Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Balance of Essential Dietary Lipids For Good Health Essay

Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are important lipids which are obtained by the body mainly from fish, nut, vegetable and seed oils. These are biomolecules which should necessarily be incorporated in the diet for proper development, physical and behavioral functions in humans and animals. Our ability to synthesize these fatty acids or to interconvert them from other molecules is averted by the absence of enzymes required for their production of transformation in the body. This class of fatty acids is characterized by an even-numbered aliphatic chain starting from a carboxylic carbon and ending in a methyl group. The structure possesses two or more all-cis double bonds (polyunsaturated), the first of which is located three or six carbons away from the methyl (omega) carbon, hence the name, omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). They are also components of the phospholipid bilayer which envelope cells and organelles and are converted to other molecules such as eicosanoids including prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes and other molecules implicated in immune reactions and signals. Also because of their health implications, they are subject of many research studies which aim to improve certain medical conditions, finding alternative sources and determining the optimum amounts in the diet for maximized health benefits. Lipids are a diverse class of biomolecules that are distinguished from the other classes because of their solubility in non polar solvents. This is due to the relatively large hydrophobic portion, usually consisting of an aliphatic hydrocarbon chain or ring attached to other functional groups. Being derivatives of carboxylic acids, they can undergo the same reactions typical of carboxylic acids. Thus, they may combine with alcohols to produce acyl compounds called esters. This very reaction allows for a diverse array of lipid structures. They find use as components of the cellular membranes aiding in protection and fluidity of the lipid bilayer; for energy storage because of their oxidation potential, because of this, they generate ample amounts of heat during fat burning; as body insulator because fat is a poor conductor of heat and prevents heat loss through the skin; as tools for molecular recognition between attached moieties (usually proteins) and the hydrophobic environment and protective covering of tissues among others. This large group is classified based on their structure as follows: (a) fatty acids and derivatives, (b) triacylglycerols, (c) wax esters, (d) phospholipids, (e) sphingolipids, and (f) isoprenoids (1). Triacylglycerols are esterification products of glycerol and three fatty acids. They are important components of adipose cells and are generally used as energy reserves. These molecules can undergo saponification reactions which produces carboxylate salts of soap. Phospholipids are the major structural components of membranes and find use as emulsifiers and surfactants due to the presence of a small polar head represented by the charged phosphate group. They may also be used as protective coverings of small molecules and probiotics (2). Wax esters are important components of leaves, fruit and animal fur. They may be combinations of many types of functional groups such as alcohols, aldehydes and sterols. Sphingolipids are hydrophobic amino alcohols which are generally found composing animal membranes. It is also found covering the myelin sheath of neurons and assists in the transmission of messages in the brain. The isoprene ring is characteristic structure of isoprenoids. They are distinguished from other lipid classes by a five carbon unit, methylbutadiene. Examples of this class include essential oils which are mixtures of terpenes giving fruits and flowers their characteristic scent; carotenoids which are plant pigments that have the structure of tetraterpene, vitamin E, vitamin K, ubiquinone and some hormones (1). The omega-3 and omega-9 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are very important examples of lipids belonging to the first group. Examples of this class are aptly called essential fatty acids because these molecules need to be supplemented in the diet since our body lacks the enzymes for its synthesis. These include the short chain PUFA which are in turn precursors of other long chain omega-3 and omega-9 PUFA. Fatty acids that can be synthesized in by the body because of existing pathways and enzymes are referred to as non essential fatty acids (3). This paper discusses the structure of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, their biochemical functions, products and applications especially in maintaining good health and tackles current discoveries regarding their transformation to new molecules, issues concerning increased dietary intake and health prospects. Nomenclature and structure Fatty acids are synthesized in the liver and adipose cytoplasm through the fatty acid synthase and malonyl CoA a precursor. The chain increases by two carbons at each round of the reaction catalyzed by a unique enzyme complex until it forms a saturated fatty acid containing 16 carbons (palmitic acid). Through a series of elongation, reduction, dehydration and desaturation reactions various types of unsaturated fatty acids are produced. The reaction can incorporate double bonds up to the ninth carbon in mammalian system since the required enzymes are lacking and so we depend on plant sources for these essential fatty acids (3). Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids Fatty acids are called such because of the attachment of a long hydrophobic tail made of an aliphatic chain to a carboxylic acid functional group. This carboxylic carbon is referred to, in nomenclature, as the ? carbon. The chain is terminated by a methyl group assigned as the ? position. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are characterized by the presence of conjugated alkene groups in the cis confirmation. Thus, the position of the double bond can be indicated from the carboxylic carbon or from the methyl end. Thus, linoleic acid, a fatty acid with eighteen carbons and with two double bonds at carbons 9 and 12 from the carboxylic end can be designated as 18:2? 9,12. The dietary profile of the intake of fatty acids also determines the fatty acid composition of the phospholipid double layer. The latter can be assessed by determining the profiles of lipids from erythrocytes and plasma lipids, as well as identifying the membrane fluidity using analytical techniques (5). Another method of measuring membrane fluidity includes the use of various fluorescent markers which can tag protein molecules that are embedded in the lipid bilayer. The tendency of the colored markers to mix depends on the ability of the proteins to move through the membrane as time passes. The FRAP method, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, can also be related to the fluidity of membranes since it can measure lateral diffusion. This technique takes advantage of the ability of laser to bleach a pre marked fluorescent portion. As the membrane moves, color is regained and visualized using video equipment. Probes attached to the membrane can also be detected by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (1). Arachidonic acid is also an important fatty acid component of phospholipids. The high degree of unsaturation ensures that the lipid bilayer is flexible and fluid even at slightly lower temperatures. The characteristic four conjugated double bonds prevent solidification at physiological temperatures and typically undergo alkene reactions such as oxidation. Its pKa is also suited to regulate its solubility in the aqueous and hydrophobic portions of the cell. In the salt form, it can be solvated by water but reverts back to its hydrophobic form once the salt reacts with free H+ in solution (6). Eicosanoid synthesis Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are also synthetic precursors of autocrine regulators called eicosanoids. Arachidonic acid is central to many pathways in the production of eicosanoids. These arachidonic acid-derived molecules, which include prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes, are difficult to analyze because of their limited concentrations and short periods of activity. The molecules are usually released as a response to immune reactions triggered by infections and antigen attack (1). In addition, they trigger molecular cascades which can affect even the expression of lipid metabolizing enzymes and present perils in metabolic disorders (7). The eicosanoid synthesis is mediated by two groups of enzymes and is achieved through the pathways utilizing cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase (8). Prostaglandins feature a cyclopentane ring in its structure with alcoholic functional groups at carbons in position eleven and fifteen. They are named as PGXy (prostaglandins) classified according to letters (symbolized by X) while y (subscript) indicated the number of double bonds found in the structure. Different letter classes are indicated by similarities in the functional group attached to the core structure but the group derived from arachidonic acid is one of the most significant. They are important molecules that signify inflammation reactions during infection and pain and are involved in muscular contractions during birthing events and ovulation. Apparently, they also have varying roles depending on the type of cell and tissue where they are produced (1). In fact, both omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA find importance in the synthesis of prostaglandins. The products from each, however, have different actions. Prostaglandins resulting from omega-3 PUFA have anti-inflammatory functions, while that synthesized from omega-6 are inflammatory. Thus, the ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is important because these molecules compete for the same enzymes and the synthesis products should complement each other (9). Thromboxanes are cyclic ether derivatives of eicosanoids whose name can be symbolized as TXZy. Z represents the class of thromboxane and y indicates, as in the case of prostaglandins, the number of double bonds. They are involved in platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction. Leukotrienes, on the other hand, are eicosanoid molecules originally isolated from white blood cells, hence the name. They are also classified according to groups symbolized by letters (X) and subscripts (y) denote the number of double bonds found in the structure (LTXy). They are also implicated in processes involving inflammation, bronchoconstriction, vasoconstriction and capillary permeability (1). The overexpression of cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase enzymes which oxidize the double bonds of arachidonic acid to form eicosanoids has been implicated in possible tumorigenesis in the human brain such as in gliomas and meningiomas. Thus, their structures are used as models for designing drugs that target inhibitory sites on the enzymes. It is predicted that future medicines that aim to cure brain tumors may be based on blocking certain reactions catalyzed by cyclooxygenases and lipooxygenases in the eicosanoid synthesis pathway (8). Due to its importance in brain, eyesight development, physical and behavioral functions, alternative sources of these omega-3 PUFA are being tapped and utilized to produce fortified food. Arterburn et al. 2007) have assessed the possibility of utilizing algae as sources of these important fatty acids and found substantial amounts of synthesized arachidonic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in membrane lipids and blood cells using algal oil fortified capsule supplements and foods (10). Health benefits and issues Early studies in animals and human test subjects have already established the important roles that omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids play in health functions. A study by Carlson et al. 2003) reports that diets deficient in omega-6 fatty acids impairs the growth of infants by decreasing the synthesis of arachidonic acid whose products play roles in development and phospholipid synthesis (11). It was recently identified that brain lipids metabolism and synthesis has a large dependence on levels of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA, specifically docosahexaenoic acid and other eicosanoids (12). The diet of infants can easily be devoid of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, interestingly, it was observed that these fatty acids are transmitted to the fetus from the pool of nutrients of the mother. It is thus important to maintain balance of these fatty acids in lactating and pregnant mothers for the proper development of their infants (5). The role of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA in the development of brain disorders such as schizophrenia is also attributed to the ability of these fatty acids to inhibit the phospholipid degrading enzyme phospholipiase A2 which is found to be increased in schizophrenic individuals (7). Various studies have also reported the beneficial effects of an omega-3 and omega-6 rich diet on physical, behavioral and even psychological health. On the contrary, Hakkarainen et al. 2004) monitors the effect of an increased omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intake and reports that a positive correlation is observed towards anxiety, alcoholism and depression among male subjects (13). The relation of diseases which stem from genetic alterations such as cancer and their risks based on profiles of dietary intake of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA are also being established. It has been observed that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids lessens the odds of acquiring prostate cancer by slowing down the growth of prostate tumor cells but is reversed by omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Similarly, inter conversion of omega-6 to omega-3 PUFA re-established the positive effects of omega-3 on prostate cancer (14). These reports acknowledge that a healthy diet can be used to minimize genetic predispositions to certain diseases. In addition, if coupled with a healthy diet, preventive lifestyle measures, adequate nutrients, avoidance of red meat, refined floor products and concentrated sugars, substantial sulforophane rich foods such as allium and broccoli, intake of minerals, folic acids, vitamins, antioxidants, carotenoids, probiotics and dietary supplements, these measures and precautions can ward of the risks of cancer (15).

Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Thesis: Technology, such as texting, while driving is unsafe and can be a hazard to teen drivers and others. In the Knox News opinion column, there was an article found titled â€Å"Twits texting, tweeting behind the wheel.† The author of this article, Ina Hughs, is arguing that texting, MP3 players, and other electronic devices are unsafe to use when behind the wheel. She is writing to inform teenagers and other drivers about the dangers of driving while texting. Even though Hughes makes some excellent points in her column, she may not be the most qualified person to be writing about the dangers of texting and how tempting it may be. Hughes indeed has a cell phone, but she had the texting enabled on her phone so she does not text with it. The only information that she gets that makes her qualified to write this article would be the fact that her eleven-year-old grandson just got a cell phone. Even with this information, it still does not qualify her since her grandson cannot drive. She did though get facts from reliable magazines and researchers to back her up. Hughs’ format of her article shows a lot about whom she is and her qualifications. Just about every paragraph she either has some sort of statistical evidence or an example of why texting and driving is bad. She does not have any real connection to the audience she is trying to address. The author uses logos a lot in this text to support her many claims as to driving while texting. One thing she mentions is, â€Å"according to the New York Times, one in five drivers admits to texting while driving on a somewhat regular basis, and they say they won’t stop because they are ‘literally addicted.’† This claim reinforces her purpose of texting while driving by giving statistical evidence of why it is so dangerous. So many people do it. â€Å"According to research, every time you get a text, tweet, instant message, or call, ‘your brain squirts out a little dopamine- the pleasure chemical- and left to our own devices, we spin out of control.

