Corruption in local government Essay Example for Free

Corruption in local government Essay Corruption simply means dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those who are in power. Corruption is the evil which lead to the economic social and moral problems of a country. The man is greedy in nature so that’s why he desire more and more and for achieving his desire, sometime he chooses the path which is against his moral standards we have so many examples of corrupt people in the world. Corruption is the mother of all evils. Corruption has done a deplorable situation in the country. There are various forms of corruption such as bribery, nepotism and extortion which is deeply penetrated in our social system. There are many types of corruption like Political corruption, Systematic corruption, Organizational corruption, Judiciary corruption, Social corruption and many others. In Pakistan all these types of corruption have been done. Corruption has become very common thing in our social and political culture. All the important individuals of the society like Government and private employees are involved in corruption. The rising level of corruption has given many problems like depression ad sense of insecurity. Every department is involved in corruption. Due to corruption common people are deprived of their basic rights. Corruption can only be eradicated if there are honest people on senior government seats. These days Pakistan is in terrible situation because there is too much corruption in Pakistan. Every department is corrupt and not performing their duty with honesty. Due to this evil of corruption people cannot get their basis rights. The funds and money that should be spend to provide facilities to the people, they are gone in corruption. The development projects are incomplete due to corruption. Corruption has many bad effects in the lives of common people. There are many effects of corruption. Corruption give birth to many evils in the society and causing many problems to the country and the citizens of the county some of them are listed like It leads

Role of Genes and Environment in the Aetiology of Schizophre

Role of Genes and Environment in the Aetiology of Schizophre INTRODUCTION Schizophrenia (schiz = splitting; phrene = mind) is generally characterized as the fragmentation of psychic functions (Bleuler, 1950) of which the absolute causes are unknown. It is defined and diagnosed based on Schneider (1959)’s ‘first rank symptoms’ which can be further categorized into positive (e.g. hallucination, delusion, etc.) and negative (e.g. avolition, catatonia, etc.), depending on the described and observed experiences of patients (Andreasen Olsen, 1982). This essay aims to review a wide range of scientific literature and research which attempted to study the influence of various genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of schizophrenia based on the general assumption that this mental illness is a multifactorial disease and can be viewed as an outcome of gene-environmental interaction (Van Os, Rutten, Poulton, 2008). A case study on the effect of Cannabis use on schizophrenia (Caspi et al., 2005) is analysed in order to justify the signi ficance of gene-environment interaction. GENETIC FACTORS The study of genes and how they contribute to the aetiology of schizophrenia have always been the topics of interest for neurobiologist. Multiple twins studies have shown that identical twins of 100% shared genes carry almost 40 times higher risk than completely unrelated people in developing such mental disorder if one of them was schizophrenic (Kallman, 1946; Cardno et al., 1999). In fact, schizophrenia is a polygenic illness as no single significant schizophrenia gene has been identified and numerous candidate genes such as Dystrobrevin-binding protein 1 (dysbindin), neuregulin 1 (NRG1), Catechol-O-methyltransferase protein (COMT), and Disrupted-in Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) are the aetiological factors (Ross et al., 2006). This essay intends to discuss the role of COMT with respect to the ‘dopamine hypothesis’ and dysbindin corresponding to the ‘glutamate hypothesis’. Two neurochemical models have evolved to become important theories accounting for the aetiology of schizophrenia. The dominant one is the ‘dopamine hypothesis’ which pinpointed the association of hyperfunction of dopamine system, critically at D2 receptors, with schizophrenia (Carlsson, 1988) but it is being challenged (Egan et al., 2001) and will be discussed in next section. Another recent model will be the ‘glutamate hypofunction hypothesis’ which suggested that N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors dysfunction and deficiency in glutamate production can lead to negative symptoms of schizophrenia (Olney, 1999; Coyle, 2006). ‘Dopamine hypothesis’ challenged: Introduction of inverted â€Å"U† model for COMT as the regulator of dopaminergic transmission COMT gene, being located at chromosome 22q11.2, is involved in the synthesis of dopamine metabolic enzyme and it regulates the dopaminergic transmission across synapses in the prefrontal cortex (Craddock et al., 2006; Tunbridge et al., 2006). Microdeletion of this chromosomal region resulted in Velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) and approximately one third of the patients suffering from VCFS were diagnosed to be with schizophrenia (Murphy et al., 1999), depictingthe significance of COMT in aetiology of schizophrenia via regulation of the release of dopamine transmitters in PFC. Two alleles, valine (Val) and methione (Met), found on COMT are involved in the functional polymorphism which alters the activity of dopamine metabolic enzyme. The relatively lower stability of the Met allele resulted in the lower enzyme activity, which in turn reduced dopamine breakdown and increased the concentration of dopaminergic transmission in the synapses. Consequently, individuals with Met-Met genotype were expected to be more susceptible to schizophrenia (Ross et al., 2006). In contrast, research has challenged the ‘dopamine hypothesis’ by demonstrating that both the patients with schizophrenia and individuals that inherited two copies of Val alleles (with decreased prefrontal dopamine level) exhibited the lowest PFC efficiency (Egan et al., 2001). This leads to the introduction of an inverted â€Å"U† model (see Figure 1) which illustrates the relationship between COMT genotype, PFC