Amelia Earhart Biography paper Essay Example

Amelia Earhart Biography paper Essay Example Amelia Earhart Biography paper Paper Amelia Earhart Biography paper Paper Contemporary World Issues Biography Paper Boaz 3B By: Jerome Bircumshaw Even to this day some people believe women are not capable of achieving what the male can do. However one women in 1928 changed the image of the face of women forever. Soon to be an American aviator, Amelia Earhart was born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas. She was the daughter of a successful railroad attorney. Because of her fathers occupation, Amelia spent her childhood growing up in many different towns. Her fascination for adventure and thrill seeking started off at a young age where Amelia and her big sister Muriel decided one day that they wanted to make a plane. There was a lack in material, so they decided to make a rollercoaster instead. Even though neither one of the girls knew how to make a roller coaster, they got some wood from an old wooden fence they tore down. First, they made the car by placing the bottoms of roller skates under a big piece of wood and the rest of the wood was used to make a slide that went from the top of a woodshed to the ground. With Amelia and her bravery, she went first and rolled quickly down the unstable slide. The car hit the ground and Amelia bounced into the air and turned into a somersault, luckily escaping injury. Years after the family moved to Des Moines, Iowa where they attended a state fair. That is when Amelia got to see her first airplane which did not impress Amelia. The airplane was made of wood and wires and reminded Amelia of a big orange crate. Because of this, she thought she would never own an airplane. Even though she was young at the time Amelia knew she wanted to do something fun in the future. One night in 1910 Amelias father took both of the girls out to see Halleys comet which passes by once every 76 years. She was really impressed by the sight and pointed out one specific star and asked if it had a name. That is Vega, her father told her. It is one of the most beautiful stars of all. Amelia shut her eyes and wish on Vega that she could do exciting things when she grew up. This wish certainly came true. The following years were good ones for Amelia, as she learned how to swim and ride horses. After she finished her high school education, she attended a school in Toronto, Canada where she visited her sister and took a course in the Red Cross First Aid. She thought being a nurse was going to be her occupation growing up as she oved helping the wounded soldiers and everyone loved her help. Years after however, she left and furthered her education as a premedical student at the Columbia University in New York. It was going well for Amelia, but her parents insisted she should move back to California with them. Shortly after, Amelia was living in California with her parents when she read in a newspaper that there was an air meet near Los Angeles. Amelia went to the air meet, with her father and they watched the planes do stunts and daredevil tricks. That was the beginning of Amelias aviation adventure. She decided she wanted to fly, ut her parents could not afford lessons for her, so Amelia got a Job to cover the expenses. Her teacher was a women, and one of the only women in the world who knew how to fly. This gave Amelia more hope that one day she would be able to fly by herself. One day she finally got to fly solo as her instructor watched. She was not the best pilot and had a rough landing, but she could say she flew an airplane. Amelias mom was proud of her and helped her to buy her own small airplane. Amelia soon became a good pilot and was reminded by men and women constantly how good her aviation skills were. Planes did not fly very high back in the early 1900s but that never stopped Amelia from setting a womens record for high flying. She flew 14,000 feet in the air, almost three miles high. With the knowledge we know now of Amelias great achievements, it is surprising to think that she had a hard time deciding on what she wanted to do. Of course she wanted to fly, but she also wanted to do some useful work. It was at Denison House in Boston where she found a social center. This is where she taught the children how to play games. She looked after them while their mothers were working, it was like a aycare. If Amelia was not taking care of the kids, she was flying. All the children were proud of her and looked up to her. In 1927, Amelia read the newspaper and learned that Charles A. Lindbergh had flown an airplane from New York to Paris. It was a major accomplishment because flying airplanes across the Atlantic was not only a hard task to accomplish but no one had ever successfully made the Journey until then. Lindbergh was the first man who accomplished the flight in history. Several women had tried to make the Journey, but none had made it. Three young women lost their lives trying. It was in Boston Massachusetts where Amelia received a call to be the first female passenger on a transatlantic flight, in 1928. Amelia asked to be a pilot, but she did not know how to use instruments which were a new invention in planes to help them from getting lost. She soon after promised herself that she would learn how to use aviation instruments. The weeks following, Amelia was sent to New York where she met her future husband and book publisher George Putnam. He was the manager of the ocean flight, and they quickly realized they had a handful of similar interests. Amelia got er first glance at the plane named Friendship that was chosen for the trip and she was pleased to say the least. The Friendship had three motors, and instead of wheels it had pontoons which meant it could float, but taking off in water was no easy task since wind was the main component to take off. The friendship had gold wings which Amelia thought was beautiful but she was informed that the gold was not for looks but instead it make the aircraft easier to spot in case the pilot had to go down in the ocean, so the plane would be spotted. One early morning in 1928, Amelia thought the weather seemed right, so the pair umped in the plane, started the engine, and sped off across the water. The first destination was Trepassy Harbor, in Newfoundland, off the coast of Canada so the airplane could be refueled before the long Journey. After they refueled and planned to head to Europe, the weather became extremely bad with thick fog and rain. Days went by, and the weather seemed to keep up. Amelia started losing hope, and then she heard the news about another young women who had flown from New York to Newfoundland. She and her pilot were staying in a town nearby. Her name was Mabel Boll, and her plane was named the Columbia. Both of the women agreed that the trip was not a race, but secretly both women wanted to be the first to complete the transatlantic Journey. Back in the United States, the newspapers called it a race. Headlines read Rival Women Flyers Still Held by Bad Weather, and Columbia ready for take off, then in big print Friendship Takes Off. On June 17, 1928, Mabel said the weather was too bad to take off, and Amelia would be the first to reach Europe. Quickly into their flight, Amelia and her pilot rode into heavy fog and were hoping to reach