International Marketing Research Essay Example for Free

International Marketing Research Essay 1. Identification of Case Issues Base your issues on theoretical international ethics concepts. As the international marketing manager, what are the ethical issues to be considered in this case? Use journals to help give your response depth The report aims at launching the new fair trade chocolate brand Mars, and analysing the current ethical understanding of the Japanese marketing environment. The business viewed the ethical issue which child slavery has created an unethical comparative advantage, and the current market for chocolate lies in the ethical ruin (Nicolas and Gittens, 2010). The result of the influence of fair-trade foods among Japanese shows that the participants in Japan do the ethical purchasing in observable condition much more than the anonymous condition (Kimura et al., 2012; Swaidan, 2012). The ethical purchasing of observable condition is about that about making products in an environment where there is no child abuse or child labour, that is environmentally conscious and where there is a value placed on workers and their safety (Nicholls and Opal, 2005; Impact of adverse economic shocks on the Indian child labour market and the schooling of children of poor households, 2012). Furthermore, the report claimed that is not only the purchasers’ participation of ethical â€Å"fair deal†, but also the corporation participations impact on fair trade as well; especially under the effect of the global economic recession, businesses have great potential to benefit or threaten at the market (Lynch, 2012; McCall-Rosenbluth and Thies,2011; Reed, 2009). According to the report of Swaidan (2012), Japan has suffered painful economic recession and a series of corporate misconducts and scandals over the last decade. In the meantime, peoples interests in business ethics and corporate social responsibility have remarkably increased (Tsalikis and Seaton, 2011). There are many similarities exist between Japanese and American managers which including the respective views on corporate social responsibility and unethical business practices (Tae and Nakano, 2008). Thus the marketing strategy should to consider the nation’s business ethical understandings. Furthermore, according to a personal perspective, the correct ethical behaviour differs, which includes the relativist, utilitarian, and Universalist perspectives and based on socio-economic status (Fletcher and Crawford, 2011; Lynch, 2012). It states a market where corruption is an issue as Japan ranked eighteenth on the Corruption Perception Index of major emerging markets (Tae and Nakano, 2008; Tsalikis and Seaton, 2011). In Japan, the primarily views business ethics are through relativist and utilitarian perspectives (Fletcher and Crawford, 2011; McCall-Rosenbluth and Thies, 2011; Nicolas and Gittens, 2010). It will evoke the previous ethical perspectives when business markets a fair trade product to the Japanese. The ethical behaviour differs across nations, influenced by popular attachments to governments, popular customs, level of economic development, relative size of public sector, low income for public servants, obscure legal and political environments, high level of government control and state ownership (Kimura et al., 2012; McCall-Rosenbluth and Thies, 2011; Swaidan, 2012). Moreover, according to Hofstede’s four cultural dimensions, Japan outranks all other countries in the measure of masculinity (Fletcher and Crawford, 2011). Hence, the marketing strategy must cater to the nation’s business ethical behaviours, and cultural dimensions facing fair trade products. 2. Formulation of alternatives or possible solutions with respect As the International marketing manager what are some alternative solutions, based on an ethical platform? Use journals to support your alternatives. Mars’ first entered the Asian market with a marketing strategy of sponsoring and becoming the official snack food of the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing (McElhatton, 2012). In addition, it claims that Mars has a legacy for aggressive instincts in international expansion, entering the Eastern European markets after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 (Allen, 2010). These movements lead to factories being opened in the Asian markets to better understand the domestic environments, and it is the solid foundation for Mars to target and market the Japanese market which it was successful in combining investment with community activities to relay positive company behaviour in the political environment (McElhatton, 2012). Additionally, it proved that a link exists in successful brands between company ethical and social requirements, and the company’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and interests (Castaldo, Perrini, Misani and Tencati, 2011; Fletcher and Crawford, 2011; McCall-Rosenbluth and Thies, 2011). Thus, Mars must show it is not only has corporate social responsibility but its interest in the rights of its consumers, in order to market a new fair trade brand of chocolate in Japan (Nicolas and Gittens, 2010). Further, the right for Mars’ consumers to have access to chocolate is fair trade that gives added value and competitive price (Allen, 2011). From the perspective of economies, fair trade marketing may be successful if it is existed that consumers whose additional willingness to pay for fair trade products are greater than the additional marginal costs (Lynch, 2012). However, the consumers who felt greatly affected by the global recession yet want to consume ethically, marketers must deliver value without compromising these social values (Castaldo, Perrini, Misani and Tencati, 2011). The report confirmed that the Japanese expect companies to stand behind their product well after a sale is made. They are not particularly price conscious, but rather rely on trust (McCall-Rosenbluth and Thies, 2011; McElhatton, 2012). Moreover, there are restraining forces in the market such as political systems, legal