Application for Fuqua MBA Program †Example Essay

Application for Fuqua MBA Program – Example Essay Free Online Research Papers Application for Fuqua MBA Program Example Essay 1. Please discuss your previous professional experiences, your long-term career goals and the role the MBA will play in those plans. Why are you interested in The Fuqua School of Business and what do you hope your contribution will be to an MBA environment? (Limit 4 pages) My long-term aspiration is to manage a Venture Incubator company that brings up an enterprise and concurrently supports the fund investment and management consulting of the Venture Company. It is extremely difficult for any firm to be recognized in the market in the beginning. In particular, in the case of a newly born firm, it is inevitable that they fall behind on the marketing, settling vision, and performing strategy. If we can find such companies and provide them with the fund and management consulting at the same time, we will be able to create value worth no less than hundreds of times greater than the amount of investment. We will be able to recognize some purpose as an incubator in the sense that we raise a desirable company. My objective, as mentioned above, stems from working experience for 3 and a half years as an expert in terms of credits and one year of working experience as a consultant. In order to become an expert in credit, especially a loan officer, I entered the KRW 19 billion (approximately USD 16 million) asset-scale of the biggest professional organization for long-term credit, the Korea Long-Term Credit Bank upon graduating from the university in 1995. I became well aware of the concept on the management of risk on the assets as well as the management of risk on credits through 6 months of on-the-job training on the risk management from Assets Liabilities while developing the Banks management system. Afterwards, as a loan officer, I was in charge of around 30 deals of credits for the big and small companies. All I learned from 18 months of experience was the assessment of the potential value of the firm simply by its number of financial affairs could commit a considerable mistake. Among t he 16 times of new credit loan cases I had handled, 2 cases were left delinquent by the time I quitted working at the end of year 1998. The lesson that I learned at that time was that if I had viewed the firms in terms of assessment from diverse angles such as vision and performance strategy of the company, the driving force of management strategy, and the active organization structure, I would have been able to prevent the bad loan. The opportunity to change my career into a consultant also came from this experience. From the beginning of 1999, I changed my career to a consultant of the strategic consulting group in a local consulting firm called the ABL. It was done for the purpose of actually going inside the firm, and being able to study the vision and strategy as well as broaden the understanding on the firms. Although 1-year period was relatively short, I was able to participate in 4 projects including the outsourcing project for SK Telecom, organization-restructuring project for Kookmin Bank. During that period of time, I learned to raise the success of our team through bench marking, method of setting up vision and strategy, method of establishing a scenario and the assistance of our team. In addition, I realized from the colleagues, especially those who had achieved the MBA, that their knowledge on management and consulting skills are far better than mine. From then on, my desire to study in full scale on management, which is necessary for a consultant, began to grow rapidly. A business school is very significant to me for three major reasons. First, I can learn the managerial knowledge and skill through advanced course of studies on management and various practical experiences. Secondly, it provides the chance to mutually interchange with superior men of ability. Thirdly, the MBA degree can build confidence to the prospective clients upon performing as the Project Manager and being in possession of the MBA degree will be much help on the fund forming for venture investments. The primary reason why I choose Duke is the strong point in terms of environment. I would rather explore my overseas studies in a typical American small and medium-sized city than a metropolis such as New York, which is full of immigrants. Among top 10 business schools, Duke is the only one to my taste in this perspective. I would like to spend two years being engrossed in academic fulfillment in an academic atmosphere in Duke located in the center of ?esearch Triangle?where the largest number of scholars with doctoral degree may live throughout the United States. The second reason is that Duke is located in the vicinity of Washington D.C in which my wife wants to pursue her goal in museum studies. If my wife comes to study at George Washington University, I would choose between Duke University and University of North Carolina in order to spend the weekend with my wife. For this reason, I apply for the MBA schools within 4 hours of driving from Washington D.C. The third reason is that I evaluate Duke located in the research triangle park- the so-called ?merica? next Silicon Valley?provide the best course in the field of entrepreneurship for new ventures. In particular, the only courses of Duke managing venture and growth mentored study program with entrepreneurship for venture capitalists will serve up essential knowledge on the establishment of venture capital company, which is my long term aspiration. During the period of time in Duke, I would like to share my business know-how, which is necessary to establish the venture company, with follow students by participating in the entrepreneurship and venture capital club. The most crucial thing that I can contribute to Duke is my experience in and knowledge on internet business and venture company in Korea. Korea is one of top 10 nations in the world in terms of internet business and emerges as the experimental arena for the venture company, which is expected to belong to top 5 telecommunication countries by the year 2010. One of the themes that I want to make research is the detailed report on strategic investment with reference to the status of and the prospect for investment in 100 representative venture companies out of the main telecommunication nations in Asia including ROK, Taiwan, and Singapore. Given the opportunity, I would like to make a specific study group related to the theme of research along with professors and fellow students. I hope Duke will be recognized as one of the most prestigious business schools as far as Asian venture company is concerned thanks to my research in the long term. 2. Tell us about the most challenging team experience you have had to date. What role did you play? What factors made it a challenge for you? How did you and the group address these issues? What did you learn? (Limit 2 pages) 3. a) Discuss a personal failure that had an impact on your professional practices or management style. Why do you consider the situation a failure? How did you resolve the situation? Did it change your professional outlook? If so, how? (Limit 1 page) During my first year at Asset Liability Management Team of Korea Long Term Credit Bank, I went through a significant failure that made the schedule of my team unnecessarily delayed. It occurred in the middle stage of my first project, which was to build up the risk management system for the bank. Within the project, I was responsible for performing benchmarking JP Morgan? ?AR (Value At Risk)?system. At the case team meeting where I was supposed to present my work, I had only prepared the results of how VAR system works without my analysis and interpretative thoughts on the results. Thus, I was not able to answer important questions raised by my team members with reference to the results. Since the answers were critical for the progress of their work, they had to wait for me to formulate my thoughts and have a discussion with them at our next meeting. At last, with the help of one of the colleagues in my team, I was able to finish interpretative analysis of the benchmarking three day s later, which eventually brought about an unnecessary delay. I created this situation because I was not fully ready to be a pro-active and creative in terms of idea. Being raised in Korea where responsibilities are categorically assigned by position, I was not fully set to execute the task without permission of my supervisors when key decisions were required. Although I was commended as the best worker in military service, I was nothing but a performer who accomplished tasks in an efficient manner. I was not trained to plan and accomplish an assignment for myself. Through this failure, I recognized that ? good worker?in an intellectual organization requires vigorous self-planning and self-training. In the wake of this failure, my first priority in any project is placed to accept full responsibility for the task at hand, self ?plan and accomplish as much as possible, and develop answers to any contingent questions. I want to change myself from an executor to a leader. I strongly believe that my early failures in my career have encouraged me to be a better consultant, manager and leader. Thank you. Research Papers on Application for Fuqua MBA Program EssayLifes What IfsThe Project Managment Office SystemTwilight of the UAWAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalOpen Architechture a white paperThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UsePersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductDefinition of Export Quotas

