Non-Tariff Barriers in South Korean Automobile Market Essay

Non-Tariff Barriers in South Korean Automobile Market - Essay Example South Korea and the U.S share a great deal of interest in pursuing positive development in the automobile industry’s trade performance. Both countries substantially rely on the profits of the automobile trade for their economic growth and their market sizes are often large. (Dyer & Chu, 2000). Consequently, S. Korea and the U.S Free Trade Agreement is about to come into effect and one of the biggest issues that prolonged the deal while negotiating for the FTA was regarding the automobile, especially passenger vehicle industry trade. President Obama and the U.S industry representatives claimed that the FTA deal regarding automobile trading regime is not fair if they start to trade bilaterally in the current condition and regulation. Opponents of recent FTA provision even claimed that the U.S automakers exaggerate the potential sales in S. Korea of cars produced in U.S. assembly plants (Schott, 2010). What are the causes of the U.S showing the lack of confidence for trading auto mobile goods with S. Korea under similar conditions and regulations? It is important to understand that there is a big difference between the two countries. The U.S. automobile industry has been primarily served domestic demand, whereas that of S. Korea has been export-oriented after 1997 (Choi, 2010). In often cases, the situation is also being illustrated as the failure of U.S auto-manufacture to compete in the global market. For an extended time, Korea has very successfully used a whole armory of trade tools, starting with absolute imports bans.

Put the best subject you fell its good Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Put the best subject you fell its good - Essay Example The film portrays mistreatment due to sexual orientation and gender. In the film, Brandon had not accepted herself as a girl and she groomed herself as a man and even dressed like a man. Before being raped, Brandon had declined Lotter’s love advances and this led Lotter together with Marvin to rape her at Nebraska (Pierce, 1999).The two men before had trailed Brandon to the bathroom and assaulted her by hitting her in the head and ribs. The two men seemed not happy with her sexual orientation to the extent that they pulled her pants and underwear down in front of people for everyone to see her true identity (Pierce, 1999). In fact, after beating her, Lotter and Marvin sliced their initials on her face to show male dominance and to portray her as weak. The two men also delight in revealing the genitals of Brandon. The film shows the two men pulling Brandon out to their vehicle, drove to a remote area and raped her. It is also after this rape that they brutally beat her and told her not to tell anyone (Pierce, 1999). When she went to report the matter to the police, the police asked her about the turn of events. It is these proceedings that show absence of diversity due to mistreatment because of sexual orientation (Pierce, 1999). Additionally, when Brandon went to record a statement with the authorities, Deputy Laux asked her why she dressed like a man and socialized with women and not men. Brandon felt that she was not being treated equally and she cancelled her follow-up appointments with the Deputy (Pierce, 1999). Some of these diversity issues presented in this film can have detrimental effects on the society. Discrimination against sexual orientation is particularly damaging and can be the root cause of other evils within the society. Through reference to the Boys Don’t Cry film, discrimination against an individual may have physical and emotional impact on the affected individuals. This may leave

Inventory System Essay Example for Free

Inventory System Essay 1.0 Background of the study Computer nowadays is a basic need for businesses or companies. It helps a lot in such a way that it makes work more progressive and productive. It is an important thing that a company that manipulating data. Having computer programs may help a company grow bigger and be competitive in the flow of business world. It helps a lot because almost all the companies nowadays uses computer literate and very competitive in many aspects. Whatever kind of business you manage, you’re required by law to keep financial records relating to it. Bryan’s School Supplies and Accessories have to branches, all branches is using a manual inventory system. Each branch has its own inventory system and records transactions a day. The owner comes to visit in every branch to check the inventory and sales of the business weekly. It takes long time for them to record and file. All their transactions and they find difficulties and finding and searching their record in the past year or months. When recording their daily sales and inventory they should work together or their lot of people working in order to finish the job on time. The records of two branches are separated with each other. The owner found difficulty on checking records and sales of his business because the two branches are located in different place so he has to travel in order to check his business. The owner is looking for the most convenient way where the owner can save his money time and effort when checking the stocks inventory and sales of his business. A system that can merge all the records of their inventory and sales so that the owner don’t have to visit every branch of his business. 