because they needed to be people with experience and contacts in the wider Greek world where wars were fought. In the fifth century BC, principally as seen through the figure of Pericles, the generals could be among the most powerful people in the polis. Yet in the case of Pericles, it is wrong to see his power as coming from his long series of annual generalships (each year along with nine others). His office holding was rather an expression and a result of the influence he wielded. That influence was based on his relation with the assembly, a relation that first lay simply in the right of any citizen to stand and speak before the people. Under the fourth century version of democracy the roles of general and of key political speaker in the assembly tended to be filled by different persons. In part this was a consequence of the increasingly specialized forms of warfare practiced in the later period. Elected officials too were subject to review before holding office and scrutiny after office. They too could be removed from office any time the assembly met. In one case from the fifth century BC the 10 treasurers of the Delian league (the Hellenotamiai) were accused at their scrutinies of misappropriation of funds. Put on trial, they were condemned and executed one by one until before the trial of the tenth and last an error of accounting was discovered, allowing him to go free.

Effect of Azadirachtin on Insects

Effect of Azadirachtin on Insects INTRODUCTION Humans have always been in direct competition with a myriad of insects, pests from our ancestral beginning. This competition for food with insects intensified when humans began to cultivate plants converting the natural ecosystem to an agroecosystem. Also insects serve as vectors of various diseases caused by bacterial, filarial nematode, protozoans and viruses. Therefore control of insects posed a major concern for the development of the economy. In 1939, the discovery of insecticidal properties of DDT (Dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane) by Paul H. Mueller changed the scenario of pest management. During World War 2 DDT was extensively used to prevent epidemics of several insect vectored diseases such as yellow fever, typhus elephantiasis and malaria. This drew attention to the possibilities of more synthetic insecticides and as a result the use of pesticides in various arenas soared from 1940-60, complete reliance on pesticides intensive pest management was leading agriculture on a à ¢â‚¬Å"pesticide treadmill†. The overreliance on synthetic pesticides from late 1940s to mid-1960 was referred to as â€Å"Dark Ages† of pest control. The cheapness and effectiveness of synthetic insecticides threw natural compounds into shade. But very soon other shades also began to appear. In 1962, the appearance of book â€Å"Silent Spring† (by Rachel Carison) showed that pesticide residues were building up in ecosystem with detrimental effects on wildlife and beneficial insects. Due to extensive and intensive use, misuse and abuse of insecticides the following problems were becoming prominent and intolerable (ecological backlashes): Development of insecticide resistance- many insects started developing resistance against pesticides which increased the cost of management. Due to killing of natural controlling agents, the phenomenon of pest resurgence became more evident. Also minor pest were achieving the status of major pest i. e. secondary pest outbreak due to significant decline in its natural enemy (predators and parasites). Ecological imbalance due to poisoning of all the realms of environment. Increase in the concentration of hydrochlorinated insecticide in food chain. Intolerable residues on the food made the food obtained after such treatment uneconomical as it became unfit for consumption and unfit for exports due to high toxic residues. Killing and harmful effects on Non target organisms became more prominent (like birds, fishes and other wildlife). Overviewing these effects, there was an utmost need for the development of environmentally sound management practices. This lead to the idea of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) . A panel of experts put the concept of IPM in 1968. IPM as defined by FAO is a system which in consideration with the present environment and pest population dynamics, integrates all the sustainable techniques of pest management as compatible a manner as possible and maintain the population of pest below the level which can cause economic damage (i. e. below economic injury level). The approach is to minimize the dependence on insecticides and maximize the use of ecofriendly methods so as to cause minimum damage to the environment. Botanical pesticides, thus is an very important component of IPM as They are easily degradable. Dont affect non target organisms, natural controlling agents such as predator, parasites. Dont form residues And has no harmful effect on humans as they are very specific in action. Botanical pesticides refer to the use of chemical or organic compound produced by plants, plant products, which have harmful effects on the growth, development and survival of insect pests. Plants are a rich source of such organic compounds. HISTORY The practice of utilizing the derivatives of plant i. e. botanical pesticides in agriculture dates at least two millennia back in ancient China, Egypt, Greece and India. Even in North America and Europe, the documented use of botanicals extend back more than 150 years before the discovery of major class of synthetic chemical insecticides (OP, carbamates and pyretheroids) in mid 1930s to 1950. It is very clear from the recent history that the chemical insecticides have essentially relegated the botanical pesticides from an important role in agriculture to a trivial position in the market among various crop protection strategies. The total number of 20 phylochemicals is estimated to be 500000, so far only 10000 of these have been isolated. At present four major types of botanicals are being used for the control of insects. These include: Pyrethrum Neem (Azadirachtin). Rotenons. Essential oils. Others are in limited use like Ryania, Nicotine, Sabdella. Whereas Nicotine, Rotenene, Natural Pyrethrins constitute the outstanding example of older botanicals, extracts and compounds from the Neem tree (A. indica) have emerged as the most prominent phytochemical pesticides in recent years. Among the various biologically active compounds that can be extracted from the Neem tree like- triterpenoid, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, steroids, ketones; the tetranortriterpenoid azadirachtin has been the most extensively studied pesticide as 1) it is relatively abundant in Neem kernels. 2) has biological activity on a wide range of insects. PLANT SECONDARY METABOLITES Plants produce a large, diverse array of organic compounds that appears to have no function in growth and development. These substances are known as SECONDARY METABOLITES or secondary products or natural products. Secondary metabolites differ from Primary metabolites (amino acids, nucleotides, sugars, acyl lipids) as: They have no direct roles in photosynthesis, respiration, protein synthesis etc They have restricted distribution in plant kingdom. In a seminal paper Fraenkel stressed the role of secondary metabolites as defense system against insects, pests and other natural enemies. Though they play no role in growth and metabolism they play important ecological role in plants: They protect plants against being eaten by herbivore and being infected by microbial pathogen. They serve as attractants for pollinators and seed dispersing animals and as agents of plant-plant competition. Because of their ecological role, plant secondary metabolites are classified as ALLELOCHEMICALS, a term coined by WHITTAKER. An allelochmical is defined as a non nutritional chemical produced by an individual of one species that affects growth, health, behavior, population ecology of another species. Plants produce an astonishing array of Secondary metabolites. Even a single plant species may produce an extensive pharmacopeia of recondite chemicals. Periwinkle for example contains about more than 100 monoterpenoid indole alkaloids. It has been estimated that plant kingdom synthesizes hundreds of thousands of different secondary metabolites. The no of identified compounds now exceeds 10000. Secondary metabolites as plant defense is result of co evolution between plants and herbivores Plant secondary metabolites can be divided into three chemically distinct groups: TERPENES PHENOLICS NITROGEN CONTAINING COMPOUND TERPENES The terpenes constitute the largest class of secondary products . the diverse substances of this class are generally insoluble in water. They are biosynthesized from acetyl coA. Terpenes are classified by no of five carbon units they contain as: Monoterpenes: Contain 2 five carbon skeleton Sesquiterpenes: Contain 3 five carbon skeleton Diterpenes: Contain 4 five carbon skeleton Triterpenes: 30 carbons Tetraterpenes: 40 carbons Polyterpenoids: (C5)n,where n>8 Some terpenes have role in growth and development Terpenes defend against herbivore in many plants. Terpenes are toxins and feeding deterrentsto many plant feeding insects, thus they appear to play important defensive role in plant kingdom and protection of agricultural crops. Examples of important Terpenes: PYRETHROIDS: These are monoterpenoid that occurs in leaves and flowers of Chrysanthemum species show very striking insecticidal activity. Both natural and synthetic pyrethroids are popular ingredients in commercial insecticide because of their low persistence in the environment. Pyrethrum is the predominant botanical in use accounting for 80% of global botanical insecticide. ESSENTIAL OILS: These are the mixture of monoterpene and sesquiterpene that lends a characteristics odor to the foliage . e. g Menttholin Peppermint oil and Limonenein lemon oil are monoterpenes. Essential oils have well known insect repellent properties. They are frequently found in glandular hairs and serve to advertize the toxicity of plant repelling potential. Phytophagus insects even they take a trial bite. VOLATILE TERPENES: In corn wild tobacco certain monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are produced and emitted only after insect feeding has already begun. These substances prevent oviposition and kill plant feeding insects and so help in controlling further damage. These also attract natural enemies of plant feeding insects so promise a sound means of pest control. LIMNOIDS: These are a group of nonvolatile Triterpene. Among these the most powerful deterrent to insects feeding known is Azadirachtin. It is a complex limnoid from Neem tree which is feeding deterrent to some insects at as low as 50ppm and it exerts a variety of toxic effect. It has considerable potential as a commercial insect control because of its low toxicity to mammals. PHENOLICS Plants produce a variety of secondary products that contain a phenol group, these are called phenolic compounds. Plants phenolics are a