Should Human Cloning Be Allowed?

Should Human Cloning Be Allowed? One of todays most controversial question is, Should Human Cloning be Allow? Unfortunately, our society always seems to finds more inhumane and harsh ways to eradicate itself; it also seeks ways to escape that eradication through immortality. The issue at hand is should human cloning be allowed in a society that seeks immortality in the name of science. I believe cloning is an evolutionary dead end and the use of cloning techniques to make ideal human would ultimately devalue life. Therefore, when people fear death, as most Christians do, the prospect of achieving immortality through the cloning process becomes provocative if not desirable (Sanders, 1974, p. 22). Although science might compels us to seek a higher quality of human life, there are certain activities in the area of genetics and cloning that violate basic moral and ethical principles. While, social effects have increased the knowledge of human genetics and quite possibly have been speculated about and studied more than those of any ongoing social change in history (Greely, 1998, p. 474). While most of society understands the curiosity around knowing how humans work, along with the need to know about DNA, to eliminate many hereditary illnesses and disabilities. There are still those ranging from the United States President to the proletariat have trumpeted the immorality of cloning, and research funding within the areas of animal and/or human cloning has been reduced or blocked in numerous countries and states (Rollin, 1999, p. 52). As most people condemn the idea of this in animals, it is more so appalling for humans. At what point would the experiments stop if we allow them to continue, and who will set the boundaries. People have different characteristics, which set them apart from each other, these traits range from illnesses and disabilities, which are all par t of life regardless of how we feel. I am sorry but scientists could better serve society as advisers, than as decision makers and leave it up to society to determine what is right and wrong. The fact that cloning humans is about creating a genetically indistinguishable copy of a previously existing or existing person is in my opinion wrong on all accounts. Anti-thesis I might add that while there are those for cloning and have established many positive arguments concerning the copying of human DNA, such as developing new medicines for cures. They also believe that one day this research could put an end to some hereditary diseases and disorders, as well as allowing infertile parents to produce children with their own DNA. Finally and most importantly a few scientists have suggested extending the ageing process all together through the cloning process. Even though there are many encouraging factors about cloning human embryos, there is always another side that raises many issues against the process. In a Time/CNN opinion poll of only 500 adult Americans, fewer than 1 in 5 Americans think human cloning should be allowed to continue. Fifty-eight percent of the participants in the poll believed it is morally wrong to clone humans and sixty-three percent say it is against Gods will (Battaglia, 1995, p. 675). Many religions organizations disagree with the tampering of human life; because it goes against their beliefs and argue that it is immoral. For instance, if perfected many people may turn to this method of conceiving unnaturally, in order to create the perfect son or daughter, which some may consider an unnatural birth. Many have argued that an embryo is indeed a human life, and if damaged during the cloning process, there is the possibility killing it. Therefore, making the practice of embryo cloning, an immoral procedure. Twenty years ago gene function was unknown; today we have the genetic dictionary that deciphers the code of life. Even more recent has been the application of this knowledge to our own species (Nagle, 1972, p. 372). While cloning is still considered to be in the early stages of research, and all the pros and cons contradicting each other, the main question is, should we allow human cloning in the name of science and take a chance at destroying the genetic cycle of humanity? The two main types of cloning that have caused ethical controversies around the world are embryo and reproductive cloning. Embryo cloning being the process that duplicates the procedure found in nature to produce twins, while reproductive cloning is a method where they extract the DNA from an ovum and replace it with the DNA extracted from a cell of an adult, therefore producing a copy of an existing person. Based on research done on animals, the results normally end with the subjects being born with severe inherent defects making it a profoundly unethical and immoral procedure for humans. At any stage of human cloning, there is no agreement concerning the ethical issues that arise by the process of destroying human embryos. Given that this procedure is somewhat comparable to traditional conception and because both methods create a pre-embryo, the question that still arises, is the pre-embryo is a human being? Many people have the opinion that an embryo in its early stage does not require any particular moral consideration, yet throughout Hebrew and Christian history, it is taught that what it means to be human as a person and as a people can be fully known only in reference to God (Cole-Turner, 1992, p. 162). However, there are still those that believe the embryonic cells at this stage are not equivalent to human beings because it lacks self-awareness of its environment. This simply implies that the embryo attains human form much later in development, maybe at the point when the brain develops and the embryo becomes aware of itself. Even though genetic research and cloning offers an opportunity to cure disease and allows infertile couples the possibility of having children, there is another side to this whole argument. For instance, imagine if cloning was used for the general improvement of the population, meaning collecting donor eggs and sperms from selected females and males to increas e the probability of a genetically superior species. If this is unacceptable for us, what do