Theories in Media and Society Essay Example for Free

Theories in Media and Society Essay According to National academy of sciences (1999) a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation. In this light one gets to discuss the Structural functionalist theory and the Conflict Theory which are both theoretical perspectives found in the Media and Society. (a)(i) First and foremost, the Structural functionalist theory is amongst the theories found on the aspect of organization of society. This theory can also be referred to as Structural Functionalism, and it has the following assumptions. To begin with, the Structural Functionalist theory postulates or suggests that society is a complex system whose various parts (structures) work together to produce stability and solidarity.  These structures are a part of society because of their functionality in ensuring stability and solidarity. In other words, without their functionality in ensuring these two aspects mentioned prior, these structures would not be part of society.  To add on, Durkheim and Comte suggest that these parts of the society work together like the parts of a body for the benefit of society. In other words, one can say that these parts are inter-dependent, that is, they rely on each other to fully serve their purpose.  It is important for one to also note that this theory has two functionalities, and these are Manifest Functions and Latent Functions. In this aspect, Manifest functions in this case are those objective consequences contributing to the adjustment or adaptation of the system which are in tended and recognized by participants in the system. Examples include education, moral guidance, law and order maintenance. On the other hand, Latent functions are those functions that are neither intended nor recognized. In other words, they are somewhat less important as compared to Manifest Functions. Furthermore, organization of society theoretical perspectives also include the Conflict Theory. It has the following assumptions: The Conflict Theory suggests that society is made up of groups that are competing for scarce resources. In other words, this theory states that society is divided or disintegrated into various groups that scramble, if not fight for, these resources in order to survive be it socially, economically or politically. To add on, the conflict theory also suggests that power and inequality are the main characteristics of society and social groups are involved in power struggle (Karl Max). One can simply say that this means that the system called Society is patterned with power dynamics, and in those power dynamics are power struggles. Furthermore, this theory also states that this power struggle mentioned above, is a struggle for dominance amongst classes, genders, races, religions to mention but just a few. This simply means that in the entirety of society, there is the aspect of â€Å"survival of the fittest† in which the dominant ones survive and rule over the defeated or over the weak. In  addition, the conflict theory also assumes that there is social domination of subordinate groups through the power coercion of dominant groups. Furthermore, this theory also assumes that the dominant groups create rules for success and opportunity in society and they monopolize control, power, privilege and authority. In addition to the above mentioned, the conflict theory also assumes that the primary cause of social problems is the exploitation and oppression of subordinate groups by the dominant. A typical example is the conflict within the Ndebele State. It has 3 states, namely the Enhla, Ezansi and the Hole. The original Ndebele people were found in the upper class and they exploited some classes like the Hole for example and this led to a lot of conflict within the Ndebele society. Hence, it is typical for exploitation and oppression of subordinates to be the primary cause of social problems. One can say that these theories are valid in explaining the existence of, and the relationships between individuals and groups in society to a larger extent. To begin with, the assumptions of the structural functionalist theory are valid to a larger extent. The assumption that society is a complex system whose various parts (structures) work together to produce stability and solidarity is valid because it shows us that society has relationships, and that in their relationships, they have a goal which is to produce solidarity and stability. For example, the Zimbabwean society, the government in particular, always stresses on the need for the Zimbabwean society to be stable in terms its economy, and that it should maintain and promote solidarity. These two aspects are usually mentioned by the President of Zimbabwe R. G. Mugabe. To add on, one can say that the assumptions of the structural functionalistic theory are valid in explaining the existence of, and the relationships between individuals and groups in society. For example the one that states that society is made up of parts which work together like the parts of the body is a very practical assumption about society’s relationships. One can argue that in society there are groups of people, for example workers, students, civil servants, aristocrats and so forth. One can give an  illustration by referring to the Great Zimbabwe State that once existed in Zimbabwe. Miners could not survive alone because they depended on blacksmiths to make them tools for digging and excavating. Thus this simply shows that indeed society’s groups which are seen as parts in this theory, are inter-dependent on each other hence this theory is valid if not actually practical. Furthermore, these two theories are valid because they show us the existence of conflict within the society. The conflict theory states that society is made up of groups that compete for resources and this is very true and practical. A situation like this happened in Zimbabwe during the colonial era whereby whites were exploiting the resources available in Zimbabwe which eventually led to the Chimurenga war. The relationship between these two races was very hostile and sour because of the competition for these scarce resources. This war took place because there was intense competition for resources in the country and as such, this war was to settle the fight. Thus in essence, these theories are quite valid in explaining the existence of relationships in society. Society is made of classes that compete for scarce resources and this is best illustrated in the conflict theory. It states that in society, dominant classes oppress and exploit the lower classes which eventually leads to conflict. An example is the Apartheid Era in South Africa. The Boers were oppressing and exploiting the blacks and their resources. The blacks advocated for equality, through their icon Nelson Mandela. This sour between the blacks and the whites led to a serious conflict which was catalyzed by the competition for resources. Hence one can argue that these theories explain the existence of, and the relationships between individuals and groups in society to a larger extent. In addition, these theories are valid in explaining the relationships that exist in society to a larger extent. They enable one to fully understand the fact that conflict is part and parcel of society and that it is sometimes needed in order for development to occur. To add on, these theories also enhance one’s understanding of how society is divided and structured. It  shows that society has groups and individuals who live together in relationships, and that in these relationships, they serve to achieve certain goals and objectives like solidarity for example. In a nutshell, the conflict and the social functionalist theory are theories that are very much socialistic and they help one to get the concept of how society is organized, how the members of society relate to each other in achieving their goals and also that conflict exists in society. These theories are somewhat a blue print of how society is organized and how its members are inter-dependent on each other to survive.

