The Nervous System Essays (1996 words) - Peripheral Nervous System

The Nervous System The nervous system is the most complex part of the body, as they govern our thoughts, feelings, and bodily functions. It is an important factor in science because it can lead to new discoveries for cures or diseases. The studies of the nervous system helped lower death rates from heart disease, stroke, accidents, etc. The nervous system is a network of neurons (nerve cells) that that sends information to the brain to be analyzed. Neurons live both in and outside the central nervous system. Understanding how the neurons work is vital to understanding the nervous system. Neurons The neuron has two important structures called the dendrite and axon, also called nerve fibers. The dendrites are like tentacles that sprout from the cell and the axon is one long extension of the cell. The dendrites receive signals from other neurons, while the axon sends impulses to other neurons. Axons can extend to more than a meter long. Average sized neurons have hundreds of dendrites; therefore it can receive thousands of signals simultaneously from other neurons. The neuron sends impulses by connection the axon to the dendrites of another nerve cell. The synapse is a gap between the axon and the adjacent neuron, which is where data is transmitted from one neuron to another. The neuron is negatively charged and it bathes in fluids that contain positively charged potassium and sodium ions. The membrane of the neuron holds negatively charged protein molecules. The neuron has pores called ion channels to allow sodium ions to pass into the membrane, but prevent the protein molecules from escaping (potassium ions can freely pass through the membrane since the ion channels mostly restrict sodium ions). When a neuron is stimulated (not at rest), the pores open and the sodium ions rush in because of its attraction to the negatively charged protein molecules, which makes the cell positively charged. As a result, potential energy is released and the neurons send electrical impulses through the axon until the impulse reaches the synapse of any neurons near it. Once the signal is sent, the ion balances out and becomes at rest. The electrical impulse that runs down the axon releases a chemical called acetylcholine, only one of many chemicals that transmits signals across the synapse. These substances are called neurotransmitters because they transmit data from one neuron to another. Once the chemical binds to the dendrites of another neuron, it is converted back to an electrical impulse, which is brought to the cell body. The impulse is then sent to another neuron, and the process repeats until the nerves are at rest. The effect of the signals depends on what the target is. If the target of the signal is a muscle cell, the effect might be a muscle contraction. The speed of the electrical impulse depends on the size of the nerve fiber. In small nerves, the rate it transmits impulses is from a half to two meters a second. The larger the diameter of the nerve fiber, the higher rate of conducting impulses. There is less electrical resistance in thick fibers. When nerve impulse jumps from one node (gaps in nerve fibers) to the next, it is called saltatory conduction. Saltatory conduction conducts faster because it contains an insulator that prevents leakage of currents. The rate of conduction is 2 to 120 meters a second. Not all nerves conduct impulse electrochemically. Some impulses jump from nerve to nerve, bypassing the synapse. Unlike other cells, once neurons are lost, they cant be regenerated. Fortunately, there are about 10 billion neurons and they have other cells to aid them in carrying messages to other nerves. But if nerves are severed, the nerve fibers can regenerate if the two ends are reattached precisely. However, restored functions may produce different actions because the nerves might not be connected to the right channel. There are three main parts of the nervous system: the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous system. The brain and spinal cord makes up central nervous system, the spinal and cranial nerves form the peripheral nervous system, and the autonomic nervous system is made from various glands and muscles. Central Nervous System The brain and spinal cord forms the Central Nervous System. The

