Coronary Artery Disease Essay

Coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease, is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle. This plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. When plaque builds up in the arteries, the condition is called atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque occurs over many years. Over time, the plaque hardens which causes your coronary arteries to narrow, which limits the amount of oxygen and blood your muscles are supposed to get to function properly. Coronary Artery Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States because of the people’s not so healthy diet, lack of exercise, and tendency to smoke, which are the leading causes of Coronary artery disease. The symptoms might be very noticeable, or you might not experience anything when having CHD, one of the main symptoms is Angina which causes major chest pain or at least some discomfort or abnormal feeling on your chest. Also, you may feel like your chest is closing up and it will become harder for you to breathe, also may experience pain on your neck, lower back, and extremities, oh and not less important, fatigue and weakness are also symptoms. For treatment, your doctor will give you specific medications based on how severe your case is, eating habits will need to change, start exercising, and if a smoker, to quit smoking. Oh, very important to know, DO NOT under any circumstances, stop your medication, it will come back and probably worse than before it was treated. In very extreme cases, an angioplasty and stent placement, coronary artery bypass surgery, or a minimally invasive heart surgery will be needed in order to survive. Although everyone is different, early detection of CHD generally results in a better outcome. But after treatment, it’s not all gone; you might be stuck with some long-term effects. One of them being Unstable Angina, which I said was a severe chest pain due to not enough oxygen going to the lungs. Heart failure could also happen, due to the lack of blood and oxygen being transported to the heart, it weakens which makes everything much difficult than before, this is a heart failure. A long- term coronary artery disease could lead to suffering heart attacks, which happens when the artery is completely blocked, so no oxygen or blood flowing through whatsoever. Coronary artery disease is a very harmful disease when not treated, but being healthy could prevent it References: * http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/coronary-heart-disease/overview.html * http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cad/