the coast of England before they ran out of gas. After several of hours, there was little gasoline left, but the fog life savingly lifted, and a boat was seen in the distance. However, the radio was not working properly and after several attempts to contact the boat, they simply flew on hoping to find land. Shortly after, fishing boats were seen in the distance which meant there must be land nearby but the direction was not known, so they flew forward, hoping to find something, and luckily, they spotted land in the distance and Stultz brought the plane down in the Burry Port, on the coast of Wales. Amelia was a heroine. As the first women to fly across the Atlantic, she was treated as national idol and hero. She had a positive impact on society giving hope to children and adults of both genders proving that women could do anything a man could do, or even better because her flight beat Lindbergh in the total time it took of twenty hours and forty minutes. When the crew returned to America Amelia along with the help of George Putnam published a book call ed 20 Hrs. 40 Min. While in America, Amelia flew across the country and became a better pilot than she had ever been before in her life and learned how to fly safely with instruments. She changed the female view of flying positively and became a role model to people all ver the globe. Around this time Amelia purchased her own airplane and named it Vega. She was set out to fly the transatlantic solo and be the first women to do so. On May 20, 1932, the trip to Europe alone began. Although she did not have an easy flight with ice forming on the wings and fire leaking out of the exhausts, she managed to reach Europe in a historical fifteen hours and eighteen minutes. Amelia was invited to many parties. One of which included a dance with the soon to be King of England. After their marriage George and Amelia were invited to have dinner with he President Hoover and his wife at the White House. Amelia proved that women had as much courage as men and was soon the most famous woman alive. She took the President and his wife on a short ride in a plane above Washington while wearing a evening gown and slippers. Time went by and Amelia became a teacher at Purdue University in Indiana when she decided she really wanted to make history. Amelia told George, she wanted to fly the globe, It wasnt an impossible task, but she wanted to fly around the equator which was the hardest and longest way to fly. Amelia did have a downfall and it was not knowing when to quit. With the help of George she set off on the flight from California one morning in March of 1937. She reached Hawaii in less than sixteen hours but spun into a ground loop and crashed the plane which cost eighty-thousand dollars. The plane was shipped back in pieces and fixed, and on June 1, 1937, Amelia decided to try the flight again but this time she sat off the other direction. She flew over many countries such as Africa, India and New Guinea. It was when she was supposed to stop on a small island call Howland Island that people started worrying since Amelia never reached the Island or her final destination. July 2, 1937, would be a day remembered forever, because that is the day Amelia set off from New Guinea to Howland and was never seen again. Many reports claimed she was captured or stranded in the ocean or on an uninhabited island somewhere. But the truth, however, was never discovered. I believe Amelia was one of the greatest feminist role models by changing the face of women across the globe. She was nothing short of impressive, and I would recommend this book to anyone of any age or gender because Amelia had a life that is a real eye opener and proves the there is no dream that can not be accomplished.

How Colombias Improved Business Environment has Led to Increased Foreign Investment and Economic Growth

How Colombias Improved Business Environment has Led to Increased Foreign Investment and Economic Growth Introduction Business environment refers to conditions that are not controllable but are encountered in the process of undertaking a business activity. Such conditions are determined by factors that range from politics, territorial economies and regulations. Foreign investment in a country, on the other hand, refers to the capital that is brought into a country from another country with the aim of acquiring control of business enterprises in the recipient country.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on How Colombia’s Improved Business Environment has Led to Increased Foreign Investment and Economic Growth specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Economic growth is the increase in a country’s productivity level which is indicated in the country’s increased gross domestic product. Economic growth is the primary increase in produced goods and services in a country. This paper seeks to discuss the relation ship between the business environment in Colombia and the foreign investments and economic growth. The paper will look at the improved business environment in relation to the economic changes that have resulted from such changes. History of Colombia’s economy The history of Colombia’s economy is characterized by features that had negative impacts on the economy. Events such as political instability and illegal businesses were some of the factors that hindered economic growth in Colombia. Political instability in the country can be traced to the middle of the twentieth century after the assassination of the country’s president in the year 1948. This sparked a lot of violence in the country thereby disrupting activities including economic activities. The country was then majorly under military government following a coup in the year 1953 until a movement called â€Å"the national front† assumed power in the year 1958 (Infoplease 1). It was after the end of the movement’s rule in the year 1974 that Colombia started recovering from its economic recession that was a result of political stability. Illegal businesses that involved drugs and crude weapons however picked its roots after the 1970s to again pose new threats to the country’s economic growth. Rebel groups also established centers in many parts of the country lead enhancing violence thereby undermining economic growth. Such instabilities specifically discouraged foreign investments in the country (Infoplease 1). Improved business environment Some of the significant reforms that were undertaken by the country were done in the year 1996. Reforms such as â€Å"Colombia’s market-opening measures, its implementation of the Uruguay round commitments and its six year effort at sound macroeconomic management† (world Trade 1) were some of the features that contributed to the shift that was realized in the country’s economic growth (world Trade 1). These moves actually linked the country’s economy to the international market thereby diversifying the country’s trade to being in line with globalized aspect of economics. The results of these moves saw the liberalization of the Colombian market system leading to â€Å"lower tariffs, fewer non tariffs measures and a number of market access commitments in professional and financial services† (world Trade 1). Reduction or total elimination of tariffs in an economy has a direct impact of facilitating international trade together with its resulting benefits.