chemically heterogeneous group of nearly 10000 compounds . many of these serve as defense compounds against herbivores. The release of phenolics into soil limits the growth of other plants. LIGNIN a highly branched polymer of phenylpropanoid group has significant protective function in plants. Its physical toughness deters feeding by insects and chemical durability makes it relatively indigestible. The flavoids are one of the largest classes of plants phenolics e. g. anthocyanins, flavones etc. Anthocyanins are colored flavonoids that attract insects to flower and fruits by providing visual and olfactory signal. Flavonoids protect against damage by UV light. Tannins deter feeding by herbivores and it also act as feeding repellents to a great diversity of insects NITROGEN CONTAINING COMPOUND A large variety of plant secondary metabolites have nitrogen in their structure. This category includes well known defense against phytophagus insects as alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides,glucosinolates. ALKALOIDS: These are a large family of more than 15000 nitrogen containing secondary metabolites with a heterocyclic ring. Several different types including nicotine and its relative are derived from ornithine . Most alkaloids now function as defenseagainst their predators because of their toxicity and deterrence capability. Alkaloids increase in response to initial damage fortifying against further damage e. g. wild tobacco produces higher level of nicotinefollowing damage by tobacco caterpillars. CYANOGENIC GLYCOSIDES: These are not toxic themselves but are readily broken down to give off volatile poisons; well known poisonous gas Hydrogen cyanide. When the leaf is damaged due to insects feeding on it, the cell content of different tissue mix and HCN is formed. HCN is a fast acting toxin that inhibits metalloprotiens such as iron containing cytochrome oxidase; a key enzyme of mitochondrial respiration, thus affecting physiology of insects. Thus presence of cyanogenic glycosides deters feeding by insects. GLUCOSINOLATES: A Class of plant glycosides that break down to release volatile defensive substances, also called Mustard oil glycosides. Found principally in the Brassicaceae and related plant families, where glucosinolates give off compounds responsible for smell and taste of vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, mustards etc. These compounds function in DEFENCE as toxin and feeding repellent. But certain insects are adapted for feeding on glucosinolate containing plants without ill effects. For example glucosinolates serve as stimulant for Cabbage butterfly for feeding and egg laying and isothiocyanates serve as volatile attractants. PLANT PROTIENS: Certain plant protein also interfere with insect digestion, for example plants produce LECTINS,defensive proteins that bind to epithelial cell lining digestive tract and interfere with nutrient absorption. The best known anti digestive proteins in plants are protein inhibitors found in legumes, tomatoes, and other plants. After entering herbivores digestive tract they interfere with protein digestion, as a result insects suffer reduced rates of growth and development. THE NEEM TREE, PROPERTIES AND DISTRIBUTION The Neem tree also known by names like Indian Lilac, Margosa tree is an evergreen fastgrowing tree belonging to the order â€Å"Rutales† and family â€Å"Meliaceae†. The genus Azadirachta indica was described by A. juss in 1830. DISRIBUTION Neem tree is indigenous to Indian Subcontinent from where is has spread to many Asian and African countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mynamar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Iran, Yemen, Australia, New Guinea, Nigeria, Fizi, Tanzania, Madagascar, USA, Latin America, Germany, France, Portugal, Spain and UK. It is now grown in most tropical and sub-tropical parts of the worls. The origin of A. indica is not very clear. Some say that is has originated from Burma whereas others point it to south India. It is considered that it has originated from south-eastern and southern Asia. In Indonesia Neem exists in low lying Northern and Eastern parts of java. In Philippines it was introduced from India, Africa. Ketkar (1967) reported about 14 million trees in India. There are more than 20 million trees available in entire India. In Africa Neem was introduced from India and is concentrated in a belt stretching across the African continent from Somalia to Mauretania. In America Neem trees are prominent in Haiti, Surinam and propagation has started in Brazil, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Nicaragua. Neem trees also grow in our neighbouring countries, Middle East, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. HABITAT Neem tree is a fast growing sclerophyllous tree. It grows well in humid to semi-humid climate. It thrives well at altitudes upto 700-800m above the sea level. Neem trees are hardy and are able to grow in severe drought condition also. They thrive well in regions with less than 500 mm annual rainfall and upto 2500 mm annual rainfall. Neem tree exist in poor, shallow, sandy and stony soil. It also grows in black cotton soil in India. Neem tree can flourish in warm to very hot climates. It grows well between 21-320c temperatures but it can tolerate upto 500c during summer. Ph value between 6. 2-7 seems to the best for the growth of Neem tree. CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES It is a fast-growing tree, reaching a height of 4-7 m during the first 3 years and 5-11m during the following 5 years. It begins to bear fruit within 3-5 years and becomes fully productive in the 10th year, when it may yield up to 50 kg fruit per tree per year. The Neem tree produces its fruits, which are the main source for its production of pesticides, on drooping panicles, usually about once a year, although two fruiting periods per year occur in certain areas (e. g. West Africa). A mature Neem tree produces annually 30-50 kg of fruit, but this may depend upon rainfall and soil conditions. More conservative estimates range around 20 kg per tree; 40 kg of fresh fruit yield about 24 kg of dry fruit. Neem has the reputation of possessing a large number of biological activities which include insecticidal, nematicidal, bactericidal, and anti-fungal. It has attracted world-wide attention due to its wide ranging capacity as a biocide. PESTICIDAL CONSTITUENT OF NEEM Neem tree is the only tree in which every part of tree produces biologically active products which has various properties such as antifeedant, deterrent, growth regulation, oviposition alteration, insecticidal properties, fungicidal properties,etc. Though bark, heartwood, leaves, fruits of it produce these substances in various concentrations but it is the fruits specifically seeds which are of major importance. Neem seed kernels contain the highest amount of the active compound. 40-50 kg of fruit can yield about 5 kg of kernels (10% of fruit). Each seed contains about 1-3 kernels. Till date more than 140 active principles have been identified in different parts of the tree. Insecticidal properties of Neem is due to the presence of a class of Limnoids which include compounds like Azadirachtin, Melantriol, Salanin, Mimbines, Salannol and various sulfur containing compounds. Among these Azadirachtin is the most active and predominant insecticidal compound concentrated mainly in the seed kernels. The Azadirachtin occurs in seeds at the concentration of about 0. 1-0. 9%. It is estimated that 20-30 kg of Neem seeds are required per hectare if 2g of Azadirachtin per kg of sed is obtained. The highest yield of Azadirachtin obtained till date was about 10g/kg of seed. AZADIRACHTINAND ITS STRUCTURE Azadirachtin is a highly oxidized limnoid chemically being a tetranortriterpenoid and is the main component responsible for both anti-feedant and toxic effects in Azadirachtin. Butterworth and Morgan were the first to isolate Azadirachtin in 1968 from Neem seed. Morgan established correct molecular formula of Azadirachitn (C55H44O16). In 1971 they developed a simplified method to isolate azadirachitn by doing solvent partitioning followed by column and preparative thin layer chromatography. However its structure was determined in 1975 by Nakanishis team through the application of new NMR methods. There were some inaccuracies in the given model. Then again renewed efforts were made by the group of Ley, Kraus, Nakanishi and they gave the correct structure by using X-ray crystallography. A. indica produces a plethora of triterpenoids, the biosynthesis of which culminates in azadirachtin. The biosynthesis of azadirachtin starts with a steroid precursor tetracyclic triterpene â€Å"tirucallol†. Opening of C-ring followed by processing via two main levels of structural complexity i. e. furan ring formation leads to Azadirachtin. VARIOUS PESTICIDAL FORMULATIONS Neem insecticides which are obtained from Neem seeds contain various arelated triterpenoids in addition to the Azadirachtin. However their efficacy is related directly to the content of Azadirachtin. These compounds do possess biological activity and they add to its effects. Pure Azadirachtin was shown to be effective in the fields (Mordue et al, 1997) but the natural mixtures of azadirachtin in Neem insecticides may usefully mitigate against the development of resistance compared to azadirachtin alone (Feng and Isman, 1995). The complex nature of azadirachtin and other sophisticated Neem constituents prevent their mass production by synthesis in the foreseeable future. The pesticidal Neem products used in practice include dried leaves, whole seed, decorticated seed, seed kernels, Neem oil, and Neem cake, remaining after extraction or extrusion of the oil from the seeds. Several Indian companies or institutions produce commercially Neem-based insecticidal formulations, such as RD-9 Repelin and Wellgro, for spraying against cutworms and other insect pests in tobacco growing areas; Nimbosol and Biosol for control of whiteflies; and the products Neemrich and Neemark, the latter also as an azadirachtin-enriched granular Neem formulation. In the U. S. A. , the EPA hasgranted registration to Margosan-O, an azadirachtin-enriched, concentrated Neem seed kernel extract formulation, for use on non food crops and ornamentals. Margosan-0 was developed by R. Larson of Vikwood Botanicals Inc. at Sheboygan, WI, in colla boration with the USDA Agricultural Research Center at Beltsville, MD. The rights to this product, which contains 0. 