Wednesday, October 30, 2019

How the social media can benefits a new company with that much Essay

How the social media can benefits a new company with that much competition - Essay Example Social media is undoubtedly effective newest tool and strategy for growing a new or an existing business. Hundreds of social media networks are obtaining wider popularity across the globe since more and more business people are tempted to use social media to share their views, ideas, feelings and information with others. Social media is about how people use internet for their communication purposes. Social media refers to any of the many online tools that allow people to share information and learn from others through a communication network in an open process. Social media thus refers to online contents that are created and consumed by regular people for each others. As Singh and Diamond (2012, p. 10) noted, it may be comments a person adds at the end of a website- article or family photograph he uploaded to a photos-haring site or a video he uploaded to a video-sharing site. Until the last decade, businesses had to use direct communication for most business and marketing activities, but the emergence of social media brought tremendous changes in business and marketing communication. It has not only brought greater opportunities for many businesses, but also posed bigger challenges for many to survive in competing with others. For a new business to be set up successfully, marketing communication is an extremely important function since its ultimate goal to reach its customers will be successful only if it can communicate its people about the business and its goals. When introducing a new brand or the existing brand with new product or service to the market, it needs to be communicated to its people to make them aware about it, to inform or persuade them to buy or to keep on reminding them about the goods or brand (Kitchen, 1999, p. 21). Social media can play pivotal role in marketing communication and thus perform the functions of advertising as well as marketing promotional activities. A new business to be set up or an

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Experiment on Changes in Serum Levels of Irisin

Experiment on Changes in Serum Levels of Irisin Khaled Abdelfattah Abdelhamid Abulfadle, MD   Serum irisin level changes after propylthiouracil treatment of L-thyroxine induced hyperthyroidism in rats ABSTRACT Background: Thyroid hormones play an essential role in lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism; and they regulate thermogenesis and basal metabolic rate. Irisin is a myokine that is secreted as a product of fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) was shown to be present in many tissues, including the thyroid tissue. Objective: To investigate the possible changes in serum levels of irisin that occurred in a rat model of hyperthyroidism and the effects of use of propylthiouracil (PTU) in its treatment. Design: 18 male albino rats were divided into 3 groups. Group I was the intact control. Rats of group II and III received daily 0.3 mg/kg subcutaneous injection of L-thyroxine (LT4) for 12 consecutive days. On the thirteenth day, animals of group III (Hyperthyroid PTU treated) received 5 ml/kg i.p. injection of propylthiouracil (PTU) along with an equivalent amount of LT4 as administered to group II animals for more 15 days. Animals of group II (Hyperthyroid control) continued to receive LT4. On the day of termination (28th day of starting LT4 treatment), overnight (12hrs) fasted animals were sacrificed by decapitation under ether anesthesia. Results: In the hyperthyroid control group, there was a significant decrease in serum level of TSH (P0.05) in serum levels of TSH, T4, T3 irisin, and, BMI in hyperthyroid PTU group in comparison to that in the intact control group. In the hyperthyroid control group, there was a significant increase in the serum level of both glucose (P0.05) in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group in comparison to that in the intact control group. In the hyperthyroid control group, there was a significant decrease in serum levels of both TC (P0.05) in serum levels of both TG and LDL-C in comparison to that in the intact control group. Conclusion: This study showed a significant increase in serum levels of irisin in L-thyroxine induced hyperthyroidism in rats. On using PTU, serum levels of irisin, thyroid hormones, metabolic parameters and BMI were significantly changed in comparison to the hyperthyroid control group. Keywords: Irisin, T3, T4, TSH, Propylthiouracil, Hyperthyroidism. Introduction: Irisin is a myokine that is secreted as a product of fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) in the skeletal muscle (Samy, Ismail et al. 2015, Jin Zhang 2017, Nathan C. Winn 2017). FNDC5, which is the precursor of irisin was shown to be present in many tissues, including the thyroid tissue (Huh, Panagiotou et al. 2012). It is secreted by a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ÃŽÂ ³ (PPARÃŽÂ ³) coactivator 1ÃŽÂ ± (PGC1-ÃŽÂ ±) after an exercise (Aydin 2014). Irisin was found to have an anti-obesity effect as it replaces the white fatty tissue with brown fatty tissue by the increase of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) resulting in oxygen consumption and stimulation of thermogenesis (Bostrà ¶m, Wu et al. 2012, Castillo-Quan 2012, Roca-Rivada, Castelao et al. 2013, Jin Zhang 2017, Nathan C. Winn 2017). Stengel, Hofmann et al. (2013) found that irisin level was identified to be high in obesity and to be low in anorexia nervosa. On the other hand, thyroid hormones pla y an essential role in lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism; and they regulate thermogenesis and basal metabolic rate (Hulbert 2000). Also, hyperfunction of thyroid gland is a common endocrine disorder which is accompanied by metabolic imbalance, oxidative stress and abnormal energy homeostasis (Erdamar, Demirci et al. 2008). There were some controversies in the results of studying the effect of thyroid hormone level changes on serum levels of irisin as Yalcin, Akturk et al. (2016) found an increase