Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Research - Essay Example However, it is a fact that irrespective of all the benefits it promises, the option of incarceration also has multiple demerits and disadvantages. Legal incarcerations come at the cost of a very heavy burden over the taxpayers, and in a financial context, happens to be an utterly dearer option (Geraghty, 2004). Besides, when it comes to criminal rehabilitation, it has been found that the criminals get hardened in the prisons and it is only a few criminals that give up crime after their jail term (Geraghty, 2004). So far, in a pragmatic context, it would be safe to say that incarceration has done little towards facilitating a solution for restraining crime in the society. Besides, retaining law and order within the prisons is also a big problem in itself. The overcrowding of the prisons has made it utterly difficult for the prison authorities to securely manage and run prisons (Geraghty, 2004). In the last few decades it has dawned on the law and order authorities in varied states tha t it is possible to safeguard the society without confining the criminals to incarceration (Kruttschnitt, 2006). Besides, it has been found that extending prison sentences to non-violent criminals is not rights and proves to be counterproductive. Therefore for a need is being felt to come out with alternatives to incarceration. Any punishment that intends to punish an offender, without confining one to prison could serve as an alternative to incarceration. Day Reporting Centers Day Reporting centers are an alternative for the prisoners who are not very aggressive and mostly found culpable in petty or non-violent crimes. Day Reporting centers tend to be centers that are non-residential in their scope, and where the prisoners are required to receive supervision and services. Offenders tend to check in, in the Day Reporting Centers on a daily basis, where the plan the days’ activities in consultation with their supervisors, and participate in and adhere to a prescribed treatment schedule. Day Reporting Centers tend to check, guide and rehabilitate the criminals by actively engaging them in varied activities like curfews, community service, employment, enrollment in schools, random drug tests, etc (McBride & VanderWall, 1997). Day Reporting Centers not only happen to be more cost effective as compared to incarceration programs, but also tend to help a lot in relieving the over burdened traditional prison system (McBride & VanderWall, 1997). Day Reporting Centers have their limitations in the sense that they are more suitable for the aged, non-violent and educated prisoners. Day Reporting Centers serve as an alternative to incarceration in both the pretrial and post trial stages. The Day Reporting Centers allow for a very high level of surveillance of the offenders while extending to them the necessary treatment and rehabilitation opportunities (McBride & Vander Wall, 1997). Day Reporting Centers work on the principle of intermediate punishment. Intermediate punishment is any form of punishment that does not involve incarceration, but involves court ordered restrictions. Hence the Day Reporting Centers in a way constitute the middle link between incarceration and a parole. The offenders who participate in the Day Reporting Center programs are allowed to move amidst the society, but with the requisite guidelines and restrictions. Day Reporting Ce

Pavarotti Fashions Brand Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Pavarotti Fashions Brand - Case Study Example The paper "Pavarotti Fashions Brand" discovers case with the Brand of Pavarotti Fashions. In the first case, Amanda ordered a pair of jeans from Pavarotti’s mail order catalogue on the 5th of December. She received a notice on the 12th of December that the jeans are no longer available for the advertised price, but for the revised price of J300, introduced on the 8th of December. While Pavarotti offered a complete refund, Amanda refused the offer and insists that Pavarotti sell the merchandise for J250, as advertised. The relevant issue therefore is whether Amanda’s rights were violated as a result of Pavarotti’s refusal to sell her the merchandise based on the advertised price; and whether she can compel Pavarotti to sell her the merchandise based on the advertised price. In determining whether Amanda’s rights were violated, one must assess her rights as Pavarotti’s customer, in particular and as a consumer, in general. As Pavarotti’s custom er, Amanda’s rights depend on her contractual relationship with Pavarotti, such that a contract binding the two to specific performance must first exist. However, the courts may find that a contract does not exist. Looking unto Partridge v Crittendon , Pavarotti’s advertisements in the catalogue can be treated as an â€Å"invitation to treat† as opposed to an offer. By ordering, Amanda is simply making an offer. However, in introducing the revised price, Pavarotti makes a counter-offer, which is tantamount to a rejection of Amanda’s offer, ending the current negotiations.... While Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Co7 illustrates a contrary situation, where if applied to Amanda's case leads to a valid contract and existing obligations between the two parties8, this application is unlikely. Unlike in Carlill, Pavarotti, through the mail order catalogue did not illustrate a willingness to be bound by the advertisements, such that the company was merely supplying information to prospective customers. The lack of contractual intent on Pavarotti's part makes his advertisements merely an invitation to treat, as opposed to an offer. Furthermore, looking at the nature of Pavarotti's business where the merchandise is always subject to the availability of stock9 and the fact that mail order catalogues are already dated once released, such that it does not reflect price changes made within the company's physical office days after the release; Amanda cannot rely on the catalogue's certainty. Thus, the lack of contractual intent on the part of Pavarotti, and the lack of certainty, as illustrated in the facts given regarding the mail order catalogue, illustrates that no binding contract was formed, such that Amanda cannot hold Pavarotti to sell her the merchandise based on the adver tised price because no contractual relationship or obligation exists between the parties. Insofar as contractual obligations are concerned, Amanda therefore has no claim against Pavarotti. However, as a consumer, she can claim that Pavarotti's action violates her civil rights. Based on the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and the Consumer Protection Act 1987, Pavarotti can be subject to criminal liabilities. Amanda can argue that even though there is no contractual obligation between her and

Ncm 512 session long project module 4 Negotiation Styles and Essay

Ncm 512 session long project module 4 Negotiation Styles and Communication (unites states post office) - Essay Example The shooting led to 6 people being killed on the spot and one person was seriously injured in this event. The underlying issue of this shooting was that the person was waiting for a long time and was not being served. The parties to the conflict include the lady shooter and the employees of the postal service. The chosen party for this paper is the postal service employees. There was no clear negotiation that was brought out here in this case. The angry lady instead of taking up the issue with the employees went on to take a serious step of opening fire to the building. There was a slight negotiation that was present where the lady showed signs of urgency and her body language did show a level of urgency. However my side of the parties seems to have ignored this urgency and have not been able to provide the required service to the lady. There was clearly no verbal message that was shown by the lady except the one request of asking the employees to deal with her requested service. The negotiation method adopted for this case was not a cooperative one in any manner and there was more of a competitive behavior that was seen which led the lady to take the intense step of shooting at the employees of the organization. Considering myself in this position as the employee at the counter, I would have acknowledged the request of the lady and would have explained to her that once I was done with the other customer, she would be attended to next. If there was a possibility for another employee to cater to her, I would have requested my coworker to deal with the situation. Also, based on this experience, I would have suggested to the company the need for two counters one which dealt with the urgent requests while the other which deals with the normal work. The conflict is one which cannot be anticipated, hence any decision taken at the spur of the moment would be the best that one could do. Hence I personally believe that nothing could