About Joseph Eichler and West Coast Modernism

About Joseph Eichler and West Coast Modernism Real estate developer Joseph L. Eichler was not an architect, but he revolutionized residential architecture. In the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, many suburban tract homes in the United States were modeled after Eichler Houses built by Joseph Eichlers firm. You dont have to be an architecture to have an impact on architecture! Background: Born: June 25, 1901 to European Jewish parents in New York City Died: July 25, 1974 Education: Business degree from New York University Early Career: As a young man, Joseph Eichler worked for a San Francisco-based poultry business owned by his wifes family. Eichler became treasurer for the company and moved to California in 1940. Influences: For three years, Eichler and his family rented Frank Lloyd Wrights 1941 Usonian style Bazett House in Hillsborough, California. The family business was facing a scandal, so Eichler launched a new career in real estate. At first Eichler constructed conventional homes. Then Eichler hired several architects to apply Frank Lloyd Wrights ideas to suburban tract homes for middle class families. A business partner, Jim San Jule, helped craft shrewd publicity. An expert photographer, Ernie Braun, created the images that promoted Eichler Homes as carefree and sophisticated. About Eichler Homes: Between the 1949 and 1974, Joseph Eichlers company, Eichler Homes, constructed about 11,000 houses in California and three houses in New York state. Most of the West Coast homes were in the San Francisco area, but three tracts, including Balboa Highlands, were developed near Los Angeles and remain popular to this day. Eichler was not an architect, but he sought out some of the best designers of the day. For example, the celebrated A. Quincy Jones was one of Eichlers architects. Today, Eichler neighborhoods like the one at Granada Hills in San Fernando Valley have been designated historic districts. The Significance of Eichler: Eichlers company developed what became known as the California modern style, but he also was instrumental in the growing Civil Rights movement. Eichler became known for advocating fair housing during an era when builders and realtors often refused to sell homes to minorities. In 1958, Eichler resigned from the National Association of Home Builders to protest the organizations policies of racial discrimination. In the end, Joseph Eichlers social and artistic ideals cut into business profits. The value of Eichler Homes declined. Eichler sold his company in 1967, but continued to build houses until he died in 1974. Learn More: More About Eichler Homes Eichler Homes: Design for Living by Jerry Ditto, 1995Eichler: Modernism Rebuilds the American Dream by Paul Adamson, 2002People in Glass Houses: The Legacy of Joseph Eichler (DVD) References: History of Eichler Homes, Eichler NetworkSaving the Tract House by Karrie Jacobs, The New York Times, May 15, 2005 Additional Source: Pacific Coast Architecture Database at https://digital.lib.washington.edu/architect/architects/528/ [accessed November 19, 2014]

A Ladder of Citizen Participation Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

A Ladder of Citizen Participation - Case Study Example Tangent basically comprises studio practice and field practice, where the former includes architectural design and consultation, while the latter deals with the design, participatory place-making, make workshops, and also planning. Both the components involve the company’s work with students and professionals belong to different fields such as design, education, performance, carpentry, and emergency shelter building as well as a variety of community groups. For my internship, I worked with two of my classmates as a team to provide assistance to Sally in terms of completing two projects in a deadline of three weeks, and more projects for the remaining two weeks. The majority of time was spent working at Sally’s private studio in Centrespace, while the remainder was spent working in UWE. The first project involved helping the Architecture Centre in Bristol to set up an exhibition for May 1st, in terms of celebrating Bristol’s victory of being the European Green Capital 2015. The main idea behind this event was to bring people together through the exhibition, workshops talks and other activities in order to provide a forum to discuss and come up with solutions to maintain a more sustainable future (The Architecture Centre, 2015). The second project, on the other hand, revolved around collaboration with the history department in UWE, in order to hold the event ‘Crafts Walk’ for the 7th of June. This walk that will be held within the Bristol historic center is aimed at restoring the value of historic monuments so as to revitalize the old culture and traditions in a better light. The main focus of these projects was on different theories of planning, and after the undertaking of this internship, I have been able to gain an in-depth understanding of planning in its practical aspect. This experience has rendered good insight into the world of planning, and this will significantly help me to make up better plans and take better planning decisions in my future.