The Business Environment of Amazon

The Business Environment of Amazon The business environment consists of the factors that affect the operations of a business. These factors are identified through the environmental analysis, which is conducted either in the form of the SWOT or the PEST (EL) analyses (Powell, 863). Resources and capabilities are used by the business to gain the competitive advantage.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on The Business Environment of Amazon specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These are the inputs available to a business that makes it operate successfully, and these may either be tangible or intangible (Warf and Stutz 113). The coordination of resources is the key to the success of a business. On the other hand, capabilities refer to the capacity of a business to either coordinate or deploy the resources within an organization, and are developed progressively. In the case study, Amazon, the leading online retailer, and supercenter, can outdo the competition b y the adoption of new IT procedures to enter into the bookselling industry. This acts as turnaround in the aforementioned sector. One of the key environmental factors for Amazon is the competition within the industry due to the emergence of many publishers, and also due to the existence of other bookselling stores such as B M stores and Barnes and Noble. Owing to the first mover advantage and development of new IT marketing policies, such as the use of the internet for selling books, Amazon had a large clientele base and it was difficult for its competitors to attract customers the way it did (Hill and Jones 272). Another key factor is the customers (consumers). The company’s mission emphasizes on the goal of Amazon to be the most custom-centered company in the globe. After the enrollment or signing up to its website, it was difficult to get the customer sign into other firms’ websites due to the loyalty attached to the Amazon products (Hill and Jones 272).Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Finally, the industry itself was another key factor. After taking the first mover advantage, Amazon turned around the bookselling industry by offering fresh competition to bookselling giants such as the Borders (Hill and Jones 272). Amazon possesses key internal resources and capabilities. To begin with, the incorporation of a first mover advantage through the use of patented customer-oriented software would be of a great value to Amazon. Moreover, adopting exceptional IT policies would help in reducing the competition. Furthermore, shifting focus to the web-based approach of buying and selling books online would enhance its performance. As it is an online-based company, that offers its customers immediate and instant access to its books in print form, it helps to boost its sales. Finally, embracing the formation of strategic alliances wi th the largest book publishers would ensure that Amazon’s customers get products without any delays in the distribution. The key strategic choices undertaken by Amazon are outlined above, including formation mergers with the well-established firms in the IT industry. This has helped it to increase the profit margin significantly. Amazon has also acquired other websites such as ‘Exchange.com,’ ‘Jungle.com, and ‘Planetall.com’ as a way of developing new and superior website techniques in order to enhance efficiency and retain the clientele base. Amazon launched the digital bookstores, video and music, and also the Amazon’s ‘Kindle Reader’ in order to give its customers varied options. Finally, Amazon’s movement into the ‘cloud’ computing and leveraging of its key competencies helped it to realize the value of its assets, vital for global expansion the drawbacks notwithstanding.Advertising We will wr ite a custom case study sample on The Business Environment of Amazon specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The successful implementation of Amazon’s roadmaps enabled it gain the advantage over its competitors. Consequently, it realized record profits in the year 2011. Hill, Charles, and Jones Gareth. Strategic Management, An integrated approach (10th edition). New York: St. Martins, 2014. Print. Powell, Thomas. Competitive advantage: logical and philosophical considerations. Strategic Management Journal 22.6 (2001): 863-865. Web. Warf, Frederick, and Stutz Barney. â€Å"The World Economy: Resources, Location, Trade and Development.† Online Journal on Economic 16.1 (2007): 110-113. Web.

