The element copper

The element copper Introduction Copper, elemental symbol Cu, is a transition d-block metal, and is the least reactive of the first row metals. Copper can have the oxidation states +1 and +2 and can form many complexes with various ligands. The Cu 2+ ion, at low concentrations, is an essential element to plant and animal life, and a human adult has a required daily intake of 3-5mg. [1] The richest nutritional sources of copper are; animal livers, shellfish, dried fruit, nuts and chocolate. [2] A human who lacks copper can develop a deficiency and in some cases this can result in anaemia, and Wilsons disease (copper accumulates in tissues which leads to neurological symptoms and liver disease). [1] A human adult contains roughly 100mg of copper, [1] most of which are attached to proteins and found in tissues, with high concentrations found in the liver and muscles. Eventhough copper is very useful, and required for a variety of process, for example; formation of haemocyanin (oxygen carrying proteins in molluscs), at high concentrations copper ions can be toxic and harmful. To avoid copper-induced toxicity most organisms use a combination of copper-regulated import inhibition and extraction of copper through specific export mechanisms. In mammals, copper is partially detoxified by sequestration in the metal- binding metallothioneins or export via the copper-translocating ATPases. [3] Use of copper in the human body and cells Copper has many roles in the human body and it plays a vital role in a range of chemical reactions that are essential to human health and development. Copper is distributed to several areas in the body so it can be used in various ways. Copper plays a major part in the conversion of iron to its useable Fe (III) form and also helps transport iron around the body. Copper is needed for the synthesis of collagen, a protein found in human skin, which maintains elasticity. [4] As a cofactor for the enzyme tyrosinase; copper is involved in the synthesis of the skin pigment melanin. Copper is also key for the development of the brain and nervous system as it plays a role in the production and maintenance of myelin, which insulates nerve cells thus ensuring the transmission of nerve impulses. Copper is also involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, chemicals that allow communication between nerve cells. [5] Within cells the generation of energy (ATP), inside the mitochondria, depends on the involvement of a copper-containing enzyme. [4] Another vital function for the copper as a cofactor is the neutralisation of free radicals that would otherwise oxidise and destroy healthy cells. [6] More specific examples; Cytochrome c oxidase The enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, a large transmembrane protein complex found in the mitochondrion, is the last enzyme in the respiratory electron transport chain. It contains two heme centres called cytochromes a and a3, as well as two copper atoms. The copper sites, CuA and CuB, are associated with cytochromes a and a3, respectively. CuA is liganded by two cysteines and two histidines (Fig 1.0). The heme of cytochrome a is liganded by imidazole rings of histidine residues. CuB and the iron atom of cytochrome a3 are located close to each other and this closely coupled pair of metal ions is referred to as a binuclear centre (Fig 1.1). [7] [8] The copper sites play a part in electron transfer by switching between the Cu- state and the Cu2+ state. Reduction of one oxygen molecule requires passage of four electrons through carriers. Electrons from cytochrome c are transferred to CuA sites and then passed to the heme iron of cytochrome a. The electron pathway continues as CuB accepts a single electron from cytochrome a. A second electron then reduces the iron centre to Fe2+, leading to the binding of O2 and the formation of a peroxy bridge between heme a3 and CuB. This amounts to the transfer of two electrons from the binuclear centre to the bound O2. The next step involves uptake of two H+ and a third electron, which leads to cleavage of the O-O bond and generation of Fe4+ at the heme. Uptake of a fourth e- facilitates formation of ferric hydroxide at the heme centre. In the final step of the cycle, protons from the mitochondrial matrix are accepted by the coordinated hydroxyl groups, and the resulting water molecules dissoc iate from the binuclear centre. [9] Summary reaction: 4 Fe2+ -cytochrome c + 8 H+ + O2 ? 