The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima free essay sample

the Miracle Of Our Lady Of Fatima is a feature film made in 1952. It was promoted as a fact-based treatment of the events surrounding the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima in 1917. It starred Susan Whitney as Lucia dos Santos, Sammy Ogg as Francisco Marto, and Sherry Jackson, as Jacinta Marto, with Gilbert Roland as a fictional character named Hugo, a kindly but agnostic friend of the three children, who rediscovered his faith in God through the Solar Miracle of Fatima. The musical score by Max Steiner received an Academy Award nomination. The film was released on DVD on April 4, 2006. Story It is 1917, and Portugal is feeling the aftereffects of a storm of Masonic, anti-religious sentiment and the violent overthrow of the government by socialist forces in its October 5, 1910 revolution. Churches in Lisbon are boarded up. Many priests, monks and friars are shown being fingerprinted, photographed and registered as (possible) criminals before being jailed. We will write a custom essay sample on The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The rural town of Fatima is small enough to have escaped much of this persecution; their church remains open, and most of the people are reasonably devout. Watching their flocks and playing in a field outside town on May 16 (the actual date of the first apparition was May 13), Lucia dos Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto decide to pray their version of the Rosary by yelling out, Hail Mary! but not finishing the prayer. In the midst of this activity they hear a clap of thunder and see a flash of lightning. Thinking it is about to rainm, the children gather their sheep and head for home. Another flash of lightning causes them to run straight into an unusual cloud of light surrounding a little tree on which a lady stands. Speaking slowly and gently, the lady asks them to return on the 13th of each month and to offer their sufferings to God for the salvation of sinners. She entreats them to say the Rosary for world peace. Later, they encounter their agnostic friend Hugo who tells them it is best not to reveal the vision to anyone else, but of course on returning home, Jacinta immediately divulges her sightings. Jacinta and Franciscos parents believe the story, but Lucias mother reacts with disgust and subjects her daughter to emotional and physical abuse. She forbids Lucia to return to the Cova, but Lucia does so anyway on the next months appearance (June 13), and is told then that her cousins will die and go to heaven soon, while she will live a long life in holy service. The church father suggests the visions might be from Satan. The local authorities close the Fatima church until its father can convince the parishioners that no visions have or will happen. The next month, on July 13, the lady appears again, predicting another and worse war (WWII) will happen if the world doesnt stop sinning. She also predicts evil will come from Russia if that country is unconverted. Kidnapped by provincial administrator Arturo Santos, the children are threatened with death if they dont change their story. Trying to frighten them, he has first Jacinta, then Francisco dragged into another room. Jacintas terrified screams convince Lucia that her cousins are dead, but she refuses to deny what shes seen. Warning her that shes about to experience the full treatment, Santos reunites her with her cousins, who are very much alive, then throws them all in jail. There they find Hugo, who stands by them as they convince all the prisoners to join in the Rosary. Unable to find any prosecutable evidence, Arturo frees the children, who find that the entire population of Fatima has been standing outside waiting for them. On October 13, when the lady promised a sign that will make them believe, about forty thousand people arrive, waiting through a torrential downpour. At precisely noon the clouds part and the sun shines brightly upon all the people—then the sun shifts through a rainbow of colours and appears to drop toward the ground. Many people panic, some pray or watch calmly, and a few disabled people are healed. As the sun returns to normal we see Hugo standing in the middle of the kneeling crowd, his hat still on. Removing it, he says Only the fool sayeth there is no God. A short epilogue shows the huge basilica where the tree once stood. Inside, Lucia is a nun praying before the tomb where her cousins are buried, with the converted Hugo at her side.

A Tale of a War Between Two Cities essays

A Tale of a War Between Two Cities essays Government has been an essential part to our world for as long as we have existed. People who disagree with the government have been around for just as long. A Tale of Two Cities, written by Charles Dickens, takes place in England and France during the French Revolution. The novel shows the impact that the revolution had on citizens of England and France. The revolution and government's effect was shown in characters in the book, such as, the Defarges, the Marquis St. Evrmonde, and Sydney Carton. The outcome of A Tale of Two Cities is formed with the help of government and the revolution. The message that A Tale of Two Cities showed throughout the book, was how war and change in government can affect the people. The wine shop in Paris was the hot spot for French revolutionists, mostly because the wine shop owners, Ernest Defarge, and his wife, Madame Therese Defarge, were leaders and officials of the revolution. Every night, the men of the revolution living in Saint Antoine, met in the wine shop to discuss their plans of the revolution. Throughout the story, Mme. Defarge knits accounts of the meeting, which is similar to a hit list'. She is a very major character in the story and is very stubborn and unforgiving in her revenge against the Evrmonde family. The story shows the vengeance that the revolutionist, Mme. Defarge, had toward the government, " Well, well, but one must stop somewhere. After all, the question is where? At extermination,' said madame." (Dickens,351) Mme. Defarge had such hatred toward the Marquis, and his decedent, Charles Darney, that she would stop at nothing to destroy them, even if it came to the guillotine. Dickens putting Mme. Defarge in the book, may sh ow his displeasure with human nature and the way the revolutionist handled their problems. Although honorable to her family, Mme. Defarge's scheme against the Evrmonde family may have been too cold and h...

