Thursday, October 31, 2019

Renting an apartment is a better option than buying a house Essay - 2

Renting an apartment is a better option than buying a house - Essay Example The employees seldom know what is going to be the next destination. Traveling is a fundamental requirement of work. In such circumstances, employees mostly hire a flat or occasionally, a hotel to reside in while they stay away from the base station. Even in the base station, they are either provided with accommodation through the company, or else, manage to live on their own. They achieve this by renting a flat or house. Very few employees live in the base station with their families. Most share their accommodation either with the colleagues or friends in the locality in an attempt to shed off some load of the rent. Hiring a house remains convenient for working class citizens because they have little difficulty changing their residence as per the requirements of the job. Buying a house is like growing roots in a particular place. One can not move around freely with one’s roots implanted in a certain place. Either an individual has to loose connection with the roots, or else, t he job. The latter is often not favorable as it tends to expose an individual to financial crisis. In this case, one has to invest all one has in a house and yet, not live in it. Investing all the money to buy a home that can not be lived in is indeed, very stressful for an individual (Pascale, 2009).This is only one aspect that denies the suitability of buying a house for a job employee. There are many other factors and all make renting a house more beneficial for a job employee. This can be realized by analyzing.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

How China Grew Rich Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

How China Grew Rich - Research Paper Example This is because these companies are usually export-import oriented. On this basis, the integration of foreign direct investment with the labor force of the domestic country has an effect of creating a positive development of an economy of a country1. Globalization is a factor in the emergence of this international trade, and more so after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. This is because the Soviet Union was a country that was advocating for communalism. On this note, all countries under its influence had a closed economy. However, after its disintegration, majority of the nations within the world began to create an export promotion policy. They began to open their market system for purposes of promoting free trade. In developing these policies, developing countries of the world took an example of the Asian tiger economies compromising of Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong. These countries managed to improve their economies because of insisting on exports, instead of imports. This policy involved the removal of trade barriers, and encouraging direct foreign investments. On this basis, local companies within the country will participate in international trade by associating with these multi-national companies2. This export promotion strategy was successful in developing countries, and China began to experiment with it in the periods of 1970s. It is important to denote that China had one of the closest economies of the world, prior to the 1970s. The various regimes in the country regulated its economy, and they never encouraged any direct investments within the country. On this basis, their market system was closed. This made the country to be very poor, contributing to its low economic development. However, after opening up its market system to foreign companies, China was able to attract a large percentage of foreign investments and capital3. In 1990s, the country became the second largest nation to host foreign direct investments after

Sunday, October 27, 2019

What is a long-loop reflex?