How Facebook Changed the World Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

How Facebook Changed the World - Essay Example This enabled a serious information flow to the population and creating awareness on their social human rights due to the economic crisis (Smyth 67). The world was changed because of this propagation and political leadership removed them from their positions. In analysis of the documentary, young people facilitated the unfolding events in the Arab spring through the social media. Young people had a notion that the old political rulers had failed in their responsibility and through their failure, poor economic state of their respective countries was experienced. Lack of employment for the young adults was a major impetus for change that gave their momentum for the social movement (Scott 23). Dictatorship and violation of human rights was among their concern, which also included corrupt leadership. The extreme poverty and educated youth with no jobs were dissatisfied in the Arab countries. This caused major information flow through the modern information technology. Facebook was effectively used in championing young people’s rights and urging the whole population to come out and demonstrate against poor leadership so that the political leaders could resign from their positions. The youth and the general population were not able to tolerate further deteriorating economy, caused by poor leadership. They had the need to champion the citizens to restore democracy and good leadership with no corruption to help in stimulating the economy. The social media through facebook was the main instigator, which was used as a tool in this Arab spring. The role of social media is demonstrated in the whole world on how effective it is because it has its own unique power. People are able to connect to one another and share their concerns, thus more mobilization takes place in the process. The information through social media also enabled the world to get updated on the events as they unfolded. The world was able to understand the concern of the Arab population

Related Studies Essay Example for Free

Related Studies Essay According to Vargas S, she conducted a study entitled â€Å" Effectiveness of Lemon and Orange Peel as Insect Repellent†. Lemon and Orange peel are good for our body and skin. Lemon peel contains Vitamin C and Citric acid which are good for our skin while an orange peel also contains Vitamin C. It’s said that mosquitoes and gnats are either repulsed by either scent. The essential oils that can be extracted from lemon and orange peel are the one that makes mosquitoes fly away. Effective insect repellents can protect you from serious mosquito diseases- West Nile Virus, St. Louis Encephalitis, etc. and tick-borne diseases- Lyme diseases, Rocky Mountaion Spotted Fever, etc.

Anatomy of Criticism Essay -- Anatomy of Criticism Essays

Anatomy of Criticism  Ã‚   Introduction In his Anatomy of Criticism, Northrop Frye offers a complex theory that aspires to describe a unifying system for literary criticism. It can be argued, however, that in attempting to delineate such an all-inclusive structure, Frye's system eliminates identity in literature. The present essay takes up this argument and offers examples of how identity is precluded by Frye's system as outlined in Anatomy of Criticism. Structure Vs. Identity In Frye's system, the organizing principles that give literature coherence and structure are derived from the myths of ancient Greece and the archetypal imagery found in the Bible. In his Third Essay, Frye suggests that all literature is based on displacements of these myths. In postulating this, however, Frye denies the individual identity of a work of literature: it becomes merely another abstraction of an axial symbol, an embellished copy of an archetypal myth. This tenet essentially annexes the identity of the writer as well, for every work of literature is seen by Frye as being based on or derived from all other works. The originality of a writer's ideas is denied, and the author's identity is therefore negated. There is no such thing as an 'original' literary identity in Frye's system. For Frye, literature must lead back to the Garden, to mythical symbolism; if a literary work does not displace an archetype, then it is not considered to be literature. Although it seems that Fry e is able to find axial imagery in almost any work, we must ask what his theory of myths excludes. If we look at the works cited in the Anatomy, we see that Frye concentrates much of his discussion on the classics of Western literature (Shakespeare, Chaucer, Milton, T.S. ... ...y in this quote by removing the individual from the question: the immediacy of "Who am I?" is replaced with the more disinterested and impersonal "Where is Here?" But the questioning of identity is central to the Canadian imagination, and is perhaps an axiom of our identity. In decontextualizing and desocializing literature, Frye denies the Canadian literary identity. Conclusion Northrop Frye's theory of literary criticism attempts to include all literature in a structure that totalizes. In doing so, however, identity is excluded: the identity of the writer, the reader, and individual works ofliterature is denied; in denying these identities, Frye perhaps precludes the identity of literature itself.    List of References Used Frye, Northrop (19 ). The Bush Garden. Works Cited: Frye, Northrop. Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays. Princeton: Princeton UP, 1957.

Cause and extent of sleep deprivation

Emotional issues such as anxiety and depression can often lead to sleep deprivation or in worse cases, insomnia. Studies suggest that sleep loss may have an effect on the cardiovascular, endocrine, Immune, and nervous systems. The scope of employee assistance program needed The Intermediate EPA is able to identify and manage the causes of sleep deprivation that affects workplace performance. The workplace Is therefore an ideal setting in reaching a large group of individuals with potential mental health problems, emotional or other impairing issues.An overview of a program that could be Implemented A program that can be implemented referring to Sleep Deprivation is a lunch-time information session. The session would only last half an hour, and would cover the causes of sleep deprivation and how it affects the work place. We would talk about different ways to combat sleep deprivation so that employees now have broader knowledge of the issue and can easily work their way to fixing the issue. These sessions would be held once every three months to help keep the employees awareness levels up. Sources needed to implement and maintain this program would be computers/ laptops; to conduct research on the topic of sleep deprivation, and to compose slide presentations as well as typing up/print fact sheets for employees to keep and take mom with them. Books can also be used to research the history of sleep deprivation so the key speaker is able to answer any difficult questions asked by employees. Personnel needed to develop the program The overall personnel required to attend would be all employees, however the program would also be compulsory.The organizations manager and health and safety committee leader would be conducting research on the topic of sleep deprivation and organizing a presentation room for it to be held in A Key speaker would be the person that addresses all employees and presents all the information o them, also answering any questions or issues that may be raised. The key speaker would be chosen by the manager but someone of importance and is responsible, preferably a team leader within the organization.Administrative structure and support needed to evaluate and monitor implementation and progress of the program Cost factors involved in developing and implementing the program List of Expenditures for developing and maintaining the lunch time information session: – Promotional materials (flyers to be given out to employees) – Extra wages for the key beakers, manager and health & safety leader – Productivity loss due to employee participation in program Approaches to promote the program to employees and build participation Emails session.There would also be a flyer regarding the EPA on the organizations intentioned. Failure to attend and participate would have consequences such as having to clean the staff room lunch area for a couple of days etc Potential benefits to the organization of successful implementa tion of the program. The key benefits of this program would be that all employees are more aware of the issue (sleep deprivation).Since ways to combat sleep deprivation would be covered as well as take home information flyers, certain employees who do suffer from this now have more information. They wouldn't have had to conduct their own research or spend their own money to help fix this issue, therefore are more likely to help themselves. If employees are sleeping better they tend to have more energy, are more focused and will work better. This would increase productivity, as well as employees taking less sick days resulting in less absenteeism and Presentments also.

