Short Story Monologue - 1205 Words

She had never hurt anyone. Ever. She was young. She was innocent. She didn’t even know them. She had never seen them. She never saw their face. She never saw it coming. I’ll tell it to you straight. I won’t lie. I won’t exaggerate or or put anything to the extreme. In fact, I might just tone it down. The fear in your eyes is almost tangible. I didn’t die. If I did, the killer was pretty good, because I didn’t feel pain, or feel my heart stop, or even remember sucking in my last breath. I’m here now, wherever this is. I’ll tell you a story. I was little. I won’t give an age, because that will make it too real. I lived with my parents. I had no brothers or sisters. I was an only child. I had never known hunger, or pain, or sadness. No one†¦show more content†¦I watched them go to my front door. I waited. They waited. I didn’t dare do anything. They had trespassed, but they hadn t gone in my house, they hadn’t damaged the property, or done anything illegal that I could think of. So I waited. It was midnight when I finally moved to check the time. I didn’t make any noi se, just glanced down at my watch. That one silent movment and Ace swiveled around. My heart stopped. My breathe stopped. My blood stopped. If the world and time could have stopped, it would too. Their every colored eyes darted across yard, not just looking, but seeing, which I can assure is very different. I didn’t move, I didn’t even move my eyes. I couldn’t move, because I knew if I did, I would die. Suddenly, Ace’s lips curved into a smile as their eyes settled onto mine. I feared my thinking was to loud. †London...† The entire world was dark and silent except for us. Somehow I knew that everyone was gone. I didn’t know where, or how, or what happened, but I knew they were gone. â€Å"London...† Ace’s voice was musically dull and pretty horrible. I didn’t do anything, even as my vision darkened, and my lungs screamed for air, I didn’t dare breathe when I was making eye contact with Ace. They turned around and opened the front door. I blinked. BAM! Ace was standing over me, smiling in a way that almost made me scream in fear. â€Å"London...† I sucked in air and then the world was as it should be. Suddenly cars were driving, people talking in theShow MoreRelatedShort Story Monologue1470 Words   |  6 Pageson my bed. While leaving my hands in my pockets in an attempt to keep them warm, I gaze around the basement. Despite its unsightly appearance, love expels from the walls, much like the walls in my apartment. The pipes creak as they recount their stories of all they have witnessed, leaving me with a sense of comfort. The machine beeps at the end of its cycle, waking me; I hadn t realised I dozed off. If a place for drying clothes existed in our apartment, I would return there now, but alas, thereRead MoreNotes On The Novel Fences And Pied Piper Of Tucson 1080 Words   |  5 Pagesengage and intrigue readers. First, students read short stories and poetry, including a close reading of Joyce Carol Oates’ short story, â€Å"Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?† and Mara Bovsun’s article, â€Å"Pied Piper of Tucson;† they identify and describe ways authors ‘hook and hold’ readers with specific choices. Next, students read the play Fences by Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson and analyze the role of stories within in the story to create tension and advance the plot. Fences is theRead MoreThe Revolt Of Mother By Mary E. Wilkins1094 Words   |  5 Pagesa literary example that reinforces the idea of the Cult of Domesticity by showing the reader the boundaries between genders and the power, however limited, that a woman has. In contrast, Kate Chopin’s â€Å"The Story of An Hour†, shows the constraints that gender roles put on a woman. Chopin’s story challenges the Cult of Domesticity by using the character’s internal dialogue to show that this was not the life she pictured. The Cult of Domesticity can be tied to other themes, such as the burden of motherhoodRead MoreWhy I Live At The P.o.777 Words   |  3 PagesChina Grove In Eudora Welty s story, ?Why do I Live At The P.O., the main character directs the focus of the reader through her own point of view. The story is set in a small Mississippi town, sometime afte r World War II. The time and the place have a significant effect upon the language used. This helps to create an overall mood that is dominated by Southern prejudices, interpersonal ignorance and simplicity; for example, Sister says ?Nigger girl? (1031) words that now demonstrate racism but atRead MoreLiterary Elements Of The Tale Tell Heart1059 Words   |  5 PagesThe short story the Tale Tell Heart, Edger Allen Poe uses many literary elements to show the theme of the story. Some of the literary elements that Poe uses are first person narrator, interior monologue, and cosmic irony. With these elements Poe is able to display the theme of the story which is, we are afraid of the things we don’t understand and a guilty conscience will win out in the end. These are the themes and elements of Poe’s short story. Poe uses first person narration all throughout thisRead MoreDown to a Sunless Sea by Neil Gaiman1028 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Down to a Sunless Sea by Neil Gaiman Down to a Sunless Sea is short story written by Neil Gaiman and published in the British newspaper The Guardian on March 22nd 2013. Taking place in London, this story describes a rainy encounter on the banks of the Thames which unlocks a tale of loss and grief. The setting is London. Presumeably 18th or early 19th century based on how the Thames is described as extremely filthy and filled with the bodies of cats and dogs. Also the mention of the so-calledRead MoreAnalysis Of Vineland And Robert Coover s Dramatic Monologue Rip Awake1732 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract The present paper traces the origins of Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland and Robert Coover’s dramatic monologue Rip Awake to Washington Irving’s short story â€Å"Rip Van Winkle† and attempts to analyze both adaptations. Though Irving’s short story dates back to an earlier time period in the American landscape, it nonetheless forms the foundation of both Pynchon’s and Coover’s work. Though Irving’s writing style has often been called exceedingly British sounding, his narratives are steeped inRead More Raymond Carvers Cathedral Essay955 Words   |  4 Pages nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;As with many short stories, Raymond Carver’s â€Å"Cathedral† only has a few pages to develop his main character and create a scenario he or she must learn from or achieve something from or change because of. In such a short amount of space, word choice is integral in constructing a solid impression of the characters and their personalities in the reader’s mind. Carver’s simple use of language and sentence structure combined with his choice for point of view creates anRead MoreComparison Of Hemmingway And Faulkner s Ethos1087 Words   |  5 PagesProper character development is difficult and must be elaborated correctly from the beginning of a story, or else the structure becomes hard to follow. Faulkner and Hemmingway both are masters in the craft of character and often reflect themselves upon this. They are able to do so brilliantly, and although both authors differ greatly in their development and techniques, their end results are nothing short of dazzling. Faulkner often develops his characters through their surroundings and object descriptionRead MoreThe Jilting Of Granny Weatherall And Arabing Essay1446 Words   |  6 Pagesand it is what will be surveyed in this essay. The two stories being observed are Katherine Porter’s â€Å"The Jilting of Granny Weatherall†, a short story about an 80-year-old woman’s thoughts and memories as she lives out her last day. The second story is James Joyce’s â€Å"Araby†, the fictional story of a young boy in Dublin and his infatuation with a girl in his neighborhood. This essay will examine stream of consciousness vital role in these stories in regard to the style of narration presented, how the

Anorexia Nervosa Is A Serious, Life Threatening Eating...