Jane Austens Persuasion Essay Example for Free

Jane Austens Persuasion Essay Jane Austen is a successful classic romance novelist, one of her many novels is Persuasion, a novel that portrays love. She published six novels that all relate to the theme of love and marriage along with the consequences of making that important decision. While the novel Persuasion is romantically favourable, there are ideas presented about marriage that are not very appealing. The main story of the novel was the reunion of Anne and her shattered love with, Captain Wentworth. Though they were sincerely in love, the relationship was rejected by her father and Mrs. Russell from a financial and social class perspective. The ending of the story brings us to a beautiful happily ever after, where the engagement of Anne and Captain Wentworth takes place. The reunion of the couple, led to happiness for the two and that was all that concerned them. There are marriages however, that are quite uncooperatively performed. Some marriages usually serve the purpose of financial aid or social mobility for the significant other who is less fortunate, in this case it is usually the women. This is evident with Mrs. Clay and her desire to marry Sir Walter for wealth or Mr. Elliot and his desire to marry Anne to become baronet. Marriage in Regency England was used as a vehicle for many things (Pack 2012) . Hence, Jane Austen tells her perspective of women’s idea of why they should marry during that period of time. Overall, the ideas of marriage would be happiness; social class and wealth are what persuades most of the women into marrying in Regency England. â€Å"Why should the people be unhappy? Are there not landed gentry, country parsons, and even wealthy naval commanders for them to marry? Ruoff 2012)† For a successful marriage relationship involves the dedication and affection of both partners. During the course of the novel, the most successful and content relationship would be Anne Captain Wentworth. Though their relationship was unapproved and disregarded by the elders of the family, they both knew from time that they were meant for each other. Jane Austen uses Anne and Cap tain Wentworth as an example, contrary to the other marriages present in the novel to reveal her belief in the possibility of â€Å"good† marriages. The substantial ratio of love marriages to the others in the novel evidently conveys Jane Austen’s opinion on happy marriages; indicating that perhaps happiness in marriage is just a matter of chance. The love relationship with Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth in the beginning was very strong; regardless of their separation it is still continued to be one. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone forever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight and a half years ago. Dare not say that a man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. (Austen, page 177) When Captain Wentworth says this to Anne its describes his unconditional love towards Anne which is true, regardless of her breaking their engagement when Lady Russell discourages her from the engagement. He willingly stated the truth of his feelings which indicates the fact that he had loved nobody and thought of nobody other than Anne. In this novel Captain Wentworth was portrayed by Jane Austen as a character to show the value of men’s love. â€Å"What was most wrong to Jane Austen was to marry without at least affection if not love. Always ridiculed when young women and their mothers go into secure marriages more than love† (wit and wisdom of Jane Austen 2012). In all the novels that Jane Austen has written it showed how much of a believer she was in love marriages and how she regarded it as. Austen felt that love should be shown in all relationships within the partners. When the other reasons of marriage were looked upon it came back to the necessity of women. When looking at this argument however, men also have the equal standing and determinations regarding the decision of marriage. Throughout this story Austen points out and mocks the characters that chose to get married for security of themselves over happiness of their lives. For example, Mary was shown to be arrogant, complaining, and careless mother because she cared about social class more. Just as much as men showing their affections and happiness towards their partners, women also show the same amount of affection and happiness but in some cases women’s love towards their partner is greater than expected compared to men. If I loved a man as she loves the Admiral, I would always be with him, nothing should ever separate us, and I would rather be overturned by him, than driven safely by anybody else. (Austen, page 61). When Louisa says this line it portrays that another character who believed in love marriages. This quote points out the depths of a women’s love in Aus ten’s perspective, showing her understanding of love and how it should be seen. The effectiveness of this line proves that it is not easy for a woman to accept love and it’s just as important as any other decision that you could ever make in your life. Their union, she believed, could not divide her more from other men, than their final separation. (21. 2). When Anne says this quote it shows her unconditional love towards Captain Wentworth and that there will be no other man other than him to replace her love, it also shows that even after seven years she never stopped loving Captain Wentworth still regretting her actions. This proves that women take their love seriously and that it is very strong. â€Å"†¦ is the only man she can love †¦ she in sorrow and lose beauty and youth in unveiling regret† (Kavanagh 2012). This quote reveals the sorrow of a woman when she has to part from her partner, it uses imagery to better illustrate the feelings of a woman when she goes through this. It relates to Anne because this is how she felt when she had to break the engagement between her and Captain Wentworth; and how much she regretted making that decision. Marriage is an important factor when it came to women especially when it either helps elevate their social status or bring it down. Throughout the story, Austen mainly portrays the significance of social ranking in society marriages. She pictured out which couples were more successful in the marriages, for example, the Crofts whom were well matched when it came to social status. Most of the women in this novel are put out as wanting to marry for high position in social rank. One of the marriages was Mary, it helps the purpose of marriage but it does not show the real meaning of marriage. â€Å"He thought it a very degrading alliance† (Austen, page 18). At the end of the novel, Anne and Wentworth are united but in the beginning they were disapproved especially by Sir Walter because Wentworth had no social ranking. Particularly, to the people of higher ranks, social class was tremendously important regardless of what the situation might be. No matter what the circumstance was, one does not marry below their own class. Looking at Anne’s perspective, her being a Baronet’s daughter could not marry Wentworth who was not of social rank or it was frowned upon in society and brought disgrace to the family. Westgate Buildings! said he, and who is Miss Anne Elliot to be visiting in Westgate Buildings? A Mrs Smith. A widow Mrs Smith; and who was her husband? One of five thousand Mr Smiths whose names are