Website Evaluation for Better Business

The question is, can you write an effective letter to a major corporation and get your point across in way that your information stands out over the multiple documents that a CEO may be receiving. Just think about what you would do if you were in a singing contest, how you could shine above all the other contestants. There are great examples online of business writings that we can access 24 hours a day. I just want to touch on the importance of good communications and how far it will take you in the business community. Most professionals are inundated with reading tons of material everyday often without knowing what the writer was trying to convey. The book talks about effective communication when writing a business letter. The fact the most readers will not read long sentences or large paragraphs, this makes it important to develop a method of writing that is informative but yet effective. The information I ‘m going to provide for you will help you in this quest. I’m going to show is how the use of this website (http://www. powa. org/) to give you an advantage over other business writers, and have a successful outcome. First, the book (Business Communication Today) gives some concrete pointers that seem to be the same emphases throughout chapter #6, meaning that the more we read it, speak it, use it, we’ll remember it. The book talks about having a clear message, breaking up long sentences, rewrite hedging sentences, clarify sentence structure and shorten overly long words. The web site explains the subject-verb/complement pattern and shows how you can expand that pattern almost indefinitely with a few simple principles such as coordination and subordination. In the website we'll look at some more advanced sentence strategies. Again the aim is to increase your versatility as a writer, to help you see the full range of options for solving writing problems. As your flexibility increases, you'll not only satisfy minimal standards of clarity and correctness, you'll express yourself with new-found energy and power. While the S V/C pattern, with agent as subject, is by far the most common pattern for building English sentences, it's by no means the only one. Nor is it best in every situation. Sometimes you may wish to turn things around in order to create a particular kind of emphasis or rhythm. Second, the chapter further goes into design elements and paragraph length and margins around the text which effects what you’re reading and gives the document overall readability. There was a list of four writing techniques that improve the readability of the message: * Varying sentence length. * Keeping paragraph short. * Using list and bullets. * Adding heading and subheading. The challenge is to keep your thought process while attempting to follow the main direction which is to get your message across while having the correct format. The writing a strong business letter will take some practice and a great deal of patience. The web site goes on to enhance the topic and seems to go deeper into developing your paragraph. Your topic sentences indicate the major support areas for your thesis, and the guide sentences show how you can develop each paragraph. Still, your paper is far from complete. While you've opened up your main idea to expose its parts, you have yet to get down to giving the specifics; the precise details that will help your reader feel the full weight of your thought. You must show the foundation of specific evidence that your general ideas are built upon. The following suggestions for paragraph development will help you coax forth details that will make your writing solid and substantial. Notice how often a paragraph will say, in the second or third sentence, â€Å"for instance† or â€Å"for example. † This is how writers introduce an actual incident or object to prove or illustrate the point under discussion. The example may be a brief physical description: I can still remember her imitation of a frog. Puffing out her cheeks and hopping around the room, she seemed almost amphibian as she croaked out a mating call. Sometimes a point made in your thesis sentence, a topic sentence, or a guide sentence needs elaboration and clarification. That is, the reader may pick up the general outline of what you're saying, but a second sentence or two may be needed before the full meaning comes across. The first two sentences of this paragraph work like that. The second one explains the first, and the next two (including this one) carry the process even further. Each sentence, after looking back at the previous one to see if it tells the whole story with perfect clarity, goes on to fill in the gaps and make the meaning more precise. In the introduction paragraph I made an example to get you the reader to draw a comparison, and inspire you to think. Third, Chapter #6 helps us along by telling us that we need to proof read everything we intend to send out for others to read. As I read the books definition of proofreading I discovered eight tips for improving the message quality. Proofreading should be a little more than a quick glance, we all have made mistakes in this area, for an example; I recently wrote how our brains can figure out how to determine what is being conveyed even if the content of the text seems totally incorrect. I’d failed to proofread one of my papers but discovered the problem only after sending it to the boss to read. I’d misspelled the word â€Å"indicated† later the document went to the district manager for review. I then re-read the document and found the error and felt so unprofessional. Now the time was right for me to step up my game and proofread all documents. The eight tips are as follows; * Make multiple passes, checking for any problem * Read aloud or read backward * Double check high priority names, dates, address and financial data * Take a break for a while then start again Read the small sections * Stay focus on your work * Review complex document * Take your time It is a fact that we look at the same document over and over our brains tells us that there are no mistakes, but when we allow a second set of eyes to take a look the mistakes are found that we didn’t see, so even after proof reading sometimes it’s possible to overlook errors. The above steps are very important. The website touch on proofreading is equally important; producing a clean, error-free final draft isn't easy. Even the most carefully edited professional publications contain occasional typos. Most readers understand this and aren't bothered by such infrequent problems. Yet when errors occur often, they undermine the writer's authority and disrupt communication. The following guidelines are easier for some to follow than for others, but they can, with a little work, be learned by almost anyone. Once learned, they'll become part of your permanent knowledge base like the multiplication tables or your best friend's phone number. You won't have to learn them twice. Take time then, even if you're fairly confident about your grammar, to see if you need to work on any of these six areas. If you do, try to understand the logic of the rule, what its purpose is. Six Problem Areas are; * Subject/Verb Agreement * Pronoun/Antecedent Agreement * Pronoun Reference * Shift in Tense * Shift in Person * Misrelated Modifier There are parts of the website that I believe to be very useful for me in my personal struggle to learn to write more professionally. The class has all the tools to push you to progress, however this website helps as do many other tools we use in learning to write effectively. The part of the site that impacted me the most was the grammar section which I mentioned in the above paragraph. I am very weak in this area that’s why this site was very informative for me. Although this website was very informative there were some areas that could be improved. The first page layout does not hold your attention as do other sites I’ve visited. There should be some video interactivity because as the site proclaimed, people don’t want to read huge amounts of text when the technology exist to allow some video format to occur. When I was looking for further information in reference to the first page tabs I didn. t see the tabs on the top for the page, a better way to present the tabs would be to make them larger and use a different color to attract attention. Some of the colors that are on the page should express key points, for an example; when you study and you want to remember a key point in the text you highlight it, so I think key points should be highlighted to bring attention to what the writer was trying to convey. The website definition of my earlier observation is, if writing is like making a movie, emphasis could be compared to a photographer’s zoom lens, moving in for a close-up one moment and backs for a wide-angle shot the next. Emphasis allows you to create similar special effects by magnifying, reducing, or even eliminating certain details. By controlling emphasis, you can focus your readers' attention on what is most important.