Strategic And Coherent Approach To Management Commerce Essay

Strategic And Coherent Approach To Management Commerce Essay Human Resource Management is defined as a strategic and coherent approach to the management of an organisations most valued assets the people working there who individually and collectively contribute to the achievement of its objectives. (Armstrong, 2006) Businesses of the 21st century call upon the HR to play a greater role in achieving their objectives. HR is an indispensible tool in the successful working of any organisation and it is essential to incorporate HRM strategies in the planning of the organisation to attain its goals and objectives. Organisations now have to deal with a fast changing environment to which they need to respond quickly and innovatively while being constantly faced with a greater amount of risk than ever before. They are constantly searching for and implementing various survival strategies in this highly competitive and dynamic business world. In order to maintain a sustained effort for betterment, organisations now need to recruit people, who can find creative and intelligent solutions. Thus, the employment of an effective HR strategy that develops the organisations people is essential to facilitate the necessary changes within the business. Role of HRM: Any organisation needs to set goals for itself and strategize how these goals are to be achieved and then structure itself by deciding whom to allot this responsibility. The responsibilities of the HRM or the functions carried out by them within the organisation can be enlisted as follows: HR Planning: It is the practice by which the HRM reviews the supply of employees. They review whether the firm requires to recruit further or to reduce the number of employees depending upon the status of the firm. Job Analysis: This is the process by which the HR examines detailed information about jobs. Every available job in the firm and advertises for recruitment purposes accordingly, so as to attract skilled people. Recruitment: The HR, having advertised for jobs, receives a number of applications from which they identify and recruit suitable employees for the firm. Orientation: Once the recruitment process is over, the HR begins an induction program during which the new recruits are informed about the organisation, their background, their working methods and ethics, as well as introduce them to the other members of the organisation. Training: The next step is the development and training of the employees to equip them with technical skills, interpersonal skills and problem solving skills in order to enhance their performance and increase productivity for the company. Share Information: It becomes the responsibility of the HR to ensure that information is shared uniformly with all employees to increase their knowledge base. Appraisals: The HR evaluates the performance of the employees in periodic intervals through various methods, such as, multiple comparisons and feedbacks from co-workers and supervisors. These appraisals form the basis of the employees promotions, pay rises and other incentives. Motivation: In order to ensure the employees put in their best efforts in their respective jobs, the HR devises ways to sustain the interest of the employees and encourage them in contributing more and more to the firm. Maintain Welfare: The healthy maintenance of any organisations human resource largely depends on the working conditions, comforts and facilities provided to its employees. The HR plays a vital role in this area. They are to be readily available and pay heed to the needs of the employees, analyse their problems and find solutions to them. Retain Talent: This is done through career development, providing job security, compensation programs and skill based pay. Derecruitment: The HR discharges incapable employees to keep up with the requirements of an ever changing business environment. Labour Relations: One of the most significant roles of the HR is to ensure the smooth functioning of the firm and preventing strikes by the employees by maintaining good relations between the management and the employees. The HRM is therefore, responsible for managing the people of any organisation, as assets of that business and harmonizing their capabilities with the needs of the organisation. They encourage team spirit and coordination for smooth functioning of groups of people within the organisation. They play a key role in ensuring a long-term and sustained competitive advantage for any organisation. They are able to acquire this when the highest amount of value added is achieved by the employees and by creating a culture of innovation that is unique to the organisation. As the HRM employs methods that lead to high performance work systems, the beneficial results can be seen on the employee and the organisation end. As the employee is more involved in the organisation and grows in experience, he gains by way of job satisfaction leading to efficiency in work performance. Thus, the organization benefits as the productivity levels go up, the quality improves, more flexibility is infused into the system and finally the customer is satisfied. However, it also becomes the responsibility of the HRM to assume a more professional role, to maintain its honesty and integrity and keeping in mind at all times the interests of the customers and the employees alike. Strategic Goals and Objectives of any Organisation: Every business creates a vision for its future in order to ascertain its both short term and long term goals. This requires creative imagination. It is the strength of this imagination that powers the entire business process. However, a clear definition of the goals is required to be made in order to ensure that these objectives are attained. One of the most important goals is the performance objective and the individual performance strongly needs to be integrated with the objectives of the business. This is where the HR comes in. It is their responsibility to bring out and relate an individuals performance objectives to the performance objective of the business. While the HR challenges are greater than ever before, so too are the opportunities of the companies to excel through people strategies. (Strack et al., 2008) Competitive advantages may come from 2 kinds of sources in any organisation: Traditional ways/sources of competitive advantages Financial/economic Product capabilities Technological capability Organisational capability Generic strategies for gaining competitive advantages Cost leadership Product differentiation Search others Human Resource Management can be used to gain Competitive Advantage: The idea that individual employee performance can impact the performance of the firm positively has been studied for decades. However, the study has moved forward and put forth the notion that all the employees of a firm can together give a higher competitive advantage and bring about a greater improvement on the firms performance. This is possible only when a number of criteria are satisfied, namely, the employees are adding positively to the production, they have a unique talent or skill to offer and more importantly, the employees are not subject to replacement or substitution by technology. It is argued that employees are usually not working at their optimum levels and hence are underutilized. The HRM can play a significant role here in bringing them up to efficient levels and utilizing their potential to the optimum level by facilitating comfortable working conditions, motivating them, developing their skills and providing enhanced product knowledge through regular training, providing an organized structural base and give some amount of independence in their working and a flexible culture within the organization. This is sure to increase the output of the employees over and above the cost of such provisions. Further, the HRM can ensure better performance of the employees at the initial stage through careful selection and recruitment of qualified and skilled individuals. These skilled employees can turn out to be unproductive too unless provided with sufficient motivation. The HRM can again, motivate the employees to work harder and better by providing them with incentives