4 Fe3+ -cytochrome c + 2 H2O + 4 H+ [7] Haemocyanin Hemocyanins are a type of respiratory protein in the form of metalloproteins containing two copper atoms. The deoxy-form of a haemocynin is colourless and contains Cu (I), while O2 binding results in the blue Cu (II) form. [10] Hemocyanins carry oxygen in the blood of some molluscs (e.g. snails, whelks) and some arthropods including crabs and lobsters. They are second only to haemoglobin in biological popularity of use in oxygen transport. Hemocyanins are found suspended in the hemolymph, and arent bound to blood cells like haemoglobin. [11] Contained within the metalloprotein are two neighbouring non-bonded Cu (I) centres, each of which is bound by three histidine residues. [11] Fig 1.2 shows the binding of oxygen in relation to the copper sites. Tyrosinase Tyrosinase is an enzyme, which contains copper, and is present in plant and animal tissues that catalyzes the production of melanin and other pigments from tyrosine. [12] The reaction includes the reduction of the copper by an o-dipfenol. This reaction is followed by reaction of the intermediate with dioxygen to yield a highly reactive intermediate complex that is broken down by the substrate to form water and the required product. [2] Catechol oxidase Catechol oxidase is a copper-containing enzyme whose activity is like that of tyrosinase. Catechol oxidase carries out the oxidation of phenols such as catechol, using dioxygen. In the presence of catechol, benzoquinone is formed (reaction below). [14] In this reaction hydrogens are removed from catechol and combine with oxygen to form a molecule of water. Superoxide Dismutase One of the most important enzymes involved in removing free radicals from the human body is superoxide dismutase (SOD). Its function is to defend and protect cells against molecular damage from oxygen. SOD is located in two places within the cells, the mitochondria and the cytoplasm. The SOD that is found in the mitochondria contains manganese, and the SOD found in the cytoplasm contains copper and zinc. [15] This enzyme catalyzes the dismutation, (a reaction involving a single substance but producing two products), [16] of superoxide into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. For each two superoxides that are encountered by the SOD, one hydrogen peroxide is formed. One molecule of super oxide has their extra electron removed by SOD, and places it on the other super oxide molecule. [17] Therefore one ends up with one less electron, forming normal oxygen, and the other ends up with an extra electron. [15] The superoxide molecule, with the extra electron, then quickly picks up two hydrogen ion s to form hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a dangerous compound, as it transforms easily into the reactive hydroxyl radical, so the cell uses the enzyme catalase to detoxify it, producing water and oxygen. [15] An example of a reaction of an SOD protein containing copper; Cu2 + SOD- + O2- Ã   Cu1 + SOD- +O2 Cu1 + SOD- +O2- +2H+ Ã   Cu2 + SOD + H202. In this reaction the oxidation state of the copper changes between +1 and +2. [15] Toxicity of copper At high concentrations copper can be toxic to the human body and to cells. Problems can also develop if the body doesnt have enough copper or the copper cant be efficiently used within the human body. [18] People can have three different copper imbalances, which can make a person; copper-toxic, copper-deficient, or develop a condition called biounavailable copper. People who are fast oxidisers need more copper in theirs bodies. Slow oxidisers often have excessive copper in their bodies, therefore more prone to copper imbalance. [18] Biounavailable copper refers to when copper is in excess in the body, but it cannot be utilized well. Biounavailability often occurs due to a deficiency of the copper-binding proteins, metallothionein. Without sufficient binding proteins, copper ions may flow around the body, where it may gather in the liver and brain. [18] Copper has certain places where it accumulates in the body referred to as target organs, these are, the liver first, then the brain. Copper may affect any organ or system of the body. However, it usually affects major systems and organs like; the nervous system, connective tissues such as hair, skin and nails and organs like the liver. [18] How do cells protect themselves against copper toxicity? Metallothioneins Figure 1Cells control the movement of copper across its membranes, maintaining the amount needed for biological functions while avoiding excess toxic levels. [19] Among the many factors required to achieve this equilibrium of highly toxic levels and the amount needed, are the metallochaperones, a family of proteins that transfers metal ions to specific intracellular locations where metalloenzymes bind to the metal ions and use them as cofactors to carry out essential biochemical reactions. [9] Knowledge of the transportation of copper to its final destination has increased with the identification of two proteins involved in Cu trafficking in yeast: Atx1 and Cox17. [20] The uptake of Cu in yeast starts with reduction by a plasma membrane reductase. The reduced copper is then transported across the membrane by the Cu transporter Ctrl. Three different proteins transport Cu from Ctrl to three different locations within the cell: Cox17, takes Cu to the mitochondria for incorporation into the cytochrome c oxidase (Sco); Ccs targets Cu to