Use of Cholinesterase Activity in Environmental Monitoring †Research Paper

Use of Cholinesterase Activity in Environmental Monitoring – Research Paper Free Online Research Papers Use of Cholinesterase Activity in Environmental Monitoring: Importance of Kinetic Parameters Determination In Estaurine Fish Research Paper Abstract The aim of the present work was to determine the kinetic parameters and cholinesterase (ChE) activity from two teleost fishes: the croacker Micropogonias furnieri (Scianidae) and sea catfish Cathorops spixii (Ariidae), to verify their suitability as sentinels of aquatic pollution by anticholinesterasic compounds. Fish were collected in a reference and in a polluted site in Southern Brazil and brain ChE was used as enzyme source. Inhibition kinetic parameters employing ChE from C. spixii showed that fish collected in the reference site presented more affinity (Ka) for eserine than those collected in the polluted site and the contrary was observed for the carbamylation constants (Kc), overall resulting in similar inhibition constants (Ki). Considering the extremely low sensitivity to in vitro inhibition by eserine, M. furnieri seems to be an unsuitable species to be employed as an environmental sentinel for pollution of anticholinesterasic compounds. Results obtained in the present study point to the importance of kinetic studies when cholinesterasic activity is employed as a biomarker in environmental quality monitoring programs. Keywords: biomarkers, cholinesterase, eserine, fish, kinetic parameters, estuarine environments 1. Introduction Some pesticides, including organophosphorus and carbamates, are known to selectively inhibit cholinesterase (ChE) activity (Valbonesi et al., 2003). When directly released into the environment, these molecules can reach rivers and sometimes the sea, leading to the contamination of various aquatic ecosystems (Mora et al., 1999). The relationship between the presence of these kind of compounds and ChE activity has been widely studied and employed as a biomarker in aquatic invertebrate and vertebrate species (Bocquenà © et al., 1997; Sturm et al., 1999; Rodriguez-Fuentes Gold-Bouchot, 2000; De la Torre et al., 2002). The use of biochemical measurements in organisms as an indicator of pollution can complement chemical analysis, giving information about the adaptive or deleterious responses in organisms exposed to a certain amount of chemicals. Moreover, among biological effects of pollutants, biochemical ones occur more quickly, thus providing earlier warning signal before other toxicological end points, including death, are evident. (Livingstone, 1998). Since organophosphorus and carbamates have a relatively short half-life, the assessment of cholinesterase (ChE) inhibition is a useful tool to evaluate their environmental impact on aquatic biota, even when they are not longer detectable in the environment (Valbonesi et al., 2003) and, as mentioned above, considerable efforts have been made in the last two decades to develop and validate measurements of biological parameters to complement the information given by the chemical analysis of contamination. The main advantage of using biomarkers at low levels of biological organization is the possibility to detect deleterious effect pollutants before being evidenced at higher levels of biological organization. Among biochemical markers, the measurement of fish cholinesterase activities has become a classical tool for biomonitoring pollution in marine (Bocquenà © et al., 1990) and continental waters (Sturm et al., 1999). However, before employment of ChE as a biomarker of anticholinestera sic compounds in monitoring programms, is important to analyze the sensitivity to this kind of molecules (Varà ² et al., 2003), also for the fact that potential effects of organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides are widely variable for different fish species (Ferrari et al., 2004; Silva Filho et al., 2004). The dynamics of the interaction of ChE with organophosphate and carbamate compounds has been shown to depend largely upon the affinity of a particular insecticide for the enzyme, commonly represented as the enzyme affinity for a particular insecticide, which is commonly represented as the affinity constant Ka (Wang Murphy, 1982). Silva Filho, et al. (2004) showed extremely great differences in the inhibition kinetic parameters between several fish species, an important point to be considered in the selection of a sentinel organism in biomonitoring programs. In this context, the concentration of eserine that inhibits 50% of cholinesterase activity (IC50) and inhibition kinetic parameters are important characteristics for the selection of sensitive ChEs to be employed as biomarkers. Considering the facts previously described, the objectives of the present study were to determine the kinetic parameters and eserine sensitivity of brain ChE from two estuarine fish species, Micropogonias furnieri (Teleostei: Scianidae) and Cathorops spixii (Teleostei: Ariidae) collected in polluted and non-polluted sites in Southern Brazil. The white mouth croaker Micropogonias furnieri (Desmarest, 1823), is a subtropical fish found in muddy and sandy bottoms in coastal waters. Its feeding habit varies along the ontogenic development and season: juveniles feed on benthic migratory crustaceans and sessile mollusks, while adults are benthic feeders, occasionally preying on fish (Isaac, 1998). Sea catfish Cathorops spixii (Spix and Agassiz, 1829) is a demersal tropical cat fish found in shallow coastal marine waters and brackish estuaries, lagoons and river mouths, as well as in hypersaline waters. In South America, its distribution includes Atlantic and Caribbean rivers and estuaries from Colombia to Brazil. Adults feed mainly on invertebrates and small fishes, while juveniles feed on amphipods, isopods and copepods (Cervigà ³n et al., 1992). This study is part of a research project developed along the Brazilian coast, the RECOS (â€Å"Uso e Apropriaà §o de Recursos Costeiros†) project in the scope of the Millenium Institute (Brazilian Ministry of Science and Technology). One of the objectives of RECOS project is the standardization of sampling protocols, quantitative and qualitative evaluations of biochemical, physiological and histological biomarkers in different animal species collected from polluted and non-polluted sites. In the present study biochemical biomarker responses were analyzed in fish collected in different seasons (winter and summer), to evaluate the natural variability of ChE activity and its sensitivity to eserine inhibition. 