Discuss the arguments for and against the use of Closed Material Term Paper

Discuss the arguments for and against the use of Closed Material Procedures (CMP) in national security matters - Term Paper Example Thus, courts in many cases, have to deny access of specific documents or information to individuals, from the point of view of public interest. Though such measures have been introduced with the primary objective of safeguarding public interest, the issue of CMP has become a controversial topic due to its far-reaching implication of the criminal justice system as a whole. In normal court proceedings, individuals and their legal representatives are allowed to be present and examine all the documents that are allowed as evidences in a case during the trial and such proceedings are known as open procedure. However, in cases where the examination of any documents by individuals is considered as a breach of national security, individuals are not allowed to examine the relevant document and such materials are known as â€Å"closed† materials.3 However, a government appointed lawyer, who represents the individual, or Special Advocate, will be allowed to â€Å"attend all parts ofâ₠¬  the proceedings and extended access to all the documents examined during the trial.4 This is to ensure that the government preserves a â€Å"strong and independent judiciary† to protect the rights and freedom of its citizens.5 On the other hand, the government has a primary responsibility for protecting national security to guarantee the safety and security of the citizens. Thus, it becomes significant that the government strikes a balance between the protection of national security and safeguarding the rights and freedom of individuals. The debate regarding CMPs, thus, focuses its attention on protecting the national security without injuring or compromising the concepts of the freedom of individuals and facilitating them a fair trial. One of the main arguments against CMPs is that the system of suppressing material is â€Å"inherently unfair† and that a hearing that disallows individuals from being present or examining the documents â€Å"undermines the credibil ity† of the legal system.6 The opponents of CMPs further argue that the system of allowing the prosecution, usually represented by the government, to â€Å"present its case† without extending the defence an opportunity of â€Å"public scrutiny† is against the principles of justice.7 They also contend that apart from the inherent risks associated with CMP, it considerably reduces the â€Å"degree of judicial and Ministerial scrutiny† of how the cases are tried and this can have a detrimental effect on â€Å"transparency and accountability† of justice system as well as compromise its â€Å"credibility.†8 Thus, the main argument against CMPs relies on the premise that this practice undermines the concept of fair trial to individuals as in this system they are not allowed to examine all the documents that the prosecution relies on for the purpose of proving their case. It is needless to mention that when a defendant is disallowed the opportunity of viewing a prosecution document, it necessarily pre-empts him or her from properly preparing his or her defence. Thus, this procedure, to a

Econ of Arts and Entertainment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Econ of Arts and Entertainment - Essay Example An example of such issues is the labor market issue. Using the sports industry as an example of an art related industry, this paper aims at discussing the labor market issues in the sports industry. One of the main things that attract spectators to sports is the fact that they will be able to experience some aspects of struggles that are common in human lives in a dramatic and stark way. However, economists can be attracted to sports for reasons that are different from those of the spectators. To economists they see sports as an industry with the ability to illustrate the economic principles in an attractive and interesting way. Over the years the labor aspect of the sports industry has gradually grown to become more and more complex (Burk 173). It has gotten to a place when been involved in professional sports without commercializing it is no longer attractive. This trend can be illustrated by the way soccer teams globally have to spend more on their players in order to make sure that they attract more fans which will result to more income. If a team chooses not to spend more in order to hire the best players in the market, they will be competitively disadvantaged making them less attractive. Supply and demand of labor are aspects that should be keenly observed in any industry, especially during these days of economic hardships and uncertainty. This applies to the sports industry. It is important to note that the demand for labor in the sports industry can influence that rate of payment for human labor. The payment can also vary in terms of individual mobility, racial discrimination, personal productivity, and availability of substitutes. Property rights can affect the supply of sports talent. Collective agreements like payroll caps, reverse order drafts, and revenue sharing can be used to control such forces (Rosner and Shropshire 137). Under normal