What is a long-loop reflex? A rapid stretch of a voluntarily contracting muscle evokes electromyographic (EMG) responses at various latencies, as described by Loo, K. McCloskey, D. (1985). Response latency measures the time delay between a perturbation and response, the response is typically greater in a stretch than a jolt as found by Lee and Tatton (1975) who also proposed that there are typically 3 responses to a muscle stretch namely M1, M2 and M3. The first, M1, represents the short latency involuntary monosynaptic spinal stretch reflex involving primary afferents. M2 represents the delayed response corresponding to the, perhaps transcortical, long loop reflex response and M3 represents the latency for a voluntary response mediated by the cerebellum. These 3 distinct responses can be displayed graphically, as shown in figure 1. From analyzing figure 1 we can see that, using the terminology introduced by Lee Tatton (1985), M1 is the response seen approximately 45-60ms after the perturbation, M2 represents the increase in EMG activity 60-90ms after the perturbation and the increase in EMG activity between a latency of 90-110ms is termed M3. Any response with a latency of greater than 110ms is a voluntary response and is not considered to be a reflex response. These findings have been widely accepted and are frequently cited in later studies, for example in the study by Thilmann, A. F., Schwartz, M., Topper, R. Fellows, S.J. and Noth, J. (1991). Suminski, A.J., Rao, S.M., Mosier, K.M. and Scheidt, R.A. (2007) made a similar discovery finding short latency responses arising from monosynaptic reflexes, consistent with the latency of the M1 response. Petersen, N., Christensen, L., Morita, H., Sinkjà ²r, T. and Nielsen, J. (1998) showed that ankle dorsiflexors typically show an M3 response. More interestingly, this paper also claims that the M2 response in the upper limb seems to correspond with the M3 response in the lower limbs. According to Corden,  D.M., Lippold,  O.C.J., Buchanan, K. and Norrington, C. (2000), the second component of the stretch reflex response, M2, was first discovered by  Hammond (1955) who believes that the long latency is due to the long loop reflex travelling the extra distance to the cortex. Hammond (1956) studied the EMG response in the bicep muscle and found that the earliest voluntary muscle activation in response to mechanical taps occur after 90-100ms which contradicts with the later findings from Lee Tatton (1975) who claim voluntary response represents latencies greater than 110ms. This raises the possibility that the long loop reflex may have voluntary input. There have been many studies carried out investigating if the long-loop reflex is mediated by transcortical pathways. Logically, one would expect reflexes to be a hard-wired response and voluntary movement to have variation in responses. However, Evarts and Fromm (1981) provides evidence suggesting variability in their study of the wrist position. They concluded that the long loop reflex gives a pathway for the motor cortex to initiate closed loop feedback control to the flexors and extensors of the wrist. It can be argued that long latency responses fit both voluntary and reflex criteria. Arthur Prochazka, for one example, took particular interest in ambiguity for the correct definition of a reflex. For instance, is it regarded as a response which happens too quickly for the brain to notice, in which case, the M2 response would not be classed as a reflex since it is of long latency, or can it be defined as an involuntary response, in which case, the M2 response would be classed as a reflex since it occurs below the time threshold for it to be a voluntary action and occurs without any conscious awareness of the movement. If the long loop reflex goes via the motor cortex, it could be influenced voluntarily. A notable study by Loo McCloskey (1985) proposed that long loop reflexes are variable. This report studied the EMG responses of the flexor pollicis longus when a stretch was applied to the thumb-tip. The subject was required to initially have the muscle in a fixed, contracting state generating a constant force to give a baseline EMG to compare any results found against. Their results showed that, in the isometric holding task, all participants of the study could significantly alter the long latency responses to a stretch with some subjects recording up to 95% reduction in EMG activity when instructed to let go as opposed to resist. This indicates that motor set has an influence on the long loop reflex. Although the results for the isometric tracking, isotonic tracking and weight lifting tasks were less convincing, they still showed the ability to decrease EMG activity when told to let go not resis t, contradicting previously claimed results from Marsden et al (1976) which suggested that prior instructions had no influence on EMG responses. When the thumb was anaesthetised, there was no evidence of abolishment of the long latency EMG response, contrary to what was noted by Marsden, Merton Morton (1971). However, Loo McCloskey (1985) found there was a significant linear correlation between the percentage increase in perceived heaviness and the percentage reduction in long latency reflex. This study provides us with defining results, however, not all subjects performed all tests and not all results were significant so there still remains room for debate. Long loop reflexes were found to be abolished or depressed by lesions to the pathways to and from the cerebral cortex, again, giving the view that the long loop reflex does take a transcortical pathway. Matthews, P. B., Farmer, S. F. Ingram, D. A. (1990) also concluded from their study on the localization of the stretch reflex of intrinsic hand muscles in a patient with mirror movements that long loop reflexes are mediated transcortically. The long loop reflex, it has been suggested, has a slower onset due to the longer route the reflex has to take. A monosynaptic spinal reflex arc is clearly a shorter route than the long loop reflex which, as some evidence shows, could go via the cortex. In a previous study, Hammond (1954) suggests the main feasible explanations for the delayed M2 response could be due to the longer neural pathway it takes or that the neurones involved are slower conducting. Matthews (1984) discovered the same findings as he suggested in his paper that the M2 response is mediated by muscle spindle secondary endings which by nature are slower conducting afferents. Corna, S., Grasso, M., Nardone, A. and Schieppati, M. (1995) also concluded that M2 response in the ankle muscles is mediated by group II afferents. Marsden, C., Merton, P., and Morton, H., (1976) argued that the long loop reflex could not be altered by the motor set and hence concluded that the response was more likely to be a reflex respons e than voluntarily response. However, as pointed out by Loo McCloskey (1985), the subjects of the experiment were in fact the researchers themselves, hence, the results may be bias because sub-consciously they are aware of the experiment and what is going to happen and already have a prediction of what they want to happen. Rothwell, Traub and Marsden (1980) also suggested that long loop reflexes are not variable. Gassel (1970) claims that long loop reflexes occur predominantly with stimulation of cutaneous nerves or dorsal roots. To this end, Marsden et