2. Materials and methods 2.1. Chemicals Acetylthiocholine iodide, eserine (physostigmine), 5, 5’-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) were obtained from Sigma (St. Louis, MO). The protein content was determined using a commercial kit from Doles Reagentes (Belo Horizonte, Brazil), based on Biuret method. 2.2. Organisms Micropogonias furnieri was collected in summer and winter seasons in reference (unpolluted) site, â€Å"Ilha dos Marinheiros† (32 °02’005† S and 52 °12’151† W) and in a polluted site, â€Å"Saco da Mangueira† (32 °04’369† S and 52 °06’473† W). Cathorops spixii was collected only in summer in a reference site, â€Å"Baà ­a das Laranjeiras† (25 °31’271† S, 48 °29’690† W) and in a polluted one, â€Å"Baà ­a de Parangua (25 °21’050† S, 48 °25’97† W) (Figure 1). In every case, ten fish were collected in each season and site. Immediately after collection, fish were anesthetized with benzocaine (200 ppm), measured (total length and weight) and head isolated and stored at -20 oC until arrival at the laboratory, where they were kept at -80 oC before biochemical determinations. It should be mention that up to date no chemical characterization was perfo rmed in the locals referred as polluted and unpolluted. However, the local â€Å"Ilha dos Marinheiros† is far from any obvious pollution source, whereas â€Å"Saco da Mangueira† is located near to fertilizer industries. ELTON/ADALTO/VANESSA: Uma frase equivalente para os locais de amostragem no Paranagu seria importante a meu ver. 2.3. Enzyme extraction Fish whole brain was dissected and then homogenized (1:20) in cold phosphate buffer (0.05 M) containing 20% glycerol at pH 7.40. The homogenate was then centrifuged at 850 xg (4 °C) for 15 min. The supernatant was again centrifuged at 12,800 xg (4 °C) during 15 min. The supernatant of this last centrifugation was used as enzyme source. 2.4. Enzyme assay Cholinesterase activity was determined using the method described by Ellman et al., (1961). Phosphate buffer (0.05 M, pH 7.40) was placed at least for 15 min in a water bath at 25 °C. Aliquots of homogenate, DTNB and substrate (acetylthiocholine iodide- ATch) were then added and the absorbance (412 nm) was immediately determined, during 90 s, in an ELISA reader (Victor 2, Perkin Elmer). To determine substrate affinity (Km) and maximum cholinesterase activity (Vmax), different ATch concentrations ranging from 0.025 to 9 mM were assayed, being the cholinesterase activity expressed as nmol/min/mg proteins. In each experiment, a first blank without substrate was assayed to evaluate the reaction of protein thiol groups with DTNB, and a second blank without sample was used to estimate the rate of spontaneous substrate hydrolysis. 2.5. In vitro enzyme inhibition by eserine The sensitivity of brain ChE to inhibition by eserine was investigated. ChE activity was measured on extracts after 5 min of incubation at 25 °C with several eserine concentrations, ranging from 110-4 to 1 mM. Enzyme activity was measured as described above. Inhibition was expressed as a percentage of ChE activity after eserine exposure respect control enzymatic activity. Kinetic parameters of enzyme inhibition were also estimated employing the carbamate eserine. The inhibition of an enzyme (E) with an inhibitor (I) can be summarized as follow (Main, 1964): where (EI)R represents a reversible enzyme-inhibitor complex and (EI)I an irreversible one. The affinity equilibrium constant is defined as Ka= K-1/K1 and Kc represents the carbamylation constant (Hastings et al., 1970). The bimolecular inhibition constant, Ki is defined as Ki= Kc/Ka. The constants Ka and Ki can be estimated according to the following equation: 1/i = ?t/(2.303*?log10 ?)*Ki – 1/Ka, where i represents the inhibitor concentration and ?t/(2.303*?log10 ?) is the reciprocal of the pseudo-first-order rate of enzyme inhibition at a fixed concentration (i) of the inhibitor (Monserrat et al., 2002). Six concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 10 mM were tested, at least in duplicate and after four or five different times of incubation (range: 30-360 s). 2.6. Data analysis Enzyme kinetic parameters (Vmax and Km) were estimated by fitting experimental data to Michaelis-Menten equation. IC50 values were obtained through probit analysis (Monserrat Bianchini, 1998). Linear regression and ANCOVA was employed to estimate and compare inhibition kinetic parameters (Ki and Ka). Statistical analysis of enzyme activity was performed using ANOVA followed by a posteriori comparisons using the Newman-Keuls test. A significance level of 5% was employed in all cases. 3. Results Fish from of both species were homogeneous (P>0.05) in length and weight at the different sampling sites and seasons analyzed, and for this reason only the general mean is reported. For M. furnieri, the mean weight and total length of fish collected were 25.78  ± 7.72 g and 14.41 ±1.83 cm, respectively (n= 40). For C. spixii, mean weight and total length of sampled fish were estimated in 35.77 ±11.45 g and 16.14g ±1.56 cm, respectively (n= 40). The Michaelis-Menten constants (Km and Vmax) for brain ChE of M. furnieri showed different patterns. Km values were statistically similar (P>0.05) in all seasons and sampling sites. On the other hand, Vmax showed a complex response, since fish collected in the reference site showed higher values (P0.05) in the Km values was observed in summer, the only season analyzed. However, higher (P