CuZnSOD, a primary antioxidant enzyme; and Atx1 directs Cu to a post-Golgi compartment, by way of Ccc2, a P-type ATPase transmembrane Cu transporter, for final insertion into Fet3, a multicopper oxidase. [20] The Cu transport mechanisms described, in figure 1.4, are active when concentrations of copper are low, and some arent used/ needed when the concentration of copper is very high in the medium. Therefore, yeast strains missing the gene for C ox17 cannot respire in normal growth media because CCO is Cu deficient, but are rescued when the medium is made 0.4% CuSO4. [20] Increasing the Cu concentration in the medium means Cu can be delivered to the Fet3 oxidase in yeast strains missing the gene for Atx1. These results show that Cox17 or Atx1 is required for proper Cu trafficking when Cu levels are high and that their presence is not required to detoxify Cu. [9] Cu-ATPases ATPase pumps are involved in the movement and translocation of ions (Na+, K+), and a variety of metal ions such as copper. The pumps that translocate metal ions are referred to as P-type ATPases. These Ptype ATPases, including the copper ATPases, are highly conserved from bacteria to humans. The Menkes ATPase translocase (MNK) is largely involved in the transfer and detoxification, of copper ions. Defects in this P-type pump lead to a fatal copper-deficiency disease in humans called Menkes syndrome. MNKs activity appears to be regulated by the metal it exports, copper. The composition and sequence of the metal binding domain of the Menkes ATPase (MNKr) is distinct from metallothioneins, which have major folds organized or stabilized by Cu (I) ions. The Menkes protein functions to export excess copper and is reversibly metalloregulated through the specialized copper-binding sites in the amino end of the protein. The metalloregulation couples the cellular export of copper to the intrac ellular concentration of copper ions. [3] Conclusion As seen in this report copper is very useful and needed in the body for a variety of different reactions and functions. Its a key part of many enzymes such as; cytochrome c oxidase, Tyrosinase, Catechol oxidase and superoxide dismutase. Therefore copper is a key role in the formation of cellular energy (ATP), using cytochrome c oxidase in the electron transport chain. Copper also plays a key role in the production of myelin and neurotransmitters and therefore is essential in the development of the nervous system. Another way in which copper has been proven to be important in the human body is in the production of melanin and collagen, essential proteins in the skin. However this report has shown that at high levels copper can be toxic and can cause problems within the human body. Copper can accumulate within vital organs and affect and damage major systems. To tackle this problem of accumulation cells contain unique proteins within their membranes that help regulate and remove copper, from inside the cell, if the levels are becoming excessive. These proteins are called metallothioneins and have specific binding sites for copper atoms (and other mineral/metals) to attach to. The mechanism, of the uptake and removal, is complicated and involves the transfer of copper ions between certain proteins along three different pathways. These methods are outlined in this report. References Chemistry of the Elements 2nd Edition, N N Greenwood and A Earnshaw, Butterworth Heinemann Biological Roles of Copper, Ciba Foundation Symposium 79 (new series) 1980 www.ajcn.org http://resources.schoolscience.co.uk www.anyvitamins.com/copper www.vitamins-nutrution.org http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytochrome_c_oxidase http://metallo.scripps.edu www.jbc.org www.hull.ac.uk/chemistry/bioinorganic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemocyanin http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrosinase www.science-projects.com/Tyrosinase.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catechol_oxidase www.whyweage.com www.mondofacto.com www.rcsb.org www.drlwilson.com/articles/copper_toxicity_syndrome.htm Science Magazine 1999, Volume 284, pages 748-749 Science Magazine 1997, volume 278, pages 817-818

Jesus Role as Reigning King :: essays research papers