Level of VEGF in Chronic Nephropathy Models

Level of VEGF in Chronic Nephropathy Models The number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) progressing to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and requiring renal replacement therapy are increasing worldwide. In India, the age-adjusted incidence rate of ESRD is estimated to be 229 per million population (pmp), and >100,000 new patients enter renal replacement programs annually (1). Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of ESRD development among other disorders predisposing to ESRD. The costs of DN are significantly higher than those from other diabetic complications because the patients are subjected to haemodialysis programs and renal transplant when failure occurs. Thus, the burden of DN on public health is enormous (2). The current therapy for patients with renal injury includes glycemic control by antidiabetic medications. Blockage of renin angiotensin system (RAS) is the most commonly practiced way of controlling blood pressure in DN. However, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin recep tor blockers moderately slow the rate of progression but do not arrest or reverse the progression of disease. Moreover, RAS blockade is usually initiated only after DN manifests itself clinically with persistent proteinuria in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. But despite knowledge of the devastating effects of these complications and the involved costs to patients, to date, there is still no method that is sufficiently sensitive and accurate for subclinical diagnoses of diabetic nephropathy. The pathomechanisms leading to these changes are not yet clearly understood and therefore, therapeutic approaches for relief of this disease are scarce or do not permit a favorable pharmacological intervention. Angiogenesis the development of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones is involved in physiological events and in pathological disorders including cancer, proliferative retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and neointimal formation. Angiogenesis is controlled by the balance between proangiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. Experimental studies have demonstrated the involvement of an imbalance of angiogenesis-related factors in the progression of CKD and the potential therapeutic effects of modulating these factors have been identified (3, 4). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, a potent pro-angiogenic factor, is involved in the development of the kidney, and also plays an important role in maintaining the glomerular capillary structure and in the repair process following injuries of glomerular endothelial cells and peritubular capillaries (5-7). It is constitutively expressed in podocytes, proximal tubular cells and medullary thick ascending limb cells in the ju xtamedullary region of the normal kidney. Evidence is emerging that VEGF plays a critical role in maintaining renal homeostasis (8, 9). Altered (increased or decreased) expression of VEGF leads to glomerular dysfunction and proteinuria (3, 10-15). It has been demonstrated that VEGF administration has a beneficial effect in both acute and chronic nondiabetic renal disease. In the remnant kidney model and cyclosporine nephropathy, decreased VEGF expression was observed. These observations were correlated with renal dysfunction and capillary loss. VEGF administration was found to reverse the renal dysfunction in these models (4, 16, 17). In contrast, both circulating and local VEGF levels are high in diabetes. In diabetic nephropathy , the increases in the number of glomerular capillaries and in the glomerular levels of VEGF-A and its receptor VEGFR-2 are observed (3, 18). The role of abnormal angiogenesis induced by VEGF has been implicated in diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephrop athy associated with progression of disease and the excessive VEGF has been shown to have a role in mediating glomerular hypertrophy (3). The precise mechanism is unclear for contradictory status of VEGF-A in diabetic and non diabetic kidney disease. So, in the present study we decided to investigate the level of VEGF in two different chronic nephropathy models; one was diabetes induced chronic nephropathy and the other was non diabetic nephropathy. VEGF and NO interaction has been explained as one of the regulating mechanism in causing paradoxical effects of VEGF by Takahiko Nakagawa et al.; 2007. The author explained the dark side and the bright side of VEGF effects. VEGF normally stimulates endothelial nitric oxide (NO) release and acts in coordination with elevated NO levels as a trophic factor for vascular endothelium. The increased NO derived from the endothelial cell acts as an inhibitory factor that prevents excess endothelial cell proliferation, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and macrophage infiltration. Normally, an elevation in VEGF expression should result in elevated endothelial NO levels, since VEGF increases both endothelial NOS (eNOS) expression and NO release from endothelial cells. However, in diabetes, despite high levels of VEGF, endothelial NO levels are low. The authors have summarized several mechanisms to explain the low endothelial NO bioavailability. First, glucose can scavenge NO. Second, t here is an impairment of eNOS activation. A third mechanism could be oxidative stress, which quenches NO to form peroxynitrite. Fourth, the formation of advanced glycation products in diabetes may also result in the consumption of endothelial NO. Fifth, both asymmetric dimethyl arginine and uric acid are commonly elevated in diabetes and can reduce endothelial NO bioavailability. Finally, NO may bind to glycosylated deoxyhemoglobin. Thus in diabetic settings high levels of VEGF, in absence of NO; lead to excessive endothelial cell proliferation, stimulation of macrophage chemotaxis, and vascular smooth muscle cell activation resulting in vascular injury (19, 20). Based on these observations we decided to investigate level of NO, in addition to VEGF; in two different chronic nephropathy models. The therapeutic effects of anti-VEGF-A strategies and