3% azadirachtin and 14%Neem oil (the 0 in the name of the product stands for oil), and has an oral toxicity in excess of 5,000 mg/kg in rats. Margosan-0 has been evaluated successfully against an extensive series of insects in the U. S. A. and Canada, Lyriornizu leafminers on ornamentals and tomatoes, cotton bugs, cockroaches and mosquitoes. Margosan-0 demonstrated highest activity against Ostriniu nubilalis , and against leafhoppers, against two species of local cotton pests, Enrias insulana and Spodoptera littoralis. Recently in the U. S. A. a further Neem formulation, developed. under the auspices of the Natural Products Institute, Salt Lake City, UT is †Azatin†(Agridyne Technologies, Salt Lake City, UT). Also, Safer Ltd. , a Canadian manufacturer specializing in environmentally safe pest control formulations, developed insecticides based on Neem. Safer , however, has been acquired recently by Ringer Corp. , Minneapolis, MN, which distributes Margosan-0 in the home garden market under the tradenames of â€Å"Bioneem† and â€Å"Neemesis†. Contrary to registration practices in use until now, no precise chemical descriptions of all the ingredients of Margosan-0 were required, but rather, demonstration of the biological activity and innocuousness of the whole mixture to no target organisms was used in the registration process. Hopefully such specially tailored toxicity studies will be used to judge and register Neem and similar natural products in the future. A recent report claims that the EPA has approved a Neem-based biological pesticide developed by an Indian company for use on a wide range of food crops. MODES OF ACTION Major modes of action of azadirachtin are: Powerful IGR. Feeding Deterrant. Oviposition Deterrant. These are the three modes of action of azadirachtin which make azadirachtin much sought after biopesticide in todays agriculture industry. IGR: Azadirachtin acts as a powerful growth regulator for insects and this IGR effect is the most pronounced mode of action of Azadirachtin. Normally IGR effect the hormonal system of insects, preventing the insects from developing into normal mature insects. This IGR property of Azadirachtin doesnot leads to immediate death of insects, pests. Azadirachtin as an IGR: The IGR property of Azadirachtin arise due to the fact that: Azadirachtin is structurally analogous to natural hormone Ecdysone. As Ecdysone regulates the development of insect, any disruption in its balance leads to improper development. Also Azadirachtin interferes with the production and reception of Ecdysone at the time of insects growth and moulting. Thus Azadirachtin in this manner block the moulting cycle resulting in the death of the insect, pest. The main action of Azadirachtin appears to be at the release site of PTTH. The mode of action of Azadirachtin as IGR is thus an Indirect Physiological Effect. It is exerted via the endocrine system. The copora cardiaca is supposed to be the target for the Azadirachtin as is affects the PTTH, Eclosin Hormone, Bursicin Hormone release. PTTH release is inhibited rather than Ecdysine from Prothorasic gland. Thus the Azadirachtin affects the neurosecretory cells of Brain. Various experiments show that Azadirachtin doesnt directly act on Prothorasic Glands. In the in vitro culture of Prothorasic (H. virescens) gland showed that the PTTH induced release of the Ecdysine was medium (Bidmon et al, 1987, Barnby and Klocke, 1990). Also it was not blocked in PTTH simulated cultured glands from M. sexta pupa penetrated with Azadirachtin in last larval instar (Pener et al, 1988). However receptivity of Prothorasic gland to PTTH was affected in H. virescens. Neurosecretory proteins stained with paraldehyde in L. migratolia females when was compared with similar aged azadirachtin treated females there was an accumaulation of stainable material in corpora cardiaca of brain neurosecretory system in treated insects. Thus is appears that azadirachtin blocks release of neurosecretory material from corpora cardiac. It can thus be concluded that Azadirachtin does block the release of peptide hormones from brain neurosecretory cell corpora cardiac complex. Azadirachtin also exhibit IGR effect by altering the titre of Juvenile Hormone (JH). Azadirachtin affects the release of allotropins into corpora dillata hence block the synthesis and release of the Juvenile Hormone. This block leads to a rapid decrease in whole body JH titres, which is maintained for several days. Experiments prove that in M. sexta larvae, azadirachtin infection on day 0 (1. 0-10  µg/ larva) results in induction of supernumerary moults (Sch et al, 1985; Beckage et al, 1988) presumably due to an inhibition and subsequent delay in JH titre. In adult female L. migratolia also azadirachtin treatment causes a rapid decrease in juvenile hormone titres with associated disturbances in oogenesis (Rembold, 1984; Rembold et al, 1987). Thus, on a conclusionary note, the effect of azadirachtin is both dose and time dependent. It prevents both apolysis and ecdysis and thus can cause death before the moults, during the moults or delays of moult to form permanent larvae. Feeding Deterrance: Feeding behavior is both dependent on chemical senses stimulated due to contact chemoreceptors on trasi, mouthparts and oral activity and integration of the sensory code with the CNS. Azadirachtin acts as feeding deterrant. Inhibition of the feeding behavior occurs: There are receptors present on and around mouthparts of insects which normally respond to Phagostimulants. So azadirachtin may act by blocking the input from these receptors. Also there are present specific â€Å"deterrent cells† in insects which prevent insect from feeding. Azadirachtin acts to stimulate these â€Å"deterrent cells† leading to feeding deterrence. Many experiments were done in this regard. Using different concentration of sucrose and azadirachtin, either singly or together, the neurophysiological responses from  ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­medial and lateral sensillia styloconica of maxillae showed different group of receptors are receptive to sucrose (sugar cells) or azadirachtin (deterrent cell) in S. exempta and M. brassicae in most of the cases, the rate of firing of sugar sensitive cells were reduced in presence of both chemicals (Simmonds and Blaney, 1984). Such an interaction was also found in P. brassicae. This leads to a reduced or complete inhibition of feeding. Direct mode of action: Incorporation of azadirachtin results in direct toxic effect after ingestion. Azadirachtin prevents the secretion of Proteolytic enzymes and thus significantly impair ability of insects to digest and absorb nitrogenous food. When azadirachtin is ingested it can result in the disfunctioning of gut, as a result of which midgut epithelial cells become round. Swelling of cells and organells occur with some vacuolization and cell burst resulting in necrosis (as observed in S. gregarea and L. migratolia Naseruddin and Mordue (Luntz), 1993a; Cottee, 1984). There is also reduction in the regenerative cells and increase in the connective tissue layer with some invading heomocytes. This would lead to disruption of enzyme secretion and nutrient absorption. Also the antifeedant effect can be attributed to the action of azadirachtin on the peristaltic movement of gut wall. The gut of treated insects lack tone, midgut to hindgut junction becomes flaccid and co-ordinated peristalsis is lacking which leads to antifeeding behavior. EFFECT OF AZADIRACHTIN ON INSECTS Effects on Feeding Azadirachtin is a classical example of a natural plant defence chemical affecting feeding. Antifeedancy is the major insecticidal effect of Azadirachtin. Antifeedant effect in insect pest on application of Azadirachtin is divided into two main categories: Primary Antifeedancy: It refers to the deterrence of feeding in insects. Primary Antifeedancy is also called Gustatory antifeedancy. It can be defined as the inability to ingest resulting from the perception of antifeedant at a sensory level (Schmutterer 1985). Insects fail to eat treated crops and as starvation ensued results in the death of insects. Secondary Antifeedant effect: It refers to the non-feeding after the ingestion of treated plant. Secondary antifeedancy is also called Non-Gustatory antifeedancy. It can be defined as the reduction in food consumption and digestive efficiency subsequent to and as a consequence of ingestion, application or injection of antifeedant (Schmutterer, 1985). Experiments conducted in the past in this regard by various persons: The first detailed experiment was conducted in S. gregaria (desert locusts) in India. Insects from different orders show marked difference in their response to azadirachtin. (Table 1) Lepidopteras showed extreme sensitivity to azadirachtin and depending upon species, effective anti-feedance was observed from less than 1 to 50 ppm. Hemiptera (Homoptera), Coleoptera are less sensitive to azadirachtin with 100 % antifeedancy observed at 100-600 ppm. However, in Orthoptera wide range of sensitivity has been observed. Reed and Pierce in 1981 tested the repellant effect of Neem extract to striped cucumber beetle (A. vittateim), by cutting leaves and dipping them in extract solution and placing them in a dish with untreated leaf pieces. When 5 fasting beetles were placed in a dish, 0. 1 % azadirachtin gave protection for atleast three days. The intake of food by various homopteran insects Nilaparvata lugens, Nephotettix virescens was significantly reduced on rice plants sprayed with 1-50% emulsion of Neem oil. ( ). In green rice leafhopper, N. virescens feeding on the phloem of neem oil treated plants (1. 25-10%) was significantly less than of solvent treated control plants, whereas xylem feeding increased. Hemipteran insects feeding on tobacco seedlings which had been systemically treated with 500 ppm azadirachtin, were shown initially to feed normally but, after termination of the initial feed, the interval prior to the next subsequent feed was significantly increased and feeding activity thereafter was suppressed (Nisbetet al. 1993). When azadirachtun was impregnated on discs at a concentration of 0. 1-10 ppm, S. littoralis(African cotton leafworm),Spodoptera frugiperda(J. E. Smith) (fall armyworm),Heliothis virescens(F. ) (Tobacco budworm) andHelicoverpa armigera(Hà ¼b. ) (Old world bollworm) showed significant beh avior response and are prevented from feeding on the discs dependent on species (Blaney et al. 1990, Simmonds et al. 1990, Mordue (Luntz) et al. 1998) Insects from different Orders differ markedly in their behavior responses to azadirachtin (Table 1). Lepidoptera are extremely sensitive to azadirachtin and show effective antifeedancies from

Product Life Cycle (PLC): Strength and weakness

