Rap Trends essays

Rap Trends essays Have African Americans in the 21st century established a trend that can be seen throughout a persons everyday life? I would say yes, and the most popular of trends is found in music industry of today. Now what makes a trend, a trend is defined as The relatively constant movement of a variable throughout a period of time. The period may be short-term or long-term, depending upon whether the trend itself is short-term or long-term. For example, a rising market is taken to mean that prices of most stocks are in an upward trend, (Dictionary). Most famous rappers are African American and everyday they are judged and watched by millions of people on TV, and some of their habits/styles might be viewed to others as cool, thus leading that person to imitate what they see their icon doing. What are the trends that have some people empting their bank account just to look cool? They could be the addition of chrome rims or spinners to ones car. Another trend that was first established by African Americans in the music industry is the wearing of what is known as platinum jewelry. Music has been around for centuries, but probably the music that has had the greatest influence on people, young and old has to be the rap/hip-hop industry. Rap has been around since the 1980s and since then many rappers have achieved the establishment of a trend in todays society. Back in the 1980s African Americans that were in the music industry werent too flashy as todays artist, but without even realizing it, they started some trends that still exist today. One of those trends was the wearing of flashy and expensive jewelry. Now the jewelry known as platinum wasnt exactly very popular back then. In fact some people might say that gold was the thing that was considered in. Gold chains, rings, and earrings were worn by most rappers while performing in music videos, concert, or on TV ...

