An analysis of the Heart of Darkness and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Essay Example for Free

An analysis of the Heart of Darkness and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Essay The â€Å"Heart of Darkness† by Joseph Conrad and â€Å"Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland† by Lewis Carroll tell a journey into a world which is a conflicting reflection of the protagonist’s â€Å"real† world. As the protagonists travel to new places, they are both presented with clashing views on prevailing themes in their lives. In the case of Marlow in the Heart of Darkness, he is faced with opposing ideas on the most vital components in imperialism – trade and slavery. As for Alice in Wonderland, the young girl is confronted with the challenge to accept the conflicting basis of maturity following both rational and irrational complexities in the society. In both of the novels, the relationship between the two worlds were portrayed as the struggles which people had to face in order to formulate their own personal ideologies based on their varying views presented by the society. Moreover, alienation (or the fact that each of the protagonists had to handle their struggles alone) was promoted as a necessary step towards the full appreciation of one’s social construction of reality. Clashing views on imperialism: Moral Responsibility vs. Pure Suppression In the Heart of Darkness, contrasting views of imperialism and slavery are challenged. Marlow, the protagonist of the story, comes from a world where the enslavement of the Africans is considered as essential and customary pieces of the colonial enterprise. The men who were working for the Company – upon which Marlow is also a part of – treats the blacks in an perverse, cruel, and often viciously violent manner. However, this harsh treatment is seemingly justifiable as Marlow’s world regards the slaves as uncivilized. Thus, the process of slavery is not seen as it is. Rather, it is often deemed as a vital part of the benevolent project of â€Å"civilizing† the natives. As such, prior to his journey upriver to see the fabled Kurtz, Marlow maintains his role of masking the slavery and violence by the socially accepted idea that the subjugation is based on legitimate backgrounds of moral responsibility. As Marlow meets Kurtz however, Marlow’s idea of the glamour of conquest and imperialism evolves into a struggle of morals. As he survives the river, meets the natives, and finally encounters the man that is reputed to be honorable and upright, his moral beliefs shatter. Technically, he is not faced with a world that’s entirely different from where he came from. Instead, what Marlow encounters is a setting where there is a whole new definition of conquest and trade – the main activities upon which he was engaged in. Basically, Kurtz was not the man Marlow and other people envisioned him to be. In conflict with the prevailing social definition of conquest for the Company, Kurtz saw the truth in imperialism. The presumed praiseworthy man was in fact a tyrant among the natives. He realized the fact that he was not trading but rather forcing the natives to find ivory for him. Moreover, Kurtz was open to the idea that he was – in no positive way – civilizing the natives. Rather, he was suppressing them, controlling them through intimidation and extreme brutality, and using them to his advantage, and the Company’s benefit. As a result, Marlow’s encounter with Kurtz only served as a perplexing experience where he had to question what the real purpose was behind acts of conquest and slavery: Are his actions just a tool for injustice and intimidation? Is there really no justifiable cause for intimidating the natives? To a certain degree, Marlow’s experience with the â€Å"other† world puts him in a crisis of whether he should continue believing that his world’s obviously unjust practices had a good and tolerable cause or not. Growing up: Tolerating the illogical and irrational In the story Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, conflicting views of maturity and growing up is presented. On one hand, the real world equates maturity as the state where logic and rationality is used in reasoning, interpreting, and in maintaining harmony in the society. In contrast however, the young Alice equates adulthood as to what she sees in Wonderland – a place where silly and illogical regulations are created on the basis of egoistic goals and ambitions, propelled by bad habits and wrong ideals that people willingly developed throughout the course of history. In Wonderland, Alice faces a new world – one wherein the ways of reasoning are every much in contrast of hers. To a certain sense, her new world is similar to the â€Å"real† world of adults because both are comprised of rules which are, most of the time, very confusing. A typical example is the character of the Duchess who always tries to find a moral in almost every thing that is happening around her. In the real world, adults are akin to the Duchess as they always try to live by the social norms which they created from their own interpretation of their society. Another complex idea is the tolerance of the senseless orders of beheading given by the Queen of Hearts. Such scenario can be equated to the devastating wars often prompted by political leaders who are supposed to propagate world peace and progress. Also in Wonderland, trials seem to be very irrational and unjust; in the same way, justice is as confusing in the real world where fairness and integrity are supposedly practiced and promoted. As Alice struggles to understand the complexity of what is happening in Wonderland, she challenges her own idea of what is rational and supposedly mature. Confronted with what’s hypothetically mature, Alice gradually evolves into a mature person who is able to formulate reasonable and valid interpretations of history and her present experiences. While Alice is confronted with odd events and curious beings in Wonderland, she tries to formulate reasons based on her social interactions with the creature and adjusts to the demands of the magical world. Through the interpretations that Alice forms from wonderland, she