dopamine levels and prefrontal activity (Cools DEsposito, 2011). Glutamate hypothesis: Dysbindin as the regulator of glutamatergic transmission Dysbindin gene, being located at chromosome 6p22.3, was identified to have strong association with schizophrenia (Straub et al., 2002). There is a wide colocalisation of this gene with dystrobreyin in both presynaptic and postsynaptic regions of brain such as hippocampus (Benson et al., 2001). The level of dysbindin expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of schizophrenia patients is consistently found to be significantly reduced (Talbot et al. 2004, Bray et al., 2005; Weickert et al, 2008). As a result of knockdown of endogenous dysbindin protein in culture by siRNA, a small interfering RNA, glutamatergic neurotransmission can be reduced. (Numakawa et al., 2004; Talbot et al., 2004). Besides, the reduced expression also significantly suppresses the synaptic transmission of glutamate in Drosophila’s brain (Shao et al., 2011) and reduces the excitation of NMDA as well as the expression of NR1 mRNA in the PFC of mice (Karlsgodt et al., 2011). These findings wel l supported the ‘glutamate hypothesis’ of schizophrenia, which proposed this mental disorder as an outcome of dysfunction of NMDA receptors and glutamatergic transmission. Limitations Although microdeletion of chromosome 22q11.2 increases vulnerability to schizophrenia, it is important to note that there might be other genes on the same location that can account for such illness as COMT is not the only gene in this location. Moreover, in contrast to the glutamate hypothesis’, reduced dysbindin expression in the hippocampus of mice increases NMDA-mediated current and long-term potentiation and increase glutamatergic transmission (Tang et al., 2009). This suggests that ‘glutamate hypothesis’ might not be applicable to the role of dysbindin in all brain areas. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Studies using the approach of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have consistently discovered significant brain abnormalities in schizophrenics such as reduced frontal lobes and cerebral cortex (Andreasen et al., 1986) which affected cognitive abilities. Reduced frontal cortex was later shown to have no correlation with familial influence but with environmental factors (Owen et al., 2012). Although Touloupoulou et al. (2010)’s study has demonstrated that genetic factors can explain the correlation between cognition and schizophrenia, the research also suggested that environmental factors can account for the weak link between them. This essay will then discuss the influence of prenatal and postnatal risk factors as well as childhood trauma in the aetiology of schizophrenia. Prenatal and postnatal risk factors in aetiology of brain abnormalities A meta-analysis has demonstrated the strong correlation between schizophrenia and prenatal or obstetric complications such as below standard birth weight, premature birth and perinatal hypoxic brain damage (Cannon, Jones Murray, 2002). During prenatal stage, deficiency in micronutrients such as folate, iron and vitamin D can interrupt physical development of fetus and result in low birth weight (Brown Susser, 2008). Maternal exposure to infectious pathogens such as herpes simplex virus type-2, rubella, polio etc. can also impact neurodevelopment in fetus and raise the vulnerability of offspring towards schizophrenia. Furthermore, hynoxia (deficiency in oxygen level) during perinatal stage significantly influences the development of gray matter which in turn induces schizophrenia (Opler et al., 2013). Childhood trauma and experiences in aetiology of abnormal functional and structural brain development Positive symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucination is of strong association with undesirable childhood experiences such as abuse and neglect. Childhood trauma acts as a stressor which adversely alters the dopamine production system in hippocampus. Accordingly, the accumulated effect of abuse can trigger dysregulation of dopaminergic transmission as well as the onset of schizophrenia (Read, Os, Morrison Ross, 2005). The abnormal dopamine level (either too high or too low) is linked with the aetiology of schizophrenia, corresponding to the inverted ‘U’ model (Cools DEsposito, 2011). In addition, childhood abuse can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI) which results in neurodegeneration and significant volume loss in various brain regions and eventually leads to the onset of psychosis (Keightley, 2014). 1316 GENE-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION Case Study: COMT genotypes moderates the effect of adolescent cannabis-use on risk of schizophrenia in adulthood Strong evidences have signified the use of cannabis in adolescence as the modest risk factors for schizophrenia. Early use of cannabis is capable of increasing the risk of brain abnormalities and schizophrenia because the brains of adolescents are still under development and brain maturation is extremely susceptible to the deleterious effect cannabis use (Ehrenreich et al 1999; Pistis et al 2004; Pope et al 2003; Schneider and Koch 2003). Nonetheless, this environmental factor alone cannot be regarded as an aetiology of such mental disorder because a vast majority of the cannabis adolescent users do not exhibit schizophrenic disorders in adulthood (Caspi et al., 2005). Hence, the vulnerability of individuals towards adolescent-onset use of cannabis suggests a gene-environment interaction. In fact, COMT gene, as discussed above, is involved in regulating such trait. Individuals who have two copies of Val alleles carry the highest risk of schizophrenia at age 26 if cannabis abuse was f ound in their early stages, followed by Met-Val genotypes and adolescents who inherited Met-Met COMT genotype are least vulnerable to the abuse use of cannabis (Caspi et al., 2005). Thus, this clearly demonstrates the moderation effect of COMT on cannabis use and the gene-environment interaction. CONCLUSION In conclusion, understanding the role of various genes such as COMT and dysbindin in regulating the neurotransmission can help developing adequate medications which effectively tackle the mental illness. Identifying the influence of prenatal and obstetric complications as well as childhood experiences in aetiology of schizophrenia can also effectively prevent the onset of schizophrenia. Last but not least, studying the gene-environment interaction in the case of cannabis use reveals the multifactorial properties and intricate aetiology of schizophrenia. Hence, future research is encouraged to work on such interaction in order to pinpoint the main causes of such mental disorder. REFERENCES Andreasen, N. C., Olsen, S. (1982). Negative v positive schizophrenia: definition and validation.Archives of General Psychiatry,39(7), 789. Bleuler, E. (1950). Dementia praecox or the group of schizophrenias. Oxford/England: International Universities Press. 