As Level Physical Education Acquiring Movement Skills

AS Level Physical Education Acquiring Movement Skills Scheme of work – MCW |Lesson Title |Learning objectives |Homework | |Skill and Ability |Know the term ‘skill’; |Identify three gross motor abilities required for badminton. Justify your answers. | | |Understand different skills and explain how they influence sporting performance. Identify three perceptual (psychomotor) abilities required for volleyball. Justify your | | |Be able to explain the interaction between ‘skill’ and ‘ability’. |answers. | | | |Outline the difference between skill and ability and explain the relationship that exists | | | |between them. |Classification of motor skills |Know why skills are classified using continua. |Skill analysis on main skills from your number 1 sport. At least 10 skills. | | |Understand the different classifications of skills. |Place on each continuum. | | |Be able to identify specific sporting examples and justify your decisions for placin g them on| | | |a specific continuum. | |Classification of practice |Know the factors that need to be considered before a skill is taught. |Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the whole and part methods of practice | | |Understand the different practice and teaching methods used to facilitate learning and |when developing a sports skill. (10 marks) | | |performance. | | |Be able to critically evaluate these methods and their effectiveness in the learning of | | | |skills. | | |Stages of learning |Know the terms ‘learning’ and ‘performance’. According to Fitts and Posner, performers pass through three stages of learning when | | |Understand the characteristics of the cognitive, associative and autonomous stages of |developing movement skills. | | |learning. |Use a practical example to explain the characteristics of each stage of learning | | |Be able to apply these phases of learning to practical activities. (cognitive, associative, and auto nomous). (3) | | | |Describe the type of feedback used at the cognitive, associative and autonomous stages of | | | |learning. (3) | |Types of guidance |Know the types of guidance used in the learning of skills. Using the example of a novice swimmer, explain how a teacher could use the four methods of| | |Understand which type of guidance is most suited to improve performance at each stage of |guidance to develop the pupil’s swimming skills. (4 marks) | | |learning. |What are the advantages and disadvantages of using manual and mechanical guidance for | | |Be able to critically evaluate these different types of guidance. teaching swimming to beginners? (6 marks) | |Types of practice and mental rehearsal |Know the factors that need to be considered before a skill is taught. |Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of distributed, massed, fixed and varied practice| | |Understand the appropriate use of practice methods to maximise effectiveness, including the |methods on the p erformance of movement skills. 10 marks) | | |role of mental rehearsal. | | | |Be able to critically evaluate different types of practice methods and their application to | | | |the performance of movement skills. | |Exam analysis |Know the areas of the exam which are areas of strength and those that are in need of |Re-write ‘model answers’ to exam paper. | | |improvement. | | |Understand how answers are marked in order to maximise your chances of scoring all available | | | |marks. | | |Be able to write model answers using the mark scheme as a guide. | | |Information processing |Know the key components of information processing. |Draw out your own copies of each of the models that we identified. | | |Understand and draw Welford’s and Whiting’s models of information processing. Choose one of the two models that we have identified (Whiting’s or Welford’s). | | |Be able to apply these models to the learning and performance of physical activi ties |Use a skill or a number of skills in your chosen activities to explain and illustrate how | | | |each component of the model works in that activity. |Memory |Understand the multi-store model of the memory process. |Revision | | |Understand the strategies that can be used to improve both short-term memory storage and | | | |long-term memory storage. | | |Be able to apply the memory process to the learning and performance of physical activities. | | |Reaction time |Know what is meant by reaction time, movement time and response time. |Identify and explain four factors that affect response time in practical activities(4 | | |Describe the impact of reaction time on performance. marks) | | |Understand factors that affect response time in practical activities |By using a practical example in sport, explain what is meant by simple reaction time in | | |Be able to apply the theories relating to reaction time to the performance of physical |sport. (2 marks) | | |activities. Choice r eaction (Hick’s law) can be explained through the use of a graph. Sketch a graph | | | |to illustrate the effect of choice reaction time on physical performance. (4 marks) | |Exam analysis |Know the areas of the exam which are areas of strength and those that are in need of |Re-write ‘model answers’ to exam paper. | |improvement. | | | |Understand how answers are marked in order to maximise your chances of scoring all available | | | |marks. | | |Be able to write model answers using the mark scheme as a guide. | | |Psychological refractory Period |To consolidate knowledge of reaction time in information processing. |5-10 minute revision presentation | | |Understand the role of anticipation in reaction time. Delivered on the topic you are assigned | | |Be able to apply the ‘psychological refractory period’ to practical activities. |Use the specification to guide you | | | |Need to provide a handout | | | |All presentations will be saved to share d area for whole group benefit |Feedback |Know the different types of feedback available to a performer. |With reference to the learning and performance of movement skills, critically evaluate the| | |Understand the links between use of feedback and the stages of learning. |use of feedback that a coach could use for a performer in the cognitive stage of learning. | |Be able to critically evaluate the different types of feedback to detect and correct errors. |(10 marks) | |Motor programmes |Know the nature of motor and executive programmes. |Plenary wheel activity | | |Understand the types of the motor programmes stored in the LTM. | | |Be able to explain the links to open loop control and the autonomous phase of learning. | | |Schema theory |Know the links between schema and motor programmes. |Page 10 – 2008 exam paper | | |Understand the sources of information used in schema theory. (Revision) | | |Be able to discuss the links between development of schema and organisat ion of practice. | | |Exam analysis |Know the areas of the exam which are areas of strength and those that are in need of |Re-write ‘model answers’ to exam paper. | | |improvement. | | |Understand how answers are marked in order to maximise your chances of scoring all available | | | |marks. | | | |Be able to write model answers using the mark scheme as a guide. | |Arousal |Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of arousal as a drive affecting levels of motivation. |No homework – Bring in folders next lesson. | | |Understand the major motivation and arousal theories: Drive Theory, Inverted U Theory and | | | |Catastrophe Theory. | | |Be able to represent each of the theories graphically | | |Motivation |Know about drive reduction theory and its impact on a lifelong, balanced active and healthy |What is meant by the dominant response?Why might the dominant response be of a good | | |lifestyle. |quality at the autonomous phase of learning? (4 marks) | | |Unde rstand motivational strategies and their application to learning and performance of |What is meant by arousal? Why might high levels of arousal be detrimental to the learning | | |physical activities. and performance of someone in the cognitive stages of learning? (4 marks) | | |Be able to critically evaluate motivation and arousal theories and the application of |Drive reduction is one method that can be used to motivate a performer in physical | | |motivational strategies. |education & sport. Use a practical example to explain Drive Reduction Theory. 4 marks) | |Theories of learning |The associationalist/connectionist theory of operant conditioning (Skinner); |Poster activity | | |The cognitive theory related to the work of Gestaltists; | | |Observational learning theory |Know the predication made by Social/observational learning theory; |Operant conditioning is one way of learning movement skills. Use a practical example to | | |Understand the importance of significant others i n the adoption of a balanced, active and |explain Operant Conditioning. (4 marks) | | |healthy lifestyle; |Social psychologists believe skills are best learned through observation.Explain how this| | |Be able to explain Bandura’s model and the factors that affect modelling. |happens and the impact that significant other can have on young people adopting an active,| | | |healthy lifestyle. (4marks) | | | |Identify and explain the four factors that Bandura identified as potential limiting | | | |factors in a learner’s use of modelling. 4 marks) | |Reinforcement of learning |Know the differences between positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and punishment. |Use practical examples to explain what is meant by the terms ‘S-R bond’; positive | | |Understand Thorndike’s Laws. |reinforcement, negative reinforcement and punishment. (4 marks) | | |Be able to discuss the appropriate use of reinforcement in skill learning and promoting |Thorndike sug gested three methods (Thorndike’s Laws) to strengthen the S-R bond. Use a | | |positive, healthy lifestyle behaviour. |practical example to explain each of these methods. 3 marks) | | | |Use practical examples to show how appropriate use of reinforcement in skill learning and | | | |promoting positive, healthy lifestyle behaviour. (4 marks) | |Exam analysis |Know the areas of the exam which are areas of strength and those that are in need of |Re-write ‘model answers’ to exam paper. | | |improvement. | | | |Understand how answers are marked in order to maximise your chances of scoring all available | | | |marks. | | |Be able to write model answers using the mark scheme as a guide. | | |Transfer of learning |Know the types of transfer that occur in practical performance. |Explain each of the five types of transfer and give examples to support your answer (5 | | |Understand ways of optimising the effect of positive transfer. |marks). | | |Understand ways of limit ing the effect of negative transfer. |How can a teacher or coach ensure that positive transfer takes place? (5 marks) | |Impacts of transfer on learning Understand the effects of transfer of learning on schema development and the importance of |Explain the links between varied practice, transfer of learning and Schema development (6 | | |variable practice. |marks) | | |Be able to critically evaluate the different types of transfer and their impact on the |Evaluate critically the different types of transfer and their impact on the development of| | |development of movement skills. |movement skills. (10 marks) |