we do if some other nation, such as our enemy, begins such a eugenic program (Nagle, 1972, p. 376)? Many people remember the physician who substituted his sperm for the husbands to created children that were the doctors and not that of the husband. In an unscientific and unethical manner, he was using the couples to bear his children and to pay their rearing expenses. As a result, he was using science to manipulate couples to his own distorted sense of importance. Media coverage continues to suggest that the only ethical dispute is over the issue of destroying embryos, when in reality there is an unethical risk to a womens health, leaving the only one conclusion, it is unethical for both the mother and child. Therefore, when it comes to cloning humans, I believe we are playing on dangerous grounds, which are unethical and immoral to the human race as a whole. Still society continues to face the question, should we allow human cloning in the name of science. Unfortunately, many people find this to be a tough question to answer; believing there really is no right answers. Throughout all of the research already done, all we find is a lot of mixed opinions and emotions to consider. While, everybody has their own opinions about cloning, and I can see where it is difficult to determine right and wrong from the issues they have raised, both positive and negative. Synthesis The idea behind human cloning to discover new medicines and possible cures for hereditary diseases and illnesses, or at least create a decrease in the number, is the main cause of mixed emotions. For instance, I believe that everybody has his or her time, and the idea of human cloning to obtain a longer life is absurd. Looking at all of the negatives issues, I see a strong argument on the religious and moral sides. However, I suppose this would not affect everybody, being our society is on the decline when it comes to morals. While cloning for infertile parents may seem like a decent thing to do, it still poses a question concerning children that are in need of a good home. To me adoption would be a good moral decision on the part of the adopting parents. Although, cloning human embryos is still in the early stages of development it still has a long way to go before discovering the whole concept. There is one thing for sure; cloning human embryos will continue, only stopping when the government takes over and demands they put an end to the whole procedure. Despite the strong arguments and looking into the future, the commotion generated by the success of mammal cloning technology, applicable to man, highlights the fact that experimental science can raise, at least for certain people, a genuine ethical problem (Lavelle, 2005, p. 218). This leaves society with the conclusion that cloning will become more and more common as our knowledge of science and embryo development increases. However, the question of whether to allow this type of human experiment will remain unanswered. I believe the part of society that has the strongest morals when it comes to human life will continue to argue that it is still immoral.. After all the fact remains that, certain activities in the area of genetics and cloning violate basic environmental and ethical principles. Therefore, immortality is something we have lived without and come to except through our morals and religious beliefs not some scientific experiment. Although, I personally feel that embryo cloning should have never started in the first place, as pitiless as it may sound, the benefits of having this happen in order to stop further generations from suffering is definitely something many may consider. To think that this experimental behavior will create the perfect human is sad, because we will still have an imperfect world based on our immoral decisions. Even though there is a need for developing healthier cells for cancer treatment, achieving these results through cloning could potentially cause harm to an unborn child. As heartless as it may sound, I would prefer a child that had only mild disabilities, than one severely disabled because of the cloning process, or even worse, knowing that if it died from a cloning malfunction. I also think that ethics and morals play a major role in determining when an embryo becomes a living being. My own view is that even though the embryo is in this early stage and attached to its mother, it is alive. Therefore, we need to respect the embryo for what it is, a human being at its early stages of development and take in to account that one day this living creature will someday say mom or dad, so in consideration of this, would it not be sad to use it for experimental purposes. Therefore, in conclusion the question of whether or not human cloning should continue will remain unanswered. The one thing for sure is that the scientific part of humanity will continue to find more appalling and destructive ways of annihilating itself and the moral part of humanity will find a way to escape that obliteration by seeking to improve the quality life through natural sources.

Molluscan Assemblage on the Intertidal Zones of Butuan Bay

Molluscan Assemblage on the Intertidal Zones of Butuan Bay MOLLUSCAN ASSEMBLAGE (UNIVALVIA AND BIVALVIA) ON THE INTERTIDAL ZONES OF BUTUAN BAY, AGUSAN DEL NORTE, NORTHEASTERN MINDANAO ARIEYL C. JAMODIONG INTRODUCTION Coastal zone is one of the marine environments where the most intense and harsh conditions in the world occurs. This aquatic biome often deals with the changing of tide daily allowing extreme exposure to sunlight so that high temperature, increase salinity (due to intense evaporation) and low water supply is often experienced in this area. Moreover, this part of the aquatic world is open to strong action brought about by the wave thereby making this region the most severe environment to live in. In spite of this, vast array of animals exist because they are well adapted to these extreme conditions. Among these diverse organisms are the molluscs which are the most familiar form of invertebrates on earth. This group of animal is very important ecologically and economically since they create a vital link in the marine food web (Burkepile 2007; Castell Sweatman 1997) and the edible forms are