Anorexia nervosa is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder. Typically this disorder is diagnosed in young females and women, although males can be diagnosed with anorexia as well. Those with anorexia tend to have very low self-esteem because of their perceived body image. These individuals have a unhealthy fear of becoming â€Å"fat.† They will often avoid eating certain foods/food groups (carbohydrates, sugars, etc.) and will hardly come close to consuming the recommended daily amount of calorie intake. Due to an inadequate calorie intake and starvation within these individuals, excessive weight loss is bound to occur. According to the government website of eating disorders, the warning signs of anorexia nervosa include the following: â€Å"dramatic weight loss, preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat grams, and dieting, frequent comments about feeling fat despite weight loss, denial of hunger, withdraw from usual friends and activities, and in general, behav iors and attitudes indicating that weight loss, dieting, and control of food are becoming primary concerns† (Anorexia Nervosa). Because the body is not being adequately supplied with the proper nutrients from the diet, it can not function properly and can lead to multiple problems within the body itself. Anorexia is very often comorbid with other psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression (Junne, Zipfel, Wild, Martus, Giel, 2016). Studies of anorexia/anorexic symptoms began as early as the 1850Show MoreRelatedThe Dangerous Effects of Eating Disorders1100 Words   |  5 PagesDangerous Effects of Eating Disorders You probably hear about eating disorders, and how they can be do dangerous, but what are eating disorders exactly? Eating disorders are a groups of serious conditions in which you are so preoccupied with the food that you eat and how much you weigh, you often focus on little else (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/basics/definition/con-20033575 ). There are three main types of eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa is the fear of gainingRead MoreEating Disorders883 Words   |  4 PagesEating Disorders INTRODUCTION Attention Getter Do you like what you see when you look in the mirror? Imagine looking in the mirror and you see something other than what is truly there. That is a nightmare that many women suffering with eating disorders live with everyday. No matter how pretty or slim they are, all they can see is ugly and obese in that mirror. Thesis Statement Eating disorders affect millions of people every year, and can even result in death. I will explain what a eatingRead MoreEating Disorders Are Serious Mental Illnesses That Are Not A Choice1535 Words   |  7 PagesEating disorders are serious mental illnesses that are not a choice. Eating disorders can affect people of any age and are characterized by concerns with body weight and irregular eating habits. There are many different kinds of eating disorders, but the cause of them is not completely known. The symptoms of eating disorders include obsession with food, appearance, and weight. There are ways to cope with and treat eating disorders with the help of a therapist that is specially trained in eating disordersRead MoreA Brief Note On Anorexia And Anorexia Nervosa1148 Words   |  5 PagesAnorexia is a severe eating disorder which is generally characterized by severe weight loss and life threatening dieting these then results in malnourishment (Anorexia Nervosa , 2015). Bulimia and Anorexia are known to be the two most largely known eating disorders that are very serious and affect many teenagers. 95% of people suffering with anorexia are known to be girls however there’s an average 5% of males that suffer from this mental illness. Anorexia is when the brain goes into over drive toRead MoreEssay about Anorexia1456 Words   |  6 Pages  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, there are over 24 Million people that suffer from eating disorders.   What is an eating disorder though?   The simple definition of this disease is that a person exhibits abnormal eating behaviors.   There are many different variations to these disorders but they share many of the same characteristics such as: fear of becoming obese, obsession with thinness, food, weight, and even calorie counting.   OfRead MoreEating Disorders And Their Effects On V ictims Of Them1281 Words   |  6 Pagesthoughts someone suffering an eating disorder hear every second of a day. In this essay, I will explain eating disorders and their effects on victims of them. Eating disorders are major health risks, and can be life-threatening. Eating disorders are defined as abnormal eating habits and extreme worry about one’s body image. They are mental illnesses that exist in both males and females, but are most commonly seen in females between the ages of 12-25. Eating disorders are not only about losing weightRead MoreEating Disorders And Young Women1674 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract Eating disorders refer to conditions where individuals have an unhealthy relationship with food, which turn negatively various aspects of their lives. Individuals suffering from eating disorders eat either excessively large amounts of food or little food that cannot sustain their normal body functions. Such persons can equally be obsessed with thoughts of food and exercises, an aspect that may result in them having distorted bodies. Millions of American citizens suffer from eating disordersRead MoreEating Disorders : Eating Behavior And Weight Regulation1034 Words   |  5 PagesEating disorders feature serious disturbances in eating behavior and weight regulation. Associated with a wide range of adverse psychological, physical, and social consequences; eating disorders include severe distress or concern about body weight and shape. Eating disorders are more than simply watching your weight or dieting, they include characteristics such as skipping meals, excessive exercise and ov ereating. Eating disorders are serious emotional and physical issues with life-threateningRead MoreA Brief Note On Anorexia Nervosa And Bulimia Nervosa1280 Words   |  6 PagesAnorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa Eating disorders are classified as mental disorders and can lead to life threatening damage. It is important to manage eating disorders to prevent health effects. There are many different possibilities for patients with disorders. Common treatments for eating disorders can consists of counselor or therapists. Early detection is important to limit future oral health effects. A dental hygienist has an advantage to see the inside of the mouth for possible traumaRead MoreAnorexia Nervos The Long Term Aims Of Psychological Treatment1324 Words   |  6 PagesAnorexia - Anorexia nervosa is an extremely serious, life-threatening eating disorder characterised by self-starvation and excessive weight loss, effecting 0.3% of adolescents aged 13 to 18 years (male and female). Signs of this disorder can include Inadequate food intake, Self-esteem overly related to body image, frequent comments about feeling overweight despite being thin, consistent excuses to avoid situations involving food, development of food routines (e.g. eating foods in certain orders

What You Pawn I Will Redeem Free Essays

English 102 MWF 11-11:50 I really enjoyed the story What You Pawn I will Redeem. It was very well written and kept my attention throughout the story. It is amazing that he walked by a pawnshop and immediately recognized his grandmother’s regalia without ever seeing it other than in pictures. We will write a custom essay sample on What You Pawn I Will Redeem or any similar topic only for you Order Now I enjoy reading about Native American cultures and beliefs. There was a lot of humor in this story and Jackson definitely did not take himself too seriously. I think the 1st person narrator was very important in telling this story. I do not feel that Jackson was an unreliable narrator because he seemed to tell it like it is. He had no reason to try to make himself look better. He seems to accept himself for who he is. He is an honest man who seems to be well liked by everybody he deals with on a regular basis, from the cop to the guy with the newspapers. He shows his struggles with alcohol and also his giving nature. All the money he came across he spent not just on himself getting drunk but on others as well. I believe that the theme of the story is that no matter where you go in your life you never forget or really give up where you come from. Jackson Jackson has been homeless for six years away from his family in Spokane yet as soon as he saw his grandmother’s regalia in the window he knew it was hers even before they find the yellow bead. It then becomes his mission to gather the money to get it back. The regalia is a piece of him and the life he left behind. Even though he does not come up with the money to buy it back he still ends up with it in the end. How to cite What You Pawn I Will Redeem, Essay examples

