Thursday, November 28, 2019

Contemporary Globalization and the American Worker

Introduction The establishment of globalization as a principal theme in social analysis today is difficult to ignore. Consequently, the representation of globalization in diverse fronts, either broadly or narrowly continues to solicit interest among sociologists, political scientists, economists and other academicians. While there are numerous advantages associated with contemporary globalization, the wrangles and setbacks associated with contemporary globalization continue to demand explanations from many dimensions.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Contemporary Globalization and the American Worker specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This paper presents the various arguments that developed in the past in attempts to explain contemporary globalization. In line with this, this paper also provides an overview about the impact of globalization on the American worker. Arguments Used to Explain Contemporary Globaliz ation Capitalism is one of the main arguments that take center stage when it comes to arguments concerning contemporary globalization. However, this is not an indication that contemporary globalization only lies within economic boundaries and effects. Contemporary globalization perceives capitalistic economic interrelations as a condition or a process that usually includes economies and other related spheres such as political interrelations (Vallas, Finlay and Wharton 33). The most dominant arguments concerning contemporary globalization include upgrading, downgrading and persistence of skills. Waldinger and Lichter (34) note that the conventional view concerning skills is wrong because it â€Å"ignores a more complex reality†. The rooting of the argument that the progression of capitalism relies on deskilling as conceived by Marx has found its way into contemporary social sciences through Harry Braverman who according to Waldinger and Lichter (34) is a thriving modern expone nt. The Braverman Argument Braverman contends that deskilling derives from the basic aversion of capital and labor (Waldinger and Lichter 34). Moreover, the quest for profits led capital to never-ending endeavor to achieve control over labor. Additionally, through mechanization, knowledge transfer of capital from labor and the agents of capital in addition to successful endeavors at monitoring and surveillance, capitalists chased control (Waldinger and Lichter 34). The aim of these capitalistic efforts according to Braverman was to gain superior control over labor exercising power.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The initial one-dimensional argument was apparently too optimistic in portraying technological progress. Nevertheless, Braverman formulated his argument as a corrective of that initial argument contending that capitalism remains consistent in the reproduction o f the working class. Waldinger and Lichter (34) contend that Braverman’s observation equated to capitalism’s normal functioning producing crummy jobs in plenty. Besides, Braverman in opposition to mainstream analysts was unwilling to portray official certifications and educational credentials as equals with â€Å"real† skills according to Waldinger and Lichter (34). Braverman revealed diverse aspects on these portraying credentials as relevant in transmitting signals about the personal qualifications of a job candidate to employers a view common with economists. On the other hand, sociologists would perceive credentials and educational qualifications as artificial raisers of entry barriers according to Waldinger and Lichter (34). Thus, the first argument that attempts to explain contemporary globalization is the economic part of it that deals to a great extent with the economic globalization mainly under capitalist forms. The social network theory is a represent ation of the most successful and distinctive sociological contribution. In spite of the network theory failing to explain migration streams’ activation, it identifies a basic feature that is common almost in all migrations. This feature explains that once migrations begin, they have tended to persist (Waldinger and Lichter 84). Labor, Immigrants and Fordism Fordism concerns itself with explaining the production aspect of contemporary globalization. According to Vallas, Finlay and Wharton (91), Fordism emphasizes on the change to a workday worth eight hours and coupled with wage increases. The concept behind this is the assurance that this gives workers concerning living above the poverty line. Vallas, Finlay and Wharton (91) contend that â€Å"the underlying premise underlying Fordism was that unskilled workers should be paid enough to buy the products of their labor†.