Computer Intelligence :: essays research papers fc

Can computers think independently and do they have â€Å"minds†? This question has been the topic of countless, bad movies since the 1950s as well as a number of science fiction novels. We all believe that we have minds. It is something that is taken for granted but what exactly is a mind and are humans the only to possess them? Ever since the invention of the computer, they have been a mystery, even to the smartest of scientists. With the ongoing development of artificial intelligence and high population of computer literate people, the possibility of computers with minds must be re-evaluated. The initial question that must be answered before tackling the mind/computer problem is how do you define a mind? This is something that philosophers have been trying to answer for hundreds of years, long before the invention of the computer. Renee Descartes supported the concept of ‘dualism’ which is the belief that the mind is a separate non-physical entity associated with the body during its life. On the other hand, behaviorism holds the notion that the mind does not exist but rather patterns of behavior and our pre-dispositions to such behavior. Functionalism is another school of thought that has come to light recently and draws its theory from computer technology. Functionalism believes that the mind is simply a program and the body, its hardware. With all the different theories, none of them have been able to answer the question on whether computers are similar enough to the human brain to have intelligence. The think the simplest definition for intelligence is the ability to adapt. You can tell a computer to go to a specific IP address but if IBM’s address is no longer www.ibm.com, the computer does not know how to find the new one. More specifically, it can be said that intelligence is the to take into consideration the circumstances of completing a certain task. Alan Turing, a mathematician, sought to answer the question on whether or not computers possess intelligence. The Turing Test asked people to communicate with something or someone that they could not see. The people engaged in the communication were then asked identify whether they were talking to a machine or a human. If the test subjects thought themselves to be conversing with a human when they were really engaged with a machine, then the computer was thought to have intelligence. This test is inherently flawed.

Axe commercial

The current Axe print advertisement in question is part of a global campaign to promote its new line of â€Å"Peace† products, trying to strike down the sexist image It had previously. Axe partnered with a non-profit organization called Peace One Day and alms to promote peace In the world by an anti-war agenda and also gender equality. An end to the gender wars. This Is an example of using polymers through the slogan â€Å"Make Love, Not War†, which Is the use of the phrase to Incorporate multiple meanings.The ad is directed at both males and females, unlike other Axe advertisements in the past, and so both men and women are considered the inscribed reader. According to the deputy executive director of Axe in London, David Kolkhoz, â€Å"It's a theme we've been playing with for a while now, the equilibrium of the sexes. This is Just the first time we've done it in this more serious way. † (Nude, 2014, Para. 9) The idea that Axe is moving into different territory by attempting to equalize men and women sexually is emergent discourse.Scripts of lust and hyper sexuality are giving way to scripts of â€Å"Make Love, Not War†. This can be seen as a desirable outcome for a female audience of the Peace products. If this Is a successful outcome, women's views on Axe will shift, they will purchase the products for their partners and profits will Increase. When the deputy executive director was asked If this new message of love and equality Instead of lust and gender wars was possible or believable in an Axe campaign, he stated that â€Å"the brand has been slowly evolving for a while now. † (Nude, 2014, Para. ) using war in an advertisement campaign is an ambitious marketing tool that Axe tries to combine gracefully with peace and sexuality. The scene of the ad is based in a war zone on a beach featuring an array of different scenarios. There are soldiers, fighter Jets, helicopters, a soldier with a flame thrower and smoke seeping into the sky in the background. Amidst all the chaos, there are waterfalls, couples in hammocks, people swimming, and airplanes in the sky are formed In the shape off heart. In the middle of the ad there is a women in a brightly colored dress In the arms off soldier.There Is a couple falling from the helicopter together, a couple flirting by a tank, and woman massaging a man on the beach sand. Filters are a profit motive and, In this case, one motive Is using war In the campaign. It is particularly affective because we are currently involved in a war. Promoting peace, by calling the product line Peace, is an active attempt of lifestyle communication. Making the hippie peace movement a cool comeback for the company. Ensuring consumers that Axe is trying to be part of the solution and not the problem.This creates a self-surveillance by which some consumers will purchase the Peace products to feel good about themselves using a product that promotes peace. This is a positive social ideology that many people strive for. Consumer's social position on this issue, war, create a negotiated reading of the product, and they purchase more. The reader Ex.'s senior director, Matthew McCarthy states, â€Å"Young people care deeply about the future. This generation Is socially conscious and more digitally connected than ever. † (Nude, 2014, Para. 0) The ewe Axe advertisement does not fully deviate from Its previous campaigns. The positioning of women in the ad is still very similar to previous ads, however, it's just these soldiers. They are not shown in uniform like the men, but they are in play clothes and are scantily clad in short shorts. There is a women on top of man massaging him and another in the arms of a soldier. To some, this is still a very sexist Axe ad. This is seen as an oppositional reading and in direct conflict with the social ideologies that the Axe executives are trying to portray.The reception of the ad is probably mixed due to split political ideolog ies in the world. Many people would take this campaign face value and feel that it is promoting world peace. Many people might view this as an attempt for Axe to finally end sexism in their ad campaigns. Others will see this as Just another sexist advertisement littered with sexism but Just shown in a different light. Analyzing media using these ideological methods is extremely interesting when you delve into detail and dissect every notion of an ad or an entire campaign.Looking at the ad from different ideological perspectives is eye-opening and interesting. Researching other ads was entertaining and the entire process is engaging. These are all positive aspects of the process. Sometimes difficulties arise when trying to decipher what ideologies are accidentally placed in an ad or what is purely intentional. Axe could have a specific agenda that may or may not be interpreted by certain audiences. This is a con when trying to analyze accurately. Overall, the ideological method of an alyzing media is very useful and thorough.