INVESTMENT PROJECT INFORMATION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

INVESTMENT PROJECT INFORMATION - Essay Example Table 2: Table of the 52-Week High and Low Company 52 Week Low ($) 52 Week High ($) daily closing prices for each stock ($) Microsoft 24.30 32.95 26.95 Dell Computer 8.69 18.36 9.06 Apple Inc. 363.32 705.07 561.70 Coca Cola 32.37 40.67 37.39 Procter and Gamble 59.07 70.83 68.30 Toyota Motors 61.94 87.15 84.43 McDonald 83.31 102.22 86.01 IBM 177.06 211.79 190.29 III. Latest Press Release for the Eight chosen Companies Dell computers announced that they have been selected by MedRisk, one of the health care service providers to provide the support of the company’s application development, expansion of the infrastructural activities, and their security system as part of the 10-year deal agreement. Microsoft on the other hand announced pricing of $2.25 billion (senior unsecured notes). Which consist three trenches; $600 million due Nov. 2017, $750 million due Nov. 2022, and $900 due Nov 15, 2042. The proceeds Microsoft says will be used for corporate purposes. Apple Inc. Company af ter launching their fourth generation ipad in March announced selling three million of the product in three days (MarketWatch, 2012). The Coca Cola Company released their 125 years old secret formulae in Atlanta where they took the initiative to make one of the very many homes of Coca Cola in the world. The y shared their rich history in the Coca Cola industry for the last 125 years. Procter and gamble also hosted a meeting in Cincinnati with its analyst in which they provided the P&G results, the outlook of the fiscal year and specific growths and improvement on strategic productivity. The Toyota Motors company this November has also introduced a new product, the seven-seat Kluger (MarketWatch, 2012). The new vehicle has added features that cost $8,000 but this does not affect significantly the price as it retails at additional $2,300. McDonald in October this year announced the third quarter of the 2012 performance. In the announcement, the company realized higher revenues and sha re earnings compared to the previous year but the operating income was not improved. IBM recently signed an agreement to help the Indonesia’s Bank Ekonomi Raharja realize rapid growth. They agreed on the provision of infrastructural activities based on servers and storage of enterprise to enable the banks effectively serves the growing client’s base (MarketWatch, 2012). IV. General Information about the Companies Microsoft Company Microsoft’s company website is Microsoft .com. the chairperson of the company is Bill gates and the CEO is Steve Ballmer though Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded it. The company serves worldwide. Currently, the company’s employees stands at 94, 000, 2012 figures. The company revenues is as follows; total Revenue is US$ 73.72 billion, operating income is US$ 21.76 billion, Net income; US$ 16.97Â  billion while the total assets is US$ 121.2Â  billion (MarketWatch, 2012). The company’s home office is in Washington US, Micr osoft Redmond Campus in Redmond. With reference to the company’s products, they are ivied into divisions, which include server and tools, windows, Microsoft business, entertainment and devices and online services. Started in 1975, Microsoft prides of being one of the leading software developers in the world. Dell

Task 3 Individual integrative report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Task 3 Individual integrative report - Essay Example s main e-marketing tools are Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and social networking which are regarded as one of the best marketing strategies with high ROI indexes. They also participate on common platforms where several airlines club together to make their offers. However, many airlines are using such marketing tools and QA is not unique in its approach. The report describes QA’s B2B relation from both sell side and buy side. They provide online duty-free shopping which means they have partnered with the suppliers of these goods. They also partner with hotel chains as a means to enhance their customer service. QA is affiliating with other websites to promote its website in order to attract value adding suppliers to partner, which will then draw more customer visits. In analysis, QA’s website has a fresh and contemporary look and an easy to navigate web design. It was found that the website has a high degree of accessibility meeting all audiences’ needs and requirements. The links and information are neatly displayed on the home page and are neatly categorized. The colour theme matches its corporate identity. They also have a separate corporate section. The report found that QA not only allows booking, paying and printing e-tickets, but passengers can even check-online as much as 36 hours in advance. They can even decide on the class of travel depending on the seat comfort they are looking, again based on short or long flights. Online check-in demo is also available on the website for the first time users. Thus they seem to be exploiting the internet technology to its advantage. Based on the Analysis of QA’s application of internet technology, it is recommended that they have a currency converter on the website as they have people from all over globe booking through the website. As of now they have tied up only with 5 star chain hotels but they do have economy class passengers also who may book hotels of lower category if it is offered through QA’s