requirements, cultural norms and economic development, that hinder the free flow of fair trade in the market (Fletcher and Crawford, 2011). In Japan, it is not simply enough to support the goods, but marketing mix is more important to the Japanese consumers who demand the after-sale services on financial resources, and the weakness of service is not tolerated in the Japanese market (Slavery involved in food production, 2008; Swaidan, 2012; Tsalikis and Seaton, 2011). On the other hand, the benefits of lowering 20 percent tariff of chocolate imports in Japan which is almost three times of the USA levy on imported candy (McCall-Rosenbluth and Thies, 2011; Reed, 2007). The chocolate potential market for Mars grows as the high tariff is getting lowered, and allowing a new fair trade chocolate brand greater entry. If Japan is a significant leader in the Asian region drops its tariff, Korea as the other major potential market may follow (Allen, 2011; Tae and Nakano, 2008). Japanese have their own take on Valentines Day which is a big chocolate buying frenzy (Tsalikis and Seaton, 2011). Gifts of chocolate from women to men on St Valentines Day have become a subtle key to gender empowerment in Japan. In Japan, women nationwide buy chocolates for their male co-workers rather than husbands and loved ones (Lewis, 1995). With this custom, women have successfully monopolized the means of socially defining chocolate, which is a large promoter for the industry. Being a custom based on culture, chocolate sales in Japan on Valentine’s Day continue to increase as cocoa prices soar. It means that the duty is expanding, which could offer the new opportunities for an ethical fair trade choice in the region (Allen, 2011; Fletcher and Crawford, 2011). Thus, marketing to the Japanese based on custom rather than the individual consumer is advised. 3. Recommendation or choice of solution Make a stand. What would you do as the International marketing manager for this company, based on an ethical platform? What are you going to recommend to the board? First of all, Japan is a rapidly growing market where corruption is an issue. The stakeholders should be the focus, and holistic and corporate social responsibility marketing is a strategic consideration (Tae and Nakano, 2008; Tsalikis and Seaton, 2011). The chocolate company Mars is recommended to use value-based labelling in order to increase consumer awareness of the brand. Moreover, individuals’ motivations from extrinsic social factors such as reputation-enhancing opportunities should be moulded around brand appearance and marketing strategy, which is rely on the product add value to the consumer thereby further building and maintaining the loyalty of the consumers (Fletcher and Crawford, 2011; McCall-Rosenbluth and Thies, 2011; Nicolas and Gittens, 2010). Secondly, a market-oriented solution is best for entering and marketing a fair trade chocolate brand in Japan, because Japan is a viable market to launch a brand, currently ranked third in world GDP (McCall-Rosenbluth and Thies, 2011; Tyler, 2012). The chocolate company Mars should consider about the ownership attributes, the location attributes and the internalisation for market entry (McElhatton, 2012). Mars could use the host marketers for the purpose of launching the market strategy from within the domestic environment. Furthermore, Mars could report the ethical practises to consumers which include ethical initiatives such as discontinuing marketing to children under age 12, and it is rely on brand integrity through Mars’ philosophy of â€Å"mutuality of benefits† for all stakeholders (Reed, 2007). It might offset distribution regulations and prevent ethical, legal and cross-cultural misunderstanding in brand marketing and promotion (Fletcher and Crawford, 2011; McCall-Rosenbluth and Thies, 2011). Thirdly, Countries differ greatly in their ethical standards and consumer expectations (Tae and Nakano, 2008). In Japans political system, dominant economic interests caused deep changes, so in the other word, Japan is the very embodiment of stability (Tsalikis and Seaton, 2011). On the other hand, as approximately ten percent of sales are from the Australasian region, Mars success has resulted from a simply philosophy â€Å"go where the consumer economy is growing† and â€Å"the consumer is our boss.† (McElhatton, 2012; Tyler, 2012). Thus, the assessment predicts a minor political could impact of the new product brand and low transaction cost (Fletcher and Crawford, 2011). Last but not least, Japan has greater equality of incomes between higher and lower incomes and market incomes (Kimura et al., 2012). This is ever more present as Japanese consumer social awareness grows and the distance is shortened between company and customer, due to communication advancements (McCall-Rosenbluth and Thies, 2011). The chocolate company Mars could potentially take a large market segment by marketing a CSR strategy in this high-income country via differentiation (Allen, 2011). Besides, the growth of e-commerce has diminished national barriers, thus advertising campaigns directed at the Japanese market can be optimised online (Fletcher and Crawford, 2011; McElhatton, 2012). References Allen, L.L. (2011). Chocolate fortunes: the battle for the hearts, minds, and wallets of Chinese consumers. Retrieved from http://site.ebrary.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/lib/qut/docDetail.action?doID=10342364 Castaldo, S., Perrini, F., Misani, N., Tencati, A. (2011). The missing link between corporate responsibility and consumer trust: the case of fair trade products. Journal of Business Ethics, 84, 1-15. doi: 10.1007/s10551-008-9669-4 Fletcher, R., Crawford, H. (2011). International marketing: an Asia-Pacific perspective 5th edition. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Australia. Kimura, A., Mukawa, N., Yamamoto, M., Masuda, T., Yuasa, M., Goto, S., Oka, T., Wada, Y. (2012). The influence of reputational concerns on purchase intention of fair-trade foods among Japanese adults. Food Quality and Preference, 26(2), 204-210.