Despite Atwood’s portrayal of Gilead as soulless and destructive she has nevertheless succeeded in giving the reader a sense of optimism

‘The Handmaid's Tale' is set in the futuristic republic of Gilead. Everybody has somebody controlling what they do and only a minority have control over other people. In the first chapter alone we learn of the system of control within the Handmaids' residence. There are the angels, who are responsible for the Aunts, who have responsibility for the handmaids, i. e. the narrator. This system has the sole purpose, reproduction: â€Å"we are for breeding purposes†¦ There is supposed to be nothing entertaining about us, no room is to be permitted for the flowering of secret lusts†¦ We are two-legged wombs, that's all: sacred vessels, ambulatory chalices. † The narrator of takes on a role based on the Biblical story of Jacob's wives; when they failed to conceive, he fathered children by their handmaids. In a world in which the fertility of both sexes has dropped dramatically, it is the role for which young women who have demonstrated their ability to bear children are destined, rather to the chagrin of the Wives who have to house them. For this regime to function effectively it is important that a high level of control is exerted and more essentially, that the people within the regime understand there purpose. They are not there to build relationships, they are there for reproduction and any other aspect of life is irrelevant. Ironically the regime is developed for sex yet any attributes you would normally apply to a sexual relationship have been removed. There is no conversation, no intimacy, no pleasure or appreciation of yourself or your partner; in fact there is no relationship with your partner or anyone else. Physical contact must be kept to what is necessary and the act of sex itself is simply necessary for reproduction. For the regime to work there can be no feelings. To prevent feelings developing within people towards others Gilead works to remove anything that makes the person unique, this is why the regime has been described as â€Å"soulless† as by taking away peoples' personalities you are practically taking away their soul. This is similar to the system in Aldous Huxley's â€Å"Brave New World† where the concept of love has been destroyed. The idea of falling in love with someone has been made almost impossible, as there is no opportunity for this to happen, everybody been made as soulless as possible. There must be no character, individuality or expression of self to avoid people getting into any form of relationship. The women are literally branded with numbers a code that ties them to the regime. They are made to wear uniforms (in describing the uniforms Atwood appears to me making a link to the similarity to the German and Canadian prisoners of war uniforms from World War Two) and are renamed in attempt to completely depersonalise them. They are treated as cattle, as a group with no thought of their own. This leaves the reader questioning their interpretation of the narrator, we sometimes see her as an individual taking minor rebellion against the regime, and yet at other times we see her as one of many that are all in the same helpless situation. The high level of control they hold over their people enhances Gilead's destructive manner. Even the narrator's name â€Å"Offred† has been composed by the regime. The novel explains this unusual noun as being a word â€Å"that is composed of the possessive preposition and the first name of the name of the gentlemen in question. † However most readers pick up on the play on the word â€Å"offered† she is offered around the gentlemen in society. No individual or group is strong enough to overthrow the regime and this is the focal point of the regime's strength. They can enforce and law no matter how unjust because there is no one strong enough to oppose it. However at no point is the reader led to believe that the narrator has given up hope and that there is no purpose for her anymore. This is of a conscious effort by Atwood to create a positive perspective of the situation through her narrative technique, imagery and by surrounding the character with situations where they could potentially rebel. The harsh regime of Gilead is emphasised by Atwood offering the reader a comparison of the narrator's current situation and her previous one, it has been suggested that this is Atwood supporting the theory that fear causes regression, not progression. These comparisons are possible because of the flashback technique that occurs throughout the novel. For example, Offred contrasts the way she used to think about her body to the way she thinks about it now: ‘I used to thin of my body as an instrument, of pleasure, or a means of transportation, or an implement for the accomplish of my will †¦ now the flesh arranges itself differently. I'm a cloud, congealed around a central object, the shape of a pear, which is hard and more real than I am and glows red within its translucent wrapping. Where as in the story, Offred uses the flashbacks as a way of escaping, a more practical level Atwood uses them to reveal to the reader the reasons behind the current situation and how the novel possibly relates to our lives. One critic commented, â€Å"1the essential element of a cautionary tale is recognition†. The reader is very aware that Offred once lived a life similar to their own, this heightens their compassion towards the handmaid's and in some ways the novel acts as a warning, for what could potentially occur in our own future. By allowing us to see Offred's past and compare it with the life she has been forced to live now