548. Carlsson, A. (1988). The current status of the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia. Neuropsychopharmacology. Cardno AG, Marshall EJ, Coid B, Macdonald AM, Ribchester TR, Davies NJ, et al. (1999). Heritability estimates for psychotic disorders.Arch Gen Psychiatry,56 (162), 8. Kallmann, F. J. (1946). The genetic theory of schizophrenia: an analysis of 691 schizophrenic twin index families.American Journal of Psychiatry,103(3), 309-322. Kety, S. S. R. D., Rosenthal, D., Wender, P. H., Schulsinger, F., Jacobsen, B. (1974). Mental illness in the biological and adoptive families of adopted individuals who have become schizophrenic: A preliminary report based upon interviews with the relatives.Journal of Psychiatric Research,10(2), 154. Ingraham, L. J., Wender, P. H., Kety, S. S. (1991). Characterization of genetically transmitted schizophrenia in Danish adoptees.Schizophrenia Research,4(3), 279-280. Ross, C. A., Margolis, R. L., Reading, S. A., Pletnikov, M., Coyle, J. T. (2006). Neurobiology of schizophrenia.Neuron,52(1), 139-153. Straub, R. E., Jiang, Y., MacLean, C. J., Ma, Y., Webb, B. T., Myakishev, M. V., Kendler, K. S. (2002). Genetic variation in the 6p22. 3 Gene DTNBP1 the human ortholog of the mouse dysbindin gene is associated with schizophrenia.The American Journal of Human Genetics, 71(2), 337-348. Shao, L., Shuai, Y., Wang, J., Feng, S., Lu, B., Li, Z., Zhong, Y. (2011). Schizophrenia susceptibility gene dysbindin regulates glutamatergic and dopaminergic functions via distinctive mechanisms in Drosophila.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,108(46), 18831-18836. Olney, J. W., Newcomer, J. W., Farber, N. B. (1999). NMDA receptor hypofunction model of schizophrenia.Journal of psychiatric research,33(6), 523-533. Coyle, J. T. (2006). Glutamate and schizophrenia: beyond the dopamine hypothesis.Cellular and molecular neurobiology,26(4-6), 363-382. Talbot, K., Eidem, W. L., Tinsley, C. L., Benson, M. A., Thompson, E. W., Smith, R. J., Arnold, S. E. (2004). Dysbindin-1 is reduced in intrinsic, glutamatergic terminals of the hippocampal formation in schizophrenia. The Journal of clinical investigation, 113(9), 1353-1363. Weickert, C. S., Rothmond, D. A., Hyde, T. M., Kleinman, J. E., Straub, R. E. (2008). Reduced DTNBP1 (dysbindin-1) mRNA in the hippocampal formation of schizophrenia patients. Schizophrenia research, 98(1), 105-110. Karlsgodt, K. H., Robleto, K., Trantham-Davidson, H., Jairl, C., Cannon, T. D., Lavin, A., Jentsch, J. D. (2011). Reduced dysbindin expression mediates N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor hypofunction and impaired working memory performance. Biological psychiatry, 69(1), 28-34. Tang, T. T. T., Yang, F., Chen, B. S., Lu, Y., Ji, Y., Roche, K. W., Lu, B. (2009). Dysbindin regulates hippocampal LTP by controlling NMDA receptor surface expression. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(50), 21395-21400. Egan, M. F., Goldberg, T. E., Kolachana, B. S., Callicott, J. H., Mazzanti, C. M., Straub, R. E., Weinberger, D. R. (2001). Effect of COMT Val108/158 Met genotype on frontal lobe function and risk for schizophrenia.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,98(12), 6917-6922. Cools, R., DEsposito, M. (2011). Inverted-U–Shaped Dopamine actions on human working memory and cognitive control.Biological psychiatry,69(12), e113-e125. Opler, M., Charap, J., Greig, A., Stein, V., Polito, S., Malaspina, D. (2013). Environmental risk factors and schizophrenia.International Journal of Mental Health,42(1), 23-32. Gottesman, I. I., Bertelsen, A. (1989). Confirming unexpressed genotypes for schizophrenia: risks in the offspring of Fischers Danish identical and fraternal discordant twins.Archives of General Psychiatry,46(10), 867-872. Toulopoulou, T., Goldberg, T. E., Mesa, I. R., Picchioni, M., Rijsdijk, F., Stahl, D., Murray, R. M. (2010). Impaired intellect and memory: a missing link between genetic risk and schizophrenia?.Archives of general psychiatry,67(9), 905-913. Manoach, D. S. (2003). Prefrontal cortex dysfunction during working memory performance in schizophrenia: reconciling discrepant findings.Schizophrenia research,60(2), 285-298. Owens, S. F., Picchioni, M. M., Ettinger, U., McDonald, C., Walshe, M., Schmechtig, A., Toulopoulou, T. (2012). Prefrontal deviations in function but not volume are putative endophenotypes for schizophrenia.Brain, 138. Cannon, M., Jones, P. B., Murray, R. M. (2002). Obstetric complications and schizophrenia: historical and meta-analytic review.American Journal of Psychiatry,159(7), 1080-1092. Brown, A.S., Susser, E.S. (2008). Prenatal nutritional deficiency and risk of adult schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 34, 1054–1063 Read, J., Os, J. V., Morrison, A. P., Ross, C. A. (2005). Childhood trauma, psychosis and schizophrenia: a literature review with theoretical and clinical implications.Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica,112(5), 330-350. Van Os, J., Rutten, B. P., Poulton, R. (2008). Gene-environment interactions in schizophrenia: review of epidemiological findings and future directions. Schizophrenia bulletin,34(6), 1066-1082. Caspi, A., Moffitt, T. E., Cannon, M., McClay, J., Murray, R., Harrington, H., Craig, I. W. (2005). Moderation of the effect of adolescent-onset cannabis use on adult psychosis by a functional polymorphism in the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene: longitudinal evidence of a gene X environment interaction.Biological psychiatry,57(10), 1117-1127. Keightley, M. L., Sinopoli, K. J., Davis, K. D., Mikulis, D. J., Wennberg, R., Tartaglia, M. C., Tator, C. H. (2014). Is there evidence for neurodegenerative change following traumatic brain injury in children and youth? A scoping review.Frontiers in human neuroscience,8. Schneider, K. (1959) Klinische Psychopathologie. New York/Stuttgart : Thieme Verlag.