1.1 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The main objectives of the study are to create an inventory system that could help the company increase their sales. Project aims to develop a web where the stock and sales record of company is stored. This system will help the  company to record and view all the record easy and fast, and also for the owner to view sales and inventory of his/her business even without visiting to it. The records of stocks of all branches are stored in the web. Specifically, this study aims to: 1. Provide an fast and easy to use inventory system for Bryan’s School Supplies and Accessories 2. Replace manual inventory with automated online inventory 3. Develop a system to help Bryan’s School Supplies and Accessories with their problem in terms of their stock records and sales inventory 4. Create a website where they can save and view their stock inventory and daily sales 5. Create a system that could help their business be more productive 6. Create a report about the daily stock records through the use of internet 7. Create a secure inventory system in web 1.2 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY This research would highly propulsive and could provide the community a solution for their problem regarding the said topic. The findings of this piece of research may provide an important informational base for the improvement of the business industries. The result of this research studies would specifically facilitate the policy makers and planners in devising suitable strategies for the future plan of action for getting better quality of education as the foundation of the business system. This study could benefit the following: The company: this study can help the companies to become more progressive and productive this study could provide the companies the idea on how to minimize the cost, time and effort of their stocks and employees in terms of recording daily transaction, sales and inventory. Company’s Staff: this study could give staff a benefit because if the company prefers to use this study as their system, their job would be easier and faster. Employees: the result of the study could benefit the employees to lessen their jobs and it will be easy for them to record all the transaction and inventory every day. Future researchers: this study could provide information for the future researchers that have a related topic. They can  use this study as related literature on their research study. Technical Review of Related Literature 2.0 Review of Related Literature This chapter presents the related literature and studies after the thorough and in-depth search done by the researchers. This will also present the synthesis of the art, theoretical and conceptual framework to fully understand the research to be done and lastly the definition of terms for better comprehension of the study. 2.1 Introductory Statement Organizations need to make the right choice and select the inventory control system that not only supports their current needs, but more importantly, is able to support additional functionality to narrow the business growth and technology gap at the right cost. The following are examples of inventory control systems that may suit your organization. In order for our project to be successful and much better than others, we made a system that can cater all the data and transactions of a business. Also, we add some additional and unique features to distinguish the difference of our system to the other systems used by some business firms. We gathered information about the features of some business inventory management system and compared it in our project as a related literature. The graph below shows the comparison of inventory systems in terms of their functionalities. 2.3 Comparison of the other system to the proposed one Bryan’s Online Stocks and Inventory System use an input device such as Barcode Scanner and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). Also this system has the ability to search and filter data easily. But unlike the other systems this project has some unique features that other systems don’t have. It is an improve inventory system that has a special features that other inventory systems don’t have. Others don’t have a function like notifying the user about the number of products in the inventory which is one of the special functions of this system. Also it has the ability to generate daily report and have compilation of all transactions and records done from the start up to the current date. It has the ability to store data online through the use of private network over the web. Also with this system you can customize your own desired user interface. With this kind of system the company can be more organize because they can store all their records and data online, it reduces paper works and it makes transactions easier and faster. They don’t need to worry if the computer will be  corrupted or destroy because all the data was being stored online, they can open it to any computer as long as they have the security password and username of their private site. All the transactions performed in this inventory system occur in real time. So when multiple users are accessing inventory you can rest assured that theyre all seeing the latest information. Updates occur instantly, no more waiting for transactions to post. We can say that this system is more advance and efficient to use compare to the other systems of the other companies. Methodology and Project Scheduling 3.1 Introductory Statement Literature review is an important element for this project since it will give general idea and concept on how to develop an Online Stocks and Inventory for Bryans Accessories and School Supplies. Besides it will provide the requirements and challenges that need to be face during the progress of the project development. Project schedule is a project progress plan that shows the activities that has been plan throughout this project development. It will provide the guide to implement the progress of the project. Bryan’s Online Stocks and Inventory System have the following SDLC and Hardware and Software to be complying in order to have a good system project result. 3.2 Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) The SDLC of Bryan’s Online Stocks and Inventory System develop composed of 6 phases to follow in order to develop the system. The six stages are project planning, project analysis, project development, testing and debugging, implementation and maintenance. 3.2.1 System Planning In this stage the proponents identify and select the software to be used for Bryan’s Inventory. In system planning the proponents choose the project, brainstorming, doing research, interview and the whole member of the team develops the system. The planning of the system determines the task of each members. Determining who will used the system and functions of the system to  its user, the devices to be used in platform of the system. 