it is obvious how much destruction the regime has caused. For the novel to progress it is essential Atwood creates optimism, because Offred herself has to say positive in order to cope with the situations, she cannot give up therefore Atwood cannot let the reader think she has given up. Minor acts of rebellion are ways of showing the reader that the system has flaws, there is a gap and if Offered works hard enough she can get through the gaps in the system. For example, no communication is meant to happen between the handmaids and yet Offred and Moira find a way of talking through a hole in the wall, which poses as a hole in the system. However, Atwood creates the feeling of empowerment and hope through these rebellions but she never goes as far as to say there definitely is hope. It is possible that Offred is aware than any act of rebellion is simply a coping tactic and the regime will not fall, she will leave eventually and the regime will go on unshaken. Offred's relationship with the commander acts as â€Å"something else to think about†, as the reader we do not dwell on the state of the society as we are now concerned with the relationship Offred is forming, of course this is due to the narrative style of the novel, we are guided towards thinking about Offred and the commander because that is what Offred is thinking about and we are reading her thoughts, in the form of a dialogue to her audience. However it is ambiguous as the whether the commander forms an attachment with many of his handmaids, so Offred's relationship with Nick is far more pivotal to her story as it is as close as she could have to the sort of relationship she could have formed before the regime, the sort that she had with her husband Luke. The risk she eventually takes with him we know could be the end of her but at the time it's a chance for a better standard of life, of course again this could be perceived as Offred falling under the control of Gilead's regime by going out of her way to have a child and conforming to their rules. Gilead's destructive power is emphasised by showing the extremes it will force people to go to, to succumb to their demands. An essential part to the regime is the fact that everyone is a victim; everybody has had to sacrifice something and give up part of their old life. Even those that still have a small amount of control have given up more than they have gained. Serena Joy is portrayed as a malicious character by Offred, yet she has lost her relationship with her husband, she has no contact with anyone and has to live in a regime that has her husband sleeping with many different women. Atwood uses process and reconstruction when writing and the reader is often reminded that â€Å"truth† is only a matter of the teller's perspective. If the reader is never sure of the true details then they are allowed to picture the worst possible situations, and the best. Time shifts and short scenes add to the ambiguity of the story and the reader may question how factually based the story actually is and how true to life Offred's description of other characters are. Moira is a classic example, it could be she was never as strong or rebellious as Offred claimed she was, she was maybe a role model for Offred and her character was exaggerated because Offred need her role model to be strong. However it is not only the reader that is unsure of the truth, Offred has very little facts at her disposal. The only time the handmaid's are educated is when they are listening to the Bible being read or watching the â€Å"news. † In the same way the Ministry of Truth created the news in George Orwell's â€Å"1984† there is suggestion the news the handmaids are shown is fabricated. By acknowledging this fact Offred has rebelled against the regime. However she also accepts that â€Å"any news is better than none† and she simply has to believe the news because there is nothing else to go by. It is the only source of knowledge. Gilead's controls are so tight she is forced to believe what she hears. This too is similar to â€Å"1984† and the concept created by George Orwell of doublethink which is to acknowledge two conflicting truths at once. Offred accepts the news is probably false and yet she also believes it is true because she has to. This is similar to the relationship between the reader and the narrator; we accept that what here cannot be entirely true yet we have to believe it. Offred herself does not know what has happened to her daughter or her husband therefore she is able to cling on to the hope that they are alive, as it has not been confirmed otherwise. The reader does the same with Offred's existence at the end of the novel, we hope she is alive and the ambiguity of the ending allows us to do so. Quite often in the novel Atwood creates a sense of hope later to take it away again, or create optimism with an underlying tone of doubt. When Offred discovers the note in the cupboard â€Å"nolite te bastardes carborundorum† she is filled with hope, reading it as a message left for her by the last person that lived here, she is reading which she is not allowed to do as language has been abolished and this all adds to the positive feeling of going against the regime. However Offred then builds up the message to by more significant than it is and is let down when the commander translates it as â€Å"don't let the bastards grind you down. At the end, we discover that Offred's story was not founding the form of a manuscript but as a recording on a cassette player. This is confusing for the reader as the strict structure of the regime would not have made it possible to have access to a cassette player. One suggestion is that