Analysis of Art free essay sample

Title: Cuteness and Loneliness Life is full emotions like happiness and sadness. People sometimes feel happy, joyful, and cheerful, but sometimes sadness or depression. Edward Hopper and Takashi Nakamura draw their paintings to express different feelings. In Edward Hopper’s painting â€Å"Morning Sun† (1952), he displays the image of a woman looking outside alone in order to symbolize the woman’s feelings about â€Å"depression,† but also how she still has â€Å"hope† for her own life.On the other hand, in Takashi Nakamura’ painting â€Å"Kaikaikiki New† (2009), he displays the image of many cartoon-like characters in order to symbolize feelings of â€Å"happiness† Therefore, the two artists express opposing feelings in their works. In Edward Hopper’s painting, he mainly expresses the reality of daily life and the feeling of â€Å"depression† and â€Å"hope,† while Takashi Murakami draws the unreality to show the feeling of â€Å"Happiness† and â€Å"Cuteness. † In Edward Hopper’s early career, he was trained as an illustrator for advertisement. We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of Art or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page However, he was a artist who was influenced by the realistic artist movement in the early twentieth century. He studied painting under Robert Henri, who was a member of a group of painters called the Ashcan School. Then his style of painting was changed, so â€Å"a feeling of loneliness and detachment pervaded Hopper’s works in the second half of his career† (Turner, 752). He started to paint the commonplaces of urban life with anonymous figures. However, most of his oil and watercolor paintings are neither crowded nor lively urban scenes. Rather, his art work captures the calm and solitary scene in urban areas. In his paintings, even though he paints urban scenes, dark places in a town or a single person in a plain bedroom dominate most of his paintings. This isolation of his subjects â€Å"was heightened by Hoppers characteristic use of light to insulate persons and objects in space† (â€Å"Synopsis†). Hopper then, paints a diffent kind of urban scene, which usually suggests a livelier environment and solitude theme of his work, leading to the feeling of loneliness for most viewers.Takashi Murakami is a Japanese artist, and most his works are painted in cartoon-like figures and nonrealistic paintings. When he was young, he grew up with traditional Japanese painting, like Nihonga. However, He was particularly interested in Japanese animation and comics. Also, his father worked at an American naval base, and was influenced by the combination of Japanese culture and Western society So, Japanese popular culture informed his outlook, but he also felt the impact of Western society, particularly the popular culture of the United States.According to Howe Jeff, Takashi Murakami wanted to create â€Å"the universality of characters such as Mickey Mouse, Sonic the Hedgehog, Doraemon, Miffy, Hello Kitty, and their knock-offs, produced in Hong Kong† (Howe). So, he painted cartoon-like figure characters in most of his work because he believed that there are â€Å"secret of market survivability† in the U. S. culture (Takashi) . Even though he studied Nihonga, which is traditional Japanese art, when he was young, he â€Å"combines Japanese anime and manga images, high fashion, and Nihon-ga (Japanese-style) paintings of the nineteenth† (208).Therefore, Murakami is often classified as a pop artist. He is inspired by popular culture, choosing subjects from such sources as cartoons, so his art become cute, and most people in Eastern and Western societies accept his work widely. In Edward Hopper’s image of â€Å"Morning Sun,† I see the â€Å"sad† and â€Å"loneliness† feeling in his work. But, at same time, I see the â€Å"hope† in this image. He symbolizes the â€Å"depression† and â€Å"hope† by placing a woman alone in a room. Hopper draws a solitary figure, looking straight towards the outside the window in the image. She is sitting on the bed, and no other people are around her.Her eyes droop down, and she looks sad. This causes any observer to feel that she is alone in this room and cannot share her feelings with anyone, so she must be feeling lonely. Also, she does not even look at the direction to the painter, so this makes me feel like she is too depressed to want to have eye contact with anyone. Her face tells me that she does not have courage to give up everything for her new life. She seems to be a single woman and looks tired of her ordinary life. However, her eyes, looking at outside, have strong feeling as well. She has a longing to her ordinary life somehow.

Studying abroad free essay sample

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad/working abroad for a period of time. With the rapid development of society, we have entered an era of information explosion. In order to acquire more knowledge, more and more people decide to further their study abroad. Studying abroad brings about many advantages. It widens students knowledge and horizons, and meanwhile cultivates their independence and personalities. Firstly, students can learn advanced knowledge and experience abroad. Since the eform and the policy of opening to the outside world, China has strengthened cooperation with many countries. As a result, the scientific and technological level has been improved very rapidly. However, compared with the developed countries in the world, we still have a very long way to go. Studying abroad provides opportunities to students, who can learn advanced knowledge and management experience, so as to enhance the scientific level in our country. Secondly, studying abroad can cultivate students ability to live independently and their characters. We will write a custom essay sample on Studying abroad or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Students have to deal with many problems when they study abroad. They have to learn how to be accustomed to a new environment and how to get along with the teachers and classmates. During their study, they can acquire some interpersonal skills. Finally, studying abroad can provide a good language environment to students and make it easy to pick up a language. Foreign language is a tool employed to communicate with each other. It can remove language barrier and make international cooperation much easier. However, Every coin has its two sides. Studying abroad also brings about many disadvantages. Firstly, students will be confronted with so many psychological problems. They often feel lonely and helpless in a new environment. Furthermore, the tuition is very high, which is a very heavy financial burden to the average people. To sum up, the advantages of studying abroad outweigh the disadvantages greatly. We encourage students to study abroad. When they accomplish their curriculum, they can make more contributions to the construction of our society. (313 words) studying abroad By Andy-Xws Studying Abroad free essay sample Once peoplemgraduste high school, they usually want to exoloremthe world before going to a colage. Bt studying abroad can provide a n excelent opportunity for these students. Studing abroad allows students to visit and explore the world while also studying. Studying abroad can have many great benefits as well as some downfalls. Some of the benefit s include increasing foreign language capabilities, meeting people who have the same interest, Â  and having a great start on your future. While studying abroad, people oftentimes find themselves ina country that doesnt speak his or her first language. Therefore studying abroad will allow that person to greatly increase their ability to communicate with others that speak a different language. Being in a country that speaks your second language will surround you with people that speak that language. Immersing oneself in a foreign language will help them retainin the language much beter. And if a person has a prior knowlage of the language hey will be abel to use words in communication that are not taught in the text books. We will write a custom essay sample on Studying Abroad or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Once having learned a second language, most jobs will see this as a great advantage, Â  especially if the job requires talking to other people, such as a cashier or a real estate agent. Studying abroad will increase a persons knowledge of a second language and therefore increase their chance of getting a better job. Another great advantage to studying abroad is meeting new people that may have the same interests as you. This can lead to life long friendships, business partners, and even a relationship with a class mate. Some people, when studying abroad, find a family to house them while they learn. Sometimes hese families are family to the student and sometimes just a random family opening up their home so a student could learn. People studying abroad sometimes find friendships with their classmates since they already have established some common ground. If students are studying busines then they might find one of their friends the perfect business partner. And on a rare occasion two students will fall in love and make a lasting relationship out of it. No mater what a person chooses to study abroad, they will find new friends that will impact their life. Sometimes students will take up a part time job, either in the feild they are studying, or in a feild that they are interested in. This can give them a huge advantage if they already have some past experience in the feild theymare studying. They will be even more likely to get a good job. And some colleges will help their students get part time jobs and will also count as school credits. They college will also give you a letter of recommendation, which you can give to a possible employer to increase your chances of being hired. Studying abroad will help prepare students forna successful future. Studying abroad will alow a person to expore the world, master a second language, meet new people, and create a great start for a successful future. And although here may be some difficulties with studying abroad. Such as money and homesicknes, thats nothing a part time job and vacations back home cant fix. The benefits of studying abroad greatly outweigh the downfalls.

