ARISTOTLE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

ARISTOTLE - Essay Example Wealth itself is a neutral entity, if used properly can be a boon, if mishandled can turn into a bane. Its usage depends on the kind of people who possess it and their intention and actions how they utilize them. In such circumspect it is the mark of a noble man to spend than desire to save and possess that makes him a gentleman. This in return earns them praise, accolades and soft corners in different sections. Virtue is a painless act, rather a peace earning act which blesses the soul. Righteous individual would leave less to him and give more to others. The degree to which an individual gives away with respect to self earnings and self possession hold more ground than one who may possess more yet donate and give away less. Without regard for self accumulation if the donation is given away, it holds more ground than any other case of noble intention. Richness in true sense in one when one gives away rather than possession of material goods. The consideration of giving away to the r ight kind and right type is also a very important factor. It must be ensured that the recipients are fully worthy of it and deserve to be granted in the name of charity and virtue. The timings of donation and give away are also vital, since small donations in time of need are more valuable than large donations at time when they are least needed. This noble realization establishes a sense of self scrutiny in an individual and restricts him to the righteous path only. Source of donation and earning is also a factor determinant of noble cause. Spend thrift and miserliness is a double evil element, and imbalances of either extreme poles, one serving for deprived livings and lifestyle, while the other stands as extra lavish spending which in other words is wastage of resources and elements. While spend thrift is termed as outer bound, miserliness is a least bound below the nominal line on which the activities should be undertaken. These two factors are not mutually inclusive and may occu r as a contrasting element with one occurring at a time only (Kass ,151). However, spend thrift is at times given the edge and goes pass the radar unnoticed for at least he contributes in a certain way, while the miser individual in no measure contributes what so ever. Certain factors are highlighted which may bring the spend thrift individual to a desired and ordered border line zone. These factors can be that of loss of pecuniary element or the souring of digits in the life span column. The miser is deemed as sheer ignoble and despicable only because he does not contribute in any way, does not yearn to solve the troubles of people, nor does he take any concrete action to help the downtrodden, underprivileged section of society who through may be faced with the turbulent circumstances. Yet the spend thrift cannot be exempted and they do stand nearly guilty as the misers for their sources may not be genuine and may have come from a source that are not preached by the book, ethics an d laws. The diminishing of their own armory possessions lead them to adopting means which are against the rules and against the grain of noble man. These two serve as deviances and detraction from the desired path line. This can be mended through guidance, counseling, and right path determination and instruction along with the sense of benevolence and mankind welfare

An Assessment Of Human Resource Information System Information Technology Essay

An Assessment Of Human Resource Information System Information Technology Essay Nowadays, we are in a highly dynamic and competitive business globe. Hencea key person or top management of any organization tries to earn a larger share of the existing market. In such an environment, Information Technology (referred to henceforth as IT) and Information Systems (referred to henceforth as IS) would sharpen the business process and smooth the functions of the day-to-day operations. Although there are number of software or ISs are available in an organization, Human Resources Information System (referred to henceforth as HRIS) is the only system which takes care of human capital of the organization. Therefore, it is very important to have an effective and efficient HRIS and it should be maintained properly. Especially, infrastructure of the telecommunication organizations should be consisted with innovative technologies to cater quality service through their satisfied staff. Human Resources (referred to henceforth as HR) Department should pay more attention to achieve the desires of internal customers such as employees, middle managers and senior managers. According to the pilot survey, nearly all the employees in Sri Lanka Telecom PLC are using HIRS which has been implemented island wide. Existing users are facinga lot of system issues such as outdated, incorrect, inconsistent data, less reliability and user-friendliness, low performance, insufficient user training and most importantly poor contribution in making decisions. Theseissues mightheavily affectthe companys HR functions. The main objectives of this study are to assess the effectiveness of existing HRIS implemented in Sri Lanka Telecom PLC and identify its implications, advantages of introducing Online Performance Appraisal System (referred to henceforth as OPAS) to support the Strategic Human Resource Management (referred to henceforth as SHRM) in same organization context. To achieve the above objectives, the researcher has to address different aspects and various categories of employees and all managerial and technical difficulties in using the system, user trainings, inaccuracy of data, and use of web base sub sets of HRIS, etc. Conceptual Background Main focus of this section is to describe the main concepts which would be used in the entire research study. What isHuman Resource Information Systems? Tannenbaum(1990, p. 27) defines that Human Resource Information System is the system used to acquire, store, manipulate, analyze, retrieve and distribute related information regarding an organizations human resources.Nowadays, HRIS functionality includes corporate communication, recruitment, selection, training, employee opinion survey, compensation, payroll services and employee verification as well as general information (NgaiWat 2006). Same time HRIS assists HR professionals to focus on human capital analysis, but simply having more information does not automatically lead to a better analysis (Roehling et al. 2005). HRIS is an important tool for many businesses. Even the small office needs to realize the benefits of using HRIS to be more