that are linked to performance, which is assessed on a regular basis through evaluations of individual or groups of employees. Incentives may be provided in the form of promotions. Again, an organized structural base can be provided through tools such as, cross functional teams, job rotation and greater participation by allowing them the opportunity to freely use better ways of working. Thus, if the HRM can affect or influence the performance of the employees to maximize their output, they are in turn, improving the performance of the organisation and increasing their productivity. How is theory linked with practice? Explain with examples. The HRM today is not only responsible for managing teams of employees but also, for diversity both within the organisation and outside, constant change and increased globalisation. This is not an easy task. The HR when faced with resistance to adapt to change, ignorance by the policy makers as well as political considerations, finds it hard to employ the best HR practices in real terms. Amongst other challenges faced by the HR, we can mention those involving getting the people to accept change. The HR deals with resistance when bringing about any changes in the working methods, attitude of workers or values of the organisation. Moreover, globalisation has resulted in multicultural backgrounds of employees that pose a new kind of challenge for the HR, wherein they need to develop strategies catering to the needs of each of them. How HRM will help in developing organisational culture? Organisational Culture Focus on innovative and flexible environment The HR integrates the needs of the organisation with those of the employees and helps in developing the organisations culture by creating a positive attitude amongst the employees. Factors which the management should consider: Effective HR practices play a significant role in the economic growth of any country. In my opinion, the management needs to keep in mind that their actions have a macro level effect. The policies and training provided by them to the employees not only contribute towards the specific concern they are currently working for, but towards the nation as a whole. They are preparing individuals for the future. The professional development acquired by the employees at any particular firm carries forward to the next employment as well and remains with them for years to come. Hence, with their inputs and efforts, the HRM is not only enhancing the performance of the individual firm, but is augmenting the nations economy. Conclusion: Thus, we may conclude that organized HRM can provide a sustained economic growth and a competitive advantage when aligned with the strategic business plans of a company. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ can be placed elsewhere as per need. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ a misfit here I dont see the need or connection with the topic

Liver Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Effects and Treatments

Liver Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Effects and Treatments CHAPTER 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION Liver is the organ which is most important, and it plays a pivotal role in regulating various processes in the body, such as storage, metabolism and secretion. It has great capacity to detoxify toxic substances to nontoxic substances and synthesize useful principles (Shanmugasundaram et al 2006). 1.1 Anatomy of the Liver The liver is a triangular organ that extends across the entire abdominal cavity inferior to diaphragm. Most of the liver’s mass is located on right side of body, where it descends inferiorly toward right kidney. The liver is madeup of very soft, pinkishbrown tissues encapsulated by connective tissue capsule. The capsule is covered and reinforced by the peritoneum of the abdominal cavity which protects liver and holds it in the place within abdomen. Liver consists of four distinct lobes first the left lobe, second the right lobe, third caudate lobe, and last quadrate lobe. The left and right lobes are the large lobes and are separated by the falciform ligament. The right lobe is about five to six times larger than tapered left lobe. The small caudate lobe extends from posterior side of the right lobe and it wraps around the inferior vena cava. Small quadrate lobe is inferior to the caudate lobe and it extends from the posterior side of the right lobe and it wraps around the gallbladder. Figure-1: Structure of liver. Functions of liver: Production of bile that required for the digestion of foods. Storage of extra sugar or glucose into stored glycogen in liver cells of the body and then converts it back into glucose when the the body needs it for energy. Production of clotting factors. Production of amino acids that is building blocks for making proteins, that includes those used to help fight infection. The production and storage of iron which is necessary for production of red blood cells in the body. Manufacturing of cholesterol and other chemical substances that is required for fat transport. Conversion of waste products of the metabolism into urea that is excreted in urine. Metabolising medicines into their active form (ingredient) in the body. 1.2 Liver diseases Liver disease is any disturbance in functions of the liver that cause illness. The liver is responsible for various critical functions in the body and when it becomes injured or diseased, loss of those functions can cause significant damage to body. Liver diseases are also referred as hepatic disease. 1.3 Types of liver diseases Alcoholic liver disease Primary liver cancer Cirrhosis Cysts Fatty liver disease Liver fibrosis Hepatitis Jaundice Primary sclerosing cholangitis 1.3.1 Alcoholic Liver Disease In 2000, cirrhosis was 1 of the leading causes of death in U.S.A. (United States). Alcoholic liver disease usually develops after large amount of alcohol intake. The long period during which alcohol excessively consumed, larger the amount ingested, high the rate of developing alcoholic liver disease and other liver problems. Signs and Symptoms: Confusion Excessive fluid between the membranes lining abdomen and abdominal organs Tenderness and abdominal pain Dry mouth Fever Fatigue Jaundice Weight gain Nausea Loss of appetite Abnormal dark or light skin Agitation Altered level of consciousness Breast development in males Difficulty concentrating Hallucinations Impaired judgment Paleness Redness on feet or hands 1.3.2 Primary Liver Cancer Primary cancer of the liver which is a growing liver problem called primary liver cancer, it generally remains undetected until when this disease has reached the advanced stage because most people do not exhibit these symptoms early on. Signs and Symptoms Jaundice that is yellow discoloration of skin. Abdominal pain (the upper right part of the abdomen) Swelling of abdomen An enlarged liver Fatigue General weakness Loss of appetite Nausea vomiting Weight loss 1.3.3 Liver Cirrhosis Liver cirrhosis is generally considered to the fourth stage of the alcoholic liver disease, it is progressive condition which causes liver damage. chronic alcoholism is the most common cause of this disease. 