fulfills what is expected from a mature individual – the ability to tolerate the complexities of life. As she forms a basis of reasoning and logic, she then forms her own subjective norms which are, to a certain extent, still confined within the prevalent ideas in Wonderland. These norms allow her to define her identity and at the same time, give her the chance to adjust and adapt to the situations that she faces in a place where â€Å"everyone is mad†. Through her adventures, Alice ultimately grows up and matures. CONCLUSIONS Two worlds as struggles towards the formulation personal ideals In both of the novels, two opposing worlds were used as bases that will allow the main character to formulate his/her own personal ideologies and interpretations of prevailing themes in their lives. In the case of Marlow, the clash between the two worlds – or rather their definitions – gave him a chance to weigh his morals not merely on the more popular and conforming idea that African enslavement was natural and acceptable. Through his confrontation with Kurtz, he became enlightened. The experience somehow liberated him from his blind adherence to the society and showed him the real circumstances of his actions and that of his society. As for Alice, the conflict between the real world and Wonderland also gave her the chance to construct an understanding of maturity. From a child’s point of view of adulthood as something incoherent, illogical, egoistic, and irrational, Alice was able to realize that such complexities were part of real life and that tolerance to what is seemingly unreasonable must be achieved in order to be capable of surviving and adjusting to the different scenarios of living. As such, it can be noted that the incompatible relationships between the two worlds in each of the novels were presented as personal struggles towards the achievement of personal ideals formulated from varying views and interpretations that were present in the society. Alienation, an essential process for the social construction of reality It can be noted that both protagonists in the stories had to face alienation in the new worlds that they had to take part of. The fact that each of the protagonists had to handle their struggles â€Å"alone† promoted the theme of personal conflict in the novels. Furthermore, this alienation heightened the level of conflict which existed in the clashing relationship between the two worlds that the characters had to take part of. In the case of Alice, she had to face different situations with different characters and different modes of reasoning all on her. Through this loneliness, she was able to fully grasp the idea that maturity is complex and that life itself was full of complexities and â€Å"madness†. This realization led her to construct her own set of interpretations, definitions, and realities which paved her way towards maturity. Marlow, on the other hand, became alienated as he became exposed to a world where slavery among Africans was regarded as what it really is – a mere act of cruelty for the benefit of the White people. He was alienated in the sense that he formerly had a different – more consoling view of the â€Å"trade† that he was participating in. However, through this alienation, Marlow then achieved a more careful analysis of his society’s actions. By being exposed to the new world all on his own, he was given the chance to liberate himself from the beliefs that he was encompassed within. In general, both of the characters endured alienation as an essential component which emphasized the conflicting relation of the worlds that they were exposed to. This alienation prompted them to think beyond what they were used to and such allowed them to construct their social reality based on conventional and unconventional truths. References: Caroll, Lewis (n. d. ) Alice in Wonderland. Retrieved from Bedtime Story Classics (Accessed 06 Apr 2009 from http://www. the-office. com/bedtime-story/classics-alice-1. htm) Conrad, Joseph (n. d. ) Heart of Darkness. Retrieved from Project Gutenberg Website (Accessed 06 Apr 2009 from http://www. gutenberg. org/etext/526) Maatta, Jerry (1997) An Analysis of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. (Accessed 06 Apr 2009 from http://www. alice-in-wonderland. net/explain/alice841. html) __________ (n. d. ) Themes and Motives in Alice in Wonderland. (Accessed 06 Apr 2009 from http://www. alice-in-wonderland. net/school/themes. html) __________ (n. d. ) eNotes on Heart of Darkness – Themes. (Accessed 06 Apr 2009 from http://www. enotes. com/darkness/themes)

Effect of Oxidative Stress in Fertile and Non Fertile Women

Effect of Oxidative Stress in Fertile and Non Fertile Women 3. MATERIAL AND METHODS The materials and methods used in the study entitled â€Å"Comparative study of effect of oxidative stress in fertile and non fertile women† was carried out in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, SHIATS, Allahabad. The detail of experimental techniques employed is as follows: MATERIALS STUDY AREA The blood sample of infertile and fertile selected married females having child bearing age (25-35yrs) without any metabolic disorder from different gynecologist clinical hospitals and infertility centers of Allahabad. COLLECTION OF SAMPLE AND SITE OF EXPERIMENT: The present study was carried out by collecting venous blood sample (5ml) of fertile and non fertile selected married females in Allahabad. Group-I 250 normal healthy fertile women without any metabolic disorder, Group-II 250 infertile female without any metabolic disorder. All the subject of the two groups were between the age group 25-35 yrs. 3.2 Glassware: All the glassware used were washed properly with detergent and rinsed with distill water and autoclaved prior to use. Fig.3.1: Flow chart for fertile and infertile females Instrumentation: The following instruments were used during the course of study Autoclave Centrifuge Balance (Remi) Cooling centrifuge (remi C-28) Hot air oven (tempo) Homogenizer Incubator Micropipette tips (100 and 1000  µl) pH meter Spectrophotometer Weighing balance Centrifuge Colorimeter Routine Investigation The routine investigation of the subject include BMI and weight and history which was taken by asking the subjects to fill a from including 9their approval to be a part of the study. 