Offred did escape and managed to record her story at a later point. However even if Offred had been writing this would have been a constant form of rebellion, as language had been abolished. It has been suggested that Offred's storytelling is an act of resistance to Gilead, just as her tale itself is an act of resistance to masculinist fiction conventions, including that archetypal patriarchal text, the Old Testament. In many ways the historical notes are more essential to the meaning of the novel than Offred's story. On a positive note, the historical notes assure the reader that the regime of Gilead was overthrown and society returned to normal, Offred's story has been found in the form of cassette recordings, this suggests she did escaped and managed to get her writing on to tape. However, Offred's story is found but it is not heard or understood. Male historians have tried to impose their perception of it on to it and created a title for it. The regime has apparently not changed their sexist attitudes, history has taught them nothing. The professors are abusing Offred as Gilead did by removing her authority from the telling of her own story, they seem more worried at the fact there is nothing more about the Commander and his true identity. Ironically he does just what Offred predicts would happen to the story of the Handmaid's â€Å"from the point of view of future history, we'll be invisible. The modern day historians have depersonailised her just as much as the regime did by taking away her voice and forcing reader is brought into a second vision of the future and is forced to judge what they have just read. Atwood's historical notes satirise American society as it stands today, where as Gilead is based on an international range of models, which include not only historical examples but contemporary political carnage in Iran, Latin America and more recently Iraq and Afghanistan. Denay Nunavit† (deny none of it) seems to be Atwood's message out of the past to the future, giving the reader a sense of shared moral responsibility for our own futures. This is effective as the pre Gilead society is very similar to our own society today. The novel was first published in 1986 â€Å"the age of the R – strain syphilis and Aids epidemic† Aids had just being brought to the publics attention and there was a massive campaign to prevent it's spread. A second reason we are given for the need of a society such as Gilead was â€Å"various nuclear power plant accidents†¦ hemical and biological warfare, stock piles and toxic waste disposal sites† all readers will recognise these issues and can map them on to real life incidents such as Chernobyl. Similarly to â€Å"1984,† Atwood's novel seems to be an extension of real fears her audience would have had. This was noted by one reader who commented that: â€Å"what is especially meaningful is the fact that the book was published in the 80's, long before many of the concepts were as relevant as they are now. 2 Ironically once the regime has been abolished there is no longer the optimistic tone in Atwood's writing, suggesting that even though Gilead was destructive, the intention of the society was good and there was room for hope, however we can now see that life after Gilead reverted to pre Gilead ways and there has been no progression, development of understanding a nd this is a far more negative situation to be faced because it suggests man will never learn.

With Reference to Acid-Base Balance Explore the Role of the Respiratory System in Maintaining Blood Ph?

School of Nursing, Midwifery and Interprofessional Studies. With reference to acid-base balance explore the role of the respiratory system in maintaining blood pH? ‘We live and die at the cellular level’ (Reid, 2011). Homeostasis is crucial for normal cellular function. Acid-base homeostasis is the part of human homeostasis and refers to the balance between the production and elimination of H+ hydrogen ions (pH) within the body fluids (William, Simpkins, 2001, p. 236). Metabolic reactions within the cells often produce a huge excess of H+.Lack of any mechanism for its excretion would lead H+ levels in body fluids rise quickly to the lethal levels (Tortora, Grabowski 2006, p. 1001); therefore the homeostasis of the right H+ levels is crucial for our survival. In a healthy person several systems work interdependently on maintaining blood’s pH (Sheldon, 2001, p. 23): buffer, renal and respiratory systems. In this essay I will concentrate on the pH of the blood in rel ation to the acid-base balance and the role that respiratory system has in maintaining it. Blood pH is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 7. is considered neutral in the systemic arterial blood within its narrow range of around 7. 35 and 7. 45. When the pH is greater than 7. 45 the blood is considered to be alkalotic and when the pH is lower than 7. 