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Contemporary Globalization and the Americ an Worker specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Fordism is an exemplar of indicative of how the interaction of political, economic and social organizations secures capitalist reproduction. As a tier to capitalism, Fordism further propels capitalism as an economic system by focusing on profits through increased production. The dynamism of the contemporary globalization and the always progressive nature of capitalist societies in the twenty-first century would rarely perform without labor provision from immigrants (Waldinger and Lichter 33-34). Technology characterizes the better part of contemporary globalization and capitalism. Waldinger and Lichter (21) point out that the immigrants today have penetrated â€Å"an area where the historic succession of migrant streams from diverse origins produced an elaborate ethnic division of labor†¦Ã¢â‚¬  With the proliferation of contemporary globalization, these new entrants reorganized the eth nic labor division without lessening the strength that boundaries possess. Impact of Globalization on the American Worker Waldinger and Lichter (4) imply that contemporary immigration today carries with it numerous newcomers who enter America with significant advantages. Moreover, these new entrants proceed to acquire even more advantages over some Native American workers. These newcomers with their good education and entrepreneurial skills make their way into the professions in rising numbers tending to fit into the fresh economy (Waldinger and Lichter 4). Furthermore, most of them tend to evade the bottom of the ladder and enter at the top or near there. Consequently, this tends to leave the natives at the bottom while the well-equipped immigrants take up higher positions. There were networks initially designed by persons of the same kind e.g. African Americans to ensure that only their kind got jobs in a certain organization (Waldinger and Lichter 3-4).Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This is especially so since most employers embracing the spirit of Universalism as introduced by globalization, employ bureaucracy that prevents colonization of the workplace by a group through applied formalization during the recruitment process (Waldinger and Lichter 15). While the immigrants view the labor market in terms of comparison between America and their place of origin, the Euro-Americans and African-Americans tend to focus on higher rewards compared to those at the lowest level (Waldinger and Lichter 17). Consequently, employers may prefer Immigrants over Euro-Americans and African-American particularly because the immigrants are not like the Americans. According to Waldinger and Lichter (17), the immigrants present â€Å"double disadvantage in the labor market, sharing the abilities of the native-born American worker†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Conclusion In conclusion, the immigrants add to the labor pool, particularly at the lower rungs. Resultantly, this should make it difficult for the less-educated Americans to secure jobs (Waldinger and Lichter 18). However, while the plausibility of this argument is high, evidence is scarce. Furthermore, research reveals that the effect caused by immigrants on wages in the American labor market is negligible. Nevertheless, economists argue that immigrants may replace or work together with the American natives at the supportive functions’ level (Waldinger and Lichter 19). Works Cited Vallas, Steven, F. William, and A. Wharton. The Sociology of Work: Structures and Inequalities, New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. Print. Waldinger, Roger and M. Lichter. How The Other Half Works: Immigration and the Social Organization of Labor, Berkeley: University of California Press, 2003. Print. This assessment on Contemporary Globalization and the American Worker was written and submitted by user Jerome Gamble to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Free Essays on Benjamin Holt

Benjamin Holt Benjamin Holt was born in 1849. He was the son Benjamin and Charity Holt. He was raised on a farm, which influence him to invent something that would make farm work easier. Benjamin Holt first started experimenting with various forms of steam tractors for use in farming in 1890. His first major breakthrough came in 1904 with his invention of the first steam type tractor. Two years later in 1906 he invented his first gas type tractor. Earlier tractor model’s wheels would sink into soft soil, so both of Holt’s tractors used a new type of wheels, which would not sink, in any type of terrain. These two types of wheels were crawler tracks and they gave birth to the Caterpillar Company. In 1925, Benjamin Holt and Daniel Best founded Caterpillar Tractor Company. Both men had been pioneers in the development of gas-powered tractor engines and tractors with crawler tracks instead of wheels. The Caterpillar Tractor Company supplied the Allied forces with track-style vehicles throughout World War I, during which Holt used his international experience to market Caterpillar products overseas. By 1930, the company had established dealerships in Australia, the Netherlands, East Africa, and Tunisia, and had forged a deal with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to supply that country with millions of dollars worth of tractors and combines for in order for them to expand agriculturally. Caterpillar’s international marketing enabled it to survive the Great Depression, and its sales rose even further when Franklin D. Roosevelt got elected president and began extensive road building and public works projects in the 1930s. During World War II, the company’s profits nearly tripled because of sales to the United States military. After the war, U.S. military officers, whom had operated Caterpillar equipment promoted Caterpillar equipment, which