Why Was Slavery Abolished Essay Example for Free

Why Was Slavery Abolished Essay Slavery was the trade that during the 18th and 19th centuries provided the West Indies and places like it with males and females to do work on the plantations. The slaves were wanted to make the plantation owners work a lot easier. They were split into three groups known as gangs according to their health and physique. The first gang consisted of the strongest and healthiest and they cleared, holed and planted the ground before crop time and cut the canes, fed the mills and attended to the manufacture of sugar during crop time. Gang two included the young boys and girls and pregnant females. They weeded the canes and did other light work. The third and final gang were the very young children who collected green food for the animals and tended the garden. They were looked after by an old woman. Slavery was abolished in 1833, this was due to a number of reasons Before it was a vital aspect in upholding the entire western economy, the slave trade was already heavily established within Africa itself. Even Though Britain and the Americans were the most prominent supporters of slavery, it was however the Portuguese who first took advantage of the African Slave Trade; by the end of the 15th century they had exported more than 10,000 slaves to sugar plantations. In 1562 Sir John Hawkins set sail for Africa; carrying valuables and riches that he hoped to trade for slaves. He is believed to be responsible for England’s involvement in the slave trade. Soon the entire British economy would revolve around the exploitation of slaves, making the abolition of slavery out of the question if they wanted to remain wealthy and prosperous. Nevertheless as the slave market continued to increase, people began to question the ethics of the trade itself. In 1689 John Locke, a well practiced British philosopher preached these memorable words â€Å"Slavery is so vile and miserable an estate of man and so directly opposite to the generous temper and the courage of our nation†¦Ã¢â‚¬  As long as slavery had existed there were always outspoken individuals who objected to the practice. As slavery continued to thrive, more and more individuals began to oppose the whole concept of trading in human life. The abolition resistance grew and many court cases regarding the law of ownership were held, this put the High Court into a tricky position. The Current Lord Chief Justice; Lord Mansfield did not want to be responsible for depriving England of more than  £700,000 worth of slave property, yet he knew that slavery could not continue as to much abolition support had been uncovered. On June 22, 1772, Mansfield announced to the high court that slavery should be abolished.

Intelligence Essay Example for Free

Intelligence Essay Intelligence quotient, or IQ, is the defined as the ratio of mental age to chronological age. The movie, I Am Sam, raises an important question; does an individual’s IQ have an affect on whether they can be a good parent? Many theories have been developed to better understand and measure intelligence. The Single Factor Theories, Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory, and Gardner’s Theory, along with Baumbrind’s theory on parenting styles can all be used to analyze the characters in I Am Sam. The movie questions the relevance of IQ score and its impact on the ability to parent. If a person has a high IQ does that mean they are a good parent, and if a person has a low IQ does that mean they are a bad parent? The Single Factor Intelligence Theories determine IQ through standardized tests. The first intelligence test was developed by Binet in 1905, and determined IQ as being a person’s mental age divided by their chronological age multiplied by 100. Over the next few years the test was modified by others. In 1937, the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test was created. This test stated that 2/3 of all children, ages 8-18, score between 85 115. This test claimed that a child that scores 130 or above, is a gifted child, but a score of 70 and below indicates the child is retarded. Later, David Wechsler created a more modern test, and which has become more commonly used today. The Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children (WISC IV) is arranged by ten different areas of problems to be solved, starting with the easiest and working towards the more difficult. It calculates the score with a verbal and non verbal scale. These intelligence tests show a direct correlation between IQ score and school performance. They are designed to measure what you know, but abilities in areas such as reading and creativity can not be separated from known facts, and can provide an incomplete picture of a person’s mental capabilities. Also, these tests can be economically biased and do not take into effect the person’s home environment or stress levels on the day of the test. The character Sam, from I Am Sam, has low intelligence according to the Single Factor Theories. He is in his mid-thirties, but has the IQ of a seven year old child. He also has been deemed mentally retarded as per court records. Sam struggles to raise Lucy, his daughter, after she is abandoned immediately after birth by her mother and left with him. When he first brought Lucy home, Sam did not know he had to feed a baby every few hours, nor did he know how to change her diaper. During Lucy’s first year of school, Sam was able to help her with her homework and reading, but as Lucy grew older, Sam began to struggle. It became more difficult for him because his reading capability is of a low level, so when Lucy brought home reading assignments, he was unable to read at her level eventually. Sam’s low IQ correlates to the fact that he can not help Lucy with her homework past that of first or second grade level. Sam works at Starbucks as a bus boy and is paid not much more than minimum wage, therefore he struggles financially and only can afford to live in a very small one-bedroom apartment. He cannot afford the things Lucy requires for school, such a shoes and clothes. Lucy is taken out of Sam’s care by Child Protective Services because they feel that Sam is unfit parent because of his low IQ and he will hinder Lucy’s learning capabilities. According to the Single Factor Intelligence Theory, Sam is not intelligent. Rita, Sam’s lawyer in the movie, is considered to be intelligent according the Single Factor Theories. To become a lawyer it takes many years of schooling and the ability to speak ‘intelligently’. As a partner in her law firm, it shows years of dedication, hard work, and motivation. She is able to afford to live in a large beautiful home and drive an expensive car. She has been successful life because she has normal intelligence and has a higher IQ. According to Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence, Sam is not intelligent. He lacks componential intelligence, because he is unable to think abstractly as he has difficulty thinking concretely. Sam struggles to interpret information effectively, he scores low on an IQ test and has the IQ of a seven year old. Sam does show some signs of experiential intelligence, but those are quite limited. When Lucy is taken away from Sam, the length he goes to see her shows his creativity. He rents a new apartment close to the neighborhood her foster family resides in, and becomes employed in a dog walking business so he is able to see her. Sam lso flies paper airplanes near her so she is aware that he is nearby and still watching over her. He also has the creative ability to make origami, in which he constructs a wall in his apartment towards the end of the movie. Although Sam has a difficult time expressing his thoughts in his words, he often attempts to give his opinions and insight. Sam tells Rita she must leave her husband, and even though he does not completely tell her why, he clearly sees that Rita’s home life is not good and offers her his insight. His words may be limited but his thoughts are clear. Sam does not however react well to new stimuli. Lucy persuades him to try a different diner for breakfast instead of going to their weekly place of IHOP. When Sam places his order with the waitress, he insists on ordering pancakes French style (the order he places at IHOP each week). When the waitress explains they do not