to be met with everywhere. And what is her attraction? That she is old and sickly. Upon my word, Miss Anne Elliot, you have the most extraordinary taste! Everything that revolts other people, low company, paltry rooms, foul air, disgusting associations are inviting to you. But surely you may put off this old lady till to-morrow: she is not so near her end, I presume, but that she may hope to see another day. ( Austen, page 14). The usage of this quote reminds Austen’s audience the consequence of marrying of low class. Since Mrs. Smith married someone of a low class she was frowned upon those who were above her like Sir Walter. â€Å"Jane Austen’s novels do affirm the value of a social order is undeniable† (Ruoff 2012). When Jane Austen wrote her novels she was extremely careful about how social class worked in marriages and the importance it gave even for the smallest issues, social class was almost a question of life or death. Marriage was undisputable. Women needed to find a husband with a high status to maintain personal status. Mary had merely connected herself with an old country family of respectability and large fortune, and had therefore given all the honour (chap 1 page 3). Mary like her father was very concerned about her personal statues and chose to get married to a wealthy and respected family. Since she was married into a family like that she was given all the honour and respect automatically regardless of what she was before. Here Austen shows that marriage in Mary’s case was to upgrade her social ranking and it shows the relationship of Mary and Charles is rather unstable and nor do they love each other. Marriage here was shown as a social mobility. â€Å"†¦by her pride, the Elliot pride† (Austen, pages 65). When Louisa said this, a believer of love marriages, suggested the pride that she had towards her husband, his family and herself. Mary is completely proud of her married life because as Baron’s daughter she held up the pride of the Elliot’s name and married into a respectful family. Even though she does not lead a happy life, she is fulfilled with the position that she has in society from the marriage she had. Jane thought the worst case scenario of a woman is not able to find a husband in her own social class and whose family cannot support her (wit and wisdom of Jane Austen 2012). Even though Jane Austen was a believer of love marriages at heart she also understood that a woman without social rank or a husband without a social rank won’t have a bright future. Especially when the woman’s family won’t support her in any way. Respect and Pride was two words that if in any case it was taken away; it is almost as life or death in most women’s lives. Mary acquired importance after becoming Mrs. Charles Musgrove; but Anne, with an elegance of mind and sweetness of character †¦ was nobody: her word had no weight†. Anne’s characteristic was portrayed as sweet, wittier and overall a better person compared to her sister Mary. However, she was barely respected or seen as a member in the family. Mary’s characteristic was portrayed as a horrible mot her, arrogant and just obnoxious and yet people respected her and treated her like an equal part of the family. Mary, being married into a wealthy and high social ranked family, secured her position as high in the social circle. Still, focusing on appearance and rank as he inserts Captain Wentworth’s name in the Baronetage. He has not changed at all (Adamson 2012). Sir Walter dismissed Captain Wentworth as a potential husband for Anne because he had no title or wealth but now Wentworth is respected by Sir Walter since Wentworth has acquired a fortune putting him stable and rich and qualified to be respected as one in the high society. This will help Anne gain everybody’s respect when she becomes dependent on Captain Wentworth and will lead a wealthy life. Throughout the past, marriages were frequently seen as a contract to protect the welfare of the family’s statues and finance, especially amongst the mist of local nobility and landlord gentlemen which is always pointed out and focused on in all her novels. Marriage was a tool and excuse to become wealthy and respected. Vastly women took the upper hand and advantage when considering marriage especially if it allows their lives to be prosperous. They are not mainly to be blamed because they have no choice, they were not educated or had the right to their parent’s wealth, marriage was the only other option for them to avoid the gutters and live royalty. Since women had no education like the men, women had no means or opportunities to make money to live their own life of their choosing. â€Å"Education has been theirs in so much higher a degree; the pen has been in their hands. † (Austen, page 172). This quote states that education was not something woman were able to grasp at all, it was given to the men at a high degree and even if women were given education and it was just to read and write a little and that was it. In today’s world the more education you had, the better the career. However, back then, women were unfortunate as the quote suggests â€Å"The pen has been in their hands. † â€Å"Men always had the upper hand and the means of living compared to the women, â€Å"You have always a profession, pursuits, business of some sort or other, to take you back into the world immediately, and continual occupation and change soon weaken impressions. (Austen, page 173. ) When Anne says this line it bluntly says the situation of women and how they can’t have a job to rely on or anything else like the men because they have no education and mostly women were not allowed to even work in England. They were expected to stay home and look after the house and the children. Hence women relying on making good marriages financial wise in order to live happily. Women in the upper classes had the leisure to educate themselves; however, they, like their counterparts in the lower classes, were not expected to think for themselves and were not often listened to when they did. Jane Austens novels both reflect and challenge the periods attitudes toward women (Smith 2012). In Jane Austen’s novels, Austen was able to portray the struggles of uneducated people in that time period. The lower class women had no education at all compared to the high class ladies so their words were not considered anywhere. While the high class ladies at least were able to read and write somewhat and because of their positions in society it was easier for higher class ladies to express themselves. Regardless, of whether a family had a daughter, as the oldest child, the parent’s wealth always ended to the closet male family member and the daughter has nothing. â€Å"She had, while a very young girl, as soon as she had known him to be, in the event of her having no brother, the future baronet, meant to marry him. † (Austen, page 4). In England back in the time, had the law where the property and wealth of the family will go to the son who will be the next in line to take responsibilities of the household. Sir Walter has no heir; son, hence, putting his nephew William Walter Elliot, cousin of Elizabeth and her sisters next in line to the Baronet title. Elizabeth knowing this well enough decided to get married to him at such a young age to gain respect and wealth, proving that women have no choice regarding the family’s wealth it never went to the daughters. Hence, forcing them to marry for just wealth and prestige. â€Å"The gentlemen, the head of the house, like you father† (Austen, page 8). Ideally the head of the house back in the time and even now the men were the head of house. Austen uses a little dryness in this quote because women were in charge of looking after the house like cooking and cleaning and they were considered as â€Å"head of the house†. However, this quote says men to be the head of the house. This shows the reality of a woman’s life and goes to prove that women had limited to no opportunity regarding credit and job opportunities. Therefore, pushing forth with women using marriage has a tool to get the hold of respect and money. She realised that it was necessary for women to marry in order to avoid poverty (Gill and Gregory, 2003).