My Life In Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

My Life In Business - Essay Example I tend to build close relationships with a small group of associates, who together we make progress as we come up with ideas to make the business more productive. Before I make a decision, I conduct a thorough analysis so that I can save time and not repeat the same process again. I am good at analyzing situations, and I believe in situations whereby I can examine the facts. I believe in situations where I can observe a situation and come up with a solution. This attribute makes me an integral part of any team I am a part of. Acquiring my trust takes time because a person has to prove him or herself and know what is expected of them in regards to their duties and responsibilities. I have experience in problem solving, building good business and personal relationships. I also express my feelings good or bad regardless of the situation and if a task is too difficult, I enlist the help from other people to help me accomplish it. I am also empathetic and patient with other people and I indulge with fellow people who are service oriented. I prefer colleagues who when attending meetings, start with a personal comment or joke to break the ice and also provide a friendly environment for the meeting. I prefer that we find common ground and explain their situations with facts, figures and not wasting time in engaging in small talk. I prefer people who work first and then relax and socialize later. I also prefer to listen to everyone`s contribution while in a meeting instead of just proposing and imposing ideas on other people. I do not associate myself with individuals, who are dictatorial, make promises they cannot keep and the individuals who use their positions to t hreaten others. I have also learnt how to communicate with individuals with different characteristics and traits. For example, when dealing with an easily irritable person, I do not indulge in unnecessary dialogue, I stick to business and I am as brief and specific as possible. I am very

STRATEGIC DECISION MAKING IN SAUDI ARABIA HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR IN Literature review

STRATEGIC DECISION MAKING IN SAUDI ARABIA HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR IN GLOBAL CONTEXT - Literature review Example University decision-making processes are influenced by political, economic, cultural as well as technological factors (Elyas, & Picard, 2013, p. 31-41). The factors affect literally all aspects of the operations of universities and are global in nature. They therefore influence on the environment within which the universities operate, the expectations of the public in services to be offered in the future as well as the structure and sources of funds necessary for their management and running. Decision making process involves making conscious choices among many alternatives and requires critical thinking as well as sound reasoning in order to choose on the most appropriate alternative among the many (Rugh, 2002, p. 45-50). Strategic decision making therefore entails a number of attributes, which include definition, and identification of a problem, identification as well as analysis of alternatives, choosing and implementing an option as well as evaluation on the outcomes from the choi ce made for possible corrections. Besides, it is noted that decision-making and management of higher education in Saudi Arabia is not free from government influence (Onsman, 2011, p. 519). The higher education sector in Saudi have undergone through great structural and ideological change especially after the 9/11 global policy shift feature. To substantiate this, Elyas and Picard carried a study in critique of the system of higher education sector in Saudi while in perspective with global context (2013, p. 31-41). In among other findings, the effect of western economies (neoleberalism) was shown to have greatly influenced the system. Both learners as well as top management teams have embraced the policy paradigm shift in globalization as well as neoliberalism. However, in a critical view, authors have argued that adoption of ‘localized’ neoliberalism would be more effective in shaping the environment of

Write a proposal up to 4,000 words in length to start a business of Assignment

Write a proposal up to 4,000 words in length to start a business of your choice - Assignment Example The business will be located along the busy Oxford Street on the western end of London city. The location has been found to be favorable for the business because it is very busy and is frequented by visitors including tourists drawn from all over the world. London city has also been found to be the best for this type of business because it is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.K., and presently has a population of over 8 million people according to the latest population census. The number is also projected to grow in the near future thereby favoring a coffee industry. The premises where the business is to be located has been acquired by owners through a ten-year lease but with the possibility of extension. The analysis of the location established that the business major competitor is found half a mile way. However, the owners intend to provide quality prepared products, services, and fair prices in order to build customer loyalty and compete favorably in the industry. London Coffee will strive to establish a peculiar and comfortable place where its customers can freely meet and socialize as they enjoy the best-prepared coffee in London. The environment will be established in a manner that promotes relaxation by ensuring that the rooms are well equipped with soft music plays at the background, as well as rooms fitted with television where customers can watch their preferred programs as they socialize. In addition, the restaurant through its teams of experts will ensure that customers receive the best customer experience and products of high quality. The owners also understand that the key to better performance lies on satisfaction level of its employees and other stakeholders. In this regard, London Coffee intends to invest significant part of its profits in areas that improves satisfaction of its workers. London Coffee also intends to ensure that the environment is adequately protected and concerned through its

