How Convincing is the distinction Dewey makes in A Common Faith Essay

How Convincing is the distinction Dewey makes in A Common Faith between 'religion' and 'religious' - Essay Example The development of such beliefs thus developed the concept of religion. Dewey explains that religion is set of cultural systems that provides for the type of relationship that exists between humans and their creator. As a cultural system, Dewey explains that religion has a set of rules and guidelines that influence the nature of the relationship that exist between humans and their supernatural beings. As such, religion is not a liberal concept since it has specific ways of behavior and communication that exists between man and his creator. Historical religions had ways of forgiving sins and seeking the intervention of the supernatural being in cases where the humans were in need. The unique characteristic that compels humans to eat particular foods, dress in particular manner and adopt particular postures during worship make religion dogmatic thus cultural. In his distinction between religion and â€Å"religious† Dewey observes that the society is dynamic, the fact that culture changes should influence the nature of religions thus resulting in the creation of equally dynamic religions that will consider the societal factors and features prevalent at specific times. In his argument, it bec omes retrogressive to confine people to a particular way of doing things while there are other evidently better ways of doing the same things. Dewey thus advises for the development of a religious society instead of a society that ascribes to religions. In fostering his campaign, Dewey asserts that the need to infuse faith and beliefs in religion is vital since it helps link individual to the supernatural being without necessarily having to undertake dogmatic cultural features. Faith is a belief; Dewey thus explains that the most vital belief hat every religion propagates is the existence of a supernatural being who is deserving of praise

Does Shakespeare successfully present Henry V Essay Example for Free

Does Shakespeare successfully present Henry V Essay My interpretation of a hero is somebody who is sincere and caring. They must be polite and well mannered. Someone who is strong and has a strong will in a tough situation. A person who is heroic, fearless, brave and courageous all rolled into one. A person who isnt afraid to say what they believe in. They must be confident and determined to follow something through to the very end and to fight for what is theirs. A person who is a good speaker and can put their point across to an audience. They must be prepared to make sacrifices as part of their job. Although all of the above things are important attributes of a hero I think there are two more important attributes. The first is to be loyal. To be loyal to your friends, family and country. Without loyalty there can never be trust. The second is the ability to change. To realise there is something wrong with you or your attitude and to do something about it. Ely and Canterbury talk about one of these attributes in Act one Scene one of the play. The ability to change. Shakespeare writes about one of the main attributes of a hero in the very first scene. When Canterbury looks back on the prospect of Henry being a King he says that, The courses of his youth promised it not. Canterbury believes this because as a youth, His companies unlettered, rude and shallow, His hours filled up with riots, banquets, sports, And never noted him any study. As Henry grows older though, never was such a sudden scholar made. Henry changes because he knew he had to. That takes determination and courage. No matter what anyone said he followed it through and did what he had to do. In the very first scene of the play Henry is already being talked about before we have even met him. Shakespeare has done this because he is giving Henry a real heros entrance, just like in any good film, he is telling the audience who he is and what he does. Canterbury and Ely are setting the scene and trying to make his entrance seem dramatic. Shakespeare does this to tell the audience that Henry is a well-known and well-talked about person. In other words Shakespeare is showing the audience that Henry is powerful. In Act one Scene two Henry is introduced to us for the first time. A first impression of him would be that he is very diplomatic and polite. Sure, we thank you. My learned lord, we pray you to proceed. Later on in the scene though, when the French challenge him he does not turn it down. Henry is pondering whether to stake a claim to the French throne. When he is sent a mocking gift of, Tennis balls, my liege. He acts on his instincts and declares war on France. This is very brave because it leaves him open to criticism and it could turn out to be the wrong decision. In Act two Scene two Henry finds out that three of his lords, and friends, are traitors. He is upset by this, What shall I say to thee, Lord Scroop, thou cruel, Ingrateful, savage and inhuman creature? Although they are his friends he knows that he must, Arrest them to answer to the law. They are his friends but like any hero he must make sacrifices. Being a hero isnt just about fighting or being brave its also about thinking about and helping others. In Act three Scene one Shakespeare shows Henry giving a moving speech to his soldiers outside the walls of Harfleur. Once more unto the breach, dear friends On, on you noble English Be copy now to men of grosser blood, And teach them how to war Cry God for Harry, England and Saint George! Henry just doesnt go into battle and expect everybody to win. He knows how they must be feeling and he tries to encourage them. Henry also demonstrates that he is willing to do everything that his job entails. Shakespeare shows the audience another heroic quality by, instead of sending one of Henrys soldiers to do something for him, he writes it so that Henry does it himself. This is shown in Act three Scene four when he says, How yet resolves the governor of the town? This is the latest parle we will admit, Therefore to our best mercy give yourselves. Henrys strong words push the Governor of Harfleur to give in. As soon as Henry and his army are let into Harfleur he is showing good initiative by already thinking about the next stage, Upon the soldiers, we will retire to Calais. Shakespeare shows the audience again of Henrys heroism by showing us he can be polite and that he has good manners. How now, Llewellyn? Camest thou from the bridge? Although Henry is like a friend to his soldiers, just like a hero Shakespeare shows us that Henry must face up to his responsibilities. Bardolph has been caught stealing and he says, We would have all such offenders so cut off in our marches through the country there be nothing compelled from the villages. Even though things arent going as well as they should be Henry doesnt give up. In response to Montjoys offer for him to name his ransom he says, My army but a weak and sickly guard. Yet, God before, tell him we will come on Through France himself and such another neighbour stand in our way. Yet again in this extract of a speech Henry shows his strong beliefs in God. All of the above quotations came from Act three scene seven. Shakespeare makes the play very dramatic by using a chorus at the beginning of every act. These are very effective because it gives the audience a taster of what is going to happen but not enough to explain the act fully. This means that the audience want to know what is going to happen and when something does happen it makes it all the more dramatic. In Act four Scene one Shakespeare presents us the audience, with Henrys many heroic qualities. Not showing any signs of worry or weariness he tries his best to raise the morale of his soldiers. There is some soul of goodness in things evil For our bad neighbour makes us early stirrers, Which is both healthful and good husbandry. Henry also shows us like any hero or any person that he has feelings. He borrows a cloak and walks around the camp asking people what they think of him. King: Then you are a better man than the king. Pistol: the kings a bawock and a heart of gold, a lad of life, an imp of fame, of parents good, of fist most valiant. Later on in an argument (while in disguise) with Bates Henry stresses, I think the king is but a man as I am. The violet smells to him as it doth to me. Shakespeare shows the audience that Henry has a different side to his personality, he is caring and understanding. Rather proclaim it, Westmorland, though my host That he which hath no stomach to this fight Let him depart. He then shows us that he isnt just all talk and that he is brave by saying, We few, we happy few, we band of brothers-For he today that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother. Henry again refers back to his belief in God by saying, Take it, brave York. Now soldiers, march away, And how Thou pleasest, God, dispose the day. He shows us this in Act four Scene three. You know when someone is a real hero because another person compares him or her to an already famous hero. Shakespeare does this in Act four Scene seven when Llewellyn compares Henry to Alexander, If you mark Alexanders life well, Harry of Monmouths life is come after it in incident well. Later on Henry shows again that he does have feelings. All of the boys guarding the luggage have been killed, I was not angry since I came to France Until this instant. When Henry knows that they have won the battle he is not boastful; this is another great attribute of a hero shown very clearly to the audience by Shakespeare. Instead he says, Praised be God, and not our strength, for it. He then shows that he is not afraid to show everybody his roots. I wear it for a memorable honour, For I am Welsh, you know, good countryman. Even though he is enjoying the moment of winning he has to get on with his job, Bring me just notice of the numbers dead On both our parts. Once again Henry refers to God, To boast of this, or to take that praise from God, Which is His only but with this acknowledgement, That God fought for us. During the battle Shakespeare uses another dramatic device by using very short scenes whilst everyone is fighting. This means that everything is constantly changing and the audience doesnt know what is going to happen next. It also builds up tension because Shakespeare is moving from one camp to the next. One minute you are in the French camp then the next you are in the English camp. After winning the battle Henry has to get back to his duties as king. Shakespeare shows the audience this side of Henry to show us that he is not just wrapped up in the glory of winning, he instead shows us that he is a true hero and still will face up to his responsibilities. Peace to this meeting, wherefor we are met. He then shows that a hero is just like any other man by trying to court the French kings daughter, Katherine. Fair Katherine if you will love me soundly with your French heart I will be glad to hear you confess it brokenly with your English tongue An angel is like you And therefore tell me, most fair Katherine, will you have me? After agreeing the peace treaty Henry says, prepare we for our marriage The above quotations were taken from Act Five Scene Two. Overall I think Shakespeare has been very successful in presenting Henry as a hero. He is everything a hero could be. He has shown the audience that a hero could be sitting amongst them, that a hero is just an ordinary man or woman. The audience can relate to this because one day they themselves know that they could be a hero. I also think that the play was more effective in Elizabethan times than it is now. This is because when Shakespeare wrote this particular play Queen Elizabeth was coming to the end of a very successful rein and she had no one to succeed her. The Elizabethan community were very worried that there wouldnt be anybody as good to take over, especially not a man. Shakespeare then wrote this play showing a truly heroic, male King. This raised the hopes of the Elizabethan people and made the play much more effective and much more popular.