The Republic by Plato Essay -- essays research papers

The Republic by Plato At the beginning of Book I, we are introduced to the narrator, Socrates, and his audience of peers. We are made aware, however, of Socrates' special charm and intellectual gifts through the insistence of Polemarchus and the other men for the pleasure of his company. The tone is casual and language and modes of expression rather simple, as is commonly the case in Plato's dialogues. However, Plato's unaffected style serves at least two purposes. For one it belies the complexity and elevation of the ideas, thus it is in accord with Socrates' characteristic irony itself, which draws the "fool" in by feigned ignorance, only so that the master can show that he does not know what he thinks he knows. And second, the plainness of style complements truth and wisdom, the aim of all the dialogues, which by nature are aphoristic. In Socrates' conversation with Cephalus, the proper approach to aging and the state of old age is addressed. Although other men Cephalus' age commonly complain that for them, "life is no longer life," Cephalus feels that they misattribute discomfort and unhappiness resulting from their defective characters to advanced age. Building on a statement by Sophocles, Cephalus concludes, "he who is of a calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age." Socrates' inquiry as to whether Cephalus' happiness owes to the comfort of wealth demands a qualification of this position? That while a man's nature ultimately determines his peace of mind in old age; wealth is also an undeniably important factor. The passage concerning justice illustrates Socrates' dexterous intellect and his dogged skepticism. Playful and humorous at times, the conversation ends, at several points, in absurd--and apparently inexorable--conclusions such as that the just man is a thief. What is at work here is another type of irony, in which Socrates and his auditors accept as a temporary resolution what the dialogue's audience, i.e. the reader, cannot. Here, Plato grants the reader space to think for himself. A central problem with Polemarchus' definition (borrowed from Simonides) a form of conventional morality of justice, "doing good to your friends and harm to your enemies," is the vulnerability of its individual terms. Not surprisingly, Socrates probes each one, exposing any and all weaknesses or limitatio... ...es itself on the wisdom. The souls of the wicked are a more complicated issue, for, insofar as they are immortal, evil cannot destroy them. However, Plato warns, there are various manifest parts to the soul, and evil-doing damages these. And unjust men also injure their own bodies and the bodies of others. In any case the afterlife is what is most important; there the good soul enjoys the benefits it may or may not have experienced in life. The moral of the tale of Er, if we may drain it of its color, is that of the eternal return, or recurrence. After death the soul is ultimately judged. This judgment determines the owner of the soul's order of choice in lots for the next life. Then, whatever wisdom he has accumulated previously helps him make his choice when his lot comes up. Both moments are essential because they represent choices between good and evil. One is an ongoing choice, alive in mortal life, and the other is the ultimate choice the sum of what the soul has learned in life. Man is responsible for his own behavior, says Plato. And the final twist is that, it seems, the wise man does not really forget, since if he is truly wise he will choose yet another wise existence.

Racism Essay examples -- Racial Prejudice

Racism Racism has often played a central role in conflicts between groups of people. Racism is the intentional or unintentional use of power to isolate, separate and exploit others as defined in the Webster dictionary. People generally respond to others differently based on what they know, which may include superficial characteristics often associated with race. This paper will express my opinion of how racism will effect America. I will base information from Webster’s definition of Racism, reading assigned for the course, and some of my own ideas on ways to overcome this obstacle as a nation. Racism has historically been defined as the belief that race is the primary determinant of human capacities, that a certain race is inherently superior or inferior to others, and/or that individuals should be treated differently according to their racial designation. Sometimes racism means beliefs, practices, and institutions that discriminate against people based on their perceived or ascribed race. While the sin of racism is an age-old phenomenon based on ignorance, fear, estrangement, and false pride, some of its ugliest manifestations have taken place in our time. Racism and irrational prejudices operate in a vicious circle. Racism is among the worst of ingrained prejudices that characterize sinful human beings. Racism's ultimate goal, according to Fredrickson, is to establish a permanent hierarchal order that, "has two components: difference and power." Dictionaries are not much help in understanding what is meant by the word. They usually define it as the belief that one's own ethnic stock is superior to others, or as the belief that culture and behavior are rooted in race. When Americans speak of racism they mean a great deal more than this. Nevertheless, the dictionary definition of racism is a clue to understanding what Americans do mean. Nussbaum’s argument is logical, in which case it can be stated as: If your first loyalty should be to your own group, then why arbitrarily make this group the one represented by your country? Why not direct your primary allegiance to your own particular tribe or kinship group? After all, if the mere accident of belonging to such and such a group is to be the basis of your moral allegiance, then what makes your country a more logical choice than your sect or tribe or even your family? Where do you draw the line?... ... false belief that "some" races are inherently superior to others because of different skin color, nationality, ethnic or cultural background. RACISM deprives people of their basic human rights, dignity and respect Global change has to start small and travel abroad. If children are taught at an early age that it is ok to mock and stereotype others, when they become in the position to change policy concerning the offensive use of other cultures, is it any wonder why they don't see such use as racism and stereotyping? What I propose is that we look for the seeds of racism in dominant society and we destroy them by replacing with good seeds. We need to replace the seeds of racism with seeds of morality, compassion, love, and mutual respect, which is found in our traditional teachings, so that are children and future my blossom. We will only continue to hurt ourselves by not welcoming diversity. Racial discrimination is an offense against our fellow human beings, who were created in God's image. We must have a evolution of process to make change happen. This is the only cure that will aide the Americans in becoming less racist. Change is not instantaneous nor will it happen over night.