al. (1978) studied the stretch reflex response in the human flexor pollicis longus, which when stimulated, results in flexion of the thumb. If this muscle is stabilized, for example, fixed in plasticine, then cutaneous nerve activity can be detected. It is proposed that long loop reflexes going via the motor cortex, have become progressively more important in effective motor control of motor skills. There is an initial judgement of the required strength of the muscle contractions needed before any specific movement. Any error in the estimate will result in the activation of the muscle spindle receptors and will result in a corrective long loop reflex, which causes an appropriate change in the signals from the motor cortex, correcting the response of the movement. This happens with a latency of less than 50 msec. This is about 70msec for lower limbs. This corrective compensation is automatic and unconscious. The pathways for 1a receptors up to the motor cortex and hence participation in long loop reflexes have been recognized in mammals such as the cat (Landgren, 1984). Clarac, F. (2005) suggests that the long loop reflexes play an important role in the adaptation of flexors and extensors and hence are useful in posture and moveme nt. He also suggests that they are involved in the mechanisms for anticipating movement, which supports the evidence of a transcortical route since there is input from the brain. Shemmell, J., An, J.H. and Perreault, E.J. (2009) claim transcortical long-loop reflexes are useful in adding flexibility to the human stretch reflex allowing adaptation to a wider range of functional tasks. They also highlight in their report that reflex sensitivity is increased in unstable environments. This study also provides evidence supporting the transcortical route of the long loop reflex since, similar to the findings of Loo McCloskey (1985), if the subject was given instruction prior to the perturbation, the long-loop reflex provides the ability to achieve the desired result even if this is contrary to the stabilizing response you would expect. Their study concludes that stretch reflex modulation in tasks that require changes in limb stability is mediated by motor cortical pathways, and that these differ from pathways contributing to reflex modulation that depend on how the subject is instructed to react to an imposed perturbation. The experiment went on to observe the eff ects of using transcranial magnetic stimulation to create a cortical silent period whereby the muscle stretch was timed so that the M2 response of the stretch reflex occurred during this silent phase. As a result of this, the idea that reflex sensitivity could be increased when in a stable environment was abolished. The reflex responses seen from altered task instruction was found to be not influenced by cortical silence. These results demonstrate that task-dependent changes in reflex function can be mediated through multiple neural pathways and that these pathways have task-specific roles. More recently, Petersen, N. et al. (1998) investigated the possibility of a transcortical pathway by applying stretch to ankle dorsiflexors and recording the EMG signals. In the introduction, Peterson et al. (1998) states that it is widely accepted, for muscles in the distal upper limb, for the long-loop reflex (M2) to be mediated by a transcortical reflex pathway. There is little evidence showin g the same result in proximal and lower limb muscles. Thilmann et al. (1991) found that the M2 response showed no significant change in proximal and lower limb muscles after lesions of supraspinal pathways whereas the M2 responses disappeared in hand muscles after the same lesion. A more clinical approach by Diener, H., Dichgans, J., Hà ¼lser, P.-J., Buettner, U.-W., Bacher, M.  and Guschbauer, B. (1984) suggests the long loop reflex is useful in diagnosing multiple sclerosis. Their results showed that 69% of the patients who have multiple sclerosis have a significantly longer M3 latency response in the antagonistic anterior tibial muscle. This increased delay in M3 response suggests demyelination of the neurones and they concluded that their results support evidence that the long loop reflex is mediated by a transcortical pathway. Figure 1: Clarac , F (2005)  The History of Reflexes Part 2: From Sherrington to 2004,  IBRO History of Neuroscience Corden,  D.M., Lippold,  O.C.J., Buchanan, K. and Norrington, C. (2000) Long-Latency Component of the Stretch Reflex in Human Muscle is Not Mediated by Intramuscular Stretch Receptors. Applied Journal of Physiology. 84(1). 184-188. Corna, S., Grasso, M., Nardone, A. Schieppati, M. (1995) Selective depression of medium-latency leg and foot muscle responses to stretch by an aÃŽÂ ¼-agonist in humans. Journal of Physiology. 484. 803-809. Diener, H.C., Dichgans, J., Hà ¼lser, P.J., Buettner, U.W., Bacher, M.  and Guschbauer, B. (1984) The significance of delayed long-loop responses to ankle displacement for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology. 57(4). 336-342. Fromm. C., Evarts, E. (1981). Relation of Size and Activity of Motor Cortex Pyramidal Tract neurons during Skilled Movements in the Monkey. The Journal of Neuroscience. 1(5), 453-460. Gassel, M. (1970) A critical review of evidence concerning long-loop reflexes excited by muscle afferents in man. Journal Neurological Neurosurgical Psychiatrics. 33. 358-362. Hammond, P. H. (1954) Involuntary activity in biceps following the sudden application of velocity to the abducted forearm. Journal of Physiology. 127, 23. Lee, R. G. Tatton W. G, (1975) Motor responses to sudden limb displacements in primates with specific CNS lesions and in human patients with motor system disorders. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences, 2, 285-293. Loo, C.K.C. McCloskey, D.I. (1985) Effects of prior instruction and anaesthesia on long-latency responses to stretch in the long flexor of the human thumb. Journal of physiology, 365, 285-296 Marsden, C. D., Merton, P. A., and Morton, H.B. (1976) Servo action in the human thumb. Journal of physiology. 257. 1-44. Marsden, C. D., Merton, P. A., and Morton, H.B. (1978) Anticipatory postural responses in the human subject. Journal of Physiology.  275. 47-48. Marsden, C. D., Merton, P. A., and Morton, H.B. (1981) Human postural responses. Brain. 104. 513-534. Matthews, P. B., Farmer, S. F. Ingram, D. A. (1990) On the localization of the stretch reflex of intrinsic hand muscles in a patient with mirror movements. Journal of Physiology. 428. 561-577. Petersen, N., Christensen, L.O.D., Morita, H., Sinkjà ²r, T. and Nielsen, J. (1998) Evidence that a transcortical pathway contributes to stretch reflexes in the tibialis anterior muscle in man. Journal of Physiology. 512(1). 267-276. Shemmell, J., An, J.H. and Perreault, E.J. (2009) The Differential Role of Motor Cortex in Stretch Reflex Modulation Induced by Changes in Environmental Mechanics and Verbal Instruction, The Journal of Neuroscience. 29(42). 13255-13263. Suminski, A.J., Rao, S.M., Mosier, K.M. and Scheidt, R.A. (2007) Neural and electromyographic correlates of wrist posture control. Journal of Neurophysiology. 97. 1527-1545. Thilmann, A.F., Schwarz, M., Topper, R., Fellows, S.J. and Noth, J. (1991) Different Mechanisms Underlie the Long-Latency Stretch Reflex Response of Active Human Muscle at Different Joints. Journal of Physiology. 444. 631-643.