Preliminary Test and Solubility Classification of Organic Compounds

Preliminary Test and Solubility Classification of Organic Compound Keene Louise Topacio, Christopher Jay Robidillo Abstract The experiment focuses on how to classify organic compounds by its functional groups. It is done by preliminary test and with the solubility test. Preliminary test used two known compounds also the unknowns. Physical state, color, odor, and ignition test were noted. The known compounds are inorganic and organic compounds. A comparison is made from the observation in the unknown sample, by which we had concluded that there were two organic compounds and one inorganic among the unknowns. In order to have a strong background about the solubility test, we first classify organic compounds of known functional group using the said test. Butyl bromide, ethanol sucrose, butyraldehyde, ethanoic acid, methyl amine, nitrophenol, diethyl ether, benzoic acid and propanone were used. It is found out that they are class X, Sn, S, N, Sa, Sb, S, N, A1 and Sn, respectively. We use water, ether, HCl, NaOH, NaHCO3, H2SO4, litmus paper, and phenolphthalein in classifying each compound based on their solubility and color change. It follows a certain scheme on testing the compound. Each test will link to another test until we ended up with the class of that compound. We finally determine the class of the three unknowns. It is found out to be an Sb – amine -, S -salt -, and an N -aromatic compound-. Keywords: solubility, classification, organic compounds, solubility test, preliminary test Introduction One important part of experimental organic chemistry is to be able to analyze and identify an unknown organic compound from its functional groups. There are several steps in order to acquire this and there is no definite process. But there are systematic ways in different experimental organic chemistry books. For this experiment it will emphasize the preliminary examination and solubility characteristics of some known organic compounds and unknown samples. Preliminary test is basically noting informations with lesser effort compared to the other tests the physical state, color, odor, and its ignition properties. Physical state of a substance can make a distinction among organic compounds for the reason that at room temperature most of organic compounds are in its liquid state. This is due to the intermolecular forces of attraction in the compound. The color is also informative because most pure organic compounds are white or colorless. Some discolorations of brown color are effect of oxidation reaction. The odor of many organic compounds, especially the ones that have lower molar mass are highly distinctive. Also, functional groups have its' own different smell particularly alcohols, ketones, esters, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Caution must be observed while smelling the unknown sample because large amounts of organic vapors should never be inhaled because of toxicity. The ignition test involves a procedure in which a drop or two of a liquid or about 50-100 mg of a solid is heated gently on a crucible with a bunsen burner flame. Whether a solid melts at low temperature or only upon heating more strongly is then noted. The flammability and the nature of any flame from the sample are also recorded. A yellow, sooty flame is indicative of an aromatic or a highly unsaturated aliphatic compound; a yellow but non-sooty flame is characteristic of aliphatic hydrocarbons. The oxygen content of a substance makes its flame more colorless or blue; high oxygen content lowers or prevents flammability, as does halogen content. The unmistakable and unpleasant odor of sulfur dioxide indicates the presence of sulfur in the compound. If a white, nonvolatile residue is left after ignition, a drop of water is added and the resulting aqueous solution is tested with litmus or pHydrion paper; a metallic salt is indicated if the solution is alkaline. Solubility of an organic compound in different solvents can present useful but not efficient information about the presence or absence of certain functional groups. It is because the basic principle in solubility is â€Å"like dissolves like†. In order to have a more distinct result a systematic approach can be considered and it is by solubility classification. First is to test the solubility of the unknown in water. Several structural features of the unknown can be deduced if it is water-soluble. It must be of low molar mass and will usually contain no more than four to five carbon atoms, unless it is polyfunctional. Also, it must contain a polar group that will form a hydrogen bond with water, such as the hydroxy group of an alcohol or a carboxylic acid, the amino functionality of an amine, or the carbonyl group of aldehydes or ketones. Esters, amides, and nitriles dissolve to a lesser extent, and acid. chlorides or anhydrides react with water rather than simply dissolving in it. Test in ether for water soluble compounds are also observed this is to identify further the functional groups in ther unknown. On the other hand, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and alkyl halides are water-insoluble. Supplementary test such as solubility in hydrochloric acid, then sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, and finally tested in sulfuric acid must be done accordingly. Solubility in one or more of these acids and bases is defined in terms of the compound being more soluble in base or acid than in water and reflects the presence of an acidic or basic functional group in the water-insoluble unknown compound. Methodology The experiment was divided into two parts and the group was given three unknowns. The first part was for the preliminary test. Data were recorded according to the physical state, color, and odor of the compound. Small amount of the test compounds, copper nitrate, acetic acid also the unknowns were placed in separate porcelain crucible. It was then heated and covered. Observations were noted. If residues were sighted it was tested for acidity or basicity using a drop of distilled water and a litmus paper. Also, a drop of 15% HCl was added to determine if there was formation of gas. Lastly, flame test using a nichrome wire was also observed in order to determine if metals were present. For the second part of the experiment, solubility class test. 1mL of the solvents; water, ether, HCl, NaOH, NaHCO3, and H2SO4, were placed on separate micro test tubes. A drop or pinch of the test compounds; butyl bromide, ethanol, sucrose, butyraldeyde, ethanoic acid, methylamine, nitrophenol, diethyl ether, benzoic acid, propanone, and the unknowns, were added to the solvent. It was then mixed and observed if it dissolved or not, miscible or not, or if there are discoloration present. The solubility flow chart was used in order to classify the compounds. Results and Discussion Preliminary test determines the physical state, color, odor, and the combustion reaction of the compound during ignition. It is shown in Table 1. That copper nitrate which is blue liquid has an odorless smell while it produces a green flame when it is ignited. On the other hand, an organic compound, acetic acid, is liquid and is colorless. It has a sour smell and it produces no residue when it is ignited. With respect with our group samples, all are in liquid state while differs in odor. A1 has a very foul odor, while A2 possess an alcohol like then A3 have a strong odor. A1 and A3 does not have a residue after it was heated it only evaporated and evolution of smelly (unpleasant) gas was also observed. In the case of A2 there were close to black residue and after ignition, a red flame was observed. Table 1 Preliminary Examination Data X| Cu(NO3)2| C2H4O2| A1| A2| A3| A| Liquid| Liquid| Liquid| Liquid| Liquid| B| Blue| Colorless| Colorless| Colorless| Colorless| C| odorless| sour| foul| Alcohol like| Strong| D| Green flame| orange| No residue| red| orange| X – compounds, A – physical state, B – color, C – odor, D – ignition test| Copper nitrate and acetic acid are both in liquid phase. Normally, an organic compound such as acetic acid is a colorless liquid. Copper nitrate, on the other hand, is in aqueous form. Although they are in the same phase, it doesn’t mean that they have the same volatility and solubility. Upon ignition , their volatility differences are noticed. The presence of ash is observed in copper nitrate while on acetic acid there is no present. It is an indication that there was solid present in copper nitrate solution. Since a solid is not volatile, we can easily identify the presence of solid upon ignition. Thus, it is an indication that the physical state of copper nitrate is actually solid. Finally, copper nitrate has color while acetic acid has none. It is because of the presence of metal in the aqueous copper nitrate. While for our unknowns, it was all in liquid form which has an ammonia-like smell A1, alcohol like smell A2 and strong smell A3. By that, the one will know that A1 is already an amine. When it is ignited, it produces no ash and no soot. It is an indication that there is no metal present. Also, we found out that it was an organic compound because the observation was similar with acetic acid. By all obtained observation, it is possible that A1 is an amine. For A2, it was observed that it contains metal, for the reason that when it ignited the flame was red with that we could say that it is a salt. Unknown A3, was found out to be an organic compound because the observation was similar with acetic acid. We can't determine the compound with just preliminary test due to the insufficient data. Table 2. 1 Solubility Test Data Y| C4H9Br| C2H5OH| C12H22O11| C4H8O| C2H4O2| A| | | | | | B| | | | | | C| | | | | | D| | | | | | E| | | | | | F| | | | | | G| -| | | -| -| | | | H| -| colorless| -| -| colorless| I| X| Sn| S| N| Sa| Y – Compounds, A – Water, B – Ether, C – HCl, D – NaOH, E- NaHCO3, F- H2SO4, G – Litmus Paper, H – Phenolphthalein, I – Solubility Class| Table 2. 2 Solubility Test Data (Known) It is found out in Table 2. 1 and 2. 2 that ethanol, sucrose, nitrophenol, ethanoic acid, methyl amine, diethyl ether and propanone are soluble in water while butyl bromide, butyraldehyde, and benzoic acid are not. (Table 2. can identify the intermolecular forces of attraction and polarity from the structure and the functional group) Since water is a polar compound (possesses hydrogen bond) it is a poor solvent for saturated hydrocarbons. As we all know, saturated hydrocarbons are not polar because they only posses Van der Waals intermolecular force. Due to long chains (or high molecular weights) do not affect by polarity greatly; unsaturated hydrocarbons such as aromatic hydrocarbons have similar solubility with saturated hydrocarbons. The introduction of halogen atoms does not alter the polarity appreciably. It does no increase the molecular weight, and for this reason, the water solubility falls off. On the other hand, salts are extremely polar, the ones encountered in this work generally being water soluble. Y| CH5N| C6H5NO3| C4H10O| C6H5COOH| C3H6O| A| | | | | | B| | | | | | C| | | | | | D| | | | | | E| | | | | | F| | | | | | G| | | -| -| | | -| | H| pink| colorless| -| -| colorless| I| Sb| S| N| A1| Sn| Y – Compounds, A – Water, B – Ether, C – HCl, D – NaOH, E- NaHCO3, F- H2SO4, G – Litmus Paper, H – Phenolphthalein, I – Solubility Class| As might expected, acids and amines generally are more soluble than neutral compounds. The amines probably owe their abnormally high solubility to their tendency to form hydrogen-bonded complexes with water molecules. This theory is also linked with the fact that the solubility of amines diminishes as the basicity decreases. It also explains the observation that many tertiary amines are more soluble in cold than hot water. Apparently at lower temperatures, the solubility of the hydrate is involved whereas at