Physics Investigation of Stopping Distances :: Papers

Physics Investigation of Stopping Distances Aim === To investigate how a toy car's stopping distance is affected by its vertical height Hypothesis The greater an object's gravitational potential energy the longer it will take to cease all movement. This is because it will have more kinetic energy - and if we assume that the energy is removed at a constant rate by friction then the more kinetic energy an object has the longer it will continue moving Background knowledge This experiment will be looking at the transfer of energy from gravitational potential energy (gpe) to kinetic energy (ke) and the effect of friction on the loss of kinetic energy. gpe = mass (kg) X force of gravity (9.18N per kg on Earth) X the object's vertical height (m) This means that the more vertical height an object gains the greater its gpe is. Friction applies an opposite force to a moving object, which means the object will loose energy faster than usual. The greater the friction the faster the energy loss. Equipment Toy car, 2 wooden bards (1m long 40cm wide), metre ruler, several textbooks of equal size ('physics in action'), a set of scales Method 1. Record weight of car 2. Using the formula for gpe calculate the car's gpe 3. Set up the boards and books as seen below so that the start point is at the required height 4. Hold car at start point and release 5. Record the distance travelled across the flat board [IMAGE] Fair test variables  · Same equipment for each test - different cars will perform differently, different boards will give different amounts of friction  · Start point on board - if the car travels a different distance on the sloped board before it runs on the flat board than it will be affected by gravity differently and this will change the results  · The same person should release the car each time and in the same way

A research paper on River Tamirabarani

Introduction: The Tamirabarani River originates from the famous Agasthiyarkoodam Peak in Western Ghats,Ambasumadram Taluk.It flows through Tirunelveli and Tuticorin .Etymology: The Thamirabarani contains traces of copper, hence its name (Thamiram means copper in Tamil). The copper content gives it a distinct reddish shade.The river has also been historically known as Porunai.Some scholars interpret the name Tamiraparani as Tamiram (copper) and Varuni (stream or river). They ascribe this origin as the bed of the river is of red soil; when the water flows on the red soil it gives a copper-like appearance.Historical Reference: The Ancient Greeks of the time of Ptolemy refer to the river as Solen. Spelt differently as Tampraparani, Tamraparni, Tamiravaruni, etc., the river is mentioned as the Porunai nathi in Tamil poetic literature. It gets recognition and is referred to as the renowned one in Sanskrit literature references to which are as old as that of the Puranas and Epics.Almost all the villages and towns along the course of this river are historical settlements.One well known example is Aadhichanallur which is a preserved  site of the State Archaeology Department from where pre-historic artifacts are excavated.The Tamirabarani river is referred to in anicient Sangam and Tamil texts. In Mahabharatha (3:88) the river is mentioned as â€Å"Listen, O son of Kunti, I shall now describe Tamraparni. In that asylum the gods had undergone penances impelled by the desire of obtaining salvation†Geographical Notes: The Tamiraparani originates from the peak of the Periya Pothigai hills of the Western Ghats above Papanasam in the Ambasamudram taluk. The great river like the Cauvery, but unlike most of the other Indian rivers, is fed by both the monsoons – the south west and the north-eastern and is seen in full spate twice a year if the monsoons do not fail.Prior to the bifurcation of the Tirunelveli district, the Tamiraparani was the only major river in Ta milnadu which had its source and end in the same district. After bifurcation, the river traverses the two districts of Tirunelveli and Tuticorin before joining the Gulf of Mannar of the Bay of Bengal at Punnaikayal in Tiruchendur taluk of Thoothukkudi district.The river is 130 kilometers in length and the Thamirabarani basin is situated between latitudes 8.21` N and 9.13` N and between 77.10` E longitudes. The forty metres deep Vanatheertham waterfalls are located near the origin of the Thamirabarani River. The river is feed by its tributaries as well as by monsoons. The river is joined by its headwater tributaries Peyar, Ullar, Pambar before it flows into the Kariyar Dam reservoir, where it meets Kariyar.The river descends down the mountains near Papanasam, where it forms the Kalyanatheertham falls and Agasthiar fallsTributaries Of The River: From the source to sea, the total length of the river is about 125 km., of which its course in Tirunelveli district alone is about 75 km. Ori ginating at an altitude of 1725 m. above MSL at Periya Pothigai hill ranges and integral hill track of Western Ghats in Ambasamudram taluk, it passes through the taluks of Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai of Tirunelveli district and Srivaikundam and Tiruchendur taluksof Thoothukkudi district. In the Ghats, the chief tributaries of the river are the Peyar, Ullar, Karaiyar, Servalar and the Pambar. These rivers join the Tamiraparani and enrich its  course before it reaches the plains. The first tributary which enriches the water of the Tamiraparani in the plains on the right side is the Manimuthar. Then comes the Gadananathi, which joins the Tamiraparani at Tiruppudaimaruthur. Before the Gadananathi’s entry into the Tamiraparani, the Gadananadhi is joined by the rivers Kallar, Karunaiyar and Veeranathi or Varahanathi which joins the river Gadananathi about 1.5 km north-east of Kila Ambur. The river Pachaiyar is another tributary which joins the Tamiraparani near Tharuvai village in Palayamkottai Taluk.One of the important and affluent tributaries of the Tamiraparani is the Chithar or Chitranathi which arises in the Courtalam hills and receives supply from the rivers Gundar, Hanumanathi and Karuppanathi. The Chithar empities itself into the Tamiraparani in Sivalapperi Village. The river drains with its tributaries an area of about 4400 sq. km. As most of its extensive catchments areas lay in the Western ghats, the river enjoys the full benefit of both the monsoons which make the river perennial. Since all its tributaries are arising from the Western ghats, the river is prone to heavy floods especially during the North East monsoon. Usage Of The River(Then):Not much is known about the usage of Tamirabarani River back then. The river has been historically known as Podhigai. It finds mention in the ancient Sangam and Tamil texts. There is an ancient script written as ‘Thamirabarani mahathmiyam’.Usage Of The River(Now): The many anicuts,dams and re servoirs on the Thamirabarani river, along with those on the Manimuthar River, provide a large proportion of the water for irrigation and power generation for Tirunelveli District. It is fed by both the monsoons – the south west and the north-eastern and is seen in full spate twice a year if the monsoons do not fail. The Gadananadhi has 6 anicuts and a reservoir of 9,970,000 m ³, and irrigates 38.87 km ² of wetlands. The Ramanadhi has 7 anicuts, a reservoir of 4,300,000 m ³, and irrigates 20.23 km ² of wetlands. Pachaiyar River has 12 anicuts and irrigates 61.51 km ² of wet and dry lands.The important irrigation channels branching off from both the banks of the river Tamiraparani are, South Kodaimelalagian channel, North Kodaimelalagian channel (Kodaimelalagian  anaicut), Nathiyunni channel (Nathiyunni anaicut), Kannadian channel (Kannadian anaicut), Kodagan channel (Ariyanayagipuram anaicut), Palayam (Palavur anaicut) channel, Tirunelveli channel (Suthamalli anai cut), Marudur Melakkal, Marudur Keelakkal (Marudur anaicut), South Main Channel and North Main Channel (Srivaikundam anaicut). Of these the first seven anaicuts were constructed during the period of ancient and medieval rulers and the last anaicut namely the Srivaikundam anaicut was constructed and completed by the British in 1869.List of dams across Thamirabarani river:1. Kodaimelaalagain anaicut 1281.67Hectares 2. Nathiyunni anaicut 1049.37 Hectares 3. Kannadian anaicut 2266.69 Hectares 4. Ariyanayagipuram anaicut 4767.30Hectares 5. Palavur anaicut 3557.26Hectares 6. Suthamalli anaicut 2559.69Hectares 7. Marudur anaicut 7175.64HectaresList of channels:1. South Kodaimelalagain channel 2. North Kodaimelalagain channel 3. Nathiyunni channel 4. Kannadian channel 5. Kodagan channel 6. Palayam channel 7. Tirunelveli channel 8. Marudur Melakkal 9. Marudur KeelakalPollution And Other Problems: This was an article in a Tamil daily.Many rivers in Tamil nadu have already become poisoned due to the mixing of industrial wastages and sewages. No measures have been taken to prevent them from degradation. Cooum is the best example for how a river can be degraded into a drainage. Noyyal has been polluted long back by the industries at. Uyyakondan/ Kudamuruti river, which passes through Tiruchirappalli has almost reached the drainage degree. Thamirabarani was the only perennial river in Tamil Nadu. Now, this river also poses a danger of being polluted due to plastic waste. Water falling from Coutralam falls is named as Sitraaru (Chitra Nadhi in Sanskrit), which is a branch to Tamirabharani is getting polluted by tourists day by day by polythene wastes. The Servalaaru, another branch river of Tamirabarani also getting poluted in its origination point itself by the tourists. Of late, Thamirabarani River is greatly polluted due to rapid industrialization on its banks including pulp, paper, textile, various workshops, photographic industries, various small scale industries leadin g to the discharge untreated effluents as also human and animal wastes, etc.The waste consists of dye stuff, sulphates, sulphide, copper, zinc, lead, phenolics, chlorides, lingo cellulosic wastes, mercaptans, mercury, etc. The survey conducted at various canals of Thamirabarani river reveals that the arsenic, chemical and pollution levels are extremely high than the permissible limits. Further the presence of amala plants in the canal greatly absorbs the oxygen level leading to the death of living things. Besides, the increased presence of microbes spreads foul smell in the canals. There are shocking reports that one litre of river water contains more than 1,300 microbes. The presence of high-level of toxic substances in the river water and its consumption causes irritation and other skin related diseases. There is huge apprehension among the scientists and farmers that if the present situation is allowed to continue, the crops will be greatly affected. Due to sand mining,the number of fish in the river has met with a drastic decrease.In Tirunelveli,Tuticorin,Virudhunagar districts,people are hesitating to use the â€Å"Jiva Nathi†Tamirabarani’s water for irrigating their fields.The river earlier was the source of water for cooking,consum-ption and other uses.The hotels,factories and hospitals on the banks of the river are dumping their hazardous wastes in the river.The settlements on the banks are also polluting the river on their part.The people have been using the river as a place to attend their nature’s call.Because of these,some parts of the river has become unfit for human use.Due to the mixing of germs,harmful alloys,factory wastes in the river,the Tamirabharani river is heading towards destruction.Plans And Projects To Rectify The Problems:Though the Government has taken many steps to clean rivers,none of them are being carried out properly.Also,the awareness among the people is decreasing day by day.First of all,if the mixing of wastes in the river is stopped,two thirds of the pollution will stop.The river also poses as a breeding ground for mosquitoes as the sewage mixes in the river.If the sewage is diverted,the breeding of mosquitoes will stop.Rivers and streams provide 65% of our nation’s drinking water.The second step is to create awareness among the people.Many rivers have been saved due to community projects undertaken by the people.Likewise,if the problems faced by the Tamirabharani river gains awareness,there is scope for positive development.Conclusion:The problem is never too late to be solved.The future of the Tamirabharani river will be determined by our actions.Do we want our Tamirabhrani river,the â€Å"Jiva Nathi† Tamirabharani to become another Cooum?The question is posed before us.The answer for this question lies in our hands. Through the National River Cleanup Program in the US, 900,000+ people have cleaned 162,000+ miles of streams, removing almost 9 million pounds of tras h.This could act as an example for us.The steps taken hereafter, should be proactive and not improvident. A research paper on River Tamirabarani Introduction:The Tamirabarani River originates from the famous Agasthiyarkoodam Peak in Western Ghats,Ambasumadram Taluk.It flows through Tirunelveli and Tuticorin .Etymology:The Thamirabarani contains traces of copper, hence its name (Thamiram means copper in Tamil). The copper content gives it a distinct reddish shade.The river has also been historically known as Porunai.Some scholars interpret the name Tamiraparani as Tamiram (copper) and Varuni (stream or river). They ascribe this origin as the bed of the river is of red soil; when the water flows on the red soil it gives a copper-like appearance.Historical Reference:The Ancient Greeks of the time of Ptolemy refer to the river as Solen. Spelt differently as Tampraparani, Tamraparni, Tamiravaruni, etc., the river is mentioned as the Porunai nathi in Tamil poetic literature. It gets recognition and is referred to as the renowned one in Sanskrit literature references to which are as old as that of the Puranas and Epics.Almost all th e villages and towns along the course of this river are historical settlements.One well known example is Aadhichanallur which is a preserved  site of the State Archaeology Department from where pre-historic artifacts are excavated.The Tamirabarani river is referred to in anicient Sangam and Tamil texts. In Mahabharatha (3:88) the river is mentioned as â€Å"Listen, O son of Kunti, I shall now describe Tamraparni. In that asylum the gods had undergone penances impelled by the desire of obtaining salvation†Geographical Notes:The Tamiraparani originates from the peak of the Periya Pothigai hills of the Western Ghats above Papanasam in the Ambasamudram taluk. The great river like the Cauvery, but unlike most of the other Indian rivers, is fed by both the monsoons – the south west and the north-eastern and is seen in full spate twice a year if the monsoons do not fail.Prior to the bifurcation of the Tirunelveli district, the Tamiraparani was the only major river in Tamiln adu which had its source and end in the same district. After bifurcation, the river traverses the two districts of Tirunelveli and Tuticorin before joining the Gulf of Mannar of the Bay of Bengal at Punnaikayal in Tiruchendur taluk of Thoothukkudi district.The river is 130 kilometers in length and the Thamirabarani basin is situated between latitudes 8.21` N and 9.13` N and between 77.10` E longitudes. The forty metres deep Vanatheertham waterfalls are located near the origin of the Thamirabarani River. The river is feed by its tributaries as well as by monsoons. The river is joined by its headwater tributaries Peyar, Ullar, Pambar before it flows into the Kariyar Dam reservoir, where it meets Kariyar.The river descends down the mountains near Papanasam, where it forms the Kalyanatheertham falls and Agasthiar fallsTributaries Of The River:From the source to sea, the total length of the river is about 125 km., of which its course in Tirunelveli district alone is about 75 km. Originat ing at an altitude of 1725 m. above