Product Life Cycle (PLC): Strength and weakness Introduction: Marketing is a process which is based on communication and whereby individuals obtain what they need through others creating or exchanging products and value with them. For companies to sell their products, marketing is the most important factor to reach out to customers as Kotler Armstrong, (2008) define. This essay presents the product life cycle and focuses on its strength and weakness points. The concept of Product Life Cycle (PLC): Product life cycle (PLC): is an idea from cradle to grave and considered sales record of a product time. PLC has four hypotheses: 1. a limitation life of products, 2. each phase has its own different features such as: methods of sales, 3. profits variation throughout the life cycle, 4. strategic methods used at each stage differ (Bennett, 1995 Thetimes100, 2009). The Stages of PLC: PLC has five stages 1. Development (pre-Launch), 2. Launch (Introduction), 3.Growth, 4.Maturity (Saturation), 5.Decline (Thetimes100, 2009). The development phase: In this stage, a firm has an idea and tries to make improvements to it, which is done by employing the researching skills for that purpose. This usually costs a lot of money in designing, production, advance promotion and if there were no sales, there would be no profit (Mark, 1998). The introduction phase: If the product agreed on, which a firm has decided to launch was its own innovative, unique one, normally, in this case, chances are less that any difficulty get in the way, especially and mainly from competitors. It remains at the beginning of this stage from the 4 Ps mentioned previously: promotion and place. A firm needs to create awareness, encourage sales, advertisement, public relations, and most importantly develop an image (Mark, 1998 Netmba, 2009). The growth phase: When a product achieves success, competitors will have reaction that entering market as quickly as possible. As a result promotional cost would increase in this stage for the sake of persuading consumers that the product of ours is better than other competitors (Mark, 1998 Netmba, 2009). The maturity phase: Competitors are rising sharply in the market and there is no space in for new copartners. Firm at this stage will exert all promotion options to preserve its brand loyalty within its own customers. However, at this stage sales and price begin fall down in the same time there are a large several of versions of product. By using different approaches competitors will detach part of market from the firm (Blythe, 2009). The decline phase: This is the stage leading towards the end. In other words, it is the stage where the death of the product begins to take place. There are a small number of balance sheet promotion sections which could manage it with. As much as the firm can keep its product on the life, it will still be able to earn some money. However, in this stage, varieties of versions are not available and the price might need to be raised (Blythe, 2009). â€Å"In fact, most decision to eliminate products is made on the basis of intuition and judgment rather than any formal analysis† (Blythe, 2009.pp:81-82). Strengths of the PLC. When used alongside analysis of sales figures and forecasts, PLC can be a powerful tool in providing guidance and marketing tactics that are appropriate at a particular stage (suite101, 2009). What are the keys of succeeding? Clearly, to allow a product to succeed and penetrate the market, it has to fulfill the needs of a sizable number of customers. With new products, this usually occurs automatically when the product possesses some new features which cannot be found in other existing products. Improvement in operation and technology is another cause of success (Dibb et al., 2006). Weakness of PLC. Even with using the PLC diagrams, there is no way to predict the length of each phase that the product is going to stagnate at. Furthermore, neither can it be used in forecasting accurately. These are the main failures and weakness points of the PLC model (Know this, 2004 mind tools, 2009). What is the fatal mistake which marketers do? Why do some products fail? The critical major mistake that marketers may neglect is when the product they introduce to the market does not meet the needs of the customer. This occurs for any of the following reasons: 1. the product does not offer value and therefore fails to progress in the marketplace. 2. The branding is ineffective or not well known. 3. Sometimes, the mistakecan be within the design. 4. In some other cases, technical problems appear. Moreover, Distribution and overestimation of the market size problems are considered a huge mistake which marketers can possibly commit (Dibb et al., 2006). What are the internal and external factors have effects on PLC? There are many features which effect PLC and the vital of them Product decisions and Consumer behavior. Product decisions (Internal factor): Product decisions include those intended to have an effect upon the firm primarily, then product, its sales, and, hence, its lifecycle and not related directly to the consumers. This is so clear in the example of Coca-Cola case below. Consumer behaviour (External factor): Decision making process elements are considered many three issues: First: Personal characteristics: personality, lifestyle, motivation, beliefs, attitudes, and perception. Second: Circumstances of the buyer: gender, age, family, life-cycle, income, and education level. Third: Social environment: culture, reference groups, and social class (Hill OSullivan, 1999). These are out-of-control factors that a firm has no hand on. They affect the life cycle of a product and given the name, external factors. In fact, this is not precisely the case. Because this is mainly more related to the customer buying that very product, a fair look at psychology can be devoted here to face any of the problems caused by any of the above factors. If looked more closely at the nature of this situation, one finds that it is concerned with decision-making process area of psychology. As soon as a consumer makes the decision to buy that product, which is what marketers look forward to, the business will begin a nd the product introduced will continue going through the stages to live its cycle. The external factor effect should be clear in the Kelloggs example later (Hill, OSullivan, 1999). Coca-Cola case study In this case study, it will be shown clearly that some of the products dont even reach the growth or the maturity stages but straightforward towards the declining stage. This was when Coca-Cola thought to launch its own bottles of water in 1993. â€Å"Dasani†, was the marketing name of the product. In the UK, what happened was that the factory had contaminated the bottles with what a cancer-causing chemical called â€Å"bromated†. This is different from the chemical substance â€Å"bromide†. The factory was using the tap water which comes normally from the Thames River. Then, this is being purified using the reverse Osmosis method of purification. After, this purified water is added to a batch of â€Å"Calcium Chloride (CaCl2)† and â€Å"bromide†. When Ozone gas is pumped into that batch, the bromide will be oxidized to â€Å"bromated†. This was mainly the reason for Coca-Cola to divest this kind of a product. Apparently, for this reason, the water of Thames River is being monitored to check the existence, or the concentration for that matter, is below the 10 micrograms per litre. This clearly shows how the internal factor effect here led to the end of the product (Dibb et al., 2006). Kelloggs Nutri-Grain Case study: In 1997, Kelloggs has achieved successes for approximately fifty per cent, which was part of the growing a puffed rice of market Perform in short time less than three years. Until 2002, sales continued growing and increasing within new improvements of flavour and ingredient to the original product. Nutri-Grain, as an example, grew gradually to be identified and recognised by the customers themselves. Nutri-Grain has changed customers understanding from missing breakfast to become a health daily snack. All Bran bars and Alpen bars are the main competitors of Nutri-Grain yet the interesting issue about the two is that both are from Kelloggs itself. However, there are others producing similar products to Nutri-Grain which slightly caused cutting of total profits. Each product of Kelloggs itself has a life cycle, some of which spend months within one stage and others, such as: Nutri-Grain spent years in only the growth stage. In the middle of 2004, Kelloggs noticed that Nutri-Grain sales started falling and losing its position. Meanwhile, the rate of market reached 15% of growing. It is obvious that Kelloggs should choose one of two decisions, either to withdraw Nutri-Grain or add some improvements to it to return it back to life (Thetimes100, 2009). Evaluation Simply, an analogy to the PLC is the life of a being. The living being starts developing from the moment it is born. Next step comes the stage of growth when it becomes a youth through towards maturity when it becomes adult. Finally, it dies which is similar to the withdrawal of a product from the market but before that it gets old; its sales show a decline. Having stated that, it shall be clear as to why be it that not all the products come through the lifecycle phases in the same pattern! As figure number 1 shows: The above plot shows the general typical life cycle that virtually every product should go through if no obstacles were on the way but the pattern differs. As expected in the research and development stage, the sales are zero since the product is not introduced to the market yet. Then, once it is introduced, the sales will begin and this is shown on the graph as sudden rise forming a curvature upwards shape. The rise continues until the stage of decline is reached and this is represented as a downward curvature shape indicated that the sales have fallen. In the development stage, small firms and big firms are not equal in terms of the precautions and the initiatives they take and so for the new and old companies. New Companies are more vulnerable to suffer from the consequences that the old ones and the reason for that is that the old have far more experience than the new firms. Big companies have a strong finical base which allows them to fight in the market with no fear. As have been stated above, in the introduction phase section, that the awareness and sales encouragement and more importantly the advertising is done actively at this stage. Doing the same kind of comparison between small and big firms, the latter have a variety of products in its production line which, in turn, adds a huge space for marketing activities such as, making ads about two or more products of their own, in other words, promotional effect dominates more than in the small firms. After passing the first two stages and the product reaches the growth stage safely, competitors reaction did not exist, both of the small and big firms are equal. However, if their reaction was catalyzed and competition was prevalent, they are not similar in the sense that the potential of each differs. As result, the course of action of each will be different and each will reap the harvest of competitors reaction differently, in accordance to their potential. Some products, although reach their decline stage, do not believe in what is called the decline phase and getting old. As a result, they overcome this problem and regain their position and popularity after taking the necessary strategies. This normally occurs when a little innovative tweak, be it a promotion, or an additional feature that is applied to the existing product. To reinforce the point of weakness mentioned earlier about the model that it fails to predict the exact time a product will spend at a certain stage, a set of examples are presented and exposed to evaluation. One of the examples is clothing. Cloths cannot