Examination and clarification of bioluminescence in marine creatures

Examination and clarification of bioluminescence in marine creatures In order to isolate bioluminescent bacteria from marine samples, one must have a better understanding of the phenomena of bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is a type of luminescence. The light that usually occurs at low temperatures is called luminesence [1]. Chemiluminescence, fluorescence is all the other types of luminescence and should not be confused with bioluminescence. As the result of a given reaction, emission of heat and light takes place, this phenomenon is referred to as chemiluminescence or in other words, chemiluminescence refers to the emission of light in an exergonic reaction. For example, if two reactants namely A and B react, it results in the formation of product, with an excited intermediate C and generation of light. [A] + [B] → [C] → [Products] +  light This is how a chemical reaction takes place [1]. When a substance that has absorbed light or any other radiation of different wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum, an emission of light takes place by that substance, this is referred to as fluorescence.  In most cases, emitted light has a longer wavelength, and therefore lower energy, than the absorbed radiation which has a higher energy [1]. In simple language, bioluminescence is the emission of light from living organisms. One can also describe bioluminescence as chemiluminescence in living organisms. Further clarifications regarding the types of luminescence can be carried out with the help of an experiment that involves the use of glow or light sticks. A solution of luminol in DMSO, sodium hydroxide pellets, an aqueous solution of fluorescent dye and test tubes. Luminol is a versatile chemical that exhibits chemiluminescence, with a striking blue glow, when mixed with an appropriate oxidizing agent [1] [2]. Glow sticks are used to demonstrate the effect of temperature on the rates of chemical reactions. The glow sticks contain two chemicals that are mixed when the glass tube on the inside is broken. This initiates a chemical reaction that gives off light. Higher the reaction temperature, faster is the reaction, and more intense the chemiluminescence. Reaction rates increase about two times for every 10 °C rise in temperature [2]. The luminol experiment demonstrates chemiluminescence and fluorescence. Luminol is oxidized (with molecular oxygen) in the presence of sodium hydroxide pellets. On shaking the test tube (containing luminol and sodium hydroxide pellets), oxygen is introduced into the solution. Hence chemiluminescence stops when the test tube is set aside [2]. When a fluorescent dye is added to the solution, the dye absorbs the light emitted by the luminol and re-emits light at a longer wavelength, changing the color, thus explaining the phenomena of fluorescence [2]. Bioluminescence is the emission of light observed in living organisms. Apart from bioluminescence, there are two other kinds of light emission that may take place from a living organism. These include: (I)Photosynthetic delayed light emission:. It is a weak red light which is emitted by all green plants and algae. This intensity is so low that one cannot see it, though it can be measured [3]. (II)Ultraweak light emission: this occurs in all organisms. It is due to various processes, mostly (but not always) involving molecular oxygen. It is regarded as a by-effect of metabolic activity, but doesnt have a biological function. It cannot be seen [3]. 2. Bioluminescence This is the best known biological luminescence phenomena, mostly because it can be observed using ones eyes only. The bioluminescence occurs among a variety of organisms ranging from bacteria, dinoflagellates, protozoa, sponges, mollusks, echinoderms, insects and fish. The majority of bioluminescent species live in the sea, although there are also many terrestrial bioluminescent insects, especially the beetles. It has been estimated that 60-80% of the fishes in the deep sea are bioluminescent [3]. (i) jellyfish (ii) lightfish (iii) fungi (iv) beetle Fig 2.1: The above pictures show bioluminescence in variety of organisms. The bioluminescent bacteria mainly falls under three genera namely   Photobacterium, Vibrio, and  Photorhabdus. Species within the genus Photobacterium and Vibrio generally exist in marine environment whereas the terrestrial species belong to the genus Photorhabdus. Species within the  Photobacterium  genus are generally light organ symbionts of marine animals, whereas the  Vibrio species exist as free-living forms as well as symbionts in the sea [4].The luminescence of these microorganisms should not be confused with the host organisms. Many fish and molluscs species which have been regarded as bioluminescent organisms have been shown to glow by the light of symbiotic bacteria [3]. The bacteria forms a symbiotic relationship with the host organism as it is provided with a nutrient rich environment for its growth and the host organism has the benefit of camouflage and protection from its predator. Some of the bioluminescent bacteria are obligate symbionts that fulfill their nutritional requirements only from the host, hence they cannot be grown in the laboratory as they cannot be separated from the host organism [4]. Apart from sharing a symbiotic relationship with the host organisms, some of the bioluminescent bacteria are also parasitic in nature, for example, the species in the genus Photobacterium and Vibrio infect the male crustaceans whereas the species in Photorhabdus genus infect terrestrial insects such as caterpillars with nematodes acting as an intermediate host for the bacteria. Majority of the bioluminescent bacteria present on the surface of the marine organisms act as non-specific parasites. The bacterium that resides in the guts of some marine organisms such as crustaceans produces chitinase (an enzyme) that facilitates the decomposition of chitin which is present in their exoskeleton. The different species of bioluminescent bacteria differ from each other in a number of properties including the optimal growing conditions i.e. the nutritional requirements and optimal growth temperature, and the reaction kinetics of the enzyme luciferase involved in light generation. However, the morphology of all bioluminescent bacteria is the same i.e. they are rod-shaped, gram-negative microorganisms with flagella facilitating motion. Bioluminescent bacteria are also capable of growth when the supply of molecular oxygen is limited; therefore they are also examples of facultative anaerobes. Despite the physiological diversity among different species of bioluminescent bacteria, all these microorganisms utilize highly homologous biochemical machineries to produce light. The onset and the energy output of this light-producing molecular machinery are tightly regulated under a central signaling pathway [4]. 