in serum irisin levels in hyperthyroidism and they suggested that it might contribute to altered energy metabolism. Also, Samy, Ismail et al. (2015) stated that hyperthyroidism was associated with up-regulation of serum irisin in male rats, probably as a response to myopathy and/or oxidative damage observed in both conditions. Moreover, Ruchala, Zybek et al. (2014) reported a borderline elevation of serum irisin in hyperthyroid versus hypothyroid patients. On the contrary, Panagiot ou, Pazaitou-Panayiotou et al. (2016) stated that changes in thyroid hormone levels did not affect circulating irisin levels in humans. Also, Stengel, Hofmann et al. (2013), Ellefsen, Vikmoen et al. (2014) and Gouni-Berthold, Berthold et al. (2013) reported lack of associations between levels of irisin, TSH and/or thyroid hormones. On the other hand, Zybek-Kocik, Sawicka-Gutaj et al. (2016) stated that irisin concentration was changed during prolonged thyroid function impairment. Also, AteÃ…Å ¸, Altay et al. (2016) found that, in hypothyroidism, there was a positive correlation between serum irisin levels and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) while a negative correlation was found between irisin levels and thyroxine (T4). Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the possible changes in serum levels of irisin that occurred in a rat model of hyperthyroidism and the effects of use of propylthiouracil (PTU) in its treatment. Materials and Methods: Animals preparations and experimental protocol: In the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, this experimental study was done from 6th of November 2016 to 28th of December 2016. 18 adult male albino rats, age and weight matched (170-195 gm), were purchased from the animal house of Zagazig University and were housed at 20-22 °C on a 12-h light-dark cycle and for 5 days, to achieve acclimatization, they were supplied with tap water and a standard chow diet. Rats were divided into 3 groups of 6 each. Group I animals served as the intact control, whereas those of group II and III received daily subcutaneous injection of L-thyroxine (LT4) (Sigma, MO, USA) at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg for 12 consecutive days (Panda and Kar 2007). On the thirteenth day, animals of group III received propylthiouracil (PTU) (Sigma, MO, USA) 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally (Panda and Kar 2007) along with an equivalent amount of LT4 as administered to group II animals. PTU was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected, in a volume of 5 ml/kg, dis solved in saline (Kim, Kim et al. 2012). Experiment was continued for more 15 consecutive days (from 13th LT4 treatment). Animals of group II continued to receive LT4 and acted as hyperthyroid control. Intact control rats were injected with 5 ml/kg/day subcutaneously with saline. On the day of termination (28th day of starting LT4 treatment), overnight (12hrs) fasted animals were sacrificed by decapitation under ether anesthesia. Blood from each animal was collected and by its centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 15 minutes, serum was separated and stored -20oc till the time of assay of different biochemical parameters (Kumar, Kar et al. 2014). PTU was used to treat hyperthyroidism by decreasing the amount of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland (Nakamura, Noh et al. 2007), and it also inhibited the enzyme 5-deiodinase, which converts thyroxine (T4) to the active form triiodothyronine (T3) (Bahn, Burch et al. 2009). Also, it inhibited LT4-induced hyperthyroidisms in rats (Panda a nd Kar 2007). Body mass index (BMI) changes: BMI in gm/cm2 was calculated in the different groups, just before rats were sacrificed (under ether anesthesia), by dividing Body weight (gm) on Length2 (cm2) (Novelli, Diniz et al. 2007). A graduated (in centimeters) metal ruler was used for measuring the rat length by putting the zero end at the rat anus and recorded the reading which reached by the nose. BMI was used as a measure for the change in body weight of rats (Novelli, Diniz et al. 2007). Figure-1: Experimental design. Rats were divided into 3 groups. Group I was the intact control. Rats of group II and III received daily subcutaneous injection of levothyroxine (LT4) for 12 consecutive days. On the thirteenth day, animals of group III (Hyperthyroid PTU treated) received i.p. injection of propylthiouracil (PTU) along with an equivalent amount of LT4 as administered to group II animals for more 15 days. Animals of group II (Hyperthyroid control) continued to receive LT4. On the day of termination (28th day of starting LT4 treatment), overnight (12hrs) fasted animals were sacrificed by decapitation under ether anesthesia. Measurement of serum parameters: Serum level of irisin was estimated (in ng/ml) using an irisin rat ELISA assay kit following the manufacturers instructions (Catalog# EK-067-52; Phoenix Pharmaceuticals Inc., Burlingame, California, USA) with a detection range of 0.1-1000 ng/ml. Quantitative immunoassaying of T3, T4 and TSH using commercially available kits as recommended by the manufacturer (cat#SE120091, SE120090, SE120135, ELISA Kits, Sigma-Aldrich). Both serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were estimated using enzymatic colorimetric methods. Serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was assayed using NS Biotec HDL-precipitating reagent. Serum low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated using the Friedewald formula: LDL-C (mg/dl) = [(TC) (HDL-C) ( (Friedewald, Levy et al. 1972) Estimation of both serum glucose levels, using an automated analyzer (YSI 2300; YSI Life Sciences, Yellow Springs, OH), and serum insulin levels, using ELISA kits (RD Systems, Minneapolis, MN), were done. For assessing insulin resistance (IR), the homeostasis model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR) index was calculated by: HOMA-IR = (Nayak, Hillemane et al. 2014). There is a direct relation between insulin resistance and the value of HOMA-IR (Bonora, Targher et al. 2000). Statistical analysis: By the use of IBM SPSS Statistics for windows package version (24), data