MSL at Periya Pothigai hill ranges and integral hill track of Western Ghats in Ambasamudram taluk, it passes through the taluks of Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai of Tirunelveli district and Srivaikundam and Tiruchendur taluks of Thoothukkudi district. In the Ghats, the chief tributaries of the river are the Peyar, Ullar, Karaiyar, Servalar and the Pambar. These rivers join the Tamiraparani and enrich its course before it reaches the plains. The first tributary which enriches the water of the Tamiraparani in the plains on the right side is the Manimuthar.Then comes the Gadananathi, which joins the Tamiraparani at Tiruppudaimaruthur. Before the Gadananathi’s entry into the Tamiraparani, the Gadananadhi is joined by the rivers Kallar, Karunaiyar and Veeranathi or Varahanathi which joins the river Gadananathi about 1.5 km north-east of Kila Ambur. The river Pachaiyar is another tributary which joins the Tamiraparani near Tharuvai village in Pala yamkottai Taluk. One of the important and affluent tributaries of the Tamiraparani is the Chithar or Chitranathi which arises in the Courtalam hills and receives supply from the rivers Gundar, Hanumanathi and Karuppanathi. The Chithar empities itself into the Tamiraparani in Sivalapperi Village.The river drains with its tributaries an area of about 4400 sq. km. As most of its extensive catchments areas lay in the Western ghats, the river enjoys the full benefit of both the monsoons which make the river perennial. Since all its tributaries are arising from the Western ghats, the river is prone to heavy floods especially during the North East monsoon. Usage Of The River(Then):Not much is known about the usage of Tamirabarani River back then. The river has been historically known as Podhigai. It finds mention in the ancient Sangam and Tamil texts. There is an ancient script written as ‘Thamirabarani mahathmiyam’.Usage Of The River(Now):The many anicuts,dams and reservoirs on the Thamirabarani river, along with those on the Manimuthar River, provide a large proportion of the water for irrigation and power generation for Tirunelveli District. It is fed by both the monsoons – the south west and the north-eastern and is seen in full spate twice a year if the monsoons do not fail. The Gadananadhi has 6 anicuts and a reservoir of 9,970,000 m ³, and irrigates 38.87 km ² of wetlands. The Ramanadhi has 7 anicuts, a reservoir of 4,300,000 m ³, and irrigates 20.23 km ² of wetlands. Pachaiyar River has 12 anicuts and irrigates 61.51 km ² of wet and dry lands.The important irrigation channels branching off from both the banks of the river Tamiraparani are, South Kodaimelalagian channel, North Kodaimelalagian channel (Kodaimelalagian  anaicut), Nathiyunni channel (Nathiyunni anaicut), Kannadian channel (Kannadian anaicut), Kodagan channel (Ariyanayagipuram anaicut), Palayam (Palavur anaicut) channel, Tirunelveli channel (Suthamalli anaicut), Mar udur Melakkal, Marudur Keelakkal (Marudur anaicut), South Main Channel and North Main Channel (Srivaikundam anaicut). Of these the first seven anaicuts were constructed during the period of ancient and medieval rulers and the last anaicut namely the Srivaikundam anaicut was constructed and completed by the British in 1869.List of dams across Thamirabarani river:1. Kodaimelaalagain anaicut 1281.67Hectares 2. Nathiyunni anaicut 1049.37 Hectares 3. Kannadian anaicut 2266.69 Hectares 4. Ariyanayagipuram anaicut 4767.30Hectares 5. Palavur anaicut 3557.26Hectares 6. Suthamalli anaicut 2559.69Hectares 7. Marudur anaicut 7175.64HectaresList of channels:1. South Kodaimelalagain channel 2. North Kodaimelalagain channel 3. Nathiyunni channel 4. Kannadian channel 5. Kodagan channel 6. Palayam channel 7. Tirunelveli channel 8. Marudur Melakkal 9. Marudur KeelakalPollution And Other Problems: This was an article in a Tamil daily.Many rivers in Tamil nadu have already become poisoned due to the mi xing of industrial wastages and sewages. No measures have been taken to prevent them from degradation. Cooum is the best example for how a river can be degraded into a drainage. Noyyal has been polluted long back by the industries at  Tiruppur. Uyyakondan/ Kudamuruti river, which passes through Tiruchirappalli has almost reached the drainage degree. Thamirabarani was the only perennial river in Tamil Nadu. Now, this river also poses a danger of being polluted due to plastic waste.Water falling from Coutralam falls is named as Sitraaru (Chitra Nadhi in Sanskrit), which is a branch to Tamirabharani is getting polluted by tourists day by day by polythene wastes. The Servalaaru, another branch river of Tamirabarani also getting poluted in its origination point itself by the tourists. Of late, Thamirabarani River is greatly polluted due to rapid industrialization on its banks including pulp, paper, textile, various workshops, photographic industries, various small scale industries lead ing to the discharge untreated effluents as also human and animal wastes, etc. The waste consists of dye stuff, sulphates, sulphide, copper, zinc, lead, phenolics, chlorides, lingo cellulosic wastes, mercaptans, mercury, etc.The survey conducted at various canals of Thamirabarani river reveals that the arsenic, chemical and pollution levels are extremely high than the permissible limits. Further the presence of amala plants in the canal greatly absorbs the oxygen level leading to the death of living things. Besides, the increased presence of microbes spreads foul smell in the canals. There are shocking reports that one litre of river water contains more than 1,300 microbes. The presence of high-level of toxic substances in the river water and its consumption causes irritation and other skin related diseases. There is huge apprehension among the scientists and farmers that if the present situation is allowed to continue, the crops will be greatly affected.Due to sand mining,the numbe r of fish in the river has met with a drastic decrease.In Tirunelveli,Tuticorin,Virudhunagar districts,people are hesitating to use the â€Å"Jiva Nathi†Tamirabarani’s water for irrigating their fields.The river earlier was the source of water for cooking,consum-ption and other uses.The hotels,factories and hospitals on the banks of the river are dumping their hazardous wastes in the river.The settlements on the banks are also polluting the river on their part.The people have been using the river as a place to attend their nature’s call.Because of these,some parts of the river has become unfit for human use.Due to the mixing of germs,harmful alloys,factory wastes in the river,the Tamirabharani river is heading towards destruction.Plans And Projects To Rectify The Problems:Though the Government has taken many steps to clean rivers,none of them are being carried out properly.Also,the awareness among the people is decreasing day by day.First of all,if the mixing of wastes in the river is stopped,two thirds of the pollution will stop.The river also poses as a breeding ground for mosquitoes as the sewage mixes in the river.If the sewage is diverted,the breeding of mosquitoes will stop.Rivers and streams provide 65% of our nation’s drinking water.The second step is to create awareness among the people.Many rivers have been saved due to community projects undertaken by the people.Likewise,if the problems faced by the Tamirabharani river gains awareness,there is scope for positive development.Conclusion:The problem is never too late to be solved.The future of the Tamirabharani river will be determined by our actions.Do we want our Tamirabhrani river,the â€Å"Jiva Nathi† Tamirabharani to become another Cooum?The question is posed before us.The answer for this question lies in our hands. Through the National River Cleanup Program in the US, 900,000+ people have cleaned 162,000+ miles of streams, removing almost 9 million pounds of tra sh.This could act as an example for us.The steps taken hereafter, should be proactive and not improvident.