Emphasizing Jesus Role as Reigning King page 277 3 & 4 In ANCIENT TIMES . . . must ACTIVIETY AND FAN FAIR was done in the CARINATION of kings, and they were given GREAT HONOR AND LOYALTY by the people Why because a KING of a nation had ultimate POWER AND RULERSHIP. What a KING said or WANTED done . . there were NO questions asked. The MORE LOYALTY that the people had for their KING the greater his kingdom would become. And If the KING also had Jehovah’s DIVINE BACKING, there was nothing he could NOT ACCOMPLISH. Although EARTHLY KINGS . . . lived and died . . . they were also IMPERFECT and MADE MISTAKES. But, . . . Jehovah God . . . would though . . . .ESTABLISH a RULERSHIP with a PERFECT KING who would live forever AND NEVER DIE. This INFORMATION was revived to Mary the EARTHLY MOTHER of the future king. Open your bible to Luke 1: 30 – 33. and Lets see how this was told to her. Even BEFORE this conversation between the angel and Mary took place it had be PROPHECY years ago about this KINGSHIP. Opens bibles to Daniel 7: 13, & 14. When Jesus was on EARTH and BEFORE his death . . . it was FIRMLY established by his disciples that he was the Son of God . . . and would be the KING of God’s kingdom. That is why the people said . . at Luke 19: 38 â€Å" BLESSED IS THE ONE COMING AS THE KING . . .IN JEHOVAH’S NAME. â€Å" Jehovah has GREAT LOVE for his son, who OFFERED HIMSELF up to die a PAINFUL AND SHAMEFUL death, on a torture stake. This was NOT . . . JUST ANOTHER DEATH. . . . . God Son DIED in behalf of mankind. So ACTIVE FAITH and BELIEF in the LIFE AND DEATH of God’s Son would divide those whose would RECEIVE everlasting LIFE and those who would not. As PREACHERS AND TEACHERS of God’s word . . .it IMPORTANT That we BUILD appreciation TO THOSE WE TALK TO. . . for what Jesus’ LIFE AND RULERSHIP truly means for mankind. And it will REFLECT in the way a person lives their lives. To BEGIN with . . . OUR OWN WAY OF LIFE . . . shows whether we REALLY BELIEVE that Jesus Christ is King and we are WILLINGLY submit to his rulership.

Rebuttal Outline

REBUTTAL FORM OF PERSUASION The purpose of this paper is to argue against those perpetrators who are committing human rights violations against an oppressed group of people who are unable to defend themselves against the abuses. To defend the victims, you must know why and how the perpetrators are oppressing the group of victims and why these abuses are wrong. Your paper will be organized according to the rebuttal format for persuasion. This paper is organized the same way your persuasive paper last year was organized. Make sure you follow the form below for this paper. This format is required; it is not an option.Even though there are many forms of persuasion, we are learning the rebuttal format. I. Introduction a. Tell why the issue is important. i. Harm—What or whom does it harm? Identify the victims. ii. Significance—To what extent are the victims being harmed? 1. Quantity—List statistics indicating the number of cases in which harm can be found and the durat ion of the harm. 2. Quality—Cite individual examples showing the intensity at which harm occurs. iii. Inherency—Show how the current system of laws or government involvement are promoting the problem or prohibiting its removal. b.Background information—Give a short history of the issue. c. Defining value terms—Define controversial or vague terms. Include various possible definitions where necessary. (For example, you may want to distinguish between your definition of adult and that of those who use child soldiers to fight their wars. ) d. State your position on the issue. (thesis) II. Body a. Rebuttal i. Explain an important argument against your position. ii. Refute this argument against your position by offering evidence to support your rebuttal. 1. facts to show proof by induction 2. syllogisms for deduction 3. examples 4. easons 5. quotes iii. Explain a second argument against your position. iv. Refute it in the same way as above. v. Explain a third a rgument against your position. vi. Refute it in the same way as above. b. Defense—These are arguments that support the new way you want the oppressors to think. They support your position. This is where you make your strongest case. i. Present an argument in support of your position. Prove it by using 1. facts to show proof by induction 2. syllogisms for deduction 3. examples 4. reasons 5. quotes ii. Present an argument in support of your position. Prove it by using the above. ii. Present an argument in support of your position. Prove it by using the above. III. Conclusion a. Restate your position on the issue. b. Conclude with an emotional appeal for your position. What will happen if we don’t listen to your suggestions? Predict the future for your victims. c. AND/OR give your readers a call to action. What should they be doing to resolve this issue? IV. Works cited a. Evidence should be cited in your text. See the MLA Stylebook for help. b. Follow MLA style for creat ing your works cited page. c. Don’t forget to cite all Internet sources. V. Essay Parameters a.Essay Length: 1200-1600 words (not including work cited) b. Number of arguments: At least three rebuttal arguments and one defense. c. Number of CITED sources: At least three different kinds of credible sources (Example: a website, a magazine, a newspaper) d. Due Dates: See Angel Reminders †¢Use the vocabulary of your topic. †¢Choose words that have emotional connotation to help your cause. †¢Create an interesting and original introduction and conclusion. †¢Try to use rhetorical devices of parallelism and repetition for dramatic effect, especially in your conclusion. †¢Cite sources accurately. †¢No first or second person.