The Economic Analysis of the United States

The Economic Analysis of the United States The national income of a country describes the total factor earnings from a country’s current production of goods and services. Statistically, the U.S average national income amounted to 4.7% in January 2012 as compared to 3.7% in December 2011. On the other hand, the U.S average national disposable income amounted to 3.4% in January 2012 compared to 3.6% in December 2011.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Economic Analysis of the United States specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The average national consumer expenditure was estimated at 4.7% in January 2012 compared with 3.6% in December 2011 (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2012). In summary, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average national income increased by $61.3 billion, or 0.6%, and the disposable average national income increased by 47.1 billion or 0.4% in January 2012. In December 2011, the average national consumption expenditu re increased by $7.4 billion or 0.1%; average national disposable income decreased by $4.1 billion, or less than 0.1%; and average national consumption expenditure increased by $11.4 billion, or 0.1%, as reflected on revised estimates (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2012). Factors Affecting the Average National Income One of the significant factors affecting the current average income is- factors of production. According to Mishkin (2010), the richer and efficient the resources of a country is, the higher the average national income level or Gross National Product. Some of the major factors of production that affects average national income includes, land, capital, entrepreneur, and labor. Land combine resources like iron, coal, and timber which are very essential for heavy industries. The geographical location of these natural resources influences the gross national product which is used for the calculation of average notational income. Capital is highly determined by level of invest ment which in turn may increase or reduce the level of average national income. Labor and entrepreneur affect the productivity or quality of human resources. As such, education and manpower planning often influence the productivity and production capacity of a country’s economic income (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2012). Other important factors affecting average national income are: technology, government, and political stability. Usually, technological development affects the level of innovation and invention on production and may lead to an increase in average national income of a country (Mishkin, 2010).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Government can also help in creating a business environment that is favorable for investment. This will boost trade and other economic activities hence increasing average national income. Similarly, favorable or s table political and economic system enables allocation of resources, encourage investment, and business activities which in turn boosts a country’s average national income (Mishkin, 2010). U.S Current Unemployment Rate According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the preliminary estimates released showed that the current seasonally unemployment rate adjustment for January 2012 went down to 8.3% from 9.1% in January, 2010 (U.S. Department of Labor, 2012). Generally, the seasonal unemployment adjustment numbers appeared to be steadily decreasing from September, 2011 when the figure was 9% to 8.3% in January 2012, with the actual number of people who had jobs in January standing at 130.263 million people compared to 133.746 million people in September, 2011. This implies that about 1.5 million people were unemployed in January than in September, and almost 2.5 million less people were working in January than in November 2011 (U.S. Department of Labor, 2012). Generally, from each year’s November to January of the subsequent year, the US unemployment rates drops since seasonal employees are picked by stores for Christmas season and inventory year-end. As expected, the number of unemployed individuals decreased to 12.8 million in January, 2012 and the number of those who lost jobs as well as the number of people who completed temporary jobs declined to 12.8 million(U.S. Department of Labor, 2012). The number of persons with long-term unemployment record was charged at 5.5 million, accounting for 42.8% of the unemployed persons. Nevertheless, January, 2012 saw significant change in the government employment rates as compared to the last 12 months. About 277,000 jobs were lost due to the decline in state government, local government, education, and the postal service jobs (U.S. Department of Labor, 2012). Factors Affecting Unemployment Rate Factors that affect unemployment rates can be categorized into three major categories: frictional, cyclical, and str uctural unemployment. Frictional unemployment is a type of unemployment which happens as a result of mobility of labor, especially when workers wait to start new jobs or change job (Mishkin, 2010).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Economic Analysis of the United States specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Because jobs searches by employees and respective correspondence by employers often take time on any particular day in the market economy, a gap between people who are looking for jobs and those waiting to begin jobs is created. This may affect a country’s unemployment rate. Cyclical unemployment occurs when an economy is experiencing recession. The major causes of this type of unemployment are decline in level of investment, consumption, government expenditure in the economy, or decrease in demand of services and goods exported to other countries. As a result of reduction in national production and spending level falls, some employees are laid off by their respective employers (U.S. Department of Labor, 2012). In fact, some of the highest unemployment rates experienced in US economy have been as a result of economic rescission. On the other hand, structural unemployment occurs when people are seeking for jobs yet they have no skills or education to fill the jobs that may be currently available. The policies developed to deal with structural unemployment only provide training programs for the workers, or subsidized education, and training programs available to only universities and colleges, businesses, or technical schools. Such trends may often give a bigger figure of unemployment rate in a country (U.S. Department of Labor, 2012). Inflation Rate Inflation is the general rise in commodity prices measured against the purchasing power standard level or increase of money supply in the economy (Mishkin, 2010). In US, the consumer price index over the last 12 months in all urban c onsumers amplified to 3.0% before the seasonal adjustment (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). Generally, the energy index indicated a decrease in December, 2011, counterbalancing increases in other indexes. For instance, the index for gasoline as well as household goods declined for three months in a row. However, the general food index increased in December, 2011 after a considerable decline in the previous months. With the exemption of energy and food, indices for different items increased by 0.1% in January 2012 after rising by 0.2 in December 2011 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). Medical care, tobacco shelter, and recreation indices all indicated an increase, with trucks and cars, apparel, and new vehicles indices registering significant decline (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Generally, in the previous months (from December 2010), consumer index changes in various items with exception of energy and food, were estimated at 2.3 percent, while change in food index over the last s edged up to 4.7 percent from 4.6 percent. Therefore, based on the US bureau of labor statistics reported on January, 2012, the current US inflation rate stands at 3.0% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). Factors Affecting Inflation Demand of the commodities is one of the significant that affects inflation. High demand of goods often results into inflation especially in the situation where the there is aggregate increase in demand for resources either from households or entrepreneurs or government (Mishkin, 2010). This may result into pressure of demand that may not be met by the current aggregate supply available in the economy hence generating inflationary pressure in the economy. Another significant factor that may affect inflation is the cost of products. This occurs in a situation wher e even if there is no aggregate increase in demand, there may be a rise in prices, due to increase in costs especially wage cost (Mishkin, 2010). Structural change in the economy may also contribute to inflation: change in the structure of economy my give rise to price increases thus generating pressure of inflation (Mishkin, 2010). References Mishkin, F. S. (2010). The economics of money, banking financial markets. Boston: Addison-Wesley. U.S. Census Bureau. (2012). The 2012 Statistical Abstract. Web. U.S. Department of Labor. (2012). Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/news.release/mslo.nr0.htm U.S. Department of Commerce. (2012). Bureau of Economic Analysis. Retrieved from https://www.bea.gov/