3.5 Routine biochemical analysis:- All of the blood sample were analyzed for 3.5.1 Evaluation of Routine biochemical Parmeters:- Hb : By Sahli (acid hematin) method. Blood Sugar :By GOD/POD method Glycosylated Hb : By Cation method Serum Protein:Biuret method Serum lipid profile Serum Total Cholesterol : By Autopack Kit Method Serum Triglyceride : By Autopack Kit Method Serum HDL Cholesterol : By Autopack Kit Method Serum LDL cholesterol : Friedwald method Serum VLDL cholesterol : Friedwald method 3.5.2 Thyroid Profile:- Serum T3 :ELISA Method Serum T4 :ELISA Method Serum TSH :ELISA Method 3.5.3 Female Reproductive hormones: Serum Estrogen: :ELISA Method Serum Progesteron: :ELISA Method Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) :ELISA Method 3.5.4 Oxidative Stress marker:- Melondialdehyde (MDA): By the santos (1978)method 3.5.5 Antoioxidant level:- Catalase: Brannan (1981) method Ceruloplasmin: By Spectrophotometric method Superoxide dimutase (SOD): By Mishra and Fridovich (1972)Method Estimation protocol of routine biochemical protocol : The body weight and height was calculated manually with the help of weight balance and length scale respectively. Body mass index (BMI): The Body mass index was calculated when body weight is divided by the square of height. 3.5.1 Estimation of Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin reacts with0.1N hydrochloric acid and forms a brown colour complex called hematin.The resulting color after dilution is compared with standard brown glass reference blocks of a sahli hemoglobinometer. Reagent: N hydrochloric acid. Distilled water. Procedure:- By using pasture pipette add 0.1N hydrochloric acid in the tube up to the mark 20 Add 20ul blood to the tube. Leave the solution for 10 mins. Dilute the solution by adding few drops of distill water at a time till the color matches with the glass plate in the comparator. Read the reading. Normal value: In female: 12-14mg/dl In males: 14-16 mg/dl 3.5.2 Estimation of Blood Glucose: Estimation of blood glucose was carried out by using commercial available GOD-POD glucose reagent kit (Autospan, Span diagnostic limited, Surat, India). Glucose oxidase (GOD) oxidizes glucose to gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. In presence of enzyme peroxidase, released H2O2 is coupled with phenol and 4-aminoanrttipyrine (4-AAP) to form coloured quinoneimine dye. The absorbance of dye is directed proportional to glucose concentration in the sample (Kaplan, 1984) Glucose + O2 + H2O Gluconic acid+ H2 O2 H2O2 + phenol + 4-AAP Qinoneimine Dye + H2O Reagents: 1) Glucose reagent Phosphate buffer Glucose Oxidase Peroxidase 4-amino antipyrine. 2) Glucose diluents 3) Glucose standard Procedure:- Preparation of working Solution: All the reagent are ready -to-use. Pipette into test tube marked Blank Standard Test Serum/plasma 20  µl Cholesterol Standard 20  µl Mix well and incubate at 37 C for 10 minutes at room temp Distilled water 1500  µl 1500  µl 1500  µl The absorbance of the test was taken after standard at 490-550 nm. Calculation: Serum/plasma glucose concentration (mg/dl) = Absorbance of test x 100(Conc. of Std) Absorbance of Std Normal Range: Fasting glucose: 65-110mg/dlPost Prandial: Upto140 mg/dl. 3.5.3 Estimation of Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) The Glycosylated hemoglobin was estimated by (ion exchange resin method) commercially available kit (ERBA Diagnostic Mannheim, Transasisa Bio-Medicals limited, Solan India).A hemolysed preparation of the whole blood is mixed continuously for 5 min with a weak binding cation resin. During this time, HbAo binds to the resin. After the mixing period, a filter is used to separate the supernatant containing the Glycohaemoglobin from resin (Trivelli et al 1971) Hemolysed whole+ Cation exchange resin Fast Fraction Blood separation ( HbA1a,HbA1c,HbA1c) Reagents: Glycohaemoglobin Ion Exchange Resin Reagent Cation-Exchange Resin (8mg/ml) Glycohaemoglobin Lysing Reagent Lysing Agent (10 m M) Glycohaemoglobin Calibrator Calibrator (10%) PROCEDURE: The reaction mixture contained 500 µL Lysing Reagent and 100  µL whole blood and another tube 500  µL Lysing Reagent and 100  µL Calibrator mix and allow it to stand for 5 minutes till lysis is complete. Add 0.1 ml of the hemolysate from step-1 into the approximately marked Ion-Exchange Resin tubes. Close the cap and allow continuous gentle mixing for 5 minutes. Allow the resin to settle to assay temperature for 5 minutes. Position the resin separator in the tube and push down the separators until the resin is firmly packed. Read the absorbance of each tube at 415 nm against deionised water bank. For the fraction of hemoglobin add 20  µL sample hemolysate in 5.0 ml deionised water in calibrator 20  µL Calibrator Hemolysate in 5.0 ml deionised water, mix well and read the absorbance of calibrator and sample at 415 nm against deionised water. Normal Range: 6- 8.3 % Hb 3.5.4 Estimation of Serum Protein: The protein was estimated (Biuret method, End method) by commercially available kit (ERBA diagnostic Mannheim, Transasia Bio-Medicals Limited, Solan, India). The peptide bonds of protein react with copper II ion in alkaline solution to form blue violet color complex, (biuret reaction). Tartarate is added as a stabilizer whilist iodide is used to prevent auto-reduction of the alkaline cooper complex. The absorbance of color complex is proportional to protein concentration (Tietz 1986) Reagents: Total reagent Copper II sulphate Potassium Sodium Tartarate Potassium Iodide Sodium Hydroxide Protein standard Procedure:- Preparation of working Solution: All the reagents are ready -to-use. Pipette into test tube marked Blank Standard Test Serum/plasma 20  µl Protein Standard 20  µl Total protein reagent 1000  µl 1000  µl 1000  µl The absorbance of the test was taken after standard at 546 nm. Calculation: Serum/plasma total protein concentration (g/dl) = Absorbance of test x 6.5 Absorbance of Std Normal Range: Serum Total protein : 6.4-7.8 g/dl 3.5.5 Estimation of lipid profile: Determination of total