Nanoparticles Obtained by Using Different Gelation Solution

Nanoparticles Obtained by Using Different Gelation Solution 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3.1 Size of nanoparticles obtained by using different gelation solution 3.1.1 Size of different alginate-based nanoparticles at fixed enzyme and Polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate (surfactant) concentration Various alginate based nanoparticles were prepared by using different gelling solutions as given in method . The size of nanoparticles determined by DLS is given in table-1. Table-1: Showing size and intensity of nanoparticles at single concentration of surfactant used and enzyme immobilized S. No. Surfactant Conc. (mM) Enzyme Conc. (mg/mL) Cross-linking agent Peak size, diameter (nm) [Day 0] Intensity (%) Peak size, diameter (nm) [Day 3] Intensity (%) 1. 8.203 2.5 BaCl2 89.437 90.6 97.83 74.4 2. CaCl2 87.883 94.3 161.6 54 3. SrCl2 69.193 75.2 91.38 62 4. NiCl2 421.833 100 537.6 75.5 Size was measured on the same day as the preparation of alginate based nanoparticles and there was uniformity in size distribution of the peak diameter which is shown in figures-1, 2, 3 and 4. Figure 1: Size distribution of Ba-alginate nanoparticles: A) on same day and B) after three days. Figure 2: Size distribution of Ca-alginate nanoparticles: A) on same day and B) after three days. Figure 3: Size distribution of Sr-alginate nanoparticles: A) on same day and B) after three days. Figure 4: Size distribution of Ni-alginate nanoparticles: A) on same day and B) after three days. It could be seen that when size was determined on the same day (Day 0), uniformity was observed in the peak diameter. However, when size was determined after 3 days from the development of nanoparticles, the size was found to increase and the distribution was random. This happens due to Oswald ripening. 3.1.2 Size of different alginate based nanoparticles at varying surfactant concentration Different alginate based nanoparticles were developed without enzyme immobilization at different concentrations of surfactant ranging from below critical micelle concentration value to its double as given in Method . The size of nanoparticles is depicted in table-2. Table-2: Showing size and intensity of nanoparticles at different concentrations of surfactant used (no enzyme immobilized) S. No. Surfactant Concentration (mM) Cross-linking agent Peak size, diameter (nm) [Day 0] Intensity (%) 1. 0.006 BaCl2 CaCl2 SrCl2 NiCl2 104.5 70.01 165.9 135 53.7 57.9 61 79.5 2. 0.012 BaCl2 CaCl2 SrCl2 NiCl2 384.5 150 463.7 193.5 94.3 100 100 100 3. 0.024 BaCl2 CaCl2 SrCl2 NiCl2 339.2 71.03 49.65 127.5 52.8 50.9 69.3 62.8 It has been observed from the table that as the concentration of surfactant increases, the size and shape become more regular. Below the critical micelle concentration of the surfactant, uneven and irregular shaped particles were formed. This observation is validated by the size determination of the nanoparticles using dynamic light scattering at different concentrations of the surfactant as shown in figures 5, 6, 7 and 8. Figure 5: Size distribution of Ba-alginate nanoparticles: A) at below CMC (0.006mM) B) at CMC (0.012mM) and C) above CMC (0.024mM) of the surfactant. D) Plot of the peaks of alginate nanoparticles obtained against three different concentrations of surfactant used. Figure 6: Size distribution of Ca-alginate nanoparticles: A) at below CMC (0.006mM) B) at CMC (0.012mM) and C) above CMC (0.024mM) of the surfactant. D) Plot of the peaks of alginate nanoparticles obtained against three different concentrations of surfactant used. Figure 7: Size distribution of Sr-alginate nanoparticles: A) at below CMC (0.006mM) B) at CMC (0.012mM) and C) above CMC (0.024mM) of the surfactant. D) Plot of the peaks of alginate nanoparticles obtained against three different concentrations of surfactant used. Figure 8: Size distribution of Ni-alginate nanoparticles: A) at below CMC (0.006mM) B) at CMC (0.012mM) and C) above CMC (0.024mM) of the surfactant. D) Plot of the peaks of alginate nanoparticles obtained against three different concentrations of surfactant used. 3.1.3 Size of different alginate-based nanoparticles at varying enzyme concentrations but fixed surfactant concentration Nanoparticles of various sizes and shapes were made by varying the concentrations of enzyme which was immobilized in the alginate matrix as described in Method. The different sizes obtained against differently immobilized enzyme concentrations are shown in table-3. Table-3: Showing size and intensity of nanoparticles at different concentrations of enzyme immobilized against a constant surfactant concentration S. No. Surfactant Conc. (mM) Enzyme Conc. (mg/mL) Cross-linking agent Peak size, diameter (nm) [Day 0] Intensity (%) 1. 