Dichotomus key gram postive bacteria coccus Lab Report

Dichotomus key gram postive bacteria coccus - Lab Report Example However, so is the gram-(+) Streptococcus and Enterococcus. In fact, they are collectively known as the gram-(+) cocci. Thus, to differentiate them, we use the catalase test, which determines whether an organism is able to convert the toxic hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Of the four main gram-(+) cocci genera, only Staphylococcus and Micrococcus are catalase-(+). We then try to grow it on Mannitol Salt Agar. The genus of Micrococcus is unable to use mannitol for food, and thus will not grow on MSA medium. On the other hand, Staphylococcus is able to grow on MSA because they can oxidize mannitol. Finally, we try to determine whether the unknown is S. aureus or S. epidermidis by growing it on blood agar. Since it did not cause hemolysis, then the organism is S. epidermidis, because S. aureus is a known alpha-hemolytic organism. http://www.mesacc.edu/~aleid84161/personalhomepage/Flow%20Charts.pdf, n.

Unit 1 Seminar Human Services and policies Research Paper

Unit 1 Seminar Human Services and policies - Research Paper Example It also uses evidences pulled from different social discipline fields such as economics, history and even sociology (Titmuss, 1974). This enhances their profession and gives them a foundation of participating in formulation of government regulations. Thus, govern the living conditions of human beings as well as their behavior. Social policies deal with a number of concepts that directly affect the human services. One of the major issues is social security. Security is a priority because it determines their co-existence with one another, their entrepreneurship and even their choice on where to live. Another significant issue is education. The government regulates this social amenity through its laws as well as its budget(DiNitto, 2011).Other issues include the health, housing, wages, and social behavior such as marriage that surround the people’s day-to-day’s life(Spicker, n.d). All these issues will be reflected in the development of any particular region. In conclusion, social policy is a very important field that requires proper understanding and implementation. This is because it has a direct influence on the people’s wellbeing as well as their behavior towards one

The pros and cons of direct marketing and legal issues that accompany Essay

The pros and cons of direct marketing and legal issues that accompany this field - Essay Example The significance of direct marketing is beyond just selling a product because it is used by companies to enhance relationship marketing that is forming and maintaining long term relationships with customers through effective public relations activities and direct marketing assists these activities. Companies send cards and cakes on special occasions to their customers through direct mail and this incurs a positive rapport with the customers. Direct marketing not only serves the basic purpose of a company to inform the customer but also to generate positive feelings with the customers for the company (Kotler & Keller; 2002). Direct marketing roots from Europe during the middle ages or most popularly known as feudalism period and then it began to enter its golden age during the renaissance. This was the 15th century and direct marketing became a regular practice in Europe only after the invention of moveable type by Guttenberg. The first catalog in Europe was then printed in 1450. The concept of direct marketing was originated by Lester Wunderman. Lester implemented these innovative techniques over two famous brands namely; American Express and Colombia Records. The concept was originated by this man during 1961 in America but direct marketing became a regular practice only after the typewriter was invented in 1867. The credit for the first catalog through mails goes to Aaron Montgomery Ward in 1872. Since the concept was gaining popularity amongst the businesses in America so the Direct Mail Advertising Association was established in 1928 which now is known as Direct Marketing Association. With direct m arketing in full speed the most popular terms of today started to emerge and took permanent shape. Junk mail was a term used by people since 1954 and the term spam took birth in 1993 so it's still young. Since the customers became more and more aware and educated the companies had to work even harder to convince them to buy their products. The market was no longer nave and direct marketing played an essential role to maintain goodwill amongst the customers in order practice effective public relations activities and retain customers. Thus, by the 18th century direct marketing was rocketing towards the sky and it was the most popular means of advertisement and maintaining public relations. Benjamin Franklin was the first printer to stand out of the rest of the printers in Colonial America and he came up with the most famous catalog in 1974 that was close to the present day catalogs that contain information and attractive punch lines that are all intended towards customer satisfaction. Companies then began to receive orders and send products through mail. It was during the 1830's that various companies mailed the products to their customers in New England. The general feeling of disdain and detest against the middlemen started in the post civil-war period in Midwest Europe with the farmers who decided to eliminate middlemen since the farmers were buying at a higher price and then selling