source of protein for human consumption, while the shells are known for its use as raw materials for poultry feeds, cement producer, fertilizers, ornamentals (Paul et al 2014; Tabugo et al 2013; Del Norte-Campos et al 2003; Floren 2003; Schoppe et al 1998) and even has the potential as antiviral drugs (Chatterji et al 2002). Due to these, the coastal zone can therefore be considered as the most productive and since it is easily accessible, this region is vulnerable to impacts of anthropogenic activities (Vaghela et al 2010). Without a doubt, exploitation of natural resources (i.e unregulated harvesting) are now causing catastrophic effects on the molluscan fauna of the intertidal zone (Doloroza Dangan-Galon 2014; Jontila et al 2014; Gomez Mingoa-Licuanan 2006) as a result of rapid increase in human population, tourist development and commercial demands. Interplay among environmental (sediment size, wave action, salinity of the interstitial water, organic matter and calcium carbonate contents of the sediment) and biological factors (predation, competition and recruitment) affects the temporal and spatial changes in species abundance in biological communities (Flores-Rodrà ­guez et al 2014; Esqueda-Gonzalez et al 2014; Rahman Barkati 2012; Batomalaque et al 2010; Rios-Jara et al 2009; de Arruda Amaral 2003; Azouzi et al. 2002). In the Philippines, intense human activities (for instance, harvesting, tourism and fishing) has resulted to un-controlled over exploitation of natural resources especially commercially important species despite international and local laws that banned the harvesting of these valuable commodities. In order for sustainable use of marine and coastal living resources to become successful, sufficient information on biological diversity must be done. Studies on diversity and abundance on molluscs in the country a re inadequate which include the works of Dolorosa Dangan-Galon (2014), Picardal Dolorosa (2014), Dolorosa Jontila (2012), Batomalaque et al (2010), Dolorosa Schoppe (2005) with relatively few works done in Mindanao, Philippines (Manzo et al 2014; Tabugo et al 2013). Therefore, the aim of this study is to do assessment on the abundance of molluscan assemblage (gastropods and bivalves) in the intertidal zone of Butuan Bay with the following objectives: (1) to measure the physical and chemical parameters of the water (DO, temperature, salinity and pH), and the sediment contents (total organic matter, calcium carbonate and grain size); (2) to come up with a list of gastropods and bivalves by identifying collected molluscs; (3) to compare the abundance and diversity of these molluscan assemblage between established sites; and (4) to identify which among the physical, chemical and sediment contents that may control or influence the distribution and abundance of gastropod and bivalve a ssemblage. It is hoped, that monitoring molluscan biodiversity of any marine ecosystem specifically the easily accessible intertidal zone will allow appropriate assessment of the effects of anthropogenic (e.g., pollution, unregulated harvesting, habitat degradation and fishing practices) as well as natural (e.g., hurricanes and currents) factors on species diversity and abundance. MATERIALS AND METHODS Description of the Study Area Butuan Bay is located in the northeast section of Mindanao and is part of Bohol Sea. It has a latitude of 9 °04†²N and longitude of 125 °22†²E (http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Butuan_Bay). The well-known Agusan River, which is the longest river in Mindanao, brings freshwater into Butuan bay. The bay is an important fishing ground where most of the fishermen catch tuna and sardines (Wernsted Spencer 1967). Sampling Stations Four sampling sites will be positioned on the intertidal zones of Butuan Bay, Agusan del Norte for the assessment of molluscs (Figure 1). These sites will be chosen on the basis of the type of substrate and presence of industries, beach resorts and bamboo houses or shanties constructed along the coastline. Station 1 will be situated at Barangay Pook, Tubay where San Roque Metals Inc. is present. The company is involved in nickel mining which dumped its wastes directly into the coast causing the water to turn into a brownish coloration. The intertidal flat is composed largely of broken corals and is characterized by rubble substrate that may have resulted from the mining demolition. Station 2 will be established along Barangay Marcos, Magallanes where Eurasia Match Inc. (EMI) is located. The company is one of the biggest Figure 1. Geographical locations of the four sampling sites in the intertidal zones  of Butuan Bay, Northeastern Philippines (http://www.maphill.com/philippines/region-10/agusan-del-norte/simple-maps/silver-style-map/) distributor of match in the country. About 250 meters away from this station is the outlet of Agusan River which was reported to have carried with it run-off waters contaminated with residues of mercury and cyanide believed to have come from Mt. Diwalwal, the biggest mining site located in Compostela Valley (http://www.bar.gov.ph/digest-home/digest-archives/94-2003-4th-quarter/3282-oct-dec03-mercury-contamination-in-agusan-river). The intertidal flat is distinguished by a muddy flat substrate. Station 3 will be established at Barangay Sta. Ana, Nasipit where the Aboitiz floating power barge was situated. The barge makes use of petroleum to provide electricity to the entire province of Agusan del Norte during long episode of power shortage. Fish pens are also visible along the area. This area is made up of muddy flat with mangroves situated along the shoreline. Station 4 will be placed at Barangay Vinapor, Carmen where the intertidal zone hosts diverse species of corals and seagrass b ed. This site is devoid of any industries although several beach resorts are present. Establishment of Transects and Quadrats Three transects, with lengths of 50 meters and positioned perpendicular to the shore, will be placed on the intertidal flat of each sampling site. The interval between transect lines will be 50 meters. Along each transect, four 11 meter quadrats set 10 meters apart from each other, will be laid. Within each quadrat, all environmental parameters, sediment