were analyzed and described as Mean ± SEM. For calculation of the statistical significance, One-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc test for multiple group comparison were used. P†°Ã‚ ¤0.05 indicated significance. Results: Table-1: Changes in serum levels of TSH, T4, T3 irisin, and, BMI among different groups Intact control Hyperthyroid control Hyperthyroid PTU treated TSH (à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ­IU/L) 2.82 ±0.12 0.81 ±0.05a 2.68 ±0.14bc T4 (à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ­g/dl) 5.33 ±0.14 16.2 ±0.2a 5.36 ±0.18bc T3 (ng/ml) 1.29 ±0.04 3.52 ±0.11a 1.36 ±0.04bc Irisin (ng/ml) 401.67 ±5.65 599.17 ±6.82a 409.5 ±6bc BMI (gm/cm2) 0.54 ±0.01 0.44 ±0.01a 0.51 ±0.01bc Data was expressed as Mean ±SEM. a P0.05 in comparison to the intact control group. c P Table-2: Changes in metabolic parameters among different groups Intact control Hyperthyroid control Hyperthyroid PTU treated Glucose (mg/dl) 91.5 ±0.92 113 ±2.33a 91.33 ±1.2bc Insulin (à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ­IU/ml) 2.95 ±0.12 4.86 ±0.16a 2.88 ±0.13bc HOMA-IR 0.67 ±0.02 1.36 ±0.05a 0.65 ±0.03bc TC (mg/dl) 106.5 ±2.51 89.83 ±2.52a 103.33 ±1.63bd TG (mg/dl) 55.17 ±1.22 52.33 ±0.67b 53.17 ±0.95be HDL-C (mg/dl) 54 ±1.15 43.33 ±0.88a 51.33 ±0.99bc LDL-C (mg/dl) 41.47 ±3.27 36.03 ±3.07b 41.37 ±1.92be Data was expressed as Mean ±SEM. a P0.05 in comparison to the intact control group. c P0.05 in comparison to the hyperthyroid control group. HOMA-IR, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index; TC, total cholesterol; TG, triglycerides; HDL-C, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol; LDL-C, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Figure-2: Correlations between serum irisin levels and: TSH, T4 T3 in, the intact control group (A), hyperthyroid control group (B) and hyperthyroid PTU treated group (C); glucose in the intact control group (D); insulin HOMA-IR in the intact control group (E); glucose in the hyperthyroid control group (F); insulin HOMA-IR in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group (G); TC HDL-C in the hyperthyroid control group (H). r is the correlation coefficient. Table-1 showed changes in serum levels of TSH, T4, T3 irisin, and, BMI among different groups. In the hyperthyroid control group, there was a significant decrease in serum level of TSH (0.81 ±0.05, P group (2.82 ±0.12), (0.54 ±0.01) (5.33 ±0.14), (1.29 ±0.04) and (401.67 ±5.65) respectively. On the other hand, there were insignificant changes (P>0.05) in serum levels of TSH, T4, T3 irisin, and, BMI in hyperthyroid PTU group in comparison to that in the intact control group. Also, there was a significant increase in both serum level of TSH (2.68 ±0.14, P0.05) in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group in comparison to that in the intact control group. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the serum levels of both glucose (91.33 ±1.2, P0.05) in serum levels of both TG (52.33 ±0.67) and LDL-C (36.03 ±3.07) in comparison to that in the intact control group (106.5 ±2.51), (54 ±1.15), (55.17 ±1.22) and (41.47 ±3.27) respectively. In the hyperthyroid PTU treated group, there was a significant increase in serum levels of both TC (103.33 ±1.63, P0.05) in serum levels of both TG (53.17 ±0.95) and LDL-C (41.37 ±1.92) in comparison to that in the intact co ntrol group (89.83 ±2.52), (43.33 ±0.88), (52.33 ±0.67) and (36.03 ±3.07) respectively. Also, there were no significant changes (P>0.05) in serum levels of TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group in comparison to that in the intact control group. Figure-2A showed a significant positive correlation between serum irisin levels and that of T4 (r=0.97, P Discussion: This study was done to declare changes in irisin serum levels in a rat model of hyperthyroidism and the effect of PTU therapy on it. Also, to identify the association between serum irisin level changes in such conditions and some metabolic parameters including insulin resistance and lipid profile. The results of this study showed a significant decrease in serum level of TSH and BMI, but, a significant increase in serum levels of T4, T3, and irisin in the hyperthyroid control group, in comparison to that in the intact control group. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between serum irisin levels and that of T4 T3 but a significant negative correlation with serum TSH in the hyperthyroid control group. These results were supported by Huh, Panagiotou et al. (2012) who stated that FNDC5, irisin precursor, was present in the thyroid tissue. Also, the present study results were supported by Irrcher, Adhihetty et al. (2003), Ruchala, Zybek et al. (2014), Sanchis-Gomar and Per ez-Quilis (2014), Samy, Ismail et al. (2015) and Yalcin, Akturk et al. (2016) who found an increase in serum irisin levels in hyperthyroidism and they suggested that it might contribute to altered energy metabolism. Moreover, Irrcher, Adhihetty et al. (2003) reported that T3 increased the irisin precursor, PGC-1ÃŽÂ ±, expression in muscle. Furthermore, Sanchis-Gomar and Perez-Quilis (2014) stated that serum irisin was increased in hyperthyroidism as a compensatory response to oxidative stress as it had an antioxidant effect. On the contrary, Gouni-Berthold, Berthold et al. (2013), Stengel, Hofmann et al. (2013) and Panagiotou, Pazaitou-Panayiotou et al. (2016) stated that changes in levels of thyroid hormones did not affect circulating irisin levels in humans. This discrepancy between their results and that of this study could be explained by species difference. Regarding the negative correlation between both irisin and TSH hormones which was present in this study, it was support ed by Ruchala, Zybek et al. (2014). On the contrary, Stengel, Hofmann et al. (2013) and Ellefsen, Vikmoen et al. (2014) reported lack of correlation between serum levels of irisin and that of TSH and thyroid hormones. Regarding body weight changes with hyperthyroidism, the result of this study was supported by Janson, Karlsson et al. (1995), Voldstedlund, Tranum-Jensen et al. (1995) and Loeb (1996) who found a decrease in body weight