efficient. Normally,HR system should provide the capability to plan, control and manage HR costs more effectively; achieve improved efficiency and quality in HR decision making; and improve employee and managerial productivity and effectiveness. They also provide centralized location for company policies, announcements, and links to external URLs, reliable communication processes and save paper by providing an easy-access. There are two types of IS for HR Professional. The software available as web-based and desktop based. More popular some HRIS modules are: Recruitment Attendance and Leave Organization charts Employee self-service (Employees can update personal information and view benefits selections, absence transactions and payroll information) Automatic alerts Benefits Administration (Save paper and postage, take weeks off the benefits open enrollment period, reduce administration time, and improve data accuracy) Training and developments What is Human Resources management? Human Resources management is the process of managing human capital in organizations in a systematic and structured manner. This covers the job analyses, planning, recruiting the right people for the job in right time, managing wages and salaries, providing benefits and incentives, training and development, performance evaluation, resolving disputes, and communicating with all employees within the organization. What is the Performance Appraisal System? The Performance Appraisal System (referred to henceforth as PAS) is a software program which provides the facility to evaluate an individual employees performance and productivity link with objectives of the organization and pre-defined criteria in systematic way. Generally, performance appraisal interview is conducted once a year. Some companies have implemented mid-year review to monitor the progress of achieving individual targets. In the process of PA interviewing supervisor provides feed back to the employees, recommend trainings, and discuss compensation, disciplinary decisions, or job status. Performance management systems would align and manage organizations resources in order to achieve corporate goals through highest possible performance. What is the Strategic Human Resource Management? The strategic human resource management is relationship of strategic goals and objectives of the organization, with human resources in order to increase productivity, flexibility, to develop organizational culture and competitive advantage. HSRM involves as a strategic SHRM partner to achieve corporate goals through human resources functions such as employee selection, recruitment, carrier development, benefit management, etc. Main features of SHRM: There is a precise relationship with overall organizational strategic goals and HR policies and practices. HR management delegates much of their responsibilities down the line. There are some organizing schemas linking individual HR interventions mutually supportive. Contextual Background This section covers the current context of the research study in brief. A pilot survey was conducted to identify the contextual background of the Sri Lanka Telecoms (referred to henceforth as SLT) HRIS and used a semi-structured interview guide line to interview six senior managers who are attached to the HR group and other user group who are involving implementation and currently using the HRIS. Through the pilot survey the researcher has identified the problems of the context. Furthermore, SLT Annual reports were referred to in order to identify their policies and practices and also Telecom Management Information System (hereinafter referred as TMIS) documents such as user guides, architecture, diagrams were referred. At present,Sri Lanka Telecom is the leading Telecommunications Service Provider in Sri Lanka. For the first time SLT introduced a HRIS in year 2000 through a local company. It included very basic HR functions and facilitated simple operations. However in year 2005 the system was upgraded and currently using new version which has many automated HR processes keeping up-to- date employee records such as payroll, Attendance, personal information, training and development, benefit management, etc. Chief Officer Human Resource (referred to henceforth as CHRO) of Sri Lanka Telecom stated that SLT had spent around 30 Million LKR for Telecom Management Information System to upgrade the entire HR system in 2005. Although, SLT is paying approximately 1.5 million LKR for the annual maintenance of HRIS there are some technical and managerial issues available. Most of the users who are using existing system face lot of -issues such as out dated, incorrect, inconsistent, information less reliability and user-friendliness, low performance, insufficient user training and especially poor contribution in decision making. Human Recourse activities are very important for any organization to carry out their day to day business activities. As displaying in Figure 1.1, there are twenty sub modules are available in TMIS and it starts from employee recruitment to termination.HR processes include HR planning, exam assessment information, recruitment, Employee Information Manager, transfers, promotions, payroll, bonus, training development, attendance leave, disciplinary, welfare benefit management (e.g. loan, housing loan, medical reimbursement, circuit bungalow reservations, quarters allocation). Module Overview of the Telecom Management Information System C:UsersSLTUSERDesktopTMIS Diagrams.jpg Figure 1.1.HRM Enterprise Module Overview.Reprinted from TMISV2 System Architecture Document (p.11), by Hsenid Business Solutions,2005. Reprinted with permission. Research Issue Although, Sri Lanka Telecom PLC has been using the existing Human Resources Information System for the last decade, there is no sufficient improvement in human resource management and it does not support the strategic decision making. Furthermore, manual performance appraisal stem is not contributed to the strategic human resource management effectively and efficiently. Purpose of the research The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of existing Human Resource Information System implemented in Sri Lanka Telecom Public Listed Company (referred to henceforth as PLC)and to understand weather existing sub systems and web-based applications are supported to the strategic human resource management adequately. Especially HRIS should be contributed to the decision making in human resource management. Outcome of this research would contribute to the body of knowledge by filling existing gap in strategic human resource management of HRIS at SLT studies by