Understanding the Measles Virus (MV) The WritePass Journal

Understanding the Measles Virus (MV) Introduction Understanding the Measles Virus (MV) IntroductionSymptomsInfection and spreadDiagnosis TreatmentVaccinationSubacute sclerosing panencephalitis  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (SSPE)ReferencesRelated Introduction Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the Measles Virus (MV) which belongs to the Paramyxovirus family, and is of the genus Morbillivirus as it does not possess any virus-associated neuraminidase activity (Topley Wilsons 2005, Morgan Rapp 1977). It is primarily considered a childhood disease, easily communicable within a non-immunised population. Moreover, acute infection with the virus will confer lifelong immunity in most individuals (Schneider-Schaulies Meulen 2000). Therefore as the virus is also confined to humans with no asymptomatic carrier state, to remain endemic within a population it relies upon infection of those still susceptible to infection. The MV itself is approximately 100–300 nm in diameter, with a core of single-stranded RNA which encodes for 8 proteins, surrounded in a helical capsid (Griffin 2010; Schneider-Schaulies Meulen 2000). Two viral transmembrane proteins; fusion (F) protein is responsible for fusion of virus and host cell membranes, viral penetration, and hemolysis. Hemagglutinin (H) is responsible for adsorption of virus to cells. Antibodies to these proteins may mitigate against infection of host cells (Griffin 2010). Other proteins include the matrix or M protein which links the envelope to the ribonucleoplasmid core, and the nucleoprotein (N) forms part of the ribonucleocapsid along with phosphoprotein (P) and large polymerase protein (L) which both are also necessary for RNA synthesis. Non structural proteins C and V also regulate response to infection (Topley Wilson 2005). A schematic of the virus is shown in figure 1. Fig 1. Adapted from Morgan Rapp 1977 Schematic of Measles virus Canine distemper and rinderpest viruses also belong to the same genus and share close antigenic relationship. In October 2010 the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation announced that Rinderpest had been successfully eradicated. Infection with measles also provided the first insight into suppression of the immune system by a virus, thus permitting secondary infections to occur relating to the mortality of infection (McChesney et al 1989). This area is of much interest to immunologists and was first noted over 200 years ago as TB infection was seen to follow measles infection (Karp 1999), of which alterations in cell mediated immunity is of most clinical concern. This was noted by von Pirquet whist performing the tuberculin skin test which failed to respond to it thus predisposing to secondary infectious from measles induced immunosuppression (Topley Wilson 2005). Isolation of the virus in 1954 by Enders and Peebles allowed the advent of measles vaccination, with the first vaccines being produced in 1963. Safe and effective vaccination programmes with the live further attenuated vaccine have eliminated the virus from most westernised societies (WHO weekly 2008); however the virus remains a major cause of mortality in populations lacking access to adequate medical care (Kerdiles et al 2006). In 2008, 164 000 measles deaths were recorded globally (WHO fact sheet 2009) and as recent as January 2011 Kofi Annan called for the UN Executive Board to set an eradication date for measles (Measles Initiative 2011). Progress on this front continues with immunisation programmes and effective surveillance this is highlighted by the reduction of measles deaths by 78% between 2000 and 2008. Symptoms The measles virus normally enters the body through the upper respiratory tract, or conjunctiva. The first clinical sign of infection is usually a febrile illness (38.3 °c), which begins about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus, and lasts four to seven days (fig2). Further signs and symptoms then develop in this prodromal illness these include malaise, cough, coryza (runny nose), conjunctivitis, as the MV establishes a systemic infection involving multiple organ systems leading to Koplik spots and typical maculopapular rash and immunosuppression. Fig. 2. Adapted from Topley Wilson Microbiology Microbial Infections Immunology 10th edt. 2005. Transmission occurs through the air and involves close personal contact with an infected individual, surfaces or objects which they have been in contact. As the virus is highly contagious, it will remain active in the air and on these surfaces for up to two hours. It has been noted that up to 90% of people without immunity sharing a house with an infected individual will become infected (Schneider-Schaulies Meulen 2000). Infected individuals can transmit the MV from four days prior to the onset of the rash to four days after the rash erupts. Studies also show the MV can be inactivated by heat, light, acidic pH, ether, and trypsin (Topley Wilson 2005). The virus replicates in the respiratory tract and then reaches local lymphoid tissue, producing primary viremia. Lymphoid tissues such as the thymus, spleen, and tonsils are normal sites of replication. Following replication within the lymphoid tissue, the MV spreads to other organs including the skin, kidney, lungs, liver and gastrointestinal tract known as secondary viremia. The MV replicates in epithelial and endothelial cells and is accompanied by vascular dilation, increased vascular permability, mononuclear cell infiltration and infection of surrounding tissue (Topley Wilson 2005). Small white spots develop inside the buccal cavity known as Koplik’s spots (fig 3a) due to nectrotic infection of the submucous glands, at this stage the individual is highly contagious and giant cells are present in the sputum and other secretions this occurs just prior to development of the typical rash.   Each of these signs is a typical characteristic of measles infection the rash then erupts, usually on the forehead, face and upper neck. The rash then spreads to cover the entire body over the next 3 days, lasts for about six days before it begins to disperse, this typical presentation is seen in figure 3b. This rash is said to occur due to vascular congestion epithelial necrosis and oedema. The entire course of uncomplicated measles, from late prodrome to resolution of fever and rash, is approximately 7-10 days. Fig 3. Characteristics of Measles infection (accessed from google images) Complications arising from measles infection result mainly from opportunistic secondary infections due to the immunosuppression induced by MV. The depression of the immune response may last up to 6 months (Kerdiles et al 2006). Complications are more common in children under the age of five, or adults over the age of 20 and occur in individuals who arepoorly nourished, especially those insufficient in vitamin A, or individuals with existing immunodeficiency such as HIV/AIDS. Diarrhoea and severe dehydration is not uncommon in developing countries where secondary infection is likely and worsens their individual’s nutritional status; this along with lack of substantial vitamin A may lead to post-measles blindness. Ear infections and pneumonia may also occur which will require antibiotics to treat the imposing infectious agent. Treatment of giant cell pneumonia is a very protracted and causes the majority of measles related deaths. However, more serious complications like encephalitis and persistent brain inflammation known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) also occur though these are