cholesterol in serum/plasma: Method Name: CHOD-PAP method Principle: Cholesterol esters are hydrolyzed by Cholesterol Esterase (CE) to give free Cholesterol and fatty acids. In subsequent reaction , cholesterol oxidase (CHOD) oxidizes the 3-OH group of free Cholesterol to liberate cholest-4-en-3-one and Hydrogen Peroxide. In presence of Peroxidase (POD), Hydrogen Peroxide couple with 4-Amonoantipyrine (4-AAP) and phenol to produce red Quinoneimine dye . Absorbance of colored dye is measured at 505 nm and is proportional to amount of total cholesterol concentration in the sample. Procedure: Preparation of working Solution: All the reagent are ready -to-use. Pipette into test tube marked Blank Standard Test Serum/plasma 10 µl Cholesterol Standard 10  µl Cholesterol Reagent 1000  µl 1000  µl 1000  µl Mix well. Incubate at 37’c for 10 minutes or at room temperature (15-30’c) for 30 minutes. Read the absorbance of the sample Standard against blank. Calculation: Cholesterol concentration (mg/dl) = Absorbance of test x 200(Conc. of Std) Aborbance of Std Normal Range: 150-250 mg/dl. 3.5.6 Determination of HDL Cholesterol in serum/plasma: Method Name: CHOD-PAP Principle: Low density Lipoprotiens (LDL) Cholesterol, Very Low Density Lipoprotiens (VLDL) cholesterol and Chylomicron fractions are precipitated by addition of polyethylene Glycol 6000 (PEG) .After Centrifugation, the High Density Lipoprotien (HDL) Fraction in the supernatant is determined with CHOD-PAP method. Procedure: Preparation of working Solution: All the reagent are ready -to-use. STEP-I: HDL-Cholesterol separation Take 0.5 ml of serum /plasma in to a glass tube. Add 50ul precipitating reagent. Mix well; leave it for 10 min at room temperature. Centrifuge at 3000 rpm for 10 min. Take the clear supernatant for HDL-Cholesterol. STEP-II: HDL-Cholesterol Estimation. Pipette into test tube marked Blank Standard Test Supernatant form step-I _ _ 10 ul HDL-Cholesterol Standard _ 10 ul _ Cholesterol Reagent 1000 ul 1000 ul 1000 ul Mix Well. Incubate at 37’c for 5 minutes or at Room temperature (15-30 ºC) for 30 minutes.. Read the absorbance of the sample Standard against blank at 510 nm. Calculation: HDL-Cholesterol concentration (mg%)= Absorbance of test x 200(Conc. of Std) Absorbance of Std Normal Range: Men=30-60 mg%, Women= 40-70 mg%. 3.5.7 Estimation of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) LDL= Total Triglyceride HDL 5-HDL LDL cholesterol were obtained by calculation using the empirical relationships of (Friedwald et.al.1995) 3.5.8 Estimation of Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) VLDL =Total triglycerides/5 VLDL cholesterol were obtained by calculations using the empirical relationships of (Freidwald et.al 1995) 3.5.9 Determination of Triglyceride in serum/plasma: Method Name: GPO-TRINDER Principle: Lipoprotein lipase hydrolyses triglycerides to glycerol and free fatty acid. The glycerol formed with ATP in the presence of glycerol Kinase forms Glycerol 3 Phosphate which is oxidized by the enzyme glycerol phosphate oxidase to form hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide further reacts with phenolic compound and 4-aminoantioyrine by the catalytic action of peroxidase to form a red coloured quinoneimine dye complex. Intensity of the colour formed is directly proportional to the amount of triglycerides present in the sample. The intensity of chromogen (Quinoneimine) formed is proportional to the Triglyceride in the sample when measured at 505nm (500-540nm). Preparation of working Solution: Allow the reagent bottle and AQUA-4 to attain room temperature .Add the amount of AQUA-4 indicated on the label to the contents of each vial. Swirl to dissolve, allow to stand for 10 min at room temperature. Procedure: STEP-II: HDL-Cholesterol Estimation. Pipette into test tube marked Blank Standard Test Working reagent 1000 ul 1000 ul 1000 ul Distill Water 10 ul _ _ Standard 10 ul Sample 10 ul Mix Well. Incubate at 37’c for 10 minutes. Read the absorbance of the sample Standard against blank at 505 nm (500-540nm) or 505/670nm on bichromic analysers against reagent blank. Calculation: Triglyceride (mg/dl) = Absorbance of test x Conc. of Std (mg/dl) Absorbance of Std Normal Range: Normal fasting levels: 25-160mg/dl. Oxidative stress marker : 3.6.1. Determination of Melon di aldehyde (MDA) in serum/plasma: Reagents required: Tricholoro acetic acid TCA Sulfuric Acid HCL Sodium sulfate N-Butanol 5-1,1,1,3,3 Tetra Ethoxypro-pane (Standard) Procedure: Malondialdehyde (MDA) Assay: Lipid peroxidation in the plasma is evaluated by the spectrophotometric method based on the reaction between MDA and Thiobituric acid (TBARS). Briefly, to 0.5 ml plasma, 2.5 of 20% tricholoro acetic acid (TCA) in 2M sodium sulfate is added. After precipitating the protein with TCA and washing with 0.05sulfuric acid. It was incubated in a boiling water bath for 30 min. After cooling, the samples are exactracted with n-butaneol and centrifuged at 3500rpm. The absorbance of samples is determined at 530nm. Calculation: TBARS (A) =10 x OD of sample/OD of control (Blank) x mg/ml protein. ) Normal Range: 0.5-2.0 nmol/ml 3.7. Estimation of enzymatic antioxidants: 3.7.1 Estimation of SOD activity in serum/plasma: Reagents required: Carbonate buffer (0.2M) Kcl (0.015 M) Epinephrine (0.025M) Preparation of the sample: Collect blood without using an anticoagulant such as heparin, citrate or EDTA. Allow blood to clot for 30 minutes at 25à ¡Ã‚ ´Ã‚ ¼C Centrifuge the blood at 2000 rpm for 15 minutes at 4à ¡Ã‚ ´Ã‚ ¼c.Pipette off the top yellow serum layer without disturbing the white Buffy layer. Procedure: 1 .The reaction mixture composed of 0.1 ml of carbonate buffer (0.2M, pH 10.2), 0.8ml KCl (0.015 M) 0.1 ml of diluted blood and water to make the final volume to 3.0 ml. 2. The reaction was started by adding 0.2 ml of epinephrine (0.025 M). 3. Change in absorbance was recorded at 480 nm at 15 sec interval for 1 min at 25à ¡Ã‚ ´Ã‚ ¼C.(UV-1800 SHIMADZU)Suitable control lacking enzyme preparation was run simultaneously.