analyzing senior HR mangers, middle HR mangers and senior officers of other user groups who are engaged in human resources group as well as Human resources information system. This study would determine the advantages of online performance appraisal system further for strategic human resource management at Sri Lanka Telecom PLC. Significance of the Study All employees are using SLT HIRS in their day-to-day activities to fulfill various individual, operational and managerial requirements. Currently, SLT has implemented the HR system island wide (All groups, divisions in head office and regional offices). Most of the users who are using existing system face lot of issues such as out dated, incorrect, inconsistent data, less reliability and user-friendliness, low performance, insufficient user training and most importantly poor contribution in making decisions. which might affect the operations relating to the HR matters such as salary, overtime (OT) and Bata payments, maintaining employee master records, attendance, leave and benefit management (Issuing loan, medical reimbursement, etc..)etc. Therefore, it is necessary to have an assessment of all subject modules in existing HRIS and identify the advantages of automating the performance appraisal system (referred to henceforth as PAS). We have to gather ideas from different aspects, and various categories of employees including senior managers. All managerial and technical difficulties in using HRIS, training requirements, inaccuracy of data, barriers to maintain up to date records, use of web base sub system, etc., need to be addressed. It is also necessary to assess existing HRIS and its relevance to the strategic human resource management in line with the organizational HR goals. Objectives and Research Questions Table 1.1 Objectives and Research Questions of the Study. Objectives Research Questions To identify the features of HRIS What is HRIS? What are the features of HRIS at SLT? To evaluate the existing HRIS for Strategic Human Resources Management (SHRM) How existing system is supported to strategic human resource management? How web-based applications are useful to strategic human resource management at SLT? To identify the advantages of Online Performance Appraisal System (OPAS) for Strategic Human Resources Management(SHRM) at SLT What is performance appraisal system? What are the advantages of online performance appraisal system for strategic human resource management at SLT? Note. Researchers work Research Method and Design Research approach The researcher uses deductive approach since general quantitative data would be moving to the particular situations of organizations. Time horizon Researcher gathered data one time interviewing from senior managers in a pilot survey and through e-mailing the research questionnaire to the sample group within the SLT. Therefore, time horizon is cross sectional. Population, Sample Sample Techniques All employees in SLT have been considered as population. Sampling process of the research is based on the stratified random sampling technique. Data collection methods and procedures 1. Semi-structured interviews Six interviews were conducted with senior managers in SLT based on semi-structured interview guide line. 2. Questionnaire Research questionnaire was designed using the liker scale method and e-mailed to the sample group. 3. Journal articles and work papers Journal articles and work papers were used to find out more information on previous research work relevant to HRIS, HRM, PAS and SHRM. 4. SLT annual reports and TMIS documents Annual reports and TMIS documents were referred. Internet / web sites Refer online journal articles, text books, etc. Scope of the study / Delimitations Existing HRIS contains twenty separate modules to provide HR practices such as Human Resource Planning, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Time and Attendance, Disciplinary, Payroll, Welfare and Performance Appraisal, etc. SLT HRIS is same as traditional HR services which provided conventional HR systems in other organizations. Four out of twenty modules (Recruitment, HR Planning, Exam Assessment and Disciplinary) are not being using and Performance Appraisal module is not yet implemented. In this study, researcher hopes to evaluate the existing HRIS and its usefulness for strategic human resource management and identifies the advantages of sophisticated On-line Performance Appraisal System which will improve the strategic human resources management at SLT. Organization of this dissertation Chapter 1: Introduction -This chapter contains the background of this study, research issue, significance of the study and its objectives. Literature survey would be discussed under chapter 2 which include spats studies and their findings. It also highlights the existing gaps in body of knowledge and discovers the potential contribution of the current research to fill the gap. Mainly, chapter 3 explains the Research Methodology of the study which includes research philosophy, approach, strategy and conceptual framework of this research. Conceptual framework is developed identifying context of the study. Furthermore, select the suitable statistical methods to analyze the data. The researcher elaborate the results and present using appropriate graphs, charts and tables using statistical software packages would be consider in Chapter 4 called Data Analysis. Chapter 5: Discussion, Conclusions and Recommendations Point out the observations, findings of this study and highlights the future researches for the potential researchers. Chapter Conclusion This section briefs the facts of the entire research study. Present business world is very competitive and running with the state-of-the-art technology. Many organizations use Information Systems in four levels (strategic level, management level, knowledge level and operational level) in their day-to-day operations. HR Department uses HRIS for the workforce management. However Human Resource Information System implemented in Sri Lanka Telecom PLC has lot of issues, such as insufficient user training and less supportive for the decision making at each organizational level. Therefore, main objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of existing Human Resource Information System in SLT and its usefulness for Strategic Human Resource Management to identify the advantages of Online Performance Appraisal System which will advance the Strategic Human Resources Management at SLT. Outcome of this research would contribute to the body of knowledge by filling existing gap in strategic human resource management of HRIS at Sri Lanka Telecom PLC.