anti-angiogenic factors in diabetic nephropathy have been reported (21). The beneficial effects of administration of VEGF in non diabetic CKD have been reported (17). The contrasting effects of VEGF in non-diabetic and diabetic kidney disease prompted us to review factors modulating VEGF expression in CKD. Hypoxia and certain cytokines are major regulators of VEGF expression (22-29). Physiological adaptation to hypoxia is an area of intense investigation. Adenosine is a critical mediator during ischemia and hypoxia and contributes to diseases as diverse as inflammation and carcinogenesis (30). Inhibition of adenosine kinase and the dephosphorylation of ATP and AMP by surface apyrases (e.g., CD39) and ecto-5’ nucleotidase (CD73), respectively, represent the major pathways of extracellular adenosine liberation during oxygen supply imbalances. Once liberated in the extracellular space, adenosine is either recycled (e.g., throu gh dipyridamole-sensitive carriers) or interacts with cell surface Adenosine Receptors (ARs). Presently, four subtypes of G protein-coupled ARs exist, designated A1, A2A, A2B, and A3. They are classified according to utilization of pertussis toxin sensitive pathways (A1 and A3) or adenylate cyclase (A2A and A2B). The A2BAR have been recently much investigated for their role on renal functions. A2BAR have been reported to inhibit PDGF induced growth of mesangial cells ,they also protect the kidney from ischemia (31, 32). A2BAR have also been reported to inhibit inflammation, so it is remained to be determined which type of A2AR are involved in inflammation associated with diabetic nephropathy. A2B receptors have a lower affinity compared with other subtypes and require higher concentrations of adenosine for their stimulation and such high levels can be reached during hypoxia, ischemia, inflammation, and injury. A2BAR regulate various pathological processes, including mast cell activation, vasodilatation, inhibition of cardiac fibroblast and vascular smooth muscle growth, stimulation of endothelial cell (EC) growth, and angiogenesis (8,9,10,11,12). The functional aspects of ARs responses may be determined by surface expression profiles. Microarray analyses of cDNA derived from endothelial cells subjected to various periods of hypoxia revealed significant changes in the ARs profile, wherein the prominent phenotypic change favored A2BAR expression, with concomitant down regulation of A1AR and A3AR(2). As chronic state of nephropathy also involve hypoxic intra renal environment (33), we decided to find the expression of A2BAR in two different models of chronic nephropathy. The most potent stimuli for VEGF production is hypoxia as stated above. The evidence of line also suggests the hyperglycemic state of diabetes to be hypoxic. Particularly, it has been demonstrated that in a mouse podocytes cell line the expression of VEGF increases under exposition to high D-glucose concentrations. At present however, it is not clear how glomerular VEGF production is unregulated in response to diabetes or high glucose concentration (13). Ex vivo exposure of rat kidney glomeruli to adenosine leads to an increase in VEGF content. Activation of A2BAR subtypes augments expression and releases VEGF beyond basal levels in rat glomeruli. Additionally, the status of VEGF and NO axis in non diabetic nephropathy is not well investigated. Based on these observations we decided to investigate the effects of A2BAR modulators on VEGF and NO in chronic diabetic nephropathy. Reconstitution of endothelial NO synthesis and/or its availability in glomeruli of diabetic nephropathy anima l models via the A2BAR modulation, remains an interesting matter. We thus hypothesize that differential expression of VEGF in diabetic and non-diabetic kidney diseases is mediated by A2BAR. The expression of A2B receptor is disease specific. Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a potent immunosuppressive agent with definite efficacy to prevent organ allograft rejection. However, CsA causes significant nephrotoxicity that might contribute to long-term kidney graft loss (34). Acute CsA nephrotoxicity is characterized by renal vasoconstriction, which is dose-related and reversible with dose reduction. In contrast, chronic CsA nephrotoxicity may be progressive and irreversible, the histological lesion of which includes tubular atrophy, afferent arteriolar hyalinosis. We resolved to investigate the mechanisms of cyclosporine induced nephropathy as non diabetic chronic nephropathy model in present study. A line of evidence has demonstrated reduction in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide (NO) in CsA nephropathy(35, 36). VEGF is an endothelial cell mitogen that increases angiogenesis and vascular permeability. Endogenous VEGF has a relevant role in the renal tubular defense against CsA toxicity. Blockade of the VEGF by ÃŽ ±-VEGF results in intensification of the tubular injury the CsA nephropathy(37). The occurrence of both in-vivo and in-vitro effects of VEGF blockade provides evidence of a direct protective effect of VEGF on the tubular cell. Numerous studies have reported a important role of NO in regulation of the effects of VEGF on angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and blood pressure regulation (38, 39). A2BAR have been known to mediate NO release in various pathological settings (40, 41). In the late phase of CsA nephropathy, nitric oxide synthase activation is reduced (42). However, it is necessary to determine whether or not A2BAR agonist induces VEGF in chronic CsA nephropathy. Previous in vitro studies using vascular smooth muscle cells as well as macrophages suggest administration of A2BAR agonists results in increased VEGF expression, potentially stimulating angiogenesis. Accordingly, it was hypothesized that A2BAR agonists induce expression of key angiogenic factors such as VEGF in CsA induced chronic nephropathy. Such an increase in renal VEGF expression by A2BAR activators may initiate the angiogenic response at the site of renal injury. Hence present study was designed to investigate the effects of A2BAR modulators on VEGF expression and NO levels in kidneys of chronic CsA induced nephropathy.