boosted the company’s sales in the United States. England and Japan... Free Essays on Benjamin Holt Free Essays on Benjamin Holt Benjamin Holt Benjamin Holt was born in 1849. He was the son Benjamin and Charity Holt. He was raised on a farm, which influence him to invent something that would make farm work easier. Benjamin Holt first started experimenting with various forms of steam tractors for use in farming in 1890. His first major breakthrough came in 1904 with his invention of the first steam type tractor. Two years later in 1906 he invented his first gas type tractor. Earlier tractor model’s wheels would sink into soft soil, so both of Holt’s tractors used a new type of wheels, which would not sink, in any type of terrain. These two types of wheels were crawler tracks and they gave birth to the Caterpillar Company. In 1925, Benjamin Holt and Daniel Best founded Caterpillar Tractor Company. Both men had been pioneers in the development of gas-powered tractor engines and tractors with crawler tracks instead of wheels. The Caterpillar Tractor Company supplied the Allied forces with track-style vehicles throughout World War I, during which Holt used his international experience to market Caterpillar products overseas. By 1930, the company had established dealerships in Australia, the Netherlands, East Africa, and Tunisia, and had forged a deal with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to supply that country with millions of dollars worth of tractors and combines for in order for them to expand agriculturally. Caterpillar’s international marketing enabled it to survive the Great Depression, and its sales rose even further when Franklin D. Roosevelt got elected president and began extensive road building and public works projects in the 1930s. During World War II, the company’s profits nearly tripled because of sales to the United States military. After the war, U.S. military officers, whom had operated Caterpillar equipment promoted Caterpillar equipment, which boosted the company’s sales in the United States. England and Japan...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Literature review Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 3

Literature review - Assignment Example Cahill, K. E., McNamara, T. K., Pitt-Catsouphes, M., & Valcour, M. (2015). Linking shifts in the national economy with changes in job satisfaction, employee engagement and work–life balance.  Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics,  56, 40-54. Chumg, H. F., Cooke, L., Fry, J., & Hung, I. H. (2015). Factors affecting knowledge sharing in the virtual organisation: Employees’ sense of well-being as a mediating effect.  Computers in Human Behavior,  44, 70-80. Hsu, J. S. C., Shih, S. P., Chiang, J. C., & Liu, J. Y. C. (2012). The impact of transactive memory systems on IS development teams coordination, communication, and performance.  International Journal of Project Management,30(3), 329-340. Wu, L., Rusyidi, B., Claiborne, N., & McCarthy, M. L. (2013). Relationships between work–life balance and job-related factors among child welfare workers. Children and Youth Services Review,  35(9), 1447-1454. Yu, Y., Hao, J. X., Dong, X. Y., & Khalifa, M. (2013). A multilevel model for effects of social capital and knowledge sharing in knowledge- intensive work teams.  International Journal of Information Management,  33(5),

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Organisational Change and Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Organisational Change and Leadership - Essay Example Using the example of Property Services Agency privatisation already embarked upon in the United Kingdom, the report will review the issue of organisational change and leadership, while giving a thorough analysis of the agency, conducting empirical research of the problem within the limits of current time period, and in accordance to established legislation. The end of the report will identify the ultimate conclusions on the effectiveness of the privatisation processes for both, the government that has taken the object to its privacy, and for the object of privatisation itself that has either started to perform more successfully, or experienced to meet the downfall in its operational activity. When speaking of organisational change - n important tool in management that is aimed to provide sustainable development and constant growth, - it is worth to mention leadership which is vital quality of manager who is eager to come with the best solution and outcome for the planned change or innovation. Being a private organisation, PSA aims to provide, manage, maintain, and furnish the property used by the government, including defence establishments, offices, courts, research laboratories, training centres and land until restructure and organisational change have come into play and imposed PSA to government's privacy. Within the leadership literature, researchers have sought to identify and describe effective leadership from various perspectives. Universal theories proposed that the same leader traits (e.g., for a review, see Bass, 1990) or behaviors (e.g., Bowers & Seashore) create favorable results in all situations. An inability to consistently predict effectiveness (for a review, see Yukl, 1989) led to the development of situation-contingent theories. Researchers postulated