higher temperatures the hydrate is unstable and the solubility measures are that of the free amine. Ethers, esters, ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, nitriles, amines, acids and amines may be considered together with respect to water solubility. Due to their similarity in structure with water, their solubility is high. For that, the solute-solvent interaction is strong because of their compatibility made possible by their common polarity. Because of the polar nature of water; compounds owe their solubility in it almost entirely to the polar groups which they may contain. The functional groups stated above are hydrophilic. As the hydrocarbon percentage increases, the hydrophobic part also increases. As a result, the solubility in water of these compounds containing functional groups, decreases as the hydrocarbon chain is getting longer or the ring is present. The tendency of certain oxygen-containing compounds to form hydrates also contributes to water solubility. The stability of this hydrate is therefore, a factor in determining water and ether solubility. These compounds have great solubility in water because of their capability to form hydrates. It is the reason why diethyl ether and propanone are soluble in water. On the other hand, although generally, aldehydes are soluble in water, butyraldehyde is not. It is due to long chain of the butyl hydrocarbon. For the same reason as for long chains of amines, aromatic alcohols and aromatic carboxylic acid do not exhibit solubility in water. Greater number carbon chains due to ring decreases the effect of polarity. For propanone, it doesn’t just dissolve in water. It undergo reaction which is a nucleophilic addition reaction. As a consequence, it yields a diol. As for the compounds that are water soluble, we can still further classify them through their solubility in ether. It is obtained that ethanol, ethanoic acid, methyl amine, propanone are soluble while insoluble compound are sucrose and nitrophenol. Since dipole bond is present on ether groups, it can differentiate short chain ethers, alcohols, carboxylic acid, ketone and amines from carbohydrates. Ethers cannot dissolve carbohydrates, such as sucrose. Thus, it can be classified as class S. Table 2. 3 Structure and Functional Groups of Known Compounds| Compound| Structure| Functional group| Butyl bromide, C4H9Br| | Alkyl halides| Ethanol, C2H5OH| | alcohols| Sucrose, C12H22O11| | Carbohyd-rates| Butyraldehyde| | Aldehydes| Ethanoic acid| | Carboxylic acid| Methyl amine| | Amines| Nitrophenol| | Alcohols| Diethyl ether| | Ethers| Benzoic acid| | Carboxylic acid| Propanone| | Ketone| The water soluble organic compounds that are also soluble in ether are monofunctional group compounds. We can classify their functional group base on their acidity and basicity and it is done with the use of litmus paper. When the blue litmus paper is dropped in the test compounds, only at ethanoic acid the litmus paper changes its color to red while at ethanol, methyl amine, diethyl ether and propanone. On the other hand, when red litmus paper is dropped on the test compounds, only methyl amine turned the R. L. P to blue while it remained at red for ethanol, diethyl ether and propanone. By that, we concluded that, ethanoic acid is an acid, methyl amine is a base while ethanol, diethyl ether and propanone are neutral. In the other realm, water-insoluble compounds such as butyl bromide, butyraldehyde, nitrophenol and benzoic acid are further tested with 5% HCl. It is obtained that none of these compounds are soluble in the dilute HCl. The explanation for this is that the acid can only dissolve are basic amines. Aliphatic amines (of any class) forms salts (a polar compound) when it is mixed with the dilute acid because of its basicity. 5% hydrochloric acid is also polar so they are soluble. Those compounds that dissolve in 5% HCl will probably fall under class B, which are amines. Compounds that are insoluble in 5% HCl (all compounds) are then tested with 5% NaOH. It is observed that only benzoic acid is the only soluble compound. Compounds dissolve in aqueous base solutions because they form sodium salts hat are soluble in aqueous medium. Probably, it is the only compound which is sufficiently acidic to form salt with the dilute base. Upon comparison, carboxylic acid is the functional group which is the most acidic among all organic functional group aside from sulfonic and sulfinic acids. To prove it, we can compare the acid constant of the functional group of each compound tested. The soluble benzoic acid can sti ll be classified as either a strong organic acid and as a weak organic acid. Upon mixing, it is found that it is a strong organic acid because it dissolves with the reagent. Thus, benzoic acid will fall under class A1 The compounds insoluble with 5% NaOH which are the butyraldehyde and butyl bromide and diethyl ether are further categorized. Upon mixing those compounds with the concentrated sulfuric acid, only butyraldehyde dissolves. So, butyraldehyde is on class X, while butyl bromide and diethyl ether are on class N. As we all know, butyraldehyde contains a functional group with oxygen (aldehyde), so it can undergo sulfonation with the concentrated acid. On the other hand, butyl bromide is saturated and has no functional group with O atom so it can’t undergo sulfonation. Thus it is not soluble. Table 3. 1 Solubility Test Data (Unknown) unknown| A | B | C | D | E | F | 1| | | | | | | 2| | | | | | | 3| | | | | | | A – Water, B – Ether, C – HCl, D – NaOH, E- NaHCO3, F- H2SO4 For solubility test of the 3 unknowns of the group, it is on Table 3. 1 and 3. 2, we initially confirm its solubility in water. It is found that A1 and A2 are soluble. From that, we can anticipate that our sample can be a monofunctional group compound with short chain or a carbohydrate or salts. So, the next steps for the water-soluble compounds were to check its solubility with ether. When we mixed ether and our samples were immiscible dissolves. From that, we may say that one is a salt. From the smell of the unknown A1 we already know that it will fall under amine that has a short chain so we stll tested it with litmus paper because amine are basic. It is observed that when red L. P. is exposed in the sample, it turned to blue, whereas the blue L. P. have no color change when it is exposed. It is an indication that our sample is basic. Thus, our assumptions are correct that it is a short-carbon chain, monofunctional amine and it falls under class SB. Table 3. Solubility Test Data (Unknown) unknown| 1| 2| 3| a| | | -| | | b| Pink| -| colorless| c| Sb| S| X| Possible compounds| Monofunctional alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, amides, esters, aromatic amines, nitriles, and amides with five or fewer carbons. | Salts of organic acids; amine hydrochlorides, amino acids, polyfunctional compounds with hydrophilic functional groups, carbohydrates, polyhydroxy compounds, polyb asic acids, etc. | Saturated hydrocarbons, haloalkanes, arylhalides, other deactivated aromatic compounds, diaryl ethers| a – Litmus Paper, b – Phenolphthalein, c – Solubility Class| For A3, being immiscible to water it was tested with HCl, NaOH, NaHCO3, and H2SO4 for its acidity or basicity. Unfortunately, it failed the entire tests so sum it up to a class X compound. Conclusion The objectives of the experiment were obtained. We were able to examine compounds by using the preliminary test. We were able to recognize the solubility class of each known compound given to us with the aid of solubility test. Finally, we were also able to classify organic compounds based on their solubility in some other compounds and on their acidity and basicity. The analysis and identification of organic compound for this particular experiment consists of two parts which are probably adopted from common schemes. This systematic approach enables us to have a precise analysis without spending much reagents, thus it is useful and efficient tool of identifying organic compounds. Both preliminary test and solubility test are considered. We concluded that preliminary test and solubility test are effective ways of classifying organic compounds. In preliminary test, we had seen the different properties of different compound by its physical state, color, odor and ignition test. We had compared the result of our unknown sample with the known ones, and upon comparison, we concluded that our sample is an organic compound which contains no metal. We had differentiated an organic compound from a non organic compound. An organic compound may be in a form of a solid or liquid, may be colored or not depending on the degree of conjugation, produces odor and has no ash during ignition because of the absence of metal. For our unknown sample, the significant observation is that its fishy, ammonia-like smell. Since it is an organic compound, we can say that it is an amine. By the study of solubility data it has been found possible to lay down certain generalizations which often enable one to predict the solubility behavior of a compound merely by inspection of its structural formula. In the solubility test, we found out the different class of the different organic compound. It is obtained that water soluble compounds are compounds which have a short-carbon chain compounds with monofunctional group and are carbohydrates. For ether, it is capable dissolving short-carbon chain compounds due to their common polarity. It is a way of differentiating carbohydrates from that. For those ether-soluble, their classifications are identified based on their acidity or basicity since they are monofunctional. Acidic groups are carboxylic acids, basic groups are amines while neutral groups are alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and some carboxylic acid derivatives except the acid halides and anhydrides. For those insoluble compounds, a test for solubility with 5% HCl is made to identify strong bases such as amines that have longer chains or aromatic ring. The dilute acid can only form salt with strong bases, to dissolve. On the other hand, 5% NaOH is then used to check for the presence of acidic organic compounds. For acids, they can form salt with strong base such as NaOH, thus making it soluble. The 5% NaHCO3, which is a weak base is used to identify the degree of acidity of those obtained acidic organic compounds. Strong acidic acids are soluble with 5% NaHCO3 while weak organic acids are not. Lastly, neutral compounds with long chains or ring remained. The concentrated sulfuric acid is used in identifying functional group that has O and organic compounds that are unsaturated. Those compounds undergo sulfonation, making it soluble with the reagent. Solubility plays a major role in the identification and characterization of an organic compound. Through certain chemical tests, one can identify an organic compound. These concepts regarding the solubility of organic compounds are primarily applied in identifying the nature and properties of carbon-containing compounds as wells as predicting their behavior and reaction mechanism when allowed to be reacted with specific solvents during different chemical processes. References Baluyut John Y. G. , De Castro Kathlia A. Organic Chemistry Laboratory for Chemical Engineering Students Part 2, 2004 Klein, David (2012). Organic Chemistry. Danvers. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. , Gilbert, John. Experimental Organic Chemistry: A miniscale and Microscale Approach 5th Ed. Australia, Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning. http://www2. volstate. edu/chem/2020/Labs/classification. pdf http://www. sharjah. ac. ae/English/Academics/CentralLabs /asl/cl/Pages/IdentificationofOrganicCompounds. aspx http://www. wellesley. edu/Chemistry/chem211lab/Orgo_Lab_Manual/Appendix/ClassificationTests/index. html http://wwwchem. uwimona. edu. jm/lab_manuals/c10expt25. html