rare. SSPE will be discussed further on in this text. Measles infection during pregnancy may induce spontaneous abortion or still births other reports have stated measles infection during pregnancy may produce infants with a low birth weight or congenital malformaty (Schneider-Schaulies Meulen 2000). Administration of antimeasles gammaglobulin less than three days after exposure may protect from infection this is discussed further in vaccination section. Acute encephalitis results in death in approximately 15% of patients who develop it (Schneider-Schaulies Meulen 2000). Development usually occurs eight days after onset of the rash, symptoms of this can include recurrence of a high fever, persistent headache, vomiting, drowsiness, seizures and coma. Measles Inclusion Body Encephalitis occurs only in the immunocompromised e.g. individuals with leukaemia present without rash as no immune response was elicited and is often confused with SSPE. Symptoms include seizures stupor or coma which is dependent on localisation of the disease within the CNS. This type of encephalitis has no antibodies detectable in the CSF (Schneider-Schaulies Meulen 2000). Infection and spread MV replication involves the transcription of viral RNA to give + sense mRNA before this can be translated. The F protein facilitates fusion with the plasma membrane. Viral multiplication occurs in the cytoplasm, using the RNA polymerase and RNA modification enzymes packaged in the virus and use the nucleoplasmid as a template to transcribe viral mRNAs; theseare capped, methylated and polyadenylated translated and packed into the new virues and bud out through the cell plasma membrane. The non structural proteins C and V also play an important role in replication of the virus, this has be confirmed by in vitro studies, results of studies with animal models show that these proteins are also important for the virulence of the virus. They have also been investigated for their ability to produce IFN responses; C protein was shown to inhibit this (Kerdiles et al 2006). MV interaction with the immune system involves studying measles infection in humans, naturally and experimentally infected rhesus monkeys, cotton rats and transgenic mice and also some in vitro models (Griffin 2010). It is well known that the primary target for the MV is the monocyte and primarily causes the viremia during infection with accompanied leukopenia. Three cellular receptors for MV are recognized: the low affinity membrane co-factor protein CD46, present on all nucleated cells was the first receptor identified for the MV (Topley Wilson 2005). CD46 is the natural binding site for C3b/C4b complement components however; it also binds to the viral hemagglutinin (H) protein of the measles virus. The second receptor; higher affinity signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM ⠁„ CD150), a glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily is present on subsets of lymphocytes, thymocytes, macrophages, and DCs; and an unidentified receptor present on ciliated columnar respiratory epithelial cells (Griffin 2010). Recent studies have questioned the role of CD46 in vivo. This is confirmed as all viral strains tested preferentially bind CD150, therefore CD150 is the primary determinant of MV tropism (Griffin 2010). MV infections usually produce very distinctive cytopathic effects enabling formation of multinucleated giant cells. Binding of H protein to both CD46 and CD150 downregulate receptor expression; this may lead to activation of complement against uninfected lymphocytes, thus contributing to the associated leukopenia. This profound suppression of cell-mediated immunity was confirmed by Karp et al in 1996. Conversly interaction of H protein with TLR2 on surface of monocyte will stimulate IL-6 and increase CD150. This process also results in decreased IL-12 production from infected monocytes which may be a result of the reduction of IFN-ÃŽ ³ produced by T cells. The nucleocapsid protein (N) also reduces the release of IL-12 from monocytes, with resultant reduction in T cell proliferation which may lead to cellular apoptosis (Topley Wilson 2005). IFN-ÃŽ ³ also aids in the production of nitric oxide, though with down regulation of CD46 will alter the immune response to other intracellular pathogens e.g. mycobacteria. Therefore, CD46 as receptor in MV infection may disturb different aspect of the immune response. Downregulation of CD150 after infection may impair the Th1 response towards other pathogens due to the decrease in IFN-ÃŽ ³. Cytokines and chemokines produced during infection include IL-8 which is increase in early infection. IL-2, IFN-ÃŽ ³, are increased during the corresponding rash. In vitro systems have shown there is reduced IL-2 production during the inital stage of infection, Griffin et al shown that introduction of recombinant IL-2 along with neutralisation of high IL-4 restores lymphocyte proliferation (Topley Wilson 2005). The rash is associated with MV infection is due to the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells into the site of replication, with the CD8+ response occurring more rapidly than CD4+ which is more protracted. IgM response to infection occurs alongside appearance of the rash, to which serological detection is diagnostic. Increased MV specific IgG follows recovery from infection conferring lifelong immunity, notably in vitro infection of B cells reduces Immunoglobulin production, through binding of N protein to activated cells however in vivo studies show no B cell defect (Niewiesk et al 2000). After resolution of the rash regulatory CD4+ cells produce IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 (Griffin 2010). Changes to the cytokine profile seen with CD150 interactions may show that infection starts with a Th1 response and then converts to a regulatory Th2 response in later infection resulting in delayed hypersensitivy response. Diagnosis Treatment Diagnosis of measles is based upon the individuals’ history and clinical presentation, with appearance of Koplik spots and typical rash being diagnostic. However, laboratory methods may be required for more complicated cases e.g. in the case of modified or atypical measles. The virus is detectable by a number of different methodologies these include direct microscopy, immunofluorescence of nasopharyngeal secretions or urine, viral cultures and electron microscopy can all provide diagnosis. Though measles is best confirmed by serological detection of; IgM antibody against the virus, in the acute phase and IgG in the convalescent phase of disease using ELISA. Prevention of disease by administration of vaccine should always primary goal rather than treatment of disease, as the vaccine is cheap, safe, and effective. Adequate nutrition, fluid replacement and appropriate use of antibiotic if required is all that can be provided to treat measles infection though its recommended that all children in developing countries diagnosed with measles should receive treatment with two doses of vitamin A, given 24 hours apart should be provided to individuals in developing countries prevent permanent loss of vision, provision of this supplement has shown to reduce the number of deaths from measles by 50% (WHO factsheet 2009).    