Low Jobs :: essays research papers fc

LOST REWARD IF FOUND Higher Paying Jobs   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are too many low paying jobs here in San Antonio. If this continues we will see San Antonio's economy decline and this city will become nothing but a low income tourism town. The military presence at one time gave San Antonio its backbone to fall back to. With the closing of Kelly Air Force base that backbone is now diminishing. Many skilled labor workers, some who worked at the base for many years were forced to go back into a workforce, which did not pay as much as they were used to making at the base. Unfortunately, being a tourism town also brings with it the low service/low paying jobs and we are dependent on outside money to stimulate the local economy. You always hear about new jobs coming to San Antonio, but the majority of them are companies looking for low skilled workers. What is the Economic development foundation doing to attract big business here? What are our leaders thinking when they say they are promoting San Antonio and pushing for more jo bs? Is this what they deliver, more hotels and restaurants so we can continue to serve the rich? We must focus on luring new big businesses with higher skilled/high wage jobs. We must also educate our workforce to be able to compete for those positions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The primary fix to this problem is to bring high-income jobs to San Antonio. We need more jobs such as those in technology, industry, finance and healthcare. Cities like Dallas, Austin and Houston have been successful in attracting large corporations in bringing high-income jobs into their cities. We must be as creative if not more when convincing companies to move here. If we can offer hotels tax abatements to lure them into building here, why cant we do the same for high skilled worker type companies that want to make San Antonio a home. Cities such as Dallas and Houston suffer from things like high cost of living, crime, pollution and bad traffic. These items should be carrots for us when companies are looking for a place to move into. Consider the following average annual salaries in San Antonio during 1998, a housekeeping supervisor earns around $17,600, a waitress about $12,550,an electronic engineer $57,290, financial managers $56,610, and medical scientist s around $70,060. Looking at the previous salaries it is safe to say the here in San Antonio there is a wide disparity of salaries.

Urban vs Rural

Urban After reading Reran Harmonica's essay â€Å"Giving up my small-town fantasy† that was published in 3rd September 2014 in NY times, opinions section, I do agree her when she told us about her experience in living in two deferent places (rural and urban). And when she pointed out how big cities differ from small towns.. However, I disagree In others thoughts. In the beginning, she started by complaining from urban life style and how it is very hard to make enough money there, she also considered it a waste f time and effort. â€Å"We could not buy, we could not move, we were stuck.And we were getting older. There was nowhere to grow. That's why she moved from San Francisco to Hudson (a small town in New Jersey) with her boyfriend to have a better life after getting bored from the city life. Harriman and her boyfriend life started well, their financial situation was great there; they bought a house, she started a new work at a media start-up called modern farmer and Patric k (her boyfriend) also was very happy with his new work especially because he had the relaxation and the peaceful fife that he was deprived from due to the hustle and bustle of the urban.However Harriman could not stay there because she was feeling depressed and lonely with no social life, and that's why she went back to Manhattan. The article contains a picture of a lonely woman that couldn't find a friend to be with so she preferred to gather her things In boxes to travel far away without having any hope to stay, which means It was obvious that Harriman could not find a real solution for her problem, because she had to choose between making money with a lonely life or interesting life without enough money.The author words were clear and she transferred her opinion in a direct way. Harriman earns the readers' respect by the way of writing and by choosing social life instead of money. The author mentioned a study was published in 2010 by the Journal of economic geography that report s the reasons of the continually growing of some rural areas Instead of being disintegrated also she mention a research by the university of Minnesota confirms this information.The article warned to a very important point of why people usually think about traveling room one place to another that might be to meet their personal needs and individual interests because big cities is characterized by high building, malls, shopping centers, restaurants, a lot of activities, Hassle and bustle, and good services. While small towns are more comfortable and peaceful also housing and living expenses there are cheaper than big cycles. Harriman writing way convinced me because It comes from personal experience and reasonable arguments and I think that she did a great Job.However, I think Harriman could do something more to adapt the new life Tyler, like if she was more patient she might make new friends there. In addition, I think it's easier to make true friends in small town especially I have come to Evansville recently after living In two capital cities In two different countries and I do has his special needs, interests, and situation that decide which place is better for him to live in, big cities or small towns. Work Cited Reran Harriman. † Giving up my small-town fantasy', published in 3rd September 2014 in NY times, opinions section.