Articles Relating to the Lack of an Internal Audit Department in a Article

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Sustainability issues of using [material X] Essay

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Judaism and Islam Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Judaism and Islam - Research Paper Example It is also referred to as the Pentateuch because it is composed of the five books of Moses, namely, The Book of Genesis, The Book of Exodus, The Book of Leviticus, The Book of Numbers, and The Book of Deuteronomy (Jewish Globe). Interestingly, these books are also found in the bible used by Christians and the accounts contained in these books can also be found in the Moslem Qur’an. They believe that the words contained in the Torah are the very words of God; they are not mere words of men who were inspired by God. The Torah contains the words of God himself. For this reason, the Torah is revered as the holiest of all the holy documents of Judaism. As a matter of fact, once it is destroyed and rendered unserviceable, it is given a ceremonial burial. A case in point is the elaborate burial of 11 Torah scrolls that were destroyed by fire in July 2010 in Bnei Brak, a city located on the east of Tel Aviv, Israel. Members of the faith mourned the scrolls’ destruction during an electrical fire at the synagogue. They placed death notices around the city and the burial rite which was attended by several rabbis and thousands of ultra-orthodox Jews made headlines around Israel. (Ettinger) It is worth noting that the Jewish tradition invests a lot of time, energy and resources in order to reproduce their sacred texts as they appear in the original form. Especially in reproducing scrolls for use in the synagogues, they still use the traditional materials, namely, the parchment paper and quill pens of the ancient times. Even the manner, the method and the stroke of writing the texts are maintained in its original appearance. As a matter of fact, the Jews take pride that â€Å"the oldest known parchments (the Dead Sea Scrolls, produced shortly before the Common Era) are virtually identical to those produced today† (Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Judaism has several sacred texts. At the pinnacle of the hierarchy of sacred texts is the Torah. The other sacred texts in Judaism are the Nevi’im and the Ketuvim. Together with the Torah, these three sacred texts form the Jewish Bible known as the Tanakh. Unlike the Torah which is the word of God that was reve aled unto Moses, both the Nevi’im and the Ketuvim were written by prophets over an extensive period of time from the thirteenth century BCE to the sixth century BCE. (Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs) In order to assist the faithful in reading and understanding the laws contained in the collective body of sacred texts called the Tanakh, religious and biblical scholars make commentaries on specific texts, words and lines in the Tanakh. Called the Targumim, these commentaries are â€Å"interpretive and contain fragments of exegesis and legend†

Drugs and sports marketing Literature review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Drugs and sports marketing - Literature review Example Mottram (2011) summarized the fundamental reasons into four, namely: 1) for legitimate therapeutic use (prescription drug or self-medication); 2) performance continuation (treatment of sports injuries); 3) recreational/social use (legal and illegal); 4) performance enhancement. (p16) These classifications underscore the sheer expanse of the coverage of drug-use in sports and one may be sure the industry that supplies the requirements is lucrative as well. The extant literature on this theme – drugs and sports marketing – is equally expansive and comprehensive owing to this particular aspect in addition to the degree of attention it receives. Sports is a popular form of entertainment today. These two variables combined demonstrate how drugs and its use affect the public image of sports and in the process illustrate to how it is perceived and, hence, marketed to its public. The following sections outline the key issues of this topic in the body of literature. These issues include: the ban/restrictions on drug use based on ethical and moral considerations alone; the fairness of performance-enhancing drugs in competition; and how drugs negatively affect the public image of sports. Key Issues Balancing Act Many observers and scholars underscore that it is imperative to distinguish the use of drugs in sports as Mottram had previously done. The reason behind this lies in the way drugs are perceived by both policymakers and the public that patronize the sports industry. There are several studies that argue how the negative connotation of drug-use often put athletes and sporting bodies in dangerous disadvantage. For example, Fost (1986) cited the classic case of Rick DeMont, an American long-distance swimmer, who had to give up his Olympic gold because it was discovered that before the competition, he took a routine antiasthmatic medications which contained ephedrine – a prohibited substance. (p5) The idea, with DeMont’s example, is that if t he aversion to drugs is misplaced, it could become unjust to the athletes themselves. This is also true with regards to the way the private lives of athletes are scrutinized and dragged in the way sports are regulated. This is represented by the constant debate with regards to the addition of recreational drugs as part of the restrictions in the International Olympic Committee’s drug-testing requirements. Schneider and Butcher (2001), commenting on marijuana use by athletes, stressed: The IOC has no good grounds for including marijuana on a restricted list, or for testing for its use. The mandate of the IOC for drug testing is to ensure that athletes compete fairly†¦ Some people might argue that the use of marijuana is illegal (and perhaps also immoral) and so the IOC is justified in testing for its use. But what possible grounds are there for suggesting that the IOC has a role in enforcing the law? (p132) The difficulty for marketing here is how to reconcile the ethical and the practical needs of the stakeholders. A crucial position in this case is how many researchers find athletes as role models for individuals especially for young people. For instance, Martin and Bush’s (2000) findings - in their investigation on the role models for teenagers today - placed athletes on equal footing with direct role models, the parents as well as their favorite entertainers. (p441) Waddington, argued that drugs connote - in the perspective of the wider public –