40% of the 27000 people die from this disease. Cirrhosis is characterized by the replacement of normal healthy tissue by fibrous tissue, regenerative nodules and scarring of the liver that is liver scarring. The resulting hardening of the liver, hard liver interferes with the blood circulation in the body, it leads to irreversible damage to the liver and a completely loss of liver function. Signs and Symptoms Abdominal accumulation of fluid in abdominal cavity Abnormal pain Bleeding from engorged veins in esophagus Dark cola-colored urine Exhaustion Gallstone Fatigue Diabetes type 2 Itchy hands and feet Loss of appetite Cancer of liver Liver failure Nausea and vomitting Malfunctioning of other systems such as impotence, kidney dysfunction and failure, and osteoporosis Hypertension Sensitivity to medications Spider-like small blood vessels under the skin Swelling of feet and hands from retained fluid Hepatic encephalopathy Weight loss Weakness jaundice Liver cysts Liver cyst also known as hepatic cyst, a simple liver cyst is a bubble (thin walled bubble), a fluid filled cavity in liver. A common liver problem, liver cyst can normal benign and pose no health risks. but in some cases, liver cyst may grow large enough to cause pain and discomfort in the abdomen, liver enlargement, infection of bile ducts, and bile ducts obstruction, that leads the cyst itself to become infected. In this case, it is necessary to drain and remove the cyst. Fatty Liver Disease Fatty Liver Diseases (steatosis) are generally considered to the first stage of Alcoholic Liver Disease. The exact causes of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) are unclear. Many researchers, however, believe that the metabolic syndrome—a cluster of disorders that increase risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke—plays a crucial role in development of NAFLD. NAFLD Levels of Severity Simple fatty liver (steatosis). NASH (Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), it is the inflammation and signs of necrosis. Cirrhosis is characterized by scarring of liver, results in a hard liver which is un-able to function proper. so Cirrhosis can be fatal. Signs and Symptoms Bleeding in esophagus from engorged veins Fatigue Fluid in the abdominal cavity Itching of feet and hands, and eventually entire body Loss of appetite Liver failure Lack of interest in sex Mentally confusion, such as forgetfulness and trouble concentrating Nausea and vomitting Small red spider veins under skin Swelling of feet and legs from retained fluid Weight loss Weakness Cola-colored urine Jaundice 1.3.6 Liver Fibrosis Liver fibrosis is generally considered to the third stage of Alcoholic Liver Disease, liver fibrosis is a liver condition which is very progressive. Liver fibrosis is characterised by the formation of the fibrous tissue, regenerative nodules and scarring of liver, which interfere circulation of blood and lead to loss of functions of liver. caused by chronic alcoholism and hepatitis C, cirrhosis is a disease which is degenerative disease of liver. Signs and Symptoms: Abdominal accumulation of fluids in abdomen Abnormal pain Bleeding from engorged veins in intestines or oesophagus Dark cola coloured urine Easy bruising Exhaustion Fatigue Itchy feet and hands Loss of appetite Lack of interest in sex Nausea and vomitting Swelling of feet and legs by retained fluid (edema) Enlargement of the liver Weakness Loss of weight Jaundice 1.3.7 Hepatitis Hepatitis is gastroenterological disease, means inflammation of liver. Hepatitis is not 1, but many diseases hepatitis A to E in which inflammation of liver occurs and its cells are damaged and then inflammatory chemicals are released and being produced in the liver. in some cases hepatitis B infection increases person’s chance to development of liver cancer by 100 times. Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis: Diarrhea Dark urine Abdominal pain Enlarged liver Fever Fatigue General achiness Jaundice 1.3.8 Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Cholangitis is inflammation of bile ducts of liver. Sclerosing is inflammation leads to the excessive formation of scar and fibrous tissue. In primary sclerosing cholangitis PSC, the bile ducts of the liver have become inflamed and scarred. 1.3.9 Jaundice It is not directly the disease of liver but rather symptom that can occur as result of variety of diseases. Jaundice appears a yellow discoloration of skin and white of the eyes caused by the abnormal formation of bilirubin in the blood. Orange yellowish pigment bilirubin, bilirubin is the part of bile, it forms in the liver as a byproduct of old cells of blood. When there are many blood cells (RBC) dying for liver to cope with yellowish pigment forms in the body resulting in jaundice, it is visible sign of liver problems. Jaundice is an indicator that a person is suffering from 1 of a many diseases including, Paracetamol toxicity Alcoholic liver diseases Autoimmune hepatitis An abnormal narrowing of the bile duct Blocked bile ducts caused by stones, infection, and tumors Chronic hepatitis Drug induced cholestasis, bile pools in the gallbladder as a result of certain drugs Drug induced hepatitis Fatty liver disease Hemolytic anemia Intra-hepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, bile pools in the gallbladder because of the pressure in the abdomen during pregnancy. Ischemic hepatocellular jaundice Pancreatic cancer Primary biliary cirrhosis Primary liver cancer Viral hepatitis Malaria Causes of liver disease Viral hepatitis Obesity Alcohol Genetics Autoimmune disorders Drugs Toxins Cancer Table-1 Types of hepatobiliary injury or damage 1.5 Mechanism of hepatotoxicity Distruption of cytoskeleton: phalloidin and microcystin disrupts the integrity of hepatocyte cytoskeleton by affecting proteins that are vital to its dynamic nature. (Phillips et al, 1986) Cholastasis: Bile formation is vulnerable to toxicant effects on the functional integrity of sinusoidal transporters, canalicular exporters, cytoskeleton dependent processes for transcytosis, and the contractile closure of the canalicular lumen.changes that weaken the junctions that form the structural barrier between the blood and the canalicular lumen allow solutes to leak out of the canalicular lumen. An immunosuppressive drug frequently reported to cause elevated level of serum bile salts and bilirubin as well as a reduction in bile flow. Mitochondrial damage: Preferential injury to mitochondrial DNA, as opposed to nuclear DNA, is a plausible mechanistic basis for structural and functional alterations to hepatic mitochondria associated with nucleoside analog therapy for hepatitis B and AIDS infections and with alcohol abuse. 1.6 Hepatotoxic agents Abacavir Acetaminophen Acitretin Alcohol Aldesleukin Amiodarone Amsacrine Anabolic steroids Androgens Asparaginase Bexarotene Carbamazepine Carmustine Cytarabine Dantrolene Dapsone Daunorubicin Disulfiram Divalproex Epirubicin Erythromycins Estrogens Ethionamide Etretinate Felbamate Fluconazole Flutamide Gold compounds Halothane HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors Imatinib Iron (overdose) Isoniazid Itraconazole Ketoconazole Labetalol Mercaptopurine Methimazole Methotrexate Methyldopa Metronidazole Naltrexone Nevirapine Niacin Nilutamide Nitrofurans Pemoline Phenothiazines Phenytoin Plicamycin Propylthiouracil Rifampin Rosiglitazone Sulfamethoxazole Sulfonamides Tacrine Tenofovir Tizanidine Tolcapone Toremifene Tretinoin Troleandomycin Valproic acid Vitamin A Zidovudine Lamivudine 1.7 Mechanisms of liver injury by some hepatotoxic substances 1.7.1 Mechanism of liver injury by CCl4 CCl4 converts into CCl3 and CCl3OO free radicals in the presence of enzyme CYP2E1, these free radicals then activate the inflammatory and profibrogenic mediators, inflammatory mediators cause lipid peroxidation and profibrogenic mediators cause liver fibrosis which are responsible for the liver injury. CCl4 also acstivates Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2), Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 these expressions also activate profibrogenic mediators which cause liver fibrosis. Fig-2: Mechanism of liver injury by CCl4 1.7.2 Mechanism of liver injury by acetaminophen In therapeutic dose acetaminophen metabolises by glucuronyl transferases and sulfotransferases to stable metabolites which excreted throughout the body but in over dose acetaminophen metabolises by CYP2E1,CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 to toxic metabolite NAPQI(N-acetyl parabenzo quinine immine). this toxic metabolite covalently binds with the hepatocyte and causes damage to hepatocyte. After binding of NAPQI to hepatocyte there are two possibility, first is stimulation of CD44 receptor expression on T cell which recovers hepatocyte and second is the reduced expression of CD44 receptor on T cell causes hepatocyte apoptosis which is fatal condition to liver. Fig-3: (a)Liver injury by acetaminophen (b) Hepatocyte recovery and apoptosis process. 1.7.3 Mechanism of liver injury by alcohol Fig-4 : Pathways through which alcohol (ethanol) can contribute to apoptosis. 1.8 Hepatoprotection Hepatoprotection is the ability to prevent damage to the liver. One medicine of hepatoprotection is silymarin, derived from Milk Thistle which selectively inhibits formation of leukotrienes by Kupffer cells. 1.8.1 List of Herbs have potentially hepatoprotective constituents (Jia et al, 2011) Almond oil Ganoderma lucidum Glycyrrhiza glabra Arctium lappa Halenia elliptica Astragalus membranaceus Murraya koenigii Nymphaea stellata Ocimum sanctum Paeonia lactiflora Pergularia daemia Picrorhiza kurrooa Phyllanthus amarus Plumbago zeylanica Silybum marianum Scoparia dulcis Salvia miltiorrhiza Amomum xanthoides Astragalus membranaceus Cichorium intybus Curcuma longa Cajanus indicus, Centella asiatica Coccinia indica Brassica, Eclipta Flickingeria fimbriata Flickingeria fimbriata Ganoderma lucidum Glycyrrhiza glabra Halenia elliptica Murraya koenigii Nymphaea stellata Ocimum sanctum Paeonia lactiflora Pergularia daemia Picrorhiza kurrooa Phyllanthus amarus Plumbago zeylanica Silybum marianum Scoparia dulcis Salvia miltiorrhiza Scutellaria baicalensis Schisandra chinensis Table2: Plant tested in animal models for their hepatoprotective activity and found to be active. SBS PGI Balawala, DehradunPage 1