be handled, to some extent, somehow to extend its life cycle as it is down to the fashion of the year. So, normally this kind of product lasts for no longer than a couple of months up to a year. (Know this, 2004) On the contrary, products like cars or bells live longer and can be trusted for at least five years or even more than that. These products life cycle, unlike the cloths, can be extended Products in between are prone to societies. A typical example is mobile phones. In some communities, people consider the mobile phone as fashionable item that is changeable each time a better, newer one is launched to the market. Others are fulfilled with it as being merely a mean of communication and that it is hard to do its job. Internal and external factors are equally as important. It has been seen in the example above how exceeded legal limit of bromate of a bottle of water has led Coca-Colas product towards death directly from the introduction phase; internal phase. Similarly with Nutri-Grain, Realistic snackers interest in healthy food, and it being the only healthy product have forced Kellogs to revitalize Nutri-Grain, external factor. Conclusion: PLC is a brief description or representation of a life cycle of a product in terms of graph. It is one of the powerful analysis tools in business generally and in marketing specifically. PLC mode can imply the possible strategies to be pursued in order to extend the life cycle of the product having known the stage at which the product is at standing. It can be concluded that in order to overcome this external factor, a marketer needs to play with the elements of decision-making process. By the death of the product, a complete description of the whole life of the product will be provided by the PLC model that can be used later on in the research and development stage of a new product. Business Culture Differences: USA and France Business Culture Differences: USA and France Globalisation has prompted many researchers to conduct intercultural studies. This report analyses the case of Southern Candles Tour De France and identifies several cultural differences. The ideas of Halls cultural model and Shannon-Weavers communication process will be presented with cultural issues. INTRODUCTION The purpose of report is to recognise the differences of business culture between U.S. and France and how they influence the cooperation of Southern and Belles companies. This report will be divided into three four dimensions. The first section presents a sequenced identification of cultural issues in the case. Theories of Halls and Shannon-Weaver models will be defined in the second section with clear tables and figure. The third section contains of some viewpoints about how the cultural issues relate to the chose models. Various perspectives of suggestions will be included in the last section. MEETING STRUCTURE Based on the research (1), the French prefer to have a flexible meeting and often change the plan easily, whereas, the Americans prefer to have a formal meeting and often adhere religiously to the plan (2). The conflict of meeting structure can be described as a cultural distinction. Conversely, this conflict can also significantly affect the positive impression of companies. For instance, the Americans may think that the French do not respect the meeting, and the French may think that the Americans are not creative. LUNCH TIME Another cultural issue between U.S. and France can be observed while Durand and his team members spent twenty minutes into meeting but used two hours break time to have a hot lunch. According to the research1, the Americans can just eat a small sandwich as their lunch and turn back to work, but a hot lunch is essential for the French to fulfill their energy. REACTION At the end of meeting, the reactions between Picard and Durand can also be considered as a cultural issue. U.S. people often present their reactions on surface (3); for instance, Picard gave a quick okay sign to his team members after finishing a well-presented meeting but the U.S. okay sign actually means zero or useless in France (4). Contrarily, the French frequently reserve their reaction and then release their decision after a series of discussion3. For example, Mr. Durand had decided not to corporate with Mr. Picard after two weeks consideration. DRESS APPEARANCE In Frenchs culture, formal dress look is very important at all times particularly in the meeting with high management level5. However, Picard made a mistake of this different cultural issue as only he took off the coat during the business meeting after an uncomfortable hot lunch. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION In France, eye contact, handshake, and double kiss are three main skills of non-verbal communication to show their friendly manner (6). In the case, Dubois extended a warm greeting in French to Durand. Nevertheless, the Americans usually avoid physical contact with people and this cultural issue creates an arrogant impression for the French1. WORK AND LIFE SEPARABILITY The problem of work and life separablity can be simply discovered when Picard kept mentioned several times the business meeting earlier in the day, but conversation always drifted back to social amenities. For the view of Durand, he has strong tendency to build lifetime relationship with Picard during the party dinner. However, Picard is accustomed to a short-term business relationship (2). LANGUAGE BARRIER The serious barrier between two central leaders is that they do not have same language to do deeper communication and this problem may have impact on building a trust business relationship. Although Picard has hired Dubois as his representative, the problem of different languages still significantly influences the interaction with Belles. For illustrate, Durand and his team members are repeatedly staring at Dubois because they think that she is the only person to give response so they put more concern on her reaction. LITERATURE REVIEW EDWARD TWICTHELL HALLS CULTURAL MODEL 1981 Hall is an anthropologist and cross-cultural researcher and he developed a cultural model that emphasised the importance of nonverbal signals and modes of awareness over explicit messages7. There are three fundamental dimensions: CONTEXT HIGH CONTEXT AND LOW CONTEXT Hall adds that high context communication or message is one in which most of the information is already in the person, while very little is in the coded, explicit, transmitted part of message. A low-context communication is just the opposite, that is, the mass of the information is vested in the explicit code7. The following table shows the characteristics of Halls high context culture and low context culture3: HIGH CONTEXT CULTURE LOW CONTEXT CULTURE Much convert and implicit message Much overt and explicit message Reserved actions Reactions on surface Distinct in groups and out groups Flexible in groups and out groups High commitment Low commitment Open and flexible time High organised time TIME -MONOCHRONIC AND POLYCHRONIC Hall explained that monochronic cultures value schedules and can evolve efficient bureaucracies. Polychronic cultures regard events as embedded in more of a simultaneous matrix of occurrences5. The following table gives the characteristics of two different time concepts (2): MONOCHRONIC POLYCHRONIC Do one work at a time Do multiple works at a time Concentrate on job Are highly distractible and subject to interruptions Are committed to the job Are committed to people and human relationships Work is clearly separate from personal time Work is clearly not separate from personal time SPACE (PROXEMICS) INTERPERSONAL DISTANCE Proxemics is the study of the human use of space within the context of culture. People handle space differently the way they do largely determined by the culture in which they are immersed9. Related to the case, only the theory of intimate and social distance will be provided. Intimate distance ranges from body contact to approximately 45 cm. At intimate distance, the presence of the other person is unmistakable (9). Social distance is the casual interaction-distance between acquaintances and strangers and ranges from 120 to 360 cm. Its close phase, 120 to 210 cm, is the characteristic of informal interaction9. The following figure shows that distance of Proxemics concept (10): SHANNON AND WEAVERS COMMUNICATION MODEL 1961 Shannons model of the communication process is a general model of the communication process that could be treated as the common ground of such diverse disciplines as journalism, rhetoric, linguistics, and speech and hearing sciences11. The following figure shows the communication process of Shannon-Weaver model (12): This model consists of 7 elements which are (13): Information source chooses desired message among a set of possible messages which can be mixture of any form of written or spoken, image or sound. Transmitter changes the message into the signal, also known as encoder. Message is the thing which is sent and received and all communication is about. Channel is the path that message passes through from the transmitter to the receiver. Receiver is the reverse transmitter which changes the signal back into the message, also known as decoder. Destination is the target place of the transmitted message. Noise is any unwanted additions to the transmitted signal which cause distortion or error in transmission. CASE ANALYSIS EDWARD TWITCHELL HALLS CULTURAL MODEL LES BELLES CHOSES Meeting Structure In the mind of the French, the meeting structure of U.S. represents low creativity and boring. In the mind of the Americans, Frances meeting structure is not organized and disciplined. Reaction Information is more likely transmitted in indirect way so the reaction is normally reserved. Reaction is normally appeared in a very direct way and also comes up with different signals. Interpersonal Relationship People always have strong boundaries and hard to adapt an outsider as part of their group. People are more flexible to accept outsider or a new culture. POLYCHRONIC MONOCHRONIC Schedule Schedule can be arranged independently if the better achievement can be established. Also, they do not mind to do multiple things simultaneously and always have a great involvement with human relationships since they are more concerned with family and friends. Time is very important as they often complete one project at a time or before the deadlines. Therefore, the Americans may think that time was dispersed with two hours lunch break and the French are not focused on the corporation. Work-life separability The issue of work-life separability also has direct impact on the corporation. Durand tended to create a close relationship with Picard but it was disturbed by irrelevantly conversation. The Americans typically follow the rules, show great respect for private property and less to build long-term relationship. So, Picard kept mentioned the works during personal time is eliminating the potential of cooperation. INTIMATE DISTANCE SOCIAL DISTANCE Interpersonal distance and Non-verbal communication People