2.1 Bioluminescence by squids: Light-emission by most of the marine organisms belongs in the blue and green  light spectrum.This is due to two reasons, firstly because the blue-green light (wavelength around 470 nm) transmits farthest in water, and secondly because most of the organisms are sensitive only to blue light, lacking pigments for the visualization of longer or shorter wavelengths[1]. Squid changes the color of the light emitted i.e. either blue or green light depending on its surrounding temperature. In case of squids, it produces green light when swimming in warm water and blue light in cold water [5]. During the day, the squid resides in the deep waters rather than on surface waters. The sunlight that falls on the deep waters has been filtered with only blue light remaining. The squid matches this color by turning on its blue photophores (photophores are light producing tissues). During the night, the squid is present on the shallow water. The moonlight at shallow depths has not been filtered to a greater extent, as a result both blue and green light remains. The squid matches this color by turning on both of its green and blue photophores [5]. Fig 2.1.1: The picture shows squids bioluminescence [5] 2.2 Advantages of Bioluminescence: There are four main advantages attributed to bioluminescence: Camouflage, attraction, repulsion, and communication. Camouflage Some squids by using the phenomena of bioluminescence defend themselves against predators by producing light (a soft glow) on their ventral surface to match the light coming from above and making their presence indetectable to the potential predators(just as a darker dorsal surface makes aquatic organisms difficult to detect from above. Some can also change the color of their luminescence to match moonlight or sunlight. This is referred to as counterillumination [1]. Attraction Bioluminescence is also used as to attract prey by several deep sea fish, such as the anglerfish. A dangling appendage or a light-emitting rod that extends from the head of the fish that carries the bioluminescent bacteria attracts small animals to the front of its mouth. Fig 2.2.1: Anglerfish lures its prey by using bioluminescence [4]. The cookie cutter shark also uses bioluminescence for luring its prey. A small patch on its underbelly remains dark and tends to appear as a small fish to large predatory fish like tuna. When these fish such as tuna try to consume the small fish, they themselves become prey for the the shark. Dinoflagellates have an interesting twist on this mechanism. When a predator of plankton is sensed through motion in the water, the dinoflagellate luminesces. This in turn attracts even larger predators, which then consume the would-be predator of the dinoflagellate. The attraction of mates in fireflies during the mating season is another proposed mechanism of bioluminescent action. This is done by periodic flashing in their abdomens to attract the potential mates [1]. Repulsion Certain small crustaceans also use bioluminescent chemical mixtures. A cloud of luminescence is emitted, which confuses and then repels a potential predator while the crustacean escapes to safety. This is also shown in some squids [1]. Communication Bioluminescence also plays a direct role in communication between bacteria. It promotes the symbiotic induction of bacteria into host species, and sometimes also plays a role in colony aggregation [1]. 2.3 Biochemistry of the Bioluminescence Reaction As mentioned earlier, bioluminescence is defined as emission of light by living organisms arising from exothermic or exergonic chemical reactions. It is due to the substrate-enzyme complex of luciferin-luciferase within the cytoplasm of the cell. Luciferin refers to any light-emitting compound whereas luciferase is an enzyme. The luciferin-luciferase complex differs among species. In 1887, a scientist named Raphaà «l Dubois isolated light producing chemicals from the piddock, which is a clam that stays in the burrow. He discovered that on placing the clam in cold water, light was seen in the water, that glowed for several minutes, indicating that a light producing chemical was extracted from the clams tissues. He also observed that if he made a hot-water extract from another clam and added this to the original cold-water extract, he could reactivate the light reaction. Dubois called his hot-water extract luciferin and the cold-water extract luciferase. The reaction produces a molecule that is in an electronically excited state. After the molecule gives off energy, it goes back to the ground state and a photon of light is released [2]. Bacterial luciferase is the main enzyme that is used in the phenomena of bioluminescence. Apart from the involvement of luciferase, there are certain other enzymes that supply and regenerate the substrates of luciferase. In bacteria the expression of the genes related to bioluminescence are encoded by an operon called the lux operon.  The lux operon is a 9 kilobase fragment that controls bioluminescence through the catalyzation of the enzyme luciferase. The lux operon has a known gene sequence of luxCDAB(F)E, where lux A and lux B code for the components of luciferase, and the lux CDE codes for a fatty acid reductase complex that makes the fatty acids necessary for the luciferase mechanism. Lux C codes for the enzyme acyl-reductase, lux D codes for acyl-transferase, and lux E makes the proteins needed for the enzyme acyl-protein synthetase. Apart from these genes, there are two more genes namely luxR and luxI that play an important role in the regulation of the operon [1]. Other ge nes including  luxF,  luxG, and  luxH, whose functions are neither clearly defined nor apparently necessary for bioluminescence are also found in some  lux  operons [4]. Fig 2.3.1The arrangement of luxCDABE operon [4] Luciferase is a heterodimer consisting of two different polypeptide chains- alpha and beta (molecular mass 40 kDa and 37 kDa, respectively, and encoded by the  luxA andluxB genes, respectively). The active site is located within the alpha-beta subunit. Absence of beta subunit leads to light emission of a weaker intensity. Studies have shown that the crystal structure of V. harveyi luciferase interacts and forms complex binding patterns between several side chains and backbone amides of the alpha and beta subunits. Studies also reveal that the function of the beta subunit is to act as a supporting scaffold by assisting in the conformational change of the subunit during the catalysis [4]. Fig 2.3.2: Bacterial luciferase structure [4]. Fig 2.3.3: The rectangular box highlights the inter-subunit interactions (ionic attractions, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions) that play an important role in the assembly of bacterial luciferase enzyme [4]. Bacterial luciferase uses reduced flavin mononucleotide (FMNH2), molecular oxygen, and long chain fatty aldehyde as substrates. During the reaction, the oxidation of FMNH2  and aldehyde concomitant takes place along with the reduction of molecular oxygen and emission of energy, which is released as blue/green light ( MAX~ 490 nm). The energy level of the photon that was produced when the excited electron on the flavin chromophore returns to the ground state