Islamic Modernism A Multiple Modernities Perspective

Islamic Modernism in the West: A Multiple Modernities Perspective Introduction and background Modernization theory has been one of the master theoretical narratives to understand the major institutional and cultural transformation from traditional societies to modern ones. It is developed by the founders of sociology and has dominated the prevalent understanding and explanations of many social differentiation processes including differentiation, rationalization, individualization, urbanization, and secularization for a long time. Hence, sociologists believed that the consequences of modernization were unavoidable and common destinations for modern or all modernizing societies. Sociologist also expected western modernity will be a single†¦show more content†¦There are many modernities, not only one single patter of modernization. These developments forced sociologists for a paradigm shift in the dominant one-side understanding of western modernity. In this context, Islam and the discourse of western Muslim intellectuals have gradually gained visibility through the continuing migration and the growth of new generations in the western societies. Western Islam also has emerged in the hearth of modernity; yet did not follow the same patters of classical modernization trends. However, it could not escape the hegemonic influence of modernity. As a result, American (western) Islam is emerging not only as a response to the challenges (premises) of modernity but also through a ‘transformative dialectical engagement’ with the ethos of modernity, which gradually pave the path towards the rise of Islamic modernism in the west. Hence, the multiple modernities thesis serves as a more adequate theoretical approach than the prevailing modernization or secularization perspective to understand the continued importance of Islam in the western context. The Emergence of Islamic Modernism Being and living in

Analysis Of Chekhovs The Lady With The Dog - 1546 Words

In Chekhov’s â€Å"The Lady with the Dog†, setting is a big part of the story; it is used to indicate the passing of time and to indicate that the characters’ are trying to escape their everyday lives. In Hemingway’s â€Å" Hills Like White Elephants†, Hemingway uses setting and character language in order to convey, but not say the topic of the characters conversation. Chekhov and Hemingway use biographical references throughout their works in order to create more complex characters and settings. Anton Chekhov, born in Taganrog, Russia on January 17, 1860, was considered the father of the modern short story and modern play. In 1875, his father lost his business and was forced to leave to find work in Moscow in order to pay off his debt. Anton and his three younger siblings were left with their mother, Yevgeniya, after a while they lost their home and decided to move to Moscow to be with Chekhov’s father. Chekhov, who was left behind in Taganrog to finish his schooling, helped his family financially by tutoring children in Taganrog. He found work in a clothing warehouse until he finished his final exams. After school, he joined his family in Moscow, where he continued his studies in the medical field at the University of Moscow. Chekhov used his own experiences of living in Moscow in his short story â€Å"The Lady With the Dog†. In â€Å"The Lady with the Dog†, Gurov lives in Moscow, but meets Anna Sergeyevna in Yalta. They spent a month together in Yalta and â€Å"at first it is not Anna inShow MoreRelatedPsychological Analysis of Anton Chekhovs the Lady with the Pet Dog1981 Words   |  8 PagesPsychological Analysis of Anton Chekhov’s The Lady with the Pet Dog In Anton Chekhov’s short story, The Lady with the pet Dog, Dmitry Dmitrich Gurov and Anna Sergeyevna are bound together, not by love, but by their psychological needs. Both need to believe in a phenomenon deeper and more meaningful than each of their despised lives and for this reason; they think the intimacy between them, fueled by desperation, is love. . In reality, the relationship between Gurov and Anna is characterizedRead MoreThe s The Way We Lie1464 Words   |  6 PagesIn Stephanie Ericsson’s â€Å"The Way We Lie,† Ericsson categorizes the various types of lies and their ramifications, whereas in Anton Chekhov’s â€Å"The Lady with the Dog,† the writing touches on the selfish lies that both Dmitri Gurov and Anna Sergeyevna tell to sustain their adulterous relationship. Although the extent to which lying is selfish depends on the motives and circumstances for the lie, and whose interest it benefits, I claim that not only are most lies self ish, but they are also morally wrongRead MoreThe s The Way We Lie1557 Words   |  7 PagesClinton’s scandalous lie, are self-serving and can cause a great degree of harm to others or even to oneself. In Stephanie Ericsson’s â€Å"The Way We Lie,† Ericsson categorizes the various types of lies and their ramifications, whereas in Anton Chekhov’s â€Å"The Lady with the Dog,† the writing touches on the selfish lies that both Dmitri Gurov and Anna Sergeyevna tell to sustain their adulterous relationship. Although the extent to which lying is selfish depends on the motives and circumstances of the lie, I claimRead MoreIrresponsible Love in Anton Chekhov’s The Lady with the Dog1797 Words   |  8 Pages Anton Chekhov’s The Lady with the Pet Dog can be said to be one of the most controversial fictions in the way it the extramarital affairs and the mystery of love that plagues the 21st century families. By the use of imaginary characters, Chekhov explores the theme of immorality and irresponsible behaviors among married couples who seek real satisfaction in secrete yet intimate relationships with other married partners. Whereas the likes of Gurov poses as the spoilt seed of the collapsing societyRead MoreAnalysis Of The s The Way We Lie 1583 Words   |  7 PagesClinton’s scandalous lie, are self-serving and can cause a great degree of harm to others or even to oneself. In Stephanie Ericsson’s â€Å"The Way We Lie,† Ericsson categorizes the various types of lies and their ramifications, whereas in Anton Chekhov’s â€Å"The Lady with the Dog,† the writing touches on the selfish lies that both Dmitri Gurov and Anna Sergeyevna tell to sustain t heir adulterous relationship. Although the extent to which lying is selfish depends on the motives and circumstances of the lie, I claimRead MoreDoes Fiction Build the Morality of Individuals and Societies, or Does It Break It Down?947 Words   |  4 Pagesreason that fiction is able to touch us in such a special and personalized manner. The words we read come from the deepest crevasses of a mans being, only hidden behind their characters. Until recent studies in psychology and ‘broad based literary analysis’ surfaced, we were unable to assume the actuality of any psychological effects on both individuals and societies. Now however psychologists and literary analysts have succeeded in being able to recognize and support such assumptions. This researchRead MoreAN ANALYSIS PAPER ON ANTON CHEKHOV’S THE SEAGULL AND THE CHERRY ORCHARD12092 Words   |  49 PagesHigh School Department A.Y. 2013-2014 In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements In English IV AN ANALYSIS PAPER ON ANTON CHEKHOV’S THE SEAGULL AND THE CHERRY ORCHARD Submitted to: Mrs. Joneth D. Vibar Submitted by: Vincent del Castillo IV-St.Francis of Assisi Outline of Analysis 1 Author’s Style 1.1 Anton Chekhov as a Playwright and Author of Short Stories 1.1.1 Russia’s best known Modern Playwright 1.1.1