can accept the intimate distance mean that they often have body involvement with people or strangers. In the case, Durand and Dubois have an extended greeting in French. However, Mr. Picard did not have this action with Durand. People in the category of social distance mean that they have less body involvement with people and always in a common distance to do interaction with strangers. This kind of people usually avoids physical contact with people. Picard who from U.S. is a typical example. SHANNON-WEAVERS COMMUNICATION MODEL Destination Meeting Party dinner Decoder Durand receives the message and decodes the meaning Channel Dubois is the interpreter Encoder Picard sends the message and encodes the meaning Information sources Business proposal Ideas Opinions Noises Error messages, mistakes in translation, Wrong meaning created by interpreter Information source includes business proposal (written message), ideas, and argumentative opinion (spoken message) that were identified during meeting and party dinner. Transmitter is also called as encoder. In the case, Picard is the sender who is encoding the meaning. Message refers to the every information that was sent and received in the communication process. Channel will be the interpreter. For example, Dubois is responsible for translating the meaning for Picard and Durand. Receiver is also known as decoder. In this case, Durand may change the received messages and signals back into his preferred language or meanings. Destination refers to the meeting or the target place to do presentation in the case. Noises may include the error messages and meanings due to Picard and Durand are using different languages. RECOMMENDATIONS MEETING ALERT In France, people will never skip lunch and they are allowed to have lunch at least forty-five minutes at the company cafeteria and ninety minutes at a restaurant 14. Picard should have awareness of the Frenchs office hours and lunch hours and schedule the best time to have meeting. BUSINESS DRESS CODE If dealing with senior management level in France, a formal suit and well business dress code are highly needed15. Social gathering requires tastefully coordinated clothes even the invitation card with states that informal dress15. During the meeting, Picard should sustain his formal dress appearance. CONVERSATION Language barrier between Picard and Durand creates a resistance in their conversation. The best way to remove the barrier is to learn the same language; however, it could not be reached in a short period. There are some tips for Picard to increase the potential of success16: Practice effective communication as much as possible Convey ideas in a positive, clear and convincing manner PROSPEROUS ENTERTAINING Actually, a business meeting is not supposed to be conducted during lunch or dinner. However, sharing a meal is intended to help establish a personal acquaintance17. In France, business lunches are the most common form of entertaining business contacts18. For that reason, Picard can use a business lunch to present his sincerity of cooperation and his respect to the Frenchs culture. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR In Frenchs culture, some non-verbal communication actions are expected to be performed19. To gain more familiarity with French, Picard should learn some greeting behaviour and avoid some objectionable public behaviors. GIFT-GIVING In France, gifts are expected for social events, especially as thank you after a dinner party20. When Picard was invited to the party dinner after meeting, he should awake that gifts-giving for the host is important to show an honor manner in the Frenchs culture. CONCLUSION After looking the ideas of Hall and Shannon-Weaver, it is easier to understand why problems occur from different cultural backgrounds. These ideas especially help in workplace and international cooperation. The recommendations proposed will provide a guideline on how to cooperate and avoid some unpleasant problems. References 1. http://www.understandfrance.org/France/Intercultural3.html 2. http://hackvan.com/pub/stig/etext/monochronic-vs-polychronic-time.txt 3. http://www.siu.edu/~ekachai/dimensions.html 4. http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=France:_Public_Behaviour 5. http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/Meals-and-Entertaining-in-France.html 6. http://www.culture-at-work.com/highlow.html 7. Hall, E.T. (1998). Basic concepts of intercultural communication: The Power of Hidden Differences. Maine: Intercultural Press Inc. 8. Hall, E. T. (1983). The dance of life: The other dimension of time. New York: Random House. 9. Hall Edward T.: The hidden dimension, 1966, Doubleday Company, Inc. 10. Tool for Proxemic research: Edward T. Half, A System for the Notation of Proxemic Research, American Anthropologist, Vol. 65, 1963, pp. 1003-1026. 11.http://www.shkaminski.com/Classes/Handouts/Communication%20Models.htm#TheShannonWeaverMathematicalModel1949 12. http://faculty.mdc.edu/jmcnair/Communication%20Theory%20A%20First%20Look.htm 13. http://www.zainbooks.com/books/mass-communication/introduction-to-mass-communication_4_elements-of-communication-and-early-communication-models.html 14. http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=France:_Appointment_Alert! 15. http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=France:_Business_Dress 16. http://plushtext.com/6-ways-to-communicate-more-effectively-in-the-workplace 17. http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/Meals-and-Entertaining-in-France.html 18. http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=France:_Prosperous_Entertaining 19. http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=France:_Public_Behaviour 20. http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=France:_Gift_Giving

The Life of Hannah More and The Sorrows of Yamba :: comparison compare contrast essays

The Life of Hannah More and The Sorrows of Yamba      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hannah More has been called "one of the most prolific and influential authors of her day in England" (Ford ix). This proves to be true upon analyzing her life and accomplishments in the nineteenth century. Hannah More was born in 1745 in Stapleton, Bristol, England (Hopkins xiii). Mary Gladys Jones comments on More's life and gives the description of this literary figure as "a Tory who championed the radical causes of anti-slavery and the education of the poor, a Churchwoman who attended a Dissenting Meeting House [only once] and employed Methodist teachers" (Ford ix-x). The two main political issues that More would write about during the course of her life were anti-slavery issues and the promotion of the education of the poor and women. More herself was educated along with her sisters by her father (Damrosch 100). More and her sisters would later found a successful school which threatened many of her contemporaries. "Local authorities felt threatened b y the sisters' assumption of power and were assuaged only by the Mores' manipulation of traditional feminine roles" (Ford xiii). In the curriculum in More's school, she made a conscious effort to "maintain sexual difference and inequality while upgrading or 'masculinizing' the education of women" (xiii).    As a woman, Hannah More was an unusual figure in nineteenth-century England. She was unmarried and very publicly voiced her opinion. After a failed engagement, More sought financial independence (Damrosch 100). More began publishing her works to the general population. Her works were sold cheap, and preachers, missionaries, or landlords handed them out (Damrosch 189). Since More "celebrated the godly, self-disciplined layperson who looked out for the common good" she sold her works very inexpensively (Ford 1). "At a half-penny to one and one-half penny per installment," More's writings became popular amongst the poor in society (128). More had strong political beliefs that explain much of her writing and methods. She had a "long-held belief that aristocratic virtue, whether civic or personal, dictated general morality which, in turn, ensured the soundness of the commonwealth" (xii). Her moral beliefs are directly effected from her religious beliefs. More fought for anti-s lavery laws in hopes that "the abolition of the African slave trade and the observance of Sabbatarian laws, among other measures, would preempt similar divine retribution against the British ruling classes" (84).

The Joys of Skydiving Essay -- Personal Narrative, essay about myself

It was a warm and sunny Saturday morning when my friend, Sivi, and I left our home to travel to the small local airport located outside of town. Just the previous night we had received 4 hours of classroom training in how to perform a successful "Skydive" and now we would receive 4 more hours of practical, hands-on training. Sivi and I have spent a lot of time talking with, and taking care of Senior Citizens on a volunteer basis. Through many conversations, we discovered that one of the major regrets that people have, as the near the end, is that they didn't experience everything that they wanted to when they were younger. The major reason for this was fear. Fear that they would fail or fear that they might be injured. Sivi and I had decided years ago that we would never allow fear to prevent us from trying something new. Now, in our middle and late forties, we had decided to voluntarily jump out of a perfectly good airplane just for the experience of doing so. When we arrived at the airport, there were about 10 other people. Most of them were men and we were the only couple. Of course the first matter of business was to read and sign a waiver that stated that we would NOT hold the skydiving school liable if our jump turned out to be, shall we say, less than perfect. I must admit that this certainly brought out some of the apprehension that Sivi and I had managed to bury deep inside ourselves. Next, we were sent to a shed where there were several sets of coveralls. Here we were instructed to pick out a pair of coveralls and a helmet that fit (as best as possible) and put them on. I must say that I felt more than a little silly wearing a pair of torn and uncomfortably tight coveralls ... ...ove the ground, I yanked down on the parachute control straps with all of my strength. The parachute got more air, and I slowed, almost to a standstill, and gently touched the ground. As my feet touched the Earth, I went into my roll and then stood back up. No broken bones or bruises. Sivi, immediately came out to greet me, and we both felt a great sense of relief and pride. Once again we managed to overcome our fears and experience something that cannot be imagined or viewed like a movie, but must be felt. As we walked to our car, we realized just how much the day had taken out of us physically. We were both bruised and sore from our practice jumps into the gravel pit and very tired. But, at the same time, our souls felt warm and satisfied at discovering that we could overcome our fears and experience the joy and freedom of skydiving.