Argument essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 9

Argument - Essay Example Nuclear power is the world’s best and first answer to the problem of the exhaustion of resources. Above that it is ecologically clean when used properly. Besides that atomic energy serves for military purposes as a nuclear weapon of mass destruction. Despite the fact of its massive ability to destroy everything living it is the political mechanism of the future which guarantees world peace and logical avoidance of any local conflicts on the theoretical basis of nuclear deterrence and mutual asserted destruction (Edwards, 2013). Opponents of the nuclear energy and its military usage ignore the benefits and fear the danger of nuclear holocaust and worldwide ecological catastrophe in the future if nuclear power will continue to exist. They say that benefits don’t exceed the harm and it is better to continue injuring nature slowly thought fossil fuel energy than put it in jeopardy of probable total annihilation with atomics energy. More than that ecological harm from the atomic accidents not only overcomes the usual pollution but bring whole generations of unproductive land, humans and animals with diseases and low immune system all because of the radioactive pollution. Above that they state that nuclear weapon in the hands of government that behave in a rough way is not a responsible way to treat such serious issue due to the political corruption and instability that so often shows itself. They state that political differences and dissidence of countries which possess nuclear weapon can lead to the nuc lear war which will annihilate and destroy the planet. Same opponents say that slow harm to the nature by the non-nuclear energy plants is better than the probability of total devastation. The also point out that disastrous events such as Chernobyl and Fukushima are the examples that prove people’s inability to treat atomic energy with responsibility and that it can lead to further even more disastrous nuclear

Discussion Question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 23

Discussion Question - Essay Example Compare and contrast the flow of litigation in criminal cases and civil proceedings. Include a discussion of the introduction of each type of case in the process, the participants, and the role of the court in each. A civil case involves a situation where an individual or a particular entity states that another entity has failed to reach the legal responsibilities they ought to carry out. The duties in such a case are established under the constitutional law. It is thus the role of the courts to see to it that these people receive quality treatment and consequently either lead to annulment of the agreement or resolution of the dispute. In criminal cases, the person is charged in a legal process referred to as an indictment. On behalf of the American citizens, the government takes up the responsibility of prosecuting the particular person or group (Herring 35). The attorney’s office has the responsibility of prosecuting these state

Ethical failures that led to the economic collapse of 2008 Essay

Ethical failures that led to the economic collapse of 2008 - Essay Example This paper outlines the importance of the moral failures, which led to the global financial crisis. The role of ethic lapses is often neglected by economic analysts. It has been said, the root cause of the crisis was greed, which is defined as an excessive and selfish desire for more of something e.g. money than is needed. The list of neglected virtues also includes temperance and, specifically, the ability to prevent the desire for wealth, social recognition, which thus become barriers to proper professional conduct, and complicity, cowardice and lack of strength. There were also behaviors of arrogance, pride and hubris among finances. Also, among regulators, government and economists: all convinced that their know-how and skills were superior to others, that they had no reason to submit the guidance of others, or that they only were above the law. There have been reports of cases of lack of professional competence on the part of the directors, bad governance, senior analysts and managers in companies such as banks, hedge funds, monoclines, rating agencies, supervisory bodies and the government. Often, the role of asset valuation and analysis, and even buying and selling decisions, was given to young professionals with no or little experience in finance. The act resulted to them using sophisticated methods based on overly simple assumptions, but no one dared criticize their work because no one had better models. Their bosses/superiors did not reckon what their subordinates were doing, models they were using, and they did not exercise adequate oversight. These failures were clear mainly in risk management and analysis, leading to key personnel in virtually all major financial institutions were taking excessive risks.

Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 56

Journal - Essay Example I lived with friends, so the rent I was paying was quite a bargain. I was driven and started looking for work immediately. After two months of desperate searching I landed in a travel agency as a sales consultant. The job was an hour and a half away by public transport and I had to change 2 trains and a bus in order to get there. I started at 10 and finished at 7 with an hour lunch break. I was waking up 7.30, getting dressed out of the door by 8, to ensure that I was there at least 10 minutes before my shift and had enough time to buy breakfast before work. I never finished at 7 pm. Sometimes I had to stay until 8, so until I got home it was a good 9.30 pm. I was also required to work on Saturdays 3 times a month. I managed to stay at this job for 2 months. I couldnt handle the 3 hours travelling any longer, the low salary and 6 days work commitment. This was one of the most demanding and exhausting jobs I ever had. An anecdotal experience was when a customer called while I was still working for the travel agency asking to book a holiday to Luxor. We were talking for about 45 minutes about pyramids, night life, pools and kids activities. I was just confirming the flights to Las Vegas, when the customer interrupted me very bewildered. It turned out that, he wanted to go to Luxor in Egypt and I was talking about the hotel Luxor in Las Vegas. Funnily, the customer recommended me to his brother and in few days he called to book Las Vegas – hotel Luxor. I was working at a very busy and hectic call centre. There were always new employees coming and leaving. It was difficult to handle 3 different work shits covering 24 hours. One day, a couple came along and the manager introduced them to the floor. They will be starting work in few days. They used to work for the call centre few years ago, but moved to another town and now they decided to come back. The conflict arose when the couple informed the manager that they preferred to sit together. There werent any