Vaccination Vaccination is the greatest success in Immunology; historically it all started with Jenner, cowpox and smallpox which led to production of a vaccine. However, now in the 21st century there are a multitude of vaccinations available. The WHO classified smallpox as being eradicated worldwide in 1980 and publish lists of prevalence of those diseases which they continue to strive to eliminate worldwide. The first measles vaccines were licensed in 1963. This included an inactivated vaccine and a live attenuated vaccine known as the Edmonston B Strain. The inactivated vaccine was withdrawn as it did not produce an immunogenic response and therefore did not provide immunity to the disease, those immunised with this vaccine may have later developed atypical measles if infected with the wild type virus. Atypical measles progresses similarly to measles though individuals will also experience headaches and abdominal pain with the rash beginning on the extremities and spreading over the body. It has been proposed the inactivated vaccine did not produce antibodies to the F protein and thus was unable to prevent its spread (Schneider-Schaulies Meulen 2000). Modified measles is another form of the disease which occurs in partially immunised children or individuals who have received immune serum globulin and symptoms appear much milder than seen in acute measles (Schneider-Schaulies Meulen 2000). The original Edmonston B vaccine was able to seroconvert 95% of recipients however it was withdrawn in 1975 as it produced a mild form of measles in up to 10% of those vaccinated, to reduce the side effects gammaglobulin was administered. Thus, further live attenuated vaccines were sought including the Schwarz strain in 1965, and the Edmonston-Enders strain produced by passage in chicken cells was licensed in 1968, which caused fewer reactions than the original Edmonston B vaccine (Undergraduate Notes). The vaccine was combined with mumps and rubella vaccines and is licensed in 1971 as MMR (Undergraduate Notes). Furthermore, two doses of the vaccine was recommended to ensure immunity in 1989, as about 15% of vaccinated children fail to develop immunity from the first dose (WHO factsheet 2009). Varicella vaccine may also be combined and administered as MMRV, this format of vaccination was licensed in 2005. These vaccines are now supplied lyophylised and contain a small amount of human albumin, neomycin, sorbitol, and gelatine and are reconstituted prior to use. Clinical study of 284 triple seronegative children, 11 months to 7 years of age, demonstrated high immunogenic capability of the vaccine as it induced hemagglutination-inhibition antibodies in 95% of individuals for the measles vaccine thus conferring its effectiveness (MMR vaccine 2010). However, dispute that the vaccine causes autism first arose when Wakefield et al reported this in 1998 which may have reduced uptake of vaccine in theUKfor a period time before these claims were discredited by epidemiological studies which consistently found no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Vaccination rates in theEnglandhave increased from the 80% low in 2003-4 but are still below the 95% level recommended by the WHO to ensure herd immunity (HPA), notably the number of measles cases recorded in 2010 has decreased with improved uptake of the vaccination (HPA2). Global cooperation between a number of organisations has also ensured that 83% children received their first measles vaccine by the age of 1, up from 72% in 2000 (WHO factsheet 2009), and will work together in advancing the global measles strategy. In countries where measles has been largely eliminated, cases imported from other countries remain an important source of infection. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (SSPE) SSPE is an extremely rare degenerative condition of the brain caused by the reactivation of the measles virus after an interval of 6-8 years though incidences have also occurred almost 30 years from primary infection. The disorder is usually fatal and effects males more often than females, though incidence of SSPE is very low 1 case per 100 000(Schneider-Schaulies Meulen 2000). Most individuals with SSPE contracted the MV before the age of two, symptoms usually are slow and progressive, and begin with deterioration in the individuals’ mental faculty and individuals may experience hallucinations. Symptoms may not be recognised until further neurological or motor symptoms appear such as convulsions, dyspraxia, aphasia and other abnormal uncontrollable muscle movements. Visual disturbances may also occur if the virus invades the retina leading to complete blindness. The disease is nearly always fatal within 1 to 3 years. Diagnosis is made on the clinical presentation and confirmation by a high titre of antibody to the MV (Schneider-Schaulies Meulen 2000). Investigations would include electroencephalogram (EEG), and computerised tomography (CT) to shown scarring of the brain and neuronal activity. There is no treatment available for those afflicted with SSPE; anticonvulsants such as Phenobarbital, valproic acid and others may be prescribed to control seizures. Although this disease is very severe and rare the final cause of death is usually pneumonia, the pneumonia results from extreme muscle weakness. With adequate vaccination cases of SSPE have also declined. References Topley Wilsons Microbiology Microbial Infections – Immunology 10th edt. Published by Edward Arnold Ltd. 2005 Chapter 39 Acquired immunodeficiencies pgs 803-806 Morgan EM Rapp F. Measles Virus and Its Associated Diseases. Bacteriological reviews Sept. 1977, Vol. 41, No. 3 pgs. 636-666 Principles and Practice of Clinical Virology 4th edt. Published by John Wiley sons Ltd. 2000 chapter 11 Measles by Schneider-Schaulies Meulen pgs 357-385 GriffinDE. Measles virus-induced suppression of immune responses. Immunological Reviews 2010 Vol. 236: 176–189 McChesneyMB, Oldstone MBA, Fujinami RS et al Virus Induced Immunosuppression: Infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and suppression of Immunoglobulin synthesis during natural measles virus infection in rhesus monkeys. Journal of infectious diseases 1989 159:4 757-760 Karp CL. Measles: immunosuppression, interleukin-12, and complement receptors. Immunological Reviews 1999 Apr;168:91-101. World Health Organisation. Weekly epidemiological record: Progress in global measles control and mortality reduction, 2000–2007 2008, No. 49, 83, 441–448 Kerdiles YM, Sellin CI, Druelle J, Horvat B. Immunosuppression caused by measles virus: role of viral proteins. Reveiws in Medical Virology. 2006 Jan-Feb;16(1):49-63. World Health Organisation. Mealses factsheet no 286 2009 Measles Initiative UN: Statement on Eradication by Kofi Annan 2011 measlesinitiative.org/ Figure 3 images obtained from google.co.uk/images Karp CL, Wysocka M, Wahl LM, et al. Mechanism of suppression of cell-mediated immunity by measles virus. Science. 1996 Jul 12;273(5272):228-31. GriffinDE, Moench TR et al. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells during natural measles infection; cell surface phenotypes and evidence for activation clinical immunology and immunopathology 1986 40 305-312 Niewiesk S, Gotzelmann M, and ter Meulen V. Selective in vivo suppression of T lymphocyte responses in experimental measles virus infection   Proceeding of the natural academy of sciences USA 2000 97;4251-5 Information from Undergraduate notes 2008 MMR vaccine kit insert from Merck Co Inc.Whitehouse Station NJ,USApublished 2010 Health Protection Agency. (HPA1) Completed primary course at two years of age: Englandand Wales, 1966-1977, Englandonly 1978 onwards. hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebHPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1195733819251. Health Protection Agency. (HPA2) Confirmed cases of measles, mumps and rubella 1996-2009. hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebHPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1195733833790