Deviance and Social Control

Deviance and Social Control Final Paper Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for SOCL 101 Sociology By Social control is techniques and strategies used for preventing deviant human behavior in any society. All levels of society such as family, school, bureaucratic and government has some form of social control. Examples of family social control include obeying your parents rules, doing your homework and chores. School includes standards they expect of students such as being on time, completing assignments and following school ground rules.The bureaucratic organization emphasizes the rules and procedures among their workers. The government expresses social control through law enforcement and other formal sanctions. There are positive sanctions such as rewards for obedience and there are negative sanctions such as penalties for disobedience. Positive sanctions can include a pleasant smile of approval or range to a ceremony of honor. Negative sanctions include informal p enalties such as fear, ridicule, sarcasm and even criticism or formal penalties such as law enforcement, jail sentences, and fines. Conformity and obedience are two areas recognized for studying social control.Conformity means to go along with peers or individuals of our own status with the tendency to change our perceptions, opinions, or behavior in ways that are accepted by the group’s norms. Factors relating to conformity include areas such as size of the group, age differences, gender differences and cultural differences. On the other hand obedience, which is compliance with higher authority, can have an impact on social control as well. Factors relating to obedience include complying with authority figures, the feeling of personal responsibility, and the escalation of harm.With awareness of these factors the more likely someone is to conform along with their peers and obey authority. Sanctions are used to encourage conformity and obedience and are carried out through inf ormal and formal social control. Informal social control is carried out casually by ordinary people to enforce norms through laughter, smile, and ridicule. Formal social control is used to enforce norms through authorized agents such as police officers, judges, school administrators, and employers. Some laws, which are government social control, have been created due to society’s norms being important to people’s behavior.For example the prohibition against murder is a law among every member of society. Whereas fishing and hunting regulations are a law among those specific groups. Our textbook points out that sociologist see the creation of laws as a social process because these laws are not passed from one generation to another, but are evolving from continuous change in society of what is right and what is wrong. Society has accepted and followed these laws not because of peer group or authority figure but by means of belonging or even the fear of being viewed as dif ferent or deviant.In a sense we want to see ourselves and others to see us as loyal, cooperative, and respectful of others. Control theory is a view of conformity and deviance that stresses the social bond between society and individuals. Deviant acts, which violate social norms, may appear attractive to individuals but the social bond is used to help individuals from going toward those attractive deviant acts because of the fear of not belonging. A weak bond between society and an individual may actually push that individual toward a deviant act that he/she can benefit from.As explained by Peter Wickman (2009), â€Å"Deviance is behavior that violates the standards of conduct or expectations of a group or society† (p. 160). There are different degrees of deviance we all experience here in the United States. On one end of the spectrum there are accepted forms of deviance, like being late to a meeting, or texting while driving. On the other end of the spectrum there is crimina l deviance, dog fighting, robbery, and possession of drugs are a few examples. However, the one thing that all deviant behavior has in common is it is all defined within a particular society and at a particular time.Deviant behavior is socially constructed with the people in power defining what is expectable and what is deviant. An example of deviance here in the United States can be found in our freedom of religion. Our society was created with a strong Christian background; attending church on Sundays is widely accepted and practiced among many of our citizens. Conversely, state that you’re a satanic worshiper and you will most definitely carry a social stigma. There are other forms of deviant behavior that people can unwillingly acquire through a social stigma.Being overweight can carry a stigma within our society because overweight people are assumed to be weak in character. Being grossly unattractive can also carry an unwanted social stigma. Social deviance is subject to different social interpretations and varies throughout different cultures. What is considered deviant in one culture may be considered normal in another. Dog fighting is an example of contrasting social deviance between the USA and Afghanistan. Getting caught dog fighting in the United States and you will be thrown in jail and carry a social stigma for the rest of your life.The professional footballer Michael Vick is an example of this negative stigma. Conversely, dog fighting in Afghanistan is widely accepted and practiced every Friday morning (The Scoop, 2002). Oddly enough this was not always the case. When the Taliban was in control there were strict punishments for men who were caught fighting dogs. The Taliban encouraged sports like football, cricket, and martial arts in lieu of dog fighting. This is an example of how deviant behavior can be constructed by the people in power and how deviance can shift from one social era to another.Deviance is a complicated subject. It can b e widely accepted or rejected within a society, and will change over time. Throughout my life I have witnessed many forms of once deviant behavior becoming more and more accepted. I believe there are two primary reasons behind this shift. The first is Colorado Springs becoming a larger more populated city and the second is the mass media. When we think of the sociological perspective on deviance some people don’t even know what deviance means. Everyone has seen some type of deviance in an informal way or formal sense.Society looks at people in a way that everyone should be the same. A person that has a lot of tattoos and piercing would get looked at that they are a bad person just because the way they look. Image, sexual act, and sexual orientation are a few ways that some cultures and people look to define deviance. Functionalist perspective is one key look into deviance. Durkheim focused on the study of crime. He believed that punishment within culture would help define nor mal behavior. The way he looked at things was in a way that he thought things could get fixed.While reading this I believe everyone has their own way to express themselves no matter what culture they were raised in. The look into the functionalist perspective has a lot to do with the perspective of the people and how they look at things. Internactionist perspective explains why rule violations accrue and how people fight from conforming. They state that by not following rules, which are set by certain people, that you are a deviant. There are so many rules out there. Cultural transmission is or stated by the ethnic group or race groups.When you are in school you tend to hang out with your ethic group or race because it’s where you fit in. Like when you see graffiti some people think it is a disgrace to the environment others think of it as art. Like when I look at graffiti I don’t look at it as bad, it’s an art and a talent. We all learn how to act by what socia l groups we are in or what we see. Everyone has their own perspective there is nothing we can do about that. We look at street racers as being deviant because they race. Race car drivers do the same things just in another place other than street.So why do street racers get looked at differently? That doesn’t make sense. Trying to maintain social control is what they try to keep in order. There are main roles in life such as police that try to control or enforce the rules of the world. Then you got teachers, doctors, lawyers, and other court officials that all try to keep the world one way. In this sense they all try to pick out your looks, deviant in their eyes. By social profiling was a way they were trying to pick out who they thought was doing badly. Now looking at sexual deviance or sexual orientation people believe it should be one way and only one way.The way society looks at it as you should be man and women. And sex should only be done one way. Also what is looked at as being sexual crime there are things that some people think that is against sex code such as bondage? They think it is a crime but some people like that. There are so many things in this world that people see as deviant but really isn’t. Conflict theory defines how there are lawsuits against or towards gambling, drugs and etc. Some cultures look at gambling as a past time but the law looks at it being bad. Why should the way we were raised or how we were brought up by against us.The justice system is and will always judge against us. While looking and reading on deviants everyone is deviant in some way, shape or form. I know that I am looked at as being deviant. There are many out there that will always judge. Also by reading this opens my eyes to how things really work. Why should there be social norms on society. This is all on the perspective view of others. In Sociology, crime is identified as a deviant behavior. It is deviant in that it goes against accepted or written rules and laws that guide a society.To understand crime and sociology, one must first understand the â€Å"Conflict Theory† founded by Karl Marx. Conflict theory sees society as two struggling groups engaged in conflict over resources. Under this theory, it is believed that the capitalist class (or the society elites) commits acts of deviance just as the working class does. The main difference is that society elites determine the rules regarding what is deviant. This difference among the people will always lead to conflict. This idea explains why there is crime in societies and why it will never cease to be.Sociologists classify crimes by three types: crimes against a person, crimes against property, and victimless crimes. Crimes against a person include any offenses where violence is used or threatened. Mugging and assault are examples of crimes against a person. Crimes against property include theft of property or damage done to someone else's property. Burglary and arson are crimes against property. Finally, victimless crimes are crimes that are against the law, but no victim exists. Prostitution and marijuana are common examples of victimless crimes. In sociology, all crimes fall into one of these three categories.A victimless crime is a term used to refer to actions that have been ruled illegal but do not directly violate or threaten the rights of another individual. It often involves consensual acts in which two or more persons agree to commit a criminal offence in which no other person is involved. For example, in the United States current victimless crimes include prostitution, gambling, and illicit drug use. The term â€Å"victimless crime† is not used in jurisprudence, but is used to cast doubt onto the efficacy of existing and proposed legislation; or to highlight the unintended consequences of the same.In politics, for example, a lobbyist might use this word with the implication that the law in question should be abolished. Victimles s crimes are not always so weighty. Some examples of low level victimless activities that may be criminalized include: * individual purchase and consumption of recreational drugs (provided one does not hurt anyone else due to the effects) * prostitution and/or soliciting for prostitution * public nudity or fornication * the consumption of pornography Crimes committed by persons for whom criminally punishable acts are a permanent occupation and the primary source of money.Persons who engage in professional crime have the skills and means necessary for criminal activity and specialize in some particular type of crime, such as theft or buying and selling of stolen goods. Professional crime has its own psychology and customs, but many times professional crimes tie in with organized crime. Organized crime is transnational, national, or local groupings of highly centralized enterprises run by criminals for the purpose of engaging in illegal activity, most commonly for monetary profit.Some times criminal organizations force people to do business with them, as when a gang extorts money from shopkeepers for â€Å"protection†. Gangs may become â€Å"disciplined† enough to be considered â€Å"organized†. An organized gang or criminal set can also be referred to as a mob. In the United States the Organized Crime Control Act (1970) defines organized crime as â€Å"The unlawful activities of a highly organized, disciplined association†. Criminal activity as a structured group is referred to as racketeering and such crime is commonly referred to as the work of the Mob.In addition, due to the escalating violence of Mexico's drug war, the Mexican drug cartels are considered the ‘greatest organized crime threat to the United States', according to a report issued by the United States Department of Justice. White-collar crime is a financially motivated, non-violent crime committed for monetary gain. Within the field of criminology, white-collar cr ime initially was defined by Edwin Sutherland in 1939 as â€Å"a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation† (1939).Sutherland was a proponent of Symbolic Interactionism, and believed that criminal behavior was learned from interpersonal interaction with others. The term white-collar crime only dates back to 1939. Professor Edwin Hardin Sutherland was the first to coin the term, and hypothesize white-collar criminals attributed different characteristics and motives than typical street criminals. Sutherland defined his idea as â€Å"crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation. The introduction of white-collar crime was a relatively new issue to criminology at that time.He was urging other criminologists to stop focusing on the socially and economically disadvantaged. The types of individuals who committed these crimes lived successfully and were respected by soci ety in general-also criminologists; because these criminals were held to such a high regard, these individuals were given a blind eye to the crimes they committed. Our group choose this chapter ‘Deviance and Social Control’ to share with you all today, because we feel everyone can relate to the sociologists’ perspective regarding social control, deviance, and crime.We have learned law and society play an important role in social control, deviant acts to one person may in fact be part of another person’s culture, and crime has many different categories such as victimless crime, professional crime, and organized crime that all have formal penalties that are enforce by governmental authority. References * http://willapse. hubpages. com/hub/Thailand-Health–Safety-and-Risks-2-Crime * http://encyclopedia2. thefreedictionary. com/Professional+Crime * Attenborough, F. L. ed. and trans. ) (1922). The Laws of the Earliest English Kings. Cambridge: Cambridge U niversity Press. Reprint March 2006. The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd. ISBN 1-58477-583-1 * Schaefer, R. T. (2009). Sociology: A Brief Introduction. (8th ed. Pp. 160-163). New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. * One good reason why dogs miss the Taliban. (2002), The Scoop. Canine Nation. Retrieved from http://dogsinthenews. com/issues/0201/articles/020124a. htm * http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=GHuI2JIPylk&feature=related