Marketing Research Report Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Marketing Research Report - Coursework Example The research findings indicated that about 55% of the respondents used the laptops for online streaming. There was a correlation between age and streaming, with close to 75% of the subjects being between 18-24. The higher the income, the less likely for the subjects to engage in streaming behavior, with majority being those who earned between $10,000-$35,000. This is a demonstration that there was also a relationship between the free time, and online streaming. Those earning less were more likely to have more free time, hence being able to engage in the behavior. The conclusion of the study was that the penetration of Smartphones and the internet had played a huge role in enhancing online streaming. In terms of recommendation, there is a need to replicate the study on a larger population, in order to establish whether the findings were credible. The marketers should take advantage of the e marketing owing to the fact that it has become common phenomenon going by the statistics obtain ed from the study. The study aims at establishing the correlation between age, free time, income, sex and online streaming. The paper will contain the executive summary, background information, research methodologies, data analysis and findings, interpretation of findings, conclusion and recommendation and limitation of study. The online streaming has become a common social phenomenon globally. In the United States close to 28 million people aged 18 and above had a Netflix app, which they used in streaming. The internet penetration and the access to Smartphones has been one of the major factors enhancing the online streaming. The plummeting cost of internet access explains why a majority of the young people choose online streaming. Factors such as convenience, reliability and quality also affect the attitude of the consumers towards online streaming. Close to 70% of the people, prefer streaming since they can

What Does It Mean To Be Educated, and Who Decides Essay

What Does It Mean To Be Educated, and Who Decides - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that in the globalization era, information has been termed as the new oil. The above is in reference to the importance and scarcity of information in the globalization era. The reflection means that when a person has the right information and at the right quantity and quality, they are deemed to succeed. Oil is a precious commodity, but, however, an exhaustible natural resource. Fortunately, information can be renewed through updating oneself with emerging trends and data. The above update can turn fatal when people update themselves with distorted information that is obsolete, irrelevant and unreliable data. For one to acquire relevant and reliable information, they have to be educated. Being educated does not necessarily means passing through the school system. Being educated is a diverse term which relates to being in the right information for survival as per the context of the learner environment survival needs. For example, one can be in possession of great information about the moon and the stars, but their immediate survival needs do not need that information.   Educating means to train or raise someone. Therefore, being educated means being trained to meet the immediate survival needs. Unfortunately, the people endowed with the role of drafting training manuals are drafting â€Å"irrelevant and unreliable oil†. James Loewen blames the textbooks as the main enemy of people who needs to be educated.