3.2.2 Project Analysis In system analysis phase it consists of scripting, business process, data flow and database structure as a backbone of the system. It also include the planning of the schedule on how to finish the system project, the process and documentation of the system 3.2.3 System Development and design The system development stage is the application where it develops physical design. The proponents create scripting codes to compute the inventory and designing of the system. 3.2.4 Testing and Debugging Check the system for bugs and errors. The proponents used the bar code scanner to test the system; using the scanner the proponents will determine the functionality of the system. Testing and debugging helps to detect whether the system is working properly or not. The proponents let someone use the system that is not familiar with the system to test the system functionality subject for improvement. 3.2.5 Implementation The implementation of the syste3m will be exclusive for bryan’s school supplies and accessories. In the implementation of the system requires an internet connection to view the inventory of the company. The user log-in to a private network intended only for the inventory of Bryan’s school supplies and accessories 3.2.6 Maintenance In case of error of the functionality in the system the user/company can easily contact the proponents through the email or call/text to fix the problem. The system will implement using the internet which the proponents check and update. The proponents will keep an eye for the maintenance for one year. 3.3 Software Requirements (Recommended) Bryan’s online inventory system supported operating system is any windows 7 variety with 32 bit and 64 bit processor. This system is online and it doesn’t have much software requirements but the researchers prefer to use windows for this system. 3.4 Hardware Requirements (Recommended) The hardware requirements for Bryan’s Online Stocks and Inventory System are mouse, keyboard, and monitor, CPU with 2 GB and up RAM memory, Intel processor with 2-8 cores, hard disk (250 GB) and power supply. 3.5 Project Scheduling Bryan’s Online Stocks and Inventory System takes 47 days to be able to implement and used by the company. The activities and schedule of events are shown in our PERT and Gantt chart which is shown below: Summary of the Findings, Conclusion, and Recommendation 4.1 Introduction This chapter presents the summary of the findings, conclusions and recommendations based on the data analyzed in the previous chapter. Some limitations have been identified. The researchers study deals with the analysis and enhancement of Bryan’s School supplies and Accessories current inventory system. The study focuses on improving and on enhancing the existing system to double the performance and circulation of data.The researchers proposed an online inventory system where all the transactions and processes are done through the use of private network over the web 4.2. Findings The researchers found out that the online inventory system has a big help to the company as well as to the user of the system unlike the existing system which exhibits different problems like: System breakdown Slow processing of data Time consuming Unorganized records Too many paper works Too many people required to process transactions and inventory The researchers also found out that the proposed replacement of the existing  system can give the following benefits: 5x faster processing of data compared to manual system of inventory Less time consuming Continuous access to the entire system Better compilation of record transactions and data Reduces paper works and employees needed 4.3. Conclusion The researchers concluded that: 1. By replacing the existing hardware can give solution to the problems encountered by the encoder/user. 2. Inputing of data will be continuous and faster. 3. The proposed solution can bring such benefits in terms of maintenance cost and overhead cost of electricity.

Performance Criteria For External Walls

Performance Criteria For External Walls External walls are referred to as cladding if they are made of masonry or panels. External walls are vertical elements which enclose the building. In the design of the specified building, the main performance criteria needed as requested by the client are as follows: WEATHER PROTECTION: Walls must be able to exclude rain, wind, snow, frost and sometimes heat and glare from the sun. The walls should often at the same time need to allow the building to be naturally ventilated and natural light to enter the building. In this respect, there are two broad functions the wall needs to perform.ÂÂ   It should resist moisture from the ground and therefore would normally need damp proof courses to do so. It should also be able to adequately resist the penetration of weather from the outside to the inside of the building. FIRE RESISTANCE OF EXTERNAL WALL The external envelope of the buildingÂÂ  should not provide a medium for fire spread if it is likely to be a risk to health or safety. The use of combustible materials for cladding framework, or of combustible thermal insulation as an over-cladding or in ventilated cavities, may present such a risk in the proposed buildings, even though the provisions for external surfaces may have been satisfied. Considering the event of fire breakout in the building, the walls of the building are required to inhibit the spread from room to room of the flames, smokes and gases. The external walls should fulfill the obligation of containing the fire within the building for prescribed period of time, thus limiting spread to adjacent buildings. It is ultimately necessary that the walls be able to perform their structural functions during the fire until all occupants have had sufficient time to escape. Based on the use of the building in this project, the time deemed necessary for such an escape is ÂÂ ½-2 hours. The materials must be carefully chosen so as to resist fore to the utmost. The combustibility of the materials must as low as possible so as to prevent quick spreading of the fire. THERMAL RESISTANCE Due to increased energy cost of recent times, and the higher comfort expectations of occupants of buildings, the pressure for better thermal insulation has become a predominant factor in the performance of buildings. There is therefore greater demand for service engineers to be involved in the thermal design of the external fabric of buildings. It therefore makes economic sense to design the walls of a building so that thermal energy consumption will be kept as low as possible. It is therefore recommended that the service engineers be aware of the required heating cycle of the building and should thus decide what thermal insulation is required and where it should be positioned. He should advise on the positioning of vapour barriers, thus reducing the occurrences of one of the major defects common in modern buildings, that of condensation. The walls having thermal resistance will limit the amount ofÂÂ  heat the building will lose from the internal spaces, and gain from the outside environment.