is indicated by the characteristic color. Studies have shown that point mutations at the flavin chromophores binding site brings about a change in the color emission spectrum of bacterial bioluminescence, indicating that the distinctive emission color depends not only on the chromophore, but also on the electronic nature of the chromophore-binding microenvironment in luciferase. Aside from bacterial luciferase, some luminescent bacteria also carry fluorescent proteins to; distinguish themselves from other strains by modulating the emission color [4]. For continuous light emission, constant supply of the substrates should be maintained by the enzymes coded by the Lux operon. In addition to bacterial bioluminescence, all the other biological luminescence systems (such as fireflies, coelenterates and dinoflagellates) also utilize molecular oxygen as the oxidizing agent in their luminescence biochemistry, and the processes involved in the reduction of the molecular oxygen serves as an energy sink, draining the reducing power of the substrates. High energy unstable intermediates are formed that dissipate the potential energy of the excited chromophore in the form of light. In this regard, molecular oxygen can be considered to serve as a key to unleash the energy deposited in FMNH2  and fatty aldehyde for bacterial bioluminescence [4].   Fig 2.3.4: The pathway [4] For example, in case of fireflies luciferin reacts with oxygen, with luciferase acting as an enzyme aided by cofactors such as calcium ions, thus emitting light. 2.4 Quorum sensing: The definition of quorum sensing states that it is a type of decision making process used by decentralized groups to coordinate behavior [1]. From the biological aspect, there are many species of bacteria such as Vibrio fischeri, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeroginosa that use quorum sensing to coordinate their gene expression according to the local density of their population. It was first discovered in Vibrio fischeri [1]. Since Vibrio fischeri uses quorum sensing, it constantly produces signaling molecules called as autoinducers. These bacteria have a receptor that recognizes these signaling molecules. When the autoinducers bind to these receptors, it results in the transcription of certain genes, including those for inducer synthesis. There are less chances of the bacterium recognizing its own signaling molecules, hence for the activation of gene transcription, the cell must also encounter signaling molecules from the local environment. Autoinducers and inducers are interchangeably used. If there is less number of same types of bacteria present in the local environment, then the concentration of the inducer decreases to zero thus inactivating the gene transcription. But if the population of the bacteria increases, the concentration of the autoinducers increases, thereby resulting in the activation of gene transcription, thus causing bioluminescence. Therfore, quorum sensing plays a very important rol e in the regulation of luxCDAB(F)E expression in bioluminescent bacteria [1] [4] . Fig 2.4.1: Chemical structure of the autoinducers of bioluminescent bacteria [4] The autoinducer is a metabolic product that diffuses easily across the cellular membrane [4]. Fig 2.4.2: The fig. shows the role played by an autoinducer in the mechanism of quorum sensing [4]. Marine bioluminescent bacteria that is not present as a symbiont (free living bacteria) does not emit light. This is because for the emission of light, accumulation of autoinducers is necessary and this is possible only in a nutrient rich environment which is provided to the symbiotic bacteria [4]. 2.5 Applications of bioluminescence: One of the major applications of bioluminescence is the development of biosensors. A biosensor is a device that detects, records, and transmits information regarding a physiological change or the presence of various chemical or biological materials in the environment. Some bacteria have been designed that gives off a detectable signal when in presence of a pollutant (e.g. toluene) that it likes to consume [6]. In terms of using the phenomena of bioluminescence, efforts are being made to engineer agricultural plants that show luminescence when need watering [1]. As the primary function of bacterial luciferase is to catalyze the emission of light, this feature together with generation of the aldehyde substrate by fatty acid reductase can be successfully produced in other bacteria, by the transfer of the  luxCDABE genes, which convert nonluminescent bacteria into light emitters [4]. Fig 2.5.1: The insertion of the foreign  luxCDABE structural genes into the organism such as E. coli confers the organism the ability to emit light [4]. The ability of the non-luminescent bacteria to emit light by means of recombinant DNA technology has provided researchers an easy alternative to measure and detect the growth and living conditions of bacteria. The phenomena of bacterial bioluminescence are used in the detection of pathogenic bacteria in human food sources. By culturing a food sample in the presence of a recombinant bacteriophage (vector) carrying the  luxCDABE insert, one can readily determine the contamination by bacteria in the food source. In addition, the light emitting property of the  luxCDABE genes has been employed as a reporter of gene expression for studying regulatory controls involved in affecting the efficiency of RNA polymerase in initiation and transcription at different promoters. Then the  luxCDABE genes are under the control of an environmentally regulated promoter (e.g., promoters whose efficiency is highly sensitive to the level of mercury, arsenic, or other pollutants), the structural  lu x genes can function as a biosensor, whose expression will monitor the presence of toxic waste in the environment. In the pharmaceutical industry, genetically modified bacteria carrying the lux genes have been utilized to evaluate the efficiency of antibiotics in fighting against bacterial infections in mammals; with animals such as mice, pigs, and monkeys serving as potential human models. In this screening procedure, the lesser the intensity of luminescence in the infected organs/tissues, the more efficient the antibiotics against bacterial infection; therefore, bacterial bioluminescence serves as an indicator of bacterial growth allowing the proper dosages of antibiotics to be determined and effective treatment to be established [4].   3. Laboratory Experiment 3.1 Sample Collection: After the literature study, it was decided that squid will serve as a sample for this experiment as it is readily available in the U.A.E. fish market. A fresh catch was taken as a sample for this experiment. Since some of these microbes i.e. bioluminescent bacteria are also found in seawater, seawater sample from Sharjah was also collected for this experiment. 