The Importance of Joseph Conrad’s Congo Journey Essay -- Biography Bio

It was the year 1868. A young boy of about nine years of age stood looking at a map of Africa. The boy raised up his hand and stuck his finger directly into the middle of the â€Å"dark continent.† â€Å"When I grow up I shall go there,† said this boy with great enthusiasm (Conrad 13). Little did he know that some years later his childhood wish would come true. Joseph Conrad grew up to become quite the sailor, starting as an apprentice on a French vessel in 1875 and working his way to become a master of English ships from 1878-1889 (Jean-Aubrey 19). He spent fifteen years at sea, traveling to destinations all over the globe. After much traveling he returned home to Europe. While there, he tried desperately to find a new ship to command, but there were none available. He spent months searching and still could not find a ship to call his own. It was then, while stuck in Europe with nothing to do, that Conrad wrote Almayer’s Folly, his first novel. When Conrad was presented with the opportunity to go to the Congo in 1889, he did not hesitate. After months of correspondence between himself and members of the Societe Anonyme pour le Commerce du Haut-Congo in Brussels and the killing of a steamboat captain by natives in the Congo, Joseph Conrad was ready to journey deep into the heart of Africa. The first part of Conrad’s trip would take him to Brussels, where he would sign the final contract, obligating himself to serve for three years as an officer on river steamboats in the Congo. Conrad was to sail on the Ville de Maceio to get to â€Å"Boma, seat of the Government of the Independent State of the Congo since 1886† (Jean-Aubry 46). On the steamer, he traveled with a man by the name of Harou. He was a â€Å"Belgian officer who had mad... ...e, including â€Å"attacks of fever and gout† (Jean-Aubry 73). But, more importantly, the trip had changed who Conrad was. The best way to describe this change would be to quote his lifelong friend Edward Garnett who said, â€Å"Conrad’s Congo experiences were the turning-point in his mental life and that their effects on him determined his transformation from a sailor to a writer† (Garnett 8). Works Cited Conrad, Joseph. A Personal Record. New York: Harper, 1912. Garnett, Edward. Letters From Joseph Conrad 1895-1924. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, 1928. Jean-Aubry, Georges. Joseph Conrad in the Congo. New York: Haskell, 1973. Karl, Frederick Robert and Laurence Davies, eds. The Collected Letters of Joseph Conrad Vol. 1-6. New York: Cambridge U., 1983. Najder, Zdzislaw, ed. The Congo Diary and Other Uncollected Pieces. New York: Doubleday, 1978.

Discount Stores Limited

Accounting measures and treatments have been used to properly determine the profitability and financial position of a business entity. In the case of Discount Stores Limited, they have suffered significant losses especially in the first few years of operations. After hiring Harry Highpaid as the chief executive officer, though still suffering from a small loss, Discount has made significant improvements in its business operations.Now for the owners Ruth and Irving Bogan, employing various methods to account for advertising costs, inventory and company receivables, which have been used by Highpaid, is still subject to either approval or modification. These three aspects and how it contributes to the net profit or net loss of Discount would be the primary accounts and methods under inquiry. Case Study: Discount Stores Limited Discount Stores Limited is a chain of retail stores located in Ontario, Canada selling clothing and household items.The owners Ruth and Ivan Bogan use the income they get from Discount to provide for their personal living. However, the Bogans are worried because of they may possibly lose their primary source of income due to the business’ unprofitable years. It is nothing but normal for a new business establishment to suffer losses during its first few years of operation. However, these annual losses must, of course, be regained by increasing income for the years thereafter. For the owners, hiring an excellent manager, Harry Highpaid, became a venue for Discount to recover from the significant losses that they have incurred.Improvements have been flowing to Discount, and the owners are confident of the potential success of their business. Having been presented with the current year financial statements, the owners are concerned of some accounting treatments that Highpaid had employed in terms of advertising costs, slow-moving inventory and credit to customers. With regards to advertising costs, Highpaid has utilized extensive advertis ing campaigns to make their products known to the public, to attract new customers and to gain a bigger market share.This marketing strategy, according to Highpaid, has been a success and significantly contributed to increase in interested customers and eventually, increase in their gross profit. Highpaid had capitalized Discount’s advertising cost, believing that these will benefit the store for more than a year, and amortizing them over a period of five years. This is contradictory to Discount’s previous treatment of advertising costs, which is to expense them as incurred. Advertising costs are generally expensed in the period it is incurred.Proponents of this concept argue that future benefits that may be derived from advertising expenditures are uncertain (cited in Flesher, 1991). However, others believe these advertising costs must be capitalized for future economic benefits from these are identifiable and measurable. Plus, capitalization of this kind of cost coul d maximize long-term profits, not just short-term. Discount’s capitalization of 50% of its advertising costs would indeed contribute to bigger profits since the expenses it would incur will be lesser.Also, this gives rise to an intangible asset. Proof that capitalization of this cost would benefit future periods is that customers’ advertising impressions may build up overtime and it would be instrumental in introducing Discount’s product to customers who may possibly develop brand loyalty. Expensing the other half of it would be the proper treatment for those advertising costs, which do not necessarily benefit future periods, or benefit the current period alone. Moreover, this would serve as an immediate tax shelter, decreasing the potential taxable income.Determination which of these costs must be capitalized and which must be expensed actually depends on several factors such as the industry Discount is in and the extensiveness of advertising that they are empl oying. Advice is to maintain capitalizing the identifiable and measurable costs which would benefit future periods and expense those which would not, having already proven its considerable contribution to Discount’s increase in income. Every shop selling furniture or household items runs into the problem of having slow-moving inventory.This unsalable merchandise may be the bane of businesses no matter what the products are. Therefore, it is no longer extraordinary for Discount to have a low turnover of its inventory. Discount used to write off slack inventory, which has been on hand for six months or more, at the end of each fiscal year. These products with sporadic sales were discontinued and liquidated. But Highpaid has employed a slightly different term of writing off these inventories. He now writes off only inventories, which he thinks could no longer be sold. What discount must first do is to set up a system of managing its inventories.It must be able to know and identi fy which items are moving, and which are dragging sales down so that it can make better buying decisions, diminish slack inventories, and eventually increase profit margins. It must consistently track these inventories, which are selling more and which are not. Purchase bigger quantities of those products highly demanded by the customers. This is to avoid or lessen slow-moving inventory at the end of the operating period. Highpaid’s new inventory write-off strategy is better than Discount’s previous treatment of completely liquidating all sporadic products.This is due to the fact that Discount must â€Å"maintain a stock of some slow-moving products, and even products that have never been sold, in order to maintain a high level of customer service and enhance their corporate profitability† (Screibfeder, p. 1). Concentrate on ensuring you have the optimal quantities of those items that have the most dollars flowing through the shop. Offering credit to customers i s a very helpful and widely used business tool. Making sales on credit generally allows the store to increase its sales.The downside is that it brings with it the risk of late payments, or worse, uncollectible payments or the so-called bad debts. To appropriately comply with the accepted accounting principles, Discount must record the portion of its receivables that can no longer be collected. These bad debts must be recorded in the period it is incurred. Since there is an inherent risk that clients might default or incur delay on payment, Discount’s receivables must then be recorded at its net realizable value, or its gross accounts receivable less the allowance for doubtful accounts or the portion of the credit estimated to be doubtful of collection.The actual amount of Discount’s uncollectible receivable is written off as an expense from Allowance from Doubtful Accounts to the income statement account known as the Bad Debts Expense. This way, Discount would be able to fully account for the customers’ collectible credit and correctly diminish its income with the portion of the receivable, which will be uncollectible.To protect Discount’s cash flow, it is essential to credit check new customers before giving credit and continue monitor their payment practices throughout the business relationship. It may also be advantageous to provide for cash discounts to credit customers to encourage faster payment of debt. Proper and close monitoring of Discount Stores Limited’s accounting policies would greatly contribute to the profitability and to the stability of its financial condition.

Military Robotics Essay

A robot sniper is not subject to arm shake, fatigue, or any of the other human factors that throw off a rifleman’s aim, making each shot more accurate and less likely to hit someone other than the enemy. Pilotless drones are more likely to hit the target with better accuracy than bombs being dropped from a plane at 30,000 feet (Gyrnir). In the Army 53 percent of their casualties come with first contact with the enemy. Having a robot scouting ahead or flying above sending back pictures of the ground below to troops would reduce the casualties (Fogarty). Military robots can serve in place of human beings in explosive ordinance disposal (EOD), surveillance, and other dangerous situations. For example, when an EOD team was hunting for improvised explosive devices (IED), by the time the soldier was close enough to see the telltale wires from the bomb, it was too late. The IED erupted in a wave of flames. A soldier would have to be as far as 50 yards away to escape death and as far as half-mile away to escape injury from bomb fragments. Even if a person is not hit the pressure from the blast by itself can break bones. This soldier had been right on top of the bomb. As the flames and debris cleared, the rest of the team advanced. They found little remaining of their teammate. They loaded the remains onto a helicopter, which took them back to the team’s base near Baghdad International Airport. That night the team’s commander did his duty and wrote home about the incident. He apologized for his inability to change what had happened. He wrote, â€Å"at least when a robot dies, you don’t have to write a letter to its mother† (Singer). The â€Å"Soldier† was a 42-pound robot called a PackBot. The PackBot mounts all sorts of cameras and sensors, as well as an arm with four joints that extends over two meters to allow it to examine suspicious objects on EOD missions. If it weren’t for this robot to scout ahead the rest of the EOD team wouldn’t have survive the explosion (Singer). In conclusion, robotic technology is changing the future of warfare. Robots are used to save and protect, not harm innocent lives. The idea of robots replacing humans in the military is very unlikely. In order for a robot to do something it needs a human to program it and tell it what to do (Singer). Fully autonomous robots that may harm the wrong people presents ethical, legal, and command challenges determining who was responsible for the robot’s actions (the officer that put the robot into action and instructed it on its target or the company that manufactured the hardware) raises philosophical problems. Therefore, until these problems are resolved fully autonomous killing robots are unlikely (Gyrnir).