with hyperthyroidism. Also, this study results were supported by Bostrà ¶m, Wu et al. (2012), Castillo-Quan (2012) and Roca-Rivada, Castelao et al. (2013) who found that irisin had an anti-obesity effect as it replaced the white adipose tissue with brown adipose tissue and increased oxygen consumption and thermogenesis. On the contrary, Stengel, Hofmann et al. (2013) and Saleh, et al. (2014) found that irisin level was high in obesity and low in anorexia nervosa. This discrepancy between their results and that of this study can be explained by species difference. On the other hand, this study results showed insignificant changes in serum levels of TSH, T4, T3 irisin, and, BMI in hyperthyroid PTU group in comparison to that in the intact control group. This indicated the improvement that occurred with PTU therapy in cases of hyperthyroidism which was supported by Nakamura, Noh et al. (2007), Panda and Kar (2007) and Bahn, Burch et al. (2009). Also, the results of this study showed a significant increase in both serum level of TSH and BMI, but, a significant decrease in serum levels of T4, T3, and irisin in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group in comparison to that in the hyperthyroid control group. These results were supported by Park, Lee et al. (2016) who found that PTU administration ameliorated hyperthyroidism, reducing T4 and T3, and, increasing both TSH and BMI. Moreover, the results of this study showed a significant increase in the serum level of both glucose and insulin, and, the value of HOMA-IR in the hyperthyroid contro l group in comparison to that of the intact control group. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between serum irisin levels and that of glucose in the hyperthyroid control group. These results indicated occurrence of insulin resistance with hyperthyroidism which was supported by Loeb (1996). This was supported also by Saleh, et al. (2014) who stated that hyperglycemia gradually up regulated FNDC5/irisin expression in the skeletal muscles non-diabetic persons. Also, this study results were supported by Hee Park, Zaichenko et al. (2013), Liu, Wong et al. (2013) and Mehrabian, Taheri et al. (2016) who found a positive correlation between serum irisin and that of glucose. On the contrary, Mehrabian, Taheri et al. (2016) found that serum irisin was negatively correlated with serum glucose level. Opposite to the results of this study, Huh, Panagiotou et al. (2012), Choi, Kim et al. (2013) and Sanchis-Gomar and Perez-Quilis (2014) found that decreased blood irisin level was a ccompanied by insulin resistance development. Sanchis-Gomar and Perez-Quilis (2014) stated also, that irisin ameliorated insulin resistance by increasing betatrophin hormone expression which stimulated ÃŽÂ ²-cell regeneration. Furthermore, the results of this study showed no significant changes in the serum level of both glucose and insulin, and, the value of HOMA-IR in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group in comparison to that in the intact control group. Also, there was a significant decrease in the serum levels of both glucose and insulin, and, the value of HOMA-IR in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group in comparison to that of the hyperthyroid control group which means improvement of insulin resistance with PTU treatment. On the other hand, Huh, Panagiotou et al. (2012) found that exposure to high blood glucose for a long time was associated with a significant decrease in irisin serum level. The discrepancy between their results and the result of this study could be explained by the difference in species and duration of the study. In the hyperthyroid control group, there was a significant decrease in serum levels of both TC and HDL-C but, there were insignificant changes in serum levels of both TG and LDL-C in comparison to that in the intact control group. Also, there were significant negative correlations between serum irisin levels and that of both TC and HDL-C in the hyperthyroid control group. On the other hand, in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group, there was a significant increase in serum levels of both TC and HDL-C but, there were insignificant changes in serum levels of both TG and LDL-C in comparison to that in the intact control group. Also, there were no significant changes in serum levels of TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C in the hyperthyroid PTU treated group in comparison to that in the intact control group. The results of this study was partly supported by Mehrabian, Taheri et al. (2016) found a negative correlation between irisin and TC but, a po sitive correlation with HDL-C in normal weight obesity. On the other hand, Liu, Wong et al. (2013) found a positive correlation between serum irisin level and TC in non- obese, non- diabetic persons. Also, Sanchis-Gomar, Alis et al. (2014) reported insignificant correlation between irisin and TC. Conclusion   Ã‚   This study showed a significant increase in serum levels of irisin in L-thyroxine induced hyperthyroidism in rats and this could be related to changes in thyroid hormones, body weight and metabolic parameters. On using PTU, serum levels of irisin, thyroid hormones, metabolic parameters and BMI were significantly changed in comparison to the hyperthyroid control group and insignificantly changed in comparison to the intact control group which confirmed the improvement of the hyperthyroidism. Future studies are needed to confirm these results and to ensure the possible use of irisin as a biomarker for proper treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Friday, October 25, 2019

societhf Oppressive Societies :: Adventures Huckleberry Huck Finn Essays