Witness Free Essays

The development of characters is enhanced by Peter Weir’s film techniques? Discuss this statement with reference to witness The film Witness focuses on the clash of cultures, allowing Peter Weir to comment on the injustices of modern culture and the development of characters as a result. In the film Witness the Western World influences and changes the characters through the new experiences they face and encounter. Throughout the course of the film the Amish boy, Samuel Lapp undergoes many changes as he is influenced and corrupted by the horrors of the Western World as appose to the Amish culture which dwells on living a pacifist lifestyle within which he lives. We will write a custom essay sample on Witness or any similar topic only for you Order Now The murder scene in Witness is critical to revealing the change of Samuel’s experiences from innocence to complete awareness of the horrors of the world. The close up of Samuel’s eye through the keyhole in the bathroom door reveals that we are seeing the course of events through his point of view and perspective on the situation. However in the bathroom scene Samuel witnesses a brutal murder which vicissitudes his character to one that has knowledge of the danger and violence in the Western World. The Western World’s morals and values of what is veracious and immoral are different to that of the Amish society. The Amish and John Book have different perceptions of justice as illustrated throughout the gun scene. In this scene both John Book and Eli reprimand Samuel when he touched the gun. The close up of Samuel handling the gun provokes contradictory responses from both John Book and Eli. John Book is concerned that the gun is loaded and hands Samuel the gun without bullets. To John Book the bullets symbolise the power to exert justice; the gun is purely the vessel like he is, from which justice can be delivered. The close up of Samuel directs the audience’s attention to the fact that it is Samuel whose mind is being influenced and challenged by his exposure to the western world. In contrast Eli’s view is that the gun symbolises the unclean nature of the Western Culture as it has the power to take away a man’s life. However the gun is purely an extension of a person’s values whether that is moral or unmoral values. The Amish culture dwells on the concept of peace within their community and lives a pacifist lifestyle; however when the western world collides with the Amish lifestyle many differences yet some similarities show through. This reveals Peter Weir’s ultimate comment the despite our differences and similarities uman nature draws individuals together. The western lifestyle is represented through the Dark music which conveys the cruelness and brutality of the Western World coming into and influencing and challenging characters within the Amish community. This is revealed in the final gun scene. In this scene John uses what is within the Amish community to defeat the corrupt cops that are coming against him. In the final gun s cene there is a sense of community in order to protect the Amish culture whereas the murder scene there is a sense of individualism and corruption. How to cite Witness, Papers

Coco Chanel free essay sample

Coco Chanel Coco Chanel was one of the most prominent fashion designers of the 20th century. Her contribution in the development of fashion can hardly be underestimated. In fact, she revolutionized fashion in a way, since she was one of the first fashion designers who made women think of themselves first rather than think how they look for their men, which was a traditional view on female fashion at the epoch. In actuality, the significance and her great contribution in the development of fashion as well as 20th century culture at large was marked by her contemporaries as well as modern specialists. For instance, she was the only person in the field of fashion design to be named on TME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century (Charles-Roux, 145). In such a way, she gained a public approval and popularity which made her name one of the most recognizable in the fashion world. At the same time, her life was quite difficult, especially during her early years and war time periods. In fact, she witnessed two world wars but she kept working regardless of all the problems and challenges she faced in her life. In fact, her work was her true passion she remained devoted to from her early life until the end. Gabrielle Bonheur â€Å"Coco† Chanel was born on August 19, 1883. She was a second daughter of travelling salesman Albert Chanel and Jeanne Devolle in a small city of Saumur, France (Orecklin, 49). In fact, her family was poor and she was raised in poverty stricken neighborhood along with her five siblings. Remarkably, when she got her birth certificate her name misspelled â€Å"Chasnel† because nobody knew how to spell Chanel correctly. As a result, the mayor of the city had to improvise and added the letter â€Å"S† in her name, which later became a serious problem for her biographers, who could not trace her origin and define genealogical tree because of such an error in her name (Orecklin, 51). However, the misspelling of her name was definitely not the biggest misfortune that happened to her in her early life. She lived in poverty and was practically of an opportunity to get a good education. Moreover, when she was twelve, her mother died of tuberculosis that provoked a serious psychological trauma for the child. At the same time, her father could not stay with the children all the time. He had to work to earn for living and to maintain the family, in which he was the only breadwinner. This is why Coco Chanel was sent to the orphanage of the Catholic monastery of Aubazine, where she spent seven years and where she received her basic education. In fact, it is in the monastery she learned the trade of seamstress. However, she did not spend all the time in the monastery. During the vacations she went to her relatives in a provincial city, where her female relatives taught her to sew with more flourish than the nuns in the monastery were able to demonstrate. In such a way, her interest, her passion to design had started to develop since her childhood as she learned to sew and gradually she became very skilful in this field. At this point, it should be said that she was apparently a gifted person since she managed to develop her skills and abilities to the extent that she became able not only to create traditional wear, but she proved to be able to experiment and find new, original solutions, which were unusual for her time (Dwight, 119). However, at the early started to demonstrate her talent, which though was immature at the epoch. Nevertheless, her professional knowledge, to a significant extent, defined her further life, as her first job was the work at a local tailor, where she was employed at the age of eighteen as she left the orphanage. In fact, it was her first step in her professional career insignificant it seems to be, but still it was very important in regard to her future professional career since she could have hardly find a different work. Moreover, it was the only work where she could realize her full potential and implement her creative ideas while developing new wear. At the same time, it should be said that she could not afford working at a tailor for a long time because she needed to realize her ideas and she wanted to create clothes of her own. However, she could hardly start her own business, if she had failed to meet Etienne Balsan at the tailor’s shop where Coco Chanel worked. In fact, it was an occasional encounter which though outgrew into a love affair which opened Chanel the way to a new, different and better life. Etienne Balsan was rich and quite influential. It is during her life with Balsan, Coco Chanel started to design hats. At first, it was just a hobby which gradually transformed into a true passion for designing new clothe items, especially hats, where she grew more and more skillful. Her early works were characterized by high originality since they were quite different from traditional hats. At the same time, the high quality of her products attracted a lot of customers, while her acquaintance with Balsan allowed her to engage customers representing the upper-class of the French society (Charles-Roux, 210). Nevertheless, her love affair with Balsan failed to evolve into a true love. At any rate, their relationships did not last for a long period of time and Coco Chanel left Balsan, moved to Paris and took over his apartment in the French capital. In 1913, she opened her first shop, where she sold fashionable raincoats and jackets. Remarkably, the originality and quality of her wear contributed to the huge success of her shop which allowed her to maintain relatively high standards of life and she became very popular in Paris, which, at the epoch, was one of the world’s centers of the fashion industry. However, the development of her business in Paris was overshadowed by the outbreak of World War I, which started in 1914 and affected the life of the entire country dramatically (Charles-Roux, 219). Nevertheless, Coco Chanel had never stopped working and continued designing new products which still remained popular and the demand for her wear was traditionally high. But she had to stop her business in Paris because she was deprived of all her properties. Nevertheless, Coco Chanel was not discouraged and carried on her professional work and designing became an essential part of her life. On the other hand, she could live with her ideas only. She needed money to earn to maintain living. In this regard, the assistance of Balsan’s friend, Arthur â€Å"Boy† Capel proved to be very helpful for Coco Chanel. Their friendship evolved into a love affair which made them very close and Capel helped Coco Chanel to open a new shop in Brittany, France, which, similarly to the shop in Paris, became very popular among local customers (Weber, 35). It is worth mentioning the fact that celebrated French actresses buy wear in Chanels’ shop which was very important for the promotional campaign of her shop. In fact, the interest of celebrities to her shop contributed to the growing popularity of her products and her design in France that contributed to her professional recognition, while the popularity allowed her to expand her business steadily. Due to her popularity, she managed to introduce new women’s sportswear at her new boutique in Deauville. In such a way, she could expand her business, but, what was even more important, Coco Chanel changed the philosophy of women’s wear. To put it more precisely, her new design and new wear made women confident of the fact that they were supposed to dress for themselves but not for their men. In fact, it was a revolutionary philosophy for France as well as the entire world at the epoch of World War I, when the ominance of men was unchallengeable, while the development of feminism was still insignificant (Charles-Roux, 248). Nevertheless, the design and new philosophy of Chanel produced a significant impact on the development of fashion and the 20th century culture at large. Remarkably, as Coco Chanel grew more and more popular she attempted to change some facts from her past. For instance, she pretended to be born in 1893, instead of 1883, while she insisted that she lo st her mother at the age of six, instead of twelve. In such a way, she created a kind of tragic image of an orphan girl, who managed to achieve a tremendous success due her talent and hard work. At the same time, such manipulations with her past evoked numerous controversies which were insurmountable for her biographers. This is why some details of her biography are still quite controversial and unclear. The 1920s were the epoch of the fast progress of Coco Chanel as a designer and her business developed successfully. Her design was really unique and her wear was very popular in France as well as in other countries. In this respect, it is worth mentioning the fact that her acquaintance with Vera Bate Lombardi, a daughter of Adolphus Cambridge, 1st Marquess of Cambridge and Duke of Teck, became of a paramount importance for Chanel’s empire. In fact, Vera Lombardi became Chanel’s muse and public relations liaison to a number of European royal families, including the British royal family. Her acquaintance with representatives of royal families and upper-classes contributed to her empire growth in power. As a result, before World War II, Chanel’s was one of the most influential designers in Europe as well as the world, because Europe, especially Paris, where Coco Chanel resided in the Hotel Ritz Paris, was the heart of the world’s fashion design (Barringer, 28). However, World War II forced Coco Chanel to stop her work and business. Nevertheless, she remained in Paris even during the German occupation. This period in her life was probably the most controversial because, after the war, she was repeatedly accused of collaborationism. For instance, she was suspected of having a love affair with a German officer and Nazi soy Hans Gunther von Dinklage. Moreover, she was even arrested after the war but she escaped the t rial after the interference of the British royal family, but she was forced to move to Switzerland where she lived until 1954. In 1954, she returned to Paris where she renewed her work and her business, but her new collection did not have much success with the Parisians and French because they believe Chanel to be a collaborationist, which produced a negative impact on her public image. Nevertheless, in spite of the failure in France, Chanel had open a new market, the USA, where her wear became extremely popular and the USA became her main market in the post-World War II period. On the other hand, even though the USA was the main market for Chanel’s Empire, Coco Chanel, herself, had never left Paris and stayed in this city until her death on 10 January 1971. She died at the age of 88 in her private suit in the Ritz Hotel Paris and she was buried in Lausanne, Switzerland (Charles-Roux, 341). Thus, taking into account all above mentioned, it is possible to conclude that Coco Chanel was a very influential fashion designer. She had changed the traditional view on women’s wear and she had changed the women’s philosophy in regard to the wear. She was one of the first designers who made women think of themselves above all, instead of thinking of their men when they choose the clothes. At the same time, her personality is still quite controversial because, in spite of a huge popularity before World War II, she failed to regain the popularity in France after the war.