American Government: U S Democracy

Democracy is a system of governance whereby power vested on leaders is held by the population and leadership is through an accountable and transparent electoral system that respects the choice of the majority while listening to the views of the minority. The path to democracy has been long and vibrant with stiff obstacles that have had to be evaded or crushed in order for equality and equity to prevail under a democratic system of governance that promotes respect for individual and collective rights and freedoms.A radical shift from hereditary and monarchial leadership was necessary since this unitary holding of power vested too much privilege and power upon an individual leading to abuse due to self interest. However though democracy is perceived to exist in some regions due to a free electoral system, the process though accountable may bring about individuals who renege on their promises and completely disregard the pillars of democracy leading to a dictatorial regime that is unjus t and oppressive and does not respect the will of the masses.There are some countries that have endeavored to be a model of democracy by striving to grant all citizens an equal status and ensuring that a supreme constitution exists on which fundamental rights and freedoms are anchored. This is not to say that the democratic records of these countries are clean. For any monumental success on democracy to be achieved, society must be prevailed upon to discard certain moral and legal evils to ensure that freedom and equal opportunity thrives.On this front it is safe to say that the United States of America is a true democracy whereby all citizens and visitors coexist peacefully and all disregarding race are guaranteed equal rights and freedoms in the pursuit of their dreams and aspirations (Miroff, Seidelman, & Swanstrom 2007). The American constitution was formulated on the basis that power must always rest upon the people and so provided that all state and national representatives mu st be elected by the people through a fair and transparent election.The constitution further sought to limit the terms of office of a certain government to ensure that a regime may not abuse its authority to disregard the will of the people in order to selfishly retain power. A democracy is characterized by a view for fair representation and a prudent understanding that a separation of power is important to prevent a conflict of interest that might contravene the intentions of a true democracy.Where such separations do not exist or where those divisions are superficial, rule of law becomes geared toward promoting the will of the ruling minority and justice becomes fleeting since there usually results in a breach of the rights and freedoms of the populace. In this respect it becomes important to have three important branches of government whose mandate is clear and there exists clear guidelines on the powers vested upon each arm of government.In any democracy there should be a legisl ative arm whose mandate comes directly from the people and their primary role the formulation of law to act as a basis for unity, growth and oversight. Secondly a judicial system that is impartial and independent for the proper dispensing of justice and the protection of individual rights and freedoms. Lastly an executive is important to represent the sovereignty of a nation and lead the process of protecting the people and service provision. The United States of America has come a long way to reach democratic maturity.This process was full of radical actions by people like Martin Luther who felt that racial segregation was uncharacteristic of a democratic nation. The civil movements of the 60 have brought equality that was important to propel the nation to great social, economic, political and military dominance. Further more women lobby groups that relentlessly advocated for gender equality saw the broadening of democratic space and women have continued to reach influential politi cal and business positions and prospects are there on the possibility of a woman president in the country.Critics to this notion would need to be reminded that a few decades ago the prospect of a black president would have been unimaginable but 2008 brought a new dawn in American politics and democracy in general with the election of Obama as president. This is a result of a fair and accountable electoral system that ensures that the choice of the American people is respected. Miroff, Seidelman, & Swanstrom (2007) adds that the United States continues to ensure that individual rights and freedoms are respected and several bills have been passed by congress to ensure that .Some include the freedom of movement, information, privacy and expression. A robust security system continues to safeguard the rights of citizens to be protected from harm with strict laws enforced to protect property both tangible and intellectual. American government consists of the national federal government an d the state governments. While these states are subject to national legislation by congress, they however retain the power to make decisions that are of interest to these states on issues ranging from education, health, security and the administration of justice.National government consists of an executive, congress and the judiciary. The power of the executive is vested upon the president who may delegate such powers to the vice president and his cabinet for the smooth execution of government functions. The president is also the commander in chief of the armed forces but is also subject to consult with congress over the deployment of soldiers to wars. The executive can also enter into international treaties with approval form senate. The president is also responsible for signing bills into law and retains to an extent the power to veto certain bills.Executive power in the States is held by an elected governor who is responsible for providing leadership in the state and signing bill s into state laws. The most important arm of government is Congress which is granted several powers by the constitution. Congress however works hand in hand with the Senate but the constitution clearly spells out that congress is supreme in law making. Congress has oversight powers over the executive in issues ranging form taxes, military and security, provision of services, providing guidelines to the administration of justice among others.Lastly the last arm of government is the Judiciary whose core function is the administration of justice and the interpretation of the constitution to ensure that law passed by the legislative and executive arms of government do not contravene the constitution. There are federal courts charged with administration of federal laws and state courts subject to state laws. The highest court in the land is the Supreme Court and its decisions are binding upon all subordinate courts whether federal or state.These courts try both criminal and civil cases t o bring redress where violations occur. There have been this believes through out American politics that there is a great influence of a small minority of rich individuals in the outcome of American elections and in the way that elected leaders make their decisions. It is widely accepted that these individuals who are the core contributors in campaign funding will choose individuals whom they feel will contribute towards continuing with policies that will benefit their causes and make them wealthier.This greatly contravenes what the American constitution envisioned since it takes the power of the greater masses to decide elections since the choice of candidates in the primaries is greatly influenced by minority rich and influential individuals. Therefore Americans simply endorses one of the fronted candidate who is simply one of the two fronted by two different rich factions and the notion that Americans choose a president is jus a sham.It is my opinion therefore that we need to inc rease public funding to parties and independent candidates to counter the effect of the rich on Americas politics. It is also important that we see an entrance of more parties to give Americans more choice during elections to improve democracy. References Miroff, B. , Seidelman, R. , &Swanstrom, T. (2007). The Democratic Debate: An Introduction to American Politics. 4th. ed. New York: Houghton Mifflin.