8.203 1 BaCl2 CaCl2 SrCl2 NiCl2 79.11 110.7 66.48 61.79 53.3 77.2 51 58.4 2. 2.5 BaCl2 CaCl2 SrCl2 NiCl2 89.437 87.883 69.193 421.833 90.6 94.3 75.2 100 3. 5 BaCl2 CaCl2 SrCl2 NiCl2 65.78 146.5 70.09 138.2 51.1 83.3 43.5 58.2 4. 7.5 BaCl2 CaCl2 SrCl2 NiCl2 81.18 218.8 83.91 65.84 54.6 91.4 63.2 80.6 Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12 show the changing size of the nanoparticles with change in the concentration of enzyme immobilized in alginate matrix. A comparative graphical plot has also been incorporated to display the change in size against varying enzyme concentration for each of the cross-linking agents. Figure 9: Size distribution of Ba-alginate nanoparticles: A) at 1mg/mL B) at 2.5mg/mL C) at 5mg/mL and D) at 7.5mg/mL of enzyme concentration encapsulated in alginate nano-beads. E) Plot for the variation of peak size against changing enzyme concentration. Figure 10: Size distribution of Ca-alginate nanoparticles: A) at 1mg/mL B) at 2.5mg/mL C) at 5mg/mL and D) at 7.5mg/mL of enzyme concentration encapsulated in alginate nano-beads. E) Plot for the variation of peak size against changing enzyme concentration. Figure 11: Size distribution of Sr-alginate nanoparticles: A) at 1mg/mL B) at 2.5mg/mL C) at 5mg/mL and D) at 7.5mg/mL of enzyme concentration encapsulated in alginate nano-beads. E) Plot for the variation of peak size against changing enzyme concentration. Figure 12: Size distribution of Ni-alginate nanoparticles: A) at 1mg/mL B) at 2.5mg/mL C) at 5mg/mL and D) at 7.5mg/mL of enzyme concentration encapsulated in alginate nano-beads. E) Plot for the variation of peak size against changing enzyme concentration. From the various figures of nanoparticles, it could be seen that the average peak size of nanoparticles increase with increasing concentration of enzyme for Barium, Calcium and Strontium. However, in case of Nickel, the size is maximum at 2.5mg/mL concentration of enzyme and it decreases for higher concentrations of enzyme. 3.1.4 Size of different alginate-based nanoparticles at different pH for fixed enzyme and surfactant concentrations Nanoparticles of different sizes and forms were prepared by varying the pH of the buffer solution as described in Method. The peak size diameter of the nanoparticles synthesized is given in table-4. Table-4: Showing size and intensity of nanoparticles at different pH of buffer for enzyme immobilized in alginate matrix against a constant surfactant concentration S. No. Surfactant Conc. (mM) Enzyme Conc. (mg/mL) pH of Buffer Cross-linking agent Peak size, diameter (nm) [Day 0] Intensity (%) 1. 8.203 2.5 5.36 BaCl2 CaCl2 SrCl2 NiCl2 178.9 256.1 292 349.1 84.6 88.9 71.9 100 2. 7.04 BaCl2 CaCl2 SrCl2 NiCl2 89.437 87.883 69.193 421.833 90.6 94.3 75.2 100 3. 10 BaCl2 CaCl2 SrCl2 NiCl2 254.9 608.2 205.1 496 84.8 57.6 78.7 100 Figure 13: Size distribution of Ba-alginate nanoparticles: A) at pH 5.36 B) at pH 7.04 and C) at pH 10 of the buffer of alginate matrix. D) Plot shows the variation of peak size against changing pH. Figure 14: Size distribution of Ca-alginate nanoparticles: A) at pH 5.36 B) at pH 7.04 and C) at pH 10 of the buffer of alginate matrix. D) Plot shows the variation of peak size against changing pH. Figure 15: Size distribution of Sr-alginate nanoparticles: A) at pH 5.36 B) at pH 7.04 and C) at pH 10 of the buffer of alginate matrix. D) Plot shows the variation of peak size against changing pH. Figure 16: Size distribution of Ni-alginate nanoparticles: A) at pH 5.36 B) at pH 7.04 and C) at pH 10 of the buffer of alginate matrix. D) Plot shows the variation of peak size against changing pH. From figures 13 and 14, it can be clearly seen that size of the nanoparticles is the smallest at pH 7 and largest at pH 10 for BaCl2 and CaCl2. In case of figure 15, size is smallest at pH 7 but largest at pH 5.36 for SrCl2. However, in case of figure 16, size increases in ascending order from pH 5.36 to pH 10 for NiCl2. 3.2 Determination of membrane structure of the nanoparticles using infrared spectroscopy The characteristic bands for different regions of sodium alginate and its overlay with the nanoparticles developed through Method using BaCl2, CaCl2, NiCl2 and SrCl2 solutions as cross-linking agents are shown in figure 17. Figure 17: FT-IR results of alginate nanoparticles showing intensity bands From figure 17, it is clear that all peaks have shifted downfield. This results in stretching of the bonds between various functional groups and so bond length of increases. Spectroscopic analyses of the alginate-based nanoparticles were based on three distinctive regions of intensity and frequency. The spectroscopic peaks obtained from the graph and their relative assignment to various regions or vibrations or stretching are given in table-5. Table-5: FT-IR Transmittance bands (cm-1) of