Innate Immune System Components

Innate Immune System Components There are individual systems of the immune system, innate immunity which we are born with and it is non-specific. It is genetically based and passed on to our offspring and adaptive immunity in which we acquire through humoral and cell mediated immunity. Innate and adaptive immune systems are distinct systems but act together at numerous levels to develop a complete defense against invading pathogens. Both systems have mechanisms for distinguishing self from non-self, therefore, under normal situations they are not directed against the hosts tissues and cells. Innate Immunity Elements of the innate immune system (figure 1.8) have been known for many years. However, in the past few years there has been a greater focus on innate immunity and its role in protection against infection and tissue injury and its role in tolerance to self-antigens. Innate immunity defines a collection of protective mechanisms the host uses to prevent or minimize infection. The innate immune system operates in the absence of the specific adaptive immune system but is tied to adaptive immunity in many ways. The innate immune system is characterized by a rapid response to an invading pathogen or foreign or effete cells. In addition to the rapid response, it is also non-specific and usually of a short duration. Innate immunity lacks immunological memory and there is no clonal expansion of lymphocytes as seen in the adaptive immune response. The innate immune response is also important in directing the specific, long-lived adaptive immune response. The host defense mechanisms associated with innate immunity consist of a number of physical barriers (intact skin) and secretions accompanied by a number of serum factors such as complement, certain cytokines, and natural immunoglobulins. The cellular components of innate immunity include a number of cell types, many of which are found at potential points of entry of pathogens. Examples of these cells include natural killer (NK) cells, (figure 1.2), polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), macrophages (figure 1.3), and dendritic cells (DCs), (figure 1.2). The intact skin and mucosal tissues provide considerable protection against invading infectious agents. However, once the agents pass through the skin a number of important events take place. This includes activation of the complement cascade that triggers the development of a number of substances to attract phagocytes to the area. A number of antimicrobial peptides are produced at epithelial cell surfaces. These antimicrobial peptides play an important role in local defense mechanisms, disrupt bacterial cell membranes, and probably play a role in preventing skin infections. Antimicrobial Peptides (figure 1.4) Human ÃŽÂ ²-defensins are produced by epithelial cells in the mucous membranes of the airways and intestinal tract. Defensins are small cationic peptides that have broad antimicrobial activities against a number of microbial agents including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses. Defensins are non-glycosylated peptides containing approximately 35 amino acid residues, and ÃŽÂ ²-defensins have six cysteine residues that provide a distinct structure. Stimulation of the epithelium by certain cytokines can induce defensin production. The exact mode of action of defensins antimicrobial activity is unknown. There are three defensin subfamilies: ÃŽÂ ±-defensins, ÃŽÂ ²-defensins, and ÃŽÂ ¸-defensins The Complement System The complement system (figure 1.5) is another important component of innate immunity. The system consists of 30 proteins found in serum or on the surface of certain cells. Activation of the complement system results in a cascade of biochemical reactions that ultimately ends in lysis and disruption of foreign or effete cells. Without activation, the components of the complement system exist as pro-enzymes in body fluids. As a by-product of the activation of the cascade, a number of biologically reactive complement fragments are generated. The complement fragments can modulate other parts of the immune system by binding directly to T lymphocytes and bone marrow-derived lymphocytes (B lymphocytes) of the adaptive immune system and also stimulate the synthesis and release of cytokines. Natural Antibodies Natural antibodies have been recognized for some time but recently they were described as a component of the innate immune system. Natural antibody is defined as an antibody that is found in normal, healthy individuals who have no evidence of exogenous antigenic stimulation. Natural antibodies are believed to develop in a highly regulated manner; they are usually found in low titer in serum and are low-affinity antibodies. A high percentage of the natural antibodies found in serum are of the IgM class. These antibodies are produced by a primitive B lymphocyte, called the B-1 lymphocytes. B-1 cells are usually CD5+ and considered to be long-lived and self-replicating. Natural antibodies play an important role as a first line of defense against pathogens and other types of cells, including precancerous, cancerous, cell debris, and some self-antigens. Toll-Like Receptors (TLR) TLRs (figure 1.6) are found on phagocytic cells, including mononuclear phagocytes, circulating monocytes, tissue macrophages, and endothelial cells, and are important components of the innate immune system. TLRs make up a family of cell surface protein receptors present on several cell types that function to recognize certain conserved molecular components of microorganisms and signal that microbes have breached the bodys barrier defences. TLRs serve as first responders in a mammalian host to recognize the presence of an invading pathogen. They also generate an inflammatory response to attempt to remove the invading agent. Phagocytosis (figure 1.7) Polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes have been well-known components of the innate immune system for many years. Detailed studies of PMN phagocytosis and intracellular killing of microorganisms have led to a better understanding of important defense mechanisms against invasion by pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses. PMNs are attracted to the site of microbial invasion, recognize the microbe, become activated, kill the microorganisms, resolve the infection, undergo apoptosis, and are then ingested and removed by either macrophages or neighbouring endothelial cells to resolve the inflammatory response. PMNs arise as myeloid progenitors in the bone marrow. Specific growth factors and cytokines mediate the differentiation of myeloid precursors into mature PMNs. After entering the circulation, the PMNs have a half-life of about 8-12 h before undergoing a programmed cell death (apoptosis) and are reabsorbed through endothelial walls. The PMN turnover is about 1011 cells per day. Cytokines and Chemokines Cytokines and chemokines are small, secreted polypeptides that regulate essentially all functions of the immune system. Cytokines participate in determining the nature of the immune response by regulating or controlling cell growth, differentiation, activation, immune cell trafficking, and the location of immune cells within the lymphoid organs. Cytokines are a group of intercellular messengers that contribute to inflammatory responses through activation of the hosts immune cells. Cytokines are host-derived products that enhance the recruitment of circulating leukocytes as a response to the presence of pathogens. Cytokines also play important roles in leukocyte attraction by inducing the production of chemokines, which are known to be potent mediators of chemo-attractant activity for inflammatory cells. Chemokines and cytokines provide a complex network of signals that can either activate or suppress inflammatory responses Natural Killer Cells Initially, NK cells were referred to as non-specific lymphocytes because NK cells could kill certain virally infected and malignant cells without known prior sensitization. NK cells were known to resemble large lymphocytes morphologically and were referred to as large granular lymphocytes. Approximately, 