Friday, October 25, 2019

The Prisoners Dilemma and the Ability of Firms to Collude :: Business Economics Management Essays

The Prisoners Dilemma and the Ability of Firms to Collude An oligopoly is a market consisting of a few large interdependent firms who are usually always trying to second-guess each other's behaviour. There is a high degree of interdependence between each firm in the industry meaning individual firms must take into account the effects of their actions on their rivals, and the course of action that will follow as a result on behalf of the rival firm which will also have consequences. The market as we will see is also allocatively inefficient as price is above marginal cost. There are barriers to entry and exit in an oligopoly meaning that potential new firms will have huge costs if they try to enter the industry and sometimes firms collude in order to prevent new firms from becoming any threat. For example if a new firm tries to enter the industry the cartel can quite easily reduce its prices in the short run so as to remove the new firm. An example of a heavy barrier to entry for new firms is the cost of National or even International adver tising. As a result of the firms being interdependent, there are various varieties of collusion in oligopolies to try and create some stable space for the firms to operate in. There are three kinds of collusion:  · cartel (contractual)  · covert  · tacit Cartels usually exist where there are agreements between incumbent firms with prices so that they can share what would be monopoly supernormal profits between them, acting as a monopoly. Firms will get together to decide to restrict the output and raise the price, for example OPEC (Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries). In the UK legally binding agreements in cartels are against the restrictive practices legislation and are therefore illegal. Some cartels last longer than others do as some cartels may break contracts. Some examples of cartels include Rowntrees, Cadbury's, the concrete industry with three firms (Rugby, Blue Circle and United). An example of covert collusion would be the cement industry, which was found guilty of rigging contracts and was fined eight million pounds. Tacit collusion is forming implicit contracts as if they are colluding; for example the soap powders industry. In this type of market rather than competing using prices, non-price competition occurs. Examples of non-price competition are special offers, advertising and quality of service, all of which are to establish their own brand loyalty and maintain a high concentration ratio of the market.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Ilie Haures High School From Triton College