Dark Knight Rises Essay

The Dark Knight Rises is a 2012 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan, who co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Jonathan Nolan and the story with David S. Goyer. Featuring the DC Comics character Batman, the film is the final installment in Nolan’s Batman film trilogy, and it is the sequel to Batman Begins (2005) and The Dark Knight (2008). Christian Bale reprises the lead role of Bruce Wayne/Batman, with a returning cast of his allies: Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth, Gary Oldman as James Gordon, and Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox. The film introduces Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway), a sly, morally ambiguous cat burglar, and Bane (Tom Hardy), a mercenary bent on destroying Gotham City. Drawn back into action by new threats facing the city, an older Bruce Wayne is forced to come out of retirement and become Batman once again. Christopher Nolan was initially hesitant about returning to the series for a second time, but agreed to come back after developing a story with his brother and Goyer that he felt would conclude the series on a satisfactory note. Nolan drew inspiration from Bane’s comic book debut in the 1993 â€Å"Knightfall† storyline, the 1986 series The Dark Knight Returns, and the 1999 storyline â€Å"No Man’s Land†. Filming took place in various locations, including Jodhpur, London, Nottingham, Glasgow, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, and Pittsburgh. Nolan utilized IMAX cameras for much of the filming to optimize the quality of the picture, including the first six minutes of the film. A variation of the Batplane termed â€Å"The Bat†, an underground prison set, and a new Batcave set were created specifically for the film. As with The Dark Knight, viral marketing campaigns began early during production to help promotion. When filming concluded, Warner Bros. refocused its campaign; developing promotional websites, releasing the first six minutes of the film and theatrical trailers, sending random pieces of information regarding the film’s plot to various companies. The Dark Knight Rises premiered in New York City on July 16, 2012. The film was released in Australia and New Zealand on July 19, 2012, and in North America and the United Kingdom on July 20, 2012. It received a generally positive critical response and grossed over $1.081 billion worldwide. The Dark Knight Rises is currently the 7th highest-grossing film of all time,  the second highest-grossing film of 2012, and the second highest-grossing superhero film of all time.