10-15% of the lymphocytes circulating in peripheral blood are NK cells. NK cells are distinct from T- and B lymphocytes because they express neither immunoglobulin receptors nor T-cell antigen receptors. There are other distinctions including phenotype and function. NK cells have receptors that recognize major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens. Because NK cells have cytotoxic properties, their function is highly regulated in their interactions in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. NK cells play important roles in innate immune responses and immune regulation. They communicate with other cells through a complex of both activation and inhibitory signals through cell surface receptors. Dendritic Cells The DCs develop in the bone marrow from hematopoietic pluripotential stem cells. Precursor DCs are constantly generated in the bone marrow and are released into the peripheral blood. After leaving the bone marrow, the precursor DCs home to a number of different tissues where they reside as sentinels waiting to interact with antigen. The precursor DCs express low-density MHC class II antigens and after encountering a proper stimulus differentiate into highly endocytic and phagocytic iDCs. Precursor DCs circulate in the environment and on contacting a pathogen produce cytokines, that is, ÃŽÂ ³-interferon, and undergo maturation to iDCs. The iDCs increased phagocytic and endocytic capabilities that lead to binding antigen by the iDCs and then maturation to mature DCs. Adaptive Immunity In contrast to innate immunity, adaptive immunity (figure 1.8) is flexible, specific, and has immunological memory, that is, it can respond more rapidly and vigorously on a second exposure to an antigen. Immunologic memory provides a more powerful response to a repeated exposure to the same foreign substance or antigen. Adaptive immunity is more complex because it provides the ability to respond very specifically. Innate and adaptive immunity responses interact effectively to enhance the bodys defense mechanisms against foreign or damaged host cells. Inherent in both innate and adaptive immune responses are the mechanisms to distinguish self from non-self. The primary blood cell elements of the adaptive immune system are T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes. These T- and B-cells provide the unique specificity for their target antigens by virtue of the antigen-specific receptors expressed on their surfaces. The B- and T-lymphocyte antigen-specific receptors develop by somatic rearrangement of germline gene elements to form the TCR genes and the immunoglobulin receptor genes. This recombination mechanism provides unique antigen receptors capable of recognizing almost any antigen encountered, and provides the specific immunological memory for a rapid, vigorous, and specific response to a later exposure to the same antigen. It is estimated that millions of different antigen receptors may be formed from a collection of a few hundred germline-encoded gene elements. For many years, innate and adaptive immune responses were studied as separate systems because of their different mechanisms of action. However, it is now understood that synergy between the two systems is required to provide adequate immune reactivity against invading pathogens. Innate immune responses, through their barrier and relatively broad types of actions, represent the first line of defense against pathogens. At the time the innate system is getting activated, the adaptive system becomes activated also. The adaptive response becomes evident a few days later because it requires time for sufficient antigen-specific receptors to be generated through clonal expansion/proliferation. There are multiple interactions occurring between the two systems, which results in the co-amplification of each respective response and leads to the ultimate destruction and elimination of the invading pathogen. B lymphocytes The primary function of B lymphocytes is the production of antibodies that are specific for a given antigenic component of an invading pathogen. Antibodies are encoded by the heavy (H)- and light (L)-chain immunoglobulin genes. Antibodies may be secreted or cell surface-bound on B lymphocytes. There are five classes of immunoglobulins: IgM, IgG, IgA, IgD, and IgE; and the classification is based on the isotypes of the H chain. B lymphocytes represent roughly 10-15% of the peripheral blood lymphocyte population and free immunoglobulins make up a considerable proportion of serum proteins. After an encounter with a specific pathogen and an antibody response is generated, the level of specific antibodies to that antigen decreases in serum over a relatively short period of time. However, immunological memory persists in the B-cell population, which is capable of rapid clonal expansion upon re-exposure to that same antigen. T lymphocytes Whereas B lymphocyte products recognize extracellular pathogens, T lymphocytes are adept at identifying and destroying cells that have been infected by intracellular pathogens. For T cells to recognize antigenic peptides, the peptide must be presented in the context of cell surface MHC class I or class II proteins. In other words, T cells can only recognize molecular complexes consisting of the antigenic peptide and a self-structure, that is, the MHC. Depending on whether the antigenic peptide has been synthesized within the host cell or ingested by the cell and modified by proteolytic digestion, either MHC class I or class II proteins are required. Proteins of the MHC are intimately tied to T-lymphocyte responses and recognition of antigenic peptides. The MHC class I proteins consist of three HLA classes: HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C with hundreds of allelic variants of each. Structural studies have shown that class I molecules exist as cell surface heterodimers with a polytransmembrane ÃŽÂ ±-chain associated (noncovalently) with a nonpolymorphic ÃŽÂ ²2 microglobulin protein. The protein chains are folded in such a way as to form a physical groove capable of binding up to an 11 amino acid long peptide. Antigenic proteins are degraded by proteolytic enzymes to about this size for binding to th e MHC class I proteins for antigenic presentation. Antigenic peptides are bound in the groove of the HLA molecule and expressed to the cell surface for presentation to initiate a T-cell response. Humoral Immunity (figure 1.9) The human immunoglobulins are a family of proteins that confer humoral immunity and perform vital roles in promoting cellular immunity. Five distinct classes or isotypes of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE) have been identified in human serum on the basis of their structural, biological, and antigenic differences.1-4 IgG and IgA have been further subdivided into subclasses IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 or subclasses IgA1 and IgA2 on the basis of unique antigenic determinants. Multiple allotypic determinants in the constant region domains of human IgG and IgA molecules as well as kappa (ÃŽÂ º) light chains indicate inherited genetic markers. Finally, there are several immunoglobulin-associated polypeptides such as secretory component (SC) and J chain that have no structural homology with the immunoglobulins, but serve important functions in immunoglobulin polymerization and transport across membranes into a variety of secretions (e.g., saliva, sweat, nasal secretions, breast milk, and colostrum). This diversity of the immunoglobulin components of the humoral immune system provides a complex network of protective and surveillance functions. Human IgA Polymeric secretory IgA (figure 1.10) is composed of two four-chain basic units and one molecule each of SC and J chain (approximately 400,000 MW). It is the predominant immunoglobulin in colostrum, saliva, tears, bronchial secretions, nasal mucosa, prostatic fluid, vaginal secretions, and mucous secretions of the small intestine. In contrast, 10% of the circulating serum IgA is polymeric, whereas 90% is monomeric (160,000MW). Together, they constitute approximately 15% of the total serum