A critique of the national literacy framework and the hour Essay

A critique of the national literacy framework and the hour - Essay Example The literacy hour is a means of implementing the objectives designed by the Framework. In this one hour teachers devote themselves entirely to making literates of their students.The National Literacy Framework and the training it provides are based on the National Literacy Project. Its aim is laudable and it has shown a degree of success in improving literacy standards. However it has been condemned on a number of counts and many teachers are up in arms against it. Therefore it is imperative for a teacher to subject the Framework and the literacy hour to intense scrutiny and analyze its positive and negative features with respect to the subject of teaching of reading. This examination with its salient features and results are outlined below.In the words of Jeanne S.Chall and Steven Stahl, reading is an "activity characterized by the translation of symbols, or letters, into words and sentences that have meaning to the individual". From their earliest years, children acquire the skills needed for learning to read. According to Chall and Stahl children as they become acclimatized to the sounds in their environment, "learn that spoken words are composed of separate sounds and that letters can represent these sounds." Itzhoff (1996:20) also stresses the importance of language proficiency in reading proficiency. Therefore parents can help children on their journey to fluent reading by diligently reading bedtime stories, having conversations and indulging in language play. Children having equipped themselves with these skills are now ready to learn reading. The National Literacy Framework has outlined three levels of work that children have to master in order to become literate; 1. Word-level work that includes phonics, proficiency in spelling and an improving vocabulary. 2. Sentence-level work pertaining to grammatical and punctuation rules. 3. Text-level work with regard to comprehension and composition skills. Wray et al. (2001:2) state that, "Each of these three levels was seen as essential to effective reading and writing and there is a close interrelationship between them." It now remains for the teacher to impart knowledge to the students about these skills as they constitute the entire foundation of their future proficiency in reading and writing. EFFECTIVE TEACHERS AND METHODS OF TEACHING "Success in literacy is measured not by what children know about texts, print etc. but by what they can do with them."(Wray et al. 2001:6) this statement captures the essence of what literacy is meant to do. The prerequisites for effective teachers and methods of teaching given below are derived from the research done by Wray, Medwell, Poulson and Fox. Effective teachers have a clear idea of what they are going to teach and how they are going to go about it. They are systematic in their teaching methods. Teaching is done using "shared" texts, where the teacher and students pool their resources to negotiate their way through the obscure and sometimes treacherous terrain of grammar, punctuation and other literacy essentials. The many aspects of reading and writing are taught not as so many isolated shards of information but as part of a larger, comprehensive whole. Good teachers have well-developed system for monitoring every individual student's progress and catering to their needs accordingly. Effective methods of teaching include careful attention to the teaching of pronunciation, word features like syllables and inflections, synonyms, punctuations, grammatical constructions etc. A suitable "literate environment" must be constructed bearing in mind a

Parkinson's Disease Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Parkinson's Disease - Research Paper Example The earliest known record of the study of Parkinson’s Disease is mentioned in James Parkinson’s â€Å"Essay on the Shaking Palsy†. The article describes the most common features of the disease which remain as the standard by which other types of parkinsonism are compared. The disease is mainly characterized by trembling of the limbs, muscular stiffness, and slow body movement. In addition, individuals suffering from the disease exhibit the following: standing in a stooped posture; walking in short, shuffling steps, and speaking softly in a rapid and even tone. In most cases, 60 to 80 percent of an individual’s dopaminergic neurons – dopamine-producing cells of the body – are already non-functional by the time Parkinson’s disease has been diagnosed. The mechanism which causes Parkinson’s disease remains unknown. Its pathological classification describes it as a systemic degeneration of the brain which targets specific cells in the brain. In 1908 Dr. Frederick Lewy discovered abnormal structures in the brain associated with Parkinson’s Disease. Called Lewy bodies, these structures are not found in other forms of parkinsonism. It has been theorized that a premature aging process, unknown nutrient deficiency or toxin may be causing the deterioration of the substantia nigra. Tremors Tremors are the most common of Parkinson’s disease, as observed in 50 percent of reported cases. It is the involuntary rhythmic movement of a body part which may occur during rest or when an individual performs a certain movement or action. When the trembling occurs in the middle of a movement, it is classified as an action tremor. However, this does not show as a sign of the disease (Christensen, 2005). Body tremors usually affect the arms and legs, but may also be observed on the lips, tongue, jaw, abdomen, and chest. The trembling action only occurs when the body part concerned is at rest, thus it is described as a resting tremor (Duvoisin & Sage, 2001). In its advanced stages, Parkinson’s disease may also cause postural or action tremors (Schapira, 2010). Rest tremors usually start at the hands or feet, progressing until all four limbs are affected. Since rest tremors disappear once the body part affected starts to move, it does not interfere with an individual†™s ability to perform usual activities such as walking or holding objects (Sharma & Richman, 2005). Jankovic’s (2008) review of existing literature on Parkinson’s disease show that 69% of patients had rest tremor at the onset of the disease. Meanwhile, 9% of the patients lost their tremors at later stages. On the other hand, 11% of patients reported not experiencing tremors. However, another study involving autopsies among victims of Parkinson’s disease revealed that all patients had experienced tremors at some point. Minen and Louis (2008) performed a study on clinical correlates among 53 patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Analysis of the data collected revealed that 100% of the patients had rest tremors. In addition, the data also show that majority of patients with rest tremors were male. Muscular Rigidity Muscular stiffness among patients with Parkinson’s disease is characterized by a constant and uniform resistance to limb manipula tion. This type of stiffness in the muscles is called plastic rigidity wherein the patient’s muscles lose their ability to go back into a relaxed state even when the muscle is at rest (Duvoisin & Sage, 2001). Normally, muscle action involves the contraction and relaxation of specific muscle pairs. One muscle contracts while the other muscle relaxes. However, in

Detailed Explanation on a D+ Grade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Detailed Explanation on a D+ Grade - Essay Example I would like to clarify that I am not offering any excuses for my poor grade, just explanations that led to me performing so poorly in the unit. The fact that I passed in all the other units I took in the same semester is testament to my willingness to apply myself regardless of my personal troubles. The unit is very challenging, and it would be difficult for anyone to pass it without putting in the required hours. Poor time management was also very instrumental in the D+ grade I got, because I found it very challenging to dedicate enough time to all my units after being distracted for so long. I applied myself as much as I could in all my units but unfortunately this unit proved very challenging without 100% focus. I am applying for transfer because I believe I have a better chance of passing my remaining units at your University. The environment there is ideal for me and the facilities are great. Kindly consider my

CHURCH VISIT - WESTMINSTER ABBEY IN LONDON Essay

CHURCH VISIT - WESTMINSTER ABBEY IN LONDON - Essay Example There are four large statues of Moses, St. peter, St Paul and another of king David on either side of the alter which give the whole building a serene feeling of holiness. The pulpit where the sermon is conducted is made of gilded wood and from where the sermon is conducted on Sundays. As I walked the length of the abbey, I reached an entrance on the end where the evensong is conducted. There is where I met vergers, who looked as though they were on guard duty at the door, but when I asked them about the evensong, they let me in pleasantly and gave me a program which explains the service; they also added my name to the list of people to sit in the quire. From their on, I just watched what other people were doing and copied them. We were then later issued with pamphlets with the week’s services and music along with the evensong service sheet; which basically tells one when to stand and sit or when to respond. The service then soon began when the whole congregation was signaled to arise in the singing of the poem Tallis in manus tuas, Domine (after Thomas Tallis). The poem was also in the pamphlet issued to the rest of the congregation and soon, I was in rhythm with the rest of the congregation in the recitation of the Tallis in manus tuas, Domine (Tallis, pg 89). Soon after, we completed reciting the Tallis in manus tuas, Domine the preacher who had been seated at the alter came in to the pulpit and gave a brief reading from the Bible only and excluded a sermon. After the reading, the choir which mainly consisted of around thirty boys who were seated at the quire and wore red robes, arose and what followed left me speechless. The boys’ singing of Purcell Lord, how long wilt thou be angry was really the most wonderful thing I have ever heard (Tallis, pg 112). Just like me the rest of the congregation was left also wanting for more. I guess its one of the major reasons why the