that a leader's effectiveness would be moderated by situational variables that either intensified or decreased the effects of a leader's traits (e.g., Fiedler, 1967) and behaviors (e.g., House, 1971; Vroom & Yetton, 1973). Research testing the utility and predictive value of this real-trait, real-behavior research has produced mixed results ( Yuki, 1989). More recently, an alternative, cognitive-attribution approach has been developed to explain the link between leader performance and perceptual processes ( Lord & Maher, 1990). Research suggests that leadership perceptions, indeed, may often be based on both traits ( Lord, De Vader, & Alliger, 1986) and behaviors and events ( Calder, 1977; Meindl & Ehrlich, 1987; Meindl, Ehrlich, & Dukerich, 1985). Rather than attempting to understand a leader's effectiveness in terms of real traits and behaviors, however, this interpretation is based on observers' subjective realities, as described by more general accounts of person perception and information processing ( Lord, 1985) or attribution theory ( Calder, 1977). In other words, leadership is in the eye of the beholder. A leader may assert influence stemming from several different bases of power (e.g., French & Raven, 1959). The success or failure of an influence attempt depends, however, on whether the influence target actually accords such power to the leader. Without follower responsiveness, leader power is meaningless. The specific relationship between

Monday, November 18, 2019

Crafting and Executing Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Crafting and Executing Strategy - Essay Example Being an all-inclusive initiative, business strategic plan offers a platform for basic decisions essential in shaping and guiding the organization’s development and operations. A successful and effective organization plan addresses not only the organization’s actions and activities, but also it helps in the identification of determinants for its success. As defined, a business’s strategic plan is a comprehensive collection and evaluation of organization’s operations and processes used to systematically align and coordinate actions and resources with vision strategies and company’s mission over a specified planning period (Allison and Judy, 2005). The Importance of A Strategic Plan An effective strategic plan will help the Kinko printing company to reinforce its activities in order to be totally committed towards a continuous development. A strategic plan will as well allow the Kinko printing company to anticipate and adequately prepare for possible changes in the organization. A part from predicting future changes in the business, strategic plan will also offer an opportunity for Kinko printing company to evaluate and analyze its process and systems (Laycock, 2003). To facilitate success in the organization, it is essential for stakeholders to critically review the strengths and weaknesses of the organization’s systems and processes. A review of the organizational systems and processes will offer an opportunity for Kinko printing company to evaluate different process and systems in the company and make the necessary changes in the organization operations. Strategic planning will help Kinko Printing Company to identify the existing strengths in the company (Park and Dabney, 2001). Strategic planning will as well play a very essential role in helping the company to improve its decision-making processes. With an effective strategic plan in place, the Kinko printing company will be in a position to make effective day-to-day decisions that will facilitate the achievement of both long term and short-term goals of the organization. Furthermore, planning will significantly reduce stresses and confusion associated with abrupt action in solving emerging problems. Strategic plans will as well help the Kinko Printing Company in promoting effective stewardship (Barry, 2001). Through effective strategic plan, all stakeholders at Kinko Printing Company will be accountable to each other. Strategic planning will also play a very essential role in building trust among the company’s financiers. Despite helping the organization to use the available resources in a transparent and responsible manner, strategic planning will enable Kinko to promote effective stewardship. Mission Statement The Kinko Printing Company seeks to provide quality printing and other related solutions at a reasonable cost to its customers The Importance of the Mission Statement to Kinko Printing Company Mission statement will serve as ref erence point in explaining the purpose of the organization. Additionally, mission statement will serve as a reminder of the goals and aspirations of the company. The mission statement will also play a very essential role in informing the company’s employees and other stakeholders on the mission of the organization as well as the company’s long-term plans. A part from expounding on the long term aspirations of the

Friday, November 15, 2019

Multiple Sclerosis and Autism Spectrum Disorder Causes