serve that kind of pancakes and attempts to coerce him into ordering something from their menu, Sam refuses and creates a scene. He was reluctant to try the diner to begin with. Sam does not show signs of contextual intelligence. He does not have ‘street smarts’ which is shown when he is solicited by a prostitute, and is completely unaware of her meaning. The police arrest him because they believe him to be trying to buy the prostitute’s services, and he tries to tell the police he did not know in which he truly does not. His lack of street smarts is also evident when Lucy tricks him during one of his supervised visits. She tells Sam that they were given permission to go to the park unsupervised, but this was not true and Lucy was just trying to run away together with Sam. He believes her and keeps Lucy out really late into the night. Sam gets into trouble for taking her and breaking the visitation rules. Based on the three components of Sternberg’s Theory, Rita is intelligent. She is high in componential intelligence. She is a partner in her law firm and has a lot of education. She demonstrates experiential intelligence as she is able to synthesize information. Being a lawyer, she must able to gather information from various areas and put it together to help the case she is presenting. She is able to manipulate the truth with this ability without lying. Her contextual intelligence is high and this is represented in her personal life. She is able to adapt to her environment. Her marriage is falling apart because her husband is never home and is cheating. She avoids the situation by trying to ignore and pay little attention to it. She is able to maximize her strengths by being a powerful lawyer as she minimizes her weakness of being lonely. Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences states that all have multiple intelligences and some have strengths in one area over another. It lists seven different types of intelligence. The first type is Logical / Mathematical intelligence which is the ability in logical problem solving. Next is Musical intelligence, this is the ability to appreciate music. Spatial intelligence is part of the making of and appreciation of various forms of art, such as sculptures or video games. Bodily kinesthetic is the ability to use one’s body in a skillful way. Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to perceive other peoples and understand them, the ability to read people. Intrapersonal intelligence is the understanding of yourself, your emotions and strengths. The last is Naturalist Intelligence, which is the ability to recognize various types of plants and animals, and even understand the weather patterns. According to Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, Sam is intelligent. Even though Sam does not display intelligences in most of the areas, he does display musical and spatial intelligence. Musical intelligence is shown when he relates life and events to The Beatles. For example, Lucy (Lucy Diamond) is named after The Beatles song â€Å"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds†. He relates many experiences, especially when under stress, to John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Paul McCartney. Sam’s neighbor in his old apartment building played the piano and he also notes that she plays well and is able to play a little himself. He shows spatial intelligence when he created the room full of origami and stacked them on top of each other to create walls. Rita is also intelligent according to Gardner. She displays logical and interpersonal intelligences. She is a problem solver. She has to think logically about cases and determine what will get her the outcome she desires from the judge or jury. She is able to determine an outcome in advance and know how to manipulate it. She also represents interpersonal intelligence as a lawyer. She has to understand her clients (i. e. Sam), the judge (or jury), and any other individuals involved in her case (i. e. Child Protective Services). She has to be able to read them to figure out what kind of approach and tactic to use in order to win. Diana Baumbrind, in 1972, developed a theory which identified fours aspects of family functioning and parenting styles. The four aspects of family functioning are: warmth or nurturing; clarity and consistency; maturity demands; and communication between parent and child. Baumbrind’s Parenting Style Theory suggests that there are various types of parenting styles and identified four: authoritative; authoritarian; permissive indulgent; and permissive indifferent. Parenting style is a set of attitudes toward the child that a parent transmits to the child to create an emotional climate surrounding parent-child exchanges. Authoritative parents display a warm, accepting attitude toward their children while maintaining firm expectations of and restrictions on childrens behavior. Open communication between parent and child is facilitated within this emotional climate. Long-term outcomes for children and adolescents of authoritative parents are more favorable compared to outcomes for children of authoritarian or permissive parents. The authoritarian parenting style is characterized by a harsh, rigid emotional climate combined with high demands and little communication. Permissive Indulgent parents display warmth and acceptance toward their children but do not place demands or restrictions on childrens behavior. Permissive indifferent parents do not display any warmth or control with little communication, and places low demands on small children but very high demands on older children. According to Baumbrind, Sam is a permissive indulgent parent. He is not mature mentally himself, therefore he has low maturity demands of Lucy. He cannot grasp maturity beyond his own level. Sam is also low in his control over Lucy, because he has little control of himself and his own actions at times. Sam cannot illustrate his thoughts into words and therefore can not clearly communicate rules or expectations. Lucy becomes more of a parent to Sam, than Sam is to Lucy. He is also low in effective communication because he cannot express himself with words effectively, and he is not able to have deep thoughtful conversations when he himself does not understand. Sam is high in his nurturance and warmth. He clearly loves Lucy, and this can be seen with his constant hugging and holding her. He also nightly reads a bedtime story to her, takes her to the park, and goes to any length he can to gain custody of her back. Even though children of permissive indulgent parents can become less independent and take little responsibility, this does not make Sam a bad parent. Rita has an authoritarian style of parenting. She is low in her warmth and communication because she constantly is yelling at her son, Willy, and even when he gets upset and when Lucy hugs Rita, she does not pay any attention to his reaction. Willy also ignores her back when she tells him that it is time for bed, but he continues to ride his scooter around. She is high in her control as she is constantly telling Willy what to do and that he should listen to her. She tells him she hates him at the moment and to get in the car when he will not do as she says. She is high in her maturity demands also, as she expects Willy to be able to handle the fact that both she and his father work a lot and do not spend much time with him. In fact he is still just a child that needs his parents for stability and guidance. Rita is not a good parent according to Baumbrind. Therefore, when looked at collectively, a person does not need to be intelligent to be a good parent. Intelligence may or may not relate to parenting styles. Sam is not considered intelligent according to the Single Factor Theories and Sternberg; however his parenting style is not the most negative as defined by Baumbrind. Rita is intelligent, but is not a good parent. Her parenting style is the most negative. Even with a lower IQ, Sam’s is considered to be the better parent. The movie, I Am Sam, shows the difficulty people have separating intellect from other areas of people’s lives, such as parenting. In retrospect to the movie, we cannot conclude that the two are related, a person does not need to be intelligent to be a good parent, and having a high IQ does not always make a good parent.