The Quiet American by Graham Greene Essay Example for Free

The Quiet American by Graham Greene Essay The Quiet American, is more than a political statement about whether or not America or any other country for that matter should become involved in the affairs of another country; Greene makes the question human and personal. The novel can be read as a political and moral reflection on the opening stages of the United States’ involvement in Southeast Asia. Therefore, Greene’s novel becomes a commentary on the pointlessness of the United States’ later investment of men and material in a political action that could only end, as it did for the French, in defeat. The Quiet American is considered one of Graham Greene’s major achievements. The story is told with excellent characterization and sophisticated irony. The plot bears a resemblance to that of a mystery story. A crime has been committed. Who is the murderer? As in most mystery stories, as much needs to be learned about the victim as about the villain. Yet what is learned takes on political, moral, and religious significance. The story ends in mystery as well. Who exactly killed Pyle is not revealed, but the burden of the crime, like the burden of telling the story, is Fowler’s. The large-scale political thesis of the novel is that American interference in the internal affairs of another country can only result in suffering, death, and defeat, and is not morally justifiable because of abstract idealism. This is not the only meaning of consequence in the novel, and given the course of later events, its importance may be blown out of proportion. The lesson, however, is clearly explained by a French aviator with â€Å"orders to shoot anything in sight. Captain Trouin confides to Fowler that he detests napalm bombing: â€Å"We all get involved in a moment of emotion, and then we cannot get out,† he explains. Trouin understands that the French cannot win the war in Indochina: â€Å"But we are professionals; we have to go on fighting till the politicians tell us to stop,† he says with bitter resignation. â€Å"Probably they will get together and agree to the same peace that we could have had at the beginning, making nonsense of all these years. Greene’s political objective is clearly to make a mockery the notion of a â€Å"Third Force† in Asian politics, countering the threat of Communism and replacing the rationale of colonialism as an explanation for Western involvement. Because of Greene’s apparent anti-American bias, the novel was not popular in the United States. It is no wonder then that Greene’s warning about Vietnam was not taken seriously, even though later events tended to validate the wisdom f his political analysis. Thus Graham Greene summarizes the lesson of Vietnam fully ten years before the American government expanded its military commitm ent to fill the vacuum left by the defeated French. The Quiet American is a shocking novel of political prophecy. Its mystery story characteristics perhaps better define its interest to the average reader, as Greene’s unreliable narrator gradually provides the details leading up to Pyle’s death. The dramatic focus concerns the conflict between Fowler and Pyle over love and the politics of war, the contest between Fowler and Vigot, who knows that Fowler was responsible for Pyle’s death but cannot prove it, and, finally, Fowler’s internal conflict, his beliefs of noninvolvement transformed by circumstances and emotion to a position of murderous intervention. â€Å"Sooner or later,† the Communist Heng tells Fowler, â€Å"one has to take sides if one is to remain human. Perhaps Fowler finally â€Å"takes sides† because he understands how dangerous Pyle’s blind idealism can be, but his motives are not entirely clear because of his dependence on Phuong. Fowler does not idolize her, as does the more romantic Pyle, who sincerely cares for Phuong but is absolutely unfeeling about the rest of the native population. Pyle believes in the political theory of York Harding (a name that links a less-than-stunning American president with a patriotic war he ro) and the need for a â€Å"Third Force† (American intervention) in Vietnam. Yet Pyle’s naiveness is not entirely consistent with his intelligence, his training, and his Harvard degree. He is hopelessly innocent. In one of his strongest metaphors, Greene likens innocence to â€Å"a dumb leper who has lost his bell, wandering the world, meaning no harm,† but obviously bearing contamination and corruption with him. Fowler is a fascinating character and narrator because he simultaneously reveals and conceals so much about himself and his involvement in the story. On the one hand, he is openly contemptuous of Pyle. Like other Americans, Pyle is so obsessed with his mission to save the world that he does not register the reality around him. It is ridiculous for him to think that Phuong is an innocent he must rescue. She has stayed with Fowler because he offers her security. She leaves Fowler for Pyle because he offers her even more wealth and protection. Pyle is shocked because Fowler says he is merely using Phuong for his own pleasure and because of his need to have a woman beside him to stave off loneliness. It never occurs to Pyle that Phuong has acted just as selfishly or that Pyle imself is using people. On the other hand, Fowler is not entirely honest with himself. He claims to be disengaged, not only from politics but also from the sentiments of love Pyle professes. Yet Fowler’s passionate rejection of Pyle’s worldview and his defense of the Vietnamese, who he believes should be allowed to work out their own destiny, free of the French, the Americans, and any other intruding power, surely reveal anything but dishonesty. In this respect, Pyle is right to see good in a man who claims to be without sense of right and wrong. In fact, Pyle loses his life because of Fowler’s moral outrage. Fowler is so appalled by the bombing atrocity at the cafe that he determines to put a stop to Pyle’s activities. Fowler’s passion is hardly consistent with his habit of staying reserved. Actually, he cares deeply about Phuong and about the Vietnamese. He believes in self-determination, which ironically is the ideology that Americans claim to support. Americans think they are supporting freedom by allying themselves with the anticommunists. Thus, there are multiple ironies in The Quiet American. Fowler says he is a pessimist, but he acts like a wounded idealist. Pyle says he is an idealist, but his involvement with anticommunist thugs places him in disparaging and brutal situations. Phuong looks like a delicate, easily manipulated, and passive victim, and yet like many other Vietnamese she is a survivor who plays one side against the other and changes according to the current political issues. Fowler declares to Vigot that he is not guilty, then retells the story of his involvement with Fowler to clear his name, yet concludes by realizing that he is guilty. The novel’s title is also ironic. In one sense, Pyle is quiet—even unassuming. He patiently questions Fowler about his tie to Phuong and even declares his love for her to Fowler before he marries her. Pyle is the opposite of loud, vulgar Americans such as his boss Joe, or the noisy American journalist Granger. In another sense, however, Pyle is anything but quiet. He stirs up Saigon with explosions and he turns Fowler’s life into turmoil. An even greater irony is that for all their differences, Fowler and Pyle are alike in their moral earnestness. Fowler is the sophisticated European who has learned not to wear his heart on his sleeve. He denies any form of selfless behavior. Pyle is the naive American who is openhearted and believes he acts for the good of others. Yet both men cause great damage because they care about others. They are caught up in the evil that Fowler thinks he can avoid and that Pyle thinks he can remove. The political and moral divide between Fowler and Pyle is not as great as Fowler has supposed. His narrative ironically binds him to Pyle—a fate Fowler has consistently tried to avoid. The novel dramatizes Fowler’s fate in the scene where he refuses to call Pyle by his first name. He also refuses to let Pyle call him Tom and insists on being called Thomas. No formalities can really separate the two men however. Fowler’s own narrative shows them to strongly connected. The Quiet American is concerned with the effect the superpowers have when they intervene in the politics of the developing nations, in this case, Vietnam during the last days of French colonial rule. Greene himself is in an interesting position in that England, once a major colonial power, has increasingly surrendered that position to the United States since World War II. This weakened position makes Greene, like Fowler, something of an observer of the more active Americans. Fowler observes the covert actions of Pyle and finds them wrong. He thinks Americans are politically naive, dangerously idealistic, and too willing to hurt other people if they get in the way of their political goals. Greene has been accused of being anti-American but the novel and Fowlers judgment of Pyle were obviously very relevant. The novel was especially popular during the war in Vietnam, when many Americans came to share Fowlers opinions. Although the war and the controversies surrounding it still plague the memories of many Americans, the war and the novel itself are not quite so topical as they were in the 1960s and early 1970s. Still it might be worth stressing that the novel was written well before America became deeply involved in Vietnam. In fact, America is now involved as a â€Å"Third Force† in Iraq, where the political concerns of the novel are still quite applicable.