How to Train for Football :: Papers

How to Train for Football In football you should warm up because if you don't most of your muscles could be damaged during a match e.g. your Gastrocnemius could tense up and you would be in a lot of pain. A good warm up should include Running a distance and stretches from your head to your toes or the other way round cause most of the muscles can be injured and you use them in a match, so they should be warmed down after a match so that you don't get cramp, most parts of the body are used like the arms for the throw ins, your legs and feet for kicking the ball and your stomach muscles for twisting and turning away from other or opponents. What is circuit training? Circuit training is a method of training. A circuit usually has 8 to 15 stations, where at each station a different exercise is carried out for a certain amount of time. Circuit training can improve muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, aerobic fitness, muscular strength, speed and agility. A circuit-training program may also be designed for a certain sport. Circuits for this purpose will include exercises to improve all the muscles and skills associated with the sport. Example: A circuit training program for basketball should include skills like jumping, catching or throwing. Specificity My circuit-training program is for football and it is based over a six-week period. The 10 stations are specifically suited to what is needed to play football. The Circuit is specified for an outfield player as there are no goalkeeping skills involved in this circuit. My circuit is aimed to improve the following over a six-week period: muscular endurance, muscular strength, speed, agility, cardiovascular endurance, andball skills. These are all needed for an outfield football player. For example: Muscular Endurance - To keep the muscles contracting for the full length of the match without them becoming tired or weak. Muscular Strength - the force your muscles exert when they contract.