Multiple Sclerosis and Autism Spectrum Disorder Causes Multiple sclerosis and Autism spectrum disorder are two neurophysiological diseases that are found to develop in the genetically susceptible population. The exact causes of these diseases and the exact interplay between the genetic factors and environmental factors in the development of the disease are serving to be a billion dollar question. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: Symptoms and Progression: MS is a chronic neurological condition which affects the central nervous system (CNS).1 The CNS consists of the brain, optic nerves and the spinal cord. As the CNS controls various motor and behavioural functions in the body, an array of symptoms develops. The symptoms as well as the progression of the disease varies significantly from individual to individual. The symptoms in most individuals though, start at the age of 20 to 40, but the symptoms are really slight that they usually go unnoticed till the disease progresses. In few individuals, the symptoms are noticeable right at the onset of the disease itself.2 SYMPTOMS: VISUAL IMPAIRMENT: As the disease attacks the optic nerves, visual problems arise in the patients. The inflammation of the optic nerves lead to severe pain behind the eyes. Double vision is a really common symptom in MS patients. In certain patients, even vision loss is reported. BLADDER AND BOWEL PROBLEMS: 50% of the patients have constipation which sometimes lead to faecal impaction. Bladder problems arise which makes the patient to urinate more frequently. COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS: Hearing impairment, loss of memory or short term memory loss, slurred speech, attention troubles. Dizziness and depression are reported as well. MOTOR SYMPTOMS: Numbness, tremor, gait, muscle spasms and seizures, fatigue and vertigo. SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS: Males affected by MS have difficulty in getting / maintaining an erection. Females affected by MS have difficulty in getting orgasms.2 PROGRESSION OF DISEASE: The progression of disease, just like the symptoms, vary from one individual to another. There are five types of progression seen in MS patients. Relapsing-remitting MS: Majority of patients show this kind of progression. As the name suggests, there are episodes of mild/severe symptoms followed by episodes of very mild or no symptoms at all. The episode of attacks usually lasts between few hours to a few months! Primary progressive MS: About 10-15% of the patients have primary progressive MS. The severity of the symptoms worsen progressively. No relapse and remission cycle is seen in these patients. Secondary progressive MS: The initial stages of the disease show relapse and remission cycles. But after a certain point, the symptoms worsen gradually, just like in the primary progressive MS. Progressive relaxing MS: In these patients, the symptoms are followed by recovery, but the severity of the symptoms increase gradually. Benign MS: The individuals undergoes episodes of mild symptoms but gets recovered completely ergo no permanent disability.3 GENETIC FACTORS: The researchers have identified certain genes and environmental factors which most likely cause and progress the disease. One striking observation is that genetic linkage studies have shown the variation in the genes associated with the Major Histocompatibility complex (MHC) promotes the risk for developing MS in individuals.4 The group of genes called the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes encodes for Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in our body.5 The HLA genes are present in the short arm of chromosome no 6. The MHC consists of two classes. The genes HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C form the MHC class I. The genes HLA-DP, HLA-DQ and HLA-DR make up the MHC class II. The MHC proteins bind to the T-cells to recognize antigens.6So, the MHC basically helps the immune system to differentiate between self and non-self cells (a property called as MHC restriction).6 It has been identified that the HLA-DRB1 mutant alleles and HLA-A alleles increases the risk of developing the disease.7,8 Though these are the most commonly reported variant gene present in MS, variants in genes present in the HLA system such as HLA-DR15, HLA- DQ6,etc have been linked to the disease as well.7 Also, variants in IL7R have been linked to MS. Presence of C risk allele of the IL7R gene decreases the expression of IL7R.9 IL7 signalling pathway is essential for the T cell differentiation of CD4-CD8- thymocytes.10It also plays a major role in maintaining the T-cell homeostasis. Variant of the IL7R results in the decrease in the expression of IL7R which affects the interlukin pathway, thereby disrupting the T cell development and T cell homeostasis.10 But with the help of genome wide association studies (GWAS), a set of 12 susceptible genes which promotes the risk for developing MS have been identified recently.11,12,13 Although the effect of variations in these genes are not as profound as the variations in the HLA gene system.11 Demyelination: The neuron/nerve cells comprises of a cell body and an extension from the cell body called axon. The axons play a central role in carrying the message from one neuron to another. The axons in the body usually have a coating rich in lipids, called the myelin. Myelin insulates the axon and protects it (just like an insulating coating over an electrical wire).14This helps in the efficient nerve transmission. Myelin present in the central nervous system are produced by a special set of cells called the oligodendrocytes.15 It is believe