Psychology Paper free essay sample

In this paper I am going to be talking about the philosophy of psychology in the 19th century. I am going to be discussing the roots in early philosophy leading into the 19th century that influenced the development of modern psychology, identify philosophers that historically relate to the beginnings of psychology as a formal discipline, identify major philosophers in the western tradition that were primary contributors to the formation of psychology as a discipline and explore the development of the science of psychology during the 19th century. There were several philosophers that historically relate to the beginnings psychology as a formal discipline. John Locke, George Berkeley, David Hume and John Stuart Mill are just a few to mention. John Locke made a distinction between simple and complex. â€Å"Simple ideas resulted from experiencing basic sensory qualities such as yellow, white, heat and so on, and from making simple reflections such as â€Å"pleasant. We will write a custom essay sample on Psychology Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page † A complex idea includes sever ideas, which can be a combination of simple and other complex ideas. Complex ideas are compounds and can be ultimately reduced to simple ones, much as chemical compounds are composed of simple elements. (Goodwin, 2008). David Hartley, another dualist, believed that although the mind and body operated separately but also parallel to each other. He used association in his theory of memories. He believed the â€Å"strength of association relies on repetition† (Goodwin, 2008). John Stuart Mill, known as the â€Å"key transition figure in the shift from the philosophy of the mind to the science of the mind† (Goodwin, 2008), used a chemical rather than mechanical description in our complex ideas are made from simple ones. He believed that the mind was much more active than passive. Mill’s logic consists of the Method of Agreement, Method of Difference, and Joint Method.