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More When tariffs are reduced, for example, the cost of importation or exportation of commodities across a country’s boundaries is reduced. Consequently, raw materials are easily accessed from their cheap sources and finished products are as well easily sol d at any market that can yield the maximum profits to producers. The overall result is that producers will be more willing to operate in a territory where trade limitations are minimized. The steps that were taken to reduce tariffs, therefore, had the potential to positively influence the country’s economic growth. The 1990 policy review specifically improved the level of the country’s participation in international trade (world Trade 1). The reform also led to the enactment of a new constitution by the country that provided further reforms that were favorable to business. Another review was also undertaken in the country in the year 1993 with special interest in strengthening small scale domestic producers in the country. Steps that included, â€Å"subsidized loans, debt recovery or support, price support and stabilization mechanisms, marketing arrangements and modernization subsidies† (world Trade 1) were affected. These moves were specifically aimed at motiva ting Colombians to join the private sector in contributing to the country’s economy. A reform in Colombia’s trade policy that was undertaken in the year 1990 was significantly felt in the country’s economy. Following the reforms, an almost steady growth has since been reported in the country. Such growths have also been reflected on the inflation in the country that realized a reducing effect after the year 1990. It is reported that the country’s inflation rate reduced from over thirty percent in the year 1990 to below twenty percent in a span of five years (world Trade 1). Though the reform process which started in the year 1990 was meant to create a favorable environment for commercial activities, it was not primarily based on making economic policies in the country. One of the steps that were identified to be necessary in facilitating business was the enhancement of security and political stability that was still challenged by the presence of rebel gro ups and other groups that dealt in drugs. A sufficient economic base was being sought to ensure the country’s economic stability by reforming structures that were identified to be supportive to a business environment.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on How Colombia’s Improved Business Environment has Led to Increased Foreign Investment and Economic Growth specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This was particularly because the country had survived economic crises not because it had a strong economic basis but just because it was able to avoid economic strains. Political reforms that included the steps of enacting a new constitution was thus part of the trade reform process. A solution was therefore to be sought by curbing the problem of rebel groups that had been a burden to security in some parts of the country (Aviles 3). As part of the reform agenda in the Colombian economic environment, the reform process in the year 1990 as was undertaken by the government also included privatization of some sectors in the economy. Service proving sectors such as the â€Å"banking and telecommunications† were for example privatized (Holmes, Pineres and Curtin 42). Such privatization was meant to bring the competitiveness in the industries for better service provision as compared to the governments’ provisions which are normally based on ensuring service provision. Such efficient provision of services that are supportive of business activities was therefore a positive contribution to the business environment. Following the authority that was granted to the then Colombian president, Gaviria, over economic reforms, the president instituted a lot of changes in economic policies that ranged from international trade policies to domestic policies. Apart from measures to reduce tariffs that were imposed on international trade activities, the president also reduced non tariff barriers t o international trade. Other economic reforms that were instituted at the time included â€Å"reduction and rationalization of reserve requirements, freeing of most interest rates, abolition of exchange controls, reform on labor legislation, relaxation of control over foreign direct investment† (Holmes, Pineres and Curtin 42). All these measures liberated the ground for conducting business by reducing governmental control measures that restricted business operations. Reducing the level of control over foreign direct investments, for example, had the potential of increasing the inflow of investment capital into the country which in turn would be translated into the country’s increased productivity level. Other measures such as reduced control over sectors of the economy such as financial sector also provided the opportunity for a free market, in such sectors, that was then only dependent on the market forces of demand and supply. With these direct economic reforms, the country expected to increase its level of importation, its technological knowhow as well as operational efficiencies (Holmes, Pineres and Curtin 42).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Though with subsequent side effects, the country succeeded in increasing its level of exports at the international market. Immediate increase in foreign direct investment was also realized following liberalization of interest rates. As a result of capital flow into the country, wage rates were triggered to rise thus increasing the incomes of individuals who found employment opportunities (Holmes, Pineres and Curtin 45). According to Edwards, the move to stabilize the country’s economy involved massive retrenchment by the Colombian government. As part of the reform agenda, reduction of government’s expenditure was a necessity in the realization of this stability. As a result, the inflation rate in the country was significantly reduced at the expense of increased unemployment rate. However, the business environment was enhanced as a result of the economic stability that was attained. The country has since then depended on the reforms that were made in the country in the period between the year 1990, 1993 and 1996. No further significant reforms have been made by subsequent governments (Edwards 84). Following the reforms that were instituted, modalities and formalities of processes involved in starting and running a business in Colombia have been made easier. Processes of obtaining formal necessities as well as undertakings of business processes have been simplified in terms of the short time durations that are taken. Most of applications only take one day to be processed by relevant bodies (Doing Business 1). The reforms that were taken by Colombia government have enlisted the country as one of the best in terms of investor protection. Rating that relates to investor confidence has also favored the country with indications that investors can easily put their long term investment capital in the country without much worries over risk factors. Consequently, foreign direct investment in the country has, for