immunoglobulins. Trimers and higher polymeric forms can exist, but in small amounts. Two subclasses of IgA have been identified (IgA1 and IgA2), which differ by 22 of the 365 amino acids. In terms of complement activation, IgA poorly activates the classical pathway. This process has been hypothesized as a host mechanism for attenuating inflammatory responses induced by IgG antibodies at the mucosal surface. In contrast, IgA reportedly activates the alternative pathway of complement to provide some direct protective functions. IgA, once bound to a bacterial or parasitic surface antigen, may bind CD89 (IgA receptor) on infl ammatory cells (monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and eosinophils), leading to their destruction by means of antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Moreover, its binding to viral or microbial surface antigens may restrict the mobility of microorganisms and prevent their binding to mucosal epithelium. Finally, secretory IgA can play an important first line of defense in antigen clearance by binding to antigens that leak across an epithelium and transporting them back across to prevent their entry. To summarize,  IgAs unique structure resists proteolysis and it functions to block uptake of antigen, bacterial o r viral attachment, limit inflammation induced by classical pathway complement activation, and promote microbial destruction through ADCC by binding to leukocyte receptors. Human IgD IgD (figure 1.11) is a four-chain monomer of approximately 180,000 MW with a long hinge region that increases its susceptibility for proteolytic cleavage. Although IgD is normally present in serum in trace amounts (0.2% of total serum immunoglobulin), it predominantly serves as a membrane-bound antigen receptor on the surface of human B lymphocytes. Despite suggestions that IgD may be involved in B-cell differentiation, its principal function is as yet unknown. As such, IgD is rarely quantified in a general workup of an individual suspected of a humoral immune deficiency or a B-cell dyscrasia. Hyperimmunoglobulinemia D with serum IgD levels >100 U/mL, however, has been noted in conjunction with periodic fever syndrome. This condition is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder that is characterized by recurrent episodes of fever accompanied by abdominal distress, lymphadenopathy, joint involvement, and skin lesions. It appears to be particularly responsive to anti-tumor necrosis factor ( TNF) treatment. Mutations that lead to this disease occur in the mevalonate kinase gene, which encodes an enzyme involved in cholesterol and nonsterol-isoprenoid biosynthesis. Human IgE IgE (190,000 MW) was identified in 1967 as a unique immunoglobulin that circulates in serum as a four-chain monomer. Although IgE constitutes only 0.004% of the total serum immunoglobulins, it possesses a clinically significant biological function by binding through its Fc region to the alpha chain on high-affinity receptors (FcÃŽÂ µR1) on mast cells and basophils. On subsequent exposure to relevant protein allergens from trees, grasses, weeds, pet dander, molds, foods, or insect venoms, IgE antibodies on mast cells become cross-linked. This process triggers the production and release of vasoactive mediators (e.g., histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes) that can induce mild to severe immediate type I hypersensitivity reactions in sensitized  atopic individuals. Human IgG In healthy adults, the four polypeptide chain IgG monomer (150,000 MW) constitutes approximately 75% of the total serum immunoglobulins. IgG is approximately equally distributed between intra- and extravascular serum pools. Moreover, IgG possesses the unique ability to cross the placenta, which provides protection for the fetus and newborn. Human IgG has been subdivided into four subclasses on the basis of unique antigenic determinants. IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4 possess an MW of approximately 150,000, whereas IgG3 is heavier (160,000 MW) as a result of an extended 62-amino acid hinge region that contains 11 interchain disulfide bonds. IgG3s highly rigid hinge region promotes accessibility of proteolytic enzymes to sensitive Fc cleavage sites, which results in an increased fractional catabolic rate and a shorter biological half-life (7-8 days) than has been observed for IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4 (21-24 days). In terms of complement activation, IgG1 and IgG3 are the most effective, whereas IgG4 due to its compact structure does not readily activate the classical pathway of complement. IgG4 antibodies are also unique in that they appear to be functionally monovalent due to in vivo exchange of IgG4 half-molecules. As such, thi s is believed to lead to the formation of small IgG4 immune complexes that have a low potential for inducing immune inflammation. Moreover, IgG4 antibodies have the ability to interfere with immune inflammation caused by the interaction of complement-fixing IgG subclasses with antigen. Researchers in the field of allergy have speculated that IgG4 antibodies also scavenge antigen that prevents mast cell-bound IgE antibody from being cross-linked by antigen, and thus blocking IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions in atopic individuals who have undergone immunotherapy. Other important structural and biological differences among the human IgG subclasses relate to their Fc receptor binding, and the different binding sites on the constant region domains for rheumatoid factors, complement components, and bacterial proteins (protein A and protein G). Human IgM IgM (figure 1.12) is a pentameric immunoglobulin of approximately 900,000 MW that is composed of a J chain and five IgM monomers. Pentameric IgM constitutes approximately 10% of serum immunoglobulins in healthy individuals. Along with IgD, monomeric IgM is also a major immunoglobulin that is expressed on the surface of B cells where it serves as an antigen receptor. The C-terminal portion of pentameric secreted IgM differs from that of its monomeric cell-bound form. Secreted IgM has a mu chain with a 20-amino acid hydrophilic tail and a penultimate cysteine that facilitates polymerization. Cell membrane-bound IgM has a 41-amino acid membrane tail that contains a hydrophobic 26-amino acid segment that anchors the IgM molecule in the B-cell membrane lipid bilayer. IgM antibodies are clinically important because they predominate as an antigen receptor in early immune responses to most antigens. With a functional valency of 10, IgM antibodies are highly efficient in activating the classi cal complement pathway. IgMs actual functional valency, however, is only 5 due to steric hindrance among its many antigen-binding sites. Cell Mediated Immunity Cell Mediated Immune response (CMIR) (figure 1.9) is the functional effectors pf the immune response for phagocytosis, cell killing by cytotoxic T cells, NK and K cells Macrophage Activation While the production of antibody through the humoral immune response can effectively lead to the elimination of a variety of pathogens, bacteria that have evolved to invade and multiply within phagocytic cells of the immune response pose a different threat. Cell Mediated Cytotoxicity Cell Mediated Cytotoxic immune response is implicated in refusal of foreign grafts and the exclusion of tumors and virus-infected cells. The cells involved in these methods are cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, NK-cells and K-cells. NK cells Also known as the large granular lymphocytes are normally non-specific, MHC-unrestricted cells involved mainly in the elimination of neoplastic or tumor cells.   Once the target cell is recognized, killing occurs. K cells K-cells contain immunoglobulin Fc receptors. They are involved in Antibody-dependent Cell-mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC). ADCC occurs as a result of an antibody being bound to a target cell surface via specific antigenic determinants expressed by the target cell. Once bound, the Fc portion of the immunoglobulin can be recognized by the K-cell. This type of CMIR can also result in  Type II hypersensitivities.