Essay about Prince Sports Case Analysis

Essay about Prince Sports Case Analysis Essay about Prince Sports Case Analysis Ashley Blyth Prince Sports Case Analysis Marketing Principles Prince Sports is a sports equipment retailer that offers many different products for tennis, squash, badminton, and racquetball, and paddle tennis. It’s complete line of tennis products include more than 150 racquet models, more than 50 tennis strings, over 50 footwear models, and countless types of bags, apparel, and other accessories. Inventing the first oversize, long-body racquets, the first synthetic gut tennis string, and the first natural foot shape tennis shoe is something that Prince prides itself on in the history of innovation in tennis. In the 21st century environmental forces worked for and against Prince in many different ways. Social forces work for Prince due to people being health conscious which results in people participating in physical activities, such as tennis. Income and occupation plays a role here because tennis is known as a â€Å"rich† people sport. Technological forces help prince in a few different ways. Increase of technology will make it easier to research and produce many different products. Having availability to not only research different ideas for new products but to actually be able to produce them depending on what the consumers’ needs are will be much easier as technology advances. Also technology provided more outlets for marketing. This can work against Prince as well. Having an available online market gives opportunity for consumers to leave feedback and reviews. One way this could work against Prince is if there are any dis-satisfied customers they are able to leave rev iews and feedback for possible new consumers to see, resulting in the loss of business. Many new consumers do review searches before purchasing a product or service on the web. Economic forces are based on the economy. If the economy is good it will work in favor for Prince. If consumers feel comfortable in the purchase of a new product that will only result in more purchases, and more word of mouth marketing. However, if the economy is bad this will make it less likely for consumers to purchase any tennis equipment. They will probably make do with what they currently have. The growth of tennis related products depends heavily on the growth of the tennis industry as a whole. There are different marketing activities that the United States can do to promote tennis playing. Every consumer loves to see the word free. Giving away free tennis lessons will spark the interest of a consumer. Once a person plays tennis for the first time there is a greater chance they will return to play again. There is also the idea to use internet based websites to sell the sport at a discounted rate. An example of an internet based site that sells goods and services at a discounted rate is Groupon. Here Prince could offer either free or promotional prices for lessons, day trips, games, or group packages. When people use discounted tennis games word of mouth will eventually spread and more people will talk about tennis resulting in more people joining the sport. Media advertising is a great way to target a specific market. Running an advertisement of all the pros of playing ten nis such as a great form of exercise, to achieve and maintain good health. If targeting people who are attracted to good health and maintaining it an idea would be to run an advertisement in a health magazine, this would target a specific consumer. There are many different promotional activates that Prince can use to reach recreational players and junior players as well. Sale promotions such as free lessons with the purchase of a product are ideas for promotions. Offering free lesson services to get consumers interested is a great idea. Since recreational players may be playing tennis for the simple fact of good exercise. Because of this they might be found in gyms, or spas. Hanging advertisements in these locations would be used a luring tool for a target group. Junior players can be attracted through

Free Essays on The Market Revolution And The Civil War

The Market Revolution and the Civil War When the Union was formed after the Revolution it was set up as a federal system which provided for state’s rights over the government’s rights, as it was set up the constitution had already provided for division between the states who favored state‘s rights and the states who favored the government rights. But the main issue during the Continental Convention was not over state’s rights but slavery; some states were committed to slavery while others in the North wanted to ban slavery. To solve the problem the Constitutional Convention came with the three-fifths rule. Differences over slavery were â€Å"settled† but little did the Founding Father know that these differences would be born again to doom the republic. The three-fifths rule supposedly solve the problem of sectionalism that existed the Union. Slavery was not an important issue in the states but as the population grew and started to think about human rights slaves became to be gradually emancipated in Northern states and differences started to grow again culturally and economically. â€Å"Some Northerners thought Southerners would recognize the inefficiency of slavery and end it voluntarily†1 but the events that will come about will make Southerners consider slavery as inevitable. The Market Revolution was the first step into aggravating sectional differences between the North and the South. In the North an industrial power was emerging with an urban population composed of whites, immigrants, and free blacks. By contrast the South was agrarian and feudal society trying to survive with an economy based on slave labor and cotton export but the benefits were so large for both sides that differences were put aside and the South supported the North so there was little animosity between them. All the tensions began to build up when ideas of reforms were starting to be heard especially reform in slavery. The creation of an abolit... Free Essays on The Market Revolution And The Civil War Free Essays on The Market Revolution And The Civil War The Market Revolution and the Civil War When the Union was formed after the Revolution it was set up as a federal system which provided for state’s rights over the government’s rights, as it was set up the constitution had already provided for division between the states who favored state‘s rights and the states who favored the government rights. But the main issue during the Continental Convention was not over state’s rights but slavery; some states were committed to slavery while others in the North wanted to ban slavery. To solve the problem the Constitutional Convention came with the three-fifths rule. Differences over slavery were â€Å"settled† but little did the Founding Father know that these differences would be born again to doom the republic. The three-fifths rule supposedly solve the problem of sectionalism that existed the Union. Slavery was not an important issue in the states but as the population grew and started to think about human rights slaves became to be gradually emancipated in Northern states and differences started to grow again culturally and economically. â€Å"Some Northerners thought Southerners would recognize the inefficiency of slavery and end it voluntarily†1 but the events that will come about will make Southerners consider slavery as inevitable. The Market Revolution was the first step into aggravating sectional differences between the North and the South. In the North an industrial power was emerging with an urban population composed of whites, immigrants, and free blacks. By contrast the South was agrarian and feudal society trying to survive with an economy based on slave labor and cotton export but the benefits were so large for both sides that differences were put aside and the South supported the North so there was little animosity between them. All the tensions began to build up when ideas of reforms were starting to be heard especially reform in slavery. The creation of an abolit...

ACT Homeschool Code for Registration

ACT Homeschool Code for Registration SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips If you've registered for the ACT, you may have noticed that you'll need to enter a school code. But what code do you put if you're homeschooled? How can you make sure your scores get to you? We answer your questions in this guide! What Is the ACT Homeschool Code? The universal ACTHomeschool Code is 969-999.This code is applicable anywhere in the USA, and it's what you'll use when asked to provide a school code. When you use this ACT homeschool code, itmeans that your score results will be sent directly to your home. You will have already provided your address in a different part of the registration process, and ACT will use that information to know where to send your scores. Why Does the ACT Ask for School Codes? There are two reasons why students are asked to provide a school code when they register for the ACT. The first is so their school can see how well they and other students are doing on standardized tests. The second reason is that ACT uses this information itself to collect data on how well different groups of students do on the exam.This can include comparing scores of students within one local area, comparing scores of students in different states, and comparing scores of students in public schools vs home schools.Homeschooled students, on average, score higher on the SAT and theACTthan their public school counterparts. When Should You Use Your Local High School's Code? If you want to, you can use the local high school's code instead of a homeschool code,as long as you have permission from the high school. This could be a good option if you plan on attending the high school later on and want them to already have your ACT scores, or if you need to provide them your ACT scores to participate in their extracurriculars. Conversely, this could mean less privacy for you, since the high school officials would then be able to view your ACT scores. If that bothers you, then it might be better to use the ACT homeschooler's code and send your scores directly to your residence. Other Resources for Homeschoolers Taking the ACT Need more information on registering for the ACT? We have a complete guide on how to register for the ACT as a homeschool student. Are youwonderingwhen you should sign up to take the ACT for the first time?This guidedescribes the most important considerations to help you choose the best test date for you. What's a good ACT score for college?Check out our step-by-step guide to figure out your target score. Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points? Download our free guide to the top 5 strategies you need in your prep to improve your ACT score dramatically.

The frontier of modern astronomy Research Paper

The frontier of modern astronomy - Research Paper Example Cosmology is the study of the universe as a whole, with particular consideration on the creation and development of the universe. While even the most cutting-edge astronomy is not able to definitively determine the age of the universe, or how it was created there exist a number of modern theories that attempt to tackle these issues. The current overriding understanding emerges from the Big Bang Theory, which has come to be accepted amongst most astronomers due to the overwhelming evidence in its favor. The core of the Big Bang Theory is that approximately 13 billion years ago, the universe suddenly exploded into existence during an occurrence that is now referred to as the Big Bang. It is unknown what occurred exactly before the Big Bang, as this was not an explosion in space and time, but was an explosion of space and time. â€Å"For a fraction of a second 10-34 to 10-32, the universe expanded at faster than the speed of light, driven by ‘anti-gravity’. At 10-10 to 10- 6, both quarks and anti-quarks existed, but due to the temperature, most of it was destroyed, leaving a tiny fragment of matter. Quarks are the building blocks of protons and neutrons† (Singh, pg. 209). ... It was ultimately discovered ultimately discovered that this radiation exists and it was deemed the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB). Today it represents one of the frontier elements of astronomical research. While there are a number of contemporary theories that scientists work with in modern astronomy, there also exist numerous questions that remain on the frontier of astronomical investigation. Among these primary questions at the frontier of astronomy concern the origin of the stellar mass spectrum. Essentially this question investigates why within the observable universe mass is distributed evenly throughout the universe, regardless of the original conditions. In these regards, astronomers are attempting to research stars and planetary evolution to better determine these elements. Another central question of modern astronomy is the investigation into life in the Universe. In these regards, a large number of scientific investigations have gone into the development of t hese concerns. One of the primary current techniques is the search for water within our own solar system, most prominently on Mars. It’s believed that through locating this water source microbial life can then be detected. The other technique is through astronomical organizations such as SETI that investigate radio waves and cosmic signals from deep space in search of potential forms of intelligent life. Another frontier concern of astronomical investigation is the existence and form of dark matter and dark energy. Modern astronomical techniques as evidenced in String Theory have sought to develop means of investigating the existence of dark matter and dark energy.