example, greatly increased to about four time s its level in the year 2003. The changes that were undertaken by the country in the name of reform policies therefore had positive impacts in improving the country’s economic environment in terms of business activities. This as a result reflects increased productivity levels and a potentially attractive environment for foreign investment (Proexport 1). Foreign direct investments and economic growth in Colombia As Colombia underwent political, legal and economic reforms in the early years of 1990s, a lot of changes were realized in the country’s operational systems. Economic issues that were deemed to be critical to the country were, for example, included in the country’s constitution that was enacted during that time period. One of the provisions of the enacted constitution stipulated that â€Å"the government will promote the internationalization of the economy and the economic, social, and political integration with Latin America and the Caribbean† (Go mez 13). The internationalization of the economy required the removal of barriers to forms of international trade that restricted foreign investors to the country’s market. The government was thus able to undertake measures of enhancing foreign investments and trade. Regional integration of the country with its neighbors was also a step to promoting good relations that could then be reflected in economic relations in countries that traded with Colombia. The next constitutional provision was that â€Å"foreigners have the same civil rights as nationals† (Gomez 13); this established a leveled ground under which everyone would be treated. The country then totally abolished regulations that were put to govern foreign direct investments into the country (Gomez 13). Following the measure to promote foreign direct investment in the country, investors yielded to the incentives and consequently resources were directed into Colombia. Significant increase in the level of foreign direct investment has been reported in the country over the past years with a direct proportionality being realized with respect to gross domestic product. Such investments have increased the country’s productivity level. The Colombian economy has in the past been registering improvements with an increasing trend in per capita income in general consideration of the country’s economy. Contrary to the condition prior to the 1990 reforms when foreign investment was majorly felt in the mining industry, diversification has been implemented occurred and foreign investment is currently significantly experienced in a variety of sectors that include â€Å"manufacture, finance service, electricity, and telecommunications sectors† (Melo 6). Prior to the liberalization, about sixty three percent of the country’s foreign direct investment was directed to the mining industry with the remaining percentage being shared among other industries. Currently, finance and manuf acturing sectors commands forty one percent of the country’s foreign direct investment (Melo 6). Change in direct investment in Colombia It is important to note that the changes were not with respect to fixed foreign investment but an increase in investments in other sectors of the economy. The overall impact of the liberalization was therefore increased participation in the sectors of the Colombian economy that induced efficiencies in productivity thus contributing to the country’s increased productivity level (Melo 6). The increasing trend of foreign direct investment in Colombia has continued to grow since then. A comparison between data in the year 2000 and the year 2008 for example indicated an increasing trend. Stock value of foreign direct investment was for instance sixty seven billion dollars in 2008 and grew to seventy four in the year 2009 reflecting the increasing trend that has over the past been realized (Betancourt 1). Conclusion Columbia was faced with a history of political and economic instability. It however struggled to establish its political stability in the 1980s. Economic environment of the country was left behind as the world moved to a globalized market system. Economic transformation was then undertaken in the country during the 1991 reform process that liberalized the country’s market creating a favorable business environment. As a result, direct foreign investments with corresponding economic growth have been realized in the country. Aviles, William. Global Capitalism, Democracy, and Civil-Military Relations in Colombia. New York, NY: SUNY Press. Print. Betancourt, Miguel. Inward FDI in Colombia and its policy context. Vale Columbia Center, 2011. Web. vcc.columbia.edu/files/vale/documents/Colombia_IFDI_updated_Nov_10_2010_final.pdf Doing Business. Ease of doing business in Colombia. Doing Business, 2011. Web. doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/colombia#starting-a-business Edwards, Sebastian. Colombia. Par is, France: OECD Publishing, 2011. Print. Gomez, Julian. Foreign direct investment in Colombia. Georgian, 2011. Web. http://digitalcommons.law.uga.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1017context=stu_llmsei-redir=1#search=%22trend+in+foreign+investments+in+colombia%22 Holmes, Jennifer., Pineres, Sheila and Curtin, Kevin. Guns, drugs, and development in Colombia. Texas, TX: University of Texas Press, 2008. Print. Infoplease. History. Encyclopedia- Colombia, 2011. Web. infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0857443.html Proexport. Improved business environment. Proexport Colombia, 2011. Web. investincolombia.com.co/why-colombia/improved-business-environment.html World Trade. Colombia: September 1996. Trade policy reviews, 2011. Web. wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp39_e.htm

Homework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Homework - Essay Example (Lougheed 2005) This seems as if this could be the solution for many medical problems as scientist are able to somewhat repair damaged cells, and although this can save the lives of many, the lives lost through abortion will never make up for the ones saved. Until stem cells can be collected in a more ethical manner, they should not be used for medical advancement. Many supporters of stem cell research agree that the stem cells obtained from abortions would be destroyed anyway. Whether this is the case or not, the parents are choosing to allow the unborn fetus to die. This means that the cells also should die and it is not ethically correct to use them as they were chosen to be left dead. Hopefully this information is helpful and informative as to what types of stem cells should be used and why stem cell research can be unethical. Until another way is found to collect stem cells, I and many others will remain

The Personal Responsibility and Work Reconciliation Act Research Paper