Biography of Attila the Hun

Biography of Attila the Hun Attila the Hun was the fierce 5th-century leader of the nomadic, barbarian group known as the Huns, who struck fear in the hearts of the Romans as he plundered everything in his path, invaded the Eastern Empire and then crossed the Rhine into Gaul. Occupation:  RulerDates:  We dont know when Attila was born. It could have been around 406 A.D. He ruled from about 433 until his death in 453. Offices and Titles Attila was the king of the Scythian hordes known as the Huns, who frightened those in their paths even with their appearance. For devastating much of Europe - mostly while on horseback shooting javelins, composite bows and arrows, Attila the Hun is also known as the Scourge of God. Jordanes says the following about Attila: His army is said to have numbered five hundred thousand men. He was a man born into the world to shake the nations, the scourge of all lands, who in some way terrified all mankind by the dreadful rumors noised abroad concerning him. He was haughty in his walk, rolling his eyes hither and thither, so that the power of his proud spirit appeared in the movement of his body.The Origin and Deeds of the Goths Military Attila successfully led his forces to invade the Eastern Roman Empire, whose capital was in Constantinople, in 441. In 451, on the Plains of Chà ¢lons (also known as the Catalaunian Plains), which was located in Gaul (modern France), although the exact location is disputed, Attila suffered a setback. Attila was ranged against the Romans and the Germanic Visigoths who were settled in Gaul. This didnt stop him, though; he made progress and was on the verge of sacking Rome when, in 452, Pope Leo I [d. 461]) dissuaded Attila from proceeding. Death The death of Attila was the following year, on his wedding night in 453, supposedly of a nosebleed. There are other explanations, including an assassination plot. With Attilas death, the Huns fade from prominence as a foe of the Romans. Sources We know about Attila through Priscus (5th century), a Roman diplomat and historian, and Jordanes, a 6th-century Gothic historian, and author of the Getica. Biography of Attila the Hun Attila the Hun and his warriors rose from the plains of Scythia, modern-day southern Russia and Kazakhstan, and spread terror across Europe. The citizens of the weakened Roman Empire gazed in fear and disdain upon these uncouth barbarians with tattooed faces and top-knotted hair. The Christianized Romans could not understand how God could allow these pagans to destroy their once-mighty empire; they called Attila the Scourge of God. Attila and his troops conquered vast swaths of Europe, from the straits of Constantinople to Paris, and from northern Italy to islands in the Baltic Sea. Who were the Huns? Who was Attila? The Huns Before Attila The Huns first enter the historical record far to the East of Rome. In fact, their ancestors probably were one of the nomadic peoples of the Mongolian steppe, whom the Chinese called the Xiongnu. The Xiongnu launched such devastating raids into China that they actually motivated the construction of first sections of the Great Wall of China. Around 85 A.D., the resurgent Han Chinese were able to inflict heavy defeats on the Xiongnu, prompting the nomadic raiders to scatter to the west. Some went as far as Scythia, where they were able to conquer a number of less fearsome tribes. Combined, these peoples became the Huns. Uncle Rua Rules the Huns At the time of Attilas birth, c. 406, the Huns were a loosely organized coalition of nomadic herder clans, each with a separate king. In the late 420s, Attilas uncle Rua seized power over all of the Huns and killed the other kings. This political change resulted from the Huns increasing reliance on tribute and mercenary payments from the Romans  and their decreased dependence on pastoralism. Rome paid Ruas Huns to fight for them. He also got 350 lbs of gold in annual tribute from the Eastern Roman Empire based in Constantinople. In this new, gold-based economy, people did not need to follow the herds; thus, power could be centralized. Attila and Bledas Rise to Power Rua died in 434 - history does not record the cause of death. He was succeeded by his nephews, Bleda and Attila. Its not clear why the older brother Bleda was unable to take sole power. Perhaps Attila was stronger or more popular. The brothers tried to extend their empire into Persia in the late 430s, but were defeated by the Sassanids. They sacked Eastern Roman cities at will, and Constantinople bought peace in exchange for an annual tribute of 700 lbs of gold in 435, rising to 1,400 lbs in 442. Meanwhile, the Huns fought as mercenaries in the Western Roman army against the Burgundians (in 436) and the Goths (in 439). The Death of Bleda In 445, Bleda suddenly died. As with Rua, no cause of death is recorded, but Roman sources from that time and modern historians alike believe that Attila probably killed him (or had him killed). As the sole King of the Huns, Attila invaded the Eastern Roman Empire, seizing the Balkans, and threatening earthquake-ravaged Constantinople in 447. The Roman Emperor sued for peace, handing over 6,000 pounds of gold in back-tribute, agreeing to pay 2,100 pounds annually, and returning fugitive Huns who had fled to Constantinople. These refugee Huns were probably the sons or nephews of the kings killed by Rua. Attila had them impaled. Romans Try to Assassinate Attila In 449, Constantinople sent an imperial ambassador, Maximinus, supposedly to negotiate with Attila over the creation of a buffer zone between Hunnic and Roman lands, and the return of more refugee Huns. The months-long preparation and journey were recorded by Priscus, an historian who went along. When the gift-laden train of Romans reached Attilas lands, they were rudely rebuffed. The ambassador (and Priscus) did not realize that Vigilas, their interpreter, had actually been sent to assassinate Attila, in collusion with Attilas counselor Edeco. After Edeco revealed the whole plot, Attila sent the Romans home in disgrace. Honorias Proposal A year after Attilas not-so-close brush with death, in 450, the Roman princess Honoria sent him a note and a ring. Honoria, the sister of Emperor Valentinian III, had