Week 5 DQ 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week 5 DQ 2 - Assignment Example Sharing and appreciation of valuable information has now become so easy. Technology that has paved way for the creation of virtual world via consecutive phases of up gradation is now admired as a heavenly blessing for mankind. Talking about workers’ perspectives, gone are the days when people had to bear the stressful 9 to 5 timings of office life (Baack, 2012). They can now peacefully step in the welcoming and opportunity rich environment of the virtual arena. They can now mint money via definite desirable flexibility of working on their own terms. The con of this virtual resource of employment is that the dependability of technology is not much sustained. A breakdown of power supply can result in hefty losses of income and reputation. Multi technical complexities and setbacks can also often arise without expertise to sort them out. Physical absence can also serve as a great hurdle in the employee’s productivity as it provokes more towards miscommunication. However, Te chnology has innumerable advantages. Within an unimaginable time lapse, accurate condensed information across the world can be attained regarding multiple factors, enabling efficient decision-making. The virtual world saves hefty travelling costs and valuable time, therefore providing ornamental profits to any business. Technological advancements such as the internet, teleconferencing and email has impacted the virtual organizations in quite a positive manner and are the main reasons due to which virtual organizations have become so well known (Chmiel,

Pfizer-puffery or deception Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Pfizer-puffery or deception - Essay Example Jarvik convince the audience in no time. As long as the information provided is valid, truthful and scientifically justified, there is nothing to worry about if advertisers make use of famous people to enhance the sale of their products. In fact, it is a good practice because consumers would tend to believe a product that is of high quality just because of their trust in the celebrities that introduce the products to the public in ads. Answer-2: It is advisable for Pfizer to adopt more rational and approved means of support for the claims it makes in advertising Lipitor. The best approach is to seek scientific evidence that would prove Lipitor’s role as a cholesterol reducing drug. Answer-3: Rational estimate about a company’s advertising policy can only be made by giving its product a try. Often, products come in sealed packs, and the customers can not even see if the product is the size that appears on the cover. Likewise, validity of claims made for a drug like Lipit or can only be judged through taking its full course at least once.

Active Range of Motion in the Cervical Spine Increases Article

Active Range of Motion in the Cervical Spine Increases - Article Example This is considered in general to be worthwhile. The participants are the result of an advertising effort. It is known that there were 109. It should be possible to know how many were available. These participants chose themselves. It would have been better if they were chosen from a pool as determined by the researchers. It shows the Chiropractors doing the actual testing. Maybe they should have supervised the tests rather than be actually doing them. Then the instrument readings should be interpreted by the chiropractors. In addition, there should be interpretations by other competent professionals. The interpretation of the two professionals should be considered. The F-distribution is helpful in measuring the ranges of the population. This choice presupposes that there is a difference in the ranges between the participants. The variances can be considered against some other standard or expected data. There were Chiropractors doing the manipulation. It is not clear if the same type of posture was used in the uncontrolled studies. Different types of studies of necessity will provide different results. The uncontrolled study seems to be investigating a change in motion. This controlled study is designed to observe a change in motion. In addition, this controlled study seeks to observe an additional result. It seeks to establish the length of time after the observed change in motion. There is no provision made for the level of pain experienced. How would we measure the pain level from slight to severe? The participants were selected based on the report of the participants. Headaches can be caused and relieved by factors other than movement. There is no indication that the headaches were verified by a professional. The possible difficulty here is that we indicated no certainty as to the link between a headache and the other aspects of the patient. Every aspect is relevant.

Performer Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Performer Assessment - Essay Example Interviewing is a day to day interaction, which is a skill that needs to be, developed (Keats, 2000) it is one of the most popular forms of communication and research in the psychological area, It’s main aim is to find out more about the client than what would usually be possibly as you are in direct charge of what questions are asked but at the same time it is down to the performer in this case how much they say. A weakness of interviews is the matter of time constraint on the performer because the performer who I’m interviewing might not have the time to go through certain areas as you never know how long an interview will go on for it all depends on how much information the performer is willing to give. Observations in a psychological way are of experimenting and trying to find a phenomenon (Sharma, 2006) through watching a performer or performers in this case and assessing them that way, an advantage of this method is you get a firsthand experience of what is wrong in that performance and what there psychological weaknesses are. The disadvantage of doing observations maybe that it is a one off and a performer’s performance will vary when in a different situation. Questionnaires and asking questions is one of the most natural way of gathering information and are certainly the most often employed data collection method (DÃ ¶rnyei,2009 (P.g 1). An advantage of doing questionnaires is the ease of the construction,it can take up to a few hours to draw up in some circumstances (Taguchi, 2009) and you can give out lots of them to different people. The main disadvantage of questionnaires is you can’t control how much information they decide to give and the answers they give might not be too detailed. Practical techniques for example performance profiling have become more popular recently when talking about sport psychology, performance profiling is a tool

HUMAN GROWTH AND THE LIFE COURSE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

HUMAN GROWTH AND THE LIFE COURSE - Essay Example Sociologically, they have to cope with their changing roles. The aged are not only mothers and fathers they have to take on new roles as grandmothers and grandfathers. Most of them have exited their jobs because of retirement and are now unemployed. Because of the new roles that they have to assume they feel differently about themselves and so their attitudes towards life and towards others change (Tavris, 1991). This in fact indicates just how important income generating employment is to most individuals. Santrock (1999) emphasizes that biological, psychological and sociological processes are all interwoven as sociological processes shape psychological processes and psychological processes promote or restrict sociological processes, just as biological processes are impacting on psychological processes. Tavris (1991) has indicated in her papers that sometimes the sex drive does not slow down but there is no one around to relate to in a sexual manner. Based on my experience the males in the old aged homes see the females as fulfilling the role of sexual partners and so these institutions are not just where old people go to die but where life and intimacy is sometimes revived. Although this type of event is not part of what these institutions are about they happen sometimes without the knowledge of the caregivers. Developmental theories of the life cycle such as Erickson’s stages theory have often been used to explain aging. Erickson’s theory identifies three (3) stages of adulthood: the early adulthood – twenties and thirties, middle adulthood – forties and fifties, and late adulthood – sixties and over. However, there are those who have suggested that in recent times age has become a less effective predictor of human behaviour. Erickson sees early adulthood as a period of either intimacy or isolation. Intimacy he describes as the ability to develop relationships that are close and loving. If intimacy does not develop then the individual will feel isolated. Whatever, happens at one stage starting from childhood affects the next stage and so this Intimacy versus Isolation in what is Erickson’s sixth stage has been impacted by the adolescent years which might have been a vey tumultuous one for some adolescents as we will see in the next section. In his seventh stage Erickson sees it as a period of generativity versus stagnation. Generativity refers to shaping the next generation by assisting them to lead useful lives. Middle aged adults who have not been able to make some level of contribution would be seen to have been impacted negatively through stagnation. In the eighth and final stage which he describes as â€Å"integrity versus despair,† it is a time in which the older adults look back at what they have done with their lives. If the periods or stages that preceded this stage were positive then the individual would feel satisfied with some sense of integrity and if it was negative then the individual would have been dissatisfied and thus felt a sense of despair. According to Greenburg (1999, p327) A person who is not successful with this crisis is likely to be overcome with despair because the time left is so short, death approaches too quickly and there is no time left to try another route to gain some integrity. The person may then become bitter, depressed and paranoid as they use disgust to hide this despair. However, this is not the only time that individuals look back. Some

Performer Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Performer Assessment - Essay Example Interviewing is a day to day interaction, which is a skill that needs to be, developed (Keats, 2000) it is one of the most popular forms of communication and research in the psychological area, It’s main aim is to find out more about the client than what would usually be possibly as you are in direct charge of what questions are asked but at the same time it is down to the performer in this case how much they say. A weakness of interviews is the matter of time constraint on the performer because the performer who I’m interviewing might not have the time to go through certain areas as you never know how long an interview will go on for it all depends on how much information the performer is willing to give. Observations in a psychological way are of experimenting and trying to find a phenomenon (Sharma, 2006) through watching a performer or performers in this case and assessing them that way, an advantage of this method is you get a firsthand experience of what is wrong in that performance and what there psychological weaknesses are. The disadvantage of doing observations maybe that it is a one off and a performer’s performance will vary when in a different situation. Questionnaires and asking questions is one of the most natural way of gathering information and are certainly the most often employed data collection method (DÃ ¶rnyei,2009 (P.g 1). An advantage of doing questionnaires is the ease of the construction,it can take up to a few hours to draw up in some circumstances (Taguchi, 2009) and you can give out lots of them to different people. The main disadvantage of questionnaires is you can’t control how much information they decide to give and the answers they give might not be too detailed. Practical techniques for example performance profiling have become more popular recently when talking about sport psychology, performance profiling is a tool