( Mishra and Fridivicl;1972). Calculation: one unit of enzyme activity is defined as the amount of enzyme causing 50% inhibition of auto oxidant of epinephrine under experimental condition. SOD Activity= Normal range: 12-16 unit/mg protein 3.7.2 Estimation of Ceruloplasmin activity in serum/plasma: At pH 5.4, ceruloplasmin catalyzes the oxidation of PPD to yield a colored product, which is believed to correspond either to Bandrowski’s base or to Wuerster’s red . The rate of formation of the colored oxidation product is proportional to the concentration of serum ceruloplasmin if a correction is made for nonenzymatic oxidation of PPD. Therefore, simultaneous assays are carried pH 5.45, which has been warmed to 37 ºC.The contents of the flask are adjusted to pH 5.45 at 37 ºC by dropwise addition of sodium hydroxide solution (1 mol/liter), and diluted to the mark with acetate buffer solution. The solution is stable for3h. Procedure (1) Into two test tubes (12 X 75 mm), labeled R (reaction) and B (blank), 2 ml of acetate buffer solution was pipetted. (2) Serum, 0.1 ml, is added to each tube. (3) Tubes R and B are placed in a water bath at 37 ºC to reach thermal equilibrium. A flask  containing buffered PPD solution is also placed in the water bath. (4) Warmed, buffered PPD solution (1 ml) is added to both tubes. The contents of the tubes are mixed, and the tubes are kept unstoppered in the water bath. The water bath is covered, to avoid exposure of the tubes to light. (5) After 5 min, 50  µl of sodium azide solutionis pipetted into tube B, and the contents are mixed. The tube is replaced in the water bath. (6) Exactly 30 min later, 50  µl of sodium azide solution is added to tube R, and the contents are mixed. (7) Samples R and B are transferred to spectrophotometer cuvette (light path, 1 cm), and absorbance is measured at 530 nm with a spectrophotometer. The color of the samples remains stable for at least 6 hrs. Calculations Ceruloplasmin (g/liter) = 0.752 (A AB), where AR is the absorbance of sample R, and AB is the absorbance of sample B. Normal range: 20-37mg/dl 3.7.3 Estimation of Catalase (CAT) activity in serum/plasma: Reagents: H2O2(1.2mM) Phosphate Buffer (pH-7.0)(0.05M) Peroxidase /potassium dichromate Procedure: The catalase activity of the hemolysate is determined by adopting the method of Brannan et.al. The assay is based on the disappearance of H2O2 in the presence of the enzyme source at 26 à ¡Ã‚ ´Ã‚ ¼C. In brief the hemolysate is prepared from lysed RBC suspension, further dilute by phosphate buffer(pH-7.0) Here the reaction mixture containing 0.05M phosphate buffer (pH-7.0), 1.2mM H2O2 and 0.2ml of diluted hemolysate is allowed to stand for 25 min. At the end of which reaction is stopped by the addition of 2.5 ml peroxidase reagent containing peroxidase and the red coloured compound chromogen system. Peroxidase reduced the H2O2 to give a compound and absorbance measure at 505 nm. Calculation: Activity= Std Conc.= 20 µ mol Std.OD =0.02 Unit=  µ mol/minute/mg protein Normal range: 3-5 unit/mg protein STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE DATA: The results were analyzed using Duncan multiple range test. All the data are expressed as mean. Differences between the groups were considered significant at pË‚0.05

Social Work Methods and Theories

Social Work Methods and Theories This essay will consist of four main parts. In part one; the essay will give a brief introduction and history to social work theories and methods. Moving forward the essay will look at the importance and value of theories and methods in relation to social work and how it informs practice. Throughout, reference will be made to the most popular theorist. Part two will consider how social work theories and methods can be successfully applied in the drug and alcohol field. Given an overview of this, it will be necessary to demonstrate how two social work methods are chosen, and applied, in the intervention of an example case study. Where applicable, contributions from service users will be used to bring more insight and balance to the essay. Part three will be an analysis of a social work method used in the example case study. From the method, the essay will explore and evaluate, in depth, the way it underpins anti-discriminatory practice. Part four of this essay will conclude with a reflection on how the student has gained a valuable knowledge base throughout the module and assignment. This reflection will also show how the student will use this knowledge base in practice. No reflection would be complete without a concise look at how reflective practice can play a vital part of future social work practice. An initial risk assessment was carried out by the referral worker, in the vein of a questioning model to identify possible risks and dangers to staff and other service users, however as discussed by Smale, Tuson and Statham (2000) taking a strengths based approach would allow referral workers and key workers to work as collaborators, facilitating service users to identify needs and outcomes. During intervention with Mr AB sessions, in the form of an exchange model, were carried out endeavoring that further assessment became a process of dialogue rather than just a fact finding mission with the exchanging of ideas and information. This approach is compatible with the framework of task centered practice, appropriate with this intervention (Ford Postle, 2000) Key work sessions started with Mr AB and from the outset the process was explained and the objectives made clear, it was also explained to Mr AB that due to company policies, and his terms and conditions of stay in the night shelter, these sessions were time limited so a positive ending to the professional relationship was hoped for. It was also considered that this approach would reduce the power imbalance in the relationship; however the power will never be fully balanced when working within legislative and multi agency procedures (Parker Bradley, 2008) However as stated by Dalymple Burke (2000) it is necessary to endeavour to empower rather then disempowere with the need to balance power relationships. In this instance this can be evidenced by the written agreements in the form of the assessment and support plan . Weekly key worker sessions agreed to by Mr AB provided further support as required and opportunity to review