Pi Essay -- essays research papers

The area of a circle is one of the first formulas that you learn as a young math student. It is simply taught as, . There is no explanation as to why the area of a circle is this arbitrary formula. As it turns out the area of a circle is not an easy task to figure out by your self. Early mathematicians knew that area was, in general to four sided polygons, length times width. But a circle was different, it could not be simply divided into length and width for it had no sides. As it turns out, finding the measurement to be squared was not difficult as it was the radius of the circle. There was another aspect of the circle though that has led one of the greatest mathematical voyages ever launched, the search of Pi. One of the first ever documented estimates for the area of a circle was found in Egypt on a paper known as the Rhind Papyrus around the time of 1650 BCE. The paper itself was a copy of an older â€Å"book† written between 2000 and 1800 BCE and some of the information contained in that writing might have been handed down by Imhotep, the man who supervised the building of the pyramids. The paper, copied by the scribe named Ahmes, has 84 problems on it and their solutions. On the paper, in problem number 50 he wrote; â€Å"Cut off 1/9 of a diameter and construct a square upon the remainder; this has the same area as a circle.† Given that we already know that the area of a circle is we find that the early Egyptian estimate for the area of a circle was which simplified to or 3.16049†¦ Though, the papyrus does not go into detail as to how Ahmes derived this estimate. This estimate for Pi given by the ancient Egyptians is less than 1% off of the true value of Pi. Given, there was no standard of measurement in that day and they also had no tools to aid them in such calculations such as compasses or measuring tapes, this is an amazingly accurate value for Pi and the area of a circle. Another early attempt at the area of a circle is found in the Bible. In the old testament within the book of Kings Vii.23 and also in Chronicles iv.2 a statement is made that says; â€Å"And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from one brim to the other; it was round all about and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.† From this verse, we come to the conclusion that Pi is 30/10 or simply 3. The book of Kings was edited around the time of 550 BCE. Mu... ...ct, the rest of the mathematical world doesn’t dare question their founding mathematicians, and that they alone, the cyclometer, have discovered the true value of Pi. One circle squarer even went so far as to submit a law in his home state of Indiana that his value of Pi be used as the legal value of Pi. It was passed, but to this day awaits further legislation in regard to its factuality. In the end, there is still an ongoing search for the true area of a Circle in continued research of the number Pi. Scientists today have reached a record number of decimals of Pi to 206,158,430,000 using a Hitachi Supercomputer. The calculation took 37 hours, 21 minutes and 4 seconds. Using the latest calculation for Pi, if you were to assemble a circle a million miles in diameter, the circle would be less than an inch off. But why the pursuit of a solution that will never end? For many, being that there are no perfect circles even in nature, the perfect circle is an unattainable goal to seek. Through the adventure of discovering new aspects about the circle, other insights may be revealed. The mystery of the circle is an endless pursuit, but for mathematicians, it is the pursuit of perfection. Pi Essay -- essays research papers The area of a circle is one of the first formulas that you learn as a young math student. It is simply taught as, . There is no explanation as to why the area of a circle is this arbitrary formula. As it turns out the area of a circle is not an easy task to figure out by your self. Early mathematicians knew that area was, in general to four sided polygons, length times width. But a circle was different, it could not be simply divided into length and width for it had no sides. As it turns out, finding the measurement to be squared was not difficult as it was the radius of the circle. There was another aspect of the circle though that has led one of the greatest mathematical voyages ever launched, the search of Pi. One of the first ever documented estimates for the area of a circle was found in Egypt on a paper known as the Rhind Papyrus around the time of 1650 BCE. The paper itself was a copy of an older â€Å"book† written between 2000 and 1800 BCE and some of the information contained in that writing might have been handed down by Imhotep, the man who supervised the building of the pyramids. The paper, copied by the scribe named Ahmes, has 84 problems on it and their solutions. On the paper, in problem number 50 he wrote; â€Å"Cut off 1/9 of a diameter and construct a square upon the remainder; this has the same area as a circle.† Given that we already know that the area of a circle is we find that the early Egyptian estimate for the area of a circle was which simplified to or 3.16049†¦ Though, the papyrus does not go into detail as to how Ahmes derived this estimate. This estimate for Pi given by the ancient Egyptians is less than 1% off of the true value of Pi. Given, there was no standard of measurement in that day and they also had no tools to aid them in such calculations such as compasses or measuring tapes, this is an amazingly accurate value for Pi and the area of a circle. Another early attempt at the area of a circle is found in the Bible. In the old testament within the book of Kings Vii.23 and also in Chronicles iv.2 a statement is made that says; â€Å"And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from one brim to the other; it was round all about and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.† From this verse, we come to the conclusion that Pi is 30/10 or simply 3. The book of Kings was edited around the time of 550 BCE. Mu... ...ct, the rest of the mathematical world doesn’t dare question their founding mathematicians, and that they alone, the cyclometer, have discovered the true value of Pi. One circle squarer even went so far as to submit a law in his home state of Indiana that his value of Pi be used as the legal value of Pi. It was passed, but to this day awaits further legislation in regard to its factuality. In the end, there is still an ongoing search for the true area of a Circle in continued research of the number Pi. Scientists today have reached a record number of decimals of Pi to 206,158,430,000 using a Hitachi Supercomputer. The calculation took 37 hours, 21 minutes and 4 seconds. Using the latest calculation for Pi, if you were to assemble a circle a million miles in diameter, the circle would be less than an inch off. But why the pursuit of a solution that will never end? For many, being that there are no perfect circles even in nature, the perfect circle is an unattainable goal to seek. Through the adventure of discovering new aspects about the circle, other insights may be revealed. The mystery of the circle is an endless pursuit, but for mathematicians, it is the pursuit of perfection.