3.2 Methodology for the isolation of bioluminescent bacteria from squid: Materials Required: Squid Luminescent Broth (Appendix 1) Luminescent Agar (BOSS Medium) (pH=7.3) (Appendix 2) Procedure: 1. The squid is placed in a beaker and just enough 3.0% NaCl solution is added such that approximately 10-20% of the sample is above the level of the liquid as shown in fig 3.2.1. The NaCl solution preserves the squid by preventing any other microbial growth other than that of bioluminescent bacteria, as required. Fig 3.2.1: Squid placed in a beaker containing NaCl solution. 2. The flask is then kept for incubation in a cool dark room (18-22 °C) and is observed at intervals up to 24 hours. The room is darkened totally such that the flask can be observed for luminous areas on the sample. Sometimes the squid secretes ink that might hinder the view of luminous areas on the squid. In order to prevent this, the NaCl solution is changed when required. 3. Four petriplates of Luminescent Agar (formula above) are streaked from four different luminous areas on the squid. Forceps and craft knife are required and it is used one at a time in the burner for its sterilization. The knife and forceps are then cooled for a while. Squid is held with the forceps and its skin is gently scraped of that shows luminescence with the tip of the knife. The scraped off skin is transferred on to a sterile inoculating loop for streaking on the plates. 4. The plates are then kept for incubation in the cool room (18-22 °C) for 24 hours. (No more than 48 hours.) 5. After observing luminous isolated colonies, these isolated colonies are individually streaked on to a new plate of Luminescent Agar and incubated as above. Fig 3.2.2: Streaked petriplates 6. One or more of the more brilliant colonies is then chosen and streaked onto a slant of Luminescent Agar. The agar slants are incubated overnight or until luminescent growth is seen and then refrigerated. 7. From the agar slants, flasks of Luminescent Broth are inoculated. The flasks are then placed in the shaking incubator for 10-15 hrs at 18-22 °C. [8] The flasks that show bioluminesence is then used for studying the growth curves and characterization of the bioluminescent bacteria. Result and Inference: No luminous colonies were observed from the squid on the first attempt, even though the squid did show luminous areas on its body surface. The failure can be attributed to the fact that streaking was not carried out on the same day it showed luminescence. However, on the second attempt, out of the four petriplates that were streaked with the skin of the squid, only one petriplate showed six luminous colonies. Fig 3.1.3: The above pictures are a reference as to how colonies appear when placed in light (left picture) and dark (right picture) [10]. The colonies that appeared during the course of my experiment (only six in number) were not so densely populated as observed in the pictures above. These six colonies were then streaked on six different petriplates containing Luminescent Agar. The picture below shows bioluminescence in the streaked petriplates. Fig 3.2.4: The picture below shows bioluminescence in the streaked petriplates. The agar slants were also prepared from the petriplates. The six flasks containing Luminescent Broth were then inoculated with culture from the agar slants. The flasks were then kept in the shaking incubator for 18-24 hrs. at room temperature. Out of the six flasks containing Luminescent Broth, only three flasks showed microbial growth. The bacterial cultures were then used for growth curves. 3.3 Methodology for the isolation of bioluminescent bacteria from seawater sample: Materials Required: Seawater sample was collected from Sharjah. Seawater Complete Agar (Appendix 3) Procedure: 1. Seawater sample is collected in a clean container 2. Two plates of SWC agar medium were then prepared. 3. The two plates were then pipetted with 0.1 ml and 0.2 ml of seawater sample respectively. 4. The samples were thoroughly spread over the surfaces of the plates with a L-shaped glass rod. 5. The plates are then inverted after the samples have absorbed into the agar (about 5 minutes) and then kept for incubation at room temperature. 6. The plates were then examined after 18-36 hours. [7] Result and Inference: The plates did not show any luminous growth. This maybe because the sample that was collected was not from deep water as bioluminescent bacteria tends to be present in deep waters. Since no growth was observed, further steps involving the preparation and inoculation of agar slants and luminescent broth could not be carried out. 3.4 Bacterial Growth curve of the isolates: Out of the six flasks that contained Luminescent Broth, only three flasks showed microbial growth. The three flasks that showed microbial growth were then again inoculated into three flasks containing luminescent broth. Their O.D. (optical density) values were measured after every 30 minutes (for 5 hrs) at 530 nm using UV-visible spectrophotometer. The initial O.D. value should be set at 0.05 so that there is sufficient bacterial culture in the broth. The values then helped us in determining the bacterial growth curves. Fig 3.4.1: UV-visible spectrophotometer [11] Procedure: 1. The machine along with the monitor screen is turned on using the switch. 2. The necessary adjustments are then made in the program. 3. For auto zeroing the sample, the blank (broth in which are bacteria is growing) is placed in the cuvette. The cuvette is then placed in the holder. 4. The O.D. values of all the three samples are measured after every 30 minutes for 5 hrs. 5. The optical density vs. time graph is then plotted for all the three samples. Observation Table: Table 3.4.1: Sample 1 Time (in hrs.) O.D. values 0 0.08 0.5 0.09 1 0.12 1.5 0.16 2 0.21 2.5 0.28 3 0.38 3.5 0.5 4 0.71 4.5 0.99 5 1.14 5.5 1.41 Table 3.4.2: Sample 2 Time (in hrs.) O.D. values 0 0.05 0.5 0.06 1 0.08 1.5 0.12 2 0.16 2.5 0.21 3 0.25 3.5 0.38 4 0.44 4.5 0.48 Table 3.4.3: Sample 3 Time (in hrs.) O.D.values 0 0.13 0.5 0.15 1 0.18 1.5 0.23 2 0.3 2.5 0.38 3 0.53 3.5 0.71 4 1.04 4.5 1.16 5 1.37 Result and Inference: Graph 3.4.1: Bacterial growth curve of sample 1 Graph 3.4.2: Bacterial growth curve of sample 2 Graph 3.4.3: Bacterial growth curve of sample 3 The bacterial growth curves of all the three samples suggest that the cultures are still in their exponential phase. The 0.D .values should be measured for a much longer duration so that the stationary and the death phases can also be observed. The broth was kept overnight in the shaking incubator at 18-22 °C. Next morning, only one of the samples showed bioluminescence indicating that the bacterial culture has grown to that level when the lux genes are switched on. Fig 3.4.2: The picture is a reference as to how a flask containing Luminescent Broth shows luminescent growth [6]. The bioluminescence that was observed during my experiment was of low intensity. 