Team Leadership Essays

Team Leadership Essays Team Leadership Essay Team Leadership Essay Team Leadership Name: Institution: Team Leadership To: The Manager From: Team Leader Subject: Team Leadership Date: 26 July 2013 Exploring new market segments requires a peer into the use of effective teamwork for the process. The challenge of entering a new market segment necessitates a restructuring of the management and organizational culture. One of these restructuring processes involves the creation of a new department. The new department will be fundamental in accomplishing a section of the firm’s strategic plan. Consequently, the new department will consist of members of the existing learning team. Nonetheless, determining the performance of the team requires an analysis of certain aspects concerned with leadership. One of these aspects comprises personality. One of the hardest things for a team leader to address involves the diversity in personality. Personally, my team members possess various personality types that affect cohesiveness. This is because the combination of positive and negative personality traits may offset each other in the team. The integration of different personality traits also creates a viable environment for the accomplishment of specified organizational goals. Apart from offsetting each other, personality traits, respective of their difference, can also build one another leading to synergies (Katzenbach Smith, 2006). Therefore, it is crucial for me to assert the importance of these personality differences. As an effectual team leader, recognizing and using personality traits is a vital aspect of ensuring cohesion in the team. Nonetheless, by concentrating on individual personalities, the leadership approach that I will use involves an application of the Trait Theory of Leadership. The Trait theory implies that the personalities characterized by individuals comprise wide dispositions (Gehring, 2007). It concentrates particularly on the differences between persons based on the traits and characteristics. Additionally, the theory is fundamental since it facilitates understanding the specific behaviors ch aracterized by the team members. The trait theory focuses primarily on the recognizing and measuring individual characteristics. Furthermore, trait theory asserts that individuals possess definite qualities, which make them suitable for leadership (Gehring, 2007). Nevertheless, the interface and integration of a range of traits create a unique personality among every individual. Nonetheless, for the team, in order to employ this theoretical knowledge, it will be crucial to incorporate a personality assessment test. Personality assessment tests aid in unveiling the features of a person’s character via research instruments such as questionnaires or other qualified techniques. In this case, one of the main assessments conducted will comprise the Jungian 16-Type Personality Self-Assessment Test. The Jungian Test receives its derivation from Carl Jung who surmised that persons possess disparate predispositions and inclinations. Typically, these predispositions narrow to Extraversion, Introversion, Thinking and Fee ling. The Jungian Test acknowledges the existence of 16 different personality types. These types belong to each of the four characters. These characters comprise Protectors (SJ), Creators (SP), Intellectuals (NT) and Visionaries (NF). Under Protectors, the types within this group comprise ESTJ, ESFJ, ISTJ and ISFJ. ESTP, ESFP, ISTP and ISFP lie under Creators. ENTJ, ENTP, INTJ and INTP, are under Intellectuals while Visionaries comprise ENFJ, ENFP, INFJ and INFP (Barrett Green, 2011). In this case, the personality assessment will focus on determining the different personality types that the team members and I, as their leader possess. For my team members, the test score was as follows: ENTP (Originator), ENFP (Advocate), ENFP (Advocate) and ESFP (Entertainer). For me, the score was ENTJ (Chief). Based on these scores, it is clear that my team mainly lies under NT and NF. Additionally, the test also determined that I was under SP (Creator). Based on the personality assessment test, my score asserts that I have natural leadership attributes. This is because the assessment asserts that the ENTJ type connects the team members and the resources effectually. Furthermore, the ENTJ type possesses the desire to solve challenges usually seen as insurmountable by other people. In addition, the ENTJ type has a passion for leadership and the rapidity to understand complexities. Because of their aptitude towards absorption of considerable information, ENTJ types are capable of making immediate and influential judgments (Barrett Green, 2011). Additionally, the test also proves that I possess a practical and effective problem solving side. This side enables me to complete projects efficiently, as well as solve disputes among members. Indeed, based on the trait theory, these ideal qualities define and reflect my innate attribute of leadership. Furthermore, the different personality types within the team also reflect different traits t hat are able to fulfill the specified task’s objectives due to their differences. Thus, it is imperative that a leadership approach that exploits the different personality types undergoes application. The use of the trait theory, in this case, implies a Transformational Leadership approach. The approach will focus on inspiring and empowering the team members towards the specified objectives. Accordingly, the approach will also consider subjecting employees to the fulfillment of organizational interests while respecting their needs. Applying this approach in this situation will generate a leading and innovative change desired by the organization. With respect to this, it is evident that the Trait Theory of Leadership will determine the course of action for the team leader and the team. Performing the personality assessment test was ideal in leading the team successfully towards the desired goal. References Barrett, J., Green, H. (2011). The complete personality assessment: Psychometric tests to reveal your true potential. London, UK: Kogan Page. Gehring, R. (January 01, 2007). Applying Traits Theory of Leadership to Project Management. Project Management Journal, 38(1), 44-54. Katzenbach, J. R., Smith, D. K. (2006). The wisdom of teams: Creating the high-performance organization. New York, NY: Collins Business.