Education Can End Systematic Oppression Essay -- Poverty and Oppressio

The subject of expectations for higher education is one that tends to spark impassioned debate among educators, students and parents alike. In Pedagogy of the Oppressed Paulo Freire presses his audience to consider such expectations in light of one’s own intentions, motives, and affections toward those to be educated (Freire 50). He goes even further to suggest that a love for one another through empathetic dialogue, especially on the part of the educator, must be present in order for fear to be wiped away and liberation to eventually take its place (Freire 89,90). It was that dialogical approach that made Freire’s literacy programs so successful in Brazil until â€Å"his work was interrupted by a military dictatorship† in the mid-60s and he was arrested and exiled to Chile (Palmer 128). Even after his release he continued to be an advocate for his approach to education, believing it worked toward liberation for all, freeing both the oppressor and the oppressed (Palmer 129). Some of the oppressed in our own society include, but are not limited to, individuals living in poverty, immigrants struggling to adapt and grow in a new culture, and people with developmental disabilities due to abuse and neglect. Many opportunities lie at our fingertips in America but until we apply an empathetic approach to reaching the oppressed in our society, we cannot expect all Americans to seek a college degree nor will education be a means toward societal change. According to the US Census Bureau, out of the 300 plus million people living in the United States, 46.5 million of them lived in poverty in 2012 without any change from the previous year (â€Å"Dept of Commerce†). Almost 22% of the people were children under the age of 18 (â€Å"Dept of Commerce†). A... ...riere_pedagogy.pdf>. Hamilton, Jon. "Orphans' Lonely Beginnings Reveal How Parents Shape A Child's Brain." NPR. NPR, 24 Feb. 2014. Web. 26 Feb. 2014. . Koury, Amanda S., and Elizabeth Votruba-Drzal. "School Readiness of Children from Immigrant Families: Contributions of Region of Origin, Home, and Childcare." Journal of Educational Psychology 106.1 (2014): 268-88. ProQuest. Web. 24 Feb. 2014. Palmer, Joy, David E. Cooper, and Liora Bresler, eds. Fifty Modern Thinkers on Education: From Piaget to the Present Day. London: Routledge, 2001. Print. "WHAT RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN CHILDREN’S EDUCATION." SOM - State of Michigan. Michigan Department of Education, Mar. 2002. Web. 24 Feb. 2014. .

Chemistry open book paper Essay

During radioactive decay, atoms of one element are changed into atoms of another element through the emission of alpha or beta particles from their unstable nuclei. With alpha decay the nucleus emits an alpha particle, which is essentially a helium nucleus; a group of two protons and two neutrons. It is a form of nuclear fission where the parent atom splits into two daughter products. The atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle and transforms (or ‘decays’) into an atom with a mass number 4 less and atomic number 2 less. For example: An alpha particle is the same as a helium-4 nucleus. Unlike beta decay, alpha decay is governed by the strong nuclear force. In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a proton and an electron. The electron is released as a beta particle. Below is the beta decay of Thorium to produce Protactinium. . In beta minus decay, the weak interaction converts a neutron into a proton while emitting an electron and an anti-neutrino. During beta-plus decay, a proton in an atom’s nucleus turns into a neutron, emitting a positron and a neutrino. Alpha rays can be blocked by a sheet of paper, shielding against beta rays needs a sheet of metal like aluminium. Nuclear fission differs from other forms of radioactive decay in that it can be harnessed and controlled via a chain reaction: free neutrons released by each fission event can trigger yet more events. Radioactive decay is spontaneous. Most nuclear fuels undergo spontaneous fission only very slowly. Nucleosynthesis in stars Hydrogen and helium are the most abundant elements in the universe. Elements heavier than lithium are all synthesized in stars. This first process of primordial nucleosynthesis may also be called nucleogenesis. In the Sun hydrogen is converted to helium in nuclear fusion reactions: 41H 4He + subatomic particles During the late stages of stellar evolution, massive stars burn helium to carbon, oxygen, silicon, sulphur, and iron. The production of small amounts of hydrogen and helium nuclei makes it possible for the star to synthesise most of the elements in the first three periods of the Periodic table. Two routes for the generation of lithium are: Route 1: 4He + 3H   7Li Route 2: 4He + 3He   7Be 7Be + electron 7Li The second route is interesting; this is because it is a form of electron capture. This is where the collision between an atom and an electron causes the proton to convert to a neutron and a neutrino is released. It is sometimes called inverse beta decay, the proton number and the structure of the nucleus is changed. Fission and Fusion Nuclear fission is the splitting of the nucleus of an atom into lighter nuclei often producing free neutrons and other smaller nuclei. The emission of these neutrons can cause further fission in other nuclei, thus producing a chain reaction. Fission of heavy elements is an exothermic reaction which can release large amounts of energy both as electromagnetic radiation and as kinetic energy of the fragments. Below is an example of nuclear fission, showing Uranium-235 splitting to create strontium-90 and xenon-143: Inside the reactor of an atomic power plant, Uranium atoms are split apart in a controlled chain reaction. This chain reaction gives off heat energy. This heat energy is used to boil water in the core of the reactor. So, instead of burning a fuel, nuclear power plants use the chain reaction of atoms splitting to change the energy of atoms into heat energy. This water from around the nuclear core is sent to another section of the power plant. Here, in the heat exchanger, it heats another set of