Behaviour of Termites: Breeding and Effects of Repellents

Behaviour of Termites: Breeding and Effects of Repellents Introduction and Review of Literature General biology of termite Termites are social insects that live in colonies, which, in turn, function because the complementary roles played by the different caste. In United States, subterranean termites, Coptotermes spp. and Reticulitermes spp. are the most destructive and cause substantial economic damage to buildings/structures (Su Scheffrahn 1990). A population of subterranean termites is comprised of distinct colonies. Colonies may occupy underground networks that link several foraging sites (Thorne Breish 2001). Termite foraging behavior The nutritional ecology of termites has played a significant role in shaping their evolution and ecology organization (Thorne, 1999). To understand colony structure and the organization of foraging termites, it has been necessary to map both nest and feeding sites, frequently using behavioral assays of aggression to ascertain the colony affinity of a given nest or group of workers occupying a food source (Long Thorne 2006). Also, dye indicators and mark release recapture studies have been developed to attempt to census colonies, determine colony boundaries, and plot the distribution of foragers and other spatial aspects of resource use (Su et al. 1984, Forschler Townsend 1996, Thorne et al. 1996, Abdul Hafiz et al. 2007). Studies of termite foraging range generally offer statistic description of colony nest and satellite sub nest distribution and sometimes reveal the temporal dynamics of foraging range expansion and territorially, similar to what has been described in ants. Colony structure and the spatial organization of foraging in termites are, nevertheless, poorly understood in comparison to other social insects. The cryptic nesting and foraging habits of subterranean termites have hindered our understanding of many important features of their population biology, especially the distinctness of colonies and the breeding system within colonies. Their cryptic foraging and nesting habits, many features of subterranean termite biology have been difficult to study by using the traditional methods of field investigation. The main obstacle has been a lack of practical methods for delineating large numbers of colonies (Long Thorne 2006). Termite control Chemical and physical barriers to prevent them from reaching wood construction are two basic methods that have been used to control termites. Currently, insecticides used for termite control can be categorized into three groups, organochlorine, cyclodiens, which are being phased out of use because of potential damage to the environment and human health; pyrethroids, which considered not effective because of their repellency and short residual life in soil; and new termiticides that are considered as non repellent and slow acting termiticide (Potter and Hillary 2003). Remedial control is extremely difficult with acutely toxic chemicals because termites avoid area with dead termites, preventing any further contact with the toxicant. For the Formosan subterranean termites, remedial control using slow-acting toxic baits is are more acceptable method than the use of acutely toxic insecticides. Sub lethal insecticide exposure may be expected to influence insect behavior because most insect icides attack the nervous system resulting in detection by insects, distruption of physiological processes, and behavioral resistance (Haynes 1988, Silverman and Bieman 1993). The purpose of applying insecticides to soil proximal to a structures foundation of a continuous insecticide barrier in soils under and around the structure (Kamble, 1991). This barrier may be created by using either pre or post construction techniques. Post construction insecticide application technique include void treatments, soils trenching, sub slab injections, and soil rodding application. Chemical and physical barriers to prevent them from reaching wood construction are two basic methods that have been used to control termites (Abdul Hafiz et al. 2007). Remedial control is extremely difficult with acutely toxic chemicals because termites avoid area with dead termites, preventing any further contact with the toxicant. Sub lethal insecticide exposure may be expected to influence insect behavior because most insecticides attack the nervous system resulting in detection by insects, disruptions of physiological processes, and behavioral resistance (Haynes Baker 1988, Silverman Bi eman 1993) Non repellent termiticide Termiticide that do not repel termites from penetrating into treated soil but rather successfully kill them were recently registered in the United States (Kard 2003) and other parts of the world. They have become popular alternatives to conventional repellent soil-poisoning agents (Shelton and Grace 2003). Nonrepellent termiticides have been shown to be effective for the elimination of termite infestations when applied around the exterior perimeter of the building (Potter Hillary 2001) New generations of termiticides which contain imidacloprid (Premise ®), fipronil (Termidor ®) and indoxacarb, chlorfenapyr (Phantom ®), Chlorantraniliprole are used as soil-applied or by direct injection in the colony, posed lethal effects to subterranean termite (Osbrink Lax 2003; Kamble Davis, 2005; Hu et al., 2005; Spomer et al.,2009). The advantages of these new termiticides are slow-acting and non-repellent. Thus, termites cannot detect these termiticides when applied in to the soil or when used on filter paper in the laboratory. The transfer effect of imidacloprid, fipronil and indoxacarb among termite workers was studied by researchers and results showed that the termites were able to transfer the termiticides from the treated termites (donors) to the untreated termites (recipients) (Kard 2003, Thorne and Berisch 2001, Vargo Parman 2004, Tomalski and Vargo 2005, Hu et al. 2005, Shelton Grace 2006; Spomer et al.,2009). Termite baiting Baiting for suppression or elimination of subterranean termites is not a new idea. The ultimate goal of termite baits is to eliminate termites from structure (Su 1994, Su et al. 2000). Recently, hexaflumuron baits have successfully been applied to control the field colonies of Coptotermes spp. and Reticulitermes spp. (Su 1994, Su et al. 2000). At the same time Nouviflumuron also have been widely used in termite baiting. In laboratory trials in which R. flavipes were fed radiolabeled noviflumuron or hexaflumuron, noviflumuron demonstrated significantly faster speed of action, greater potency, and nearly 4-fold slower clearance from termites compared with that of hexaflumuron (Sheets et al. 2000; Karr et al. 2004, Spomer Kamble, 2006). Primer pheromones (Wilson Bossert, 1963) are chemical messengers that can be passed among individuals, thereby triggering a physiological response in a recipient. In termites, JH is one such primer pheromone (Henderson 1996); it includes presoldiers differentiation from workers at excessively high titer. The differentiation of the soldier caste, a development end point, in respond to JH is indirect in maintaining immature features in all other non social insects (Henderson, 1996). In the last decade there has been a dramatic increase in the research on and the development of bait systems for termite management. The increasing availability of bait systems for the control of active termite infestations is already significantly affecting termite management practices in many part of the world. There is even discussion of using such system as standalone measures for the long- term protection of a structure (Su et al. 2001; Grace et al. 1996). Even though these important and remarkable trends, baiting is developing technology, and many more changes to existing bait technology can be expected (Potter 1997). The bait matrices containing