The Power of Selfishness Essay Example for Free

The Power of Selfishness Essay Literature overflows with references and symbols that correlate to teachings of many different subjects. Many authors design characters who, for some unknown reason, feel they cannot control their own selfish motives. The system of egoism defines itself as the ethical system that places needs of oneself above and before those of others. Incorporated into this system, the more explicit views of the psychological egoist arise. The psychological egoist firmly believes that he holds no power over his selfish motives; humans innately strive to maintain what proves best for themselves over any others needs. This situation becomes evident in Shakespeares Macbeth as Macbeth allows his vaulting ambition to overpower his best judgment. While Macbeths questions his actions towards the beginning of the play, his true character surfaces as we see the transformation from a discerning war hero to a monstrous, uncontrollable murderer. Because Shakespeare chooses to slowly reveal Macbeths faults, the reader initially falls into the perception of Macbeths nobility and control over his own desires. The reader first meets Macbeth as he rides in from a successful battle in which he decimated Scotlands foe led by Macdonwald. Like the reader, Macbeths peers also trust his courage in valor for brave Macbeth- well he deserves that name-/ Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel, / Which smoked with bloody execution, / Like valors minion carved out his passage/ Till he faced the slave(I.ii.16-20). Even the king resounds Macbeth as a valiant cousin, worthy gentleman, a gesture that portrays trickles of irony, as this valiant cousin would soon become his gruesome murderer. These bold and proud portrayals of Macbeth are implemented to confuse the reader, to skew his belief in Macbeths ability to kill a friend, to hide Macbeths uncontrollable secret desire to assume the throne of Scotland. Shakespeare quickly reveals Macbeths ambition for the throne as he portrays an inquisitive Macbeth, careful not to promulgate his excitement for the three witches prophesy. Macbeth snaps to the hags, Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more! / Speak I charge you (I.iii.70-78). The quick reaction to the witches prophesy of his kingship flags the reader to notice Macbeths instantaneous and uncontrollable interest in the prospect of overthrowing Duncan. The uncontrollable urge for self-advancement over others well being closely follows the Catholic Social Teaching of the psychological egoists inextinguishable desire to trump the success of others and attain fame and glory. Thinking through the requirements and consequences of his kingship, Macbeth slowly settles away from the idea of murdering the honorable Duncan, a withdrawal which sets the reader astray from the prospect of Macbeths desire to advance at any cost. As he arrives back to his castle, Lady Macbeth meets him with a rampant frenzy, questions him about what it will take to propel her to the position of queen, and implores him to consider the simple murder of Duncan to grasp her such happiness as well as seal their marriages happiness. Like Macbeth, Lady Macbeth keeps captive the same uncontrollable desire that defines a psychological egoist; however, she chooses to play into Macbeths fears and emotions to achieve her goal rather than following through herself. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth clearly know what they want and submit to any means necessary in order to achieve their goal. They plan to greet Duncan as he arrives at Macbeths castle [looking] like the time, [bearing] welcome in [their] eyes, / [their] hands, [their] tongue. Look like the innocent flower, / but be the serpent under it(I.v.64-66). The now assured murder of Duncan slowly assimilates into a passionate war to achieve their desires at cost to any others, even Lady Macbeths desires trump those of her husband in her mind. The selfish mood throughout the play seems to give warning to not only selfish ideas and selfish motives, but to societys ability as a whole to quell these undying desires, to allow these dangerous ideas to subside, and to realize the need for intervention long before ones ambition grows to large to control. Egoism has been widely criticized as subverting attempts to live together as a whole, a criticism which further magnifies the potency of danger that Macbeths ambitions hold. Macbeths ability to act upon his ambition remained unclear for a large part of the play; however, once he committed the initial murder of Duncan, Macbeths will to remove anything that threatened his success became clear; his willingness to kill further emboldened the correlation of him as an egoist. Quickly becoming suspicious of the beliefs of those around him, Macbeth moves to kill Banquo, his closest friend and ally until this point. As Banquo clearly dictates his unwillingness to support Macbeth in his nefarious deeds, Macbeth decides to call upon a group of murders to remove the threat of not only Banquo, but of his son Fleance, who was prophesized to be king. In fact, Macbeth believes every minute of [Banquos] being thrusts/ Against [his] nearest of life (III.i.118-119). The small statement illuminates the potency of Macbeths insanity; his closest friends have now become his strongest enemies. Because of this transformation from friend to foe, Banquo becomes a victim of Macbeths ambition, becomes a symbol of pain caused by the incessant lust for power, becomes a rock from which those like Malcolm and MacDuff launch themselves from in order to overthrow the lost, poisoned mind of Macbeth. Macbeth, his mind racked from the ominous apparitions of his demise, soon learns of MacDuffs flight to England, an action which he uses to justify the murder of many more innocent citizens who, in Macbeths eyes, threaten his very existence and success as king. Pacing in his castle, attempting to discern his best plan for retaliation against MacDuff, Macbeth reveals his desire to seize upon Fife, give to the edge of the sword/ [MacDuffs] wife, his babes, and all the unfortunate souls/ that trace him in his line (IV.ii.151-152). Resorting to rampant murders of noble kin, Macbeth cries out his unnecessary and undeserved desire to eliminate all of those who renounce his right to the throne. Macbeth abnegates all guilt in these times of passion and anger that frequently overpower his no longer existent common sense and discernment. Like the egoist, Macbeth chooses to not only act out of selfish measures, but proclaims that his actions are not of his control, but rather, a direct cause of his own inevitable drive towards success and power. Even as Malcolm misleads MacDuff about his own vices and shortfalls as a leader, MacDuff feels that the vulture in [Malcolm] to devour so many/as the will to greatness dedicate themselves (IV.iii.75-76) cannot exist as it does in Macbeth. MacDuffs belief that Macbeth defines the ultimate evil as a leader as well as his inclusion of Macbeths inexorable will to greatness further corroborates the correlation between a stereotypical psychological egoist and Macbeth. MacDuff describes Macbeths inextinguishable will as the catalyst for Scotlands demise as well as an innate feature that Macbeth contains; Macbeth could never abdicate the throne without force due to his great desire to achieve success for only himself. Eventually, Macbeth realizes his crimes and missteps as king, but still refuses to step away from the unnecessary dismantlement of families who pose a threat to his power. Upon killing young Siward, Macbeth rejoices that no man of woman born can touch him; Siward, who fathered young Siward, similarly rejoices his sons death fighting the ultimate tyrant of their age. As the tyrant Macbeth nears his end, MacDuff enters the castle as the one of all men else who Macbeth has avoided. Knowing his death to arrive by MacDuffs sword, Macbeth fights on with a soul too much charged/ with blood of [MacDuff] already. (V.viii.4-5) His bold disregard for his own life reveals the misconception and ignorance he holds of his own life; Macbeth once again allows himself to be consumed with passion, passion which drives him to his inevitable demise. Society today regards Macbeth as a product of fear and paranoia coupled with a desire for power that is so strong that any means to achieve that power would be taken in order to attain that goal. We see many like Macbeth even today. Like Macbeth, Richard Nixon was a wildly popular figure in United States politics, winning his elections with over 60% of the popular vote. Seeing his own success and desiring so much more, he allowed his paranoia to take hold of him and cheated his way to a second term by bugging the Democratic offices. Many historians believe that this move proved to be completely unnecessary; his popularity already had been sealed with the people. Having followed through with his quest for power, his obsession caused him to inevitably resign from office. Macbeth portrayed many similar characteristics as Richard Nixon. His popularity greatly stood above his peers around him, however; he chooses to instead tear apart a kingdom for his success, a success that likely would have brought him to power anyways. Shakespeare along with history teaches us the power ambition holds over us, the importance of containing that ambition, only searching for what we can do to improve ourselves without harming others. The egoist commonly addresses the criticisms regarding his lust for power as shallow and full of fear, much like Macbeth addresses those who attempt to quell his vaulting ambition. The quest for power controls so many in the world today, but it eventually leads these people to failure much like Macbeths, failure much like Nixons, failure to keep hold of power, failure to sustain a valuable life.