pipes filled with water to make steam. The steam in this second set of pipes turns a turbine to generate electricity. Uranium-238 is used as a natural way to control the reaction due to the fact that it does not undergo fission. Two other mechanisms used for controlling the reaction are the graphite moderator and the control rods, which are made of boron coated steel. The neutrons that are produced when a nucleus splits are very fast moving; the graphite slows them down enough so that they cause fission reactions when they collide with Uranium-235 nuclei. The control rods which are made of Boron which absorb neutrons; they can be moved in and out of the reactor to control the rate of fission reactions. A typical absorption reaction is: Below is a cross section of the inside of a typical nuclear power plant: Notable advantages of fission include the fact that relatively little fuel is needed and the fuel is relatively inexpensive and available in trace amounts around the world. Also, it is not believed to contribute to global warming or other pollution effects associated with fossil fuel combustion. However, its major concerns include the possibility for a nuclear meltdown; an example could be the Chernobyl Disaster. Also, waste products can be used to manufacture weapons; waste from plutonium power stations remains dangerous for thousands of years. There is also high initial cost because the plant requires containment safeguards; even then, the power plants are still vulnerable from sabotage and attacks. Nuclear fusion is the process by which multiple atomic particles join together to form a heavier nucleus. It is accompanied by the release or absorption of energy. The fusion of two nuclei lighter than iron or nickel generally releases energy. Below is an example of a fusion reaction: Excess energy is released from the fusion reaction because of the lower binding energy of the helium nuclei compared to those in deuterium and tritium. The combined mass of the products is less than the mass of the reactants; the ‘lost’ mass is converted to energy, according to Einstein’s equation: E=mc2 For the below reaction to occur the particles need to form a high-density, super hot, ionized gas – plasma. 2H + 3H i 4He + 1n Tritium is produced by using lithium in the reactor, where neutrons from the deuterium-tritium reaction in the plasma will react with the lithium to produce more tritium: 6Li + 1n i 4He + 3H A way to control the plasma is to keep it away from the walls, which minimizes heat loss. To do this a tokamak is used. This device contains hot plasma in a doughnut shape within a vacuum vessel. Powerful magnetic fields created by large coils that run around the vessel keep the plasma away from the walls. Powerful electric currents heat the plasma as well as by microwaves that are directed into it and beams of fast neutron particles. Notable advantages to using nuclear fusion include the fact that there is significantly less chance of a fatal accident occurring than that of a fission reactor, because the fuel contained in the reaction chamber is only enough to sustain the reaction for about a minute. Also, Deuterium and tritium are virtually inexhaustible. Unlike fission reactors, whose waste remains dangerous for thousands of years, most of the radioactive material in a fusion reactor would remain dangerous for about 50-100 years. At present the disadvantage is merely the fact that scientists have not yet been able to contain a fusion reaction long enough for there to be a net energy gain. This is, in turn, causing many countries to phase out fusion research because of the failure to reach a breakthrough. Challenges to the future of fusion power stations The main challenge that scientists face is the growth of hydrocarbon films. Where plasma touches the walls, carbon tiles are eroded by deuterium and tritium ions, producing hydrocarbons. Further reactions result in the formation of reactive radicals, which combine with each other to form hydrocarbon films. These films cause problems because they trap the tritium and deuterium fuel ions in the walls of the device so that they are not circulating in the reacting plasma to produce any energy. Also if the film gets thicker, it begins to flake off, resulting in dust particles which can be absorbed into the plasma, affecting its purity and performance. Other issues include the potentially prohibitive costs of building, and the difficulties of repairing and maintaining the reaction vessel. This massive â€Å"blanket† of lithium and rare metals will degrade and become radioactive over time, requiring regular dismantling and replacement. No. Words – 357+368+294+145 = 1164 (excluding equations, titles, annotations and text in diagrams) – sorry! Sources http://www. answers. com/topic/nucleosynthesis? cat=technology – Nucleosynthesis http://helios. gsfc. nasa. gov/nucleo. html – Nucleosynthesis http://physics. bu. edu/py106/notes/RadioactiveDecay.html – Alpha and beta equations http://map. gsfc. nasa. gov/universe/bb_tests_ele. html – Nucleosynthesis http://chemed. chem. purdue. edu/genchem/topicreview/bp/ch23/modes. php. Alpha and Beta decay http://media. nasaexplores. com/lessons/01-060/images/Uran235. jpg – Fission of uranium-235 http://hyperphysics. phy-astr. gsu. edu/Hbase/nucene/fusion. html – Nuclear fusion http://www. iter-india. res. in/images/jet_tokamak. jpg. Tokamak image, Fig 5 http://www. newscientist. com/channel/fundamentals/dn8827-no-future-for-fusion-power-says-top-scientist. html – Problems for fusion power http://eazyvg. linuxoss.com/2007/08/21/fusion-is-the-future-choice-for-nuclear-power-generation/ – Fission and fusion diagrams, advantages and disadvantages of fission and fusion. Fig 1 and 3 http://www. physlink. com/Education/AskExperts/ae534. cfm – Bond energy per nucleon, Fig 5 Article 1 – Box 1 – pg3 Article 1 – Second paragraph under â€Å"Nuclear fission† – pg4-5 Article 1 – Box 2 – Used for finding out control mechanisms – pg6 Article 2 – Advantages of fusion power, ways it produces energy – pg8 Article 2 – Box 2 – Lithium generation and equations – pg9 Article 2 – Box 2 – Fusion reactions – pg10 Article 2 – Tokamak, problems facing scientists – pg10.