Risk of Schizophrenia Essay Example for Free

Risk of Schizophrenia Essay Over the last few decades Schizophrenia has become embedded in mainstream vernacular as any behavior or emotional response that is out of touch with reality. However even with its popularity heightened through movies and headline news stories, schizophrenia is still one of the most enigmatic and least understood disorders of the brain. With current research focused on the role of neurobiology and functioning on a cellular level, investigative analysis has merited new innovations towards its source, however a single organic cause for the disorder still eludes scientists. Although the foundation of the affliction is still unknown, its effects are well documented and over the next few pages will show the changes in the brain as the disease develops, and how those alterations impact the rest of the body and alter various other functions throughout the viscera. The term Schizophrenia was first coined in 1911 by Swiss psychiatrist Dr. Eugen Bleuler and translates from the original Greek as schizo (split) and phrene (mind), making a literal translation of split-mind, in reference to the disjointed thinking of those with the disease (Johnstone, 1994). Although the term was first used in the early twentieth century, according to scholars a ‘madness’ was described in The Ebers Papyrus, a collection of ancient Egyptian medical papers dating back to 1550 BC, which accurately depicts some of schizophrenia’s symptoms (Johnstone, 1994). With its possible documentation over three millennia ago and its symptoms documented in a myriad of medical journals throughout history, the disorder itself is very rare. Those who are at the highest risk of manifestation are offspring whose parents are both schizophrenic, although even at this rate the risk of manifestation is about forty-six percent. Globally however its prevalence is about 0.9 percent or fifty-eight million people worldwide (Hollandsworth, 1990). According to James G. Hollandworth of the University of Southern Mississippi, schizophrenia is primarily characterized by a disintegration of reality perception, consciousness, and thought process which results in a debilitated proficiency in social and professional faculties (Hollandworth, 1990). While schizophrenia can most arguably be classified as a predominantly genetic affliction, there are others factors which can contribute to its development even without a genetic predisposition. These elements include birth defects such as hypoxia and low birth rate, neuroanatomical anomalies, viral infections, along with low IQ and cerebral  atrophy (Hollandsworth, 1990). While these components in themselves are not sufficient enough to cause the disorder, they result in an increased risk for developing the disease. One theory for the cause of schizophrenia that has been studied with great validity is the dopamine hypothesis. This theory postulates that schizophrenia is caused by an overabundance of the dopamine-dependent areas of the brain causing an imbalance that affects the entire system (Hollandsworth, 1990). For this reason many of today’s schizophrenia treatment drugs inhibit dopamine receptor activity in an attempt to return it to its natural equilibrium. Although even with advances in modern science and new drugs being developed every day, the illness is still only treatable and its symptoms still emerge even with proper medication. Even with its origin unknown, scientists have discovered several chromosomes which when damaged or mutated, greatly increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. The chromosomes in particular that act as catalysts are chromosome numbers twenty-two, six, and eleven (Klar, 2004). Chromosome six contains several genes that are linked with immune response which has given rise to the belief that schizophrenia has some association with weakened disease fighting agents. While damage to this chromosome may be linked to the source of the ailment, it may only be the jump starter that kicks off the path to developing the illness. For as scientists know, a lacking immune response caused by chromosome damage can theoretically leave the body vulnerable to infection, which are facilitators that can bring about the emergence of the disorder (Hollandsworth, 1990). Chromosome twenty-two on the other hand is linked with the dopamine hypothesis as this area houses enzymes that aid in transporting neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters, mainly catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) are essential for the breakdown of dopamine. Any disruptions in this particular area can trigger an overabundance or shortage of dopamine, potentially resulting in developing positive or negative schizophrenia symptoms (Chakravarti, 2002). Lastly, chromosome eleven has been associated with schizophrenia on the grounds of genetic translocation, or a chromosome abnormality caused by faulty rearrangements of various strands of DNA. These faults can occur in any number of genes, however during this process it occurs at times pivotal to cell division, making it easy for genes to be incorrectly rearranged (Klar, 2004). When this happens  it can potentially inhibit the development of lateralization of brain function and act as a precursor not only schizophrenia, but other forms of mental illness as well as cognitive impairments (Klar, 2004). Once the subject has developed schizophrenia it affects the brain in very specific ways. When the disorder itself first begins to emerge its early symptoms manifest themselves in a period called The Prodormal Phase (Neale ump; Oltmanns, 1980). During this phase, which occurs anywhere from six to thirty months before the disease truly emerges, the person may experience social withdrawal, dysphoria, and irritability. As the disorder progresses the symptoms may become more intense, and newer or ‘positive’ symptoms may begin to surface. These positive symptoms can include visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thought processes. In severe cases of thought process deterioration or cognitive slippage, a person can develop schizophasia or ‘word salad’ where a person’s speech is completely