The Logic of Descartes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Logic of Descartes - Essay Example The Logic of Descartes Descartes felt the only way to obtain true knowledge was to rely solely upon human reason while ignoring the senses. Descartes wrote several books regarding the nature of existence and knowledge, providing us with plenty of material to study and has had tremendous influence on those who have come after him. These books are typically divided into segments Descartes labels meditations. In these meditations, Descartes reflects upon the nature of the individual and determines that he does indeed exist as both a physical and a metaphysical being through a detailed consideration of the various elements that contribute to his awareness. Through statements such as ‘I am not lodged in my body like a pilot in a vessel’ and ‘I am not that set of limbs called the human body’, Descartes attempts to bridge the difference between the new sciences and the sensory perceptions of the old philosophy, introducing in the process a new way of thinking about thinking. In Descartes ’ Meditations on First Philosophy (1989), Descartes states emphatically ‘I think, therefore I am.’ This simple-sounding statement is the result of a discourse in which Descartes calls into question all of the assumptions he’s come to know as a result of the philosophical thought of his day. To seek a higher version of the truth, Descartes felt it was necessary to question every assumption that had even the shadow of a doubt. Through this questioning process, he demonstrates how thought, not observation or the senses, is really the right foundation for knowledge. â€Å"When I considered that the very same thoughts (presentations) which we experience when awake may also be experienced when we are asleep, while there is at that time not one of them true, I supposed that all the objects (presentations) that had ever entered into my mind when awake, had in them no more truth than the illusions of my dreams† (Descartes, 2001). The first issue to be overco me was the concept that knowledge defined by a â€Å"clear and distinct perception† as being clear of sensation is foiled by its own dependence on the senses within the definition. Descartes argues that in order to fool a mind, a mind must first exist, indicating that the senses are not necessary to the development of a thinking being, so we must be something more than the physical material we are made of, something more than ‘the set of limbs.’ In the process of breaking down all of his perceptions to determine the very basic, deepest thought that is not based on the senses, Descartes admits that there may be some way in which all of his senses could be fooled all of the time into thinking he exists; this in itself proves his existence. â€Å"But there is I know not what being, who is possessed at once of the highest power and the deepest cunning, who is constantly employing all his ingenuity in deceiving me. Doubtless, then, I exist, since I am deceived; and, let him deceive me as he may, he can never bring it about that I am nothing, so long as I shall be conscious that I am something† (Descartes, 1989). Meditation III builds off of Descartes’ earlier idea that he exists because he is capable of thinking – â€Å"I think, therefore I am.† Assuming that what he is able to perceive as distinct must be true, he strives to erase his mind of all information that has been gained through his five senses to arrive at what he knows deep within himself. â€Å"In this item of first knowledge, there is simply a clear and distinct

Vaccine and Multiple Vaccines Safe Essay Example for Free

Vaccine and Multiple Vaccines Safe Essay Vaccinations are a big part of people’s lives. There are immunization programs for children that very much encourage vaccinations; starting them off early as steady, life-long customers. Years ago, when vaccines were first invented, they were made up of saline solution and the dead virus. Now, there’s so much more in the vaccine that most people don’t know about. The way that vaccines are made is unethical, from the ingredients, to the way the ingredients are collected. Many who get vaccinated just take their doctor’s knowledge of medicine for granted and don’t bother to research what’s being injected into their body. Edward Jenner invented the vaccine in 1796. The original purpose for it was to protect people against smallpox. He noticed that even during the peak of the smallpox epidemic, the milkmaids never got the disease. After further research, he theorized that the reason why the milkmaids didn’t get smallpox was because they came in contact with cowpox while milking the cows. The cowpox strengthened their immune system against smallpox. Jenner extracted the liquid from the inside of a cowpox sore on a milkmaid named Sarah Nelmes. Next, Jenner found a farmer named Phipps and asked him if he could inject his son, James, with the liquid. He explained to Phipps that if his theory was correct, James would never get smallpox. Phipps agreed. Jenner made two small cuts in the arm of the boy and poured the liquid from Sarah into the cuts. James came down with cowpox which lasted 6 weeks. After those 6 weeks, Jenner vaccinated him with the dried up pus from the sore of a smallpox victim. James didn’t catch smallpox. Jenner’s theory was correct, lucky for him. If he had been wrong, and James did catch smallpox and died, Jenner would have been considered a murderer. (A History of Vaccines) When Jenner first invented the vaccine, it was purely the virus that was suspended in saline solution. Now, there are so many additives and fillers in vaccines, it’s no wonder there are so many rising health problems. One of the most shocking ingredients is mercury. Mercury is in a preservative called thimerosal, which is used in vaccinations. Even the smallest amount of mercury in a body can cause nerve damage. Symptoms of mercury toxicity are similar to those of autism. Another preservative is formalin which contains the embalming fluid, formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is the liquid that cadavers are soaked in to keep them from rotting while research is done on them. It is poison to the gastrointestinal, liver, respiratory, immune, nervous, and reproductive systems. The reason it’s in vaccinations is because it stops viruses from replicating or reproducing themselves. Another shocking ingredient is genetically modified yeast, animal, bacterial and viral DNA. This can incorporate itself into the recipient’s DNA and cause genetic mutations. Phenoxyethanol is used in anti-freeze as well as vaccines. It’s a preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal contamination. Phenoxyethanol is toxic to all cells and is capable of disabling the immune system’s primary response mechanism. Aluminum is used in vaccinations as an adjuvant, which improves immune response. It can cause brain damage, and is suspected to cause Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, and coma. Beta-Propiolactone is a sterilizing ingredient in vaccines. It is known to cause cancer and is poisonous. Probably the most horrifying ingredient in vaccines is the human and animal cells. Human cells from aborted fetal tissue and human serum albumin (the most abundant protein in human blood plasma), and animal cells from pig blood, horse blood, rabbit brain, guinea pig, dog kidney, cow heart, monkey kidney, chick embryo, chicken egg, duck egg, calf serum, and sheep blood. These are in vaccines because viruses cannot grow on their own; they must have a living host to grow in. (Interview with Sherri Tenpenny About Dangers of Vaccines – NaturalNews. tv) (Vaccination Education Center) This leads to the question, are vaccines cruelty-free? The answer is no, they are most certainly not. The pharmaceutical corporations are okay with the abuse of animals. They purposely give animals diseases for research and inbreed them to the point of it being cruel to keep them alive because of all their health problems. The lab that harvests the cells from chicken eggs isn’t any better. They keep the chickens crammed up in a shed until they die from old age or sicknesses. The fertilized eggs are kept in constant light which is very hard on the chicks and makes them so weak that the chicks don’t even react when the lab technician â€Å"candles† the eggs to check their development. When they’re through collecting the cells from the eggs, they freeze them and throw them away. Freezing the eggs freezes the chick alive on the inside. Sometimes, when an overabundance of eggs occurs, the lab technician doesn’t even bother to freeze the eggs, they just throw them away, killing the chick slower. If for no other reason, hearing about the cruelty towards animals should be the point where people decide not to support vaccinations. Vaccinations started off as good intentions but have been corrupted over time. Children are dangerously overdosed. Neil Z. Miller, the author of â€Å"Overdosed Babies: Are Multiple Vaccines Safe? † writes, â€Å"Today, children receive one vaccine at birth, eight vaccines at two months, eight vaccines at four months, nine vaccines at six months, and twelve additional vaccines between 12 and 18 months. The pure and innocent baby is overdosed with 38 vaccine/drugs by the time he or she is 1? years old! † In an interview with Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, she mentions the fact that the flu shot was not originally meant for children. When it was first made, the drug companies deemed it dangerous. A little while later they realized they couldn’t put it on the vaccination schedule for adults if they didn’t have it on the vaccination schedule for children, so they added it. Now they have vaccination programs for children and even have children’s shows supporting them. All of the poisons in vaccinations outweigh the benefits. Is it really worth getting cancer, dementia, and birth defects just so that the flu is avoided? Harris L. Coulter, Ph. D. ays, â€Å"A major cause of the Roman Empire’s decline, after six centuries of world dominance was its replacement of stone aqueducts by lead pipes for the transport and supply of drinking water. Roman engineers, the best in the world, turned their fellow citizens into neurological cripples. Today our own â€Å"best and brightest,† with the best of intentions, achieve the same end through childhood vaccination programs yielding the modern s courges of hyperactivity, learning disabilities, autism, appetite disorders, and impulsive violence. † The drug companies that distribute these vaccines are fully aware of what’s in them and their harmful effects. They see it as job security. If the people that they give these vaccinations to get the impending side effects of them, they’ll go back to the doctor and ask for medications to rid them of the side effects. These medications will only fix that one problem and give them a plethora of other side effects. It’s a vicious cycle of expensive, dangerous drugs. Autism, for example, requires at least 5 different medications. Just one of these medications such as an anti-depressant, like Prozac and Zoloft which control anxiety, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder can cause many side effects. Common side effects of these medications include sleepiness, nervousness, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, rashes, headache, diarrhea, upset stomach, and weight loss. (â€Å"Top 5 Drugs for Autism†) Therefore, with all these side effects, doctors and nurses will always have a job. Even if parents decide not to get their children vaccinated, the children will still end up getting the harmful ingredients and effects of vaccines, because the aluminum, mercury, and other poisons, stay in the bodies of the parents forever and will be passed on to their children. Be it through breast milk or blood, the children will get it. Vaccines and Your Child) (â€Å"Overdosed Babies: Are Multiple Vaccines Safe? †) Vaccinations, in my opinion, are surrounded with unethical practices and procedures. There are vaccines on the vaccination schedule that are not proven to be able to treat or prevent anything. The only reason they’re on the vaccination schedule is so that the pharmaceutical corporations can make more money and appear to be helping to make people healthier. Everyone should educate themselves on what’s being injected into their body and not just trust their doctor. Some doctors only think about the money and not really about what’s healthy for the patient. For example, the doctor could know perfectly well that a vaccine was unnecessary or unhealthy for the patient but if there were going to be benefits given to that doctor; they’d give the patient the vaccine anyway. This is the reason why there are so many rising health problems. Animal cruelty is another unethical practice. The animal testing, the giving animals diseases for research, the unnecessary wastefulness of chicks, it’s all unethical and disgusting. I, for one, am definitely going to think twice before I vaccinate myself, and in the future, my children.