Biography of Porfirio Diaz of Mexico, Ruler of Mexico

Biography of Porfirio Diaz of Mexico, Ruler of Mexico Porfirio Dà ­az (September 15, 1830–July 2, 1915,) was a Mexican general, president, politician, and dictator. He ruled Mexico with an iron fist for 35 years, from 1876 to 1911. His period of rule, referred to as the Porfiriato, was marked by great progress and modernization, and the Mexican economy boomed. The benefits were felt by very few, however, as millions of peons labored in virtual slavery. He lost power in 1910–1911 after rigging an election against Francisco Madero, which brought about the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920). Fast Facts: Porfirio Diaz Known For: Ruler of Mexico for 35 yearsAlso Known As: Josà © de la Cruz Porfirio Dà ­az MoriBorn: September 15, 1830 in Oaxaca, MexicoParents: Josà © Faustino Dà ­az Orozco, Marà ­a Petrona Mori Cà ³rtà ©sDied: July 2, 1915 in Paris, FranceAwards and Honors: Grand Cross of the Royal Hungarian Order of St. Stephen, First Class Condecoration of the Imperial Order of the Double Dragon, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands LionSpouse(s): Delfina Ortega Dà ­az (m.  April 7, 1867–April 8, 1880), Carmen Romero Rubio (m.  November 5, 1881–July 2, 1915)Children: Porfirio Dà ­az Ortega, Luz Victoria Dà ­az  Notable Quote: It was better that a little blood should be shed that much blood should be saved. The blood that was shed was bad blood; the blood that was saved was good blood. Early Military Career Porfirio Dà ­az was born a mestizo, or of mixed Indian-European heritage, in the state of Oaxaca on September 15, 1830. He was born into extreme poverty and never even reached complete literacy. He dabbled in law, but in 1855 he joined a band of liberal guerrillas who were fighting a resurgent Antonio Là ³pez de Santa Anna. He soon found that the military was his true vocation and he stayed in the army, fighting against the French and in the civil wars that wracked Mexico in the mid-to-late 19th century. He found himself aligned with the liberal politician and rising star Benito Jurez, although they were never personally friendly. The Battle of Puebla On May 5, 1862, Mexican forces under General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated a much larger and better-equipped force of invading French outside the city of Puebla. This battle is commemorated every year by Mexicans on Cinco de Mayo. One of the key players in the battle was young general Porfirio Dà ­az, who led a cavalry unit. Although the Battle of Puebla only delayed the inevitable French march into Mexico City, it did make Dà ­az famous and cemented his reputation as one of the best military minds serving under Juarez. Dà ­az and Jurez Dà ­az continued to fight for the liberal side during the brief rule of Maximilian of Austria (1864–1867) and was instrumental in reinstating Juarez as President. Their relationship was still cool, however, and Dà ­az ran against Juarez in 1871. When he lost, Dà ­az rebelled, and it took Juarez four months to put the insurrection down. Amnestied in 1872 after Juarez died suddenly, Dà ­az began plotting his return to power. With the support of the United States and the Catholic Church, he brought an army into Mexico City in 1876, removing President Sebastin Lerdo de Tejada and seizing power in a dubious â€Å"election.† Don Porfirio in Power Don Porfirio would remain in power until 1911. He served as president the entire time except for the period of 1880–1884 when he ruled through his puppet Manuel Gonzlez. After 1884, he dispensed with the farce of ruling through someone else and re-elected himself several times, occasionally needing his hand-picked Congress to amend the Constitution to allow him to do so. He stayed in power through deft manipulation of the powerful elements of Mexican society, giving each just enough of the pie to keep them happy. Only the poor were excluded entirely. The Economy Under Dà ­az Dà ­az created an economic boom by allowing foreign investment to develop Mexicos vast resources. Money flowed in from the United States and Europe, and soon mines, plantations, and factories were built and humming with production. The Americans and British invested heavily in mines and oil, the French had large textile factories, and the Germans controlled the drug and hardware industries. Many Spanish came to Mexico to work as merchants and on the plantations, where they were despised by the poor laborers. The economy boomed and many miles of railway track was laid to connect all of the important cities and ports. The Beginning of the End Cracks began appearing in the Porfiriato in the first years of the 20th century. The economy went into a recession and miners went on strike. Although no voices of dissent were tolerated in Mexico, exiles living abroad, primarily in the southern United States, began organizing newspapers, writing editorials against the powerful and crooked regime. Even many of Dà ­az supporters were growing uneasy because he had picked no heir to his throne. They worried about what would happen if he left or died suddenly. Madero and the 1910 Election In 1910, Dà ­az announced that he would allow fair and free elections. Isolated from reality, he believed he would win any fair contest. Francisco I. Madero, a writer and spiritualist from a wealthy family, decided to run against Dà ­az. Madero didnt really have any great, visionary ideas for Mexico; he just naively felt that the time had come for Dà ­az to step aside, and he was as good as anyone to take his place. Dà ­az had Madero arrested and stole the election when it became apparent that Madero would win. Madero was freed, fled to the United States, declared himself the winner, and called for an armed revolution. Revolution and Death Many heeded Maderos call. In Morelos, Emiliano Zapata had been fighting the powerful landowners for a year or so already and quickly backed Madero. In the north, bandit leaders-turned-warlords Pancho Villa and Pascual Orozco took to the field with their powerful armies. The Mexican army had decent officers, as Dà ­az had paid them well, but the foot soldiers were underpaid, sickly, and poorly trained. Villa and Orozco routed the Federals on several occasions, growing ever closer to Mexico City with Madero in tow. In May 1911, Dà ­az knew he had been defeated and was allowed to go into exile. Diaz died just four years later, on July 2, 1915, in Paris, France. Legacy Porfirio Dà ­az left a mixed legacy in his homeland. His influence is undeniable: with the possible exception of the dashing, brilliant madman Santa Anna, no one has been more important to the history of Mexico since the countrys independence. On the positive side of the Dà ­az ledger must be his accomplishments in the areas of the economy, safety, and stability. When he took over in 1876, Mexico was in ruins after years of disastrous civil and international wars. The treasury was empty, there were a mere 500 miles of train track in the whole nation, and the country was essentially in the hands of a few powerful men who ruled sections of the nation like royalty. Dà ­az unified the country by paying off or crushing these regional warlords, encouraged foreign investment to restart the economy, built thousands of miles of train tracks, and encouraged mining and other industries. His policies were wildly successful and the nation he left in 1911 was completely different from the one he inherited. This success came at a high cost for Mexicos poor, however. Dà ­az did very little for the lower classes: he did not improve education, and health was only improved as a side effect of improved infrastructure primarily meant for business. Dissent was not tolerated and many of Mexicos leading thinkers were forced into exile. Wealthy friends of Dà ­az were given powerful positions in government and were allowed to steal land from Indian villages without any fear of punishment. The poor despised Dà ­az with a passion, which exploded into the Mexican Revolution. The Revolution, too, must be added to Dà ­az balance sheet. His policies and mistakes ignited it, even if his early exit from the fracas can excuse him from some of the later atrocities that took place. Most modern Mexicans view Dà ­az more positively and tend to forget his shortcomings and see the Porfiriato as a time of prosperity and stability, albeit somewhat unenlightened. As the Mexican middle class has grown, it has forgotten the plight of the poor under Dà ­az. Most Mexicans today know the era only through the numerous telenovelas- Mexican soap operas- that use the dramatic time of the Porfiriato and Revolution as a backdrop for their characters. Sources Herring, Hubert. A History of Latin America From the Beginnings to the Present. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1962.McLynn, Frank. Villa and Zapata: A History of the Mexican Revolution. New York: Carroll and Graf, 2000.â€Å"Quotes by Porfirio Diaz.†Ã‚  AZ Quotes.