Nutrient Cycle of an Isolated Cave

Nutrient Cycle of an Isolated Cave Introduction The caves are simple natural laboratories. The climate of the cave is very stable and easy to define. Cave environment is composed with a twilight part close to the entrance, a middle part of full darkness and unstable temperature, finally a part of full darkness and stable temperature in deeper. The twilight part is the biggest and most diverse fauna container. The middle part contains some common species which can move to the earth. The deeper dark sides, which are the unique aspect of the cave environment and contain obligate (trolobitic) fauna. Green plant can’t live in stable darkness. So, the food reserve here in other forms (Poulson and White, 1969). Animal communities in the caves look remarkable chances for the investigation of community dynamics because of their relative simplicity. A comparatively small number of species is involved in even in most complex cave community but exceptionally large numbers of colonies of bats are present here. In absence of light, prima ry producers are absent or at least limited to chemosynthetic autotrophs. Sulfur and iron bacteria are present in some caves but their quantitative significance as producers has not yet been established (Barr Jr, 1967). The superficial nutritive part of cave clay in the blind amphipods of the genus Niphargus show that juvenile stages burrow widely and probably eat the clay in the bottom of cave pools. Presumably the juveniles utilize the bacterial content of the clay rather than the mineral material itself; and in any case, continued survival of the adults is dependent upon the presence of additional food (Barr Jr, 1967). In addition to absence of light, the physical environment of a cave is characterized by silence, relatively constant temperature which approximates the mean annual temperature of the region where the cave is located, high relative humidity except near entrances, is accompanied by an exceptionally low rate of evaporation (Barr Jr, 1967). Cave Habitats and Ecology Different types of caves contain variety of habitats within them and differ in amount and types of energy level. Cave supports heterotrophic microbial populations in the presence of huge input of organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus due to accumulation of guano and dead bats, if a cave has substantial or modest populations of bats (Cheeptham, 2012). Guano is a organic deposit common in cave derived from mainly feces of a variety of animals specially bats that visit or live and provide habitat rich in nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus that’s are nutrients for many insects (Cheeptham, 2012; IUCNSSC, 2014). Ecological classification of cavernicoles was first prepared by (Schiner, 1853)and improved and promoted by (Racovitza, 1907).They splits them into (1) troglobites, which are obligate species to the cave; (2) troglophiles, which live and reproduce not only in caves but also in cool, dark, moist microhabitats outside of caves they termed as facultative species; (3) trogloxenes , species those use caves for shelter throughout the day but feed outdoor at night; and (4) cave accidentals, which Confused with those species that certain small troglobites are also phreatobites (Barr Jr, 1967). Figure-Different zones of a cave The major energy sources of cave ecosystems are (a) organic matter flounced underground by sinking streams, and (b) the feces, eggs, and dead bodies of animals those are persist in the cave for shelter but feed outside (trogloxenes). In temperate region caves flooding and the entering of cold air throughout winter and initial spring interrupt the comparatively constant physical conditions of the cave environment (Barr Jr, 1967). The security of roosting sites is a vital element of any policy for the conservation of bats. Since caves are the foremost roosts for numerous bat species (Dalquest and Walton, 1970; Kunz, 1982). There are various types of bat species and large number of bats found in different cave, Seventeen species of bats roost in the caves of Yucatan, Mexico. The conservation of these types of sites should be of principal attention for the protection of chiropteran species (Arita, 1996). Cave communities Connectivity among communities is continued by the rearrangement of biomass, frequently by mobile animals that eat resources in one habitat and then reproduce, urinate, and/or defecate in other surroundings. This transmission of organic material affects the nutrient budget of a community and effects population and food web dynamics (Emerson and Roark, 2007). Cave-roosting species spent half of their lives inside the caves (Kunz, 1982). The security of cave atmospheres is essential to guarantee their conservation. In a parallel fashion, the presence of bats might be an essential state for the existence of cave environments. In channels with no bats, biomass thickness in a typical North American cave can be as little as 1 g/ha in ponds or 20-30 g/ha in terrestrial zones (Poulson and White, 1969). In contrast, passageways covered with bat guano present an excess of nutrients and provide very diverse groups of arthropods (Barr Jr, 1968; Harris, 1970; Poulson, 1972). For endogenous primar y manufacture by chemosynthetic bacteria is insignificant, cave communities depend completely on exogenous origins of nutrients for their maintenance (Culver, 1982). Figure-Cave communities and feeding cycle Nutrients can be occupied into a cave in the form of detritus and plant material passed by watercourses, as dissolved organic matter infiltrating through minute cracks or exuding from tree roots (Howarth, 1972; Howarth, 1983), otherwise they can be placed inside caves as feces of trogloxenes, for example cave crickets, bats, birds, and other animals (Harris, 1970; Poulson, 1972; Culver, 1982). In various tropical caves, bat guano is by far the most significant source of nutrients. By carrying tons of organic matter to the caves, bats act as transferable links concerning cave environments with the external world (Arita, 1996). Any animal existing in a cave can be said as a cavernicole. Troglobites, which are obligate cavernicoles, are the emphasis of this appraisal. Many troglobites are offspring of troglophiles. Facultative cave populations are able to alive in or outside caves. Trogloxenes are consistent cave inhabitants that return intermittently to the exterior for food; bats and cave-crickets are examples. Main taxonomic collections of animals with various troglobitic species comprise collembolans, turbellarians, millipedes, spiders, pseudoscorpions, gastropods opilionidsisopods, amphipods, diplurans, decapods, beetles (Pselaphidae, Carabidae, Leiodidae), salamanders and fishes.(Barr and Holsinger, 1985) Cave Nutrient Cycle Food contribution into a cave ecosystem is attributable to two chief sources- sinking watercourses, which wash twigs, logs, bacteria, leaves and epigean animals (including zooplankton) into caves; and trogloxenes, which deposit their eggs and feces in caves and frequently die there and donate their bodies to the ecosystem (Barr Jr, 1967). Species from exterior sources include the bulk of the plankton in the Cave (Scott, 1909) and rivers inside Cave (Kofoid, 1899). Smaller individuals of the blind cavefish, Amblyopsis spelaea, feed mainly on copepods in this plankton (Poulson, 1963). Plant fragments are placed along the banks of subterranean streams, where they are gradually decomposed by bacteria and fungi. The decomposers provide food for detritus-feeding animals (e.g., diplurans, milli-pedes, and collembolans) which are then eaten by predators (e.g., opilionids, spiders, carabid beetles, pseudoscorpions). Bats and the eastern cave crickets of the genus Hadenoecus (Park and Barr, 19 61) are important guano manufacturers in caves of the United States. Few troglobites are able to use the guano directly, while guano is usually populated by a characteristic assemblage of troglophiles which may be eaten by predatory troglobites (Jeannel, 1949). Seasonal differences in the physical atmosphere and food supply of temperate zone caves are often unexpectedly drastic. During late winter and spring overflowing of rivers Cave, typically raises the water level 5 or 6 m, and a maximum rise of nearly 15 m has been recorded. Additionally the flood is a drop in temperature of the water and small increases in pH, entire alkalinity, and dissolved oxygen (Barr Jr, 1967). A much longer existence time in a riparian species of cave beetle when the riparian species and another species usually found in drier, higher cave galleries were immersed in water. Many species of Pseudanophthalmus and Ameroduvalius (troglobitic Carabidae) normally feed on little tubificid annelids in the damp sil t along cave streams (Barr Jr and Peck, 1965). The effects of flooding on aquatic cavernicoles, suggesting that spring floods may trigger their reproductive cycles (Poulson, 1964). Winter poses additional hazards for terrestrial troglobites. Food supplies vary seasonally in caves. Guano deposition by bats is limited to summer months, and Hadenoecus spp. feed outside the caves less often throughout winter than in summer, so there is minimum guano supply in winter. Conversely, deposition of organic detritus by watercourses is improved in winter because of flooding, but decomposition of the fragments takes place gradually over the time of several months or years. A great plankton count in Echo River of Mammoth Cave occurs only throughout late spring or summer floods, when plankton manufacture in Green River, which provides the flood waters, is great (Barr Jr, 1967). The genus Pseudanophthalmus covers about 175 species (many of them not yet described) and is known from Indiana, Kentucky , Illinois and Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio (Barr Jr and Peck, 1965). Ameroduvalius, limited to south- east Kentucky, has only three species; Nelsonites, from the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee and Kentucky, has two; and Neaphaenops and Darlingtonea, from many parts of Kentucky, are monobasic. All of these beetles are predatory troglobites and are supposed to be remnants of a well-known soil-and-moss-dwelling periglacial fauna (Barr Jr, 1965). Figure- The cave food pyramid Guano Bat guano supports an accumulation of organisms that differs depending on the species of bat manufacturing it. Alterations in guano composition propose that guano from bats in unlike feeding guilds can affect ecosystem configuration and dynamics differently (Emerson and Roark, 2007). Allochthonous effort of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are found in comparatively high concentrations in bird guano, increases primary productivity in terrestrial ecosystems by improving the quality and quantity of vegetation (Polis et al., 1997). Nutrient input through guano deposition by seabirds has also been shown to increase the abundance of organisms such as detritivorous beetles on islands used by roosting seabirds (Sà ¡nchez-Pià ±ero and Polis, 2000). In addition to its effects on primary and secondary productivity, allochthonous nutrient input can also influence community structure the presence of birds and nutrient-rich guano significantly alters the structure of intertidal communities by enhancing algal growth and settlement of invertebrates in dense algalmats (Bosman and Hockey, 1986). Such consumer-driven nutrient recycling via fecal deposition by bats also affects community structure in guano-based ecosystems. Bat guano forms the basis of a food web consisting of bacteria, fungi, protozoans, nematodes, and arthropods (Harris, 1970). Cave salamanders consume guano of grey bats (Myotis grisescens) and incorporate the nutrients they obtain through coprophagy into body tissues (Fenolio et al., 2006). The diversity of organisms associated with guano has been shown to vary depending on the diet of the bat producing it, with guano of sanguivorous, insectivorous, and frugivorous bats supporting different assemblages of invertebrates (Ferreira and Martins, 1998). Differences in guano composition (C, N,P, and mass ratios) most likely resulted from dissimilarities in nutrient composition of the diets of each bat species (Studier et al., 1994). Variation in nu trients and stoichiometric nutrient ratios of guano from bats in different feeding guilds could have considerable effects on producers, consumers, and decomposers living on or in guano. Figure- Collection of guano from cave As highlighted by (Sterner and Elser, 2002) and subsequently in reviews by (Vrede et al., 2004) and (Moe et al., 2005), relationships among elemental nutrients have the potential to regulate processes at many ecological levels, including production, individual and population growth, coexistence of species, rates of decomposition of organic matter, and nutrient cycling. Primary production in terrestrial ecosystems (as in marine systems) is thought to be limited by the availability of N and P (Vitousek and Howarth, 1991), and the input of these nutrients by fecal deposition can have considerable bottom-up influences in detritus-based ecosystems. Ecosystem-level effects of different nutrient contents could also result from differences in rates of conversion of nutrients in guano from biologically unavailable to available forms (Vitousek et al., 1988). Differences in guano nutrient profiles could have considerable ecological consequences ranging from effects on the growth or productivity of individual residents of guano piles to effects on ecosystem-level processes like decomposition and nutrient cycling (Emerson and Roark, 2007). REFERENCE ARITA, H. T. 1996. The conservation of cave-roosting bats in Yucatan, Mexico. Biological Conservation, 76, 177-185. BARR JR, T. C. 1965. The Pseudanophthalmus of the Appalachian Valley (Coleoptera: Carabidae). American Midland Naturalist, 41-72. BARR JR, T. C. 1967. Observations on the ecology of caves. American Naturalist, 475-491. BARR JR, T. C. 1968. Cave ecology and the evolution of troglobites. Evolutionary biology. Springer. BARR JR, T. C. PECK, S. B. 1965. Occurrence of a troglobitic Pseudanophthalmus outside a cave (Coleoptera: Carabidae). American Midland Naturalist, 73-74. BARR, T. C. HOLSINGER, J. R. 1985. Speciation in cave faunas. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, 313-337. BOSMAN, A. HOCKEY, P. 1986. Seabird guano as a determinant of rocky intertidal community structure. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 32, 247-257. CHEEPTHAM, N. 2012. Cave Microbiomes: A Novel Resource for Drug Discovery: A Novel Resource for Drug Discovery. Springer New York. Available: https://books.google.com.bd/books?id=QQuk4rk-OCgC. CULVER, D. C. 1982. Cave life: evolution and ecology. HARVARD UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE, MA(USA). 1982. DALQUEST, W. WALTON, D. 1970. Diurnal retreats of bats. Southern Methodist Univ. Press, vii. EMERSON, J. K. ROARK, A. M. 2007. Composition of guano produced by frugivorous, sanguivorous, and insectivorous bats. Acta Chiropterologica, 9, 261-267. FENOLIO, D. B., GRAENING, G., COLLIER, B. A. STOUT, J. F. 2006. Coprophagy in a cave-adapted salamander; the importance of bat guano examined through nutritional and stable isotope analyses. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B: Biological Sciences, 273, 439-443. FERREIRA, R. L. MARTINS, R. P. 1998. Diversity and distribution of spiders associated with bat guano piles in Morrinho cave (Bahia State, Brazil). Diversity and distributions, 235-241. HARRIS, J. 1970. Bat-guano cave environment. Science, 169, 1342-1343. HOWARTH, F. G. 1972. Cavernicoles in lava tubes on the island of Hawaii. Science, 175, 325-326. HOWARTH, F. G. 1983. Ecology of cave arthropods. Annual Review of Entomology, 28, 365-389. IUCNSSC. 2014. IUCN SSC Guidelines for Minimizing the Negative Impact to Bats and Other Cave Organisms from Guano Harvesting. IUCN, Gland. Available: http://www.batcon.org/pdfs/GuanoGuidelinesVersion1.pdf#page=1zoom=auto,-82,842 JEANNEL, R. 1949. Les fossiles vivants des cavernes. Gallimard. KOFOID, C. A. 1899. Plankton Studies III. On Platydorina, A New Genus of the Family Volvocidae, from the Plankton of the Illinois River. KUNZ, T. H. 1982. Roosting ecology of bats. Ecology of bats. Springer. MOE, S. J., STELZER, R. S., FORMAN, M. R., HARPOLE, W. S., DAUFRESNE, T. YOSHIDA, T. 2005. Recent advances in ecological stoichiometry: insights for population and community ecology. Oikos, 109, 29-39. PARK, O. BARR, T. 1961. Some observations on a cave cricket (Abstr.). Bulletin of the Entomological Society of America, 7, 144. POLIS, G. A., ANDERSON, W. B. HOLT, R. D. 1997. Toward an integration of landscape and food web ecology: the dynamics of spatially subsidized food webs. Annual review of ecology and systematics, 289-316. POULSON, T. L. 1963. Cave adaptation in amblyopsid fishes. American Midland Naturalist, 257-290. POULSON, T. L. 1964. Animals in aquatic environments: animals in caves. Handbook of Physiology, 749-771. POULSON, T. L. 1972. Bat guano ecosystems. Bulletin of the National Speleological Society, 34, 55-59. POULSON, T. L. WHITE, W. B. 1969. The cave environment. Science, 165, 971-981. RACOVITZA, E. G. 1907. Biospà ©ologica: Essai sur les problà ¨mes biospà ©ologiques. I. Schleicher frà ¨res. Sà NCHEZ-PIÑERO, F. POLIS, G. A. 2000. Bottom-up dynamics of allochthonous input: direct and indirect effects of seabirds on islands. Ecology, 81, 3117-3132. SCHINER, I. R. 1853. Fauna der Adelsberger-Lueger-und Magdalenen-Grotte. SCOTT, A. 1909. The Copepoda of the Soboga Expedition. Late EJ Brill. STERNER, R. W. ELSER, J. J. 2002. Ecological stoichiometry: the biology of elements from molecules to the biosphere. Princeton University Press. STUDIER, E. H., SEVICK, S. H., RIDLEY, D. M. WILSON, D. E. 1994. Mineral and nitrogen concentrations in feces of some neotropical bats. Journal of Mammalogy, 75, 674-680. VITOUSEK, P. M., FAHEY, T., JOHNSON, D. W. SWIFT, M. J. 1988. Element interactions in forest ecosystems: succession, allometry and input-output budgets. Biogeochemistry, 5, 7-34. VITOUSEK, P. M. HOWARTH, R. W. 1991. Nitrogen limitation on land and in the sea: how can it occur? Biogeochemistry, 13, 87-115. VREDE, T., DOBBERFUHL, D. R., KOOIJMAN, S. ELSER, J. J. 2004. Fundamental connections among organism C: N: P stoichiometry, macromolecular composition, and growth. Ecology, 85, 1217-1229.