alginate-based nanoparticles Barium Nanoparticle Calcium Nanoparticle Strontium Nanoparticle Nickel Nanoparticle Assignment 720 886 908 1024 1038 1072 1118 1154 1286 1378 1464 1610 1626 1734 2346 2852 2922 2956 3436 3448 720 886 908 964 994 1024 1072 1118 1152 1284 1378 1408 1452 1464 1600 1608 1690 1728 2346 2852 2922 2956 3434 3450 670 718 832 886 892 906 952 1094 1250 1294 1350 1378 1450 1460 1638 1724 2344 2362 2852 2922 2954 3442 3676 3690 3770 3806 3822 3906 676 710 902 952 1018 1154 1298 1318 1350 1406 1438 1460 1482 1548 1642 1962 2346 2852 2920 2960 3010 3430 3806 3904 ÃŽ ½ (CO), ÃŽ ½ (CC), ÃŽ ´(COH) ÃŽ ½ (CO), ÃŽ ´ (CCO), ÃŽ ´ (CC) ÃŽ ½ (CO), ÃŽ ½s (CC) ÃŽ ½ (COC), ÃŽ ½ (OH) ÃŽ ´ (OH), ÃŽ ´ (CH), Ï„ (CH), ω (CH). ÃŽ ½s (COO) Amide II Amide I ÃŽ ½s (CH2) ÃŽ ½a (CH2) ÃŽ ½: stretching; ÃŽ ´: bending; Ï„: twisting; ω: wagging; s: symmetric; a: asymmetric The carbohydrate region is present between frequencies 1200-800 cm-1 as is shown in figure 19. Coupling of ÃŽ ½ (C – O) + ÃŽ ½ (C – C) + ÃŽ ´ (C – O – H) vibrations give the carbohydrate region. The mean peak for Barium and Calcium was observed at 1072 cm-1 while for strontium it was observed at 1094cm-1. The overall FT-IR spectra of the different alginate-based nanoparticles are shown in figure 18.The protein region is present between 1700-1480 with bands centered near 1640 cm-1. Asymmetric stretching bands of carboxylate group (ÃŽ ½a COO) were observed near 1600 cm-1 for the various nanoparticles and symmetric stretching band of carboxylate group were centered near 1462 cm-1. In infrared spectra the methylene groups show asymmetric stretching (ÃŽ ½a CH2) near 2922 cm-1 and symmetric stretching (ÃŽ ½sCH2) near 2852 cm-1. OH and NH stretching (3000-3600 cm-1) with peaks at 3436 cm-1 (for Ba), 3434 cm-1 (for Ca), 3442 cm-1 (for Sr) and 3430 cm-1 (for Ni). N.B. Results of FT-IR spectra of D-series nanoparticles are awaited. Figure 18: FT-IR spectra of A) Ca-alginate nanoparticles B) Ba-alginate nanoparticles C) Sr-alginate nanoparticles and D) Ni-alginate nanoparticles Figure 19: FT-IR spectra for carbohydrate region (1200-800cm-1) of A) Ca-alginate nanoparticles B) Ba-alginate nanoparticles C) Sr-alginate nanoparticles and D) Ni-alginate nanoparticles Figure 20: FT-IR spectra for protein region (1700-1480cm-1); asymmetric and symmetric COO stretching of A) Ca-alginate nanoparticles B) Ba-alginate nanoparticles C) Sr-alginate nanoparticles and D) Ni-alginate nanoparticles 3.3 Determination of shape and size of alginate-nanoparticles using SEM DLS method is not a perfect technique for the determination of size of nanoparticles. So SEM studies are undertaken to have accuracy in size measurement. Figure 21: SEM picture of A) Ba-alginate nanoparticles B) Ca-alginate nanoparticles C) Sr-alginate nanoparticles and D) Ni-alginate nanoparticles (same scale for all images). For SEM-imaging of alginate based nanoparticles prepared using various geling conditions, the samples were gold coated as described in Method. Average size of barium-alginate nanoparticles was 86.8 nm (diameter) and the shape of the beads formed after enzyme encapsulation were spherical. Spherical shaped beads were also formed in case of calcium-alginate nanoparticles with average size of 51.4 nm (diameter). Strontium-alginate nanoparticles also had spherical shaped bead formation with average diameter of 45.3 nm. In case of nickel-alginate nanoparticles, the majority of the particles were rod-shaped with average height of the rods being 310.8 nm. Also, some minor beads were formed having spherical shape and average diameter of 102.3 nm. 3.4 Measurement of UV-visible spectra The UV-visible spectral determination of absorbance of the alginate based nanoparticles was determined within 200-400nm baseline range. Figure 22: UV-visible spectra of Ba-alginate nanoparticles A) At CMC (w/o enzyme) B) At double CMC (w/o enzyme) C) At 1mg/mL enzyme concentration D) At 2.5mg/mL enzyme concentration E) At 5mg/mL enzyme concentration and F) At 7.5mg/mL enzyme concentration. Figure 22: UV-visible spectra of Ca-alginate nanoparticles A) At CMC (w/o enzyme) B) At double CMC (w/o enzyme) C) At 1mg/mL enzyme concentration D) At 2.5mg/mL enzyme concentration E) At 5mg/mL enzyme concentration and F) At 7.5mg/mL enzyme concentration. Figure 23: UV-visible spectra of Sr-alginate nanoparticles A) At CMC (w/o enzyme) B) At double CMC (w/o enzyme) C) At 1mg/mL enzyme concentration D) At 2.5mg/mL enzyme concentration E) At 5mg/mL enzyme concentration and F) At 7.5mg/mL enzyme concentration. Figure 24: UV-visible spectra of Ni-alginate nanoparticles A) At CMC (w/o enzyme) B) At double CMC (w/o enzyme) C) At 1mg/mL enzyme concentration D) At 2.5mg/mL enzyme concentration E) At 5mg/mL enzyme concentration and F) At 7.5mg/mL enzyme concentration. From the spectral