The effects of the 2008 financial crisis on the investment in the Gulf Essay

The effects of the 2008 financial crisis on the investment in the Gulf area especially on Qatar - Essay Example The high unemployment rate and the collapse of the financial institutions cumulatively limited the potential of individuals and corporations to invest. The Gulf Area experienced a period of oil-boom during the period between 2003 and 2008, a time when the economy grew by double figures. Qatar was a major distributor of oil in the world and the rising demand underpinned the increase in its sales during this period. The impact of this is that there was reduced unemployment, rise in economic class and the growth of the gross domestic product (Khamis, Senhadji, Hasan, & International Monetary Fund, 2010). On the other hand, the economic development resulted to increase in the public confidence and hence increased borrowing from monetary banks. The public’s incentive to invest and take advantage of the growing business opportunities led to the increase of loans from both public and private sector. As a result, the year 2007 marked the peak of economic debts in financial institutions. During this period also, the international monetary funds and the World Bank encouraged financial institutions to provide low interest loans for the local people to inspire investment (Siddiqi, 2013). The negative impact of this is that the potential to invest became much higher than the available business opportunities, leading to business failure. The global recession affected the world at large and this resulted to an adjustment of the world economic situation. The reduction in the value of local currencies resulted in the decline of the purchasing power. The impact that this had is that there was reduced economic exchange in the international business market. Qatar experienced a period of reduced demand for oil from western countries, which resulted to reduction into its national income. Consequently, the country experienced retarded economic growth, and the GDP

