Terms of my knowledge Essay Example for Free

Terms of my knowledge Essay In answering to handout 6, I would like to begin with stating that cognitive is private, yet I believe it is psychologys job investigate the phenomenon. To that extent I will use all my acquired knowledge from this class to discuss my interpretations and doubts with handout 6. For the most part I agree that we have set boundaries on what is me or you, although I am having trouble understanding the concept in terms of my knowledge. But I am aware that in order for me to identify me as a self then the other people must have selfs too, yet I do not know if this is was the handout is trying to explain. I believe this is like the idea that if there is good, there must be evil, for one cannot exist without the other. For example, Watson believed the mind was associated with the idea of a soul, which did not fit into science. He wanted scientific results and reactions all of which the mind had no power over and could not do. For Watson the mind could not think because thinking was not observable, therefore he did not accept the mind in this theory. In addition, Watson despised the notion of mind because it gave meaning to self , which also had no place in science. In this sense, Watson wanted to use matter and energy that were useful to him and produced visible results. He had no use for spirits and ideas because those were nothing, and consisted of conjugated notions that people had identities. For this matter he did not like the self set boundaries because they too were not visible. Like in Dr. Wapners story is cognitive because it is based on one individual personal experience. His feelings and emotions for scientific proposes in the story were not observable which means that Watson, would have rejected the story from any psychology class. The story is an example of desire, which can only be felt by the self/ mind and is identifiable by human cognition. The story was written in with a certain identity and acknowledgment of self that became evident in Dr. Wapners need to diet and skip desserts. In addition to the emotions of anticipation, shock, nerves, and anxiety transpired throughout the story are all synonymous to the mind. The cravings observed by the fact that the Eskimo Pie had been secretly hidden for emergencies gave the notion that the self needed comfort in knowing it had support. Whereas behaviorist would have dismissed the cravings in the story because they are unattainable, like the mind and have no scientific base. In addition to Dr. Wapner feeling pressure of not having dessert was building up inside him. The ice cream was needed to function and Dr. Wapners awareness of his need for ice cream was cognitive privacy. I will use Dr. Wapner story because I can really distort it apart and it works well in my paper. But Dr. Wapners need for dessert was private from all the members of his family, and although there was an advantage to his cognitive privacy this can back fire. It is important to note that have is ability because it first, allows us to have selfs. Second it gives people the opportunity to be individuals, or like the handout stated; have more than meets the eye. If people had no boundaries then we as humans would be all part of one gigantic identity, and that as we all know cannot be true. Psychologists in fact dig into those deep thoughts that are not visible to help people with various problems. I have a hard time believing that things and objects have identities separate for what humans are. In fact, I agree that our ( human) identity is more complex than that of a pencil, who is to say what degree of identity an object can have without being it. Form my perspective a pencil is a writing tool that I use, but the pencil might say it is a tool that uses me. I can very simply identify myself as having an identity and be able to distinguish a pencil from a pen, but who is to say that is was not the pencil who distinguishes it self. I am trying to agree that just because we as people have selfs and identities that does not make other objects lesser than us. I believe that in psychology, although it is the study of the mind, we are very self centered and concentrate too much on the small things. As people we are so ego centric that we many time fail to see beyond was our perception and eyes show us, but that topic is for a different paper. Moving on to our self identity and how we define it, I will use my one year old son as an example since he is on the verge of defining his persona. Although it is true that he still has not fully developed a sense of time or space, and that many times he will act on his impulse without regard to the world around him. He is slowly learning how not to do certain things which may have a bad result. For example, I have been teaching him to eat fruit and he has caught on well and likes most fruits accept for oranges. He is very good at eating very thing I give him but he has now learned to differentiate the orange when he looks at it. And every time he see it, hell make a funny face like if I had given him lemon. Now I realized this is something small, but he is developing self identity and he is now telling me what he likes and does not like. I think it is important for psychology to be aware a notion of the self and identity. I do not know if I am right on the spot which is what Dr. Wapner wanted me to understand. I would really like to know if I am on the right track, because it is important for me understand this so that I can incorporate it into my life. I am a strong believer of self identity and believe it is the essence of psychology, and I believe it because I see in my of son. In the last few papers I have written, I really bashed on Watson but I will admit he did try to make psychology real and honest. In all I have learned in this class self-identification as been the most valuable to me in my life. I am also aware that this is Dr. Wapners last quarter teaching and I would like to say that in the few classes I have been in it has been a pleasure.