Effect of Drum Pad Machines on Today’s Musicians and their Performances Essay

The chief use of drums and percussion keeps a song’s rhythm intact. Under a layering series of melodies and additional harmonies, the direction in varying yet calculated overall tempo of a song is maneuvered through as the percussionist’s prerogative changes. The natural pulse of the song is kept by the musical intelligence quotient through the musician’s ear. But with the ever-enduring evolution of technology in music and vice-versa, electronic percussion equipment and devices have boomed through different artists’ musical expression and have impacted diverse evolution among genres, especially and significantly on live performances. It seems like the powerful beats and thumps of a traditionally played drum kit have indeed found a rival in loops and grooves of electronic percussion. It can be argued that, with the introduction of this, specifically with drum pads, machines, and software, it has an effect on live music which somewhat eliminates a key human contributory component integral in percussions to song and performance. Effects of Drum Pad Machines on Today’s Musicians and their performances In every live musical performance, the percussion element of the music being delivered by a musician or group of musicians fundamentally serves as the pulse and momentum for a song, and the song changes as the performance develops. Moreover, it considerably serves as the main musical queue as the pace of the song slowly builds up for an array of artistically audible outbursts or surprisingly dies down for a more instant tone-tempo change effect as required in a performance—adding sense of presentation and colorful musical tones within. In this generation’s music scene, the rise of drum pad machines have ushered in electronic loops and grooves for musicians’ convenience in song composition, song rehearsals and more importantly, even upon live performances. Definition of a Drum, Drum Kit, and Drum Pad Machine The most common image of a drum or any form of drums of which many hold could be believed to be anything that is round, and as a series of striking motion hits are applied to, sound is produced. Though this is somewhat true from what truly a drum is, it is not completely accurate. As explained by Drumdojo. com (2008): A drum is any cylindrical object (shell) or object with an open top that has a membrane normally called a head or skin stretched across it, this is known as a membranophone. The drum is struck on the membrane to produce a tone (n p. ). In a drum kit, which is traditionally and mainly used by drummer-musicians in live bands and performances as the main provider for a song’s percussion ingredients, it essentially consists of â€Å"percussion instruments generally including but not limited to bass drum, operated with a foot pedal, snare drum, cymbals, and toms† (Drumdojo. com, 2008, n p. ). A drum machine is basically considered to be an electronic musical gadget, the main purpose of which is to mimic a traditional drums kit—from every single instrument belonging to a kit and with every single sound it is capable of producing. Effects of Using Drum Pad Machines Live Despite the certain differentiations between drum pad machines and traditional percussion instruments such as a drum set, the option of choosing to use a drum pad machine truly lies within the motive and intent of various artists and their expression amongst genres. However, one must understand that with a drum pad machine, there are certain overlooked limitations it holds which in turn constrain the artists’ over-all performance. Since a drum pad machine is a developed piece of technology, a mechanical gadget and a traditional drum kits is crafted through key specifications of size, material, and everything else in between. There would always be a direct comparison, and it could be said that a drum pad machine creation is fuelled by convenience and technology in music, while the drum kits’ creation is duly developed for the art and science of music. As the comparison builds, it would more often than not end only in how musically and significantly restrictive a drum pad machine is to a live performance. With a drum pad machine, the player is considered rather mechanical than artistic. Since the beats, grooves, and loop are pre-programmed and just available for drum pad machine player’s use on the machine, there is somewhat a reduction of the live aspect of a live performance. Buttons and pads available in the drum pad machine can be meddled and pressed by anyone. Thus, there are fewer requirements of truly learning the electronic instrument which translates to even lesser basis of substantiating a drum pad machine player to be skillful in anyway. In terms of a musician’s confidence, since a drum machine could indeed be so compact, there would be much faith in its utilization, but there is a dismissed aspect of being confident in playing live which is the essence of any live performance. In addition, it is known that with the use of a manual and probably minimal practice, anyone could claim the throne being a skilled drum pad machine musician. Being in this age of accessible information, all these carry on and are known by the fans and music enthusiasts who attend live musical performances. Using drum pad machines in a live performance could be translated to perfect pitches and tones since there are already pre-set programming which rather does the work for the artist as opposed to fatigue that could take place as a percussionist performs via hands or sticks. But with this, the use of such only removes the human aspect of artistic expression and justifies a live performance to be strictly a calculation. Fatigue is part of any and every live performance because it only shows that the artists express themselves to be able to connect with their audience—it may be a factor, but is not a good enough reason to compromise an aspect for a live performance. Hence, using a drum pad machine instead of live percussion instrument defeats the purpose of a live performance, for it limits not only individual musical fills and additions a musician may place to highlight style, but it also reduces artistic improvisation that is usually found in a live performance. There is also another important feature which drum pad machines falls short off in a live performance. In varying world cultures which entail diverse musical genres, a drum machine would hold to be off-putting in almost every sense. Musically, almost all cultures in the world holds a percussion instrument of their own which sets not only as a brand of the music they have, but more importantly is part of their cultural and nationalistic identity. For instance, Arabic music is known for the role of percussion instruments like the tabla (University of Florida. com, 2008, n. p. ). Al-Hammar (1999) describes the tabla as an hour-glass shaped drum which is â€Å"traditionally made of clay, [but] more recently, it has been made of metal. The head is made of fish, goat or other animal skins, [and it] has also largely been replaced by a plastic substitute† (n. p. ). In a live performance, it is rather disloyal and to every extent be only a poor imitation and expression of Arabic music in performing such hymns from their culture through a drum machine—to purposely mechanize a culture’s music. It is rather a futile attempt to replace the original sound produced from a distinctive percussion instrument. The main discrepancy lies not in perceived purpose but by intended function. In terms of serving their purpose, both can be of true service in providing the percussion for songs but vary in live performances. The major advantage which a traditional drum kit or a live percussion instrument may hold is of crucial disadvantage for the drum pad machine. Since different percussion instruments comprise a drum kit, particular specifications for each could be done, made, and assembled most fittingly for the musician’s unique and artistic style of playing—in terms of tuning, material used, alloy utilized, etc. More importantly, with a drum kit and other live percussion instruments being played in a performance, a definitive and distinctive sound for the percussion line could be identified. Significantly, the genuine trademark of the artist is imbedded within a song which is indeed crucial in any musical form of expression. Nevertheless, it could be rebutted that aside from being handy and portable as compared to a drum set, the compact drum pad machine holds tone and tempo programming that a drum kit has, and more— all is just a click, touch, or button away. However, its perceived purpose is also its key weakness because the various percussion tones found in the drum pad machine’s electronic memory chips is produced mainly not by the artist but essentially by the machine, as compared to the authentically noteworthy contribution by a musician in performance as the parts of a drum kit or a percussion instrument is played. The musician playing would pour on and express the themes and emotions of the song and connect with the audience with every commanding yet calculated strike, with every forceful and fierce kick, and every dominant splash. This visual and musical performance experience is not as illuminating or animated as a drum machine player pressing buttons on a drum pad machine. Thus, drum pad machines constrict the overall aspect of a live musical performance and do hold back the artist’s live execution. References Al-Hammar, A. (1999). The Arabic Music. The Time Machine, College of Education, University of Florida. Retrieved November 25, 2008 from http://www. coe. ufl. edu/webtech/Timemachine/music/Arabic/answer. htm. Drumdojo. com. (2008). Equipment. Drumdojo. com. Retrieved November 24, 2008 from http://www. drumdojo. com/equipment. htm.