whether desired outcomes were being achieved, as in the National Occupational Standards Key Role and outlined by Supporting People and the agency policy and procedures (ODPM, 2004). (Walker Beckett, 2007). It is also necessary to not only collect information as part of the key worker sessions but to balance findings in order to produce an overall analysis of risks and need (Walker Beckett, 2007). Throughout the assessment procedure it is necessary to be aware of the influences of ethics, power, and professionalism along with anti- oppressive practice. Middleton (1997) states that in order to empower, it is necessary to respect the individual, enhance their strengths and coping abilities. It is therefore vital that key worker sessions be conducted with a non judgmental attitude. While acknowledging the key worker has different values and status to Mr AB showing acceptance to people in all situations can be difficult however as stated in by Carl Rogers (1951, 1961) the human psychologist the person should show they are genuine, and portray empathy and warmth. It become apparent as key worker sessions continued that Mr AB was reluctant to engage with this service as he was in pre contemplation (Denial) (Prowchaska Di Clamentis 1996). However, the threat of eviction if he did not adhere to his conditions of stay was a considerable worry to Mr AB as was the thought of becoming homeless and having to sleep rough. It is very important to remember that as key working intervenes in the lives of vulnerable people these people have the right not to be victims of untested and possible harmful interventions. This confirms the need of understanding how theory relates to practice and learning from research and evidence based practice (Rutter, 2006) This confirms Maslow (1970) who shows in his hierarchy of need, that before higher needs can be met basic needs are required to be in place. Therefore to allow Mr AB to move forward in his life he requires support to start a procces to put these needs in place (Giddens, 2006). Mr AB during his key work sessions discussed his feelings and it was felt by him that no opportunities were open to him and that he was struggling against a society that was oppressive and keeping him down. It was pointed out to Mr AB that his position in society was that of a lifestyle choice, that society is changing to support people to progress and that choices were open to him (Giddens, 2006) ). It is however necessary to acknowledge as stated by Bronfenbrenner (1979) that different levels of society will influence the individuals life course. Also stated by Jack and Jack (2000) individuals are products of their environment and can never be fully understood separately from one another. As stated by Crawford Walker (2005) transitions have the potential to be stressful even those that are planned and welcomed. As the intervention process progressed and the support plan auctioned positive outcomes including building on self confidence which led to Mr AB seeking and securing part time employment Doel (1994) states that service user motivation may weaken and it was therefore important to continue supporting and encouraging Mr ABS interest and commitment to work. By adopting a model that worked with service users strengths helped to ensure that an anti oppressive focus was maintained. . Using task centered practice as discussed by Ford Postle (2009) goals were set which would support the researching and attending of courses which provide basic computer skills, with the attainment of each goal aimed to promote self-confidence and further motivation (Rooney Larsen, 1997). Subsequently in this instance the planned ending and outcomes have not been realized, with events determining an alternate course of action (Walker Beckett, 2007). The first part of this essay will lookÂÂ  at the relationship between social work methods and substance abuse Denial can also be explained as a defence mechanism whichÂÂ  is establishedÂÂ  by aÂÂ  person when there is aÂÂ  dangerÂÂ  that heÂÂ  or she will become aware of or actÂÂ  onÂÂ  unconsciousÂÂ  primitive impulses that areÂÂ  unacceptableÂÂ  (Freud, 1967). ). Knatz (1999) states that denial is a defense mechanism by which individuals are able to cope with unpleasant realities. Be aware that the term alcoholism implies disease/condition.ÂÂ  IfÂÂ  youÂÂ  use the term alcoholism in assignments, be sure toÂÂ  establishÂÂ  that youÂÂ  meanÂÂ  to say alcoholism and not alcohol dependency ). IfÂÂ  youÂÂ  useÂÂ  generalÂÂ  references around statistics on alcohol, try to refer to British statistics, you could use National Treatment Agency website reports, Office of National Statistics (ONS), NICE guidelines on treatment of alcoholÂÂ  dependencyÂÂ  for British/UK data, all available on line LetsÂÂ  giveÂÂ  theÂÂ  wordÂÂ  relationshipÂÂ  a different definition from the dictionaries, forÂÂ  unlocking theÂÂ  meaningÂÂ  of theÂÂ  wordÂÂ  often leadsÂÂ  to greater understanding.ÂÂ  -ÂÂ  tooÂÂ  colloquial, would be better to state, The word relationship has varied definitions from different sources of literature. Conflict is aÂÂ  partÂÂ  of most every interpersonal relationship.ÂÂ  ThereforeÂÂ  it could be stated that managing conflict,ÂÂ  is importantÂÂ  if the relationship is to beÂÂ  long-lastingÂÂ  and rewarding.ÂÂ  Jason and Beth have numerous conflicts and barriers which prevent them from having a more effective relationship.ÂÂ  Interpersonal relationships and communication (is a two-way street), too colloquial, say have mutuality Beth and Jason seemÂÂ  to rarely communicateÂÂ  between each other, aÂÂ  furtherÂÂ  factor which appears to contribute to the disintegration of their relationship. It can give rise to greater anxiety, depression,ÂÂ  insomnia, and general distress, reducedÂÂ  self-esteemÂÂ  andÂÂ  confidence, and sometimes disrupted family relationsÂÂ  ((Fryer,1992;Jahoda,1982). Bibliography Barber, G (2002) Social work with addiction.ÂÂ  Palgrave Macmillan, Hampshire Berger, G. (1993), Alcoholism and theÂÂ  family.ÂÂ  New York: Franklin Watts Conville, Richard (1998) The meaning of relationship in interpersonal communication.ÂÂ  Praeger Publications.