Deviance and Social Control Deviance and Social Control Final Paper Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for SOCL 101 Sociology By Social control is techniques and strategies used for preventing deviant human behavior in any society. All levels of society such as family, school, bureaucratic and government has some form of social control. Examples of family social control include obeying your parents rules, doing your homework and chores. School includes standards they expect of students such as being on time, completing assignments and following school ground rules.The bureaucratic organization emphasizes the rules and procedures among their workers. The government expresses social control through law enforcement and other formal sanctions. There are positive sanctions such as rewards for obedience and there are negative sanctions such as penalties for disobedience. Positive sanctions can include a pleasant smile of approval or range to a ceremony of honor. Negative sanctions include informal p enalties such as fear, ridicule, sarcasm and even criticism or formal penalties such as law enforcement, jail sentences, and fines. Conformity and obedience are two areas recognized for studying social control.Conformity means to go along with peers or individuals of our own status with the tendency to change our perceptions, opinions, or behavior in ways that are accepted by the group’s norms. Factors relating to conformity include areas such as size of the group, age differences, gender differences and cultural differences. On the other hand obedience, which is compliance with higher authority, can have an impact on social control as well. Factors relating to obedience include complying with authority figures, the feeling of personal responsibility, and the escalation of harm.With awareness of these factors the more likely someone is to conform along with their peers and obey authority. Sanctions are used to encourage conformity and obedience and are carried out through inf ormal and formal social control. Informal social control is carried out casually by ordinary people to enforce norms through laughter, smile, and ridicule. Formal social control is used to enforce norms through authorized agents such as police officers, judges, school administrators, and employers. Some laws, which are government social control, have been created due to society’s norms being important to people’s behavior.For example the prohibition against murder is a law among every member of society. Whereas fishing and hunting regulations are a law among those specific groups. Our textbook points out that sociologist see the creation of laws as a social process because these laws are not passed from one generation to another, but are evolving from continuous change in society of what is right and what is wrong. Society has accepted and followed these laws not because of peer group or authority figure but by means of belonging or even the fear of being viewed as dif ferent or deviant.In a sense we want to see ourselves and others to see us as loyal, cooperative, and respectful of others. Control theory is a view of conformity and deviance that stresses the social bond between society and individuals. Deviant acts, which violate social norms, may appear attractive to individuals but the social bond is used to help individuals from going toward those attractive deviant acts because of the fear of not belonging. A weak bond between society and an individual may actually push that individual toward a deviant act that he/she can benefit from.As explained by Peter Wickman (2009), â€Å"Deviance is behavior that violates the standards of conduct or expectations of a group or society† (p. 160). There are different degrees of deviance we all experience here in the United States. On one end of the spectrum there are accepted forms of deviance, like being late to a meeting, or texting while driving. On the other end of the spectrum there is crimina l deviance, dog fighting, robbery, and possession of drugs are a few examples. However, the one thing that all deviant behavior has in common is it is all defined within a particular society and at a particular time.Deviant behavior is socially constructed with the people in power defining what is expectable and what is deviant. An example of deviance here in the United States can be found in our freedom of religion. Our society was created with a strong Christian background; attending church on Sundays is widely accepted and practiced among many of our citizens. Conversely, state that you’re a satanic worshiper and you will most definitely carry a social stigma. There are other forms of deviant behavior that people can unwillingly acquire through a social stigma.Being overweight can carry a stigma within our society because overweight people are assumed to be weak in character. Being grossly unattractive can also carry an unwanted social stigma. Social deviance is subject to different social interpretations and varies throughout different cultures. What is considered deviant in one culture may be considered normal in another. Dog fighting is an example of contrasting social deviance between the USA and Afghanistan. Getting caught dog fighting in the United States and you will be thrown in jail and carry a social stigma for the rest of your life.The professional footballer Michael Vick is an example of this negative stigma. Conversely, dog fighting in Afghanistan is widely accepted and practiced every Friday morning (The Scoop, 2002). Oddly enough this was not always the case. When the Taliban was in control there were strict punishments for men who were caught fighting dogs. The Taliban encouraged sports like football, cricket, and martial arts in lieu of dog fighting. This is an example of how deviant behavior can be constructed by the people in power and how deviance can shift from one social era to another.Deviance is a complicated subject. It can b e widely accepted or rejected within a society, and will change over time. Throughout my life I have witnessed many forms of once deviant behavior becoming more and more accepted. I believe there are two primary reasons behind this shift. The first is Colorado Springs becoming a larger more populated city and the second is the mass media. When we think of the sociological perspective on deviance some people don’t even know what deviance means. Everyone has seen some type of deviance in an informal way or formal sense.Society looks at people in a way that everyone should be the same. A person that has a lot of tattoos and piercing would get looked at that they are a bad person just because the way they look. Image, sexual act, and sexual orientation are a few ways that some cultures and people look to define deviance. Functionalist perspective is one key look into deviance. Durkheim focused on the study of crime. He believed that punishment within culture would help define nor mal behavior. The way he looked at things was in a way that he thought things could get fixed.While reading this I believe everyone has their own way to express themselves no matter what culture they were raised in. The look into the functionalist perspective has a lot to do with the perspective of the people and how they look at things. Internactionist perspective explains why rule violations accrue and how people fight from conforming. They state that by not following rules, which are set by certain people, that you are a deviant. There are so many rules out there. Cultural transmission is or stated by the ethnic group or race groups.When you are in school you tend to hang out with your ethic group or race because it’s where you fit in. Like when you see graffiti some people think it is a disgrace to the environment others think of it as art. Like when I look at graffiti I don’t look at it as bad, it’s an art and a talent. We all learn how to act by what socia l groups we are in or what we see. Everyone has their own perspective there is nothing we can do about that. We look at street racers as being deviant because they race. Race car drivers do the same things just in another place other than street.So why do street racers get looked at differently? That doesn’t make sense. Trying to maintain social control is what they try to keep in order. There are main roles in life such as police that try to control or enforce the rules of the world. Then you got teachers, doctors, lawyers, and other court officials that all try to keep the world one way. In this sense they all try to pick out your looks, deviant in their eyes. By social profiling was a way they were trying to pick out who they thought was doing badly. Now looking at sexual deviance or sexual orientation people believe it should be one way and only one way.The way society looks at it as you should be man and women. And sex should only be done one way. Also what is looked at as being sexual crime there are things that some people think that is against sex code such as bondage? They think it is a crime but some people like that. There are so many things in this world that people see as deviant but really isn’t. Conflict theory defines how there are lawsuits against or towards gambling, drugs and etc. Some cultures look at gambling as a past time but the law looks at it being bad. Why should the way we were raised or how we were brought up by against us.The justice system is and will always judge against us. While looking and reading on deviants everyone is deviant in some way, shape or form. I know that I am looked at as being deviant. There are many out there that will always judge. Also by reading this opens my eyes to how things really work. Why should there be social norms on society. This is all on the perspective view of others. In Sociology, crime is identified as a deviant behavior. It is deviant in that it goes against accepted or written rules and laws that guide a society.To understand crime and sociology, one must first understand the â€Å"Conflict Theory† founded by Karl Marx. Conflict theory sees society as two struggling groups engaged in conflict over resources. Under this theory, it is believed that the capitalist class (or the society elites) commits acts of deviance just as the working class does. The main difference is that society elites determine the rules regarding what is deviant. This difference among the people will always lead to conflict. This idea explains why there is crime in societies and why it will never cease to be.Sociologists classify crimes by three types: crimes against a person, crimes against property, and victimless crimes. Crimes against a person include any offenses where violence is used or threatened. Mugging and assault are examples of crimes against a person. Crimes against property include theft of property or damage done to someone else's property. Burglary and arson are crimes against property. Finally, victimless crimes are crimes that are against the law, but no victim exists. Prostitution and marijuana are common examples of victimless crimes. In sociology, all crimes fall into one of these three categories.A victimless crime is a term used to refer to actions that have been ruled illegal but do not directly violate or threaten the rights of another individual. It often involves consensual acts in which two or more persons agree to commit a criminal offence in which no other person is involved. For example, in the United States current victimless crimes include prostitution, gambling, and illicit drug use. The term â€Å"victimless crime† is not used in jurisprudence, but is used to cast doubt onto the efficacy of existing and proposed legislation; or to highlight the unintended consequences of the same.In politics, for example, a lobbyist might use this word with the implication that the law in question should be abolished. Victimles s crimes are not always so weighty. Some examples of low level victimless activities that may be criminalized include: * individual purchase and consumption of recreational drugs (provided one does not hurt anyone else due to the effects) * prostitution and/or soliciting for prostitution * public nudity or fornication * the consumption of pornography Crimes committed by persons for whom criminally punishable acts are a permanent occupation and the primary source of money.Persons who engage in professional crime have the skills and means necessary for criminal activity and specialize in some particular type of crime, such as theft or buying and selling of stolen goods. Professional crime has its own psychology and customs, but many times professional crimes tie in with organized crime. Organized crime is transnational, national, or local groupings of highly centralized enterprises run by criminals for the purpose of engaging in illegal activity, most commonly for monetary profit.Some times criminal organizations force people to do business with them, as when a gang extorts money from shopkeepers for â€Å"protection†. Gangs may become â€Å"disciplined† enough to be considered â€Å"organized†. An organized gang or criminal set can also be referred to as a mob. In the United States the Organized Crime Control Act (1970) defines organized crime as â€Å"The unlawful activities of a highly organized, disciplined association†. Criminal activity as a structured group is referred to as racketeering and such crime is commonly referred to as the work of the Mob.In addition, due to the escalating violence of Mexico's drug war, the Mexican drug cartels are considered the ‘greatest organized crime threat to the United States', according to a report issued by the United States Department of Justice. White-collar crime is a financially motivated, non-violent crime committed for monetary gain. Within the field of criminology, white-collar cr ime initially was defined by Edwin Sutherland in 1939 as â€Å"a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation† (1939).Sutherland was a proponent of Symbolic Interactionism, and believed that criminal behavior was learned from interpersonal interaction with others. The term white-collar crime only dates back to 1939. Professor Edwin Hardin Sutherland was the first to coin the term, and hypothesize white-collar criminals attributed different characteristics and motives than typical street criminals. Sutherland defined his idea as â€Å"crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation. The introduction of white-collar crime was a relatively new issue to criminology at that time.He was urging other criminologists to stop focusing on the socially and economically disadvantaged. The types of individuals who committed these crimes lived successfully and were respected by soci ety in general-also criminologists; because these criminals were held to such a high regard, these individuals were given a blind eye to the crimes they committed. Our group choose this chapter ‘Deviance and Social Control’ to share with you all today, because we feel everyone can relate to the sociologists’ perspective regarding social control, deviance, and crime.We have learned law and society play an important role in social control, deviant acts to one person may in fact be part of another person’s culture, and crime has many different categories such as victimless crime, professional crime, and organized crime that all have formal penalties that are enforce by governmental authority. References * http://willapse. hubpages. com/hub/Thailand-Health–Safety-and-Risks-2-Crime * http://encyclopedia2. thefreedictionary. com/Professional+Crime * Attenborough, F. L. ed. and trans. ) (1922). The Laws of the Earliest English Kings. Cambridge: Cambridge U niversity Press. Reprint March 2006. The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd. ISBN 1-58477-583-1 * Schaefer, R. T. (2009). Sociology: A Brief Introduction. (8th ed. Pp. 160-163). New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. * One good reason why dogs miss the Taliban. (2002), The Scoop. Canine Nation. Retrieved from http://dogsinthenews. com/issues/0201/articles/020124a. htm * http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=GHuI2JIPylk&feature=related