hexaflumuron, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, were most effective in reducing or eliminating foraging populations of Coptotermes formasanus Shiraki and Reticulitermes flavipes Kollar (Su Scheffrahn, 1996, Su, 1994). Molecular genetic marker The application of molecular genetic markers to the field populations of subterranean termite provides a powerful way to discriminate among large numbers of colonies be identified and distinguished from each other. The application of molecular genetic marker to field populations of subterranean termites provides a powerful way to discriminate among large numbers of conspecific colonies in a population as well as to determine colony breeding structure (Husseneder et.al. 2003) Genetic markers provide the most powerful means for delineating the boundaries of colonies and for determining colony affiliation for groups of foraging workers (Thorne et al.1999, Vargo 2003a,b). Microsatellite markers, with their co-dominant nature and high variability, are especially useful for investigation of colony distinctness (Vargo 2003b). Genetic markers are also the most practical way to determine colony breeding structure (Thorne et al.1999, Ross 2001), and there have been a growing number of genetic studies of breeding systems in termites (Luykx 1993, Husseneder et al. 1997, 1999, Husseneder Grace 2001a, 2001b, Vargo et al. 2003), including some on Reticulitermes spp. (Cle ´ment 1986, Reilly 1987, Jenkins et al. 2002, Bulmer et al. 2001, Vargo 2003b). The most detailed studies to date of the eastern subterranean termite, R. flavipes, are those of Reilly (1987) using allozymes, Bulmer et al. (2001) using allozymes and mitochondrial DNA haplotype data, and Vargo (2003a,b) using microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA sequence data. These studies have revealed variation in colony social organization in R. flavipes from very highly inbred colonies in Tennessee (Reilly 1987), to a mixture of approximately one third simple families and two thirds inbred colonies headed by many neotenic reproductives in Massachusetts (Bu lmer et al. 2001), to three fourths simple families and one fourth inbred families with only a few neotenics in North Carolina (Vargo 2003b). The above studies were conducted in natural areas, and there are no comparable studies performed to date in urban areas around buildings. Colony social organization in R. flavipes may vary in response to local ecological conditions (Bulmer et al. 2001), raising the possibility that for a given geographic area, colonies in urban habitats may differ in their social organization from those in natural habitats. In a study of Reticulitermes Hesperus Banks in southern California, Haagsma and Rust (1995) found differences in colony size, foraging activity, and body weight between colonies in natural and urban habitats. In addition to providing a powerful way to determine colony distinctness and to infer colony breeding structure in subterranean termites, molecular genetic markers are useful for applied studies, such as tracking colonies over time after exposure to an insecticide treatment and determining whether termites that reappear after treatment are part of the originally treated colony or are from a neighboring untreated colony that has moved into the area (Husseneder et al. 2003). Such studies are critical in the evaluation of management practices that target septic colonies and aim to eliminate them or greatly suppress their populations. Genetic/breeding structure population Colony fusion For social organisms, genetic structure assumes additional significant not only for the evaluation of social behavior, but also for the evolution of multiple queen societies, reproductive skew, sex ratio conflict, conflict over growth versus reproduction. Colony fusion has long been a suspected mechanism generating unusual colony genetic structure in termites. Colony genetic structure, reported a lack of genetic differentiation between colonies of Reticulitermes grasseiacross some regions of France and Spain. Together with this genetic data, a lack of distinct nest mate discrimination in laboratory trials (Clement 1986) suggested that colony fusion was widespread in some populations. Although recent studies have failed to corroborate these earlier descriptions of widespread colony fusion in this species (DeHeer et al. 2005), Clements work raised considerable awareness about colony fusion for those working on other subterranean termites. In introduced populations of Coptotermes formos anus, inter-colony aggression is often found to be weak or variable (Husseneder and Grace 2001a, Cornelius Osbrink, 2003) and one mark-release-recapture study described patterns consistent with a colony fusion event (Su and Scheffrahn, 1988). Nevertheless, genetic evidence for colony fusion in this species has remained elusive in spite of the relatively large numbers of colonies which have been assayed (Vargo et al., 2003, 2006; Husseneder et al., 2005). For Reticulitermes flavipes many experimental results have suggested the possibility that colony boundaries were porous. Laboratory agonism studies (Grace 1996, Polizzi and Forschler 1998, 1999, Bulmer and Traniello 2002, Fisher and Gold, 2003) and field surveys of molecular diversity (Jenkins et al. 2002, Bulmer et al. 2001) both suggested that individuals originating from different colonies may not distinguish between nestmates and non-nestmates, and consequently share the same nests or tunnel systems. However, in contrast to other species of subterranean termites these findings in R. flavipes have been confirmed via more direct assessments of colony fusion (Fisher et al. 2004), including one molecular study that provided a time course of colony genotypes before and after merger (DeHeer and Vargo 2004). Such fused colonies also appear to occur in other groups of termites. The relatedness hypothesis indicates that fused colonies are preferentially formed between groups of related termites because any costs associated with fusion are reduced when relatedness remains high in these colonies. This argument necessarily assumes that such colonies experience some general benefits to increasing their size (Costa and Ross, 2003). The genetic diversity hypothesis posits that increased genetic diversity provides sufficient group-level benefits to offset the costs of decreased relatedness within colonies. The specific benefits of increased genetic diversity could include the same types of benefits hypothesized to occur elsewhere (Schmid-Hempel and Crozier, 1999), in addition to the potential benefit that could result from a reduction in inbreeding. Simple family extend family Subterranean termite colony such as Coptotermes formosanus, generally begin as simple families headed by two primary (alate derived) reproductives that pair after mating (Tamashiro et al. 1987, Raina et al. 2003). As time goes by, the primary king and/or queen will be replaced by varying numbers of neotenics (non alate derived reproductives) from within colony; where this replacement leads to extended families with different degrees of inbreeding depending on the number of reproductives and number of generation of inbreeding (Thorne et.al 1999, Bulmer et al. 2001, Vargo et al. 2006, Husseneder et al. 2007) Bioinformatics/ Computational Molecular Biology Biological database is a large, organized body of persistent data, usually associated with computerized software designed to update, query, and retrieve components of the data stored within the system. A simple database can be a single file containing many records, each of which includes the same set of information (Lewis et al. 1995). For example, a record associated with a nucleotide sequence database typically contains information such as contact name, the input sequence with a description of the type of molecule, the scientific name of the source organism from which it was isolated, and