35 then the blood is considered acidotic (Sheldon, 2001, p. 23). Fig. 1: Diagram of blood pH scale: (JupiterIonizer, 2004) The acidity or alkalinity of blood is a result of H+ concentration within it, and this on the other hand results from the carbon dioxide concentration in the blood. Carbon dioxide is a toxic waste product generated in the oxidation of fats, carbohydrates and proteins within the cells.The gas itself is not an acid, but it reacts with water to form carbonic acid which then dissociates to form a hydrogen ion and a bicarbonate ion: CO2+H2O- H2CO3-H++ HCO3- The respiratory system helps to control the acidity of blood by regulating the elimination of CO2 and H2O through ventilation and on the other hand, blood pH (H+ concentration) plays a major role in respiratory control. Respiratory muscles belong to the voluntary breathing system and are controlled by the respiratory centre located in the medulla oblongata and the pons of the brain stem (Hinchliff, Montague, Watson, 2005, p. 605). Gregoire and Gallagher (2004, p. 24) suggest, that the breathing centre controls a number of inseparable parts, which work together to ensure that any inspiration is harmoniously followed by an appropriate expiration. Also, the frequency and the volume of air per inspiration are regulated. In order to regulate the breathing in an efficient manner, the respiratory centre must be informed of the need for the ventilation in the body mainly by chemoreceptors which are sensitive to the PCO2 (carbon dioxide pressure) or the pH of the blood. Those chemoreceptors can be found in the aortic arch and in the carotid a rtery (Thomson, Adams, Cowan, 1997, p. 1). According to Tortora and Derrickson (1006, p. 1002), the pH of bodily fluids and breathing rate react via the negative feedback loop. When the aforementioned chemoreceptors detect any changes in blood pH, they will stimulate the respiratory centre to alter the ventilation rate in order to bring the acid-base balance to its homeostatic level. When the blood acidity increases, the pH decreases and causes the chemoreceptors to stimulate the inspiratory area in the brain. This results in diaphragm and other respiratory muscles to contract more frequently and forcefully (resulting in increased CO2 excretion).This will cause less H2CO3 to form, therefore less H+ will be present in the blood, resulting in increase of blood’s pH. When this response will bring blood pH back to normal, its acid-base balance will be back to its homeostatic level (Tortora, Derrickson, 2006, p. 1002). The same negative feedback will respond, when the blood CO2 le vel will increase (increase in ventilation, therefore CO2 excretion from the blood, reducing its H+ concentration and finally increase in pH). Hypoventilation= CO2 = H+ =pH = Acidosis Hypoventilation= CO2 = H+ =pH = Acidosis CO2 CO2H+ H+ pH pH Normal blood pH (7. 35-7. 45) Normal blood pH (7. 35-7. 45) Chemoreceptors stimulate the respiratory centre Chemoreceptors stimulate the respiratory centre Breathing becomes slower and shallower Breathing becomes slower and shallower Chemoreceptors stimulate the respiratory centre Chemoreceptors stimulate the respiratory centre Breathing becomes deeper and faster Breathing becomes deeper and faster pH pH H+ H+ CO2 CO2 Hyperventilation=CO2 = H+ =pH = Alkalosis Hyperventilation=CO2 = H+ =pH = Alkalosis Fig. 2: Respiratory regulation of blood pH.Simple act of breathing also regulates blood’s pH.. When the ventilation rate increases, more CO2 will be excreted, leading to decreased H+ concentration and raise in pH. Contrarily, when the venti lation rate decreases, less carbon dioxide will get excreted, leading to its accumulation, therefore increase in H+ and decrease in blood’s pH (Tortora, Derrickson, 2009, p. 1002). As we can see, lungs and brain control blood’s pH minute by minute. When the respiratory system fails to control the pH of the blood through ventilation it can lead to respiratory acidosis or alkalosis.Respiratory acidosis is an excess of carbonic acid that is caused by conditions resulting in hypoventilation and CO2 retention. The major effect of acidosis is depression of the central nervous system (Disney, 2002, p. 281). When the pH of the blood falls below 7. 35, the central nervous system starts to malfunction, and the patient will become disoriented and possibly comatose as the condition worsens Respiratory alkalosis occurs in case of deficit of carbonic acid caused by conditions resulting in alveolar hyperventilation and CO2 deficit.First, the peripheral nerves will be affected leading to spontaneous nervous stimulation of muscles (spasms) and extreme nervousness. Severe alkalosis can lead to death as a result of contraction of respiratory muscles (Disney, 2002, p. 283). Although in this essay I am concentrating on the role of the respiratory system in regulating the pH of blood it is worth mentioning the role of buffer and renal systems in their connection to the role of the respiratory system. Renal system is the slowest mechanism in regulating of the blood pH, however the only way to eliminate acids other than carbonic acid responsible for raise in the blood pH.It helps to restore long term acid-base imbalance but is not quick enough to react in sudden changes (Powers, 2001, p. 312-313). The pH buffer systems are a combination of body’s own natural weak acids and bases. They exist in balance under normal pH, however when any changes in pH solution occur, they change their proportions to chemically restore the balance (Appel, Downs, 2008). The important buffer systems include proteins, carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffers and phosphates (Thomson, Adams and Crown, 1997, p. 53). Prolonged acid imbalances of any kind are not well tolerated by the body as they disturb its normal functions.A chronically over-acidic pH corrodes body tissue and if left unchecked, it will interrupt all cellular activities and functions. The blood pH has a serious effect on all of the body’s systems and that’s why it is important for the body to maintain its acid-base balance, as even minor deviations from the normal range can severely affect every cell in our body. Due to close connection between the respiratory system and blood’s acid-base balance any malfunctions of the respiratory system will lead to blood pH imbalances. Word Count: 1099 SCENARIO 2 (1000 words)With reference to negative feedback loops explore the role of the