The Personal Responsibility and Work Reconciliation Act - Research Paper Example This essay discusses that the current gender gap is not because women are less skilled than men but because now women demonstrate a higher propensity to attend college than men. Inequality in pay is due to the high extent of women’s segregation because of the nature of jobs. Hence, it can be said that women are now increasingly involved in competing with men in the job market. It is now required to eliminate the gender pay disparity because if single working mothers start earning as much as men there will be an increase of about 18 percent in the family income and the poverty will be reduced considerably. Major reforms relative to PRWORA have been in welfare fields such as housing, health care, child care and food. The federal government has allocated larger budgets for child care programs, which is evident from the fact that federal funding for child care has increased by almost 100 percent since the PRWORA was implemented. But some problems remain such as only about 12 perce nt of eligible households receive financial help under provisions of the Child Care and Development Fund. All families are not able to get benefits of state and federal schemes relative to child care, while tax exemptions continue to be meager in assisting families to adequately meet childcare costs. Additionally, the quality of child care is still poor because child care workers continue to be paid less. Even though there has been enhanced funding by the federal government in regard to child care, the pay of childcare workers has been stagnating.... Consequently, the outcomes of the PRWORA have been disputed and political campaigners have claimed either total success or failure depending upon their affiliations. At the same time, some facts cannot be denied such as the drop in volumes by about fifty percent in welfare relative to AFDC and TANF in spite of the several provisions that extended benefits external to the given rules. According to Boushey (2011), it is now evident that most of the former welfare recipients do not have work and those that are working earn between $6 and $8 per hour, which is too meager to sustain a family. The extent of poverty has increased amongst working families despite the decline in over all poverty rates. Families headed by single working mothers are the worst effected in this regard. Moreover, poverty has become more severe during the last many years for families that were already in deep poverty. Many families that were receiving welfare prior to the implementation of PRWORA are likely to expe rience greater hardships after they leave welfare. Over 33 percent of families getting welfare experienced situations when they were unable to get adequate food and the required medical care as compared to the position prior to the introduction of PRWORA. Families having one full time worker stood just a little less chance of experiencing one or more of such difficulties in comparison with the present welfare families. Almost 25 percent of families that became ineligible for welfare and had a single earning member went without adequate food, housing and the essential medical facilities. Most of the objectives of PRWORA pertained to addressing the high rate of single parenthood amongst poor households. It

Exogenous IL-10 and Golimumab for Heart Failure Treatment

Exogenous IL-10 and Golimumab for Heart Failure Treatment Synergistic Effect of Exogenous IL-10 and Golimumab in the Treatment for Heart Failure in Rats Running title: Heart Failure Treatment Highlights: The level of TNF-ÃŽ ± decreased after treatment with IL-10 and golimumab. The level of IL-10 was increased by IL-10 combined with golimumab. IL-10 and golimumab have a synergistic effect on HF in rats. ABSTRACT Objectives We attempted to assess the therapeutic effect of exogenous interleukin-10 (IL-10) in combination with golimumab in treating heart failure (HF) in rats, and provide an experimental basis for clinical application. Methods HF animal model was induced in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by intraperitoneally injection with adriamycin, and rats in control group were treated with 0.9% normal saline. The HF rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: group A (HF group, n = 10), group B (IL-10 group, n = 10), group C (golimumab group, n = 10), and group D (IL-10 and golimumab group, n = 10). The normal rats were defined as controls in group E (n=10). Three months later, myocardial functional indexes and hemodynamic indexes of rats in all groups were measured. The levels of TNF-ÃŽ ± and IL-10 in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The HF rat model was successfully constructed. After the treatment, compared with group A, the hemodynamic indexes in groups B-D were distinctly different (P P P P Conclusions IL-10 and golimumab has synergistic effect in the treatment of HF in rats, suggesting a potential clinical application of IL-10 combined with golimumab. Key words: cytokines; golimumab; heart failure; IL-10; TNF-ÃŽ ± INTRODUCTION Heart failure (HF) is considered to be a condition in which the heart can hardly pump sufficient blood to meet the need of the body [1]. It was demonstrated that HF is closely related to several diseases such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, obesity and dyslipidaemia [2]. HF has already been a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide [3, 4]. It was reported that more than23 million people in the world are suffering from HF [1]. Mortality caused by HF is up to 30%-40% within one year, and rise to a rate of 50%-75% within 5 years [5, 6]. So, HF has been a health concern all over the world. Previous studies suggested that the imbalance of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines played a key role in the progression of HF [7]. Recent studies have highlighted the effects of some cytokines on immune-mediated myocyte injury, postischemic myocardial inflammation, and heart function. Levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10) are reduced in HF development [8-11]. Evidences demonstrated IL-10 controlled inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis and inducted antiapoptotic processes [12]. IL-10 can promote healing of ventricular damage to avoid ventricular remodeling [13, 14]. IL-10 can enhance humoral immunity by inhibiting cell-mediated immunity to resist HF. Thus, IL-10 is considered to be a candidate for the management of HF, [12]. Serum level of pro-inflammatory cytokines of tumor necrosis factor ÃŽ ± (TNF-ÃŽ ±) are found to be elevated in experimental models of HF [15]. Studies declared that an increase of TNF-ÃŽ ± con centration resulted in necrosis and apoptosis of myocardial cells, finally led to ventricular remodeling by the progressive thinning and expansion of ventricular wall [16]. TNF-ÃŽ ± was reported to lower the myocardial systolic function directly [13, 14]. Furthermore, evidences uncovered the relationship of TNF-ÃŽ ± and progression of HF: elevated level of TNF-ÃŽ ± contributed to the development and progression of HF by activation of matrix metalloproteinases, and promotion of myocardial hypertrophy and contractile dysfunction [12]. Therefore, the TNF-ÃŽ ± inhibitors, as medicines for HF treatment, had been becoming the current hot topics in HF studies. Nowadays, etanercept, a recombinational TNF-ÃŽ ± inhibitor, had been synthesized already, which inhibit the pro-inflammatory of TNF-ÃŽ ± due to the interdicted effect for the conjugation of TNF-ÃŽ ± and cell membrane receptor [17]. Golimumab, another TNF-ÃŽ ± inhibitor, is a monoclonal antibody specific for human TNF-ÃŽ ± [18]. It can inhibit the bioactivity of TNF-ÃŽ ± via binding to TNF-ÃŽ ± with high affinity and specificity to prevent TNF-ÃŽ ± from