ÂÂ   The materials used will determine exactly how compliance is achieved andÂÂ  manufacturers can generally provide some form of guidance for their products. Cavity Walls The cavity can be fully filled with insulation or partially filled (consult the manufacturers before proceeding). If it is partially filled then an airÂÂ  gap is generally required, the size of which willÂÂ  varying depending onÂÂ  the specific products used for the wall construction and insulation. The insulation should go at least 150mm below the DPC level. Solid Walls These walls are generally insulated by placing some form of thermal element on the inside and rendering the outside. The thickness of these products will depend on the thickness and type of block used. STRENGH AND STABILITY: Two main categories are distinguished here: Structural and non-structural. The former make a positive contribution in the structural integrity of the building and in doing do can act in two ways: 1. the walls may be load bearing and/or stabilizing. Here, they are designed to carry not only their own weight but also other loads exerted by the roof and floors. These walls are designed to resist compression. 2. When performing as stabilizing walls, they are designed to resist horizontal or oblique forces such as wind pressure, earth or water pressure, or thrust from other parts of the building such as arches. These walls are designed to resist shear and are often known as shear walls. The later are more commonly called non-load bearing. They are therefore designed to carry only their own weight and not that of any other elements in the building. It is worth noting here that such walls may still be requested to resist horizontal loads, in particular wind loading. DURABILITY It is often an expectation from most clients that the external fabric of the building will have an acceptable life expectancy. The external walls of the building of this design must be able to withstand the effects of the weather, such as wind, frost, snow, rain, sun and heat to be durable. The walls should also be able to resist physical damage to which they will be subjected during their life. Maintenance is therefore necessary in the elements of the building, including the walls in order to achieve a prescribed life expectancy. It is worth noting that care must be taken in the maintenance work as damage almost often results in the maintenance of the walls. BUILDABILITY Buildability relates more to judgment and knowledge than to mathematical analysis. Buildability reflects whether the specific design can be assembled by various trades without compromising the functional requirements during construction. Buildability is more related to good design than to superior workmanship because, as experience indicates, only a good design can combine all the environmental factors while presenting an easy construction pattern. For the most part, it is the designer who attends to the aspects of buildability such as material installation under different weather conditions, level of skill required for installation, and construction tolerances. Often buildability problems arise when different professions are involved; for instance neither the window manufacturer nor the wall designer may consider the window wall interface as their concern. It is therefore necessary not to disregard the difficulty that the builder can experience when constructing the proposed office building. NOISE Noise can cause stress and loss of sleep, and lead to ill health. For an office to be comfortable it must be designed so that its layout and structure keep noise to an acceptable level. Designing for noise control is not easy, because the sources of noise are not always apparent at design stage, and the paths by which sound travels are not always obvious. The aim, however, should be to ensure that most activities can be carried out without undue interference from internal or external noise. For external walls where windows provide passive ventilation, the need for ventilation must be balanced with the need to reduce noise open windows do not reduce noise from outside. To effectively reduce external noise, the external walls should be well constructed and insulated. A walls ability to reduce noise is dependent on: type of construction; materials; and insulation There are two main construction techniques for walls: Continuous construction A wall in which the components are mechanically connected such as single brick or single stud. Discontinuous construction A dual layer of wall in which the leaves have a minimum 20mm cavity and are not mechanically connected in any way, except at the periphery such as brick cavity and discontinuous stud. When choosing a wall system to reduce noise from the inner city environment, the contractor should consider: materials; general construction; and best practice design Increasing the thickness of the building materials, and ensuring all gaps are sealed can help considerably when dealing with sound insulation. An important feature of well constructed external walls is correctly sealed junctions, as this aids in the reduction of noise transmission through gaps and cracks at the edge of building elements. These noise flanking paths can defeat noise reduction techniques. An important feature of well constructed exterior walls is properly sealed junctions, which aid in the reduction of noise transferred via flanking paths (gaps