How the human race has become dependent on technology and how this Research Paper

How the human race has become dependent on technology and how this negatively influences the human race individually and as a w - Research Paper Example The introduction of nuclear weapons, luxury items, television, computer and daily used appliances has become a target of these opponents. These opponents argue that technology is making things difficult for mankind and these problems would be felt in the latter years of life. On the other hand the proponents of technology argue that it is a blessing for the whole mankind as it is making things a lot easier for people. The question then remains â€Å"Is technology really affecting us adversely or not?† This essay would further address this question by revolving around the negative influence of technology on our daily lives. The introduction of internet and computers in our life has turned out to be joyful for many as individuals enjoy surfing and chatting on the internet. Internet not only helps one to surf and chat but also helps to find out useful information about different topics. But the opponents argue that internet has turned out to be a disaster for many. Experts on tec hnology believe that excess usage of computers and internet makes one impulsive and forgetful in his daily life. Excessive usage of internet has been termed to be fall under the category of addiction. Different types of self assessment tests have been designed to check if one falls under the category of internet addiction or not. ... In other words internet is causing people to be distracted from education and family both at the same time. Cell phones also fall in the category of the internet as they seem to be causing dependence amongst the people too (Parker 2010). The introduction of nuclear power and nuclear weapons has also turned different aspects of the world. Nuclear power has helped countries to increase their capacity to generate energy so that the scarce resources can be preserved. However on the other hand the negative aspects of nuclear power are not being considered over its advantages. One of the most potential disadvantages of nuclear power is that it creates waste which can be harmful to the environment. Although the nuclear plants have a refining plant through which they reduce their waste but this refinery is not successfully able to contain the radioactive material inside the waste. The chance of accidents in these nuclear plants is also high and certainly causes high risk to the life of a hum an being. Similarly these nuclear power plants are also capable of producing enough plutonium every year so that nuclear warheads can be built (Swain 2007). Nuclear warheads are of serious concern to the whole society as they may be harming the society as a whole. In the World War II it was seen that the atom bomb was able to destroy a large area of Japan which harmed the integrity of the human race. These nuclear weapons have been a cause of concern for the whole world as they may fall in the hands of the wrong people. Nowadays even some of the third world countries like India and Pakistan possess these nuclear warheads. A study showed that the nuclear warheads in Pakistan are susceptible to being stolen by the terrorists. This clearly shows that the invention of nuclear weapons in

Mark-to-market accounting Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Mark-to-market accounting - Assignment Example Another benefit for companies of using such accounting treatment is the recording of unrealized gain on mark to market of financial assets e.g. in the case of investment in shares, the unrealized gain would be the difference between the cost price of those shares and the market price of those shares on which it is currently being traded in the stock market. Mark to market accounting is criticized now and then based on the fact that at times it is quite complicated to accurately determine the fair value of a particular asset or liability. The fair value of financial assets is liabilities are based on the expected income or expense in future periods. Uncertain and volatile economic condition can be major hindrance in forecasting such values. 2) For mark to market accounting it is very essential for trading to be in practice as the buyers and sellers are the two factors who determine the fair value of the assets and liabilities. In times financial crises trading is minimal and the markets are destabilized. The companies, during financial crises, have losses to report on in their P&L statements as the fair value of their assets has decreased below their cost price. Recording of such losses erodes the equity of companies which significantly reduces their asset holding capacity. Since every company in the economy practices mark to market accounting, the affect of economic downturn prevails throughout and the business cycle takes a down turn which causes further exacerbation. The banks and financial institution are affected the most as their balance sheet comprises mostly of financial assets. As a result, bankruptcy, large- scale fire-sale of assets and layoffs takes place. 3) During financial turmoil, relaxation in the requirement of mark to market by the regulators can certainly be a boost for the companies facing financial difficulties. Instead of valuing the assets based on the fair value in the market, the company should be allowed to use