The Evolution Of Leadership Example

The Evolution Of Leadership Example The Evolution Of Leadership – Coursework Example The Evolution of Leadership Leadership has been thought of as a concept or phenomenon that is not static but to change on a constant basis. Most often than not, changes in leadership takes place as a result of two main factors. First is the kind of leaders in position and second, the pressing and present needs of society at the time of leadership. It is for this reason that there have been great leaders with different leadership styles over the centuries like Napoleon, Margaret Thatcher and Kofi Annan. When there is a change in the style of leadership, we say evolution of leadership has taken place (Gardener, 2009). Specifically it can be said that the era of Napoleon was an era that was characterized by fierce territorial battles as the only way to gain national supremacy. For this reason, the kind of leadership practiced in those days was that of combative military charisma. But coming down to the days of Thatcher, much of the talk of global supremacy had turned into economic power and market force (Diole, 2011). For this reason, it was just prudent that leadership would revolve around strong economic prudence and pragmatic fiscal charisma rather than physical charisma. For this reason, much of the leadership style of Thatcher was that, which was focused on making her people become a global dominant on the economic and political front. Then came in Annan who believed so much in peace dialogue as the best way of achieving world peace and so as the United Nations Secretary General, adapted various strategies of peace talks (Gardener, 2009). To a large extent therefore, leadership has undergone evolution over the years and will continuing evolving, depending on the personality of leaders in place and the present situations that confront them.REFERENCE LISTDiole T. F (2011). Change and Leaders. Omega Press Series: LondonGardener G. D (2009). Leadership through Evolution. PrintMark Publications: Texas

Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule Essay Example

Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule Essay Example Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule Essay Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule Essay Introduction Melatonin ( N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine ) is a omnipresent molecule, synthesised chiefly in the pineal secretory organ, secondary beginnings are in the retina, the GI piece of land, tegument, bone marrow and lymphocytes.1 It was foremost characterised after its isolation from bovid pineal secretory organs and structurally identified in 1958 by Lerner et al.2 The construction of melatonin ( Fig. 1 ) explains its diverseness with respects to its maps. The two functional groups define the molecule s amphiphilitic nature and specificity of receptor binding.3 Due to melatonin being both lipid and H2O soluble, it is non confined to one cellular compartment. Exogenously added melatonin can readily go through through the blood-brain barrier and be easy distributed to all subcellular compartments, which makes this molecule really versatile.4 Melatonin has assorted maps ; it is of import as an index of clip and day of the month and is considered to be the organic structure s chronological pacemaker.1 It is besides known to be a really effectual antioxidant, has immune-enhancing belongingss, is cytoprotective, has anti-apoptotic signalling map every bit good as oncostatic properties.1 The engagement of melatonin in such a wide scope of critical maps in the organic structure makes it pharmacologically a really interesting compound, but melatonin is sold as a nutrient addendum and is non-patentable harmonizing to the US FDA as a consequence. Therefore melatonergic agonists or melatonin parallels that are patentable are of greater involvement to the pharmacological industry.5 Pharmacological and/or biological activity Overview In pinealocytes ( cells of the pineal secretory organ ) tryptophan is converted to serotonin via 5-hydroxytryptophan after which it is acetylated to organize N-acetylserotonin by arylakylamine N-acetyltransferase ( AA-NAT ) . By the action of Hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase ( HIOMT ) N-Acetylserotonin can be converted to melatonin.1 Alternatively, melatonin can be formed by N-acetylation of 5-methoxytryptamine. In most articles AA-NAT is said to be the rate-limiting enzyme3,7,8, but it is suggested that HIOMT might be a rate restricting enzyme in some cases6. Melatonin biogenesis is mostly regulated by the light/dark rhythm via the suprachiasmatic karyon ( SCN ) in the hypothalamus. Specialized nerve cells in the eyes respond to visible radiation and reassign the message to the SCN. The message is transduced in a roundabout tract to the pineal secretory organ. Melatonin synthesis is triggered by darkness. Norepinephrine is secreted during nighttime and twosomes to beta-adrenergic receptors. This consequences in camp formation and finally stimulation of arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase ( AA-NAT ) .7 Extrapineal melatonin is non regulated by circadian beat, nevertheless and it is hypothesised that it is produced as a agency of protection in response to certain stressors, eg. Ultraviolet radiation, pollutants, infections etc. that may ensue in oxidative emphasis or inflammation.6 Go arounding melatonin is chiefly metabolised by cytochrome P450 enzymes, CYP1A2, CYP1A1 and CYP2C19 in the liver or CYP1B1 at extrahepatic sites.6 Resulting 6-hydroxymelatonin by CYP1A, CYP1A2 or CYP1B1 can be conjugated with sulphate ( and glucoronide to a lesser extent ) to organize a more hydrophilic compound, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin ( aMT6S ) , which can be excreted in piss by the kidney.1 CYP2C19 or CYP1A2 are cytochromes involved in the demethylation of melatonin to N-acetylserotonin. 