figures 21, 22, 23 and 24 it can be clearly seen that the ÃŽ »MAX for the different alginate-nanoparticles is around 235nm. It can also be clearly seen that the protein content at 280nm increases with increase in the concentration of enzyme immobilized in the alginate matrix. The spectra of the alginate nanoparticles show peaks and stretching only within the UV range of 200-330 nm of the spectra and then the absorbance becomes constant. The nanoparticles which were made without the immobilization of enzyme at CMC and double CMC of Polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate had the least absorbance at 280 nm in all the different types of nanoparticles depicting the fact that no enzyme was encapsulated within them. 3.4.1 Variation of O.D. with protein content Figure 25: O.D. variation plot against varying protein content at 280nm for A) Ba-alginate nanoparticles B) Ca-alginate nanoparticles C) Sr-alginate nanoparticles and D) Ni-alginate nanoparticles. From figure 24, it can be seen that Nickel-alginate nanoparticles have the highest amount of protein immobilized within the matrix. While, the protein immobilized in Barium, Calcium and Strontium alginate nanoparticles are observed to have the similar amounts of protein immobilized in them. 3.4.2 UV-visible spectra for d-block element-based alginate nanoparticles The overlay of alginate nanoparticles developed from d-block elements is shown in figure 26. Figure 26: UV-visible spectra overlay for A) Na-alginate B) Co-based alginate nanoparticles C) Cu-based alginate nanoparticles D) Fe (II)-based alginate nanoparticles E) Fe (III)-based alginate nanoparticles F) Mn-based alginate nanoparticles G) Ni-based alginate nanoparticles and H) Zn-based alginate nanoparticles with no enzyme encapsulation. Figure 27 (a): UV-visible spectra for A) Na-alginate B) Co-based alginate nanoparticles C) Cu-based alginate nanoparticles D) Fe (II)-based alginate nanoparticles Figure 27 (b): UV-visible spectra for E) Fe (III)-based alginate nanoparticles F) Mn-based alginate nanoparticles G) Ni-based alginate nanoparticles and H) Zn-based alginate nanoparticles with no enzyme encapsulation.

Cynthia Ozicks Writing Essay -- Cynthia Ozick Authors Papers

Cynthia Ozick's Writing "His thighs were taut, his calf sinews thick; he had the inky curly hair of a runner on a Greek amphora," and Cynthia Ozick fell in love at once. Actually, she was not struck by that "venerable image of arrow or dart," until her second meeting with this imposing gladiator, when he was marrying one of her friends. It is strange envisioning this instantaneous and objectionable infatuation-this "divination" that caused Ozick an overwhelming sense of loss (as soon as she left the reception)-without understanding a little bit about Ozick's character: she was already married, had been a childhood friend of the bride whom she described as having "a small head and a Cheshire-cat smile," and had only met the bridegroom once during a game of Frisbee. What a plot for a story, and it unfolds in her own heart! She captures this memory in an essay, aptly titled, "Lovesickness," years after it happened. Ozick is the master of the worlds that she herself creates. She was not defeated by that unattainable love, and in fact "in a week or so" that "dazing infatuation" had faded from her thoughts. The dizzying rapture had lost its excitement, but her suffering was electrifying, and later we see, controllable. She created an opportunity to expunge her affections when she received a thank-you note from the newly wedded couple and observed the groom's handwriting for the first time. She absorbed the details of the note down to the shapes of each letter: "The sentences themselves were sturdy and friendly, funny and offhand-entirely by-the-by" (205). Everyday Ozick traced over this man's scribbles. It was a dark, secret obsession. She "pursued his marks. . .trapped and caged them." She "was his fanatical, indelible ... ...e decidedly alludes to the fact that as a writer, she leads that journey. She may focus on the readers' role, but behind her love for their imagination is her desire to channel it. She forms a relationship with her readers. The reader, she explains, "rides the seesaw," but it is in fact "along with the writer, [that he weighs] in against the writer's proclivity" ("Imaginary" 160). Readers relate to her thoughts and can use her stories to create their own, but it is Ozick who captures their inspiration. On paper, her fears and her most trivial thoughts carry the same significance, and she has ultimate control over both. Works Cited Ozick, Cynthia. Quarrel and Quandary. New York: Knopf, 2000. "Cinematic James." 147-158. "Imaginary People." 159-161. "The Ladle." 162-165. "Lovesickness." 204-212. "She: Portrait of the Essay as a Warm Body." 178-187.