Experiment on Changes in Serum Levels of Irisin

Experiment on Changes in Serum Levels of Irisin Khaled Abdelfattah Abdelhamid Abulfadle, MD   Serum irisin level changes after propylthiouracil treatment of L-thyroxine induced hyperthyroidism in rats ABSTRACT Background: Thyroid hormones play an essential role in lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism; and they regulate thermogenesis and basal metabolic rate. Irisin is a myokine that is secreted as a product of fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) was shown to be present in many tissues, including the thyroid tissue. Objective: To investigate the possible changes in serum levels of irisin that occurred in a rat model of hyperthyroidism and the effects of use of propylthiouracil (PTU) in its treatment. Design: 18 male albino rats were divided into 3 groups. Group I was the intact control. Rats of group II and III received daily 0.3 mg/kg subcutaneous injection of L-thyroxine (LT4) for 12 consecutive days. On the thirteenth day, animals of group III (Hyperthyroid PTU treated) received 5 ml/kg i.p. injection of propylthiouracil (PTU) along with an equivalent amount of LT4 as administered to group II animals for more 15 days. Animals of group II (Hyperthyroid control) continued to receive LT4. On the day of termination (28th day of starting LT4 treatment), overnight (12hrs) fasted animals were sacrificed by decapitation under ether anesthesia. Results: In the hyperthyroid control group, there was a significant decrease in serum level of TSH (P0.05) in serum levels of TSH, T4, T3 irisin, and, BMI in hyperthyroid PTU group in comparison to that in the intact control group. In the hyperthyroid control group, there was a significant increase in the serum level of both glucose (P0.05) in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group in comparison to that in the intact control group. In the hyperthyroid control group, there was a significant decrease in serum levels of both TC (P0.05) in serum levels of both TG and LDL-C in comparison to that in the intact control group. Conclusion: This study showed a significant increase in serum levels of irisin in L-thyroxine induced hyperthyroidism in rats. On using PTU, serum levels of irisin, thyroid hormones, metabolic parameters and BMI were significantly changed in comparison to the hyperthyroid control group. Keywords: Irisin, T3, T4, TSH, Propylthiouracil, Hyperthyroidism. Introduction: Irisin is a myokine that is secreted as a product of fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) in the skeletal muscle (Samy, Ismail et al. 2015, Jin Zhang 2017, Nathan C. Winn 2017). FNDC5, which is the precursor of irisin was shown to be present in many tissues, including the thyroid tissue (Huh, Panagiotou et al. 2012). It is secreted by a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ÃŽÂ ³ (PPARÃŽÂ ³) coactivator 1ÃŽÂ ± (PGC1-ÃŽÂ ±) after an exercise (Aydin 2014). Irisin was found to have an anti-obesity effect as it replaces the white fatty tissue with brown fatty tissue by the increase of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) resulting in oxygen consumption and stimulation of thermogenesis (Bostrà ¶m, Wu et al. 2012, Castillo-Quan 2012, Roca-Rivada, Castelao et al. 2013, Jin Zhang 2017, Nathan C. Winn 2017). Stengel, Hofmann et al. (2013) found that irisin level was identified to be high in obesity and to be low in anorexia nervosa. On the other hand, thyroid hormones pla y an essential role in lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism; and they regulate thermogenesis and basal metabolic rate (Hulbert 2000). Also, hyperfunction of thyroid gland is a common endocrine disorder which is accompanied by metabolic imbalance, oxidative stress and abnormal energy homeostasis (Erdamar, Demirci et al. 2008). There were some controversies in the results of studying the effect of thyroid hormone level changes on serum levels of irisin as Yalcin, Akturk et al. (2016) found an increase in serum irisin levels in hyperthyroidism and they suggested that it might contribute to altered energy metabolism. Also, Samy, Ismail et al. (2015) stated that hyperthyroidism was associated with up-regulation of serum irisin in male rats, probably as a response to myopathy and/or oxidative damage observed in both conditions. Moreover, Ruchala, Zybek et al. (2014) reported a borderline elevation of serum irisin in hyperthyroid versus hypothyroid patients. On the contrary, Panagiot ou, Pazaitou-Panayiotou et al. (2016) stated that changes in thyroid hormone levels did not affect circulating irisin levels in humans. Also, Stengel, Hofmann et al. (2013), Ellefsen, Vikmoen et al. (2014) and Gouni-Berthold, Berthold et al. (2013) reported lack of associations between levels of irisin, TSH and/or thyroid hormones. On the other hand, Zybek-Kocik, Sawicka-Gutaj et al. (2016) stated that irisin concentration was changed during prolonged thyroid function impairment. Also, AteÃ…Å ¸, Altay et al. (2016) found that, in hypothyroidism, there was a positive correlation between serum irisin levels and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) while a negative correlation was found between irisin levels and thyroxine (T4). Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the possible changes in serum levels of irisin that occurred in a rat model of hyperthyroidism and the effects of use of propylthiouracil (PTU) in its treatment. Materials and Methods: Animals preparations and experimental protocol: In the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, this experimental study was done from 6th of November 2016 to 28th of December 2016. 