combination with TNF receptor [19]. In addition, IL-10 has been shown to play a pivotal role in the mucosal immune system by inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis such as TNF-ÃŽ ± [20, 21]. However, there are few studies reporting the effect of exogenous IL-10 combined with golimumab forthe HF treatment. In the present study, we used HF rats model, which was induced by intraperitoneal injection with adriamycin (ADR), to explore the effect of exogenous IL-10 combined with golimumab in the treatment for HF. To analyze the therapeutic effects, IL-10 or/and golimumab were intraperitoneally injected into the HF rats and the effects of the treatments were tested by measuring heart functional indexes and level of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, the possible mechanisms of this effect were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats model of heart failure Fifty 10-week-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, including 25 females and 25 males, were provided by Laboratory animal center, southern medical university Southern Medical University. Forty rats, with 20 females and 20 males, were chosen at random. Rats with HF were induced by intraperitoneal injection with 4 mg/kg adriamycin (ADR) once a week for 6 times. Control rats were given the same volume of normal saline. Experimental design and drug administration After 6 weeks, the model rats were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups: HF group (group A, n=10), IL-10 group (group B, n=10), golimumab group (group C, n=10), and IL-10 and golimumab group (group D, n=10), with 5 females and 5 males in each group. The normal rats were considered as controls in group E (n=10). Rats in group B was given an intraperitoneally injection of 50 pg/kg IL-10 each week. Exactly, 1 mg/kg golimumab (Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc) was administered intraperitoneally into the rats in group C each month. Rats in group D was intraperitoneally injected with 50 pg/kg IL-10 each week and 1 mg/kg golimumab each month. At the same time, rats in groups A and E received an intraperitoneal injection of 1ml normal saline. Rats in each group were treated for 3 times in total. During the test period, rats were fed on food and clean water freely. Echocardiography Three months after administration, echocardiographic indicators were obtained using a color doppler ultrasonic cardiograph (Vingmed CFM-725). Rats were anaesthetized with 5 ml/kg urethane solution at a concentration of 20% by intraperitoneal injection, and left ventricular long-axis and M-mode curve at the level of the left papillary muscles were measured. Finally, the left ventricle end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), the left ventricle end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular posterior wall depth (LVPWD) were measured, and the left ventricle fractional shortening (LVFS) can be calculated by the factors above, the formula is as follows: à £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬LVFS = [( LVEDDà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã‚ LVESD)/LVEDD]Ãâ€"100%. Measurements of haemodynamic parameters After anaesthetization, rats were fixed followed bytracheal intubationwith artificial ventilation. Super-miniature cardiac catheter was connected to multipurposepolygraph (Nikon 4) through the right common carotid artery and ascending aorta. Systolic pressure (ASP), diastolic pressure (ADP) and heart rate (HR) was recorded. As a follow-up, the cardiac catheter were inserted into the left ventricle, the left ventricle systolic pressure (LVSP), the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and the maximum rate of the left ventricular pressure rise (+dp/dtmax) and decline (-dp/dtmax) were measured. Then, allratsweresacrificed to weight the body. Their hearts were weighted after washing by cold normal saline and drying by filter paper. Finally, Heart weight/Body weight (HW/BW, mg/g) was calculated based on HW and BW. Determination of the level of TNF-ÃŽ ± and IL-10 in serum After hemodynamic evaluation, 2 ml blood samples were drawn from the catheter positioned in the left common carotid artery, and collected into a 2 ml tube. After 30 min, the blood samples were centrifuged at 3000 r/min for 10 min. The supernatant were collected into Eppendorf (EP) tube. The concentration of TNF-ÃŽ ± and IL-10 in serum were detected by using an ELISA kit (RayBiotech. Inc), and experimental procedures were conducted according to themanufacturer’sinstructions stringently. Statistical analysis The data were represented as mean  ± standard deviation (SD). Comparisons between groups were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and q-test (Student-Newman-Kueulsmethod). All statistical analyses were performed by using SPSS 12.0 software (SPSS, Chicago, IL). P RESULTS Heart function When the model establishment was completed, all of the rats suffered from HF, showing symptoms including dyspnea, edema, feed difficulty and oliguria. HF symptoms of the rats in groups B-D were alleviated after the treatment with IL-10, golimumab, and IL-10 and golimumab respectively. Obviously, symptoms of the rats in group D were most significantly alleviated. There was no rat died during the experimentation. Changes of BW, HW and HW/BW in the rats after treatment As shown in table 1, the BW and HW of the rats in groups A-D decreased significantly in contrast to those in group E (P P significantly when compared with group A (P > 0.05). The BW and HW of the rats in group D were markedly increased compared with group A (422.85 ±34.45 mg vs. 315.45 ±20.56 mg; 1355.29 ±112.23 mg vs. 1154.58 ±135.48 mg, P P The results of echocardiography Table 2 presents the results of echocardiography in the rats. Compared with E group, LVEDD and LVESD of the rats in groups A-D increased significantly (P P P (50.47 ±6.48 %) in group D was higher than group A (30.37 ±4.35 %, P P > 0.05). The hemodynamic indexes changes Hemodynamic parameters of the rats in group A had a difference in statistical significance when compared with group E (table 3). After treated with IL-10 and golimumab, ASP and ADP in group D was significantly increased when compared with group A (155.89 ±23.45 mmHg vs. 108.35 ±35.58 mmHg; 114.26 ±13.65 mmHg vs. 114.26 ±13.65 mmHg, P most markedly increased compared with group A (125.58 ±28.87 mmHg vs. 85.25 ±15.34 mmHg, P groups B and C. LVEDP in group D (5.23 ±0.68 mmHg) was most significantly decreased contrasted with group A (12.45 ±1.21 mmHg, P P Level of serum TNF-ÃŽ ± and IL-10 Compared with group E, the level of serum TNF-ÃŽ ± in groups A-D rose obviously (P P most significantly increased in group D when compared with group A (643.66 ±78.43 pg/ml vs 275.58 ±56.62 pg/ml, P DISCUSSION Heart failure (HF), as a complex clinical syndrome, is the ultimate end-result of various cardiovascular diseases and the main cause of death [7]. HF prevention and treatment have drawn more and more attention inthemedicalfield. It has been reported that TNF-ÃŽ ± played a central role in the progression of HF [12]. Studies indicated that golimumab, as a monoclonal antibody, had effective on inflammation based on inhibition on pro-inflammatory cytokine of TNF-ÃŽ ± [18, 19], moreover, the effect of TNF-ÃŽ ± in many tissue es is