at the edge of building elements that allow sound to travel through). Even a sound-rated wall may not perform adequately, if joints and junctions are not properly sealed. Challenges to good acoustic design of external walls can arise from noise transferred via flanking paths. It is important to minimise flanking through services and penetrations. The impact isolation of a wall may also be compromised by insufficient attention to detail. Flanking is the transfer of noise through paths around a building element, rather than through the element directly. Flanking can descr ibe the transfer of noise through gaps and cracks in a building element, or via incorrectly sealed junctions between two materials. These noise flanking paths can defeat noise reduction techniques. QUESTION THREE HOW PARTITIONS, SUSPENDED CEILING AND RAISED FLOOR CAN BE USED TO FACILITE THE CLIENT REQUIREMENT OF THE BUILDING PARTITIONS can be described as an internal wall of a structure which divides a building into a number of parts to serve its purpose. Partition can be divide into two main groups that is, load bearing and non load bearing. FUCTIONAL REQUIREMENT OF STEEL PARTITION SYSTEM The following are: Sound Insolution: Is the reduction obtained when sound passes from one side of a partition to another. Sound may considerd as waves of pressure. Sound Absorption: Is the material used to reduce the amount noise that is reflected from a wall surface back into the room and does not increase the sound reduced value of the structure. Sound absorption is usually achieved by adding a soffit finish to the head surface of a wall. Flexibility: The material should be flexible enough to resist any forces or any movement that will change it actual function. Strength and stability: The partition system should be strong enough to resist the various loads that may be imposed on it. These loads include permanent loads such as shelves and wash basins. Services and accommodation: Partition system should be providing with spaces or voids within partitions system to provide services accessed for repair and maintenance. TYPES OF PARTITIONS SYSTEM Metal stud partition: These can be defined as vertical internal space divides and are usually non loads bearing walls. These can be permanent, constructed of material such as metal post and sheet lining such as plasterboard. This type of partition is suitable for rehabilitation works. Joints in panels are usually filled as the plasterboard is normally covered with a scrim coat of plaster. It is however slowing, wasteful of materials and it is difficult to install components such as door and windows hatches. Frame and sheet partition: These are similar in concepts metal stud and sheet partitions; except that they are constructed using an arrangement of proprietary components such as doors and glazing element. Cutting component is kept a minimum and joints between panels are usually expressed using cover strips. Frame and sheet partitions are suitable for dismantling and relocation, and can be called demountable partitions. Frame and panel partition: These are variations on the frame and sheet partition. In this system the panels are placed between the studs or frame which is left exposed. These methods are constructed by using self supporting panels, with double skin of plasterboard separated by egg-create element. SUSPENDED CEILING Suspended ceiling: These can be defined as ceiling which is fixed to a framework suspended from the main structure thus forming voids between the two components. It is used where enough height as available to hang it from the ceiling joists and still have enough height between the floor and new ceiling. Suspended ceiling have two main functions: a metal grid that provide a structural and a height weight panels that slip into grid. The basic functional requirement of suspended ceiling is: They should be easy to construct, repaired, maintain and clean. Should be designed that an adequate means of access is provide to the voids spaces for the maintenance of the suspension system concealed services and / or light fighting. Provide any required sound and / or thermal insulation. Provide any required acoustic control in terms absorption and reverberation. Should be provide with fire resistance or protection to structure steel beams supporting floor. Conform with the minimum requirements set out in the Building Regulations and in particular the regulations governing the restriction of spread of flame over surfaces of ceiling and exceptions permitting the uses of certain plastic material. TYPES OF SUSPENDED CEILING The suspended ceiling can be classified as the way in which they are constructed as following: Jointless ceiling: These ceilings although suspended below the main form uses sheets of plasterboard. In these systems the plasterboard is fixed to the underside of the suspended framework. This can provide fire resistant ceiling and this may be one of the reasons for using this type of construction. Moreover it is not suitable for a situation where service is to be carried in the voids unless they can be approached from the floor area above. This type of ceiling is particularly useful where the ceiling needs to take s sculptured shape. It can provide a fire resistant ceiling construction. Jointed or frame and tile systems: These ceilings are the commonest form of suspended ceiling use in construction industry today. They constructed with a metal framed grid suspended from the floor or structure above. In this system the grid are fitted tiles made from different materials such as minerals fibre board, plaster and metal and it is supported by the grid. Generally these types of ceiling are easily constructed, maintained and easy means of access to services. Open ceiling: These ceiling are designed to give a visual barrier between the rooms below and the ceiling voids above by the use of an open grid. This type ceiling the light is fixed to the lower side of the ceiling. RAISED FLOOR TYPES OF RAISED FLOOR The shallow or battened floor: This type of floor is supported on battens fixed to the structural sub-floor. This type of floor provide spaces of wiring and the floor contain the acoustic properties of a floor and as cavities seldom exceeds 100mm is