18 adult male albino rats, age and weight matched (170-195 gm), were purchased from the animal house of Zagazig University and were housed at 20-22 °C on a 12-h light-dark cycle and for 5 days, to achieve acclimatization, they were supplied with tap water and a standard chow diet. Rats were divided into 3 groups of 6 each. Group I animals served as the intact control, whereas those of group II and III received daily subcutaneous injection of L-thyroxine (LT4) (Sigma, MO, USA) at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg for 12 consecutive days (Panda and Kar 2007). On the thirteenth day, animals of group III received propylthiouracil (PTU) (Sigma, MO, USA) 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally (Panda and Kar 2007) along with an equivalent amount of LT4 as administered to group II animals. PTU was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected, in a volume of 5 ml/kg, dis solved in saline (Kim, Kim et al. 2012). Experiment was continued for more 15 consecutive days (from 13th LT4 treatment). Animals of group II continued to receive LT4 and acted as hyperthyroid control. Intact control rats were injected with 5 ml/kg/day subcutaneously with saline. On the day of termination (28th day of starting LT4 treatment), overnight (12hrs) fasted animals were sacrificed by decapitation under ether anesthesia. Blood from each animal was collected and by its centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 15 minutes, serum was separated and stored -20oc till the time of assay of different biochemical parameters (Kumar, Kar et al. 2014). PTU was used to treat hyperthyroidism by decreasing the amount of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland (Nakamura, Noh et al. 2007), and it also inhibited the enzyme 5-deiodinase, which converts thyroxine (T4) to the active form triiodothyronine (T3) (Bahn, Burch et al. 2009). Also, it inhibited LT4-induced hyperthyroidisms in rats (Panda a nd Kar 2007). Body mass index (BMI) changes: BMI in gm/cm2 was calculated in the different groups, just before rats were sacrificed (under ether anesthesia), by dividing Body weight (gm) on Length2 (cm2) (Novelli, Diniz et al. 2007). A graduated (in centimeters) metal ruler was used for measuring the rat length by putting the zero end at the rat anus and recorded the reading which reached by the nose. BMI was used as a measure for the change in body weight of rats (Novelli, Diniz et al. 2007). Figure-1: Experimental design. Rats were divided into 3 groups. Group I was the intact control. Rats of group II and III received daily subcutaneous injection of levothyroxine (LT4) for 12 consecutive days. On the thirteenth day, animals of group III (Hyperthyroid PTU treated) received i.p. injection of propylthiouracil (PTU) along with an equivalent amount of LT4 as administered to group II animals for more 15 days. Animals of group II (Hyperthyroid control) continued to receive LT4. On the day of termination (28th day of starting LT4 treatment), overnight (12hrs) fasted animals were sacrificed by decapitation under ether anesthesia. Measurement of serum parameters: Serum level of irisin was estimated (in ng/ml) using an irisin rat ELISA assay kit following the manufacturers instructions (Catalog# EK-067-52; Phoenix Pharmaceuticals Inc., Burlingame, California, USA) with a detection range of 0.1-1000 ng/ml. Quantitative immunoassaying of T3, T4 and TSH using commercially available kits as recommended by the manufacturer (cat#SE120091, SE120090, SE120135, ELISA Kits, Sigma-Aldrich). Both serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were estimated using enzymatic colorimetric methods. Serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was assayed using NS Biotec HDL-precipitating reagent. Serum low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated using the Friedewald formula: LDL-C (mg/dl) = [(TC) (HDL-C) ( (Friedewald, Levy et al. 1972) Estimation of both serum glucose levels, using an automated analyzer (YSI 2300; YSI Life Sciences, Yellow Springs, OH), and serum insulin levels, using ELISA kits (RD Systems, Minneapolis, MN), were done. For assessing insulin resistance (IR), the homeostasis model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR) index was calculated by: HOMA-IR = (Nayak, Hillemane et al. 2014). There is a direct relation between insulin resistance and the value of HOMA-IR (Bonora, Targher et al. 2000). Statistical analysis: By the use of IBM SPSS Statistics for windows package version (24), data were analyzed and described as Mean ± SEM. For calculation of the statistical significance, One-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc test for multiple group comparison were used. P†°Ã‚ ¤0.05 indicated significance. Results: Table-1: Changes in serum levels of TSH, T4, T3 irisin, and, BMI among different groups Intact control Hyperthyroid control Hyperthyroid PTU treated TSH (à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ­IU/L) 2.82 ±0.12 0.81 ±0.05a 2.68 ±0.14bc T4 (à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ­g/dl) 5.33 ±0.14 16.2 ±0.2a 5.36 ±0.18bc T3 (ng/ml) 1.29 ±0.04 3.52 ±0.11a 1.36 ±0.04bc Irisin (ng/ml) 401.67 ±5.65 599.17 ±6.82a 409.5 ±6bc BMI (gm/cm2) 0.54 ±0.01 0.44 ±0.01a 0.51 ±0.01bc Data was expressed as Mean ±SEM. a P0.05 in comparison to the intact control group. c P Table-2: Changes in metabolic parameters among different groups Intact control Hyperthyroid control Hyperthyroid PTU treated Glucose (mg/dl) 91.5 ±0.92 113 ±2.33a 91.33 ±1.2bc Insulin (à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ­IU/ml) 2.95 ±0.12 4.86 ±0.16a 2.88 ±0.13bc HOMA-IR 0.67 ±0.02 1.36 ±0.05a 0.65 ±0.03bc TC (mg/dl) 106.5 ±2.51 89.83 ±2.52a 103.33 ±1.63bd TG (mg/dl) 55.17 ±1.22 52.33 ±0.67b 53.17 ±0.95be HDL-C (mg/dl) 54 ±1.15 43.33 ±0.88a 51.33 ±0.99bc LDL-C (mg/dl) 41.47 ±3.27 36.03 ±3.07b 41.37 ±1.92be Data was expressed as Mean ±SEM. a P0.05 in comparison to the intact control group. c P0.05 in comparison to the hyperthyroid control group. HOMA-IR, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index; TC, total cholesterol; TG, triglycerides; HDL-C, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol; LDL-C, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Figure-2: Correlations between serum irisin levels and: TSH, T4 T3 in, the intact control group (A), hyperthyroid control group (B) and hyperthyroid PTU treated group (C); glucose in the intact control group (D); insulin HOMA-IR in the intact control group (E); glucose in the hyperthyroid control group (F); insulin HOMA-IR in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group (G); TC HDL-C in the hyperthyroid control group (H). r is the correlation coefficient. Table-1 showed changes in serum levels of TSH, T4, T3 irisin, and, BMI among different groups. In the hyperthyroid control group, there was a significant decrease in serum level of TSH (0.81 ±0.05, P group (2.82 ±0.12), (0.54 ±0.01) (5.33 ±0.14), (1.29 ±0.04) and (401.67 ±5.65) respectively. On the other hand, there were insignificant changes (P>0.05) in serum levels of TSH, T4, T3 irisin, and, BMI in hyperthyroid PTU group in comparison to that in the intact control group. Also, there was a significant increase in both serum level of TSH (2.68 ±0.14, P0.05) in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group in comparison to that in the intact control group. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the serum levels of both glucose (91.33 ±1.2, P0.05) in serum levels of both TG (52.33 ±0.67) and LDL-C (36.03 ±3.07) in comparison to that in the intact control group (106.5 ±2.51), (54 ±1.15), (55.17 ±1.22) and (41.47 ±3.27) respectively. In the hyperthyroid PTU treated group, there was a significant increase in serum levels of both TC (103.33 ±1.63, P0.05) in serum levels of both TG (53.17 ±0.95) and LDL-C (41.37 ±1.92) in comparison to that in the intact co ntrol group (89.83 ±2.52), (43.33 ±0.88), (52.33 ±0.67) and (36.03 ±3.07) respectively. Also, there were no significant changes (P>0.05) in serum levels of TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group in comparison to that in the intact control group. Figure-2A showed a significant positive correlation between serum irisin levels and that of T4 (r=0.97, P Discussion: This study was done to declare changes in irisin serum levels in a rat model of hyperthyroidism and the effect of PTU therapy on it. Also, to identify the association between serum irisin level changes in such conditions and some metabolic parameters including insulin resistance and lipid profile. The results of this study showed a significant decrease in serum level of TSH and BMI, but, a significant increase in serum levels of T4, T3, and irisin in the hyperthyroid control group, in comparison to that in the intact control group. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between serum irisin levels and that of T4 T3 but a significant negative correlation with serum TSH in the hyperthyroid control group. These results were supported by Huh, Panagiotou et al. (2012) who stated that FNDC5, irisin precursor, was present in the thyroid tissue. Also, the present study results were supported by Irrcher, Adhihetty et al. (2003), Ruchala, Zybek et al. (2014), Sanchis-Gomar and Per ez-Quilis (2014), Samy, Ismail et al. (2015) and Yalcin, Akturk et al. (2016) who found an increase in serum irisin levels in hyperthyroidism and they suggested that it might contribute to altered energy metabolism. Moreover, Irrcher, Adhihetty et al. (2003) reported that T3 increased the irisin precursor, PGC-1ÃŽÂ ±, expression in muscle. Furthermore, Sanchis-Gomar and Perez-Quilis (2014) stated that serum irisin was increased in hyperthyroidism as a compensatory response to oxidative stress as it had an antioxidant effect. On the contrary, Gouni-Berthold, Berthold et al. (2013), Stengel, Hofmann et al. (2013) and Panagiotou, Pazaitou-Panayiotou et al. (2016) stated that changes in levels of thyroid hormones did not affect circulating irisin levels in humans. This discrepancy between their results and that of this study could be explained by species difference. Regarding the negative correlation between both irisin and TSH hormones which was present in this study, it was support ed by Ruchala, Zybek et al. (2014). On the contrary, Stengel, Hofmann et al. (2013) and Ellefsen, Vikmoen et al. (2014) reported lack of correlation between serum levels of irisin and that of TSH and thyroid hormones. Regarding body weight changes with hyperthyroidism, the result of this study was supported by Janson, Karlsson et al. (1995), Voldstedlund, Tranum-Jensen et al. (1995) and Loeb (1996) who found a decrease in body weight with hyperthyroidism. Also, this study results were supported by Bostrà ¶m, Wu et al. (2012), Castillo-Quan (2012) and Roca-Rivada, Castelao et al. (2013) who found that irisin had an anti-obesity effect as it replaced the white adipose tissue with brown adipose tissue and increased oxygen consumption and thermogenesis. On the contrary, Stengel, Hofmann et al. (2013) and Saleh, et al. (2014) found that irisin level was high in obesity and low in anorexia nervosa. This discrepancy between their results and that of this study can be explained by species difference. On the other hand, this study results showed insignificant changes in serum levels of TSH, T4, T3 irisin, and, BMI in hyperthyroid PTU group in comparison to that in the intact control group. This indicated the improvement that occurred with PTU therapy in cases of hyperthyroidism which was supported by Nakamura, Noh et al. (2007), Panda and Kar (2007) and Bahn, Burch et al. (2009). Also, the results of this study showed a significant increase in both serum level of TSH and BMI, but, a significant decrease in serum levels of T4, T3, and irisin in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group in comparison to that in the hyperthyroid control group. These results were supported by Park, Lee et al. (2016) who found that PTU administration ameliorated hyperthyroidism, reducing T4 and T3, and, increasing both TSH and BMI. Moreover, the results of this study showed a significant increase in the serum level of both glucose and insulin, and, the value of HOMA-IR in the hyperthyroid contro l group in comparison to that of the intact control group. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between serum irisin levels and that of glucose in the hyperthyroid control group. These results indicated occurrence of insulin resistance with hyperthyroidism which was supported by Loeb (1996). This was supported also by Saleh, et al. (2014) who stated that hyperglycemia gradually up regulated FNDC5/irisin expression in the skeletal muscles non-diabetic persons. Also, this study results were supported by Hee Park, Zaichenko et al. (2013), Liu, Wong et al. (2013) and Mehrabian, Taheri et al. (2016) who found a positive correlation between serum irisin and that of glucose. On the contrary, Mehrabian, Taheri et al. (2016) found that serum irisin was negatively correlated with serum glucose level. Opposite to the results of this study, Huh, Panagiotou et al. (2012), Choi, Kim et al. (2013) and Sanchis-Gomar and Perez-Quilis (2014) found that decreased blood irisin level was a ccompanied by insulin resistance development. Sanchis-Gomar and Perez-Quilis (2014) stated also, that irisin ameliorated insulin resistance by increasing betatrophin hormone expression which stimulated ÃŽÂ ²-cell regeneration. Furthermore, the results of this study showed no significant changes in the serum level of both glucose and insulin, and, the value of HOMA-IR in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group in comparison to that in the intact control group. Also, there was a significant decrease in the serum levels of both glucose and insulin, and, the value of HOMA-IR in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group in comparison to that of the hyperthyroid control group which means improvement of insulin resistance with PTU treatment. On the other hand, Huh, Panagiotou et al. (2012) found that exposure to high blood glucose for a long time was associated with a