Sustainability plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Sustainability plan - Essay Example Organizers of London Olympic games had put sustainability into their heart to ensure sufficient demonstration on how games can provide a chance to show case changes on how people live, perform their duties, building styles and business practice to the beneficial of a healthy life within the limit of resources available on earth. The London Olympic strategy was laid through a subdivision into groups, assigning each group with its own responsibility and managed by a committee. The committees were to execute over the raising of funds, planning infrastructural development and provision of legislation in governance to ensure that everybody from the United Kingdom at least benefited from the Olympic Games. Introduction London Olympic Games and the Paralympics games hosted in 2012were to be used beyond what is just done in sports, but to enable people around the world to develop a sense of friendship and to facilitate sharing of culture as an attempt of exposing diversity (Great Britain 200 7). The organizers based their strategies on economical, social and environmental sustainability. Other than the influence on sports, London Olympic Games organizers incorporated different authorities and assigned roles to ensure that playing of games was to create a perpetual legacy to all its citizens. A number of strategies were placed forward to ensure that games influenced all the communities residing in United Kingdom by creating job opportunities, enhancing business infrastructure and providing training in different areas to improve the life standards. However, these strategies were narrowed down to address the areas of climate change, waste disposal, biodiversity, infrastructure development and provision of health (Brebbia 2013). Biodiversity Biodiversity has become one of the major vital elements in sustenance of the environmental economy. It serves a basic duty of enhancing balance of the climate changes, ensures sustainable maintenance of the water catchment areas and emb races the available natural resources making them sufficient to support life and make it desirable (MacRury and Poynter 2009). The Olympic movement in the recent years has taken it as a priority to ensure that environment is made sustainable for all the inhabitants. The London Olympic 2012 organizers made it as a provision of maintaining the ecology by promoting the relevance of natural environment. With assistance of international sports centre and the United Kingdom, the Olympic organizers managed to improve different number of sites including the lower Lea valley. After the amendments of some laws to give way for improvements, the organizers thereafter developed most sites as a way of enhance diversity (MacRury and Poynter 2009). For instance, at Lea valley nature plant seeds were collected with a motive of sustaining indigenous plant species. Quite a number of reptiles who resided within the valley under natural circumstances were relocated to appropriate sites. The organizers a lso created artificial nests of some birds as a way of safeguarding species of birds like the kingfisher whose population were dwindling rapidly. Inclusion Inclusion involves the culture of breaking down

Human Nature And The Declaration Of Independence Essay -- essays resea

Human Nature and the Declaration of Independence I would like to show that the view of human nature that is shown in The Declaration of Independence is taken more from the Bible and that that view is in disagreement with two of the three esays given in class. The Biblical perspective of man is that he was created by a divine Creator with a specific plan in mind and made in the image of his Creator. Men are entitled to the pursuit of happiness but also required by the Laws of Nature and Nature's God to be the just attendants of the land and of the governed. The Nature of man is sinful so that they must be governed but those who govern must be accountable to God just as the founding fathers were. God is Sovereign over men as the final Judge. The Declaration of Independence is a document co-written by the founding fathers in order to declare their independence of the Crown of Britain. They belived this to be within their rights indowed upon them by their Creator. Believing that they were under religious persecution and certain forms of "absolute tyranny" from Britian the founding fathers felt it was necessary to break the bonds that connected them to the monarchy. Not only did they feel they had the God given right to do that but they also based their arguments on the workings of governments of the time and contemporary theories of government of writers and political-social thinkers of their time. The three essays that were given to us in class, Politics by Aristotle, Of Commonwealth by Thomas Hobbes, and Of the Limits of Government by John Locke are all very intersting essays on how government is supposed to funtion. Although the founding fathers probably read all three of these essays and simialar philosphical thought went into the writing of The Declaration of Independence I think that the only essay of the really used by the founding fathers was Of the Limits of Government by John Locke. Unfortunately the version of this essay given to us in class was truncated and consisted actually of two different essays written by John Locke. . Thomas Hobbes [1588-1679] is the founder of the theories of Hobbism which calls on absolute monarchy in order to deal with what he calls inherently selfish, aggrandizing nature of humanity. ... ...place to God, and afterwards to the laws." It seems pretty clear to me when I readThe Declaration of Independence and when I read quotes from the founding fathers and their contemporaries that it was the work of strong Bible believing men that first made the monumental leap in breaking union with Britian. Unfortunately their words and lives have gone by the wayside in our hearts and minds.Instead of learning about George Washington's famous words of Christian faith or how he emerged unscathed from battle with his uniform riddeled with bullet holes our History books teach us all about how he could not lie when he chopped down the cherry tree. If men such as Hobes and Aristotle could have even welled up enough courage in their cold and timid souls 200 years ago to break the tyrrany of the British, I strongly believe that our country would have quickly decayed in immorality and greed. "So whither you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1Cor 10:31) - Christianity and the Constitution p.51,53 ; America's Providential History p.156 ; Myth of Separation p.195-96