Huck Finn and Oppressive Societies The world in which we live in now is much less oppressive than say the world lived in the middle of the 1800's. Up until the Civil War, the South depended on their 'peculiar institution' of slavery, in order to be productive a successful. Most people believed slavery was not wrong, but those who thought otherwise seldom tried to alter it. In general if surrounded by oppressive environment, one does not usually try to make a difference in that world. This is because people are afraid to defend what is right against a whole mass of people who believe otherwise. Huck Finn in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Billy Budd in Billy Budd, and Frederick Douglass in his autobiography all portray individuals who because of their good, innocent qualities go up against the oppression in their society. Living in an oppressive society does not always draw you to do the wrong thing you are still capable of generating change, whether it be for a certain individual or against a whole mass of people. Billy Budd starts off on the ship the "Rights of Man", Melville obviously showing his intent in the naming of the first ship. This shows that on this ship where Billy wanted to be and chose to be he had rights. That he and the other crew had choices of what to do and how to be. Then along comes the British navy and decides that they are going to take Billy aboard their ship "Power of War". This is when Billy is brought into an oppressive society. This is the navy and wartime during which rules must be followed as well as a lifestyle that must be followed. Billy is a poor innocent boy with a childish stutter. This stutter shows Billy's humane side, a flaw, as well as leading you to the thinking that he has the innocence of a child. This stutter is connected to innocence because of its childish qualities. When most children begin speaking they have some sort of stutter, which usually goes away. The stutter parallels innocence because it is showing that you are just learning how to talk and don't really comprehend the correct way to make sounds, as you grow older you learn and the stutter disappears.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

An Evaluation of Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers is about two twins who are separated at birth. One is sold and one is kept. They then meet later on but do not know they are twins until ‘the day they die'. It is told throughout the play, by the interventionist narrator, with songs as soliloquy's, to assist telling the story and explaining the characters thought and feelings. One key theme throughout is superstition. It starts with Mrs Johnstone and her superstitious nature but then develops throughout the narrative as Mrs Lyons then becomes superstitious and things, happenings start to evolve around the superstitious nature. It begins to affect the play, as the characters start to behave differently, Mrs Lyons as she approaches a mental breakdown changes and her change in behaviour is effected by the superstition of having a sold child, and not only a child but a twin, if ever two twins shall meet and know of there brother hood both shall die on that same day. The portrayal of all the characters was extremely good. Especially Mickey. Played by the understudy; Richard Munday. His portrayal of the character I thought was incredible, I knew being a professional actor he would be good and good at playing small children but I was very, very surprised. The way he portrayed his character was (to me) extraordinary. His use of body language was great, the way he moved and walked and talked you could see his seven year old character shining through, so clearly I was amazed, that anyone could use such simple things to completely change their persona. They way he changed from a small child to a teenager, was great, everything changed about him except his true character and Mickey was still very much there, you could just see he had grown up. His character changing in age helped me understand the story more, I knew they grew up but seeing his age and character change and his relationships with different people I understood, the later themes in the play. Mickey and Eddie growing up with Linda. I could really see there relationship change as Linda fell in love with Mickey, his maturity was funny, the way he acted around her but it was distinctively different from when he was a younger child. His body language, speech but most of all the atmosphere was very different between the characters as they grew up especially Mickey's towards Linda. Another character that surprised me was the teacher played by Paul Dallison who played the teacher. The transaction between the two different teachers was really good and surprised me. As well as very good (and quick) change of costume, the change in body language, voice and facial expression was extraordinary. As the posh teacher he was very smart and spoke very properly, articulating all words, standing up straight and being very respectable, then changing to the scruffy, worn down, teacher, who speaks very commonly, body language and posture change is very evident, he slumps, showing wariness and exasperation. His portrayal of the two different characters is great; the very quick change makes it even more impacting. The interventionist narrator plays a very important role in Blood Brothers. Throughout the play he tells the story, but a lot more than that. Being an interventionist narrator he intervenes and interferes with the characters and the play. Simply by bringing on most of the set and props, he becomes a very important part of the play. As the play goes on he beings to affect the play more and interfere. When Mrs Johnstone agrees to sell Mrs Lyons one of the twins, the interventionist narrator hands Mrs Lyons the bible so as to make Mrs Johnstone swear upon it. This is a good example of when the narrator interferes. Not only this but he plays on the characters conscious, playing with their minds, this is where, the songs as soliloquies come in, the narrator whispering in the characters ears, telling them what's right, telling them what's wrong. This adds a lot of dramatic tension to the play, because the narrator becomes very influential. One of the most powerful drama techniques used in blood brothers is the action before narrative. It has such a powerful ending that at first I thought it would take away from that but from seeing it I understand that it doesn't and even gives more to the play and ending. It's all done in silence, which adds dramatic tension in its self because it leaves the audience thinking and