incoherent with no understandable thought or message. Following the positive symptoms of the illness, ‘negative’ symptoms can appear as well. These symptoms are aspects of the person’s personality that have been negated by the disease. They are most commonly expressed by the person’s flat or expressionless demeanor, apathy, very little displayed emotion, and continued peculiar behavior (Hollandsworth, 1990). After schizophrenia has completely manifested itself, the patient is usually classified into one of four types. These types are paranoid, disorganized, catatonic, and undifferentiated. Those in the paranoid group display an obsession over their delusions or ha ve hallucinations specifically related to a certain subject or idea, and are usually the most functional of all schizophrenics (Johnstone, 1994). Disorganized types are typically ones who display little emotion and act in a disjointed and inarticulate manner, while catatonic schizophrenics are merely ones who appear in torpor and display lethargic indolence. The undifferentiated type however is hybrid of the three previous types and is a miscellaneous combination of all their symptoms combined (Johnstone, 1994). While the outward symptoms may be relatively easy to recognize, inside the brain is a totally different matter. Schizophrenia can cause structural changes in the brain even though a specific cause for these changes is still unknown. These changes in brain structure are illustrated by larger ventricles, a thicker corpus collosum, a decrease in dendrite  spines in the frontal lobe, disordered hippocampal pyramidal cells, and a shrinkage of the cerebellar vermis, which is mainly responsible for perception. In some studies malformed neuronal migration has been observed which can lead to disjointed thoughts as well as an overall shrinkage of the hippocampus and amygdala (Johnstone, 1994). Due to these changes, a person suffering from the disorder can have reduced functioning in the frontal lobe which can affect their logic and critical thinking skills as well as their ability to successfully plan ahead. This reduced functioning is displayed in the Wisconsin card sorting test, which is administered to measure possible brain damage and assess the functioning of the frontal lobe. Schizophrenics who participate in the test show an inability to successfully transfer their attention to the rules of the exam once they begin. Functional imaging has also shown a lack of activity in the right hemisphere of the frontal lobe during their partaking, which does not increase as the task is administered. It is also shown that in a study by a Dr. Nagy in 1963, that of 260 cases of schizophrenia, roughly fifty-eight percent of the group had some form of cerebral atrophy (Johnstone, 1994). On a cellular level schizophrenia symptoms are thought to be caused by an overabundance of neurotransmitters released between neurons. These neurotransmitters, mainly dopamine and serotonin, in excess can cause hallucinations and delusions which are referred to as ‘positive’ symptoms. Too little of these neurotransmitters however can result in lack of emotion and motivation which mirror the ‘negative’ symptoms of the disorder. Another type of cell affected by schizophrenia is the pyramidal cell in the prefrontal cortex, or the forehead area of the brain. These cells, which are a type of neuron that serve primarily as excitation units in the prefrontal cortex, are shown to have a decrease in basilar dendrite numbers. These basilar dendrites arise from the base of the pyramidal cell’s soma, and with a decrease in their numbers it can indicate a shortened synaptic surface area resulting in possible fallacious thought processing (Broadbelt, Byne, ump; Jon es, 2002). Pyramidal cells in the hippocampus are also known to be affected by the disorder can and cause many of the cells in that area to be thrown into disarray, causing cognitive malfunctions. The treatment of this disorder can vary greatly depending on the person; however dopamine inhibiting antipsychotics are a very popular remedy. Although prevalent, these  medications are not perfect and many scientists claim there is still no concrete connection that schizophrenia is exclusively a result of faulty dopaminergic transmissions (Neale ump; Oltmanns, 1980). It has also been noted that many of the dopamine inhibiting drugs serve only to combat the positive symptoms and leave many of the negative symptoms such as emotional absence unaffected. Another treatment that is still widely used, but much less common is electroconvulsive therapy or shock therapy. This treatment is still very controversial but there has been success in treating schizophrenia symptoms completely, although many patients relapse within six months. Studies have also indicated that although this treatment can be effective there are risks of permanent brain damage. According to Dr. Peter Breggin (2008), a psychiatrist at the State University of New York, shock therapy in animal testing showed statistically significant brain structural abnormalities when compared to animals without it. His study showed the electrical shocks caused changes in the nerve cell walls causing gliosis, or a profound increase in the number of astrocytes in impaired areas of the central nervous system (Breggin, 2008). In conclusion, schizophrenia is unique disorder that affects the brain in many ways, yet manifests itself differently from person to person. As there is no tangible rubric for how the disorder will impact the person, it can be a difficult illness to treat. Its effects on the brain, from enlarged ventricles to a decline in dendrite spines, shows the major impact the illness can have on living a normal life. Although the disorder afflicts just over fifty-eight million people worldwide it is still devastating to those who are affected and while the medical community makes leaps and bounds in understanding the disease, a cure is still far from the horizon. With psychology grant money from universities being invested predominantly in neuropsychology, perhaps sometime in the near future scientists will be able to fully understand this illness and find a successful and permanent cure for it.