Course Outline Faculty of Science and Technology Essay

Course Number Course Title: Course Instructor: Credits: Section: Semester: Class Meeting Times: Class Venue: Pre-requisites: CMPS1024 (formerly CMPS150) – Computer Business Application MGMT1014 (formerly MGMT101) – Fundamentals of Management None 2012-2 3 CMPS3012 (formerly CMPS360) Management Information Systems Co-requisites Office Location Office Hours: (Consultation Hours) Telephone: E-Mail Address: Resources Required Text: Other Resources: By appointment Laudon, K.C., Laudon,J.P.: Management Information Systems – Managing the Digital Firm, 11th edition, . Prentice Hall MIS course website: http://odl.ub.edu.bz/moodle3/course/view.php?id=106 COURSE DESCRIPTION COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide techniques and knowledge for creating competitive business, managing global or local corporations, adding business value and providing useful product and services to intended customers. Topics include: Enterprise Applications. Systems for Supply Chain Management. Customer Relationship Management. Knowledge Management Systems. Digital Integration. Internet Technology. Database – Design and Implement in an existing Database Management System. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1.1.1 Knowledge a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. l. m. Describe the role of information systems in today’s competitive business environment Explain information systems from both technical and business perspective Examine the transforming effect of information systems on organizations and management Explain the impact of internet technology and the World Wide Web on the Digi tal firm Describe the roles of individuals in the business process Describe the types of business structures and how they function and serve clientele. Explain the importance of effective mangers and the roles they play in the business success and the development of innovative services and products Identify the impact, usefulness and benefit afforded businesses through electronic commerce Examine privacy issues and the ways in which to secure a business and its stakeholders from privacy violations. Identify threats of intrusion and other forms of system violation that exists through external sources such as viruses. Describe salient differences between management and information technology specialists and how these differences are mitigated. Explain the various levels of management and the unique systems and structures that are critical to these levels Explain the Rationale for developing and maintaining systems which are reliable, scalable, portable and secure.

Cultural Values Essay

The world is changing politically, economically, technically, and collectively at a previously unthinkable rate. Both new and skilled multinational firms are stumbling and committing mistakes as they confront these recently emerging environmental forces. What is desired now is a new way of viewing both the global and foreign operations of multinational firms. To be as thriving as possible, these firms should be as culturally attuned to the world and to every foreign society in which they seek to work as they are to their own home society. The Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary (1980) defines culture as â€Å"the incorporated pattern of human behavior that includes thought, speech, action, and artifacts and depends on man’s competence for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations† and â€Å"the customary beliefs, social forms, and material behavior of a racial, religious, or social group.† These definitions point to numerous important aspects of culture. First, culture permeates all human behaviors and interactions. Second, culture is shared by members of a group. And third, it is handed down to newcomers and from one generation to the next. This description of culture is not aimed at organizations but is very appropriate to them (AAhad M. Osman-Gani & Zidan, S.S. 2001, pp.452-460). The prevailing trend in the international business environment in current decades has been greater directness in trade, investment, finance and technology resultant in increased international integration and interdependence in business and between states. What is also obvious is that large swathes of the world’s population are efficiently marginalized or barred from these trends. This segregation has been a major factor in modern anti-globalization campaigns and is often used to justify proposals to reform or even abolish international institutions and to invalidate policies that have contributed to international integration. Morrison (2006) characterized a global industry as having intense levels of international competition, competitors marketing a standardized product worldwide, industry competitors that have a presence in all key international markets and high levels of international trade. These definitions have the common thread of the need and opportunity to integrate strategy across countries. Though aspects of globalization and the guiding principles of the IMF and the World Bank have not always been affirmative for developing countries, it is a generalization to place all or most of the blame for the marginalization of developing countries onto these factors. Development is a multifaceted process but some countries have managed it successfully. Considerably, it is those countries that have affianced most intensively with the outside world (that is, in East Asia), that have been most successful in their development endeavors. Equally considerable has been the keenness of each state to take a central role in the development process, a role that assorted from country to country depending on its culture and early circumstances.