buy custom Entrepreneurial Finance essay

buy custom Entrepreneurial Finance essay Venture Capitalists Venture capital is a fund or a capital pool that is established to make early to late stage types of investments in private equities. Venture capitalists in most circumstances invest in small private entrepreneurships with the hope of capital gains after such activities as Initial Public Offerings (Metrick Yasuda 2007, p. 430). Such exit outcomes or acquisitions in most instances happen within three to five years after the investors initial investment. In such situations, the venture capitalists pay comes from the initial investments as well as any profits that the company makes. The profits are therefore split between the given company and the investor. A business venture is a high-risk investment since it happens at an early stage of a business. Venture capital management is carried out by companies with great expertise in the given sector. Venture capitalists act as a great source of funding. In addition, they help manage and develop small companies (ed. Landstrom 2007, p. 70). However, there exists a great deal of risks associated with these types of ventures. Therefore, it is crucial that the venture capitalist adopts mechanisms that can mitigate the expected risks. Mitigation of such risks increases the chances of greater capital returns from the business. This paper intends to explore the risks and possible mechanisms available to venture capitalists for eliminating the risks. Risk and Risk Mitigation Mechanisms used by the Venture Capitalists A person who decides to make an investments in the venture capital often faces several risks. However, it is important that the lender understands possible risks and analyses the available risk mitigation mechanisms. The probable risks form the following list. Risks of the Unknown When choosing a business to invest in, both hi-tech and low-tech options are considered. However, most argue that for the former, understanding of the given product or service qualifies is requied for one to make an investment in such a business. However, ed. Cumming (2010, p. 110) posits that most ventures take a lot of time to become successful and great ideas. The biggest challenge of a venture implementation is in the details as well as execution. For example, an individual with an e-commerce background may find it difficult to make an investment in a devices used for orthopaedics. Such decision may require the e-commerce investor to spend much time in trying to find out the right amount of field trials needed before pitching the venture to the right acquirer. For example, a firms such as Andreessen Horowitz dealing with the line of consumer products as well as services in the United States is a good example of a successful venture in 2014. To achieve such success, the organisati on had to mitigate several risks such as the fear of the unknown. To mitigate such risk, the venture capitalist may only invest in the areas where the venture managers, as well as the fund managers, have reasonable knowledge. In such cases, if the investor has interest in funding and supporting an idea where the funding management has little or no expertise, the fund management team should consider appointing an advisor (Malerba et al. 2015, p. 140). It should be an individual who is equipped with the needed skills and willing to work closely with the investment team. Risk of Running Out of Cash Before getting the right funding, most ventures are in a bootstrapping mode. The spending in such ventures is conservative, and the prediction of expected revenue is optimistic. If an idea of such a business spreads virally, it works. To mitigate a risk of the lack of cash, the venture capitalist should assess how much money is needed according to the most rational forecast. According to Tobin Parker (2009, p. 130), to achieve this aim, the outflow is multiplied by 1.5 and the cash inflows - by 0.5. The company that is suitable for funding is the one with at least a 20% more than the number one arrives at. Essentially, a start-up organisation requires at least 18 months runway. In addition, the venture capitalist can make a syndicate with an individual who can oversee the follow-up of the investment. The Risk of Competition Any venture entering the market has to guarantee profits for its investors and thus outdo the competitors successfully. There are not many fields with barriers to entry, but an example of such sphere may be technology. As such, such kinds of markets and ventures become more attractive for investors as compared to obvious and average products. The technological development in a successful organisation may act as the tool for increasing its competitiveness (eds Lee, Lee Lee 2010, p.767). An example of a successful venture capitalist is Steve Anderson, who decided to invest in Instagram before other bigger venture capitalists, and the decision paid off well with Facebook bought the company. Such an investor had made an assessment of the risk of competition and by investing had mitigated the risk. To mitigate this risk, venture capitalists have a duty of identifying such ventures. In addition, investors can promote and fund technological developments of such businesses. Through applying such mechanisms and increasing competitive edge, the organisation becomes protected from competition. Moreover, most venture capitalists prefer to fund organisations with better quality of science. Due to the risks associated with the competition, venture capitalists at times decide to fund the venture in stages. More investment depends on passing a given milestone (Metrick Yasuda 2007, p. 430). Entrepreneurial Environment and Implementation Risk Venture capitalists have greater interest in companies situated in a favourable entrepreneurial environment. Favourable entrepreneurial environment has a sufficient number of companies with similar products, hence there is a large pool of talent. When there are several small similar companies in the same area, the CEOs can have sessions for sharing ideas and developing given solutions. Such environment also may support a large number of attorneys as well as accountants who are familiar with the venture. Buy custom Entrepreneurial Finance essay

The 1992 European Exchange Rate Mechanism Crisis Case Study

The 1992 European Exchange Rate Mechanism Crisis - Case Study Example had exited the European exchange rate mechanism and that interest rates would remain unchanged at 12%, Italy was also affected by the crises on that same day and exited from the European exchange rate mechanism although it rejoined the union some years later.3 The UK crises can be linked to the failure of the regime to establish a crisis prevention and management mechanism within the union, if there existed a crisis management mechanism within the union it would have prevented the occurrence of the financial loss by the UK. In the ERM the currencies were floated and the exchange rate was determined by the market, the market forces dictate that if a currency is highly demanded then the currency will revalue and on the other hand if a currency is less demanded the currency will devalue. The crises in the UK can be linked to this market forces that determine the exchange rate of a currency, the government strategy at the time was to create demand for the pound by raising interest rates but this turned fruitless because speculators and investment banks were already aware of the strategy behind such a decision, speculators and investment banks therefore sold the pound to hold other currencies and this led to crisis in the UK which saw the devaluation of the pound. An expansionary monetary policy by a member of the European exchange rate would result into low interest rates among the other member countries, this would lead to the appreciation of all the other currencies, therefore there was a need to coordinate the policies among the member countries of the European exchange rate mechanism, the optimal coordination response to an aggregate demand shock by a member country was a set of small devaluations by the other countries, however this was not the case in this regime... The researcher of this case study concludes that the 1992 crises in the UK was as result of increased conflicts and lack of commitment among members of the European exchange rate mechanism. This led to frequent speculative attacks where the speculators and investment banks were aware of the strategies of individual central banks that led to great financial losses. The European exchange rate mechanism was initially formed to stimulate trade and investment among member countries of the union; it was also to be used as a tool that would help maintain a stable exchange rate among the currencies of member countries where countries were allowed a 2.25% fluctuation margin. However, interest rates and government policies were determined through market forces and were no longer influenced by external forces, this has led to a stable economy in the UK. In 1999 the European exchange rate mechanism was replaced by European exchange rate mechanism 2, the new mechanism seem to be better than the o riginal mechanism in that in this system currencies were allowed to float under a margin of 15% against the euro, this system is also better than the original because in that it uses the euro as the central unit of determining exchange rates. The European exchange regime would have been beneficial to member countries only that there was an increase in the level of conflict and decrease in coordination of policies, the regime led to great losses but was also beneficial in that it stimulated trade and investment among the member countries.

Final Exam Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Final Exam Paper - Essay Example It also gives the impression of a performance within a performance, as he moves from frame to frame. The relationship between Alfredo and the boy Toto is the central theme of the film. The two actors act and react with each other, and the boy provokes the old man in various ways, so that he becomes cross at first, and impatient. Over time he mellows, however, and there are many camera shots of the two of them together, the boy in Alfredo’s lap, or on the handlebars of his bicycle, as if the little boy is in the shadow of his protective grandfather figure. At the time when Toto grows up and leaves his mentor, the old man has become weak, and the young man has become strong, reversing the relationship in a poignant way. Salvatore is first seen in the city behind the windscreen of his car, which puts his face in a wide angle frame. After that he goes to his bedroom and looks out through a window, which makes the frame tall and narrow. When the flashback to his village begins, it shows the dusty scene through the square opening of the bell tower, as if the eye of memory looks out from a small space into the wider world. The child Toto is shown clutching scraps of film in his hands through the frame of an internal window. The adolescent Salvatore looks up at Elena’s window with longing, and his first kiss takes place in the same small projection box in which he learned about love. The message here is that life comes through the window of the cinema screen, and this is made most clearly of all in the long scene where Salvatore watches the collage of screen kisses that Alfredo has left to him. This arouses Salvatore’s affective memory, reminding him of the impoverished childhood that he had, and the longing to grow up and escape from the constraints of his village to experience love and real life in the world beyond. Part Two The character of Rick in Casablanca is quite similar to the character of Alfredo, in some ways. He is portrayed as a somewh at distant and unfeeling person, hiding under his hat and smoking quietly so that no-one can guess what he is thinking. He is at home in the dark night club scenes, with shady characters and this is conveyed by the dim lighting of Rick’s cafe. The skill of the director is evident in the way that the audience is at first led to believe he is a bad character, always in the shadows but in the end the farewell scene shows that his gloom is because of sadness at the loss of his love, and he really is a noble character. Like Alfredo, Rick needs the presence of a completely different person to bring out his true nature. The female lead character is often shown in close-up and her acting is expressive. She reacts to Rick’s enigmatic silences with passionate looks, and provides the other side of the story that Rick is not telling anybody. There is a whole back story that only gradually is revealed. Ingrid Bergman has is open and sympathetic, where Humphrey Bogart is cynical and deceptive. Both films show how opposites attract, and enhance each other, but there is an element of nostalgia about them, since separation is the only way that they can live their lives. In both films kisses are the force that heals their pain. In Casablanca Rick and Ilsa’s bittersweet kiss is not a standard happy ending, because there are too many obstacles in the way for them to be together, especially Ilsa’s husband. In Cinema Paradiso the collage of kisses are like an intense reminder of all that is most