Free Essays: A Comparison of Iliad and Odyssey :: comparison compare contrast essays

A Comparison of Iliad and Odyssey    Although both works are credited to Homer, The Iliad and The Odyssey provide two remarkably different views on the nature of the Olympian Gods, their relationship to humanity, and the general lot of mortals throughout their all too brief lives. As a result of these differences, both stories end up sending contrasting messages about life in general. In the Iliad, the supernatural denizens of Olympus are depicted as treacherous, power-hungry, and above all temperamental beings that are always at each other's throats. Factionalism abounds, and neither the bonds of marriage, nor the ties of kinship can contain keep it under control. A perfect example is when Ares betrays his mother, Hera, and his sister, Athene, by aiding the Trojans instead of the Greeks. When he is discovered, Athena strikes him down in battle through Diomedes. In the Odyssey, however, the Gods of Olympus display far more unity and civility toward each other. They argue and disagree, but their disagreements are never carried out to the extremes found in the Iliad. When Poseidon punishes Odysseys for blinding the Cyclopes, Athena does not take revenge. Even though Odyssey's is her favorite mortal, she respects Poseidon's right to punish him. Also, the treachery among the Gods that is so prevalent in the Iliad, is nowhere to be found in the Odyssey.    In Iliad, Hera, enters into a conspiracy with Poseidon, Aphrodite, and Morpheus to aid the Greeks by putting Zeus to sleepÉ thus rendering him unable to help his beloved Trojans. Nothing like this incident can be found in the Odyssey. References to past disagreements and arguments between the Gods (such as in the Poet's tale of Ares and Aphrodite) are scattered throughout the book, however, so the views between the Iliad and the Odyssey are not exactly diametrically opposed. The role of the Gods in the affairs of humanity is much greater in the Iliad then in the Odyssey. In the Iliad, the Olympians are constantly meddling in the conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans. At best, they view mortals as amusing petsÉ to be cared for, played with, and loved. At worst, humans are just pawns to be shuffled around, sacrificed, and set against each other in order to resolve inter-Olympian ego-clashes.