significant decrease in irisin serum level. The discrepancy between their results and the result of this study could be explained by the difference in species and duration of the study. In the hyperthyroid control group, there was a significant decrease in serum levels of both TC and HDL-C but, there were insignificant changes in serum levels of both TG and LDL-C in comparison to that in the intact control group. Also, there were significant negative correlations between serum irisin levels and that of both TC and HDL-C in the hyperthyroid control group. On the other hand, in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group, there was a significant increase in serum levels of both TC and HDL-C but, there were insignificant changes in serum levels of both TG and LDL-C in comparison to that in the intact control group. Also, there were no significant changes in serum levels of TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group in comparison to that in the intact control group. The results of this study was partly supported by Mehrabian, Taheri et al. (2016) found a negative correlation between irisin and TC but, a po sitive correlation with HDL-C in normal weight obesity. On the other hand, Liu, Wong et al. (2013) found a positive correlation between serum irisin level and TC in non- obese, non- diabetic persons. Also, Sanchis-Gomar, Alis et al. (2014) reported insignificant correlation between irisin and TC. Conclusion   Ã‚   This study showed a significant increase in serum levels of irisin in L-thyroxine induced hyperthyroidism in rats and this could be related to changes in thyroid hormones, body weight and metabolic parameters. On using PTU, serum levels of irisin, thyroid hormones, metabolic parameters and BMI were significantly changed in comparison to the hyperthyroid control group and insignificantly changed in comparison to the intact control group which confirmed the improvement of the hyperthyroidism. Future studies are needed to confirm these results and to ensure the possible use of irisin as a biomarker for proper treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Impact of the Appreciation of the New Zealand Dollar on SMEs

Impact of the Appreciation of the New Zealand Dollar on SMEs APPRECIATION OF NZ$: ITS IMPACT ON SME’s New Zealand has been considered as a distinguished economy. It is primarily because the economy faced the challenges of international economic depression and was victorious in the same. According to a report by Forbes in the year 2014, the country holds a strong rank among the safe-haven economies in the world. New Zealand’s economy has been a dynamic one (Colombo, 2014). It has experienced appreciation and depreciation of its dollar on a consequent basis. Even in the 1990s and early 2000s New Zealand’s economy acknowledged higher appreciation of its dollar due to higher interest rates which fascinated large number of capital investors (Brash, 2000; Fallow, 2013). But since 2009, the economy is emerged very strongly but this has resulted in rising level of concerns among varied sectors and industries in New Zealand (Fallow, 2013). SME which implies â€Å"Small and Medium Enterprises† play a very crucial role in the economic development of any economy across the globe (Fink and Kraus, 2009). New Zealand is no different as its economy to a large extent is supported by performance of SMEs. But defining SME is a critical job because there is not universally accepted definition. Each economy has a different definition of a SME (Abdullah and Bakar, 2000). SMEs in New Zealand are defined by the New Zealand governing bodies as those organizational set ups which operate with 20 or less number of workers / employee (Ministry of Economic Development, 2011). Most of these units are generally controlled and handled by their owners themselves. One third of New Zealand’s GDP (gross domestic product) comprises of inputs from this sector (Waikato Times, 2014). This sector has also aided in provision of employment which is evident from the fact that one third of New Zealand’s entire population is absorbed f or varied jobs (Waikato Times, 2014). Another startling fact about SME in New Zealand is that it comprises of approximately 97 % of trade and commerce through 460,000 SME set ups (Ministry of Economic Development, 2011; Waikato Times, 2014). SMEs in New Zealand have resorted to extensive internationalization. These organizations are not supported by subsidies from New Zealand’s government. But yet they have undertaken this route to overcome competitive pressures created due to presence of cheap Chinese products in domestic markets (Jaeger, 2007). Thus to gain long term sustainability these organizations have internationalized their operations. Most of the SMEs who have opted to internationalize have resorted to a unique business strategy and model of their own. This is primarily because these SMEs aim to gain competitive advantage through internalization by optimally using various available and accessible opportunities (Jaeger, 2007). These SMEs mainly focus on geographic diversity of markets and effectively of distribution channels. The markets of chosen not on basis of any technical analysis but based on SME entrepreneur’s individual choices and their understanding of market feasibility. The internationa lization adopted by SMEs in New Zealand is termed as Bricolage model. The model is depicted in diagram below. Figure 1 The Bricolage Model Source: Jaeger, 2007 USD that is United States Dollar is considered as a point of reference in the world economy (Bloomberg, 2013). No governing body or international organization has declared USD as a ruling currency (Amadeo, 2014). But yet the appreciation and depreciation of currency across world is measured against this dollar primarily because it is considered as a governing intercontinental currency in. As a matter of fact in many countries even outside America, USD is used as their formal currency. Further approximately 85 % of foreign exchange trading entail use of dollars (Amadeo, 2014). Currency depreciation against USD implies a stronger dollar which makes imports expensive for local organizations (Gwartney et al, 2014). This is mainly because dollar becomes more costly. This in turn implies more money draining out of a nation and thus negatively affecting domestic economy. Currency appreciation is a more favourable option for economies but only in the long run. Currency appreciation means det eriorating USD in comparison to domestic currency. It is mainly because domestic currency appreciation implies a stronger economy and making