pancreas in glycaemic homeostasis. PLEASE TYPE YOUR ANSWER BELOW: Cells need a stable environment in order to su rvive. Negative feedback is the mechanism by which our body maintains its conditions at a homeostatic level (Guyton, Hall, 2006, p. 861). When the conditions exceed the above range of homeostasis, negative loop will release a hormone to bring those conditions back to normal. Contrarily, when the conditions exceed the lower range of homeostasis, the production of the second hormone will be triggered.Negative feedback loop requires a receptor, a control centre and an effector. Located in the body are eight major endocrine glands that secrete hormones. Blood glucose concentration regulation through the negative feedback shows, how the endocrine system maintains the homeostasis within our body using two antagonistic hormones: insulin and glucagon (CliffsNotes, no date), released in the pancreas. In this essay I will explore what is glycaemic homeostasis and why is it essential for the health of cells and therefore for the health of the entire body.I will find out how is it maintained wi thin our body by the negative feedback loops and what is the role of the pancreas in this process. Glucose is the main source of energy for majority of cells in the human body (Tortora, Grabowski, 2006, p. 614). Its molecules are broken down in the cells to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules, which provide energy for many cellular processes. Circulating blood delivers glucose molecules to cells and therefore the constant supply of glucose is reliable on the glucose levels being maintained at continuous and adequate level.However, it is equally important, that the concentration of glucose in the blood and tissues is not excessive (Paul, 1999). The homeostatic level of glucose is achieved through the negative feedback systems of endocrine system which ensure that the glucose concentration is maintained within the normal range of 70 to 110 milligrams of glucose per decilitre (Paul, 1999). In a healthy person the homeostatic glucose levels are restored by one of the organs o f the endocrine system- the pancreas. Fixed firmly in the pancreas is a large of endocrine tissue called the islets of Langerhans.Simpkins and Williams (2001, p316) suggest, that the islets contain two types of cells- ? – and ? – cells, are responsible for the production of glucagon and insulin. Tissues use glucose at different rates, depending on the metabolic activity (Simpkins, Williams, 2001, p. 317). More glucose would be used by our body during exercise than during the rest time. The concentration of glucose will also rise after a meal, when the nutrients are being absorbed. After the glucose enters the bloodstream (following food digestion), the ? ells detect that the blood glucose concentration has raised and release the enzyme- insulin (Tortora, Derrickson, 2009, p. 340-341). Insulin has several functions. One of them is accelerating the conversion of glycogen from glucose. Blood leaving the gut contains the absorbed products of digestion and then passes them to the liver. The liver cells contain enzymes controlled by insulin, which help to synthesize the glycogen, the polymer of glucose. Glucose absorbed from the gut is stored in a form of glycogen in the liver and some of the skeletal muscles (Simpkins, Williams, 2001, p. 316).Glucagon has the opposite role to the insulin. It stimulates the transformation of glycogen to glucose (Guyton, Hall, 2006, p. 861). The other functions of insulin include speeding up the entry of glucose from the blood into the respiring cells, increasing the cellular rate of glucose utilization as an energy source and stimulating of the fat synthesis from glucose in the liver cells (Paul, 1999). All these effects would together cause the decrease in the blood glucose concentration and the insulin secretion discontinuation (from negative feedback from declining levels of glucose).Contrarily, when the blood glucose concentration decreases (for example during starvation), the pancreas will respond by stopping the insulin secretion and stimulating the alpha cells to secrete glucagon. Apart from accelerating the breakdown of glycogen to glucose, it increases the breakdown of fats to fatty acids and glycerol in adipose tissue as well as it stimulates liver cells to increase the synthesis of glucose from glycerol absorbed from the blood (Paul, 1999).These effects will cause an increase in blood glucose level and the secretion will discontinue when reaching the homeostatic level (negative feedback). Blood glucose concentration declines Blood glucose concentration declines Blood glucose concentration rises Blood glucose concentration rises Pancreas stimulates alpha cells to release glucagon Pancreas stimulates alpha cells to release glucagon Pancreas stimulates beta cells to release insulin. Pancreas stimulates beta cells to release insulin. Increased breakdown of glycogen to glucoseIncreased breakdown of glycogen to glucose Homeostasis- normal blood glucose level Homeostasis- normal blood glucose level Increased rate of glucose transport to the cells Increased rate of glucose transport to the cells Increased breakdown of fats to fatty acids Increased breakdown of fats to fatty acids Increased rate of glucose utilization Increased rate of glucose utilization Increased breakdown of protein to amino acids Increased breakdown of protein to amino acids Increased conversion of glucose to glycogen Increased conversion of glucose to glycogenIncreased protein synthesis Increased protein synthesis Increased synthesis and release of glucose Increased synthesis and release of glucose Increased