ÂÂ  Califonia. Heider, Fritz (1958) The Psychology of Interpersonal Relations.ÂÂ  LawrenceÂÂ  ErlbaumÂÂ  associates Jahoda, M (1982) Employment and Unemployment (The Psychology of Social Issues).ÂÂ  Cambridge University Press Knatz, H (1999) Getting on Oxford Books.Oxford Levinger, G. (1983).ÂÂ  Development and change.ÂÂ  Freeman and Company.San Francisco. Manstead, Antony S. R. and Miles Hewstone (1996).ÂÂ  The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Social Psychology.ÂÂ  Blackwell Publishing, Oxford. Maslow, Abraham.(1954) Motivation and personality.ÂÂ  Harper and Row, New York. Steele, CM (1985) TheÂÂ  psychologyÂÂ  of drunken excess.ÂÂ  London Press, London. West, Robert (2001) TheÂÂ  theoryÂÂ  of addiction.ÂÂ  Blackwell publishing, Oxford. The principle areas of social , administration and social workstudies include health issues and administration, employment services,community care, housing needs, crime prevention, disability checks,unemployment concerns, mental health, old age as well as social issues of raceor gender and poverty (Drake, 2001). Social work practice focuses on dealing with the problems of service users. The maintenance and improvement of their social, physical, and mental states is often dependent upon the effectiveness of social work intervention. (Miller, 2005) ÂÂ  Providing appropriatesocial services is an important target of social care policy and social policyin general (Adams, 2003). Welfare is general well being of individualsand when provided by the State, refers to a form of social security or social protectionthat aims to protect people from conditions such as sickness, ill health,diseases and poverty (Malin et al 2002) Social work practice has, over the years, become integral to Britains working life and current estimates put the number of active social workers in the country at significantly more than one million. (Parrott, 2002) Social work practice focuses on dealing with the problems of service users. The maintenance and improvement of their social, physical, and mental states is often dependent upon the effectiveness of social work intervention. (Miller, 2005) Users of social work services are largely economically and/or socially disadvantaged, and the vulnerabilities, which arise from these circumstances, frequently contribute to the nature of their relationships with service providers. (Miller, 2005) Social work makes use of a broad range of knowledge and incorporates information obtained from several disciplines; it empowers social workers in practice to use their acquired knowledge and skills first to engage service users and then to bring about positive changes in undesirable emotional states and behavioural attitudes, or in positions of social disempowerment. (Miller, 2005) ÂÂ  Social work makes use of a range of skills, methods, and actions that are aligned to its holistic concentration on individuals and their environments. (Harris, 2002) Counselling, whilst being a catch-all term, used for describing of various professions, is, an important component of social work practice. (Rowland, 1993) Specific counselling approaches have been developed to assist people with problems related to substance abuse, gluttony and for giving up smoking. (Pease Fook, 1999) In some areas of counselling, which deal with addiction, for example, with users of hard drugs, counsellors engaged in social work practice, function side by side, with sets of legal restrictions and moral issues. (Pease Fook, 1999)ÂÂ  

Quebec Separatism Essay -- Quebec Separatism

Canada is known by outsiders to be a very peaceful country. But if you ask any Canadian they well tell you that is unfortunately not the case. For there is a large ongoing conflict between Canadians. The conflict is between the French and the English, or more specifically between Quebec and the rest of Canada. As a result of this conflict, along with some wrongdoing and propaganda. Quebec has considered and has gone as far to hold referendums over Separatism (Surette,2014). Separatism is that the province of Quebec separates from the rest of Canada to form its own country. Which would have immense effects on indubitably Quebec but also the rest of Canada (Martin, 2014). This report will focus on the root causes and origin of Quebec Separatism, the current state of Quebec Separatism and finally how we as a society can act towards Quebec Separatism. Root Causes and Origin The root causes of Quebec Separatism go back almost a thousand years! This is because a large cause for Quebec Separatism is the conflict between the French and the English people. These conflicts go back to when France and England first became countries, and ever since then it seems the two countries have been at constant war with one another (Henley, 2011). This constant fighting spawns a built in belief of hatred for one another (Henley, 2011), which would make it hard for the two to live in the same country as they try to do in Canada. But out of all the wars the French and English fought, the most influencing for Quebecois and all of Canada was the sever year war taking place between 1756 and 1763 (Upper Canada History, 2011). The special thing about this war was that part of it was over the influence of the territory to be later Canada (Upper Canada histor... ...ions.ca/scripts/ovr2011/default.html Patriquin, M. (2014, April 11). The epic collapse of Quebec separatism. Retrieved May 15, 2014, from Maclean’s website: http://www.macleans.ca/politics/the-epic-collapse-of-separatism/ Quebec Separatism. (2006). Retrieved May 15, 2014, from The History of Canada website: http://www.linksnorth.com/canada-history/quebecsep.html Scott, M. (2011, November 28). More anglophones see English-French relations as problem. Retrieved May 12, 2014, from Montreal Gazette website: http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/More+anglophones+English+French+relations+problem+Poll/5777450/story.html Surette, R. (2014, March 24). Quebec separatism and the peculiar entity called ‘English Canada’. Retrieved May 16, 2014, from Rabble website: http://rabble.ca/columnists/2014/03/quebec-separatism-and-peculiar-entity-called-english-canada

Use of the Sun and the Moon in Rime of the Ancient Mariner Essay