Supporting Womens Empowerment Essay -- essays research papers

Abstract Women empowerment is much talked about an issue by academicians, political thinkers and social scientists as regards to concepts like gender equality, financial independence, social inclusion, power etc. However there is a dire need of conceptual clarity of the term empowerment. This can be done by delineating it with the above overlapping concepts and suggesting inclusive approach towards enabling women themselves to critically review their own situation and participate in creating and shaping the society as agents of change themselves. Women themselves need to define the term empowerment which cannot be defined in terms of specific activities or end results because it involves a process whereby women can freely analyze, develop and voice their needs and interests, without them being pre-defined, or imposed from above. Masculinity Equality and Women?s Empowerment: There could be statistical evidence indicating improvements in indicators of gender equality, but unless the intervening process involved women as agents of that change, one cannot term it as empowerment. Gender equality or equity indicates the degree of equivalence in life outcomes for women and men, recognizing their different needs and interests and requiring a redistribution of power and resources. The women needs to build the conceptual framework of power for her and only then the concept of women empowerment and equality would hold relevance. This paper conceptualizes the issues of women empowerment through making her an agent of change for her own equivalence and studying the various domains where empowerment can be applied and discussed. 1. Economic participation 2. Economic opportunity 3. Political empowerment 4. Educational attainment .. ...olitical participation, and with relatively equal educational and economic opportunity and participation. Yet, as this study indicates, other countries show wide variation, lagging far behind in particular areas, some across all five dimensions. Aside from this general conclusion, and broad country comparisons, the data we have presented here shed light on the disparities within countries, in some cases either confirming formation gathered in other ways, or, in others, countering prevailing assumptions. By identifying and quantifying the gender gap, we hope to provide policy-makers with a tool offering direction and focus for the work of significantly Improving the economic, political and social potential of all their citizens.In addition, we hope that this work provides the impetus for policy-makers to strengthen their commitment to the idea of women?s empowerment. Supporting Women's Empowerment Essay -- essays research papers Abstract Women empowerment is much talked about an issue by academicians, political thinkers and social scientists as regards to concepts like gender equality, financial independence, social inclusion, power etc. However there is a dire need of conceptual clarity of the term empowerment. This can be done by delineating it with the above overlapping concepts and suggesting inclusive approach towards enabling women themselves to critically review their own situation and participate in creating and shaping the society as agents of change themselves. Women themselves need to define the term empowerment which cannot be defined in terms of specific activities or end results because it involves a process whereby women can freely analyze, develop and voice their needs and interests, without them being pre-defined, or imposed from above. Masculinity Equality and Women?s Empowerment: There could be statistical evidence indicating improvements in indicators of gender equality, but unless the intervening process involved women as agents of that change, one cannot term it as empowerment. Gender equality or equity indicates the degree of equivalence in life outcomes for women and men, recognizing their different needs and interests and requiring a redistribution of power and resources. The women needs to build the conceptual framework of power for her and only then the concept of women empowerment and equality would hold relevance. This paper conceptualizes the issues of women empowerment through making her an agent of change for her own equivalence and studying the various domains where empowerment can be applied and discussed. 1. Economic participation 2. Economic opportunity 3. Political empowerment 4. Educational attainment .. ...olitical participation, and with relatively equal educational and economic opportunity and participation. Yet, as this study indicates, other countries show wide variation, lagging far behind in particular areas, some across all five dimensions. Aside from this general conclusion, and broad country comparisons, the data we have presented here shed light on the disparities within countries, in some cases either confirming formation gathered in other ways, or, in others, countering prevailing assumptions. By identifying and quantifying the gender gap, we hope to provide policy-makers with a tool offering direction and focus for the work of significantly Improving the economic, political and social potential of all their citizens.In addition, we hope that this work provides the impetus for policy-makers to strengthen their commitment to the idea of women?s empowerment.

Operations Review on Supply Chain Management, Logistics, and Inventory

Operations Review on Waste Reduction, Cost Reduction and Process This memo will discuss the efficient ways that Supply Chain Management, Inventory, and Logistics have been successfully implemented in the Intermountain Healthcare Supply Chain Center. Peggy Lee, Card Program Manager at IHC led the tour in the Supply Chain Center. The goal of IHC distribution center is reduce waste, cost and centralized the high volume supplies in one location and distribute across all their facilities. This gives Intermountain better control of their inventories and negotiation advantages.Using these methods has had a great impact in waste reduction, quality and cost savings. Supply Chain infrastructure is an important process at Intermountain Healthcare (IHC). They have learned that building strong relationships with their suppliers is critical and can help eliminate costs as well as allow them to share their savings. How IHC has achieved this, is by supplier involvement. IHC provides a mockup room sp ecifically designed for their suppliers to show off new products and equipment allowing doctors and clinicians to test the equipment at a no cost to the supplier.Suppliers then receive immediate feedback on their products and the hospital can test products before purchase. This is a valuable approach for IHC to see results, make improvements, and negotiate effective distribution for both the supplier and the hospitals. This is gain for both parties, and in particular to Intermountain since supplies are one of the highest expenses they incur. The distribution facility was built with the purpose to manage inventories more efficiently.This facility only holds 6,000 items out of 81,000 products that can be ordered. Only those items that are housed in this facility are the high volume items, with a fill rate of 98% and accuracy of 99%. IHC has a great control on their inventories by assuring that cost of obsolescence, deterioration, and loss are managed properly. The warehouse is equippe d with big fans that move the air around the facility reducing temperature fluctuations allows less than a 4Â ° deference from top to bottom in the warehouse.This prolongs the longevity of the products they house by reducing deterioration. Also, all the shelves are set up on a slope allowing older inventory to shift to the front. This is also known as the FIFO method, which ensures the older products are not aging on the shelves. Another method they use is barcoding. Barcoding is not a new invention, but IHC has taken advantage of this technology in the way they fill their internal orders by implementing some of their own inventory system, VoicePic.VoicePic is a voice activated inventory process where barcodes are placed on the container that will carry the order from one place to another around their facility. As the container moves along the conveyor belt, the person with that order hears the amount of items to be picked up in the current position and repeats the number via his v oice. Another quality check used for their inventory system is that once the level is placed in the container the system knows the weight that is to be at the end of the order. This provides a quality control measure.If the weight is correct then process continues. If the weight is off, the order gets rejected. This lets the operator know that there is an item that does not belong. By combining these two systems in their inventory, IHC has increased their accuracy in their orders by 60%. Logistics is another important part of IHC’s business processes they are trying to refine. The facility was strategically placed in a centralized location to allow moving supplies to all of their facilities since 80% are within a 50-mile radius.They also use their own fleet to distribute their merchandise among the hospitals and clinics, with the exception of the southern part of the state of Utah. The reason for this is they rather use a vendor for this location since the vendor is able to r eturn with a full trailer. This would not be the case for IHC. Another important point in the way their logistics is setup is how they receive and pick up shipments. These activities have a time set when they can be performed.They have divided morning to receive delivery from 4am to 12pm; all deliveries are done on a schedule, as well as pickups, pick up activities begin at 12pm. This is to increase efficiency of the location and the use of resources, thus reducing the chance of error and process flows. In addition, order placement is another key process. All IHC facilities must have their entire orders placed by 11:00 am every day to ensure order fulfillment. One other advantage at the supply chain facility is that it is built to allow shipments to be cross-docking.So, instead of products being housed they are immediately moved to another truck to deliver to the final destination. Logistics processes in this facility are designed to make resources more efficient and allow them to e liminate costs. IHC has increased their success by implementing new strategies on supply chain management, logistics and inventory. They have been able to cut costs and increase efficiencies in inventory on internal orders. Along with inventory, IHC has an added savings by testing for effectiveness of new products when negotiating with suppliers in the mock up room.By having this kind of interaction with supplies, ensures that the products will meet their needs and will contribute to their efficiency. They have also modified their logistics by reducing the number of trips needed to facilities by consolidating all the orders, to transport all necessary supplies in one trip. These are some of the many operational activities implemented in this facility. IHC has identified areas for improvement and made the necessary changes. With all the new improvements within their supply chain center, the facility will pay itself off in 8 years.