samples for analysis of sediment contents, and all molluscs seen will be quantified â€Å"in situ† and will be gathered, respectively. Forty-eight quadrats (48 m2) will be laid down on the intertidal zones for the entire sampling sites during low tide. Employing a GPS (Garmin GPSMAP 76S), coordinates for each sampling sites will be taken. â€Å"In situ† determination of environmental parameters and the contents of the sediment Determination of the physical and chemical factors namely, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and salinity will be done directly on the field using the portable DO meter (AMSTAT, AMT07), pen type pH meter (PH-009) and refractometer (ATAGO), respectively. Fifty grams (50g) sediment samples will be collected for the analysis of total organic matter and calcium carbonate using a plastic corer. Soil samples for the grain size determination will be obtained by gathering 200g sediments using a grab sampler. Sediment collected will be placed separately in a Ziploc bag and labelled properly. Three sediment samples for the sediment content analysis will be obtained in every quadrat and will be placed inside the freezer until laboratory analysis. Field collection of Molluscs samples Samples for the collection of epifauna molluscs will be done by means of picking up live organisms seen on the sediment inside each of the quadrat. Specimens gathered will be stored inside a labelled plastic container and will be preserved with 10% formalin-seawater solution. Conversely, infauna species will be collected using a grab sampler which will be pushed to a depth of 15cm in the center of the quadrat. Sediment sample for the infauna species will be placed in a Ziploc bag. Laboratory analysis of Molluscs samples Infauna species will be removed from the soil by sieving through a sieve with a 500 µm mesh opening. Molluscs retained on the sieve will be transferred to a tray and each species encountered will be hand-sorted and preserved in 10% formalin-seawater solution. Immediately, all molluscs will be cleaned, identified to species level and counted. A voucher specimen of each representative species will be set aside and its soft tissues will be removed, its shells will be cleaned and measured to the nearest 0.1 mm using a Vernier caliper and then pictures will be taken using a digital camera (Sony Cyber-Shot, 16 MP). Counts will be expressed as numerical and relative abundance. Numerical abundance will be expressed as number of individuals per m2, while relative abundance for each species will be calculated as a percent of total molluscan species present. Molluscs will be identified using the standard works of Springsteen Leobrera (1986) and the illustrated guides to marine gastropods (ht tp:// www.gastropods. com.) and seashells (www.seashellhub.com, www.jaxshells.com.). Laboratory analyses of organic matter contents in the sediments and grain size Determination of calcium carbonate concentration and total organic matter will be quantified using the method described by Moghaddasi et al (2009). Calcium carbonate will be done by drying the sediment samples inside an oven at 70 °C for about 8 hours. Then, around twenty-five grams (25 g) will be weighed (W1), mixed with HCl (0.1 N) and will be stirred until no CO2 bubbles appeared before it will be stored. After 25 hours, the sample will be filtered and the upper liquid phase discarded. The residual sediments will be dried at 70 °C for 8 hours and reweighed again (W2). Calcium carbonate percentage will be measured by the following formula: CaCO3 (%) = 100 (W1-W2) / W1 For the total organic matter (TOM) analysis, a pre-weighed crucible (C) half-filled with the sediment samples will be dried at 70 °C for 24 hours and afterwards reweighed (A). Subsequently, sediment samples will be placed in a furnace at 550 °C for about 12 hours, then will be allowed to cool before it will be reweighed again (B). The total organic matter will be calculated as follows: TOM (%) = 100 (A-B) (A-C) Grain size will be determined following the method described by Das (2009) using 100g oven-dried sediment which will be sieved using series of screen sieves of 3.35 mm, 0.841 mm, 0.595 mm, 0.31 mm, 0.149 mm, and 0.074 and 0.053 mm mesh opening. Soil particles retained on each sieve will be taken and weighed separately. The percentage of each particle fraction will be computed as shown below: Percentage weight= Dry weight of grained sediments x 100 Total dry weight of sediments Particle size will be determined based on the USDA Soil Textural Triangle. Statistical Analyses Index for diversity profiles will be calculated using Shannon-Weaver Index, Margalef Index and Menhinick Index in order to determine changes in the composition of molluscs species. Variation on the abundance of molluscan species between sampling stations will be analyzed using One-way ANOVA. To know which among the environmental parameters and sediment contents that may influence the numerical abundance of molluscan assemblage, the Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) will be used. Similarities among molluscan assemblage will be determined using the Cluster Analysis (Wards Method). PAST (PAleontological STatistical) software version 2.17 will be employed for all the statistical analyses (http://folk.uio.no/ohammer/past/) (Hammer et al., 2001). LITERATURE CITED Azouzi L., Bourget E., Borcard D., 2002 Spatial variation in the intertidal bivalve  Macoma balthica: biotic variables in relation to density and abiotic factors. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 234:159–170. Batomalaque G. A., Arce B. G. P., Hernandez M. B. M., Fontanilla I. K. C., 2010.  