Battle Of Leyte Gulf History Essay

Battle Of Leyte Gulf History Essay The Battle of Leyte Gulf (Oct. 23-26, 1944) was a naval engagement between the forces of the Imperial Navy of Japan and the United States Navy. The United States planned to retake the Philippine Islands from the Japanese Empire as they saw the islands as a vital naval base of operations to start its island hopping campaign. By taking the islands, the American forces can launch a direct naval assault on the islands near the Japanese homeland. Expecting an invasion, Japanese forces launched its forces towards Leyte Gulf where Americans are bound to land its troops to start the liberation. However, the navy suffered heavy losses during previous naval engagements leaving them with a numerical disadvantage. In the ensuing battle, American fighters successfully inflicted heavy damages to the Japanese fleet forcing them to retreat. With the threat of a Japanese intrusion on the American transports gone, troops were able to land on Leyte paving a way to the eventual liberation of the rest of the Philippine Islands. The Japanese suffered heavy losses on its part allowing the United States to start invading the Philippines and elimina te any naval threats in the Pacific from the Japanese Navy. Battle of Midway Island The Battle of Midway Island (June 3, 1942) marked the first major naval victory against the Imperial Navy of Japan turning the tide of the war on the side of the Americans. The Japanese planned to invade Midway Island as the islands were strategically placed in the middle of the Pacific Ocean thus, expanding Japans defensive perimeters by adding a naval base in its arsenal more closer to the US. They also hoped that the aircraft carriers of the United States that missed the attack on Pearl Harbor would be lured in to engage the Japanese fleet in a counter attack. The Japaneses main goal was to finally wipe out the entire Pacific fleet of the United States rendering the country useless as Japan expand its Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere; the Japanese plan to bring Northeast and Southeast Asia under its rule. Unknown to the Japanese fleet, United States intelligence successfully decrypted the Japanese plan to invade Midway. They sent three aircraft carriers, Hornet, Yorktown, and Enterprise to ambush the Japanese fleet. The resulting naval engagement proved to be disastrous to the Japanese forces as they were caught off guard when US fighters attac ked the vulnerable fleet. Four of its aircraft carriers were destroyed and dozens of veteran aircraft pilots killed. Japanese Admiral Yamamoto was forced to abandon the invasion of Midway. The battle marked the first major naval victory of the Americans. It was a great loss to the Japanese Empire losing four of its greatest aircraft carriers crippling the navys capability to battle on par with the United States. Battle of the Philippine Sea June 19, 1944 The Battle of the Philippine Sea was a naval battle between the opposing forces of the United States and Japan. Marianas Turkey Shoot. It was considered to be the greatest carrier battle in history. The battle started when the Americans led its naval fleet towards the Marianas Islands to retake it from the Japanese. Because losing the Marianas meant that the defenses of the Philippines and Japan itself will lessen, the Imperial Navy decided to challenge the American fleet. It resulted in a decisive American victory and a great defeat to the navy of Japan. One contributing factor that led to Japans defeat was its inexperienced fighters and aging fighter planes. Battle of Iwo Jima February 19-March 26, 1945 One of the last battles on the Pacific Theatre between the forces of United States and Japan. As the United States acquired more and more islands Japan previously controlled, it became obvious that the tide of the war is turning on the side of the Americans. However, in order for Japan to surrender the United States needed to invade the Japanese home islands. Americans moved their sights on the island of Iwo Jima. The island was strategically important because of its potential refueling base and emergency landing field for its fleet of bombers. On February 19, 1945 after shelling the island for 74 days, US marines landed on the island to wrestle its control from Japanese forces. The American forces after suffering heavy casualties finally succeeded in taking over the island on March 26, 1945 after 36 days of fighting. The Battle of Iwo Jima was a turning point in the Pacific War as it resulted in the deteriorating of Japanese supremacy in the Pacific. Iwo Jima subsequently became the stepping point for the last and largest engagement between the Japanese and United States. Ba ttle of Okinawa. Battle of Okinawa April 1-June 22, 1945 The last and largest engagement between the forces of the United States and Japanese imperial forces. Okinawa Island was the largest in the Ryukyu Islands being of great importance as it was located just south of the Japanese main islands. The United States sought to take it from Japanese forces to launch raids on the archipelago, Japans home islands. American forces were numerically superior to that of the Japanese-287,000 against 130,000 troops. The battle resulted in massive casualties in both sides. The Japanese defenders fought bravely against its invaders and even using fanatical tactics to try do defeat American forces. Such tactics included Kamikazes, intentional ramming of Japanese fighter planes on American ships. In a desperate bid to defend the island, Japan launched Operation Ten Go. Japan sent the battleship Yamato, the largest and most armed battleship in history as a suicide attempt to destroy as many American ships as possible. Unfortunately, American submarines quic kly spotted the ship and destroyed it before reaching the island. The battle continued on for many weeks and only ending after the Japanese garrison had been exhausted. The whole troops of Japan were wiped out including some 150,000 civilians. In the American side 13,000 were dead and 37,000 wounded. The unwillingness to give up showed by the Japanese forced the then-president Truman to allow the use of the atomic bomb to finally end the war. Battle of Wake Island Japanese fleet launched an invasion on a small atoll called Wake Island. Though they were unsuccessful in their first attacks, the eventual assaults this time by a larger Japanese fleet forced the defenders to surrender. Battle of Java Sea The battle was a decisive Japanese victory against the forces of the Allies which included the US, Britain and the Netherlands. The Japanese fleet was better organized and deployed constant air attacks demoralizing the Allies. In the end, Japan was able to invade the island of Java extending its empires reach in Southeast Asia once more. Doolittle Raids The Doolittle Raids were the first air raid conducted by the United States on the Japanese Home Islands. On April 18, 1942 sixteen bombers launched from aircraft carrier USS Hornet flew to Japan in a mission to destroy strategic locations and boost American morale after the Attack on Pearl Harbor. Though, no sufficient damage was made it forced Japanese military to strengthen the defenses around the home islands, bringing back its powerful aircraft fleet to defend the islands. It also justified the Japanese invasion on Midway island .They believed that the bombers came from that island and if left untouched, it would pose a threat to Japan. The raids damaged the governments prestige and in the ensuing battle in Midway hurt Japans overall prestige. Bataan Death March After the invasion of the Philippines by the Empire of Japan, some 75,000 American and Filipino forces surrendered after the loss in the Battle of Bataan. On April 9, 1942 Japanese forces forced march these prisoner of war (POW) to a prison camp about 63 miles away from Bataan. They were robbed of their belongings and were mistreated severely during the march. Prisoners were beaten harshly and most of the time for no apparent reason. Those who tried to get a drink of water were quickly executed. Eventually, the sides of the roads became littered with dead bodies. En route to the camp, about 7,000-10,000 died while others escaped to the jungle. Only 54,000 reached the camp. Battle of Coral Sea May 7-8, 1942 Japan planned an invasion on Port Moresby to try to keep the United States from helping Australia. Allied intelligence knew of the attack so they sent a task force to try to repulse the invasion. The Battle of Coral Sea marked the first time the Japanese failed to complete its mission in the war. The result of the Coral Sea engagement was that neither side won the battle completely. Japan won a tactical victory as it was able to sink more ships than the Americans. The United States won a strategic victory as Japan failed to complete its invasion. Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki After the bloody engagement in the island of Okinawa, President Truman was forced to make a choice in the future of the war in the Pacific. With Germany defeated in Europe, all that stands in ending World War II is Japan. Truman knew after the Battle of Okinawa that Japan will fight to the end if ever American forces begin to invade the Japanese home islands. The casualties of such attack would be considerably high and it would only prolong the war. Refusing to throw away the lives of American soldiers, Truman agreed over moral reservations that using the Atomic bomb would quickly put an end to the war without any major American casualty. With Japans refusal to accept the Potsdam Declaration which stated that Japan will end in prompt and utter destruction if they do not surrender, the plan went into effect. On August 6, Enola Gay the bomber dropped the atomic bomb (Little Boy) on the city of Hiroshima. The bomb exploded 2,000 feet above Hiroshima destroying large parts of the city. W ithin minutes, the radiation effects caused by the bomb had killed 70,000-80,000 people. Another bomb was dropped (Fat Man) when the Japanese government still refused to surrender this time on the city of Nagasaki. 60,000-80,000 people were killed. Guadalcanal Campaign August 7, 1942-February 9, 1943 The Guadalcanal Island is a part of the Solomon Islands, a series of small islands 500 miles northeast of Australia. At the start of the war, Japan controlled much of the Solomon including Guadalcanal. The airbase in Guadalcanal was important to strengthen the sea lines of communication between Australia and United States. On August 7, the Allied troops landed on the shores of the islands and quickly captured an unfinished Japanese airstrip renaming it Henderson Field. Japanese reinforcements arrived and both sides battled viciously for the control of the island. Battles were done on air, land and sea for many months with heavy casualties on either side. As Allied forces grew increasingly in numbers, Japan launched a counteroffensive to retakes the islands from Allied forces. By November 15, the Allied forces decisively defeated Japanese but not without suffering major casualties. By mid-February Japan was forced to evacuate the island allowing the Allied forces to control the island . The battle was important to the war because it was the first major land defeat of the Japanese forces and ended any further expansion attempts. It was considered to be the first in a long series of battles that ultimately brought the United States on the Japanese home islands. Attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941 The United States had emplaced economic sanctions and embargo on Japan ever since it started its expansion towards China. Without essential supplies America believed it would stop its territorial acquisitions in Asia. Japan however did not agree on negotiations with the United States. Because oil reserves are running out, Japan needed to acquire lands rich with natural resources in the Pacific to support its extending empire in Asia. With this in mind, Japan would directly attack the military of the United States situated in Pearl Harbor to eliminate a possible counter offensive when it starts to acquire other territories especially the Philippine islands. Japan hoped that by destroying the Pacific Fleet of the United States, it would leave them unopposed in expanding its empire. On December 7, 1941 launched 6 of its aircraft carriers with hundreds of aircraft to Pearl Harbor for a surprise attack. Caught unaware, the ships moored in the bay were destroyed one by one as Japanese figh ter planes and bombers dropped a barrage of bombs and bullets. Overall damages to the fleet were high; most of the battleships destroyed along with hundreds of aircraft. The following day, the United States declared war on Japan. After three days, Germany and Italy, Japans allies declared war on the United States. Though it had destroyed the majority of the battleships of the Pacific Fleet, Japan failed to destroy the United States aircraft carriers at that time located on the main land. The battleships had become obsolete at the start of World War II which Japan still see as more important than aircraft power. The United States was forced to use its fleet of aircraft carriers to wage war on the Pacific, a major oversight of Japan which ultimately led to victories on the Pacific.