fat synthesis Increased fat synthesis Blood glucose concentration rises Blood glucose concentration rises Blood glucose concentration decline Blood glucose concentration decline Fig. 1: The homeostatic regulation of blood glucose concentration via the negative feedback loop. In relation to negative loop system, the glucose transporters that bind glucose are the receptors. The ? – and ? cel ls act as the control centres, as by processing the information from the receptors they act by releasing effectors- insulin and glucagon- in order to restore the internal conditions back to their normal level (Haaland, 2001). Maintenance of glycaemic homeostasis is crucial, as glucose is the only nutrient that can be used by brain to supply it with energy required for its functioning (Guyton, Hall, 2006). Contrarily, raised glucose concentration can produce a large amount of osmotic pressure in the extracellular fluid and lead to cellular dehydration.High glucose concentration will also cause loss of glucose in the urine, which can deprive body of its fluids and electrolytes. Long-term increases in blood glucose may cause damage to many tissues, especially blood vessels and can lead to heart attack, stroke, blindness and renal diseases. Any disturbances in the glucose levels will be an indication of disease. For example, raised glucose levels would be present in diabetes mellitus, C ushing’s syndrome, liver disease and hyperthyroidism. Contrarily, decreased glucose levels are present in Addison’s disease, hypoinsulinism and hypothyroidism (Paul, 1999).The most common of all aforementioned diseases is diabetes mellitus. In type 1 diabetes body’s immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas. This means that pancreas is unable to secrete insulin (Tortora, Derrickson, 2001, p. 341). People affected by the disease will need external source of insulin in order to survive Type II is the most common type of diabetes. In this disease insulin secretion is not reduced, however the tissues in the body become resistant to insulin over time. Person affected by type II diabetes can control their glucose levels with the medication and the right diet.Glucose is needed for the cells to function. Pancreas has a major role in maintaining right glucose levels as it is responsible for secretion of two antagonistic hormones responsible for th e glucose regulation. Negative feedback loop stimulates the pancreas to release the right hormone at the time to bring the blood glucose to its homeostatic level. Any disturbances in the secretion of aforementioned hormones can lead to many diseases and body dysfunctions. Any pancreas malfunction will automatically lead to blood glucose level disturbances. Word count: 1098PLEASE TYPE YOUR REFERENCE LIST BELOW: Appel, S. , Downs, Ch. , (2008) ‘Understanding acid-base balance’. Nursing. 38 (9), pp9-11. CliffsNotes Antagonistic Hormones. [online] Available at: http://www. cliffsnotes. com/study_guide/topicArticleId-277792,articleId-277669. html (no date) (Accessed 11 Jan 2013). Disney, J. (2002) Acid-base disorders. In: Marx, J. et al. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts of Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Oxford: Elsevier. Esmond, G. , (2001) Respiratory Nursing. London: Bailiere Tindall. Gregorie, L. , Gallagher, P. 2004) Life Sciences: Anatomy and Physiology for Healt h Care Professionals. Edinburgh: Nelson Thornes Limited. Guyton, A. C. , Hall, J. E. (2006) Textbook of medical physiology. 11th ed. London: Elsevier. Haaland, W. (2001) Homeostasis. [online] Available at: http://www. bioedonline. org/slides/slide01. cfm? tk=25 (Accessed 16 January 2013). Hinchliff, S. M. , Montague, S. M. , Watson, R. (2005) Physiology for Nursing Practice. 3rd ed. London: Elsevier. | | | | Jupiterionozer, 2004. Are you overly Acidic? [online] Available at: http://www. jupiterionizer. om/are_you_overly_acidic. htm (Accessed 02 January 2013). Marino, P. , Sutkin, K. , (2006) Acid-base interpretations. 3rd ed. [e-book] Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Available at: Scribd. >http://www. scribd. com/doc/35400593/The-ICU-BOOK-Paul-Marino-Complete< (Accessed 3 January 2013). Paul, I. (1999) Blood sugar regulation. [online] Available at: http://www. biologyreference. com/Bl-Ce/Blood-Sugar-Regulation. html (Accessed 09 January 2013). Powers, A. (2001). Acid-Base Balance. In: Curley, M. , (2001). Critical care nursing of infants and children. nd ed. Michigan: Elsevier. pp. 309-321. Reid, J,. (2011) Undersatnding acid/alkaline balance. [pdf] Manchester: Integrative Complementary Wellness Centre. Available at: http://www. byregion. net/images/pdfs/1019_9. pdfn (Accesses: 06 January 2013). Simpkins, J, Williams, J. I. (2001) Advanced Human Biology. London: Collins Educational. Sheldon, L. (2001) Oxygenation. Thorofare: Slack. Tortora, G. , Derrickson, B. (2009) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology: Maintainance and Continuity of the Human Body. 12th ed. Volume 2. Hoboken: Wiley. Tortora, G. , Grabowski, S. 2006) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 10th ed. Hoboken: Wiley. Thomson, W. , Adams, J. , Cowan, R. , (1997) Clinical Acid-Base balance. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Triplitt, C. L. (2012) ‘Understanding the mechanisms to maintain glucose homeostasis: A review for managed care’. The American Journal of Managed Care, 18(1), pp. 4-27. [Online] Available at: https://secure. pharmacytimes. com/lessons/pdf/201201-02. pdf (Accessed 09 January 2013). Waugh, A. , Grant, A. , (2010) Ross and Willson: Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness. 11th ed. London: Elsevier.