normally only used to conceal cable runs. Platform floor: This type of floor is supported on adjustable jacks whom rest on the structural sub-floor. Using pedestals an adjustable cavity with depth ranging from 40mm to 150mm depending on which proprietary system can be provided. It is suitable for most services installation requirements. SECTION TWO TECHNICAL DESIGN DECISIONS TO BE TAKEN TO SPEED UP CONSTRUCTION PROCESS Clients often demand faster construction so as to benefit from early completion of projects. Although there are notable examples where fast construction has been achieved, the consensus is that the construction industry has not been entirely successful in meeting clients expectations. This is mainly due to a disjointed industry, in which design is often separated from the construction activities. Traditional practices are proving inadequate, to the point where either they can no longer achieve the desired delivery time, or, if projects are forced to meet the programme, they do not provide the required quality and long term performance. If faster construction is needed, the level of attainment of the targets is an essential part of assessing the overall performance of the construction industry in meeting client needs. Site location The location of the structure on the chosen site is often fundamental to the success of the faster construction initiative. Attention should be paid to site topography, especially noting potential sources of problems such as the water table, contamination, existing structures, substations and overhead high load cables. Repetition Repetition is a most effective way to speed up activities. This can involve the use of standardised components installed in the same way each time. For detail installation, repetition might mean standardising the grade of concrete everywhere on the project at 35 N/mm2, avoiding the additional management time of checking on each pour. Repetition might involve keeping an element to a constant dimension or position e.g. all lighting pendants are in the centre of every room, or extract vents are always 150 mm down from the ceiling. Standard modules Use of identical or standard modules speeds construction because it simplifies the checking of drawings, fabrication and installation. The principle can be applied by using a standard dense concrete block for all block work, or by employing standard air handling units in roof plant or standard toilet pods within the building Orientation The orientation of the project could dramatically affect the speed of construction. A project located some distance from the site access is likely to have more space available for off-loading facilities and storage. If the project structure is close to the access point, or obstructs or restricts access to the remainder of the site, then faster construction is likely to be more difficult. Configuration The mass, height or plan shape of a project will significantly affect the ease and speed of construction. While massed elements may speed construction, they may also obstruct the site and so slow progress. For example, large ductwork elements reduce the number of joint connections that need to be made and so reduce construction time. However, the greater size and length of the elements might hinder access and slow the process down. Prefabrication, pre-assembly and modularisation. Consider the potential of methods based on prefabrication; pre-assembly and modularisation. Environmental and sustainability issues Recognise the environmental and sustainability issues inherent in faster construction on site. It will probably be necessary to expend equal or more energy over a shorter period to achieve the same end-product earlier. The procedures should ensure that the materials used are sustainable.

legalize :: essays research papers

Cannabis is one of the most widely used drugs throughout the world. The psychoactive constituent of cannabis, delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC), produces a myriad of pharmacological effects in animals and humans. Marijuana has been in use for over 4,000 years as a therapeutic and as a recreational drug. It can have both stimulant and sedative properties. In usual intoxicating doses, it produces a sense of well-being, relaxation, a loss of temporal awareness, slowing of thought processes, impairment of short term memory, and a feeling of achieving special insights. At high dosed marijuana can induce panic, toxic delirium, and not often, psychosis. Marijuana is the term used to describe the leaves and flowering tops of the Cannabis sativa plant. Like other herbal medicines, the Cannabis plant plays host to a number of chemicals. The plant houses approximately 460 known compounds. Sixty of these are unique to the Cannabis plant and are called cannabinoids. The primary psychoactive cannabinoid is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) interacts with cannabinoid receptors to trigger dopamine relase from the mesolimbic reward system. Chemically the cannabinoids are classed as terpenoid (terpene-like). These compounds occur as essential oils within many plants and some are involved in vitamin, steroid and pigment formation. There are two known endogenous cannabinoid receptors named CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain. They are most prevalent in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. CB1 receptors in the hippocampus mediate effects on short-term memory. CB2 receptors are also found in the brain, but more so expressed by cells of the immune system, especially B cells. The CB receptor is a G protein mediated receptor that affects primarily calcium and potassium channel activation (Howlett et al, 1995). Both receptors are G protein linked, decrease adenyl cyclase activity, inhibit calcium N channels, and disinhibit potassium channels. Functional changes are most notable in neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release. Both receptor types selectively bind THC, the active principle in marijuana, and anandamide, an endogenous cannabimimetic eicosanoid (Felder et al, 2000). As was just mentioned, there is also an endogenous cannabinoid system, the brain’s own marijuana, capable of activating these cannabinoid receptors functionally. These endocannabinoids are synthesized by neurons and inactivated by reuptake systems and enzymes in both neurons and glia. Initially, the receptors were considered orphaned receptors meaning that there were no endogenous ligands. Subsequent research turned up two endogenous cannabinoid ligands, anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol, that not only bind to the receptors but also mimic many of the biological actions of plant-derived cannabinoids.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder :: Post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD

After experiencing a traumatic event, the mind has been known to horde away the details and memories and then send them back at unexpected times and places, sometimes after years have passed. It does so in a haunting way that makes the recall just as disturbing as the original event. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is the name for the acquired mental condition that follows a psychologically distressing event "outside the range of usual human experience" (Bernstein, et al). There are five diagnostic criteria for this disorder and there are no cures for this affliction, only therapies which lessen the burden of the symptoms. The root of the disorder is a traumatic event which implants itself so firmly in the mind that the person may be shackled by the pain and distress of the event indeinately, experiencing it again and again as the mind stays connected with the past rather than the present, making it difficult to think of the future. The research on this topic is all rather recent as the disorder was only added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) in the last twenty years. Yet, the disorder is quite common, threatening to control and damage the lives of approximately eight percent of the American population [5% of men and 10% of women]. Any person is a potential candidate for developing PTSD if subject to enough stress. There is no predictor or determining factor as to who will develop PTSD and who will not. Although all people who suffer from it have experienced a traumatic event, not all people who experience a traumatic event will develop PTSD. Each persons individual capacity for coping with catastrophic events determines their risk of acquiring PTSD. And not everyone will experience the same symptoms; some may suffer only a few mild symptoms for a short period of time, others may be completely absorbed, still others who experience great trauma may never develop any s ymptoms at all (Friedman). More than any other psychological problem, symptoms are a reaction to an overwhelming external event, or series of events. From a historical perspective, the concept of PTSD made a significant change in the usual stipulation that the cause of a disorder could be outside of the self, rather than some inherent individual weakness (Friedman).

Brave New World: A Linguistic Analysis

The novel Brave New World by Aldous Huxley tries to show us the extreme consequences of social planning. As Huxley makes it, it is a project begun in philosophy, and ending in a few philosophers exercising control over larger society in order to suppress philosophy among the generality. The remnant of philosophers has earned the wisdom that thinking is deleterious to human happiness and social stability. Therefore the overriding goal of the 27th century world community is to suppress the natural human inclinations.In effect the community is only of the small coterie of philosophers at the helm, for the rest of humanity is maintained at a bestial level of existence by their machinations. They are bred artificially, and then raised through constant conditioning, all designed to make them function on their animal instincts alone, and so that they abhor the least tendency to reflection. All are made sexually sterile, and then encouraged to dwell on the sexual act with promiscuous abandon .Care is taken that the promiscuous partners do not fall in love, for love arouses the noble tendencies, and theses are dangerous to the status quo. Otherwise, any substantial thought in nipped in the bud, for the inhabitants of this society are encouraged to take the soma drug at the least onset of a serious thought process. It has been worked out that a hierarchy is necessary for this society to function, and according a five-fold caste system has been applied to the make-up of this society – from the alphas and betas at the top, to the deltas and epsilons at the bottom.The breeding and conditioning takes place according to this scheme. It is a triumph of logic, and yet it is also the death of the human. This conflict is the central theme of the novel. The opening section of the novel presents to us this theme variously and in poignant fashion. This essay carries out a linguistic analysis of the opening chapter, which sheds light on the overall theme. The general impression given is that society has progressed very far, so that logic and science have completely prevailed.The Director of the Hatcheries is describing to some students the process of artificially breeding the citizens of this society. His account tells us that it is a highly advanced process, and the machinery seems to be functioning flawlessly. As he enters the fertilizing room, there are fifty Fertilizer staff immersed in their work, and so the group is met with a â€Å"scarcely breathing silence, the absentminded, soliloquising hum or whistle, of absorbed concentration† (Huxley 2004, p. 16). All the clues point to a highly sophisticated society working on the factory principle.The factory principle is so esteemed years are counted from the year that the industrialist Henry Ford brought out his first mass-production car, the model T, which was in the year 1914. The present year is said to be 632 A. F. – the latter stands for â€Å"after Ford† (Ibid 15). But the fact ory is producing human beings. The cold calculation that is involved in this process reminds us of death rather than life. The suggestion is that the genesis of human being is also a process whereby humanity dies. Therefore, the general atmosphere painted is deathly, cold and uninspiring.