Resource Planning At Hershey Foods Corporation

Resource Planning At Hershey Foods Corporation Enterprise resource planning (ERP) encompasses virtually every facet of information technology (IT); therefore, its implementation is vital to the overall effectiveness of an organizations IT processes. In 2008, the Hershey Foods Corporation was the focus of a study conducted from 1997-2002 during which time Hersheys attempt to implement ERP was a failure. In 1996, Hersheys moved to modernize its hardware and software from legacy systems to a client/server environment by April 1999. The software module implementation was to be outsourced to three software vendors (SAP, Manugistics, and Siebel); however complications delayed the projected switch to July 1999. To bypass the complications, Hershey chose Big Bang ERP implementation but that choice proved fruitless as retailers experienced problems with order fulfillment, processing and shipping. Hersheys warehouse contained sufficient inventory but retailers still received shipments late. During the third quarter of 1999, Hersheys revenu es dropped by 12%. The purpose of this study is to examine the past failure of Hersheys ERP implementation, while reviewing current information and data to determine the effectiveness of Hersheys efforts since 2002. Studying the circumstances that led to Hersheys ERP implementation failure will aid in illustrating the process of ERP implementation in large organizations with focus on the role management plays in ERP success or failure and how these factors can be avoided in the future. Contents Executive Summary 2 Contents 3 Terms of Reference 4 Literature Review 6 Evaluation of Alternatives 10 Recommendations 13 References 15 Terms of Reference Background In 1894, the Hershey Foods Corporation (Hershey) was founded by Milton Hershey as the Hershey Chocolate Company. Hersheys corporate headquarters is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Since its founding, Hershey has grown from a one-product company to a multi-billion dollar corporation with sales exceeding $1.41 billion during the first quarter of 2010 (Wahba 2010). After a tumultuous entry into the twenty-first century, Hershey is finally overcoming some of the obstacles that led to a significant decline in sales. Advertising spending was raised significantly during the first quarter of 2010 with plans to increase advertising spending up to 40% throughout the year. The company was one of many that experienced a decline during the global economic crisis but Hersheys strong leadership and conscious efforts to revamp its image has proven effective in boosting sales. Primary focus during 2010 has been on boosting sales for Hersheys Kisses, Kit at, and Twizzlers brands. Increased advertisi ng is predicted to put these products well above the 25-30% range previously forecast (Wahba 2010). Currently, about 85% of Hersheys sales are generated in the U.S., but it has failed to meet the desired outcome in international markets, putting Hershey behind its major competitor, Nestle. When Nestle began sales in emerging markets its sales rose by more than 10% (Wahba 2010). Problem Hershey has a long history of success and failure, mixed with both effective and poor leadership at the top management level. However, one of the companys most memorable failures is its initial attempt to implement ERP. At present, sales are rising amid a rocky economy but Hershey is still rebounding from the stigma of the failed ERP implementation. Reported sales are lowest among its competitors, indicating Hersheys need for improving its production strategies is of the utmost importance. Effective ERP implementation coupled with a strong top management team is one method of improving productivity and increasing sales -both domestic and abroad. Scope of Study By analyzing the past ERP implementation efforts, this study will illustrate how Hersheys production will benefit from an effective ERP solution. Information reviewed during the course of this study includes, but is not limited to, academic journals, corporate reports, past case studies pertaining to the Hershey Corporation, government resources, and print and online library sources. The information obtained during the course of this study aid in fostering an understanding of the relationship between the information system and the external environment, strategy, business processes, structure and culture, and information technology infrastructure of an organization. The outcome of the references reviewed will provide sufficient data to conduct an evaluation of the potential impact implementing ERP has on Hershey. Following the submission of this report, the reader will understand the importance of implementing ERP as a vital component of an organizations IT system, particularly for He rshey and its expanding needs amid the global marketplace. Literature Review When Hershey began planning to implement an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, the companys top management was unaware of the potential pitfalls it would encounter. ERP systems are management information systems that incorporate and automate many of the practices linked to general operations and production of a company, including manufacturing, logistics, distribution, inventory, shipping, invoicing and accounting. An ERP system is integrated with a relational database system that, when implemented effectively, can improve the efficiency of the organizations business processes. However, the process involves extensive employee training and retraining and the development of modified or new work procedures. Due to the cross-functional and extensive nature of the ERP system, all functional departments must be involved in operations and productions. The benefit of an ERP system for Hershey is the systems effectiveness in improving and automating much of the processes linked to the supply chain while improving timelines for shipments. Hershey opted to implement SAP because of its reputation as a leader among IT solutions in the early 1990s. Hersheys initial attempt to implement SAP spanned over three years and was conducted during the companys peak periods. The implementation process was to be completed over a period of time to allow the company to continue production and sales; however, the complications that Hershey faced hindered its productivity and sales. The impact of such a drastic change during the peak sales period created a major setback resulting in a significant loss in profits and sales (Analyzing n.d.). The company maintained full compliance with the vendor during the implementation process. However, the problem stemmed from timing issues. Hersheys choice to implement the change during its peak period provided detrimental to production and sales and put the overall organization at risk. In retrospect, the companys primary errors were related to the timing of the planned implementation and the implications regarding workloads. Based on the companys sales history, Hersheys top management should have been aware of the risks implementing a major solution would have on the organizations processes. The impact was felt at all levels, particular during periods when confectionary products are in highest demand. The companys order processing systems were impacted the most. Retailers complained that orders were not received, were delayed or that the wrong products were received (Stedman 1999). The relationship between Hershey and its customers were bruised and trust was dwindling. The fiasco opened the door for competitors to step in and take up the slack Hershey left in the marketplace. As a result, Hersheys annual sales plummeted and the competitors annual sales soared. When implementing an ERP solution, the initial planning process is most important. Hersheys top management was aware of peak sales periods; therefore, the authorization to proceed with a drastic organization-wide change was the first error. The initial proposal for implementation should have raised red flags among the companys executives, but the plans moved forward and the result was devastating for the company, its customers and employees. The use of IT should yield results opposite of what was achieved at Hersheys. IT, particularly ERP systems, are designed to create barriers to competition, lower the costs of market entry, shorten timelines, speed cash flow, cut out intermediaries, build bridges, and keep the organization better informed than its competitors (Benson and Standing 2002). Technology, in the context of organizations similar to Hershey, can change production, business processes and organizations, including the potential to change and maximize the potential of social structures and interactions (Benson and Standing 2002). When contemplating IT changes the organizations management must pay close attention to the areas of the business that may be impacted by the change. Despite the belief that success in one area of business usually comes at the cost of another, this does not have to be true (Benson and Standing 2002). Understanding the organizations strengths and weaknesses aids in the planning process. Management will then be able to plan for potential obstacles and implement an alternative before complications put the organization at risk. Under the same premise, Hersheys decision to implement SAP was not the problem, poor management and ineffective planning was the companys major problem. Hersheys error was linked to ineffective restructuring of its business processes and the amendments needed to accommodate the companys production during the ERP implementation period. Furthermore, the company pushed to implement a process in 30 months when the typical implementation process averages about four year s. The rapid implementation attempt disrupted the companys normal functioning and created mass confusion and conflict at both an internal and external level. Since [Hersheys] attention was wholly diverted to ERP, it was not possible to rectify the uncertainties that emerged in the business as a result of ERP (Analyzing n.d.). The companys efforts, although limited, were unbalanced. Hershey found it difficult to focus on both the regular processes of conducting business and the ERP implementation. The result was a reduction in sales, irate customers, conflict among employees, and a growing reputation as a vendor that could not be trusted. The situation was worsened at the end of the 30 month period when Hershey realized the implementation was not effective because the ERP systems were not working in full capacity due to some final touches which were not done (Analyzing n.d.). The optimal solution for ERP implementation is to plan the process around an organizations peak periods. If Hershey had begun the implementation process during slow periods, the outcome would have been different. However, the impact of missing final touches would still be an issue. Again, the fault falls to the companys management team, who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that such major changes begin only when the company is least vulnerable. Implementing during slow market periods gives the company the time needed to make the change, to prepare its departments and respective employees for the change, and emerge stronger than before the change was made. Evaluation of Alternatives ERP is a complex process that requires stringent maneuvering and processing within the organization. Prior to beginning the ERP implementation, Hershey should have put more effort into ensuring the success of the process. Hershey should proceed with the process only after researching and planning to ensure that ample time and efforts needed to achieve successful change was possible. Instead, Hershey chose to proceed during a time when its sales were highest and risks were compounded. Most disturbing is that the company was no stranger to implementing IT processes. In the past, Hershey had implemented a CRM solution, so it should have been aware of the complications that can arise. The company simply chose the wrong time to implement the ERP solution, and timing is everything. In the contemporary business world, particular amid a time of rapidly advancing technology, Hersheys main focus should be on maintaining productivity. However, the use of ERP solutions is a must to meet the growing demands of the consumer. Customers want easy ordering options, fast order processing, and rapid order receipt. The ERP system is designed to improve these functions in businesses but for an effective implementation process that will yield the desired results, the company must carefully choose the time for the implementation process -even if that means dividing the process into stages. By segmenting the implementation process, Hershey would meet its objectives of a streamlined IT process while maintaining productive operations and retain satisfied customers. An ERP system can help increase a businesses efficiency, which increases customer satisfaction. Instead of focusing on independent departments for processing and meeting objectives, the ERP system streamlines the process from production to shipping and beyond. Prior to beginning the ERP implementation Hershey should have met with department heads who, in turn, would explain the upcoming processes including how the implementation process would impact production within the company. From there the employees would be knowledgeable in how to handle issues that could arise (e.g. order fulfillment issues, shipping, et al). Overall, the bottom line is to plan accordingly so that the ERP implementation process can be effectively achieved while the organizations regular processes are not negatively affected. Inadequate training is a common factor in ERP implementation failure. Hershey failed to train its employees on how to handle potential changes that would occur during the implementation process, while also preparing for training for the new system. All the way around, management failed. While pre-implementation research and planning is one alternative to effective implementation, the companys management team should have been more diligent in handling its responsibilities for the organization. Therefore, the company should have taken a closer look at its management team to determine where the error originated. The complications originated at the management level creating a domino effect where the companys individual departments were impacted and the customer was left in the cold. In a customer-driven market it is not the product or service that matters most; instead the greatest value rests in how the customer perceives their overall relationship with the company. It is the value factor. The management team should have been aware of the customers view; then it should have approached the implementation process accordingly to ensure the customers needs were not ignored. In retrospective, Hersheys management team should have known, prior to the ERP implementation, how the company would maintain customer satisfaction during the process. Both internal and external factors should have been better analyzed. Hershey failed to analyze the very components that achieve customer satisfaction. Management should have focused its change in a way that would not jeopardize its relationship with current customers, their use of the companys products, and their impression of Hersheys service. The information obtained during the pre-planning phase is more important than the overa ll projected change since this information is a guiding point for successful ERP implementation. Recommendations When Hershey decided to implement an ERP system, it failed to analyze the companys history of peak sales periods and plan the implementation process around the most productive periods. Instead, the company began implementation during its peak period which resulted in overload among its workforce nd complications within production and shipping that led to a significant loss of sales, a tarnished reputation, and a loss of trust among its customers. The decision to implement an ERP system was a good idea but the timing was wrong. Timing is everything, especially when the risks involve not only the organization and its employees but retaining customers. Furthermore, Hersheys management team failed to consider its supply chain management functions and the outcome was chaos within the internal and external processes associated with production, order fulfillment, and shipping. The onset of pre-planning begins with reviewing the companys current balance (Caruso 2007). When management has a v iew of what it takes to keep the organization productive, then the planning phase can begin. When accurate planning is achieved the risks to the organization are minimized. Studies reveal that one of the most common reasons the implementation of change results in failure is linked to unplanned or under planned phases of implementation. Planning is crucial for effective implementation of an ERP system. However, there is no universal single point of failure linked to unsuccessful ERP implementations. In the case of Hershey, however, the causes are directly linked to efforts that are easily remedied: inadequate training, corporate culture, timeline flexibility, and unrealistic expectations. Hershey has since worked hard to ensure the same mistakes are not repeated. Its current management team is more in tune to the needs of all the organizations stakeholders. Adequate training within Hershey has become paramount to all other functions. The companys management team realizes that inadequate training, particularly at the management level, is a leading cause of organizational failure. Now, the company focuses on how to do business differently, rather than training on new computer software. While training for the ERP system was a focus, it was not the predominant focus. Hershey learned the hard way that change had to be made internally before an ERP solution could be effective in streamlining its internal and external processes. Many ERP projects are bound to fail because employees are not trained to handle the factors that come with change. Timeline flexibility is imperative to success, as well. In its subsequent attempts to streamline operations, Hershey worked to ensure t hat the system was fully tested and ready for implementation to avoid negative consequences similar to those the company experienced in 2002.

Womens Identities in The Color Purple by Alice Walker and Behind a Mas

Women's Identities in The Color Purple by Alice Walker and Behind a Mask by Louisa May Alcott Alice Walker’s novel The Color Purple has a rich array of female characters to examine when answering the above question. I feel that Louisa May Alcott’s short story, â€Å"Behind A Mask† offers an equally rich array of female characters to consider. Through the course of this essay I will show how Walker and Alcott used different narrative techniques and made different use of language and dialogue to create their characters; and how they each respectively created very powerful pieces of work, identifying with their characters and the problems and obstacles faced by them in their everyday lives. The Color Purple is written in the epistolary style where the main character writes letters to God. These letters are like a diary where Celie tells her story. This diary technique contains Celie’s innermost thoughts and allows the reader to know the true Celie because she is able to completely open up in her writing. Walker writers the whole story thought Celie’s (female) perspective, which is particularly useful when we are given Celie’s impression main female characters in the novel, Sophia and Shug. We get a different view of Nettie because she writes her own letters to Celie. Certain key events in Celie’s life made her the character she is, for example: her continual rape by her stepfather; the subsequent pregnancies and the loss of her children; the death of her mother; and the loss of her sister, Nettie. However, through the course of the novel, Celie finds that she has managed to form close relations with the female characters of the novel, she finds love and friendship and is finally reunited with her sister and children who were taken from her. The Color Purple opens, with Celie writing to God, describing herself as â€Å"a good girl† (the fact that she addresses her letters to God emphasises this) and how her stepfather’s advances to her mother were rejected, resulting in Celie’s rape. Before chapter one even begins we here a pre-echo of Celie’s stepfather, â€Å"You better not never tell nobody but God. It’d kill your mammy.† So Celie learns to keep quiet to survive and this is a habit that is hard for her to break. Celie is a passive character. She is hardworking and domesticated and this is what allows her to be married off so young. Celie’s father and husba... ...r true feelings but whilst Celie feels sadness and a desire for love, Jean Muir feels bitter and a need for revenge. The most marked difference between Celie and Jean Muir is how they use their sexuality (Shug is much more aware of how to use her sexuality effectively than Celie is). Jean Muir uses her sexuality to manipulate the three main male characters of the story, particularly Sir John Coventry who is totally taken in by her act. She wants a title and uses her femininity, flattering the elderly gentleman. Sir John is amazed at such a lovely young woman being interested in him, for although Jean Muir is not described as pretty, her mysterious air provokes interest. Behind a Mask is a short story compared to The Color Purple and this results in the pace being faster. The two stories have nothing in common but their main female characters do share some characteristics, particularly in the way they have learned to hide behind the faà §ade of how acceptable women in society should be. B I B L I O G R A P H Y  · Approaching Literature: Literature and Gender (1996) Goodman L (ed), The Open University  · The Color Purple B (1992) Walker Alice, The Women’s Press