questioning. Even though the audience know what happens at the end, it is still shocking when it comes. There is a lot of dramatic irony, the audience know that Eddie and Mickey are twins separated at birth but the characters do not; this adds great tension because every time something serious happens you begin to wonder if their going to find out their twins. This is a very simple yet affective device because it adds more layers to the complex plot but not in a bad way, it positively keeps the audience really attentive. The songs used throughout the play help to enhance the production and add effect. With the narrator being the characters conscious and playing with there minds. Using the songs as soliloquy's I thought was very powerful because it gives them more meaning and impact. Blood Brother being a play with songs and not a musical makes it better, because it not songs for the sake of it, it songs to convey feelings, emotions and happening making it more influential. Connecting to the audience in a different way entirely. They are more engaged and attentive. Listening for meaning and depth. There were many symbols used in blood brothers, the strongest of all being that blood brothers hand clasp. It being so strong and powerful, symbolising unity, love and bonds is used throughout the play. This helps to enforce the themes of unity and love which are shown throughout the play. The bond between Eddie and Mickey being blood brothers is the key symbolism of the hands clasping and is so powerful its and symbolic it's used to enhance the themes and messages throughout the play. The lighting is very impacting on the performance as it changes throughout the play, as the play open there is red lighting; this creates a very sombre feeling. The red being symbolic of blood and death, creates tension, mystery and fear. This helps to convey the mood of the play. The action before narrative begins the show, with the death of both twins; the red light adds great affect and setting to the mood of the scene, as it does throughout the play. The change in lighting from dark to light at different points in the play is well used, the lights darken a lot when the narrator speaks to add dramatic affect, to his normally powerful but solemn speeches, being and interventionist narrator, always interfering this adds greater affect making his role even more mysterious. The lighting when he hands Mrs Lyons the bible is very affective, the narrator in darkness with his back to the audience and his hand and Mrs Lyons spot lighted gives great affect like a grave idea or action being planted so darkly from the shadows. The lighting I think as well as adding affect, gives to the audiences' response more, so they enjoy the play to a greater extent. I thought the play was very, very powerful and I really loved it. You can tell that everything in the play is there for a reason, every prop and every lighting effect is obviously thought out, it adds so much effect and drama. Everything has a meaning and purpose, the play is very symbolic and influential. It has a very powerful ending, with a lot of dramatic potential. I thought Eddie and Mickey not finding out they were twins was very good, as it used a lot of dramatic potential, prolonging the drama, making the ending more impacting and shocking when it happened. I loved the entire play but I thought the ending was so unexpected that it made the play incredible and dominating.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

A Letter to My Teacher – 15 Things About Me

Northern Caribbean University School of Religion and Theology Research Paper Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Course RELB113: God and Human Life By: Akeem Favorite – 18100633 To: Dr. Earl Cameron December 8th, 2011 One stark similarity existing between the Christian and Islamic faith is the plan of salvation. Both agree that the plan of salvation must be attained through the acceptance of â€Å"Godâ€Å". There are hundreds of different religions in the world; essentially all religions teach that there is some form of salvation. Christianity and Islam are two religions that have much in common, when it comes to the topic of salvation. A common view shared by both is expressed through their belief that it is by God they are saved through the plan of salvation. Careful research reveals that there is a commonality between Christians and Muslims in the following areas: the Afterlife, God, Heaven, Hell and Judgement Day. Therefore, this research will explore the aforementioned existential similarities between Christianity and Islam. Christianity started about two thousand years ago in Judea with Jesus and his disciples. Jesus was a Jew and observed the Jewish law as well as associated Himself with the Jews. In his early years, Jesus travelled from village to village teaching and preaching in the synagogues as well as healing those who were suffering. Jesus authorized many sinners to repent from their self-righteous and hypocritical ways, allowing them to realize that God is rooted in service and love. The ministry of Jesus touched the lives and hearts of many people. Jesus taught his disciples about the will of God and the will of the new covenant. The new covenant is that Jesus himself would pay for the sins of all humanity by being crucified unjustly on a cross. Three days later, he would be resurrected, having conquered death to give hope to a hopeless world. The purpose of this new covenant is to restore those who accept it into a renewed fellowship of forgiveness and love with God. Just as Jesus taught, it all happened and his disciples witnessed an amazing miracle. Their teacher, Jesus of Nazareth died and rose again in three days to become their Messiah. Bound by a great charge to share the love that the God of the universe had imparted upon them, the disciples began to proclaim this great gospel of hope throughout the territory. From a small group of ordinary men that lived in a small village in Judea, the history of the Christian church began, and the Christian faith since then has spread to the rest of the world. Jesus disciples preached a simple message: ‘‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal lifeâ€Å". John 3:16) According to the Christian belief, salvation is found in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Salvation comes only by the grace of God; there is nothing a Christian can do to guarantee their own salvation, they cannot save themselves or determine their fate after death. Salvation is a process that begins when a person completely accepts Jesus Christ in their life, and it continues through that personâ€℠¢s life and is completed when they stand before God on judgement day. Jesus the son of God is the bridge to the Father. If Christians obey and believe in Him, as well as chose his way, Jesus cleanses them from their sins by His blood. â€Å"But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. † (1 John 1:7) Islam is a monotheistic religion of law that is primarily concerned with right practices. It was developed in the Middle East in the 7th century C. E. The word Islam means â€Å"surrender† or â€Å"submission†, this religion was founded on the teaching of the prophet Muhammad. Imam Ibn Katheer who was a historian and commentator writes in the Tafseer of the verse 17: 94-95 which is the Arabic word for Exegesis or Commentary, usually of the Qur’an said â€Å"Allah says pointing out His Kindness and Mercy towards His servants, that He sends to them Messengers of their own kind so that they will understand what he says and will be able to speak to him directly. If He were to send to umanity a Messenger from among the angels, they would not be able to deal with him face to face and learn from him, as Allah says, ‘Indeed, Allah conferred a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves. † During the age of 40, Muhammad began to receive visions and revelations from a higher power and Muhammad began to tell people about these visions and revelations and gained many followers. These visions and revelations lasted for 23years and became the Qur’an. Islam has several branches and much variety within those branches. The two divisions within the religion are the Sunni and Shi’a, each of these divisions has different means of maintaining religious authority. One of the combining characteristics of Islam is the five pillars, the fundamental practices of Islam. These five practices include: 1. Reciting the two-fold Creed (shahada) (profession of faith) – There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet (or Muhammad is the messenger of God). 2. Prayer (salat) – At five set-times a day while facing towards the city of Mecca. 3. Alms – giving (sakat) (zakat- means â€Å"purification†, an act of worship_ – Both obligatory and voluntary giving to the poor. 4. Fasting (saum) – Especially during the holy month of Ramadan. 5. Pilgrimage (hajj) – At least once in a lifetime – to Mecca, Saudi Arabia if at all possible, known as the Hajj. Even though Muslims may observe each of these pillars there is still no guarantee of salvation. Islam is based on a religion of self-righteousness. According to the Islam belief, salvation is found in Allah. In order to receive this salvation as a Muslim one must first submit themself to the teaching of Islam and the will of Allah. Islam is a religion of salvation by works and Islam teaches that forgiveness is conditioned upon good works and Allah’s choice of mercy. In other word, Muslims believe by pleasing Allah and doing good works, they are gaining an entrance through personal merit. The Qur’an teaches that salvation is received on the basis of good works. According to Islam on the day of judgement a person’s good and evil deeds will be weighed on a scale; good works are heavy and evil deeds are light. The person who shows forth with more good deeds then evil, will go to heaven compared to the person whose evil deeds out way the good. Muslims believe that their chances for heaven are good if he 1: accepts the Muslim God Allah and his apostle Mohammed, 2: does good works and all that is required of him by Allah, and 3: is predestined to Allah’s favour. â€Å"If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (Submission to Allah), Never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost. † (Qur’an 3:85; cp. 5:10; 25:68) In order to know the different views of Islam and Christianity we have to go back to the very beginning of time, the time of Adam and Eve. The holy books of Islam and Christianity recount the story of Adam and Eve in the garden, and how they were told by God not to eat of a certain tree, but they disobeyed God. When linking the belief of salvation with Islam and Christianity the differences begin. Christianity calls Adam and Eve’s sin â€Å"the fall of man†, when Adam and Eve fell from the grace of God because of their sin. Christians believe that due to Adam and Eve’s sin, all of mankind will die according to Romans 5:12. This is because Christianity teaches that all the descendants of Adam and Eve have inherited the ability to sin. Thus Christians believe in the doctrine of original sin, according to Romans 3:23 we are all born as sinners. Islam on the other hand does not teach original sin but original forgiveness, Islam also makes mention of the story of Adam and Eve. In Islam Adam is the first prophet. Islam does state that Adam and Eve did sin in the garden, but unlike Christianity, that makes no mention of the repentance of Adam and Eve, Islam teaches that they did repent and ask God/ Allah for forgiveness and were fully forgiven, so that their sin had no consequences for the rest of human race according to the Qur’an. Qur’an 2:27) thus Islam teaches original forgiveness and not original sin. Seeing that Christianity teaches original sin and Islam teaches original forgiveness this then brings us to the difference of Salvation. Due to the original sin of Adam and Eve, mankind lost its relationship with God. In order to communicate with his children again, God did the best thing possible, God b ecame flesh, and he became one of the creatures he made, man. Jesus came to earth because he loves his children; he came to deliver truth in a world of false beliefs. But the main reason he came to earth was to be the final sacrifice for their sins. The simple reason was because they were not good