What is literacy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

What is literacy - Essay Example Within the parameters of intensively competitive labor and job markets, on the one hand, and global markets for goods and services, on the other, literacy, in all its variant forms and manifestations, has assumed unique importance.Whether as relates to immigrant L2 communities in the United States or native citizens, literacy often emerges as a non-negotiable criterion for employment and hence, the capacities and abilities of individuals to integrate into their societies and become constructive members therein. Given the importance of literacy, both on the individual and the societal levels, understanding what literacy means, clarifying the variances between L1 and L2 literacy and outlining the socio-cultural and ideological implications of literacy emerge as the primary concerns and objectives of this paper.Popular understandings of literacy as the ability to read and write, while accurate, effectively obscure the inherent complexities of the term and over-simplify its implications. As Speilmann and Radnofsky (2001) contend, literacy extends beyond the narrow parameters of the aforementioned definition to encompass the communicative skills requisite for both integration in society and the realization of individual career and social potentials and aspirations. Concurring with the aforementioned Kern (2000) defines literacy as "an elastic concept: its meaning varies according to the disciplinary lens through which one examines it." It is, from this definitional perspective, a mercurial and fluid concept, both difficult to pin down and even more problematic to pin down. Not withstanding the fluid nature of the concept or the multiple contending definitions which surround it, Tompkins (2001) defines concept as functional/basic and computer/post-modern literacy. The former refers to the capacity to read and write with some degrees of skill and competency. The latter, whose importance has expanded with the onset of the present century, references computer skills and an individual's ability to use and work with computers and other information technologies. The proliferation of computers as a primary medium of communication and information exchange has, according to McGrail (2007), made computer literacy as important as basic/functional literacy, insofar as the former is needed just as much as is the latter for employment and social integrative, let alone communicative, purposes. In further testament to the highly complex and multi-dimensional nature of literacy Baynham (1995) identifies six literacy models. These are the (1) skills development, (2) the therapeutic, (3) the personal empowerment, (4) the social empowerment, (5) functional and (6) the critical models of literacy. Taken together, these models effectively underscore the extent, to which literacy facilitates all of personal development, social integration and the acquisition of career/job skills, on the one hand, and allows an individual to realize his/her potential, on the other. Proceeding on the basis of the literature reviewed in the above, it is evident that literacy encompasses far more than reading and writing skills. Indeed, it may very well be defined as the primary predicator of social and professional success. The concept, complex enough as it is, is rendered even more so upon its contextualization with L1 and L2 frameworks. 3 L1 and L2 Literacy Within the context of an L2 setting, the definition of literacy, as outlined in the preceding section, retains both its validity and viability. Hayes and Schrier (2000) make this amply clear when they define L2 literacy as socio-communicative skills within a non-mother tongue environment or linguistic setting. In the L2 setting, just as in the L1, being literate means possessing reading and writing skills and having the capacity to utilize those skills in both

Hunger in Nigeria, Africa Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hunger in Nigeria, Africa - Research Paper Example While population growth may be a contributing factor to modern hunger in Nigeria, there are other causes that relate more directly. The biggest cause of childhood hunger and malnutrition in Nigeria can be traced to the over reliance on oil exports for income. In the early 1980’s, Nigeria began to develop oil reserves in the Niger Delta. The booming oil prices at the time convinced the government that the best path to prosperity for the nation was to focus on oil exports as a source of revenue. As a result, plantations and the entire agricultural sector became antiquated. Farmers actually became less productive over time period when the government was only focusing on oil production. This approach would have worked for Nigeria if the government and business leaders were people of integrity. Unfortunately, much of Nigeria’s oil wealth ends up in the pockets of corrupt government officials and those that are already wealthy. The entire nation has not benefited from the exp loitation of natural resources so hunger has increased over the past several decades. Another cause of hunger in Nigeria is natural disasters such as droughts. Nigeria is susceptible to fluctuations in seasonal rainfall, especially in the north. Droughts have cause acute famine in some parts of the country. A final cause of hunger in Nigeria is social and political unrest. Tensions between Muslim Nigerians in the north and traditional Christian beliefs in the south have resulted in fighting that disrupts food supplies. There has also been unrest in the Niger Delta region by factions working to disrupt the flow of oil. These groups seek a larger share of oil profits for their communities. As a nation, Nigeria is trying to overcome some of these obstacles to food production. One of the efforts is centered on making Nigerian farms more productive so the nation does not need to depend on imports for feeding their population. Nigeria has a proud heritage of agricultural independence and some feel that modernizing the agricultural sector will alleviate much of the suffering. Domestically produced food will be less susceptible to fluctuations in commodity prices that agricultural products bought from abroad. Upgrading and modernizing agricultural processes in Nigeria will take a lot of money. Most of the remaining farmers do not have money to buy equipment or more land. One suggestion from opposition groups in the government is to create a fund from oil revenue that gives grants to small farmers wanting to increase productivity. Some feel that this could only be overseen by an international agency because of the high levels of corruption in the Nigerian government. A final effort being used by the government is coordinating emergency relief efforts more closely with NGO’s such as Save the Children, that specialize in alleviating child hunger all over the world. In recent years, the number of children suffering from malnutrition in the whole of Africa has incre ased. There are nearly 15 million more hungry children in Africa now than there were ten years ago. The greatest numbers of these children can be found in Nigeria and Kenya. In these places, many children subsist on diets that have low nutritional vale, featuring foods such as cassava, white rice and maize. Conditions that have contributed to the increase in hungry

Foreign Market Entry Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Foreign Market Entry Plan - Essay Example Conducting PESTEL analysis is one of the essential steps in scanning the business environment of firms and attaining a complete overview of the various macro-economic factors that the company must take into consideration. PESTEL analysis describes the political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, environmental and legal factors prevailing in the industry or the firm’s business environment. The tool is particularly essential for businesses for making a thorough understanding and analysis of the growth or decline of markets, business positions, potential and direction of operations. PESTEL Analysis. Political Political conditions in Hong Kong seem favorable for conducting overseas businesses. Implementation of the Principal Officials Accountability System in 2002 was meant to bring about promptness and more responsiveness in the Government’s actions towards people’s concerns. This is especially favorable for conducting businesses because of the fact that any rising demand in the economy would be catered to with immediate action and support from the government.The country demonstrates an open and free economy where people’s rights are respected, courts can function independently and the rule of the law is highly respected in society (US Department of State, 2011). Economic Hong Kong represents one of the most open and dynamic economies. Recovering from the impacts of the global economic turmoil, the country attained high economic growth rates of 6.8%. Inflations rates have also gradually increased from 0.5% to 2.4% since the financial crisis. This was possible due to t he government’s aggressive initiatives and measures to control the risk of the housing market bubble due to low interest rates and high liquidity in the international financial system (US Department of State, 2011). From the perspectives of conducting business operations also the economy looks favorable with a sound banking system and very little public debt. The economy has adequate foreign exchange reserves coupled with a strong legal system. A rigorously implemented anti-corruption regime along with the above factors has also enabled the economy to adapt itself to the changing circumstances (US Department of State, 2011). The government has made a conscious initiative to promote measures for improving attractiveness of the economy as a trading and commercial centre and has been constantly reviewing and refining the financial architecture of the economy. Hong Kong seeks to reduce trade barriers considerably. In fact it has recently included a free trade agreement with China in order to enhance potential benefits from trade between the two countries. Its export of goods and services was highly on the rise since 2012 by about 17.3% which was attainable quickly because of the strong fiscal and monetary stimulus provided by the Chinese economy helping to recover from the impacts of the recession (US Department of State, 2011). Socio-Cultural The population of the country is steadily on the rise and has reached 7.097 million in 2012. It accounts for one of the most densely populated economies in the world. English accounts for the official language of the country and is spoken widely by a large group of the population. It is mandatory by