been promised in marriage to a man she didnt like. She wrote and asked Attila to rescue her. Attila interpreted this as a marriage proposal  and happily accepted. Honorias dowry included half of the provinces in the Western Roman Empire, a very nice prize. The Roman Emperor refused to accept this arrangement, of course, so Attila gathered his army and set out to claim his newest wife. The Huns quickly overran much of modern-day France and Germany. Battle of the Catalaunian Fields The Huns sweep through Gaul was halted at the Catalaunian Fieds, in northeastern France. There, Attilas army ran up against the forces of his former friend and ally, the Roman General Aetius, along with some Alans and Visigoths. Unsettled by ill omens, the Huns waited until almost dusk to attack, and got the worse of the fighting. However, the Romans and their allies withdrew the next day. The battle was not conclusive, but it has been painted as Attilas Waterloo. Some historians even have claimed that Christian Europe might have been extinguished forever if Attila had won that day! The Huns went home to regroup. Attilas Invasion of Italy - The Pope Intervenes (?) Although he was defeated in France, Attila remained dedicated to marrying Honoria and acquiring her dowry. In 452, the Huns invaded Italy, which was weakened by a two-year long famine and epidemics of disease. They quickly captured fortified cities including Padua and Milan. However, the Huns were dissuaded from attacking Rome itself by the lack of food provisions available, and by the rampant disease all around them. Pope Leo later claimed to have met Attila and persuaded him to turn back, but its doubtful that this ever really happened. Nonetheless, the story added to the prestige of the early Catholic Church. Attilas Mysterious Death After his return from Italy, Attila married a teenaged girl named Ildiko. The marriage took place in 453  and was celebrated with a grand feast and plenty of alcohol. After dinner, the new couple retired to the wedding chamber for the night. Attila did not show up the next morning, so his nervous servants opened the chamber door. The king was dead on the floor (some accounts say covered with blood), and his bride was huddled in a corner in a state of shock. Some historians theorize that Ildiko murdered her new husband, but that seems unlikely. He may have suffered a hemorrhage, or he could have died of alcohol poisoning from the wedding night revels. Attilas Empire Falls After Attilas death, his three sons divided up the empire (reverting, in a way, to the pre-Uncle Rua political structure). The sons fought over which would be the high king. Eldest brother Ellac prevailed, but meanwhile, the Huns subject tribes broke free from the empire one by one. Only a year after Attilas death, the Goths defeated the Huns at the Battle of Nedao, driving them out of Pannonia (now western Hungary). Ellac was killed in battle, and Attilas second son Dengizich became the high king. Dengizich was determined to return the Hunnic Empire to the glory days. In 469, he sent a demand to Constantinople that the Eastern Roman Empire pay tribute to the Huns again. His younger brother Ernakh refused to get involved in this venture  and took his people out of Dengizichs alliance. The Romans refused Dengizichs demand. Dengizik attacked, and his army was crushed by Byzantine troops under General Anagestes. Dengizik was killed, along with the majority of his people. The remnants of Dengiziks clan joined Ernakhs people  and were absorbed by the Bulgars, ancestors of todays Bulgarians. Just 16 years after Attilas death, the Huns ceased to exist. The Legacy of Attila the Hun Attila is often portrayed as a cruel, bloodthirsty and barbaric ruler, but its important to remember that our accounts of him come from his enemies, the Eastern Romans. The historian Priscus, who went on the fateful embassy to Attilas court, also noted that Attila was wise, merciful, and humble. Priscus was amazed that the Hunnic king used simple wooden table implements, while his courtiers and guests ate and drank from silver and gold dishes. He did not kill the Romans who came to assassinate him, sending them home in disgrace instead. It is safe to say that Attila the Hun was a much more complex person than his modern reputation reveals.

Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 15

Leadership - Essay Example apart from the traditional challenges of motivating and developing the workforce, supporting growth and development within the organization and guiding the organization in the right direction even in situations of crisis and contingency. This project aims at discussing an important challenges faced by the 21st century leadership. The report includes an identification of a significant challenge for leadership. The specific challenge selected for the paper is the management of a mobile and diverse workforce. The report includes an overview of leadership followed by a discussion of diversity as a main global challenge in leadership and the need for diversity management in all kinds of locally and internationally functioning organizations. A section encompassing the discussion of the diversity management outlook in the next five years is also included. A case of diversity management through leadership in IBM is used as a real life example to demonstrate the leadership functions related to diversity management within an organization. The report is suitably concluded by summarising the main findings from the overall discussion of the different perspectives of diversity management as a challenge to leadership in organizati ons. The functions of a modern day leader are multifaceted and more complex than those defined as per the norms of traditional leadership. The aspect of leadership within a modern organization includes a consideration of both the complexities and issues within and outside the organization. Inside an organization, leadership involves the management of the workforce, in which they have to create, motivate and lead a heterogeneous and mobile group of people, achieve organizational growth, improve individual and organizational efficiency levels as well as work across the boundaries of the organization (Gentry and Leslie, 2012). Also, from the