Final Mexican History Essay

Question- The PRI dominated Mexico from 1929 to 2000. How did this party begin? Why could it claim it was a democratic party? What do you think might be its future? Opening statement- The PRI, or National Revolutionary Party in English and called the Partido Nacional Revolucionario in Spanish (PNR) was established by Plutarco Elias Calles. He was a military General turned politician and served as the Mexican president in 1924-1928. After his presidency he continued as the de facto president. In 1929 he organized military officials, politicians, union bosses, and labor organizations and strong-armed and influenced them into joining his party. Factors are discussed in order- The PRI underwent several name changes and reorganizations through the years but gained momentum, power and members. The middle class was able to gain a foothold in politics into the PRI especially during the â€Å"stabilizing development† which occurred during the 1950s and 1960s. It was made up of networks of the lower and middle class, unions, members and politicians. The party thrived on relationships, favors and power. Strength was gained through overall corruption, bribery, and misuse and stealing of public money. It sought to gain popularity by exchanging services and favors for votes. In this way it may have appeared to be a party of the people and a democratic entity. Especially during elections goods flowed freely in exchange for loyalty and votes. It reigned freely and had complete control and could claim they were a party of democracy. President Salinas, elected in 1988 worked hard to reform the party’s image. He attempted to downplay his relationship with big business and emphasized his support for the little guy in order to gain more popularity, votes and favor with the Mexican people and former enemies such as the Roman Catholic Church and other long alienated industries. Salinas also attempted to restructure the Mexican economy by privatization, but the decades of corruption and absolute rule made this difficult and it wasn’t enough to save the doomed and defunct party. Conclusion and opinion- On July 2, 2000 Vicente Fox won the Mexican Presidential election in what could be called a â€Å"landslide†. This marked a historic victory of a new era for Mexican politics. It also was the end for the longest rule of a governing Party in the world, the PRI. The history for the party doesn’t look so bright. After being such a ruthless and cruel political party its reputation and credibility is in tatters. In 2003 it was nearly exterminated in the Federal District. It is doubtful that the PRI could make a resurgence without cleaning house and reorganizing significantly. As long as the Mexican people continue to stand up and strongly demand accountability and transparency in their government, democracy and real change is possible. Works Cited: Diamond, Larry â€Å"What the Democratization of Mexico Means for The World† Hoover Institute Stanford University (2000) volume no. 4 Knowledgerush (2009) Partido Revolucionario Institucional 8 May 2010 http://www. knowledgerush. com/kr/encyclopedia/Partido_Revolucionario_Institucional/ U. S Library of Congress â€Å"Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI)† 8 May 2010 http://countrystudies. us/mexico/84. htm Wuhs, Steven T, Savage Democracy University Park, PA, Penn State Press, 2008