In college we must manage our time carefully and responsibly as we reach for what we plan to do. With as we grow older, the responsibilities grow up and always we have the feeling that the day is too short. For that we must be careful in taking our decision. The attendance is very important in high school. School attendance is a baseline factor in determining student success. You can't miss from the class without a good explanation. In college we want to be there every time, not to lose the main idea of the course and learn something new every day and apply to the next chapter.In high school we are some bored kids who hint that all that glitters is gold and nobody can tell us what to do with it. We just don't have any motivation to remain in the classes and wait to hear the bell so we can meet with our friends from other classes. As children, think that is one of the reason why we go to school. We can still find a lot of differences, but you may just be missing some importance in opi nions. Each has different conclusion on the topic. I have to manage my time very carefully because with a full time job and evening classes I need a good rest and sleep enough to be responsible and competent for the next day.For me it's important participation in school and concentrate on the course so can continue my study at home and know what have to work. I have my own motivation and am not forced by anyone to continue my studies. I prefer to study to enrich my vocabulary words and have a good package of knowledge to be prepared for the future and to have a greater chance of finding a better job. Everyone knows that people in high school and college could not be apart.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

How Can We Show

In anything we do, there must be a force that drives our action and speech. Let's have a look at Romans 8:6 and examine what kind of mindset we should cultivate. Read. As the scripture points out, being a spiritual person is not Just a matter of personal preference. It is a matter of life and death. So then, let us look into a few ways we can show we that we are minding the spirit. Since the Bible itself is a product of God's spirit, what better way could there be than to read it daily.We must diligently study the Bible. By doing so, God's spirit can influence our mind and heart and we will develop a spiritual inclination and attitude. Thus our mindset will be controlled and impelled by His active force. However, it is important to note that knowledge of God's word is not enough. Remember King Solomon. He knew Jehovah standards very well. But then what happened? He came to have many foreign wives. And soon he was following after their gods. In fact, he practiced some sort of interfa ith Just so that he could please his wives.If he was minding the spirit, would he have done so? Yes from his example, we learn that we must obey Jehovah wholeheartedly. Another way is by displaying godly qualities. What are they? Let's find out at Galatians 5:22, 23. Read. How do we manifest the fruiting of the spirit in our life? If we have love, it will move us to forgive one another freely. Besides, love for neighbor moves us to share the kingdom good news with other. We will thus be motivated to have a fuller share in the kingdom preaching work.In addition, we would avoid a competitive spirit in the congregation. There shouldn't be such thing as: I put in more hours in the ministry than you so I'm better than you, or I am a pioneer and you're not. Brothers will avoid viewing privileges of service as a position of authority. Such kind of behavior is of fleshly origin. If we are to mind the spirit, we will view privileges in the congregation as a meaner to minister to others. Fina lly, it is important to set spiritual goals and work to attain them.Examples of parietal goals we can set include: improving our study habits, increasing our share in the ministry, or perhaps reaching out for a privilege of service in the congregation. Why are spiritual goals important? When we work to attain our goals, our minds will be occupied with spiritual interests and we are better able to resist temptations. To sum it up, minding the spirit is the course of wisdom, for this world and its desire is passing away. We will experience inner peace and also enjoy a peaceful relationship with Jehovah. How Can We Show By Consecrations