Chinese Cultural Anthropology :: essays research papers

Cultures have many things in common. Most things that cultures have in common are necessary to survive, such as fire and language. But there are always even more than the things necessary. Some things include music, luck superstitions, and athletic sports. In the Chinese culture, music is usually traditional. There are instruments made of many materials, usually stone and wood, in addition to silk, bamboo, clay, and many other materials. The purpose of music in Chinese culture is not to amuse but cleanse one?s thoughts. In American culture, music has many genres, such as rock, pop, and rap. Common instruments include guitar, bass guitar, and drums. There are many others in different categories of bands, such as in a marching band there are different instruments. These may include trumpet, cornet, clarinet, flute, and the instruments listed above as well. In African culture, the most common music is spiritual or gospel. Some other musical genres in African music is hip-hop, rap, jazz, or funk. Piano is a common instrument in gospel. In jazz, saxophone is widespread. All three of these cultures have music. Luck superstitions are common in all cultures. In Chinese culture, superstitions deal with a variety of things. It is considered unlucky to greet anyone in their bedroom so that is why everyone, even the sick, should get dressed and sit in the living room. It is also considered unlucky to use knives or scissors on New Year's Day as this may cut off fortune. These are common superstitions, also called taboos. In American culture, superstitions are just as random and far-fetched as Chinese taboos. Some believe if you catch a snail on Halloween night and lock it into a flat dish, in the morning you will see the first letter of your sweetheart written in the snail's slime. Some believe that to put your shoes on the bed will cause a death in the family. It is common to hear that when a black cat crosses your path, you will have nine years bad luck. It is also to hear that to break a mirror will give you seven years bad luck. A four-leafed clover is considered good luck. African superstit ions are also very common in the culture. It is believed that to look through the trees at the moon will bring bad luck. Some believe that a child?s right hand should not be washed for a month after birth.

A Very Brief History on the Existence of God Essay -- Philosophy, Des

The subsequent essay will provide a brief overview on the existence of God from Renà © Descartes through Immanuel Kant. First, section (1), examines Descartes’ proof for the existence of God. Section (2), explores G.W. Leibniz’s view on God’s existence in addition to his attempts to rectify the shortcomings of Descartes’ proofs. Before continuing, it is imperative to understand that both Descartes and Leibniz believed that the existence of God could be proved via reason. The remainder of the essay then examines two additional philosophers, David Hume in section (4) and Immanuel Kant in (5), who contend that God’s existence cannot be rationally proven. (1) Being a devout Catholic, Descartes undeniably believed in God. He makes this clear in the letter of dedication preceding Meditations on First Philosophy. He writes that we must â€Å"believe in God’s existence because it is taught in the Holy Scriptures, and, conversely, that we must believe in the Holy Scriptures because they have come from God† (Descartes, 1). Nonetheless, in the actual Meditations Descartes casts doubt on everything, including religion in his search for absolute certainty. In the Third Meditation, however, Descartes provides his first rationalistic proof for the existence of God. In doing so, he first doubts the very existence of God, conceding that he does â€Å"not yet sufficiently know if there is even a God† (25). He then deliberates on this issue, pondering â€Å"whether there is a God† (25). However, even though he questions God’s very existence, Descartes maintains his innate idea of God. After some deliberation, h e concludes that because he has an innate idea of God, (which is not fabricated by the mind or drawn from the senses), it must be God who endowe... ... to exist, then a necessary being does exist. 6. It is possible for a being to have all perfections. 7. Therefore, a necessary being (God) does exist. (3) (3) On the contrary, David Hume did not believe an argument could establish the existence of God. In fact, Hume attacks both Descartes’ and Leibniz’s methodology for establishing the existence of God in the following: â€Å"there is an evident absurdity in pretending to demonstrate a matter of fact, or to prove it by any arguments a priori. Nothing is demonstrable, unless the contrary implies a contradiction. Nothing, that is distinctly conceivable, implies a contradiction. Whatever we conceive as existent, we can also conceive as non-existent. There is no being, therefore, whose non-existence implies a contradiction. Consequently there is no being, whose existence is demonstrable† (Bailey, 79).