Both Sun and Moon play significant roles in this old poem, in a symbolic and supernatural way, in order to reinforce the mood that Samuel Taylor Coleridge has attempted to create in his use of old legends and superstitions. The role that the sun and moon play in this tale of cursed sailors is an old one, retold over and over the years that Coleridge adapted for his own.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although mentioned several times before, the Sun makes its first significant appearance in the seventh stanza of the second part. Before then, one will find both Sun and Moon mentioned many times purely for the reader’s enrichment. The repeated mention leads the reader to believe that it will soon become important by foreshadowing without making it of any greater appearance than mentioning it to describe the scenery in the aforementioned place in the poem. Here Coleridge describes the Sun as â€Å"The bloody Sun, at noon†. This use of capitalizing such a common word as Sun only goes further to tell the reader to keep an eye out for something not quite right there. For those unfamiliar with old sailors’ traditions, they may either skip right over this passage, or read too much into it as a sign of impending doom. An old phrase arises from the history books to describe this perfectly that reads, â€Å"Red sky at night, sailor’s delight, Red sjy at morning, sailor take warning.† When one takes a closer look at this, they might see that it describes storm patterns, but when one realises that t...

Korean Traditional House: Grass Roofed House Essay

In Korea there was a traditional house called ‘Choga house’ which ‘Choga’ means grass roof and it had a lot of benefits for poor people. It is made of red clay so it was cool in summer and warm in winter. Also it was really easy and cheap to get those materials so many poor people used to make Choga house. The roof was made of grass so it was easy to get it, and it was good in both summer and winter because it protected hotness in summer and it protected people from cold air in winter. But it was easy to burn and people need to change their roof once a year. I have no idea what they have thought for Choga house in the past but I think it also looks beautiful. It harmonizes with nature. Nowadays they are gone but some Korean designer used Choga house’s outlook to modern buildings. In Choga house, there is Korean ancestors wisdom, Korean Traditional House: Grass Roofed House In Korea there was a traditional house called ‘Choga house’ which ‘Choga’ means grass roof and it had a lot of benefits for poor people. It is made of red clay so it was cool in summer and warm in winter. Also it was really easy and cheap to get those materials so many poor people used to make Choga house.The roof was made of grass so it was easy to get it, and it was good in both summer and winter because it protected hotness in summer and it protected people from cold air in winter. But it was easy to burn and people need to change their roof once a year. I have no idea what they have thought for Choga house in the past but I think it also looks beautiful. It harmonizes with nature. Nowadays they are gone but some Korean designer used Choga house’s outlook to modern buildings. In Choga house, there is Korean ancestors wisdom,| Choga, the Korean Traditional Grass – Roofed House In Korea there is a traditional dwelling called ‘Choga’ which means grass-roofed house that is comfortable to live in the whole year round. It is made of red clay so it is cool in summer and warm in winter. It is also easy and cheap to get materials for this kind of dwelling so many poor people used to make Choga houses.The roof is made of grass so it was readily available. It is good in both summer and winter because it regulates the hot temperature in summer while it protects people from the cold air in winter. But, the roof material easily catches fire so it needs to be changed once a year. The Choga house harmonizes with nature. Nowadays they are gone but some Korean designer use the principle of building a Choga house’s in designing modern buildings. In the Choga house lives the wisdom of Korean ancestors so it should not be forgotten.|

Research opportunity Essay

1.This assignment gives you the chance to research current issues in cyber forensics affecting the ICT industry, forensic examiners, and the legal fraternity. Using sound research strategies to locate quality academic, scientific and legal research material the assignment is intended to provide you with the opportunity to: a)Refine research and analysis skills through locating, selecting and compiling a higher-level research essay. b)Familiarise yourself with new development in cyber forensics that will affect the working and private environments of all technology users. c)Add to the general knowledge of the School of IT’s research and preparation of future unit offerings and potential research topics for student projects and post-graduate research. 2.You are, in effect, my team of researchers undertaking some relevant research of benefit to your own learning experience and future employment and research. 3.Your essay should focus on the following topics that are considered of growing significance: analysis, validation and presentation of digital evidence in cyber forensics examinations. Your research must be based on published research papers, government and other organisation standards, guidelines and papers. It should describe, explain and discuss the following issues: -Deductive, inductive and abductive reasoning in the context of cyber forensics analysis. -Processes that assist in developing a case hypothesis and alternative hypothesis. -Validation processes that check and test the correctness of the digital evidence exhibits and their relationships with  corroborating evidence relied on in legal cases. -Processes that would enhance the communication of and presentation of case analysis to the legal practitioner and courts. 5.You will be given instruction in the workshops on the format of a research essay and video material will be added during the teaching to assist your assignment preparation. 6.The length of the essay should be 3,500 words.