Blue Beach and Like Water for Chocolate essays

Blue Beach and Like Water for Chocolate essays In both the play, Blue Beach by Victor Hugo Rascn Banda and the novel Like Water for Chocolate, by Laura Esquirel symbolism plays a vital role throughout the central ideas. In both of these pieces of literature the symbolic objects are a hotel with everything in it and the use of cooking respectively. These objects reflect the families. In the play Blue Beach, the hotel portrays the breaking down of the Garza family, while in the novel Like Water for Chocolate, the use of cooking by Tita gives the reader the idea that the Tita is being held against living her own life, and instead living the life which her mother wishes to put upon her. Throughout the play Blue Beach, the reader gets the idea that the family is very broken down and is being held by a very thin string. The members of the family seem very bitter towards each other and very resentful toward each other. Within the play the author gives numerous examples of how the family is bitter and not caring. The Garza family is anything but normal. It seems that the son, Sergio and the mother, are the most unemotional out of the whole family. One example that shows how bitter Sergio can be is when he asks Matias to bring him a coconut. Matias gives Sergio the coconut drink and instead of Sergio being satisfied with it he says, Crazy Bastard. Whats this? (65). He spits out his drink because he believes it to be sour, but when he asks the others to drink it to prove himself right they see nothing wrong with it. I believe that this is showing that no matter what Sergio touches it seems foul and disgusting. This is due to what he went through when he was you nger. The author takes it upon himself to direct many of the symbolic objects within the play toward the mother. This includes when the mother asks Matias to bring her flowers, and when he does this she is anything but satisfied. Matias asks her how the flowers are, and she says that they...

Using Two Spanish Verbs for Cleaning, Lavar and Limpiar

Using Two Spanish Verbs for Cleaning, Lavar and Limpiar Lavar and limpiar are Spanish verbs meaning to clean, and while theyre sometimes interchangeable, theyre often used in different ways. How To Use Lavar When talking about the body or things associated with the body, particularly clothing, lavar is the verb of choice. One way to remember this is to notice that lavar comes from the same Latin root as does the English word lavatory, sometimes called a washroom. Indeed, one way of thinking about lavar is as a synonym for to wash. La forma en que lavas tu cabello es muy importante para mantenerlo sano. (The way in which you wash your hair is very important for keeping it healthy.)Los profesionales de salud piensan que se lavan las manos mejor y con ms frecuencia de lo que realmente hacen. (Health professionals believe they clean their hands better and more often than they really do.) ¡Odio cuando me lavo la cara y me entra agua por la manga! (I hate it when Im washing my face and water gets up my sleeve!)Si lava las camisas a mano, nunca escobille cuellos y puà ±os. (If you wash shirts by hand, never use a brush on the collars and cuffs.)Los vaqueros debemos lavarlos siempre al revà ©s. (Jeans should always be washed inside-out.)Lava (or limpia) tus dientes despuà ©s de cada comida. (Brush your teeth after each meal.) Because lavar is used when referring to the laundering of clothes, in an adaptation from English similar to a calque, the word also is used to refer to the laundering of money: Se acusa al ex presidente de ser el jefe de una asociacià ³n ilà ­cita que lava dinero. The former president is accused of being the head of an illegal group that launders money. Lavar is often used in situations where water is used in cleaning (although limpiar can sometimes be used too): Hoy a la tarde pensaba lavar el coche. (This afternoon I was thinking about washing my car.)Las verduras eran lavadas y sumergidas en agua muy frà ­a. (The vegetables were washed and placed in very cold water.)No cometas el error de usar jabà ³n de lavar platos. (Dont make the mistake of using dishwashing soap.) Lavar is sometimes used in references to the process of erosion: La erosià ³n lavà ³ la roca sedimentaria, exponiendo el granito. The erosion washed away the sedimentary rock, exposing the granite. Finally, the limpia form of limpiar can be used to form compound words: limpiabarros (boot cleaner), limpiabotas (shoe cleaner), limpiametales (metal polish), limpiamuebles (furniture polish), limpiavidrios (window cleaner). How To Use Limpiar Limpiar, which is derived from the adjective for clean, limpio, can be used in most other situations to mean to clean: Limpiamos absolutamente todo con este producto. (We clean absolutely everything with this product.)Te limpiamos tu casa en 15 minutes. (We clean your house for you in 15 minutes.)Ms de 30 estudiantes limpiaron la zona. (More than 30 students cleaned up the area.)Limpià © el ordenador y se fue el problema. (I cleaned the computer and the problem went away.) ¿Cà ³mo limpias el filtro de partà ­culas en tu Volkswagen? (How do you clean the particulate filter in your Volkswagen?) Limpar can be used to mean to clean or to clean up in a figurative sense: No es difà ­cil limpiar su PC de spyware y malware. (Its not difficult to rid your PC of spyware and malware.)El gobierno desea limpiar el deporte con una nueva ley. (The government wants to clean up the sport with a new law.) Limpiar is also used to refer to the removal of undesired parts from a fish: Limpiar el salmà ³n retirndole la piel, la grasa y las espinas. (Clean the salmon by removing the skin, the fat and the bones.) The lava form of lavar is used to form various compound words: lavacoches (car wash), lavamanos (sink for washing hands), lavapelo (a beauticians chair for washing hair), lavarropas (washing machine), lavavajillas (dishwasher, dishwashing soap). Other Verbs for Cleaning Lavar and limpiar are by far the most common verbs for to clean, at least two others are used in certain circumstances: Ordenar can be used when the emphasis in putting things in order. Cada abril ordeno el garaje. (Every April I clean the garage.)Purificar, a cognate of purify, is sometimes used when the emphasis is on removing impurities. Mi amiga usa la crema cara para purificar la cara. (My friend uses the expensive cream to clean her face.) Key Takeaways Lavar is often used when talking about cleaning the body or clothing, or when the cleaning involves washing with water.Limpiar is used for most other situations as the equivalent of to clean.The conjugated forms lava and limpia are frequently used to form compound words.