Properties of Water for Organism Survival

Properties of Water for Organism Survival NDUI PRISCILLAH Discuss the assertion that water has several unique properties that make it vital not only for human beings, but for all living organisms to survive. Introduction Water is a very important aspect of all living organisms’ plants and animals alike. What makes it so useful and relevant to survival are its unique properties which relate to its functions and hence its relevance to living things as discussed below. Water is a dipolar molecule Water is a normal oxide of hydrogen consisting of two hydrogen molecules covalently bonded to one oxygen molecule. The water molecule is not linear and the oxygen atom has higher electro negativity than the hydrogen atoms. The atoms of oxygen carry a slightly negative charge whereas, the hydrogen atoms are slightly positive, this gives the water molecule its dipole movement (en.wikipedia.org). Hence, the water molecule can form up to four bonds with it self and other molecules. This property gives water most of its properties. Water is a Universal solvent A solvent is a liquid which dissolves other substances. Because of its ability to form four bond with other molecules (dipole), no other chemically inert solvent is able to dissolve a variety of materials as water nor the amount of them it can hold in solution (Edward J.K 1996). Water is able to dissolve a variety of substances solids, liquids and gases alike. (Edward, 1999) adds on to say â€Å"water is the best solvent and provides a medium for the movement of molecules within and outside the cell.† hence water is important in both plants and animals in that it aids movement of materials through diffusion as salts, sugars acids, alkalis and gases such as carbon dioxide (carbonation) and oxygen dissolve in it and can be transported in the organism as a transport medium as in blood, lymphatic and excretory system, the alimentary canal and xylem and phloem (Taylor D.J 1984). Water is wet Because of its molecules forming hydrogen bonds with other polar molecules, water makes things wet. This is due to its cohesive and adhesive properties (Dr. Jain VK, 1974). Cohesion is the attraction between like molecules in this case water while adhesion is the attraction of molecules of different substances. This gives water high capillary forces, that is the tendency of water to move up a narrow tube against the concentration gradient. This is a very important property to vascular plants such as trees as it enables water to move along very narrow spaces such as during transpiration which help control the temperature of a plant. Its cohesion property is also relevant in cells and in translocation of water through xylem in plants. This is also vital in the rising or moving up of sap in plants. Surface tension The cohesive property of water brings about surface tension. Besides mercury, water has the greatest tendency to cohere causing its surface to contract to the smallest possible areas as a result of the hydrogen bonds (Edward J.K, 1996), because of this many small organisms are able to settle on water or skate over its surface, thus providing them a habitat, for example the water striders. It also aids reproduction by way of seed dispersal, garmetes and larval stages of aquatic organisms. Water has a high specific heat capacity The specific heat capacity of water is the amount of heat required to raise one (1) gram of water from O0C to 10C. Compared to other liquids a considerably high amount of energy is required to change the temperature of water (Edward J.K, 1996). This property is also due to the numerous hydrogen bonds between water molecules. This is very vital to both humans and plants as it helps in moderating the earth’s climate by buffering large fluctuations in temperature. It also protects the plants from very harmful temperature fluctuations. High specific heat capacity of water is also vital to marine and fresh bodies of water to help maintain a constant temperature over longer period of time and to be stable over short periods of time. Latent heat of vaporization Vaporization or evaporation is the change of state from liquid to gas. The latent heat of vaporization is the energy required to convert a liquid into gas (Vapour) at constant temperature (Dr V.K Jain, 1974). Water has the highest latent heat of vapourisation of all common substances which is about 44 Kj/Mol at 250C. The high latent heat of vaporization of water enables the plants to cool themselves by giving out heat through transpiration. It is also a major factor in the transfer of heat between the ocean and the atmosphere, thereby driving the weather climate. Beside these, animals also use this property in cooling by the sweating and panting in mammals. That is, the opening of the mouth by some reptile’s e.g crocodiles in sunshine and mammals like dogs. Latent heat of fusion Latent heat of fusion is the heat required to convert a unit of mass of a solid to liquid at the same temperature. To melt 1gram of ice at 00C, 80cal. (335J) of energy is needed which is very high and caused by the presence of hydrogen bonds. This means water must loose a relatively huge amount of heat energy to freeze. This helps protect the contents of the cells not to be damaged as their environments are less likely to freeze. Water expansion and density One of the unique properties of water is that, it reaches its maximum density at 40C and diminishes above and below that temperature. It has a tendency to expand as it freezes and its density is decreased (Dr. Jain V.K, 1974), hence ice has a lower density than water and floats on top of oceans, lakes and rivers. It forms at the surface first and last at the bottom, this provides insulation of the water below it and increase the chances of survival for acquatic organisms especially in cold climates and during cold seasons. Penetration of light Water which has no suspended particles is transparent in the visible electro magnetic spectrum. This implies relatively great amounts of infrared and ultra-violet rays can penetrate through it. This enables acquatic plants to survive as they are able to carry out photosynthesis. It can therefore be deducted that water indeed has several unique properties related to its importance to all living organism without which most of these might become extinct. Besides these water provides a habitat for millions of living organisms and is also vital in sanitation for human beings helping to prevent the spread of infections such as viruses, protozoa and worms. Hence, water is a very vital aspect without which life might not exist. BIBLIOGRAPHY Edward J.K (1996), Concepts of Ecology; fourth edition. Pearson Education. New Jersey. en. Wikipedia.org/wiki/water Dr. Jain V.K (1974), fundamentals of Plant Physiology; S. Chand and Company Ltd. New Dhehi Taylor D.J et al (1984), Biological Science 1 2, Cambridge University Press. New York.

Social Role Play and the Search For Identity in Chopin’s Desiree’s Baby

Social Role Play and the Search For Identity in Chopin’s Desiree’s Baby When I think about women’s role in our society, especially nowadays, the first word that comes to my mind is ‘exhausted’. What I mean is that this subject is exhausted. There are so many literary and sociological interpretations of the physical and psychological female image that whatever I say or prove would be just another attempt to understand the ‘incomprehensible’. It’s not because I am a woman, or may be exactly because I am. But here the important expression is ‘I am’ and the extension can be endless. And what a human life is but an everlasting search for the right word that would complete the sentence. As if we could complete it, our personality will be completed as well. And after years of searching, finding and again searching, we finally understand that there are so many ‘I ams’ some of which have no logical explanation or certain definition and all are subjected to so many social and personal factors. Nevertheless I will turn to one literary interpretation, Kate Chopin’s Desiree’s ...