Induction for new Social Care Workers in adult social care Essay

It is vital that diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination is understood and adhered to at all times as a social care worker. By this we mean treating everyone equal no matter what their race, gender, religious views, ability, culture, age or appearance. We expect Service Users to be included in events and not excluded because of a disability or any other reason. We expect EVERY Service User to be treated fairly and equally. If the above standards are not adhered to our Service Users will not trust you as an individual, they will not trust us as a company and they will feel excluded and let down by you and could not trust you or our company again. We deal with the most vulnerable people of society and it is vitally important to not discriminate these people, they need your trust, they need your confidentiality, they need to be treated equally, THEY NEED YOU. They do not want to be excluded, they do not want to get low self-esteem because of your actions, they do not want to be judged by you or anyone else. For example, we had a new Social Care Worker who wanted to take our Service User to her local shop where she had not been for a few years because of a sudden disability. Upon arrival at the shop she could not gain access because there was no ramp to push the wheelchair up. Our Social Care Worker spoke to the shop keeper explaining that her Service User would very much like to shop their but felt excluded because she couldn’t access the shop. The shop keeper remembered the Service User and had missed her coming to the shop and didn’t realise how difficult it would be for disabled people to gain access to the shop. A few weeks later he had built a ramp for wheelchair access and re-arranged the shop to make wider aisles. The Service User was able to be included as any other person would be now, when shopping in her local shop and the shop keeper was happy to help. We also require our Social Care Workers to support others in promoting diversity, equality and inclusion, we will provide full training and support but it is down to you as an individual to support others. We expect you to share your knowledge and experiences with our other Care Workers to promote diversity, equality and inclusion. You will have regular performance reviews and you can pass on your ideas, examples and experiences then, or whenever you like by just contacting us.

Front-end Web Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Front-end Web - Essay Example ne criteria for general organizational conformity, identity proofing services, credential strength, and credential management services against which all CSPs will be evaluated. The LIAF will also establish Credential Assessment Profiles (CAPs) for each level of assurance that will be published and updated as needed to account for technological advances and preferred practice and policy updates. Managing risk in electronic transactions requires authentication and identity information management processes that provide an appropriate level of assurance of identity. Each level describes a different degree of certainty in the identity of the claimant, because different levels of risk are associated with different electronic transactions. For authentication purposes, the claimant is required to prove that he or she controls the token, through a secure authentication protocol. The claimant must also unlock the token first using a biometric or password, and use the password to establish 2-factor authentication in a secure authentication protocol. Whenever Long-term shared authentication secrets used, they are revealed only to the verifiers and claimant operated directly by the CSP (Credentials Service Provider), although temporary or session shared secrets may be disclosed to independent verifiers by the Credentials Service Provider. Approved cryptographic techniques are used for all operations. Assertions issued about claimants as a result of a successful authentication are either cryptographically authenticated by relying parties, or are obtained directly from a trusted party via a secure authentication protocol. (Updated Liberty Identity Assurance Framework (IAF) Based upon Public Review. Retrieved from Level 4 is based on proof of possession of a key through a cryptographic protocol. This Level is like to Level 3 but allows only hard cryptographic tokens, in the form of a physical token that cannot be copied readily. There is requirement of strong cryptographic

Energy and Environmental Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Energy and Environmental Security - Essay Example Over the years there have been rising concerns with regard to the ability of fossil fuels, which constitute the main source of energy, in ensuring energy security. In Australia for instance, high reliance on fossil fuels as the core source of energy has been noted to be increasingly unviable since it is more economically marginal. This is because of the high dependence on foreign regimes which control supply and pricing of oil and gas (Jones, 2009, pp.3). Such rising concerns have resulted to increased attention on other potential alternative energy sources. This paper argues that renewable energy sources, to a large extent, are viable alternative sources of energy, and play a critical role in ensuring energy security. The world consumes about 13 trillion watts (terawatts, TW) of energy, with 85% of this representing energy from fossil fuel such as coal, gas and oil, while 2% of this representing renewable energy forms such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and hydro energy (Lewis , 2007, pp.808-809; Valentine, 2011:4573). Indeed, fossil fuels still remain the king pins in energy supply due to various advantages such as availability and high energy content that it possesses. However, fossil fuels have core disadvantages that make it a threat to both current and future energy security. Not only is it exhaustible, but it is also detrimental to the environment, and is undependable since countries have to depend on a few controlling regimes which regulate the supply of oil and gas (DiPeso, 2011, pp.97; Valentine, 2011). From historical evidence, oil and gas which currently form the major part of fossil fuel have had the tendency to fluctuate in prices with most countries’ ability to control such prices limited. This makes it in the long term unreliable, unaffordable and inadequate (Riesz and Tourneboeuf, 2011). The high dependency on fossil fuels, and the fact that such fossil fuels do not guarantee energy security to most of the world’s countries, has necessitated a look at various alternative sources that would ensure energy security. For most of the world’s countries, the response to energy risks posed by fossil fuels has been diversification of energy sources. Renewable sources of energy have been widely recognised as potential sources of energy and expected to comprise a bigger part in future energy generation portfolio to ensure energy security (Valentine, 2011). Renewable sources of energy are often indigenous to a country hence tends to reduce high dependency on energy imports (Olz, Sims, and Kircher, 2007, pp.23). Hence, can be exploited locally where by the variations in availability and capacity of such energy sources in various regions, ensures that energy security is site specific, with regions increasingly becoming self sufficient. Although renewable energy sources incur higher capital costs in terms of development , installation and per unit capacity, this high cost, to some extent, can be offset by the l ow to zero cost of fuel over the life of the installed system which make renewable more competitive (Olz, Sims, and Kircher, 2007, pp.16). Furthermore, the long cited constraints of renewable energy sources such as intermittency and availability can be resolved through energy storage technologies which make energy available when needed and stores energy when it is available (Evans, Strezov, & Evans, 2012). There are six main

Wal-Marts Sustainability Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Wal-Marts Sustainability Strategy - Essay Example However, this proves to be more complex, considering that continuous supply of the seafood is the greatest challenge faced by Wal-Mart, according to Peter Redmond, who is its vice President (Wal-Mart, n.d. p1). Since some of the fish are found seasonally, for example the Salmons, which are only available between May and September of every year, maintaining their coViceuous supply is a big challenge. Additionally, the availability of these types of fish is, still low even during their season, and thus Fishin’ Company, based in the US has been contracted to supply Wal-Mart with frozen fish fillets. Commercial fishing of the Salmons is also regulated by the law, where it is allowed only to operators with permits, and during specified seasons. Thus, Wal-Mart has to seek a strategy for obtaining the certification of its boat operators from the Marine Stewardship Council, to enhance a sustainable channel of maintaining regular supply of the Salmons, and thus meet the growing seafood demand. The major challenge that Wal-Mart is facing is the shortage of supply of the seafood. The output of the world’s fisheries es had declined by 3% since 1900, yet the demand for the seafood from Wal-Mart is constantly growing at the rate of 25% every year (Wal-Mart, n.d. p1). Therefore, the looming scenario in this case is that; while the demand for the products seem to be continuously growing, its supply seems to be consistently reducing, which raises the concern of how Wal-Mart will be able to meet the needs of its customers, while at the same time taking advantage of the growing seafood business. Several alternatives are available through which this gap can be minimized, considering that Wal-Mart can liaise with the boat operators and the suppliers to ensure increased supply of the seafood.

Employer-employee relations in Coca-cola Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Employer-employee relations in Coca-cola - Essay Example Scholars have noted that proper relation contributes positively towards realization of organizational goals. As such, this essay will outline the reasons as to why conflicts occur between employers and their employees and some of the manner that the conflicts can be resolved. In so doing, the research will center the argument on Coca Cola Company as a case study. Thus, the essay will highlight some of the different strategies used to avoid the occurrence of conflicts in the organization. The coca-cola company is one of the largest producers of non-alcoholic beverages and branded in over 200 countries in different continents like Europe, Australia, Africa, N. America, and India. The popular drinks made by the multi-national corporation sold in various brands, which serve the diversified human tastes and preferences (Cant, 2006: 12). The company acts as a retailer, marketer and is the main manufacturer of the drinks. It also has a separate bottling plant that works together with the pr oduction plant. With its continued growth, the coca-cola company has provided jobs to people allover the globe and as a result reducing the unemployment levels (Fernando, 2010:517). In employment, all institutions should create proper employer-employee relations to ensure that there exist mutual benefits between the two. The coca-cola company being a multi-national corporation and with greater interactions with employees has to establish proper relations with the public also (Mansbach and Rhodes, 2009: 231). This has led to the formulation of policies aimed at governing their worker-employer relations to a healthier and legally regulated one (Daniels, 2006: 76). Some of the enacted policies have different issues that may affect employment like child labour, discrimination, working hours, and wages, Freedom of association and collective bargaining, safety and health of workers at the workplace, and on forced labour (Jack, 2008: 278). By adhering to these policies, coca-cola encourage s other organizations to apply the same for success. Some of the policies are quite encouraging to employees and inspire them towards putting the best of efforts in production (Blyton and Turnbull, 2004: 423). The company also recognizes the community as another vital factor promoting the organization’s success. The community consists of the consumers, employees, and retailers at the grass root level. It also acts as part of the stakeholders in the corporation and hence this details the need why the organization needs to establish proper relations with the community (Cant, 2006: 13). They at some point seem irrelevant, but their presence is necessary. Through fostering the conditions at the community level, the corporation has significantly helped raise the people’s living standards and resulting to economic growth (Koekemoer, and Bird, 2004: 37). The coca-cola company has integrated with the communities at different levels in an attempt to eliminate poverty, empower t he society, and giving financial support to some community projects (Gillespie and Hennessey, 2011: 101). The employees in the coca-cola company though given the best of environments for production purposes also come across challenging factors in their employer employee relations. For instance, several cases have been filed in court for allegations of misunderstandings between the employer and the employee and even severally discriminations from getting opportunities in the job market (Hollinshead, Nicholls, and Tailby, 2003: 245). The publicity of such allegations tarnishes the image of the organization before the public. The misunderstandings may be due to failure of