Survey and spatial distribution of shoreline malacofauna in Grande Island, Subic Bay. Philippine Journal of Science 139 (2):149-159. Burkepile D., E., Hay M. E., 2007 Predator release of the gastropod Cyphoma  gibbosum increases predation on gorgonian corals. Oecologia 154(1):167–173. Castell L. L., Sweatman H. P. A., 1997 Predator-prey interactions among some  intertidal gastropods on the Great Barrier Reef. J. Zool. 241(1):145–159. Chatterji A., Ansari Z. A., Ingole B. S., Bichurina M. A., Marina S., Baikov Y. A., 2002 Indian Marine Bivalves: Potential Source of Antiviral Drugs. Current science 8(10):1279-1281. Das B. M. 2009 Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual. 7th Edition, Oxford  University Press Inc, New York. de Arruda E. P., Amaral A. C. Z., 2003 Spatial distribution of mollusks in the  intertidal zone of sheltered beaches in Southeastern of Brazil. Revista Brasileira de Zoologia 20(2):291-300. Del Norte-Campos A. G., Declarador M. B., Beldia R. A., 2003 Catch  composition, harvest and effort estimates of gleaned macroinvertebrates in Malalison Island, Northwestern Panay. University of the Philippines Visayas J Nat Sci 8:129–141. Dolorosa R. G., Dangan-Galon F., 2014 Species richness of bivalves and  gastropods in Iwahig River-Estuary, Palawan, the Philippines. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 2(1):207-215. Dolorosa R. G., Jontila J. B. S., 2012 Notes on common macrobenthic reef  invertebrates of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines. Science Diliman 24:2:1-11. Dolorosa R. G., Schoppe S., 2005 Focal benthic mollusks (Mollusca: Bivalvia and  Gastropoda) of selected sites in Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park,  Palawan, Philippines. Science Diliman 17:2:1-10. Esqueda-Gonzalez M. D., Rios-Jara E., Galvan-Villa C. M., Rodriguez-Zaragoza  F. A., 2014 Species composition, richness, and distribution of marine bivalve molluscs in Bahia de Mazatlan, Mexico. ZooKeys 399:43–69. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.399.6256. Floren A., 2003 The Philippine shell industry with special focus on Mactan, Cebu.  Coastal Resource Management Project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. United States Agency for International Development, 50 pp. Flores-Rodrà ­guez P., Flores-Garza R., Garcà ­a-Ibà ¡Ãƒ ±ez S., Valdà ©s-Gonzà ¡lez A.,  Violante-Gonzà ¡lez J., Santiago Cortà ©s E., Galeana-Rebolledo L., Torreblanca-Ramà ­rez C., 2012 Mollusk species richness on the rocky shores of the State of Guerrero, Mexico, as affected by rains and their geographical distribution. Natural Resources 3:248-260. Gomez E. D., Mingoa-Licuanan S. S., 2006 Achievements and lessons learned in  restocking giant clams in the Philippines. Fisheries Research 80(1):46-52. Hammer O., Harper D. A. T., Ryan P. D., 2001 PAST: paleontological statistics software package for education and data analysis. Palaeontologia Electronica 4:1-9. Jontila J. B. S., Gonzales B. J., Dolorosa R. G., 2014 Effects of poaching on  Topshell Tectus niloticus population of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Palawan, Philippines. The Palawan Scientist 6:14-27. Manzo K., Estandarte M. H., Dalipe R. E., Ulangutan J., Lecera J. M., Acob A.,  Diamalod J., Salmo W., Jumawan J., 2014 Survey and diversity of  intertidal mollusks in Alabel and Maasim, Sarangani Province,  Philippines. AACL Bioflux 7(6):449-457. Moghaddasi B., Nabavi S. M. B., Vosoughi G., Fatemi S. M. R., Jamili S., 2009 Abundance and distribution of benthic foraminifera in the Northern Oman Sea (Iranian side) continental shelf sediments. Research Journal of Environmental Sciences 3(2):210-217. Paul P., Panigrahi A. K., Tripathy B., 2014 A study of marine molluscs with  respect to their diversity, relative abundance and species richness in North-East coast of India. Indian Journal of Applied Research 4(12):538-541. Picardal R. M., Dolorosa R. G., 2014 The molluscan fauna (gastropods and  bivalves) and notes on environmental conditions of two adjoining protected bays in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 2(5):72-90. Rahman S., Barkati S., 2012 Spatial and temporal variations in the species  composition and abundance of benthic molluscs along 4 rocky shores of Karachi. Turk J Zool 36(3):291-306. Rios-Jara E., Navarro-Caravantes C. M., Galvan-Villa C. M., Lopez-Uriarte E.,  2009 Bivalves and gastropods of the gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico: a checklist of species with notes on their habitat and local distribution. Journal of Marine Biology 1-12. Schoppe S., Gatus J., Milan P. P., Seronay R. A., 1998 Gleaning activities on the  islands of Apid, Digyo and Mahaba, Inopacan, Leyte, Philippines. Philipp Scient 35:130–140. Springsteen F. J., Leobrera F. M., 1986 Shells of the Philippines. Carfel Shell  Museum, Philippines, 377p. Tabugo S. R. M., Pattuinan J. O., Sespene N. J. J., Jamasali A. J., 2013 Some  Economically important bivalves and gastropods found in the island of Hadji Panglima Tahil, in the province of Sulu, Philippines. International Research Journal of Biological Sciences 2(7):30-36. Vaghela A., Bhadja P., Ramoliya J., Patel N., Kundu R., 2010 Seasonal  variations in the water quality, diversity and population ecology of intertidal macrofauna at an industrially influenced coast. Water Science and Technology 61(6):1505-1514. Wernsted F. L., Spencer J. E., 1967 The Philippine Island World: A physical,  cultural and regional geography. University of California, Barkeley Press, 742p. http://folk.uio.no/ohammer/past/ http:// www.gastropods. com. http:// www.seashellhub.com http:// www.jaxshells.com.). http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Butuan_Bay http://www.maphill.com/philippines/region-10/agusan-del-norte/simple-maps/silver-style-map/ http://www.bar.gov.ph/digest-home/digest-archives/94-2003-4th-quarter/3282-oct-dec03-mercury-contamination-in-agusan-river