modulated by IL-10 [22]. In the present study, we used HF rats model to determine the effect of exogenous IL-10 combined with golimumab in the treatment for HF. The therapeutic effect of IL-10 combined with golimumab for HF in rats was evaluated according to heart function (changes of heart weight, echocardiographic and hemodynamic indicators) and the variation in the level of serum IL-10 and TNF-ÃŽ ±. To the best our knowledge, heart hypertrophy ultimately leads to HF [23], and the increase of HW/BW represents a tendency of heart hypertrophy [7]. In the present study, no obvious changes of HW/BW were observed in groups B (IL-10 group) and C (golimumab group) compared with group A (HF group). But HW/BW in group D (IL-10 and golimumab group) was markedly decreased obviously when compared with group A (HF group). These results indicate that treatment with either IL-10 or golimumab is less effective than the combination of IL-10 and golimumab for relieving heart hypertrophy. Studies indicated that treatment targeted the pathological disease such as heart hypertrophy was effective for HF [24].Therefore, our results suggest IL-10 combined with golimumab may have significant effects on prevention of HF. In addition, previous studies suggested that elevated LVEDD and LVESD and declined LVFS led to ventricular remodeling and culminated in progressive HF [25]. Based on the echocardiographic data in the present study, we found that LVEDD and LVESD decreased markedly, and LVFS increased in groups B-D compared with group A. Particularly, the most remarkable variation was observed in group D. these results suggest that IL-10 combined with golimumab are more effective inthe treatment of HF by relieving ventricular remodeling. Moreover, changes of hemodynamic parameters are regarded as an important signal of myocardial function which results in HF development [26]. In the present study, the hemodynamic measurements were improved in group D compared with groups A by increasing ASP, ADP, LVSP, LVEDP, and  ±dp/dtmax and decreasing LVEDP. Our observations were consistent with the previous findings showing that LVSP, LVEDP, and  ±dp/dtmax were increaded and LVEDP was decreased after completing the study of the HF rats. Furthermore, the previous studies declared that the deterioration of myocardial function in HF rats was more significantly alleviated based on the improvement of hemodynamic measurements after treatment [26, 27]. Notably, in our study, hemodynamic parameters in group D were improved compared with groups B and C. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that IL-10 and golimumab may have synergistic effects on improvement of myocardial function to relieve HF symptoms. Furthermore, in the present study, the level of IL-10 and TNF-ÃŽ ± were detected. The level of serum IL-10 was elevated in groups B-D compared to group A. Similarly, studies observed that an increase in IL-10 content was showed after effective treatment and suggested that improvement in cardiac function was connected with the elevated level of IL-10 [28-30]. Moreover, level of serum IL-10 in group D was higher than groups B and C, this suggest that the combination of IL-10 and golimumab can most significantly induce the elevation in the level of serum IL-10. Meantime, the results of our study showed that the level of serum TNF-ÃŽ ± in the rats of HF was significantly declined in group D compared with group A, while we noted that the treatment with IL-10 or golimumab only affected little the concentration of serum TNF-ÃŽ ± in groups B and C. This led us to hypothesize that golimumab is less effective in inhibition of the expression of TNF-ÃŽ ±, but more effective when combined with IL -10. As previous studies declared, TNF-ÃŽ ± plays a central role in initiating and sustaining the inflammatory response [31] and is a mediator of cardiac pathology acting through inflammatory pathways and activation of myocardial apoptosis [32, 33]. On the other hand, IL-10 inhibits cytokine-induced oxidative stress along with affecting the expression of inflammatory cytokines [34]. It is suggested that the imbalance between the IL-10 and TNF-ÃŽ ± in the heart may result in an inflammatory response, which plays a pathogenic role in the development and progression of HF [12]. The changes of the serum level of IL-10 and TNF-ÃŽ ± in our study suggest that IL-10 and golimumab may modulate the inflammatory processes by promoting the expressing of IL-10 and suppressing the expression of TNF-ÃŽ ±. Therefore, The combination of IL-10 and golimumab may be more effective than IL-10 or golimumab in the treatment of HF via inflammatory pathways. In conclusion, exogenous IL-10 and golimumab had synergistic effects on HF in rats based on the improvement in myocardial function and prevention of heart hypertrophy and ventricular remodeling through inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of IL-10 and golimumab is superior to the effect of treatment with IL-10 or golimumab only. Our results suggest that the combination of IL-10 with golimumab may be a promising treatment for HF patients. Further study is warranted to verify the efficiency of IL-10 combined with golimumab in human clinical trials.

Gulf War :: essays research papers

St. Augustine's Just War Theory and the Persion Gulf War On August 2nd, 1990 the first Iraqi tanks crossed into Kuwait, as part of an invasion that marked the start of a six-month conflict between the United States and Iraq. These tanks were ordered to invade Kuwait by Saddam Hussein, the ruthless dictator of Iraq. The Iraqi troops looted Kuwaiti businesses and brutalized Kuwaiti civilians. Saudi Arabia began to fear that they may be invaded as well, and on August 7th they formally asked President Bush for US assistance. The US pledged to defend the Saudis, and to remove the Iraqis from Kuwait. Great masses of troops from many different nations were deployed in the Persian Gulf area. At 4:30 PM EST on January 16, 1991, the first aircraft with orders to attack Iraqi targets were launched from Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of Operation Desert Storm. Dictators like Mr. Hussein cannot be allowed to take advantage of smaller countries like bullies after lunch money. There has to be someone to stop them, or they will gain more and more power and land, just as Adolf Hitler tried to do in World War II. That someone, in the case of Mr. Hussein, was the United States, along with a multinational coalition. The US had just cause in entering a war against Iraq because of Iraq's invasion of the small and defenseless nation of Kuwait. Actions such as that must be repulsed. Iraq had no just cause in invading Kuwait; their reasons were either obscure or for their benefit. The US had to help Kuwait regain their nation. In protecting the Saudis from invasion and removing the Iraqis from Kuwait the US had the right intention. The real reason the US decided to fight the Iraqis was to restore Kuwait's government and to defend Saudi Arabia. There was no underlying reason, such as to receive better prices on oil or to make the Kuwaitis indebted to the US so as to receive favors. Throughout the war, the US made clear their purpose and intent in fighting the Iraqis, and not once did they stray from it. Legitimate authority was established when the Congress