Cells, Tissues, Movement of Molecules & Action Potential Physiology Essay

Cells, Tissues, Movement of Molecules & Action Potential Physiology - Essay Example There is a hormonal link between the rise of blood sugar levels before and after meals. These hormones that regulate the blood sugar levels interact with other hormones within the human body such as the liver, pancreas and skeletal muscles in order to convert these sugars as fuel for the human body (Sinacore & Gulve, 1993). Exercise or activity speeds up glucose absorption by the body by burning these sugars into muscle. This is why exercise or activity is recommended for non-insulin diabetic patients. With physical activity the hormones that produce and absorb insulin in the liver are more active (Yamanouchi, et al., 1995). Two hormones mainly regulate blood sugar levels in the body. These are insulin and glucagon which if not utilized and processed may result in abnormal sugar levels resulting in obesity and diabetes. In the homeostatic regulation of blood sugar levels, these peptide hormones become synthesized by the pancreas and are released into the bloodstream. Upon the release of these synthesized hormones into other organs such as the liver and adipose tissues, there will be another reaction that can be triggered by the activity or inactivity of a human being (Lee & Park, 2004) 2.You are exercising at maximal capacity (i.e. maximum heart rate and therefore oxygen carrying capacity has been reached) and the workload you are subjected to continues to increase. Which metabolic pathway would supplement the production of ATP in this setting? What metabolites (i.e. products of metabolism) would you expect to see increased in both skeletal muscle and blood, when using this metabolic pathway? There is a correlation between the increase of hormones from blood sugar metabolism and skeletal utilization of blood glucose as a fuel for energy. Glucose homeostasis is greatly affected by insulin dependent skeletal muscle glucose transport (Sinacore &

California natives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

California natives - Essay Example the degradation of the environment (massive clearing of forests, siltation of river systems, loss of wildlife game and draining of marshlands) that adversely affected the natives. The native population of California just a few centuries ago was so diverse that about 500 independent different tribal groups were identified by anthropologists (ibid. 3) in the area. However, the tragedy was that much of this local culture was lost forever with very few items and artifacts left to record their way of life due to the forced assimilation adopted by settlers. As a result, although the native population had risen after 1900, that population had lost much of its ethnic purity with most of natives half-breed (mixed marriages and broken traditions). Linguistic diversity was also lost with many unable to speak their native tongues. This essay tries to look back at those times and examine the effects of two groups of settlers – the Spaniards and the Russians. Each group had a different purpose of going to the area and therefore had a different impact on the lives of the natives. This paper also looks at a specific aspect of native life during that bygone era and gives brief contrast with the Western way of life and the valuable lessons that could have been learned by everyone. The recorded history of California (as viewed from Western eyes) begun with Spanish religious missions together with settlers and soldiers. The missions and the presidios usually were built near other in case of attacks from the coast or from the native Indians and later on grew into pueblos (small towns). The presidios were actually small forts where soldiers were posted so they can aid the mission in case they were under threat. These structures survived to this day and are among the most visited tourist sites. These relics and monuments of Spanish colonization form a chain of 21 missions built along El Camino Rey (The Royal Highway) and considered as the refuge of religion and serenity while

Three Step Matrix in Strategic Marketing Essay Example for Free

Three Step Matrix in Strategic Marketing Essay Strategic marketing comes into place to standardize the marketing practice, ultimately satisfying the customer needs through increasing companys competitive advantages. The base of any corporate to develop the winning strategically needs close monitoring in the internal and external environment. There are many instances where some company failure due to not been able to monitor the market situation adequately but in other instance we also can see the growth of company due to innovation, diversification and became the market leader. So for well understood of the marketing behaviour we have to see their strategy. So to be the market leader or winning in the market place needs right decision at right time using right technology, which ultimately creates the Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA). To be a sustainable winner the company have to invest in RD function, have to study market environment, have to study the competitors, have to study the changes in strategic move of the industry, have to study the customers behaviour etc. For well understood of the market situation to take strategic movement there are many models implemented by different company. The Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG) four cell matrix, GE/McKinsey’s multifactor matrix, Robinson’s directional policy matrix, Sheth and Frazier’s financial model, Capron and glazer’s technology portfolio model are some of the models which have implemented for the assessment of market situation. However, the use of single matrix is not sufficient to know the true picture of the market situation. Therefore, Yin-Ching Jan has proposes a three-step matrix method for strategic marketing management. Step 1: Industry Perspective Matrix The industrial perspective matrix is basically using to see the external market environment, through which a company can find the opportunity and  threats. From this matrix the company can assess the market and can classify as high opportunity high threats (HOT MARKET), high Opportunity-Low Threats (NICHE MARKET), LOW Opportunity- High Threats (MERCHANDISE MARKET) and Low Opportunity-Low Threats (DEGENERATE MARKET). HOT Market means where many company compete each other to get advantaged from the high level of market opportunity, Products such as tablet PCs have huge opportunities but with the ease of new entry, it challenges major threats too. Like as the NICHE market has a unique features that allow many competitors due to its high opportunity but less threats, many people come to market seeing the high level of opportunity, but after all when many people start coming it became a strong competition after all. In the degenerate there are low opportunities and threats but still have competition from the rivalry, real estate market these days’ falls into Degenerate market category as it has slumped hugely in the past few years. If company unable to invent new products, consumer will be lost. Noodles can fit into Merchandise market, where the opportunities are low and threats are high. Competitive Position Matrix The objectives of the competitive position matrix are to assess the strength and weakness of the company and find out the possible strategy. Basically ROA is the tool which gives the figures of the advantage which is used to set indicators. Also we also see the profit margin to see whether it is leading or not. So analysis of the ROA and profit margin gives insight for the competitive position matrix. There are four cell in the diagram which shows the status of the company based on CPM i.e. Leader, Nicher, Penetrator and follower. Higher the ROA and Profit margin is Market leader, Higher the ROA and lower the Profit is Penetrator, in this situation company basically low the price to expand the market share Low ROA and Low ROA is Follower and in this circumstances they are following the market leader and last but not least high Profit margin and Low ROA is stand for Nicher, where market opportunity is high and investment might be high so even though they have high rate of profit retur n but less as expected ROA. Market Situation Matrix Market situation matrix is a combination of industry matrix and competitive matrix. Analyzing it a manager can take a decision about the company. For  example when a company is in hot market it has to invest more to increase its share in the market because many competitors are preparing to enter in that market. Like as in Nicher, there is need to expand the market aggressively and innovation is crucial to maintain its leadership position. Three step matrix: Nepali Product: Every year Television channels are increasing in Nepal and most of their market is the same and their strategy are the same. Some of the televisions are still under process of establishment. So here opportunity seems high and the threats is seems high as well so the market of TV Channel is now at HOT stage. So as a growing market there are always uncertainties of the risk of failure. we can see some channel are out of the competition now, they are failure and some are still leading , but now no one can say that who is going to win the game. So this opportunity is leading many threats even though there is high opportunity, so in this regards one TV channel have to increase the investment to win the game. The leaders now is Kantipur TV , it has also get high returns , now NEWS 24, ATV , Mountain TV are following KTV, so it is the time to think innovatively to keep the high market share of KTV