The Evolution of the Graphic Industry Essay Example for Free

The Evolution of the Graphic Industry Essay The development and continuous improvement of technology has incessantly provided new professional fields that emerged to cater to the intensification brought about by the web explosion and digital breakthroughs in the industry. The creative spectrum in the graphic industry has open doors to a large number of occupations which careers may in some way or another extend beyond one particular expertise. Visual communication is the medium used by the artists to provide people the distinction between graphic design, fine art and even advertising art. Different industries that make use of visual tools most of the time utilize almost the same theories, principles, practices, languages and even elements in delivering their client’s needs. The book â€Å"A history of graphic design† conveys that the industry’s main essence is to provide arrangement to information, form to designs, feelings and expressions to a work of art which primary output is the documentation of human experience (Meggs, 1983). The graphic industry’s professional fields have high-racketed immensely that make way to the diversity of graphic designing jobs. The workforce in the graphic design business which holds the management related roles are creative directors, art directors and art production managers. Hands-on designers in the fields are logo designers, brand identity developers, visual image developers, illustrators, content developers, multimedia developer, visual journalists and layout artists. The web explosion and advancement opened its doors to interface layout artists and web designers usually employed by web development companies. Web design may entail collaboration of graphic designers and software engineers. Programmers are also in demand in the field of web development to provide their expertise in doing advance coding. Web masters are positions that specialize in both programming and web design. While traditional graphic design and interactive design both adhere to provide better physical facade, the two have distinguished characteristics from the other. At all times, traditional graphic design’s main purpose is to carry out an attractive application of an object. It is relatively eye-catching and bold. The layout of this kind of design deals primarily with the style treatment and array of a print’s content. The interactive design on the other hand, is mainly the design used in appliances, machines, CD software applications, mobile communications, computers and even websites which focus intensively on the user interaction and experience. It aims to proficiently deliver to a user an interaction that is both efficient and simple. Interactive design is also referred to as user-centered design. Traditional graphic design is utilized to please the eyes of each and every observer. It is highly used in logo design whereas it uses a process of sketching through thumbnails and rough drafts prior to hybrid process (Gregory 48). Interactive design process balances the visual elements with regards to the operational mode and the functionality of the system to make it usable and make it easily adjust to the user’s changing requirements and needs. Interactive design is widely used in the web. Web page designs give the internet users an active role in accessing what they need online. The more user-friendly a site is the more it is visited. The interactive design reflects lucid pathways to the information, products and tools a user necessitates. Design is fundamental to the success of most services and products released by a company. Both the graphic and the interactive design of a product and affect the consumer experience which directly and enormously affects the business success or failure. The profound impact of design is apparent as dictated by the developments in technology. Works Cited Gregory Thomas, How to Design Logos, Symbols and Icons: 24 Internationally Renowned Studios Reveal How They Develop Trademarks for Print and New Media, April 2003, pp:48 Meggs, Philip B. , A history of graphic design. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1983