voted to follow United Nations resolution 678, section two of which "Authorizes Member States co-operating with the Government of Kuwait, unless Iraq on or before 15 January 1991 fully implements, as set forth in paragraph 1 above, the foregoing resolutions, to use all necessary means to uphold and implement resolution 660 (1990) and all subsequent relevant resolutions and to restore international peace and security in the area." The vote to follow the resolution was as good as a declaration of war, as far as legitimate authority is Gulf War :: essays research papers St. Augustine's Just War Theory and the Persion Gulf War On August 2nd, 1990 the first Iraqi tanks crossed into Kuwait, as part of an invasion that marked the start of a six-month conflict between the United States and Iraq. These tanks were ordered to invade Kuwait by Saddam Hussein, the ruthless dictator of Iraq. The Iraqi troops looted Kuwaiti businesses and brutalized Kuwaiti civilians. Saudi Arabia began to fear that they may be invaded as well, and on August 7th they formally asked President Bush for US assistance. The US pledged to defend the Saudis, and to remove the Iraqis from Kuwait. Great masses of troops from many different nations were deployed in the Persian Gulf area. At 4:30 PM EST on January 16, 1991, the first aircraft with orders to attack Iraqi targets were launched from Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of Operation Desert Storm. Dictators like Mr. Hussein cannot be allowed to take advantage of smaller countries like bullies after lunch money. There has to be someone to stop them, or they will gain more and more power and land, just as Adolf Hitler tried to do in World War II. That someone, in the case of Mr. Hussein, was the United States, along with a multinational coalition. The US had just cause in entering a war against Iraq because of Iraq's invasion of the small and defenseless nation of Kuwait. Actions such as that must be repulsed. Iraq had no just cause in invading Kuwait; their reasons were either obscure or for their benefit. The US had to help Kuwait regain their nation. In protecting the Saudis from invasion and removing the Iraqis from Kuwait the US had the right intention. The real reason the US decided to fight the Iraqis was to restore Kuwait's government and to defend Saudi Arabia. There was no underlying reason, such as to receive better prices on oil or to make the Kuwaitis indebted to the US so as to receive favors. Throughout the war, the US made clear their purpose and intent in fighting the Iraqis, and not once did they stray from it. Legitimate authority was established when the Congress voted to follow United Nations resolution 678, section two of which "Authorizes Member States co-operating with the Government of Kuwait, unless Iraq on or before 15 January 1991 fully implements, as set forth in paragraph 1 above, the foregoing resolutions, to use all necessary means to uphold and implement resolution 660 (1990) and all subsequent relevant resolutions and to restore international peace and security in the area." The vote to follow the resolution was as good as a declaration of war, as far as legitimate authority is

Cultural baggage and Cultural tourism by Dr Jim Butcher, an evaluation Essay

Dr Jim Butcher, the author of the article above, has researched on its various facets of tourism such as its moralization, innovations, and cultural, ethical, ecological and anthropological aspects and also as a tool for sustainable development. He has several publications to his credit (www. canterbury. ac. uk). The article under review authored by Dr Butcher appears as a book chapter in the Book â€Å"Innovations in Cultural Tourism†(2001) edited by him. Key issues of the article are the positive and potential aspects of cultural tourism which some critiques discount it as antidevelopment and prone to cause conflicts between the host and the tourist. The author is of the view that cultural tourism has its roots to the man’s craving for alien cultures and the need for relief from monotony of modernity and as such it has naturally come as a blessing to the economically backward regions. He has found three aspects of culture as a function, as a past and as a difference overshadowing the goodness of cultural tourism. The main aim of the author is to dispel the negative impression created by these aspects in the minds of the critics. The book chapter under evaluation is not in layman’s language. Even a discernible student of tourism would find it difficult to distinguish between cultural baggage and cultural tourism or relationship between the two terms. Whatever Dr Butcher says about cultural tourism has been in one aspect or another touched upon by his peers. That the cultural tourism has come of age and is capable of benefiting the economically weaker nations or places within nations and that it promotes cultural exchanges, fusion of culture, that it simply promotes or creates awareness of host’s culture and that it has been gradually making countries sans boundaries with only natural barriers by creating a feeling of oneness, have all been also discussed by other authors on the subject if one happens to visit the website of the UNESCO on cultural tourism. (unesco. org) and many others. His unique findings are that the ‘over functional culture’, its ‘past’ character and its â€Å" difference† outlook overshadow the real creative character of cultural tourism. He has taken pains to explain all the three in almost four pages out of hardly six, which is an indicator of his serious concern towards Cultural Tourism. His conclusion that cultural tourism results in economic development is indeed true. Man is basically gregarious and therefore cultural tourism with its benefits is unstoppable. The cultural tourists and the hosts are the actors and we are the audience. It means differently to each one of them. If the actors are allowed to have their own way, the inevitable result will be what the author Dr Jim concludes with, that is development. There is no doubt cultural tourism is growing segment of the travel market â€Å"Mass marketing is giving way to one-to-one marketing with travel being tailored to the interests of the individual consumer. A growing number of visitors are becoming special interest travellers who rank the arts, heritage and/or other cultural activities as one of the top five reasons for travelling†(nasaa-arts. org). It has been said that mass tourism has had its detrimental effects but there are advocates for mass tourism for its own benefits. Certain undesirable conflicts of cultures are just harmless side effects and are not to be taken seriously for the sake of larger benefits cultural tourism. On the whole Dr Jim’s contribution in this chapter leaves the reader more informed and makes him act responsibly as an audience whether as a policy maker or whoever, in order to preserve and promote the goodness of cultural tourism markedly different from mass tourism. REFERENCES Butcher, J. (ed) (2001), Innovations in Cultural Tourism, ATLAS, Tilburg http://www. canterbury. ac. uk/business-sciences/sport-science-tourism-and-leisure/staff/dr-jim-butcher. asp accessed on July 12, 2006 http://www. nasaa-arts. org accessed on July 13, 2006 http://portal. unesco. org/culture/en/ev. php-accessed on July 13, 2006