Dolls House

Dolls House Comparing the Views on Womens Position in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice and Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House Abstract The research conducted in order for this essay to be written wasnt like that which would be conducted during a science experiment or a mathematical problem solving. The research undertaken for this essay was very analytical. It delved deeply into two famous literary works of the nineteenth century. The research was mainly carried out because of the interesting difference between the two works and the extremely strong female protagonists. What the main idea of this research essay was was comparing the views on womens positions in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen. The literary works are only seventy years apart, yet societys views changed so drastically in those seventy years that it is difficult not to be interested in studying the two works. To truly understand the views of women in these two publications, one must read the two thoroughly as well as research what kinds of events were occurring at the times of the publications. When Pride and Prejud ice was published, society in the book was identical to society in real life. When A Dolls House was published, womens rights were beginning to become more prominent in society. Of course, even then, there were still some old fashioned minds. Torvald Helmer was the epitome of what Ibsen disapproved of. As many people analysed, Ibsen wrote this play to make the world move forward quicker. It is unknown whether or not his play actually made a huge impact; however, womens position in society has changed drastically since. Even between the two publications, there was a dramatic change. Nora Helmer was an inconceivable character to Jane Austen. By the time Ibsen had his play performed, women were beginning to think independently and seek independence. The findings evident in this essay will not change the world or stop global warming. However, they do make a person think how differently life was lived in the nineteenth century. Introduction For a period in history, the only thing that seemed to plague women was the prospect of marriage. Even if a woman didnt necessarily want to marry she would be forced into thinking of it because it was all that surrounded her. In the early 19th century, it was not hard to understand that women in society were believed to be simple creatures, who didnt want more than a lovely home to sit in and neighbouring women to gossip with. In 1813, Pride and Prejudice, a novel that supported all these social thoughts, was introduced to the world. This novel was written by Jane Austen and is probably one of the most famous love stories of all time simply because all women love to read about a love that survived the good and bad times. Jane Austen was a woman in the time where marriage was all one should think of as a young lady. Not seventy years later, a play was performed for the first time, titled A Dolls House. This play was written by playwright Henrik Ibsen and illustrated strongly contrasting themes to those present in Pride and Prejudice. Whilst Pride and Prejudice centres on a woman in want of a husband, A Dolls House focuses on the other side of marriage; the side of marriage nobody wanted revealed when it was first performed. Ibsen wrote his play at the time when women were beginning to be thought of in society as something more than just females. In his play, Ibsen created a character that began seeing past the prettiness of marriage with her husband. She began to think for herself and understand that there is more to learn about the world and one cannot know it unless one seeks it. Two writers, less than seventy years apart, with entirely different attitudes as to how the world should be seen, in the eyes of a woman. Both existed in the same century, yet they were worlds apart when it came to societys views on women and their position. Jane Austen believed it only natural for marriage to be on a young lady of marriageable ages mind. Henrik Ibsen, on the other hand, thought it inappropriate to show marriage as always being a traditional destiny. Ibsen portrayed women as independent or, at the very least, seeking independence. He succeeded when attempting to portray women as more than hopeless young ladies whose life goals were to be married. Both are entirely conflicting stories; both are incredibly successful. Character Comparisons Two very different stories would obviously have two very different protagonists. Pride Prejudice and A Dolls House are no exception; the former, Elizabeth Bennet; the latter, Nora Helmer. They are vastly different but are not the only characters that are comparable in the two novels. Elizabeth Bennet compared to Nora Helmer Elizabeth lives with her mother who is a lady who badgered and pestered her five daughters about marriage. Elizabeth, being a woman in the times when marriage and economy was everything to a woman, has differing views to her society. Elizabeth does not believe in betrothing herself to someone she is not compatible with. Elizabeth is a unique woman. Compared to all other women in that time, she is intellectual and cares about more than money and worldly possessions. She does not want to marry a man she cannot converse with. Even though Elizabeth is a different woman who fancied more than the average woman in the early 1800s, she still wanted to marry a man she could live with. If she didnt, she would have to be married to him for life in misery. Divorce was not ever thought of in the times of Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters. Therefore, if you were betrothed to somebody, you would be betrothed to them for the whole of eternity. It was considered completely unladylike and ungrateful, a lso, to leave your husband. If a woman was married to a man who was supporting her well and who was giving her all she wanted and she decided to leave him, society would look at her as an unappreciative wife who is not satisfied with anything. It was not understood in those old times that two people were not compatible. All that was thought of when marriage was brought up was if hes a man who can support this woman with whatever happens. Consequently, Elizabeth wanted to marry but she wanted to marry someone she was compatible with, someone she could spend the rest of her life with and not regret it. Marriage is what she wanted but it wasnt the marriage that her mother or the rest of society would ever understand. Nora Helmer is a house-wife. She knits and shops, just as a house-wife should. She never complains that her life isnt satisfying. However, Ibsen was clever enough to conceal her true feelings until later on in the play. As the audience analyses Nora, it is realised that her life was never pleasing; there was always something lacking in everything she ever did and never did she realise it until it was almost too late. Nora is tired of living in a home where she is treated as a doll would be treated pampered and adored for her physicality. Eventually, she realises that living with Torvald Helmer is not the way she wants to live. There is so much to see out there in the world; so much to learn about; and here she is, living in a dolls house, confined to a town that is not wide enough for her mind, nor exciting enough. Finally, she leaves her dismal life in the dolls house, to live her own life, to learn things shes never known before, to travel to places she has only ever heard of. She wanted to experience life, as shed never seen it before and she could not do that whilst living under the same roof as Torvald Helmer. Both these women are of great depth and intrigue. Both Elizabeth and Nora have different thoughts to those of the normal flow of their surroundings. Elizabeth didnt want to marry for money and end with a husband who couldnt even converse with her, unusual as it was in her time. Nora did not want to be imprisoned in a home, which offered no comfort, no excitement, no learning opportunities. Both characters are similar in the ways that they both went against the usual course of those around them. However, they are different in the things they wanted ultimately. Elizabeth wanted to marry someone compatible. Nora wanted to stay away from marriage life and learn more about the world and herself before committing to anything more. Pride and Prejudice ends with both Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Bennett celebrating their marriages to Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley. A Dolls House, on the other hand, ends with Nora walking to the world, ready to embrace whatever the world has to offer. In less than seventy years, the stories written about women and their position changed drastically. Women were beginning to be seen as more capable and as more equal. It was also known that marriage was not all that would cross their minds. After all, it isnt that women are desperate to get married the society and the situation society put women in only made it seem that way and by the time Henrik Ibsen wrote his play, those types of thoughts were beginning to waver. Torvald Helmer compared to Nils Krogstad and Dr. Rank Torvald Helmer is a man who believes in particular positions for men and women. He doesnt believe women should provide, as Kristina Linde is planning to do for Nils Krogstad. He is a traditional man with an outdated way of thinking living in a society, which is rapidly changing. Torvald Helmer is stuck in the times, which Austen described in her novel. He is, however, only joined by a few. In A Dolls House there are two other male characters whose way of thinking was definitely changing with that of society. Nils Krogstad and Dr. Rank both believe in equality of men and women. Ibsen created these two characters as a way of contrasting to Torvald. Both Krogstad and Rank have different views. Krogstad completely agrees with the idea of Ms. Linde working to provide for her family. â€Å"I ran a little shop, then a small school, and anything else I could turn my hand to.† (Ibsen, H. A Dolls House. Act one; page 157). Rank also would sit and have many discussions with Nora, treatin g her like an equal adult. Torvald never once had a serious conversation with her, which proves how little he thought of the supposed equality between them. In the beginning of the play, it seems to the audience that everybody thinks as Torvald does when Kristina states, â€Å"A wife cant borrow without her husbands consent† (Ibsen, H. A Dolls House. Act 1, page 160). From this statement, it seems as though the society Nora is living in is just like the society Elizabeth Bennet was living in. Nora also states, â€Å"I was lucky enough to get a lot of copying to do†¦it was tremendous fun sitting there working and earning money. It was almost like being a man.† (Ibsen, H. A Dolls House. Act 1, page 162). This line suggests that women were not to work as men did in that society. However, when Dr. Rank is introduced, these ideas change. When Rank enters the home intending to see Torvald, he does not go away when he hears he is busy. Rather, he sits with Nora and conve rses with her, like equal adults. â€Å"Bankrupt! In less than a month, perhaps, I shall lie rotting in the churchyard† (Ibsen, H. A Dolls House. Act 2, page 191). Rank discusses matters of seriousness with Nora, whilst Torvald does not. It is clear that Rank has a mind that is changing with the changing society. â€Å"Helmers too sensitive to be able to face anything ugly I wont have him in my sick room† (Ibsen, H. A Dolls House. Act 2, page 191). Rank explains that Torvald is very sensitive. It is understood that he does not even speak of serious things with people other than Nora. He is clearly the odd one in this novel because everybody else has the same frame of mind but he seems to be stuck in the days that were even changing in Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy compared to Mr. Charles Bingley Two other men that are contrasting characters are Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mr. Charles Bingley of Pride and Prejudice. Both have distinct views on society and the ideas that society lives on. Both men are owners of a very large fortune Mr. Darcy slightly wealthier than Mr. Bingley. The two are the best of friends; however, their characters could not be more dissimilar. At the first ball at Meryton, each of their characters is decided by the surrounding society. â€Å"Mr. Bingley was good looking and gentlemanlike; he had a pleasant countenance, and easy, unaffected manners†¦he was lively and unreserved.† (Austen, J. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 1, chapter 3, page 12). Mr. Bingley is liked by everyone that was acquainted with him almost instantly. It was his lively disposition. â€Å"Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mein; and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes of his entrance, of his having ten thousand a year.† (Austen, J. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 1, chapter 3, page 12). He is looked at as handsome and even more handsome when theyve heard of his fortune. However, their views on Mr. Darcy soon change. â€Å"(He) danced only once, declined being introduced to any other lady, and spent the rest of the evening in walking about the room, speaking occasionally to one of his own party. He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world.