3.5 Luminescence (light emission intensity) curve studies on the isolates: For the growth curve studies, agar slants were used to streak on to the petriplates, for the isolation of bioluminescent bacteria. The same set of agar slants were used to revive the culture. The revived culture was then streaked on to the luminescent agar petriplates to study the luminescence curve. However, contamination was observed in the petriplates, even though luminescent colonies were formed. Majority of the colonies that were formed were circular in shape and opaque with a dense material in the centre. Some of the colonies were circular and translucent. These colonies were then again used for sub-culturing. Contamination was again observed in the petriplates. This might be attributed to some error in the methodology of streaking the petriplates. Finally, after five attempts, successful isolation of bioluminescent bacteria took place. These bacteria were then inoculated in the flasks containing luminescent broth. After an over night incubation, these flasks showed bioluminesc ence. These samples were then taken for measuring their light emission studies with the help of an autoanalyser. The luminescence is measured after every one hour. It is measured in terms of counts per second (cps). Meanwhile, the samples are kept in the shaking incubator. Fig 3.5.1: Perkin-Elmer Auto-analyzer [12] Procedure: 1. The machine along with the monitor screen is turned on using the switch. 2. The luminescence mode is then chosen. 3. The wells in the microtitre plate containing the sample are then chosen in the protocol editor. 4. The program is then started. 5. The luminescence of all the three samples is measured after every 1hour. 5. The optical density, luminescence vs. time graph is then plotted for all the three samples. Observation Table: Table 3.5.1: Bacterial Sample 1 Time (hrs.) Cell Density(O.D.) Light emission Intensity (cpu) 0 0.0785 0.5 0.0926 1 0.1189 1.5 0.155 2 0.2139 2.5 0.2826 3

Weaknesses of Esther and Plath Exposed in Sylvia Plaths The Bell Jar E

Weaknesses of Esther and Plath Exposed in The Bell Jar   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The glass of which a bell jar is constructed is thick and suffocating, intending to preserve its ornamental contents but instead traps in it stale air.   The thickness of the bell jar glass prevents the prisoner from clearly seeing through distortion.   Sylvia Plath writes with extreme conviction, as The Bell Jar is essentially her autobiography.   The fitting title symbolizes not only her suffocation and mental illness, but also the internal struggle of Plath's alter ego and novel protagonist Esther Greenwood.   The novel illustrates the theme confinement by highlighting the weaknesses of both Esther and Plath.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Esther's first statement, "It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs"   (1) sets the tone for the novel and establishes her preoccupation with death.   She alludes to no remorse at the loss of life but rather concentrates on the wonder of execution. This style allows the reader to see the development of confinement; that is, Esther's preoccupation with death entraps her within herself.        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is perhaps her over-analysis of situations that causes the manifestations of her psyche; she consistently volleys between multiple possibilities, searching for the most fruitful option.   The novel's theme is consistently shown as a mental battle of Esther versus herself, a direct result of her mental illness.      It is obvious that Esther is at a crossroads and feels torn by life.   She best describes her feelings with the following passage:   "I saw myself in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn't make up my mind which of the figs I would choose.   I wanted each a... ... her a strong person.    Works Cited and Consulted: Brennan, Sheila M. "Popular Images of American Women in the 1950's." Women's Rights Law Reporter 14 (1992): 41-67. Bronfen, Elizabeth. Sylvia Plath. Writers and Their Work. Plymouth, UK: Northcote, 1998. Evans, Sara M. Role Models of Women in America. New York: Free-Simon, 1989. Friedan, Betty. The Feminine Mystique. Twentieth Anniversary Edition. 1963. New York: Norton, 1983. Nizer, Louis. The Implosion Conspiracy. New York: Doubelday, 1973. Plath, Sylvia. The Bell Jar. 1963. London: Faber, 1966. Radosh, Ronald, and Joyce Milton, eds. The Rosenberg File: A Search for the Truth. 1983. New Haven: Yale UP, 1997. Stevenson, Anne. Bitter Fame: A Life of Sylvia Plath. London: Viking-Penguin, 1989. Wagner-Martin, Linda. Sylvia Plath: A Biography. New York: Simon, 1987.   

Analysis of Paul’s Case by Willa Cather Essay examples -- Analysis of

According to many readers of Paul’s Case, this is a short story that shows affection, passion, and most of all enthusiasm. Willa Cather seems to base her stories off of daily life and events that she thought progressed in many lives. Her passion for writing showed in her literature giving a visualization on what people think doesn’t occur in the regular life of a person. Also throughout Willa Cather’s short stories she gave examples upon her childhood and her time spent in a small town she grew up in. Giving her the brilliancy and the ambition to become a writer of short stories which included, Paul’s Case. Themes are represented in all short stories in Paul’s Case, Cather shows the readers a young boy being brought up in a hostile environment whose only dream is to one day pursuiting more than what he came from to make his life better. In Paul's Case by Willa Cather, a boy by the name Paul is the protagonist of the story. Paul is a roundcharacter, but not only does Paul show different personalities Paul seems to change his feelings throughout the story in many different situations. In the meeting in the beginning of the story Paul shows a careless attitude towards being entered in school after returning from suspension."His teachers felt this afternoon that his whole attitude was symbolized by his shrug of his shoulders" (Cather 1). Although shows this trait throughout the entire story along with similar actions, this makes him look like a disobedient student and shows his careless attitude towards the situation that he is in. Throughout the story Willa Cather portrays Paul as a different character from the beginning of the story, to the middle until the end. After returning to school Paul headed off to his job which wa... ... ending. Many elements would have to deal with this fatal ending if it was from Paul’s selfishness, carelessness, ignorance or selfishness no one should have to endure the pain that was caused upon Paul throughout the entire story â€Å"Although Paul’s Case was a story of a ill behavior child it is still known to be some of Will Cather’s work† (David 1). Even though the story ends with an crashing it still gives examples of other human life, asking you to put your foot in others shoes. Work Cited Paul’s Case.† Short Stories for Students. Ed. Kathleen Wilson. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale. Web. 11 Jan. 2015. â€Å"Critical Overview: â€Å"Paul’s Case†.† EXPLORING Short Stories. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Student Resource Center – Gold. Gale. Web. 11 Jan. 2015. David, Carpete. â€Å"Paul’s Case.† Short Stories for Students. Ed. Kathleen Wilson. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale. Web. 11 Jan. 2015.