Demand and Stores Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Demand and Stores - Coursework Example Therefore, the average daily demand during lead time is equal to L ? AVG. The safety stock is determined scientifically and is applied with the average daily demand during lead time to ensure that there is an adequate supply of inventory is in stores to prevent a loss of sale due to stock-out. The safety stock, which is the minimum level to which stock is expected to fall, is represented by the formula: z ? STD ? vL It is expected that inventory will fall to this minimum level just before the order for Q is received. Immediately after the order for Q units is received the inventory will return to its maximum level but will be depleted over time based on the average daily demand (AVG). The reorder level depends on AVG which is reviewed continuously. When Q units are added to the safety stock the maximum inventory level is achieved. This inventory is depleted over time. Therefore, it is expected that the expected level of inventory before receiving the order is: z ? STD ? vL While the expected level of inventory immediately after receiving the order is: Q + z ? STD ? vL Solution to Question 2 The periodic review inventory replenishment policy requires that inventory be reviewed periodically at regular intervals and that an appropriate quantity is ordered so as to achieve the base stock level after each review. This level of inventory should be sufficient to cover demand during the review period (r) and the lead time (L), in order to prevent stock out before the next order arrives. This implies that the base-stock level includes the average demand during the combined interval of r + L which is: (r + L) ? AVG as well as the safety stock which is calculated as: z ? STD ? v(r+ L) According to Simchi-Levi et al (2008), the maximum inventory level is reached immediately after receiving an order while the minimum level of inventory is reached just before receiving the order. It is therefore very clear that the expected level of inventory after receiving an order is equa l to: r ? AVG + z ? STD ? v(r+ L) while, the level of inventory immediately before order arrives is: z ? STD ? v(r+ L) which is the safety stock. Solution to Question 3 The target service level defines the percentage of orders received that must be filled. A good criterion that can be used is price. The five products that I sell in my department store are: shoes, clothes, appliances, furniture, and food items. In order of target service level from lowest to highest they will be listed as follows: Furniture – more expensive than all other items, profit margin is low, volume is relatively low, demand variability and lead time is high. Appliances – less expensive than furniture but tend to be more expensive than all other items, profit margin is high compared to furniture, volume medium range, while both demand variability and lead time is relatively high Foot-wear – the profit margin is high, volume relatively high, demand variability is not as low as with clothes , and lead time is not as low as with clothes Clothes – the profit margin is high, volume relatively high, demand variability is also relatively low while lead time may not be as low as with food items. Food items – they are cheaper than all other items; the profit margin tend to be low but turnover rate and volume is high, both demand variability and lead time is generally low. According to Simchi-Levi (2008) the service level is generally higher for products with high profit margin, high volume, low variability