that in MS patients, a wayward immune system is unable to differentiate between the self and non-self cells and cause an inflammatory response, most likely because of the variations present in the HLA gene system and IL7. This triggers the T-cells to attack and destroy the myelin sheath of the axon or the oligodendrocytes (cells that produce the myelin sheath), keeping the nerve fibres unprotected and uninsulated. This is called as demyelination.14This consequently causes destruction to the nerve fibre (as the protective sheath is degenerated). This produces many scar tissues or lesions (hence the name multiple sclerosis) along the nerve cells, thereby limiting or blocking the transmission of impulses through the nerve cells. Consequently, the brain cannot communicate properly with the other parts of the CNS and eventually causes the various symptoms that are seen in the MS patients. In a nut shell, the disease is believed to be caused by the interplay between inflammat ion and neurodegeneration.1 After the episode of attack, the inflammation reaction may get halted and the neurons that are not demyelinated resume their normal function and even some recovery is possible (as seen in the relapsing-remitting type of progression). It has also been shown that the demyelinated axons tend to produce more sodium channels and this helps in the remission.16 So, sodium channels are rightfully targeted for the MS therapy now.17 Also, even though the oligodendrocytes are not present around to remylinate immediately, myelin does grow back, but it may take a real long time.15 Picture Source: [eMedicineHealth, (2014).Myelin and the Central Nervous System Causes, Symptoms, Treatment What is myelin? eMedicineHealth. [online] Available at: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/myelin_and_the_central_nervous_system/page2_em.htm] AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes social, cognitive and language impairment and the tendency to show repetitive behaviour, interests and activities in the individuals.18 ASD is a collection of neurodevelopmental disorder.19The main types of ASD are: Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Pervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). The rare disorders in the class are Rett syndrome and Childhood disintegrative disorder.18 Symptoms and Progression: Symptoms include impairment of social relationships, lack of communication and lack of imagination skills and signs of repetitive behaviour. Symptoms vary from one individual to another significantly. 18Asperger’s syndrome patients did not have significant cognitive impairment/delays like autism patients. PDD-NOS is considered as the milder form of autistic behaviour and usually show symptoms in one area, for instance, just lack of social communication.19 The progression of the disease is also different in different patients. Symptoms in childhood may include constant crying, sleeping problems, absence of speech, repetitive movements like handshake or clapping, lack of eye contact, etc. Symptoms in the adolescence and adulthood may be mood imbalance, presence of disability becomes more obvious and prominent, increased anxiety levels, epilepsy and seizures in rare cases.19 Genetic factors: ADS is more of a syndrome than a disease, caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors.19 Whole genome screens, next generation sequencing (NGS) and cytogenetic studies have been carried out to figure out the genes involved in the cause of the syndrome.20 ADS is a really complex neurological condition which is linked to about 100 genes as of now. 21The genes generally fall into: genes regulating synapsis genes regulating transcription Mutation of genes that are involved in the synaptic functions are commonly observed in ASD. A few important genes are discussed below: Neurexin (NLGN3, NLGN4) and Neuroligin (NRXN1): The genes involved in the production of Neurexin and neuregulin are commonly found mutated genes in ASD. Neurexin and Neuregulin act as neuronal cell surface receptors and organize the interaction between the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons. Neurexin interacts with CASK in the pre-synaptic neuron. Neuroligin interact with PSD95 in the post- synaptic neuron. The two proteins interacts with intracellular factors as well as scaffolding protein, forming a trans-synaptic interaction necessary for a synapsis to exist. Mutations in the genes encoding for these proteins have been reported in ASD patients. Also, the targeted knock out of these genes in the mouse model have caused deregulation of synaptic function. Mutation of neurexin in mice have shown to disrupt the voltage-gated calcium channel, thereby hindering pre-synaptic release of vesicles. Mutations in neuroligin in ASD patients reduced the expression of neroligin, thereby causing less interaction with neurexin thereby causin g synaptic transmission defects.22 SHANK: SHANK consists of three genes: SHANK1, SHANK2, SHANK3. SHANK is involved in the post-synaptic neuron. It interacts with PSD95 and SAPAP and form a protein complex which regulates the formation of dendritic spine. Overexpression of SHANK3 results in the increase in the dendritic spine and the knockdown results in the decrease of dendritic spine formation. Reduced dendritic spine formation leads to defective postsynaptic