Crying Souls in The Slave Dancer :: Slave Dancer Essays

Crying Souls in The Slave Dancer It all began in the cold month of January, 1840, in a town familiar to many; New Orleans. Fog laid a heavy blanket on the streets and alleyways of the city. Rain steadily engulfed the seaside locality, and the sound of drunken riverboat men and the slaves celebrating their terrible festivities surrounded the area. New Orleans was the location where Jessie Bollier lived, and 'tis the place where he was captured on that dark January evening. Jessie then found himself aboard The Moonlight, the slaver with its towering sails and masts, cabins and storage space under the deck. For these were places where Jessie had to 'dance the slaves' and where the captain and crew would spend many weeks living in fear of the slaves, of each other, and of getting caught. The story then briefly took the ship's crew and captain to Whydah in the Bight of Benin, the rugged coasts of Africa, where the multitudes of slaves were captured and mistreated. They then made their way across the Atlantic once again to land in the Gulf of Mexico. The Moonlight was anchored there and stayed because it was here where the ship submerged. Two passengers then washed up to the shores of Mississippi where Jessie and Ras meet Daniel, their soon to be friend. Finally, the story concludes in the place it began...the clamoring streets of New Orleans. The Slave Dancer is written in first person point of view, through Jessie's eyes, and projects a depressing, melancholy mood. It is the tragic song of the slaves. The hero of the story is the thirteen year old boy, Jessie Bollier. "He's a fearful runt," comments Captain Cawthorne. He is brought on board the slaver to make the slaves dance, to keep them healthy. Jessie innocent and does not fully understand his purpose. "My life h ad turned upside down. My friend was a man who pressganged me. I disliked the man who befriended me." Jessie does not realize what is going on within him. He does not realize that these men, these women, and children are slaves...are owned. He does not perceive the cruel treatment of the slaves, but does not know why. Jessie himself puts it best, "My stomach rebelled." The antagonist is surprisingly Jessie, but after the voyage. He went through many changes after the excursion. "At first, I made a promise to myself: I would do nothing that was connected with the use of slaves.

National Issues in Election 2008

The five most important issues of Election 2008 (in no particular order) are:1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The economy: How will the United States correct the recession and what can be done to protect Americans from a recession in the future?2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The war in Iraq: How will America extract itself from Iraq? Can America extract itself from Iraq?3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Immigration: Immigrants, primarily in the form of unskilled workers from Mexico, are arriving in the United States in unprecedented numbers. There are now over 10 million unauthorized immigrants living in the United States (Passel, 2005, pp.   4-5).   How will America address the problem of illegal immigration and the need for guest workers?4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Education: American high school students ranked 25th out of 30 nations in recent comparisons of math and science skills (Glod, 2007). Many American students graduate from high school without being able to read, and many others drop out of school alto gether. How can America fix its broken educational system?5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Energy policy: Rising oil prices have underscored America's dependency on foreign oil, raising economic concerns and concerns about security. Energy is also closely related to the environment. Can the United States find sustainable and affordable sources of environmentally friendly energy?What should be the government's role in solving these problems? The answer depends on your political perspective.The economy Political Left: America's economic problems are the result of the natural tendency of corporations to put their own interests ahead of what is best for the country. This problem can be solved if the government did a better job of regulating businesses and financial institutions.Political Right: Recessions are part of a natural cycle of economic activity, as the economy makes necessary corrections. Economic problems can be solved by encouraging investment through lower tax rates, less government i ntrusion, and the creation of new markets for goods and services. In a capitalistic economy, jobs are created by businesses, not by governments.Political Center: Some government regulation of business practices is necessary to protect American jobs and incomes. Government and private business must work together to create jobs for American workers.The War Political Left: Can't we all just get along? International disputes are best handled through diplomatic means. America should withdraw as quickly as possible from Iraq and should avoid similar conflicts with other nations in the future.Political Right: The Homeland must be defended! Backing down sends the wrong message to terrorists and to our allies. America must be strong if we are to be respected.Political Center: War is a necessary evil, but should not be a first response. America should conclude its business in Iraq as quickly as possible, and then leave. Other nations should know that America has the capacity and will to prote ct itself, but will do so only if necessary.Immigration Political Left: America is a nation of immigrants. Rejecting immigrants now is hypocritical and racist. Immigrants should have the same rights as anyone else in the country and should not live in fear of being deported.   Government should make it easier for immigrants to be documented.Political Right: The Right seems to be divided on this issue. On one hand, conservatives want the cheap labor that is provided by undocumented workers. On the other hand, conservatives fear that immigration is changing the culture and – let's be honest – the complexion of the United States. The Right argues that immigrants are taking jobs away from Americans, yet they continue to employ undocumented immigrants to do jobs that Americans will not do. These conflicts probably explain why the Right has such a hard time articulating any type of coherent policy on immigration and cannot seem to decide what the role of government should be on this issue.Political Center: Immigrants, a.k.a., guest workers, are an important part of the American economy; however, once they come to the United States, immigrants need to learn English and make show proper respect for American culture. This is the United States, not the Estados Unidos. It is the responsibility of government to help assimilate immigrates and to ensure that no terrorists cross the border masquerading as a guest worker.Education The Right: Government should not have a monopoly on education. American students are failing because schools have no motivation to improve. Privatizing education would create competition and improve the quality of schools.The Left: Schools are failing because they are underfunded. It is the role of government to invest in the future of this country, which includes investing in schools.The Center: Public schools deserve public support. The role of government is to provide funding for public education. In cases where schools are failin g to teach, it is the role of government to ensure that every child has opportunity to learn, which may mean sending some children to private schools.Energy policy The Left: Green is good! It is the role of government to regulate and, if necessary, control energy production and distribution. Extreme Left would probably advocate for public ownership of all energy companies.The Right: Energy production reflects consumer demands. When people want greener fuels, companies will provide them. Government should support research on energy sources, but it is not the place of government to control prices or distribution of gasoline and other energy sources.The Center: Government should allow free markets for gasoline and other energy sources, but should intervene when profits reach extortion levels and people cannot afford to buy gasoline. Government should support research on alternative fuels.ReferenceGlod, M. (2007). U.S. Teens Trail Peers Around World on Math-Science Test. Washington Post (December 5, 2007), p. A07. Retrieved April 10, 2008, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/04/AR2007120400730.htmlPassel, J.   (2005).   Unauthorized Migrants: Numbers and Characteristics.   Background Briefing Prepared for Task Force on Immigration and America's Future.   Washington, D.C.: Pew Hispanic Center.   Retrieved April 1, 2008, from http://www.pewtrusts.org/uploadedFiles/wwwpewtrustsorg/Reports/Hispanics_in_America/PHC_immigrants_0605.pdf

Explain the Biological Mechanisms by Which Stress Can Induce Depressive Behaviour