Negative Responses To Mathematics Education Essay

The intent of this study is to analyse the chief cause of mathematics panic in colleges and to offer solutions and give recommendations to the Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statisticss at Curtin University. By reexamining professional literature, scholarly diaries, and accredited web sites a better apprehension of the causes and effects of mathematics anxiousness, this study will accomplish the intent by analysing and reasoning the anterior research and give solutions that aimed at these issues. In add-on, the nature of the mathematics in general will besides be considered and associate mathematics to professional life. The study will foremost travel into an overview of the issues in mathematics learning and larning before covering with the job of the math terror in colleges. A general overview of the nature and societal position of mathematics will be discussed, which will so take to a examination of what universities should make to assist to direct pupils ‘ attitude and apprehension of mathematics.1.2 Background and recent findingsBecause of its public-service corporation and importance, larning mathematics is described as a necessity for a individual ‘s full development in the twenty-first century ( Kogce et al. 2009, 291 ) . However, the popular image of mathematic as hard, abstract, non really practical, and mostly masculine, etc. Therefore, math terror appears in vary degree of schools. Mathematicss anxiousness is introduced foremost by Dreger and Aiken in 1957 and it is defined as â€Å" a sequence of cognitive, affectional, and behavioural responses to a perceived self-pride men ace which occurs as a response to state of affairss affecting mathematics † ( Birgin et al.2010, 1 ) . Mathematicss anxiousness is prevailing among the college pupils population ( Zakaria and Nordin, 2007, 27 ) . Harmonizing to Google-counting, mathematics anxiousness emerges in schools particularly â€Å" in college † has 26,000 happenings ( Brown 2008, 61-92 ) . In add-on, Birgin et Al. ( 2010, 1 ) have found that negative attitudes to mathematics or mathematics anxiousness is a barrier in larning mathematics and go toing callings which require mathematics. As a consequence of mathematics anxiousness, impacts like â€Å" turning away of mathematics, hurt, and intervention with conceptual thought and memory procedures † may even widen negatively in big life.2.0 Causes & A ; consequence of mathematics anxiousnessMathematicss anxiousness has been found that may be affected by many causes, including â€Å" mathematics, educational and curriculum-related issues, parental attitudes, values, and outlooks toward mathematics † ( Baloglu and Kocak 2006, 1325-1335 ) . Numerous researches have analyzed the causes of mathematics anxiousness and the consequences are different from each other. Zakaria and Nordin ( 2008, 27-30 ) have claimed that low mathematics accomplishment normally accompany the happening of mathematics anxiousness. A pupil may be defeat by his/her ain fright that consequence from changeless failure in mathematics and do him/her to believe that he/she can ne'er make good on it. Furthermore, it is besides suggested that the chief cause of mathematics anxiousness has been in learning methods because most mathematics courses â€Å" did non encouraged logical thinking and apprehension † . It is besides believed that attitude towards mathematics can be one of the grounds of math terror ( Kogce et al. 2009, 291 ) . The attitude or value can be affected by instructors or parents. In add-on, clip force per unit area in mathematics trial should besides be considered when refers to causes of math anxiousness. The force per unit area c reated by clip restriction is the combination of emphasis may take to uncertainness about how to make the undertaking and fright of failure ( Buxton 1990, 153 ) . Figure 1. Relationship between anxiousness and self-efficacy ( Beginning: Hoffman, B. 2010 ) As displayed above in Figure 1, the standardised tonss showed a regressive relationship between mathematics anxiousness and pupils ‘ self-efficacy in work outing simple mathematics jobs. It is clear that as anxiousness additions, self-efficacy falls which indicates a strong correlativity between these two points.2.1 Value and attitudeOne of the grounds for mathematics anxiousness is attitude towards mathematics. Students ‘ attitudes or values toward math normally come from instructors and parents. Some researches held by universities show that pupils perform better when making exercisings in mathematics categories without instructors than the pupils under instructors ‘ supervising. Additionally, Buxton ( 1990, 155 ) have argued that instructors should non curtail pupil ‘s thought by stating â€Å" this is non the manner that written in books † or maintain giving the right reply without taking the pupils to believe independently. Otherwise, pupils may ex perience deadening and confounding and their motive to seek mathematics jobs work outing chances may be decreased and conglomerate into fright and turning away. Parents ‘ outlooks every bit much as instructors ‘ may besides give pupils force per unit area in mathematics. Parents normally stand in a place to judge their kids and fail to decide the position with expressed statements. For illustration, some parents show disappointedly on face when kids understand easy in mathematics. Therefore, kids may experience even harder to get the better of the jobs due to take down assurance and this turns into dying and turning away.2.2 Lack of understandingHarmonizing to Zakaria and Nordin ( 2008, 27-30 ) , a deficiency of apprehension is one of the chief causes of mathematics anxiousness and â€Å" that understanding based acquisition is more effectual than drill and pattern † . For most pupils, the first clip when they are afraid of work outing math jobs is when they can non understand the constructs in categories. Therefore, their assurance of larning mathematics may worsen and they lose involvement to get the better of the jobs. Lower accomplishment consequences and a damaging attitude towards mathematics may ensue from this sort of self-perceptions, which can impact their position of larning mathematics ( Hoffman 2010, 276-283 ) .2.3 Time force per unit areaMany pupils suffer anxiousness when it refers to be giving a certain extent of clip to complete certain committedness ( Hoffman 2010, 276-283 ) . This can be one of the factors when discoursing about the causes of mathematics anxiousness. For illustration, pupils who familiarized to work outing jobs without clip restriction might experience dying if they are told to work out jobs rapidly. Furthermore, harmonizing to some surveies, the emotional responses of pupils become intense often when pupils work on math jobs over an extended period of clip ( Buxton 1990, 153 ) . In other words, it is claimed that the more clip pupils spend on work outing math jobs, the more anxiousness they suffer. Most pupils failed in their mathematics tests due to blowing excessively much clip by worrying about the clip limitation and can non finish all the inquiries. Harmonizing to Hoffman ( 2010, 276-283 ) , the Test Anxiety Inventory ( TAI ) and the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Anxiety Scale ( MAS ) were co-operating for the Problems Test of mathematics anxiousness. The pupils were required to react to all the points by giving adequate clip. The pupils finished all the inquiries within 30 proceedingss, although no clip bound was set. Harmonizing to this survey, it can be suggested that job work outing clip limitation can be one of the factors that consequences in mathematics anxiousness. However, Hoffman ( 2010, 276-23 ) suggests that â€Å" high dying persons may really hold faster problem-solving times † . Students may desire to complete the undertaking every bit shortly as possible when they are prompted feelings of dying or concern during the work outing mathematics jobs. This may ensue in faster completion of jobs, even though perchance at the loss of truth.3.0 Mathematics & A ; genderThere is a hypothesis assumes that adult females have more mathematics anxiousness than work forces due to less experience with mathematics. As a consequence, Hoffman ( 2010, 276-23 ) points out that female are less likely to seek chances to work out mathematical job and even mathematics callings, and tend to avoid occupations to make with computing machines and engineering that link to mathematics. However, many surveies failed to confirm considerable gender differences in math terror, even though legion surveies support the position that female have more math anxiousness t han male ( Baloglu and Kocak 2006, 1325-1335 ) .3.1 Gender StereotypeHarmonizing to Hoffman ( 2010, 276-83 ) , although ability may be the cause of public presentation differences, the pessimistic attitude to a high accomplishment shows females did non ‘try as difficult ‘ when work outing mathematics jobs. Some surveies suggest that more male than female enroll in the higher degree of classs in mathematics ( Meece, Wigfield, and Eccles 1990, 60-70 ) . Gender stereotype, one of the grounds why females are much passive in larning mathematics, seems to be the most persuasive 1. Gates ( 2001, 53 ) explains that gender stereotype that maleness associate with ground while muliebrity with alternate attacks is the cause of gender differences in mathematics anxiousness. This difference can impact their feelings in relation to mathematics job resolution. Harmonizing to Gates ‘ survey, ‘masculine ‘ topic such as mathematics and natural philosophies are seen as ‘difficult ‘ by female but ‘interesting ‘ by male. Therefore, female pupils may hold the terror of larning mathematics because they perceive it as being hard although they are interested in this topic. In contrast, Hembree ‘s meta-analysis claimed that the â€Å" negative behaviours associated with mathematics anxiousness † were more marked in males than females. In add-on, present research found that the influence of mathematics anxiousness on the accomplishments of males when work outing math jobs is stronger than females ( Hoffman 2010, 276-283 ) .4.0 Teaching mathematics in collegeâ€Å" Mathematicss anxiousness is prevailing among the college pupils population ( Zakaria and Nordin, 2007, 27 ) . † Harmonizing to Google-counting, college pupils have 26,000 happenings of math terror which is the highest among schooling. Zakaria and Nordin ( 2008, 27-30 ) further stated that the chief factor of mathematics anxiousness is learning methodological analysiss. For illustration, a study of Gabriella and Paul Rosenbaum Foundation called The Effect of Singapore Mathematics on Student Proficiency in a Massachusetts School District: A a Longitudinal Statistical Examination shows in figure 2 that after introduced the learning course of study of Singapore mathematics ( SM ) , the mathematics public presentation of pupils with Coded MCAS, who used to execute bad in this topic improved much better as overall. Furthermore, it is predicted that more than 50 % of the pupils are underprepared when they enrolled in mathematics classs in college ( Baloglu and Kocak 2006, 1325-1335 ) . Therefore, instructors in colleges should stand in a place of guiding and rectifying. Figure 2. Percentage of pupils with Coded MCAS, with and without SM ( Source: Goldman et al. 2009 )4.1 What universities offering presentlyTeachers presents make usage of learning AIDSs and resources such as artworks and theoretical accounts to assist pupils understand mathematical theories and rules ( Gates 2001, 53 ) . Resources are of import because they can supply an image or representation of the figure constructs and ease the apprehension of abstract nature of mathematics. It is argued that utilizing concrete resources in the procedure of larning mathematics can positively â€Å" increases pupils ‘ mathematics accomplishment and their attitudes towards mathematics † ( Kogce et al. 2009, 291 ) . However, the job is whether these resources truly assist apprehension. For case, resource like counters can be used to assist pupils number but the fact is a large figure of pupils can non make mental computation and they focus excessively much on the facets of mathematics of numbering. What ‘s more, another common state of affairs in university mathematics schoolrooms is that non all pupils feel easy to larn mathematics with the aid of the resources and AIDSs and some of them fail to link different facets of math even with the aid of legion graphs and diagrams. Consequently, Gates ( 2001, 125 ) have suggested that a bipartisan interactions between instructors and pupils should be strongly considered. Some pupils may accept the acquisition method given by instructors and ne'er think by their ain and see whether the present method is the best for them.4.2 Computer as instruction assistanceModern engineering today is used in most universities help instructors to learn pupils. Com puter should be one of the most utile technological tools in mathematics schoolrooms. Gates ( 2001, 167 ) have demonstrated that whether the usage of computing machine is effectual or non in mathematics is influenced by the categorization of functions of instructors and computing machines. Computers should be a instruction assistance by instructors and controlled by instructors. Computers used as learning assistance provide a figure of advantages to let go of pupils from some troubles during the acquisition of mathematics and cut down their mathematics anxiousness. For illustration, computing machine presents is used normally as an ‘electronic chalkboard ‘ for expounding and presentation. As a beginning of assorted information through cyberspace, instructors can seek considerable extend information to assist to better pupils understanding of cognition. Furthermore, Gates ( 2001, 168 ) has besides stated that in the signifier of exercisings and games, pupils can pattern mathematics accomplishments and better their coherency of different facets of this topic. In add-on, vivid images and presentation by the usage of computing machine resources may increase pupils ‘ involvement and cut down their terror of the troubles. A perfect illustration of computing machines assisting larning math is the Integrated Learning Systems ( ILS ) . This system n on merely sets exercisings but besides marks the work, evaluates and records advancement, and lead pupils to farther progress work ( Gates 2001, 169 ) .5.0 Mathematicss in our lifeMost people study mathematics until they lose involvement or until they find it excessively difficult for them. Low accomplishment or failure is one state of affairs that doing people reject larning a topic, and believe it ‘s non deserving to try.A However, mathematics is really of import to our life. Selby ( 1995 ) has explained how mathematics works in our day-to-day life individually for assorted facets. For illustration, numeration by manus or with a reckoner is necessary when people calculate weights or sums like money which appears in day-to-day life. Just like work outing mathematics jobs measure by measure, incorrect Numberss that show in one measure of a computation procedure would do all the remainder incorrect. Furthermore, when make fulling the revenue enhancement signifiers, people need to cipher with arithmetic followed the providing instructions measure by step.A Therefore, arithmetic as one portion of mathematics that taught in schools is utile and related to our life. Additionally, people may reason that facets like Algebra and geometry which may utilize with expressions and theories are non related to our life.A However, people should â€Å" understand expressions or calculation methods needed for loans, pensions and investings, A for store maintaining or purchasing and selling with markups or markdowns † Selby ( 1995 ) . What pupils learn in mathematics categories in schools is about understanding how the formulas work and being sensible. By cognizing these, it will offer people more options during gaining, funding or puting money. What ‘s more, statistics, farther subject in mathematics, is really popular nowadays.A A Statistics is utile in theA measuring or appraisal of Numberss and the mistake or fluctuation in the estimations. Such as in the state of affairs of ciphering informations forA productiveness or the monetary value of merchandises, statistics used to connote of import information from values like mean number.A Therefor e, as Gates ( 2001, 24 ) stated mathematics is a â€Å" powerful tool † in the universe that we live.6.0 DecisionIt is clear that the causes of mathematics anxiousness can be identified as, viz. , pupils ‘ values and attitude to mathematics which can be influenced by instructors, parents and even society ; pupils ‘ apprehension of mathematics constructs in categories ; and clip restriction in mathematics tests. There is a figure below helps to exemplify how anxiousness develops and affects pupils ‘ acquisition of mathematics. From chase to turning away, there may be a batch of grounds such as pupils find out they are non gifted at mathematics so they refuse to larn any longer, or female pupils may experience larning this topic is non appropriate for them due to gender stereotype. From assurance to anxiousness, unpleasant experience may be the chief cause. This experience may include deficiency of understanding consequence in failure in work outing jobs ; bla med by parents or instructors as low accomplishments or being compared with talented pupils ; clip restriction causes emphasis in test, etc. All theses causes above may take to failure in mathematics public presentation and turn back to even serious turning away and anxiousness. Figure 3. Math Anxiety Dynamics ( Source: Strawderman, W. 2004 ) In add-on, there is a strong correlativity between gender differences and math terror that males are more likely to go to advanced mathematics classs than females. It has been considered due to gender stereotypes except abilities. However, mathematics is used everyplace in our life and callings. From single measures and disbursals computation to revenue enhancement and funding, we need mathematics as a usher to populate a more choice life.7.0 RecommendationsAfter analysing the relevant issues in this study, assorted recommendations to the Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics have been developed due to extended research showing the impacts of mathematics anxiousness on college pupils. These recommendations are possible solutions to and assist pupils to be more confident in their ain ability to understand mathematics and to advance mathematics in the twenty-first century. The undermentioned suggestions can be undertaken to cut down mathematics anxiousness and increase p upils ‘ accomplishment: Teacher should develop an encouraging acquisition environment, free from tenseness and threatening of embarrassment or humiliation. This may cut down the pupils ‘ anxiousness about being judged by instructors while doing errors or neglecting to understand. Mathematicss instructor should show a caring attitude to their pupils to assist them get the better of mathematics panic. Test taking schemes should be given suitably might assist pupils to raise their accomplishment and cut down their anxiousness of mathematics trial. Students should set themselves under an test atmosphere when they making mathematics homework on a regular basis. Therefore, when they work outing jobs in tests, clip force per unit area will be reduced and pupils may experience more assurance. Activities in categories should include both independent and group work. Group work helps pupils to interchange their thoughts with pickets and reflecting their apprehension to instructors. Therefore, their jobs can be solved instantly or they may recognize that others have the same job as they do. Teaching AIDSs and resourced should be used efficaciously. Make a connexion of mathematics in schools and new engineerings. Small categories like tutorials should be increased alternatively of go forthing countless prep to pupils to complete after categories. Once pupils confused or make non understand during their perusal, they can non acquire solutions instantly and they may lose the motive to go on. Increasing hours of tutorials may work out this job efficaciously. Word count: 2944