Efficacy of Growth Factors Concentration after PRP

Efficacy of Growth Factors Concentration after PRP Efficacy of growth factors concentration (hGH, IGF-1, FGF-2, PDGF, VEGF) after autologous Platelet-rich plasma injection (PRP) on accelerating healing of proximal hamstring tear for athletes. Ahmed Gaballah 1- Department of Sports Health Sciences, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt. 2- Kinesiology and Health Sciences Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA Abstract Platelet rich plasma (PRP) become popular biologically method used to accelerate healing in sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery field. PRP is concentrate the human platelets to supra-physiologic levels. It is an autologous producing high level of the platelets concentration centrifuged from the peripheral vein. Then it re-injected under the ultrasound gaudiness during surgery or at a site of injury. METHOD: Seventeen physically active males (age 22.0 ±0.6) with acute hamstring strain injuries divided to 8 case group and 9 matched controls (age 21.6 ±2.8) were recruited as research participants. Case group participants were injected with single 3 ml of extracted PRP under ultrasound gaudiness. However, Blood samples were collected by venipuncture at standardized time points: before the injection and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after for case group and 4wks. and 8wks for both groups. RESULTS: there was significantly difference between the growth factors results of the case group a fter 4 weeks compared with the 8 weeks result of the control group. Additionally, the same significant results between the two groups after the 8 weeks. Nevertheless, the physical measurements related with hamstring Strain and Knee flexion range of motion between the two groups were not significant after 4 weeks or 8 weeks. CONCLUTION: a single 3-mL injection of autologous PRP combined with a rehabilitation program was effective in time return to play and reducing the severity of pain after an acute grade 2 hamstring injury. Additionally, increase in circulating concentrations of VEGF, IGF-1, PDGF and FGF-2. Key Words: Platelet rich plasma (PRP), Human Growth Factors, Hamstring Tear. 1. Introduction: Skeletal muscle injuries are up to 55% of all sports injuries and causes excessive long term pain and physical disability, Muscles strains and contusions representing more than 90% of all sports related injuries and are the most muscular injuries frequent. [1] [2]   Proximal hamstring tear injuries are common in athletes and frequently result in prolonged rehabilitation, time missed from play, and a significant risk of re-injury. Reports of acute hamstring strains without avulsion in dancers have suggested recovery times for return-to-play ranging from 30 to 76 weeks [3]. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) become popular biologically method used to accelerate healing in sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery field. PRP is concentrate the human platelets to supra-physiologic levels. It is an autologous producing high level of the platelets concentration centrifuged from the peripheral vein. Then it re-injected under the ultrasound gaudiness during surgery or at a site of injury [4] [5]. As a result of the lack side-effect and the autologous nature of PRP, it has utilized exponentially over the last few years in sports medicine and orthopaedic. Historically, since the 1950s the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used to dermatological conditions and manage maxillofacial as well [6]. Furthermore, Platelet-derived preparations including PRP were first regulated by WADA under the 2010 Prohibited List because of concerns that the elevated concentrations of growth factors in PRP may confer an unfair advantage to treated athletes. However, WADA lifted the ban on PR P in 2011 in recognition of the lack of evidence to support a systemic performance-enhancing effect and to allow further research in the field [7]. Indeed, the blood contains 6% platelets, 1% white blood cells, and 93% red blood cells.   The PRP technique aims to reverse the concentration of the platelet in lieu of red cells to increase the growth factors that more useful in accelerating the healing. [8] However, Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a centrifuged blood product that contains a supraphysiologic amount of platelets. Therefore, the preparation process to product concentrative platelet above the baseline values have started with an autologous extraction of patients` blood, then by plasmapheresis centrifuged to obtain a concentrated suspension of platelets. It then separates the solid and liquid components of the anticoagulated blood after a two-stage of centrifugation process [9]. The initial phase separates the plasma and platelets from the erythrocytes and leucocytes. The second stage concentrates the platelets further into platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma components [10] [11]. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) contains some biologic factors which have been enhanced the proliferation and collagen secretion of tenocytes. These factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), and transforming growth factor ÃŽ ² (TGF ÃŽ ²) [12] [13]. There is an increasing the stimulus response of PDGF and TGF-ÃŽ ² in the early stages of tendon and muscles healing after PRP injection resulting in new vessel formation and collagen synthesis. [14]. In addition to decrease oxidative stress that could lead to cell apoptosis, PRP has been promoted tendon and muscles cell growth [15]. This is evidenced and reinforced by release of inflammatory meiators such as COX-1 and2, PGE-2 [16] [17]. Recently, there are various approaches reported the benefits of treating the soft tissue injuries such as muscles tears and tendinosis by injecting platelet rich plasma (PRP). Despite this popularization and increasing use in soft tissue injuries, its efficacy still not clear and remains controversial. It has been previously established that platelets provide regenerative potential by the process of chemo-taxis [18] [19] [20]. The use of PRP in order to accelerate recovery time after muscle injury has become a relatively common practice in sports medicine. Several studies represent that PRP can improve skeletal muscle healing after acute injury. In particular, local PRP which increased expression of several myogenic factors at mRNA level acting on modlating the inflammatory response and myogenesis in the early stages after acute injury [21] [22]. Rossi L, et al. reported the effects of an autologous PRP injections on time to return to play in randomized controlled study conducted on 75 patients. The study represented time to return to play for recreational and competitive athletes and recurrence rate after acute muscle injuries as well. The main result in the study that PRP injection significant reduction of re-injury rates at 2 years. Additionally, it was decreased the pain severity score and significantly decreased the time of return to sports as well [23]. One more study reported that 14 professional athletes were treated with ultrasound-guidance injections of PRP after acute muscle injuries. The athletes showed a quick return to activity and improved healing in muscle tears [8]. Similar results have represented in Sanchez et al study, which conducted on 20 athletes. These results supported the benefits of PRP and its role in muscle healing. The patients recovered in half of the expected time [24]. Figure 1. Process of platelet activation (PDGF, platelet derived growth factor). Source [25] Platelet Activity in muscles: (Figure 1,) represents the released serotonin contributes to vasoconstriction. The conversion of ATP into ADP releases the energy necessary to establish and maintain the aggregation. The release of the calcium ions inside the platelet makes the myofibril within it contract, thus allowing the aggregation and release of the content of the granules. This is serum calcium, which is necessary for the formation of the fibrin network [26]. The presence of the Ca2+ ions in the plasma makes the coagulation factors activate and group, forming the fibrin network, which is stabilized by factor XIII and transformed in a stable clot. The calcium ions also inhibit the anticoagulant activity of heparin, preserving the clot [27]. The PRP and the growth factors: The functions of these growth factors are presented in Table 1. It should be noted that the mechanism of action of platelet-rich plasma does not differ from the physiological healing process, but allows for obtaining higher concentrations of growth factors. As a result, the process of tissue regeneration is accelerated [28] [29] [30]. Platelet ÃŽ ±-granules are comprised of haemostatic factors, regulators inflammation, and wound healing. Substances stored in dense granules are thrombocyte-activating factors. Platelets also contain lysosomal granules, which secrete acid hydrolases [31] [32]. Platelet activation results in growth factor release. Platelet growth factors include platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor ÃŽ ² (TGF-ÃŽ ²), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) [33] [8]. Table 1. Growth Factors function Growth factor Abbreviation Functions Transforming growth factor TGF-ÃŽ ² A mitogen for fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, osteoblasts Angiogenesis promotion, extracellular matrix production Platelet-derived growth factor PDGF Chemotactic effect on monocytes, neutrophils, fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts A mitogen for fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells Angiogenesis promotion, formation of fibrous tissue, re-epithelialization Vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF Angiogenesis promotion Chronic wound healing promotion Inhibition of bone formation Epidermal growth EGF factor A mitogen for fibroblasts, endothelial cells, keratinocytes Chronic wound healing promotion Insulin-like growth factor IGF-1 Regulation of bone maintenance Modulator of cell apoptosis Stimulation of bone tissue regeneration Platet derived endothelial growth factor PDEGF Promotes wound healing by stimulating the proliferation of keratinocyes and dermal fibroblasts Endothelial Growth Factor EGF Cellular proliferation Differentiation of epithelial cells Figure 2. Platelet degranulation and action of the released cytokines in the process of formation of new bone and muscle tissue (VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF, platelet derived growth factor; BMP, bone morphogenetic protein; TGF-b, transforming growth factor). 2. Methods 2.1. Participants: This study was approved by Damietta University, Egypt, Alexandria University, Egypt and Utah state University, UT, USA. Twenty-three physically active males with acute grade 2 hamstring tear were voluntarily recruited for data collection (age 21.8  ± 2.64y, mass 71.52 ±2.74 Kg, height 175.4 ±2.32). All patients receiving local ultrasound-guided intratendinous PRP injection at our institution between September 2014 and December 2016 were screened for eligibility to participate in the study, and 17 patients were ultimately enrolled. Exclusion criteria included five participants with previous injury or diagnoses in hamstring. 8 physically active males (age 22.0 ±0.6) with acute hamstring strain injuries and 9 matched controls (age 21.6 ±2.8) were recruited as research participants. The case and control groups were performed rehabilitation program included aquatic exercise for 8 weeks. The history of pain data and the daily hours of using the smartphones were collected by surve y. Furthermore, the procedures were explained to the subjects and their written signatures were obtained on the informed consent. 2.2. Platelet rich plasma preparation and injection: In accordance of GPSTM III Systems instruction the blood collected for PRP was prepared by (Biomet Biologics, Inc., Warsaw, Ind) and standard 60 ml GPSTM III kit. Approximately of 7 ml of PRP was prepared in 30 minutes. Furthermore, single 3 ml of extracted PRP were injected under ultrasound gaudiness after adding 8.4% sodium bicarbonate buffered PRP for increasing the pH to normal physiological levels. The sodium was added in a ratio 0.05 ml to 1 ml of PRP. All the participants blood samples were stored in -25 ° Celsius and were analyzed to determine the concentration of the growth factors. The PRP injection of the current study were injected directly into the injured area under aseptic technique. The case group participants only received the single autologous PRP combined with the rehabilitation program. The participants were kept under observation for 96 hours and were performed the rehabilitation program after 5-7 days of PRP injection. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture at standardized time points: before (baseline) and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours to 4wks. and 8wks. after administration of PRP. blood was drawn at precisely the same time each morning and at least 3 hours after eating and exercising per WADA standards Figure 3. PRP set up. 2.3. Growth Factor Quantification: Six growth factors and related molecules that are concentrated in PRP preparations were quantified in PRP and blood by direct immunoassay using the Quantikine enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA kit), as outlined   the Growth factors studied were: human growth hormone (hGH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), basic fibro blast growth factor (bFGF or FGF-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor- BB (PDGF-BB). Because bFGF is present in the blood only at very low concentrations, a high-sensitivity ELISA kit was used to ensure accurate detection [34] [35] [5]. Figure 4. PRP injection under ultrasound guidance. 2.4. Rehabilitation program: A Physical rehabilitation program was performed for six weeks and designed for lower limb. In particular, hamstring muscles. both groups participants (8 case and 9 control) performed the exercises protocol once a day for 55 minutes for each training session and 5 times a week (275 M. / week). The exercise protocol was consisted of aquatic exercise and strength exercises and was divided to tree stages, the first stage was focused on the flexibility and isotonic strength exercise with 5 sets and 12-15 1RM intensity. While, the second stage was designed for strength exercises with 3 sets and 8-10 1RM intensity. While the third stage for endurance and exercise related of activity performance. Aquatic pool, Machine weights and The Thera-Band resistance bands exercises were used during the 6 weeks especially the colors (red, blue, black, silver). The red and blue bands were used in the first stage and the black and silver used in second stage. Furthermore, all the exercises were performed by stretching the band between 75 100 %. knowing that, the weight of stretching in Thera-Band between 75-100% is red 3.3-3.9kg, blue 5.9-7.1kg, black 8.1-9.7, and silver 11.1-13.2kg. 2.5. Statistical Analysis The paired t-test was used to compare the collected data before performing the exercise protocol (Pre-test) and those which were obtained after the 6 and 8-weeks training period (Post-test). The differences between the samples were significant at the t = 1.740 p < 0.05 level. All the analyses were performed by using SPSS 21 software for Windows 7 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA). Additionally, all values within the text and table are observed as standard deviation and mean (mean  ± SD). 3. Results: Table 2, 3 illustrate the large variations in growth factor concentrations between participants in the two groups before and after PRP injection. Regarding growth factor (GF) trajectories for the case group participants are shown in Figure 3, and data are summarized in Table 2, the human growth hormone increased dramatically within the first 24 hours after PRP injection while these results were not significant after the 4 weeks and 8 weeks.   Moreover, IGF-1 increased relative to baseline within 24 hours after PRP and remained elevated at all-time points thereafter, and the change was statistically at 24 until 96 hours as well after 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Likewise, VEGF and PDGF were significantly elevated at 24 hours and at all-time points thereafter and were significant after 4 and 8 weeks.   Furthermore, FGF-2 rose at the point between 24 to 96 hours after PRP injection but not significantly, while it was elevated significantly after 4 week and 8 weeks. It obviously represented in table 3, the spectacular significantly difference between the growth factors results of the case group after 4 weeks compared with the 8 weeks result of the control group. Additionally, Figure 6, reveals the same significant results between the two groups after the 8 weeks. Nevertheless, the physical measurements related with hamstring Strain and Knee flexion range of motion between the two groups were not significant after 4 weeks or 8 weeks. Table 1. Data Summary for the Growth Factors after PRP Injectiona unit   Ã‚  Ã‚   Pre-test 24 h 48 h 72 h 96 h 4 weeks 8 weeks hGH   pg/mLpg/mL pg/mL 1.927  ± 0.67 8.117  ± 2.414 2.276  ± 0.030 2.776  ± 0.180 5.597  ± 1.910 2.321  ± 0.554 2.175  ± 0.651 IGF-1 pg/mL 0.577 ±0.283 1.078  ± 0.914 1.101 ±0.341 1.122  ± 0.239 1.133  ± 0.165 0.817  ± 0.844 0.793  ± 0.141 FGF-2 pg/mL 2.233  ± 1.22 2.105  ± 0.772 2.292  ± 0.736 1.911  ± 0.201 2.314  ± 0.877 3.652  ± 0.567 3.921  ± 0.822 VEGF pg/mL 0.346  ± 0.18 1.313  ± 0.42 1.544  ± 0.463 1.836  ± 0.463 1.554  ± 0.419 0.784  ± 0.098 0.749  ± 0.077 PDGF pg/mL 0.352 ±0.11 0.884  ± 0.949 1.702 ±1.572 1.602  ± 2.021 1.262  ± 1.423 0.856  ± 0.108 0.807  ± 0.133 aPRP, platelet-rich plasma; hGH, human growth hormone; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1; FGF-2, basic fibroblast growth factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor. Table 2. Difference of the Growth Factors concentration between the Case and Control group Case Group (N=8) Control Group (N = 9) Unit Pre-test 4 weeks 8 weeks Pre-test 4 weeks 8 weeks P ≠¤ 0.05 hGH   pg/mLpg/mL pg/mL 1.927  ± 0.67 2.321  ± 0.554 2.175  ± 0.651 1.941  ± 0.201 1.997  ± 0.088 2.063  ± 0.477 1.215 IGF-1 pg/mL 0.577 ±0.283 0.817  ± 0.844 0. 793  ± 0.141 0.582  ± 0.247 0.633  ± 0.145 0.637  ± 0.114 1.760 * FGF-2 pg/mL 2.233  ± 1.22 3.452  ± 0.567 3.921  ± 0.822 2.228  ± 0.721 2.593  ± 0.687 2.627  ± 0.514 2.046 * VEGF pg/mL 0.346  ± 0.184 0.784  ± 0.098 0.749  ± 0.077 0.341  ± 0.163 0.384  ± 0.187 0.396  ± 0.106 2.584 * PDGF pg/mL 0.352 ±0.117 0.856  ± 0.108 0.807  ± 0.133 0.358  ± 0.121 0.421  ± 0.633 0.429  ± 0.008 2.632 * PRP, platelet-rich plasma; hGH, human growth hormone; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1; FGF-2, basic fibroblast growth factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor; N, Number; * Significant difference P ≠¤ 0.05, t =1.740 (N= 17). Table 3. Difference of Hamstring Force and Knee Flexion (ROM) between the Case and Control group Case Group (N=8) Control Group (N = 9) Unit Pre-test 4 weeks 8 weeks Pre-test 4 weeks 8 weeks P ≠¤ 0.05 HF N 26.62  ± 4.67 104.32  ± 5.67 107.06 ±1.64 25.31  ± 3.41 102.71  ± 4.75 105.75  ±3.18 0.743 KF(ROM) Deg. ËÅ ¡ 51.72  ± 5.17 147.92  ± 0.43 148.62  ± 0.78 52.04  ± 2.43 147.02  ± 0.14 147.36  ± 0.88 0.632 aPRP, platelet-rich plasma; HF, Hamstring Force; KF(ROM), Knee Flexion range of motion. N, Number. P ≠¤ 0.05, t =1.740 (N= 17). 4. Discussion: There is little published evidence to support whether a statistically significant increase in growth factors with performance-enhancing potential, including IGF-1, hGH VEGF, PDGF and FGF-2, necessarily leads to clinically relevant ergogenic effects. This is further complicated by evidence from some animal studies that local IGF-1 overexpression enhances local muscle mass and strength without systemic increases in IGF-1. The current study aims to determine the effect of PRP in accelerate the healing of hamstring strain. Moreover, to identify potential molecular markers that could be used to distinguish athletes who have been treated with local PRP injections from those who have not. Figure 5, The concentration of the growth factors after the PRP injection. PRP, platelet-rich plasma; hGH, human growth hormone; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1; FGF-2, basic fibroblast growth factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor. The performance of the growth factors after a single PRP injection was enhanced and increased significantly from 24 until 96 hours.   Indeed, hGH was peaked within the 24-hour window, although the results were not significant after 4 weeks or 8 weeks. Similarly, IGF-1 is significantly increased by 24 until 96 hours after PRP, while its activation was decreased after 4 weeks and 8 weeks but with significantly difference compared with the pretest and the control group 8 weeks test. Furthermore, IGF-1 is generated in the liver in response to hGH, is the primary downstream mediator of hGH, and is the most specific marker of supraphysiological hGH exposure [36] [37]. Figure 6. Difference between the case and control group in the concentration of the Growth Factors after 8 weeks. hGH, human growth hormone; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-1; FGF-2, basic fibroblast growth factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor. Despite that both groups performed the same rehabilitation program, our study reported a significant increase in the growth factors for the control group after 4 and 8 weeks (Table 3, figure 6). However, the values of the case group after 4 weeks for the case group were more advanced than the 8 weeks values of the controlled (Figure 7,8). Therefore, the PRP injection enhanced the concentration of the growth. It is notably that the physical measurements of hamstring force and knee flexion range of motion were not significant at either 4 or 8 weeks. Wallace et al demonstrated that an acute bout of exercise increases total circulating IGF-1 by only about 20% [38] [9]. Figure 7, Difference between the case and control group in (NFROM) Knee flexion range of motion after 8 weeks. Figure 8, Difference between the case and control group in (HF) Hamstring Force after 8 weeks.          By comparison, participants in case group who treated with PRP and exercise program. Our study demonstrated a 38% increase in IGF-1 in case group and 9.5% in control group. Relative to baseline, suggesting that PRP treatment activates the hGH-IGF-1 pathway but that a single PRP injection is important to combined with the exercise to maximally stimulate. [39] [9] (Table 3) (Figure 6). We also observed FGF-2 and VEGF also peaked after treatment with PRP.   Fibroblast growth factor contributes to angiogenesis by stimulating the proliferation of endothelial cells to enhance the proliferation of satellite cells, which are the stem cells of mature muscle [40]. Basic fibroblast growth factor may enhance athletic performance by inducing muscle hyper- trophy and increasing oxygen transport. Vascular endothelial growth factor is a powerful stimulator of angiogenesis and could have noteworthy performance-enhancing effects if it entered systemic circulation and exerted its effects in tissues o ther than the site of injury [41]. The potential effects of autologous biological substances to hasten muscle healing were reported in several case reports [34] [42] [43]. Borrione et al [34] noted that athletes with grade 3 muscle strains treated with PRP showed earlier functional improvement and more complete recovery than those treated nonoperatively. Hamid et al   [44] demonstrated that a single PRP injection was effective in accelerating recovery for grade 2. However, the PRP Group achieved full recovery significantly earlier than controls and returned to play after 27 days while control group returned after 43 days. Another approach successfully treated an athlete with a grade 2 semimembranosus muscle injury with a single 3-mL infiltration of platelet-enriched plasma under ultrasound guidance. The athlete was pain free and allowed to train at the preinjury intensity 21 days after treatment [45]. The effect of a preparation rich in growth factors (PRGF) to hasten muscle recovery was reported in a 35-year-old pr ofessional bodybuilder diagnosed with a right adductor longus rupture. The athlete successfully returned to competitive training within 1 week after the third PRGF injection [43]. The effect of PRP in accelerated and associated a hamstring injury was also observed in the current study. The PRP preparation contained a high concentration of several growth factors including TGF-b, FGF-2, and insulin-like growth factor-1, but the amount of platelets and WBCs present was not stated. Additionally, the actual effect of PRP on soft tissue healing is not fully understood,22 our findings supported the possible role of higher growth factors (concentration level) in hastening recovery as postulated by previous researchers [46] [47] [42]. Sanchez et al reported full functional recovery of hamstring and adductor muscle injuries 2 times faster in 20 professional athletes treated with a PRGF [24]. Similar designed study by Rettig et al was investigated the effects of an autologous PRP injection and was retrospective case-control study conducted to determine the effect of the PRP on return time to play after acute hamstring injuries. The study included 10 professional National Football League (NFL) players with acute hamstring injury. The participants were divided equally into PRP and Control groups. Under ultrasound guidance the PRP group patients were injected once with 6 mL of PRP. Both groups were performed the same rehabilitation program. Several differences were identified between the study by Rettig et al and the current study. For instance, the