Cultural Diversity and Literacy Essay

The student body of academic institutions for higher learning is becoming more and more diverse in culture and social groups through the past generations (Koester & Lustig, 1991; Powell & Collier, 1990). Therefore, educators must bear in mind this diversity factor and modify teaching procedures accordingly. I am a Korean intending to effectively teach piano lessons to high school students. I should be able to help my students appreciate the piano, play the piano excellently and make them become highly literate in music. In a paper presented at the Central States Communication Association Convention in Oklahoma City in 1994, Goulden suggests that the primary goal of academicians and educators in facing cultural diversity should be to â€Å"provide an opportunity for learning that is beneficial for students (1994 5). This primary goal is supported by more straightforward objectives. Goulden also states that the students must be prepared for life after graduation (1994 5). Therefore, the end goal should be to help the students, however diverse their cultures are, to stand proud for his culture and for what he has learned. As a piano teacher, I think that aside from teaching my students to simply play the piano, I must also impart on them the value of cultural pride, as well as the importance of understanding people on other cultures that will also be part of their audience in playing the piano. Even as music is considered a universal language, it will help my students to play with passion to be able to transcend cultural differences. It is my goal as a teacher to help them achieve that level of effectiveness. Of course, in effect, I intend to teach piano lessons to my students to help them achieve high literacy in music. Literacy is a much broader concept than most people think. While others believe that literacy is all about learning to read and write, other academicians believe that literacy means deep understanding of subject matters, such as music. To contrast, literacy is what broadens a person’s world, while illiteracy shrinks it down (Needlman, 2001). I think a person’s imagination has a lot to do with literacy. For example, if my students could learn to read the notes and play the piano effectively, I will be happy as a teacher. However, if my students will play the piano and experiment with musical notes on their own, then, I will be happier; because it means that I am imparting high litereacy to my students. If my students can use their imagination and deepen their appreciation and interest in music, I will say they are highly literate in music. As a piano teacher, I think I need to know more than just my students’ level of skills. For instance, I need to know more than just the notes that they can or cannot read, or the music pieces that they can or cannot play. To be able to reach their mind and help them become imaginative, productive and highly literate in music, I must be able to overcome any possible barrier in reaching their mind. I think my students must have fun while learning with me. Culture can be a barrier to literacy, if there is no connection between teachers and students. For instance, some of my students might be intimidated by the fact that we Koreans, are highly interested in music, and it is an integral part of our lifestyle. I, as the teacher, should tell my students, that even if a certain culture appreciates music more than a certain other culture, it does not mean that the others cannot learn. In fact, on the contrary, we would be very happy to share our passion with the rest of the world. I think that as a teacher, I must understand my students, as well as their families and their communities so I can help them to reach a high level of literacy. Through understanding, I can better relate to my students and establish a connection with them so they will feel that they are a part of me, and I am a part of them, and we must celebrate our cultural diversity because it is beautiful to see that we are different, and yet the same. We have different cultures, but we also have the same interest and the same goals. Between my students and me, our main similarities should be our interest in learning together, learning from each other, and learning about music. For me to have a better understanding of the underlying effects of the increased cultural diversity of my students, I should look into the manners in which students from diverse social and cultural units experience music. I think I should educate myself and equip myself with knowledge about my students varied culture before I can become truly effective in reaching out to them, to make them excellent piano players. Culture is not a static phenomenon passed exactly as it is down from one generation to another; in fact, culture is a dynamic, flexible, breathing environment to which every person makes a contribution. In this case, education, specifically music education must be about helping every student find his passion in music, and help him nourish that passion so he could be prepared to make his own contribution to his own culture (Shuler, 2001). If I could help a student with a culture different from mine develop a contribution to his own culture, then it will also be my achievement as a teacher. References Goulden, N. R. (1994). Curricular Changes, Communication Skills, and Cultural Diversity: The Next Generation, 5. Koester, J. , & Lustig, M. (1991). Communication curricula in the Multicultural university. Communication Education, 40, 250-254. Needlman, R. (2001). What Is Literacy? Retrieved November 15, 2006 from http://www. drspock. com/article/0,1510,5133,00. html Powell, R. , & Collier, M. J. (1990). Public speaking instruction and cultural bias: The future of the basic course. American Behavioral Scientist, 34(2), 240-250. Shuler, S. C. (2001). Music and education in the twenty-first century: A retrospective, Arts Education Policy Review (Vol. 102, pp. 25): Heldref Publications.