imports cheaper. But it also implies increased prices of exports which makes domestic economy’s products expensive in international markets. Alternatively, with cheaper imports, domestic products within local markets face stiff price competition. Though a strong appreciation of currency indicates a stable and strong economy but its pitfalls cannot be negated. In 2011-12, New Zealand’s economy experienced an augmentation of 7 % in NZ $ on a Trade Weighted Index (TWI) Basis (Tarrant, 2012). One of the major reasons behind this is economy’s potential to overcome financial spur created by varied banks across the globe (Tarrant, 2012). Some of the other reasons this currency appreciation are depreciation of US dollars, strong and optimistic credit ratings for New Zealand’s economy by international organizations, stability in international monetary markets, benevolent economic conditions, accelerating interest rates and a centre of attention for capital investments (PwC, 2014; Headey and Fan, 2008). Another reason put forward for this is slackening of economic and monetary policies by various economies (Bernanke, 2010). In this most of the central banks provide for quantitative leverage of either float newly produced currency which results in increased risk exposure at international forum (Tarrant, 2012). The appreciation of NZ $ has benefitted the economy by helping the same to control its inflationary rates and trend thus enhancing economy’s stability. New Zealand with its far sighted strategic planning has been able to overcome negative impacts of such financial spur. But this too have had its side effects in form of raising medium term interest rates (International Monetary Fund, 2010). These rising rates have made it costly for SMEs to procure bank investments and thus discoursing entrepreneurs to a large extent. Out of all the negative impacts, the worst affected due to New Zealand’s money appreciation are trade sectors, exports business and import-competing manufacturers (Tarrant, 2012). One of the major impacts of appreciation of NZ $ was evident from restricted export activities. Price responsive markets strongly reacted to such currency appreciation which was apparent in form of declining New Zealand exports (Deakins et al, 2013). As a result of this export earnings decline, many companies were forced to withdraw from international markets. This depicted a negative impact on New Zealand’s economy and SMEs. But interestingly companies having strategic approach which catered at developing strong associations with banks and providing adequate time and resources were seemed to be successful. Another impact of appreciation of NZ $ was visible in form of declining product prices which affected manufacturers and traders to a large extent. Considering the case of dairy in New Zealand, the prices of dairy products fell steeply. Dairy farmers were affected to a large extent mainly because such a price decline meant lower income (Shanghai Daily, 2014). But the situation got managed due to high export demands of New Zealand’s dairy products in China, primarily at higher prices owing to its categorization as a lavish product (Teague, 2014). With imports becoming cheap, the import-competing organizations are having a tough time in sustaining market pressures. A major chunk of New Zealand’s import is from China. Thus with currency appreciation, Chinese products which are as it is lower priced are easily spreading their tentacles within the economy. Domestic manufacturers are failing to perform primarily because people in New Zealand are offered with large number of cheaper substitutes. This has resulted in a change in disbursements pattern of its population. (Tarrant, 2012) There has been a dearth of research related to appreciation of NZ $ and its impact on SMEs. In such a scenario it is essential to study such relationships between the two to understand the dynamics of New Zealand’s markets both at national and international frontier. Therefore this study will be interesting along with being useful. This study will provide with an insight to the various SME organizations with regards to sound strategic planning so that they can benefit from such NZ $ appreciation. References Abdullah,M. and Bakar, M. (2000). Small and Medium Enterprises in Asian Pacific Countries: Roles and issues. New York: Nova Publishers Amadeo, K. (2014). World Currency: Why Dollar is the World Currency?. Available at http://useconomy.about.com/od/glossary/g/global_currency.htm [Accessed Sept 24, 2014] Bernanke, B. (2010). The economic outlook and monetary policy. In Speech at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Economic Symposium, Jackson Hole, (Vol. 27), Wyoming. Bloomberg (2013). Bloomberg Indexes Unveils Dynamic U.S. Dollar Benchmark. Bloomberg Finance LP Brash, (2000). The fall of the New Zealand dollar: why has it happened, and what does it mean? Reserve Bank of New Zealand Bulletien, Vol. 63, No. 4, pp. 22-27 Colombo, J. (2014). 12 Reasons Why New Zealands Economic Bubble Will End InDisaster. Available at http://www.forbes.com/sites/jessecolombo/2014/04/17/12-reasons-hy-new-zealands-economic-bubble-will-end-in-disaster/ [Accessed Sept 18, 2014] Deakins, D., Battisti, M., Perry, M. and Crick, D. (2013).Understanding Internationalisation Behaviour. New Zealand Centre for Small and Medium Enterprise Research. New Zealand Fallow, B. (2013). Strong NZ dollar only part of the story. New Zealand Herald. Dated 7th Feb, Auckland. Fink and Kraus, S. (2009). The Management ofSmall and Medium Enterprises. USA: Routledge Gwartney, J., Stroup, R., Sobel, R. and Macpherson, D. (2014). Economics: Private And Public Choice. USA: Cengage Learning Headey, D. and Fan, S. (2008). Anatomy of a crisis: the causes and consequences of surging food prices.Agricultural Economics,Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 375-391. International Monetary Fund (2010). New Zealand: 2010 Article IV Consultation Staff Report; and Public Information Notice on the Executive Board Discussion. International Monetary Fund Jaeger, S. (2007). How SMEs engage in the global economy – cases from New Zealand. In Oxford Business Economics Conference, UK: Oxford University. Ministry of Economic Development (2011). SMEs in New Zealand: Structure and Dynamics. New Zealand Government, New Zealand. PwC (2014). The rise and rise of the NZ dollar exchange rate – implications for the New Zealand economy. Available at http://www.pwc.co.nz/news-releases/the-rise-and-rise-of-the-nz-dollar-exchange-rate/ [Accessed Sept 18, 2014] Shanghai Daily (2014). Dairy prices, currency appreciation trouble New Zealand producers. Shanghai Daily, dated !9th Aug, Shanghai Tarrant, A. (2012). High NZ$ keeping inflation in check, but detrimental to NZ economy, as global central banks print, RBNZ says; ‘Global easing may continue’. JDJL Limited, dated 8th Mar, Auckland. Teague, S. (2014). New Zealand dollar caught between safe-haven and EM status. EuroMoney, dated 3rd Sept, UK. Waikato Times (2014). SMEs still backbone of NZ business. Available at http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/small-business/10198006/SMEs-still-backbone-of-NZ-business [Accessed Sept 25, 2014]