† (Austen, J. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 1, chapter 3, page 12). The mens differences do not only go so deep as personalities. They are also different in what they want ultimately. Of course, as was the tradition at the time, they each want to marry; however, Mr. Bingley is not so fussy with who his future bride is to be. Mr. Bingley is much quicker to label a woman as ‘accomplished also, which adds to the differing views of him and his friend. â€Å"It is amazing to me how young ladies can have patienc e to be so very accomplished, as they all are,† quotes Mr. Bingley (Austen, J. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 1, chapter 8, page 35). Mr. Darcy, of course, scolds him for thinking such a thing. It is clear that Mr. Darcy has a much more different idea of what an accomplished woman is. After describing an accomplished woman, Mr. Bingley listens to Mr. Darcys words, â€Å"All this she must possess and to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading,† (Austen, J. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 1, chapter 8, page 35). To the reader, it is obvious that Mr. Darcy, intentionally or not, is describing Elizabeth Bennet as accomplished. It is even more evident what the two friends views on women are when they choose their wives. Mr. Bingley chooses Jane for her unmistakable beauty and kind nature and nothing more. His affection for her is not based on an intelligent mind or extensive reader. Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, favo urs Elizabeth. Although she is not as handsome as Jane, her mind is more developed. She takes pleasure in reading and having intellectual conversations. Mr. Darcy clearly wants this for a bride. By joining Mr. Darcy with Elizabeth and Mr. Bingley with Jane in matrimony in the end of the novel, it is clear what Austen wants the reader to learn: marry someone you are compatible with. Although Mr. Bingley marries Jane for her attractiveness, their marriage was compatible because each is kind natured and good spirited. The two are not intellectuals, like Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. In fact, they are quite the opposite, yet their marriage still works. When comparing the two main men of this novel, it is possible to say that Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley are the male counterparts to Jane and Elizabeth Bennet, which is possibly why their marriages worked in the end. Writers Purpose As writers, both Austen and Ibsen had distinct purposes for writing what they did. When reading their works, it is clear to many that each wanted to encourage the public to begin to think differently to the society they lived in. Austen did agree with her society, essentially. She approved of marriage but wanted the reason for marriage to change in the mind of the public. Ibsen, however, promoted womens independence and ensured his audience went away with new ideas about the equality between the sexes. Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice to allow woman the understanding that marrying for money, instead of compatibility, was never the correct path to walk on. Even though both Jane and Elizabeth did marry wealthy men, they did it for love rather than the money involved. They married for the important fact that they connected with their partners on a higher level than how highly they thought of the money they possessed. In the times when Austen published this novel, the thinking of Elizabeth and Jane were never believed to be possible. Austen took this to her advantage and publicized intellectual thinking and brought thoughts of compatibility into relationships. Other than Elizabeth and Jane Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, the characters mostly think about marrying for support and security more than anything else. Naturally, she disapproved of women marrying bad men. By creating a character like Elizabeth, the audience could understand that she most definitely found it quite inappro priate for a man and woman to marry without any love. However, Austen didnt completely disapprove of women marrying for money. She understood that there are certain circumstances, which cannot be avoided sometimes. In her novel, she wrote about Charlotte Lucas, who was a girl uncertain of her economic future. She married Mr. Collins for his apparent wealth and the belief that she would be financially secure with him as a husband. Although she understood her uncertain economic future, Austen used this comparison to her benefit. Charlotte and Mr. Collins marriage became one of comfort, not one of love and affection. Austen did not forget to remind the reader that their marriage was anything but successful because Charlotte married for money. She also disapproved of marriage based solely on attraction, as was Mr. and Mrs. Bennets relationship. â€Å"Her father captivated by youth and beauty, and that appearance of good humour, which youth and beauty generally give, had married a woman whose weak understanding and liberal mind, had very early in their marriage put an end to all real affection for her† (Austen, J. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 3, chapter 42, page 194). Their marriage was all that Austen was against. What she disapproved of, also, was the reality that women could not inherit fortunes. For example; in the case of Mr. Bennett who had four daughters and no sons, he would have to pass his fortune on to the next male in the family, who was Mr. Collins, who hadnt even been acquainted with the Bennet family. Austen did not understand why Mr. Bennetts daughter couldnt take over his fortune, when they obviously deserve it much more so than Mr. Collins. She showed her disapproval of this by using the voice of Mrs. Bennet. â€Å"I do think it is the hardest thing in the world, that your estate should be entailed away from your own children,† (Austen, J. Pride and Prejudice. Volume 1, chapter 15, page 54). In the end, what could be said about Austen s purpose to write such a deep and meaningful novel is that she meant great things for it. She wrote to teach women of the world that they should find their place in the world. Their minds should not constantly revolve around marriage and finding marriage. They should learn to be comfortable with their surroundings and themselves and only think of marriage when a man that is compatible with them comes along and steals their heart with what he does and says, and not with how much money he possesses. Henrik Ibsen wrote his play in a time when womens rights were starting to become noticed. Womens right to independence played a magnificent role in Ibsens A Dolls House. That is essentially what he was building towards, right from the commencement of the play. The entire purpose for his writing of this play was to broadcast the fact that women should begin thinking for themselves. He wanted women to believe they could make it on their own; that they did not need a man to help them along the way. Henrik Ibsen wrote this play not seventy years after Jane Austen wrote her novel. Immediately as the first few pages are read, it is quite obvious that Ibsen is looking in to the future. His construction of Nora is quite fantastic. As a reader, it is interesting to note that Nora Helmer is a completely inconceivable character for Jane Austen. Never would Austen even think that a woman could leave her husband in order to learn more about herself and the world. Nora is an excellent model of wha t many women thought about in the late 19th century. Marriage was beginning to lose its rose-coloured magic. The stories speaking of happy marriages were slowly beginning to melt away to reveal much less pretty images. Ibsen succeeded when attempting to write these thoughts down as a play. He succeeded in the fact that when the audience watched as Nora walked to the world, a new woman, they all cheered and agreed with all her reasoning. Because Noras action provoked this reaction, it is apparent that his mission was fulfilled. His mission to rid the minds of all people of the inequality between men and women was accomplished. By employing the use of Kristina Linde, who worked and provided for her family for many years, Ibsen showed that it was not a bad thing. Kristina learnt more about herself and the cruel world she lived in. Evidently, it might have worn her out and tired her however, she came out of it a better, more-rounded and more experienced woman who could take on anything and not back down. Unlike Nora, who was frustrated all her life because she was missing something she desperately wanted. She moved from her fathers home, where she was treated like a doll, to her husbands home, where she received the same treatment. She never worked a day in her life, and because of this, she never stopped dreaming of it. When she did work, behind her husbands back (for that was the only way she could), she commented that they were the three most enjoyable weeks of her life. Ibsen used Noras character to show that a woman who has been treated as though she is a fragile porcelain doll for all of her existence will not ever know how to truly think for herself. He used this character to show that having everything done for you and never knowing truly what the world around you is about is something one should never hope for. Even though Ms. Linde was awfully weary, Ibsen made his audience believe that this is the life, which should be sought after. In Pride and Prejudice, the society that Elizabeth Bennett lived in was not one which questioned a lot of things. Whatever is put in front of them, they believe it. They did not question things that seemed unusual to them. They did not question for fear their thoughts and beliefs would be confused and proved wrong. Desire for society did not exist in Austens Pride and Prejudice, unlike in A Dolls House. Nora wanted to learn more about the society and world she lived in. Elizabeth Bennett and the people she knew really only cared for the people they were already acquainted with. They would not go out of their way to learn more about what is happening in other parts of the world, or even the country. In A Dolls House Ibsen made it clear that Nora wanted to see as much of the world as she possibly could. In Pride and Prejudice, Austen only wrote about marriage and the never-ending quest to find the right person to marry. Whilst Austen showed that marriage was what all women wanted ultim ately, Ibsen showed that marriage life could be restricted. Ibsen also showed that traditional husbands implement several restrictions on their wives, which eventually denies the women the ability to grow, emotionally and physically. Ibsen attempted to tell the audience that if a man did everything for his wife and protected her from everything, there is no possible way she could grow into a more developed, more experienced, more agreeable person. Conclusion Two novels: different in purpose but equally great. Jane Austen lived in a different society to Henrik Ibsen. She agreed with the most part of her society, except that women shouldnt marry for financial security they should marry those that are like them. Her novel ended in two compatible marriages. Marriage was still the ultimate destination for women as well as men but it wasnt the kind of marriage that her society looked at. Women then were expected to marry for security and a fine house. Austen wanted to change these ideas and ensure that women believed that the fortune of a man is not what should be looked at when looking for a potential husband. Ibsen did not agree with his society. In fact, he wrote his play in order to change the society he lived in. His play went against everything the society believed in. Women were not allowed to leave their husbands whenever they wanted to. That is why he wrote the play he wanted womens positions to change and they did. When Nora wal ks to the world, she received cheers from the crowd. Independence, from then on, was desired and thats what Ibsen wanted. Both of the novels are fantastically written and the message is printed loud and clear. As the years go on, it is evident that each of these literary works has made an enormous impact on society. Ibsen helped womens fight for independence move more rapidly, whilst Austen made women all over the world seek a man that was like them, not just had a fortune that could buy them a home big enough for one hundred. Bibliography Books 1. Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. England: Penguin, 1996. 2. Ibsen, Henrik. A Dolls House. England: Penguin, 1965 3. Spence, Jon. Becoming Jane Austen. 2nd ed. London: Continuum, 2007. Websites 1. Cummings, Michael. J. A Dolls House by Henrik Johan Ibsen: A Study Guide. Retrieved: 18/07/09. 2. Haker, Ann. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Retrieved: 18/07/09. 3. Pride and Prejudice: Jane Austen. Retrieved: 13/07/09. 4. Pride and Prejudice. Retrieved: 13/07/09. 5. Pride and Prejudice. Retrieved: 05/02/10. 6. Yurgaitis, Daniel. A Dolls House. February 16, 2004. Retrieved: 18/07/09.