structure thereby inhibiting synaptic transmission.22 Also, mutations in cadherin9, cadherin10 and cadherin15 are observed in ADS patients. Mutations in these genes destabilize the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic interactions, thereby inhibiting synapsis, leading to autistic symptoms.22 Contactin associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2): CNTNAP2 is a member of the neurexin family that encodes for a neuronal membrane protein that helps in the trans-synaptic interaction. Mutations in this gene have been reported in autistic patients.20 MECP2 gene: Methyl –cytosine binding protein (MECP2), a transcriptional regulator, is mutated in Rett syndrome. The gene is present in the X chromosome. This mutation occurs exclusively in females as the mutation of this gene in males is lethal. Mutation of this gene results in leads to reduced release of vesicles in inhibitory synapsis and affecting the excitation to inhibition ration. 23Another rare mutation in the form of the transcriptional regulator, ARX, is seen in autistic patients.23 Picutre Source: [Walsh, C., Morrow, E. and Rubenstein, J. (2008). Autism and Brain Development.Cell, 135(3), pp.396-400.] Role of demyelination in the disease: Mutations in HLA region (like MS) and increased level of IL12 are reported in autism.24 This causes the T cells to attack the myelin sheath. The damage of myelin sheath ergo nerve cells (mechanism explained above) have been a factor of brain damage in autistic individuals. Neuropathological findings suggest a role for demyelination in the damage of amygdala, hippocampus and cerebellum of autistic patients.24 Environmental factors: Along with the genetic factors, the environmental factors also seem to play a role in the development and progression of these two diseases. Lack of Vitamin D supposedly plays a role in increasing the risk of developing MS.2 Mercury vaccines have been suspected to increase the risk of developing ASD.25 Mercury vaccine results in the deficiency of zinc and that in turn impacts the level of vitamin B12.25 Vitamin B12 in turn is essential for myelin sheath formation.25 In sum, these two neurological diseases are really complex and not yet fully understood yet. Tonnes of research are being performed in order to understand the cause and the exact interplay of genetic factors in the development of disease. Fully understanding the diseases would also provide better ways to treat individuals affected by these devastating complex neurological diseases. REFERENCES: McDonald WI, Ron MA. Multiple sclerosis: the disease and its manifestations.Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences1999;354(1390):1615-1622. Irishhealth.com, (2014).Multiple sclerosis irishhealth.com. [online] Available at: http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?con=191 [Accessed 15 Dec. 2014]. Irishhealth.com, (2014).Multiple sclerosis irishhealth.com. [online] Available at: http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?con=191 [Accessed 15 Dec. 2014]. Rubio JP, Speed TP, Bahlo M, Kilpatrick TJ, Foote SJ. The current state of multiple sclerosis genetic research. Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. 2000;29(3):322-30. Baranzini SE. Revealing the genetic basis of multiple sclerosis: are we there yet? Current Opinion in Genetics Development. 2011;21(3):317-24. Kindt, T., Goldsby, R., Osborne, B. and Kuby, J. (2007).Kuby immunology. New York: W.H. Freeman. Genetic risk and a primary role for cell-mediated immune mechanisms in multiple sclerosis. Nature. 2011;476(7359):214-9. Genetic risk and a primary role for cell-mediated immune mechanisms in multiple sclerosis. Nature. 2011;476(7359):214-9. 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Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Great Gatsbys Past & Mistakes about it Essay -- essays research papers

The Reason for the Past   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the words of Jan Gildewell, â€Å"You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest, that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present.† Jay Gatsby in the book The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, didn’t only cling to the past and forget about the future but also tried to recreate it. There are symbols from Gatsby’s past that display his yearning for a different life all through this piece of literature. Gatsby’s mind can only conceive one way to change his current and undesired path of existence, and that single idea is to recreate and modify his past. In the act of trying to bring back the past he ends up dead. Before the book actually introduces Gatsby it shows a symbol of his desire to change what is history, although the reader doesn’t recognize it until the end of the book. That sacred idol is mentioned, but not noted, for the first time when Nick arrives home and sees Gatsby for the first time, a well dressed young man standing on his lawn and then it reads, â€Å"—he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and far as I was from him I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward—and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock.†(Page 25-26) The next bit of significant history that can be found is the first of the many flashbacks that symbolize the precise moment Gatsby wants to relive. â€Å"When I came op...