China and Japan research :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In China and Japan, there are numerous similarities and differences in their religions. People have their choices of following a certain religion. China is a country with great diversity as well as Japan. Religion is a big deal to many Asians. Chinas religions major religions and beliefs are Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Dongba and Protestant. China has about 5.5 million Protestants and 3.5 million Catholics. Confucianism is one of the major philosophies that concerns human society, social relations, and individual conduct. It is more of a social and ethical philosophy than a religion. Confucianism was adopted as a state religion which was to reorder society. The concept of family is central to Confucianism, generating a high standard for family interaction through mutual respect, love and consideration for the needs of others. Buddhism originated in India. This is another one of the major world religions. People sit and meditate for many hours then enlightenment comes to the man and becomes the Buddha. The main concept is liberation of the soul to achieve enlightenment. Life is made of suffering because people are tortured by desire. People overcome desire and enter nirvana, a state of complete freedom. Taoism is truly a Chinese religion which is more individual and mystic and greatly influenced by nature. This is the driving force and all order behind life. It is the power of nature and way of the universe. Taoism is the way to follow to organize life in harmony with nature and the universe. It inspired a love of nature and an intense affirmation for life- physical health, vitality, longevity, and even immorality. Taoism covers a wide variety of gods, magic ceremonies, powers and sorcery. All the religions are practiced today along with Chinas communist ideology. Confucius had government aspirations. He took to streets offering solicited advice about how to structure government and administration bodies. The religion became accepted as a state ideology and orthodoxy. The emperor considered the embodiment of Confucian wisdom and virtue. A strong hierarchy became the canon of political rule. Buddhism spilt into several major schools. Many of Japans religions are the same as Chinas such as Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Many of the beliefs are the same. Religions do not play a big role in the everyday lives of most Japanese people nowadays. The average Japanese just follows the religious rituals at a few ceremonies such as births. Japan's two most important religions are. The two religions co-existed for several centuries and even complemented each other to a certain degree. The feeling of duty to belong to just a single religion as it is widespread among followers of the three large occidental

Birthmark Essay -- essays research papers fc

Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote a time of great change in America. In the mid-nineteenth century, Americans began to experience a shift in focus from the once stringent religious outlook to a more scientific view of the world and its natural wonders. Americans, however, did look at these new scientific discoveries with much hesitation, questioning their long-term effects on society as a whole. Hawthorne’ s work, â€Å"The Birth Mark echoes these sentiments and combine natural faith with a confidence in science to make a very interesting tale. This tale and its morality convey a message to the reader that there is a price for tampering with the natural order of things. This story opens by explaining how educated and knowledgeable Aylmer is, and the narrator even suggests that he may have the power to alter nature. â€Å" We know not whether Aylmer possesses this degree of faith in man’s ultimate control over nature (Birthmark, 1262 ).†As Aylmer tries to use science to alter nature, or in this case, the birthmark on his wife’s cheek, his plan backfires and his wife dies. The death of Georgiana shows that knowledge is dangerous if used in the wrong way. The influence of the evolution of culture has caused men to educate themselves, and learn extensive amounts about science. However, some men like Aylmer take advantage of their intelligence and try to play the role of God. Aylmer allowed his mind to consume his heart, resulting in the senseless death of his beautiful wife.   Ã‚  Ã‚  &n...

The Ultimate Sin Exposed in Geothes Faust Essay -- Geothe Faust

Geothe's Faust is similar in many ways to both Dante's Inferno and Milton's Paradise Lost. The obvious similarity is how each work relates to evil or Hell. Other similarities include how the villains of two of these epics are the most likable characters, and the use of classical and Christian mythology in each poem. Faust deals with evil when he makes a deal with Mephistopheles, or Satan. This deal is that Mephistopheles will give Faust whatever he wants in return for his (Faust's) soul. Inferno is a journey through Hell. Dante is being lead by his guide, Virgil, through the icy parts of Hell, to the center of the earth, while he climbs up Satan's legs into Heaven. Paradise Lost is about how Satan is newly cast out of Heaven and just getting used to his surroundings, which is a more traditional furnace-like Hell unlike the one in Inferno.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mephistopheles, who is supposedly Satan, in Faust, and the Satan portrayed in Paradise Lost are the most likable characters in these plays. Faust seems like more of a villain than Mephistopheles, which is very ironic. Satan is made out to be an evil, manipulating demon, but Mephistopheles is not really like that. He does manipulate Faust in some ways, like with the contract of Faust selling his soul, but Mephistopheles has little more power than a regular person. Also, in the beginning of the play, when he talks to The Lord, he doesn't act serious at all. He actually tells The Lord that he likes Sunday's because of the "peace and quiet". In Paradise Lost, Satan makes God look more evil than (Satan) himself. Satan implies that God is some kind of slave driver, and that it would be "better to reign in Hell then serve in Heaven". They are considered the more likable characters becau... ...your willingness to ask for forgiveness) and deeds you have done. He also uses symbolism through characters in the work to express the nature of man. He implies that man has the power to know the difference and choose between good and evil but because man is imperfect he is bound to makes mistakes. He implies that since the ultimate sin is placing yourself on a level equal to God, pious persons who judge other people, thinking that they are higher than them are placing themselves dangerously close to being equal with God in their assumption they have the power to judge people. This shows hypocrisy because these people believe that they are following God exactly but in effect they are taking it too far and committing one of the worst sins you can commit. Geothe seems to imply all of these things and more based on your personal interpretation of the work.   