6-Hydroxymelatonin is non merely formed through enzymatic agencies as stated above, but besides through the interaction of melatonin with reactive O species ( ROS ) and reactive N species ( RNS ) .6 Melatonin has the ability to neutralize free groups, ROS and RNS every bit good as stimulate antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) , catalase ( CAT ) , glutathione peroxidase ( GSH-Px ) and glutathione reductase ( GSH-Rd ) .4,9 Other metabolites of melatonin include 2-hydroxymelatonin, which is postulated to be a merchandise of melatonin s reaction with ROS/RNS,6 every bit good as cyclic 3-hydroxymelatonin ( C3-OHM ) , N1-acetyl-N2-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine ( AFMK ) and N-acetyl-5-methoxykynuramine ( AMK ) . The parent endocrine, melatonin, and its metabolites are of import in protecting cells from harm by free groups and reactive O and reactive N species. Melatonin metamorphosis by cytochrome P450 enzymes Pineal melatonin is metabolized to 6-hydroxymelatonin chiefly and it was found that CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1 and CYP2C19 are the enzymes responsible for the production of this metabolite.1,6,10 Melatonin can besides be converted into N-acetylserotonin which is besides a precursor for its synthesis ( fig.1 ) 1. Both 6-hydroxymelatonin and N-acetylserotonin can be excreted in the piss after junction with sulfate and/or glucoronide. A survey conducted by Facciola et Al. ( 2001 ) 11 determined CYP1A2 to be the chief cytochrome P450 enzyme responsible for 6-hydroxylation of melatonin. In a survey that was conducted by Ma et Al. ( 2005 ) 10, melatonin 6-hydroxylation and O-demethylation rates were measured to measure the possible function of 11 cDNA-expressed human cytochrome P450 enzymes in melatonin metamorphosis ( figure 2 ) 10. It was found that 6-hydroxylation was chiefly carried out by CYP1A2, CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 and to a lesser extent CYP2C19 ( fig.2 A ) wherease O-demethylation occurred about chiefly due to the action of CYP2C19 and to a minimal grade by CYP1A2 ( fig.2 B ) . Inhibitory action of melatonin on human cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 In a recent survey by Chang et Al. ( 2010 ) 12 the hypothesis that melatonin inhibits catalytic activity of CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 along with CYP2A6 was tested, along with its consequence on the change of human CYP1 cistron look and on the activity of the human aryl hydrocarbon receptor ( AhR ) . A important consequence could turn out utile during malignant neoplastic disease therapy since these enzymes were found to be procarcinogen-bioactivating enzymes of benzo [ a ] pyrene or 7,12-dimethyl-benz [ a ] anthracene. Inhibition of look or decrease in catalytic activity of these cytochrome P450 isozymes may cut down the production of carcinogenic metabolites from these substrates. As described in the old subdivision, melatonin is metabolised by CYPs 1A1, 1A2 and 1B1. Therefore, its repressive consequence may be due to it viing with the procarcinogenic substrate for the enzymes active sites, although the exact mechanism of suppression is ill-defined. The survey mentioned that endogenous melatonin does non exercise repressive effects and resultingly a pharmacological potency in developing parallels of melatonin that could potentially suppress these enzymes and prevent CYP1 mediated carcinogenesis is created.12 Activity of melatonin with AhR and melatonin s consequence on CYP1 cistron look was found to be undistinguished. Fluvoxamine and melatonin Fluvoxamine ( FLU ) , an antidepressant, was found to increase serum melatonin degrees and a survey was conducted by von Bahr et Al. ( 2000 ) 13 to find whether citalopram ( CIT ) besides affects these degrees. The article concluded that CIT in fact does non hold the same consequence as FLU does. It did nevertheless set up a clear relationship between the degrees of melatonin and concentrations of FLU in the plasma of the subjects.13 FLU is an inhibitor of CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 and thereby prevents these enzymes from metabolizing melatonin into its metabolites ; resultantly an addition in the degrees of serum melatonin was witnessed. Melatonin as a free extremist scavenger and antioxidant Melatonin and its metabolites have the possible to move as free extremist scavengers and can neutralize reactive O species ( ROS ) and reactive N species ( RNS ) every bit good as up-regulate antioxidative enzymes, superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) , catalase ( CAT ) , glutathione peroxidase ( GSH-Px ) and glutathione reductase ( GSH-Rd ) .4 The free extremist dioxide ( O2- ) can be generated due to cellular respiration, due to environmental factors or oxidative explosion of macrophages. The