Tesco Company Structure and Leadership Assignment

Tesco Company Structure and Leadership - Assignment Example All these executive staff reports to the Group CEO and the Board of Directors. TESCO has very many executive positions a fact that reflects the group’s complex operations. Tesco is organized hierarchically with and its organizational structure takes the shape of a very tall pyramid. The Tesco could not have chosen a better leader that Philip Clarke to head the world second largest grocery chain in the competitive business environment. Clarke began his career at Tesco in 1974 and has developed his leadership skills in the Tesco management training programme (Tesco PLC 2014). His wide experience in Retail management is one of his greatest strengths as the CEO of Tesco. Since his appointment as the CEO in March 2011, Tesco revenue has grown substantially and the supermarket has overtaken Carrefour to occupy the position of world largest retail chain by revenue collection and profitability. Tesco offers its customers a range of products and services and has come with several new Store concepts in the UK and in other locations where it operates (Lowe and Wrigley 2009). Tesco today offers a cheap alternative and premium quality good in its own-label product range. Tesco’s finest line of food labels offers the best quality products at the highest level (Humby, Hunt and Phillips 2008). Tesco’s main revenue bases have been mainly food items but they have recently diversified into the non-food market. Recently, retail chains have realized that non-food items have higher profit margins than food items (Seth and Randall 2001). By 2004, Tesco was earning 20% of their sales revenue from non-food items (Humby, Hunt and Phillips 2008). Clothing is among the fastest growing Tesco revenue streams with Cherokee, Florence and Fred capturing more than 4 percent market shares in their first year of introduction (Ma, Ding and Hong 2010).

Egalite for all toussaint louverture and the haitian revolution Movie Review

Egalite for all toussaint louverture and the haitian revolution summary - Movie Review Example The movie describes the role of different leaders and men who fought in the period of 13 years to gain independence and among them the great Toussaint Louverture who led from the front this revolt and brought independence to his country and people. The portrayal of the struggles of the Africans under the rule of French and Spanish as well as the Americans cannot get any better than this. Also, the facts from history are portrayed and described with precision in the movie which shows the hardwork of the movie makers and their struggle to collect specific information and data about the Haitian revolution. Saint Domingue was the French colony this revolt started from and spread across the many colonies. It was not until 1804 that the Haitians gained independence and changed the course of history. All these facts and stories are explained very precisely and beautifully in the movie. It is a documentary for history lovers. Those who have a slightest of interest in history or need to study Haitian revolution, this is a must watch since it takes us back to the time when all of this was happening and one feels like a part of

Observation Report On Special Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Observation Report On Special Education - Essay Example This essay covers on actual status of a special education environment. It extrapolates on observations made during learning hours within a special needs school. In order to ascertain functionality of theoretical concepts in practical settings, we will relate attributes learned in class with those observed in the field. These will include a description of physical elements of the environment, evaluation on teaching strategies employed by teachers, understanding of daily routine within the school and finally a personal reflection based on observations made within the practical context. Description of Classroom Setting The classroom is located at ground floor level together with the mainstream building, with a specially designed exit and entry doors for wheelchairs. Inside the building, I realized that it was a self-contained room with the washroom situated at the back of the room. With a population of thirteen students, one teacher and two aid workers were ready to address any kind of need required by each student. At all times, the two aids Mrs. Francisco and Mrs. Adams arrive in class on time, actually by 11 AM. The teacher, Mr. Molesan, is tasked with delivering class content to the students, who belonged to 5th and 6th grade. On the other hand, Mrs. Francisco and Mrs. Adams assist the challenged students in pushing their wheel chairs or in managing any difficulty related to their disabilities. In order to minimize disruption and inconvenience created by movements, the students are only pulled out of the classroom when necessary, for example during lunch break. Inside the class are seven learning centers each located at strategic positions. With these centers, students can conveniently move from the computers section to the arts and craft center. All the 13 students in the class have various forms of disabilities which include communication impairment, auditory impairment, mild physical challenges and a few with multiple disabilities. Based on the appearance of the classroom setting, I would say that the school has been successful in achieving the underlying objective of delivering special education. According to Smith and Tyler (2010), locating the classroom together with the mainstream building enhances inclusiveness, thus fostering a sense of acceptance among the handicapped students. In addition, locating different learning centers within a single classroom serves as an indication that teachers are committed towards enhancing learning through special approaches. As if those provisions were not enough, timely availability of the two aid workers indicates commitment towards efficiency in assisting learners with special needs. Physical Environment It is undeniable that learners with special needs require a supportive environment that will increase convenience during learning. Based on my observations, such supportive attributes were installed in various parts of the room. Students using wheelchairs were not required to use staircases but enjoyed gently sloping wheelchair case. Additionally, another physical attribute of the class involved vastness of the working space. A class which on normal occasion could accommodate 40 students only had 13 students. According to Boyle (2009), this enables creation of enough space which would allow special maneuvering of physically handicapped members of the class. Students were