â€Å"A SQUAT grey building of only thirty-four stories† (Ibid, p. 15). describes the Hatcheries Central, and defines a drab setting, to juxtapose it against its momentous function. Winter conditions are maintained to preserve the eggs and the sperm, and winter is also intimated in a symbolic sense. â€Å"Wintriness responded to wintriness. The overalls of the workers were white, their hands gloved with a pale corpse-coloured rubber. The light was frozen, dead, a ghost† (Ibid). The general impression is that this is not a place of life, but of death.The conflict is also between knowledge and ignorance. We are privy to a society where the excess of knowledge has begotten its antithesis, which is a will to ignorance. The society is based on a highly philosophical design, and yet the philosophy behind it is not supposed to be known by the citizens, because the entire object is to eradicate thinking. Thus the motto of World Society is emblazoned on the top of the entrance to the Hatcheries: â€Å"COMMUNITY, IDENTITY, STABILITY† (Ibid). The only possible way for the entire world to live as one community is to suppress thought.Individuality is encouraged, but only in so far as it pertains to action in particular, and eschews all generalizations that stems of thinking. â€Å"Not philosophers but fret-sawyers and stamp collectors compose the backbone of society,† we are told by the narrator (Ibid). â€Å"Identity† here means that one is able to fulfill one’s own immediate inclination or instinct. Stability is the result of this non-thinking and instinct-driven existence. In short, the plan is for a bestial existence, and one acquires stability just as a species of animal is stable in its jungle abode.Yet the highest philosophy must coexist with this manufactured ignorance, because the ignorance must be manufactured by someone. The Director of the Hatcheries is among the tiny group of citizens that must know exactly what is going on, for they must process and maintain it. He is part of the highest caste, the Alphas, those who are privy to all knowledge. But the second highest caste, the Betas, must also have a working knowledge, because they take on the high supervisory roles of the running of this society. â€Å"Just to give you a general idea† (Ibid 16).the Director is wont to say as he provides instruction to the Beta students. They are not supposed to know, yet they must be able to do their work properly, and with a modicum of intelligence. The knowledge that they are provided is just enough to keep them happy. They apply the knowledge towards the particular work that they have to do. If they do their work prof iciently they have job satisfaction and financial reward, and ask for nothing beyond these. But the danger is that the knowledge is applied generally, and beyond the confines of the particular situation.Such application of knowledge disrupts the whole pattern, and defeats the object of society. â€Å"For particulars, as every one knows,† the narrator tells us, describing the logic of the Director, â€Å"make for virtue and happiness; generalities are intellectually necessary evils† (Ibid). The last observation is told from the point of view of the Director, and it is significant that he describes generalities as â€Å"intellectually necessary evils†. This is admitting that evil has not been eradicated from this society. It is present in the process, especially in the thought process that engenders the entire system.But the intellection that takes place is necessary, so it is not the philosophers at the helm who are evil. There is no indication in the novel that the World Controllers abuse the power that they have appropriated. They are portrayed as selfless, and as having no concern but the greatest good of society. They hold the secret knowledge that thought is evil, but the evil does not touch their own person, while they proceed with their intellectual designs on society. The evil is instead diffused throughout the system. The evil aspect of this society is the aggregate loss of humanity.Happiness has been bought, but the price paid for it has been essential humanity. The gift of humanity is the greatest gift, and thus the price paid is the ultimate one. For all its apparent contentedness, this society is intrinsically inhuman, and the descriptions of the process taking place in the Hatcheries Central point towards an inhuman existence. â€Å"I shall begin at the beginning† (Ibid). This is how the Director begins his instruction, trying to manufacture a solemnity in keeping with the enormity of what is taking place, which is huma n genesis on a massive scale.But his effort falls flat, and it seems nothing more than a facetious pun. We notice the same effort towards solemnity in all his words and gestures. But solemnity is not possible in the presence of such mundane processes, no matter that the object is human genesis. He tells them about the operation that removes the female ovaries, which are then kept functioning artificially in order to provides the human eggs. We are told that the donors act voluntarily, but we know that it is actually a hefty bait of â€Å"a bonus amounting to six months’ salary† that induces them (Ibid, p. 17).Both sperm and egg cells are maintained at the right temperatures, before arriving at the fertilizing room, where cylinders containing the eggs are manually dipped into the sperm to effect fertilization. We are shocked to witness human conception under such a shabby process as dipping cylinders is seminal fluid. The calculation is relentless. Not all the fertilize d eggs are not all treated the same. Those embryos that are destined to become Alpha citizens are accorded the best treatment. All other embryos are deliberately maltreated, to various degrees, so that they form the lower hierarchies, from beta to epsilon.The â€Å"Bokanovsky’s Process† is the euphemistic term to describe this crime. The deliberate damaging of embryos in indicative of the inherent inhumanity of this society. It is one human being maiming another who is at the most defenseless state of existence. The evil is thus inherent in the process itself. Not just on the philosopher at the top, the indictment somehow falls on society at a whole. References Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World and Brave New World Revisited. London: HarperCollins, 2004.