Depression and Criminal Behavior

Depression and Criminal Behavior Depression is a wide-reaching condition that affects millions of Americans who experience it in a few different archetypes, but each can be crippling. Bipolar disorder, a severe type of depression, has been connected to criminal behavior when one considers prison-population statistics and the percentage of manic depressives who commit crimes. Factors such as substance abuse, environment, and gender unpack the criminal side of depression and lead to the ultimate question of whether depression lends itself to crime or vice versa. Depression and Criminal Behavior What is depression? Depression is described as an illness that affects every aspect of a human being. The way a person eats, sleeps, and feels about life is typical of depression. One can also characterize depression by what it is not. For example, depression is not simply a blue feeling that comes and goes. We all experience sadness from time to time, but depression is a very deep feeling of sadness that does not go away by wish or will. One does not get over or shake off depression. It is also not a sign of weak or flawed character. How does one characterize this deep feeling of sadness? A more correct term used when describing depression is illness. The term illness insinuates that, without treatment, symptoms can last for a significant length of time. The longevity of symptoms differentiates occasional sadness from clinical depression. Strock, (1994). Depression (NIH publication no. 00-3561). This point is addressed by the VA, For many, a depressed mood is a normal reaction to the death of someone they love or the loss of the ability to perform routine activities. But, when a depressed mood persists for a long period of time with no signs of lifting, a person will benefit most from talking to their primary care provider to determine if clinical depression is the cause. (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2002) There is, however, treatment available that can help individuals regardless of the degree of symptoms. Types of Depression The three main types of depression are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. There are many other types of depression besides the three listed, however, the variances are more of degree than nature. For all practical purposes, the three main types of depression encompass the entire spectrum. The first type, major depression, virtually disables a person in every aspect of his or her life. Menial tasks such as eating or sleeping are just as affected by major depression as harder tasks, such as social interaction and cognitive functioning. In addition, people suffering from major depression do not enjoy activities that were once pleasurable. This disabling of function in every aspect of life typifies major depression. Strock, (1994). Depression (NIH publication no. 00-3561). The second main type of depression is dysthymia. This type of depression is less severe than major depression in that it does not disable. The hallmark of dysthymia is that it keeps a person from having a feeling of wholeness or good. People who have dysthymia, however, are not completely safe from the effects of major depression, as it is common to suffer from major depression at some point in ones life. Strock, (1994). Depression (NIH publication no. 00-3561). Bipolar Disorder, also labeled manic depression, is the third type of depression that is the least common and most severe form of the illness. Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). The shift between these two moods is often gradual, but can also happen abruptly with no notice. The depressed aspect of Bipolar Disorder is virtually the same as major depression. The person loses interest in activities, whether routine or pleasurable and feels a deep sense of sadness. The mania aspect of this illness is what differentiates it from the other forms of depression. When a manic depressed person has fits of mania, he or she has a heightened energy level that is well above normal. The person may talk more than usual or react in a way that is inappropriate to the situation. While in a state of mania, a manic depressed person may do things that are a cause for shame or embarrassment later, but in the moment, they may seem perfectly right. If left untreated, manic depression may lead to a psychotic state. Strock, (1994). Depression (NIH publication no. 00-3561). This is the type of depression that can lead to criminal behavior. Link to Criminal Behavior Of the three types of depression, bipolar disorder is most commonly linked to criminal behavior, especially violence. In a study that considered a cross section of 261 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it was found that when compared to criminal records, manic-depressives were more often convicted of crimes (Englander, 2003). However, those who were unipolar (only depressive, not manic) were found not to be more prone to criminal behavior. This leads one to focus on the manic aspect of depression in connecting the dots to an increased propensity to commit crimes. A study of 50 juvenile boys corroborated this notion by noting that manic depression not only increased criminal behavior, but also was linked to antisocial tendencies. Though a high level of aggression was identified, only 14% were ever incarcerated for aggressive acts (Englander, 2003). Prevalence of Mania in Prisons A look at criminal behavior within the construct of mania leads to an obvious question of whether individuals within the prison system are more likely or less likely to exhibit manic tendencies. A study completed in the mid-1980s evaluated over 1,000 prisoners in the HMP Brixton in London, England and found that prisoners were seven times more likely to suffer from manic depression when compared to the general population (Blumenthal and Lavendar, 2000). Other mental illnesses were found less frequently. Schizophrenia was discovered to exist only three times higher in the prison sample than in the general populace. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Risk Factors Alcohol and drug abuse are key indicators in determining whether someone is prone to criminal acts. It is helpful, once again, to compare bipolar disorder to schizophrenia, this time in terms of sufferer usage. There is a high rate of substance abuse among mentally ill persons across the spectrum of mental illness. In fact, mental illness doubles the risk of substance abuse. Schizophrenics abuse drugs and alcohol at a rate of 47%, while manic depressives abuse at a much higher rate of 61% (Blumenthal and Lavendar, 2000). General substance abuse frequency among manics coupled with the notion that a majority of violent crimes such as rape, assault, and murder are committed after high drug or alcohol use shows that those who suffer from bipolar disorder are more likely to commit violent crime (Blumenthal and Lavendar, 2000). Thus, substance abuse is a predictor of violence and manic depressives are prone to substance abuse. Gender Considerations It is interesting to look at gender differences as it relates to bipolar disorder. Women generally suffer from depression more often than men, and this is also true in the bipolar aspect of depression. Along with frequency, women suffer from more intense forms of depression than men, meaning mania could be potentially more severe and lead to violence or other forms of criminal behavior. This, however, is outweighed by the significantly higher prevalence of male arrests within the context of a manic state. In the U.S., men commit more crimes per capita, up to six times more than women. Even though women are less likely to commit crimes than men, those who suffer from bipolar disorder offend at a higher rate than women who are not diagnosed with mental illness (Friedman, 2005). Causal Relationship Question Though there is a relationship found between depression and crime, some argument exists as to the extent of the connection. Two possibilities must be considered, whether the crime was committed because the individual was depressed or did the person become depressed as a result of committing a crime. One of the more closely linked facets of depression and violent crime are found when a depressed person becomes so hopeless that, before committing suicide, they kill friends or loved ones. In a study of 78 murder cases, a link was made between depression and violent crime only when environmental factors, such as a negative life event, spurred on the criminal behavior (Hollin, 2002). Conclusion In conclusion, depression is a vast subject of which much is known. Types of depression have ranges of degree from relatively mild to very severe forms of the disorder. In terms of criminal behavior, bipolar disorder is most closely linked, particularly the manic aspect of the mental illness. A relationship is seen when one considers the higher prevalence of bipolar criminals in the prison system compared to the general populace and the propensity for manic depressives to abuse alcohol and drugs, a key indicator of criminal behavior. Though the causation of criminal behavior is akin to the chicken and egg argument, questioning which one causes the other, it is proven that depression is a factor in the context of criminal behavior.

Assessment Issue Rubrics Essay -- Teaching Education

Assessment Issue Rubrics This article takes on a bit of a different perspective when it comes to the issue of using rubrics as a tool of assessment. When the topic of rubrics has come up in the professional life of this writer, it has been followed with a negative connotation. This article speaks positively of the use of rubrics. The writer of the article Heidi Andrade uses rubrics not only to justify students’ grades, but also to assist the students in properly completing an assignment. What the author of the articles says makes a lot of sense. A rubric shows a student exactly what is needed to obtain a high score on any given assignment. A good rubric will effectively do this task. The rubric can also serve as a reminder to a student that might be having difficulty recalling an item for an exam or for a paper. The author refers to rubrics as Instructional Rubrics. According to the author; An Instructional Rubric is usually a one- or two-page document that describes varying levels of quality, from excellent to poor, for a specific assignment. It is usually used with relatively complex assignment, such as a long-term project, an essay, or a research paper. When an Instructional Rubric is used, a student is now given the knowledge of what is expected from them, all to often this does not occur. Sometimes educators, without meaning to do harm, just expect the student to know how to do a task without directions. This is almost certainly settin...

Essay example --

Another solution could be found in organizations, such as Families First, that literally bridges the gap by providing both types of services. The Michigan Department of Social Services founded Families First to deal with child neglect, but staffers soon realized domestic violence was also at play in many of their cases (Findlater 92). After requesting domestic violence training, Families First social workers now provide domestic violence services as they come into a crossroads with child neglect issues (Findlater 92). Similarly, some domestic violence shelters welcome children and can help them with group counseling (Carter 7). For example, lecturer Azucena Ugarte noted that of the Philadelphia shelter’s one hundred beds, ten of them were cribs (Ugarte). An often over-looked key to bettering the treatment for child witnesses is to improve the legal system’s interactions with them. Researcher Nancy K. D. Lemon acknowledges that since the 1970s the judicial system has done a good sign handling domestic violence victims, but she says it has been â€Å"slower to recognize the effect of domes...