enough compared to God’s standard Jesus Christ. Jesus then came into a sinful world to teach the love of God and tell of the new covenant that was put in place to gain that connection with God. This new covenant was that Jesus Christ himself would pay the penalty for the sins of all humanity and be crucified on a cross, but would rise again in three days to live, having conquered death, to give hope to a hopeless world. By the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, salvation is then given to mankind. His love prompted Him to become man to accomplish what only He could, to rescue mankind. Due to the fact that humanity is sinful, in a spiritually wrecked condition they are in need of redemption, but could not redeem themselves. No other person, but the Creator could accomplish that; no man with sin could qualify to redeem them with his life. God came to earth as man to cleanse the effect of the disease of sin inherited to all humanity. God loves his children and he who is perfect, righteous and holy lived among his creatures that are unholy, unrighteous, even those who were enemies of him. While on the other hand Muslims believe that God forgave Adam for what he did and because of that no one should be made to bear the burden of someone else’s sin or mistake because it is unfair. This God that the Muslims refer to as Allah is the God and creator of Jesus, and is the same God that Jesus refers to as father to whom he used to pray to. Muslims contradicts the idea that Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. They believe Allah spared his messengers life from such an embarrassing death and placed Judas on the cross, which God made to look like Jesus so that he would suffer his rightful penalty for betrayal. Through this teaching Muslims see themselves protecting the prophetic integrity of Jesus, since a true prophet, according to Islam, could not suffer the humiliation that Jesus did. Muslims affirm that Jesus ascended to heaven but deny that he died on the cross. Muslims do not feel that it was necessary for Jesus to pay for our sins. They believe that every man must bear and pay his or her own sins; for Jesus to be punished and responsible for our sins would be unjust in their eyes. Since Muslims do not recognize the universal and corruptive power of sin, released as a result of original sin, they see no need for salvation. If there is no sin that has a hold on you, you do not need to be saved from it. This is why they do not hold any assurance of salvation. According to their view it is best to live a good life, pleasing God in all that you do. Submit to God and follow his commands. Religion, to the Muslim, does not mean salvation from sin; it means following the right path, or the shari’a, mapped out by Islamic law. That is why salvation is exclusively based on works, or what man can do to exalt himself in the eyes of Allah. Although Christians and Muslims don’t agree on many things, there are still some things that they both have in common. The first thing they have in common is their view of God. They both believe that there is one God and there is nothing or anyone else like him. There is no other entity in the entire universe worthy of worship besides him. He was born of a virgin and is the creator of man and this universe and is not created. He is also a sovereign God in the lives of men. He is first, last and everlasting; he was when nothing was, and will be when nothing else remains. Despite being called Allah in Islam, this is the same God that Christians believe in. Both view God as all powerful, all knowing, all present, and all merciful. They both believe that only God can grant life to anything and he sent his messenger to guide all of mankind. They believe that God is a just God, but is also a God of principles and finally they both have a holy book that is the only true revealed book in the world that has been kept without change. The second thing that these two religions have in common is death and the afterlife. They believe that this present life that they live is a trial in preparation for the next realm of existence. When a Christian or a Muslim dies the families of both of these religions have a funeral service to remember the loved ones time on earth, as well as their own existence here on earth is brief. Once this funeral service is done both religions place their loves ones back in the earth till the day of judgement where they will be taken up to heaven and judged and other make it to heaven or go to hell. The third and final thing that Christians and Muslims have in common is their holy books and creation. Although they have different names for it and it is written differently, there are still has some similarities, such as the persons, events and the books. In both books you will find that they make mention of, Paul, David, Mary and Jesus. Both books contain some of the same events such as the story of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, Abraham promised a son, Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah and other stories as well make mention of the same people and places. They also have some of the same books such as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The Qur’an and the Holy Bible both teach a six day creation. Adam and Eve were created in innocent perfection and placed in a beautiful garden. There Satan tempted them to rebel against God by eating the forbidden fruit, experiencing God’s wrath and judgement, and dismissal from the garden. In conclusion I have learned that even though these are two different religions, they both hold significant information. This information that is given to all of humanity is the plan of salvation. Although Christians believe that salvation is based on the grace of God and Muslims believe that salvation is based on good works both teach that this salvation will lead them to judgement were they will either make it to heaven or hell. Even though Christianity was around six hundred years before Islam both believe in one God and his sovereigns to all of mankind and cannot wait till that day when they shall me their God. 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