often, literature citations associated with the sequence. The term of Bioinformatics meaning the application of information technology to the field of molecular biology. Bioinformatics currently contains the creation and advancement of databases, algorithms, computational and statistical techniques, and theory to solve formal and practical problems arising from the management and analysis of biological data (Hogeweg1980). Over the past few decades rapid developments in genomic and other molecular research technologies and developments in information technologies have combined to produce a tremendous amount of information related to molecular biology. It is the name given to these mathematical and computing approaches used to glean understanding of biological processes. Common activities in bioinformatics include mapping and analyzing DNA and protein sequences, aligning different DNA and protein sequences to compare them and creating and viewing 3-D models of protein structures (Huang 2004) Bioinformatics focus on developing and applying computationally intensive techniques (data mining, machine learning algorithms, and visualization) to achieve this goal. Major research efforts in the field include sequence alignment, gene finding, genome assembly, protein structure alignment, protein structure prediction, prediction of gene expression and protein-protein interactions, genome-wide association studies and the modeling of evolution (Huang 2004). In the application of molecular ecology studies of termites, mitochondrial genes were used for taxonomy purpose in termites (Cameron Whitting, 2007). Thus, the whole mitochondrial genome can be used to predict useful regions for further investigation in the multiple alignments methods application. Multiple alignments are the key starting point for prediction of protein secondary structure, residue accessibility, and the identification of residues important for specificity. Multiple alignments can provide the basis for the most sensitive sequence searching algorithms (Barton Sternberg, 1990). Furthermore, methods in multiple alignments affective analysis of a well-constructed multiple alignments can provide important clues about which residues in the protein are important for stabilizing the second and tertiary structure of the protein (Altschul et al. 1997) ClustalW will calculates the best match for the selected sequences, and lines them up so that the identities, similarities and differences can be seen and will provide a better quality for sequences (Thomson et al. 1994). Meanwhile, T-Cofee application is better to overcome with some of the problems that standard hierarchical method s have in aligning sequences of very different length or that share only local region similarity (Notredame et al. 2000). The program works by building a library of pairwise alignments for the sequence interest. Furthermore, T coffee has been adapted to include structural alignment and alignments from threading algorithms since it can work from pairwise alignments that originate from any source (Notredame et al. 2000). In addition, the program PSI-BLAST searches database with a single sequence, any high-scoring sequences that are found are built into a multiple alignment, and this multiple alignment is then used to derive a search profile for subsequent s earch of the database. This process is repeated until no new sequences are added to profile, or a specific number of iteration have been performed (Jones 1999). Research Objectives To test non-repellent termiticide model assay for their ability to induce detectable molecular changes in worker termites e. g., hemolymph proteins their corresponding genes. To infer the colony social organization of R. flavipes in urban habitat based on colony and population genetic structure and to compare this social organization in nearby natural habitat, To track the foraging locations of a large number of Reticulitermes colonies from natural forest (Wilderness Park) over the course of three field seasons using previously developed microsatellites by Vargo (2000). To analyze colony and population genetic structure/breeding system in natural and urban regions in order to determine the prevalence of neotenic reproduction and improve our understanding of the factors facilitating the spread of subterranean termites to new urban areas To determine the termite colony either a simple colony or extended colony using molecular ecology methods and also to determine if the colony undergo any kind of colony fusion To delineate the genetic structure of swarm aggregations of alates in order to infer potential mechanisms leading to inbreeding avoidance that do not require kin recognition. To utilize bioinformatic/molecular computational biology application tools to analyzing data at molecular level using BLAST, Clustal X, TCofee for sequencing analysis, pairwise/multiple alignment to study colony breeding structure of R.flavipes MATERIALS AND METHODS Termite Collection Sampling Reticulitermes flavipes, the Eastern subterranean termite, will be collected from locations within Wilderness Park Recreational Area, Lincoln; NE. Twenty workers will be sampled in each collection point located every 20 m along two intersection transects. The termites will be maintained on moistened corrugated cardboard and only 3-5th instar worker termites will be used for the study. Detection of fused colonies In order to detect colonies that had undergone fusion, collections of termites from large numbers of established colonies of R. flavipes will be collected between May 2009 and October 2011. At each location, minimum of 20 adult workers in 95%ethanol from multiple feeding sites, and mapped the locations of these feeding sites relative to one another using compass and measuring tape (DeHeer and Vargo, 2004). Samples will be stored in alcohol at 480C until DNAisolations could be performed. Microsatellite genotyping (Fusion Inbreeding) Using the Puregene DNA purification kit (Gentra systems, Minnepolis MN, www.gentra.com), genomic DNA will be isolated from each of 20 whole worker bodies from each of the feeding sites. At the location, minimum of 20 adult workers in 95% ethanol from multiple feeding sites will be collected, and mapped the locations of these feeding sites, and the locations of these feeding sites will be mapped relative to one another using compass and measuring tape. Each genotype individual termites at six different microsatellite loci : Rf1-3, Rf21-1 and Rf24-2 from Vargo (2000) and Rs15, Rs76, and Rs78 from Dronnet et al. (2004). PCR reactions will be setup in 96oC. Well plates in 5ul reaction mixtures containing 1X PCR buffer (Eppendorf), 2mM MgCl2, 0.2 mM of each dNTP, 0.2 U Taq polymerase (Eppendorf), 0.4 pmol of forward primer. Forward primers will be labeled with IRD 700 fluorescent dye (LI-COR), and samples were run on Li-Cor 4200L automated sequencer. Gel image will scored manually on Adobe Photoshop 7.0 by comparison to a size ladder. Colony affiliations To determine colony affiliation of the collection points, methods of other studies will be followed. Testing all pairs of collection points within each species for genotypic differentiation by means of a permutation test by using the program FSTAT (Goudet 2001). Pairs of collection points that will be significantly differentiated will be grouped into the same colony Morphology Scanning electron microscopic pictures (coronal and profile views) will made of the heads for each species) and will be studied using a binocular microscope to evaluate the profile of the post clypeus. Colour of the tibia of reproductives will be noted because this feature is an informative morphological indicator in association with the postclypeus profile. Genetic Data Analysis/ Simple or Extend Colony (Breeding Structure) The collection points will be analyzed to determine belonged to the same colony. The genotypic frequencies between