toxicity of the O2- is considered to be low 9 but if it reacts with azotic oxide ( NO ) it can bring forth ONOO- capable of making molecular harm. SOD converts dioxide to hydrogen peroxide ( H2O2 ) which is non genuinely a free group, but if non catabolised to organize H2O and O2 via CAT or to H2O via GSH-Px, can be metabolised to the highly toxic hydroxyl extremist ( OH ) . As can be seen in the figure, this free group can bring on DNA harm, lipid peroxidation or make harm to proteins. Melatonin can be converted into a metabolite cyclic 3-hydroxymelatonin when it reacts with two hydroxyl groups, which has been found to be excreted in the urine.1,9 An AFMK tract ( figure 5 ) 1 besides exists that is evident capable of scavenging up to 10 ROS/RNS.6 AFMK and AMK are powerful free extremist scavengers and defenders against oxidative emphasis, but besides has anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects by suppressing tumour mortification factor-alpha ( TNFa ) and interleukin-8 formation ( IL-8 ) and synthesis of prostaglandins.6 The chief metabolite of melatonin, 6-hydroxymelatonin, can besides be generated in melatonin s reaction with ROS/RNS, every bit good as another melatonin metabolite, 2-hydroxymelatonin.6 Melatonin and its chronobiotic effects Melatonin is a major regulator of the circadian beat and acts via the suprachiasmatic karyon ( SCN ) in the hypothalamus. Melatonin acts through MT1 and MT2 receptors in the SCN and MT1 is associated with repressive effects of electrical activity in SCN nerve cells, whereas melatonin s actions on MT2 are involved with the ordinance of the circadian rhythm.5 Melatonin synthesis extremums during the dark stage and is inhibited by visible radiation. Exogenous melatonin disposal at certain clip periods consequences in displacements in the circadian beat. It is hence considered to be utile in the intervention of jet slowdown and in publicity of reposeful slumber, although melatonin is likely non a direct hypnotic.7 Decision Melatonin is a compound with so many diverse maps in the organic structure, for illustration its regulative function in circadian beat, antioxidant and oncostatic belongingss. This compound is of pharmacological significance, but is besides sold amp ; lsquo ; over the counter A ; rsquo ; as a nutrient addendum and is resultantly non patentable. This restricts pharmacological involvement to a certain extent, although the development of melatonin parallels that are more efficient in its capableness to exercise these maps, for illustration increased half life with retension of consequence, may be of important value for research workers and the pharmaceutical industry. Melatonin is besides involved in the protection against neurodegenerative diseases, depression and immune map. There is no uncertainty as to how of import melatonin is with respects to physiological operation is in populating beings. It is critical for our perceptual experience of clip and day of the month and is protects us from risky environmental agents every bit good as from ourselves ( eg, the free groups produced via natural O metamorphosis with which we can non be without ) . More research into the mechanisms by which melatonin exerts its antioxidant effects and how extrapineal melatonin can be induced or inhibited every bit good as drug-drug interactions would be of great benefit when developing curative schemes in the combat of diseases, such as Alzheimer s Disease, Parkinson s Disease, insomnia, diseases of the immune system, malignant neoplastic disease and many more. Mentions Pandi-Perumal et Al. Melatonin: Nature s most various biological signal Lerner A.B. , Case J.D. , Takahashi Y ( 1958 ) Isolation of melatonin, a pineal factor that lightens melanocytes. J.Am.Chem.Soc. 80: 2587 Hardeland R. , Pandi-Perumal S.R. , Cardinali D.P. ( 2006 ) Molecules in focal point: Melatonin. The International Journal of Biochemistry A ; Cell Biology 38: 313-316 Reiter R.J. ( 1995 ) Oxidative Procedures and Antioxidative defence mechanisms in the aging encephalon. FASEB J. 9: 526-533 Pandi-Perumal S.R. , Srinivasan V. , Poeggeler B. , Hardeland R. ( 2007 ) Drug penetration: usage of melatonergic agonists for intervention of insomnia focal point on ramelteon. Nature Clinical Practice Tan et. Al ( 2007 ) One molecule, many derived functions: A ceaseless interaction of melatonin with reactive O and N species Reiter R.J. ( 2003 ) Melatonin: clinical relevancy Best Practice A ; Research Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism Vol. 17, No.2. pp. 273-285 Claustrat et. Al ( 2005 ) The basic physiology and pathophysiology of melatonin Sleep Medicine Reviews 9: 11-24 Reiter R.J. et Al ( 2000 ) Actions of Melatonin in the Reduction of Oxidative Stress. J.Biomed.Sci 7: 444-458 Ma. et Al ( 2005 ) Metamorphosis of melatonin by human cytochromes P450 DMD 33: 489-494 Facciola et. Al ( 2001 ) Cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in melatonin metamorphosis in humanliver microsomes Eur J Clin Pharmacol 56: 881-888 Chang et Al. ( 2010 ) Inhibition of procarcinogen-bioactivating human CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 enzymes by melatonin J. Pineal Res. 48: 55-64 von Bahr et Al. ( 2000 ) Fluvoxamine but non citalopram additions serum melatonin in healthy topics an indicant that cytochrome P450 CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 hydroxylate melatonin