He Nine Steps O the Accounting Cycle

The nine steps of the accounting cycle are You must collect and analyze all transactions. It will determine the effect of their financial position in the business. The equations must balance once the transactions are recorded. Journalize the transactions in the general ledger, which should be organized by the specific account. This should happen at least once a month. The next step is to post to the ledger accounts, this should be step 3 in the accounting process.Prepare a Trial Balance to make sure the process of totaling debits and credits to make sure the sum of debits equals the sum of credits, check to make sure both columns balance out. Journalize and Post Adjusting Entries Use entries that are adjusted: deferrals and accruals. And adjust entries that are made from the company's worksheet, an accounting tool prepared at the end of each period. Make preparation to the Adjusted Trial Balance, This is a sheet used to verify the balance of debits and credits after the adjusting ent ries are made in the accounting cycle.Prepare Financial Statements. Once all adjustments are done, the final trial balance will be used to prepare income statement and balance sheet. Post the Closing Entries and Journalize, and at the end of a fiscal period you must close the temporary accounts. Prepare a post-closing trial balance to make sure that all revenue and expense accounts are already closed, and check the debit and credit balances of all the balance sheet accounts. www. accountingverse. com/accounting-basics/accounting†¦

Research Paper “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love”

Love is unknow. Eros; an attraction based on a sexual desire, Philos; friendship love, or common interest, Storge; the natural love of a parent for their child or family love, and Agape; the unselfish love for the good of another. These are all Greek words and there definition of love. There are many different kinds of love; from the love of a mother to the love for car, love has no boundaries, but true love between a man and a woman can last a life time. Some may say the feeling of love is the most wonderful thing about life.Love also comes in different cases and scenarios such as the inseparable love, the violent love and the love that never dies. Raymond Carvers â€Å"what we talk about when we talk about love† tells us why love can be so beautiful but yet risky at the same time, Mel and Terri are a couple in love with each other and they are married, but they both had broken relationships with their previous love partners. Nick and Laura are also married and are in love wi th each other, they also had previous love experiences.But do these characters experienced true love or even know what true love is or is it just lust and mostly physical attraction. From the physical to the sentimental or even the violent type of love, true love has no limits; neither Mel and Terri nor Nick and Laura ever experienced true love because they both had broken relationships or had been divorced with their previous love partners. The two couples are engaged in a conversation about love and are caught up in trying to figure out what love is.Mel McGinnis is a cardiologist in his mid-forties, he was married and has kids in his previous life, and he was very much in love with his ex-wife, but that all ended after his divorce. Mel who spent five years in a seminary thought real love was more spiritual than anything else. Mel says he doesn’t care for his ex-wife anymore, â€Å"there was a time when I thought I loved my first wife more than life itself. But now I hate h er guts† (352, McMahan). He does not know why he feels this way and wants to know what went wrong, what happened to the fire that once burn so brightly.When a marriage union just suddenly ends we tend to ask questions like whose fault is it, were the couples truly in love each other? But in this day and age a man and a woman can be in marriage but not necessarily in love with each other. This shows that love is much deeper than two people coming together to spend their entire lives with each other. Mel may have moved on from his ex-wife Marjorie but he is certainly not madly in love with Terri whom he’s been with for five years but only married for four.Mel controls most of the discussion as the evening progressed, â€Å"an indication that he is obsessed with the topic. Mel insists that the conversation be directed at one point; the definition and nature of love† (Bruccoli). Mel defines love as two main different types, the â€Å"physical love, that impulse that drives you to someone special, as well as love of the other persons being† (McMahan, 352), this type of love is among most couples as true love starts with a physical attraction because that’s all the soon to be lovers know about each other.The other kind of love that Mel described is the â€Å"sentimental love, the day to day caring about the other person† (McMahan, 352). When a couple is in love, they may say the words â€Å"I love you† on a daily bases but they spend more time showing each other how strong their love is and expressing their feelings sexually and emotionally. Mel’s current wife Terri also had a previous love encounter, her lover Ed, was more of the violent type of lover, he would beat her and drag her across the living room while screaming about how much he loved her.Terri believed that that was true love and she strongly defends it against Mel, who thought that love was not supposed to be violent, â€Å"Mel cannot understand hi s action as an act of love. Love cannot coexist with hatred in his dogmatic mind† (Bruccoli). Ed’s love for Terri was so strong that he was stalking her after Mel and Terri started dating, Ed even threaten Mel’s life. Ed was obsessed and more so infatuated with Terri, but Terri did not feel exactly the same way for Ed. Love is something that has to go both ways, couples usually have the same strong feeling for each other because when one partner loves and care