all pairs of collection points by means of a log-likehood (G) based test of differentiation using the program GENEPOP on the Web (Raymond Rousset 1995; http://genepop.curtin.edu.au/). The overall significance will be determined via Fishers combined probability test. G-test analysis will be performed with collection points over the large scale with multiple collection points within the extensively sampled sites and finally among the colonies from each population to verify genetic differences will be used. Colonies will be classified as simple families when workers had genotypes consistent with being the direct offspring of one pair of reproductives and when the observed frequencies of the genotypes did not differ significantly from those expected under Mendelian segregation of alleles from two parents. Significance will be determines by a G-twst (P Colonies will be classified as extended families when the genotype distributions within colonies were not consistent with being produced by a single pair of reproductives (e.g more than four genotypes at a locus or three or more homozygote genotypes) or genotypes frequencies deviated significantly from those expected in simple families. Genetic relatedness among workers will be estimated for each colony and averaged over colonies for the same site will be using the computer program RELATEDNESS 5.00 (Queller Goodnight 1989) Inbreeding-adjusted estimate of relatedness r* that better reflects the number of reproductive presents in each colony by using Pamilo (1985) formula R*= r- [ 2FIT /(1+FIT)]/ [1-2FIT/(1+FIT)] I,C,T representing different colonies The breeding system and genetic differentiation among colonies will be investigated with hierarchial F statistics, assuming the infinite allele model and with individuals nested in colonies. The hierarchical analysis will be performed with F-stat program. It will be investigated whether there will be isolation by distance (a positive correlation between genetic differentiation and geographical distance) by calculating Fst between pairs of collection points within large colonies using the programe FSTAT 2.9.3.2 and by testing the significance of correlation between FST/(1-FST) and logarithm of geographical distances with MANTEL test (Mantel 1967). Computer program GENEPOP, with 10 000 permutations and the Mantel correlation coefficient r can be obtained with MANTEL (http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/morph/soft-mult.html) Estimating Colony Foraging Area Termite collected at a sampling point will considered to be affliated with a given colony if Fct, which measured genetic differentiation between collection points, will not significantly different from zero (i.e., 95% confidence interval did not overlap with zero. Fct will be measured between all possible combinations of collection points pair at each site. Variation in mitochondrial DNA markers will be provided additional support for colony designation (Bulmer et al. 2001). The maximum linear distance between collection points affiliated with the same colony will be used to estimate foraging range. For colonies that will be composed of three or more collection points (n+4), will be estimated the area encompassed by non intersecting lines drawn between collection points and adjusted so it did not overlap with neighboring collection points affiliated with different colonies. Swarming trap The swarm aggregation of alates will be collected alive with light traps. The traps consisted of buckets with a battery operated black light attached to attract the alates. Flight Observation Sticky trap will be used to monitor the dispersal flights of these species, which, in hindsight, may help explain some of the differences in how they are genetically structured. In addition their emergence and landing location. Sex ratio Sex ratio in swarm aggregations were tested for significant deviation from 1:1 using Binomial tests. Swarm aggregations were tested for significant genotypic differentiation with log likehood G Statistics using FSTAT 2.9.3.2 Bioassay Genetic mutation/change after being exposed to non repellent termiticide The concentrations were 0.001, 1.00, 10,100 and 1000 ppm for fipronil, imidacloprid and indoxacarb. In addition, distilled water was used as control for each termiticide. The method used for treatment was described by Hu (2005). Five kilograms of soil were collected from the site of the subterranean termite C. gestroi colony. The soil was then oven-dried. One kilogram for each termiticide was sieved and subsequently divided into six parts. The soil was placed in 100g increments into self-sealing plastic bags for treatment. Ten milliliters of the five concentrations of, fipronil, imidacloprid and indoxacarb will be added to the 100 g bag of soil for testing. The bags were sealed and allowed to mix thoroughly. The soil will be removed from the bags and placed in plastic bags (12 by 115 cm). The termiticide-treated soil was air-dried in a hood for ten days to allow solvents in the formulation to evaporate. Treatments were replicated three times using new stock solutions for each replicate. Bioassay design: Bioassay tubes designed by Su et al. (1995) will be used to investigate termite penetration in various thicknesses of termiticide-treated soil (Figure1). At time of testing, dried treated soil will be removed from the hood, placed into plastic bags and 10 ml of water was pipetted into the bags to obtain 10% moisture content. Three (3 cm) wooden applicator sticks were placed at the bottom of the glass test tube (2 by 15 cm), and 7% non-nutrient agar was inserted into the test tube until it rested on the wooden sticks. Oven-dried and sieved soil will be placed into plastic bags and moistened to concentrations of 10% (10ml /100g) to serve as untreated sand in the test designs. A 0.0, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, or 10cm layer of termiticide-treated soil was centered between two layers of untreated soil (Figure.1). A glass funnel will be used to place the soil in the test tube and a scintillation vial (10ml) attached to the shank of a screwdriver was used to lightly and level the layers of soil. A 5 cm segment of termiticides-treated soil and a 5 cm segment of untreated soil served as control. Additionally, layers of untreated soil at various thicknesses in the bioassay tube will be served as control. The soil segment will be capped with a 1.0 cm core of agar and a 4cm by 4 cm portion of paper towel folded placed on the top of the tube. Eighty C. gestroi workers and five soldiers (20:1) were placed in each test tube to simulate normal termite activity and prevent overcrowding. A piece of aluminum foil will be placed over the top and end of each tube, and will be covered with black plastic container to allow for darkness and prevent desiccation of the termites. Bioassay tubes will be kept at 29 ±1 °C. The experiment was a 6 (concentrations) x 3 (replicates) x 5 (soil thickness) factorial design with concentration and thickness as the main effects. Test tubes will be held vertically in test tube racks with termites at the top of the tube. Observations will be made daily up to one week for the number of worker termite mortality, vertical distance of treated soil penetrated by termites and percentage of penetration into treated soil. The percentage of termite mortality and soil penetration data were subjected to arc-sine transformation before analysis of variance and means were separated with Tukey HSD. Then percentage of penetration into treated soil and the percentage of mortality were analyzed with analysis of variances (ANOVA). Also the percentage of surviving termites located at the bottom of the bioassay unit was analyzed. DNA will be isolated from dead termite to b

Im Going to College Essay -- College Admissions Essays