Neural Networks in Investments Essay -- Computers Technology Investing

Neural Networks in Investments I. ABSTRACT Investment managers often find themselves overwhelmed with the large amount of data obtained from the financial markets. Most of the data available is numeric and noisy in nature, making the decision-making process harder. These decisions usually rely on the integration of statistical measures that attempt to compress much of the data and qualitative depictions such as graphs and bar charts with news events and other pertinent information. Investment decisions usually involve non-linear relationships among the various components of the data. Computers in general, are very adept at dealing with large amounts of numeric information. However, some algorithms are crucial in analyzing and combining disparate information that can impact security prices. Artificial Intelligence based methods uses clever algorithms and rules of thumb (heuristics) in the decision-making process. Neural Network and expert systems applications have been successfully deployed in the domain of Finance, and in the area of investment management. This paper discusses the basics and the theory behind neural networks and provides an introduction to an application area of neural networks in the domain of Finance. The application areas of Neural Networks discussed in the paper are corporate finance, financial institutions, and the professional investor. The purpose of the second paper will be to discuss the specifics of each of these applications. II. INTRODUCTION Neural network computing is an information processing method that was developed from research to make computers that could imitate the way people learned. The field initially grew from 1930s ideas about how biological systems like the human brain works... ...in of finance is essential for further development. V. REFERENCES 1. Deboeck Guido J., Trading on the Edge: Neural, Genetic, and Fuzzy Systems for Chaotic Financial Markets, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1994. 2. Trippi Robert R., Lee Jae K., State-of-the-Art Portfolio Selection Using Knowledge Based Systems to Enhance Investment Performance, Probus Publishing Company, 1992. 3. Refenes Paul, Neural Networks in the Capital Markets, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1995. 4. Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Artificial Intelligence Applications on Wall Street, April 19-22 1993, New York City. 5. Neural Network Resources on the World Wide Web, http://www.med-web.com/nnres/ 6. Neural Network Toolbox, http://www.mathworks.com/products/neuralnet/ 7. Neural Network WWW References, http://ftp.funet.fi/pub/sci/neural/www/www-catalogue.html