Gene Therapy Methods and Delivery Systems

Gene Therapy Methods and Delivery Systems Genes the units of heredity â€Å"There can be little doubt that the idea of ‘the gene’ has been the central organizing theme of twentieth century biology† philosopher and biochemist Lenny Moss claimed in 2003. A gene is the basic unit of heredity in a living organism. Genes hold the information to build and maintain their cells and pass genetic traits to offspring. In general terms, a gene is a segment of nucleic acid that, taken as a whole, specifies a trait. The biological entity responsible for defining traits was termed a gene, but the biological basis for inheritance remained unknown until DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) was identified as the genetic material in the 1940s. In cells, a gene is a portion of DNA that contains both coding sequences that determine what the gene does, and non-coding sequences that determine when the gene is active (expressed). When a gene is active, the coding and non-coding sequences are copied in a process called transcription, producing an RNA (Ribonucleic ac id) copy of the genes information. RNA can then direct synthesis of proteins via the genetic code. In other cases, the RNA is used directly, for example, as part of the ribosome. The molecules resulting from gene expression, whether RNA or protein, are known as gene products, and are responsible for the development and functioning of all living things. Every cell requires a host of genes that act as blueprints of all the proteins essential for its proper functioning. DNA is a linear polymer of deoxynucleotide monomers. Chemically speaking, it has a double helical structure of two polynucleotide chains held together by hydrogen bonds between the complementary base pairs of the nucleotide strands. Each nucleotide in DNA is comprised of three components, a heterocyclic base, a sugar (2-deoxyribose) and a phosphate group. The nucleotides in a polynucleotide chain are connected through phosphodiester bonds. The nitrogenous bases are of two types, namely, purine based adenine (A) guanine (G), and pyrimidine based cytosine (C) thymine (T). In DNA, base pairs form only between A T and G C and thus the base sequence of each single strand can be deduced from that of its complementary strand. Gene Therapy: Molecular Bandage? Gene therapy is believed by many to be the therapy of the twenty first century because it aims to eradicate cause rather than symptoms of diseases by delivering a normal functioning copy of the mutated gene and its associated regulatory elements into the cell nucleus (1-3). It is a technique whereby an absent or a faulty gene is replaced by a working gene, so that the body can make the correct enzyme or protein and consequently eliminate the root cause of the disease. A potential approach for treating genetic disorders is gene therapy. The most likely candidates for future gene therapy trials will be single gene disorders like, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, familial hypercholesterolemia, ADA deficiency, Gaucher disease, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency etc. Apart from these monogenic disorders, gene therapy also holds the potential of treating acquired diseases such as cancer, by inhibiting oncogene expression or by restoring tumor suppressor genes or through immunomodulation (i.e. by i ncreasing immune response to tumor antigens). Cardiovascular diseases too remain as one of the most â€Å"promising† targets for gene therapy because of the ready accessibility of the vascular system for gene transfer (4). Types of Gene Therapy: Depending on the type of cells into which genes are transferred a process popularly known as â€Å"transfection†. Gene therapy can be broadly classified into two types: Somatic cell Germline gene therapy. Somatic Cell gene therapy: This type of therapy involves the transfection of somatic (non-reproductive) cells especially of those tissues in which expression of the concerned gene is critical for health. Expression of the introduced gene relieves/eliminates symptoms of the disorder, but this effect is not heritable. Germline gene therapy: This type of therapy involves gene transfer into reproductive cells (egg or sperm cells). Here germ cells are modified by the introduction of functional genes, which are ordinarily integrated into their genomes. It would change the genetic pool of the entire human species, and future generations would have to live with that  change. Depending upon the method of correcting the faulty gene, gene therapy can be classified into the following categories: Gene augmentation therapy: This type of therapy is the most appropriate one for the treatment of inherited diseases caused by the loss of a functional gene. It involves supplementing the body cells with a functional copy of the lost gene so that the missing protein is expressed at sufficient levels in the body. It is only suitable if the pathogenic effects of the disease are reversible. Gene inhibition therapy: Its aim is to introduce a gene whose product inhibits the expression of the pathogenic gene or interferes with the activity of its product (5). Suicide gene therapy: This method is best suited for a disease like cancer where the aim is to eliminate a certain population of cells. It involves the transfection of such cells with a suicide gene, whose product is toxic. The suicide genes should be appropriately targeted to avoid widespread cell death (6). Depending upon the mode of delivering genes into a patient’s body, gene therapy can be classified into the following two types: Ex vivo gene therapy: In ex vivo gene therapy, gene transfer occurs outside the patient’s body. This is again sub-divided into two types viz, Autologous Non-autologous. Autologous gene therapy involves the transfection of cells derived from the patient followed by the re-introduction of these cells into the patient’s body. Non-autologous gene therapy involves the transfection of cells not derived from the patient’s body. In vivo gene therapy: In this method the therapeutic gene is directly introduced into the body by injection or by inhalation with the help of a suitably designed vector. Gene Delivery Vectors: Key to Success in Gene therapy Gene therapy, as a novel therapeutic modality, holds enormous promise for the treatment of a multitude of human diseases. However, till date it has failed regrettably in spite of more than 1500 clinical trials completed or currently underway around the world. The primary reason for the failure of the clinical success of gene therapy is the lack of efficient gene delivery agents, commonly referred to as transfection vectors. However, since the biological cell surfaces are negatively charged (due to the presence of glycoproteins and glycolipids containing negatively charged sialic acid residues on cell surface), spontaneous entry of polyanionic naked genes (DNA) into body cells is an inefficient process. Hence â€Å"transfer vehicle† or a â€Å"vector† in needed to condense the macromolecular DNA and to help it in crossing the plasma membrane barrier. Again delivery of therapeutic DNA to the desired body tissue is important to overcome adverse affects. In other words, the problems of developing clinically viable gene therapy methods and designing safe efficient gene delivery reagents are inseparable: shortcomings in one is going to adversely affe ct the success of the other. Hence, realization of the full potential of gene therapy will depend, in a major way, on the future development of safe and efficient gene delivery vectors. The Ideal Vector!!! A â€Å"perfect† or an â€Å"ideal† vector would resemble a traditional pharmaceutical and should have the following characteristics: (a) should be capable of efficiently delivering to its target an expression cassette carrying one or more genes of the size suitable for clinical application, (b) must not elicit an immune response, (c) should not induce inflammation and thus be safe for the recipient, (d) can be produced in bulk at an acceptable cost with reproducibility, (e) should be stable on storage, and finally, it should express the gene (or genes) it carries for as long as required in a strictly regulated manner. No single vector currently available has all these desired properties and each vector presently in use has its own pros and cons. However, it is important to realize that there cannot be a â€Å"universal† vector, optimally useful for all gene therapy applications. This is due to the fact that each disease will have a unique set of technical requirements, and the â€Å"perfect† vector for a specific disease should be optimized in accordance with these requirements. For example, some diseases will require local delivery of the transgene (e.g., ischemia, retinitis pigmentosa, parkinson’s disease, etc.) while others likecancer and atherosclerosis necessitate systemic delivery. In some cases, only a transient, short-lived gene expression will be needed (e.g., therapeutic angiogenesis, cancer) while in monogenic disorders, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, hemophilia and SCID a long term (sometimes life long) gene expression is mandatory (1). The future clinical success of gene therapy will certainly depend on the uphill task of designing â€Å"tailor-made† vector systems for the treatment of specific diseases. The efforts to design a â€Å"perfect vehicle† for the membrane-impermeable DNA have so far led to the development of many methods based on the principles of biology (viral vectors), physics (microinjection, electroporation, particle bombardment, hydrostatic pressure, and ultrasound) and chemistry (synthetic vectors like cationic lipids polymers). Each of these methods has its intrinsic advantages and disadvantages. Viral Vectors: Nature’s Own Infecting Vehicles Viruses have evolved specific mechanisms through the course of evolution to deliver their genetic material into host cells and then hijack the cell’s biosynthetic machinery to produce new viral particles (7). Thus, owing to their natural ability to infect cells, they can be used as vectors in gene therapy by replacing the genes that are essential for replication phase of their life cycle with the therapeutic genes of interest. Majority of the clinical trials currently underway around the world are based on the use of mainly five categories of viruses, namely, retrovirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, lentivirus and herpes simplex virus. Retroviruses: These are a class of enveloped viruses containing a single stranded RNA molecule (approximately 10 kb). Inside the host cell, the RNA is reverse transcribed into double stranded DNA, which in turn integrates into the host genome and is expressed as viral proteins (8). These are the most promising and widely used viral vectors used for gene therapy applications to date. Advantages: Rapidly dividing cancer cells can be targeted by using these viruses. Enters into cells efficiently and gives long lasting gene expression due to stable integration. Disadvantages: Only infects dividing cells, capable of producing tumorigenic mutagenesis due to random integration, unable to deliver larger genomic sequences. Again, it can insert the genetic material of the virus in any arbitrary position in the genome of the host- it randomly shoves the genetic material into a chromosome. Adenoviruses: These are the second most commonly used viruses for gene delivery. They carry a double stranded linear DNA chromosome of approximately 36 kb. Unlike retroviruses, adenoviruses deliver their genetic payload outside the chromosome and are thus less likely to disrupt the cell’s genome (9). But it is immunogenic and may cause inflammation and tissue damage. Adeno-associated viruses (AAV): They contain a single stranded DNA of approximately 4.7 kb surrounded by a protein coat (10) and can integrate at a specific site in human chromosome 19. AAV does not contain any viral genes and contains only the therapeutic gene and it does not integrate into the genome. It requires co-infection with a â€Å"helper† adenovirus for propagation. The advantage of AAV is that it is a non-pathogenic virus but the size for the exogenous DNA it can deliver is limited due to its smaller genome. The difficulty in large scale production is an additional disadvantage. Envelope protein pseudo typing of viral vectors: The envelope proteins on each of these viruses bind to cell-surface molecules make facile attachment to and entry into a susceptible cell. The potential for off-target cell modification would be limited, and many concerns from the medical community would be alleviated. Although viruses are the most efficient gene transfer vehicles available to date, their widespread clinical success has been impeded by the following major drawbacks: (a) Viruses are notorious for eliciting an immune response which, apart from posing a serious threat to the host, also makes a second dose of the same viral vector ineffective due to the production of high level of antibodies against the viral structural components following its initial administration. In 1999, the death of 18-year old Jesse Gelsinger, undergoing gene therapy for ornithine transcarboxylase deficiency, was believed to be triggered by a severe immune response to the adenoviral vector used. (b) Size restriction on the genetic material that can be encapsulated within the viral particles. (c) Possibility of random integration into host genome leading to the risk of inducing tumorigenic mutations (d) Purification of recombinant vector, verifying the sequence, transfecting the packaging cells, isolating and titering the transgenic virus and finally transducing the target cells are time consuming and labor intensive steps. Collectively, all of these complications associated with the use of viral vectors have prompted researchers around the world to develop artificial non-viral transfection vectors. Non-Viral Methods: Although the gene transfer efficacies of the viral vectors are unmatched till date, the above mentioned serious immunogenic concerns associated with their use have led to the development of non-viral methods for gene therapy. The non-viral vectors offer many advantages over their viral counterparts including significantly lower toxicity and immunogenicity, size independent transfer of nucleic acids, very low frequency of integration, relative ease of large-scale production, simpler quality control and substantially easier pharmaceutical and regulatory requirements. The non-viral transfection methods could be broadly classified into two types: Physical methods and Chemical methods. Physical Methods for Gene Delivery: Physical methods involve the direct introduction of genes into the target cells or tissues thereby avoiding the introduction of any foreign substance like a virus or a synthetic vector. Hence, no serious immunogenic concerns are associated with their application. The required genes are inserted via microinjection, electroporation or particle bombardment (gene gun). Microinjection: In this method, the DNA is directly injected into the nuclei of target cells using a fine glass needle under microscope. Although this method is seductively simple, it is difficult to apply clinically. While this method of gene transfer is nearly 100% efficient, it is laborious and time-consuming, typically allowing only a few hundred cells ( Electroporation: This technique involves the perturbation of the cell membrane by an electric pulse for a few microseconds resulting in the formation of transient pores thereby allowing the exogenous DNA to enter the cell cytoplasm. Although there is no limit on the size of DNA that could be delivered via electroporation, the gene transfer efficiency is low and there is high incidence of cell death (12). Gene Gun: In this method, plasmid DNA is coated onto micron size tungsten or gold micro particles and then propelled into cells using either electrostatic force or gas (Helium) pressure. The high velocity results in some DNA being trapped by a few cells and then it may be expressed at sufficient levels. This technique is fast, simple and safe and has been successfully employed to deliver nucleic acids to cultured cells as well as to cells in vivo especially gene transfer to skin (13) and superficial wounds. Chemical Methods of Gene Delivery: DEAE-Dextran: Diethylaminoethyl-dextran (DEAE-dextran) is a polycationic derivative of the carbohydrate polymer, dextran and was one of the first chemical reagents used for transfer of nucleic acids into mammalian cells (14). Owing to its positive charge, DEAE-dextran forms an electrostatic complex with the polyanionic DNA. This technique of delivering genes into cells is simple, reproducible and cost effective. However, it could prove toxic to the target cells especially when DMSO or glycerol is used as a supplementary chemical shock to increase gene transfer efficiency. Secondly, this method is not generally useful for stable transfection studies that require integration of the transferred DNA into the chromosome. A major disadvantage of this method is its ability to transfect a limited variety of cells, e.g. phagocytic cells. Calcium Phosphate: Calcium phosphate co-precipitation method for DNA delivery was first introduced by Graham and Van Der Eb in 1972 (15). This technique involves mixing of DNA with calcium chloride and then carefully adding this mixture to a phosphate buffered saline solution followed by incubation at room temperature. The finely divided DNA containing precipitate thus formed is taken up by the cells via endocytosis or phagocytosis. The main advantages of the calcium phosphate method are its simplicity, low cost, and its applicability to a wide variety of cell types. Moreover, it could be used for transient as well as stable transfection studies. The main drawbacks of the technique involve its sensitivity to slight changes in buffer salt concentrations, temperature, and pH, as well as its relatively poor transfection efficiency compared to newer transfection methods. Cationic Polymers: A wide range of organic polymers has been used for gene transfection, the most popular being polylysine polyethylenimine (PEI) (16). These have a high cationic charge density that condenses DNA into positively charged particles capable of interacting with anionic cell surfaces and entering cells via endocytosis. PEI also exhibits extensive buffering capacity across a wide range of pH which protects DNA inside the endosome from degradation via endosomal swelling and rupture. Dendrimers represent another class of polymers used for gene delivery. They consist of three-dimensional, bifurcated, branched structures called dendrons. The polyamidoamine (PAMAM) family of dendrimers has been shown to be very useful for transfection (17). Cationic Liposomes: â€Å"The Artificial Fat Bubbles† Liposomes, in general, have long been viewed as bio-compatible drug/gene delivery reagents owing to their structural similarity to cell membranes. They are spherical bilayers composed of individual lipids enclosing a watery interior. Each lipid possesses a hydrophilic head group attached via a linker to a large hydrophobic domain. When exposed to an aqueous environment, these amphiphiles spontaneously form large spherical structures known as liposomes above a certain critical vesicular concentration (CVC). Within the sphere, lipids are arranged back-to-back in bilayers with the polar hydrophilic group facing outwards shielding the hydrophobic domain from the aqueous solution. Liposomes may be unilamellar (composed of a single bilayer) or multilamellar (composed of many concentric bilayers). The multilamellar liposome (MLV) upon sonication followed by repeated extrusion through polycarbonate membranes of defined pore size assume the size of small unilamellar vesicle (SUV, 30-100 nm) o r large unilamellar vesicle (LUV, 150-250 nm) (Figure 1).