I'm Going to College Neither my grandmother, nor any of my great aunts, went on to college.   It was too expensive for their family.   My great Aunt Nancy, however, did try to take night classes at the University Extension, which was held at her high school.   Unfortunately, she was unable to continue paying for these classes, so she left the University Extension program with only twelve credits earned. Aunt Nancy just continued to work at the job she acquired, right out of high school, and work her way up through the ranks at this job.   There was no push by her parents to continue her education, and therefore, there was no pressure on her to attend college.   Aunt Nancy had once told me, "There is great value in a college education, for career purpose.   It is so necessary now, where as years ago it was not as essential."   She also explained to me that college can help to build better social skills, which will be used in everyday life.   Now that Aunt Nancy is retired, she reads a lot.   When she was younger, her mother only took her to the city library three times a year to get books to read.   So, as a child she did not read as much as she reads now.   While in school, she only preformed the necessary reading and writing that was required.   Now, she reads the newspaper, books, or a magazine almost everyday.   My mother, on the other hand, did attend college.   Actually, she has attended college twice now.   The first time she went, she gained a degree as a Medical Laboratory Technician.   Later in life, she went back to college and attained her accounting degree.   My mother decided that she was not happy as a Medical Technician, so she wanted to go back to school to learn of what fields would interest her... ...of reading to your children.   He explained that as long as you read to your child, or as long as they are reading to themselves, it would increase your child's comprehension skills.   At this point in time, I no longer enjoyed having my mother read to me, but I was reading books to myself so I was still learning and establishing the proper skills gained through reading and writing. Books and an education seem to be important to everyone, no matter how old or young.   I have learned many things both in school and just by reading.   Obviously, books and schooling can have the same effect on others.   College is a time to grow, both intellectually and socially.   I strongly encourage future generations to attend college and get a good education throughout life.   It will prove to be extremely beneficial, and you will learn a lot about yourself in the process.

Postmodernism Essay -- Art History

Postmodernism Postmodernism blends old themes with new contemporary issues to create beautiful artwork that commands, questions, and captivates all viewers to participate in discovering its inner meaning. Along with an inner meaning and beauty, it was used as a form of communication that was directed towards social, political, and cultural problems within the world. An architect Robert Stern states, â€Å" The fundamental shift to post-modernism has to do with the reawakening of artists in every field to public responsibilities of art. Once again art is being regarded as an act of communication.† (Wilkin, Schultz, Linduff, â€Å"Art Past Art Present, p.579) The postmodern era emancipated its artists from old traditional barriers that bounded them. The belief that everything could be used to produce art was used to the fullest. For instance, mediums like photography, computer animations, and movies. Even non-precise metals like steel, aluminum, and iron were used along side w ith gold and silver. Technology was a great medium that was also utilized, as newer and improved technology was developed some one would utilize it to immortalize his/her artwork. One of the well-known artists of the postmodern era was Jean-Pierre Yvaral. Jean utilized technology called digital imaging to manipulate pictures and transform them into his own creative art pieces. A well-known publicized piece Jean created was called â€Å"Mona Lisa Synthetisee.† (Fiero 4th Edition â€Å"The Humanistic Tradition† p.159) Blending the old with a twist of the new, Jean took the Mona Lisa, which was created by Leonardo da Vinci and cropped out only her head and digitized it to produce a perspective like image. This image had four sides, right and left, top and bo... ...sm era produced many more than two fine artists that have been depicted here in this essay. There is one thing that all of them have in common though, each and every piece of work they produce has similar qualities. They all communicate a message that handles social, political, and cultural problems. How they communicate their message is solely up to the artist, because they are not bound by limitations, but there own creativity. As for the next movement it too will be filled with influences of the postmodern era as the influences of previous movements have influence postmodernism. Bibliography 1. Fiero, Gloria K. â€Å"The Humanistic Tradition,† 4th Edition, published by McGraw-Hill  © 2002 2. Wilkins, David G., Schultz Bernard, Linduff, Katheryn M. â€Å"Art Past Art Present,† 3rd Edition, published by Prentice Hall, Inc and Harry N. Abrams, Inc.  © 1997

Terrorism: An External Shock of a Globalized Society Essay -- Globaliz

Terrorism: An External Shock of a Globalized Society For many, living in a globalized world has generated many benefits and welfare gains to their society, yet now it may be in jeopardy. Globalization is that phenomena where the world appears to be coming closer in terms of communication, services, trade, and culture. Examples of this includes the lowering of transaction costs in all these fields including the lowering of barriers to trade, reduced communication costs, (to an extent) the freer movement of people, and easier access to other countries' information. In economics, there has been a freer movement of goods, services, finance, and production between nation-states. In Europe, though on a regional scale, foreign and domestic policies are being harmonized among the member states. Thus it appears that the world has indeed been coming closer. However the events dealing with the World Trade Center have made many question whether globalization has stopped or is now in decline. Many have tried to even comprehend and question the caus es and motives of terrorism and its multiplier impacts that these terrorist acts have created. In light of this, is globalization viewed more at a discount? Many have been pessimistic, however, the events of September 11 and following may perhaps be a test to the world facing a common enemy and even make them become aware in looking at themselves as a citizen of the world, thus facilitating the increase of globalization. To begin, look at globalization mainly in light of its benefits and costs. Focusing at this idea more narrowed in terms of economics, the benefits include realizing the effects by practicing the theories of comparative advantage, and allowing greater efficiencies that produc... ...he New York terrorist attacks. It will be a long-term commitment as terrorism is complex in itself, yet humanity has progressed so far not to revert and steer into the opposite direction. Globalization pre-September 11 was never actually global, yet the world after this event may hope to aim in that direction. Works Cited Burns, Danny., and Robin Hambelton, Paul Hoggett. The Politics of Decentralization: Revitalizing Local Democracy. London: Macmillan, 1994. "Is it at risk? -Globalization." The Economist 2 Feb. 2002:65-66. "Pearl Warns That Globalization Facilitates Criminal Activities." US Department of State, International Information Programs: Washington File 13 Dec. 2000. < http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/pol/terror/00121300.htm > (27 Feb. 2002) "The Economy: 10 indicators." CNN Money. <http://money.cnn.com/news/economy/> (26 Mar. 2002)

Dr. Martin Luther Kings “I Have a Dream” Overview