Applying the conceot of Positive Deviance Article

Applying the conceot of Positive Deviance - Article Example The patient developed septic shock after contracting an HAI called MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Tragic demise of my friend’s relative was an event which was preventable, but it happened because more attention was laid on treatment and less on prevention. Lack of awareness regarding HIAs is also a big problem. The need of the time is to use a different approach to handle the growing problem of HIAs as current approaches have had poor success in terms of outcomes. We need to bring in the method of PD to identify those individuals or positive deviants who are present in every community and who use unconventional practices or behaviors to successfully solve even the most intractable problems (Bradley et al., 2009). Such individuals offer better solutions than their peers who remain unsuccessful even while having access to same kind of resources. This is why PD is popularized as â€Å"a refreshing theory for social change† (Pascale et al., cited in Sellnow & Seeger, 2013). In order to prevent HIAs and address this grave healthcare issue, strategic initiatives should be taken based on introducing and promoting new behaviors till they transform into permanent habits and creating sustainable change. Research claims that one of the biggest hurdles in the way of PD is to get large numbers of people to quickly embrace a desired behavioral change (Seidman & McCauley, 2009, p. 27). Any behavioral change should be slowly â€Å"communicated over time among members of a social system† (Rogers, cited in Dingfelder & Mandell, 2011). This is called the process of diffusion. In case of HIAs, we should especially remember the famous awareness iceberg according to which crisis in the form of untimely death occurs because there is lack of awareness regarding the intensity of the issue in hospitals. Only 4% problems are visible or known to top managers. Remaining problems remain hidden under the water (Gardam, 2009). Research identifies an established

The Long-Term Significance of the Vietnam War Essay

The Long-Term Significance of the Vietnam War - Essay Example The North Vietnamese Army, Vietnam people's army adopted a more traditional war at times using bigger units than the Viet Cong (Bedford/St Martin's 2009, 15). The United States and South Vietnamese armies depended on air control and overwhelming weapons to carry out search and destroy actions, involving artillery, ground forces, and airstrikes. This paper will discuss why the Vietnam War was significant and why America lost this battle. â€Å"Americans considered the Vietnam War as one of the most critical time of the United States history† (Hub Pages 2010, 1). It was an injury to the U.S spirit, which, regardless of the devastating Korean War, might still have brought a straightforward feeling of triumph in having met, as well as dominated, the opponent in the Second World War. The intransigency of general after general, president after president, and the hopeless extremes to which the United States army went to win in Vietnam can be illustrated in the harsh Operation Ranch H and. This was whereby thousands of gallons of herbicides, jointly known as Agent Orange, were applied in defoliating large binds of forest terrain that hid the rival’s armies. ... â€Å"The Vietnam War took the globe in an exceptional course† (Chambers 2011, 10). Those ten years, 1962 to 1972, which the United States battled in Vietnam acted like a pressure liberation valve. â€Å"The war allowed streams to bleed off making the world’s pressures ease, as well as preventing a much superior war from happening† (Chambers 2011, 10). The United States’ original tactic of fighting the enemy was at the border. The tactic worked most of the times. The War, however, bought the world time. The United States’ existence gave time required for a majority of severe leaders behind the warfare, such as USSR's Nikita Khrushchev, China's Mao, and some of U.S's old guard to lose their power. Time developed into the factor that tipped the stability of power all across the globe in favor of essential reformers like Boris Yeltsin and Mikhail Gorbachev, who supported democratic power. â€Å"Time also helped in moving the Soviet citizens from the o ld and severe rule of the socialist state† (Chambers 2011, 10). After six months, nearly half million East Germans brought down the Berlin Wall. This was followed by the end of every Eastern European communist government, one after the other. â€Å"The United States lost the Vietnam War due to its foreign policy† (Shrinkermd 2008, 1). Their foreign policy was to stop, instead of getting rid of Communism. America would have been capable of destroying Communism many different times such as during the Korean War. â€Å"However, the American leaders did not want to eradicate Communism since it would make the Americans look like an Empire again such as the Philippines of the Spanish American warfare† (Shrinkermd 2008, 1). America lost the battle due to forfeit.