How Sensationalism Affects Eve Essays -- essays research papers

How Sensationalism Affects Everyone Involved In today ¡Ã‚ ¦s society journalism is under close scrutiny and is losing its credibility. Sensationalism effects both those who receive it in addition to those who report it. This essay will review the history of sensationalism in the media, clearly demonstrate how sensationalism effects ours views on journalism, and confront the ethical dilemmas that journalists must face between reporting objectively and reporting what sells. This will be accomplished by investigating various sources, including articles published on the Internet as well as those published in newspapers and magazines. Throughout history sensationalism has been represented in all shapes and sizes. Celebrity journalism is amongst the oldest forms of sensationalism. For instance, America ¡Ã‚ ¦s first real newspaper, Publick Occurrences, Both Foreign and Domestic, reported a story on how the King of France was flirting with the prince ¡Ã‚ ¦s wife. Furthermore, in the 1830s, there was the creation of the penny press, which appealed to the then growing population of immigrants in our cities. These papers focused on the reporting of crime and celebrities. Sensationalism returned in the late 19th century in the form of  ¡Ã‚ §Yellow Journalism ¡Ã‚ ¨. Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst competed viciously for readers of their respected newspapers. They both sensationalized stories about alleged atrocities committed by the Spanish, calling for the United States to step in on behalf of the Cubans. Equally important, when the USS Maine mysteriously blew up, both papers immediately blamed the Sp aniards. Today, this incident remains a mystery. In addition many blame the act of  ¡Ã‚ §Yellow Journalism ¡Ã‚ ¨ as the cause for the Spanish/American war. Yet another form of sensationalism popped up in the 1920s, picture tabloids. Sensationalism still remains a strong force in the current media. May it be in the form of picture tabloid magazines, celebrity journalism, or the violence infested media known as television and movies, the fact is that it sells. As long as there is a market for this type of unethical journalism there will a supply. Over the years, the general public has depended on the media for its information on current events. On the other hand, the public is becoming less and less confident in the objectivity of the news that is reported. Just last year a reporter for... ...nalism has become deeply entrenched in the media, leaving the public paying a high price through their loss of credible sources of information. In turn, journalists are also paying a high price by sacrificing their ethical standards and succumbing to the temptations of sensationalism for the sake of profit. The mass media has particularly found an avenue for vivid sensationalism through the phenomenon of television, which allows the public to passively absorb fast-moving images, without receiving comprehensive information. It is unlikely that sensationalism can be eliminated, however, the public would be well advised to actively consider their sources of information, rejecting those that blatantly disregard standards of objectivity and credibility in exchange for shallow glitter. By clearly sending a message of dissatisfaction to the corporations that control the mass media, the public may influence the decisions that are made and work toward improvement. Likewise, despite being constrained by the mandates of their management, journalists must make a concerted effort to resist resorting to sensationalism to sell a story, and rather base their success on solid, objective reporting.

The Downfall and Destruction of a King in the Play, Oedipus the King :: Oedipus the King Oedipus Rex

The Downfall of a King in the Play, Oedipus the King I found the tragedy of "Oedipus the King" to be quite interesting. It was not as hard to read as an epic. "The purpose of tragedy is to arouse the emotions of pity and fear and thus to produce in the audience a catharsis of these emotions." (p488, A Handbook of Literature) A tragedy has more drama and builds to the climax. Oedipus' fate was set into motion by the circumstances he created himself because of his own rashness and arrogance. This is called an inciting incident. "He is headstrong and foolish (in not questioning Polybus and Merope in more detail or pursuing his original question with the Delphic oracle)." (Duke) For instance, Oedipus could have asked these questions: (1) How was King Laius killed and where? (2) Who are my real parents? He would not have married his mother and had children with her. He would have become King of Corinth. Jocasta would not have hung herself. Oedipus would not have blinded himself. The city would not have been plagued because Laius killer had not been punished. In today's society Oedipus would not have gotten away with murder. That was very different in the Greek society; murder was viewed as making someone a hero and more powerful. Although, if one had too much pride that was a sin. How can someone get away with murder and not be affected by it? He killed Laius in cold blood and that is all there is to it. However, this is how the overall plot of the play evolved. "When the play opens, the city of Thebes is wasting away under a plague that leaves its fields and women barren. Oedipus, the king of Thebes, has sent his brother-in-law, Creon, to ask the house of Apollo to ask the oracle how to put an end to the plague. Creon returns, bearing good news: once the killer of the previous king, Laius, is found, Thebes will be cured of the plague (Laius was Jocasta's husband before she married Oedipus). Hearing this, Oedipus swears he will find the murderer and banish him. He asks Creon some questions: where was Laius murdered? did anyone see the crime? how many men killed him? Creon answers: Laius was killed outside the city by a group of robbers, and the only witness was a shepherd who still lives nearby.