â€Å"I Have a Dream Speech† continues to resonate with people all ever the world. These are the reasons why: 1 . We're getting there, but the work is far from done People of all races still strive for equality. As far as we've come, we still have a long way to go. The speech never gets old, instilling in us the powerful idea of brotherhood and that as diverse as we are, we are one. 2. A lesson In leadership Through his words, MILK Jar. Gave voice to the voiceless. Through his deeds he gave courage to the faint of heart. Through it all, he taught us the power of love and humanity. . We yearn for unwavering examples of human integrity MILK Jar. Endured the humiliation of arrest, the loneliness of a prison cell, and constant threats to his life which was ultimately sacrificed. In an era of false heroes and the all-too-common occurrence of being let down by those we once held In high esteem, we need people to look up to, to aspire to be and who make us say, â€Å"l want to be Li ke them!. † 4. Motivation to Inspire others The way King went about affecting change is a leadership and linguistic lesson in how to move mountains.The speech is one of the greatest examples of what we can do when we act on our hearts, and it gave us a benchmark to strive for: a country that acts on its own ideals and measures itself against how it treats its least fortunate. 5. A shining example of how one person can move others to action The speech reinforces that change begins with us and that any one of us can help transform the world. Martin Luther King, Jar. , one man, did nothing less than Inspire a nation to transform itself and begin living up to the meaning of its creed. 6. Economic injustices still exist Much is said about today's economic â€Å"winners and losers. MILK,Jar. Deplored the idea that businesses should exploit workers by failing to pay a decent wage or laying off dedicated employees to squeeze more profits. Today's Occupy Wall Street Movement Is one ex ample of Just how passionate people still are about these Issues. 7. We have large-scale unemployment King believed human dignity could be restored with federal works programs that trained and placed unemployed workers. This thinking still informs our current dilemma about what it will take to restore people's livelihoods and dignity amidst the longest, deepest, global recession in a generations. . A reminder to serve others We too can strive to be better, serving our nation and our fellow brothers. It Is easy to implicated society. Martin Luther King, Jar. Inspired us to reach out to others in greater need. 9. Serves as a powerful presentation to our children about prejudice The speech is an influential classroom tool that still resonates with children today. Kids aren't huge fans of black and white video clips, but it doesn't take long for the magnificent words and charisma of King to transcend the limitations of any media. 0. We require reminders that make us look into our souls The United States believes it is a land in which strength is defined not simply by the capacity to wage war but by the determination to forge peace. The speech forces us to face these ideals and is still helpful today as we look in the mirror to determine if we like what we see. 11. It helps the rest of the world fight discrimination Fighting for what is right and Just are basic human impulses, yet oftentimes they are difficult to act on.The world has a long way to go before eradicating racial hatred, discrimination, segregation and ethnic strife. Anything that inspires people to action is a plus, let alone such a shining example as the â€Å"l Have a Dream† speech. 12. Powerfully reinforces the notion that progress is possible It is so easy to become assassinated, discouraged, disengaged and even depressed with the state of affairs in our society, our government and our world. Voter apathy is rampant. We need the â€Å"l Have a Dream Speech† to remind us of our better selves and all that we still aspire to be.Correct Scott King said â€Å"all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance and human rights have a responsibility to oppose bigotry and prejudice,† including against sexual orientation. She institutionalized Martin Luther King's â€Å"philosophy, his principles of nonviolence and his methodology of social change,† and helped push it forward. These worthy causes still exist today. Progress is being made, but it is up to each one of us to carry them forward, no matter how small or how large the gestures. We are busy, time is short and for most of us, the daily challenges are great.But we all must do our part. Why does Martin Luther King Jar have a holiday? Doctor King led the civil rights movement in the US. Taking his philosophy from Gandhi, he determined that the movement would be nonviolent†¦ At least from the point of the African American point. You see, in those times the Jim Crow laws were in effect. Schools were b lack and white, bus stops were segregated, even drinking fountains were labeled â€Å"white† and â€Å"colored†. While the Civil War had officially ended slavery, the black citizens were treated as second class citizens.They had to pay to vote, get up on a bus when a white passenger wanted their seat, wait to eat if there were not enough seats labeled â€Å"colored† at a lunch counter, in essence they were still treated as slaves. In the US, the laws had changed, but the attitudes had not. There was a small minority who still thought that people of color were not equal. They had been slaves, were stupid, and did not deserve the rights that white people had. Of the other people, most Just never thought about it. They lived their lives and didn't think about how the black person felt trying to raise his/her family in dignity. Ere public and then pointed out that these people were war heroes, entertainers, and public servants. In short, he made white people face th e very real fact that they were no better or worse than the African Americans and that they needed to change the laws†¦ And attitudes. It was a very troubling time in the US. There was news coverage from the national television services showing peaceful African Americans protesting and being attacked by the police with water cannon, dogs, and the police themselves. We saw the footage from Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and were outraged. When Dry.King was assassinated, the country was shocked and dismayed. Laws were changed in short order, and the nation became more aware how it treated it's citizens. Some short years later, the unofficial celebration of Dry. King's birthday became a national holiday. The reason is that his was the most influential contribution to civil rights in the US in the 20th century. We remember his contributions on that day, and celebrate the man ho had the courage to speak out against laws which made second class citizens of a large minority of US citi zens. Thoughts: In this persuasive speech which may be the best speech ever given.There are so many powerful points. The two things that stick out to me the most are the quotes â€Å"l have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be Judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. † Also, the quote â€Å"And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able o speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to Join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, â€Å"Free at last! Ere at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last! † (Martin Luther King Jar. ) The pure eulogy, rhetorical use, intellectuality, and genuine thoughts were conveyed in such a way throughout the speech that a person could not help, bu t take notice and be at the mercy of the history that was made that day. Dry. King said they were going to cash a check. This was not a check in the literal means, but the metaphorical representation of something that was promised to them, and that promise was not fulfilled.