Explain the biological mechanisms by which stress can induce depressive behaviour. Introduction Depressive behaviour is a core feature of several major psychological disorders, most obviously major depression (MD) and depressive episodes of bipolar depression (BP). Depression is also frequently found to be co-morbid with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and with anxiety-related disorders (e. g. social phobia or OCD). Depression is the biggest major risk factor for self-harm and suicide, thus posing a real clinical problem to try to understand and reverse the mechanisms involved.Traditional anti-depressant treatment has only shown a modest benefit to placebos in treating the disorder; therefore, more effective drugs that target the right biological mechanisms are imminently needed. The majority of experimental research in the area has used rodents to test medication and model known psychopathological aspects of depression in humans, such as learned helplessness, cognitive def icits and increased co-morbidity with anxiety-related behaviours. There are many factors that may explain why some people (around 16% of the population) will experience a depressive episode in their lifetime and others won’t.Genetic vulnerability and epigenetic changes, psychosocial support, socioeconomic status or even climate-related factors all have to be considered in considering the right treatment for individual cases. Whilst the causal link between many of these and the onset of depression is somewhat inconclusive, the strong association between chronic mild stress (CMS) and depressive behaviour is now a huge area of research, resulting in the stress-induced model of depression.Even where there is evidence for the role of genes in depression, such as allele variants for the 5-HTT promoter region, it is shown to vary as a function of exposure to stressful life events. The mechanisms by which environmental stressors can lead to depressive behaviour have been explored tho roughly, with a strong focus on the role of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and its dysfunction in depression. The consequent rise in levels of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol, following HPA activation, has been shown to become chronic increased in depressed patients.This is thought to be due to the development of glucocorticoid resistance, whereby high levels of cortisol are present in the bloodstream and peripheral tissue but negative feedback to shut down the HPA axis no longer works. Due to the numerous roles of cortisol within the body, several biological processes may be affected as a consequence of CMS that may lead to depressive behaviour. Direct and indirect effects of HPA dysfunction include changes in immune response, neuronal damage, decreased rates of neurogenesis and the serotonin pathways.These processes tend to interact and exacerbate one another; therefore, understanding each proposed biological mechanism of stress-induced depression and their impa ct upon each other is likely to lead to a better treatment outcome. Acute Stress and the HPA Axis The experience of acute mild stress is a normal and adaptive process, triggered by an environmental ‘stressor’ deemed to be potentially harmful. From an evolutionary perspective, this serves to protect the individual from danger via activation of the sympathetic nervous system, preparing the individual for ‘fight or flight’ mode.Stress, as well as input from the amygdala, hippocampus and midbrain, directly activates the ‘stress response’ via the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The first immediate response is the release of corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus, which travels to the pituitary where it binds to CRH Receptor 1 (CRHR1). CRH can also act directly on other brain regions, e. g. the amygdala at this early stage. CRH1 activation stimulates the release of adrenocorticotrophin release hormone (ACTH), which tr avels via the bloodstream to the kidneys, stimulating the delayed release of the glucocorticoid (steroid) cortisol.Cortisol acts throughout the body in all cells, via binding to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors (GR and MR) (see Figure 1). Figure 1: Cortisol can pass through the cell membrane due to its lipophillic properties. Binding of cortisol to the GR complex in the cytoplasm causes dissociation of GR from the complex, resulting in an active GR monomer. Two GRs then dimerise to form a GR dimer. This can act as a transcription factor in itself by attaching to Glucocorticoid Binding Elements (GBE), or it can interact with other Hormone Binding Elements and transcription factors to initiate gene transcription. http://jimlund. org/blog/? m=200910] A rise in cortisol levels, alongside CRH, leads to adaptive changes in behaviour, cognition and immune function. Importantly, this rise is followed by a negative feedback loop of cortisol and CRH acting upon its o wn receptors (NC3R1 and CHR2, respectively) to shut down the HPA axis once the ‘threat’ has been resolved. This homeostatic mechanism terminates the production of any more CRH and therefore brings cortisol levels back to baseline (pre-stressor), vital for returning the individual back to a normal ‘resting’ state.It is this negative feedback mechanism which has been shown to be disrupted in patients with depression. Chronic Stress and Glucocorticoid Resistance In a situation of CMS, the prolonged activation of the HPA axis leads to abnormally elevated cortisol levels. However, chronically elevated cortisol can be dangerous, due to its role in suppressing the immune system and increasing vulnerability to infection. It is possible that in order to counteract the constant influx of circulating cortisol causing potentially unwanted downstream effects, GRs in lymphocytes become unresponsive or resistant to glucocorticoids.This dysfunction of GRs is typically seen in depressed patients and has been shown numerous times using the dexamethasone suppression test (DST). Dexamethasone (a synthetic glucocorticoid) mimics cortisol by binding to GRs and shutting down HPA activity in healthy controls. Therefore, dexamethasone-treated individuals have almost no detectable cortisol over the course of the following day. On the other hand, in depressed patients, the DST doesn’t show any significant repression of HPA activity.Whilst they already show significantly higher overall levels of cortisol, they also show reduced suppression of dexamethasone during the DST. This shows that the GRs are unresponsive to glucocorticoids, leading to the typical feature of glucocorticoid resistance in depressed patients. The Inflammation/Cytokine Hypothesis Glucocorticoid resistance has important implications for immune system function. Under normal acute stress, cortisol suppresses lymphocytes in peripheral tissue from producing pro-inflammatory cytokines by act ivating intracellular GRs and leading to transcription of downstream regulatory genes.Key targets of GR-mediated transcription related to immune function include the upregulation of anti-inflammatory genes annexin-1, IL-10 and I? B? (inhibits NF-? B) and down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes, such as IL1-6, 9, 11-13, 16-18 and TNF-?. However, glucocorticoid resistance following chronic stress can mean that lymphocytes stop responding to cortisol, so there is an increase in the proliferation of leukocytes and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.The proposed mechanism for how these peripherally-generated cytokines are able to affect the central nervous system (CNS) involves several pathways. These cytokines (IL-1? , TNF-? and IL-6) cannot typically diffuse across the blood-brain-barrier, but they can enter the CNS in regions of high BBB permeability or be actively transported across the BBB by endothelial cell transporters. Additionally, without crossing the BBB, cyt okines are able to activate endothelial cells to produce soluble factors (e. g.PG-E2) to indirectly activate neurons, as well as activating certain afferent neurons (e. g. the vagus nerve) that carry information to the CNS about the inflammation. In these ways, peripheral inflammation can cause typical changes in the CNS and ‘sickness behaviour’ seen in depressed patients: lethargy, anhedonia, reduced locomotor activity and sleep and weight disturbances. Support for this proposed mechanism comes from findings that clinically depressed patients show an abnormally high production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1? IL-6 and TNF-? ), cytokine-based immunotherapy often causes depression in cancer or hepatitis C patients and cytokine administration causes depressive behaviour in animal models. Reversal of this depressive behaviour can be seen by administration of anti-depressants, which target and reduce the inflammatory response in both patients and animal models. In a sim ilar fashion, anti-inflammatories such as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors or omega-3 have strong anti-depressant effects on behaviour. Inflammation-Induced NeurodegenerationAnother approach to modelling stress-induced depression has focused on the controversial findings of clinically depressed patients show changes in volume of structural brain regions, including the hippocampus, amygdala, anterior cingulated, prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. The mechanisms by which some brain regions, in particular the hippocampus as implicated in stress-induced depression, might decrease in volume appear to be a combination of both neurodegeneration (increased apoptosis of neurons) and a decrease in adult neurogenesis in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus (DG).Stress-induced HPA hyper-activity may explain the atrophy seen in some brain regions of clinically depressed patients. Glucocorticoids stimulate the breakdown of tissue into glucose for the quick release of energy; therefore, ch ronically increased levels may result in brain tissue loss in regions where cortisol acts, such as the hippocampus. Furthermore, the link between stress, inflammation and an increase in oxidative stress may also explain a large portion of the neurodegeneration apparent in depression.Inflammation has been shown to increase oxidation and the fact that the CNS has no proper defence against oxidative damage makes it very vulnerable to oxidative stress (OS). This has been demonstrated as a key feature in neurodegenerative diseases and depression, implicating a causal role of stress-induced inflammation in triggering degeneration. The damage caused by OS can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, which can lead to further intracellular build up of damaging oxidised proteins.The only way for cells to cope in this situation is to activate programmed cell death (apoptosis), or in less controlled circumstances, necrosis can occur, leading to a decline in cell numbers and lateral effects on the ne ural network. This mechanism of oxidative stress-induced neurodegeneration can be slowed down and treated by the application of antioxidant enzymes, which serve a neuro-protective role. These enzymes eradicate free radical oxidising particles and also suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine action.A further damaging feature seen in neurodegeneration and depression is nitrosative stress (NS), which may contribute to neurotoxicity and therefore cell death. An increase in the production of cortisol after acute stress will temporarily cause a suppression of neurogenesis in the DG. Neurogenesis in the DG has been demonstrated to be vital for healthy cognition and memory, impacting mood, the sleep-wake cycle and appetite; all affected in depression. Therefore, CMS leads to prolonged suppression of neurogenesis and may explain the behavioural outcomes typical of depression.The decrease in neurogenesis following exposure to stress may possibly involve the neurotrophin Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), shown to be greatly reduced in regions that also show a decrease in neurogenesis and related to brain regions typically affected in depression. Animal models exposed to CMS show decreased neurogenesis and BDNF levels in overlapping brain regions and elicit depressive behaviours associated with dysfunction of these regions. Furthermore, anti-depressant treatment that successfully increases BDNF levels also leads to recovery from depressive behavioural symptoms.However, the causation here is not clear; whether the BDNF levels dropping are a result of other stress-induced mechanisms or whether it is partly the cause of the behaviour. Some evidence suggests that anti-depressants can work independently of BDNF restoration. Hagen and colleagues set out to control for possible variables such as age, time of cortisol readings and overall brain volume. Whilst there has been no robust evidence for a link between baseline cortisol levels and hippocampal volume, this study did fi nd that hippocampal volume was negatively correlated with length of depressive episode pre-hospitalisation.Furthermore, better responsiveness (lowering of cortisol levels) after treatment was predicted by greater hippocampal volume (relative to overall brain volume). b) antineurogenic effects and reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels; and c) apoptosis with reduced levels of Bcl-2 and BAG1 (Bcl-2 associated athanogene 1), and increased levels of caspase-3. Stress-induced inflammation, e. g. increased IL-1? , but not reduced neurogenesis, is sufficient to cause depression. Antidepressants a) reduce peripheral and central inflammatory pathways by decreasing IL-1? TNF? and IL-6 levels; b) stimulate neuronal differentiation, synaptic plasticity, axonal growth and regeneration through stimulatory effects on the expression of different neurotrophic factors, e. g. trkB, the receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor; and c) attenuate apoptotic pathways by activating Bc l-2 and Bcl-xl proteins, and suppressing caspase-3. It is concluded that external stressors may provoke depression-like behaviours through activation of inflammatory, oxidative, apoptotic and antineurogenic mechanisms.The clinical efficacy of antidepressants may be ascribed to their ability to reverse these different pathways. Neuronal damage and apoptosis Activation of the Kynurenine Pathway (KP) 5-HT Accumulated evidence indicates a role of the hippocampal 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (5-HT) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the response to stress and modulation of depression, but it is unclear whether and how the hippocampal 5-HT and NPY systems make contributions to chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression.Here we observed that rats receiving a variety of chronic unpredictable mild stressors for 3 weeks showed a variety of depression-like behavioral changes, including a significant reduction in body weight, sucrose preference, and locomotion, rearing and grooming in open fiel d test, and a significant increase in immobility time in forced swimming test. These CUMS-induced behavioral changes were suppressed or blocked by intra-hippocampal injection of 5-HT (31. 25 microg/microl) or NPY (10 microg/microl). These data suggest a critical role of reduced hippocampal 5-HT and NPY neurotransmission in CUMS-induced depression.