Nuclear Waste Management position at Ontario

As a second year student at the University of Toronto, majoring in Environmental Science, I am excited to be applying to the Ontario Power Generation. This is an excellent opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills while gaining practical work experience and further understanding the science behind it. I believe that I would be a great fit given my background, thirst for experience, and never-ending enthusiasm, and I would appreciate the opportunity to contribute this company. Throughout my schooling, as a science student, I have had a great deal of practice in the raw technical skills needed in data management and handing dangerous materials. Laboratories hold a strict code of conduct for safety procedures, and expect quick and efficient work with little error. This has given me acute attention to detail, even with a time limit. My time spent in laboratories has also forced me to gain good understanding of Microsoft office suite and statistics, as many of the reports require manipulation and interpretation of mass amounts of data. Cooperation is also a necessary skill I have perfected in laboratories, as many are performed in pairs; however I also retain the ability to perform alone effectively, and complete my work independently. Also, as a science student, I have a good background understanding of the concepts behind nuclear waste management. In addition to a chemistry, physics, and the three main principles of concentrate and contain, dilute and disperse, and delay and decay, I also understand cultural perspectives and challenges of this field. Throughout my career I have been heavily involved in the community, which has given me a strong work ethic, and excellent interpersonal skills I own today . In High School, I was a part-time cashier, in a fast-paced environment , and in direct interaction with customers . Through this I developed the professionalism and customer service initiative needed to excel in a service job, as well as acute problem solving skills for everything from computer issues to customer complaints, and an efficient work ethic. Perhaps my favourite, and most rewarding experience, however has been my volunteer time at Habitat for Humanity. It was an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone , and though the work was difficult at first, I kept with it, and was greatly rewarded . I have since maintained a proactive, hands-on, and enthusiastic attitude in all areas of my life, especially when facing new challenges. Both opportunities have also allowed me to understand, and seek that balance between hard work, and efficiency, while also reaping the benefits of teamwork, and companionship with one’s coworkers. I sincerely believe that my skill set and background would be an asset to Ontario Power Generation, and my enthusiasm and teamwork would fit perfectly in the fabric of this company. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to meeting you and discussing how I can become a part of the OPG team.

Why Whaling Should Be Banned

Whales have been hunted by humans for their meet, bones and blubber.Whaling, during the 19th century, wiped out most of the world's whale populations.Whales grow and breed slowly; numbers will take a long time to recover. This means that they will more easily become more extinct.InformationThe International Whaling Commission (IWC) banned whaling in 1986.There are some countries that issue permits to kill whales for research; Japan uses this to hunt whales and the meat from their research. The Japanese whaling people left for the Antarctic in December 2006, with the intention of killing 850 Minke whales and 10 fin whales.Whales are hunted for their: Liver – oil * Skin – Belts/ shoes/ handbags and luggageBone – animal feed and fertilisersTeeth – buttons/ piano keys and jewellery Why?1. Lots of different types of whales are hunted, including: Right Whale: It was considered the perfect whale to hunt because it had lots of blubber for oil lamps; (that is why it is called â€Å"Right† whale. ) Blue Whale: Considered too dangerous to hunt mostly, but some of the more brave hunters went after this whale because, it is bigger and so it provides more blubber, meat and bone. Arguments against Whaling Anti-whaling extremists claim that the whale is an intelligent mammal, that is able to feel pain the same way humans do, and that they should be treated as humans. Those supporting whaling think that, and claims that man is above the whales and man has been put on this earth by God to maintain the natural resources, in which includes the lords of the sea, – the whales.Maintain meaning both making sure they don’t become extinct but as masters of this earth, we are allowed to hunt them. Whaling is a tradition, especially in Norway, but also in other countries, like Japan, and for some, keeping traditions alive is very important. The strongest argument against whaling is simply the pain it has to go through. As stated above, anti-whalers say that the whale feels pain the same way humans do, and when a harpoon hits a whale, it might take up to 10 minutes before it is dead. If the whale is dead 10 seconds after impact with the harpoon, the whale is killed instantly, they claim, but this is rare.In 1996, whaling-inspectors reported that the average time the whale had to suffer rated from 4-6 minutes. But that is just the killing process. Before you can shoot the whale, you have to find the whale, and because the whale is only up to breathe a couple of seconds the shooter has 2-3 seconds to fire. Anti-whalers say that the hunting, which may take up to several hours, must scare the whale, and they want us to imagine the fright the whale must feel when being hunted. There is no question about it, whaling provides work, and whaling provides meat.Whale meat is very popular in Norway, but Norway also has a big surplus of meat ever year, so why keep hunting whale? Sure, whalers say, Norway has a big surplus of meat, but whale meat is considered a luxury. Ità ¢â‚¬â„¢s expensive and it’s tasteful. It seems, anti-whalers want to bring us back to the idea about man being equal to animals when they want us to imagine the pain the whale must go through, and try to imagine what we, as humans would feel if we were being hunted like that. Whalers do it for the money, and for them it is a tradition. There grandfathers have been doing it for several hundred years, so why stop now.In 1996 there were 110’000 whales in the Atlantic, and it was wiped from the list of endangered species. There is no question about it; whalers also do it for the provocation and the media attention.Reasons for WhalingWhaling provides workWhaling provides meat.Whale meat is very popular in NorwayWhale meat is considered a luxury.It’s expensive and it’s tasteful.Product of Whale The main source of these products comes from the Sperm Whale and the Right Whaling