Claim of Fact Essay Essay

With the biggest GDP, prestigious universities, and a multitude of successful entrepreneurs, the United States has always been considered one of the leading countries in the world. Unfortunately, with other countries outdoing the United States in education, this notion is quickly changing. In recent years, students from other countries have been surpassing the United States academically and have proven that they are the future of the world. Researchers have found many differences in the school systems in foreign countries compared to those in the United States; however, the main reasons America is being trumped by students in other countries are because of the lack of parental support at home and the use of technology in schools. With test scores to prove this change in academic hierarchy, it has become obvious that other countries are outperforming the United States. Each country was compared and ranked based on scores of the 2011 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. Multiple countries, such as Hong Kong, Russia, and Finland, scored above the United States in reading, math, and science. The United States is still one of the top thirteen educational systems in the world; however, they are lagging behind and are being consistently outranked (Khazan). One reason for this differentiation in test scores is the ways in which school systems are set up. For example, in Finland, the country with the â€Å"best performing education system,† â€Å"schools assign less homework and engage children in more creative play,† which is the opposite of schools in America (Dillon). At the rate that these countries are exceeding, with student s ahead of American students by one whole school year, those from places such as Hong Kong, China, and Finland will soon be the top entrepreneurs and leaders of the world. One of the main reasons that students in other countries are more successful academically is because of parent involvement. According to the University of Michigan, â€Å"parental involvement is a critical component to a child’s educational experience† and â€Å"it is proven that greater involvement in a child’s education can foster more positive attitudes toward school, can improve homework habits, increase academic success and can reduce dropout  rates† (â€Å"Comparing). Parents in other countries, such as China, ensure that their children understand and complete their homework, while parents in the United States play a more passive role. This is because many parents in the United States are among the working class and not present when their children return from school. Parent involvement helps children succeed in school, leading them to continue on to college. Today, â€Å"the odds that a young person in the U.S. will be in higher education if his or her parents do not have an upper secondary education are just 29%† (LaRock). This proves that parents in other countries are more supportive of higher education and encourage their children to attend even if they did not have the chance. In order to ensure that the United States can redeem itself and once again be a top nation academically, American parents need to be more involved with their children. Another reason that the United States is being surpassed is because of their lack of use of technology in the classroom. As a nation, America should be placing the newest technology in schools in order to ensure that children are keeping up with the technological advances of the world and progressing at the same or higher pace than other students. As Dr. Michael Mills states, â€Å"‘apart from the engagement aspect of using technology, students must master the digital literacy skills necessary to thrive in today’s society and workplace’† (Lawrence). As technology quickly becomes the basis of the world, children need to be familiar with up-to-date versions. This will ensure that they can compete with other nations when entering the workforce. Schools in countries such as China agree with this idea and â€Å"[have] moved far ahead of almost every country in the world on measures of integrating technology into academic curriculum.† Many American parents believe that if their children are going to use advanced technology, they are more likely to use it at home than in school (Lawrence). With these ideas in mind, American parents are allowing their children to fall behind the rest of the nation; thus, they are contributing to the success of students in other countries. Although the United States needs to spend money on placing the latest technology in schools, there are valid reasons as to why they cannot do this. American school systems are based on standardized testing, which is  what they are forced to spend a majority of their budget on (Lawrence). Also, parents in the United States are not able to be home for their children as often because they are busy at work. Many would agree that this high number of working class parents is a key component to America’s success. However, these are not valid reasons as to why children in America should be allowed to slip so far behind those in other countries. As stated by the University of Michigan, â€Å"mothers in eastern Asian countries for example, will actually attend school in order to take notes for their children when they are ill and unable to attend themselves,† so why can’t mothers in the United States make at least half the effort? (â€Å"Comparing). If society continues to act this way, the future of the world will no longer be in the hands of Americans. With the lack of parental support in the United States and advanced technology in the classroom, America is quickly being outshined. Compared to other countries, their academics are suffering. In order to ensure that the United States remains a leading country in the future, these two aspects need to be changed. If nothing is done, the leaders of tomorrow will not be from the United States, but children who now live in countries such as China or Finland. Works Cited â€Å"Comparing U.S. and Chinese Public School Systems.† University of Michigan. Ed. Tara L. Van Schaack. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2013. . Dillon, Sam. â€Å"Many Nations Passing U.S. in Education, Expert Says.† The New York Times. N.p., 10 Mar. 2010. Web. 16 Apr. 2013. . Khazan, Olga. â€Å"Here’s why other countries beat the U.S. in reading and math.† The Washington Post. N.p., 11 Dec. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2013. . LaRock, J.D. â€Å"Education at a Glance: OECD Indicators 2012.† OECD. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013. . Lawrence, Julia. â€Å"Chinese Education Technology Efforts May Surpass America’s.†Ã‚  Education News. N.p., 3 Apr. 2013. Web. 15 Apr. 2013. .

Different parts of the oriental world

Different parts of the oriental world have been mentioned as the probable locality of the first appearance of the plague or pestilence known as the â€Å"black death,† but its origin is most generally referred to China, where, at all events, it raged violently about 1333, when it was accompanied at its outbreak by terrestrial and atmospheric phenomena of a destructive character, such as are said to have attended the first appearance of Asiatic cholera and other spreading and deadly diseases; from which it has been conjectured that through these convulsions deleterious foreign substances may have been projected into the atmosphere.But while for centuries the nature and causes of the black death have been subjects of medical inquiry in all countries, it remained for our own time to discover a more scientific explanation than those previously advanced. The malady is now identified by pathologists with the bubonic plague, which at intervals still afflicts India and other oriental lands, and has in recent years been a cause of apprehension at more than one American seaport. It is called bubonic – from the Greek boubon (â€Å"groin†) – because it attacks the lymphatic glands of the groins, armpits, neck, and other parts of the body.Among its leading symptoms are headache, fever, vertigo, vomiting, prostration, etc. , with dark purple spots or a mottled appearance upon the skin. Death in severe cases usually occurs within forty-eight hours. Bacteriologists are now generally agreed that the disorder is due to a bacillus identified by investigators both in India and in western countries. The first historic appearance of the black death in Europe was at Constantinople, A. D. 543. But far more widespread and terrible were its ravages in the fourteenth century, when they were almost world-wide. Of the dreadful visitation in Europe then, we are fortunate to have the striking account of Dr. Hecker, which follows.The name â€Å"black death† was given to the disease in the more northern parts of Europe – from the dark spots on the skin above mentioned – while in Italy it was called la mortalega grande (â€Å"the great mortality†). From Italy came almost the only credible accounts of the manner of living, and of the ruin caused among the people in their more private life, during the pestilence; and the subjoined account of what was seen in Florence is of special interest as being from no less an eye-witness than Boccaccio.Text The nature of the first plague in China is unknown. We have no certain intelligence of the disease until it entered the western countries of Asia. Here it showed itself as the oriental plague with inflammation of the lungs; in which form it probably also may have begun in China – that is to say, as a malady which spreads, more than any other, by contagion; a contagion that in ordinary pestilences requires immediate contact, and only under unfavorable circumstances of rar e occurrence is communicated by the mere approach to the sick.The share which this cause had in the spreading of the plague over the whole earth was certainly very great; and the opinion that the black death might have been excluded from Western Europe, by good regulations, similar to those which are now in use, would have all the support of modern experience, provided it could be proved that this plague had been actually imported from the East; or that the oriental plague in general, whenever it appears in Europe, has its origin in Asia or Egypt.Such a proof, however, can by no means be produced so as to enforce conviction. The plague was, however, known in Europe before nations were united by the bonds of commerce and social intercourse; hence there is ground for supposing that it sprung up spontaneously, in consequence of the rude manner of living and the uncultivated state of the earth; influences which peculiarly favor the origin of severe diseases.We need not go back to the ea rlier centuries, for the fourteenth itself, before it had half expired, was visited by five or six pestilences. If, therefore, we consider the peculiar property of the plague, that in countries which it has once visited it remains for a long time in a milder form, and that the epidemic influences of 1342, when it had appeared for the last time, were particularly favorable to its unperceived continuance, till 1348, we come to the notion that in this eventful year also, the germs of plague existed in Southern Europe, which might be vivified by atmospherical deteriorations. Thus, at least in part, the black plague may have originated in Europe itself.The corruption of the atmosphere came from the East; but the disease itself came not upon the wings of the wind, but was only excited and increased by the atmosphere where it had previously existed. This source of the black plague was not, however, the only one; for, far more powerful than the excitement of the latent elements of the plagu e by atmospheric influences was the effect of the contagion communicated from one people to another, on the great roads, and in the harbors of the Mediterranean.From China, the route of the caravans lay to the north of the Caspian Sea, through Central Asia to Tauris. Here ships were ready to take the produce of the East to Constantinople, the capital of commerce and the medium of connection between Asia, Europe, and Africa. Other caravans went from India to Asia Minor, and touched at the cities south of the Caspian Sea, and lastly from Bagdad, through Arabia to Egypt; also the maritime communication on the Red Sea, from India to Arabia and Egypt, was not inconsiderable. In all these directions contagion made its way; and doubtless Constantinople and the harbors of Asia Minor are to be regarded as the foci of infection; whence it radiated to the most distant seaports and islands. To Constantinople the plague had been brought from the northern coast of the Black Sea, after it had depo pulated the countries between those routes of commerce and appeared as early as 1347, in Cyprus, Sicily, Marseilles, and some of the seaports of Italy.The remaining islands of the Mediterranean, particularly Sardinia, Corsica, and Majorca, were visited in succession. Foci of contagion existed also in full activity along the whole southern coast of Europe; when, in January, 1348, the plague appeared in Avignon, and in other cities in the South of France and North of Italy, as well as in Spain.The precise days of its eruption in the individual towns are no longer to be ascertained; but it was not simultaneous; for in Florence the disease appeared in the beginning of April; in Cesena, the 1st of June; and place after place was attacked throughout the whole year; so that the plague, after it had passed through the whole of France and Germany, where, however, it did not make its ravages until the following year, did not break out till August in England; where it advanced so gradually tha t a period of three months elapsed before it reached London. The northern kingdoms were attacked by it in 1349; Sweden, indeed, not until November of that year, almost two years after its eruption in Avignon. Poland received the plague in 1349, probably from Germany, if not from the northern countries; but in Russia it did not make its appearance until 1351, more than three years after it had broken out in Constantinople.Instead of advancing in a northwesterly direction from Tauris and from the Caspian Sea, it had thus made the great circuit of the Black Sea, by way of Constantinople, Southern and Central Europe, England, the northern kingdoms and Poland, before it reached the Russian territories; a phenomenon which has not again occurred with respect to more recent pestilences originating in Asia. We have no certain measure by which to estimate the ravages of the black plague. Let us go back for a moment to the fourteenth century.He not only protected the Jews at Avignon, as far as lay in his power, but also issued two bulls in which he declared them innocent, and he admonished all Christians, though without success, to cease from such groundless persecutions. The emperor Charles IV was also favorable to them, and sought to avert their destruction wherever he could; but he dared not draw the sword of justice, and even found himself obliged to yield to the selfishness of the Bohemian nobles, who were unwilling to forego so favorable an opportunity of releasing themselves from their Jewish creditors, under favor of an imperial mandate.Duke Albert of Austria burned and pillaged those of his cities which had persecuted the Jews – a vain and inhuman proceeding which, moreover, is not exempt from the suspicion of covetousness; yet he was unable, in his own fortress of Kyberg, to protect some hundreds of Jews, who had been received there, from being barbarously burned by the inhabitants. Several other princes and counts, among whom was Ruprecht of the Palatin ate, took the Jews under their protection, on the payment of large sums; in consequence of which they were called â€Å"Jew-masters,† and were in danger of being attacked by the populace and by their powerful neighbors. These persecuted and ill-used people – except, indeed, where h